Dangote: We Have over N600bn Petrol in Stock, Enough to Meet In-country Supply
Trump Hails Chancellor Olaf Scholz Election Defeat
HEIRS ENERGIES' DISCOURSE...
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe; Managing Director/CEO, Heirs Energies, Osa Igiehon; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Founder/Chairman, Heirs Holdings and Chairman Heirs Energies, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR; OPEC Board of Governors Chairman for Nigeria & CEO, First E&P, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero; CEO, Seplat Energy, Roger Brown and Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Limited, Udobong Ntia, at the Heirs Energies' Nigeria Petroleum Industry Discourse which held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja ... recently
IBB: We Overthrew Buhari/Idiagbon Because of Their Holier-Than-Thou Attitude
Alleges his predecessor was monitoring his calls
Says Buhari’s policies, leadership style too rigid
Discloses some governors elected in 1992 asked him to postpone presidential poll, yet allege sit-tight
Regrets leaving Abacha behind to work with ING
Ohanaeze demands FG's apology, reparation over killing of 3m Igbo during Biafra war
Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, has disclosed that one of the reasons he led the overthrow of General Muhammadu
also alleged Buhari’s decision to spy on his calls, among other reasons, in his new
CEMENTING ECONOMIC TIES...
The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso (middle), flanked by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan Al-Marshad (right), and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, H.E. Faisal bin Ibrahim Alghamdi (left), during the visit of the Saudi delegation to the CBN…recently
Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Despite warnings from the police and the federal government, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday, swore in the newly elected council chairmen in the state, who in turn
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki
Vatican: Pope Francis Has ‘Mild’ Kidney Failure, Remains in Critical Condition
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Pope Francis is still in critical condition but has not had any “further respiratory crisis,” the Vatican said yesterday, after the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church was reported Saturday to be in critical condition, following his week-long hospitalisation for a lung infection.
book, “A JOURNEY IN SERVICE – An Autobiography.”
Babangida was Chief of Army Staff to Buhari, who had also ousted Shehu Shagari’s civilian government in the December 31, 1983 coup.
He said in the book that Buhari’s policies and leadership style also made him dissatisfied with the government.
Babangida alleged that Buhari and his then deputy, Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon, carried themselves as saints and monopolised power to the exclusion of the rest of the military.
The book read, “After the military coup that replaced the civilian government of Shehu Shagari with a military regime led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida assumed the role of Chief of Army Staff.
“However, he became increasingly dissatisfied with the Buhari government’s policies and leadership style, which he believed were detrimental to the nation’s progress. This dissatisfaction eventually led to its ouster in 1985, and he took office as the military president.”
Babangida said tension had begun
The Vatican reported earlier that Saturday “night passed quietly” and “the pope rested,” also saying Francis remains conscious and tests were still being conducted, Forbes reported.
Francis is still on supplemental oxygen and tests showed “initial, mild” kidney failure, the Vatican said, according to the AP, but doctors said the situation is under control and the
to build up since the start of the year in which Buhari was overthrown, and a change in leadership had become necessary.
The former Nigerian leader further said the coup that brought Buhari into office, which he described as a “rescue mission”, had derailed, with the military at the risk of splitting.
In his 1985 maiden address to the nation, reproduced in the book, Babangida said Buhari was “too rigid and uncompromising in his attitudes to issues of national significance”.
He added that Idiagbon “was similarly inclined in that respect” and “a combination of these characteristics in the two most important persons holding the nation’s vital offices became impossible to contend with”.
Babangida said action had to be taken so as to rebuild the hopes of Nigerians, hence, the ousting of the Buhari military regime.
Explaining the justification, Babangida said, “The change in leadership had become necessary as a response to the worsening mood of the nation and
ADELEKE SWEARS IN NEW LG CHIEFS AS APC URGES SECURITY TO STAND BY ITS OWN OFFICIALS
inaugurated their councillors at their respective local governments.
But the APC, has urged its reinstated chairmen and councillors to resume for duty today, and debunked fake news that the leadership of the APC in Osun, had directed their elected council chairmen and councillors not to resume.
In the same breath, the national leadership of APC, has described the swearing-in of the ‘newly elected' local government officials by Adeleke as provocative and a threat to peace and safety of the state.
This was as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has said the conduct of last Saturday’s local government elections in Osun State was proof that in a democracy, power resided with the people.
At the same time, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, not to turn the state into another “wild wild west” of the Second Republic, and called for rule of law and counseling against resorting to self-help.
Meanwhile, a public policy expert, Mallam Sulayman Nafiu, has decried the just concluded council polls, describing it as a "shameless mockery of democracy population census and a blatant affront to the rule of law.”
Adeleke, who told the cheering chairmen and their supporters that, “We are on the side of the law within the context of rule of law and the constitution,” reeled off how the journey started.
“We are all aware of the journey to where we are. The state is today rounding off a process that started a year or so ago. The state electoral body had issued due notice of election a year ago. “I know the commission had complied with all extant rules and procedures which led to the emergence of new local government chairmen and councillors.
“We are equally aware of the legal controversies that dogged the holding of the election. It is however a thing of joy that the facts are out in the public domain and we are satisfied that we are on the side of the law within the context of rule of law and the constitution.
“I congratulate all newly elected council chairmen and councillors. You have the mandate to deliver on
pope is alert and “well-oriented.”
The pope’s “prognosis remains reserved,” the Vatican said, not making predictions on Francis’ potential recovery given “the complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for drug therapies to provide some feedback.”
good governance in your respective local governments.
“I charge you to develop plans of action within the manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As our government is transforming the state for the better, I call on you to be agents of change, community developer and deliverer of dividends of democracy.
“To the good people of Osun State, I use this occasion to express my gratitude for your steadfast support for our administration. Osun people demonstrated courage and passion to exercise their voting rights and they did so by massively supporting our party despite all the constraints. We will not fail you. People's welfare will continue to be our watchword.
“Our thanks also goes to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission for discharging its mandate professionally and with all sense of responsibilities. We also commend security agencies and state officials who made the election a reality.
“I should not end this address without acknowledging the contributions of Mr President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am most grateful to Mr President for rejecting efforts by some forces to plunge Osun into chaos.
“I assure Mr President of our commitment to the rule of law and the constitution for conflict resolution and governance process,” the governor noted.
He, however, directed the elected chairman and councillors to stay away from the local government secretariats to avoid any clash with those whom the police had aided to forcefully occupy the local government secretariats.
“An Osun State High Court had affirmed the vacancies in both the Chairman and Councillors positions in all of Osun State Local Governments before your election on the 22nd February 2025.
“We will, therefore, rely on the judiciary to ensure a peaceful removal of those illegally occupying the local government secretariats,” the governor assured them.
Delivering a vote of thanks, the newly elected chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Sarafadeen Awotunde, expressed gratitude to
Francis has also received blood transfusions following tests that indicated a condition associated with anemia, and doctors expect he will remain hospitalised through the next week.
growing concern about our future as a people.
“All through the previous day, as we flew from Minna and drove through Lagos towards Bonny Camp, I was deeply reflecting on how, we, as a nation got to this point and how and why I found myself at this juncture of fate.
“By the beginning of 1985, the citizenry had become apprehensive about the future of our country. The atmosphere was precarious and fraught with ominous signs of clear and present danger.
“It was clear to the more discerning leadership of the armed forces that our initial rescue mission of 1983 had largely miscarried. We now stood the risk of having the armed forces split down the line because our rescue mission had largely derailed.
“If the armed forces imploded, the nation would go with it, and the end was just too frightening to contemplate. Divisions of opinion within the armed forces had come to replace the unanimity of purpose that informed the December 1983 change of government.
“In state affairs, the armed forces, as the only remaining institution of national cohesion, were becoming torn into factions; something needed to be done lest we lose the nation itself.
“My greatest fear was that division of opinion and views within the armed forces could lead to factionalisation in the military. If allowed to continue and gain root, grave dangers lay ahead.”
Continuing, he explained, “My predecessor in office, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, and his deputy, Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon, had separated themselves from the mainstream of the armed forces by personalising what was initially a collective leadership.
“They both posted a ‘holier than thou’ attitude, antagonising the civil populace against the military. Fundamental rights and freedoms were being routinely infringed upon and abused.
“As a military administration, we were now presiding over a society that was primarily frightened of us. We were supposed to improve their lives and imbue the people with hope for a better future.
“Instead, we ruled the nation with a series of draconian decrees. An
The pope’s medical team previously said Friday his condition was not life-threatening, but that he is “not out of danger.”
The Vatican released an Angelus statement from Pope Francis on Sunday, in which the pope remarked on the upcoming third anniversary of the war in Ukraine and thanked the public for their messages of support about his hospital stay, asking people to “pray for me.”
administration intended to reflect the collective will of the armed forces as a national institution came to be seen as the private personal autocracy of a stubborn few.
“Like most military coups, our leadership change was informed by widespread disquiet among the civil populace. Ordinary people were experiencing severe economic hardship. The general economic and social conditions the people lived under were worsening by the day.”
Talking about the economy, Babangida said essential goods and supplies were scarce, “Yet arbitrary controls in all aspects of economic life and an ancient resort to barter in international trade meant that the nation’s financial woes would not end soon.
“Draconian decrees led to the abuse and severe limitation of basic freedoms as people were clamped into indefinite detention, most times for minor infractions. Punishment for crimes against the state had led to the pursuit of mechanical legalistic justice against the dictates of natural justice.
“As the Chief of Army Staff, I was under undue pressure from the rank and file to seek ways of reconnecting the government to society lest we lose the nation itself.”
He also stated that the “queue culture” economic policies of the Katsina-born ex-military ruler collapsed because he failed to address fundamental economic principles.
Babangida argued that while Buhari and his boys maltreated Nigerians as they queued for essential items, which were rarely available, he did not resolve the issue of supply of these commodities.
Buhari was generally regarded as having floated the “War Against Indiscipline” mantra in his first coming as military leader between December 31, 1983 and August 27, 1985, when citizens were made to queue for basic items, like milk and cooking oil, at the stores.
Babangida said when he tried to raise the issue, he was regarded as an enemy of the regime. He stated that he felt personally assaulted that some Nigerians who possessed little quantities of foreign currencies were picked up by the government at the airports.
According to the book, “A
“I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!” Pope Francis said, as translated by The Vatican.
considerable propaganda project was born. Under the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) programme, people were compelled to wait patiently in queues, even for services and goods we knew were in inadequate supply. Our people obeyed the queue culture and became generally orderly in public places.
“On the surface, this attracted temporary populist acclaim. It was an achievement, some of whose benefits have survived, but it did not address the economy's fundamental supply and demand crisis. It was and remains my belief that queues will disappear when you adequately supply the market.
“While some appearance of order was achieved in the short run, the fundamental social anarchy remained untouched because its economic root cause remained unaddressed.
“The primary cause of the crisis in the economy itself was a total mismatch of supply and demand. The shortage in the supply of essential goods was occasioned by uncertain access to foreign exchange.
“Scarcity of essential goods had remained the order of the day from our intervention in December 1983. The stores of the National Supply Company (NSC) had been forced open by the government, and the contents auctioned off to the people. There was no alternative strategy to replenish these stocks. Acute scarcity was nationwide.
“Endless queues continued at distribution centres for essential goods like sugar, cooking oil, baby formula and grains. Reports from major population centres indicated that soldiers and police officers were ill-treating people in these queues even if they could not be assured of getting the supplies even after waiting for hours.
“As a government, all my predecessor and his deputy could offer the people was a forced queue culture. An orderly queue with no incentive or reward at the other end was a ritual in futility. Those of us who pointed out this futility were regarded as regime enemies. Therefore, I was convinced that a more fundamental solution and decisive change were required.”
While Nigeria's economic problems required reflective thought, rather than
knee-jerk populist reflexes, Babangida said under the Buhari military regime, the nation's economy was based on government and public sector dominance.
He said there was excessive control of the major sectors of the economy, from retail trade, shipping, aviation, banking, to even social services, with the government becoming the effective driver of economic life.
A common characteristic of the many government-owned and controlled companies, he said, was that they were loss-making and wasteful.
He wrote, “Essential goods and supplies were scarce. Yet arbitrary controls in all aspects of economic life and an ancient resort to barter in international trade meant that the nation's financial woes would not end soon. Draconian decrees led to abuse and severe limitations.
“I must confess that I felt assaulted and hurt that my predecessor had arrested, detained and harassed some prominent Nigerians because they were found at the airport travelling with a few dollars or pounds sterling. The cases of the famous musician Fela Ransome Kuti and Chief Harold Shodipo were of particular public interest.
“We reviewed all such cases and set those wrongly held free. People could now access foreign exchange and source goods at the prevailing market rate. Manufacturers, traders and general providers of goods and services took advantage of the liberalised environment. That was how we solved the problem of scarcity of essential commodities and ended the queues. It was a hard choice.”
Discussing the integrity of the armed forces at the time, he said, “On several occasions and instances, even the very integrity of the armed forces was being called into question.
“A disciplinary case involving allegations of divided interest against some senior officers was decided without due recourse to the Army Council.
“Instead of waiting for a report and investigation from the Army leadership, the affected officers were unceremoniously relieved of their commission, and their military career
Continued on page 35
DANGOTE: WE HAVE OVER N600BN PETROL IN STOCK, ENOUGH TO MEET
that Dangote has always maintained is not correct. Dangote is currently in court to compel the industry regulator to halt granting of incessant licences for fuel import.
This is just as the Zambian government has said that it is seeking Dangote's investment in the country's energy sector.
Speaking over the weekend during a tour of the refinery complex by a Zambia Government delegation, led by the country’s Minister of Energy, Mr. Makozo Chikote, Dangote disclosed the oil refinery has more than half a billion litres of petroleum and over N600 billion worth of products in its tanks.
He said: "As we speak right now, we have more than half a billion litres. The refinery is producing enough refined products, like gasoline (petrol), diesel, and kerosene, to meet 100 per cent of Nigeria’s requirements."
He noted that the refinery project, like other projects in the past, is not for Nigeria alone. Nigeria currently consumes an average of 50 million litres of petrol, according to data from the NMDPRA.
“This refinery is not only for Nigeria; it is for Africa. We must sustain the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) deal. We are trying to see how
we trade with other African countries," Dangote revealed.
Speaking with journalists, the Zambian Minister of Energy, Chikote, said his takeaway from the Dangote Refinery working visit was that Dangote, is truly focused on the bigger picture for Africa.
Chikote, who led a delegation of energy experts to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to partner Zambia on energy solutions, expressed satisfaction and readiness to work with the African manufacturing giant.
After a tour of the Dangote complex at the Free Trade Zone, Ibeju Lekki, starting from the Single Point Mooring to the Dangote Jetty, the biggest fertiliser plant in Africa and the 650,000bpd largest single-train refinery in the world, the minister enthused that the presentation by the Vice President, Oil and Gas of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Edwin Devakumar made their hearts “jump".
He said: “In Zambia, we created an environment for the private sector to participate in the growth and development of our country. Currently, 100 per cent of our petroleum is done by the private sector.
“We are targeting increased productivity in mining, agriculture, and other sectors. Your presentation is an
immediate solution to our energy needs.
We are trying to promote competition among our private players
“We are looking at Dangote coming on board, which would lead to efficient, reliable, quality, and competitive products, and we want these done like yesterday. Coming to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we have learned so many advantages of bringing many players for competition, which has improved the lives of the citizens," he said.
The Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, Edwin Devakumar, stated that the refinery produces the best quality products as its core business strategy.
"The project concept was to process the crude from Nigeria and add value.
But we also wanted to provide some flexibility to process most of the African crudes and some of the Middle Eastern crudes," Edwin said.
He added: “In another concept, what we did was maximum value extraction. That is a process where every barrel of crude which goes in, the value addition should be the best.”
According to Edwin, the Refinery can meet all Nigeria's fuel requirements with just 44 per cent, and 56 per cent of the production would be exported.
“Every day, we produce lighter products of 104 million litres; 57 million litres of petrol every day; 20 million litres of jet fuel; and 27 million litres of diesel production. The local consumption is just around 46 million litres, and the remaining 58 million litres will be exported daily,” he said. Meanwhile, Africa’s richest person, Dangote, has said that he wants to become Nigeria’s John D. Rockefeller, using his wealth to transform his homeland, a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report has said.
John D. Rockefeller (1839–1937) was an American business magnate and philanthropist, best known for founding Standard Oil, which became the most dominant oil company of its time, deploying his wealth to transform the nation.
Dangote’s repeated bets on the rise of Africa’s middle class helped him amass a fortune from cement, sugar, salt and other commodities, resulting in a net worth of $28 billion, nearly double that of the second-richest African.
Dangote, 67, expects the $20 billion refinery, which is nearly 10 years overdue and more than double the envisaged cost, to reach full capacity of 650,000 barrels of oil a day by next month.
Pope Francis
PRESENTATION OF AFRICAN LEADERSHIP PERSONS OF THE YEAR AWARD...
L-R: Member of the Board of Directors, African Leadership Magazine, Professor Tahir Akhtar; Recipient, African Outstanding Governance Champion Award & Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri; Former President of Tanzania, Dr Jakaya Kikwete; and Chairman, African Leadership Organisation, Dr Ken Giami, during the Presentation of African Leadership Persons of the Year Award in Morocco... recently
Cardoso Seeks Stronger Partnerships to Boost Nigeria, Saudi Economic Relations
Renewable energy, agriculture, water connectivity in focus
James Emejo in Abuja
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has reaffirmed the bank's commitment to enhancing economic cooperation between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Cardoso stated this when the Ambassador of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Faisal bin Ibrahim Alghamdi, and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the CBN headquarters.
The CBN governor said the apex bank remained committed to advancing partnerships that will deepen economic ties between both countries.
He said, "We will continue to explore opportunities that yield
tangible benefits for both countries."
The CBN boss emphasised the bank's commitment to fostering partnerships across critical sectors that drive economic growth.
He said the central bank was prepared to play a critical role in fostering collaboration, adding that the two countries would see substantial economic benefits from improved cooperation.
In a statement, he also commended the Saudi government for its hospitality during the recently concluded AIUla event, hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Regional Office in Riyadh.
In his response, Alghamdi expressed appreciation for the warm reception from the CBN
Elumelu: Oil Revenues Crucial for Economic Diversification
Hails improved oil production under Tinubu
James Emejo in Abuja
The Chairman, Heirs Energies, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has said the country must ramp up oil production to generate revenues for economic diversification.
He also called for massive investment in oil and gas to power the country’s industries and ensure energy security.
Elumelu spoke on the sidelines of the Heirs Energies Leadership Forum 2025, with the theme, "Nigeria’s Oil Production Growth Roadmap: Acceleration Imperatives”, in Abuja over weekend.
He said, “We cannot industrialise Africa, Nigeria, without improving access to energy and electricity in particular.
“Heirs Energies was founded because energy investment is critical—it is what we need. We acquired OML 17 from Shell about four or five years ago.
“Today, we produce over 53,000 barrels of oil daily, and we are one of the leading indigenous oil and gas producers in Nigeria.”
Elumelu, who is also Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, noted that under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s oil output dropped to less than 1 million barrels per day (bpd).
He said, “We are happy that under the current Tinubu administration, in general, we produce 1.8 million barrels of oil a day. But we are not satisfied with that figure.
He said, “We want to take it to over two million barrels of oil a day.
We know that we need oil money to diversify Nigeria away from oil. And we need to have the money to help develop our country.”
He, however, acknowledged the challenges facing the power sector, particularly gas supply constraints limiting electricity generation.
He said, “Transcorp is the leading power-generating company in Nigeria with an installed capacity of 2,000 megawatts, but we are constrained by gas.
“Our goal is to increase gas production in Nigeria as we increase oil production. Gas will help industries to produce and enable power companies like Transcorp to generate more electricity.”
Elumelu said Heirs Energies was expanding its oil output capacity to
about 100,000 bpd in the coming years.
He said, “What is more important is to have that raw material, which I’m happy that we have today,” he said.
“Even though 53,000 barrels is not enough, we want to take it to 100,000 barrels. That’s why we are meeting here for three days, strategizing how we can achieve this.
“And with this conversation, the policymakers and industry leaders are discussing how we can coalesce and cooperate, and collaborate, which we need in this sector. We think we can do more. And yes, ultimately we will do so.”
He expressed optimism that the company can achieve the target with the incentives provided by President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the executive orders he had signed.
Targeting Service Excellence, GLO Intensifies Network Upgrade
Technology Company, Globacom, says its nationwide network enhancement project is being intensified to ensure improved customer experience.
According to the company, the current phase of network upgrade which began last year involves nationwide rollout of new sites and upgrade of existing ones to ensure high speed and enhanced data experience to a growing number of Nigerians.
Reacting to the recent increase in telecom tariffs, Globacom stated it would remain committed to building a world class telecommunications infrastructure and offering its customers
the most competitive rates for voice and data services.
It added the network upgrade entails the entire scope of Telecoms infrastructure upgrade, from the core network to access network, transmission and IP network, fiber network, metro access and backbone infrastructure as well as passive equipment expansion like power and environment.
The company in the last few months has successfully rolled out hundreds of new sites in Lagos, Ogun, Nasarawa, Rivers, Edo, Ogun, Delta, Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers and Abuja. The upgrade was undertaken
to expand network capacity, provide more resources for subscribers for enhanced voice and data and also to boost customer experience in areas where there are congestions.
In addition, hundreds of LTE 2600 sites were integrated in key markets of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Kwara and in some tertiary institutions in Rivers, Edo, Abuja, Enugu and Anambra States. This was carried out to enhance high speed data in the areas and to ensure that there is no network congestion.
Also, in alignment with broadband penetration initiative of the Federal
Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and the Federal Government of Nigeria, Globacom has created additional data network capacity and carried out enhancement across 1700 sites particularly in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau States.
This will improve Customer experience in data throughput or data speed, and ultimately improve customers’ network experience and satisfaction in terms of service delivery, network quality and coverage.
governor and reiterated Saudi Arabia’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation.
He stressed the Kingdom’s readiness to work with Nigeria in key economic sectors, particularly in renewable energy, Agriculture, and Water connectivity.
