MONDAY 24TH MARCH 2025

who also made his first public appearance since February 14 before being discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital, left the facility shortly

Declaration of State

Emergency in Rivers is Assault on Nation’s Democracy

Association (NBA), last night, condemned the National Assembly’s ratification of the state of emergency rule through voice votes, saying it did not also legitimise President Bola Tinubu’s action.

Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has condemned the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an assault on democracy.

The BoT position toes same line as the party's governors and the National Working Committee (NWC).

This was as the Nigerian Bar

According to the NBA, who said the approval was akin to "placing something on nothing", the situation in Rivers State did not warrant the declaration of emergency rule.

This was as the Conference of Professionals in the PDP (CP-PDP),has urged the leadership of the PDP to sanitize the party by immediately expelling the Minister of the Federal

UNVEILING OF 3,000 BENEFICIARIES OF YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS...

R-L: Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, and Co-Founder, Dr. Awele V. Elumelu, OFR, at the unveiling of 3,000 beneficiaries of young entrepreneurs for the 2025 cohorts of the

Programme in Abuja on Saturday

Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship

Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Wale Igbintade in Lagos, Sylvester Idowu in Warri, Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt and Emmanuel UgwuNwogo in Umuahia

Tinubu Flags Off Rehabilitation of 125km Benin-Asaba Dual Carriageway

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

President Bola Tinubu yesterday flagged off the rehabilitation of the 125-kilometres Benin-Asaba dual carriageway, expected to be completed within 30 months.

Tinubu was represented at the flag-off by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

At the event, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, commended the visionary leadership of Okpebholo, who he said has turned the State into a construction site in less than 150 days in office.

The minister used the opportunity to thank Tinubu for his love for the people of Edo State, saying as a minister, he has visited the state about three times for action projects.

He also commended the governor, whom he said has demonstrated love and commitment for his people by

after noon.

A car carrying the pontiff was accompanied by police vehicles through Rome, making a short detour at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where Francis has a special devotion and visits frequently.

Though the pope has returned from hospital, his doctors have said it would still take "a lot of time" for his ageing body to heal fully. They have prescribed a further two months of rest at the Vatican and told the pope to avoid large or stressful meetings, leaving unclear how much activity Francis will undertake in the

embarking on people-oriented projects like the flyover at Ramat Park in Benin City, the state capital.

“In less than 150 days in office, you have turned the entire capital city into a construction site. I commend you very highly for this foresight. I am an infrastructure person and when I see good infrastructure going on like the ones going on in Edo State, I feel very happy and commend you for the hard work.

“We need good infrastructure in this country. Infrastructure is the most important foundation upon which every other programme of the state or country thrives.

“Thank you so much for what you are doing for Edo people. I saw the flyover you are constructing for your people. It is great wisdom. You are not saying this should be done by the

coming months.

Just before leaving the hospital on Sunday, Francis smiled and waved at a group of well-wishers gathered outside. He used a wheelchair, as he has for several years, the Reuters report added.

His face looked swollen and there were bandages visible on both arms underneath his white cassock.

The pope appeared only for a few moments. He spoke briefly, with a feeble voice, to thank 79-year-old Carmela Vittoria Mancuso in the crowd below. Mancuso, who visited the hospital each day during the pope's

federal government because we don’t have federal people here in Edo State but you are doing this for the welfare of Edo people.

“You took an oath for the welfare of Edo people and you are doing justice to that, embarking on people-oriented projects that will benefit the people of Edo State. The government of Senator Monday Okpebholo is a government of divine inspiration and a government ordained by God. When I see people taking you to court, I say it is because they don’t hear from God because if they do they will know that you are a divine governor,” Umahi said.

Describing the infrastructure revamp as miracles, Umahi said the Federal Ministry of Works has been in Edo State several times as directed by the president.

treatment, had brought yellow flowers for him.

Francis had only been seen by the public once before during his hospital stay, in a photo the Vatican released last week, showing the pontiff at prayer in a hospital chapel.

The pope, who has been receiving oxygen to help him breathe throughout his hospital stay, was breathing on his own during the public appearance. But he was seen using a small hose under his nose for oxygen while travelling in his car.

In the moments before the pontiff's appearance on Sunday, the crowd of

“This construction is like a cashless programme. We will not see the money but the work will keep going on. We will not be begging for money or quarreling over money issues but checking the projects and there will be results. The credit will always go to Mr president.

“The President is working on several sections of roads across the nation ensuring that the country has good roads and people enjoy and benefit from the dividends of democracy. We were here about three weeks ago, appealing to you to intervene on some sections and you did intervene by taking out 23 kilometres of the road going to Warri for a total contract sum of not less than N40 billion and that work has commenced.

“The President is doing the second section and third section. There are 20

hundreds of well-wishers called out for him, chanting "Francis, Francis, Francis".

Francis usually greets people in St. Peter's Square each Sunday at noon and offers a brief prayer. He has not been able to do so since February 9, before he entered the hospital.

While the pope did not offer the usual weekly prayer during his public appearance on Sunday, the Vatican released a text that it said was prepared by the pontiff.

"In this long period of hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the patience

other projects between Delta and Edo States that the president is doing. This project is 125 Kilometres by 2, that is 250 kilometres. It is going to have solar lights and the federal government is not putting in any money. Private Public Partnership is the way to go,” said Umahi.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, thanked the president for his foresight in ensuring that the people of Nigeria enjoy good roads across the country assuring the people that the finances for the project is available as such the projects from start to finish is sure.

Okpebholo, on the occasion, said the road is a legacy project and Edo state is now becoming like Lagos in terms of infrastructural development.

of the Lord, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of doctors and healthcare workers, as well as in the devotion and hopes of the families of the sick," the text said.

Many Catholics around the world had been praying for the pope's recovery. Pilgrims at the Vatican on Sunday expressed relief at his leaving hospital.

"This discharge cheers us all up and gives us joy and hope," said Grazia Mara, an Italian. "We wish him a safe return home and a speedy recovery."

The pope had continued leading

WABARA: DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS IS ASSAULT ON NATION’S DEMOCRACY

Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from the party.

The lingering crisis notwithstanding, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, was yesterday sighted at the headquarters of the Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt, where he worshipped.

In a similar stroke, the SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over “the suspension of elected governor, deputy governor, and members of the House of Assembly in Rivers State.

Nevertheless, the Niger Delta Peoples Movement (NDPM) and the New Canaan Environmental Development Organisation (NCEDO) have called for urgent dialogue to prevent further destabilisation of the Niger Delta region.

Meanwhile, Rivers State has again witnessed an alleged explosion on a gas facility located at the Soku axis of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of the state.

Last Thursday, the Senate, in a closed session, deliberated on Tinubu’s proclamation and later approved it during plenary through a voice vote.

Tinubu had Tuesday night declared a state of emergency in Rivers. The President blamed the governor for the protracted political crisis in the oil-rich state.

He subsequently suspended the

showed that 11 deals have been entered into by the NNPC since 2019, excluding the Dangote refinery's arrangement, which it eventually opted out of.

However, aside from the vendor programmes of $750 million and $1.5 billion which expired in May 2023 and November 2024 respectively, the final maturity dates for the nine other projects continue to run.

Other extant facilities which have yet to reach maturity include: The $3 billion deal on NLNG Train 7, which matures in May 2029; the $1 billion ‘Project Eagle’ agreement which expires in June 2025 and the $300 million ‘Project Brogue’ which has a final maturity of January 2027. Besides, ‘Project Bison’ which was entered into in 2021 worth $1.040 billion, expires in December 2026; ‘Project Yield’ which was sealed in 2022, valued at $1 billion, expires in June 2029; while a project codenamed

governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and the House of Assembly members for six months.

The president had immediately appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ette Ibas, as sole administrator to run the affairs of the state.

In a statement, yesterday, Wabara, said President Tinubu's declaration of emergency rule, suspending Rivers governor and state lawmakers smacked of an assault on Nigeria's Constitution and democracy.

The former Senate President noted that replacing dismantling democratically elected office holders and installing in their place "a sole administrator is undemocratic and alien to our Constitution."

He described Tinubu's action as "a gross violation of Nigeria's Constitution – the foundational legal document that guarantees the rights of Nigerians to participate in the democratic process."

According to him, such "an attack on the very essence of our Republic (is) an action that deserves the strongest condemnation and corrective action by all well-meaning Nigerians, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community.

"In my capacity as the Chairman of BoT of our great party, the PDP; and a former Senate President, I, Senator Adolphus Wabara, call for the reversal of this assault on our democracy," he said.

He expressed regrets that Tinubu

‘Offtake Financing’ costing $75 million expires in October 2029. Furthermore, ‘Project Gazelle’, an oil swap deal valued at $3.4 billion, is expected to expire in 2032. The deal which led to serious public conversations on the transparency of such agreements was struck in 2023.

But since then, THISDAY gathered that the NNPC had entered into two more deals, namely: Project Leopard and Project Gazelle II, meant to be repaid fully in January 2029 and April 2034 respectively. While Project Leopard is valued at $2 billion, Project Gazelle II, will take the lion's share at $7.5 billion.

Despite the closeness of Afreximbank to the actors, it was understood that the continental bank declined to participate in the new deals based on their own rule books and their current debt-for-oil exposure to the NNPC. Afreximbank was said to have

did not heed his advice to resist the temptation of taking sides in the political crisis in Rivers State.

"It's sad and disheartening that Mr President ignored my earlier advice to ignore those calling for emergency rule in Rivers State. I had also advised him not to lean towards those attempting to hijack power through the back door in Rivers State.

"I had then sought his intervention as the father of the nation because the political crisis in Rivers State if mismanaged, is capable of plunging the entire country into a needless political turmoil," he lamented.

Wabara, in denouncing Tinubu’s action, said he disregarded the rule of law and undermined the sovereignty of the people of Rivers State.

He stated that by taking "this grosslyundemocratic action" Mr. President has violated the nation's Constitution, which he "solemnly swore to uphold" and by doing so "threatens the very foundation of democracy in Nigeria.

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s action only reminded Nigerians of the better-forgotten era of military dictatorship," Wabara stated.

The BoT Chairman of the main opposition party juxtaposed recent events and dropped the poser, saying, "could it be a mere coincidence that the day the PDP National Secretariat land in Abuja was revoked by the APC-led

mentioned that they, at $4.5 billion, had reached their limit on granting PXF (Pre-export financing) resourcebacked loans to NNPC.

PXF is a type of financing where a commodity producer gets upfront cash from a customer in exchange for a future delivery of the commodity, potentially at a discount. The producer uses the cash to fund their operations, and the buyer gains access to a future supply of the commodity.

“One of the pre-conditions for the 2023 Gazelle deal is that NNPC was not going to raise new USD financing until the principal with interest is fully drawn down. Afrexim did not participate in the $2 billion Project Leopard deal raise,” the document stated.

It added that for the $7.5 billion deal, Saudi Aramco or Abu Dhabi‘s ADNOC will likely be involved, with the ‘strike price’, much lower than the market price of crude oil.

administration, was the same day the Governor of Rivers State was served impeachment notice?"

Delving into Section 7(1) of Nigeria's Constitution which mandated that each state shall have a government formed through the democratic process of elections, Wabara faulted the removal of the PDP governor in Rivers and members of the state legislature.

"The people of Rivers State exercised their democratic rights in electing their leaders, including the State governor, deputy governor, and members of the House of Assembly.

"These leaders were not appointed by the President or any other authority but were chosen by the people to represent their interests.

“The Constitution guarantees their right to serve the duration of their mandate, and the President’s unilateral suspension of these duly elected officials represents a direct violation of the people’s will."

Wabara argued that though "the President under Section 305 of the Constitution, is vested with the power to declare a state of emergency, such power is not without limits.

"The president can only declare a state of emergency in specific circumstances such as war, insurrection, or other situations that threaten the integrity of the nation.

"The situation in Rivers State does

“Afrexim is unlikely to be an underwriter or a syndicate in the Gazelle II deal (that is most likely going to feature ADNOC or Aramco).

“The barrels are structured at a strike price that is below the open market rate, and is not only in complete variance of what it will cost to repay in principal plus interest, but the difference between the strike price and open market rate is actually credited to an offshore debt service reserve account that is neither subject to oversight or appropriated by the National Assembly into the CRF (Consolidated Revenue Fund).

“Resource-based PXF Loans are priced at SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate) of 6 per cent plus CRP (Country Risk Premium) of 3-5 per cent, with an application of a demurrage charge priced at LIBOR (the global reference rate for unsecured short term borrowing) on a pro-rata basis,” the document added.

He thanked the president for the love shown to Edo State under his watch as governor of Edo State, saying the people are now benefiting from the dividends of democracy. He said: “The President loves Edo State so much that whenever he sees me, he always asks me about the welfare of Edo people and also that of the Oba of Benin. The good things happening in Lagos are now also happening here in Edo State and we have made progress under my watch as governor.”

the Church from hospital. He was making usual appointments of Catholic bishops around the world and also launched a new three-year reform process for the global institution. But a period of two months' rest for Francis could lead to significant changes to the Vatican's calendar of coming events.

The pope had been set to meet with Britain's King Charles on April 8 and to lead the Vatican's annual Easter celebrations on April 20. The Vatican has not said whether Francis will be able to keep those appointments, Reuters added.

not meet the constitutional criteria for such a declaration. The absence of any pressing national emergency renders the president’s decision not only unwarranted but also an abuse of power.

"A declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments. The Constitution does not empower the president to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials; such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure," the former Senate President insisted.

Voice Votes Ratification Condemnable, It's Placing Something on Nothing, Says NBA

Speaking on Channels Television, the NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, asserted that since the declaration of the state of emergency was unconstitutional, any ratification by the National Assembly would also be unconstitutional.

“You cannot build something on nothing. The declaration has to be constitutional for there to be something to ratify,” Osigwe stated.

The NBA also reaffirmed its position that the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the president was unconstitutional and urged Tinubu to reverse the decision.

“That is our belief. That is what we expect the President to do – to restore him (Fubara) back to power, having unconstitutionally removed him,”

Recall that on August 16, 2023, the NNPC secured over $3.3 billion emergency crude repayment loan — a transaction it said was aimed at supporting the naira and stabilising the foreign exchange (FX) market.

Arranged by Afreximbank, the crude-for-cash loan was also targeted at supporting the federal government’s monetary and fiscal reforms.

Project Gazelle Funding Ltd (PGFL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), incorporated in Bahamas for the PxF, was the borrower while the NNPC was the “sponsor” and will pay with oil to the SPV to liquidate the loan.

Meanwhile, local crude oil refiners have always complained of getting less than what they are entitled to, despite several interventions by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Commission (NUPRC) to ensure compliance. However, the saying

Osigwe said.

The NBA president also dismissed the legitimacy of the newly appointed sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, calling his appointment unconstitutional.

“Even when I saw him taking the oath of office, I wondered which oath he was taking because it is an oath unknown to the Constitution. The Constitution does not recognise an administrator,” he emphasised. Osigwe likened the government’s response to using a sledgehammer to treat a headache, arguing that the Rivers State crisis required a political solution, not excessive executive intervention.

“The measures being taken are overreaching, excessive, undemocratic, and above all, unconstitutional,” he warned.

Some have suggested that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution provides a basis for the President’s action, but Osigwe firmly rejected this claim.

“I do not believe Section 305 is unclear. I believe we are simply refusing to apply it correctly,” he said.

Osigwe further criticised the National Assembly’s approval of the emergency declaration, stating that it does not make an unconstitutional act legal.

“A president cannot just wake up on the wrong side of the bed and declare a state of emergency, suspend

is trite that ‘You can give what you don't have “. Local refineries, including the Dangote refinery, continue to face challenges due to inadequate crude oil supply, forcing them to import crude and hindering their ability to reach full refining capacity. The Dangote refinery has reported difficulties in securing sufficient crude oil feedstock from domestic producers, including International Oil Companies (IOCs), leading to reliance on imported crude. This is despite the NUPRC having acknowledged the issue and working to ensure compliance with the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO). In fact the commission recently warned that it will deny export permits for crude oil cargoes intended for domestic refining if oil companies fail to meet their local crude supply commitments.

Tinubu

N1tn Target: AIHS Announces Strategic Partnership with MOFI on Affordable Housing

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) at the weekend announced a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to host an elaborate one-day stakeholders

engagement and enlightenment programme on MOFI's intervention initiatives.

Set to take place during the 19th edition of AIHS, scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 1, 2025, the initiative aims to bring MOFI’s activities to the forefront and educate

Nigerians about its contributions to the housing sector.

As part of its activities at AIHS 2025, MOFI will bring together seasoned speakers and industry experts to highlight its housing intervention programmes, a statement from the organisers of AIHS 2025

stated.

The sessions will complement the efforts of other key stakeholders such as the Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), and the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance

Army Destroys 19 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 13 Suspects

Blessing Ibunge in Port

Harcourt

Troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army in collaboration with sister agencies have destroyed 19 artisanal refineries and arrested 13 suspects in Niger Delta.

According to the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, the success was achieved between March 17 to 23, 2025.

Danjuma explained that the troops also recovered over 138,000 litres of stolen products confiscated across the Joint Operations Area (JOA).

He said in Rivers State, the troops led the operation that intercepted

a tanker laden with 60,000 litres of stolen crude around Apajo - Iwoji - Iwofe road in Obio Akpor Local Government Area.

Danjuma revealed that the driver fled and abandoned the truck on sighting the troops. Furthermore, a search, he said, was conducted on the truck, which led to the recovery of multiple plate numbers.

He stated that clearance operations were conducted on the fringes of the Imo River, which resulted in the deactivation of numerous artisanal refineries, 64 drum pots and 15 drum receivers with over 4,500 litres of stolen products recovered.

"At Kumufari Creek in Degema LGA, troops discovered an

abandoned oven, with 40 sacks filled with over 1,200 litres of stolen crude. Additionally, at Okotokolomabia/ Okoloma Lounge area in Bonny Island LGA, troops raided a site, where suspected oil thieves fled and abandoned their equipment.

"At the site, various items were recovered, including a 6 KVA generator, one wielding machine, 5 drilling machines, 2 drilling cups, 38 bolts and nuts amongst several other items," the army added.

Similarly, troops of the division raided seven illegal bunkering camps around Joinkrama 4 and Biseni in Ahoada West and Yenagoa LGAs of Rivers and Bayelsa States respectively.

During the raid, it was gathered

that illegal refining sites were destroyed with over 25,000 litres of stolen crude and 850 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil recovered respectively. Other items recovered included two wheelbarrows and a wooden boat.

Also, over 1,550 litres of stolen crude in cellophane bags was recovered on the waterways. Seizures were also made at Obiafu in Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni LGA. Danjuma also disclosed that:

"In Delta State, around Masogar in Ethiope West LGA, an illegal bunkering open truck, with an inbuilt iron tank with registration number Edo Ekp 83 XB was intercepted along NNPC/Chevron/

pipeline.

Otti Rescinds Decision on 'Forfeited' N20bn Pension Arrears, Gratuities of Abia Retirees

Governor Alex Otti has at last agreed to revisit the controversial memorandum of agreement (MoA) under which Abia retirees were made to forfeit N20 billion out of the N30 billion pension arrears owed by the previous administration.

He promised "to take another look" on the agreement his government had signed with the leadership of the Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners(NUP), which also made retirees to forfeit their unpaid gratuities.

Otti inherited pension arrears of N30 billion from his predecessor and also unspecified amount of unpaid gratuities.

However, the Abia Governor had sparked outrage in April last year following his claim that the pension arrears had been cleared after paying the retirees a total amount of N10 billion having "agreed" to forfeit N20

billion under the MoA.

For almost a year now, Otti and his aides have been defending the agreement signed with the NUP leadership, insisting that the issue of pension arrears was done and dusted.

The governor even accused the NUP leaders of being dishonest for signing the agreement and turning back to repudiate the terms. He had vehemently refused all entreaties to reconsider the matter.

But at last, Otti has bowed to pressure, acknowledging that the issue of the pension arrears "has become problematic" hence his decision to revisit it and possibly find a lasting and acceptable solution.

Though he agreed to have a rethink on the pension issue, Otti did not spare the NUP leaders as he again berated them for being "dishonest" and provoking his anger by lying against him.

"You can't agree on something and then come to say that you didn't

agree. You can't sign and say you signed under duress, particularly for our senior citizens.

"I have maintained that our senior citizens and pensioners are very honest people, very, very honest. The problem is with their leadership and the problem of the leadership has to do with their association," he said.

Otti's change of mind was provoked weekend by the sermon delivered by the Chaplain of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, Very Rev Ernest Onyeukwu, during the thanksgiving service to mark the 80th birthday anniversary of Senator Chris Adighije, an Abia elder statesman.

The cleric had passionately appealed to the governor, who was at the church service along with his Imo State counterpart, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to listen to the cries of Abia retirees over their said forfeited pension arrears and gratuities.

Onyeukwu, who retired as a

permanent secretary in Abia Civil Service, pointed out the impropriety of denying a worker his pension and gratuity after 35 years of service to the state, noting that retirees live on their pensions and start new life with their gratuities.

The Abia Governor was pleased that the cleric was knowledgeable in the history of unpaid pensions by previous administrations in Abia, and in his sermon noted that N10 billion has been spent by the Otti administration to offset pension arrears.

"When you said nobody was paid pension in 2018, you are very correct. Not one dime was paid but the leadership of the NUP was part of the reason nobody was paid," the governor stated.

According to him, when the NUP leaders "were going into an agreement with me, they probably didn't believe that payment will be made" given their experience with the past Abia governments.

