FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2025

With Security Escorts, Obasa Storms House, Declares Self Speaker 45 Days After Removal

Colleague-lawmakers reject him, Meranda’s security withdrawn

Atiku: It’s betrayal of democracy, throwback to military dictatorship

cessor,

FG: Over 60% of Nigerian Companies Have Exited National Power Grid

Releases national policy on power

Sector revenue grew 70% to N1.7tn in 2024

Debts owed Gencos now N4tn, $2bn investment recorded last year, says Adelabu $32bn investment required in five years to achieve uninterrupted supply Govt mulls cost-reflective tariffs, says N700bn available for meters’ purchase

For the first time in decades, the federal government yesterday released a National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) to drive the transformation of Nigeria's power industry and ensure the return of over 60 per cent of manufacturing firms, which

At the event, where the Integrated

A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK...

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Mrs. Mojisola Meranda, had

James Emejo in Abuja Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms Omolola Oloworaran, yesterday, disclosed that

R-L: Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Chairman, Airtel, Sunil Mittal; and Director, Transformation at Airtel Africa Ltd., Sunil Tadar, during the president’s audience with the Airtel delegation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday

Chiemelie Ezeobi, Segun James, Nume Ekeghe in Lagos and Chuks Okocha in Abuja

SIGNING OF MOU BETWEEN LWIL AND LAGOS FREE ZONE...

FG Launches 990kW Electricity

Mini-grid for 3,900 Households

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has launched a 990kW interconnected mini-grid to supply electricity to 3,900 households and businesses in Lambata, Gurara, Niger State.

The project came as Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, stated that the agency was committed to making electricity supply available to 1.5 million Nigerians living in rural areas through solar mini-grids nationwide.

The agency said it had successfully developed a scalable and sustainable energy infrastructure that will benefit 125,000 individuals across Nigeria.

The 990kW project unveiled yesterday was the second under the Interconnected Mini-grid Accelerated Scheme (IMAS) funded by the European Union (EU) and the German government at the cost of €9.5 million, scalable to 1.5MW eventually.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who spoke at the launch, said the project would transform the communities. Adelabu said despite teething challenges, the power sector was making steady progress.

He stated, “The commissioning of the 990kWp Interconnected Mini-Grid in Lambata will have far-reaching socioeconomic impacts. It will ensure access to reliable electricity, enhance economic activities, empower local businesses, and create new job opportunities. It will provide the foundation for

improved healthcare and education services, supporting schools, clinics, and other vital facilities.

“Beyond its immediate benefits, the project also supports Nigeria’s long-term environmental sustainability goals.

“By replacing polluting energy sources, like diesel and kerosene, this mini-grid will contribute to reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and preserving the environment for future generations.”

Adelabu said Nigeria needed to invest more in solar energy to meet its energy needs, stating that the construction of the Lagos to Calabar Highway and Badagry to Sokoto highway provided another opportunity to invest in wind energy.

“All the nine coastal states in Nigeria today, after the completion of that project, do not have any excuse not to take advantage of the coastal wind for them to have renewable energy

powered by wind,” he added.

Aliyu disclosed that EU and the German government provided over €9 million for the project, which enabled the agency to provide reliable electricity for Band D and E customers.

He said the project was designed to enable communities not connected to the grid or were underserved to access electricity that would lead to their economic development and assist more businesses.

Aliyu added that under the Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale project, the agency planned to deploy 125 interconnected mini-grids, of which it had already started working on deploying 40 of the 125 interconnected mini-grids.

According to him, the federal government is in talks with Japan for a $200 million co-financing power project for the additional deployment of 100 inter-connected mini-grids to

provide electricity to 1.83 million Nigerians through the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, who was represented by the Commissioner for Power, Bashiru Lokogoma, said access to electricity was more than just a convenience, but was capable of unlocking opportunities, improving education, and enhancing healthcare.

Bagudu Reaffirms FG’s Determination to Curb Malnutrition

James Emejo in Abuja

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, yesterday reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to addressing malnutrition, and achieving a healthy society for children to ensure that they achieve enviable heights through good nutrition.

The minister disclosed this when he received members of the United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) led by the Regional Director for West and Central Africa of UNICEF, Mr. Gilles Fagninou in Abuja.

The minister expressed gratitude for the technical support of UNICEF in ensuring the update of the situation analysis of children in Nigeria, as

well as the domestication of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy at the state level in addition to strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration for nutrition through the launch of the “Nutrition 774 initiative”.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, Bagudu noted that through these initiatives, the country is strategically moving down to the grassroots to ensure that children and all persons who are victims or exposed to malnutrition or undernutrition are considered and taken care of.

He further disclosed that domestic financing had been launched through the Child Nutrition Fund to ensure that funds were available to address

the needs of children domestically within the country.

He highlighted the National Social Protection Policy as another great initiative by the government aimed at strengthening capacity in public financial management, especially at the sub-national level. This initiative, he said, would be launched before the end of 2025.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director Information, Mrs. Julie Osagie-Jacobs, the minister said, “We can do better, we have the vision to be able to leverage on successes we have recorded so far and strengthen them because we are building capacity that should outlive us and project the future of the Nigerian Child”.

Nigeria's Safe Schools Initiative Now Recognised Globally as Model for Implementation, Says FG

The federal government has stated that Nigeria's Safe Schools Initiative is now being recognised globally as a model for implementation, saying that when the country invests in keeping schools safe, it invests in its future.

The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who spoke in Abuja reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to protecting education, emphasising that "education is an investment, not expenditure."

In a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, Uzoka-Anite stated that this has always been her firm belief as the government works to secure the future of Nigeria's children.

"I'm proud to say that Nigeria's

Safe Schools Initiative is now being recognized globally as a model for implementation.

"Our National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre is the first of its kind worldwide, demonstrating Nigeria's leadership in implementing the Safe Schools Declaration," she said. According to her, since 2017, Nigeria has prioritised financing for this initiative, developing sustainable financing mechanisms to safeguard education.

"We are committed to ensuring the safety of our students and educational institutions across Nigeria.

"Our consistent funding releases have enabled the establishment of the National Safe School Centre, and we have implemented safe school protocols across all security agencies," she added.

The minister stressed that Nigeria now stands proudly alongside Spain, Argentina, and Norway as core planning countries for the Safe Schools Declaration, adding: "In May, we will showcase our achievements at the Declaration's 10th anniversary."

Uzoka-Anite assured that "as we continue to stabilize our economy, we remain committed to protecting our most valuable assets—our children and their education."

She noted that when Nigeria invests in keeping schools safe, it invests in its future.

Ms. Michela Ranieri, representing the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), commended Nigeria's progress, saying, "Nigeria's implementation model is the first of its kind globally and is yielding positive results that other countries could emulate."

The Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi assured that the Ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the various policy objectives of the federal government.

The Safe Schools Initiative in Nigeria which was a response to the 2014 abduction of over 300 Chibok school girls in Bprno State, is designed to protect educational institutions across all regions of the country.

The Safe Schools Initiative (SSI) is a Nigerian programme she seeks to protect children from violence in schools.

The initiative was launched in May 2014 by the Nigerian government under former President Goodluck Jonathan, the United Nations, and Nigerian business leaders.

“Our role is key, it's critical and vital. We will continue to work on the policy ecosystem and space in order to save policies that would continue to see to the inclusion of children at the heart of the economy”.

Speaking earlier, Gilles commended the ministry’s leadership in driving the social inclusion agenda and advised on how things could be done better, especially, with the very ambitious programmes in Nigeria.

According to him, the social inclusion agenda plays a key role in budget allocation especially when it comes

to children, he further re-affirmed their support for the ministry.

Gilles said the advantage of UNICEF’s exposure to the 24 countries of its operations was to enable the organisation to gather experiences and see how lessons learnt from Nigeria and elsewhere could help UNICEF make progress in the 24 countries within their purview.

He commended the federal government for being the first country under their watch to successfully conduct a progress report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) said it generated N43.8 billion in January 2025.

The acting Chairman FCT-IRS, Michael Ango disclosed this yesterday at the annual sensitization campaign to residents to pay their tax.

He noted that what was generated indicated that the service had started the year on a strong note and would surpass the N262 billion collected last year.

He also urged residents to pay tax as an obligation, warning that non-compliance would attract sanctions and strict penalties, including fines and possible prosecution and a minimum fine of N500,000 on defaulters.

The extant law mandates every person in the FCT, whether in employment or not, to file their annual income tax returns by the 31st of March every year.

“Employers who failed to file their

annual returns by the January 31 deadline face a minimum fine of N500,000, with potential criminal prosecution for recalcitrant offenders. Those who refuse to pay are taking away our roads, our hospitals, and our schools. It is unfair to those who comply,” Ango stated. Ango noted that individual annual income tax returns must be filed by March 31, 2025, while the agency aims to improve voluntary compliance through continuous sensitization efforts, adding it will not hesitate to impose. He said payment of taxes would provide revenue required by the FCT Administration to build a new city, rehabilitate roads, schools, hospitals and other social infrastructure.

His words: "All of this costs a lot to achieve, and I'm sure that anyone who has been a resident of Abuja in the last year and a half will attest to the fact that the Honorable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has shown a singular-minded commitment to improving the face of the FCT. FCT-IRS Generated N43.8bn Revenue in January 2025

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja; Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI), Folashade Ambrose; and Managing Director/CEO, Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Adeniyi Akinlusi at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between LWIL and Lagos Free Zone, held at the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday

Nigeria Signs Agreement with Saudi Arabia to Boost $7.7trn Halal Economy

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Nigeria has signed a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia's Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) to establish Nigeria as a leading player in the global halal market valued at $7.7 trillion.

The agreement will facilitate investment, technical cooperation, and market access across key sectors, including food production, pharmaceuticals, finance, and livestock for both countries.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Makkah Halal Forum in Saudi Arabia, Vice President Kashim Shettima, according to a statement issued on Thursday by his media assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, pointed out that the partnership represented a game-changing opportunity to transform Nigeria into a global halal economy powerhouse.

Shettima, who was represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said, "This

collaboration is an important step in our ambition to not only tap into the lucrative halal market but to establish Nigeria as a leading global player.

"We are committed to leveraging this collaboration to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and diversify our economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

The agreement was executed with HPDC, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Fahad Alnuhait, in the presence of Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi; Chairman of the Makkah Halal Forum's Organising Committee, His Excellency, Mr. Fawaz bin Talal Al-Harbi; and Chairman of Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, His Excellency, Mr. Abdullah bin Saleh Kamel.

Special Assistant to the President on Export Promotion, Aliyu Sheriff, said the partnership built on Nigeria's growing Islamic finance sector, which

had seen success through Sukuk bonds for infrastructure financing and the establishment of Islamic banks, like Jaiz Bank, Taj Bank, and Lotus Bank.

Sheriff explained that the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) will support the initiative through capacity building, regulatory framework development, and financing opportunities.

He stated, "This agreement aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda by creating new jobs, attracting foreign direct investment, and diversifying our economy.

“The halal economy extends beyond Muslim consumers. NonMuslim majority countries like Brazil, Australia, and Thailand are already leveraging the sector for substantial export growth.”

The Nigerian delegation also included the Chairman of Dar Al Halal Group, Alhaji Muhammadu Ladan Dikko; Chairman, Board of Directors,

Bank of Industry, Dr. Mansur Muhtar; Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, represented by Ambassador Nura Rimi; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Ambassador Mahmoud Lele; and representative of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Hajiya Amina.

Others were Chairman, NigeriaSaudi Chamber of Commerce, Engr. Ibrahim Usman; Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, represented by Nur Muftau Baba Ahmed; Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Aneyi, represented by Mustapha Aminu; Deputy President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Jani Ibrahim; and Managing Director of Bank of Industry, Mr. Olasupo Olusi, represented by Mrs. Jelilat Ismaila-Ayinde.

Shettima had during the Halal Economy Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at the Banquet Hall of State House, Abuja, in

NDIC Courts Support of External Solicitors for Orderly Liquidation of Failed Banks

The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Bello Hassan, yesterday declared that the recent failure of Heritage Bank has further buttressed the intricate nature of bank liquidation, and the vital role of collaboration with its external solicitors.

Hassan pointed out that of the four core mandates enshrined in the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Act 2023, including deposit guarantee, bank supervision, resolution of failing financial institutions, and the orderly liquidation of banks whose licenses have been revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the latter remained a critical function in which the corporation required the support of external solicitors your support to efficiently discharge the mandate and maintain financial stability.

Speaking at the opening of the corporation’s annual sensitisation seminar for external solicitors with the theme, “Consolidating Collaborative Efforts in Mastering the Deposit Insurance Scheme and Bank Resolution” in Abuja, Hassan noted that liquidation by its nature is often intertwined with litigation.

Represented by NDIC Deputy Director, Legal Department, Hajia Ramotu Abdulahi, Hajia Ramotu Abdulahi, Hassan explained that the corpora-

tion, in fulfilling its responsibilities, engages in legal proceedings both as plaintiff and defendant, representing the interests of depositors and creditors while also pursuing debt recovery from debtors of closed banks.

He said the recovery of these debts and the realisation of assets remained crucial to achieving our corporate objectives.

The NDIC boss said beyond payment of the insured sums to depositors from the corporation’s Deposit Insurance Funds (DIF), the NDIC as liquidator is also obligated to settle uninsured portion of deposits and all legitimate creditor claims from the realised assets of the insured institution in-liquidation.

He said, “I am pleased to report that the corporation has consistently fulfilled this responsibility, a success largely attributable to our collaborative partnerships, including the invaluable contributions of our external solicitors.

“While we acknowledge the challenges some of you have encountered during litigation, we urge you to continue your diligent efforts in assisting the corporation with debt recovery and asset realisation.

“The NDIC deeply values its stakeholders as essential partners in achieving its corporate objectives. We actively seek your continued collaboration and support in promoting financial system stability through a

deeper understanding of the dynamics of the Deposit Insurance System in Nigeria.”

Hassan further pointed out that the consistent support received from its external solicitors was evident in the impressive attendance and active participation at previous seminars.

He said, “We are gratified to observe the positive outcomes of these engagements, including increased diligence in handling NDIC cases, more informed judicial decisions, encouraging feedback from both the bar and the bench, and a broader public awareness of deposit insurance practices in Nigeria.”

September last year emphasised the economic potential of the sector, saying, "Increasing Nigeria's halal exports to OIC markets from two

DSTV/Gotv: FCCPC Directs MultiChoice to Maintain Current Prices Pending Investigation

James Emejo in Abuja

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) yesterday directed MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current subscription prices until the ongoing investigation into its proposed price hike is concluded. The directive followed the company's request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the commission.

In a statement, FCCPC Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, noted that while the commission had granted the request, the "company is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, along with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response".

He said, "Pursuant to this, MultiChoice is expressly instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of February 27, 2025, pending the commission’s review and final determination on the matter.

"Maintaining the status quo on pricing is essential to prevent any potential consumer harm during this period."

The consumer rights commission summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to

explain its proposed subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.

Exercising its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the commission directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the commission's headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

The action followed MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, which raises concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.

The FCCPC said it was deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases, amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets, heightening questions about fairness and market abuse.

Ijagwu said, "Should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers."

Strengthening Submarine Cables: Glo Partners Min of Communications, Others

Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has partnered the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to host the 2025 International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja.

Organized by the Ministry in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), the summit brought together international stakeholders and experts in the telecommunication sector to drive innovation, collaboration and tangible actions.

It was co-sponsored by Globacom.

The company, which owns the Glo 1 submarine cable wholly, joined other global stakeholders in the telecommunications and digital

landscape in the discussions aimed at bolstering the resilience of cable networks for the benefit of consumers.

Having realized the importance of submarine cables quite early, Globacom deployed Glo 1 from Europe to Africa in 2010.

In 2024 when fibre cuts impacted economic, governmental and private activities across West Africa, Glo 1 saved the day for many customers.

The cable system was up and running due to its resilience and the constant maintenance strategies deployed by the company.

Its capacity was recently upgraded to serve more and more customers and ensure reliable connectivity at all times.

Declaring the two-day summit open, the Minister of Communi-

cations, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the significant role submarine cables play in enhancing smooth operation of modern economies.

"Submarine cables form the backbone of global digital connectivity, carrying over 95% of international data traffic, linking continents, and enabling the smooth operation of modern economies.

Yet, despite their significance, these infrastructures remain vulnerable to disruptions - whether from natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, accidental damage, or evolving cyber threats", he stated.

In the light of this, the Minister emphasized the various commitments Nigeria has made under the leadership of President Bola

Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen its digital infrastructure and advance policies that support connectivity, innovation, and economic growth.

"We have taken decisive steps as a nation to recognize and protect telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, aligning with our broader efforts to enhance digital resilience across sectors,” he noted.

In her address, the SecretaryGeneral of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, emphasized the symbolism of the global undersea network in the realm of innovation and the investment necessary to connect the world meaningfully, highlighting the extent of human reliance on digital infrastructure.

James Emejo in Abuja

L-R: Head of Digital Health Innovations, Co-creation Hub (CcHub), Stephanie Okpere; Chief Executive Officer, Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; Chief Executive Officer, IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish; and Managing Director, Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole, during the press conference announcing programme kickoff at the Ilorin Innovation Hub in llorin, Kwara state...yesterday.

PHOTO; ABIODUN AJALA

FUBARA ON INSPECTION TOUR OF FACILITIES AT THE KIRA CAMPUS OF RSU...

Tinubu: We’ll Review Our Telecom Sector's Regulatory Framework and Operations

Says it will be in line with global best practices Tells Airtel chairman he’s pro-business, Nigeria needs investors like him to grow FG justifies 50% hike in telecom tarrif Declares steps taken to sustain economy, save jobs Nigeria central to Airtel’s African operations, Mittal asserts

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that thetelecoms sector's regulatory framework and operations would be reviewed to reflect global best practices, with greater focus on protecting infrastructure.

The president, who spoke at a meeting with an Airtel delegation led by their Chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal, at the State House, yesterday, said: "I am grateful for your openness, readiness, and confidence, which moved us very close to the Prime Minister of India. When he was here, we discussed things at length.

"The entire ecosystem will be further examined, and if there is anything we can copy from India, we are ready to do so. We are prepared to learn. We are not ashamed of copying what is working in other climes.

"It is for the good of all of us, and Nigeria is so critically important that we must give attention to those revolutionary intentions that can make business work. I am pro-business, and I will continue to be that. I can give you that assurance,'' he said.

President Tinubu noted that the tax reforms would create a more favourable climate for investors, saying, "We will find a way to work with tax administrators to ensure that whatever we have to do, we will encourage growth and opportunities. We are ready to do that."

Earlier, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, thanked the president for

consistently supporting the telecoms sector's growth.

Tijani said the approval by the president for the protection of fibre optic and undersea cables as critical national assets would further stimulate growth in the industry, assuring them that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has started implementing and enforcing the law.

Chairman of Airtel commended the president for the two-pronged economic reforms that had transformed the economy for future growth.

"When you took office, you made some promises. Given the country's situation, I was unsure how deep and

far you could take your commitments.

"I am indeed reminded of 1991, when India was in a similar situation, and we were practically on our knees, having pledged 500,000 tons of gold to the Bank of England, and our vessel in Tokyo had been put up for sale.

"During that time, the Prime Minister and his team took similar reforms to what you are taking now in Nigeria, and India has never seen better times after that.

"The duties went down, the rupee was floated, and it depreciated significantly. Relicensing happened, and it was the dawn of a new world in India. We just moved forward,"he said.

Mittal said the reforms turned India into one of the largest economies in the world.

"I feel that what you have done here is unprecedented in a challenging time. Only people of resolve and steel can endure this huge pressure, floating the naira, which moved from N450 to about N1900 and is now coming back to N1400 to N1500.

"It has been a remarkable achievement celebrated by the entire world. This was much required, and you delivered on your promises,'' the Airtel Chairman told President Tinubu, commending also, the removal of the petrol subsidy.

According to him, "The second one was the removal of subsidy, which was a very tough decision for any politician. It was unpopular and difficult, but you held your position, knowing fully that not doing it would not help the country.

"You have taken a long-term position. It is my belief and hope that you have created a legacy for yourself.

Your first term as President will mark a watershed in the development of your country.

"This will be a turning point, and I would like to commend you for having held a firm position and taken the country forward,'' he added.

Mittal said more Nigerians should be encouraged to invest in the country, particularly those with huge financial portfolios abroad.

"I have been speaking to people in Nigeria, friends and business people, and they are all now feeling calm, and when they start to get back, they will move very fast. I have experienced this in India,'' he stated. Also, the federal government has risen stoutly in defence of its decision to approve a 50% tariff increase for telecommunications services, saying failure to do so could lead to job losses and the collapse of some companies in the sector.

AfDB Presidency: South Africa’s Tshabalala Announces Candidacy

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Former senior vice president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, has officially announced her candidacy for the presidency of the institution.

Tshabalala’s bid comes with the full support of the South African government, signaling confidence in her leadership potential and vision for the future of the continent.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said Tshabalala was an exceptional leader with a proven track record in finance, infrastructure, and economic development.

“Her extensive experience at the

African Development Bank and beyond makes her the ideal candidate to lead the institution into a new era of financial resilience and impact-driven growth,” Godongwana said.

“South Africa fully supports her candidacy and believes that under her leadership, the AfDB will play an even greater role in accelerating Africa’s economic transformation and unlocking opportunities for all its people.”

Tshabalala will be bringing over three decades of experience in infrastructure finance, hybrid capital solutions, and economic development to the table.

She has played a pivotal role in

Elumelu Calls for Strategic Partnerships to Unlock Africa’s Economic Potential at Cameroon Summit

Nume Ekeghe

The Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Heirs Holdings Group, Tony Elumelu, has called for a strategic and collaborative approach to drive sustainable economic growth across the African continent.

Speaking at the inaugural Cameroon Economic Meeting in Yaoundé, Elumelu emphasised the need for governments, private sector leaders, and development partners to unite to unlock Africa’s vast economic potential.

Addressing an audience of policymakers, business executives, and investors, he highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, and financial inclusion in fostering economic transformation.

Invited by Cameroon’s President,

Paul Biya, Elumelu underscored the importance of intra-African trade and investment, urging stakeholders to implement policies that create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He said: "For Africa to succeed, for Cameroon to succeed, government and businesses need to unite, to invest for the long term, not just the short term. We must all be strategic and purposeful. For me, I have always been passionate about helping African youths to succeed and I believe that leaders who have got to the top should help create a ladder so that the young ones can also succeed and in turn impact the continent,” Elumelu said.

Using the case study of Heirs Energies, which has become one of the fastest-growing indigenous integrated energy business in Africa,

Elumelu emphasised how fostering collaboration between government and private sector players can unlock greater economic opportunities, He pointed out that this could be replicated in Cameroon to boost the economy.

He listed key priority areas that governments should focus on to boost the economy to include: Security and Rule of Law, Infrastructure Development, Youth Empowerment, Attracting Global Investment and Public-Private Partnerships.

In the area of Public-Private Partnerships, Elumelu noted that Governments must see the private sector as a partner, not a competitor, and create an enabling environment that fosters business growth through reforms that reduce excessive taxation and improve ease of doing business.

mobilising capital for Africa’s pressing development needs, leading the AfDB’s financial response during the COVID-19 pandemic and innovating funding mechanisms now adopted globally.

Her candidacy symbolises a commitment to a robust and agile AfDB that prioritises infrastructure development and economic opportunity for the continent.

Tshabalala, in a statement, said she has a bold vision to build a strong AfDB with “innovative financing” to infrastructure challenges in the continent.

She noted that: “Africa stands at a pivotal moment, and the African Development Bank must rise to meet the continent’s ambitions with bold, strategic action.”

She revealed that: “My vision

is to build a financially strong, results-driven AfDB that prioritises infrastructure, expands innovative financing solutions, and strengthens partnerships to unlock Africa’s full economic potential. This is not just about investment - it’s about delivering real, lasting impact for African nations and their people.”

Tshabalala first joined the AfDB in 2018, rapidly ascending to the role of senior vice president in 2021, which she held until her resignation in January 2024.

Before this, she held significant leadership roles at Old Mutual Employee Benefits, Standard Bank Group, and Transnet, gaining invaluable experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects.

Her tenure as CEO of the Industrial Development Group from 2006 to

2014 demonstrated her ability to drive investment across key sectors in Africa.

According to her, this candidacy transcends the quest for leadership; it embodies a promise to realise the AfDB’s mission of transforming lives across the continent.