He said, “We are eager to strengthen our relationship with
Nigeria and explore mutually beneficial opportunities that will contribute to the prosperity of both nations."
The visit marked another milestone in Nigeria-Saudi relations, as both countries seek to leverage their respective strengths for long-term economic growth and stability.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over its recent decision to increase Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees.
SERAP argued the fee hike is “unlawful, unfair, unreasonable, and unjust” and seeks a court order to stop its implementation.
The suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos under case number FHC/L/CS/344/2025, challenges the CBN’s directive, which imposes a N100 charge per N20,000 withdrawn from ATMs located outside bank branches, with additional surcharges of up to N500 for withdrawals at shopping centres, airports, and standalone cash points.
SERAP is asking the court to determine whether the CBN’s decision is in violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
It is also seeking a declaration that the fee hike is contrary to sections 1(c) and (d), 104, 105, and 127(1) of the Act, which mandate the protection of consumer rights and prohibit unfair business practices.
“The increase creates a two-tiered financial system that discriminates against poor Nigerians who may not be able to afford or pay the increased
ATM fees,” SERAP argued in its suit.
The organisation also claims the new charges “inherently contribute to violations of the human rights of socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians” and calls on the court to issue an interim injunction restraining the CBN and financial institutions from enforcing the new fees until the case is decided.
SERAP further contends the fee burden should be placed on banks rather than consumers.
“The increase in ATM transaction fees ought to have been shouldered by wealthy banks and their shareholders, not the general public,” it stated. The suit was filed by SERAP’s legal team, including Kolawole Oluwadare and Andrew Nwankwo, who argue that the CBN’s action undermines consumer protection laws and goes against its stated mission to promote economic stability and development.
The suit read in part: “The CBN is compromising its stated mission to advance the management of the country’s economy, and ultimately, sustainable development.
“The CBN is also failing to comply with the Nigerian Constitution, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the country’s international human rights obligations in the exercise of its statutory powers and functions.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
INVESTMENT ON THEIR MINDS...
Comantarous; JBS Controlling Shareholder,
JBS
Protein Giant, Brazil’s JBS, Invests $2.5bn in Nigeria
Ogun State to benefit from livestock subsector windfall
Ogun, Nigeria's top investment destination, is set to reap huge benefits as the largest protein producer in the world, JBS of Brazil, has indicated interest in investing $2.5bn in the livestock subsector of Nigeria's economy.
The controlling shareholder of the company, Mr. Wesley Batista, gave this indication when officials of his firm, led by the controlling shareholder of EMN, Mr. John Coumantaros, visited the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Sunday.
Mr. Batista, who described Nigeria as the hub of Africa with the largest population, noted the enormous potentials that exist in the country in terms of human and natural resources, and said they were ready to bring their knowledge and expertise in
the area of livestock to bear in the nation's economy.
He said: "We have been talking and learning about Nigeria. We had the privilege to meet the Nigerian delegation in Brazil when President Bola Tinubu visited our country. We see Nigeria as the hub of Africa with a very large population.
"Though it is our first time in Nigeria, we feel that we have a lot of similarities between Brazil and Nigeria. We have a very good impression so far about Nigeria and Nigerians.
"We are serious about coming to Nigeria to invest in beef, pork, chicken, among others. We see growth prospects in Nigeria and what Nigerian leaders are doing in encouraging investors to come and make significant investments here.
Judgement Debt: S' Court Okays AGF's Consent Before Enforcement against Govt Agencies
The Supreme Court has upheld the provision of Section 84 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act (S&CPA), which stipulates that before the initiation of garnishee proceedings to enforce monetary judgement against government or its agencies, the consent of the Attorney General of the Federation must first be obtained.
Meanwhile, the apex court in a split decision of four-to-one declined to examine the constitutionality or otherwise of the said provision, despite the fact that the dissenting judgement declared Section 84 of the S&CPA unconstitutional.
The affirmation of the said Act was made in a judgement in an appeal marked: SC/CV/268/2021, filed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) against the December 4, 2020 judgement of the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal.
Recall that the appellate court had in a judgement delivered on October 10, 2018, affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which issued a garnishee order absolute against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in settlement of a N50 million judgement debt.
Justice Habeeb Abiru, who delivered
the lead majority judgement held that it was wrong for the CBN to have raised, for the first time at the Court of Appeal, the issue of whether or not it was mandatory to first obtain the consent of the AGF before initiating garnishee proceedings.
"In the present case, the appellant (CBN) did not raise that issue of the failure of the first respondent (Inalegwu Ochife) to obtain the fiat and/or consent of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) before commencing the garnishee proceedings either in its affidavit to show cause or in any other process in the trial court.
"The appellant's affidavit to show cause met the case of the first respondent on the garnishee proceedings on the merits.
The appellant had no right to raise the issue on appeal before the lower court for the first time.
"The lower court thus, possessed no jurisdiction to entertain the issue of the failure of the first respondent to obtain the fiat and/or consent of the Attorney General of the Federation before commencing the garnishee proceedings, raised before it (the Appeal Court) by the appellant for the first time and its decision in respect thereof is therefore a nullity," Justice Abiru held.
We can bring our knowledge and expertise to bear in Nigeria's economy."
Giving a brief background of the company, Mr. Wesley Batista disclosed that it started in 1953 with slaughtering one cow per day and grew to 600 heads of cattle in one beef plant per day in 1957, becoming the largest beef player in Brazil in the 1990s.
"In the beginning of 2000, we started looking for opportunities to go beyond Brazil, and in 2005, we started in Argentina, and in 2007, we went to the United States and Australia. JBS is our biggest business under our holding company," he added.
Batista said the organization currently has a revenue of about $75bn and 280,000 direct members
who operate hundreds of facilities across Brazil, the USA, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France, among others.
According to the controlling shareholder, the company processes 80,000 heads of cattle, 15 million chickens, about 25,000 heads of lamb per day, and also produces packaged products like sausages and bacon, while they also hold interests in other sectors like energy, the paper-producing industry, banking and finance, as well as soap and toiletries.
Giving a brief about the state titled "Unlocking the Future of Livestock Processing and Other Opportunities," Governor Abiodun said the state, with
more than 16,000 square kilometers, offers an ideal location for investments as it provides unique connections to the 17 southern states as well as the northern parts of the country.
His words: "We have provided, in terms of infrastructure, 1,000 kilometers of highways and the best-constructed airport in Nigeria, specially dedicated to agro imports and exports.
"We are number one in non-oil, as two-thirds of the state sits on limestone. Our state is the third-largest producer of cement in Africa, trailing behind Morocco, which is second, and Egypt, which is first.
"The state also has gold, silica, bitumen, and others which are too numerous to mention. We have gas
reticulation more than any other state. There are two major gas pipelines that crisscross our state."
Governor Abiodun noted that Ogun is going into power generation and distribution, assuring that industries and companies that operate in the state would have access to the cheapest power supply in the country. On the acquisition of land, the governor said it has been made seamless as land title documents would be made ready within 30 days, assuring that his administration has invested significantly in security to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of those who live and work in the state.
Barau Distributes 61 Cars, 1,137 Motorcycles to Kano APC Leaders
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, yesterday distributed 61 cars and 1,137 motorcycles to the leaders of the Kano State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The event held near the Kano State Government House was attended by key stakeholders of the APC in the state, including the party's national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The cars and motorcycles, according to a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, on
Sunday, were distributed to party chairmen in the 44 local government areas and 484 wards of Kano State as part of efforts to empower them.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Kano State chairman of the APC, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, said the Deputy President of the Senate has been funding the party's activities since the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) took over the state in 2023.
He described Barau as the Senator for all in Kano State.
He said: "Barau is the Senator for all in Kano State. Yes, he represents Kano North, but he is for the people of Kano Central, Kano South and
everybody”
He said that in 2027, aspirants would be judged based on their contributions to the party's sustenance and development since 2023.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, said that with the unity permeating the APC in Kano, the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) would be defeated before 1 p.m. on election day in 2027.
"With the unity in our party now, by God's grace, we will reclaim our
mandate in Kano before 1pm on election day in 2027. The NNPP will be defeated," he said. In his remarks, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended the Deputy President of the Senate for the empowerment and urged others to follow suit. "This empowerment is to consolidate our party, to strengthen our party, to improve the livelihood of our member and to improve the employment opportunities, not only for our party members but for the members of the state," he said.
Abbas Inspects 14 Constituency Projects in Zaria
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, over the weekend inspected a total of 14 projects, which he attracted to his Zaria Federal Constituency. The Speaker who took over
three hours to inspect the projects expressed satisfaction at the level of work.
Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, in a statement issued Sunday said Abbas was taken around by the Chairman of Zaria Local Government Council, Mohammad Ahmad. He said the Speaker was in company of the Chairman of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) Board, Lawal Yakawada, a former senator and member of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, and several others. The projects included: rehabilitation of Dr. Yahaya Hamza (LGEA) Primary School (completed); 20-bed capacity Kakiyeyi Primary Health Centre (completed), and Vocational Training Centre,
(completed), Zaria City Market, Phase 1, Amaru.
Nagoyi
L-R: Chairman, Flour Mills Nigeria John
Wesley Battista; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; CEO, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Aisha Rimi; and another
Controlling Shareholder, Joesley Battista, during their visit to the Governor at his Oke-Mosan Office, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday
Alex Enumah in Abuja
AKPABIO'S INVESTITURE AS NIESV FELLOW...
L-R: Deputy Senate Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Representative of Lagos State Governor and Secretary to Lagos State, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; President of the
US President president Donald Trump has hailed Sunday as a "great day for Germany" after an election in which conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz claimed victory.
Exit polls published in Germany’s election, suggested frontrunner Merz’s centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party came out well in front, as the far-right AfD made large gains.
In polling that was watched closely across Europe and in the United States, the CDU/CSU bloc was on course to win first place with 28.5 per cent of the vote, followed by AfD with 20 per cent, marking the far-right party’s strongest result ever, public broadcaster ZDF reported.
Incumbent chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) garnered just 16.5 per cent of the vote, its
Abuja
worst-ever result, the projection showed.
Claiming victory, although the final official result is expected early on Monday, Merz said Germany's conservatives will do everything they can to form a government capable of taking action as quickly as possible, UK’s Daily Independent reported.
"Tonight we will celebrate and from tomorrow we start working," he said in a first reaction in Berlin, surrounded by supporters.
Following the exit polls, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social: "Much like the USA, the people of Germany got tired of the no common sense agenda, especially on energy and immigration.”
German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier called the snap election, the fourth in Germany’s history, after Scholz lost a vote of confidence on 15 January.
Germany's conservative election winner, Merz said his top priority was to
Holds First Interior Expo, Organisers Seek Teaching of Course in Varsities
The first Abuja Interior and Furniture Virtual Expo held at the weekend in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the organisers calling for the course to be included in universities’ curricula nationwide.
Specifically, the Project Coordinator, Faisal Rafindadi, appealed to the National Universities Commission (NUC) to introduce degree courses in Furniture Manufacturing, ranging from undergraduate to master's and PhD levels.
According to Rafindadi, the initiative is a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria's furniture industry, enabling it to meet international standards and effectively compete with imported furniture products. By developing local talent and expertise, he stated that Nigeria can reduce its reliance on imported furniture, promoting economic growth and self-sufficiency.
Stressing that Nigeria's furniture industry currently faces stiff competition from imported products, the coordinator noted that by introducing specialised degree courses, Nigeria can develop a skilled workforce capable of designing and manufacturing high-quality furniture that meets global standards.
The programme was organised
in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to promote and showcase the latest trends, products, and innovations in the interior design and furniture industry. This virtual expo provides a unique platform for industry professionals, manufacturers, and enthusiasts to connect, network, and explore new possibilities,” Rafindadi said.
He noted that the programme provided the opportunity to engage with leading industry experts, witness product demonstrations, and discover innovative solutions that will shape the future of interior design and furniture.
Also speaking, Director, Contact and Mobilisation of the programme, Dr Kabir Mustapha, said that the inaugural event was in line with the federal government's agenda to support the digital economy via modern technology.
“We are thrilled to bring together industry leaders, innovators, enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond to showcase the latest trends, products and services in the interior and furniture sector. This inaugural event is in line with the federal government's ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda to support the digital economy via modern technology.
work towards unity in Europe in order to counter interference from the United States or Russia. He had no illusions about challenges in the relationship with the US, Merz said in a panel at broadcasters ARD and ZDF.
"The interventions from Washington were no less dramatic and drastic and ultimately outrageous than the interventions we have seen from Moscow," he said, in reference to support
offered by US billionaire Elon Musk to Germany's far right during the election.
The poll put leader Merz on track to be the next chancellor while the far-right Alternative for Germany came in second on its best ever result, projected results showed.
"A decisive victory for our political family, for Germany, and for Europe.
Congratulations Friedrich Merz! One thing is clear: you will be Germany's
next chancellor," said Greece Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Parties on the far left and far right, meanwhile, were projected to make historic gains. The country’s increasingly fractured politics could complicate the job of forming a coalition to govern.
“The main thing is to create a functioning government in Germany as quickly as possible with a good parliamentary majority,” he Merz told
supporters at the Christian Democrats’ headquarters in Berlin.
“The world out there is not waiting for us. And it is not waiting for lengthy coalition talks and negotiations. We must now quickly become capable of acting again so that we can do the right thing at home, so that we are present in Europe again, so that the world sees that Germany will govern reliably again,”he added.
Proposed Taxation Bill Has Enough to Change Nigeria's Fortune, Says CITN Boss
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
President and Chairman of Council at the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, has disclosed that the proposed taxation bill has all it takes to change the country's fortune up to three times of what it currently receives as tax.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2025 tax school debate competition which was organized by the Society of Women in Taxation, SWIT, and with the topic - "Increase in Value Added Tax Rate is Beneficial to the Economy" - Agbeluyi said there are 65-70 percent different types of taxes been streamlined, and for effectiveness, non-state actors must be forced to desist from harassing innocent Nigerians in the name of tax collection.
He said to succeed in this, governors
must do a lot to take care of such illegalities before there can be seamless implementation of the bill, and at the end of the day, more money will come into the purse of the government at the federal, state and local levels.
"Some of the taxes are been collected by non-state actors. So, the governors must do a lot to take care of those people, take them off the road and stop them from harassing innocent Nigerians who are going about their daily business.
"Once such people have been taken care of, there will be seamless implementation of the bill, and at the end of the day, more money will come into the purse of the government, and with this, Nigeria can get more than three times what the country is getting right now in all the levels of government.
"Once this is done, there will
be sufficient funds in the purse of the government to finance public expenditure. This is the focus, once everybody is sincerely committed to it, once accented to by the president, during the implementation, the bill has enough to change the fortune of Nigeria" he said.
Fifth chairperson of SWIT, Dr. Bosede Ikahnoba, who reiterated that taxation has become a contemporary issue, noted that this is the best time to be a tax professional in the country.
She said the schools’ debate as an annual initiative is to sensitize through advocacy, knowledge that will assist early engagements in the lives of young people, and with emphasis on female students in secondary schools.
She said the 2025 competition which featured six states namely Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, Kwara and Ogun- representing the
six geopolitical zones will develop a culture of voluntary compliance and other key values towards improving the nation’s economy as whole when in the young minds.
According to her, "The tax debate is part of SWIT education, sensitization and advocacy activities with the objective of enhancing our young girls with knowledge to assist in their respective early engagements as tax ambassadors, thus helping to raise tax payers’ awareness including obligations on payment of taxes, develop a culture of voluntary compliance and other key values towards improving the nation’s economy as whole.
"We look forward to some of our participants today becoming future tax professionals- accountants, lawyers, auditors, bankers and other relevant professions."
Senate Gas Committee Faults Natasha’s Claims on Kogi’s Five Mini LNG Plants
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has dismissed claims by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that she influenced the citing of the five mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
Jarigbe rather said the senate through its Committee on Gas, actually influenced the siting of the five mini-LNG Plants in Ajaokuta.
The Cross River North Senator in a press statement he issued and personally signed in Abuja on Sunday, said the clarification was necessary in view of the social
media comments linking the incident at the Senate chamber last week Thursday to Natasha's roles in facilitating the projects to her state.
Setting the records straight, Jarigbe clarified that the five miniLNG plants namely, Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Aretee were private sector-driven initiatives and not federal government projects.
Jarigbe said he was reacting to recent misconceptions and inquiries raised by concerned Nigerians regarding the citing of the five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had on Friday during a telephone interview on
a live Human Rights radio show, popularly known as ‘Brekete Family’ in Abuja while narrating her side of the face-off between herself and the Senate President Godswill Akpabio made reference to the projects.
She had attributed her removal as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content to her influence in citing of the five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta. However, Jarigbe described her claims as completely unfounded. He explained that the ventures were not driven or coordinated by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), nor were they influenced by any
Senator or political entity. Jarigbe added the decision to locate the LNG plants was solely decided by the private investors after they carefully assessed the economic viability, availability of a gas pipeline, and access to Gas for the effective functioning of the plants.
Jarigbe explained that just like himself, Natasha and other members of the National Assembly were invited to partake in the ground breaking ceremony of the projects. He said their presence at the occasion however had in no way indicated undue influence in the siting of the projects.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Addeh in Abuja
Senate, Godswill Akpabio; President, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors
Victor Alonge;
Adegbomire; Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriations, Solomon Olamilekan; Senators Gbenga Daniels and Titus Zam, after the investiture of Akpabio as Honourary Fellow of the institution in Lagos....at the weekend
As FG Squares Up to Osun over Local Govt Autonomy...
Alex Enumah writes that months after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Local Government Council’s autonomy, the battle rages on as the federal government tackles the Osun State Government over the conduct of the local government polls in the state on Saturday, february 22, 2025.
The Supreme Court is the final court in Nigeria and as such, its verdict is binding on all litigants, be it an arm or tier of the federal system of government, which Nigeria operates. However, recent happenings in respect of its judgement on local government autonomy, seems to portray either that the judgement is unenforceable or that the states were yet to have an understanding of the matter.
The apex court had in a judgement delivered on July 11, 2024, held among others that the local government is the third-tier of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and as such must be manned by democratically elected officials, with their funding not controlled
by the state government. The apex court, regarding the independence of Local Governments in Nigeria, had pronounced that: “Section 1(2) of the 1999 Constitution provides that no person or group of persons shall take control of the government of any part of Nigeria contrary to the provisions of the Constitution. By virtue of sections 1(2) and 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution, local government must be by democratically elected Local Government Councils and no other body, and the government or administration of a Local Government Area by a State Government, Governor of a State, Local Government Caretaker
Committee, Interim Local Government Council, Administrator, Head of Local Government or by whatever name called or by any other State agency or other body is not in accordance with the 1999 Constitution, is therefore unconstitutional, illegal and of no effect.”
Osun State is one of the states where the local governments were being run by unelected officials and in its bid to comply with the order of the Supreme Court, the state government fixed February 22, for the conduct of election into the position of chairmen, vice-chairmen and councillors in the 30 local government councils across the state.
However, this effort soon ran into stormy waters few days to the conduct of the poll, fol-
lowing the invasion and subsequent occupation of the LG secretariats by former officials sacked in 2022 by a Federal High Court. They claimed that the action was based on a judgement of the Court of Appeal delivered on February 10, 2025.
According to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) the sacked officials have been restored by the judgement of the appellate court and would have to serve out their tenure which expires in October.
Anambra 2025: Umeoji, Four Others Jostle for APC Guber Ticket
Nnenna Agbai dissects the chances of the all Progressives Congress in anambra State to defeat the ruling all Progressives Grand alliance in the state using Hon Chukwuma Umeoji as the right vehicle to drive home victory for the party.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has become a formidable opposition force in Anambra State, now stands at a historic crossroads with the chance to write history and redefine its political legacy in the South East region. As the party’s grassroots support continues to grow, particularly under the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, it now has a good standing to solidify its presence and influence in a region where it has historically faced some level of resistance, if not until recently. This time, is not just about winning an election; it is about designing a narrative that resonates deeply with the people of Anambra State.
By April, 2025, in line with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC, like other political parties, will conduct its primary election to select its flag bearer for the highly anticipated Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November, 2025.
The primary election represents more than a routine political exercise; it is a defining moment for the party to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles, internal cohesion, and strategic foresight. The choice of candidate will not only determine the party’s chances to win the state but will also signal its readiness to address the aspirations and challenges of Anambra’s diverse and politically astute electorate.
The APC’s decision in this critical juncture must reflect a deep understanding of the political dynamics in Anambra State, where the electorate values competence, grassroots
connection, and a proven track record of service. The party must seize this opportunity to present a candidate who embodies these qualities- a leader capable of uniting the party, inspiring confidence among the electorate, and delivering transformative governance.
This is the moment for the APC to rise above conventional politics and make a choice that will not only secure victory but also lay the foundation for lasting impact in the South East region.
So far, the APC has yet to finalise the mode of selection for its gubernatorial
candidate. While the leadership has remained tight-lipped on whether it will opt for a direct primary, indirect primary, or consensus candidacy, political insiders suggest that the party may lean towards a direct primary to foster a sense of belonging among the aspirants. Although this remains speculative, the political landscape is already buzzing with activity, as no fewer than five aspirants have formally declared their intention to contest for the party’s ticket. Among the notable contenders are Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, the Executive Director of Corporate Services at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and
former representative of Aguata Federal Constituency; Hon. Nicholas Ukachukwu; Prof. Obiorah Okonkwo, an academician and entrepreneur; Hon. Johnbosco Onukwo, a legal practitioner and former legislator; and Chief Paul Chukwuma.
Of these aspirants, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji stands out as a frontrunner, not only due to his extensive political pedigree but also because of his strong grassroots appeal.
His political trajectory, marked by a consistent commitment to service and development, has endeared him to the masses, making him a formidable force in the race. Umeoji’s stint as a federal legislator, local government chairman, and his current role in a key federal agency underscore his administrative competence and deep understanding of governance.
His ability to connect with the grassroots, demonstrated through numerous initiatives and community development projects, positions him as a candidate who can galvanize widespread support across Anambra State.