Company (NMRC), all of which play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s housing finance ecosystem.

MOFI had recently set an ambitious target to raise N1 trillion to support the development of affordable housing in Nigeria. The first phase, amounting to N250 billion has already been raised and fully subscribed, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the initiative.

This fund is expected to provide significant financial backing for affordable housing projects, thereby reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit and making homeownership more accessible to low- and middle-income earners.

According to the release, at AIHS 2025, MOFI will bring in top housing finance practitioners to share insights into its ongoing efforts and strategic direction in alignment with global best practices.

These discussions, it said, will offer valuable perspectives on how the institution is prepared to transform Nigeria’s housing sector through structured financing, sustainable development, and innovative investment models.

“ By working in synergy with other agencies, MOFI seeks to strengthen the overall housing finance framework and accelerate the delivery of affordable housing to Nigerians.

“During its dedicated day at AIHS 2025, MOFI will engage directly with real estate developers, investors, and offtakers, showcasing opportunities for collaboration and investment. The event will serve as a platform for MOFI to extend its flagship initiatives and demonstrate how it can work with key stakeholders, including FMBN, FHFL, NMRC, FHA, and other agencies, to drive sustainable housing development in Nigeria.

“With AIHS being Africa’s largest and most influential housing and construction event, this partnership with MOFI underscores a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges and fostering economic growth through sustainable real estate development,” it added.

The AIHS 2025, it said, promises to be a landmark event that will set new benchmarks for housing finance, innovation, and policy advocacy in Africa and beyond.

NLNG to Improve Local LPG Supply with Process Digitalisation

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

NLNG has committed to working closely with its stakeholders to improve operational efficiency in its domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply to the country, especially through the digitalisation of its processes.

At an engagement session with stakeholders in Lagos, NLNG highlighted its plans to enhance engagement and improve operational efficiency of its LPG supply, including a new platform designed to streamline regulatory processes, optimise risk management, and enhance buyer experience.

The platform will feature ITsupported relationship management, automated issue resolution, centralised real-time payments, and improved case management systems, ensuring a seamless supply process despite market shifts and external pressures.

This information was contained in a statement by the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development of the company, Sophia Horsfall, at the weekend.

Speaking at the session, Tolulope Longe, Manager, Commercial Contract

Management, reiterated that the planned improvements will enable and consolidate NLNG’s resolve to deliver 100 per cent of its LPG supply to the Nigerian market.

She said a strategic roadmap was in play to ensure the achievement of NLNG’s long-standing goals of LPG being accessible and available in the country, aligning with its vision of being a globally competitive energy company, improving lives sustainably.

She also harped on the significance of these improvement initiatives and the company’s push for LPG utilisation as a clean energy source alternative to kerosene and other fossil fuels. Longe noted that the company remained focused on growth and sustainability of the LPG market by continuously enhancing its supply processes in collaboration with offtakers.

She stressed NLNG’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to maintain pricing stability and long-term market viability. While acknowledging industry concerns, she noted the importance of operational efficiency in meeting market demands.

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Seplat

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Carbon Limit, Heine Melkevik; Managing Director, NNPC E&P Limited, Nicholas Foucart; Managing Director, Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (OERNL), Dr. Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune; Executive Director, Corporate Services, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, Olatunji Akinwunmi; Commission Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr Gbenga Komolafe; and Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) Joint Venture, Segun Kuteyi, at the recently concluded NUPRC Industry Forum on Decarbonisation and Energy Sustainability in Abuja

SIGNING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP...

Adelabu Meets Egyptian Envoy, Says Nigeria Bridging Power Supply Gap with

$940m Renewables

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has reiterated that Nigeria has been able to access international funding of $940 million to supply electricity from renewable energy sources to the country's rural areas.

Speaking during a meeting with the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad in Abuja, the minister noted that the federal government was committed to rural development through improved electricity access.

According to him, this aligns with the agenda of the current administration, which emphasises electricity as a fundamental right for all Nigerians.

Adelabu highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to connect remote rural areas to power through renewable energy initiatives, citing the economic challenges of extending the national grid to these regions.

“Many rural areas cannot be connected to the grid due to economic constraints, but we cannot neglect them. Through our renewable energy programme, we are bridging this gap. We have secured significant investments, including $750 million from the World Bank’s project and an additional $190 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to support this initiative,” Adelabu stated.

He emphasised Nigeria’s abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric potential, and expressed the government’s determination to harness these resources for sustainable energy access.

At the meeting between Adelabu and Fouad, discussions centred on strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy expansion, with a focus on renewable energy and rural electrification, a statement by the minister's spokesman, Bolaji Tunji, said yesterday.

Taraba State Moves to Implement Automated Revenue Collection System

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Taraba State Board of Internal Revenue Service has taken steps to enhance its operations through automated revenue collection system.

The board in collaboration with I-Tech Platform Limited held a two-day training exercise towards the full automation of revenue collection.

A statement made available to journalists in Abuja by the Public Affairs Officer of Taraba Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Hebrew Wubon described the training held at the Taraba state Board of Internal Revenue Service conference Hall in Jalingo, the Taraba State Capital, as an important step towards improving the revenue profile of the state.

On his part, the Chairman Taraba State Board of Internal Revenue Service, General Jeremiah Faransa, (rtd), emphasized the need to prioritize training and re-training of staff for efficient service delivery."

He said the essence of the training was, "to bring staff upto-date with the best practices in revenue collection and management system, make tax collection easier, and ultimately improve the

processes of internally generated revenue of Taraba State".

He added that other states have gone far in times of digitization advising the participants to be committed as the training will groom them towards productive outcome.

He also enjoined the staff to fully utilize the knowledge acquire during the training to enhance efficiency in the system.

In their remarks, both the Chief Executive Officer of I-Tech platform Limited, Mr Iliya Musa, and the CTO, Mr. Joseph Adah Jonathan, expressed confidence that the new Revenue Management System will enhance the state internally generated revenue. They said there is the need to transit from manual collections, which is often riddled with irregularities to digital system, describing it as the best and most efficient system of revenue collection."

"They also said that the automated system has features that help create unique taxpayer identity, generate tax clearance certificate, and assessment, assuring that the system will boost the internally generated revenue of the state and also track payment irregularities.

Adelabu also praised Egypt’s achievements in the energy sector, describing the country as a role model in energy infrastructure development.

He expressed Nigeria’s interest in learning from Egypt’s experience in energy generation, transmission, and distribution, adding that the success in Egypt led to the engagements with Siemens with a view towards stabilising Nigeria’s power sector.

“Egypt has made remarkable strides in energy transformation, and we are eager to collaborate and learn from your expertise. Our goal is to ensure reliable, stable, and affordable energy access for all Nigerians,” he added.

The minister outlined Nigeria’s progress in the power sector since he assumed office 17 months ago,

noting that access to electricity has been expanded to bridge noticeable gaps.

Adelabu also acknowledged challenges in grid reliability, aging infrastructure, and metering gaps, which he said that the government is addressing through initiatives like the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI).

In his remarks, Fouad expressed Egypt’s enthusiasm in collaborating with Nigeria, particularly in closing the metering gap and sharing best practices in energy access. He emphasised the shared goals and mutual benefits of strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

“Nigeria and Egypt have much in common, and there is immense potential for collaboration in the

energy sector. We are committed to working together to achieve sustainable energy solutions for both countries,” Fouad said.

While commending Adelabu's commitment towards the expansion of power access across Nigeria, especially through renewable energy projects, he said that Egypt was working towards increasing its renewable energy from the present 14 per cent to 42 per cent and Nigeria’s experience would be invaluable to his country.

Fouad said: “ I want to commend you for the efforts you are putting into the power sector which is visible everywhere. Nigeria and Egypt had a Memoranda of Understanding about power projects. We should activate the MOU and maybe we can start by

holding virtual meetings, talking to each other to see if there are areas where we can learn from each other, because power is an ambitious plan especially when it comes to renewable energy.

“We want to increase the contribution of renewable energy to our overall electricity production to 42 per cent by 2035. Now, it stands at 14 per cent. This is because fossil fuel is now the main thing. Our electricity comes fundamentally from gas, of course similar to Nigeria.

“ Also like Nigeria, we are blessed with solar and wind to power our renewable energy. We need the cooperation of Nigeria in this area. We are looking forward to you visiting us on this important exchange of ideas”, the envoy said.

Dstv/Gotv: NGO Berates MultiChoice’s Discriminatory Pricing Between Nigerian, South African Subscribers

Claims company hiked prices by 21% in Nigeria, reduced by 38% in South Africa within same period

James Emejo in Abuja

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Save the Consumers, has condemned the recent 21 per cent price increase imposed by MultiChoice Nigeria on its DStv and GOtv services, effective March 1.

The group, committed to defending consumer rights, stated that the price adjustment was in stark contrast to the company’s decision to reduce prices by up to 38 per cent and enhance value for its South African subscribers during the same period.

It described the action as "not only insensitive and exploitative, but also blatantly discriminatory".

In a statement, Executive Director, Save the Consumers, Dr. Aliyu Ilias, said, "Coming less than a year after the May 2024 price hike in Nigeria, the new increase openly defies a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to suspend all price adjustments pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

"It reflects MultiChoice’s clear disregard for both Nigerian consumers and regulatory authority.

"Even more troubling is the company’s simultaneous enhancement of service offerings and reduction of prices for South African customers."

Ilias added, "In South Africa, MultiChoice has lowered fees

on various products, added new channels, and introduced features that improve the user experience, all while acknowledging the financial pressures faced by South African households.

"This double standard, lowering prices at home while increasing them in Nigeria, amounts to economic discrimination and reinforces long-standing concerns about MultiChoice’s exploitative approach toward the Nigerian market.

"It is indefensible for MultiChoice to cite inflation in Nigeria as justification for the hike while offering consumer-friendly pricing in South Africa. This reflects a disturbing double standard, with Nigerian consumers continuing to suffer under a near-monopolistic market structure that MultiChoice exploits with impunity."

The group further alleged that while MultiChoice claimed the price hike was necessary to deliver “worldclass content”, Nigerian subscribers still faced persistent challenges that remained unaddressed, despite repeated complaints.

"These include repetitive content, frequent service disruptions, and poor value for money,” he stated.

“Rather than resolving these issues, MultiChoice has chosen to penalise its loyal Nigerian customers with higher prices, once again proving that profit, not service or fairness, is

its primary motivation," Ilias said.

The statement also said,

"Meanwhile, South African subscribers benefit from reduced pricing, such as the 'Add Movies' bolt-on slashed by 38 per cent to R49, alongside additional channels and enhanced streaming features.

"MultiChoice CEO Byron Du Plessis’s justification that these changes are due to 'financial pressures faced by households' further demonstrates the company’s hypocritical and disingenuous treatment of Nigerian consumers, who are themselves grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis."

The group declared that MultiChoice’s dominance in Nigeria’s pay-TV sector, enabled by a lack of effective competition, had emboldened its monopolistic practices.

It said the ease with which the company increased prices without fear of losing market share highlighted the urgent need for regulatory intervention, adding that Nigerian consumers are effectively held captive in a market where choice is limited and abuse is rampant.

The NGO also urged the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to take decisive steps to foster genuine competition in the pay-TV sector and dismantle MultiChoice’s stranglehold on the market.

The statement said, "Save the Consumers demands the immediate

reversal of the March 2025 price hike, compensation for subscribers affected by repeated, unjustified price increases and service deficiencies, and full compliance with the FCCPC’s directive.

"We urge the FCCPC to initiate legal proceedings against MultiChoice for its defiance of regulatory orders and its disregard for consumer welfare.

"A transparent investigation into its pricing model, service quality, and compliance with Nigerian competition and consumer protection laws is essential.

"We call on Nigerian consumers to explore alternative platforms and consider boycotting DStv and GOtv until MultiChoice demonstrates genuine respect for their rights." It further declared that MultiChoice’s discriminatory pricing, rewarding South African subscribers with lower costs and better services while exploiting Nigerians, was a "glaring example of unchecked corporate greed".

Ilias said in the statement, "Save the Consumers stands firmly with Nigerian subscribers in rejecting this injustice and calls on all stakeholders to hold MultiChoice accountable.

"The Nigerian market deserves dignity, not exploitation. No company should be allowed to operate above the law or treat Nigerian consumers as second-class subscribers."

Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, President & Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Governance (ASG) in Kigali, Rwanda, and Prof. Francesco Mancini, Vice-Dean for Executive Education, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a strategic partnership between the two graduate schools of public policy at a meeting in Singapore…recently

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

COURTESY VISIT...

Elumelu Unveils $15m Support for 3,000 Young African Entrepreneurs

Says interventions not out of abundance of wealth but need to avert future crisis, 2 million lifted out of poverty

Awele Elumelu: $100 million disbursed, $4.2 billion revenue generated, 1.5 million jobs created, 45% of beneficiaries women $5,000 grant not loan, non-returnable, says Chris-Asoluka

James Emejo in Abuja

Chairman, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Mr. Tony Elumelu, has unveiled $15 million in support funding for 3,000 young African entrepreneurs for the 11th cohort of the foundation. Elumelu said each selected business was entitled to $5,000 seed capital.

He said the foundation was humbled by the progress recorded across all 54 African countries to

date.

Speaking at the unveiling of the 2025 Cohort of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in Abuja at the weekend, Elumelu stated that 15 years into the journey, TEF had achieved remarkable feats in impacting lives across the continent.

He said in 2015, the foundation launched a target to empower 10,000 Africans, and added that by 2024, over 21,000 had been

Mining Marshals at One: Alake Vows Fiercer Battle Against Illegal Mining

Marshals to be bolstered by improved logistics, ammunition

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has declared that there will be no hiding place for illegal miners in the country as efforts to strengthen operations of the mining marshals and ensure nationwide coverage are in the offing.

Addressing a press conference to mark the one-year anniversary of the corps on Friday, the minister emphasized that the establishment of the mining marshals last year has significantly disrupted unauthorized mining activities and restored investor confidence in the sector.

"The activation of the corps to enforce provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) has struck fear into illegal operators, largely curbing their operations and serving as a deterrent," Alake stated.

According to him, "the mining marshals held direct engagements across 10 states of Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory leading to the arrest of 327 suspected illegal miners; arraignment of 143 suspects; recovery of 98 mining sites and identification of 457 illegal mining sites."

While the marshals' operations have been somewhat hampered by logistical constraints, Alake reassured that with the increased budgetary allocation for the Ministry in the

2025 fiscal year, such limitations would be addressed.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for appropriating a budget commensurate with the huge responsibilities of the ministry in the 2025 Appropriation Act.

This funding, he noted, will enable the ministry to fully equip the mining marshals, enhance their operational capabilities, and extend their coverage nationwide.

It will be recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved N2.5bn for the deployment of satellite technology to enhance the security architecture of the mining sector which will consequently aid the operations of the mining marshals.

With the deployment of satellite monitoring, the federal government would be pioneering air and ground coverage for the security of the solid minerals sector - a major milestone in efforts to sanitise the sector.

Assessing the impact of the mining marshals over the past one year, the minister asserted that 2,220 corps at inception which has now been scaled up to 2, 670 operatives have raised awareness of the enforcement capacity of the federal government to combat illegal mining, establishing considerable deterrence among illegal miners and contributed to substantial increase in revenue, generated from the sector.

empowered.

Elumelu, however, pointed out,

"All we do at TEF is not out of the abundance of wealth. It is a deep realisation that if we don't do this; this is very existential; if we don't do this, we are creating problems for ourselves, the so-called successful, our children and our children's children.

"It is in our collective interest to identify and support young talented Africans."

He emphasised his advocacy to world leaders that in the 21st Century, "What Africa needs is not aid. What Africa needs is investment in infrastructure and investment in our young ones."

Elumelu stressed that the future of Africa lied in the young population that must be empowered.

He said despite TEF's intervention, millions of young talented entrepreneurs had not been reached, and called for partnerships to get the job done.

Elumelu declared that working with TEF's partners, the foundation had lifted over two million people out of poverty. He said poverty anywhere constituted a threat.

He insisted that no outsider will develop Africa, stating that the task rests on Africans themselves.

TEF Co-founder, Dr. Awele Elumelu, said the foundation had

been able to move businesses from ideas to formidable enterprises over the years.

Awele disclosed that women accounted for 45 per cent of the entrepreneurs so far empowered during the programme.

She said a total of $100 million had been disbursed to 21,000 businesses across the 54 African countries, creating 1.5 million jobs.

Awele also revealed that $4.2 billion was generated in revenues.

Chief Executive of TEF, Somachi Chris-Asoluka, said going forward, the foundation will double down on its commitment to young Africans.

She said, "We will continue to fund young African entrepreneurs

at the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and we will continue to inspire like-minded partners in Africa and beyond, to work with us on this journey, to work with us side by side as we fund even more African entrepreneurs."

She added, "This $5, 000 is not loan. It is not equity. It's not a stake in their business. It is a grant. It is non-returnable.

"We don't expect it back. Since 2015 our founder has disbursed over $100 million of his own wealth towards his young African entrepreneurs.

"We will do more this year, 3,000 this year, and will continue to do more till eternity. God keep us."

JOHESU Gives FG Conditions for Industrial Harmony in Health Sector

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Workers in Nigeria's health sector under the auspices of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have presented a list of demands they expect the federal government to fulfil in order to avoid industrial unrest.

In a communiqué issued after its meeting last Thursday in Abuja, which coincided with a courtesy visit by Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, the national leadership of JOHESU maintained its demand for full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (Mol) signed between the federal government and JOHESU

on October 29, 2024 after a conciliation meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

While expressing appreciation for the minister's show of commitment to the resolution of issues that bothered the workers, JOHESU urged the government to ensure full implementation of agreement reached by both parties.

The communique signed by National Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Dr. Kabiru Minjibir, and National Secretary, Comrade Martin Egbanubi, listed keys demands, which included implementation of CONHESS Adjustment, and payment of seven months 25/35 per cent CONHESS Review arrears (June – December, 2023).

JOHESU requested the reconstitution

of Boards/Governing Councils of Federal Health Institutions (FHIs) and Health Professionals' Regulatory Agencies, the implementation of Consultant Cadre for Pharmacists in Federal Health Institutions (FHIs).

The union further demanded implementation of the process to upwardly review retirement age of health workers as approved by the president without discrimination.

It maintained its position on increase in retirement age for all health workers from 60-65 years and 70 years for all healthcare professional consultants and 35-40 years in service for all categories of health workers, as applicable in the universities and judiciary.

Other demands by JOHESU included suspension of planned establishment and activities of National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA), as being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and withdrawal of the unlawful Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

In addition, the health workers' union wanted the federal government to ensure payment of call duty allowances to health professionals on call duties as well as consequential adjustment of all allowances linked to the CONHESS Basic Salary in line with the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024.

NAPTIP Frees Seven Human Trafficking Victims in Raid on Hotel Near Abuja Airport

last few months intercepted no fewer than 60 suspected victims of human trafficking at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on their way to some of the volatile and war-torn countries in the Middle East. He noted that a critical profiling of the rescued victims indicated that six of them were deceived and recruited from Lagos while one is from Delta State.

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

L-R: Mr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs; Mr. Andrew Uaboi, Vice President & Head of Visa West Africa; Mr. Andrew Torre, Regional President of Visa CEMEA; Mr. Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President; Mr. Chidozie Arinze, Director of Government Engagement at Visa West Africa; Mr. Fegho Umunubo, Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy; and Ms. Marion Moon, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture, during a courtesy visit to the Vice President of Nigeria…recently

L-R: DBN Independent Non-Executive Director, Mr. Urum Kalu (UK) Eke; Executive Director/CFO, Mrs. Ijeoma Ozulumba, MFR; Managing Director/CEO, DBN, Dr. Tony Okpanachi; MD, JNC International and former DBN Independent Non-Executive Director, Omatseye; and DBN Independent Non-Executive Director, Mr. Kyari Abba Bukar, at the Bank’s 2025 International Women’s Day Celebration, which was held at the Ladi Kwali Hall in Abuja, last Friday

IWD: Firm Unveils Mentorship Programme for Girl Child in Rivers

Gives grants to female traders in host communities Esimai: Women need integration, support to transform society

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

An oil servicing firm, Librod Energy Services Limited, has unveiled a mentorship programme to boost the skills and capacity of the girl-child for a change drive.

The unveiling was held in Port Harcourt yesterday at an event organised by the company in commemoration of the International Women's Day (IWD), with the theme, "Accelerate Action in Women's Development. "

Relatedly, businessman and founder of Vision Business Hub,

Mr. Obianefo Esimai, declared that empowering women and allowing them to play key roles in the politics and economy of the country will lead to development and positive transformation of the society.

Speaking during the launch of a book, "The Limitless Woman, a Fearless Woman's Guide to Selfreinvention and Unstoppable Success,” in Abuja on Saturday, Esimai said women required all forms of support to help in bringing out their inner potentials for the benefit of the family and the society at large.

In his opening remarks during the mentorship programme, Managing

Director, Librod Energy Services Limited, Broderick Arigbodi, said the company was committed to supporting female entrepreneurs by providing the necessary resources, mentorship and guidance to help them thrive in their various fields.

Arigbodi said Librod was committed to the education of the girl child, and statd that every young girl deserved the opportunity to learn, grow and pursue her dreams without limitations.

According to Arigbodi, "The foundation of this company was built upon the collaboration, hard work and shared vision of both genders.

Today, as we look at where Librod stands, we must acknowledge that women have played a critical role in our growth, our values and our continued success."