Infrastructure development is set to be a cornerstone of her presidency.

Tshabalala emphasised that reliable infrastructure - roads, ports, railways, energy systems, and digital networks - is fundamental for sustainable economic growth.

Drawing from her experience at Transnet, where she facilitated the expansion of critical logistics hubs, she understands that wellexecuted infrastructure initiatives can significantly boost long-term economic activity.

Breach of Contract: Passenger RefutesVirgin Atlantic’s Claims of Luggage Compensation

Wale Igbintade

A passenger on Virgin Atlantic Airways, Alhaji Ahmed Rabiu, has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that, contrary to the airline’s claims, he was neither compensated for his lost luggage nor was it replaced.

Rabiu made this statement in his response to Virgin Atlantic Airways' defense, asserting that his lawsuit is valid and well-founded.

He argued that the airline has not denied that his luggage was lost during their flight.

In its defense, the airline stated that it was unable to locate the

plaintiff’s luggage due to his failure to provide sufficient information on the Property Irregularity Form he completed after reporting the loss.

The airline also denied the plaintiff’s allegations of fraud, recklessness, and negligence by the airline, its staff, or agents.

Rabiu, a security expert, had taken legal action against Virgin Atlantic Airways over a breach of contract and the loss of his luggage during a London-to-Lagos flight on September 24, 2024.

In the lawsuit, Rabiu is seeking $4,000 for the value of the items in his lost luggage and N20 million in dam-

ages for the distress, inconvenience, and legal fees incurred while trying to recover the luggage. In an affidavit supporting his case, Rabiu explained that he boarded flight No. CNY3JV from London Heathrow to Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos after undergoing rigorous security checks. He was checked in properly, and his luggage was tagged by the airline’s staff. However, upon arrival in Lagos, he waited at the baggage carousel from the moment it started operating until it was switched off, but his luggage did not appear. All other passengers had collected their luggage and left.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (middle); pointing at a facility while Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University, Prof Okogbule Nlerum (2nd left); former VC of RSU, Prof Barineme Fakae (2nd right); member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Boniface Emerengwa (left); and Chairman, Tai Local Government Council, Hon Matthew Dike (right); watch during the inspection tour to assess facilities at the Kira Campus of RSU in Tai... yesterday

FG, States, LGs Share N1.703tn from N2.64tn Gross Revenue for January

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC),yesterday disbursed a total sum of N1.703 trillion to the three tiers of government and other stakeholders from a gross total of N2.641trillion for the month of January 2025.

The total distributable revenue of N1.703 trillion for the month of January was drawn from Statutory Revenue of N749.727 billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) of N718.781 billion, N20.548 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and an Augmentation of N214 billion.

Value Added Tax (VAT), Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Excise Duty, Import Duty and CET Levies increased significantly,

while Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and Oil and Gas Royalty decreased considerably in the reference month.

The disbursement which held at the February meeting of FAAC was presided over by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.

The distributed amount which comprised Gross Statutory Revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) saw the federal government receiving N552.591 billion, states got N590.614 billion, local government councils got N434..567 billion, while the oil producing states received N125.284 billion as 13 per cent derivation.

The sum of N107.786 billion was for the cost of collection, while

N830.663 billion was allocated for Transfers Intervention and Refunds.

Citing a communique issued by the FAAC) at the end of the meeting, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga said that the Gross Revenue available from VAT for the month of January 2025, was N771.886 billion as against N849.561billion distributed in the preceding month, indicating an increase of N122.325 billion.

From that amount, the sum of N30.875 billion was allocated for the cost of collection and N22.230 billion given for transfers, Intervention and refunds.

The remaining sum of N718.781 billion was distributed to the three tiers of government, with the federal government getting N107.817 billion, the states received

N359.391 billion and local government councils got N251.573 billion.

The communique noted that the Gross Statutory Revenue of N1.848 trillion received for the month of January was higher than the sum of N1.226 trillion in the previous month by N622.125 billion.

From the stated amount, the sum of N76.055 billion was allocated for the cost of collection and a total sum of N1.022 trillion for transfers, intervention and Refunds.

The remaining balance of N749.727 billion was distributed

The federal government got the sum of N343.612 billion, states received N174.285 billion, whil3 the sum of N134.366 billion was allocated to the local councils even as N97.464 billion was allocated as 13 per cent to derivation revenue

FG: OVER 60% OF NIGERIAN COMPANIES HAVE EXITED NATIONAL POWER GRID

per cent, from N1.05 trillion to about N1.7 trillion in 2024.

Nigeria’s power sector has long been plagued by numerous challenges, creating a significant bottleneck to economic growth and industrialisation. Despite its vast energy resources, including abundant fossil fuels and renewable energy potential, the country struggles with unreliable electricity supply, leading to frequent blackouts and reliance on expensive alternative power sources, such as generators.

Many power plants, especially thermal stations, depend on gas, but the inadequate supply of this critical resource – caused by pipeline vandalism, non-payment issues, and regulatory bottlenecks – has often led to underperformance.

Besides, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which oversees the national grid, has limited capacity to handle the generated power. In part, the grid infrastructure is generally outdated and fragile, frequently collapsing under stress and causing nationwide blackouts.

On the distribution side, power supply remains unreliable due to technical and commercial losses, estimated at over 40 per cent.

Despite these challenges, Adelabu stated at the event that Nigeria's power supply grew by 35 per cent in the last one year. He reiterated that investment of $32.8 billion was needed in the sector between now and 2030 to enable the country achieve universal electricity access.

Out of that funding, Adelabu stated that $17 billion was expected from the public sector, while about $15.8 billion will be contributed by the private sector.

With rising debts to the Generation Companies (Gencos), the minister stated that after adopting costreflective tariff for a portion of the market, about 15 per cent in all, the “proof of concept” had generated results, reason the government was considering adjusting the prices for the rest of the power supply bands.

Adelabu explained, “This is the only way it can drive the kind of economic growth and national development that we had in mind

at the beginning of this process. Today, more than 60 per cent of our manufacturing industry is completely off-grid.

“They engage in self-generation, not because they are in rural areas or they are in semi-urban areas, they are in locations where there is access to electricity. But how reliable is this access? We all know that there are a lot of sensitive manufacturing processes that cannot tolerate a one-minute dip in the electricity supply.

“Instead of taking such a risk by connecting to a grid that is not reliable, these industries would rather go for self-generation. I will note the impact of this. It is not cheap. It is very expensive.

“Therefore, our products or commodities being turned out from these factories can never be competitive. The only way we can allow this to contribute to economic growth, industrialisation, and national development is to ensure that there is reliability on grid supply, so that all these companies that are currently off-grid can go back to the grid,

and this will reduce their cost of production, it will reduce inflation, and our locally manufactured goods can now compete with imported goods.”

Describing power supply as strategic driver sector for other critical sectors in the economy, the minister stated that President Bola Tinubu recognised that energy was not merely a commodity, but the backbone of economic growth, job creation, industrialisation, and national development.

He stressed that the new policy document had been submitted for the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), explaining that by Monday next week, the document will be approved.

Adelabu stressed that last year alone, Nigeria was able to catalyse close to $2 billion into the power sector, cutting across the conventional electricity sector and the alternative renewable energy sub-sector.

He stated, “What we estimated is an investment of $32.8 billion into the sector between now and the year 2030 to enable us to achieve

WITH SECURITY ESCORTS, OBASA STORMS HOUSE, DECLARES SELF SPEAKER 45 DAYS AFTER REMOVAL

earlier been withdrawn by order from above, a situation that had since created tension in the state.

But the other lawmakers in the state have unanimously rejected the return of Obasa as Speaker of the assembly.

This was as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, said they had reinstated Meranda’s security and that the initial withdrawal was because the command was carrying out an ongoing audit and review of police personnel assigned to individuals, groups, and organisations across the state.

But former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has warned the unfolding events in the Lagos State House of Assembly over the past few weeks have exposed the dangerous erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Obasa arrived at the Lagos Assembly at exactly 12:05 p.m., accompanied by two of the lawmakers loyal to him, and went straight into the Speaker’s office while other lawmakers, loyal to Mojisola Meranda, watched the drama unfold.

All entry and exit points leading to the Assembly were closed as the situation continued to develop.

Earlier, all police escorts assigned to Meranda were curiously withdrawn.

But the female speaker was at a loss as to who ordered the withdrawal.

The action, however, left Meranda and the entire legislative house exposed, raising concerns about the motive behind it.

The crisis began on January 13 after Obasa was removed over alleged financial impropriety and gross misconduct.

He was immediately replaced by his deputy, Meranda, while Fatai Mojeed assumed the role of Deputy Speaker.

But Obasa, whose security aides ‘were not part of those being audited’ by the police and, who aided his ‘criminal invasion’ of the assembly told

reporters with a smile of contentment that he was back to his former office.

“I’ve resumed and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa said, insisting that he never removed in spite of recent political turbulence.

Obasa also addressed speculation that he was being targeted due to a possible governorship ambition and clarified that while he has not considered or consulted anyone about running for governor, he was fully qualified for the position

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Obasa maintained that he had never been impeached and dismissed claims of his removal as unconstitutional.

“I have always said this: I have never been removed from office. I am not against any removal,” he stated, adding: “If you are going to do that, you must follow the rules of the House. It is constitutional to impeach and remove, but you have to follow the dictates of the Constitution.”

Addressing the controversy surrounding his position, he challenged the legitimacy of the process used to oust him.

“They followed a process to elect me as Speaker. If they want to do otherwise, let them follow the same process. How can you break into an office, break into the State House, and do something overnight? You brought police into the House of Assembly.”

Obasa dismissed speculations that he was being targeted due to alleged financial misconduct. “If the allegations were true, they should have set up a committee or a panel to investigate. And besides, I have been Speaker since 2015 why is this coming up now?

“In politics, to get rid of you, people will come up with different types of allegations. My account was blocked for three years. I was going to the EFCC every day, and at the end of the day, they found nothing.

I understand this game.

“There was a meeting in Marina where all the party leaders were present. Meranda herself stated that she had stepped-down and resigned,” he revealed.

Despite the power struggle, Obasa expressed his continued respect for his colleagues.

“I always respect my colleagues. They have been wonderful, supportive, and dedicated. We have been together for years. If something goes wrong, there is a misunderstanding somewhere, but the most important thing is to come together and resolve it. I have nothing against Meranda or anyone else. I am not harassing or victimising anyone,” he added.

On his political future, Obasa dismissed any immediate governorship ambitions but did not rule it out entirely.

“It is not in my consideration, but that does not mean I am not qualified or do not have experience. The governor is my brother, my leader, my everything. I have no reason to disrespect him. If I have taken any step that seems like disrespecting him, it may have been unconscious,” he said.

Clerk Resumes after Suspension

Clerk of the Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko, who was suspended at the height of the removal of Obasa, also resumed his duty post following reinstatement by a court order.

Onafeko was suspended by the House on the same day Obasa was removed by 36 of the 40 lawmakers sitting on the fateful day.

However, Onafeko approached the National Industrial Court (NIC), to challenge his indefinite suspension by the House and the court ordered his reinstatement, pending the determination of suit he filed against the state government and others.

Addressing journalists in his office on Thursday, Onafeko emphasised that he was appointed Clerk in 2022 to

to mineral producing states.

Also, the sum of N21.404 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was distributed to the three tiers of government.

The federal government received N3.082 billion, states got N7.192 billion, local government councils received N10.274 billion, while N0.856 billion was allocated for cost of collection.

The communique also disclosed that the sum of N214 billion was added as Augmentation and was distributed to the three tiers of government.

The federal government got N98.080 billion, states received N49.747 billion, local councils got N38.353 billion, while the oil producing states received N27.820 billion. Edun

universal access, of which $17 billion is expected from the public sector, about $15.8 billion from the private sector. So catalysing just $2 billion in one year, we believe that we can do better.”

Adelabu argued that the main solution to the liquidity challenge in the power sector was ensuring that the sector was able to pay for itself and achieving 100 per cent commercialisation.

He said, “Two, three, four months after the introduction of band A, there was no noise again. Yes. So if we are not taking that step, probably we will still be at a point that will be worse than previous years.

“Because of that, we recorded a 70 per cent growth in sector revenue from N1.05 trillion in 2023 to about N1.7 trillion in 2024. That's 70 per cent, just commercialising a tiny portion, 15 per cent of consumers, and you saw a growth of 70 per cent in sector revenue. This means that it can only get better as we are implementing more in this cost-effective tariff regime.

serve a four-year term and was eligible for reappointment under the Lagos State House of Assembly Legislative Service Commission Law.

He also expressed his confusion over the suspension, stating that he was not given prior notice and did not commit any offence to warrant such action.

Continued on page 37

“In terms of output, in terms of capacity of the sector, there was about 35 per cent improvement in capacity, generation, transmission, and distribution. We still have high losses, 80 per cent losses, coming down gradually, but capacity has improved by 35 per cent, from an average of 4,200 MW in 2023 to 5,300 MW in 2024.”

The minister added that national grid generation increased by about 600MW in the last one year, stating that based on this, the country has been carrying out a lot of upgrading of the existing substations, and

replacement of aging transformers, reactors, and more.

On metering, Adelabu stated that Nigeria had over six million customers that had no meters, describing it as a big discouragement for cost-reflective tariffs.

He said, “I can tell you that we now have about N700 billion reserved for these projects. The procurement process has started, and I can tell you, before the end of the first half of this year, we'll be having nothing less than three million new meters that will come into the country.”

Adelabu said the Gencos were currently owed over N2 trillion, with outstanding unpaid subsidies for 2024 alone amounting N2 trillion. He stated, “How do you expect to pay for gas to maintain their turbines and other infrastructure, to pay for even the staff, if a total of N4 trillion is being owed to them?

“So we believe that the government cannot afford to continue to fund the level of subsidy that our consumption pattern is throwing up, because we have seen increasing consumption of electricity. As consumption increases, government subsidies also increase.”

In his remarks, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mahmuda Mamman, stated that NIEP represented a comprehensive framework designed to guide the country towards universal electrification, inclusivity, and sustainability.

“As we embark on the implementation phase, I urge all stakeholders – government agencies, private investors, financiers, and development partners – to work together to translate these plans into action.”

FG APPROVES N758BN FGN BOND TO FULLY OFFSET OUTSTANDING PENSION LIABILITIES UNDER CPS

the federal government had approved the issuance of N758 billion Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Bond to fully settle outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Oloworaran said the landmark bond will resolve all accumulated pension liabilities to date.

Speaking at a media briefing on the sidelines of the Quarterly PenCom/Operators Consultative Forum in Abuja, Oloworaran hailed the decisive intervention by President Bola Tinubu. She said it signalled a new dawn for pensioners, ensuring that the CPS fulfils its core mandate of providing timely and adequate retirement benefits.

She said the sum of N253 billion had been allocated to settling outstanding entitlements under the Accrued Pension Rights for retirees of Federal Government Treasury-funded Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to address the delays caused by previous funding shortfalls.

The PenCom director-general stated that going forward, accrued pension rights will be included in the monthly personnel cost general warrant, to ensure automatic and timely payments.

The bond will also clear pension increases since 2007 amounting to N388 billion that had remained unpaid for nearly two decades.

Oloworaran said, “This long-

overdue entitlement, benefiting over 250,000 retirees, reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring pensions remain fair and responsive to economic realities."

She said for the first time, the federal government will be contributing N107 billion to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF), to ensure that pensioners, particularly, low-income earners, receive a living wage in retirement.

She said, “This is a major step towards strengthening financial security for all retirees under the CPS.”

The sum of N11 billion was allocated to university professors’ pension shortfall, fully implementing the provision allowing eligible university professors to retire on their full salary, therefore, addressing the funding gaps that previously hindered its execution.

Oloworaran said, “With this bold step, President Tinubu has set a new standard for pension administration in Nigeria, effectively resetting the CPS on the path to sustainability.

“However, achieving full implementation requires strategic collaboration. PenCom will continue working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the seamless issuance of the bond and the timely disbursement of pension payments.

“Our priority remains efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the administration of retirement benefits.”

She pointed out that the resolution of pension liabilities served to restore

confidence in the CPS and position the pension industry for long-term growth. The PenCom director-general added that beyond immediate payments to retirees, the move will further stimulate the economy, deepen the capital market, and enhance overall financial stability.

She said, “With this burden lifted, the pension industry can now focus on innovation, improved service delivery, and optimising investment returns. A renewed emphasis will also be placed on expanding the Micro Pension Plan, ensuring that Nigerians in the informal sector can serve securely for their future.”

Oloworaran said, “This achievement would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose unwavering commitment to pension reform has made this historic milestone a reality.”

She also commended Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, for his support in bringing the initiative to fruition.

Oloworaran said, “Today, we stand at the threshold of a transformed pension industry, one that truly serves its purpose, guarantees dignity in retirement, and drives economic progress.”

It was disclosed that 370,568 retirees had accessed N1.18 trillion in lump sums as of January.

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Natasha’s Many Battles and Threat of Suspension from Senate

Sunday Aborisade captures the drama that recently played out on the floor of Red Chamber of the National assembly between Senator Natasha akpoti-Uduaghan and President of the Senate, Senator Godswill akpabio.

There was tension at the Senate chamber last week Thursday when the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Diaspora and Nongovernmental Organisations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the relocation of her seat without her knowledge.

She rejected the new sitting arrangement which she claimed positioned her in a corner where the lens of camera men would not capture. She also said the presiding officer would not be able to easily recognize her whenever she wants to contribute to any debate.

Her action made her to clash with the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who refused to listen to her because she failed to speak from the seat that was newly allocated to her.

Tension started to rise when Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, outrightly rejected the change in the sitting arrangement by not taking up another seat.

Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Monguno had through a point of order cited sections of the Senate Standing Rules, to justify the reallocation of the seat and another seat given to her.

Monguno explained that the changes were necessary in view of the vacuum recently created by some opposition members who moved to the majority party, the All Progressives Congress. He said such changes fall within the constitutional prerogative of the Senate President.

Monguno quoted the relevant Senate Standing Orders, to emphasize that failure to comply with the new sitting arrangement could lead to penalties for “improper seating position” including the possibility of being prevented from participating in Senate proceedings.

Senate President, Akpabio sustained Monguno’s point of order.

However, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan signified her intention to speak by raising her hand, Akpabio did not recongnise her because she was not sitting on her newly allocated seat. Obviously angry by the position of the Senate President, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised her voice in protest, in defiance to Akpabio’s refusal to recognise her. She said, “I don’t care if I am silenced, I am not afraid. You have denied me my privilege.”

Her protests led to a rowdy session in the Senate forcing Akpabio to instruct the head of the Sergeant-At-Arms inside the Chamber to take charge and lead her outside in line with relevant sections of the Senate Standing Orders.

One of the operatives of the Sergeant-At-Arms moved and stood beside the seat being occupied by Akpoti-Uduaghan and asked her to vacate it but she refused.

Some ranking Senators and principal officers immediately intervened to prevent the situation from degenerating into further crisis. They approached her in an attempt to calm her down, but she appeared not to have been placated as she maintained her position and the situation led to a rowdy session.

In the midst of the crisis, Akpoti-Uduaghan who overheard comments that she should be suspended, quickly cited relevant sections of the Senate Rules which guarantees her privileges and sat down afterwards.

After the chambers became calm, Akpabio explained that the development was caused by the ongoing renovation of the Senate and new sitting arrangements following the defection of some senators to other political parties.

He said, “When the chambers was renovated, one of the things I said was that I hope the renovation will not turn us into South African Parliament, where you hear ‘Malema sit down,’ ‘Malema sit down’ and that is because we know how the electronic system ought to work.”

He recalled a similar experience during his time in the 8th Senate, saying that he too, had protested against his seat being changed but he succeeded in managing to resolve the issue without it becoming a public spectacle.

As the plenary session progressed, the other two Senators from Kogi State intervened in the brewing crisis.

Senator Isah Jibrin (APC - Kogi East) specifically said Akpoti-Uduaghan did not handle the situation of her seat change in the appropriate

manner. He therefore apologised on her behalf to the Senate, saying the Kogi caucus would counsel her.

Also, Jibrin’s colleague from Kogi West, who is the Chairman, Committee on Senate Services, Senator Sunday Karimi, whose part

of his responsibility is to allocate seats, said Akpoti-Uduaghan action was not proper.

He said, “Even as Chairman committee on Senate Services, you don’t need to even tell me before you change seats. Senator Ekong Sampson told me he wanted a seat that has been taken but before you know it, Senator Natasha shouted my name.”

Karimi said he barely managed to contain her anger by not replying Akpoti-Uduaghan when she rained insults on him.

“I don’t know how to fight a woman that is why I controlled by temper following her insults. Today my name will be in the social media for the wrong reasons.”

In his response, Akpabio acknowledged Karimi’s frustration and sought to de-escalate the tension. He said, “Senator Karimi, I can see that you are very hurt. I just want to appeal to you to temper justice with mercy.

“We are not going to dissolve into the committee of the whole or refer the issue to the Committee on Ethics and code of conduct and public petitions. The matter would be dealt with at the appropriate time.

“I just want to say that anybody who is prepared to make law must be prepared to obey the law.”

The Kogi Central Senator seems not to have been done with the issue as she picked a call from the Human Rights Radio and spoke extensively on the issue on a live programme, “Brekete Family Show” anchored by Ahmed Issa, on Friday morning. Natasha during the programme claimed that she had been denied a lot of her privileges as a Senator.

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

Bamidele: Ekiti Airport Capable of Opening State’s Economy to the World

Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has given kudos to Ekiti state government for providing state of the art facilities at the new Ekiti agro-allied International Cargo airport in ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Leader of the 10th Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele during the week declared that the construction of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado Ekiti is a veritable project capable of opening up and selling the state’s economy to the world.

Bamidele, who stated this in Ado- Ekiti while flying back to Abuja after the stakeholders meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter of Ekiti Central Senatorial District, stated that the airport will also complement other efforts of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the drive to bring about remarkable development to the state.

The Senate Leader, who confessed that Governor Oyebanji has been able to reposition Ekiti state in a prominent point in the world map, added that the airport is one of the best in Nigeria for its cutting-edge technology, safety, and operational efficiency.

He commended former Governor Kayode Fayemi for starting the airport project and congratulated Governor Oyebanji for actualizing its completion and operationalization, adding that it speaks to the beauty of continuity.

Bamidele narrated the testimony of the pilots that flew him to Ado Ekiti, who said they took the assignment with mixed feelings but had to take it because it was a compulsory call of duty only to commend the state government on the state-of-the-art facilities at the airport including the quality air traffic control, tarmac and the run way, which they described as one of the best in

the aviation world.

Speaking further, Bamidele also confirmed that Governor Oyebanji has assured him and the people of the state that arrangements are being made with flights operators to commence commercial flights as soon as possible to enable residents of the state fly in and out of the state without the stress of boarding and landing in another state’s airport.

His words: “I just want to give God the glory that we could fly into our own airport in Ekiti. This is history and it’s a very historical and strategic development for us. I flew in this morning to the admiration of the pilot that brought us and whose comment was very heartwarming as he said the airport runway and other facilities are favourably compared

to airports in many parts of the world.

“The pilots said when they were told last night that they were coming to Ekiti airport, they said it was duty call that they could not reject, they went to bed wandering what the landing was going to be like at this airport, but landing at this airport shows that quality of air traffic control and the state of the tarmac which they had to run met the world standard as the runway is comparable to the runway of any international airport around the world. So, for me as Ekiti born statesman and the leader of the Nigerian senate, hearing that kind of comment from pilots regarding our airport made my day.

“What the Governor told me this afternoon is that this airport will be able to operate private and commercial flights at night and this mean additional facilities and funding being provided to bring this airport to that standard. So far the day flights have been wonderful and I cannot also wait for the night flights.

“By and large, this airport represents the whole essence of continuity, it was a dream conceptualized and a dream commenced under one administration and actualized under another administration of Governor Oyebanji. This means that the economy of Ekiti is being further opened up and the potential mechanized farmers of Ekiti also looking forward to the possibility of being able to also ship out their farm produce out of this place as well as all those who will invest in agro-allied economy.”