While other aspirants bring their own strengths to the table, Umeoji embodies every quality needed in a leader, which makes him the most compelling choice for the APC as it seeks to consolidate its presence in the South East and secure a decisive victory in the upcoming election.
-Agbai writes from Abuja
Adeleke Fagbemi
www.thisdaylive.com
opinion@thisdaylive.com
SANI'S OLIVE BRANCH TO ASUU
Uba Sani is committed to the welfare of KASU staff and other tertiary institutions in the state, argues AHMED TIJANI YESUF
GAMBARYAN’S TALES OF CORRUPTION
Gambaryan’s allegations against Ribadu are calculated to divert attention, contends SYLVESTER OSEGHALE
The once-vibrant labour movement has become a toothless bulldog, reckons ABIODUN OLUWADARE
DECLINE OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS
For decades, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) stood as the bastion of workers' rights, a formidable force that held the government and private sector accountable. From the legendary days of Pa Michael Imoudu, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu, and Alhaji Ali Ciroma, the NLC was a powerful advocate for the middle class, ensuring that economic policies did not trample on the rights and welfare of workers. Back then, no administration could make unilateral decisions on wages, salaries, or workers' welfare without anticipating a formidable response from the NLC. The organisation commanded respect and fear, compelling policymakers to negotiate in good faith.
However, today, the once-powerful NLC appears to be a mere shadow of its former self. Its actions have become predictable, often limited to press releases, symbolic protests, and empty threats that yield little to no results. The question now arises: What has happened to the NLC? Why has it lost its assertiveness and relevance in shaping national policies?
A recent example of the NLC’s diminishing influence was its opposition to the price increase by Multichoice, the popular cable television service provider in Nigeria. The Congress had vowed that the hike would not stand, creating an illusion of a brewing showdown. But despite all the noise, Multichoice proceeded with its decision unchallenged, exposing the NLC's inability to back its words with decisive action. Similarly, when telecommunications giants such as MTN and other service providers increased tariffs, the NLC issued its characteristic statements of condemnation, yet Nigerians still found themselves paying higher rates with no intervention from Congress or the government.
This trend highlights the depth of the crisis facing the NLC. The once-vibrant and uncompromising labour movement seems to have become a toothless bulldog, barking but never biting.
Factors Responsible for the NLC's Weakness
One, Political Compromise, Hypocrisy, and Internal Division. One of the primary reasons for the NLC diminishing influence is its entanglement in political compromises. Historically, the NLC maintained a strong, independent stance, holding the government and corporate entities accountable. However, in recent years, its leadership has become increasingly susceptible to political manoeuvring, often striking deals that undermine its core mandate.
Asignificant issue is the co-optation of labour leaders into government structures, either through political appointments or clandestine patronage. This has led to a situation where the leadership, instead of fighting for workers’ rights, aligns with political elites for personal or organizational benefits. Consequently, the NLC’s ability to challenge anti-labour policies has been severely weakened.
Moreover, NLC leaders have been criticized for living lavish lifestyles, often mirroring the same excesses they condemn in the National
Assembly and government officials. It is not uncommon to see labour leaders riding in high-end SUVs, staying in luxury hotels, and enjoying the privileges of the same system they are supposed to challenge. This contradiction erodes public trust, as many workers see no difference between NLC executives and the politicians they claim to oppose. How can Congress demand economic sacrifices from the government when its own leaders live in opulence? This hypocrisy further alienates the workforce, weakening the NLC’s credibility and ability to mobilize mass action.
Additionally, internal divisions within the Congress have further eroded its power. Factional struggles over leadership, accusations of financial mismanagement, and ideological differences have turned the NLC into a house divided against itself. These internal conflicts have led to parallel congresses and breakaway factions, making it easier for governments and corporate institutions to exploit its lack of cohesion.
Two, Loss of Public Trust and Mobilization Capacity. There was a time when the mere mention of an NLC strike sent shockwaves through the corridors of power. Strikes were meticulously planned and effectively executed, often bringing economic activities to a standstill until the government was forced to listen. However, that era appears to be over.
Many Nigerians now view the NLC with scepticism, seeing it as an organization that makes loud proclamations but delivers little action. This loss of confidence stems from repeated instances where Congress announced major industrial actions only to back down after closed-door negotiations with the government. The perception that NLC leaders prioritize personal gains over collective bargaining has weakened public support, making mass mobilization increasingly difficult.
As trust dwindles, workers are less inclined to heed strike calls, further reducing the impact of labour protests. The absence of strong mobilization means that even when the NLC calls for action, participation is often lukewarm, allowing the government and businesses to ignore its demands with little consequence.
Three, Economic Hardship and Apathy
Among Workers. Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis has also played a role in weakening the Congress. Rising inflation, widespread unemployment, and economic uncertainty have forced many workers into survival mode. With the cost-of-living skyrocketing and wages stagnating, many employees are more preoccupied with putting food on the table than engaging in prolonged industrial actions.
Unlike in the past when workers had a stronger safety net and could afford to endure strikes for extended periods, today’s workforce is highly vulnerable. Many are engaged in precarious employment arrangements, including casual and contract jobs, where participation in protests or strikes could lead to immediate job loss. The fear of victimization by employers, particularly in the private sector, has discouraged many from actively supporting labour actions.
Furthermore, government policies such as the “no work, no pay” rule have made strikes more difficult to sustain. Workers are hesitant to embark on prolonged industrial actions when their financial survival is at stake. In this environment, the NLC’s traditional tools of resistance—strikes and protests—have become less effective.
Four, Government’s High-Handedness and Anti-Labour Tactics. Successive Nigerian administrations have employed aggressive strategies to suppress labour unions, further crippling the NLC’s effectiveness. Unlike in the past when Congress thrived on robust negotiations and resilience, today’s NLC leadership often appears easily subdued by state threats and crackdowns.
The government has increasingly used security agencies to intimidate labour leaders, disrupt protests, and prevent large-scale demonstrations. Instances of police brutality against striking workers, mass arrests of protest leaders, and the use of court injunctions to declare strikes illegal have all contributed to the NLC’s weakening. The fear of violent repression discourages workers from fully engaging in labour actions, allowing the government to implement anti-worker policies with little resistance.
Additionally, the Nigerian government has leveraged legal and bureaucratic measures to undermine the Congress. For instance, restrictive labour laws, delays in approving union registrations, and interference in union elections have all been used as tools to control and weaken the NLC. Unlike in countries where governments engage labour unions in meaningful dialogue, Nigeria’s approach has been largely adversarial, treating labour movements as opposition groups rather than stakeholders in national development.
The Need for NLC's Revival If the NLC is to regain its place as the voice of the people, urgent reforms are needed. The Congress must:
Col. Oluwadare (rtd) is of the Department of Political Science, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
Uba Sani is committed to the welfare of KASU staff and other tertiary institutions in the state, argues AHMED TIJANI YESUF
SANI'S OLIVE BRANCH TO ASUU
On Tuesday last week, the academic landscape of Kaduna State University (KASU) was disrupted by a strike initiated by the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). This strike has drawn significant attention because it is seen by observers of the activities of the Governor Uba Sani administration as not merely a labor dispute, but a political tool by those uncomfortable with his growing popularity. It was an attempt to sabotage efforts being made by the administration to positively reposition the education sector.
Governor Uba Sani, upon assuming office, made it clear that his administration was committed to revitalizing the education sector. His approach has been characterized by a willingness to engage with stakeholders, including ASUU, to address long-standing issues and grievances. The governor's olive branch was not just a gesture; it was a call for collaboration and dialogue aimed at fostering a conducive environment for academic excellence. He recognized the critical roles that universities play in societal development and the need for a harmonious relationship between the government and academic staff.
However, the response from ASUU has been less than encouraging. The union's decision to embark on a strike raises questions about its motives and the sincerity of its leadership. For over 15 years, ASUU's voice had been muted by internal divisions and a lack of coherent strategy. The sudden resurgence of an industrial action, particularly at a time government has listened and moving to meet their demands, appears to be a case of sabotage.
The strike has been framed as a response to various grievances, including issues related to salaries, working conditions, and the overall state of the university. While these concerns are valid and warrant attention, the timing and manner of the strike suggest a deeper issue at play. It must be noted that the issues at stake are all inherited. It is as if ASUU is leveraging the current political climate not to negotiate in good faith but to assert its relevance after years of dormancy. This raises the question: is ASUU genuinely interested in the welfare of its members and the advancement of education in Kaduna State, or is it merely seeking to reclaim its lost voice through disruptive means?
The lack of reciprocity from ASUU is particularly disheartening given the context of Uba Sani's administration. The governor's willingness to engage in dialogue and his commitment to addressing the concerns of academic staff should have been met with a similar spirit of cooperation from ASUU. Instead, the union's decision to strike has created an atmosphere of mistrust and animosity, undermining the very objectives that both parties ostensibly share: the improvement of educational standards and the welfare of academic staff.
Moreover, the strike has broader implications for the students of KASU and the educational system in Kaduna State. Students, who are the primary stakeholders in this equation, find themselves caught in the crossfire of a dispute that seems to lack a clear rationale. The disruption of academic activities not only affects their education but also their future prospects. The irony is palpable: while ASUU claims to be fighting for the rights of academic staff, it is the students who bear the brunt of the consequences. This disconnect between the union's actions and the interests of the students further complicates the narrative surrounding the strike.
The situation at KASU is a microcosm of the challenges facing higher education in Nigeria. The relationship between the government and academic staff unions has often been fraught with tension, characterized by strikes, protests, and a lack of meaningful dialogue. However, Uba Sani's approach represents a potential turning point. His olive branch signifies a willingness to break the cycle of confrontation and work towards a more collabo-
rative model of governance in the educational sector. For ASUU to respond positively to this olive branch, it must recognize the importance of dialogue and negotiation. The union's leadership should prioritize the interests of its members and the students over the desire to assert its relevance through disruptive actions. A collaborative approach, grounded in mutual respect and understanding, is essential for addressing the grievances of academic staff while ensuring that the educational needs of students are met.
Unable to stomach this patently disruptive decision by KASU-ASUU, the Kaduna State Government has justifiably declared “a no work, no pay policy” as it viewed the strike action as “an act of sabotage.”
In a statement signed by the Commissioner of Education, Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, the government said that the bone of contention between ASUU and the government predated the Uba Sani administration. But the governor in his usual empathy, has taken steps to address them and other lingering demands concerning Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions. “However, instead of allowing the process to run its full circle, ASUU has started flexing its muscles in a show of strength that will not only disrupt KASU’s academic calendar, but will reverse the gains that have been achieved so far,’’ Bello said.
Muhammad Bello noted that, ‘’Specifically, the Association’s disagreement with Kaduna State Government is over non-payment of five months salaries from May to September 2022 and Earned Academic Allowances from 2015 to 2020, among other claims. These claims pre-date the present administration but Governor Uba Sani, in his usual empathy, has taken steps to address them and other lingering demands concerning Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions in general.
‘’However, instead of allowing the process to run its full circle, ASUU started flexing its muscles in a show of strength that will not only disrupt KASU’s academic calendar, but will reverse the gains that have been achieved so far,’’ he noted.
Curiously, Governor Uba Sani has acceded to some of their demands and he promised to meet with ASUU members when he returns from his trip. But because the unionists were playing a disruptive script, they stuck to their guns.
Prof Bello declared that ‘’Clearly, there is a hidden agenda of rolling back the progress that the Sani administration has made in the education sector in the last 20 months. Indeed, some fifth columnists, hiding under the banner of unionism, are endangering the future of our children.
For several years, ASUU had sought a roundtable with the previous administration but its efforts were unsuccessful. However, on December 18, 2024, Governor Uba Sani had met with the Management as well as leadership of Academic Unions of all Stateowned Tertiary institutions for over three hours.
Yesuf,
Gambaryan’s allegations against Ribadu are calculated to divert attention, contends SYLVESTER OSEGHALE
GAMBARYAN’S TALES OF CORRUPTION
A few days ago, Tigran Gambaryan, an embattled executive of Binance, the American cryptocurrency exchange firm, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his account of his incarceration in Nigeria. His narrative was wild, filled with allegations of bribery solicitation, and it sparked heated conversations across social media. Among the names he dragged into the fray was Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu—a move that has since been met with widespread skepticism and scrutiny. While Gambaryan might have gotten away with claiming that three members of the House of Representatives asked him for bribes, his attempt to implicate Ribadu was where he lost the script. This misstep revealed a glaring lack of research and a naïve assumption that such allegations would be swallowed whole without question or demand for evidence. The inclusion of Ribadu in his tale of corruption not only strained credibility but also exposed Gambaryan’s ignorance of the man’s reputation and the office he holds.
It is nothing short of ridiculous to suggest that Ribadu, a man who has built a career on integrity and incorruptibility, would demand “billions in payouts to fund his future political ambition.”
This claim alone betrays Gambaryan’s lack of understanding of Ribadu’s antecedents. Ribadu’s reputation as an incorruptible public servant is not a recent fabrication; it has been tested and proven over decades. One of the most telling examples of his integrity dates back to his younger years when, as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he rejected a $15 million bribe from a former Governor. If Ribadu could resist such a staggering sum at a time when he was most vulnerable to temptation, it defies logic to believe he would compromise his principles now, at the pinnacle of his career and with nothing left to prove.
The irony of Gambaryan’s allegations is further highlighted by the fact that Ribadu, as a seasoned security expert, understands the weight of his words and actions. Every statement he makes is scrutinised like a crime scene, and every decision is subject to intense public and institutional oversight. To suggest that he would casually shake down a detainee for billions and openly explain the purpose of the funds is not only implausible but also laughable.
Professor Farooq Kperogi, a respected critic and public intellectual, aptly captured the absurdity of Gambaryan’s claims when he wrote: “There’s plenty to critique about Ribadu (who among us is a saint?), but believing that a man who once turned down a literal
$15 million cash bribe—and who, as a security expert, knows his words will be dissected like a crime scene—would casually shake down a detainee for billions and helpfully explain what the money is for?” Kperogi’s words underscore the incredulity of Gambaryan’s narrative and the sheer implausibility of his allegations.
The puzzle, as Kperogi further notes, is the first thing that comes to mind for every discerning observer. It takes “Olympic-level gullibility” to swallow Gambaryan’s story. What we are witnessing is not a genuine exposé of corruption but a desperate stunt by a man caught exploiting Nigeria’s electronic finance infrastructure and intelligence. Gambaryan’s allegations are a diversionary tactic designed to tilt public opinion away from the actual facts of the case: that Binance was accused of money laundering and facilitating criminal activities in Nigeria. The charges against Binance were not dropped because the company was found innocent; they were dropped because the U.S. government intervened to secure its release.
Gambaryan’s attempt to portray himself and his colleagues as victims of an oppressive system is disingenuous at best. The truth is that Binance colluded with individuals who had sinister agendas to undermine Nigeria’s sovereign integrity. The company facilitated the laundering of money to the detriment of the very Nigerians Gambaryan now seeks to mislead on social media. If Binance were truly innocent, why did Gambaryan’s colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, escape from detention to evade justice in an open court? This act alone speaks volumes about the company’s culpability and the lengths to which its executives are willing to go to avoid accountability.
In the end, Gambaryan’s allegations against Ribadu are not just unfounded; they are a calculated attempt to exploit Nigeria’s image crisis for personal gain. By fabricating tales of corruption, Gambaryan hoped to divert attention from Binance’s own transgressions and cast himself as a victim. Fortunately, he does not have the evidence to support such claims. In law, as in reality, the burden of proof rests on the accuser.
Oseghale is a lecturer and public affairs analyst based in Abuja. He can be contacted via oseghalesylvester88@gmail.com.
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email
peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
LACK OF REGULATION IN FERTILITY MEDICINE
There is need for appropriate legislation to regulate the sector
While the demand for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), commonly known as ‘test-tube conception’, remains high, especially among the elite, there is still a dearth of regulation for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in the country. For inexplicable reasons, this important health subsector has for long been overlooked by the government and experts in the field who should set standards. Yet, from human egg harvesting, in vitro fertilisation itself, up to advertorials on ART success rates, many practitioners in Nigeria are having a field day without much monitoring: all at the expense of patients who crave for these all-important public and social health services.
It is estimated that one in four Nigerian couples have one or more forms of fertility issues. Meanwhile, pressure from society on childbearing pushes many of these couples to seek artificial reproductive assistance. However, laws and policies are not being developed fast enough to meet the demands of this growing industry, a loophole that has now been taken advantage of by quacks and even some otherwise known fertility clinics. The Managing Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, Abayomi Ajayi once raised the alarm about the absence of regulation in the sector and the implications for healthcare in Nigeria. "More than 60 per cent of people offering IVF service in the country do not have the facilities but due to the perceived financial benefits and patronage, doctors and health workers who know little or nothing about IVF have continued to take advantage of couples in need by offering services. I am calling for the strengthening of regulations in this area of medicine," he said.
but also having serious health concerns relating to their procedures. There have also been reports of some fertility clinics in the country harvesting eggs of young girls in exchange for money. Others have had to pay huge amounts so they can get young, and in many cases, underage girls, to carry their unborn babies. Some simply buy these babies under the arrangement of fraudulent ART centres. In many cases, underage victims are coerced into trading their eggs monthly even though the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said no one female should have her eggs harvested more than twice a year. The health body has also stated that egg harvesting, just like blood donation, must not be traded for financial gains.
From human egg harvesting, in-vitro fertilisation up to advertorials on
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
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
There are several reports of substandard services to couples seeking in-vitro fertilisation with some not only disappointed with failed outcomes
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
Letters to the Editor
A Bill for the establishment of a Nigerian Assisted Reproduction Authority to regulate this practice was presented before the National Assembly and read for the second time on 2nd May 2012. It was referred to the committees on health and justice in both chambers at the time. Almost 13 years after, the bill has not been passed into law. Although some practitioners kicked against the bill at the time saying it was a 'copy and paste' from East Africa, the onus is on the legislators and stakeholders to repurpose the bill to address local challenges. Except Lagos which has passed a law on IVF, the remaining states are yet to enact any legislation to regulate fertility medicine. We are aware that some practitioners in Nigeria have formed the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) to produce ethical guidelines that would govern the practice of assisted conception. But they cannot enforce these guidelines. Legislations from the National Assembly and the state houses of assembly are therefore required to enact appropriate legislation that will properly regulate the sector. In the Nigerian society, fertility is not just about health, it is a serious social issue that requires every attention it deserves.
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.
BAD MANNERS AT THE LAGOS ASSEMBLY
Nigeria’s independence in 1960 provided a momentous occasion for the country to pause, re-evaluate its excision from Britain’s clogged colonial policy and make a dash for a decorated prosperous future. The dash wash frighteningly and forcefully promising until the military abandoned their barracks to truncate Nigeria’s future between 1966 and 1970 and for long periods after that. Those wounds have simply refused to heal.
Gratefully, Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999. With the reinstatement of democracy, elections returned as did institutions of government. The executive, judiciary, and legislature have been up and running since then.
At the federal level, it is the national assembly that makes laws. The state houses of assembly take over that task in the states.
However, to say that since 1999, Nigerians have been repeatedly embarrassed with the lack of class and composure shown by many of those who represent them at the federal and state legislature is to put it mildly. Again and again, the supposed representatives of the people have shown by their words and conduct that they are not worth their salt, many times of course,
with the executive shamefully compelling them or conniving with them.
The latest assembly that is more akin to an asylum is the Lagos State House of Assembly. Weeks ago, the long-standing and grandstanding speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was removed and replaced by Mojisola Meranda . But he has refused to back down or go down quietly, insisting that his removal was flawed and he deserves reinstatement. The fiasco has unsettled the assembly with security personnel moving in to lock out the legislators and their staff some days ago.
What a slap to the face of the people of Lagos State. It is a big slight to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is showing impregnable fortitude in trying to fix Nigeria’s problems in Abuja that legislators in his home state are indulging their whims and caprices and are instead behaving like spoilt school kids.
This embarrassment that is made in Lagos is coming very early in the year, but Nigerians have been there many times before. Rivers State was the last to provide such embarrassing theater. Legislators in the Benue State House of Assembly are not exactly at one another’s necks, but their attempt to remove the state
chief judge is one of such extensive theatrics that can only come from an overbearing and overexcited state house of Assembly.
It Is in the best interest of Nigerians that those elected to represent them at any level show themselves as people worthy to bear such sacred responsibilities. This is key. They must show themselves consistently as people of excellent character. No matter the temptation, they must refuse to reduce themselves to the level of touts and truants, which would cast great indignity on their office as legislators.
As for the overbearing executives who lean too hard on the legislature to make it impossible for them to work freely, it is important to remember that separation of powers is the hallmark of the constitutional democracy Nigeria is trying to operate.
It is not about one person. It goes beyond anybody and extends to the health of democracy in Nigeria. If the institutions which underpin democracy in Nigeria perform optimally, the country will be in the best place possible eventually.
Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com
Kayode Tokede
As the initial enthusiasm that trailed its listing on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) wilts, Geregu Power Plc and three other blue-chip companies with varied concerns have been trading flat between December 2024 till date.
The others with a combine market capitalisation of N17.48 trillion are: BUA Cement Plc, Airtel Africa Plc and Seplat Energy Plc. Amid demand by both foreign and domestic investors for these four stocks, their price remained flat.
Analysts attributed the factors to overprice and insufficient buy/ sell powers to alter the price up or down, among other factors.
Since the beginning of 2024, Seplat Energy that is worth N3.35 trillion
by market capitalisation on NGX remained flat at N5700 per share, while Airtel Africa worth N8.11 trillion by market capitalisation traded flat N2, 156.90 per share.
Geregu Power that is worth N2.88 trillin by market capitalisation closed February 21, 2025 at N1,150 per share and has remained flat since December 2024. In addition, BUA Cement with market capitalisation of N3.15 trillion, which closed February 21, 2025 at N93 per share has been trading flat since December 2024.
According to the NGX Rule Book, price movements on minimum quantity traded will change if an equity or security worth A: Fifty Thousand (50,000) units and Group B: Ten Thousand (10,000) units is traded.
The rule book added, “The price
resilience and contribution to the national economic agenda.