He assured that the firm would take further steps to uplift women, particularly, in entrepreneur and education.

"We reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where women can thrive, where gender equality is prioritised, and where every girl has the chance to reach her full potential," Arigbodi stated.

Group Head, Human Resources and Corporate Services, Librod, Suzi

Sallah: FAAN Warns Passengers Against Violent Conduct at Airports

Closes Ibadan Airport temporarily for upgrade works

Chinedu Eze

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has urged intending travelers during the Eid-el-Fitri Sallah celebration to conduct themselves well at the airports in accordance with standard rules that guide passenger facilitation.

Kuku said that expectedly there would be surge in flight schedules and passenger traffic and urged them to submit to the by-laws and restrain from destroying terminals and airlines' properties due to flight delays, rescheduling and cancellations.

In another development, FAAN also

announced the temporary closure of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, to facilitate extensive upgrade works aimed at enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and operational standards.

The agency made this known in a statement confirming that the Federal Government of Nigeria had approved the closure, which became necessary to enable the execution of critical improvements at the airport.

Meanwhile, Kuku who spoke while breaking fast with the Lagos Airport Muslim communities at an Iftar dinner at the weekend, urged passengers to show understanding, pointing out that no airline will willingly delay or out rightly

cancel any flight without any reason.

Kuku, who spoke through FAAN Director of Operations, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood, also urged passengers to get to airports on time to avoid last minute rush.

Her words: "We urge that passengers should be guided by the law. You buy your ticket, you come to the airport and once there is a challenge, they should understand with the airline. All this coming, claiming, fighting, breaking things, is not doing any good to anyone. I have never seen anywhere in the world people do that. So, we need to be patient. We need to understand. Yes, we need to understand our rights, and we need to understand the airlines' rights also.

We need to understand that everyone has their rights.”

The FAAN boss also remarked that the airlines have rights, just as passengers also have rights, noting that it is important to recognise these rights in order to be guided well at the airports.

Kuku disclosed that efforts are being made to modernise the facilities at the airports and put them at expected standard.

"We are anticipating it and we are making every effort to make sure that our airports are up to standard. We also make sure that whatever it is, facilities of our airport, the runways and everything is all in place for full facilitation of our passengers' travel," she said.

Dangote Distributes 1m 10kg Bags of Rice Across Nigeria

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Dangote Foundation has begun the distribution of 1m (10kg bags) of rice each to vulnerable members of the public in the 774 local government areas of the country.

Of the amount, 30,000 bags are to be shared in the 274 wards of Niger State. At the flag-off of the distribution in Minna on Saturday the Group General Manager, Dangote Industries Ltd Abuja Office, Alhaji Ahmed Hashim explained that the National Food Intervention programme of the

Foundation was kick-started in Kano State recently.

According to Alhaji Ahmed Hashim in a statement on the event made available to newsmen by Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Niger State consignment was received on behalf of the governor by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba. Bologi Ibrahim quoted Alhaji Hashim as saying that the foundation decided to use stakeholders in the respective states for the distribution to make the process easier and ensure that it reached the targeted beneficiaries.

Alhaji Hashim, according to the statement, promised that the Dangote Foundation will continue in its quest to reduce hunger and increase the wellbeing of the people.

Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, in his remarks described the private sector as a critical player in overcoming hardship in the society noting that "poverty and hunger are multidimensional challenges that are piercing through the fabric of the society".

Garba lamented that poverty and hunger had shattered many families resulting in the exhibition of criminal

tendencies pointing out that it (poverty and hunger) "is a menace that should be tackled quickly”.

The deputy governor however highlighted the various efforts of the state government in achieving its desire of feeding the nation, and ameliorating the sufferings of the people including the introduction of subsidy on grains for Ramadan Fast. Comrade Garba appreciated the Dangote Foundation for the gesture before saying that the state government is working tirelessly to eliminate poverty and hunger from the society.

Okpere, stated that women were faced with "significant barriers, from unequal access to education, leadership roles, and financial resources, to societal biases and stereotypes that hold them back".

Okpere stressed, "By supporting women's development, we aim to break down these barriers and ensure equal opportunities for all women, particularly, in fields and industries where they are underrepresented, such as technology, engineering, and leadership roles."

Commending their partners, Okpere said, "We are accelerating action through initiatives, like mentorship programems, skills development opportunities, entrepreneurship grants, and leadership training.”

She said the programmes were designed to equip women with the tools they needed to lead, succeed, and drive change.

Okpere disclosed that the company decided to give out N500,000 grant each to some petty

traders in their host communities in Port Harcourt. She stated that this would boost their businesses and encourage their business skills. General Manager, Midstream Monitoring Division, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Tassalia Ter-Sugh, who spoke with journalists at the event, said it was all about building the capacity of the girl child. She said, "it’s is all about building up the girl child, and that is really what NCDMB is all about; building capacity, sharpening skills, preparing for the work environment, for the industry, making you employable.

“So, for us it is a welcome initiative to partner with."

The NCDMB general manager added, "We are very happy to be a part of this, because mentorship is the key, and closing capacity gap, skills gap and all of that is a great advancement in developing the girl child. "

One Dead, Many Injured as Suspected Herders Attack Edo Community

Suspected herdsmen have attacked Ukhun community in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, killing one person and injuring many. The community was said to have come under attack early Saturday morning.

The attack, according to eyewitness accounts, occurred when some of the indigenous people who are predominantly farmers, were on the way to their farms.

The herders it was reported made attempts to kidnap the indigenes while working in their individual farms, but were resisted by the farmers some of whom managed to escape.

Others however, were not lucky apparently because they were oblivious of the activities of the marauding herders while working in their farms came under attack as they opened fire on them, killing one Mr Daniel in the process.

According to residents of Ukhun, this is one incident too many that have occurred in the community in

the last two years. They said that just last month, February 2025, one Mallam Bello Obadan was killed in his farm.

Speaking on the latest incident, the Onojie of Ukhun kingdom; Thomas Omoigiade sent a "Save Our Soul" message to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; the state Commissioner of Police, Mrs Betty Otimenyin; Director, Department of State Service (DSS), Mr Bello Bakori; Director of Edo state Security Network, Friday Ibadin (rtd) and the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma to come to their rescue.

"Ukhun is in dire need of government intervention and assistance to protect their lives and property", the traditional ruler stated.

When Contacted, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said the Commissioner of Police had reviewed the security deployment in the area and ordered the immediate deployment of additional teams to forestall a recurrence.

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

RATES AS AT MARCH 21,2025

Kayode Tokede

On the back of projected poor dividend payout by Oil and Gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the NGX Oil & Gas index has emerged the worst performing indicator with -7.82 per cent YtD return as of March 21, 2025.

Also, the likes of NGX Insurance Index and NGX Industrial Goods Index closed the period at - 4.51 per cent and -2.31 per cent, respectively.

With a return of 170 per cent ini 2024, the NGX Oil & Gas Index outperformed the NGX Banking Index, NGX Consumer Goods Index, among other indices as the best performing index, attributable to reforms by the federal government.

So far in 2025, the NGX Oil & Gas stocks have seen downward momentum over delayed dividend payout to shareholders and

unimpressive 2024 unaudited result and accounts.

The index has recorded negative returns to shareholders over the past few years. For instance, in 2018, the NGX oil and gas declined by 8.61 per cent. This indicates that, on average, investors in this sector experienced a negative return of 8.61 per cent for the year. Similarly, the sector declined by 14.6 per cent in 2019. Also, in 2020 and 2021, the index recorded a loss of 13.03 per cent and 8.73 per cent, respectively. However, succour came the way of investors as the sector witnessed a turnaround in performance, achieving a gain of 98.3 per cent in 2023.

Despite releasing 2024 unaudited result and accounts for period ended December 2024, investors’ negative sentiment have continued to rock the listed OIl & Gas companies.

Analysis of trading numbers showed that Etern Plc, out of seven listed OIl & Gas companies appreciated in stock price, while Seplat energy Plc has remained flat since 2024.

The stock price of Eterna closed March 21, 2025 at N38 per share, gaining 56.4per cent YtD from N24.30 per share it closed for trading in 2024. On the other hand, Seplat Energy traded flat at N5,700 despite an impressive 2024 financial year.

As of the close of trading activities March, 21, 2025, the stock price of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has dropped by 25.6 per cent YtD to N162.00 per share from N217.8 per share it closed for trading in 2024, while Oando Plc stock price depreciated by 22.7 per cent YtD from N66.00 per share to close March 21, 2024 at N51.00 per share. With a drop of 22.7 per cent YtD, the value of Oando has

depreciated by N186.47 billion as of March 21, 2025.

In the period under review, the stock price of Conoil dropped by 14.46 per cent YtD to close March 21,2025 at N331.20 per share from N387.2 per share it closed for trading in 2024.

In addition, the stock price of Aradel Holdings Plc fells by 12.7 per cent to N522.00 per share as of March 21, 2025 from N598.00 per share it closed in 2024, while Totalenergies Marketing Nigeria Plc’s stock price depreciated by 8.7 per cent YtD to close March 21, 2025 at N637.00 per share from N698.00 per share it closed the previous year.

Capital market analysts linked the performance of the sector in -7.28 per cent YtD to late filing of 2024 result and accounts and declaring dividend payout to investors.

The Vice President, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori, said, “The OIl & Gas

sector was propelled in recent times by Oando. Oando’s stock price appreciated significantly and when Aradel Holdings was listed, the price was very high and it drove the index growth in 2024.

“However, since the beginning of the year, Oando and Aradel Holdings have taken a serious beating. Totalenergies also lost momentum as the released 2024 unaudited result and accounts was not impressive, leading to investors pulling out.”

“The NGX Oil & Gas Index worst performance has to do with listed companies not with the industry itself. Investors’ confidence around Oando dropped and Aradel Holdings could not sustain the high tempo which it migrated from NASA to NGX. Totalenergies did not perform well in the fourth quarter of 2024. All these have impacted on the NGX Oil & Gas Index in its YtD performance, “ he added.

The Managing Director, Globalview Capital Limited, Mr. Aruna Kebira, attributed the downward movement in the NGX Oil & Gas index to profit-taking in Oando.

He said, “The management of Oando proposed a bonus of one new ordinary share for every 12 existing ordinary shares and other listed companies’ bonuses have a terminal date of 90 days. The management put a bonus for three years, which is to be credited for 36 months. Investors felt the management of Oando was taking them for granted and opted to take profit.”

He added that the poor performance in the NGX Oil & Gas is based on investors’ sentiment that Conoil, among others may declare a dividend that is not commensurate with their 52-week high.

story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

The 2025 Nigerian Insurance Industry Report released by Agusto & Co. has predicted a transformative phase for Nigeria’s insurance sector, with insurers expected to inject approximately N600 billion in fresh capital to meet evolving regulatory demands.

According to the report, the projected capital raise is driven by the anticipated passage of the Nigeria Insurance Reform Bill before the end of 2025, a move that is set to fast-track the industry’s transition to a risk-based capital framework and enhance underwriting capacity.

The report stated that the bill,

which seeks to overhaul the industry’s regulatory framework, will fast-track the transition to a risk-based capital regime, significantly impacting the capitalisation of insurance firms.

The planned increase in the minimum capital requirements across various business segments, the report noted, will push insurers to shore up their financial base, enhancing underwriting capacity and risk retention.

It stated: “The Nigeria Insurance Reform Bill (the Bill), which seeks to overhaul the Industry’s regulatory framework, is expected to be passed into law before 31 December 2025. We believe the Bill would compel

the National Insurance Commission to fast-track the transition to a risk-based capital regime (initiated over a decade ago).

“This legislation would significantly impact the Industry’s capitalisation based on the planned increase in the minimum capital requirement for the various business segments in the Bill. We anticipate circa N600 billion capital injection by insurers to comply with the uptick in the minimum capital requirement and increase the underwriting capacity.

“While Insurers would be allowed to recapitalise over a period, we anticipate an uptick in activities to shore up the capital base in FY 2025. In our view, the

recapitalisation exercise would shape risk underwriting activities in the near term as insurers seek to generate adequate returns for shareholders.

Thus, we expect the adoption of innovation on the back of technology to drive insurance penetration and improved risk retention on the back of the enlarged capital base.”

It added, “However, while a larger capital base can support long-term profitability, the industry may experience short-term challenges.

The report notes that foreign currency revaluation gains, which have boosted earnings in recent years, are expected to decline due to a more stable exchange rate.

This could lead to a lower return

on equity (ROE), projected to drop to 22.8 per cent in 2025.

“We expect the enlarged portfolio with the potential to support profitability to stimulate a more efficient investment portfolio management. However, the expected stability of the exchange rate would moderate the foreign currency revaluation gains that have bloated the investment income and accounted for circa 50 per cent in FY 2023 and FY 2024. The anticipated decline in asset yield as the rebased consumer price index (CPI) depicts disinflation would also moderate the investment income. Thus, circa 957 basis points decline in the return on average investment is anticipated as the

enlarged portfolio accentuates the impact of the moderated investment income.

“In FY 2025, we anticipate a decline in the Industry’s profitability, largely due to the lower foreign currency revaluation gains. Thus, a reduction in the post-tax return on average equity (ROE) to 22.8 per cent is expected. We believe that sustainable profit (excluding the volatile foreign currency revaluation gains) will maintain the upward trajectory, supported by stricter enforcement of compulsory insurance policies, a more efficient product distribution and an enlarged capital base to support the insurance income.”

Nume Ekeghe

OADC to Invest $240m in 24mw Data Centre Facility in Lagos

Having exhausted its initial 1.5mw data centre capacity, Open Access Data Centres (OADC) has commenced the construction of another data centre facility in Lekki, Lagos, which it said will have 24mw capacity when completed in the next 18 months.

The firm said the additional data centre facility, which is AIpowered, is part of it’s expansion plan in a bid to accommodate more customers, whose demands for data centre space are on the increase.

Speaking about the value of the on-going 24mw Tier III Data Centre facility at a press conference in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer at OADC, Dr. Ayotunde Coker, said the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), which is the parent company of OADC, is an open access wholesale hyperscale connectivity company, and a consortium partner with Google on the Google Equiano Cable, as well as a consortium partner of 2Africa Cable and Meta Cable.

“The total cost of establishing 1mw Tier III Data Centre is put at $10 million and OADC is constructing a twin Tier III Data Centre with 12mw capacity each, totaling 24mw data centre capacity at the cost of $240 million, which

is expected to be completed in the next 18 months,” he said.

According to him, the Equiano Cable, which is now live across the west coast of Africa, lands into the OADC facility in Lagos, while the 2Africa Cable lands into the OADC facility in Durban, South Africa, thus bringing resilient data centre infrastructure to Nigeria and the rest of Africa, adding that such industry collaboration will boost global connectivity in order to maintain locally based hyperscale cloud capacity that will help to localise internet access in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

“So we have open access data centers, and we have the open access metro service that is building fiber across Lagos, and my role is to run the data centre business across Africa,” Coker said.

He explained that the new data centre facility has white space, with dedicated power lines, including power infrastructure directly from the power transmission line that runs into the facility, with a second transmission line coming from Ajah in Lekki area of Lagos.

“The 24 megawatts of hyperscale AI-powered data centre that is under construction, is a two-stage of 12 megawatts each, and piling has commenced in the second stage, designed to be the key leading

AIICO Insurance Disburses N68.2bn to Annuitants in Five Years

AIICO Insurance Plc, has said that it disbursed a total of N68.2 billion to retired workers in various sectors of the economy who entrusted their retirement benefits in the underwriting firm through the purchase of annuity insurance from the company.

The above amount was disbursed by the company in the past five years between year 2019 to 2024.

An annuity is a written contract typically between a retired worker and a life insurance company in which the insurance company makes a series of regularly spaced payments to the retiree in return for a premium or premiums he have paid. An annuity is different from life insurance.

According to the company the disbursement was made at the rate of N1.5 billion per month.

It said, “The company currently disburses a staggering N1.5 billion monthly to these annuitants, providing them with guaranteed income for their retirement years. Total disbursement to the annuitants stands at a whopping 68.2 billion between 2019 and 2024.”

AIICO said in paying the above amount to the retirees, it tried to secure their financial stability and welfare through prompt and improved annuity payment despite the intense economic headwinds and

unabating inflationary pressure in the country.

Speaking on the disbursement, AIICO’s Executive Director, and Head of Retail Business, Mr. Gbenga Ilori, said, “At AIICO our commitment to financial security goes beyond offering products. The company fosters a growing community of financially empowered individuals, evident in the continuous rise in its annuity customer base. This growth is fuelled, not only by new customer acquisition but also by the trust and positive experiences of existing policy holders, who have referred friends and family to the product.

“We are proud to be a part of their financial journey“ Mr. Ilori stated further, “We are confident that the annuity market holds immense potential, and we are well-positioned to capitalise on this growth. Our robust financial standing and exceptional customer service ensure that our annuity policyholders receive, not only a guaranteed income, but also peace of mind throughout their retirement life, “ Ilori said.

Speaking on the reliable and financially secure annuity product offered by AIICO, one of the annuitants and President, Retired Customs Officers Association of Nigeria, Chief A. A. Iguoba, commended the company for the unique and value-packed product.

40 million SMEs in Nigeria, the entry barrier would be significantly reduced, and access to broadband connectivity would greatly increase.

Seplat Records N1.65trn Revenue, Declares US 16.5 Cents Total Dividend

Kayode Tokede

Seplat Energy Plc has announced its audited results for the full year ended 31 December 2024, with a N1.65 trillion revenue, about 137 per cent increase over N696.87 billion declared in 2023 financial year.

The 2024 financial year performance of the company culminated with the transformational acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU)renamed Seplat Energy Producing

Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU). The company’s operating profit also rose to N647.9billion from N163.7billion Year-on-Year whilst profit before tax surged to N561.4billion from N125.5billion Year-on-Year.

For 2024, the confidence in Seplat Energy’s business outlook was underpinned by special dividend, which lifted total 2024 dividend to US16.5 Cents per share, up by 10per cent compared to 2023. Production (onshore assets)

averaged 48,618 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) up two per cent from 2023 (47,758 boepd), and within guidance. Including 19 days of SEPNU production (annualised average contribution of 4,329 kboepd), reported production reached 52,947 boepd, 11per cent higher than 2023.

In the same vein, gross profit for the Company hit N710.1billion from N349.3billion Year-on-Year, as the company achieved more than 11.0 million hours (2023: 8.7 million hours)

without Lost Time Injury (LTI) on Seplat-operated assets in 2024. The Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Energy, Roger Brown in a statement said: “2024 was truly a defining year for Seplat Energy. In addition to delivering key growth projects in our existing onshore business, we closed out 2024 by completing the acquisition of SEPNU, the largest in the Company’s history, which adds significant scale and attractive low-cost growth potential.

Sterling One Foundation Harp on Gender Equality, Youth Empowerment

Nume Ekeghe

Sterling One Foundation and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Zuriel Oduwole have reiterated the need for gender equality and youth empowerment, emphasizing sustained action to create opportunities for young leaders.

This was the focus of a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office, where discussions centered on expanding platforms for young changemakers.

At just 22 years old, Oduwole

is the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and the first to be recognized in this category. Her global advocacy in education, gender equality, and youth inclusion has influenced policies and engaged key decision-makers across multiple countries.

Sterling One Foundation, through its investment in social impact across critical sectors, has mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment across all its initiatives, ensuring that young women and

girls have access to the resources, platforms, and opportunities needed to thrive.

Speaking on the Foundation’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe highlighted the importance of telling African stories and driving impact through intentional programming, while also reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action.

She said, “At Sterling One

Foundation, we are intentional about telling African stories that reflect the strength and potential of our people. This is evident in our focus areas and programming, where we have deliberately mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment.”

During the visit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recognised Oduwole’s contributions and her historic Nobel Peace Prize nomination, describing it as a milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.

Union Bank Rewards Customers in Savings Promo

Nume Ekeghe

Union Bank Plc has said it rewarded three lucky customers with a tricycle each in the second

monthly draw of its ongoing Save and Win Palli Promo 4 campaign, which was conducted recently at the bank’s Douglas Road branch in Owerri, Imo State.

In a statement, it said a total of 120 winners were also rewarded with N7,800,000, including 60 customers who won N100,000 each and 60 others who each went home with fuel gift vouchers worth n30,000 during the transparent virtual live draw that was monitored under the supervision of relevant regulatory bodies.

SME Conference to Help Entrepreneurs Navigate Complex Funding Landscape

Oluchi Chibuzor

With a mission to bridge the gap between SMEs and diverse funding opportunities, the organisers of SME Funding Conference 2025 has said it will help entrepreneurs navigate complex funding landscape.

For them, the conference aims to equip small business owners with the practical knowledge, tools, and connections needed to secure funding for growth and expansion.

Commenting on the conference, in Lagos, Head of Department, Covenant Capital, Obafemi Darabidan said SMEs are drivers of economic growth and should be empowered with access to capital.

He noted that the funding conference would create a platform for direct networking and collaboration between SMEs and funding providers.

He stressed the need to introduce

entrepreneurs to alternative funding opportunities beyond bank loans, including grants, equity financing, impact investment, and crowdfunding.

According to him, “At The Covenant Nation, we recognize the crucial role that SMEs play in

driving economic growth and job creation. However, many small businesses struggle to access the right funding needed for expansion.

“The TCN SME Funding Conference 2025 is designed to bridge this gap by providing

practical insights, alternative financing options, and direct networking opportunities with funding providers. Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need to scale their businesses successfully.”