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Friday February 28, 2025 Vol 27. No 10916

opinion@thisdaylive.com

WOMEN AND POWER DYNAMICS

IN NASS

JUMAI AHMADU laments the gross under representation of women in parliament

See page 20

ROBERT TSAO AND THE MAKING OF A NATION

Taiwan is a place to visit, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

See page 20

EDITORIAL

DEALING WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

Babangida’s book gives the opportunity to journey into his service years to understand the inner lives of power holders and the hidden parts of our history, writes OLUDAYO TADE

INSIDE THE BOOK OF A ‘BORN-AGAIN’ GENERAL

Understanding the Nigerian society and her peoples has been a herculean task. The more you try to dissect and understand it, the more unclear and confusing it becomes. However, one way of understanding the sociology of power and politics of governance in Nigeria is a sociological analysis of autobiographies of former presidents or head of state. The latest, A Journey in Service, comes from retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) nicknamed as ‘maradona’ and ‘evil genius’. Since its public presentation, IBB’s book continues to elicit interpretations on the context and the contents. The context deals with the billions of naira donated for the proposed IBB’s presidential library. Commentators have also queried the assemblage of the movers and shakers of Nigeria at the event. Unlike the negative framing of the actors, I saw intergenerational structure of power, authority and influence in the hall. My sociological lens saw the harmony of the opposites based on intersection of interests. In the game of power, ‘the elephants’ only pretend to be fighting one another but their intention is to make the grass suffer. Through the event, I saw how the rich and powerful sustain their power bases by building bridges.

Critics think that some attendees betrayed the memories of June 12 by associating with those who annulled the election. I also experienced the negative consequences of the annulment – from the protests, arrests and the violence leading disrupted livelihoods, to deaths and destruction of properties. We were teargassed severally. People got brutalized. Buying and selling in my part of Ibadan was difficult. Nobody fought to eat balanced diet. Our only savior was my father’s maize farmwe ate boiled maize, roasted maize and made ewa alagbado. Many were not so lucky. Despite this, I am more inclined to engage the social interactions and behind-the-stage processes, negotiations and compromises leading to the coups, the civil war, and the June 12 annulment as presented by the autobiographer.

In his 2023 journal article, The Autobiographical Self as an Object for Sociological Enquiry, Ghanaian Sociologist, Michael Okyerefo, noted that “(Auto) biographies are not accidental products; instead, they are shaped by the social world which gives birth to them. Societies inherently impact an individual’s life by means of their very social structures, which are themselves created through the interaction of social actors within and across a society’s history.” By this, Okyerefo implies that autobiographies are materials of deep social knowledge of the past, the present and the future strictly from the lens of the author. Okyerefo asks; “What else would an (auto)biographical reflection be, if not to discover the intricacies of the relationship between individual and structural forces? Individual predicaments on the one hand, and individual pleasure on the other hand? Can we then make sense out of the autobiography?

Through the book, the Nigerian army represents the microcosm of Nigeria – their influence, the ethnic dimensions to social

relations, loyalty and betrayal and the attendant rewards and punishment. We can see from the book the social structures of power and the politics of decision making. Babangida unveils the existence of cabals in the Army and the powers they wield(ed) in determining who led and how they arrived at the power sharing arrangements. At one time, he was a mentee – learning the game and how to navigate the structures and access power. At another time, he became a mentor and beneficiary of coup and power broker.

Babangida constructs himself as a ‘bornagain’ by taking responsibility for June 12 annulment though, he heaps the blame on late ‘General Sanni Abacha’ as the brain behind it. On page 275, we learn of two opposing forces within the military - those opposed to the transition and those in support of it. He states that, “….the possibility of annulment that could lead to fresh elections was loosely broached in passing. But annulment was only a component of a series of other options. But to suddenly have an announcement made without my authority was, to put it mildly, alarming. I remember saying: ‘These nefarious ‘inside’ forces opposed to the elections have outflanked me!’ I would later find out that the ‘forces’ led by General Sani Abacha annulled the elections….I regrettably take responsibility”. By presenting himself as ‘helpless’, he reduces the extent to which he can be blamed for the annulment. Instead, he lets us know that formidable structures exist that may outsmart the president.

Good enough, IBB’s book ended the speculations on the true winner of June 12 election. He supplied the results which indicates that Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won. However, he did not believe that Abiola would be an effective president if elected. “There were times when, deep down inside me, even I feared that Abiola might not be an effective president” (page, 276). IBB described Abiola’s associates in the army as ‘coup plotting friends’ (page, 278) who pushed him and deceived him into the tragedy.

Since the return of democracy, any debate on

oneness of Nigeria and sharia law are regarded as ‘no go area’. For instance, the 567- member Constituent Assembly (CA) asked to design a new Constitution for future Governments of Nigeria to operate faced the challenge in 1988. IBB states on page 256 that “the disagreements over the Sharia issue were so fractious that on November 28, 1988, we had to ask that Sharia be removed from their deliberations. Only then was the Assembly able to settle down to its deliberations”. That Nigeria remains indivisible appears to be of priority to the military establishment who felt that they used their bloods to keep Nigeria one during the civil war.

IBB informs us that the reward for loyalty in service is political appointment; death is the reward for a betrayer. Insiders, friends and close aides collaborated in edging out their bosses in Coup Deta’t. In the game of power, enemies are wiped out totally. Even the modern day Pentecostal firebrand prayers, enemies are not given opportunities to repent. They want their enemies to die by fire! How many of us will spare enemies when we know it is likely to cost us our lives? This is the lens that the author sees the killing of those he identified as ‘his friends’ but who conspired with enemies to oust him from power. The wages of failed coup is death. He nails it!

Commentators described IBB as a ‘coward’ who should have sacrificed himself for the emergence of the June 12 winner. I think they missed the point being marshalled by the ‘evil genius’. IBB tells us that signing to die in the army does not imply that they should die when they have opportunity to live. Don’t we also say those who fight and run live to fight another day? His position within his family shaped some of his decisions which limited the amount of risks he was willing to take. After he was wounded at the war front and was rushed to Lagos Hospital Idi-Araba, he watched on television the marriage of General Yakubu Gowon. He reasoned that “being the only surviving male child of my parents, I was greatly troubled by the thought that had I died, that would have been the end of my family name and line”. At 28 years after leaving the hospital, he rushed to marry Maria who later converted to Maryam. Thus, even in his quest for power, his family obligation and safety remains paramount. He could not have died for democracy or for a person he knew romanced his “coup plotting” friends in the army.

The book is not to please our perspectives. It is written in the perspective of the author, how he saw it and how he wants us to see it. While the book may not have contained all stories that readers would have wanted, it nonetheless enriches our understanding on the historical forces which shape our contemporary realities – it immortalizes the author by giving us the opportunity to go on a journey into his service years to understand the inner lives of power holders and the hidden parts of our history.

Oludayo Tade, a professor of criminology and security studies writes via dotad2003@yahoo.com

Taiwan is a place to visit, writes

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

ROBERT TSAO AND THE MAKING OF A NATION

I almost asked the border official, “aren’t you going to ask me any question?” when I went through immigration upon landing in Taipei. In over 200 such arrivals, that was the first time I entered a country, and no question was asked by the immigration official. I was left wondering if that was the norm or mine was a design. It looked to me like a good sign. My first visit to Taiwan could not have started on a more promising note.

One other thing that made me happy about visiting Taiwan was the fact, being the Republic of China, ROC, is also Jay-Z’s business organization. I have followed Mr Shawn Carter’s music since my days as a junior boy at King’s College, Lagos. It made sense that I quickly noticed, “HOV Lane” as the vehicle that picked me up from the airport got on the highway. Even though I had seen “HOV Lane” elsewhere in the United States, my brain insisted on linking ROC with HOV Lane. I knew this was not Jay-Z’s Lane of course, but it felt good forcing the match-up.

I needed to clear my doubt though, so I asked, “what is HOV Lane?” High Occupancy Vehicle, a lane dedicated to a vehicle with two or more occupants. With my forced ignorance cured, I was ready to face the more important business of the very first HFX Taipei. I had about four hours between landing and the event’s opening, so I took the chance to see the city. In the two-hour ride, I could see the legacies of its colonial past and other such influences, including Japan and the usual American influence that appears to defy national histories and cultures.

Though a physically small country, Taiwan matters in the global scheme of things. It is an essential factor in the modern global economy. A sizeable number of some of the world’s most advanced chips are manufactured in Taiwan. These chips are crucial elements in electronics whether in cars, computers, trains, the internet, cell phones, medical equipment and other such “precision devices, including AI products”. Taiwan is the largest producer of semiconductors in the world.

In that sense, you would not want Taiwan in the hands of your rival, if you were, say the United States. You would want Taiwan for yourself, if you were China with ambitions to supplant the U.S. as the world’s foremost economy. Taiwan though, as it should, insists on its right to exist as an independent country.

Its quest for self-determination has been met with threats and intimidation from China, the most obvious being the military drills which have occurred in the Taiwan strait, and around Matsu, Wuqiu, Kinmen and Dongyin Islands . History favours Taiwan — home to various tribes across centuries, it came under the control of a Chinese empire (the Qing dynasty) in 1683 before it was ceded to the Empire of Japan in 1895. Taiwan can tell its story, predating Chinese claims. China’s might and imperialist ambitions aren’t in favour of the island though as the Chinese regime appears determined to take control.

Seventy-eight last Monday, the billionaire founder of United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), Robert Tsao Hsing-cheng, has made Taiwan’s quest his. Most people in his position would rather play coy on the issue, to protect their interests. The brave ones could do better, by taking a position and speaking up. Robert Tsao has done a lot more than

that. He has put his mouth in it, committed his skin to the game, defended Taiwan from the heart, kept his head focused on its quest for self-determination and has had to pay for it; in targeted attempts on his business interests, his reputation and even his right to travel to some places. If anything, Tsao has doubled up his fight for the self-actualization of Taiwan.

At HFX Taipei, Mr Tsao emphasized the cost of a possible war in the Taiwan strait. He delved into what it’d mean for the global supply of semiconductors, noting their use in the manufacture of precision products. Even more so, he enunciated the role of the Taiwan Strait in the global supply chain. “50 percent of the world’s container traffic and 90 percent of the largest containers by tonnage pass through the Taiwan Strait”. You bet the Americans and other major stakeholders in the global trade know the implications of disrupting the flow of trade here, in case of a war or were the Strait to lose its neutrality.

Tsao has worked hard to unite the country whilst also committing resources to Taiwan’s resilience and ability to defend itself. President Lai mentioned at the forum that, “as authoritarian regimes consolidate, democratic nations must also come closer in solidarity”, and that also appears to inspire Tsao’s role as a sort of roving ambassador of his country to democratic countries and prospective allies. Whilst I personally do not consider Nigeria as a big factor in these issues, Tsao does not appear to differentiate or discriminate as to who matters or who doesn’t. When we met and I mentioned that I was from Nigeria, he was happy to tell others in our huddle about Nigeria, its population and relevance in Africa. He then specifically asked that I take his Whatsapp number, instructing me to call him, so he could save mine. At times, you’d be left confused between the amiability of the man before you and the warrior that China now sees as a public enemy. The coming months and years suggest that “we cannot be complacent and we cannot take peace for granted”, as said by Vice President Hsiao, whom I introduced at the forum. I left Taiwan with my bubble tea pin, something the Vice President described as “an emblem of Taiwanese hospitality”. That hospitality was without blemish during my stay. I hope to one day return to the country of Taiwan, that patriots like Robert Tsao, Fan Yu, President Lai, VP Hsiao and other such Taiwanese patriots deserve.

Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/BGX publishing

JUMAI AHMADU laments the gross under representation of women in parliament

WOMEN AND POWER DYNAMICS IN NASS

It is no longer news that there was an altercation between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, but what it underscores is how women in elective positions in Nigeria continue to face severe underrepresentation.

Senator Akpoti, who was almost suspended from parliament by the Senate President, is just one out of similar cases in the recent past. Sen. Ireti Kingibe and Sen. Remi Tinubu (now First Lady) all had bitter experiences at the upper chamber.

It is in the light of these awful experiences that Seat Reservation for Women Bill by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, becomes urgent not only to boost gender parity, but to unlock national prosperity of which women are a critical segment of.

Nigerian women's political engagement in Nigeria has quantitatively shown that there is grossly low levels of female election to the National Assembly. The issue of female electiveness is one of myriad of issues women face in Nigeria – poor economic power, discrimination, cultural and religious inhibitions as well as societal biases.

The very notion that the country’s political sphere since 1999 has not witnessed any seismic shift in terms of gender equity and parity but rather has remained largely dominated by men despite several efforts by both government and the private sector to enhance women participation and representation in elective politics does not inspire confidence in terms of inclusion and diversity.

A statistical report in 2017 on women and men in Nigeria shows that representation of highranking government officials with decision-making powers is heavily lopsided in favour of men. The representation of women in the 9th Assembly is not a significant improvement from past Assemblies.

In 1999, 16 women were elected into the National Assembly with 13 in the House of Representatives and three in the Senate. The total number increased to 25 in 2003 with 21 in the House and four in the Senate.

The highest number of women ever to be elected into the National Assembly is 36 in 2007 with 27 in the House and nine in the Senate. Since then, there has been a steady decline to 32 in 2011, 29 in 2015 and 17 in 2019.

In the 9th National Assembly, there were eight female Senators (7.3%) and 13 female Members of the House of Representatives (3.6%), which represents 4.5% of the entire Assembly.

The 10th Assembly has women occupying four out of 109 seats (2.7%) in the Senate and 17 out of 360 seats in the House of Representatives (4.7%), which represents 4.2% of the 469-member Assembly.

Therefore, after seven general election cycles since 1999, the number of women in the Senate has dropped to what it was at Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. It is thus significant to note that the cumulative percentage of women in the two chambers of Nigeria’s incoming 10th National Assembly is below 5%. It is also important to note that no woman was elected in 15 out of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly following the state level

general elections in March 2023.

With current figures for the 10th National Assembly, Nigeria shamefully places at the lowest neighborhood of the ranking of countries on women in public leadership especially African Parliaments.

The National Assembly must take action to support increase in the number of women represented in government by passing the specific Constitution Alteration bills to achieve this.

The Temporary Special Measures bill, with more than 80 other House of Representatives members co-sponsoring it, was debated but failed to pass in the 9th Assembly. It is instructive that women groups are continuing work on the bill in the current 10th National Assembly and needs to work harder not to lose this opportunity again.

Women’s lack of adequate participation in legislative processes has negatively impacted promotion and enforcement of their rights, and despite the low representation of women in the National Assembly, the bills sponsored by female legislators have had significant impact on the lives of all Nigerians. Men’s efforts, if any, to promote these rights are not sufficient, because they are not direct beneficiaries.

Structural biases and barriers to women’s political participation indicate that the few women who show active interest in politics are discouraged by factors that include prevailing gender stereotypes, cultural/religious reasons, unfavourable political environment, lack of financial capacity, electoral violence and restrictive party structures and processes, amongst others.

Political hurdles, socio-cultural issues such as patriarchy, religious dogma, and conventional views of women in politics and socioeconomic hurdles such as low income, lack of resources, electoral processes and political party structures, have all been identified as barriers to women's political engagement.

While women are making significant contributions to Nigerian politics, their representation in political and decisionmaking positions needs to be improved.

And 30 years after the Fourth World Conference on Women and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) we are nowhere near the 35% affirmative action.

Women groups plan to participate in the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Conference scheduled to hold March 10 to 21, 2025.

The main focus of the 69th session will be on the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly.

Dr. Ahmadu is the Acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, of the Federal Capital Territory Administration

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

DEALING WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

The visually impaired deserves special attention

One of the most neglected health challenges in Nigeria is blindness, with reports suggesting that 4.25 million persons are visually impaired. The Resource Center for the Blind (RCB), a non-governmental organisation, recently called on government at all levels as well as corporate organisations to ensure inclusive opportunities for the visually impaired and people with special needs. “We can no longer turn a blind eye to poor vision. Blindness does not just exacerbate existing poverty in poor countries; it also causes people to become poor,” said RCB Director, Temitayo Ayinla-Omotola.

However, with just about 700 ophthalmologists to a population of about 200 million people against the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended one to 50,000 people in developing countries, it is evident that Nigeria is seriously challenged. Yet, according to WHO, the visual impairment of one person affects four other persons, which means that about 18 million Nigerians are either spending their productive hours as caregivers, or are unable to live quality lives because they have a blind family member to take care of. Also worrisome is that several millions of others who are partially impaired are likely to go totally blind as well if nothing is done to address the burden.

the leading cause of visual impairment is uncorrected refractive errors.

With many of our health professionals relocating abroad due to the nature of our reward system, it is instructive that Egypt has 2,139 ophthalmologists for its population of 94 million, while the South African population of 57 million has at least 342 ophthalmologists to cater for the eyes of its citizens. That Nigeria, which prides itself as the giant of Africa, has less than a thousand ophthalmologists per one million citizens, is worrying. This therefore calls for urgent intervention from the federal and state governments, as well as healthcare stakeholders, including development partners.

Despite the worrying indices, Nigeria has not taken the public health challenge as a priority, as there are currently no special available healthcare interventions or social programmes against visual impairment

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

Sadly, many of these Nigerians are within the productive years, and many are struggling to make ends meet for themselves, and their families, a scenario that fuels poverty for themselves and the society. The real tragedy is that despite the worrying indices, Nigeria has not taken the public health challenge as a priority, as there are currently no special available healthcare interventions or social programmes against visual impairment, commonly caused by glaucoma, cataract, and trachoma. But

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE T

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

There is an urgent need to put up programmes that would ensure the requisite intervention on the challenge of blindness. Specifically, government should establish a programme for blindness, just as it has done for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, and others. They should also put in place policies that would encourage doctors to major in eye care. With the disease known to have a close relationship with poverty and illiteracy, it should set up social intervention programmes to support treatment and management of the health challenge in persons affected.

Of important consequences are the number of out-of-school children who will end up not getting proper education because they are blind and unable to learn; the inability of children to attend school because the bread winners of their homes, who should take them through school are blind and unable to earn money for their educational support. Nigerians should also do well to prevent risk factors associated with blindness, which include smoking, unhealthy diets and hygiene, direct sunlight, injuries to the eyes, among others. The prevalence of visual impairment demands a health emergency.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

A BELATED REPATRIATION OF NIGERIAN ARTIFACTS

Many Nigerians fantasize about the Western World. While the more affluent Nigerians have been able to turn their fantasies into reality by visiting the Western countries and spending considerable time there, many other Nigerians have had to do with the often lavish and laundered offerings of globalization to count the stars over European and American skies.

There are also many Nigerians who today live permanently in different Western countries. Not for them is any suggestion of returning home.

Historical record and archives suggest that this obsession with the West has a long and sometimes dark history. Indeed, far from the suggestion that Nigerians we’re the first to shamelessly roll over and pant after the West, there was a time the West was just as shameless. Keen students of history will remember colonialism and the independence struggle and the many episodes that went into it.

This is important, especially in the light of the news that the Netherlands has agreed to return about 112 bronze artifacts looted from Benin in present-day Edo State.

Recently, the Museum Volkenkunde in Leiden, or folk art museum, reached an agreement with Nigeria’s National Commis-

sion for Museums and Monuments to facilitate the repatriation. The repatriation when it happens will be the latest installment in a long line of efforts made by the Nigerian government to recover priceless artifacts looted from the country during colonial times. Already, dozens of artifacts have been recovered by the country. But such was the scale of plunder of a people’s material culture that many more artifacts lying loose in European museums are yet to be recovered.

Nigeria was not the only victim of this theft of epic and historic proportions. Many other countries which were victims of such colonial heists have been vocal in demanding that what they lost be returned to them.

It is noteworthy that other Dutch Museums have also been busy repatriating artifacts looted during colonial times from the Dutch East India Company’s holding in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

In total, the repatriations include the ‘Lombok treasure’, consisting of 335 objects from Lombok in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, four statues from the Javan Hindu kingdom of Singasari, 132 objects of modern art from Bali, and from Sri Lanka—a cache of ceremonial weapons from the city-states of

Kandy and others including a royal canon made of gold, silver, and rubies.

While it is almost impossible to describe colonialism in a few words, there is no doubt that colonialism was by a large an unprecedented spree of looting and plunder against people that were at the mercy of ruthless occupiers.

These occupiers as savage as they were cared little about the welfare of the people they occupied in the short and long run. What was uppermost in their twisted minds was access to the resources that were abundant in their colonies, which meant that even the most vicious forms of exploitation were permissible as a means to an end.

Colonialism was a vicious attack on the culture of the colonized. This culture often found expression in intangible resources like language and material resources like artifacts and artwork.

Their presence in the museums of colonizers around the world remains an ongoing insult to the sensibilities of people who suffered unimaginable injustice under colonialism.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

‘Planned Taxation on FTZ May Cost Nigeria Private Jet Maintenance Hub, Job Losses’

Chinedu Eze

Aviation industry stakeholder has raised the concern over the planned implementation of the proposed tax reform by the federal government that is targeting Free Trade Zones (FTZs). According to the stakeholder, Nigeria stands to lose private jet maintenance hub currently hosted by Execujet Aviation Nigeria FZE at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

He added that should the federal government implement the proposed tax reform, Nigeria will also lose opportunity for technology transfer, as indigenous personnel are trained by expatriates at the facility.

He is also of the view that there will be over 1000 job losses, if the

tax reform is implemented.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Quits Aviation Services

Limited, operators and hosts of ExecuJet facility in Nigeria, Sam Iwuajoku, who raised the concern, explained that the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility is located at the Free Trade Zone area of the airport, where private aircraft are brought from different parts of Africa for maintenance at the facility.

According to him, because the facility is located in the Free Trade Zone, it is exempted from taxation, which explains why aircraft maintenance in the facility is relatively cheaper and thus attracts aircraft from Africa and beyond for their maintenance. He warned that

all the international organisations that hitherto bring their aircraft to be maintained in Nigeria would shun the facility once government introduces tax on Free Trade Zones.

According to the Nigeria Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), there is Universal Tax Exemption for Free Zone Enterprises operating in a Free Trade Zone in Nigeria. These companies are exempted from federal, state and local government taxies and levies. So, Free Zone enterprises can manage their tax exposure by relying on Section 4 of the NEPZA Act.

There is also reduction of Foreign Exchange Risk because Free Zone Enterprises operating in a Free Trade Zone in Nigeria can issue invoice in dollars and collect payments

for goods and services sold into customs territory in dollars or in other foreign currencies of choice. Free Zone Enterprises (FZE) can manage their foreign exchange exposures by leveraging section 11(1) of the NEPZA Act.

But if the federal government goes on with its planned tax reforms, taxing businesses in the free trade zones, Nigeria will lose investment worth over $100 billion in the aviation industry, indigenous skilled personnel will lose their jobs and aircraft owned by Nigerians will pay double of what they pay currently to maintain their aircraft overseas, according to experts’ views.

About 80 per cent of aircraft operating in Nigeria are maintained in the facility up to D-check and

aircraft types maintained in the facility include the ones manufactured by Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Gulfstream Aerospace and Hawker Beechcraft.

Iwuajoku noted that government policy summersault has cost Nigeria so much in the area of foreign investment and establishment of businesses in the country, recalling that sometime ago ICAO did a swap analysis, which is an assessment, on where to build MRO in West Africa.

According to him, ICAO considered aircraft acquisition by countries, as Nigeria has 270 aircraft, Ghana, 40 aircraft, Togo, 10 aircraft. He however said ICAO chose to build the facility in Lome, Togo, saying the country has the least government interference. This means that when the facility is

completed, airlines would be taking their aircraft there for maintenance.

Iwuajoku said if the federal government introduces taxation in the Free Trade Zones, ExecuJet would have to retrench workers and that means that most of the aircraft maintenance would be done overseas and that will cost Nigeria a lot.

“If they go ahead and impose the taxes, we will have to retrench. You cut your cost. There is certain work you cannot do, it means we will have to fly our aircraft out. Right now, if you go to my warehouse, we have stock (spares) from all these manufacturers that they keep it here.

Rafsanjani: Launch of PSC Demonstates Nigeria’s Global Leadership in Finacial Transparency

In furtherance to its tireless advocacy and sensational programmes and activities in ensuring reduction of corruption, a globally identified anti-development parasite of any society, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) with Support from OXFAM in collaboration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), held a 2-Day Sensitisation and Capacity Building on Nigeria’s Beneficial Ownership Register in Lagos.

The event had stakeholders including; the Executive Director of CISLAC, Mallam Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), and the Registrar-

General of CAC in Nigeria, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), among other discussants as well as participants drawn from across the civil society organisations, anti-corruption and anti-corruption agencies and the media in attendance.

Speaking, Rafsanjani stated that endemic corruption emanating largely due to lack of transparency.