With the uncertainty in global and domestic economies, Nigerian banks credit to the private sector dropped by 2.1 per cent or N1.59 trillion Year-on-Year (YoY) to N74.9 trillion in January 2025.
This is according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), “Money & Credit Statistics,” which showed that credit to the private sector reached the highest peak in January 2024 at N76.48 trillion as the apex bank introduced numerous measures to enforce banks lending to the real sector.
Credit to the private sector includes loans, trade credits and other account receivables and supports provided by banks to the private sector within a period. The credit to the private sector is a global measure of the banking sector’s balance sheet
Analysts attributed the decline to late passage of the 2025 budget by the federal government and slow start to business activities in the year.
They expressed optimism that private sector credit lending would rise by February 2025 as the federal government commenced implications of the 2025 budget and clear direction in the CBN’s MPR.
A CBN report had shown that bank credits to private sector rose to N75.96 trillion in 2024, a 27.3 per cent growth from the figure in 2023.
Experts said banks are in position to continue to create more loans, citing aggressive growth strategies by banks and enabling regulatory environment this year.
A recent report on capital
movement band on any given Trading day shall be determined as follows: (A) Group A: +/- 10% based on the previous day’s closing price and (B) Group B: +/- 10% based on the previous day’s closing price.”
Seplat Energy has remained at N5,700 per share despite its acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, which has led to a re-admission of its shares on the NGX and the London Stock Exchange (LSE). This re-admission process can sometimes cause a temporary stabilisation in share prices as the market adjusts to the new developments.
For Airtel Africa, the telecommunication company engaged in a share buyback program, which concentrated its stock in the hands
importation into the country had also shown that banks attracted nearly two-third of capital importation into the country. Analysts had said this was a measure of confidence in the Nigerian banks as foreign investors gradually take more active stance in the nation’s economy.
Experts agreed that increasing private sector credit implies a major boost for the economy as there is a link between credit to the private sector and the economic growth. Several studies have continuously found that increased lending by banks directly leads to increase in Gross Domestic Products (GDP).
Experts at Cordros Capital said the trend in credit to private sector may continue in the period ahead.
“We believe the re-enforcement of the CBN’s limit on Deposit Money Bank’s loans-to-deposits
of a few shareholders. This has led to thin trading volumes and limited price movement. Consequently, Airtel’s share price has remained static despite positive expectations following regulatory approval of a tariff hike for telecom operators, Geregu Power, which was recently listed its shares on the NGX, added N2.5 trillion to the market capitalisation and boosted liquidity in the stock market. However, the stock has seen limited price movement since its listing as the market gauges its price.
For BUA Cement, it has experienced a significant decline in its stock price over the past year, and it has been influenced by broader economic concerns and sector-specific challenges, which have
macro-prudential ratio will continue to drive the willingness of commercial banks to create risky assets over the short to medium term,” Cordros Capital stated.
Analysts however noted that the apex bank’s intensified monetary policy tightening measures could tether the magnitude of growth going forward.
A study published by the CBN concluded that, “credit is growth-enhancing, even when trade openness, monetary policy, investment climate and infrastructure are low.” The study found that private sector credit increases economic growth.
The balance sheet strength of banks also determine the flow of credits, with the continuing increase in lending amidst macroeconomic headwinds underpinning Nigerian banks’ resilience and stability.
affected investor sentiment.
Additionally, BUA Cement’s high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 74.35 reflects elevated investor expectations, which might be causing some investors to question whether there is room for further upside in the stock price.
Commenting, Investment Banker & Stockbroker, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka explained, “There were no sufficient buy or sell powers to alter the prices of all the stocks. Even though, some investors must have traded at different prices with insufficient volumes to cause downward or upward price movement during the period. It is normal.”
The MD/CEO, Globalview Capital Limited, Mr. Aruna Kebira in a chat withTHISDAY said the stock price of BUA Cement is suffering on NGX.
In a study on ‘Balance Sheet Strength and Bank Lending During the Global Financial Crisis’, researchers at International Monetary Fund (IMF) examined the role of bank balance sheet strength in the transmission of financial sector shocks to the real economy.
The study found that, “Banks with strong balance sheets were better able to maintain lending during the crisis.”
According to the study, banks that were ex-ante more dependent on market funding and had lower structural liquidity reduced the supply of credit more than other banks.
“However, higher and betterquality capital mitigated this effect. Our results suggest that strong bank balance sheets are key for the recovery of credit following crises, and provide support for
According to him, Aliko Dangoteowner of Dangote Cement and Sugar Refinery and Abdulsamad Rabiuowner of BUA Foods are fixated on their refineries, stressing that it is after they have settled with these refineries that their stock prices will begin to witness traffic and traction once again.
For Airtel Africa, he explained that the telecommunication giant had been on full bid since the announcement of an increase in network tariff, but no 100,000 units on both ways to close it. Geregu Power, he added, is overpriced adding that the poor dividend declaration didn’t excite the market. “The stock price of Seplat Energy is a high cap stock. Where 100,000 units are not a piece of cake,” he added.
regulatory proposals under the Basel III framework,” IMF report stated.
Commenting, the Managing Director, Arthur Steven Asset Management, Mr Olatunde Amolegbe, said the growth in credit to the private sector in 2024 could be attributable to increase in economic activity.
He however pointed out that other factors such as inflation and devaluation could moderate such increase
Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the credit outlook remains cautious, calling for expansive distribution of credits across all tiers of companies and sectors.
Kayode Tokede
The total currency in circulation in Nigeria surged to an all-time high of N5.24 trillion in January 2025, marking a 43.5 per cent increase from N3.65 trillion in January 2024, according to newly released data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Analysis of the CBN data showed that a significant portion of the N5.24 trillion, N4.74 trillion, or 90.4 per cent,
was held outside the banking system, reflecting the continued dominance of cash transactions.
Compared to the same period last year, currency outside banks rose by 44.5 per cent, from N3.28 trillion in January 2024 to N4.74 trillion in January 2025.
The data shows a steady increase in both total currency in circulation and cash held outside banks over the past year. At the beginning of 2024,
currency in circulation stood at N3.65 trillion, with N3.28 trillion, 89.9 per cent outside banks. By February, total currency rose to N3.69 trillion, with N3.41 trillion which was 92.5 per cent outside the banking system. March saw an accelerated rise, with N3.87 trillion in circulation and N3.63 trillion held outside banks.
April marked a slight decline in the proportion of cash held outside banks, with N3.61
trillion or (92 per cent out of the N3.92 trillion total currency in circulation. However, this trend reversed in May, when currency in circulation increased to N3.97 trillion, with N3.71 trillion outside banks. The upward trajectory continued in June, reaching N4.05 trillion, maintaining the 93.5 per cent share of cash held outside the formal banking system.
By July, there was a temporary decline, as currency outside banks
dipped to N3.67 trillion, 90.6 per cent, while total currency remained at N4.05 trillion. This shift was short-lived, as August recorded an increase in both metrics, with currency in circulation growing to N4.14 trillion and N3.87 trillion held outside banks. September continued the trend, with total currency reaching N4.31 trillion, while N4.02 trillion remained outside banks. October saw a further rise, with
currency in circulation climbing to N4.55 trillion, of which N4.29 trillion was held outside banks. By November, circulation had surged to N4.88 trillion, with N4.65 trillion outside banks, marking the highest proportion of currency held outside the banking sector in 2024. The figures for December are yet to be posted before hitting a new peak in January 2025, with N5.24 trillion in circulation and N4.74 trillion 90.4 per cent outside banks.
CPS Total Assets Now N21.38trn as PenCom Attributes Growth to Awareness
Ebere Nwoji
Arthur Eriye
The African Development Bank (AfDB), in its 2025 Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook (MEO) report has revealed that Africa’s economic performance is showing signs of improvement but remains vulnerable to global shocks.
The report, unveiled on the sidelines of the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, projects real GDP growth to accelerate to 4.1 percent in 2025 and 4.4 percent in 2026. The forecast is attributed to economic reforms, declining inflation, and improved fiscal and debt positions. The report highlights that despite the positive trajectory, Africa’s growth remains below the 7 percent threshold required for substantial poverty reduction. The continent also continues to grapple with geopolitical tensions, structural weaknesses, climaterelated disasters, and prolonged conflicts in regions such as the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. It estimated Africa’s average real GDP growth to be 3.2 percent in 2024, slightly higher than the 3.0 percent recorded in 2023.
The report noted that while inflationary pressures persist, Africa’s average inflation rate is expected to decline from 18.6 percent in 2024 to 12.6 percent in 2025-2026 due to tighter monetary policies. Fiscal deficits have widened slightly from 4.4 percent of GDP in 2023 to 4.6 percent in 2024 but are projected to narrow to 4.1
percent by 2025-2026. Public debt levels have stabilized but remain above pre-pandemic levels, with nine countries in debt distress and eleven at high risk of distress.
The report, published by the bank biannually in the first and fourth quarters, responds to a critical need for timely economic data amid global uncertainty. It serves policymakers, development partners, global investors, researchers, and other stakeholders.
The 2025 report also identifies 24 African nations, including Djibouti, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Sudan, as poised to exceed 5 percent GDP growth in 2025. Additionally, Africa remains the world’s second-fastest-growing region after Asia, with 12 of the 20 fastest-growing economies projected to be on the continent.
Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, Ato Ahmed Shide, praised the depth of analysis of the report. “It underscores the fragility of Africa’s economic growth, which is projected to hover around 4 percent in the near term,” he said, emphasizing the need for proactive policy measures to sustain growth and stability.
In her remarks at the launch of report, Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery at the African Development Bank, Nnenna Nwabufo, highlighted the continent’s potential for driving global economic expansion but said achieving this requires decisive and wellcoordinated policies.
The National Pension Commission(Pension), has said that its consistent awareness creation efforts as well as financial inclusion strategy in the past five years yielded tremendous result despite the harsh economy as assets under management stands at N21.38trillion from N12. 05trillion.
The commission said in the past five years, registration into the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) by workers had maintained steady growth showing 13.93 per cent growth from 9,215,788 contributors in Q3 2020 to 10,499,358 in Q3 2024.
Eze
Industry stakeholders have given appraisal on the benefits of having a second airport in Lagos, the economic impact and how it would improve better service to airport users.
The appraisal is coming after the Lagos State government made a firm move to build an airport when it recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Summa Group, an international construction company, for the development and construction of Lekki-Epe International Airport.
Industry observers see the construction of a second airport in Lagos as a positive development, especially the choice of the location of the airport, which will provide service to a large community in Lagos island that currently have to leave very early in the morning or sleep over
PenCom said in like manner, assets under management grew from N12.05 trillion in October 2020 to N21.38 trillion as at Q3, 2024. The commission disclosed these in its dashboard, which contains assembled information on key pension metrics extracted from its data base platform.
The commission further said out of the aforementioned number of contributors 61 percent of the contributors were male while 38 percent were female. “By Q3 2024, there were 10,536,088 registered Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs), representing a growing adoption of the pension system. Notable highlights
in Ikeja, the location of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to board early morning flights.
When the airport is completed, it is believed that it will service the island community that will no more have to come to mainland of Lagos for domestic flight service and this, experts say, has many positive implications.
Currently the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, generates about 60 per cent of the revenues of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), even though the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is adding more numbers in terms of passenger traffic and it is the second biggest revenue earner for FAAN, according to a recent revelation by the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.
When the new airport in Lagos is
include 118,339 new RSA registrations in the year-to-date period for 2024, reflecting consistent awareness and inclusion efforts. Over the past five years, RSA registration increased by 13.93 per cent from 9,215,788 in Q4 2020 to 10,499,358 in Q3 2024,” the commission stated.
According to the commission, in terms of contributions into various workers RSA cumulative contributions since the inception of the CPS stood at N10.97 trillion as at Q3,2024, with public sector contributing N5.71 trillion while private sector contributed N5.25 trillion.
The commission, giving account of performance of the Micro Pension
completed and becomes operational, it is expected to reduce domestic passenger traffic from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. For the existing Lagos airport to remain competitive, it has to improve its facilities and its services to attract travellers who will otherwise use the Lekki airport.
However, the Managing Director, Flight and Logistics Solutions Limited, Amos Akpan, said: “Airport is an infrastructure provided as launch pad for socioeconomic development of the territory it is located in. So, the new airport in Lekki will provide a needed service in that area of Lagos.”
According to Akpan, “The argument for prioritization among contending development projects is left for the development agenda matched against the needs of the
Plan which was launched in 2019 to provide retirement savings for people working in the informal sector, informed that the total Micro Pension Registration count from inception between 2019 and Q3 2024 stood at 164,031 adding that in specific terms, the number of informal sector workers with funded RSAs was 12,241. “From 2020 to Q3 2024, the number of funded RSA registration increased by 5,971. The total amount saved in the RSAs of Micro Pension Participants was N967,194,762.23 as of Q3 2024, which represented a growth of N878,065,827.85 from the 2020 figure of N89,128,934.38.
people in that territory. The LASG (Lagos State Government) would have put this project through a thinking process, weighing this airport project against others like: speed rail linking Ikeja to Lekki/ Epe, water for all houses, electric/ alternative power sufficient to run homes and businesses, modernised and available modes of mass transport, e-security infrastructures fit for 24hours lifestyle et.al.” Speaking in the same vein, the Secretary General of Aviation Round Table (ART), Olu Fidel Ohunayo, told THISDAY that the new airport would not undermine the existing one; rather, it would enhance better service for the travellers, as it would create competitive environment that will make each service provider to strive to serve the customer better.
The NCAA acknowledged that NAHCO has played a crucial role in facilitating the growth of the Nigerian aviation industry through its dedication to providing worldclass aviation, passenger and cargo handling services and consistently setting the benchmark for operations excellence.
The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Plc) has announced that it has been awarded the prestigious Aviation Industry Champion Award by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The award was given to NAHCO when the regulatory authority marked its 25 years with a gala nite recently in Abuja, recognizing the handling company as a service provider in the aviation value chain which has consistently provided innovative support services in the sector.
Receiving the award, the GMD/ CEO, NAHCO Plc, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to excellence. He stated, “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We remain committed to providing worldclass aviation handling services and contributing to the continued growth and development of the Nigerian aviation sector.”
Emma Okonji Ajeromi Ifelodun local government, is set to host its 8th annual ‘The Mindset with Vice Chairman Lucky Uduikhue’- a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of the local government, aimed at empowering youths with digital skill on February 27, 2025. Executive Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Hon.
Fatai Adekunle Ayoola, said: “We are excited to partner with Willis Capital and WMarket to empower our youths with digital skills and innovative thinking. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to promoting digital inclusion and bridging the technology gap in Ajegunle.”
According to Hon. Lucky Uduikhue, ‘The Mindset’ is an annual event that aims to empower
youths in the community, and this year’s theme is ‘Powering the Next Generation of Digital Leadership’.
“The event is organised to equip Ajegunle youths with digital skills and innovative thinking, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and job creation among youths, and promoting digital inclusion and bridging the technology gap in Ajegunle,” said.
Nume Ekeghe
Chinedu
Charges: NCAA Wades into Domestic Airlines, Handling Companies Impasse
Chinedu Eze
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has waded into the impasse between domestic airlines and aviation handling companies over the latter’s increase in the cost of their services, referred to as safety threshold.
Indigenous carriers had hitherto kicked against the increase in the handling companies’ charges, insisting that such increase will increase their cost of operation, which is already too high and threatening to force them out of business.
But NCAA in a meeting at the weekend arranged and presided over by the Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, directed Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) the umbrella association of indigenous airlines, and the handling companies to reach a truce on amicable agreement and hold
EqualyzAI
another meeting on the matter.
Najomo also gave dateline on the truce and urged the bodies to meet on the issues before next Wednesday, February 26, 2025, when another meeting is expected to be conveyed by the authority for permanent resolution.
It was learnt that the operators under the aegis of AON had expressed deep dissatisfaction with the increment, claiming they were not consulted by the handling companies before attempting to effect the new rates.
They also alleged that the new handling rates proposed by the ground handling companies was about 600 per cent.
But the handling companies in their reaction insisted that due consultations were made by the companies, insisting that the increment was less than 300 per cent, adding that the dwindling economy
and the continuous drop of naira against foreign currencies, in terms of value, necessitated their action.
However, despite the increase, it was learnt that most of the airlines have continued to services of the handling companies.
“We met today (Friday) on the spike issue of new handling rates for the indigenous airlines. As usual, the airlines poured out their minds and the handling companies too spoke on why it was necessary to increase the handling rates.
“After both parties presented their own sides on the issue, Najomo directed them to meet again and give the NCAA a feedback on their agreement. So, both parties would meet again on Monday or Tuesday next week and they are expected to give feedback to the authority on their resolutions on Wednesday,” said an official who participated in the meeting.
Launches to Advance AI Innovation for Africa
EqualyzAI, a groundbreaking African-centric artificial intelligence (AI) start-up, has officially launched in Nigeria, with a mission to bridge the gap in AI innovation for emerging markets.
By leveraging hyperlocal multimodal datasets created in collaboration with native language speakers, EqualyzAI is developing AI models tailored to the African context, ensuring that the continent’s diverse languages and cultures are integral to global AI advancements.
Founded by Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi and Dr. Ife Adebara, EqualyzAI aims to address the underrepresentation of African
languages in AI-driven solutions. The company’s approach focuses on creating agentic AI models that not only understand African dialects but also process text, speech, images, and video content in a culturally relevant manner.
A seasoned technology leader Adekanmbi, with a track record of innovation at MTN and Airtel Africa UK Limited, has been instrumental in shaping AI learning and research across the continent. As a Global Grand Challenge winner for his work on Large Language Models (LLMs), he has played a key role in fostering Africa’s AI ecosystem through Data Science Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Adekanmbi emphasised the importance of AI that understands Africa’s unique
contexts. “Our goal is to ensure that AI solutions are built for Africans, by Africans, to address our specific challenges. AI should not only speak our languages but also empower communities through relevant, context-aware solutions,” Adekanmbi said.
Adebara reinforced the significance of linguistic inclusion in AI development.
“With over 2,000 languages spoken across Africa, we cannot afford to let our linguistic heritage be erased by technology. By integrating African languages into AI models, we are not only preserving culture but also creating new opportunities for education, business, and social impact,” Adebara said.
LASAA Addresses Concerns Over Abati Baracks Billboard Safety
Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has said that it is responding to the urgent concerns raised by a group in Surulere area of Lagos State, military officers and their families living in Abati Barrack over a giant billboard that has fallen twice, causing injuries and harm to lives and properties in the area.
The agency in a statement unequivocally disassociates itself from actions capable of endangering the lives and property of citizens, “and will continue to ensure that structural integrity is maintained in the deployment of any advertising structure in Lagos as billboards capable of causing deaths or destruction will not be allowed to stand.”
“LASAA would like to reiterate its unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity and safety of all advertising structures across Lagos State. We wish to also state
NDE
for public information that the billboard in Abati Barrack is not registered by the Agency, therefore, it is illegal. LASAA had consistently made efforts before that incident happened to regulate all advertising structures within and around the Nigeria Military, Police, and the Airforce formations in Lagos, but were not given the required support to regulate advertising structures within their territory.
“They are seen acting outside their purview. It is, however, important to allow LASAA perform its mandate without any fear or intimidation in the State to avert issues of falling advertisement structures and illegalities in these formations. The owner of the billboard identified as Radius Resources Limited has been sanctioned by LASAA and suspended since October 24, 2024 due to unethical practice, consequently, has no right to
Showcases Initiatives
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has said that it is participating in the ongoing 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair, providing a platform for beneficiaries of its skills acquisition programmes to showcase their products and services.
NDE in a statement stated that the trade fair, themed, “Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Trade through Digital Transformation,” aligns with its mission to promote economic growth and employment.
The Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, during the NDE Special Day said the
reinstall the fallen billboard,” it said.
The Managing Director of LASAA, Prince Fatiu Akiolu stated that: “We strongly urge all entities, the outdoor advertising practitioners, including military, airforce, and police formations, to collaborate with LASAA and comply with existing laws and regulations governing billboard installations.”
“We must work together to ensure that advertising practices in Lagos are safe, respectful, and sustainable, while also prioritizing the safety of lives and property of Lagos’ residents as well as visitors’.” Similarly, he stated that: “The safety of our residents is our top priority, and we take incidents like this very seriously. We are dedicated to enforcing standards that protect the public from potential hazards associated with faulty or improperly installed billboards,” he maintained.
to Promote Employment at KadunaTrade Fair
directorate, is committed to addressing unemployment through programmes like the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, which aims to engage 93,731 unskilled and unemployed individuals across Nigeria.
The NDE’s participation in the trade fair is expected to provide opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to interact with professionals in the international business community, promoting economic empowerment. The NDE is also launching a mobile application to connect Nigerians with services provided by its trained beneficiaries.
Also, speaking at the event, the KADCCIMA President , ESV. Ishaya Idi commended the NDE for its continuous participation in the fair, which has significantly contributed to the growth of SME’s and has provided tools for Nigerians to become self-reliant.
The Kaduna International Trade Fair is a major platform for business owners to gain exposure and access to the business world. The NDE’s participation is a testament to its commitment to promoting self-employment creation and economic growth.
Agnes Ekebuike
Tackling Nigeria’s Solar Panel Market Quality Issues: A Quest for High Quality
There is no doubt that systemic challenges continue to hinder the widespread adoption of Solar energy, which analysts say holds transformative potential for Nigeria. By addressing issues related to quality, design, maintenance, and policy, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of solar energy to drive energy independence and sustainable development. Writes oluchi Chibuzor
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Nigeria’s solar power capacity stood at just 33 MW as of 2020—a fraction of its potential. Nigeria’s abundant sunshine averaging 5.5 kWh/m²/day, holds immense potential for solar energy. However, solar energy systems frequently underperform or fail, hindering the nation’s transition to sustainable energy.
Nigeria’s renewable energy sector is on the brink of a revolution, driven by the growing demand for sustainable and reliable power solutions. With over 80 million Nigerians lacking access to grid electricity, solar power presents a viable alternative to bridge the energy gap. However, the market’s potential is under siege by a persistent issue – counterfeit and low-quality solar products.
