MONDAY 7TH APRIL 2025

Oduwole: Trump’s Tariff to Impact $6 Billion Annual Exports to US NSA: FG Addressing Security Breaches

Says Nigeria in talks with US, WTO for mutually beneficial outcomes

Okonjo-Iweala: Tariff could shrink annual global trade, dampen growth prospects

Ghanaian minister seeks to clear trade barriers among West African nations

Emejo and Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke in Abuja, John Shiklam in Kaduna and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday said

L–R: Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; His wife, Olufunso Amosun; Celebrant/former First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola; and Her husband, former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola SAN, during Mrs. Fashola’s 60th birthday reception at their residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday

Jumoke Oduwole, during the ambassador’s

NNPC Ships Out First Crude Cargo on Delta Tanker to Europe

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has clinched another breakthrough export deal by shipping out its own cargo to a customer in Europe, THISDAY learnt at the weekend.

The crude will be loaded on 9 or 10 April on Greek owner Delta Tankers’ 164,000-dwt Meltemi I (built 2006), chartered by the Nigerian producer’s NNPC Shipping,

Specifically, the minister said while oil had long dominated Nigeria's exports to the U.S., non-oil products previously exempt under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a U.S. trade law that provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the American market for over 1,800 products, "now face potential disruption".

AGOA is aimed at boosting economic growth and promoting economic and political reform in the region.

Oduwole also pointed out that a new 10 per cent tariff on key categories of goods might affect the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S. She stated, "For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially, in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda."

According to the position paper, SMEs building their business models around AGOA exemptions will face the pressures of rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments.

However, the minister said the federal government remained actively engaged in consultations with its American counterparts and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over evolving trade dynamics amid the recent tariff announcements by U.S. President Donald Trump.

to the state.

The NSA revealed that he was in Plateau State following a directive of President Bola Tinubu to restore normalcy to communities recently attacked by militias in the state.

A statement by Media Information Officer, Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, said the NSA applauded security agencies for their timely response in curtailing the situation.

Ribadu charged Plateau residents to prioritise peace, and learn to live together as one, even as he appealed to the media to ensure due diligence and transparency while reporting sensitive incidents, especially as it concerned security.

He assured the people that the federal government would ensure all arrested suspects connected to the recent attacks were brought to justice.

The NSA affirmed that improvements in the security setup

Donald Trump, unveiled sweeping tariffs on Wednesday last week while investors fled to the safety of government bonds.

The Nasdaq confirmed it was in a bear market, ending more than 20 below its record high close, while oil prices and other commodities plunged.

That $ 5 trillion loss marked a record two-day decline for the S&P 500 benchmark, exceeding a two-day loss of $3.3 trillion in March 2020 when the pandemic ripped across global markets, according to LSEG data compiled by Reuters.

Responding to Trump's tariffs, China on Friday said it would impose additional levies of 34 per cent on American goods, confirming investor fears that a full-blown global trade war is underway and that the global economy may be at risk of a recession. Trump slapped a 10 per cent tariff on most U.S. imports and much higher

TradeWinds Media Group reported. “NNPC Trading concluded in March a deal to sell the first delivered crude cargo to one of the big oil majors,” Panos Gliatis, Managing Director of NNPC Shipping, told TradeWinds.

The deal has been done on an ex-ship basis, where the seller takes responsibility for shipping and insurance. The tanker has options to discharge in various ports in Europe.

She said the discussions were being carried out with pragmatism and a commitment to mutually beneficial solutions.

Oduwole said while the developments potentially impacted global trade negatively, Nigeria remained firmly committed to building economic resilience and accelerating export diversification under the President Bola Tinubu administration.

In the position statement on the U.S. tariff measures, Oduwole acknowledged the recent tariff measures announced by the U.S, including a 14 per cent tariff on Nigerian exports.

She stressed that the federal government considered the U.S. a valued trade and investment partner, bound by shared values and mutual economic interests.

The statement said the U.S. Ambassador's visit to the Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment on March 26, 2025, "reaffirmed our joint commitment to strengthening economic ties that benefit both economies."

Oduwole stated that since May 2023, Tinubu had been actively committed to attracting and retaining the muchneeded investments from "old and new friends of Nigeria".

She pointed out that the federal government was currently implementing a range of policy interventions in financing, infrastructure, and diplomacy to help Nigerian

would be sustained to deliver more operational successes in the country.

Ribadu was earlier briefed by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, on the current security situation in the Joint Operations Area.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice and security for Plateau people, particularly victims of recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area.