Rafsanjani stressed the need for effective collaboration in the anti-corruption business, adding that the civil society alone has no constitutional power of enforcement.

He wondered why despite being invited to the all-important event, Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agencies did not show up at day one

of the event to provide the needed contributions that are required to move the country forward in terms of commitment to reducing to the barest minimum, “if not exterminating it completely to – like said by former President Muhammadu Buhari – ‘kill the corruption before it kills Nigeria’.”

He urged the media to expose people who hide under government influence and powerful individuals to perpetrate corruption in Nigeria as, according to him, they are indeed the prime anti-development agents militating against sustained national values, peace, unity and development of the country that is much touted to be the Africa’s giant.

He said, “We know these people.

If the government is serious about fighting corruption, they can deal with them. For instance, in the whole world, there nowhere something is called oil theft, it is only in Nigeria that is known and talked about. We have been asking.”

He lamented that Nigerians suffer huge taxation and yet cannot access quality living system but, however, urged that Japa syndrome should not be the resort for Nigerians.

He gave an insight to the workshop saying, “Today, we gather at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, illicit financial flows (IFFs), tax evasion, and money laundering. Since the launch of Nigeria’s Open Central

Register of Beneficial Ownership — also known as the Persons with Significant Control (PSC) Register — on May 25, 2023, our country has demonstrated global leadership in financial transparency. This milestone aligns with Nigeria’s commitment made during the Anti-Corruption Summit in London (2016) and places us at the forefront of corporate accountability efforts in Africa.

In his keynote address, the CAC boss who was represented by Muhammed Abdullahi, an Assistant Director with the Commission, spoke about the collaboration with CISLAC in the successful organisation of the workshop saying, “As we convene here in Lagos, we are united by a

shared commitment to advancing transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria, particularly through the effective implementation of the Beneficial Ownership Register.” According to MaMagaji, the launch of Nigeria’s Beneficial Ownership Register in 2023, marks a significant milestone in our nation’s fight against corruption and illicit financial flows. This register, which publicly discloses the true owners of companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), is a powerful tool for promoting transparency and integrity in our business environment.”

Oluchi Chibuzor

L-R: MD/CEO of Keystone Bank, Hassan Imam; Guest Speaker, Dr Chiefo Ejiofobiri; Executive Director, Fidelity Bank Plc and Event Chairman, Dr Ken Opara; best graduating student, Mr Emeka Nkemakolam; Former Labour Party Presidential Candidate and Special Guest of Honour, Mr Peter Obi; Prof. Marcelina Ijadunola of Obafemi Awolowo University; a graduate of the Institute and Managing Partner, Thought Energy Consulting and Consultant, Proctor Gallagher Institute, USA, Mr Chidi Agbapu at the Graduation Dinner for Cohort 3 of the Thinking Into Result Program of the

in Lagos… recently

From left: Manager, Fidelity Bank Plc,

forum for a N10 billion capital raise in Lagos…

Akutah: ICTN Deployment Will Ensure Greater Ports Efficiency

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has said that it plans deploy International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) to ensure maximum level of efficiency at the nation’s seaports.

Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, disclosed that the council has identified ICTN as the required technology designed to boost efficiency in ports operations.

Noting that ICTN is known for its capacity to ensure the traceability of goods across international borders, Akutah said the technology is popular for its transparency in the global supply chain.

Describing ICTN as a tool to enhance trade globally, Akutah said the mechanism enhances visibility and accountability in the shipping process, reducing opportunities for fraud, smuggling and theft.

According to him, the technology will be good in monitoring daily crude oil exports, importation of illicit drugs and arms into the country amongst other infractions.

The NSC CEO who spoke to newsmen believes that ICTN facilitates Customs clearance procedure by providing real-time updates that alert authorities to any

discrepancies in cargo movement.

Akutah revealed that ICTN provides accurate and timely cargo information, enabling Customs officials to perform more effective inspections, clear goods faster thereby reducing delays which will further boost the country’s global rating in the maritime sector.

Among the benefits of the ICTN, he added, include enhancement of cargo security while contributing to trade transparency.

He explained that as a technology, it provides real-time cargo data, reducing smuggling, cargo under-

declaration and trade fraud, adding that it equally strengthens the country’s supply chain security by ensuring cargo visibility from the port of loading to the port of destination.

Akutah said ICTN helps in efficient Customs clearance as the system enables pre-arrival processing, allowing regulatory agencies, including Nigerian Customs to assess risks before cargo arrival. According to him, this leads to faster clearance time, reduced congestion at ports and lower demurrage costs for traders.

Onyema Conferred with Humanitarian Leadership Doctorate Degree

The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has confered the prestigious Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) on Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, the visionary Chairman and Founder of Air Peace.

This was to recognise his impact in Nigeria’s aviation sector, his unwavering commitment to national unity, and his remarkable humanitarian efforts.

Honeywell Aerospace Partners ExecuJet on Aircraft Maintenance

Stories by Chinedu Eze

Honeywell Aerospace, an international company that manufactures aircraft engines, avionics, and other aviation products has partnered Execujet Nigeria, a leading Fixed Based Operator (FBO) and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos on aircraft maintenance and provision of spares.

Both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the ExecuJet office, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, stating that Execujet Aviation Nigeria has been appointed as a member of Honeywell Channel Partner network to serve as authorised business and general aviation mechanical centre and avionics installer.

Speaking during the signing of the MOU in Lagos, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Quits Aviation Services Limited, operators and hosts of ExecuJet

facility in Nigeria, Sam Iwuajoku, stated that the partnership is a game changer in the aviation sector because Honeywell’s products are installed in over 80 percent of the aircraft operating in Nigeria, including commercial, defense, and space aircraft.

Iwuajoku also disclosed that Honeywell which manufactures aircraft engines, including the T55 engine, help pilots save fuel and improve safety and expressed happiness about the partnership and the job opportunities it would create in Nigeria aviation industry.

“I am very happy about this partnership. We will learn a lot from Honeywell’s technology and create employment to our local people. From screens, flight management systems, control display units, internet connectivity hardware, all these solutions will now be available in Nigeria as they were previously not here. We will also support Honeywell going forward,” Iwuajoku said.

NANTA Pledges Commitment, Support for NCAA

portal for consumer protection and engagement, the level of courtesy and responsiveness to the aviation downstream professionals, fair practice, capacity building and the protection of consumers.

The honour was not merely an acknowledgment of his business acumen but also a tribute to his dedication to uplifting Nigerians and fostering peace across communities.

The convocation also celebrated other distinguished honorees, including former Attorneys General of the Federation and Ministers of Justice, Senator Kanu Agabi, SAN, and Chief Christopher Adebayo Ojo, SAN, as well as Chief Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing

The grand event brought together dignitaries, academia, and industry leaders who gathered to celebrate Onyema’s legacy of service, innovation, and patriotism.

Director of First Bank Nigeria.

In his address, FUOYE’s ViceChancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, lauded Onyema for his philanthropic endeavours, particularly highlighting his selfless evacuations of Nigerians in distress, his innovative strides in the aviation sector that have elevated Nigeria’s global standing, and his unwavering patriotism in championing national unity.

In his acceptance speech, Onyema expressed profound gratitude to FUOYE and reiterated his belief

in Nigeria’s potential. He urged students to embrace hard work, integrity, and a spirit of service, emphasising that education and entrepreneurship remain critical tools for national transformation.

Addressing the challenges within the education sector, he emphasised, “Education should not rest solely on the shoulders of the FederalGovernment. The private sector must actively engage through investments, donations, and scholarships to foster academic excellence and innovation.”

Nigeria’ s travel trade professional body - National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), said the dedication, commitment, and resilience of the Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) - Captain Chris Najomo has impacted on the transformation of the Nigerian aviation business in recent times.

In a congratulatory letter, dated, February 19th, 2025, to the newly confirmed NCAA Director General, signed by NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, the travel trade group highlighted some significant and transformative milestones introduced by the creative leadership and impact of Captain Chris Najomo, such as the presence of the digital

“We remain a strong ally to your vision in NCAA for a more prosperous Aviation sector in Nigeria, and we trust your leadership for more progressive impact across all stakeholders,” NANTA President stated.

NANTA further urged the NCAA Director General to continue in the efforts to ensure and guide the travel trade business in Nigeria towards meeting global best practices and competitiveness.

Mr Nnamdi Chukwu-Njoku; Managing Partner at Conwall Solicitors, Yinka Balogun; MD Esscom Petroleum and Gas Limited, Dr Abiola Adeworan, MD Afrinvest Trustees, Rita Abengowe and MD Omai Capital Limited, Mr Efe Anaide at the Esscom Petroleum Investment

recently

Furore over Scrap of Visa on Arrival Policy

Chinedu Eze

Travel experts, Immigration and other Nigerians have thumbed down on the plan by the federal government to scrap visa on arrival policy, saying that the decision is ill-conceived and urged the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to withdraw the decision and do more consulting in order to take a better decision that will benefit the country.

The experts who spoke to THISDAY said that for the first time, Nigeria took a better decision on how to attract investors and tourists who bring in hard currency into the country, but instead of improving the process, the federal government announced that it wants to scrap the policy in April, noting that so far, it has not been reported that the system has been compromised in terms of insecurity.

The minister was recently quoted as saying that

government would discontinue its visa on arrival policy and described it as unsuitable and a potential security risk.

“We believe that it is better for us to make decisions based on objectivity rather than subjectivity. Of course, that will lead to the cancellation of the visa-on-arrival process because visa-on-arrival, we understand, is not a system that works. I don’t expect you to just come to my country without me knowing you’re coming in. No, it’s never done anywhere.

“What we are looking at is that for any decision that borders on immigration into Nigeria, it will be impossible for approvals to be given without the clearance of Interpol, criminal record system and all background checking agencies in real-time. We have to ensure this.

“When it comes to security, life will never remember us for the 99 per cent we get it right. History will

remember us for the 1 per cent we do wrong. And security is not a sector where you can afford to be 99.9 per cent accurate. It just has to be 100 per cent,” the minister said.

Tunji-Ojo said government would plan to replace the current visa on arrival system by April 1, 2025, with stricter processes that include pre-arrival clearance and more rigorous screening, ensuring better tracking of travellers and safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.

“So, we are going to bring these massive reforms, and these reforms start between March 1 and April. What we’re trying to do is to be able to safeguard our people. It is for us to be responsible in the comity of nations and to be able to contribute our fair quota to all our foreign international partners,” he stated.

The minister also said the new policy that would be introduced by the current administration would be

far-reaching and all-encompassing with technological innovations as its backbone.

He said: “Today, I presided over a meeting on Nigeria’s new visa policy, the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 (NVP 2025), alongside the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap. The proposed visa policy aims to enhance the ease of doing business, boost tourism, and strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with other countries,” Tunji-Ojo said.

Reviewing the minister’s decision to scrap the visa on arrival policy, experts said the minister’s decision could be encapsulated in one sentence, which is, “What we have now is not secure enough. We want a more secure system.”

t he story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Godspower Chidubem: Shaping Nigeria’s Beauty Industry through Art, Innovation

Godspower Chidubem is a renowned makeup artist with over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. as the National artist for MaC Cosmetics Nigeria, Chidubem has worked with top designers, celebrities, and influencers, leaving an indelible mark on the african beauty landscape. In this interview with MArY NNAH, he shares his inspiring journey, creative process, and insights into the evolving beauty industry, offering a glimpse into the world of high-fashion makeup and the art of transformation

Can you take us through your career as a makeup artist from the early days to becoming the National Artist for MAC Cosmetics, Nigeria?

As the National Artist for MAC Cosmetics in Nigeria, my journey has been a remarkable one. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the world of beauty and makeup. However, my entry into the industry was quite unconventional.

It all began in 2006 when a church member invited me to assist on a movie set. At the time, I thought I was there to act, as we had worked together on several drama projects in church. However, when I arrived on set, I was surprised to learn that my role was not to act, but to assist the makeup artist.

My initial task was to manually fan the actors due to the lack of electricity on set. It was a humble beginning, but it marked the start of my journey in the beauty industry. Despite the challenges, I was drawn to the world of makeup artistry. I was fascinated by the way makeup could transform someone’s look and boost their confidence.

Over the next few years, I continued to work on movie sets, learning from experienced makeup artists like Mr. Bayo Hastrup and Mrs. Bimpe Onakoya. These mentors taught me the fundamentals of makeup artistry, from basic techniques to advanced applications. I was an eager student, always looking for ways to improve my skills and learn new techniques.

As my skills improved, I began to take on more responsibilities on set. I started assisting other makeup artists, learning from them, and gaining valuable experience. Eventually, I landed a job at Sleek Makeup, where I honed my retail and makeup skills. This experience taught me the importance of customer service, product knowledge, and attention to detail.

My next move was to Black-up Paris, a renowned cosmetic company. Here, I continued to develop my skills in makeup artistry, while also learning about the business side of the industry. I worked closely with clients, understanding their needs and preferences, and providing personalized makeup services.

A major turning point in my career came when I joined MAC Cosmetics, becoming the first employee in Sub-Saharan Africa. This was a dream come true, as I had always admired the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation. I started as a retail artist and quickly progressed through various roles, including product specialist, event team artist, senior event team artist, and finally, National Artist.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been driven by a passion for makeup artistry and a willingness to learn. I’ve had the privilege of working with talented individuals, learning from them, and growing as a professional. As the National Artist for MAC Cosmetics in Nigeria, I’m proud to represent the brand and inspire others in the beauty industry.

Can you share more about MAC Cosmetics?

MAC Cosmetics is a brand I’ve had the pleasure of working with for a long time in my makeup artistry career. Working with MAC has really brought me out of my shell - I used to be very timid, but they’ve taught me so much, especially how to express myself through makeup artistry.

MAC has helped me carve out a niche for myself, so I’m not just another makeup artist. I’ve gained a deep understanding of makeup and can educate others about it. I’m not just someone who applies makeup; I can teach it and share my knowledge with others.

At MAC, I’ve learned how to be a makeup tech, which has enabled me to conduct masterclasses and participate in fashion shows. These experiences have been invaluable, and I’m grateful for the skills and confidence I’ve gained while working with MAC over the years.

What inspired you to pursue a career in makeup, and what drives your passion for the industry?

Working with experienced makeup artists at a young age sparked my interest in the field. I loved how makeup could make someone feel beautiful and confident. Every woman, especially African women, are beautiful in their own right. But it’s about enhancing that beauty, understanding their unique skin tones and shades, and bringing out the best in them. For me, makeup is not just about applying products; it’s about elevating someone’s spirit, making their day, and helping them love themselves more. Seeing the transformation and confidence boost it gives them is truly rewarding.

As MAC’s National Artist for Nigeria, what has your experience been like, and how have you impacted the country’s beauty and fashion scene?

Before becoming MAC’s National Artist for Nigeria, I was quite introverted. However, this role has been transformative, helping me develop greater confidence and boldness. As a National Artist, I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone and engage with people from all walks of life, including influencers and fellow makeup

artists.

Conducting masterclasses for large groups has pushed me to refine my craft, returning to the drawing board to learn and improve. This role has not only enhanced my makeup skills but also given me the courage to interact with people I wouldn’t have otherwise met. My experience in retail had prepared me for customer relationships, but this role has taken me to the next level, allowing me to connect with influencers and industry experts, and share my knowledge with them. It has given me the boldness to go back to the drawing board and learn more about my craft.

What does representing MAC Cosmetics in Nigeria mean to you, and how do you envision your role evolving?

Working as a National Artist for MAC and being part of numerous shows is a huge accomplishment for me. Previously, I was just another makeup artist, but being associated with MAC has helped me elevate my craft. Now, when I conduct masterclasses for MAC, I’ve become a voice in the makeup artist community. People want to hear my insights and learn from me because they know I represent a brand like MAC, which is always at the forefront of the latest trends. As someone who works with MAC, I’ve become a guide and a role model for the younger generation of makeup artists. This aspect of my role brings me immense joy and fulfillment.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products from M.A.C, and how do you incorporate these into your work?

We regularly participate in trainings, and I just returned from one in London, where I met international makeup artists. MAC conducts these trainings annually to ensure we stay updated and relevant in the industry, keeping pace with the latest trends and developments in the beauty industry. This training has been invaluable, as it enables me to replicate the latest looks and trends in my work, including fashion shows and other events.

What’s your creative process like when working on a project, from idea to finish?

I have had the privilege of working on several high-profile events, including GTB Fashion Week, Lanre Da Silva, Tiffany Amber, Emmy Kasbit, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Banke Kuku, and Future Face Africa. 2024 was a remarkable year for me, as I participated in most of the major shows in Nigeria. What’s notable is that I never replicated a look in any of these shows. This is because I took the time to understand the focus and theme of each event.

My process involves meeting with designers individually before each show. I learn about their style, collection, and the inspiration behind their theme. Since every year has its unique theme, I make it a point to understand the designer’s vision. I then relate this to our current trend at MAC, as we always have a seasonal trend. By merging the designer’s idea with our trend, I’m able to express my creativity and bring their vision to life.

How do you balance your artistic vision with the needs and preferences of your clients, whether they’re designers, celebrities, or everyday individuals?

When working with a designer on a show, it’s essential to remember that it’s not about me or MAC, but about

bringing the designer’s vision to life. It’s crucial to understand their needs and preferences. As a makeup artist, I must set aside my personal tastes and focus on what the designer wants to achieve.

To ensure we are on the same page, I always have a thorough discussion with the designer before the show. We talk about their inspiration, their collection, and what they want to convey through the makeup looks. This conversation helps me understand their aesthetic and what they’re trying to achieve.

We often do multiple test runs – sometimes up to four or five - until we finalise a look that meets their expectations. During these test runs, we refine every detail, from the eyeshadow to the lip colour, until both the designer and I are satisfied. This collaborative process ensures that the final look is exactly what the designer envisioned.

Ultimately, my goal as a makeup artist is to enhance the designer’s collection and bring their vision to life. By working closely with them and understanding their needs, I can create makeup looks that perfectly complement their designs and leave a lasting impression on the runway.

What are some of the most challenging makeup looks you’ve had to create, and how did you overcome those challenges

One of the most challenging projects I’ve worked on was for GTB Fashion Week, specifically for designer Romeo Hunte’s 2024 show. He wanted us to create makeup designs on hair nets, a trend that was popular on TikTok at the time. Initially, I thought it was just a fleeting trend, but Romeo wanted all his models to wear these hair nets with custom makeup designs.

The challenge was scaling this concept to fit 30 models, while also working with five other designers on the same day. We had to carefully plan and execute the makeup designs within a tight timeframe. Despite the difficulties, we successfully brought Romeo’s vision to life, and the look was even featured in a New York magazine. It was one of my biggest and most memorable jobs to date.

What’s your take on Nigeria’s beauty and fashion industry, and its future prospects?

I believe the beauty and fashion industry in Nigeria is making significant progress. Recently, I returned from England, where I had the opportunity to engage with top global artists. They were eager to learn from me about the latest trends and advancements in makeup for black skin. It’s clear that international brands and artists are taking notice of our work, and I’m proud to say that we’re gaining recognition.

Compared to six or seven years ago, our approach to makeup has undergone a significant transformation. We’ve shifted from bold, dramatic looks to more subtle, globally accepted standards. I’m excited to see our industry continue to evolve and grow, and I’m confident that we’re getting closer to achieving international standards with each passing day.

Earlier, you mentioned a challenging experience with a designer at GT Fashion Week due to a TikTok trend. How do you think social media has influenced the beauty and fashion industry, positively and negatively?

I believe social media has had both positive and negative influences on the beauty and fashion industry. On one hand, it’s created a platform for people to share their creativity and showcase new trends. However, not everyone who shares makeup content on social media is a professional, and some trends may not be relatable or practical for the beauty industry.

For instance, the black lip liner trend that resurfaced in 2023 and 2024 was outdated and not suitable for bridal or beauty makeup. As professionals, we understood its limitations, but social media pressure can force makeup artists to cater to these trends. It’s essential to strike a balance between professionalism and social media demands.

In my experience, designers like Romeo Hunte may request trends inspired by social media, but as a professional, I need to adapt and refine these ideas to make them work. It’s not about dismissing social media trends entirely, but about navigating the balance between professionalism and what’s popular online. Ultimately, there’s no such thing as “bad” beauty makeup – it’s about how you navigate these competing forces as a professional.

What advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists looking to break into the industry?

My advice to aspiring makeup artists is to be patient. In today’s instant-gratification culture, everyone wants to be a celebrity or an educator overnight. However, before you can effectively teach or inspire others, you need to have a clear message and a solid foundation of knowledge. Experience is key. While it’s not necessary to work under someone, I highly recommend it. It’s unlikely that you’ll master the business side of makeup immediately after graduating from makeup school. It takes time to develop your skills, refine your techniques, and learn from your mistakes.

Rushing into opening a makeup studio or trying to build a personal brand without proper experience and training can be detrimental. My advice is to take a step back, focus on learning, and develop yourself further. With patience, dedication, and hard work, you’ll get there, but it’s essential to enjoy the journey and not rush the process.

Outside of your work as a makeup artist, what are some of your hobbies or interests, and how do you make time for them?

Outside of work, which can be incredibly demanding, I prioritize spending quality time with my loved ones. My family is my rock, and I cherish every moment I get to share with them. I’m a devoted husband and father, and my wife and daughter bring me immense joy. I don’t really have a large social circle or many close friends; for me, my family is my closest circle. We love going out, having fun, and creating memories together. Spending time with them rejuvenates me and helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance

If you weren’t a makeup artist, what other career would you have pursued?

Initially, I had plans to pursue a career in accounting, having studied as a commercial student. However, my passion for makeup began even before I entered university. I went on to study Business Administration, thinking I would focus more on accounting, but my interest in makeup only grew stronger.

Interestingly, I didn’t learn makeup in a traditional school setting; instead, I honed my skills on the job. This hands-on experience not only taught me the art of makeup but also the business side of the industry. I developed essential skills like customer relations, brand management, and communication.

My long-term goal is to establish my own makeup brand. To achieve this, I recognised the importance of understanding the business aspect of the industry. This motivated me to pursue Business Administration in university, even after I had already started my makeup journey. By combining my passion for makeup with business acumen, I’m confident that I’ll be well-equipped to succeed in the industry.

Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?

At MAC, we’re launching a new project that focuses on collaborating with makeup artists. We want to move beyond just participating in shows and selling products. As a brand, MAC is deeply rooted in the makeup artist community, and we’re committed to strengthening those ties. Our goal is to ensure that every makeup artist has MAC products in their kit. To achieve this, we’ve developed a range of mini MAC products, which may be investment-worthy for some artists. Over the next three to four years, my priority project will be to deeply engage with the makeup artist community, fostering meaningful relationships and ensuring MAC becomes an indispensable part of every artist’s toolkit.

Godspower at work

NACCIMA, OPSN Submit Memorandum to National Assembly against Taxation of FTZ

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) have submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly opposing the proposed taxation of Free Trade Zones (FTZs).

In the memorandum to the National Assembly, NACCIMA and the OPSN called on the National Assembly to remove sections of the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 that impose new tax burdens on Free Trade Zones

They argued argued that the proposed changes in the tax bill, which introduce mandatory minimum tax rates and eliminate tax exemptions previously granted under NEPZA and OGFZA, could lead to capital flight, job losses, and legal disputes that would disrupt economic stability.

The National President of NACCIMA, Dele Kelvin Oye, raised concerns that the bill’s provisions would subject FTZs to state and local government taxes, a departure from the original legal framework that protected these zones from

multiple taxation.

Oye, who is also the Chairman of the Organised Private Sector in Nigeria, highlighted key recommendations, including the removal of the proposed tax provisions affecting FTZs, an amendment of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) laws to maintain tax incentives, and a suspension of the new tax laws for 10 to 15 years to allow businesses to adjust their financial models.

He said, “Today, Nigeria boasts several successful Free Trade Zones, including the Lekki Free Zone, Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, and others. These zones have collectively attracted over $200 billion in foreign investments and created more than 600,000 jobs.

“They play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic growth by enhancing export activities and providing a regulatory framework that facilitates business operations.4. Private Sector Leadership in FTZ OperationsIt is vital to highlight that the majority (98%) of the Free Trade Zones in Nigeria are privately owned and developed.

“This demonstrates the

inherent capacity of the private sector to drive economic development. The involvement of private entities raises the importance of maintaining a competitive regulatory environment that fosters investment.”