Ebere Nwoji

Emma Okonji

data centre location in Nigeria,” Coker further said. Giving details how Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

can benefit from the OADC facility, Head, Converged Digital Infrastructure Africa at OADC, Obinna Adumike, said with over

Highlight of the press briefing was the data centre facility tour, led by OADC Operations Manager, Olatunji Aduloju.

L-R: Head, Mainstream Private Family Wealth, Leadway Asset Management, Bukola Osikomaiya; Head, Gender for excellence, EFInA, Emezino Afiegba; Publisher, The Guardian Newspaper, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; The Guardian Chief Strategy Officer (Global), Anita Ibru; Senior Vice President and Head Elite Business, Leadway Asset Management, Onome Odometa during The Guardian Woman Festival (GWF) 2025 in Lagos… recently

B U si NE ss S P eci A l

editor: Goddy Egene goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com 0803 350 6821

Ude: Companies Must Promote Policies that Support Gender Equality to Sustain Growth

Associate Director, Access ARM Pensions, Adaora Ude speaks on gender equality, advising on the structures companies should put in place to maximise female potential for growth sustenance. She also speaks on the pension industry and how her firm is prioritising customer-centric solutions that help contributors plan for a secure and comfortable retirement. Nume Ekeghe brings the excerpts:

As a senior executive in a traditionally male-dominated space, what challenges have you faced and how have you navigated them?

One of the biggest challenges has been the consistent effort to remain seen and heard while keeping the doors open for other capable women to step in. It means ensuring that my voice is present in critical conversations and continuously reminding myself that my opinions are valid. In male-dominated spaces, women often feel the need to prove themselves repeatedly, even when they possess equal or greater expertise than their counterparts.

However, I am fortunate to work in an organisation where women are seen, empowered, and given opportunities to showcase their skills. Gender equality, particularly in leadership roles, is something we actively embrace, fostering a balanced and inclusive work environment. To navigate challenges, I focus on delivering consistently while building strong professional relationships. There are allies in the workplace, including men, you just have to seek them out, earn their trust, and demonstrate your value through action rather than words. I also prioritise mentoring and coaching other women within and beyond my industry because, at some point, someone did the same for me. It’s essential to guide others on their journey, we don’t all have to make the same mistakes on our way up.

Women in leadership often deal with biases, both conscious and unconscious. What has been your experience, and what strategies have helped you succeed?

Absolutely, bias exists. Sometimes it’s subtle, and other times it’s blatant. From being spoken over in meetings to the assumption that women should naturally take on more “supportive” roles rather than leadership positions, I’ve encountered my fair share. What has helped me is assertiveness and preparedness. I’ve learned to believe in my capabilities, though it took time and is still a work in progress. Overcoming imposter syndrome is crucial, and sometimes, all it takes is a mentor, coach, or supportive colleague to reaffirm your abilities. I’ve made it a priority to speak with confidence, give 101 per cent to every task, and ensure that my contributions add real value to the organisation.I also believe organisations must actively challenge these biases by implementing mentorship programmes, unbiased promotion policies, and leadership training that prioritises inclusion. Creating these structures isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential for long-term growth and innovation.

What policies or corporate cultures do you think are essential to ensuring more women rise to executive roles in financial services?

Gender equality in the workplace is not limited to the financial services sector—it is a priority across all industries. Organisations must be intentional about implementing policies that not only support gender equality but also address the unique challenges women face daily. One effective approach is establishing mentorship programmes tailored specifically for women, helping them navigate career pipelines and advance into leadership roles. Accountability is another critical factor.

When organisations actively hold leaders responsible for fostering diversity within their teams, they can measure progress and track tangible results. Creating an environment where women can rise to executive positions requires deliberate policies and an inclusive culture. A key aspect of this is encouraging open communication, one that is built on empathy and mutual respect across all genders. Many women juggle both career and family responsibilities, and companies that embrace workplace flexibility, whether through remote work options, hybrid schedules, or family-friendly policies, are more likely to retain top female talent. Beyond mentorship, sponsorship plays a crucial role. Women need more than just guidance; they need advocates in leadership circles who actively champion their career growth, recommend them for key opportunities, and help remove barriers that could limit their advancement. Without deliberate sponsorship, many qualified women are often overlooked for leadership roles. Finally, organisations must ensure bias-free promotions and pay equity. Career progression and compensation should be based strictly on performance, capability, and merit,

Ude: not unconscious gender biases. Companies that commit to transparent evaluation processes create a fairer system where women have an equal opportunity to lead.

At Access ARM Pensions, we continue to foster a culture where talent thrives regardless of gender, ensuring that women are not just present but empowered in executive roles.

While there is still progress to be made, both in Nigeria and globally, we have come a long way from where we were 30 or 40 years ago. The key is to keep pushing forward.

A recent McKinsey article highlights that women remain ambitious and committed to their careers. Now, it’s up to companies and organisations to match that ambition by staying committed to the important work they’ve started.

How would you assess the current state of Nigeria’s pension industry, and what key trends do you see shaping its future?

Nigeria’s pension industry has made significant progress since the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Participation has increased, governance structures have improved, and assets under management have continued to grow. However, there is still considerable room for expansion, particularly in extending pension coverage to the informal sector, where a large percentage of the workforce remains without structured retirement savings.

Several key trends are shaping the future of the industry. One of the most notable is the increasing role of technology in pension administration, as digitalization continues to make pension management more accessible and efficient. More Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) are leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and improve service delivery. Additionally, investment diversification is becoming increasingly important as PFAs seek new asset classes to ensure sustainable returns, especially in the face of economic uncertainties such as inflation and exchange rate volatility.

With the right regulatory frameworks and strategic investments, the industry is poised for continued growth and greater financial security for retirees in the years to come

The micro-pension scheme was

introduced to expand coverage, especially for informal sector workers. How successful has it been, and what are your firm’s plans to drive adoption?

The micro-pension scheme was introduced as a transformational initiative to expand pension coverage to informal sector workers, ensuring that more Nigerians have access to retirement savings. However, adoption has been slower than expected, largely due to low awareness, trust issues, and income unpredictability among informal workers. The Nigerian informal sector is very dynamic; in that bucket are several segments and personas who cannot all be served in the same manner.

The channels of communications are different, the way you define the product is different from one segment to another within the same sector. As an industry, there is the need to revise and restructure the informal sector pension product in a way that the value to the target market is undeniable and clear. Many of the people in this sector still do not see pensions as a priority, often focusing on immediate financial needs rather than long-term security.

For the micro-pensions product to reach its full potential, there is a need to demonstrate value, create awareness and incentives while relaxing several restrictions that might be limiting the participation of the prospective subscribers. There is a need for greater awareness and education. Informal sector workers must understand how micro-pensions work, the long-term benefits, and consistent contributions overtime can secure their future. Additionally, seamless onboarding processes are essential to encourage sign-ups.

The easier and more accessible the registration process, the higher the likelihood of adoption. At Access ARM Pensions, we are actively working to increase micro-pension adoption through targeted awareness campaigns, digital solutions, and simplified contribution processes. Working with the National Pension Commission, making the system more accessible and user-friendly, we are focused on helping more Nigerians secure their financial future through pensions.

The pension-backed mortgage scheme has generated interest among contributors.

How has your PFA implemented this offering, and what has been the uptake so far?

The pension-backed mortgage scheme has created a new pathway to homeownership, allowing contributors to leverage their pension savings to secure a mortgage. This initiative has generated significant interest, as it offers a practical solution to one of the biggest financial challenges many Nigerians face, owning a home. At Access ARM Pensions, we have taken proactive steps to ensure contributors can fully benefit from this offering. We have educated contributors about the eligibility requirements and process, helping them understand how they can use a portion of their pension savings to finance home purchases. Additionally, we have simplified the application process, removing unnecessary complexities to make it more accessible. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, we have also leveraged on partnerships within and beyond our ecosystem to streamline requirements and ensure seamless approval processes for our contributors. While uptake has been steadily increasing, many contributors are still unaware of the full benefits and procedures involved in the pension-backed mortgage scheme. More awareness is needed to ensure that eligible contributors understand how they can take advantage of this opportunity to achieve homeownership while maintaining long-term financial security.

Transparency and accountability are key in pension fund management. How is your PFA ensuring contributors have confidence in how their funds are handled?

Transparency and accountability are the foundation of trust in pension fund management, and at Access ARM Pensions, we take these principles very seriously. Contributors need to be confident that their retirement savings are being managed responsibly, with clear oversight and a commitment to long-term financial security. One of the ways we ensure this trust is through regular portfolio updates, providing contributors with timely statements and fund performance reports so they can track the growth of their savings. We also maintain clear and structured investment policies, ensuring that every investment decision is made with the goal of protecting and growing contributors’ funds while balancing risk and return. Additionally, we operate under a strong governance framework, with rigorous risk management and compliance processes that prioritize the safety of pension assets. Every decision is guided by industry best practices and regulatory standards, reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding contributors’ funds. Ultimately, pension savings belong to the contributors, and our role is to manage them responsibly, transparently, and securely, ensuring financial peace of mind for retirement.

Following the merger between Access Pensions and ARM Pensions in October 2024, how has the transition been for contributors, and what can they expect moving forward? Since the merger between Access Pensions and ARM Pensions in October 2024, our focus has been on ensuring a smooth transition for all contributors while enhancing the overall pension experience. While integration processes naturally come with adjustments, we have worked diligently to minimise disruptions, ensuring that pension accounts, contributions, and withdrawals remain accessible. One of the key benefits of this merger is stronger investment capabilities. With a larger asset base, we are able to explore more diversified, high-yield investment opportunities, ensuring sustainable long-term returns for our contributors. This is especially important in today’s evolving economic climate, where strategic investment decisions are critical to preserving and growing pension funds. Contributors can also expect enhanced customer service and better digital engagement. We are leveraging technology to streamline processes, improve response time, and offer more convenient self-service options. Our goal is to make pension management easier and more transparent, allowing contributors to track their savings, access support, and make informed retirement decisions with ease. Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering greater value, financial security, and innovation. The merger has positioned us as a stronger institution, and we will continue to prioritise customer-centric solutions that help contributors plan for a secure and comfortable retirement.

Baobab Nigeria Disburses N500bn Loans, Reiterates Commitment to MSMEs Across Nigeria

Oluchi Chibuzor

Baobab Nigeria, a leading microfinance bank dedicated to empowering small businesses and individuals through financial solutions, over the weekend reiterated its commitment to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.

The bank stated this during a press conference in Lagos where its board of directors reaffirmed Baobab’s commitment to Nigeria’s financial sector and economic growth.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Baobab Group, international partners, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies. The engagement provided a platform to discuss strategies, financial inclusion policies, and sustainable solutions aimed at fostering the growth of Nigeria’s small-medium sectors.

Speaking at the event, the Group CEO, Philip Sigwart, Baobab Group emphasised the company’s unwavering dedication to supporting

microenterprises and small businesses through impactful financial services. He said, “At Baobab, we recognize that small businesses are the backbone of the Nigerian economy. We are committed to building a sustainable and inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs. By continuously innovating and expanding our services, we reinforce our mission to provide accessible financial solutions that fuel growth and economic development in Nigeria and across Africa. Baobab Nigeria has built a robust financial structure to sustain its growth trajectory. As of December 2024, the bank’s Gross loan portfolio (GLP) stands at N60 billion, reflecting strong demand for its financial products and the bank’s Balance sheet size stands at N80 billion.”

Speaking on the growth of the business, MD/CEO of Baobab Nigeria, Eric Ntumba said, “With close to N500 billion disbursed in loans to micro, small, and medium businesses since its

inception, Baobab Nigeria has consistently played a pivotal role in fostering financial inclusion and business expansion. Since inception, the bank has successfully served close to 300,000 clients and disbursed close to half a million loans in number. These efforts align with Baobab’s mission to provide accessible financial services to underdeveloped African communities. Our growth is quite sustainable because when we look at our quality metrics, we have managed to keep a very low Portfolio at Risk while almost doubling our loan portfolio in just one year. At Baobab, we are also focused on 3ps including the Planet, People and Profit. These are our driving force to ensure that we provide balanced services in the various communities we reside in.”

Board Chairman of Baobab Nigeria, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said Baobab seeks to foster financial inclusion in Nigeria focusing on providing bestin-class financial services to the underserved and the unserved at the grassroots level.

NGX Chairman Joins Africa Oil Corp Board

Africa Oil Corp. (TSX: AOI, Nasdaq Stockholm: AOI) has appointed Ahonsi Unuigbe to its Board of Directors, reinforcing its commitment to governance and strategic leadership.

Unuigbe, Founder & CEO of Petralon Energy and Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), brings extensive expertise in oil and gas, capital markets, and corporate governance.

He joins alongside new directors Huw Jenkins, Pascal Nicodeme, Edwyn Neves, and Richard Norris, following the

Stakeholders Convene

Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transcorp Group has been awarded “Hospitality Company of the Year 2024” at the Independent Newspapers Awards.

In a statement, the organisers noted that the award is in recognition of the transformation that the Transcorp brand has undergone over the years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Such feat has come through deliberate asset renewal, planning and reinvesting that has ensured that the company is not only able to grow revenue sustainably but also remains profitable to

departure of Keith Hill, Erin Johnston, Andrew Bartlett, and Gary Guidry.

“This leadership transition aligns with Africa Oil Corp.’s recent consolidation of Prime Oil & Gas Coöperatief U.A. (Prime) shareholding and the introduction of a new quarterly dividend of $25 million, targeting an annual distribution of at least $100 million,” the company said in a statement.

President and CEO of Africa Oil, Roger Tucker, commented: “I welcome our new Direc-

tors and thank our outgoing Directors for their support over the past year as we delivered several strategic transactions to simplify and strengthen the Company’s fundamental business proposition.

“I would like to thank Pascal Nicodeme, our outgoing CFO, for his steadfast service to the Company, and the Board is pleased to retain his unique insights and expertise as a new Board member. We look forward to leveraging our strong position to deliver long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

Summit to address Worsening Food Insecurity

the admiration of shareholders and other stakeholders,” a letter signed by Independent Newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief, Steve Omanufeme said.

The Board of Editors of the national daily also highlighted the financial performance of the Company in 2023, with total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, closing at N41.5 billion, and profit for the year growing by 133 per cent to N6.1 billion from N2.6 billion.

The company continued its impressive performance in 2024, with a record revenue of N70.13 billion. Profit After Tax surged by 144 percent to N14.90 billion from N6.09 billion in 2023, while Profit

Before Tax increased by 138 percent to N22.61 billion in 2024 from N9.48 billion in FY 2023.

“We are deeply honoured to receive this esteemed award,” said Uzo Oshogwe, Managing Director/CEO. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team. We would like to express our gratitude to the Independent Newspapers for this recognition and to our valued guests, partners, and stakeholders for their continued support. We are committed to consistently raising the bar in the hospitality industry and providing our guests with unforgettable experiences.”

DataPro’s Training for Media Practitioners Holds on Thursday

The management of DataPro Limited, a technology-driven credit rating agency, has fixed Thursday, March 27, 2025, as the date of its 2025 annual virtual training for media practitioners. The firm in a statement signed by its Client Service Manager, Mr. Kenny Rasheed said that the training programme was conceived by the company in 2021 as part of its corporate social responsibility projects to increase the investing public’s

awareness about the value propositions of the credit rating industry.

Participants from print and electronic media are expected to attend the virtual programme.

Discussing the theme of the programme for this year’s edition, the Chief Rating Officer of DataPro, Prince Oladele Adeoye said “Understanding Qualitative Factors in Rating Considerations” was chosen.

This to educate media practitioners covering the business, finance and economic

desk with the knowledge, skill set and aptitude to correctly report the regulatory landscape, industry trends, economic ecosystem, market conditions, environment, social, political, corporate governance and risk management components associated with the qualitative part of the credit rating report.

DataPro also organises the International Credit Rating webinar annually every October in continuation of its socialisation efforts at promoting the rating industry.

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

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

L-R: Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, CFA Society Nigeria, Yemi Ajagun; Governors, Samuel Sule and Bukola Akerele; President, Razak Ahmed; Vice President, Odiri Oginni; Governors, Frank Nnamka and Wale Okunrinboye and Ex-Officio, Ibukun Oyedeji during inauguration of the new Board of Governors for CFA Society Nigeria in Lagos...recently

Nume Ekeghe

Investors Lose N532bn in One Week Amid Increasing Volatility

Kayode Tokede

The stock market section of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) continued its downward trend last week with a loss of N532 billion, amid increasing volatility pressure on some blue-chip stocks.

As a result, the benchmark index, NGX All-Share Index declined for yet another consecutive week, falling by 0.94 percent on a week-on-week (W-o-W)

basis to close at 104,962.96 basis points.

With bears continuing to dominate market activity, the year-to-date return on the NGX ASI weakened further, moderating to 1.98 per cent. Consequently, the total market capitalisation of listed equities declined by N532 billion W-o-W to close at N65.820 trillion. This depreciation in market value further deepening the negative sentiment among equity

investors.

This persistent downturn was primarily driven by investors reacting to evolving global economic conditions, despite the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for February 2025, which indicated a second consecutive month of easing inflation. However, these positive macroeconomic developments failed to offset the prevailing bearish sentiment, leading to

an extended sell-off across various sectors of the market. The prevailing negative market breadth and weak internal fundamentals contributed to the overall decline in investor confidence, reinforcing a cautious approach among market participants. From a sectoral perspective, market performance was largely bearish. The NGX Consumer Goods index was the only sector to record a marginal gain, rising by 0.06 per cent

week-on-week.

Conversely, the NGX Industrial index suffered the most significant losses, declining by 3.39 per cent W-o-W. Similarly, the NGX Insurance index and the NGX Banking index recorded a weekly decline of 2.87 per cent and 2.55 per cent, respectively. Also, the NGX Oil & Gas index and the NGX Commodity index experienced losses, falling by 1.08 per cent and 0.45 per cent respectively for the week.

The market breadth for the week was negative as 32 equities appreciated in price, 48 equities depreciated in price, while 70 equities remained unchanged. Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals led the gainers table by 20.48 per cent to close at N3.00, per share. Linkage Assurance followed with a gain of 13.49 per cent to close at N1.43, while Northern Nigerian Flour Mills (NNFM) up by 9.99 per cent to close to N79.80, per share.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF m ARC h/20/25

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 20 March-2025, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a

or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

INTERVIEW

S’Korean Ambassador: 45th Years of Diplomatic Ties With Nigeria Represents Unwavering Commitment

What does it take to transform a 45-year diplomatic relationship into a dynamic, multifaceted partnership that spans trade, security, culture, and innovation? The answer lies in the remarkable journey of Korea and Nigeria, two nations that have not only deepened their ties but also set a benchmark for international cooperation. From high-level summits to grassroots cultural exchanges, the story of this partnership is one of mutual growth, shared goals, and unwavering commitment, with trade volumes surging by 38.6% in a single year, reaching over $2.2 billion. Picture Korean companies like Daewoo and Samsung creating thousands of jobs in Nigeria while Nigerian students thrive in Korean universities, returning home to drive national development. South Korea’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Pankyu, was recently interviewed by selected journalists to mark the 45th anniversary of the bilateral relationship between his country and Nigeria. He expressed his country’s willingness to grow its trade relations with Nigeria, among other issues. Michael Olugbode presents the excerpts:

What have been the highlights of your time in Nigeria?

It is a pleasure to meet you all today, and I sincerely appreciate your presence. Reflecting on our last meeting, I recall that it was in May of last year, just 50 days after I arrived in Abuja. Since then, the relationship between Korea and Nigeria has grown significantly. One of the most notable milestones was the first-ever Korea-Africa Summit last June. We facilitated high-level discussions between Korea and Nigeria, including meetings between the ministers of foreign affairs, industry and trade, and tourism. The Nigerian delegation also participated in the Korea-Africa Business Summit and various forums on ICT, health, tourism, and energy. This was a major step in strengthening Korea’s engagement with African countries, fostering inclusiveness and cooperation. This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nigeria. We are committed to further strengthening our ties, particularly in economic cooperation, security, and people-to-people exchanges. Nigeria remains Korea’s most important trade and investment partner in Africa. It accounts for 10% of Korea-Africa trade and over 70% of Korea’s project contracts in Africa. In 2024, our bilateral trade increased by 38.6%, reaching over $2.2 billion, reflecting our strong economic partnership.

At the corporate level, for example, Korean biotech company SD Biosensor’s HIV rapid test kit has been approved for packaging in Nigeria by Colexa Biosensor Ltd. and Codix Pharma Group. This year alone, up to 15 million kits will be procured by governments across Africa and major international organizations. Looking ahead, I believe there is room for even greater cooperation in trade and investment. Both countries are working closely to conclude key agreements as early as possible. The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and the Trade and Investment Promotion (TIPF) MOU will mark a new chapter in our economic relations. To further expand Korean business operations in Nigeria, a favourable investment environment is essential. During the meetings, many Nigerian government officials also recognized the importance of investor-friendly policies. Measures such as preferential tariffs and tax incentives will attract more investments from Korean companies, benefiting both economies.

the two nations to place Nigeria as the number one trading partner with Korea in Africa?

As I said earlier, we saw an impressive increase of 38.6% in trade volume last year compared to the previous year. This reflects the increasing economic interconnection between the two countries. In line with this positive trend, the embassy has been actively supporting Nigerian’s engagement with their Korean counterparts since my inauguration as Ambassador in March last year. During the Korea-Africa Summit last June, we supported the Nigerian delegation in engaging with various trade promotion agencies. With the support of our trade agency, KOTRA, we keep encouraging the participation of Korean companies in trade events in Nigeria and invitation of Nigerian buyers to events in Korea.