These counterfeit panels, often disguised as premium brands, flood the market at lower prices, attracting cost-conscious consumers. Unfortunately, they come with hidden costs – poor efficiency, frequent system failures, and shortened lifespans. This not only leads to financial losses for consumers but also erodes trust in solar technology as a reliable energy source.
CoSTS of Low-QuALITy SoLAr PANeLS
Low quality solar panels are notorious for their subpar performance. While top-tier solar panels boast efficiency rates exceeding 20 per cent, these fake products often deliver a mere 10-15 per cent. This translates to less electricity generation and higher maintenance costs over time.
Consumers who fall prey to these counterfeit products are often left disappointed with unreliable systems that fail to meet their energy needs. This experience contributes to growing skepticism about the viability of solar power, slowing down the adoption of renewable energy in Nigeria.
Beyond poor performance, counterfeit or Low-quality panels also pose safety risks. Many of these products
do not undergo proper quality checks and can cause electrical hazards, including short circuits and fires. This adds another layer of concern for end-users, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulation and consumer education in the market.
A significant factor contributing to solar system failures in Nigeria is the influx of substandard components. Many suppliers import low-cost, counterfeit solar panels, inverters, and batteries to maximize profits. The Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) reports that up to 40 per cent of solar components in the market fail to meet international standards. These inferior products degrade quickly, leading to frequent breakdowns and reduced system efficiency.
AddreSSINg THe QuALITy
CHALLeNge
The influx of low quality or counterfeit products in Nigeria’s solar panel market can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the absence of stringent regulations and monitoring mechanisms has created loopholes for counterfeiters. Secondly, the lack of consumer awareness about genuine solar panels leaves many buyers vulnerable to deception.
To tackle these challenges, industry stakeholders must collaborate to enforce quality standards and raise awareness about the risks of counterfeit products. Government agencies, in partnership with industry players, should strengthen import regulations and implement certification systems to differentiate authentic products from counterfeits.
Furthermore, educating consumers about the importance of purchasing from quality local Grade A Solar Panel manufacturers can empower them to make informed decisions. This will not only protect buyers from financial losses but also restore trust in the solar panel market.
“Low quality solar panels are notorious for their subpar performance. while top-tier solar panels boast efficiency rates exceeding 20 per cent, these fake products often deliver a mere 10-15 per cent. This translates to less electricity generation and higher maintenance costs over time. Consumers who fall prey to these counterfeit products are often left disappointed with unreliable systems that fail to meet their energy needs. This experience contributes to growing skepticism about the viability of solar power, slowing down the adoption of renewable energy in Nigeria.”
“Beyond poor performance, counterfeit or Lowquality panels also pose safety risks. Many of these products do not undergo proper quality checks and can cause electrical hazards, including short circuits and fires. This adds another layer of concern for end-users, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulation and consumer education in the market. A significant factor contributing to solar system failures in Nigeria is the influx of substandard components. Many suppliers import low-cost, counterfeit solar panels, inverters, and batteries to maximize profits. The Nigerian energy Support Programme (NeSP) reports that up to 40 per cent of solar components in the market fail to meet international standards. These inferior products degrade quickly, leading to frequent breakdowns and reduced system efficiency.”
roLe
of LoCAL MANufACTurINg IN QuALITy ASSurANCe
Amid the quality crisis, one company is leading the charge to redefine standards in Nigeria’s solar market – LPV Technologies. Recognizing the pressing need for reliable and efficient solar panels, LPV Technologies is pioneering local manufacturing to combat counterfeit issues and enhance product quality.
By producing high-efficiency solar panels locally, LPV Technologies is able to maintain strict quality control measures throughout the production process. This guarantees that each panel meets international standards, ensuring optimal performance, durability, and safety.
Unlike imported panels, which are often difficult to authenticate, locally manufactured products offer greater transparency and traceability.
LPV Technologies’ commitment to quality not only delivers superior products but also builds consumer confidence in solar technology as a reliable energy solution.
BuILdINg TruST THrougH
LoCAL INNovATIoN
One of the key advantages of local manufacturing is the ability to tailor products to Nigeria’s unique environmental conditions.
LPV Technologies’ solar panels are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and humidity, ensuring long-lasting performance even in the most challenging climates. This localized approach also contributes to cost efficiency. By producing solar panels within Nigeria, LPV Technologies eliminates high importation costs associated with shipping and customs duties. This enables the company to offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality, making Premium-grade solar panels accessible to a broader range of consumers.
PAvINg THe wAy for SoLAr
AdoPTIoN IN NIgerIA
Quality assurance is crucial for the growth of Nigeria’s solar market. As more consumers experience the reliability and efficiency of locally manufactured panels, trust in solar energy as a viable power solution is restored. This will accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.
LPV Technologies’ pioneering role in local manufacturing is not just about producing highquality solar panels. It is about setting new standards in the industry, fighting counterfeit products, and empowering Nigerian consumers with reliable, efficient, and safe solar panel solutions.
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 20 February-2025, unless otherwise stated.
FITC Launches Landmark Insurance Industry Report to Drive Sustainable Growth in Sector
Oluchi Chibuzor
The Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), has launched a comprehensive report positioning Nigeria’s insurance industry globally, ranking it 70th in terms of premium volume, well behind countries like South Africa (20th) and the United States (1st).
The report presents insights from industry executives, analysing the sector’s state, challenges, and opportunities post-COVID-19.
Key challenges include sluggish growth, low penetration rates, and underutilization of technology. The report outlines paths to overcome these hurdles, highlighting digitization, regulatory reform, recapitalization, bancassurance, and Insurtech as crucial drivers for future growth.
The Nigerian insurance industry has faced sluggish growth, low penetration rates, and underutilisation of technology, particularly since the pandemic. FITC, a leading financial consulting and training institution, convened stakeholders to discuss these issues at the
launch event, themed, “Driving Sustainable Growth in the Insurance Industry: Through Digitization, Collaboration & Customer-Centric Strategies.”
In her welcome address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer FITC, Dr. Chizor Malize, expressed appreciation for the collaboration that made the report possible and emphasized its strategic value in addressing the insurance sector’s challenges and opportunities, particularly around innovation, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
Malize stressed the importance of digitization and operational efficiency, urging insurers to adopt customer-centric strategies that respond to evolving consumer needs. She also advocated public education on the importance of insurance, framing it as a critical safety net for society, not just a regulatory requirement.
In his Keynote address, Commissioner for Insurance and CEO of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, recognised FITC for its role in shaping the industry’s future.
He recognised the report as a roadmap for overcoming the sector’s challenges, particularly data integrity, regulatory frameworks, and innovation.
Omosehin highlighted the critical role of insurance in economic stability, noting that it provides protection against risks for both individuals and businesses.
He stressed the need for regulatory reforms, strong governance, and stakeholder collaboration to build a resilient insurance industry, assuring that NAICOM would consider the report’s recommendations to strengthen regulatory oversight and foster innovation.
CEO of Zest Payments, Dr. Stanley Jacob, delivered a presentation, highlighting the vast untapped potential in Nigeria’s insurance market, where penetration remains below 1% of GDP.
He also suggested that Nigeria’s insurance sector adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, mirroring the progress seen in the country’s banking industry in sustainable practices.
TAJBank Gets New Global Rating, Wins Islamic Bank Award
Nigeria’s fastest growing non-interest banking services provider, TAJBank Limited, has again consolidated its frontline position as Nigeria’s most innovative and value-driven non-interest lender, has won an award at the just concluded IFN Awards in Dubai.
The ‘Best Islamic Bank in Nigeria’ award was won by TAJBank through a global survey/poll conducted by the IFN.
Speaking shortly after the conferment of the Best Islamic Bank Award on TAJBank in
Dubai, which is considered as one of most highly rated awards in the Islamic Finance Industry, the bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Hamid Joda, attributed the global recognition to “our Board, management and staff’s commitment to best industry standards in products and services’ packaging and delivery to our highly cherished and growing customers.
“We want to thank IFN for the very credible poll that indicated that TAJBank is leading the non-interest banking segment of Nigeria
and also assure our growing customers that, as our mantra says, TAJBank’s only interest is the customers,” Joda added.
In his brief comments, the bank’s Co-Founder/ Executive Director, Sherif Idi, described the IFN award, “as a testament to our relentless efforts to ensure that TAJBank is the preferred choice for customers that are looking for the best in service standards powered by a well-groomed professionals and powered by world class technological assets.”
OnePipe Launches Automated Payment Solution for Financial Transactions
OnePipe, at the weekend in Lagos, launched its automated payment solution called PaywithAccount, designed to ease financial transactions between merchants and customers, and to also enhance digital transformation in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch, Founder/Chief Plumber, OnePipe, Mr. Ope Adeoye, said 19 banks were already connected to the solution in order to facilitate payments from customers’ bank accounts, after a successful business transaction.
According to him, the solution seeks to address the challenges faced by businesses when trying to access money from custom-
ers after a successful business transaction.
“With PaywithAccount, merchants and small business owners will overcome the challenge of running after customers to get payments done after any business transaction. They do not even need to send account number to them and follow up with them. The system will pull from their accounts directly although with their consent and their approval. If payment is delayed by the customer, the system will keep reminding them by sending notifications via emails and WhatsApp messages,” Adeoye said.
Addressing the issue of safety, Adeoye said several safety
measures had been built into the solution. “Before an account can be debited at all, the customer needs to give consent. Then every transaction comes via an approve button and could be declined by the customer if such transaction is not clear to the customer, and there is special customer website, where merchants and customers can interact, Adeoye added.
Presenting a keynote speech at the launch, Executive Director, Nigeria InterBank Settlement System (NIBSS), Ngover IhyembeNwankwo, commended OnePipe for the initiative, adding that the solution will ensure that people are able to get funds for services or goods that they sold.
Nigerian Female Makes History with Nobel Prize Nomination
Zuriel Oduwole, an advocate for peace, education, and gender equality, has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
At just 22, she has actively engaged in global diplomatic efforts, influencing discussions on education and peace, working to create opportunities for marginalized communities and promote meaningful change.
Her nomination recognises her efforts and reflects Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage.
Born in Los Angeles to Nigerian grandparents, Oduwole has engaged with over 35 world leaders, including presidents
and prime ministers, to discuss policy and development issues. Her efforts focus on improving education access for marginalized communities and promoting systemic change.
At 13, Oduwole mediated a territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, meeting with then-President David Granger at the United Nations to emphasize the importance of peaceful dialogue. In 2020, she consulted with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on global peace strategies during the Arab blockade of Qatar, which concluded
peacefully in 2021.
Her advocacy for education, which she views as fundamental to both development and stability, has been central to her mission from an early age.
In 2017, at just 14, she met with then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department to push for ‘reward-based’ education programs in developing nations, particularly to improve school retention for girls.
This engagement with U.S. leadership reinforced her global efforts to promote education as a driver of peace and opportunity.
Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
L- R, Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association, Kunle Ahmed; Commissioner for Insurance and CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Olusegun Ayo Omosehin; MD/CEO, FITC, Dr. Chizor Malize; President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, Yetunde Ilori and President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Babatunde Oguntade during the launched of a comprehensive report positioning Nigeria’s insurance industry globallyin Lagos...recently
Emma Okonji
Positive Sentiments Prevail as Stock Market Gain
Kayode Tokede
The stock market last week experienced a positive performance, with investors’ investment up by 0.41 per cent in it’s week-on-week (W-o-W) growth.
As a result, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) gained 0.41 per cent W-o-W to close at 108,497.40 points. However, market capitalisation rose by N96 billion or
0.29 per cent W-o-W to close at N67.614 trillion, as a result of the cancellation of 166.95 million units of ordinary shares of Dangote Cement Plc during the week.
Strong bargain hunting played a key role in this rise, as equity investors gained N96 billion across two of the five trading sessions last week.
Across the sectoral front, market performance was mixed. The NGX Consumer
Goods index emerged as the top gainer, surging by 6.55 per cent week-on-week. NGX Insurance index followed with a weekly gain of 1.47 per cent, while NGX Industrial index edged up by 0.05 per cent W-o-W. Conversely, the NGX Banking Index led the laggards, declining by 3.22 per cent week-on-week. NGX Oil & Gas index followed with a weekly decline of 2.87 per cent and the NGX Commod-
ity index fell by 0.50 per cent for the week.
The market breadth for the week was negative as 28 equities appreciated in price, 58 equities depreciated in price, while 64 equities remained unchanged. Abbey Mortgage Bank led the gainers table by 16.13 per cent to close at N3.60, per share. Smart Products Nigeria followed with a gain of 15.38 per cent to close at 30 kobo, while Dangote
0.41% W-o-W
Sugar Refinery went up by 15.00 per cent to close to N41.40, per share.
On the other side, Union Dicon Salt led the decliners table by 25.00 per cent to close at N6.00, per share. Ikeja Hotel followed with a loss of 21.43 per cent to close at N11.00, while UPDC declined by 17.99 per cent to close at N3.10, per share.
Overall, a total turnover of 2.001 billion shares worth N49.486 billion in 70,853
deals was traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 2.414 billion shares valued at N55.512 billion that exchanged hands prior week in 80,988 deals. Looking ahead, analysts at Cowry Assets Management Limited said “we anticipate mixed market sentiment in the coming week as investors await further corporate earnings releases and dividend declarations.
For nearly two decades, Worship for Change has stood as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s most vulnerable children. Founded by Pastor Wale Adenuga, the non-profit organisation has leveraged the power of worship music to raise funds for orphans, indigent children, and those with special needs. Powered through its annual Green Worship benefit concert, the initiative has not only provided financial relief to charity homes but also amplified awareness about their struggles, ensuring they receive the long-term support they desperately need. This year, the movement reached new heights by giving ₦36.75 million to six charity organisations. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that for the recipients, the funds represented not just financial aid, but an answered prayer and a testament of God’s unfailing mercies in their time of need
When Evangelist James Tumba left his hometown of Michika, Adamawa State, for Lagos, he carried a heavy burden. The school fees for the over 50 children in his orphanage were overdue, and he had no clear idea how he was going to pay.
But Tumba had never relied on human connections to keep his orphanage running. When he founded Gold Gate Mission, it was not because he had wealthy sponsors or government backing. It was simply a calling.
Years ago, as he travelled from town to town for mission work, he began noticing the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency—children left alone, wandering the streets, their parents either missing or brutally killed. Some were so young they did not even know their names.
One incident changed everything. “I found a week-old baby abandoned in the bush, covered in ants,” Tumba recalls. “We rescued that child, and to the glory of God, the child is now in Primary Two in a private school, thriving.”
Despite having no guaranteed funding, Tumba made a promise that no child under his care would be deprived of a proper education. “All our kids are in private schools,” he says. “But before I left for Lagos, the school called to remind me that I was yet to pay their school fees. I pleaded for more time and stayed faithful that God would make a way.”
Evangelist James Tumba has remained committed to his mission despite financial struggles. Following God’s instruction not to seek donations, he started a farm to provide food for orphans and generate some income, though it has never been enough. Due to limited space, some children cannot stay at the orphanage. With a recent donation, he plans to expand accommodation so they can all live together.
And then, the miracle happened. At the 2024 Green Worship 7.0 Benefit Concert, organised by Worship for Change, Gold Gate Mission and five other charity homes each received N6.125 million.
“When I got the call, I could not believe it,” Tumba says, his voice thick with emotion. “It was more than I ever expected. The first thing I will do is pay the school fees, and then I will expand our accommodation so that all our children can stay together under one roof.”
A former Muslim who converted to Christianity
in 1991, Tumba has dedicated his life to helping others, especially in insurgencyaffected areas like Adamawa, Gworza, and Mubi. His work has helped traumatised children heal and rebuild their lives. With support from Worship for Change, his mission to provide a brighter future for these children is gaining new strength.
For the six organisations that received funding at the RCCG Jubilee Centre, 15 Williams Close, Adenuga Street, Aguda Surulere, recently, the emotions were the same—shock, gratitude, and answered prayers.
A Legacy of Worship and Giving
Since 2006, Worship for Change has been more than just a music initiative.
Founded by Pastor Wale Adenuga, the organisation has raised over N160 million to support children with special needs, orphans, and the less privileged.
Their annual Green Worship concert brings together some of Nigeria’s most beloved gospel artistes, not just to lead worship, but to inspire generosity.
“We have been organising this concert since 2006, and it keeps growing every year,” Pastor Adenuga explains. “Last year, we raised N33 million, which was distributed to four charity homes. This year, we raised N36.75 million—11 per cent more than last year—and we were able to support six homes instead of four.”
The beneficiary homes for 2024 included Agbedare Jesus Care Foundation (Oyo); Bethesda School for the Blind (Lagos); Gilead Initiatives (Ikorodu); Flora Trust Foundation (Lagos); Jesus Orphanage (Rivers State); and Gold Gate Mission (Adamawa).
Dream Come True for Agbedare Jesus Cares Foundation
For Mrs. Agbedare Beatrice Adenike, founder of Agbedare Jesus Care Foundation in Ibadan, the donation was an answer to years of prayers and a testament to the name of the foundation as Jesus truly cared for the foundation as they were part of this year’s philanthropy.
“This money will be used to improve
accommodation for children with special needs, ensuring separate spaces for boys and girls while also expanding our classrooms,” she says. “It is a dream come true, and I pray that God continues to bless Worship for Change,” she said.
Life Changing Donation to Gilead Initiatives
At Gilead Initiatives in Ikorodu, where children with cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome receive therapy, education, and medical care, the impact of the donation will be life-changing.
“Our goal is for these children to lead independent lives,” says Mrs Bisola Olufolajimi Idowu, the founder. “This support will help us equip them for a future where they can contribute meaningfully to society.”
Lease of Life for Flora Trust Foundation
For Flora Trust Foundation in Lagos, which caters to children with severe disabilities, also shared their overwhelming gratitude, the donation was a lease of life for the home and its inhabitants.
“We started with just four children, but now we have 20, and many more are on our waiting list,” says Mrs Chika Ugochukwu. “This fund will help us secure additional space and mobility aids, ensuring these children receive the care they deserve.”
Jesus Orphanage
The Jesus Orphanage in Rivers State is another beneficiary of this year’s Green Worship 7.0 fundraising efforts, receiving N6.125 million to support its work with orphans and vulnerable children. For the caregivers at the orphanage, the donation came as an answered prayer, offering a much-needed lifeline at a time when rising costs of food, healthcare, and education have placed immense strain on their limited resources. Founded by Evangelist Finegirl Jesus, it was however her husband that received the donation on their behalf.
The Growing Challenge of Special Needs Care
Despite the generosity of donors, the rising cost of living, education, and healthcare continues to put pressure on organisations caring for vulnerable children.
The Bethesda School for the Blind in Lagos
is one such organisation, tirelessly working to empower visually impaired children with the education and skills they need to thrive. While the N6.125 million donation will go a long way in providing Braille textbooks, mobility aids, and specialised learning materials, the challenge of sustainable funding remains a pressing concern.
The cost of hiring trained special education teachers, maintaining assistive technology, and ensuring access to quality healthcare continues to rise, making long-term financial support crucial for the school’s mission. Without consistent funding, many of these children risk being left behind in a world that is already difficult to navigate.
Which was the home was ever grateful for the N6.125 million donation, which they said would help them provide educational resources.
Acknowledging this challenge, Pastor Adenuga said the rising cost of living, education, and healthcare continues to put pressure on organisations caring for vulnerable children.
“Things have become more difficult, and people barely have enough to care for themselves, let alone others,” he noted. “The support we have raised is making a significant impact, not only financially but also by creating awareness about the amazing work these organisations are doing.”
For Pastor Adenuga, the responsibility to help these children does not lie with one organisation alone. “It is our collective responsibility to support these charities and make life easier for them,” he urges. “I am grateful to everyone who contributed to making this possible.”
Beyond the Concert, Worship for Change Elevates
Pastor Adenuga and his team are not stopping here. Beyond the benefit concert, Worship for Change launched a “21 Days of Giving” campaign in October to encourage continuous support.
“This is not just about one night of worship,” he says. “It is about building a culture of generosity—about reminding people that even a small act of kindness can change a life.”
For the beneficiaries of this year’s Green Worship 7.0, the impact of that kindness is impossible to measure. It is the difference between a child receiving therapy or being left to struggle, between education and illiteracy, between hope and despair. It is prayers answered, lives changed, and a future restored—all through the power of worship and giving.
Pastor Wale Adenuga and the beneficiaries of the Worship for Change philanthropy
Founder of Green Worship and Worship for Change, Pastor Wale Adenuga (middle), flanked by other board members
EFINA UNVEILING AND BRAND IDENTITY RELAUNCH...
Language Extinction: Igbo Women
Vow to Save Language, Culture
NLN CEO: Over 29 Nigerian indigenous languages face extinction Launches compendium of alphabets, numerals of Nigerian languages
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia and Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
With the prediction of UNESCO that Igbo language is among the languages likely to go into extinction in the next 50 years, Igbo women have vowed to ensure the survival of the language and culture till eternity.
They stated this resolve weekend at a symposium themed - “Igbo Language and Culture: A Treasure Worth Preserving” - organised by the
Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) to mark the 2025 United Nations International Mother Language Day.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, has raised concerns that no fewer than 29 of Nigerian spoken languages face extinction.
She raised the alarm in Abuja at the 2025 International Mother Language Day, with the theme: ‘Silver Jubilee
Celebration of International Mother Language Day’.
The Umuahia symposium held at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, Abia State brought together women from across the South East zone, traditional rulers, language and culture experts and other stakeholders to chart the way forward.
IWA is currently leading a campaign for the sustenance of Igbo language and culture not only in Nigeria but in every part of the globe where Ndigbo reside.
The women made a clarion call to governments of Igbo speaking states of Nigeria, policy makers, Igbo families, traditional rulers, school proprietors, and other stakeholders to join the crusade to preserve Igbo language and culture.
In a communique at the end of the symposium to mark the event, Igbo women declared their resolve to ensure Igbo language is accorded priority as the language of communication in the South East zone and other Igbo-speaking areas.