Oye further noted, “The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 proposes amendments that threaten the operational framework of FTZs by introducing mandatory minimum tax rates and removing existing tax exemptions under NEPZA and OGFZA. These changes are poised to diminish investor confidence and negatively impact long-term investment strategies.”

On Arguments Against the Proposed Tax Amendments, NACCIMA stated, “The proposed changes to the tax regime would lead to loss of Investor Confidence as the removal of foundational tax exemptions can trigger capital flight, as investors may seek jurisdictions with more favorable conditions for business. These amendments risk the loss of employment opportunities and hinder the growth of domestic industries reliant on FTZs. The amendments could incite extensive legal challenges, ultimately destabilizing the existing economic landscape.”

FG Forges Partnership with IITA to Reposition Agriculture

Arthur Eriye

The federal government has announced its readiness to partner with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in a bid to reposition agriculture in the country.

Vice-President, Kashim Shettima disclosed this during his official visit to IITA in Ibadan.

Shettima said the FG is open to embrace modern science and technology in agriculture, hence the visit to establish a partner-

ship with IITA. According to him, the whole idea is to increase yield via science, knowing that entrepreneur capitalism is embedded in the thinking of the average Nigerian.

“We are here for a real partnership with IITA, which, actually, is a game changer in the agriculture ecosystem towards supporting our smallholder farmers with improved seeds. Of course, the mechanization process is going round, and the Federal

Government is importing a lot of tractors and intermediate technology,” he said.

Earlier, the Director-General of IITA, Dr Simeon Ehui, had emphasized the importance of the visit and the institute’s role in transforming food security in Nigeria.

Ehui reiterated IITA’s commitment to supporting the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through innovative research, capacity building and technology transfer.

Straw Reaffirms Commitment to Empowering Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Chief Executive Officer of King’s Trust International, Will Straw has reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment towards empowering young people with the necessary skills to thrive in entrepreneurship and the workforce.

Straw made this known recently, during his maiden visit to the British Council, in Lagos to meet young entrepreneurs who have participated in the 8th-week joint Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge between

his organisation and the council.

He highlighted the organisation’s global mission saying that King’s Trust International, originally envisioned by King Charles, has been working for years to support young people in 25 countries worldwide.

The organisation, in partnership with local partners, he noted, focuses on three core areas: entrepreneurship, employability, and education, designed to help young people acquire critical skills, including developing business plans, marketing strategies, and even

understanding the complexities of pricing and employment.

According to him, “the goal is not only to provide them with entrepreneurial skills, but also to give them transferable skills they can apply to other professions if they choose a different career path in the future.”

The Country Director of the British Council in Nigeria, Donna McGowan explained that the program was launched initially in three states, and has now expanded to five states, benefiting over 500 individuals.

Capital Express Boss Clinches ADVAN Industry Leadership Award

EbereNwoji

The Chairman of Capital Express Holdings Limited, Anthony Aletor, has emerged the first recipient of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Industry Leaders Award. Other recipients of the award include the Africa’s richest man and founder, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; founder/CEO, Emzor Pharmarceuticals, Dr. (Mrs) Stella Okoli, founder/ Chairman GIC Motors, Chief Diana Chen; and founder/ CEO, Air Peace Limited, Barr. Allen Onyema. The award was presented by the trustees of ADVAN, supported by ADVAN President, Mr. Osamede

Uwubanmwen, and CEO, Mrs. Ediri Ose-Ediale, during the glamorous ADVAN African Awards for Marketing Excellence 2025, which took place at Admiralty Conference Center, Victoria Lagos. The event was attended by top dignitaries, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

As the presenter handed the award to Aletor, he stated, “This will be the first time we will be giving this award and I am happy to announce that you are the first winner of this award.

History is being made today and may you continue to be the first in all your endeavours. On behalf of ADVAN management, board

of trustees, and the executive council, we hereby present you this award for Industry Leader.”

In his acceptance speech, Aletor dedicated the award to the Almighty God and expressed gratitude to his Capital Express Family. He also thanked his immediate family, acknowledging his wife’s support, and everyone who contributed to his success.

Aletor, a philanthropist and an achiever per excellence, has investments across several sectors, including insurance, investment banking, shipping, and mining among others. His excellence in business and philanthropy earned him the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award.

Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic

Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

L-R: Sustainability Lead Sonnex Nigeria Limited, Mr Adewale Badmus; Brand and Marketing Manager, Mohinani Group, Mrs. Temitope Taiwo; Head, HR Manufacturing Mohinani Group, Mr Kunle Ojelade; Group HR Culture, Mohinani Group, Mrs. Seyi Omolola; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and General Manager, rPET, Mr Hakan Turkmen at the Sonnex rPET Recycling plant in Ikorodu in celebration of 2025 Boy Child Initiative... recently

Funmi Ogundare

Stock Market Down N77bn on Profit-taking in ETI, Others

Kayode Tokede

The stock market section of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday reversed prior’s gain as investors profit-taking in Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) Plc and 22 others dragged the overall capitalisation lower by N77 billion.

The NGX All-Share Index (NGX ASI) declined by 123.53basis points or

0.11 per cent, to close at 107,675.46 basis points. Consequently, the overall market capitalisation value depreciated by N77 billion to close at N67.102 trillion.

However, investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth closed positive as 29 stocks advanced, while 23 declined. Oando and PZ Cussons Nigeria recorded the highest price

gain of 10 per cent each to close at N52.80 and N2.95 respectively, while Honeywell Flour Mills followed with a gain of 9.96 per cent to close at N13.03, per share.

Caverton Offshore Support Group appreciated by 9.80 per cent to close at N2.69, while Livestock Feeds rose by 9.35 per cent to close at N6.90, per share.

On the other hand,

Fidson Healthcare led the losers’ chart by 9.60 per cent to close at N17.90, per share. ETI followed with a decline of 9.51 per cent to close at N31.40, while Guinea Insurance lost 8.33 per cent to close at 66 kobo, per share.

Prestige Assurance down by 7.50 per cent to close at N1.11, while SUNU Assurance declined by 6.44 per cent to close at N5.52, per share.

The total volume traded rose by 72.5 per cent to 423.421 million units, valued at N9.565 billion, and exchanged in 11,112 deals. Transactions in the shares of FCMB Group topped the activity chart with 102.270 million shares valued at N1.064 billion. Zenith Bank followed with 33.340 million shares worth N1.6 billion, while Access Holdings traded 31.212 million

shares valued at N801.881 million. Jaiz Bank traded 24.403 million shares valued at N82.022 million, while Caverton Offshore Support Group transacted 20.915 million shares worth N54.604 million. On market performance outlook, Afrinvest Limited said, “we expect negative outing to linger amid weak investor sentiment.”

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF FEBRUARY 27/26

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 26 February-2025, unless otherwise stated.

1. INTRODUCTION:

STAR DEEP WATER PETROLEUM LIMITED A

Chevron Company OPERATOR OF

Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited (SDWPL), a Chevron company and Operator of the Agbami field on behalf of its partners (NNPC Limited, FAMFA Oil Limited, Prime 127 Nigeria Limited, Chappal Energies Offshore Limited, and Texaco Nigeria Outershelf Limited) invites interested and prequalified companies to this tender opportunity for the provision of Security Vessels to support its operations.

The proposed contract commencement is 4th Quarter, 2025, with a proposed term of five (5) years plus two (2) years option to extend.

2. SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of work for the services includes, but is not limited to the following:

o Provision of three Ballistic Security Patrol Vessels (SPV) and One Daughter Patrol Craft (DPC) Security vessels in support of Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited (Star).

o Provision of required Government Security Forces (GSF) personnel to man security equipment and other security functions required to secure Company assets.

o Vessel owner shall be responsible for the sourcing and related expenses of GSF personnel on-board.

o Vessel service shall be available 24/7 – i.e. 24hrs daily, every day of the week throughout the duration of the contract.

o Vessel shall be fitted for oil field support services and related duties.

o Vessel shall have a Master and full complement of officers and crew, all of whom shall be competent and capable of carrying out the Services.

o Vessel shall be self-catering, i.e. meals and bunks should be provided on the vessel by the contractor without recourse to Company.

o Contractors shall provide related/ complementary services as advised by company using service order.

o All other standard vessel requirements.

o Contractor shall provide suitable substitute vessel, at contractor's expense, when vessel must be removed for repairs.

o Contractors shall provide day-to-day operation and maintenance of the vessel throughout the duration of service provision.

The successful contractors shall provide the following services:

• Patrol and Surveillance to protect personnel and assets.

• Intelligence Gathering and information.

• Security and deterrence against criminal elements.

• Fast Intervention.

3. MANDATORY TENDER REQUIREMENTS:

A. To be eligible for this tender exercise, interested bidders are required to be pre-qualified and “live” in the 3.08.01 (Tugs/ROV Support/Diving Support Vessel), 3.08.02 Barges Dumb, Self Propelled, Towage and 3.08.04 Accommodation Platforms/Vessels categories in NipeX Joint Qualification System (NJQS) database. All successfully pre-qualified and “live” bidders in this category as at the advert close date will receive Invitation to Technical Tender (ITT).

B. To determine if you are pre-qualified and to view the product/service category you are listed for: Open www.vendors.nipex-ng.com and access NJQS with your log in details. Click on Products/Services Status tab to view your status and product codes.

C. If you are not listed in the product/service category you are registered with DPR to do business, please contact NipeX office at 27b, Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi – Lagos with your DPR certificate as evidence for verification and necessary update.

D. To initiate the JQS prequalification process, access www.nipexng.com, click on services tab followed by NJQS registration.

E. To be eligible, all tenders must comply with Nigerian Content requirements in the NipeX system.

4. NIGERIAN CONTENT

SDWPL is committed to the development of the Nigerian Oil and Gas business in observance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 (NOGICD Act) enacted by the Federal Government of Nigeria in April 2010.

Pursuant to the NOGICD Act, the minimum Nigerian Content in any project, service or product specification to be executed in the Nigerian

Oil and Gas Industry shall be consistent with the level set in the schedule of the NOGICD Act and any other target as may be directed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Contractors are required to comply with the provisions of the NOGICD Act and all applicable regulations. Bidders that do not meet the Nigerian Content criterion will not be allowed to participate in next Tender Stage.

In line with the NOGICD Act, 2010 and its provisions to give full and fair opportunities to Nigerian indigenous companies in all bidding process, Nigerian owned vessels yet to be equipped with the heave compensated crane and/or any upgradeable equipment onboard vessels shall not be outrightly disqualified during the bidding process provided the vessel owners commit to upgrade such vessels with heave compensated cranes as well as any other fit for purpose equipment in the event of being successful as the preferred bidder.

The following are the Nigerian Content requirements bidders are expected to comply with in their technical bid submission.

1. Tenderer to demonstrate that entity is a Nigerian-registered company. Submit certified true copies of CAC forms 10, 02 & 07 (or its equivalent; CAC 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, etc.) and other evidence of entity's incorporation, shareholding & ownership structure in Nigeria. Tenderer shall provide evidence of registration on the NCDMB NOGIC JQS and NUPRC.

2. Tenderers shall provide detailed description of the location of incountry committed facilities not limited to administrative office, technical office, and workshop for execution of the work scope.

3. Tenderers shall provide evidence of ownership of category A Nigerian Owned marine vessel (Security Vessel) duly categorized as 'Nigerian owned' or providing MOA with another having a valid Nigerian Content Marine Vessel Certificate (NCMVC) for the vessel to be deployed.

4. Provide a Nigerian Content Execution Plan providing a detailed description of the role, work scope, man-hours and responsibilities of all Nigerian companies and personnel that would be involved in executing the work. Also provide details of Nigerian Content focal point or manager

5. Tenderer shall comply with the latest approved version of NCDMB HCD guideline by committing (via a letter of undertaking) to providing Project-Specific training, man-hour, budget, skill development, and understudy plan for Nigerian personnel utilizing OGTAN registered trainer(s) or other approved NCDMB training institution(s)

6. Tenderers to provide firm commitments with MOAs executed with proposed Nigerian indigenous service providers for the following onboard vessel services: Healthcare services, Cleaning and waste disposal services, emergency response services, security services, maintenance services, catering services, housekeeping and laundry services, Logistics services and petroleum product supply.

5

CLOSE DATE

Only bidders who are prequalified and “live” with NJQS Product/Category

3.08.01 (Tugs/ROV Support / Diving Support Vessel) by 16:00 Hours, March 13, 2025, being the advert close date shall be invited to submit technical bid.

Additional Information:

1. Suppliers eligible for this tender opportunity are expected to be prequalified in NJQS under this product/service category.

2. The Invitation to Tender (ITT) and any further progression of this tender shall be via NipeX.

3. All costs incurred in preparing and processing NJQS prequalification shall be to the contractor's accounts.

4. Suppliers eligible for this tender opportunity are expected to meet the requirement of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

5. This advertisement shall neither be construed as any form of commitment on the part of SDWPL to award any contract to any company and or associated companies, sub-contractors or agents, nor shall it entitle prequalified companies to make any claims whatsoever, and/or seek any indemnity from SDWPL and or any of its partners by virtue of such companies having been prequalified in NJQS.

6. The tendering process shall be the NNPCL contracting process requiring pre-qualified companies to submit technical tenders first. Following a technical review, only technically and financially qualified contractors will be requested to submit commercial tenders.

7. SDWPL will communicate only with authorized officers of the prequalifying companies and NOT through individuals or Agents.

CELEBRATING 5TH ANNIVERSARY…

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, FAE Limited and Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Princess ‘Layo Bakare Okeowo; Chairman, Roperb Dental Clinic, Mr. Bukola Oparemi; Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Toni Adeyemi; Clinical Director, Roperb Dental Clinic, Dr. Aishah Oparemi; and Consultant Family Dentistry and Medical Director, Celon Dental Clinic, Dr. Celestine Uyanwanne, at the 5th year anniversary and product launch held in Lagos…recently

Imo Ex-Commissioner Demands N10bn from Uzodimma for Violations of Rights

TonyIchekuinOwerri

Former Imo State Commissioner for International Affairs, Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, has written to Governor Hope Uzodimma demanding N10 billion and a public apology published in two national newspapers as compensation for his unlawful detention, torture and gross violation of his rights to dignity of human person plus denial of

personal liberty and free movement as guaranteed under section 34, 35, 36 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

In the letter addressed to Governor Hope Uzodinma Ihekweme’s lawyer, Mr Sulaiman Usman, SAN, stated that Gov Uzodimma would be dragged to a court of competent jurisdiction if he fails to comply. He further stated that the former commissioner was

ASUU: Sokoto Varsity Begins Indefinite Strike

Onuminya Innocent in Sokotp

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Sokoto State University Branch, has declared an indefinite strike beginning from February 26 over unresolved welfare issues.

The union announced the decision in a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Saidu Abubakar Isah and Secretary, Hassan Aliyu, saying said the action followed the approval of the union’s National Executive Council(NEC).

According to Isah, prior to its decision, the ASUU-(SSU) Congress met to review its earlier resolution taken on January 30, 2025, and assessed

the government’s commitment to addressing the lingering issues raised.

Isah further explained that the meeting was chaired by the Visitation Team sent by the NEC of ASUU.

“Following a thorough review of the government’s responses, the Congress resolved to embark on a strike due to the university administration, governing council, and state government’s lack of commitment to addressing the issues.

The unresolved issues include the implementation of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increments and payment of arrears from January 2024.

Nigeria to Leverage Chinese Technology to Boost Sugar Production

Michael Olugbodeinabuja

Nigeria is planning to leverage Chinese technology and expertise to boost the nation’s sugar production.

The plan was disclosed by the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe while playing host to a delegation from the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) led by the Executive Secretary, Mr Kamar Bakrin.

The working visit focused on fostering collaboration between the two organisations and exploring opportunities for partnerships to transform the Nigerian Sugar sector through Nigeria-China Collaboration.

While receiving the delegation, the DG NCSP noted the huge potential of the Nigerian Sugar sector and lauded the commitment of the management of the NSDC led by Mr Bakrin.

He added that the goal of the collaboration is to leverage Chinese technology and expertise to boost Nigeria’s sugar production, meeting both local demand and the requirements of target global market.

China, a significant player in the global sugar market, currently imports an estimated five million metric tonnes of sugar annually, valued at $10 billion in addition to its domestic production of 10.5 million metric tonnes.

The AlvinReport Roundtable to Discuss AI, Human Intelligence

The AlvinReport.com is launching its quarterly roundtable discussion series as part of its commitment to fostering critical discussions. The inaugural edition focusing on the growing overreliance on AI over Human Intelligence.

TheAlvinReport.com is a leading online platform dedicated to insightful discussions on economic and leadership issues. With the largest network of sector

experts contributing seminal essays across various fields, The AlvinReport has become a hub for thought leadership and intellectual discourse.

According to the Editor, Abdul-Aziz Mohammed, over the past two months, The AlvinReport has assembled a high-profile Think Tank comprising top intellectuals from business, economics, and society.

subjected to 62 days in solitary confinement at Tiger Base Police detention centre - notorious for violating rights of detainees - where he was subjected to life-threatening

conditions and thereafter suffered severe health complications.

The legal counsel further maintained that Ihekweme was subjected to starvation and denied

access to medical care leading to him and his family suffering from severe emotional and psychological distress

THISDAY reports that Ihekweme’s

detention sparked widespread controversy as the Police maintained that he was arrested over allegations of seditious and inflammatory publications against Gov Uzodinma.

Regulators Urged to Integrate Beneficial Ownership Register into Enforcement, Compliance Frameworks

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged various regulatory bodies in the country to integrate the Beneficial Ownership Register into their compliance and enforcement frameworks in the country.

This, the civil society

organisation highlighted, would help the country in combating corruption, illicit financial flows (IFFs), tax evasion, and money laundering.

Speaking at a two-day sensitisation and capacitybuilding workshop on the country’s Beneficial Ownership Register, in Lagos, Executive Director, CISLAC, Mr. Auwal

Rafsanjani, said the register would help in tracking, detecting, and prosecuting financial crimes.

He noted that since the launch of Nigeria’s Open Central Register of Beneficial Ownership also known as the Persons with Significant Control (PSC) Register on May 25, 2023, the country has demonstrated global leadership in financial transparency. According to him, “The PSC Register is not just a database, it is a powerful tool for reform. By mandating the public disclosure of individuals with significant control over companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), it dismantles layers of secrecy that enable illicit financial flows and corporate malpractice.

American Investors Protest Demolition of $250m Property Investment in Lagos

Sunday Okobi

A group of American investors yesterday gathered in Houston, Texas in the United States (US) to protest against the recent demolition of $250million Winhomes Estate property in Okun Ajah area of Lagos State.

The protesters, who gathered in Houston, wielded placards with several inscriptions, calling on President Bola Tinubu to caution the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, “for his incompetence and the destruction of their investments.”

In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Services Limited, Stella Ifeoma, while speaking during

the protest, said: “We are the legal owner of 17.03 hectares of land in Okun Ajah, Etiosa LGA, Lagos State. It is imperative to clarify that while I hold the title of CEO, my primary role is to act as the coordinator of properties for numerous Nigerians and foreign nationals in the diaspora who have united in our initiative to promote

investment not only in Nigeria but throughout Africa.

“These individuals have laboured diligently in countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, and they seek a secure place to call home-a vision that inspired the establishment of Winhomes.”

Varsity Don Advocates Application of Non-Classical Set Theory to Solve Life Complexities

Ibrahim Oyewale inLokoja

As part of efforts to continue to proffer lasting solutions to life complexities, a don, Professor Musa Ibrahim, has advocated the application of the mathematical mon-classical set theory to address issues that require critical thinking and get better results.

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Professor Ibrahim made this call while speaking as the guest lecturer at the 24th inaugural lecture of the Federal University Lokoja yesterday in Lokoja. He explained that the exploration of non-classical set theory in this inaugural lecture highlights its significance in expanding himan understanding of mathematical structures and their applications in real-world complexities.

The guest lecturer pointed out that unlike classical set theory which relies on rigid, binary logic, non-classical set theory introduces flexibility, accommodating vagueness, uncertainty, and contradictions.

According to the academic, “This framework allows for richer and more nuanced modelling of life complexities, from decision-making to human identity and artificial intelligence.

“Throughout this discussion, we examined various non-classical set theories, including fuzzy sets, rough sets, intuitionistic sets, and shadowed sets.

Declare State of Emergency against Deforestation, PDP Chieftain Urges Delta

Disturbed by the rate at which forest resources are being depleted for food crop cultivation, lumbering, sand excavation, road construction and fuel wood exploitation among others, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has appealed to the Delta State Government to declare a state of emergency against deforestation in the state.

Onuesoke, who made the appeal while speaking to journalists yesterday on the sideline during a workshop in Lagos on the effect of deforestation, noted that apart from timber resources, tropical rain forest is very rich in variety of plant, animal products that provide food, energy, medicine, shelter, recreational facilities for people in the state.

He added that it equally plays important roles in the amelioration of weather conditions and patterns, protection of soil and food crops among others.

The PDP chieftain, however, lamented that the valuable goods, services and benefits provided by the tropical forest in the state are threatened by deforestation.

Oyo APC Tackles Makinde over Increasing Cost of Airport Upgrade Project

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday took a swipe at Governor Seyi Makinde over what it described as fraudulent increment of the contract sum originally

announced for the upgrade of the Ladoke Akinola Airport, Ibadan, warning that turning the project into another conduit for siphoning public funds would come with dire consequences.

The state government had in a statement on Wednesday

through the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said it had awarded the second phase of the airport upgrade project at a cost of approximately N7.009 billion after the payment of a sum of N42 billion which had been announced as the total cost of the project. Oyelade also revealed the approval of about N10 billion as the cost for the perimeter fencing, construction of toilets and drilling of solar boreholes in an unspecified number of public primary and secondary schools in the state.

Mbeki to Chair 2025 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Webinar on March 6

The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation will hold the 2025 Awolowo Memorial Webinar with the theme: “Our 21st Century World: Reflections and Projections”, on March 6, 2025, as part of its mandate to propagate the continuing relevance of the ideas of

the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The webinar, which will be chaired by former President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, will have as keynote speaker, the Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development & University

Professor at Columbia University who is also a world renowned economist, innovative educator and global leader in sustainable development, Professor Jeffrey Sachs.

According to a statement by the Executive Director, Obafemi

Awolowo Foundation, Ambassador Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, “ The 21st century has brought rapid transformations across all facets of human life, driven by technological innovation, economic shifts, and evolving geopolitical landscapes.

ONGOING 2025 DESIGN AND INNOVATION WEEK AT ECOBANK PAN AFRICAN...

L-R:

Lekoil: How We Became Nigeria's First Oil Firm to Bring Marginal Field to Production in 18 Months

NLNG urges prioritisation of energy security Ekpo: Africa's gas revolution hinges on strategic policy framework

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Lekoil Limited, one of Nigeria's indigenous oil and gas Exploration and Production (E&P) companies, has narrated how it became the first Nigerian firm to reach first oil from a margins field in the country

Speaking on a panel at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, with the sub-theme: "From Resources to Revenue”, Chief Operating Officer of the company, Mr Sam Olotu, noted that the firm had to strategically navigate its financing challenges.

On the panel with Olotu were: Managing Director, Heirs Energy, Osayande Igiehon; MD, TotalEnergies

Oando

Companies in Nigeria, Mathieu Bouyer; MD, SunTrust Atlantic Energies, Ugo Okafor; MD, Aradel Holdings Plc, Adegbite Falade, among others.

Olotu recalled that Lekoil came into the oil industry in 2013 and was not immediately successful in the divestment round in 2013 and 2014. However, he added that it was a wake-up call for the company.

“So we had to go back to our drawing board and re-strategise and say how do we get into the business. So we decided to do it the hard way. So we had to do the traditional exploration study and other gamut and we farmed into one of our assets, 310.

“And in 2013 when we drilled Ogo, it was classified by Wood and

McKenzie as one of the top three world discoveries in 2013. So it paid off. So at the end of 2013, we were sitting on over 3 billion equivalent of contingent resources and triple that in terms of prospective resources.

“Not that we didn't have access to funds, but you can't go back when you have such a beautiful thing, you can't go back cap in hand to your investors and say they should provide you funding for such a huge asset.

“So we had to re-strategise in order to get a cash flow base, in order to now develop the resources that we have. So that was how, again, went back to the drawing board and funding as technical and financial partner into a marginal field.

“And, indeed, we brought that marginal field because we were kind of not chasing the maturation of resources, but we were chasing cash flow. So that's how we gained the confidence of our investors. And we brought that marginal field, at least as of today, the fastest marginal field that came on stream within 18 months,” he added.