We remain committed to further strengthening bilateral trade relations, with the goal of expanding trade volume and deepening economic cooperation between our two nations. Above all, we can expand investment by building production facilities in Nigeria, which will help create jobs. Our goal is to establish a positive cycle where these jobs contribute to the country’s economic growth.

With regard to the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nigeria, are there plans to provide job opportunities to Nigerians?

region, including KAFACI and K-Ricebelt. Korea-Africa Food and Agricultural Cooperation Initiative. Nigeria, as a member of KAFACI since its inauguration in 2010, has participated in multiple agricultural R&D Cooperation so far. We also look forward to Nigeria’s joining the K-Ricebelt soon.

Additionally, I have been encouraging the Nigerian government to join the Saemaul Undong (New Village movement). Saemaeul Undong movement was the key driving force of Korea’s remarkable development in rural areas during the 1970s and 1980s. It takes a fundamental approach by nurturing a positive mindset in people, with the values of diligence, self-help, and cooperation. I believe with Nigeria joining the programme, agricultural cooperation between our two countries will further expand, based on those values. We expect that even more ODA projects by the Republic of Korea will be taking place via the KOICA Nigeria office, including training programmes and healthcare provision to farmers. I look forward to your continued interest in our contribution to Nigeria.

You mentioned that your administration will expand education and exchange opportunities for Nigerians in Korea. What have you done so far regarding that?

With over 40 years of experience in military and security affairs, I am committed to enhancing our security collaboration. In particular, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is critical for both Nigeria and transit countries like the Republic of Korea.

Every day, several of our merchant ships pass through the Gulf of Guinea, and around 40 of our fishing vessels, carrying hundreds of fishermen, are also operating there. We are committed to increasing Korea’s support for capacity building in the Nigerian military and security sectors. Additionally, we hope to finalise defence and defence industry cooperation MOUs that have been under discussion for some time. Beyond economic and security partnerships, the Korean Embassy actively supports cultural and development initiatives through KOICA and the Korean Cultural Center.

Last month, we opened the Korea-Nigeria Information Access Center in Abuja, supporting Nigeria’s digital capacity-building efforts. I also had the pleasure of attending the Korea Day event at the American International School Abuja (AISA), where students enjoyed Korean culture and cuisine. In addition, KOICA Nigeria is conducting a project to improve digital governance and multimedia learning in primary schools, worth 13 million and 10 million U.S. dollars, respectively. Larger-scale projects are to come in the next few years. These contributions and collaboration demonstrate the mutual trust and friendship between Korea and Nigeria. As ambassador, I will continue working to facilitate our long-standing partnership for the years ahead. Once again, I am delighted to welcome all here today. I now look forward to your questions.

Going forward, which areas are both countries focusing on in expanding the existing relations?

Our 45-year friendship continues to grow, with stronger collaboration in every aspect. As I mentioned earlier, during the Korea-Africa Summit last June, Foreign Ministers, Industry Ministers, and Tourism Ministers from both countries engaged in high-level discussions. This reflects the depth and breadth of our bilateral relationship, covering security, business, culture, and human exchanges. Given this wideranging cooperation, it is difficult to identify just one top area of collaboration.

Among our many areas of collaboration, I would like to emphasise the investments by leading Korean companies in Nigeria. Daewoo Construction and Samsung Heavy Industries are actively involved in large-scale projects in Nigeria, particularly in natural gas and oil production. LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics are also making significant contributions through CSR initiatives, such as providing solar panels and water boreholes to local communities. These economic collaborations are not only strengthening our mutual interests but also contributing to Nigeria’s sustainable development. As Africa’s largest economy, most populous country, and the current chair of ECOWAS, Nigeria holds a position of great influence. With continued collaboration between our two countries, I am confident that Nigeria will further strengthen its leadership and potential across the continent.

How has the current political development in South Korea with the president’s impeachment impacted its relationship with Africa, especially the recent economic agreement reached with Africa and Nigeria in particular?

Regarding the impeachment, the related procedures are proceeding in accordance with democratic processes and the Constitution. The domestic situation in Korea is also being managed stably. Korea’s foreign policy will stay the same regardless of circumstances, and we will continue to take on roles and responsibilities. Under this stance, our bilateral cooperation will continue to grow. Since his inauguration, President Tinubu has been committed to attracting foreign investments by creating a more favourable economic environment.

With bilateral trade increasing by over 38% this year, the potential for further collaboration is greater than ever. Our partnership will be further strengthened by the finalization of key agreements and MOUs, including the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and the Trade and Investment Promotion (TIPF) MOU. The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement was passed by the Nigerian National Assembly in 2019, and we are awaiting presidential approval. Both countries are also reviewing the TIPF MOU, which we hope will establish a strong foundation for expanded economic and trade cooperation. We remain committed to supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to address challenges faced by businesses, including customs clearance procedures, entry visa processing, and electricity supply. As ambassador, I will continue to do my best to attract Korean investment to Nigeria and strengthen our economic ties.

Nigeria is the fifth largest trading partner of Korea in Africa. What are you doing to increase the trade volume through trade expansion between

Korean companies are leaders in creating quality jobs in Nigeria. Daewoo Engineering & Construction has played a key role in job creation, employing 5,000 to 6,000 local workers, which is nearly 20 times the number of its Korean employees. Samsung Heavy Industries also made a significant impact during the Egina Project, employing 3,000 local workers and training 600 international welders. Solpia Nigeria, a Korean SME manufacturer of Africa’s most popular high-quality braid hair extensions, supports the local employment of over 6,000 people. Their strong commitment to local employment policies is helping to build a skilled Nigerian workforce for the future. The embassy is also supporting Nigeria’s digital capacity-building efforts, including e-government initiatives and multimedia education. At the inauguration ceremony of the Korea-Nigeria information access centre in Abuja last month, Minister Tijani of Innovation and Digital Economy highlighted that this centre will further contribute to job creation in the digital sector. He also expressed his gratitude for the Korean government’s support in establishing the centre. In addition, we are actively promoting ODA programmes to support Nigeria’s agriculture, including programmes that help local farmers start their own businesses. The Korean government will continue to support a mutually beneficial environment for the two economies, ensuring continued growth and cooperation.

What are the migration pathways to Korea for skilled Nigerians since there is currently a shortage of labour in your country?

It is worth considering a pathway for skilled workers with experience in Korean companies in Nigeria to migrate through company sponsorship. However, this approach must require thorough discussion and consensus at the government level and should be carefully reviewed step by step. This issue requires mutual effort and collaboration with policy-related government agencies, such as the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Justice. Separately, to facilitate such discussions, expanding Korean companies’ presence and cooperation in Nigeria is essential. For example, Samsung Heavy Industries had launched a shipbuilding workforce support programme for Nigerians using its training system. However, the initiative was suspended after more than seven years without a large-scale order. If Nigeria provides support for Korean investments, it could create a strong foundation for skilled Nigerian workers to enter the Korean job market.

What is your plan to help transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector?

Nigeria has excellent agricultural conditions, including vast land, diverse vegetation, and a variety of climates. Korea is ready to support Nigeria’s efforts to promote food security with its skills and experiences. The history of Korea-Nigeria agricultural cooperation dates back over 50 years to 1971, when Dr. Han Sang-ki conducted cassava research at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan. Currently, various Korean initiatives are being implemented in the

One of Korea’s significant education and exchange programs is the Global Korean Scholarship (GKS) programme. Since 2009, the KCC has annually recommended 6 to 8 Nigerian students, offering them the opportunity to study at prestigious universities in Korea. GKS scholars go on to play key roles in various sectors after completing their studies. After earning their degrees in Korea, they return to Nigeria and contribute to the country’s national development. They also serve as a vital link in strengthening cooperation between Korea and Nigeria. In 2024, we established a GKS Alumni Network for Nigerian scholarship recipients who studied in Korea to build a close network. As of this year, the total number of GKS graduates has reached 90. We expect that this strong network will further promote friendship and collaboration between the two countries through close encounters in the future.

In comparison with other countries, Korea seems to be enjoying the highest level of acceptance in Nigeria, courtesy of the KCCN. In what ways has this been beneficial to your country?

The Korean Cultural Center Nigeria (KCCN) is the first Korean Cultural Center in Africa. This fact alone highlights Korea’s strong commitment to cultural exchange with Nigeria. As KCCN marks its 15th anniversary this year, its mission has focused on sustainable cultural exchanges that bring tangible benefits to both nations. Events such as K-pop festivals, Korean food and Taekwondo competitions, and film festivals have promoted mutual understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. We were even delighted to see the Nigerian K-drama “My Sunshine” last year, reflecting the growing cultural synergy between our countries. As a major cultural hub in West Africa, Nigeria plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural diversity. We will continue to serve as a centre for cultural exchange and engagement, providing Nigerian citizens diverse opportunities to experience Korean culture and participate in local events such as the Kaduna Film Festival. I hope such collaborative events will further enrich Nigeria’s long-standing cultural heritage and help it flourish.

How would you rate the level of cultural exchanges between the two countries in the past 45 years? What are you doing to increase the activities and visibility of KCCN as more Nigerians are gradually becoming interested in Korean Culture?

With the rising global influence of Korean culture, there is a high demand for Korean cultural events at the Korean Cultural Center Nigeria (KCCN). These events include Taekwondo courses and competitions, Korean cuisine showcases, K-Beauty events, and K-movie screenings. The KCCN also helps Koreans explore Nigerian culture and foster collaboration between Nollywood, one of the world’s top three film industries, and Korean filmmakers. It also supports events like the Busan and Kaduna Film Festivals, Afrobeat music performances, and art exhibitions. The KCCN is preparing many events this year. Given the wide range of activities they cover, the Director of the KCCN, who is here today, will be happy to provide more details later during a separate session, as they are materialising a series of events.

Kim Pankyu

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

Who is Now PDP’s National Secretary?

When the ramifications of the Supreme Court verdict on PDP National Secretary tussle is well examined, it may well be said that the doctrine of party supremacy is finally settled, while Senator Samuel anyanwu’s quest to retain the position appears to have met a brickwall, writes Deji Elumoye.

The Genesis

In the run up to the 11th November 2023 Imo State governorship poll, the then undisputed National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Chris Anyanwu, threw his hat in the ring in the contest for the party’s ticket, which he ultimately clinched at the 13th January 2023 PDP governorship primary held at the party’s state secretariat in Owerri. With the withdrawal of his only challenger and former governor, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Anyanwu polled the votes of 803 out of the 915 delegates to emerge winner.

Consequent upon that, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) directed the South East Zone of the party to nominate Anyanwu’s replacement in accordance with the party’s constitution. Sequel to this, PDP National Vice Chairman, South East, Chief Ali Odefa, communicated Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye’s nomination and appointment as Anyanwu’s replacement in a letter dated 25th October 2023.

“The Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) meeting was convened on the 16th of October, 2023, at the Government House, Enugu.

“During the meeting, the National Vice Chairman – High Chief Dr. Ali Odefa – informed the ZEC members that the NWC has directed the Deputy National Secretary to take up the duties of the National Secretary in acting capacity. He further said the NWC has directed the South East ZEC to nominate a replacement of the former National Secretary, who is from the South East, as he is now the party’s gubernatorial candidate for Imo November 11th, 2023 governorship election- Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

“Finally, the ZEC members unanimously nominated Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh-Okoye from Enugu State, South East to replace Senator Sam Anyanwu as the National Secretary.”

However, Anyanwu did not tender his resignation letter before proceeding to execute his governorship election, a development he later predicated his insistence on retaining the seat of National Secretary after he lost the election.

Enter the courts

The crux of the protracted battle was whether Anyanwu should have resigned his

position in accordance with Section 47 (5) of the PDP Constitution, 2017, and whether the South East Zonal Executive Committee of the PDP acted in accordance with the party’s constitution in replacing Anyanwu with Ideh-Okoye.

In a judgment he delivered in Suit No. E/882/2023 (Aniagu Emmanuel V. PDP & ORS) on 22nd December, 2023, Justice C.O Ajah of the Enugu State High Court made express and declaratory orders restraining Anyanwu “from further parading himself as the National Secretary of the 1st Defendant (PDP), having relinquished the said position by conduct”.

Secondly, the court ordered the 2nd Defendant (PDP Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagun), “to recognise in all situations, for all purposes, and in every manner necessary, including swearing in, Hon. S.K.E UdehOkoye (the person recommended by the South East Zonal Executive Committee of the 1st Defendant) as the National Secretary of the 1st Defendant, to enable the said Hon. S. K. E Udeh Okoye to serve out the time left in the tenure for which the 3rd Defendant was elected as National Secretary in 2021.”

Among others, the trial court held that there was no way the PDP Constitution (as amended) could have

permitted an occupant of the office of the National Secretary to continue in office once he joined the PDP governorship ticket race, given the critical roles the office plays in the emergence of candidates, such as setting of electoral panel, appeal panel, among others. This judgment was challenged at the Court of Appeal vide appeal No. CA/E/23/2024 filed by Anyanwu and Appeal No. CA/E/24/2024, filed by the PDP and Ambassador Damagun, both of which were heard and determined in favour of Udeh-Okoye on 20th December 2024. The Court held that it found no merit in the appeals and went ahead to dismiss them.

However, Justice Eyo Ekanam, in his minority judgment noted principally that the PDP leadership issue was an internal affair of the party and that court lacked jurisdiction to hear it in the first place.

It’s PDP’s internal affair, not justiciable -Supreme Court

Anyanwu took the matter to the Supreme Court, praying it to nullify the judgments and affirm him the substantive National Secretary. But citing lack of jurisdiction by both the Enugu State High Court and Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, last Friday, nullified the judgments of both courts.

In a judgement delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the five-member panel unanimously held that PDP National Secretary borders on the internal affairs of a party, which it said was not justiciable. It set aside both judgments. It further held that Anyanwu did not show at

The Supreme Court has made something very profound pronouncement and it is sending a message to politicians that it must stop bringing the court into unnecessary political questions that they are meant to resolve. The PDP must wake up and smell. In this case, it should go back and decide for itself who its National Secretary is and not turn it to the Supreme Court and give the court a bad name. The Supreme Court has actually dodged the bullet.

the trial court how he was affected by who is the National Secretary of the PDP. Anyanwu, an ally of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, immediately granted interviews before staging a triumphal entry into the office of the National Secretary of the party after the judgement, but subsequent reports, however showed that he obviously misread the judgement or was misled by his lawyers.

Supreme Court dodged a bullet – lawyer A lawyer and activist, Frank Tietie, said the Supreme Court refused to meddle in the internal affairs of the PDP, allowing the party to continue to decide who is its National Secretary.

Analysing the judgement on Arise News TV at the weekend, Tietie said, “The Supreme Court did not allow itself to be tempted to the point of deciding which person or the party of the contending parties is now the National Secretary of the PDP. The Supreme Court made a profound pronouncement when it decided that these are political questions. Political questions are questions that the court would not want to enquire into, especially when in this case, it decides that they are internal affairs.

“It is actually very painful and it is outrightly shameful, disgraceful that the PDP that used to solve all her internal problems is now running away from solving its problem. And the Supreme Court has made something very profound pronouncement and it is sending a message to politicians that it must stop bringing the court into unnecessary political questions that they are meant to resolve.

“The PDP must wake up and smell. In this case, it should go back and decide for itself who its National Secretary is and not turn it to the Supreme Court and give the court a bad name. The Supreme Court has actually dodged the bullet.”

PDP reaffirms Udeh-Okoye

However, already, with the ruling, Anyanwu’s fate was handed back to the PDP, which wasted no time in reaffirming UdehOkoye as its National Secretary.

Damagun

Anyanwu

Ude-Okoye

Harnessing Intelligence, Technology, and Trust as Roadmap for Reforming Nigeria’s Police Force

In a country where security challenges continue to evolve, the need for a modern, intelligence-driven police force has never been greater. At the recently held fifth l Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, top police officials, government representatives, and international security experts came together to chart a new course for law enforcement in Nigeria. With a focus on intelligence-led policing, technological advancements, and public trust, the conference produced a roadmap for a more effective and accountable Nigeria Police Force, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

Just last February, in the historic city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, senior police officers from across Nigeria gathered for the fifth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO). As organised by Mr. Shina Philips of Lenders Consult, the goal was to enhance dedication to advancing policing through intelligence, technology, and inclusive security strategies.

It was a defining moment, not just for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) but for the country’s security landscape as the theme, “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity through Inclusive Policing,” set the tone for a robust discussion on the future of law enforcement in a nation grappling with complex security challenges.

Amidst the deliberations, one message stood out: Nigeria must transition to an intelligence-led and technology-driven policing system. This was the crux of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address, delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The President emphasised that security reforms must go hand in hand with economic development, urging law enforcement agencies to embrace modern crime-fighting tools and strategies.

Also, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun echoed this vision, making it clear that the era of reactive policing was over. In its place, he advocated for a proactive approach—one driven by intelligence gathering, digital surveillance, forensic investigations, and regional security cooperation.

Policing in the Digital Age

One of the most significant outcomes of the conference was the decision to fully embrace intelligence-led policing. For years, Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies have struggled with outdated methods that often left them a step behind criminals. That is set to change with the proposed integration of digital surveillance systems, advanced forensic investigation techniques, and data-driven decision-making tools.

The conference highlighted the need for a COMPSTAT performance management system, a technology that has revolutionised policing in several parts of the world by using crime data to allocate resources more effectively. There were also commitments

to expand the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) to combat the growing threats of cyber fraud, terrorism financing, and digital scams.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, gave a glimpse of what the future of policing could look like when he announced the state’s investment in high-tech surveillance drones. These drones, equipped with facial and number plate recognition technology, can monitor criminal activity from an astonishing 8,000 kilometres away. The hope is that such initiatives will soon be replicated across Nigeria.

The Human Side of Law Enforcement

Beyond technology, the conference also brought to light the pressing need to address the mental health and welfare of police officers. The challenges of policing in Nigeria—ranging from violent confrontations with criminals to long, gruelling shifts—have taken a toll on officers, many of whom struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burnout.

To address this, the NPF resolved to establish structured mental health support services, including counselling units staffed by trained psychologists. The conference also saw renewed commitment to reintroducing an eight-hour duty shift, replacing the long, exhausting hours that often compromise efficiency. Additionally, pre-retirement counselling programmes will now be expanded to help officers transition smoothly into civilian life.

Security Beyond Borders

The complexities of modern crime mean that Nigeria’s security cannot be handled in isolation. At the conference, security chiefs from Rwanda and Kenya shared their experiences on regional cooperation and intelligence-sharing. Rwanda’s Inspector-General of Police, Felix Namuhoranye, and Kenya’s

Inspector-General, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, stressed the importance of partnerships in tackling transnational organised crime.

One of the key resolutions was a commitment to strengthening collaborations with security agencies across Africa. The Nigeria Police Force will deepen its engagement with the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to share intelligence on criminal networks operating across borders. Plans are also in place to enhance training exchanges between Nigerian police officers and their counterparts in other African countries.

Cracking Down on Financial Crimes

Another major concern was Nigeria’s position on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, a designation linked to concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing. The conference acknowledged that financial crimes have become a major threat to national security and economic stability.

To tackle this, the NPF pledged to work more closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in tracking illicit financial transactions. There will be increased investment in digital forensic capabilities to monitor online fraud and money laundering schemes. In addition, the police will strengthen their cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to dismantle financial crime networks operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Bridging the Trust Gap

One of the biggest challenges facing the Nigeria Police Force is the issue of public trust. Many citizens remain sceptical of law enforcement agencies, a sentiment shaped by years of perceived corruption, inefficiency, and human rights abuses. The conference made it clear that rebuilding trust would be central to the success of any policing reform.

To this end, the NPF resolved to improve

citizen engagement through local security partnerships. Annual policing plans will be introduced to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that communities have a clearer understanding of law enforcement priorities. In an effort to reshape the next generation’s perception of the police, anti-crime clubs will be established in schools to educate young Nigerians about security and law enforcement.

Training for the Future

The importance of modernising police training also took centre stage at the retreat. With the nature of crime evolving rapidly, it has become clear that traditional training methods are no longer sufficient. The conference called for an overhaul of the police training curriculum to include courses on cybercrime, intelligence analysis, and forensic science.

The NPF also plans to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to accredit police training programmes, ensuring that officers can obtain recognised diplomas and degrees. This move is expected to encourage specialisation within the force, allowing officers to develop expertise in critical areas such as financial crime investigations and counterterrorism.

A Defining Moment for Nigerian Policing

The resolutions from the 5th CARSPO conference are ambitious, but they represent a bold step towards a more efficient and trusted Nigeria Police Force. By embracing intelligence-led policing, investing in officer welfare, strengthening regional collaborations, and adopting cutting-edge technology, Nigeria is charting a new course in law enforcement. The true test, however, lies in implementation. The success of these initiatives will depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, and a deep commitment from both the police leadership and government stakeholders. If these reforms are executed effectively, they could not only transform policing in Nigeria but also serve as a model for security agencies across Africa.