Oil Exploration Resumption: Ogoni People Insist on Creation of State
Demand implementation of Ogoni Bill of Rights
The people of Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State have insisted that the federal government should create a state for them as part of conditions for resumption of oil exploration in the area.
This came weeks after the Congress of Ogoni People reaffirmed commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders ahead of the planned resumption of oil exploration.
The Congress led by Prof. Don Baridam (Chairman), Archbishop Ignatius Kattey (Co-chairman), Tom Orage (Secretary) had stated that the reason for the peaceful dialogue is to ensure that the Ogoni people’s aspirations for development, environmental justice, and economic empowerment are realised.
However, the dialogue committee directed that the four local government areas in the Ogoniland (Eleme, Gokana, Khana and Tai) should organise a separate town hall meeting and return with their
various resolutions and demands for the onward dialogue with the presidency.
Meanwhile, at the town hall meeting organised by the 20 communinites in Gokana LGA, yesterday, they insisted that the government should create "Ogoni State" with the capital in Bori Town.
The communities that participated in the peaceful meeting supervised by Archbishop Kattey, Tom Orage and Ledum Mitee, were Barakor, Bera, Biara, Bodo, Boghor, Bomu, B-Dere and Deeyor.
History Made as Credicorp Unveils N20bn
Mary Nnah
In a historic move poised to transform Nigeria's automotive landscape, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has officially launched its highly anticipated ₦20 billion mobility credit fund.
This initiative is designed to facilitate the purchase of locally manufactured vehicles, empowering Nigerians to own brand-new, made-inNigeria cars, tricycles, and motorcycles.
The event marked a significant milestone in CREDICORP's mission
to drive economic inclusion and expand access to consumer credit for Nigerians.
The first wave of beneficiaries, comprising entrepreneurs and individuals, took delivery of their tricycles and motorcycles at a ceremony held at Simba Group's manufacturing facility in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday. Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, hailed the initiative, saying, "History is being made, and it's always good to be part of history.
Others included Dekaen, Gbe, Giokoo, Goi, K-Dere, Koh, Kpor, Leewe, Mogho, Nwebiara, Nweol and Yeegeh.
In their various written memoranda submitted, the communities demanded for the implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights, including "political autonomy, control over Ogoni economic resources, adequate representation in Nigerian institutions, protection of the Ogoni environment, and the development of Ogoni culture and language".
Mobility Credit Fund
But it's always better to be the one making the history. This mobility credit fund will have a multiplier effect on the economy, creating jobs and stimulating growth in the industry."
MD of Simba Group, Mr. Vinay Grover, praised CREDICORP for its game-changing initiative, saying it will "revolutionise the industry" and provide affordable financing options for Nigerians.
"We are proud to be part of this initiative, and we believe it will have a significant impact on the lives of Nigerians," he added.
MD/CEO, CrediCorp, Uzoma
Nwagba, highlighted the importance of consumer credit in driving economic growth and reducing corruption.
"This is a day we have been looking forward to. We kicked off the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation last year, and today, we are witnessing the first set of beneficiaries of credits purchasing locally assembled automobiles," he said.
Nwagba also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his vision and support, saying that CREDICORP is committed to making consumer credit accessible to all Nigerians.
In the communique written in Igbo and read by former Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Chinedu Brown, the women demanded that henceforth, speaking and teaching of Igbo language should be made compulsory in schools.
They further demanded that the use of English language in official communications should be minimised, adding that Igbo should be used as official language of communication in Igbo gatherings.
The women recognised the critical role they play in the nurturing of children and enjoined every mother in Igbo families to speak the language to their children right from when they are in the womb.
The symposium featured paper presentations by experts in various areas of Igbo tradition and culture, each emphasizing the need to preserve Igbo language, various cultural practices, food, cultural attires, among others. Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Sir Matthew Ekwuruibe, said that government was already taking steps to ensure the survival of Igbo language and culture. He said that the Arts and Culture Ministry was already discussing with the Ministry of Education to put measures in place "to ensure that Igbo is well spoken in schools as well as organising cultural events, among others".
GCIOBA Honours Late Akin-Deko with Tribute, Autobiography Launch
Funmi Ogundare
Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), weekend, paid tribute to the late Chief Gabriel Akin-Deko, celebrating his enduring legacy through the launch of his autobiography: “I Drink to the Future”.
The program held in an atmosphere filled with nostalgia and reverence, chronicling the tapestry of the life of late Akin-Deko from his birth in 1913 to his death in1987, brought together distinguished alumni, dignitaries, and admirers of the late agricultural visionary.
Speaking at the launch, the President of the association, Wale Babalakin, extolled Akin-Deko’s lifelong dedication to the college and his pivotal role in Nigeria’s agricultural revolution.
“We have come to celebrate commitment to a cause. Chief AkinDeko never really left Government College till he died,” Babalakin remarked.
“His impact on agriculture in Western Nigeria in the 50s and 60s was unparalleled, and we owe him immense gratitude for his visionary leadership.”
He highlighted an array of
members of GCIOBA shining as lights in their endeavours, stressing they need to celebrate their excellence and contribution of service to the country.
“So, we need to start bringing them out. I always have a running battle with my friends. I tell them, what you contributed to Nigeria may be the government, which has failed. What we contributed to Nigeria is intellect,” he said.
The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, who spoke virtually underscored Akin-Deko’s groundbreaking contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He said despite not being formally trained in agriculture, Akin-Deko spearheaded radical reforms that transformed the rural economy, particularly through the establishment of farm settlements, noting: “He was a man of rare intellectual acumen.”
He added: “His work in the 1960s laid the foundation for agricultural self-sufficiency, making Western Nigeria a model of food security. His courage to resign as Commissioner of Agriculture when cocoa prices were lowered exemplified his deep integrity and commitment to farmers.”
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
L-R: Chairman, Board of Polaris Bank, Muhammad. K. Ahmad; Deputy Director of Inclusive Financial Systems, Country Engagements, The Gates Foundation, Jason Lamb; CEO of EFInA Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Advancement, Foyinsolami Akinjayeju; Pioneer Board Chair, EFInA, Mr. Dotun Sulaiman; Ambassador Nimi Akinkugbe; Emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II; Former, Director General, Securities and Exchange Nigeria, Ms. Arunma Oteh; Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro; and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Central Internal Audit, Dr. lyabo O. Ayoola, at the EFInA Unveiling and Brand Identity Relaunch, held in Lagos ... recently
KPMG LAUNCH OF TAX ORBIT REVOLUTIONIZING TAX PROCESSES...
CJN Calls for Enhanced Security to Protect Judges Across Nigeria
Says judicial officers' safety must be prioritised Demands compliance with court orders
Wale Igbintade
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called for enhanced security measures to protect judicial officers across the country.
She made this appeal during a meeting with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, in Abuja.
The Chief Justice stressed the importance of safeguarding judges to ensure they can perform their duties without fear or favour.
In a statement issued by Tobi Soniyi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Chief Justice of Nigeria on Media, Justice Kekere-Ekun stressed that judges must feel safe to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
She also expressed concern about the growing trend of law
enforcement agencies disregarding court orders.
The CJN asserted that the rule of law demands strict compliance with judicial decisions.
She added that any failure to do so undermines public trust in both the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
She urged the IGP to issue clear directives to ensure that court judgments and orders are respected and enforced promptly. Additionally, Justice Kekere-Ekun called for an end to the public display of suspects by police officers before they have been convicted of a crime.
In response, IGP Kayode Egbetokun assured the Chief Justice that the police are committed to the protection of judges. He stated that some state police
commands had already set up judge protection units, while others that had not yet done so were given immediate instructions to establish them.
This meeting comes after a disturbing incident last week, where political thugs reportedly held 16 judges of the Benue State High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal hostage for nearly five hours.
The siege occurred at the Benue State High Court Complex, where the judges were trapped inside the Chambers of the State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The thugs eventually left, allowing the judges to regain their freedom.
The trouble began around 9 a.m. when several High Court judges gathered at the Judiciary
Guest House to discuss recent developments concerning the State Chief Judge.
Witnesses claimed that a highranking government official, who was aware of the meeting, brought in the thugs to disrupt the proceedings.
Justice Ikpambese, upon hearing of the planned disruption, called the judges to his chambers in the High Court Complex.
The judges’ departure coincided with the arrival of the thugs, who immediately attacked the security guards at the entrance.
The Public Relations Officer of the High Court, Mr. Stephen Tsegba, was also beaten by the thugs and had to be rescued by some of the staff.
The thugs then proceeded to the High Court Complex, where they forced their way into the
TETFUND Canvasses Varsity Autonomy as Tinubu Recommits to Funding Universities in Nigeria
Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has emphasized the need for federal government to abolish its existing policy on Nigerian universities and grant them complete autonomy.
The Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Sonny Echono, who expressed the concern weekend during the 9th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), punctured the logic of government's control of universities, despite the provisions of the Universities Autonomy Act No. 1 of 2007, which allows universities to govern themselves and manage their finances, among other responsibilities.
Echono stressed the primary goal of the Act is to free universities from the bureaucratic constraints of the civil service, enabling university governing councils to exercise their powers and perform their functions without undue external influence or interference.
Specifically, the TETFUND Executive Secretary pointed out that government interference, particularly through the constitution and the dissolution of governing councils, has impeded universities' ability to establish independent appeal
processes.
In his convocation lecture titled, “University Autonomy and the Challenge of Quality Tertiary Education in Nigeria,” Echono explained that autonomy would empower universities to manage their academic curricula, staff welfare, and finances effectively.
Echono clarified that granting autonomy does not absolve the federal government of its responsibility to fund universities, nor does it imply the privatization of these institutions.
His words: “The existing government policy on autonomy for universities in Nigeria allows them to govern themselves, appoint key officers, determine staff conditions of service, control student admissions and academic curricula, manage their finances, and generally operate as independent legal entities without undue interference from the federal government and its agencies.
“This policy is derived from the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, also known as the Universities Autonomy Act No. 1 of 2007.
“The Act, enacted by the National Assembly and signed into law on July 10, 2003, was later gazetted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Official Gazette No. 10, Volume 94 on January 12, 2007, as Act No. 1 of 2000.
“The overall goal of the Act is to liberate our universities from the bureaucracy of the civil service and enable university governing councils to exercise their powers without undue external influence.
“However, the government retains ultimate control over universities through constitutional provisions and the dissolution of governing councils.
The President is the final arbiter in all appeal processes regarding federal institutions, and the government holds legislative power.
“Thus, it can be argued that autonomy under the Act is not absolute. For instance, despite the provisions for autonomy, Section 2AAA (2) mandates that a university council must ensure that the disbursement of university funds complies with the budgetary ratios approved by the government.
premises despite the presence of heavily armed police officers and other security personnel, who made no attempt to stop them.
Armed with iron rods and clubs, the thugs broke the door to the Chief Judge’s Chambers and tried to gain
entry. The situation lasted until around 2:30 p.m. when the Makurdi Police Zonal Commander arrived and escorted the judges, including Justice Ikpambese, to safety, assuring them that the thugs had dispersed.
Nollywood Boosted as Filmhouse Group, AFRIFF, UCA Launch Historic Partnership
Mary Nnah
To transform Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, The Filmhouse Group, Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), and University for the Creative Arts (UCA) have joined forces to launch an unprecedented initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of creative industry leaders.
According to a press release made available to THISDAY, this trailblazing partnership, which kicks off on February 24, 2025, will provide secondary school and university students with a unique opportunity to gain industry insights and hands-on experience in film, animation, and fashion.
Led by AFRIFF, the five-day programme will feature interactive sessions with leading professionals, including Chioma Ude, Founder of AFRIFF, and Ladun Awobokun, Chief Content Officer at FilmOne Entertainment & Filmhouse Group.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to harness the potential of
Nigeria's youthful population and drive sustainable growth in the creative sector.
With the support of the Lagos State Government, this partnership aims to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals equipped to thrive in the fast-growing entertainment market.
“We are committed to equipping young talents with the skill, knowledge, and network they need to thrive. This initiative reflects our vision to develop Africa's creative sector and foster long-term industry growth”, said Kene Okwuosa, CEO of Filmhouse Group.
"AFRIFF has always been dedicated to talent development. Partnering with Filmhouse Group and UCA strengthens our mission of providing young creatives with access to world-class education, mentorship, and industry exposure early-on”, Chioma Ude, Founder of AFRIFF noted.
The programme's highlight is a fireside chat themed - "The Business of Film" - featuring Chioma Ude and Ladun Awobokun.
House Minority Whip, Ali Isa, Flags Off Rural Electrification Project
Segun Awofadeji in Gombe
Member representing Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ali Isa, JC, is set to flag-off the electricity project linking Degre and Talasse in the area.
Residents of Talasse, which is the Headquarters of Balanga Local Government Area will have cause to smile being the only Local Government Headquarters in the State without electricity supply from the National Grid since its creation over 35 years ago.
Similarly, projects worth hundreds of millions of Naira executed by the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives are due for commissioning from Sunday February 23 to Wednesday 26, 2025.
The projects include: Blocks of Classrooms and Water Projects in all Twenty Wards of the Two Local Government Areas that make up the Federal Constituency.
Some of the projects completed under the Constituency Projects of Rt. Hon. Ali Isa that would be commissioned are located in Tal, Banganje, Kalmai, Billiri North and
Bare all in Billiri Local Government Area.
In Balanga South, the Projects that will be commissioned include: Water and Block of Classrooms projects in Mona and Kindiyo Wards as well as block of classrooms in Swa and Gelengu in Balanga North respectively.
The Minority Whip will also train and empower 10 people in each of the 20 wards of the constituency in dry season farming and social media reporting.
Those to be trained in dry season farming will be empowered with pumping machines, Nafsacks, pipes
for pumping water fertilizer and solar power systems for the water pumps, take off grants amongst other items to be given after the training. Similarly, Hon. Ali Isa’s social media team will be trained on reporting skills and photo news recording with tools of trade for effective coverage of activities in the various wards of the constituency. Women empowerment by the wife of the Honourable Ali Isa, JC, Hajiya Saádatu Ali Isa, will form part of the activities of the member in the interface with his constituents.
L-R: Manager, Digital Factory, KPMG, Mr. Daranijo Olatunde; Human Resources Local Operations Specialist, Wartsila, Happiness Akpan; Associate Director, Managed Services Group, KPMG Africa, Bukunmi Olaniyonu; Group Tax Manager, Heirs Holdings Limited, Nwamaka Itie; Manager, Tax Technology/ Transformation, KPMG Africa, Oluwakemi Gbadebo; and Manager, Tax Technology/ Transformation, KPMG Africa, Akaoma Osele, during KPMG launch of Tax Orbit Revolutionising Tax Processes in Lagos…recently ETOP UKUTT
Foundation, Mopelola Ajetunmobi, during the press conference organised by the foundation in Lagos at the weekend
Lamido: PDP’s Continued Feud Worrisome
Former governor of Jigawa State and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has expressed concern over the continuing feud in the opposition party, saying unless PDP leaders spoke with one voice, electoral success may be a mirage come 2027.
Ex-governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, on his part, underscored the need for Nigeria to have another constitution ahead of the 2027 general election.
The duo spoke with journalists in Ilorin on the state of the nation shortly after the commissioning of a road single-handedly funded by former All Progressives Congress
Commissioner: Delta Highly Solvent Because of Oborevwori's Financial Mgt Abilities
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and public information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has said that the state was very solvent and able to meet up its financial obligations as they fall due because of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's financial management abilities anchored on fiscal discipline, prudence and accountability. Aniagwu stated this in an interview on live television programme monitored in Asaba.
He disclosed that Governor Oborevwori’s greatest asset was being underrated by naysayers adding that by his governance philosophy, the Governor had continued to confound his critics with tangible proofs and accolades across the state and country.
According to him, Oborevwori is likened to that book that almost everybody judged by its cover and
of so many years was abruptly ended without any input from the Army as their institution of origin.
“I objected to this arbitrariness and disregard for due process. I confided in some senior colleagues that I would rather resign my commission than continue in office as Chief of Army Staff without input into decisions that concern the careers of personnel under my command.”
On a personal note, Babangida said, “In response, I was placed under surveillance, with the privacy of my communications and those of my family constantly monitored. This tense atmosphere culminated in the unanimous decision of a broad spectrum of senior and middle-level officers to change the nation’s leadership.
“The processes associated with this change were completed without bloodshed by midnight on August 26, 1985. ON AUGUST 27, 1985, I assumed office as the nation’s new leader, fully aware of the many challenges confronting the country.
“I had no illusions about the direction in which to move the country. I had long-standing convictions about Nigeria born of many decades of comprehensive consultations with a broad spectrum of compatriots from nearly all walks of life.
“Having been part of all previous
by the time they attempted to open the book they discovered that it's not written in french language but in pure English.
"All the facts that you need to know about certain things that you thought are not possibly available in that book are all put together in that book.
"One of Oborevwori's greatest assets is the fact that he is underrated, his financial management abilities is almost second to none
"Let me inform you that even as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly for six years at the end of his tenure he returned N500 million unspent funds to the state coffers so when you look at the story of people who are usually there as politicians in different levels you will understand what that means.
government changes, I had become quite familiar with the wishes and aspirations of our people and developed a template of what needed to be done, at least from my modest perspective.
“The new administration’s determination was informed by a genuine desire to end the cycle of instability in both the politics and general history of the nation. I made this clear in my inaugural address to the nation.”
The former military leader also expressed regrets about leaving behind the late General Sani Abacha, as the most senior military officer to work with the Interim National Government led by Earnest Shonekan, describing his action as a “grave mistake”.
Babangida denied knowing or having anything whatsoever to do with Association for Better Nigeria (ABN), led by Senator Arthur Nzeribe, whose activities contributed immensely to the annulment of the June 12 presidential election won by MKO Abiola.
He admitted in the book, “While mapping out our strategies for the way forward, our credibility deficit persisted, compounded by several seemingly unrelated events.
“In March 1992, a hitherto unknown group named Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) emerged, headed
"When we thought that was a flash in the pan that maybe it was just one of those things but we didn't know that that is his pure characteristics and leadership style.
"When we say that Delta today is solvent we are not solvent because we contracted a native doctor to help us preserve our funds.
"We are solvent because Oborevwori is demonstrating a whole lot of accountability and prudence in the management of our resources.
"Two weeks ago when we had our first EXCO meeting for the year 2025 we approved projects worth over N275 billion naira. Not only that we approved those projects, the governor was also magnanimous for us to proceed to mobilize each
and funded, we later found out, by the wealthy Igbo maverick Arthur Nzeribe, calling for four more years for the administration.
“The emergence of the group personally took me by surprise. But we were, as a government, so immersed in our credibility crisis that no one believed that I, or a member of our government (at least, to my knowledge at that time), had a hand in the group’s activities.
“Especially, also, as Chief Arthur Nzeribe was personally known to me. It was difficult in the circumstances that we now found ourselves having to persuade an already sceptical Nigerian population that we were not behind the campaign for an extension to military rule.
“It was a bewildering experience, even more so because, as we later found out, ABN was not even a formally registered organisation then. As I will show later, figuring out the real forces behind this shadowy organisation took a long time.
“Our problem of what to make of ABN’s activities was compounded by behind-the-scene pressure from various groups, including the political class, for us to remain in office! Recall that the elected governors had assumed office in January 1992.
“Suddenly, in our search for a way
of the contractors wit 40 percent of the contract sum.
"We have been doing that since he came in and that is why you can see that a number of these projects are moving with speed
"Beyond the issue of giving out this 40%, there are a number of projects that are on Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO), where in which case every month, certain amount of funds kicks in.
"The moment you present your certificate in terms of milestones, the state pays."
Mr Aniagwu remarked that Governor Oborevwori was not just funding projects, the state government had not borrowed a dime but had paid loans obtained by previous administrations to the tune of N240billion.
forward, some of the governors who had been elected through a process that we were trying to fine-tune for the presidential elections were telling us, like ABN, to postpone the presidential elections. I was alarmed.
“Yet, the same governors (with the possible exception of one or two) went back to their party Conventions to say that I had a hidden agenda to extend my stay in power!
“At moments like that, being president of a beautiful country like Nigeria became frustrating. You wished you didn’t have to confront these challenges in those rare, lonely moments.
“But our challenges were far from diminishing. If anything, they multiplied. While still engulfed by the shadowy activities of ABN and troubled by the unsolicited ‘advice’ of some state governors to extend our stay in office, we were suddenly confronted in May 1992 by a wave of communal, industrial, labour and student unrest on a scale that was frighteningly disturbing.
“The communal conflict in ZangonKataf in Kaduna State quickly spread like wildfire to other parts of the state. In Lagos and other parts of the country, violent protests over the effects of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) had claimed lives.”
(APC) presidential aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, at the cost of N102 million.
The one-kilometre asphalt overlaid road, with drainages on both sides, was in addition to various major roads Olawepo-Hashim had mended, linking Excellence Hall to the newly constructed Danialu Awolowo Road.
Lamido and Attah were guests of honour at the opening of the road.
Lamido said about the PDP row, "We are going through some difficulty as a political party and the less we speak about the crisis, the better for us.
"When we are making peace, we must prioritise giving confidence to all the members, both leaders and followers.
“We are forging ahead to reconcile. Now, if you keep on bringing division and creating more problems about who is this and that, the party will never make progress.
"The PDP should be supported in its rebuilding process to ensure it is thoroughly reconciled so that we can save Nigeria.”
Attah underlined the need for the country to have another constitution ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Nobody should attempt to go into election with this constitution in 2027,”
Babangida recalled the attempts made by Abacha and other unnamed senior military officers to truncate the transition programme at the time and confessed that he made a big gaffe by allowing the former head of state to remain in power after he left office in 1993.
He wrote, “Without question, one of my biggest headaches at this time was Sani Abacha. I knew that Abacha was ambivalent about a return to civil rule. But I thought, in retrospect now, naively, that he would support our transition to civil rule programme.
“As I said earlier, Abacha and I had come a long way. We were good friends, and he had, indeed, been nice to me.
As I have said elsewhere, he saved my life once and also risked his life to ensure that I took over in 1985. I could never forget those details.
“I obviously didn’t know everything about him! For instance, I was alarmed to discover that he and a handful of others mobilised negative opinions against me within the military, portraying me as the problem. That campaign was geared towards a violent military coup to remove me as president forcefully.