According to him, today that marginal field has produced close to 20 million barrels, and is ramping up to 20,000 barrels per day with its partner.

“So gaining confidence with your investor in terms of your capability to do what you promise to do, to work the plans as you presented to

Wins Energy Deal of the Year at Nigeria International Energy Summit

Oando Plc, Africa's leading energy solutions provider has been awarded the ‘Energy Deal of the Year 2024’ at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2025 in recognition of its transformative $783 million acquisition of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from the Italian energy firm Eni.

The landmark acquisition, a culmination of a decade-long strategic journey since Oando's initial entry into the ConocoPhillips/ NAOC/NNPC Joint Venture (JV) in 2014, through the acquisition of ConocoPhillips Nigeria's business, doubled the company's stake to 40 per cent and established Oando as the operator of key upstream assets.

The assets include 40 discovered oil and gas fields, extensive pipeline infrastructure, three gas processing plants, the Kwale-Okpai power plant with a total nameplate capacity of 960MW, and associated infrastructure, and the Brass River Oil Terminal, significantly boosting Oando's total 2P reserves to 1.0 billion boe.

The NIES Energy Deal of the Year 2024 award in Abuja, a prestigious recognition, celebrates transformative and impactful deals that drive advancements in energy and economic growth.

The award, which highlights excellence in negotiation, strategic alignment, innovation, and collaboration, the company said, is

a testament to its leadership and strategic vision in the energy sector.

At the Gala and Industry Award ceremony in the federal capital, Dr. Ainojie 'Alex' Irune, Managing Director of Oando Energy Resources (OER), received the award, underscoring the company's strategic focus to ramp up its production in a sustainable way.

Post-acquisition, the company emphasised optimising its asset portfolio, enhancing security measures, leveraging advanced technologies like data analytics and digitalization, as well as strengthening community partnerships.

This news comes in the wake of Oando's robust performance in 2024, bolstered by its $783 million acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in August 2024.

The acquisition also significantly impacted the company's Full Year 2024 financial results, resulting in a 45 per cent surge in revenue to N4.1 trillion.

Most recently, the company rewarded its shareholders with 1.28 billion additional shares in the form of stock dividends. The shares distribution which is in two tranches was done to encourage long term value appreciation including future dividend prospects.

The sheer size of the offering, with 1.28 billion shares distributed, makes it the biggest shareholder reward in Oando's history, the company said.

The NIES officially endorsed by the Federal Executive Council

(FEC) serves as a global platform for stimulating discussion, interactions, and signing high-level deals.

Oando's recognition at the

prestigious event underscores its leadership and strategic vision in Africa's energy sector, the statement added.

the investor is key. And focusing on your cash flow is very key. And you need to convince your investor that you are not going to do things in the conventional way.

“Because it's very easy when you have discovered one of the top largest discoveries in the world, they would traditionally think that you are an exploration company. And like was mentioned, we didn't have a reservebased lending friendly environment around that time. So you just have to anchor down and show your path to production and your cash flow. And that we have done successfully,” he added.

Separately, Nigeria LNG has called for energy security to be made a national priority and has emphasised the need for proactive measures to protect energy infrastructure and drive sustainable growth.

Speaking at a panel session titled “Driving Cross-Continental Investments: Scaling Africa’s Energy Frontier” at the 8th NIES, Philip Mshelbila, NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the growing concerns over gas infrastructure security. He noted that while improvements

have been recorded in securing oil assets, that gas infrastructure remains vulnerable, and without adequate protection which will lead to underperformance in the industry. Mshelbila stated that NLNG was focused on boosting both domestic and regional energy access, adding that the company was making smaller-scale investments to retain more gas for local consumption.

He noted that a major step in this direction was NLNG’s decision to domesticate 100 per cent of its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply for the Nigerian market. Beyond the domestic market, Mshelbila remarked that the company was also working towards enhancing regional energy security. He revealed that, as part of the Train 7 project, the company was constructing a third jetty to support small-scale vessels in supplying gas across Africa’s coastal markets.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called for a robust and strategic policy framework to unlock Africa's vast gas resources and ensure energy security, economic diversification, and sustainable industrialization.

Tuggar: Harnessing Diaspora Strengths can Propel Nigeria’s Effective Economic Growth

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has said that with the effective harnessing of the strengths of Nigerians in Diaspora, the country can be propelled to economic growth, social development, and international standing.

Speaking on Thursday at the Diaspora Study Stakeholders Engagement Workshop organised by the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) in collaboration with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NISER), the Minister, represented by the Director Economic, Trade and Investment in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, said: “Nigeria boasts one of the most dynamic and influential diaspora populations in the world.

“Across continents, Nigerians in the diaspora have made remarkable contributions to various sectors, including academia, medicine, technology, entrepreneurship, and diplomacy.

“Their remittances, expertise, and global networks serve as strategic assets that, when effectively harnessed, can propel Nigeria’s economic growth, social development, and international standing.”

He added that: “This workshop provides a platform to engage relevant stakeholders in the proposed diaspora study, ensuring its design and implementation align with national objectives and global best practices.

“It is imperative that we leverage the insights and inputs of key players, including government agencies, businesses, and scholars, to develop a study that informs policies aimed at maximizing diaspora contributions.

“The success of this study will not only enhance diaspora engagement but also reinforce Nigeria’s position as a nation that values and integrates its global citizens in national development.”

On her part, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike DabiriErewa, said: “Nigeria is blessed to have one of the world's most

resourceful and active diaspora groups, with professionals flourishing in a variety of fields across continents.

“One untapped resource that could greatly aid Nigeria's economic and social change is the abundance of networks, expertise, and knowledge they hold.”

She added: “In order to effectively engage and utilise the enormous potential of our diaspora population, this study aims to give us a thorough grasp of how to do so.

“It is about developing evidencebased policies and initiatives that will lead to significant contributions to the development of the country, not just gathering data.”

She further noted: “Some of the policy measures to harness Diaspora contribution for national development include creating investment opportunities, establishing diaspora-specific investment funds, facilitating knowledge transfer through mentorship and training programs, enabling easier access to markets and networks in their home country and many more.

“By implementing these measures

effectively, we can leverage the skills, resources, and networks of our diaspora communities for sustainable national development.”

Dabiri-Erewa stated: “This workshop is a platform to exchange ideas, dig into think-tanks of knowledge, refine strategies, and ensure that the study’s design and implementation are robust and inclusive.

“Your insights, experiences, and recommendations will be invaluable in ensuring that this research leads to actionable policies that truly make an impact.”

The Director General of Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Antonia Simbine, said Nigeria’s diaspora community is one of the largest and most influential in the world, with over 17 million Nigerians residing abroad.

Simbine noted: “Our diaspora population is distinguished by its high level of professional expertise, spanning fields such as medicine, information technology, engineering, education, finance, and entrepreneurship.

Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Kola Adeleke; Founder, Design Week, and the Design, Innovation and Inventors Hub of Nigeria, Titi Ogufere; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; CEO, Out of Africa Lifestyle Ltd, Dr. Kaine Dosekun; and Former Cross River State First Lady, Onari Duke, at the ongoing 2025 Design and Innovation week holding at Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos, yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

WEMA BANK AND SMEDAN MOU SIGNING CEREMONY...

Company

ceremony on training and empowerment programs for Nigerian businesses, held at the Wema Bank Headquarters in Lagos, yesterday

the Wema Bank and

AbdulRazaq Distributes 73,364 Free Textbooks, Sports Kits, Others to Kwara Public School Pupils

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, yesterday, distributed 73,364 textbooks, sports kits, and other

instructional materials worth several millions of naira to public school pupils in the state. The textbooks distributed were for English, Mathematics, computer

Anambra Local Govt Workers Form Coalition to Drive Soludo's Second Term Agenda

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Workers in the local government sector of Anambra State under the aegis of Local Government Service Commission have formed a coalition to drive the second term agenda of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

The workers who assembled in Awka, yesterday, for inauguration of the coalition - Solution Vanguard - said the group was formed to help them participate fully in politics, as their well-being depends largely on who succeeds the current governor.

Chairman of Anambra Local Government Service Commission and convener of Solution Vanguard, Mr. Vin Ezeaka, who addressed the local government workers during the inauguration of the group said even though civil servants are excluded from politics, the workers seek to participate in choosing who becomes the next governor of the state as such decision affect their lives too.

Ezeaka said: "This group (Solution Vanguard) is formed by workers in the local government sector themselves. Some of them came to me and said they are happy with the leadership of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as governor,

and they will like to champion his return for a second term.

"They told me they like the infrastructural revolution of the governor, his packages for the workers which include prompt payment of salaries, increment, pension and gratuity without waste of time.

“They said if they miss the opportunity of having Soludo reelected, they may not know who the next governor will be, and that may affect their lives.

"After listening to them, as the chairman of Local Government Service Commission, I decided that even though people believe that civil servants are apolitical, these people are right about what they have said, and that was how we birthed Solution Vanguard.

"As workers who have tasted the good works of Soludo, these people you see here have said that even if Soludo refuses to re-contest, they will hold an open demonstration to urge him to contest.

"We are here to inaugurate this group and we urge you to go and do what you have been yearning for; which is to mobilize for Soludo's second term. We believe that people will listen to you as civil servants more than party men and women."

studies, and other core subjects.

Equally distributed included 100 pieces of special education materials; 260 sets of Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE) plastic chairs and tables; 3,931 sports equipment; 344 sets of agricultural tools; and 78 pieces of tablets (Maga Tab X).

At flag-off of the distribution in Ilorin on Thursday, the governor said the programme was another in the series of interventions by the administration, which reflected its priority and commitment to basic education in the state.

AbdulRazaq said, “It is the administration's belief that the

menace of out-of-school children will be a thing of the past, because of its high sensitivity and commitment to education development in the state.”

Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa'adatu Modibbo Kawu, AbdulRazaq said the free distribution of textbooks was basically to lessen the burden on parents amid the high cost of instructional materials in the markets. He cited the regular recruitments of teachers and their promotion as and when due, as well as upgrading of school infrastructures, among other interventions of the administration to turn around the sector.

The governor praised the officials of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and other key stakeholders for their regular support and commitment to the project.

Chairman, Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. Muhammed Salihu, described the event as another historic moment in the development of basic education in the state.

Salihu commended the governor for consistently investing in the sector.

“With this and many other developmental projects, it is obvious that the state has moved from the ugly past of yesteryears, and a lot

of gaps have been filled in several sectors,” Salihu said. Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Sheu Adaramaja, commended AbdulRazaq for the unwavering commitment of the administration to improving basic education in the state. Adaramaja said the materials will help in the provision of quality education and promotion of holistic development in the school system. “These materials will undoubtedly enhance the standard of education and sports activities in our basic schools, bringing relief to parents and pupils/students across the state,” he said.

NEPL/Seplat Empowers 327 Teacher, 15 Inspectors of Education in Edo, Delta

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The NEPL/Seplat on Thursday, empowered 327 teachers and Chief Inspectors of Education in its host Communities of Delta and Edo State, saying it was part of its unwavering commitment to upskilling educators and enhancing the quality of education.

Speaking at Seplat JV Education Summit and STEP Graduation Ceremony themed: "Transforming the Education Workforce, A Critical Success Factor for Nation Building", in Benin City, Seplat Energy Director of Public Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe, emphasised the importance of capacity building for teachers

and education leaders.

She said: “We recognise that teachers are the cornerstone of a thriving education system. Through initiatives like STEP, we are equipping educators with the necessary tools, skills, and innovative teaching methodologies to foster a more engaging and impactful learning environment.

“Our commitment to teacher empowerment extends beyond training; it is about creating a ripple effect that transforms classrooms.

To date, the Seplat JV has trained 1,334 teachers across our host states, integrating STEAM education and technology-driven learning approaches that have directly impacted over 100,000 students annually.”

31 Bag First Class as OAUSTECH Holds 3rd Convocation

The Vice Chancellor of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) Okitipupa, Prof. Temi Emmanuel Ologunorisa is the Vice-Chancellor on Thursday said a total of 31 students of the institution would be graduating with First Class honours as the institution holds its 3rd convocation ceremony.

Prof. Ologunorisa who disclosed this at a press briefing held at the institution to herald the ceremony said the first-class graduands are among the 995 graduating students who would be conferred with first degrees from various faculties of the school on March 4, 2025.

His words: "We have a total of

995 graduands out of which we have 31first class and 367 in the second class (Upper Division) and we have 495 second class (Lower Division). We also have 102 in the category of third class.”

Giving a breakdown of the graduands, Prof. Ologunorisa said a total of 234 graduands are from the School of Agric and Agricultural Technology, the school of Art Sciences has 80, School of Engineering has 195 while the School of Science has 544.

However, Ologunorisa appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to upgrade the General Teaching Hospital in Igbokoda to a Teaching Hospital to assist the school in its medical programmes.

He specifically said that Ondo Southern Senatorial District is the

most disadvantaged in terms of medical education in the state, and needs to be addressed by the current dispensation led by Aiyedatiwa who is from the region.

His words: "We will also be making an appeal to the state government to upgrade the General Hospital in Igbokoda to a Teaching Hospital. The Ondo South Senatorial District has historically been the most underserved in terms of medical education.

“While Ondo North has the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owo and Ondo Central has the Federal University of Technology, FUTA’s medical Programme, which the state has upgraded the Teaching Hospital in Akure and the Specialist Hospital in Ondo for such purpose.

"However, the Ondo South region remains underserved. Now is the best time for the government to upgrade at least one of the existing hospitals to a full-fledged teaching hospital.

“Our research indicates that this region is the most disadvantaged in terms of medical education in the state, and this needs to be addressed."

He noted that his administration is on a rescue mission because he met almost a collapsed university.

He observed: "We've rebuilt OAUSTECH. I met a university where staff were owned over N300million, students weren't paying school fees (over a N100m), students results’ for over three years weren't released.

Stressing the importance of continuous development of teachers, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, of the ministry, Mrs. Agatha Ogefere, stated: “The theme of this year's summit, 'Transforming the Education Workforce,' is timely and critical, adding that teachers are the foundation of any education system, and their continuous development is essential for national progress.

"The STEP programme has demonstrated its impact by equipping educators with modern teaching techniques that align with global best practices. I commend Seplat JV for its visionary leadership in education reform and congratulate the latest cohort of trained teachers who are now better equipped to implement Nigeria’s evolving curriculum.”

Also speaking at the event, Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu, remarked, “This summit is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change in our education system. The strength of any education system is determined by the quality, capacity, and dedication of its workforce.

“Transforming the education workforce is a necessity. Today, as we recognize outstanding educators and institutions through this program, we reaffirm our belief that excellence in education is worth celebrating.

“To all the teachers, your contributions are invaluable, and your dedication strengthens our collective resolve to build a brighter future through education.”

Also speaking, the Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, represented

by the Deputy Director, Secondary Education in the ministry, Mrs. Justina Ishaka, expressed appreciation for Joint Venture contributions:

According to her, “This annual event underscores Seplat's unwavering dedication to educational advancement. The Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) has played a pivotal role in reshaping the secondary education landscape in Edo and Delta States.

“It is remarkable to note that over 600 teachers in Delta State have benefited from STEP since its inception in 2020, including 171 teachers in this current cohort.

“The program has significantly bridged the knowledge gap in STEM education, leading to improvements in teaching quality and learning outcomes.”

Speaking on the tangible impact of the STEP initiative, Susan Bassey, a representative from the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), added that, “The success of the STEP program is evident in the testimonies of past participants who have not only enhanced their teaching skills but also leveraged their training in broader capacities.

“Our commitment to this initiative remains steadfast because we have seen firsthand the transformative impact it has on grassroots education. We are proud to sustain this partnership and further expand its reach.”

Professor Yinka Omorogbe (SAN), who delivered the keynote address, provided an in-depth analysis of the summit theme, underscoring the urgent need to rethink education workforce policies to drive national development.

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Fidelis David in Akure

L-R:

Secretary, Wema Bank PLC, Johnson Lebile; Divisional Head, Retail and SME, Wema Bank PLC, Ayodele Olojede; MD/CEO, Wema Bank PLC, Moruf Oseni; Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii; and Deputy Managing Director, Wema Bank PLC, Oluwole Ajimisinmi, at

SMEDAN MoU signing

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

GTCO WASTE FOR GAS INITIATIVE EVENT...

L-R: The Olu of Owode-Egba, HRM Oba Kolawole Aremu Sowemimo; Director, Administration and Supply, Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Mr. Odeyinka Temitayo; Chairman, Obafemi Owode Local Council, Hon. Ogunsola Adesina; Beneficiary of the GTCO Waste for Gas Initiative, Madam Risikat Ayoka; and Chief Communication Officer, GTCO Plc, Mrs. Oyinade Adegite, at the GTCO Waste for Gas Initiative event, where gas cylinders were donated to residents at the Obafemi Owode Secretariat, Owode-Egba, Ogun State… recently

I'm Ready to Open Up on Akpabio’s Leadership, Kogi Senator, Natasha, Asserts

Northern youths petition

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha AkpotiUduaghan, yesterday, vowed to break her silence on the leadership of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Her decision, however, followed allegations of corruption and misconduct levelled against her by a youth group from the northern part of the country.

The senator had an encounter

senate panel, accuse her of corruption

with the Senate President last Thursday over the relocation of her seat within the chamber, which she insisted was done in bad fate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan later took to her Instagram handle and

demanded an open hearing on the matter.

She expressed her willingness to speak openly on the issues surrounding her activities and actions within the chamber since her inauguration.

Abaribe: Gen. Gowon Must Write His Own Memoir Like IBB to Fill Some Blank Spaces

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has challenged former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon to follow suit and write his own book.

This followed the memoir by former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, which has continued to generate controversy.

Abaribe threw the challenge yesterday during a media interaction at Aba as part of activities marking his 70th birthday coming up on Saturday.

"It is very salutary that those in charge of affairs will one day tell their stories," he said, adding: "We're still waiting for that book

from Gowon," who led Nigeria to wage war against Biafra.

Abaribe, who represents Abia South senatorial district, said it has become necessary for Gowon, who led Nigeria for nine years through its turbulent period to avail the nation his own perspective of all that transpired when he was in charge.

According to him, "We are in a period where we need national catharsis or exhaling in order to build a stronger united nation, where justice and fairness prevail.”

Speaking on Babangida's book from which some startling revelations tumbled out, Abaribe noted that Babangida has affirmed the known truth that Nigeria's first

Mahmoud: APC Determined to Win FCT

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC), was more focused and determined to win the FCT six area councils in the forthcoming area council elections and the general election.

She said this yesterday at a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC in the FCT, stressing that party members had identified the problems and were ready to confront the challenges head-on.

Mahmoud also warned that selfish interest of some identified individuals should not be allowed to override the collective interest of the party.

"I can see that APC in FCT is taking shape and becoming more focused on the way forward. We have identified where our problems lie, and we are more united to overcome them.

“The result of our unity will manifest more in the area council elections and the general election come 2027," Mahmoud said.

The minister affirmed that the creation of Youth and Women Secretariat by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a deliberate and strategic attempt to carry the youth and women along in the FCT.

She described the large crowd of party faithful as a testament to the unwavering commitment to the growth, unity, and success of APC and the progress of FCT and the nation.

FCT Chairman of the APC, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman, commended the stakeholders for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the party remained united.

"I have said it before that the dedication of all members has continued to solidify APC’s position as the ruling party and the preferred choice of the people,” he said.

military coup was not an Igbo coup as hitherto propagated.

He pointed out that the long held narrative of Igbo coup even with abundant evidence to the contrary was invented and propagated by Igbo haters in order to satisfy their unfounded fear and regard of Ndigbo as threat.

"Throughout the history of Nigeria, they will always use the Igbo head to break the coconut if anything happens," he said.

He also stated that IBB was not telling the whole truth on his role in the annulment of June 12,

1992 presidential poll, saying the self-styled military president "can't tell us he was commander-in-chief and somebody was pulling the strings."

Reflecting on his 70 years on earth, Abaribe said he has seen Nigeria transform from a medieval society to its current appreciable level of development.

He, however, regretted that the nation was still struggling in its developmental strides, saying, "When we were growing up, we expected that Nigeria would be better, but it seems we're regressing."

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Diaspora and Non-governmental organisations was reacting to a petition filed by the Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence (NOYAD) to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions shared on her Instagram page.

The petition accused the AkpotiUduaghan of corruption, abuse of power, and victimisation of staff within the Senate Committee on Local Content, which she chaired.

The document also alleged that she engaged in financial misappropriation and blackmail against oil and gas industry stakeholders.

The petition against AkpotiUduaghan detailed several allegations, including the misappropriation of committee funds, intimidation of staff, and extortion of oil and gas companies.

It claimed that she sidelined Edith Ajah, the Clerk of the Senate Committee on Local Content, and allegedly diverted funds meant for committee activities.

Additionally, the document alleged that she coerced oil and gas companies to provide cash

donations and other favours under the guise of facilitating committee work.

The petition also accused her of orchestrating a hostile work environment for Senate staff, leading to internal grievances. In her response, the Senator called for a live, transparent investigation session and invited Nigerians to witness the proceedings.

“This petition came to my notice a few hours ago. In as much as I have refrained from publicly speaking on the matter and a lot of occurrences at the Senate under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, it’s about time I broke my silence,” she stated. She further called on Arise News to set up an interview date from Friday, February 28, 2025, promising to appear in person and answer all questions.

“To Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe, which I shall insist would be covered live. The next few days and weeks shall be interesting but will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership,” she stated.

UK Prime Minister: Kemi Badenoch Seeking Relevance, Has Appointed Herself Saviour of Western Civilisation

Addeh

UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has attacked Conservative Leader, Kemi Badenoch, accusing her of seeking relevance and posing as the saviour of Western civilisation.

Badenoch, a British-Nigerian citizen has recently subjected the West African country to severe invectives at every opportunity, a development that recently prompted Vice President, Kashim Shettima to push back on the harsh narratives.

Badenoch had challenged Starmer over the hike in defence spending, after the PM said the rise amounted to £13.4 billion, BBC reported.

The PM announced the UK will reallocate aid funds to boost military spending to 2.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2027, following President Donald Trump's demand that all European allies increase their defence contributions.

Badenoch questioned Keir over the

exact amount, which Defence Secretary John Healey said could be calculated as £6 billion when inflation was taken into account, and whether the Chagos deal would be funded from it.

At Prime Minister's Questions, Badenoch asked whether any of the new funding would be going towards the multi-billion pound Chagos deal twice.

"She has appointed herself, I think saviour of the western civilisation in a desperate search for relevance," the UK Prime Minister added.

Badenoch focused her questions to the prime minister on which figure for the defence rise - his initial £13.4 billion or £6 billion, which Healey said was the increase "in real terms" - was correct.

Keir responded: "If you take the numbers for this financial year and then the numbers for the financial year 2027-28, that's a £13.4bn increase. "That's the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold

War which will put us in a position to ensure the security and defence of our country and of Europe."

Badenoch pressed him again, saying: "The IFS said today that the government is playing silly games with numbers. How does he find this difference in numbers?"

Repeating himself, the PM then said they had already been "going through the same question over and over again" at previous PMQs and said "if you ask again I'll give the same answer again", to loud cheers from his backbenchers.

Objecting, Badenoch pointed out that "being patronising is not the same as answering the question".

When Badenoch suggested Sir Keir had listened to her advice on using international aid money for defence, he said: "I'm going to have to let the leader of the opposition down gently... She didn't feature in my thinking at all. I was so busy over the weekend I didn't even see her proposal.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the prime minister to back the idea of a European rearmament bank "so that we can finance a big increase in manufacturing capacity without the need to cut Britain's vital soft power".

The prime minister replied that there was "an ongoing discussion" with allies about future funding and he would share details with MPs "as it evolves".

Video caption,'Taking in inflation, it would be something over £6bn': Healey on the defence increase

Earlier, a former defence chief of staff said he believed the decision to hike UK defence spending has been "accelerated" by President Donald Trump's actions on Ukraine. General Sir David Richards said the decision to raise defence spending over the next two years was a sound strategic move, but one that "almost certainly would not" be happening if not for Trump.

Emmanuel

in Abuja

GLOBACOM-SPONSORED 2025 INTERNATIONAL SUBMARINE CABLE RESILIENCE SUMMIT...

LCCI: Service Sector-induced GDP Growth Unreliable

Despite the positive growth trajectory that was recorded in Nigeria's 4th quarter 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has warned that disproportionate reliance on the services sector while contributions from agriculture and manufacturing sectors are declining is a matter of critical concern for productivity and stability of the Nigerian economy.