Vice President Kashim Shettima flanked by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; The Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Police Force, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun; Rwanda’s Inspector-General of Police, Felix Namuhoranye And Kenya’s Inspector-General, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, and other dignitaries at the recently held fifth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) in Abeokuta, Ogun State

L-R: Mr. Shina Philips of Lenders Consult; Rwanda’s Inspector-General of Police, Felix Namuhoranye; and IGP Egbetokun

The IGP with some of the senior officers at the conference

L-R: IGP Olukayode Egbetokun; Rwanda’s Inspector-General of Police, Felix Namuhoranye; and DIG Frank Mba

CONFERENCE AND EXPERIENTIAL TOUR OF 12MW LGS2 DATA CENTRE...

L-R: Sales Director, Rack Centre, Folu Aderibigbe; Chief Executive

Rack

LASG Recommits to Comprehensive Multi-sectoral Strategy to Ensure Clean, Resilient, Livable City

Dispels viral insinuation that state is smelling

Lagos State Government on Sunday stated that it was committed to a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to ensuring a clean, resilient and liveable city, dispelling viral insinuations that the state is smelling.

In a press statement signed by Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the government listed practical measures the state was taking to demonstrate that it was evolving, not smelling.

Wahab stated, “Lagos is not ‘smelling’; it is evolving towards sustainable waste processing, modernised landfill management, cleaner waterways and structured sanitation systems.

“The present administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains steadfast in its commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable city through strategic environmental initiatives.”

He said the state government was fully committed to environmental sustainability and had developed a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to maintaining a clean, resilient and functional city.

Wahab stated that waste and sanitation challenges in a rapidly growing mega city, like Lagos, required structural solutions, not sound bites or political rhetoric.

Other measures undertaken by the state government, according to Wahab, include the installation of over 50 Air

Quality monitors across the state at strategic locations to capture industrial, transport and household emissions. Wahab said in line with the State THEMES plus Agenda, LAWMA had expanded waste collection services to hard-to-reach communities and, in partnership with Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area, tricycle compactors had been introduced to provide waste collection services on a pay-as-you go model in areas with non-motorable roads.

The commissioner also revealed that the model will be expanded later this year with the introduction of 500 tricycle compactors across similar areas.

He explained that within the next 18 months, the state will close Olusosun

and Solous 3 landfills, and transition them into modern Transfer Loading Stations where waste will be sorted, compacted and redirected to recycling facilities.

He also said Lagos was advancing its Waste to Energy project in Epe that will process 2,500 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily and generate 60-80 megawatts of electricity.

In addition to a ban on Styrofoam food packs, the state had also commenced the phasing out of single use plastics, while promoting sustainable alternatives and extended producer responsibilities (EPR) among manufacturers.

He stated, “The state government has signed multiple Memoranda of

NDLEA Intercepts Indian Woman with 72 Parcels of Heroin in Chocolate Wraps at Kano Airport

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a 42-year-old Indian woman, Ms. Neetu Neetu, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano with 72 parcels of factory sealed heroin in wafer wraps and packaged as chocolates.

A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency Femi Babafemi on Sunday said the class

A drug consignment weighing a total of 11 kilogrammes was recovered from Neetu’s luggage after a thorough search, following processed credible intelligence, during an inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Bangkok, Thailand via Vietnam and Doha at the arrival hall of the Kano airport on Friday 14th March 2025.

According to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), in his immediate reaction to Neetu’s arrest, it signifies a growing attempt by drug trafficking organisations to hire white women and foreign nationals to move illicit drugs through the Nigerian borders, a bid that vigilant NDLEA operatives have consistently frustrated with the aid of modern technological tools and proactive intelligence.

In another interdiction operation in Kano, NDLEA officers last

Thursday arrested a 45-year-old suspect, Michael Ogundele, with a 50-litre steel gas cylinder at Gadar Tamburawa, along Zaria-Kano road, following credible intelligence, welding tools were later used to cut the giant cylinder after which 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in it were extracted.

Another suspect Sunday Ogar, 40, was nabbed at Gunduwawa area of Kano last Wednesday with 27 skunks, a strain of cannabis, a female suspect Khadijah Abdullahi, 40, was arrested with 424 bottles of codeine-based syrup at Lungun Bulala Yalwa area of the state last Tuesday.

In Lagos, the duo of Olumuyiwa Kolawole and Samod Adisa were nabbed with 67.5 kilogrammes of skunk in Mushin just as 100.8 kilogrammes of same psychoactive substance was recovered from the store of two fleeing suspects in Anifowoshe area of Mushin while Isah Idris was arrested in Apapa with 4.5 kilogrammes skunk; 600 grammes of tramadol 225mg and 30 litres of codeine syrup last Tuesday. Another suspect, Yahaya Mohamed, was arrested same day in Ikotun area of the state with different quantities of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. Across the country, NDLEA commands and formations continued to intensify their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy sensitization engagements

in schools, markets, motor parts, work places and worship centres in the past week.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/ Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), while commending the officers and men of MAKIA,

Lagos, and Kano commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures, noted the balance in drug supply and demand reduction efforts of all the formations nationwide, even as he charged them not to relent.

Understanding MOU with international partners to develop waste to resource initiatives that will ensure that Lagos remains at the forefront of waste recovery, recycling and energy generation.”

Wahab maintained that in the past two years, industrial effluent discharge into the Lagos waterways had reduced by 25 per cent owing to the consistency of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in regulating their discharge through permits, fines, penalties and outright publicised seals. He said the state was already implementing bio-remediation techniques to improve surface water quality through natural purification processes to improve the quality of water in the lagoon and canals.

Police, Military Rescue Abducted Naval Officer, Lt. Akor, Two Others, Apprehend Culprits

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in collaboration with the military, has rescued the abducted Naval Officer, Lieutenant Cynthia Akor, along with two civilians, who were abducted by armed criminals in Mpape, Abuja, on 21 March 2025. The FCT Police Command confirmed the rescue in a statement signed by their spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, a Superintendent of Police. Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said that going forward, he would not

Otti Pledges Big Investment in Infotech as Abia Kicks-off Digital Transformation Journey

Abia State has commenced its journey to the digital governance space following the official launch of the first phase of the State Dedicated Internet Access/Wide Area Network and Managed Network Services Project.

The project which was flaggedoff weekend in Umuahia by Governor Alex Otti was aimed at digital transformation of Abia with technology ultimately taking centre stage in governance and economic activities throughout the state.

Otti promised that his government would make "generous investment" in information technology to ensure a successful implementation of the ambitious initiative that would ultimately place Abia in the sphere of modern governance.

He stated that all the State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would be linked with high speed internet connectivity thereby

revolutionizing governance, engender efficiency in civil service, and connect Abia economy to the global digital space.

The governor explained that the project "is a carefully coordinated programme of digital infrastructure layer and integration and will involve the acquisition and distribution of thousands of high performance digital tools and devices" across MDAs .

He stated it also involved laying of fibre optic cables within the spaces of state-owned public institutions, adding that "our goal is to improve governance deliverables by empowering civil servants to do their jobs in a result oriented manner".

Otti listed "the direct and medium term goals" to include streamlining of the bureaucratic structure of the civil service, faster turnaround time, effective document archiving and tracking".

Other listed benefits were objective data driven performance management processes and the gradual elimination

of the structures that impede personnel and institutional productivity".

He said that the choice of ipNX to implement and drive the digital transformation of Abia was informed by the firm's demonstrable capacity in building of cutting-edge digital infrastructure in Nigeria.

The Abia Governor underlined the critical role that civil service play in determining the success or failure of government programmes and enjoined the state workforce to embrace the digital transformation project.

He assured Abia civil servants that "sufficient resources have already been earmarked for capacity building programmes (as) we want to achieve seamless deployment across all service institutions across the state.”

"Going forward, certain levels of efficiency with the use of relevant technology shall now be required as a necessary condition for exposure to new opportunities and promotions in the civil service," Otti said.

tolerate the detention of suspects in police detention facilities beyond the stipulated legal timeline to avoid violating human rights.

Explaining how the naval officer and the two civilians were whisked away on Friday night in Mpape, the spokesperson of the FCT Command said: "At approximately 7:35 pm on the said date, heavily armed assailants attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road and opened fire on moving vehicles before abducting the three victims.

"Shortly after the attack, the kidnappers contacted the victims' families, demanding a ransom of N500 million for the naval officer and N200 million each for the two civilians.

"Upon receiving the distress report, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), FCT Police Command, DCP Isyaku Sharu, in collaboration with military authorities, mobilised a joint operation. The operation was led by the Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit and comprised personnel from the Nigerian military, DSS, Hunters, and members of the local hunters' group".

The spokesperson stated that an intense search and rescue operation was conducted across Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu'azu, and Yelwa Hills, covering areas in the FCT and Nasarawa State.

"Acting on credible intelligence, between 02:00 and 05:30 on 23 March 2025, operatives traced the suspects to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu'azu and Yelwa Hills, Nasarawa State.

“There, four suspects were arrested, and the victims were rescued unharmed. Additionally, the sum of N3.2 million, suspected to be ransom money from previous kidnapping operations, was recovered from the suspects," she said.

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Officer,

Centre, Lars Johannisson; Chief Operating Officer, Rack Centre, Ezekiel Egboye; and Head of Marketing Communications, Rack Centre, Frances Eza, during the press conference and experiential tour of the 12MW LGS2 Data Centre held at the company’s head office in Lagos, last Friday

Linus Aleke in Abuja

BENEFICIARIES OF GLO CSR RECEIVING FOOD AND OTHER PACKAGES...

Globacom’s Commercial Coordinator, Yomi Ogunbamowo (3rd left); Head, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Jumobi Mofe-Damijo (5th right); CSR Manager, Ufuoma Dogun (3rd right); and some of the beneficiaries who received cartons of food items and other valuables at the Food Drive initiative held by Glo Foundation, the CSR arm of Globacom, at Bariga, Lagos, on Saturday

Katsina Governor's Mother, Safara'u, Dies at 93, Tinubu, Buhari, Aliyu, Others Mourn

Deji Elumoye in Abuja, Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has lost his mother, Hajiya Safara'u Umaru Baribari.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, revealed that the matriarch died on Saturday night at the age of 93.

The statement said the matriarch, who departed this world at her country home, Radda, was a woman of remarkable strength and dignity with wisdom flowed from decades of lived experience.

It added that the matriarch was laid to rest yesterday at4:00pm in Radda Village, Charanchi Local Government

Area of the state.

“Beyond being the mother of Governor Radda, Hajiya Safara'u nurtured generations of leaders and community pillars.

“Her children include the current Village Head of Radda, Alhaji Kabir Umar Radda, and Hajiya Hauwa Umar Radda, former wife of the late President Umaru Musa Yar'adua.

“A true Fulani matriarch, Hajiya Safara'u leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond her immediate family. Her values of integrity, perseverance, and community service continue to inspire all who knew her.

“We offer our deepest condolences and pray that Allah grants Hajiya Safara'u eternal peace in Jannatul Firdaus.”

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has condoled with

Governor Radda, on the passing of his mother.

The president, in a release by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the deceased nonagenarian as a selfless woman, who had nurtured generations of leaders, who excelled in different endeavours.

President Tinubu said Hajiya Safara'u left behind a legacy of integrity and community service that has permeated far and near, even as he beseeched Almighty Allah to grant her Jannatul Firdaus and comfort her family during this time of grief.

Also, former President Muhammadu Buhari, in a message to the governor, said, “It is with profound sadness that I convey my deepest sympathies for the passing of your beloved

mother, Hajiya Safara’u.

“No matter how big a person becomes, they need their mother. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you and your family during this difficult period as we remember her life and service to women and the community at large.

“May Allah reward her good deeds, and her legacy an inspiration to her descendants and future generations. May Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus."

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, in a condolence message, described the loss as "deeply painful" and prayed for Allah’s mercy and eternal rest for the deceased.

He also extended his sympathies to Governor Radda, urging him to find strength in

Africa Social Impact Summit to Tackle Climate Crisis, Drive Growth

The Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) is set to return for its fourth edition from July 10-11, 2025, in Lagos, with a focus on "Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation."

Co-convened by the Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations Nigeria, the summit, a statement said yesterday, aims to address Africa's urgent challenges through practical and transformative efforts.

The event, which will be held at Eko Hotel and Suites with global virtual participation, will bring together leaders from various sectors to forge actionable solutions for sustainable development. Since its inception in 2022, ASIS has emerged

as a key platform for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Over the past three editions, the summit has attracted over 10,000 participants from 61 countries, including global and African leaders, diplomats, C-level executives, and public sector decision-makers, the statement added.

This year’s focus on climate resilience underscores the pressing need to address Africa's vulnerability to climate change, despite its low carbon footprint.

"Africa’s ability to identify opportunities and create its own solutions to chart a path toward achieving the SDGs is critical," said Mohamed Malick Fall, Assistant

Secretary-General and the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria.

He highlighted the UN’s commitment to supporting Africa’s localised strategies, emphasising six key transition pathways: food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, education, jobs and social protection, and climate change.

Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive of the Sterling One Foundation, emphasised the summit’s role in driving tangible impact. "ASIS is a catalyst for accelerating the SDGs and delivering tangible impact across Africa," she stated, citing past successes such as mobilising N3 billion for healthcare revitalisation and developing action plans for

green job creation.

ASIS 4.0, the statement said, will feature sessions exploring practical solutions for climate resilience, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion.

“Regional Deal Rooms will connect investors and innovators, while Immersive Experience Areas will showcase transformative success stories. Investment Showcases will aim to attract large-scale opportunities for sustainable growth.

“With over 50 industry-leading speakers across six thematic areas— climate change, circular economy, education, health, renewable energy and agriculture—the summit is designed to foster impactful partnerships that drive measurable change,” the statement said.

SDP Disowns 30,000 Membership Cards, Registers Being Flaunted by PDP Aspirant

Ola-Williams,

party' Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Election, Mr Adewole Adebayo to the state with members in the state at the weekend.

Ola-Williams said the door of the party was widely opened for anybody that wanted to join the party but such person or group

no matter how highly placed must follow the procedure as laid down in the party's constitution.

He stated emphatically that the party did not have anything to do with the membership cards and registers being claimed by the aspirant, who said he got same from the National Secretariat of the party.

"We want people to join us

and we want to work together to provide a better government than what we have now that will remove poverty, provide better healthcare system for people, improve education and all.

"But not that they come to the party, hijack the party and take the structure away. That's what we will not agree," Ola - Williams said.

the cherished memories and values instilled by his late mother.

"I deeply sympathise with my brother, Governor Umar Radda, and the entire Barbari family over this great loss. Hajiya Safara’u was a woman of virtue who raised her children with strong moral values.

“I pray that Almighty Allah forgives her shortcomings and grants her Aljannatul Firdaus," Governor Aliyu said. He encouraged the family to take solace in the fact that Hajiya Safara’u lived a long and impactful life, touching the lives of many with her generosity and wisdom.

WAEC Releases 2025 Computer-based WASSCE Results for Private Candidates

Funmi Ogundare

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, weekend, announced the release of the results of the computer-based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2025 - first series.

The examination held between January 29 and February 15, 2025, had a total of 512 examiners who participated in the coordination and marking exercise.

The acting Head, Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, in a statement, explained that a total of 9,439 candidates representing a 12.86 per cent increase when compared with the 2024 entry figure, entered for the examination, while 9,054 candidates sat the examination at 143 centres spread across the nooks and crannies of the country.

Out of the total number of 9,054 candidates that sat the examination, she stated that 4,384 were males while 4,670 were females, representing 48.42 per cent and 51.58 per cent, respectively.

The analysis of statistics of candidates’ performance shows that out of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, 3,388 candidates representing 37.42 per cent obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects (with or without English Language and/or Mathematics) while 2,441 candidates representing 26.96 per cent obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Of this number, 1,291 i.e, 52.89 per cent were males, while 1,150 i.e 47.11 per cent, were female candidates.

The percentage of candidates in this category in the WASSCE for private candidates in year 2023 and 2024 - first series, that is, those who obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including

English Language and Mathematics, were 23.99 per cent and 30.95 per cent, respectively. Thus, there is a marginal decrease of 3.99 per cent in performance in this regard.

Among the candidates that sat the examination, she noted that 25 candidates, with varying degrees of special needs, were registered for the examination. Out of this number, six were visually challenged, one had impaired hearing and six were albinos.

"All candidates with special needs were adequately taken care of in the administration of the examination."

Out of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, Adesina noted that 8,651 candidates, representing 95.55 per cent have their results fully processed and released while 403 candidates representing 4.45 per cent have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them.

"Concerted efforts are being made to speedily complete the processing to enable all the affected candidates to get their results fully processed and released, subsequently, " she said. The result of 56 candidates representing 0.62 per cent of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, she added, were withheld in connection with various allegations of examination malpractice.

"Candidates whose results were withheld are advised to visit the WAEC Notice of Examination Malpractice Portal at: https// waecinternational.org/complaints to make representations with regard to allegations bordering on examination malpractice."

Candidates may check their results by visiting www.waecdirect.org to ascertain their status before visiting the Digital Certificate platform (www. waec.org) to access the digital copies of their certificates.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), has disowned 30,000 membership cards and registers allegedly being flaunted by one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants in the 2023 Governorship Election in Ogun State.

The Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of PDP, Mr Yinka

expressed the position of the party, during the meeting of the

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

ECN UNVEILS NEW POLICY FOR ELECTRICITY COST FOR INDUSTRIES...

L-R: Project Consultant, NIG IEE/RECP Project, Engr. Okon Ekpeyong; Head, Electrical Electronic, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Engr. Lawal Ismaila; Director-General, Energy Commission of Nigeria

Dr. Abdullahi

Acting Director, Energy Transition and Linkages, ECN, Dr.

reduce electricity costs for industries in Nigeria at the weekend

and

Atiku, Obi, Others Yet to Consult Their Parties on Coalition, Says Ex-gov Shekarau

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has said none of the front line leaders of the opposition politicians canvassing for a coalition to upstage the All Progressives Congress (APC) has consulted their political parties on their mission to form a coalition.

Last week, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, alongside with Peter Obi represented by one of his aides, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai

among others announced their coalition to remove APC in 2027

At a press conference in Abuja, where they announced the formation of a coalition aimed at unseating the present government in 2027, Atiku said they had formed a coalition to President Bola Tinubu and his party, the APC.

However, Shekarau in a statement by his Spokesperson, Dr. Sule Yau, said while the coalition was a good development, it would be difficult to achieve its goal as, none of the figures has officially consulted the leadership of their respective parties.

Embattled former National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, also said the PDP was not aware of any such coalition.

He said the PDP was too big to be swallowed in a merger by other political parties.

Shekarau, according to the statement from his spokesman, said, “This is just a gathering of certain individuals with political ambitions. None of them has officially consulted their party leadership.

“The coalition of opposition figures is a good development, as seen in their recent meeting under what they call an opposition alliance. However, none

of the key figures involved represents their party leadership.” Shekarau further added.

He said, “The first political merger in Nigeria happened in 2013 when four registered parties merged to form the APC. So, technically, the APC is not a ‘new party.’

“It was an alliance of registered opposition political parties that were already well-established, with elected state governors, state and National Assembly members, and significant grassroots support.

“What happened at the National Assembly on March 20, 2025, regarding

the ‘State of Emergency’ in Rivers State has exposed the so-called coalition. it is clear they have no control over opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly.

“If the coalition leaders had any real influence, the APC government would not have secured the required votes for the law’s passage.

“The 2019 ‘coalition’ was formally launched almost a year before the elections at the Yar’Adua Center, yet none of the then-elected PDP leaders was in attendance.

“No amount of noise-making or informal alliances by individual

politicians in the name of opposition will have any impact in elections unless the full leadership structure of opposition parties at all levels is involved.

“It is however, not too late. I believe that with the right vision, mission, and focus, combined with a genuine sense of purpose, the opposition can change its narrative in 2025 and position itself for success in the 2027 elections.

“The coalition of opposition figures is a good development, as seen in their recent meeting under what they call an opposition alliance. However, none of the key figures involved represents their party leadership,” Shekarau added.

WABARA: DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS IS ASSAULT ON NATION’S DEMOCRACY

the governor for one year, dissolve the State House of Assembly, and appoint a retired general to take over. That would lead to chaos,” he noted.

He urged the government to uphold constitutional principles, warning that political interference in legal matters was eroding public confidence in governance.

“People are losing faith in the executive, the legislature, and even the judiciary. We must not allow politicians to undermine the Constitution," he warned

Interestingly, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and former Sokoto State governor, had earlier revealed that the Senate failed to meet the constitutional two-thirds majority required to approve President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Tambuwal, who faulted the entire process, which had since come under condemnation, said nothing prevented the National Assembly from making reference to its own precedents, which were in its records.

Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South, argued that the necessary two-thirds majority—73 out of 109 senators—was not met.

According to him, the decision of the Senate violated Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

“Section 305 of the Constitution is very clear and unambiguous on how a state of emergency should be declared and the legislative process required.

“I observed that there were not enough senators present to meet the constitutional requirement. From what I saw, there was no such number on the floor on that day.

“What stops the current National Assembly from making reference to its own precedents that are in its records? I can’t understand that,” Tambuwal told Sunday Sun.

CP-PDP Demands Wike's Expulsion

The Conference of Professionals said after a review of issues in the party and in line with its commitment to the unity, stability and growth of the party, demanded the expulsion of Nyesom Wike.

The group also recognised Sunday Ude-Okoye as the authentic national secretary of the PDP.

In a statement by its chairman, Obinna Nwachukwu, the conference urged the leadership of the PDP to sanitise the party by immediately expelling Wike.