“Without question, the idea of an ING was a contraption, something of a compromise between the fierce Abacha-led opposition to the June 12
he stated, alleging that Nigerians do not have a nation currently, as there is a lack of requisite national policies.
The former governor said, “That is all I am preaching. It's not about insecurity, health or economic issues, but we have failed to develop the country into a nation with common shared values.
“Nobody can be forced into a union and told to form a country and they will agree to stay. Until we have a constitution that Nigerians prepared for themselves and are using with shared values, equality, equity and justice, believe me, we can (ruin) this country.”
Olawepo-Hashim, in his remarks, urged politicians to prioritise development of their communities, adding that the “project is our token of love and show of gratitude to God. That is why we are giving back to society”.
He emphasised the importance of private sector involvement in infrastructure development, stating that quality roads are essential for economic growth and community well-being.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting development projects that would improve the people’s quality of life.
election results and the position that the election results be allowed to stay, one that will succeed our government after the August 27, 1993, exit date.
“To legally actualise that decision, the government directed Professor Ben Nwabueze and Clement Akpamgbo to draft an enabling law, Decree 61 of 1993, the legal framework for the ING.
“Although the political parties had suggested a few other names for headship of the ING, we, as a government, were okay with letting the Transition Council Chairman, Chief Ernest Shonekan, head the ING.
“Desirous of not being a stumbling block of any type, and as a personal sacrifice, on August 17, 1993, I announced my desire to ‘step aside’ and go into retirement during my address to a joint sitting of the National Assembly.
“The outgoing government also felt that it would be proper for the Service Chiefs to retire, namely Lt-General Ibrahim, Air Vice-Marshal Akin Dada, Vice-Admiral Dan Preston Omatsola, and Aliyu Attah. One didn’t need to be a soothsayer or an astute political scientist to see that Chief Shonekan would have a tough time on the job.
“Although a former Chief Executive
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Maths4Life
ABIODUN AJALA
AT THE 2025 INTERDENOMINATIONAL DIVINE SERVICE...
FG: 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Will Incorporate Wind Turbines
Tinubu says all road networks to meet international standards
Addeh
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the weekend said that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will incorporate wind turbines within its corridor to generate clean energy, which will earn the country carbon credit.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing construction
on phase I, sections I and II of the highway in Lagos, he stated that this development will put Nigeria on the global pedestal of environmentfriendly nations.
He said that the actualisation of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other legacy projects across the country remain as catalysts for the country’s ‘economic emancipation’, affirming that “the project, designed
to traverse nine states along Nigeria’s shoreline, is an investment in our collective future.”
Besides, he stated that there will be windmill energy for the benefit of the adjoining communities, solar lights, as well as train service between the entire alignment, which will stimulate lots of socio-economic investments along coastal corridors.
He added that the legacy projects
passing through the Northern parts of the country will include dams for electricity generation and agricultural irrigation purposes along their corridors apart from the train tracks.
Umahi, a statement from the ministry signed by the Director of Information, Mohammed Ahmed, said, commended the contractor, Hitech Africa Construction Limited, for its demonstrated ‘technical
APC Chieftain Hails Diri on Construction of Schools, Roads in Southern Ijaw
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Festus Daumiebi, has hailed Governor Douye Diri, on the construction of schools and internal roads in Fonibiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
He lauded the Bayelsa government for approving the construction of the Angiama to Eniwari 9km and Eniwari to Fonibiri 4km road to link Fonibiri Community and Bomo Clan to the rest of the state. The Road which was approved
of UAC/Unilever, I feared he might lack the political astuteness to handle the impending national challenges. The situation was further complicated because, like Abiola, Shonekan was an Egba-Yoruba, which meant the new Interim government would be unpopular in Abiola’s strongest hold, southwestern Nigeria.
“Partly for the reasons stated above, we decided to provide adequate support to the new government by retaining critical top military officers from the outgoing Transitional Council I had headed, essentially as ‘enforcers’ for the new interim government.
“Accordingly, Lt-Generals Joshua Dogonyaro (as Chief of Defence Staff), Aliyu Muhammed Gusau (as Chief of Army Staff), and Brigadier John Shagaya (as GOC First Division) were retained.
“Problematic as it seemed, General Abacha also retained his position as the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff and, presumably, as enforcer-in-chief for the new government! But as we all now know, that was a grave mistake.”
On the political front, Babangida described Nigeria's elite as hypocritical, stressing that their double-faced
for N47 billion is to link the rural communities of Southern Ijaw local government area of the State.
In a statement made available to THISDAY, Daumiebi further said that the award and ongoing construction of school projects were commendable.
He listed them as 12 classrooms storey building, 10 units of onebedroom flat storey building teachers quarters, Principal & Vice Principal's Quarters, Corpers Lodge, Administrative block, Science and Laboratory block and Library block as well as internal roads.
dispositions have not helped the country. He said the overthrow of democratic governments did not just happen without the nudging of politicians and the elite class.
With the possible exception of the Abacha coup of November 1993, Babangida stated that each military takeover was welcomed with jubilation and relish and, subsequently, legitimised by public opinion in ways that would have impacted the psyche of the military.
He stated, “And this brings me back to my earlier point: coups don't just happen. The failure of civilian governments is the cause of coups. They derive from deplorable conditions created by a political leadership that abdicates its responsibility to the people.
“Conversely, the best antidote to coups is sound, transparent civilian governance that constantly reminds itself that governance's prime purpose is the people's welfare.
“Curiously, in witnessing the jubilation that accompanied military takeovers, I took away a few lessons from the hypocrisy of the political elite that recurred throughout my career.
“Some of the most vociferous
Others, he said, include, workshop, dining block, male and female hostels, 100,000 gallons solar borehole water and the construction of internal road network in the community and the approval of a health centre for the community as well as ongoing construction of a brand new 12 classrooms secondary school, among others in Bomo clan.
He expressed confidence that these projects, when completed will bridge the escalating gap between the urban/rural dichotomy, adding that the projects which started just
opponents of military rule were those who first stepped forward to request and lobby for benefits from the system after successful military takeovers.”
After reflecting on the Nigerian situation for more than 30 years, the former military ruler concluded that human beings did not generally handle power well. He argued that only a vibrant civilian and civil society leadership as well as strong institutions could tame unbridled exercise of power.
He wrote, “Upon deeper reflection in retirement, I find myself going back to the lessons I first encountered at Jaji during my Senior Officers Course in 1977 and, subsequently, at Kuru in 1979 during my Senior Executive Course at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, lessons which I never forgot even while in office.
“Namely, that, most times, human beings don't handle power well, and the only guarantee against power abuse, in the absence of a vibrant civilian and civil society leadership, are effective and responsive institutions that can promote sustainable socio-economic development. Institutions matter even if building them in developing societies
about four months ago are being handled as their present level of completion spans from 50 per cent to 98 per cent.
He enjoined other politicians not to consider political considerations as a factor in locating projects in communities that are meant for the general benefit of all the people of the state.
Besides, he called on the governor to ensure that the 13km Angiama/ Eniwari/Fonibiri road is awarded to a reputable construction company with the requisite capacity, and records of completion of previous jobs.
like ours takes time.”
Ohanaeze Wants FG’s Apology, Reparation over Killing of 3m Igbos During Biafra War
Ohanaeze Ndigbo commended Babangida for his bold and historic assertion that the January 1966 coup d'état was unequivocally not an Igbo coup. The organisation, therefore, demanded a public and unreserved apology from President Bola Tinubu on behalf of past military regimes, particularly that of General Yakubu Gowon, for levying war against Igbos and shelling the Igbo territory during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War that resulted in huge human suffering and losses.
In a statement by Deputy President General of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said the latest revelation signalled a potential cessation of the entrenched vindictiveness, cruelty, and deep-seated animosities directed towards the Igbo
prowess’, the pace of the project, array of equipment, quality and the company’s readiness to deliver on agreed standards and timelines.
Providing details on the Lagos State’s section of the Coastal Highway to the minister and members of his team, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Olukorede Keshia said that the project starts from the Ahmadu Bello Way Junction in Victoria Island and terminates at the coastal town of Calabar in Cross River State, with a spur to Abakaliki in Ebonyi State totaling about 750km.
The whole alignment is being done on continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP). She added that the stretch that falls within Lagos State is 103 kilometres in length. According to her, for ease of construction, a phased execution was adopted.
The controller also disclosed that payment of compensation on properties on the Right of Way (RoW) was ongoing with other minor complaints that the contractor encountered in the course of executing the job.
Aside from the payment of compensation on properties, another major challenge, she said, is that of the Lekki Free Zone, which falls within Phase I, Section II measuring 55.77 kilometres in length. The contractor promised to deliver this section of
nation over the past five decades.
Isiguzoro reiterated their resolve that the Nigerian government must dispel the long-standing inequities perpetrated against the Igbo by paying reparations amounting to N10 trillion as an acknowledgement of the value of human lives lost and the cultural and infrastructural devastation endured by the people, which remained evident even 55 years after the war.
According to Isiguzoro, "We demand a public and unreserved apology from the president on behalf of past military regimes, particularly that of General Yakubu Gowon, who orchestrated unprovoked bombardments and shelling over Igbo territory during the Nigeria-Biafra War that resulted in immense human suffering and loss.
"During his recent book launch, titled, ‘A Journey in Service,’ General Babangida's clarity regarding the 1966 coup, notably his exemption of the Igbo people from the unjust label of being ‘enemies of the North’, is, indeed, commendable – albeit belated.
"The ramifications of the erroneous classification of the 1966 January coup
the road by May, 2025. The minister, according to the statement, took time to settle the conflict involving stakeholders, namely, the Lekki Free Trade and the Lagos Free Trade Zones to enable the contractors to have unhindered access for the construction of the road. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has said that he's interested in seeing that all national road networks meet acceptable international standards. He said this at the flag-off ceremony of the Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Expansion of Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway, Phase II, Section I (Lagos-Sagamu) in Lagos and Ogun States over the weekend in Ogun State.
Represented at the event by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, the president declared that prioritising road infrastructure and getting it to acceptable standards, will not only bring positive development but earn the country a higher status in the community of nations. He posited that infrastructure was much more than roads and bridges, as it stimulates economic activities and also helps people to connect seamlessly. According to him, the Lagos-Ibadan expressway is not just another thoroughfare but a vital artery that links the Northern part of the country to the 17 in the south.
as an Igbo insurrection have been profoundly detrimental, leading to catastrophic consequences, not only during that tumultuous period but extending into the present day.
"Specifically, this mischaracterisation incited the July 1966 counter coup against the then military Head of State of Igbo descent and precipitated violent uprisings targeting Igbo citizens residing in northern Nigeria, sowing seeds of discord that ultimately contributed to the tragic Biafra War, in which three million Igbos, predominantly women and children, lost their lives."
Ohanaeze lamented that in the wake of the tragic history, Igbo people continued to suffer from systemic injustices and marginalisation characterised by the permanent shutdown of the Calabar seaport and other critical infrastructure.
The group also called on Tinubu to embrace the moment for genuine reconciliation and restorative justice, thereby laying the foundation for a united and harmonious Nigeria, where the scars of the past give way to a brighter future for all citizens.
L-R: Vice Chairman, CAN Lagos State Chapter, Rev. Simeon Adekeye; Bishop Oluyinka Akande, Rev. Mother Oluwaseye Yomi-Soloye; Chairman, CAN Lagos State Chapter, Bishop Stephen Adegbite; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundenyin; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Christian Religion, Rev. Bukola Adeleke and Chairman, TACN LAWNA Territory, Pastor Gabriel Uyeh at the 2025 Interdenominational Divine Service held at The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Ketu, Lagos at the weekend
Emmanuel
in Abuja
After Several Interventions, Tinubu, Party Leaders Reach Resolution on Lagos Assembly Crisis
Obasa gone for good, removal to be commuted to resignation Meranda to also stand down for balance of power in state New speaker to emerge from Lagos West, largest senatorial district in the state President not keen on ex-speaker, but angry he was blindsided by impeachment
After several weeks of back and forth and in spite of a subsisting court case over the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, President Bola Tinubu and some leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC), weekend, reached a political solution considered a win-win for all parties.
Sources at the villa hinted that Tinubu had received many prominent party leaders, including former APC national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake; and a former commissioner in Lagos State, whose name the source refused to disclose for political reasons.
Ahead of the meeting between the president and the party leaders, the source added that another prominent Nigerian and nonagenarian from the South-west (name withheld) had also met the president over the Assembly matter and other national concerns,
during which he pleaded with the president to consider his request on Lagos as his birthday gift.
THISDAY gathered that the president met with different people on the Lagos Assembly matter, with each analysing the implications of letting the situation escalate beyond the point it was at the moment, even though some damage had been done.
It was against this backdrop, the source said, that the meeting agreed that Obasa’s removal had come to stay and there was no going back on his speakership, especially as the laws guiding the Assembly were clear about the election and removal of a speaker.
Particularly more instructive was the revelation that virtually everyone, who had something to say on the Assembly crisis, spoke badly about the leadership of Obasa and his conduct for the period he held sway. They argued, among other things, that if 37 out of his 39 colleagues stood
against him with scathing remarks about his leadership, in addition to the position of the political leaders in the state, who also wrote him off, then returning him would be against the tide.
They reckoned that would be dangerous for the politics in the state, and the democratic credentials of the president.
It was on the strength of these arguments that the president resolved at the meetings that Obasa’s removal had come to stay, but a plea was made to salvage his political future by giving him a soft-landing.
It was in the bid to give him a soft-landing, the source added, that a conclusion was reached during the meetings that Obasa’s removal should be quashed and commuted to resignation, the same way the removal of a former deputy speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Funmi Tejuosho, was converted to resignation.
Once that was settled, the fate of
the current speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, was next on the agenda and it was somewhat tricky for the president, the speaker being a woman.
The source explained that while the president wanted the elevation of a woman in the politics of the state, the speaker coming from the same senatorial district as the governor –Lagos Central – made it impossible for her to keep her position.
One of the reasons canvassed in support of that viewpoint was that, if the governor was elected from Lagos Central and his deputy from the East, then the largest senatorial district, Lagos West, could not be left out of the power equation on account of the leadership crisis in the Assembly.
The source disclosed that the president was so disturbed about the situation that he asked if another woman from Lagos West could be sourced and put forward, instead, so
that the women folk would not allege discrimination in the power game.
Unfortunately, the only woman from that part of the state was not only a first timer, but also elected on the platform of a minority party, Labour Party, making her choice impracticable in view of the power arrangement in the state.
The meeting concluded that Meranda, too, should resign and stand down from the speakership position and allow someone from Lagos West to occupy the office, just so that none of the three senatorial districts would feel alienated.
Further explaining how the state arrived at this juncture, the source explained that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the president did not care about Obasa’s removal, as he was not special.
The source said Tinubu’s response conveyed the impression that if Obasa was unable to manage and carry his colleagues along, to the point that
he lost their trust, then the president would not do his job for him. It added that there was also the feeling that Obasa had served as Speaker for over nine years by riding on the coattails of the president, and that was enough compensation, for now.
However, the source said the president was angry with the fact that Obasa’s removal caught him unaware. He was not just the political leader of the party in the state and at the national level, but also as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. He considered being taken off guard in such situation discourteous, and having attendant political implications.
But after several interventions, the president, the source said, looked beyond the failings of the assembly members, and was now interested in moving forward. This disposition gave rise to the solutions collectively arrived at.
L-R; Director General/ Chief Executive, Standards Organisation Of Nigeria ( SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunoso Okeke; the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, and the Vice-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, at a meeting of the National Council on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) held at the State House, Abuja at the weekend the electorate, the PDP and the state government for making the electoral process a reality.
APC Tasks Police, DSS, Others to Stand By, as Own Men Resume Councils Office Today
The APC has urged its reinstated chairmen and councillors to resume for duty today, even as it debunked fake news alleging that the leadership of the party had directed its elected local government chairmen and councillors not to resume in their various local government council areas today.
In a statement by the APC Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC noted that, "We want to inform, the authentic Court of Appeal-reinstated local government council chairmen and councillors that no such information came from the esteemed leadership of our party.
"It is the handiwork of the reactionary elements, who thought they could realise their inordinate political ambition through the dissemination of fake story to confuse our focused elected council bosses and chiefs.
"We want to make it abundantly clear that it is imperative for the elected APC local government chairmen and councillors not to cease from resumption
at their various local government council areas in order to continue to serve the deprived people at the grassroots level of government.
"The APC is a party founded on the rules of law which is the reason the Court of Appeal judgement given at the Akure Division, Akure, Ondo State, on the 10th of February, 2025, is the basic instrument of your reinstatement.
"We are not unaware of the fact that some disgruntled elements who are emboldened by the lawless government of the day in Osun State are planning to invade the local government council areas across the state."
"We would like to enjoin the state Commissioner of Police, the State Director of the DSS and the State Comptroller of the Civil Defence to be on watch out with a view to keeping peace in all the local government council areas in the state."
In the same breath, the national leadership of APC, has described the swearing in of ‘newly elected' local government officials by Adeleke as provocative and a threat to peace and safety of the state.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, In a statement, said the purported fresh election conducted by Adeleke and the PDP was nothing
but a disgraceful sham, illegal, and unconstitutional.
He described it as violently contemptuous of the valid and subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal, and of no effect whatsoever.
Morka noted that APC exercised utmost respect for the adverse decision of the Federal High Court and demonstrated mature restraint in the face of Adeleke’s illegal and unconstitutional appointment of caretaker committees in the state while it diligently pursued its appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court that has now been nullified by the Court of Appeal.
He said APC did not resort to violence or self-help in the matter but submitted to the rule of law and the authority of the courts.
The ruling party wondered why it was difficult for Adeleke, who swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, to abide by a valid order of the Court of Appeal reinstating the sacked local government officials.
“Why is the Governor and his PDP vehement on taking matters into their own hands in disregard of a valid judgement of the Court of Appeal? Why is Governor Adeleke so desperate and determined to incite anarchy in Osun state with impunity?
“And why is the Governor so unaffected by the already tragic loss of lives of innocent citizens of the state in reckless breach of his duty to protect lives and property of all citizens in the state?”
Morka described the conduct of local government elections last Saturday as a reckless waste of public funds, and an irresponsible incitement to further violence in an already volatile atmosphere in the state.
“Breaking news reports of the purported swearing in of “newly elected” local government officials by Governor Adeleke constitutes needless political provocation and a clear renewed threat to the peace and safety of lives in the state.
“Governor Adeleke is under constitutional responsibility to respect and uphold the laws of our land, including giving effect to binding court judgements notwithstanding his personal or partisan political wishes or preferences.
“As he was quick to issue an executive order sacking the local government officials based on the Federal High Court judgment of 2022, Governor Adeleke is under clear constitutional obligation to similarly comply with the Court of Appeal judgment reinstating the same officials.
“The sensible and democratic remedy available to Governor Adeleke is to exercise his government’s right to appeal to the Supreme Court in the matter.
“We urge Governor Adeleke to immediately end his illegal and anti-democratic push for fresh local government election, and abide by the valid judgment of the Court of Appeal in the matter.”
PDP: Election is Proof Power is With People
The PDP governors noted that, ''Obviously, power in a democracy resides with the people as hereby confirmed where their choice is for the PDP, a people-friendly party which at all times, bestows equity and fairness as its yardstick in the day-to-day running of the affairs in all its governed states.''
In a statement by its Director General, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, the governors applauded the PDP for its victorious outing at the polls, saying, ''It is a well-deserved victory after a good fight both for Gov. Adeleke, the party - PDP, Osun State, democracy and the indisputability of good stewardship in public service.''
They urged Adeleke to ensure that the elected LG Chairmen and Councillors were magnanimous in
victory and should work towards enthroning a culture of tolerance and promotion of peace in order to consolidate on the unity and peace so far enjoyed among the Osun people.
According to the PDP governors, ''Having verified the enormous transformation projects by Governor Adeleke’s administration on the Osun landscape backed with capacity development and empowerment programmes for the grassroot people across various sectors, especially for the youths and women.
''We are confident that Senator Adeleke will certainly lead the elected LGC officers to embark on maximising all opportunities in delivering life-changing dividends of democracy to the indigenes and residents of their respective LGAs; albeit to affirm that the trust of the people in our great party, PDP, is justified. To us, the election was a referendum on Adeleke's leadership and acceptability in Osun state.
''We commend Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC, for ensuring that the integrity of the electoral process was applied in the exercise. And by today’s wrap-up of activities, it stands proven that the voice of the people has been honored,'' the PDP governors stressed.
SEVEN K-LEGS OF FOURTH REPUBLIC
the June 12 election thirty two years ago that was held in defiance of a [dubious] court order; the prospect of annulment maybe just around the corner.
Let’s leave the matter of SIECs and LGA polls for a moment and move on to another K-leg issue of this Republic. The twin, very sad passings last week of Pan Niger Delta Development Forum [PANDEF] and Ijaw national leader Chief Edwin Clark and of Afenifere leader Chief Ayo Adebanjo presented an occasion to think about the role of ethno-regional groups in the Fourth Republic. We had nothing like Egbe Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Arewa Consultative Forum, Middle Belt Forum or PANDEF in the Second Republic.
The primary instruments of democratic contest are the political parties, which are the only agencies permitted by the Constitution to sponsor candidates for election. While trade unions, mass media, student bodies and other civil society organisations add spice to democratic governance, ethno-regional groups were hardly anticipated when the Constitution was being written. Why were they not there during the Second Republic years, 1979-1983? Apparently because, the political parties of that era were so strong that they left no room for ethnic or regional solidarity outside their confines. How, in 1980, could an NPN member, say Mamman Abubakar Danmusa, sit together with a PRP member, say Aliyu Sabo Bakin Zuwo, in the name of Arewa solidarity? How could any South Western NPN member, for example Chief Adisa Akinloye or High Chief Gabriel Akin-Deko, ever find common cause with a UPN member, say Senator Abraham Adesanya or Chief Ebenezer Babatope, in the name of Afenifere solidarity? The political
parties of the Fourth Republic however allow much space to be filled by ethno-regional groups; members of different political parties come together in ethnic solidarity, which they place over and above loyalty to their political parties. Which is which? Is it the weakness of the Fourth Republic political parties that created space for these groups, or is it the power of the regional groups that weakened the political parties?