The chamber expressed this view yesterday in a public statement titled: “Nigeria’s Economy Grows by 3.40% in 2024: LCCI Calls for Sustained Reforms,” and signed by the Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona.

“While the GDP growth figures indicate a positive trajectory, they raise critical concerns regarding real productivity and economic stability. The disproportionate reliance on the services sector, with declining contributions from agriculture and manufacturing poses sustainability risks.

“Economic growth driven largely by trade and finance must be complemented by robust industrial and agricultural expansion to create quality jobs, enhance value addition, and ensure food security,” she said.

She pointed out that the Q4 2024 GDP growth was primarily driven by the services sector, which accounted for 57.38 per cent of the economy, reflecting its increasing role in job creation and economic activity.

“The agriculture sector contributed 25.59 per cent while industry accounted for 17.03 per cent. Notably, the petroleum refining sector

FG

The federal government has commenced training for successful applicants into its one-year National Health Fellows Programme designed to drive meaningful change with innovation in health sector.

Addressing the National Health Fellows selected the 774 local governments areas of Nigeria, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, charged them to regard the programme as a gift and opportunity presented to them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A statement signed by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, quoted the minister as having admonished the National Health Fellows to view their training as an opportunity to learn and develop leadership traits

recorded a remarkable recovery, growing by 9.6 per cent, likely due to the commencement of refining operations at the Dangote Refinery and improved output from the NNPC refineries.

“However, the manufacturing sector’s contribution declined to 8.07 per cent from 8.23 per cent in Q4, 2023, highlighting persistent structural constraints,” the LCCI said.

It added that the latest GDP, which indicated an overall growth of 3.40 per cent in 2024, with a Q4 growth rate of 3.84 per cent marked a notable acceleration from the 2.74 per cent recorded in 2023, demonstrating economic resilience despite prevailing macroeconomic and structural challenges.

According to the organisation, the GDP performance underscored the continued dominance of the non-oil sector, which contributed 94.49 per cent to total GDP while the oil sector accounted for 5.51 per cent.

“While the Q4’24 GDP report signals progress, sustaining and accelerating growth will require bold and strategic policy interventions. The government’s commitment to economic diversification, fiscal discipline, and business-friendly policies will be key to achieving the ambitious goal of a $1 trillion economy,” Almona said.

The LCCI noted that despite improvements in oil production, which averaged 1.54 million barrels per day in Q4 2024, the sector’s contribution to GDP remained limited as oil sector volatility continued to expose the economy to external shocks, which underscored the urgency of diversifying the revenue base.

It said that Nigeria must address structural bottlenecks that hinder productivity across key sectors in order to achieve a sustainable and inclusive growth trajectory.

The LCCI, therefore, called for the development of a comprehensive industrialisation strategy to boost local manufacturing capacity.

It also urged the federal government to prioritise implementation of policies that incentivise domestic production, enhance the ease of doing business and facilitate access to finance for Small and Medium

Enterprises (SMEs).

The chamber argued that increased investment in mechanisation, irrigation, and improved seed varieties are essential, given the agricultural sector’s critical role in employment and food security.

It said: “Policies to enhance rural infrastructure, market access, and value chain development should be pursued aggressively.

“Addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, particularly in power, roads, and ports, is crucial to reducing production costs and

enhancing competitiveness. PublicPrivate Partnerships (PPPs) should be expanded to bridge financing gaps in critical infrastructure projects.”

It also said that the proposed tax reforms should be well communicated and with a definite implementation strategy to support economic expansion without overburdening businesses.

LCCI said: “We need a transparent and equitable tax regime that promotes investment and encourages compliance. Ensuring exchange rate stability is vital for

investor confidence and economic planning. Therefore, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should continue to adopt policies that facilitate liquidity, stabilise the Naira and encourage capital inflows.

“Addressing insecurity, particularly in agrarian regions, is critical for sustained growth. The government should intensify efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping, and other threats that deter investments in agriculture and industry including the constitutional amendment to enable multi-level policing.”

NAF Admits Attacking, Injuring Villagers in Kaduna Community, Orders Probe

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that an incident involving its personnel and some civilians on February 26, 2025, at Unguwan Gangare, Barakallahu, Kaduna State, injuring armless villagers in the process.

A viral report alleged that residents of Barikallahu, a community near the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna State, were gripped with fear after Nigerian Air Force personnel stormed the area, killing one person and injuring two others on Wednesday night.

The report further revealed that the incident, which occurred around 10pm, was captured in multiple videos.

The footage, the report added,

"Showed a vehicle painted in military camouflage colour which bore the NAF logo arriving in the community. The Armed men were said to be numbering five aside from the driver."

Responding to the incidents, Director Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, said, "The unfortunate incident resulted in

injuries to some individuals, who are currently receiving medical care at the 461 NAF Hospital.

"Additionally, we deeply regret the loss of a life and have reached out to the family of the deceased to express our condolences and assure them of a thorough investigation and justice.

of honesty courage and resilience

"So, the President is giving you this as an opportunity. So, what do you do with an opportunity? You seize it. Build yourself. Learn. You have coaches, mentors who guide you. Particularly mentors in primary health care. Participate in the synchronous planning. Think deeply about your interest", he stated.

Speaking further, Prof Pate explained that the National Health Fellows programme underscored the commitment of the federal government to invest in and boost human capital development, aligning with the renewed hope agenda of health reforms initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"To this end, he admonished the National Health Fellows to view their training as an opportunity to learn and develop leadership traits of honesty courage and resilience as

well as, for mentorship for a greater and prosperous Nigeria.

Speaking after inspecting the various training centres in Abuja, Prof. Pate said: "These are future leaders of the health sector who will accelerate the pace of health sector reforms, improve accountability, but also get the opportunity to be coached and mentored.

"So, they are contributing to actualizing the vision of the president for a prosperous country that is also healthy.

"We are pleased to see all of them, very qualified, merit-based selection with a huge representation of women, men from each local governments of this country.

“We have about 359,000 of them who applied, who were not successful, but will be encouraged to participate in what we call the Associate Health Fellows".

The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr, Mohammed Shehu, yesterday directed states executive and legislature, and Local Government Councils to adhere to the provision of the law in the implementation of the remuneration package for political, public and judicial office holders in the country.

He said the disregard of the commission's determined remuneration package for elected councilors at the local government level had remained a point of concern.

Shehu spoke at the opening of a one-day workshop on the role of the state executive/legislature in implementing the recommendations of RMAFC with respect to remuneration packages for political, public and judicial office holders in Nigeria, in Abuja.

He noted that Local Government Legislative Councils constitute the legislative arm of the third tier, adding that unlike appointed councillors that forms the Executive Council, whose remuneration is to be prescribed by the State House of Assembly based on the recommendations of the Commission, the remuneration of the Legislative arm remains within the realms of the RMAFC constitutional powers. He said, “Accordingly, respect for the remuneration package at all levels

"The NAF remains a highly disciplined and professional force committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct in all engagements."

Akinboyewa, however, assured the people that a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident was already underway. He said any personnel found culpable would face the full weight of the law in line with NAF's commitment to justice and accountability.

RMAFC Directs States, Local Councils to Adhere to Law in Implementation of Remuneration Package for Politicians, Others

of government will go a long way in ensuring good governance and reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria.” He said, “Let me use this medium to emphasize the provision of Section 124 (1) & (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) because of its importance on the expected role of the States Houses of Assembly.

“Section 124(1) provides that ‘There shall be paid to the holders of the offices mentioned in this section such remuneration and salaries as may be prescribed by a House of Assembly, but not exceeding the amount as shall have been determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission’.

“Section 124(4) provides that ‘The offices aforesaid are the offices of the Governor; Deputy Governor, AuditorGeneral for a State and the Chairman and members of the following bodies, that is to say, the State Civil Service Commission, the State Independent Electoral Commission and the State Judicial Service Commission’.

“In this respect, this section categorically empowers the State Assembly to deliberate and pass the reviewed remuneration package from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission's recommendations into law in their respective States.”

Shehu further explained that the commission produced the maiden Remuneration Packages for Political,

Public and Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria in the year 2000, adding that the reports were passed into Law by the National Assembly under the title "Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act, 2002". He said a review of the reports was made in 2007 and passed into Law as "Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Amendment Act, 2008". Efforts were made by the Commission in 2015, 2019 and April, 2023 to review the Reports but were not successful.

However, in October, 2023, the commission reviewed the remuneration of judicial office holders. After due legislative process, the National Assembly passed the Bill on the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc.). According to him, President Bola Tinubu, in August, 2024, assented to the Bill and is now referred to as Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc.) Act, 2024 - in keeping to his promise for a sound and independent Judiciary for the country.

Shehu said the commission had observed lapses in the implementation of the remuneration reports at the state and local government levels as contained in the report of a Pilot Monitoring Exercise it carried out in 2019.

Dike Onwuamaeze

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

James Emejo in Abuja

Linus Aleke in Abuja

L-R: Ehis Emokhare of Globacom; Juan Manuel Fernandez of International Telecommunication Union (ITU); Tomas Lamanaoskas, Deputy Secretary General, ITU; Nitin Sanghai, Head of Glo1; Sadhvi Saran, Strategy Adviser, ITU, and Andres Figoli - ITU Consultant, at the Globacom-sponsored 2025 International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja, organised by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the ITU in Abuja, yesterday

ORIENTATION AND INDUCTION OF NEWLY APPOINTED LIFE BENCHERS...

Murdered Lawmaker: Onitsha Community Demands Justice, Asks IG to Take Over Investigation

The Onitsha Indigenous Community has demanded transparency, accountability, and swift justice, over the murder of the lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka.

In a statement issued yesterday, the community raised several critical questions about the investigation and the actions of the authorities, including the timeline of Azuka’s death, the routine freezing of bank accounts of kidnap victims, and the circumstances surrounding the escape of the suspects.

Meanwhile, the group which called on the Inspector General

(IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to take over the investigation of the case, also requested the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to restore confidence in its new security strategy by making good the affirmation of the Information Commissioner that justice is served speedily.

According to, Chief Osita Anionwu, who signed the statement, the community took the decision during an open town hall meeting held on Thursday to address the recent developments surrounding the tragic murder of the lawmaker.

Anionwu observed that the meeting which was presided over by His Majesty, Nnaemeka A. Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, was attended by several

hundred indigenes and followed electronically by many in the diaspora.

"They are also urging the Government of Anambra State to restore confidence in its security strategy and ensure that justice is served speedily. Additionally, the community is reviewing its security system for greater effectiveness in collaboration with the security agencies and the State Government", he said.

The late Azuka was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, and despite assurances from law enforcement agencies and the state government, his decaying body was found on February 6, 2025.

"The community expressed deep disappointment over the handling of the case, particularly the conflicting

statements from the state government and the Police regarding the withdrawal of N100 million from Hon. Azuka’s bank account and the escape of two suspects from police custody", he added, just as he emphasized the community's commitment to seeking justice and improving security for all citizens.

Meanwhile, in the letter to the IG and Governor Soludo, the community stated that despite assurances from the police and the government of getting to the root of the murder, there have been some changes with that does not add up.

"At the funeral service for Hon. Azuka on February 15, Mr. Governor categorically declared that no money had been withdrawn from Hon.

Oyedele: We Won't Introduce Inheritance Law in Tax Reform Bills, Investors Not Exiting Free Zones

James Emejo and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, yesterday assured that the controversial inheritance tax, which has continued to generate debate across the country, would be expunged in the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.

The Sharia council, Kano State government and other stakeholders Wednesday kicked vehemently against the inclusion of the disputed law in the tax reform bills.

However, Oyedele while speak-

ing at the ongoing public hearing on the tax reform bills organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance explained that it was Section 4(3) that was being misinterpreted as inheritance law.

This came as a renowned tax and customs expert, Okey Ibeke, cautioned that the tax reform bills have the potential to undermine the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) specialised operations, which remained crucial for the country’s revenue drive. He stressed that NCS’ duties which are highly technical and extend far beyond revenue col-

lection could be eroded unless relevant concerns relating to the bills are addressed.

Ibeke’s remarks came against the backdrop of a public hearing on tax reform bills organised by the House of Representatives Special Committee on Tax Reform Bills.

Nonetheless, Oyedele said, “The Section of the law that is being interpreted as introducing inheritance tax is Section 4(3) of the Nigerian tax bill. Now this section is talking about family income.

“If as an individual, you own a property and you rent it out, you pay tax on your rent. But a family

can also own a house and rent it out. Should they not pay tax? If we say they should not pay tax, I guarantee you, all the houses in Nigeria will turn to family houses, and nobody will pay the tax.

“Income is different from inheritance. Inheritance is to do with assets, wealth, and cash. In accounting, when you say income, income is external to the family. It comes in from the outside. So this provision is not even new.

It has been in our tax laws since independence.”

He said, “As we speak today, this provision is in the Personal Income Tax Act, Section 2, Sub-section 5.

WITH SECURITY ESCORTS, OBASA STORMS HOUSE, DECLARES SELF SPEAKER 45 DAYS AFTER REMOVAL

Onafeko said with court's order reinstating him as clerk of the House, the court has tamed the illegality and the legislative rascality.

"By implication, the court has ordered that I resume my duties as the Clerk of the House pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction already filed in the suit. The said order has been duly served on the concerned parties.

"This is victory for the rule of law and ethos of a civil society. The Court is indeed the last hope of the common man including the oppressed," he said.

As the crisis in the Lagos assembly lasted, members of the Lagos state House of Assembly have unanimously rejected the return of Obasa.

The other lawmakers, who spoke to journalists at the Lagos Assembly Complex, frowned at the decision to return the ex-speaker without prior notice. They rejected the former Speaker and sought the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders’ intervention, saying there must be clear direction

and directive on the issue.

Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency, who spoke on behalf of other lawmakers, said the lawmakers were shocked at the development.

He, however, said members remained calm in te face of the unfolding charade.

“This is Lagos. We are approached by our leaders that we should remain calm and take things easy until they approach," he said.

Lagos CP Returns Three Out of Meranda’s Nine Aides, Says Withdrawal Part of Audit

The Lagos CP, Moshood Jimoh, has said contrary to allegations that the command had withdrawn Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s aides because they took sides in the ongoing battle of supremacy, they were immediately reinstated and reassigned to her after verifying their deployment.

Jimoh, however, was clever by half as he did not state that he only returned three out of her nine aides,

while Obasa was accorded the full complement of his security.

Jimoh, who struggled to distance the command from the break-in at the speaker’s office, said Obasa had applied for police protection due to threats against his life and family.

“His request was approved strictly for security reasons but the Lagos State Police Command is not aware of how or when the office of the Speaker was broken into.

“Our responsibility is to provide security coverage for the House of Assembly, not to be involved in any internal political matters,” he clarified.

He said following the recent tensions at the Assembly complex, the police have reinforced security with additional deployments.

“We have deployed more personnel, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Units, Special Protection Units, Bomb Squads, and conventional police teams. Armoured Personnel Carriers and patrol units have also been stationed to prevent any disturbances,” he disclosed.

Jimoh reaffirmed the neutrality

of the Lagos State Police Command and assured residents that security had been restored at the Assembly.

“The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to maintaining law and order. We urge everyone to go about their lawful duties peacefully. Our officers will continue to act in the best interest of public safety and will not be drawn into political conflicts,” he concluded.

Jimoh stated that the audit, which has been ongoing for several days, was a routine procedure aimed at ensuring that all police personnel were properly accounted for, including their firearms and other crime-fighting equipment.

He emphasised that the process was not limited to Lagos State alone, as similar reviews were being conducted across all police commands in the country.

Atiku: It’s Betrayal of Democracy, Throwback to Military Dictatorship

Former Vice-President Atiku

Azuka's bank account because the Government had blocked the account immediately his abduction became known. Mr. Governor thus contradicted the Police, which has not altered its stance.

"Then, on February 19, news broke out that two of the suspects had escaped from Police custody on February 8, during an operation in Obosi.

The above developments raised a few basic questions in the minds of the Onitsha community, as follows: If Hon. Azuka was murdered on December 26,2024, his remains would have been far more decomposed than it was found on February 6, 2025", the community observed.

Besides, they queried if it is routine for the state government to freeze the bank accounts of kidnap victims, or was this a peculiar case?

"Why did the Police command withhold the information about the escape of the suspects for eleven days before disclosing it on February 19?

Murder suspects would normally be handcuffed during an outside operation. It would have thus been impossible for them to elude their Police guards in handcuff. What went wrong?

"Did Hon. Azuka have to die before the "swift and decisive actions" of the police officers that earned glowing accolades from the State Government and the Commissioner of Police? They had forty-four days to save his life!

"These and the questions in our press statement of February 10, 2025 are agitating the minds of Ndi Onicha and Nigerians as to the efficacy of the Anambra State security strategy, which the Police is probably the most vital part of.

Abubakar, has said the unfolding events in the Lagos State House of Assembly over the past few weeks have exposed the dangerous erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria’s commercial capital

Atiku, in a statement by his media aide, Paul Ibeh said, ''Just days after Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, a founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kaduna State, publicly accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of engaging in selective machine politics, the crisis in the Lagos legislature has provided troubling validation of these claims.''

Atiku said the unceremonious removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa by an overwhelming majority of Assembly members and the historic appointment of Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Mojisola Meranda as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly should have marked a step forward for democracy.

Instead, he noted that, ''What we are witnessing is a calculated attempt to subvert the will of the legislature through backdoor tactics and the deployment of state-backed

"Onitsha community respectfully demands answers and actions from the authorities to address the growing safety and security concerns in Anambra State. We are concerned about the investigation and justice system, and demand to know if the authorities will establish the truth without fear or favour, and with transparency and accountability.

"It is most hurtful that the police are now appealing to the public to trust them again as they work to re-arrest the escaped criminals. But, trust cannot be regained until the Police unravels all the details of the murder of Hon Justice Azuka and bring all involved to book according to the law, and until concrete steps are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

"Given the unsatisfactory manner in which this high-profile case has so far been handled, the Onitsha community resolved to respectfully call on the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the case from the State Command.

"We also resolved to call on the Government of Anambra State to restore confidence in its new security strategy by making good the affirmation of the Information Commissioner of the Government's commitment to ensuring that justice is served speedily. "We further called on the State House of Assembly to ensure that justice is served in this case and always; we all feel endangered! Finally, we resolved to review our community security system for greater effectiveness, working under the frameworks of the security agencies and the state government", the open letter read.

security forces to strong-arm elected representatives.

''Two weeks ago, reports emerged of security operatives storming the House in an attempt to enforce a leadership change that would return Obasa as Speaker. This blatant abuse of power mirrors the dark days of military dictatorship and raises serious questions about the integrity of democratic governance in Lagos State.

''Despite his undisputed influence over Lagos politics, President Bola A. Tinubu has remained conspicuously silent on the matter. His refusal to address the crisis suggests a tacit endorsement of the anti-democratic maneuvers aimed at imposing his preferred candidate against the overwhelming will of Assembly members. This silence is deafening and deeply concerning.

''As Mallam El-Rufai rightly pointed out, Lagos politics has become a battleground between the noble values of Omoluabi - rooted in integrity, fairness, and public service - and the crass, strong-arm tactics of Area Boy politics, where power is retained through coercion

Alex Enumah in Abuja

L-R: Human Rights Activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN); Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and member of the Body of Benchers, Mrs. Victoria Awomolo at the orientation and induction of newly appointed Life Benchers at the Body of Benchers Complex, Abuja ... yesterday

Kogi Boat Mishap: NIWA

Drags Two Operators to Court

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

At least two boat operators, Musa Dangana and Yakubu Dangana, were yesterday arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, over the last November boat mishap on Niger River which claimed no fewer many lives.

The state Police Command, through its National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) wing, arraigned the men.

The operators are facing three-count charges of criminal conspiracy, negligent conduct and “failure to observe general

Ihonbvere

Adibe Emenyonu in benin City

obligation to exercise vigilance contrary to Sections 97(2),196 of Kogi State penal code and Section 7 of Inland Waterways Transportation Regulation.”

The police prosecutor, Gabriel Ogreji, told the court that on December 23, 2024, the NIWA Area Manager, Lokoja, Titus Adoga, reported to the Commandant, the Nigeria Police Force, Inland Waterways Authority, Lokoja, that on November 29, 2024, at about 5.45 a.m., that the operators, who were owner and operator of a wooden boat, loaded it with 60 passengers from Kupa area of Lokoja to Kacha market in

Niger State “without recourse to the weather condition, life jacket in spite of the warnings not to travel without life jacket, and flagrantly failed to observe the general obligation to exercise vigilance.”

The police further told the court that the complainant also alleged that in the process “the boat hit a wood underwater, capsized and as a result 19 out of 60 passengers were drowned and their copses were later recovered.”

The court was further told that police investigation led to the arrest of the duo and their arraignment yesterday.

Calls for Accountability in Leadership Role

The member of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, has called for accountability in all spheres of leadership.

Prof Ihonvbere, who represents Owan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly made the call while delivery the 6th convocation lecture at the Edo University Iyamho, titled: “Equipping The Next Generation For Leadership, Innovation and Service to Humanity.”

Prof Ihonvbere, who is also the House Leader, said that leadership roles comes with responsibilities and therefore urged leaders in the country to be transparent and honest at all times.

“If we wish to discuss how to prepare or equip our next generation for leadership we must admit that not everyone must or should lead. But if we see leadership as the process of empowering individuals with the ability to be perceptive, innovative, creative, patriotic and productive, then everyone must be exposed to leadership training opportunities weather formal or informal,” he emphasised.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as HANNAH OLUSEGUN now wish to be known and addressed as HANNAH OLUSEGUN OLUSOJI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ELEKWA EKEMMA OKO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKEMMA EFE IGHARIEMU. All former documents remain valid, Fidelity bank and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EHIJIENE, NWAyO-LUCKy, now wish to be known and addressed as EHIJENE, NWAyO LUCKy All former documents remain valid. The Nigeria Immigration Service and the general public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as IyASELE GLORIA IzIEGbE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EzOJIE

GLORIA IzIEGbE All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

CORRECTION OF NAME

My correct name is OyERO ADEGbOyEGA But my BVN was captured as OyERO ADEGbOyEGHA Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OyERO ADEGbOyEGA. All former documents remain valid.

STANBIC BANK and the general public should please take note.

According to him, leadership is not just about access to or holding political office; but about conviction, confidence, inspiration, influence and a positive disposition to doing good for man and community. He further declared: “To be a leader, one must display a commitment to transparency, accountability, efficiency, holistic appreciation of history and possibilities and give people hope.

“One must be able to effectively communicate ideas and solutions, mobilise peers and followers in a direction of progress and renewal.

“The person must seek feedback from the people, listen to the yearnings of supporters and foes, mentor the young and encourage people to go beyond established boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Gov Yusuf Sponsors 1,002 Students for International Studies

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Kano State Government has announced plans to sponsor an additional 1,002 students for overseas studies, building on the sponsorship of 1,001 students studying at various Institutions of learning.

The sponsorship was disclosed by the state Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam, during a courtesy visit by the European Union delegation ahead of the 2025 Study in Europe Fair in Kano.

Gwarzo, described the initiative as a “bridge for creating a future where the youths of Kano can access world-class education and participate fully in the global knowledge economy.”

While expressing appreciation to the Europe union for its continued support and collaboration, he also recognized participation in the EU Fair as a testament to the commitment of international partners to the development of Nigeria’s educational system.

Speaking earlier, Gautier

Mignot, the European Union ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, as well as leader of the delegation, stated that they were in Kano primarily for the Study in Europe Fair scheduled for February 27, 2025.

Accompanied by several representatives from EU member states, he noted that the event had been organized in the past in Kano, bringing European higher education institutions to engage with academic scholars and students, providing them with information on study programmes and opportunities in Europe.

According to him, the expectation is to establish new contacts, partnerships, friendships, and student exchanges, with scholars traveling to Europe and, hopefully, some European scholars coming to Kano as well.

He further stated that around 20 university representatives were present in Kano for the event, many of whom were visiting for the first time.

NGX Group, CSCS to Host 2025 IWD Celebration

Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) and Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) will host a special event on Friday, 7 March 2025 in Lagos, to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, with the theme “Accelerate Action for All Women: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

The event is part of the global Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign, in collaboration with UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (SSEI), UN Women, UN Global Compact, World Federation of Exchanges, and International Finance Corporation (IFC). Interested participants can register at https:// ngxgroup.com/iwd2025.