The CP-PDP expressed shock and dismay over the manipulative and overbearing action of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led leadership of the National Assembly in approving the unconstitutional suspension of a democratically elected governor and legislature of a state by President Tinubu in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)

The Conference described the action of the APC-led leadership of the National Assembly as a total betrayal of public trust and demands for the immediate resignation of the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. It also urged Nigerians to defend the nation's democracy by speaking out against the constitutional violations by the APC.

On the state of the party, the group welcomed the Friday, March 21, 2025 judgment of the Supreme Court, which affirmed the supremacy of political parties in the management of their internal affairs.

This it said included the determination of its officials, membership and even nomination of candidates for election among others, to which the courts had no jurisdiction.

"The Conference notes that the judgment has further strengthened the nation’s democracy by affirming the powers of political parties to internally determine their structures and operations in compliance with the provisions of their Constitutions and Guidelines.

''Against this backdrop, the Conference stands with the stated position of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP in recognizing Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP, Okoye having emerged through the internal democratic processes in line with provisions of the PDP Constitution.''

Fubara Attends Church Service in PH

Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State was sighted yesterday at the headquarters of the Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara attended a special prayer, worship and thanksgiving service at the said church, presided by Pastor David Ibiyeomie.

According to the statement, the governor was accompanied by top politicians, major stakeholders, elders and leaders of the State, and associates to the church.

Chukwudi explained that Fubara was at the church to express gratitude to God for His love, mercy and unwavering support amid the festering political challenges.

"The church service, a testament to his deep faith and belief in God as the ultimate dispenser of justice, was an extraordinary session of worship, prayers, and thanksgiving, to appreciate the Lord and acknowledge His never-failing gifts to humanity," he said.

It was further gathered that a special prayer session was also held for the governor shortly after the service.

SERAP Sues Tinubu ‘Unlawful’ Suspension of Fubara, Deputy Odu, Rivers Lawmakers

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has

filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over “the unlawful suspension of democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and Members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State while exercising his constitutional powers to proclaim a State of Emergency in the state.”

The suit was brought by Yirabari Israel Nulog; Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal; and Gracious Eyoh–Sifumbukho, who were members of SERAP Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers State. The plaintiffs are registered voters and voted in the 2023 general election.

Joined in the suit as Defendants were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd).

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/ CS/558/2025 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the plaintiffs sought “an order setting aside the suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers State by President Tinubu while proclaiming a state of emergency in the state.

“An order setting aside the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

“A declaration that by virtue of section 1(2) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

“The rule of law would be a mere figure of speech if the people’s right to participation can be arbitrarily suspended or violated.”

The suit filed on behalf of the plaintiffs by their lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, read in part: “Democracy is an inherent element of the rule of law. Nigeria’s democracy ought to have as its foundation respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“The suspension is entirely

inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s obligations under article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and articles 2, 3 and 4 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the case.

NDPM, NCEDO Seek Urgent Dialogue

The Niger Delta Peoples Movement (NDPM) and the New Canaan Environmental Development Organization (NCEDO) have called urgent dialogue to prevent further destabilisation of the Niger Delta region.

The group, member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO), while reacting to state of emergency declared in Rivers State, called for urgent dialogue to prevent further destabilisation of the region.

Executive Director of NDPM/ NCEDO, Ejiro Ineneji, in a statement, emphasised the strategic role of Rivers State in Nigeria’s economy and warned that political instability in the state could have far-reaching consequences.

“As the hub of Nigeria’s energy sector and home to leading multinational oil and gas companies, Rivers State is too crucial to be caught in prolonged political turmoil,” he said adding “This crisis, if left unchecked, threatens not only our regional stability but also the economic backbone of the nation.”

The group condemned the suspension of democratic structures, citing concerns about governance disruptions and the suffering of ordinary citizens.

It noted that halting salary payments and disrupting local government functions have placed undue hardship on residents, many of whom supported the current administration during the 2023 elections.

“The suspension of elected governance raises serious questions about administrative continuity,” Ineneji stated, stressing, “Beyond the political implications, this development affects livelihoods and weakens public trust in democratic institutions.”

Alleges Fresh Explosion Rocks Gas Facility in Rivers, Soku Community Denies

Rivers State has again witnessed an alleged explosion on a gas facility located at the Soku axis of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of the state. THISDAY gathered that the explosion which occurred at midnight on Sunday, March 23, 2025 allegedly hit the Soku gas pipeline operated by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) limited. This is the third incident on oil facilities in the state in less than a week, with the first occurring in the Ogoni area and the second at the Oga/Egbama/ Ndoni LGA.

These incidents were also cited by President Tinubu, in his nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, while declaring a six months state of emergency in Rivers State.

An environmentalist and the Executive Chairman of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), Dr Dumnamene Fyneface, confirmed the explosion through its youth volunteers’ network in the area.

A statement by Dr Fyneface, stated: “An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area which is hard-to-reach and the fire is still ongoing as at the time of this report as shown in the short videos shared with the organisation by the youth volunteers of YEAC-Nigeria.” He said, “the cause of the explosion is not yet known whether it's caused by equipment failure, sabotage or attack on the facility.”

(ECN),

Musthapha;

Salisu Musthapha;

Director, Electricity and Fossil Fuel, ECN, Engr. Felix Olu, during the public presentation of ECN’s new policy to

PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

Police Rescue Kidnapped Catholic Priest in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in awka

Operatives of the Police in Anambra State have rescued a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Stephen Echezona, who was kidnapped on Sunday morning in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.

The priest was rescued unharmed same in Ihiala, where a joint security team comprising police, military, civil defence, vigilance operatives chased them to.

Blessing Ibunge in Port harcourt

This is coming as stakeholders of Ihiala community in Ihiala Local Government Area thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his efforts to make their community safe by using operatives of Agunechemba security agency to fight gunmen operating in the area.

The stakeholders also regretted that over N100million donated by indigenes of the community have remained unaccounted for.

Spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, SP

Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed of the rescue of the kidnapped priest, said the victim was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida where a joint security force in an ensuing gun duel with the

armed criminals forced them to abandon their white Lexus SUV and fled with their victim.

He said: “In a coordinated hot chase by the operatives, different security checkpoints and security

operatives in the state were alerted which resulted in the criminals abandoning the priest at Ihiala and escaping through a nearby bush.”

Meanwhile, the traditional ruler

of Ihiala community, Igwe Sir Thomas Obidiegwu, Oluoha the 17th yesterday led stakeholders of the community to Awka to thank the governor, Prof. Soludo for his efforts in the area of security.

Oyebanji: We’ve Invested Billions of Naira in Urban, Rural Electricity Reconnection

Gbenga SodeindeinadoEkiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has said that his administration had made remarkable impact in effective reconnection of urban and rural communities that were hitherto disconnected from the national grid, back by investing billions of naira in the sector.

UNEP Report: HYPREP Vows to Install Drinkable Water across Ogoniland Lagos Commissioner: We are

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has vowed to ensure that every Ogoni community has safe portal water while cleaning up of the environment is ongoing.

The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, gave the assurance in a statement he signed and made available to journalists yesterday, in commemoration of the World Water Day.

Speaking, Prof Zabbey said the theme of the celebration “Glacier Preservation”, underscores the need to protect the world’s freshwater sources, which sustain ecosystems, support human life, and regulate our climate.

He recalled that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoniland made clear recommendations for restoring contaminated water sources, and stated that HYPREP has remained steadfast in implementing these

recommendations. He said: “In our context, it also highlights the importance of protecting potable water sources, such as the operational water schemes and those under construction in Ogoniland.”

He urged that citizens must safeguard the streams, lakes, wetlands, rivers, and groundwater to achieve access to sustainable clean water.

“At HYPREP, we recognise the importance of clean and safe water, particularly for the hydrocarbon-impacted communities of Ogoniland,” he said.

Prof Zabbey stressed HYPREP’s effort to provide potable water is a critical component of its mandate to remediate and restore the environment in Ogoniland.

“Our efforts in this regard include rehabilitating existing water infrastructure, establishing new facilities, including the recently commissioned facilities in Bunu and Beeri communities, and implementing sustainable water management strategies.

Governor Oyebanji, who disclosed

Lagos State Government yesterday stated that it is committed to a comprehensive, multi sectoral approach to ensure a clean, resilient and livable city, dispelling viral insinuations that the state is smelling.

The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement reeled out practical

Bassey Inyang in Calabar and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a policeman, Inspector Effiong Bassey, for killing at least one person and injuring others at the Atakpa Divisional Police headquarters in Calabar yesterday morning.

Olusola Empowers Women Entrepreneurs at WIPO’s Summit

Founder of the Next Generation Foundation (NGF) and a transformational leader, Dupe Olusola, has empowered women entrepreneurs with insights on personal branding and intellectual property protection at the World

Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Nigeria Office’s IP & Women Business Summit 2025.

Held at the United Nations House in Abuja, Olusola who has vast experience spanning hospitality, finance, agribusiness, SME growth, and private equity,

delivered a powerful keynote address at the summit.

The event brought together female entrepreneurs and professionals to explore the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and business growth.

Muslim Students Debunk MURIC’s Allegations against Adeleke Varsity

Yinka Kolawole in osogbo

The Muslim Students Association chapter of the Adeleke University has debunked a statement credited to MURIC which alleged the suspension of a Muslim student over last Friday prayer, describing the reports as fake news.

Mary Nnah

In two separate letters to the management of the university, the association in a statement signed by its Ameer, Imran Adigun AbdulHakeem, said the MURIC’s reports circulated on social media was a misrepresentation of happenings within the university, saying our faith is respected by the management.

In a bold move, Nigerian women are rising up to demand equal representation in leadership positions, shattering the status quo and challenging the norms that have held them back for far too long. Despite making up over half of the population, women hold a mere 5 percent of CEO positions and only 12 percent of parliamentary seats. But they are not just asking for a seat at the table - they are demanding a leadership role, and they are not taking no for an answer.

In the second letter, the association apologised to a director and facilitator of the university, Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Adeleke- Sanni, whom the association credited with providing a conducive atmosphere for the Muslim students to practice their faith.

Nigerian Women Demand Equal Representation in Leadership

The 5th Annual Leadership by Inclusion Summit, hosted by Leading Ladies Africa recently, brought together over 500 trailblazers to share strategies and build a movement for change. Francesca Uriri, founder of Leading Ladies Africa, declared: “At Leading Ladies Africa, we use every tool available to us to champion gender equity in leadership... Through advocacy campaigns, impactful content, and events like this, we bring together policymakers, private sector leaders, and civil society to foster meaningful change.”

NGO Donates 3,750 Sanitary Pads to Ogun School

James Sowole in abeokuta

A non-governmental organisation(NGO), Children Empowerment Fund(CEF), has donated 3,750 sanitary pads to no fewer than 150 girls of Ajoboyede Comprehensive High School, Ibara Orile, Ogun State. The sanitary pads were handed over to the school by the NGO, at a brief ceremony with supervision by the officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Health. During the event, the girls were enlightened on menstrual hiegene by the NGO and officials of the Ministry of Health and during which a Red Bloom Box Project, was launched.

Laleye Dipo in minna

A man suspected to be mentally unstable has hacked to death a middle aged man in Minna Niger state.

The incident, which took place

in the Kwangila area of the state capital yesterday evening caused pandemonium among residents most of whom were fasting.

It was said that the suspected assailant simply called Mubarak was engaged in a fight with

Speaking at the event, the Programme Manager of CEF, Mrs. Temitope Akinrotimi, decried poor menstrual health among the young girls in the country, saying that poverty aided by ignorance is forcing many of them to use newspapers, cotton wools among other unhygienic ways for their monthly menstruation.

Mentally Unstable Person Stabs Man to Death Niger

25-year-old Shamseen Danshehu during which he stabbed the deceased in the chest.

Those around quickly rushed Danshehu to the nearby Minna General hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

this while receiving in audience a team from the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), Abuja, led by its Technical Director, Lawal Lawal, lamented that the huge investment made by his government in the sector has not been adequately translated to effective power generation and distribution in such communities due to ineffective and poor coordination of the entire system. He added that his administration has been able to demonstrate capacity and commitment to the effective growth and development of the state by reconnecting communities which for many years had no electricity to the national grid as well as providing highly subsidized smart data meters for them.

measures the state is taking to demonstrate that the it is rather evolving and not smelling.

In his words: “ Lagos is not “smelling”, it is evolving -toward sustainable waste processing, modernised landfill management, cleaner waterways and structured sanitation systems.”

The present administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains

While commending President

steadfast in its commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable city through strategic environmental initiatives.”

He argued that the state government is fully committed to environmental sustainability and has developed a comprehensive, multi sectoral approach to ensure a clean, resilient and livable city.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring adequate power generation and distribution to all parts of the country through the laudable initiatives, Governor Oyebanji stressed that he was not encouraged with the poor handling of electricity generation and distribution system due to poor or no metering stance of the relevant bodies saddled with the responsibility.

Waste and sanitation challenges in a rapidly growing mega city like Lagos require structural solutions-not sound bites or political rhetorics. Other measures undertaken by the state government, according to Wahab, include the installation of over 50 air quality monitors across the state at strategic locations to capture industrial, transport and household emissions.

Police Inspector Arrested for Killing One, Injuring Other in C’River

Similarly, medical doctor and a pharmacist working with the Abubakar Tafawa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi and two others are currently in custody of the Bauchi State Police Command.

Though the police in Cross River confirmed the death of one person, some eyewitness account said more than one person may have died from volley of bullets fired from a gun the policeman was wielding when the incident occurred.

Eyewitness account said aside from the dead, many people, including his colleagues and traders within the vicinity of Watt Market, were injured as they scampered for safety when Inspector Bassey started shooting indiscriminately. Accounts have it that the policeman who started shooting at the premises of Atakpa police station latter left and moved into the streets before he was overpowered and disposed of the gun he was holding, and then got arrested.

RIVERS OF SIXTEEN IRONIES

Fourth irony: National Assembly’s “unanimous” passing of the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. How did this happen when, even though both chambers have an APC majority, members of the opposition PDP, LP, NNPP, SDP and APGA had the numbers to deny the two-thirds majority required to pass it? A governor of a very important opposition controlled state is controversially suspended, will you keep quiet?

Fifth irony: MPs decided at an “executive session” [the Nigerian parliamentary slang for conspiracy] that the declaration should be approved by voice vote. The Constitution says two thirds of members must vote to ratify it; if there was no division, how will we ever know if that threshold was met and who voted for what?

Sixth irony: The contrast between what National Assembly leaders did last week and what they did in 1999. At the very beginning of this Republic, the first governor of Anambra State, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, refused for a week to issue a proclamation to inaugurate the State Assembly, allegedly because he was quarrelling with his political godfather over the choice of Assembly principal officers. It reached a stage where the MPs demonstrated on the streets of Awka. House of Representatives Speaker Ibrahim Salisu Buhari, later found to be under aged, still had the wisdom to proceed to Awka, threatened to take over the Assembly’s functions and coerced the governor to issue the proclamation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, neither of whom is thought to be under-aged, how come you didn’t have Salisu Buhari’s kind of wisdom, you didn’t fly to Port Harcourt, summon the MPs and the governor and sort things out? Similarly in March 2016, House of Representatives voted to take over the functions of Kogi State House of Assembly due to a festering leadership crisis. No state of emergency was necessary.

Seventh irony: Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi’s role in the Rivers affair. Up until last week, Fagbemi had been totally uncontroversial, unlike his predecessors Bayo Ojo, Aondoakaa, Bello Adoke

and Abubakar Malami. Many people even wondered whether President Tinubu consulted him before he made his broadcast. In 2013 when President Goodluck Jonathan was about to declare a state of emergency in the three North Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, Attorney General Bello Adoke advised him against trying to remove the state governors and state assemblies. There is viral video of Chief Edwin Clark berating Adoke for stopping the removal of the three governors when, according to Clark, all three of them were opposition APC governors who were fueling the Boko Haram insurgency in order to bring down the Jonathan presidency. Fagbemi’s press conference last week however went beyond the legal and controversially dived into the political.

Eighth irony: Comparison of situations that necessitated previous states of emergency and this one. In 2004 when President Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State, the state had dissolved into inter-communal chaos, with ethnic militias blocking highways, profiling travelers and killing them. The North East in 2013 was much worse, Boko Haram having overran scores of local government areas in the three states. The situation in Rivers State last week was nowhere near either situation.

Ninth irony: Between Plateau and North East emergencies, there was a major difference. While President Obasanjo suspended Governor Joshua Dariye and the State Assembly and appointed Major General Chris Alli as Military Administrator, Jonathan left the democratic structures intact. He suspended civil liberties and flooded the three states with soldiers and security agents. Both templates, legal or illegal, helped ameliorate the situations. Last week, President Tinubu borrowed the Obasanjo template, instead of the Jonathan one.

Tenth irony: The 1999 Constitution states in Sub-section 2 of Section 1 that “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any persons or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this

Constitution.” Last week, a Navy Admiral took control of a part of Nigeria, when no one in Rivers elected him, in a situation that fell far short of anarchy, insurrection or war, when the Constitution nowhere provided for Sole Administrator, and when there is no State Assembly to pass his budget or approve his commissioners.

Eleventh irony: I am not a lawyer and I have no knowledge even of customary law. But as a reporter of Nigerian politics in eight different media houses for 30 years, I recall the Supreme Court ruling delivered in 2008, in the case brought by Atiku Abubakar when the Obasanjo presidency declared his Vice President’s seat vacant because he defected from PDP to AC in 2007. It stated, unequivocally, that that there are only four ways in which a President, Vice President, Governor or Deputy Governor could lose his position before the end of his tenure. These are: resignation, impeachment, incapacitation or death. The apex court added that nothing can be added to the Constitution when it did not expressly state it. Just as the Constitution did not mention defection, it also did not mention declaration of state of emergency as a way a governor can be removed.

Twelfth irony: will soon reveal itself at the Supreme Court. It has been much criticized for its earlier judgements on Rivers MPs’ defection, its finances and its local government elections. The ball will soon be back in Supreme Court judges’ court because PDP-controlled state governments say they are going contest the constitutionality of Fubara’s removal.

Thirteenth irony: What message were Presidents Obasanjo and Tinubu sending when, after suspending elected governors, they appointed military men as Sole Administrators? Are they saying, by any means, that only soldiers can get things back in shape when things get out of hand? That is a very dangerous philosophy which erodes the whole essence of democratisation. Fourteenth irony: We sent all the soldiers back to the barracks in 1999 and told them to stay there. Why are we dragging them back, piecemeal, into the governance arena?

IMAGINE RIVERS STATE WITHOUT A STATE OF EMERGENCY

on 18 March. The President took action in the best interest of the people of the State, who had become victims of the warring politicians, the people they elected to serve them. President Tinubu needed to act. He chose prevention over cure. Section 305 of Nigeria's Constitution empowers the President to act when the nation faces a breakdown of law, order, and economic security —precisely the case in Rivers, a bastion of Nigeria's oil-dependent economy. Intelligence confirmed militants, told by Fubara to await signals, were already targeting pipelines, risking a collapse in output and a Niger-Delta domino effect. Historical precedents, such as the past emergencies in Plateau and Borno and the doctrine of necessity, support the President's proactive measures to avert disaster. The President's oath demands he must not fail in his sacred duty to safeguard national

stability, not watch idly as partisan strife strangles our democracy and the material well-being of Nigerians, whose prosperity depends on the social and economic interdependence of every part of the country. Rivers State is a significant hydrocarbon economic artery in Nigeria, and any dislocation and politically motivated disruption of the State's oil industry have ripple effects on the national economy.

Answering the Critics:

Critics claim the emergency rule in Rivers undermines democracy. Their position misrepresents reality. The intervention is temporary, surgical, and aimed at restoring—not replacing—democratic institutions. The suspension of political actors for six months is no power grab; it is not a permanent removal but a reset to disarm warring

ENABLERS OF AUTHORITARIANISM IN NIGERIA

sliding into authoritarianism. This ecosystem is on full display today in Nigeria. It only takes a political leadership interested in the benefits of authoritarianism to activate these enablers. The ruling APC has so much power to manipulate the democratic systems unchecked and with impunity. Common enablers of authoritarianism are a rubber-stamp legislature, a compromised judiciary, and an impotent civil society, particularly a labour movement that has lost its virility. Other enablers include a media that prioritises propaganda and economic gains over national interest and, elite greed. A critical examination of how these enablers play out in our country today will help us appreciate the democratic backslide we are experiencing.

A functional legislature serves as a critical check on executive power. However, Nigeria’s National Assembly has increasingly become subservient to the executive. A legislature can enable autocracy either by deliberate design or by default. By default, rampant corruption among lawmakers has compromised the integrity of legislative oversight. Legislators fail to challenge executive overreach due to personal financial interests. Deliberately, if a dominant political party has an authoritarian agenda, it can use the legislature to rubber-stamp executive decisions. A subservient legislature is a National Assembly that goes against the constitutional procedure in every respect to please the Sovereign. With its control of both legislative houses, the APC has weakened parliamentary independence. One of the most blatant examples of legislative subservience is the unconstitutional use of a voice vote in determining a two-thirds majority, as seen in critical decisions, such as approving President Tinubu’s emergency proclamations. The reasons are clear. Section 305(2) & (6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) states that at least two-thirds must approve an emergency proclamation of all members of each House (Senate and House of Representatives). A voice vote (where members say "Aye" or "Nay") cannot accurately count the required two-thirds majority. Democracy in its pure form is about counting numbers.

When a supermajority (such as two-thirds) is required, a recorded vote is necessary to ensure compliance with the constitutional requirement. The Senate and House Standing Orders typically require a roll call or electronic voting system to determine numerical compliance for such critical decisions. A voice vote is insufficient for determining a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for an emergency proclamation. A formal recorded vote must be conducted to confirm the exact number of lawmakers in support.