There was this report that All Progressives Congress [APC] is about to hold National Caucus and National Executive Committee [NEC] meetings this week for the first time in more than two years, when their Constitution expects a NEC meeting every three months and even a National Convention every other year. One newspaper report even said “President Tinubu approved the dates” for the meetings. Where was it written in the party’s constitution that a president must approve the date of NEC meetings?
APC’s situation is slightly better than the main opposition PDP’s, which has been trying since 2023 to hold a NEC meeting. PDP’s dilemma is without precedent in Nigeria’s political history, a minister in a ruling party cabinet holding the main opposition party by the jugular, its Acting National Chairman allegedly allied to him, along with many other members of the National Working Committee, while the party’s Governors’ Forum frets and huffs and puffs. Back in the Second Republic, the most powerful minister in President Shehu Shagari’s cabinet was thought to be Alhaji Umaru Dikko, but even he never had control of UPN, NPP, PRP or GNPP. At best he engineered crises and defections in some of the opposition parties as part of NPN’s strategy for the 1983 elections, but nothing like the decapitation
EDWIN CLARK: CHRONICLES OF COURAGE
reflecting his unwavering commitment to principles over personal affiliations.
As the Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (Warri branch), Clark took on the challenge of professional misconduct in the legal field. He called for the establishment of an ombudsman to oversee ethical practices. His intolerance for corruption led him to confront friends and colleagues in the legal profession, highlighting his unwavering principles. This period solidified his reputation as an anti-corruption activist. His pursuit of ethical standards in the legal profession reflected his broader mission to instil integrity in governance and society.
Recognising the power of collective action, Clark initiated several organisations to address national issues. These platforms were crucial in mobilising people, amplifying voices, and influencing public discourse. Some of his notable initiatives include the South-South People's Conference, the South-South People's Assembly, the Southern Nigeria People's Assembly, the Congress for Equality and Change, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). These organisations were strategically created to address specific challenges and ensure that justice and equity remained part of Nigeria's political discourse. His ability to galvanise people around common causes demonstrated his visionary leadership and commitment to building coalitions for meaningful change.
Though not the originator of the resource control movement, Clark became one of its most vocal champions. He saw it as a means of achieving economic justice, particularly for the Niger Delta region. Between 1998 and 2021, he held 25 press conferences on the issue, undeterred by opposition from political allies and adversaries. His steadfast advocacy ensured that resource control remained a prominent national conversation. He viewed the equitable distribution of resources as a fundamental issue of justice that could not be compromised.
Clark never shied away from disagreeing with influential figures. Despite his close relationship with President Olusegun Obasanjo, he openly challenged his policies when they contradicted his values. Similarly, he became the leading critic of President Buhari's administration over lopsided federal appointments. His willingness to speak truth to power, even when it meant losing friendships, underscored his dedication to justice. His ability to maintain friendships
we are witnessing today. SIECs, ethno-regional groupings and disoriented political parties apart, another K-leg of the Fourth Republic is “constituency projects,” a hot topic now that Federal and state budgets are being passed all over the country. Invented around 2001, it has now gone haywire; every National Assembly member is allocated some billions of naira worth of personal projects, to be inserted in a public agency of his choice, often without any regard to the agency’s own goals, to determine the contractor, and in many cases for the funds to be siphoned away “without commensurate results,” to borrow Umaru Yar’adua’s phrase. I had been reading since primary school of the American system of “pork barrel projects,” whereby an influential senator or congressman can insert a project into a bill even when it has no link at all to the bill. Once it is passed and the President signs the bill into law, the project must be executed. I do not however think the MP dictates the contractor or siphons away the money. I think doing away with this system of constituency projects will save Nigeria more money than tax reform or even restructuring.
Not many people will like to hear this, but are these Regional Development Commissions a good idea? What is it that Federal, state and local governments cannot do, that we must institute another tier of government to plan and execute projects for the regions? What prevents state governments from collaborating to solve regional security, water, electricity, out-of-school children, joint industrial, environmental problems or disease epidemics? Now that every geopolitical zone has a Regional Development Commission, is the plan to later upgrade these to regional
while holding firm to his principles was a testament to his diplomatic skills and deep loyalty to the truth.
Beyond individuals, Clark confronted institutions that he believed threatened Nigeria’s stability. He was a vocal critic of the Nigeria Governors Forum, labelling it a danger to national peace. He also fought against corruption in the judiciary, demanding greater accountability in governance. These fearless confrontations positioned him as a moral compass in Nigerian politics. He was never intimidated
governments, so that restructuring will arrive through the back door?
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is expected to start by the end of this week. Especially in the Northern states, expect a big scramble for Ramadan feeding. In these hard times, it is not a bad idea to help people with food. Afterall, what is the use of all the government’s macroeconomic policies and mega projects if we are not alive to enjoy the fruits? Trouble is, so many unsavoury things accompany the [politically motivated] Ramadan feeding programs. This week, folks will be running from pillar to post, to the houses of every legislator, every commissioner, every local government chairman and councillor, every party chieftain, and to the house of everyone suspected of nursing a 2027 political ambition. When a well-connected party youth winger collects “palliatives” from many houses, some of it will end up in the market. Nor is human greed ever satiable; I once saw a man park his old model Mercedes Benz 200 car in front of a government-sponsored Ramadan feeding centre and join the queue to collect free pap and akara.
Then there are the mass weddings in the North, an invention of the Fourth Republic. Sure, it helps many widows and divorcees, since in our society, marriage is often the best insurance for poor women. Trouble is, almost any man who submits himself to a government-sponsored mass wedding program is unlikely to have the means to look after a wife thereafter. The danger is therefore real that when the kind-hearted Governor organizes another mass wedding this time next year, our “bridegroom” will be back in the same queue, to be joined with another recycled “bride.”
steadfastness, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to justice, values that continue to resonate beyond his lifetime.
Clark's legacy is one of dedication to Nigeria's betterment. He remained a steadfast advocate for justice and equity until his final days. His life is a roadmap for aspiring leaders seeking courage and integrity to lead. His journey teaches us that leadership is not about titlenor comfort but the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
E K Clark's life answers the question of whether courage is a function of genetic makeup or the environmental context. It is self-evident that Chief Clark's courageous leadership has been shaped by his genetic makeup, strong values, and an environment of self-perpetuating injustice and societal failures.
His life challenges the next generation to continue the fight for justice. The lessons he left behind must inspire every Nigerian to work towards a better and more just nation. His contributions to national discourse and governance set a precedent that should be emulated by all who aspire to lead.
Edwin Clark was more than a politician; he was a movement. His courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice made him a beacon of hope in Nigeria's political landscape. His legacy will inspire future generations to pursue justice, speak truth to power, and lead with unwavering integrity. His story reminds us that one individual's determination can shape history, and his impact will be felt for generations.
by the entrenched interests that sought to maintain the status quo, constantly advocating for policies and reforms that would benefit the larger population.
Like Abraham Lincoln, Clark was a leader of integrity, known for his courage in standing up for what was right. He also fought institutions and vices, including the Nigerian judiciary and corruption. Even those who opposed him respected his convictions. He was the kind of leader adversaries preferred as an ally rather than an opponent. His legacy is one of
Pa E K Clark was a living example of courage, strategic thinking, patriotism, tenacity, and selflessness. His lifelong example of standing up for what is right and just, as well as the challenge he gave us never to stop working for a better and more just Nigeria, should inspire us every day. His story reminds us that one individual's determination can shape the course of history, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. In remembering him, we are reminded of the responsibility to build a just and equitable society, standing firm in the face of adversity, just as he did.
•Dakuku Peterside, a public sector turnaround expert, public policy analyst and leadership coach, is the author of the forthcoming book, “Leading in a Storm”, a book on crisis leadership.
Edwin Clark
Lookman Fires Brace as Fivestar Atalanta Crush Empoli
ITALIAN SERIE A
Injured
Semi Ajayi
Set to Miss Rwanda, Zimbabwe Matches
There are strong indications that Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi, may not be available for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month after sustaining an injury in West Brom’s 2-0 win over Oxford United.
The AFCON 2023 silver medal winner with Super Eagles last year has been off the ball during the previous five months due to injury and just returned to full action.
Last October, he suffered a hamstring injury, which kept him out of action until February.
The Super Eagles star returned to action, but coach Tony Mowbray was careful about his situation, reducing his minutes drastically.
However, Ajayi started the last two games for West Brom. Unfortunately, he got injured in their last game against Oxford United on Saturday.
The Super Eagles defender who
was wheeled off in the 41st minute was replaced by former Everton man Mason Holgate. It is believed that Ajayi suffered a relapse. However, he would have to undergo tests to ascertain the extent of the injury and how long he will spend on the treatment table.
As it is, Ajayi is a big doubt for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers next month. But if it is not a serious issue, he would still have to be sidelined for two weeks at least.
The Super Eagles star has four weeks to return in time for the game. Even if the 31-year-old defender returns to action soon, West Brom will be cautious about Ajayi’s injury problems.
If Semi Ajayi does not make it back in time, it will be a big blow for him, as he is an integral member of the backline. Nonetheless, coach Eric Chelle will have to make do with the other players like Olisa Ndah, Benjamin Tanimu, and Gabriel Osho.
Lookman who was trash-talked by Atalanta Coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, as the “worst penalty taker ever” after the Super Eagles forward missed the spot kick against Club Brugge last Wednesday, scored Atalanta’s third goal after 43 minutes, before completing his brace after 55 minutes.
Lookman has now scored 12 goals
Outgoing Chairman of the prestigious Ikoyi Club 1938, Tafa Zibiri-Aliu has said that he's happy with the noble achievements he recorded while at the helm of affairs of the club. He insisted that the club will continue to encourage grassroots sports development.
Zibiri-Aliu spoke during the send-forth organised in his honour by members of the club last Friday in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The foremost social cultural club in the former federal capital city will on February 27 elect new executive members that will pilot it's affairs for the next two years.
in 20 Serie A games this season. He has also contributed five key assists. The Nigerian international who has been on the sideline recuperating from injury he picked up early January, came on as substitute to fire a goal as Atalanta were three goals down in the second leg of the Champions League playoff at Bergamo. He also
Nigeria’s D’Tigers Beat Cape Verde to
for 2025
After defeating Cape Verde 77-62 yesterday to make it three wins out of three games of Group B of the 2025 Afrobasket mini-qualification series, Nigeria’s D’Tigers have now shifted their focus to the tournament proper scheduled to take place in Angola in August.
to book their spots in the Afrobasket 2025. Uganda that finished fourth on eight points also qualified for the tournament as one of the best fourth placed teams.
D’Tigers staged a remarkable comeback after starting the qualifiers with three consecutive losses. The team however delivered huge performances against Libya and Uganda on Friday and Saturday to reawaken their quests to make it to the Afrobasket tournament in Angola. The convincing win over Cape Verde in their final game on Sunday was the icing on the cake of the Nigerians whose female counterparts have ruled the tournament four consecutive times.
The 2015 Afrobasket champions just like in the other two games earlier against hosts Libya and Uganda, began the day on the wrong foot, losing the first quarter 22-26. They however picked up the gauntlet, to win the second quarter 26-7 and lost the third quarter 13-21. D’Tigers rallied to take the fourth and final quarter 16-8 to land in the tournament proper in Angola.
Libya however won the Group B with 10 points both Cape Verde and Nigeria that tied on nine points each finished second and third respectively
This year's tournament will be the 31st edition of the FIBA Afrobasket, with Tunisia as defending champions. The tournament to be hosted by Angola for the fourth time will hold between 12 and 24 August, 2025.
Giving his stewardship, the outgoing Chairman expressed happiness that the dilapidated road in front of the club was fixed during his tenure at no cost to members.
"When I was running for the Chairmanship position in 2023, I did promise members during our Town Hall Meeting that I was going to fix that road at no cost to the club.
"A lot of people doubted me with some asking how could that be possible since am not a government official. I pledged then that I'll use my contacts to fix the road and to the glory of God, that road has been fixed.”
Zibiri-Aliu who counseled incoming executive to give their best in the service to Ikoyi Club, believes that the party put together on his behalf by members was clear evidence that they appreciated the good works he did while in office.
I Am Leaving Ikoyi Club Better Than I Met it, Say Zibiri- Aliu NDSF Online Registration Portal Closes February 28
Technical Committee Co-Chairman of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), Enefiok Udo-Obong, has announced that the registration portal would be closed on February 28 as he urged State Liaison Committees to double their efforts at facilitating registration of athletes in their respective states. He hinted that there will be a reward for the state with highest entries.
Udo-Obong spoke in a virtual review meeting of the Technical/ Facilities Committee and the States Liaison members.
He also seized the opportunity to remind them of the eligibility rules, emphasising that, "the only eligibility criteria are being an indigene of a Niger Delta Development Com-
mission state and being Under-25 years of age".
He disclosed that an exception to the age cap rule is for football and boxing where professionals and League players are not qualified to register.
"We excluded the Para Sports from the age cap, there is no age limit in those sports. But Olympians who are under 25 years are eligible to participate".
A cursory check on the registration data shows that more entries have been received for athletics, followed by football and Para athletics. On a state by state registration scale, Delta State is ahead of the rest and are trailed by Ondo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Edo states.
players
Liverpool Go 11 Points Clear after Win at Man City
Undaunted by playing at the home of Manchester City, Liverpool produced a performanceworthy of champions to move 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League. A 2-0 win at the Etihad on Sunday extended Liverpool’s lead over second-placed Arsenal and consigned four-time defending champions City to another humbling defeat in an ever-worsening season. On Wednesday, a 3-1 loss to Real Madrid sent Pep Guardiola’s team crashing outof the Champions League. Back to domestic matters on Sunday, and City were powerless to slow
again
to double the lead before half-time. A trip to the Etihad has for so long been the stiffest test of all, but City’s defensive frailties were easily exposed and they also badly missed the presence of the injured Erling Haaland in attack.
and
the
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Atalanta remain in third spot in the Italian Serie A with 54 points from 26 matches. They are two points behind Napoli and three points behind new leaders Inter Milan.
yesterday, another Super Eagles forward, Moses Simon, was also on the scorer’s sheet as he scored Nantes’ second goal in the 3-1 defeat of Lens in the French Ligue 1. It was a brilliant display by Nantes who the previous weekend suffered their worst Ligue 1 seven-goal defeat ever.
Ademola Lookman...scores brace as Atalanta beat Empoli 5-0
Liverpool
celebrating after their 2-0 defeat of Manchester City to go 11 points clear at the top of the English Premier League...on Sunday afternoon PHOTO: Reuters
Liverpool’s march towards the title. Mohamed Salah was
Liverpool’s star performer as he opened the scoring with his 30th goal of the season before setting up Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool, by contrast, had their talisman fit and firing as Salah took his staggering tally this season to 25 goals and 16 assists in 27 Premier League appearances. The Egyptian fired the visitors in front on 14 minutes thanks to a brilliantly executed set-piece routine. Alexis Mac Allister’s corner was flicked by Szoboszlai into Salah’s path
his shot deflected off Nathan Ake past
despairing dive of Ederson. At the other end, City’s own Egyp-
tian international showed his ability to finish, but Omar Marmoushhad strayed offside before being played in by Phil Foden. City winger Jeremy Doku was skipping past Trent Alexander-Arnold at will, yet the Belgian consistently failed to deliver a telling cross or shot. Salah was not so forgiving as he raced onto a long ball over the top and teed up Szoboszlai
Femi Solaja
Duro Ikhazuagbe
TAN to Atiku, El-Rufai
“InadisgracefulandcalculatedmovethathasleftNigeriansstunned,AtikuAbubakar yesterdayduringcondolencesvisittofamilyoflateEdwinClark,employedMallam NasirEl-Rufai,pastGovernorofKadunaState,asapawntodesecratethememoryof the late N/Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark.What was meant to be a solemn condolence visit...turned into a shameless political charade" –NationalCoordinator,Transparency andAccountabilityNetwork(TAN),MichaelBriggs,berateAtiku and El-Rufai
MAHMUDJEGA
VIEW FROM THE GALLERY
Seven K-Legs of Fourth Republic
Local government election result is the most predictable story in Nigeria these days. It is the one story that newspaper editors can cast the headline many hours before “voters” even troop to the polls, if they ever do. In my total 13 years as title editor of four different newspapers, the most challenging time for an editor was on Saturdays when elections were held. Results will not be available until at least the following day and by then, the only story that readers want is election result. Editors tried to get round this dilemma by staying up until past midnight, get an indication of where the wind is blowing and then cast headlines saying, “So-so in the lead.” At least that satisfies some of the curiosity of newspaper readers. With local government elections in this Republic, editors have an easy time. Results are as predictable as the rise and setting of the sun. All that an editor has to do is to find out which political party is in power in that state, how many local government areas the state has and how many wards there are in the state. With that information in hand, an editor can cast his headline:
“So-so party sweeps all chairmanships and all councillorships in So-so state LG polls,” and he will never be wrong.
The latest local election was the one that took place in Osun State at the weekend. As early as Saturday evening, when polling
clerks were supposed to be taking result sheets to collation centres for the cumbersome collation and result declaration process to begin, the news was already on the wires that “PDP sweeps all 30 LG Chairmanships, 332 councillors in Osun election.” Some katakata preceded those elections, because Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi tried to get Osun State Government to call them off, in view of an Appeal Court order. Fagbemi even said, shockingly, that any state government that dissolves elected local government councils before their tenure is up has committed treason, ostensibly because the 1999 Constitution guarantees democratic governance of local councils.
But Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who paused in his dancing in order to pull this one off, rejected Fagbemi’s counsel, brandished an Osogbo High Court order of his own, rejected the Police Commissioner’s warning that there were security threats, ignored efforts by the dissolved [APC] councillors and chairmen to storm the local council secretariats and “regain their mandate,” and went ahead to organize his own local polls, which his party, PDP, swept 100 percent.
Attorney General Fagbemi, who unlike
DAKUKU PETERSIDE
BENEATH THE SURFACE
most of his predecessors is non-controversial, may be telling the truth in this matter but, Adeleke must have wondered, why didn’t he tell this truth to at least a dozen state governors who did similar things in their states in the last two years and whose parties swept every available seat on offer? If sacking elected local government councils is treason, why aren’t most state governors in Kirikiri prison right now for having done the same thing? In any case, to call local government chairmen and councillors anywhere in Nigeria “democratically elected” is a bit of a stretch, because State Independent Electoral Commissions [SIECS] are the least credible institutions in this Republic. Adeleke badly needs control of the LGAs by his own men because he will soon be up for re-election. Colourful dance steps alone are unlikely to get his re-elected, but LGA chairmen and councillors are a very important weapon in his political arsenal. Never mind that he stood on slippery legal terrain because he relied for cover on a High Court order that flew in the face of an Appeal Court ruling. In a way, it was like
Continued on page 38
Edwin Clark: Chronicles of Courage
Do people follow titles, or do they follow courage? What role does integrity play in the essence of true leadership? And can the pursuit and defence of justice serve as a harbinger of outstanding leadership? These are timeless questions, their answers woven into the fabric of history. While titles may bestow authority, they do not define true leadership. History reminds us that it is not rank but resilience, not position but principle, that carves a leader's place in people's hearts. Integrity forms the bedrock of genuine leadership, ensuring power is wielded not for personal gain but for a higher cause. And justice—unyielding, unrelenting—is often the mark of those who lead not by words alone but by deeds that shape nations and inspire generations.
Chief Edwin Clark stands as a testament to these ideals. A fearless advocate, a visionary strategist, and a patriot unwavering in his pursuit of justice, he led with courage and an
unshakable moral compass. His passing marks the close of an era, but his legacy endures—a guiding light for those who seek to lead with honour, integrity, and an unbreakable commitment to justice.
At the tender age of 24, while at Teachers Training College in Abraka, Edwin Clark's leadership potential was already evident. He was not one to turn a blind eye to injustice. Even as a student, he was known for leading his peers in addressing issues that affected them and organising press conferences to discuss national matters. This early period laid the groundwork for his lifelong commitment to justice and fighting for the oppressed. His readiness to challenge the status quo and engage in meaningful dialogue set him apart from his peers and highlighted his natural leadership qualities.
Not content with fighting from the sidelines, Clark ventured into active politics. In 1955, he ran as an independent candidate and won as a Councillor, a bold move considering the dominance of political parties. Interestingly, his father also contested and won under the NCNC
platform from another ward. Clark's presence as an independent candidate made him a thorn in the side of party-backed councillors, as he remained steadfast in holding them accountable. This early political experience demonstrated his commitment to challenging the status quo and fighting for what he believed was right. His ability to operate independently of party structures, a rare trait in Nigerian politics, showcased his political courage and deep-seated belief in true representation.
Leadership and courage are often debated—are they inherent traits shaped by one's environment? In Edwin Clark's case, his leadership qualities were shaped by strong values, an unwavering belief in justice, and an environment riddled with societal failures. His ability to stand firm in the face of adversity and his relentless pursuit of justice established him as a formidable leader. His resilience and conviction became his defining traits, as he remained undeterred by political, social, or personal obstacles.
Clark's leadership extended beyond the borders of Nigeria. In 1961, upon his
arrival in London to study law, he was elected President of Hans Crescent, a student body of over 200 students from different countries. His re-election for a second term was a testament to his exceptional leadership abilities. He fiercely defended students' welfare, often taking significant personal risks to ensure their voices were heard. His leadership at Hans Crescent demonstrated his capacity to unite diverse groups, a skill that would prove invaluable throughout his political career. Clark's activism was not confined to Nigerian affairs. Despite his admiration for him, he organised a protest against Ghana's leader, Kwame Nkrumah. Clark believed in calling out injustice wherever it occurred. He had no personal stake in Ghana's governance but was driven by a sense of shared humanity and justice. This act underscored his commitment to fearless advocacy beyond his national interests. His ability to separate admiration from accountability was rare,