As part of its commitment to gender equality, NGX Group has been at the forefront of driving systemic change within Nigeria’s corporate ecosystem. Through strategic partnerships, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on the Nigeria2Equal Project, NGX Group has championed initiatives to close gender gaps in leadership, employment, and entrepreneurship within the private sector.

By: IslamiCity

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Ramadan is more than just a month of fasting; it is a sacred time of spiritual renewal, deep reflection, and strengthening our connection with Allah. As Allah says in the Quran:

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Quran 2:183)

During this blessed month, Muslims around the world dedicate themselves to acts of worship, increased prayer, charity, and self-discipline. But how can we truly make this Ramadan better than any before? The key lies in preparation, reflection, and taking advantage of the best resources to guide us through the month.

Preparing for Ramadan: Setting the Right Intention

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught us that actions are judged by intentions. As we approach Ramadan, we should begin by making sincere intentions to maximize our ibadah (worship). Start by asking yourself:

• What do I want to achieve this Ramadan?

• How can I strengthen my relationship with Allah?

• What bad habits do I need to let go of?

• Planning ahead will help you stay consistent in your spiritual journey.

Why Reflection Matters in Ramadan

Ramadan is a time to pause and evaluate our spiritual state. It is easy to get caught up in the routine of fasting without truly reflecting on our growth.

Create a Ramadan Vision Board—a resource designed to help both adults and kids reflect on their faith, track their good deeds, and set meaningful goals throughout the month. With spaces to write down daily reflections, duas, and Quranic gems from the Prophet’s (pbuh) last sermon, this vision board serves as a personal roadmap to spiritual success.

Making the Most of Ramadan with Sunnah-Inspired Recipes

Food plays an essential role in our Ramadan experience. What better way to connect with the Sunnah than by incorporating recipes inspired by the Prophet’s (pbuh) diet?

Building a Stronger Muslim Community Ramadan is not just about individual growth; it is about uplifting the entire Ummah.

This Ramadan, be part of something truly impactful— your support can be a Sadaqah Jariyah! Help preserve the Quran, advance AI tools like ChatILM.ai, and provide FREE Qurans to those seeking guidance, bringing countless people closer to Islam.

By: Belal Assaad/IslamiCity

The blessed month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, fasting, prayer, and charity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for his generosity during this time, and the companions of the Prophet used to say that he was the most giving during Ramadan.

This giving is not limited to just financial contributions but extends to every aspect of our lives. Giving in Ramadan can be through actions, time, kindness, service, and worship. Let’s explore the five main activities of worship in Ramadan and how we can embody the giving spirit of this holy month.

1. Extra Prayers: Seeking Closer Connection with Allah

While the five compulsory prayers are a foundation of Islamic worship, Ramadan provides an opportunity to increase our connection with Allah through extra prayers, or sunnahs. The Prophet (PBUH) was known to engage in voluntary prayers, especially during Ramadan.

Adding the 12 daily sunnah prayers (two before Fajr, four before Dhuhr, two after Dhuhr, two after Maghrib, and two after Isha) to our routine. These extra prayers bring us closer to Allah and are a form of giving time to Him, elevating our deeds during this blessed month.

Commenting on the forthcoming event, Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, NGX Group and Chairman, CSCS, Temi Popoola, said: “As Africa’s leading integrated financial market infrastructure group, we are strategically driving gender equality through transformed policies, inclusive financial instruments, and pathways that unlock women’s economic potential. Our IWD celebration highlights our commitment to partnerships and market innovations that make gender equality fundamental to Nigeria’s economic growth.”

Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa, will serve as Special Guest. She will be joined by female board members of NGX Group and subsidiaries, including Ojinika Olaghere, Director, NGX Group; Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Director, NGX Group; Ngozi Edozien, Chairperson, NGX Real Estate; Lilian Olubi, Director, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX); and Amina Mohammed, Director, NGX Regulation, who will lead discussions on gender equality.

Additionally, we should emphasize the importance of the Duha prayer, a prayer offered after the sun rises. The Prophet (PBUH) said that each person should give charity on behalf of every joint of their body. Offering the Duha prayer is one way to fulfill this obligation, covering all the joints with good deeds.

2. Remembrance of Allah: Increasing the Dhikr

One of the simplest but most powerful acts of worship during Ramadan is dhikr, or the remembrance of Allah. Download an app like “Fortress of the Muslim” to help keep track of the different supplications and phrases to say at various times of the day. This practice allows us to stay spiritually connected to Allah throughout the day, and the more we engage in it, the more we give to our own spiritual well-being and the world around us. Whether it’s through reciting the Tasbih or simple supplications, these acts of worship can multiply our rewards during Ramadan.

3. Reciting and Living with the Quran: The Month of the Quran

Ramadan is the month when the Quran was first revealed, and as such, it holds special significance for Muslims. The Prophet (PBUH) used to recite the Quran to the angel Jibreel every Ramadan, and it is a time for us to immerse ourselves in the Quran. Whether you’re able to recite it fluently or struggle with reading it, every effort you make is rewarded.

Those who are proficient in reciting the Quran should aim to complete it at least once during Ramadan. For those who are still learning or struggling with the recitation,

do your best to recite and learn a few chapters. Even those new to Islam, who may not know Arabic, can memorize and recite short Surahs like Al-Fatiha or Al-Ikhlas, which carry immense reward. Each letter of the Quran recited brings ten rewards, and for those who struggle with recitation, there is double the reward, as their effort is acknowledged by Allah.

4. Charity and Giving: Beyond Financial Contributions

While giving charity in Ramadan is a major form of worship, the concept of giving goes far beyond just money. The Prophet (PBUH) was the most giving during Ramadan, and that giving encompassed all aspects of life.

Giving in Ramadan means offering your time, showing kindness, being merciful, serving others, offering a smile, or even just listening to someone in need. Whether it’s relieving someone’s worries, helping with a task, or sharing a meal, every act of goodness counts.

Additionally, it’s essential to be mindful of our intentions when we give. Giving is not about the amount, but the sincerity and care with which we offer our service. Everyone, regardless of their wealth or status, has the opportunity to give in Ramadan. This could be through helping a neighbor, volunteering at a charity, or simply offering your emotional support to those in need.

5. Dua (Supplication): Connecting with Allah Ramadan is a time when our supplications (duas) are more likely to be accepted. This month offers an opportunity to ask Allah for anything that we need, for forgiveness, and for the wellbeing of ourselves, our loved ones, and the Ummah. Making dua is not only a request but an act of worship. It’s a way of showing dependence on Allah and seeking His mercy. Be generous with your duas, both for your own needs and for the needs of others.

Spiritual Giving for Everyone Ramadan is a month that offers a profound opportunity for spiritual growth. It’s not just about fasting from food and drink, but about fasting from bad habits, selfishness, and negligence in worship. Through extra prayers, remembrance of Allah, recitation of the Quran, charity, and supplication, we are able to give more of ourselves in worship.

The Prophet (PBUH) was the most giving in Ramadan, and this means that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the chance to give in their own way. Whether you are rich or poor, healthy or sick, everyone has something to offer during Ramadan. The key is to do so with sincerity and a deep desire to please Allah, and in return, Allah will multiply the rewards of our deeds, making them weightier and more valuable than we can ever imagine.

May Allah grant us the ability to be the most giving in this blessed month of Ramadan.

Ekong Joins Mikel in Defending Africa Cup of Nations as a Major Tournament

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Stand-in Captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, has added his voice to African players defending the glory of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

During the week, former Liverpool defender-turn television pundit, Jamie Carragher, cast aspersion on the AFCON, describing it as not a major tournament. He has received serious backlash on social media with past and present Top African players all venting their anger on Carragher.

Ekong who trades his skill with Saudi Arabia’s Al Kholood, said in a lengthy post on his X social media handle @WTroostEkong that the African continent has contributed as much as the others towards the development of football.

"The African continent, as the others in the world has brought as much to the game of football that we all love.

“So let’s not waste time comparing but celebrating one of the crown jewels of the game (AFCON) that brings us all together.”

The former Watford player insisted

that he was proud to have played the game in seven countries and treasures his participation in the AFCON.

“I am proud to have played club football in seven nations across continents, and what I see everywhere is the power of football uniting people. Internationally, representing Nigeria at the Olympics, World Cup and now 3 AFCON’s it’s the latter that I pride myself on the most.”

He singled out the performance of Ademola Lookman who single handedly won the UEFA Europa League for Atalanta last season, scoring all three goals in the final and being voted the African Player of the Year.

"I must also speak for all the boys and girls without a voice on our continent for whom too this tournament is their ultimate dream. For my teammates, like Ademola Lookman for example, who also was raised in the diaspora but chose to proudly represent Nigeria.

"A player whose talent now colours champions league nights, accolades that include a record breaking performance to clinch the Europa league and being crowned

Africa’s BEST. Still shares that MAJOR dream of being crowned champions of Africa. Like the rest of us.”

Ekong who was voted the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, is already looking forward to representing Nigeria at the 2025 edition in Morocco.

"Despite losing the final in Ivory Coast this time last year. The tournament was undeniably exciting from start to finish. This only leads us to anticipate the 2025 edition at the end of this year in Morocco. Can’t wait to enjoy and compete with some of the world’s finest talent," he added.

While reacting to Mohamed Salah’s terrific form, helping Liverpool to beat Manchester City 2-0 last Sunday, Carragher suggested the Egyptian

would have to win the Champions League in order to win the Ballon d'Or because AFCON was not recognised by voters as a "major tournament".

Salah whose form this season sparked social media discourse on the possibilities of his emerging the Ballon d'Or winner, has scored 25 goals and 16 assists in the Premier League and three in the UEFA Champions League.

He’s the topmost player in the running for the prized football honour.

The highest position he has attained in previous Ballon d’Or is sixth. Manchester City’s Rodri won the last Ballon d’Or even as Real Madrid officially believed that their Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior should have been given the award.

Bendel Insurance Football club, yesterday evening put up a superlative performance to defeat hard-fighting Ikorodu City of Lagos 2-1 in the Match-day 26 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Right back Stanley Okorom broke the deadlock for Insurance in the 51 minutes of the explosive game after a barren first half as his long range shot was too hot for Ikorodu goalkeeper Faith James.

The celebration was short-lived when Shola Adelani levelled up for the visitors in the 53rd minute with a free kick.

Osahon Osobo in the 69th lobbed a beautiful pass that Uche Collins utilized to sealed the 2-1 victory for the Benin Arsenal.

The victory has pushed Insurance

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

A strong contingent of 5,000 local and international runners will battle for $71,000 prize money at the 3rd edition 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon billed for March 1.

The male and female winners of the 21 km half-marathon race and the 5km fun run will cash $10,000.

The second-place finisher will earn $500, while the third, fourth, and fifth-place runners will receive $400, $250, and $200, respectively.

The fourth and 10th placed winners will also receive prize money, while all participants will receive a special certificate of participation signed by the President ECOWAS Commission.

Also, all the first 200 runners to cross the line will receive specific bronze medals to show they participated.

The Race Director, Gabriel Okon, said at a media briefing yesterday, that the defending champion, Gabriel Sellasie of Ethiopia will defend his title.

up the ladder on 38 points and 8th on the log. Bendel Insurance’s next fixture is against Bayelsa Utd on Sunday.

In a post match interview, the head coach of Bendel Insurance Greg Ikhenoba commended his boys for rising up to the occasion.

“We expected a tough game with Ikorodu City because they were the first team to beat us 3-0.

We already knew what to expect and prepared well for them. “We missed many chances in the game but we are grateful to God for the result. We will continue to correct our mistakes as we prepare for the next match,” he said.

The other fixture between Rivers United and Katsina United was abandoned after 45 minutes due to heavy downpour.

Duro Ikhazuagbe

FIFA Council Member, Amaju Pinnick, has restated that gunning for a second term in the hallowed chambers of the world football governing body was not a “Do or Die Affair.”

In barely 12 days from now, Africa will hold elections in Cairo, Egypt, to elect the next five men and lady to represent the continent in FIFA.

He said although Nigeria has 60 per cent of the field, competitors are expected from USA, Japan, Ethiopia, China, Kenya, Cameroon, Switzerland, Sierra Leone and Ghana.

The Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee and ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports, Amb. Francis Njoaguani, noted that the event will also be used to commemorate ECOWAS at 50.

He said runners, representing their countries from 12 ECOWAS member states, will attend. Njoaguani stated that PLthe initiative is aimed at encouraging regional participation and celebrating homegrown talent.

He noted that the goal is to achieve the World Athletics Gold Label status within the next four years, positioning the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon among the most prestigious road races globally.

The 21km race will begin and end at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters, while the 5km race will start at Independence Drive by Sahad Stores and CDB and conclude at the ECOWAS Commission.

Pinnick is one of favorites out of the 10 men seeking the five tickets on offer.

Speaking on SuperSport’s African Soccerprogramme in Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday evening, the two-term former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said his quest for a second term was for him to consolidate on the great jobs the Gianni Infantino led FIFA Council has started.

“Trust me, my quest for a second term in the FIFA Council is not a do or die affair. I have my businesses and not one moment idle. I just want to ensure that those bridges built in the first term: those contacts made are well utilized for the greater good of global football,” reasoned the football FIFA Council member.

Pinnick also restated that all the candidates running for the five tickets were eminently qualified for the job.

Without mincing words, Pinnick gave kudos to Infantino for conferring integrity on FIFA with his leadership style. “When he came in 10 years ago, things were not

rosy. He has been able to reposition the Council. Now the Council is very healthy in terms of finance, global respect and recognition.”

He insisted that to be a member of the FIFA Council does not give you one the chance to beat one’s chest as having done this or that.

“It is not about Amaju Pinnick, Patrice Motsepe, Fouzi Lekjaa, or Hany Abou Rida. No, we do things collectively. The President listens to various opinions to reach a decision. That is how the FIFA Council works. It is about the collective. And of course, there is the Congress which is the most powerful organ.”

He cited some of the changes carried out by the FIFA Council to

which he belongs to have taken major decisions that have changed the format of the World Cup, the big gains of the last Women’s World Cup in Australia and the New Zealand, amongst several others.

“The World Cup in Qatar and the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand were phenomenal.

Asked why African slots for the now expanded FIFA Club World Cup has reduced from five to four, Pinnick stressed that extensive consultations were carried out before such decision was reached.

“If there was the need to increase Africa slots to six or seven, the FIFA Council headed by Gianni with CAF President, Patrice Motsepe would have done so.”

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has said that Nigeria’s sports sector will experience significant growth if its diaspora potential is fully harnessed. She highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing, expertise, skills, and investment from Nigerians abroad in driving sports development in the country.

Dabiri-Erewa made this known

in Lagos while welcoming Super Bowl champion Morotoluwa Ojomo to a warm reception by NiDCOM officials at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

Ojomo, a Nigerian-born American football star, returned to his home country following his remarkable achievement as a member of the victorious Philadelphia team in the Super Bowl.

Ojomo, a proud native of Lagos moved to the United States in 2009 has carved a niche for himself in American

in Lagos

football first at the collegiate level where he excelled at Texas in college before advancing to the professional league. His homecoming was led by his father, Pastor Ololade Ojomo, accompanied by a dedicated team of supporters.

Dabiri-Erewa said NiDCOM celebrates Ojomo’s outstanding feat, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to recognizing and engaging Nigerians in the diaspora who continue to bring pride to the nation.

William Troost- Ekong (left) and CAF President, Patrice Motsepe

A midfield action during yesterday’s NPFL clash between Bendel Insurance and Ikorodu City. Insurance won 2-1.

Amaju Pinnick...says re-election for a second term in FIFA Council not a do or die affair

MISSILE

TUC to CBN, FG

“Our attention has been drawn to a circular from the CBN announcing an increase in ATM transaction fees effective March 1,2025. We say unequivocally: enough is enough. Every day brings a new burden- higher taxes, rising electricity tariffs, exorbitant call and data charges, and now, increased ATM fees...the patience of Nigerians is wearing thin. Why is the CBN prioritising revenue collection over the welfare of citizens?” --Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, caution the CBN.

AKIN OSUNTOKUN

DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

My Path to Afenifere (1)

The journey started with being born to Chief Oduola Osuntokun, cabinet minister, Western regional government from 1955 to 1966 straddling the government of Chiefs Obafemi Awolowo and Ladoke Akintola. This biological fact was reinforced with being portentously named Akintola. There was absolutely nothing wrong with this name until the Action Group, AG, crisis broke out in 1962 and rapidly degenerated into a supremacist struggle between Awolowo and Akintola. It subsequently skyrocketed into the January 15th 1966 coup and the breakdown of the first republic. Thus a four years old innocent was thrust into the vortex of a political crisis.

At the break out of the AG crisis my dad cast his lot with Akintola (who won his sympathy on account of the ridicule Akintola endured in apologising to Awolowo flat on his belly). The top Nigerian media figure Lade Bonuola is alive so he can verify what I’m about to say. He told me that in his last encounter with Awolowo (with whom he enjoyed a close relationship) in which the latter expressed regrets that he didn’t forgive Akintola. He said they were age mates and Akintola prostrated before him seeking forgiveness and wondered aloud what more could Akintola have done.

Some years ago I chanced upon the account of the eulogy the latter paid his principal when he turned fifty years old in 1959. “As a political leader, Chief Awolowo is miles ahead of his colleagues. His sincerity of purpose, his democratic leadership and inspiring example are yet to be equaled by any of the leaders of other major political parties in the country…Awolowo is the nearest approximation to Mahatma Gandhi. He is a good blend of Gandhi’s philosophy and Nehru’s dynamism and the only hope for democracy in Africa”.. After making allowance for the obligatory flattery, it was still a measure of the cordial relationship between the two political juggernauts.

Akintola’s first son, Yomi Akintola recalled “I went to England for a course, when I came back, I was informed that Olusegun Awolowo had died. For you to know how close Olusegun and I were, Segun, may his soul rest in peace, and I did spend our holidays together. Also, his immediate younger sister (Mrs. Tola Oyediran), was also very friendly, and did come to Dublin to also study, met her husband, Prof. Oyeniran in my house”.

I forwarded a copy of the Akintola eulogy to Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu. She expressed a deep regret that the great prospect and promise of the partnership between the two political giants was cut short in such a brutal manner.

The biggest contradiction of my father’s life was that he was a model public servant whose exemplary accomplishment in office would be dwarfed by the politics of his bitter fallout with Awolowo.

In the words of a leading Nigerian journalist, Dare Babarinsa ‘Chief Osuntokun was the

Minister of Works and Housing in the old Western Region (which is now Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo and Delta states). It was under Osuntokun that the Ikeja GRA, Ilupeju Industrial and residential housing estate and the Bodija Estates were created among other landmarks. He was minister for 11 years until the military seized power in 1966. Then he went back to his teaching job and was appointed Principal of Amoye Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti”.

At his departure from Amoye Grammar School in 1973, the students said this of him

“’You did not only succeed in inculcating in us the peerless habits of honesty, dedication, charity towards others, you provided us all the gadgets with which we could reach the almighty God and be at peace with him. The physical structure of the school was transformed by you..You built both hostels for students and houses for masters. Academically, you did not leave us in the wilderness. It was a two stream school on your arrival but at your departure it had become a well blended three stream school. All the excellent contributions you made toward the growth of this school will stand as monuments of pride to you”

In the funeral oration for his brother, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun noted ‘If the First Republic Politicians were corrupt there certainly were a few whose honesty and integrity were transparent. Osuntokun was one and stood apart like a beacon of hope.

Most significant of all was his (singular) judicial gazetted exoneration by the Justice Kayode Eso panel established by the reformist first military Governor of the Western region, late Adekunle Fajuyi to probe the preceding leadership of the government in 1966.

Yet, at the age of four years, the first lesson I was made to learn of Nigerian politics was the horrific spectacle of arsonists putting our

residence to the torch by a wetie mob for standing against Awolowo.

Our residence consisted of two big storey buildings which brimmed with nuclear and extended family members, family friends, political associates and sundry drifters all day and all night long; It was the melting pot for social and political activities in the small town, Okemesi and the larger Ekiti district.

Located on the outskirts of the town, the hurly-burly atmosphere increasingly gave way to desertion and desolation as the Western regional political crisis gathered momentum. It ultimately culminated in the arrival of the day we all knew and feared was coming.The peculiarity to our experience though, was that the arson attack was choreographed and led by a friend and protege of my father, a man named Ayeni Bata from Ado-Ekiti.

“It was the second day the Army took over power, January 17th, that both my houses, one built in 1954 before I became a Minister and the other in 1960-were attacked by the A.G arsonists, led by my erstwhile friend, Ayeni Bata” Willy nilly, I became a student of Nigerian politics but not at a time and circumstances of my choosing. It was not really a choice. It was the story of how my childhood was stolen from me by events beyond my comprehension.

Given the encumbrance of this heritage, I had to grow up fast and develop a healthy skepticism towards the conflicting narratives I was provided. I readily challenged received wisdom and sundry distortions of history. It was no surprise that I was drawn to a political science course of study at the University and a rich career in journalism. With this pedigree and training, I came prepared.

I was privileged to write a newspaper column for more than thirty years and thereby afforded the latitude and opportunity to put my understanding of Nigerian politics in a broader perspective.

As a full-time occupation, my last station in journalism was the Guardian newspaper from 1996 to 1998. Anyone who knew my father would not be surprised at the way I write-the audacity, objectivity and truthfulness. I inherited his flair for writing. He once wrote to me when I sat for my A level examination and said “read as if you are going to live forever. But when you reach the saturation point (in geographical parlance) or diminishing returns (in economic parlance) take out time to refresh yourself”.

At the peak of the Sani Abacha murderous dictatorship in 1997, the Newswatch magazine ran a cover story on the most iconic figures standing against the Abacha dictatorship. I made the list of the ‘notorious’ thirteen categorised as such.

On the occasion of my uncle’s 80th birthday, Babarinsa wrote him a tribute including the acknowledgement that “At the home front, one of Osuntokun’s nephews, Akin, had become a member of the Editorial Board of the prestigious

The Guardian newspaper, where he maintained a weekly column churning out regularly bristling criticism of the military regime”.

A few days ago, my egbon, Supo Shonibare repeated his admiration once again: “Waaaow, this fellow sha (Lasisi Olagunju). Always has the most apt treatise to meet live issues. That was how we used to look forward to so many known columnists on a weekly basis during the Military; particularly during the Abacha regime when many were fearful. Although these fellows were not physically with us in the struggle, we felt they were comrades in arms, as they always reflected the demands contained in our agitations in their weekly columns. That was why one of them was on our list for the Senatorial seat in Ekiti. When I was asked by 2 of the Leaders what I thought of him, although I had never met him, his reputation as reflected by his writings had preceded him & had for me, attested to his being deserving of the position, although was not an Afenifere card carrying member. I hold this Olagunji fellow in very high esteem too”. (Supo Shonibare). I suspect I was the one ‘on the Afenifere list for the Senatorial seat in Ekiti’ As the leader and driver of Afenifere, they don’t come better than Chief Ayo Adebanjo. One of his predecessors, Senator Abraham Adesanya used to counsel “iwa buburu koni ka ma d’agba ka d’arugbo, sugbon ojo a ti sun lebo” (you may evade accountability on your misdeeds while alive. The day of reckoning dawns at your departure from this world). It is the day your true measure will be brought to light.

Pa Adebanjo didnt know how to do things in half measure, he goes all the way. He would not just accept an invitation, you can easily mistake him for the celebrant in some occasions. I invited him to the ceremony of my induction into the Nigeria Academy of letters, FNAL. After the ceremony, he overheard me whispering about an after-event nighttime gathering of the ‘boys’ (if you know what I mean).

I was mortified when he suddenly moved nearer and asked for the venue. I tried to explain the nature of this thing to him. He cut me off and angrily asked if I want him to attend or not? That was how baba came to partake of the ‘disco’!

Before I got to know him and while still at the Guardian, I wrote a saucy piece titled ‘the young shall grow’ to criticise the gerontocracy proclivity of the Afenifere. Surprisingly, I received an emissary from him the following day summoning me to come and help in the remedy of the tendency I had identified Taking cognisance of the effusive and widespread goodwill and identification attendant on the announcement of his transition to immortality (including the high and mighty, friends and foes) we can unequivocally assert: he has fought the good fight, he has finished the race and has kept the faith and the crown of glory awaits him in heaven.

Pa Ayo Adebanjo, late Afenifere leader