So, the procedure adopted by the House of Representatives and Senate in approving President Tinubu’s Proclamation is wrong. You cannot determine 2/3rds in a voice vote. It is both illegal and undemocratic. Hussaini Abdu aptly captures the state of the legislature: "The National Assembly has long abandoned its role as a representative body meant to hold the executive accountable. Instead, it has devolved into a transactional arena where self-enrichment and power negotiations take precedence over democratic responsibility."

The judiciary, as the last line of defence for democracy, is expected to uphold the rule of law. However, judicial decisions in Nigeria have increasingly been seen as influenced by personal and external interests rather than strict legal principles. Corrupt judges deliver judgments that favour those in power. Political infiltration of judicial institutions has eroded public trust in the judiciary. Judicial interpretations are frequently skewed to justify undemocratic actions. A notable case was the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Rivers State crisis that dumbfounded many legal experts and the public and exacerbated the political embroglio in the state that led to the president's declaration of a state of emergency. When the judiciary ceases to be independent, democratic governance crumbles, leaving citizens with no recourse for justice. In Nigeria, there is a widespread belief that judicial rulings—especially in election disputes—are determined by political and financial considerations rather than legal merit.

A robust civil society is essential for holding government accountable. However, Nigeria’s

Since 1999, the only non-military executive position reserved for serving soldiers is Director General of NYSC. Now, retired Generals and Admirals who have been out of power for twenty-five years must be salivating, waiting to be appointed Sole Administrators.

Fourteenth irony: How come that Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas speedily got released to him the Rivers State federation account money that Supreme Court ordered to be withheld from Governor Fubara for certain undemocratic acts? Is Ibas’ unelected administration more democracy-compliant than Fubara’s? And if Supreme Court says withhold something, can Finance Ministry just release it without the court’s permission?

Fifteenth irony: In his televised broadcast on Thursday last week, President Tinubu listed many of Governor Fubara’s misdeeds, including the reckless demolition of the State Assembly complex. He did not however say a word about FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s role in the crisis. Did the Constitution anywhere ascribe a role to godfathers? Mr. President, if your minister takes time off his ministerial job, goes to his home state very frequently, makes unguarded utterances, fights its governor, factionalises its state assembly and orchestrates mass defections to another party, will you keep quiet? Only recently, Western media alleged that President Donald Trump used Russian President Vladimir Putin’s talking points against Ukraine at his press conference. I don’t want Nigerian media to say that President Tinubu used Minister Wike’s talking points against Fubara in his broadcast.

Sixteenth and final irony: President Tinubu’s much touted political credentials as a champion of democracy who fought for it most of his political life and was even exiled for his efforts, could be tainted by the Rivers events. How come that civil society comrades are using words such as illegal, anti-democratic, unconstitutional and even dictatorial to describe the action of a life-long fighter for democracy? Those busy-body lawyers and activists who are saying so, will you keep quiet?

factions. Notably, the same critics who assailed the President's action for suspending the political actors remain silent on Governor Fubara's refusal to collaborate with the legislature, exposing their partisan bias. Democracy can not thrive amid lawlessness—anarchy is its antithesis.

The appointed administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Rtd.), has already convened a meeting with traditional leaders, one of his first steps to forge lasting solutions. This intervention ensures Rivers' people retain their democratic rights while shielding the Nigerian and Rivers State economies from collapse. It is worth repeating that President Tinubu acted within the law and his executive powers under the constitution until the Supreme Court says otherwise.

President Tinubu and the National Assembly remain committed to lifting the emergency once

civil society has suffered from a severe decline in effectiveness due to various factors. There is a total breakdown of the structures that enable citizens to organise, advocate, and hold power accountable. The absence of nationalistic political consciousness has fragmented advocacy efforts. Many civil society groups have been co-opted by political elites, diluting their activism. The legacy of prominent activists like Gani Fawehinmi, Hajia Gambo Sawaba, Chima Ubani, and Pa E.K. Clark is fading, with few emerging leaders willing to take up the mantle of resistance. Prof Wole Soyinka has gone past his prime. Olisa Agbakoba and Femi- Falana have done their bit. Where is the successor generation of activists? Without an organised and vibrant civil society, authoritarian tendencies can flourish unchecked, as there is little resistance from the populace. The need for a strong civil society is more pressing than ever.

Labour unions have historically played a crucial role in resisting authoritarian regimes. However, Nigeria's Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have become increasingly toothless. The government has effectively neutralised the power of labour unions through economic pressures and divide-and-rule tactics. The NLC’s repeated failure to execute nationwide strikes has eroded its credibility. In 2023, despite multiple announcements of planned nationwide strikes to protest fuel subsidy removal and inflation, the strikes were either suspended or ineffective due to government interference. Abiodun Oluwadare captures it this way: "The NLC’s inability to deliver on its threats and repeated backing down from strikes have led to a loss of public trust. This makes mass mobilisation difficult, allowing governments and businesses to ignore its demands." Labour has not since 2023 successfully influenced the government to change its position on any matter of public interest.

A free press is a fundamental pillar of democracy. However, Nigerian media has increasingly prioritised propaganda and financial interests over journalistic integrity. Many media houses align with political or ethnic factions, reducing objectivity. Journalists

stability returns and ensuring elected officials resume their duties.

The 18th-century English philosopher Edmund Burke once warned, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." President Tinubu chose courage over complacency. His action prioritised Nigeria's interest over political expediency, averting a more profound crisis. To those who brand him a democrat turned "tyrant," my response to them is simple: Which democracy prospers in chaos? Rivers' newfound calm vindicates President Tinubu's resolve. He deserves commendation, not condemnation, not calumny for his statesmanship. Rivers and Nigeria are safer for it.

•Onanuga is the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy

are often financially compromised into silence. Government-friendly narratives dominate mainstream media, limiting access to dissenting views. This erosion of media independence has led to a public that is either misinformed or deliberately kept in the dark about crucial national issues.

Aso Rock is interested in controlling all “levers of power” often overshadowing other arms of government. This concentration of power has led to reduced institutional checks and balances, presidential interest overriding legislative decisions. Nigeria is seeing a resurgence of authoritarian tendencies in silencing dissenting voices. A full-fledged authoritarian regime is only a matter of time. Nigeria has become less liberal over the last two years, thanks to the manipulation of critical institutions of democracy. The judiciary frequently validates undemocratic actions under legal pretexts, and lawmakers serve executive interests rather than the electorate.

The enablers of authoritarianism are wellentrenched in Nigeria’s political landscape. A weak legislature, a compromised judiciary, a fragmented civil society, an ineffective labour movement, and a politicised media have all contributed to the country’s democratic decline. The unchecked concentration of power in the presidency has further exacerbated this trend. Urgent action is needed to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. Strengthening institutional independence to prevent executive overreach, reviving civil society, re-establishing activist movements to demand accountability, ensuring media objectivity and independence, and encouraging active citizen participation in governance.

Democracy is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and commitment from both the leadership and the citizenry. Nigerians must recognise the warning signs of authoritarianism and take proactive steps to resist its encroachment before it becomes thoroughly entrenched. A Nigeria where democratic institutions are genuinely independent, and governance is driven by transparency and accountability is still possible. However, it requires a collective effort to push back against authoritarian enablers and restore the democratic principles upon which the nation was founded.

Chelle Reads Riot Act, Bars Visitors from Super Eagles’ Camp

Team

Duro Ikhazuagbe

train behind locked gates as Zimbabwe arrive Uyo for Group C cracker

Ahead of tomorrow’s 2026 World Cup qualifying clash with Zimbabwe, Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, has done what no other Nigerian gaffer has done in the last decade.

The Mali-born coach who on Friday in Kigali defeated Rwanda 2-0 to win Nigeria’s first three points in five games in the qualifiers, yesterday barred visitors and journalists from Super Eagles hotel base in Uyo.

According to Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, Chelle is demanding total concentration from the Super Eagles as Nigeria will battle the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the

Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for another three points.

“Coach Eric Chelle is not carried away by the win over Rwanda and he is demanding maximum concentration from the players prior to the next game (vs Zimbabwe),” observed the Media Officer in a terse message posted on the team’s WhatsApp platform yesterday.

“To this end, he has imposed restrictions in and around the team’s camp, no visitors, no journalists,” hinted Efoghe. Chelle’s hardline stance is a clear departure from recent previous coaches of the team who allowed all manners of persons into Eagles camp, thereby

creating unnecessary distractions for the players.

Since the death of Stephen Keshi, Super Eagles recent coaches have been carefree in instilling strict camp rule on the team. There have been situations were girls are freely smuggled into

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Gabon defeated Kenya 2-1 in qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup - and severely dented the East Africans’ hopes of reaching the finals.

Victory sent Gabon two points clear of Ivory Coast at the top of Group F as the Panthers strengthened their own bid for a maiden appearance at the tournament.

Kenya are fourth, nine points behind the Group F leaders.

Former Arsenal striker Aubameyang opened the scoring when he lashed home with a right-footed shot in the 16th minute, and the

35-year-old celebrated with some trademark acrobatics.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga had the best chances to equalise in Nairobi, having a shot tipped on to the post and then heading wide in first-half injury time.

Aubameyang, who now plays his club football in Saudi Arabia with Al-Qadsiah, doubled Gabon’s lead from the penalty spot seven minutes after the break after Erick Ouma was penalised for handball. Olunga did pull one back in the 62nd minute, converting Ouma’s low cross from the left, but Kenya could not find an equaliser.

the camp while some players attend night clubs on the eves of crucial matches, a situation that most times end in poor results for Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles trained behind closed doors yesterday ahead of the Zimbabwe clash.

“Sunday’s training is closed. Monday’s session will be opened for the mandatory 15 minutes and this will be shortly after the official press conference,” Efoghe further clarified He however confirmed that there will be provisions for journalists to

The highly anticipated ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier is set to commence in Lagos, with teams gearing up for an intense battle for the continent’s sole ticket.

As preparations reach crucial stage, the Namibian team for the event have been scheduled as the first team to touch down in Lagos on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 to join the host team; the Junior Yellow-Greens of Nigeria. Namibia’s early arrival is aimed at acclimatizing to the weather in Lagos ahead of the qualifier, showcasing their commitment and determination to secure a World Cup spot.

The event, scheduled to take place from March 28 to April 6, 2025, will be hosted at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval and the University of Lagos (Unilag) Cricket Oval in Akoka. Namibia’s early arrival will be followed by other participating teams—Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Sierra Leone—who are expected to

all arrive on Wednesday. All teams will have a training session on the pitches on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in preparation for the tournament’s official flag-off on Friday, March 28, 2025.

The opening matches will see host nation Nigeria face Namibia at 9:30 AM in a high-stake 50-overs encounter at the Tafawa Balewa Square Oval.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone will duel with Kenya at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval on the same day.

Officials from the International Cricket Council (ICC) have already arrived in Nigeria to oversee the crucial World Cup Qualifier, ensuring a seamless flow of event.

Speaking on Nigeria’s role as the host nation, Emeka Igwilo, who is the tournament’s coordinator for the Junior Yellow-Greens, emphasized the significance of the event, stating: “This is another opportunity for Nigeria to show how broad the game is growing.”

Goldberg, Life Continental & Zagg

As Nigeria’s Super Eagles gear up for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday night, Nigerian Breweries Plc, through its brands—Goldberg, Life Continental, and Zagg Energy Drink—is set to further energise the team by recognising the game’s standout performer with the ‘Man of the Match’ award.

The winner will receive a cash prize of N1million with additional brand rewards to mark their performance.

The initiative, dubbed “Operation Super Eagles Sustain the Tempo”, underscores the brands’ commitment to Nigerian football and the desire to

keep the team motivated throughout the qualifying campaign.

The Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager Brands at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Olaoluwa Babalola, highlighted the significance of the initiative.

“Goldberg, Life Continental, and Zagg Energy Drink are deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, embodying values of strength, unity, and determination. Football is a unifying force in Nigeria, and this initiative is our way of celebrating the players who give their all for the badge. We want to see the Super Eagles dominate, and we believe this recognition will serve as extra motivation,” Babalola remarked.

Speaking on the partnership, Wasiu Ola Abiola, Head of Digital, Brand

Media PR, and Sponsorships at Nigerian Breweries Plc, emphasised the company’s dedication to supporting Nigerian football at all levels.

“The Super Eagles are a source of national pride, and we believe in fuelling their passion with the energy and resilience that our brands represent. Through this ‘Man of the Match’ award, we aim to recognise excellence on the pitch while inspiring the players to keep pushing for success,” Abiola stated.

This partnership comes at a time when the Super Eagles are in a crucial phase of their World Cup qualification journey, with every game playing a pivotal role in their bid for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

have flash interviews in the Mixed Zone on Tuesday. “Provisions will be made for mixed zone interaction with the players on match day,” concludes the media officer.

Scorer of Nigeria’s two goals against Rwanda, Victor Osimhen has asked Warriors of Zimbabwe to banish the thoughts of coming to Uyo to earn any point.

“We are ready. The remaining matches are wars and we must fight them with all that we have to win,” vowed the striker, who has now scored 25 international goals for Nigeria.

Team Captain, William Ekong, who said Super Eagles have recovered from a difficult start are now fired up to qualify for the World Cup.

“We read somewhere that the Zimbabweans are being motivated to come to Uyo and get a result. They should forget it. We are hugely motivated by the ambition to play at the FIFA World Cup,” concludes Ekong.

This initiative continues Nigerian Breweries’ long-standing tradition of backing Nigerian sports. Over the years, the company has been involved in various sponsorship deals across the national teams to grassroots football programmes, strengthening its connection with the game and its passionate fans. The brands of Nigerian Breweries Plc on February 1st, 2018 officially entered a sponsorship deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for all the national teams including the women.

Since then, all the grades of the national team have had huge followership comparable to the football fan base of prominent clubs in Europe.

BetKing, Nigeria’s leading sports betting platform, recently concluded its grand 7th-anniversary celebration with a special prize presentation ceremony, rewarding loyal customers with incredible prizes.

The campaign saw winners walk away with cash prizes, free bets, iPhones, PS5 consoles, and more, totaling over N50million in rewards.

Reflecting on the successful campaign, Nengi Akinola, Head of

Marketing at BetKing, stated, “BetKing is all about giving back to our customers, and our 7th anniversary was the perfect occasion to do so.

“We rolled out an exciting reward campaign that allowed players to win fantastic prizes simply by engaging with our platform. Seeing the joy and excitement from our winners reaffirms our commitment to delivering rewarding gaming experiences,” observed Akinola.

As part of the celebrations, BetKing hosted an exclusive event for key stakeholders, partners, and industry leaders, providing an opportunity to reflect on the company’s journey and its continued commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Winners were invited to BetKing’s headquarters for a special prize presentation ceremony. Among the lucky winners was Newton Uzoukwu, who won a staggering N3 million.

Coach Eric Chelle (left) and Victor Osimhen celebrating Super Eagles 2-0 defeat of Rwanda in Kigali last Friday

Rivers United FC grabbed a stoppge time winner by central defender, Stephen Manyo, for them to edge visiting Ikorodu City 1-0 yesterday evening in Port Harcourt. The win moved the Rivers United close to leaders Remo Stars. The “Pride of Rivers” are now five points behind Remo Stars, whose away tie at Lobi Stars was postponed. They have 52 points from 30 games.

Elsewhere, both Akwa United and Abia Warriors were also winners on the road at Kwara United and Heartland FC. Akwa United are now just two points to safety after they upset home team Kwara United 2-0.

MISSILE

Soyinka to PresidentTinubu

“The government is over-centralised. The debate will go on whether this (state of emergency)was, in the first place, a wise decision but in terms of fundamental principles, I believe that this is against the federal spirit of association. I find that the constitution has put too much power in the hands of the President. The system we are operating right now is not the best for a pluralistic society like ours" –Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, condemns state of emergency rule in Rivers State.

MAHMUDJEGA

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

Rivers of Sixteen Ironies

DespXers.

A rough tabulation of those who objected to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, in particular the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor and State Assembly, include Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Chief Bode George, former President Jonathan [using parables],Rabi’u Kwankwaso [after initial hesitation], Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana, Mike Ozekhome, PDP Governors’ Forum, Pan Niger Delta Forum, South South Governors Forum, Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, Afenifere, Northern Elders Forum, Nigeria Bar Association, Pan African Bar Association, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Ijaw youths, Citizens and Civil Society Organisations, to mention but a few.

Irony number one: To identify the last time we saw this kind of widespread objection to a

government move,

go all

was about to execute Major General Mamman Vatsa and other alleged coup plotters. Or maybe we must go to a year earlier in 1985, when the Buhari/Idiagbon military regime was about to execute the three convicted cocaine pushers Bartholomew Owoh, Bernard Ogedengbe and Lawal Akanni Ojuolape. On both occasions the newspapers published long lists of organisations and prominent individuals who objected, quite similar to the lists of last week, except for clerics, who kept quiet this time.

Second irony: Only these individuals and groups waka kom? Among those expected to be up in arms at Governor Fubara’s suspension is the National Secretariat of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], whose prominent member he is. In fact, Fubara’s trouble is mostly because, unlike the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, he did not obey FCT Minister

BAYOONANUGA

GUEST COLUMNIST

Nyesom Wike’s orders and decamp to APC. PDP, you have only twelve governors, having recently lost Edo State. One of them is unceremoniously and probably unconstitutionally suspended from office, will you keep quiet? Does your silence lend credence to the allegation that PDP’s National Working Committee is controlled by Nyesom Wike, the top beneficiary of last week’s sordid events in Rivers?

Third irony: Nigeria Governors Forum [NGF], no too? One of your members is controversially suspended from office, and all you can say is that NGF “does not take a position on partisan issues because it can divide its members, who belong to different political platforms.” Is that to say you guys don’t stand for any principle, only partisanship?

Continued on page 46

Imagine Rivers State without a State of Emergency

Imagine a Rivers State where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hesitated to declare a state of emergency. The political standoff between the State Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara could have continued and degenerated into violence. Impeachment threats might have spurred attacks on lawmakers by the Governor's supporters, while militants in the creeks—primed to sabotage critical oil infrastructure—could have plunged Nigeria's oil production back to pre-2023 lows. Sensational reporting of the crisis by journalists and opportunistic litigation would have inflamed tensions further, paralysing governance and

risking lives. Schools and hospitals would shutter; investors would flee. We can only imagine the human and economic toll.

Thanks to the President's intervention, Rivers State can breathe again today. Political tensions have eased, banal headlines have quietened, and stakeholders—encouraged by the newly appointed administrator—are charting a path to lasting peace. Critics who argue the crisis "did not yet warrant" an emergency rule ignore a stark truth: waiting for the breakdown of law and order to escalate into anarchy before acting is like withholding firefighters until a house burns to ashes.

A responsible leader like President Tinubu, who swore an oath to protect the constitution and corporate existence of the country, can not fail to act when a constituent part of the Federation is careering towards the precipice. The political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly who owe allegiance to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that blew open barely six months into the administration of the Governor has degenerated by 18 March. A chain of events since the war of attrition started 14 months ago among the combatants had indeed paralysed the government

DAKUKU PETERSIDE

BENEATH

THE SURFACE

of Rivers State to the point where Fubara, copying from the bad book of former Governor

in Edo, emasculated an arm of government entirely. This reality informed the Supreme Court's damning verdict about the absence of government in the State as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of Nigeria, as amended. The court also excoriated Fubara for acting like a despot. Rivers was in a grave situation, as the combatants refused to allow reason to prevail, even after the Supreme Court judgment, before President Tinubu declared a state of emergency

Continued on page 46

Enablers of Authoritarianism in Nigeria

Democracy is often cast as the antithesis of authoritarian rule — a beacon of liberty standing firm against the shadows of oppression. Yet, history tells a more intricate tale. Authoritarian regimes rarely storm the gates; instead, they slip quietly through the corridors of power, emerging not as abrupt usurpers but as offspring of the very systems meant to guard against them. In our modern age, the fall of democracy is seldom marked by a single, violent coup. It is a slow, insidious unravelling — the steady decay of institutions, the quiet bending of norms. It is

the gradual surrender of freedom, handed over piece by piece, often in the name of rule of law or security. Thus, the path to autocracy is not carved by force alone but paved with the very stones once laid to uphold democracy. Authoritarianism, unlike ancient times, does not emerge like a light switch. So, we can rightly say that the intersection of democracy and authoritarianism is gradual. This gradual shift from democracy to authoritarianism is often enabled. In Nigeria, there is growing concern among political analysts that the country is witnessing the rise of authoritarian tendencies within its democratic institutions. The

ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been accused of manipulating democratic processes to consolidate power. Therefore, the question is not whether authoritarianism is looming but how it is being enabled and perpetuated. Urgent action is needed to prevent further erosion of democratic norms.

Political analysts have argued that a significant tool to rein in most political actors is economic instability and impoverishment, which causes them to switch to survival mode. Nigeria's social and economic conditions have created an ecosystem that makes manipulating democratic institutions

easier than before. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been particularly instrumental in this erosion, using its enormous financial power to control the political class and, which is mainly in a survival mode and has no option but to become pliant to partake of the largesse of executive economic power. Besides, poverty has been weaponised, and many people are either busy fighting to earn a living or just nonchalant about confronting a democratic government that is gradually

Continued on page 46

Fubara

Draconian

we may have to

the way back to 1986, when the Babangida regime

Obaseki