In a press statement by his Director of Press, Gyang Bere, the governor reportedly told Plateau indigenes residing in Abuja that the pain of the people was his pain and pledged that no perpetrator of violence would go unpunished.

“We will no longer allow those arrested for crimes in our communities to walk free. I will pursue, and ensure

levies on dozens of countries, erecting the steepest trade barriers in more than 100 years.

"It's sort of the worst fears of where the tariff programme was headed," said Rick Meckler, partner at Cherry Lane Investments, a family investment office in New Vernon, New Jersey.

"For those investors who were sure it was just a negotiation - while that still may be true at some point - it's getting awfully deeper into the details and more dangerous for companies," Meckler added.

S&P 500 companies suffered their biggest one-day loss in value since the emerging coronavirus pandemic sent global markets into a tailspin on March 16, 2020. S&P 500 companies suffered their biggest one-day loss in value since the emerging coronavirus pandemic sent global markets into a tailspin on March 16, 2020. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones

“This is a milestone for NNPC and Nigeria. So far it was considered a free-on-board market,” Gliatis was quoted to have added.

The deal follows on from the company’s first shipments of LNG on the same basis last year. TradeWinds reported in August that the move was “in line with its strategic vision to be a dynamic and reliable global energy supplier of choice”. Two gas shipments went to Japan and China.

The milestone was achieved

businesses remain competitive amid regional and global tariff hikes.

She said government was committed to expanding alternative market access opportunities and ensuring off-take diversification to reduce and mitigate trade risks.

According to her, Nigeria's exports to the U.S. consistently stand between $5 billion and $6 billion annually over the last two years.

Oduwole said a significant portion of exports was over 90 per cent, comprising crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas products.

The second-largest export category, accounting for about two and three per cent, respectively, includes fertilisers and urea, followed by lead, representing around one per cent of total exports – valued about $82 million.

Nigeria also exports smaller quantities of agricultural products, such as live plants, flour, and nuts, which account for less than two per cent of total exports to the U.S.

However, Oduwole said the development strengthened Nigeria's resolve to boost its non-oil exports by bolstering quality assurance, control, and traceability in Nigerian exports to meet global standards and improve market acceptance into more economies across the globe.

She said the development further signalled for Africa, and Nigeria, in particular, an urgent need to enhance intra-African trade through the African

the prosecution of all those whose hands are stained with the blood of our people. They will face the full wrath of the law,” Mutfwang stated.

He briefed the people on the ongoing efforts by government to address the insecurity in Bokkos and disclosed that new strategies were being introduced to guarantee the safety of farmers as the next planting season approached.

The governor said, in the statement, “I want to assure you that the lives lost in Bokkos will not be in vain. Some advised that we cancel this meeting due to the tragic circumstances, but after wide consultations with our leaders both at home and in the diaspora, we decided to forge ahead.

“We cannot let those behind these heinous acts think they have broken our spirit. Yes, we are mourning, but by the grace of God, we are not defeated.”

Reflecting on the broader implications of the violence, he stated, “Since the December 2023 attacks, we

Industrial Average and pan-European 600 index each confirmed they were in a correction. All three of the major U.S. stock indexes suffered their biggest weekly percentage losses since March 2020, and the Cboe Volatility Index jumped to 45.31, its highest closing level since April 2020.

Companies with exposure to China fell across the board, with Apple dropping 7.3 per cent . The chipmakers index sank 7.6 per cent . Bank and energy shares dropped amid the recession fears, the Reuters report said.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2,231.07 points, or 5.50 per cent, to 38,314.86. The index confirmed a correction, finishing more than 10 per cent below its record closing high from December 4.

The S&P 500 fell 322.44 points, or 5.97 per cent, to 5,074.08 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 962.82 points,

through the collaboration of NNPC LNG and NNPC Shipping. The first cargo was delivered on Knutsen OAS Shipping’s 174,000-cbm LNG carrier Grazyna Gesicka (built 2023) to Futtsu, Japan. Another vessel then went to China. NNPC has been involved in LNG trading since 2021.

The group has since said it is forming a joint venture with Stena Bulk in Sweden to own a fleet of tankers and gas carriers to serve West African markets. The two

Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This reinforced the case for the country's accelerated implementation of AfCFTA, deepening regional integration, and leveraging frameworks, like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), to lower trade costs and promote intra-African trade.

Oduwole said the ministry was "approaching the moment with pragmatism and purpose-turning global and regional trade policy challenges into opportunities to grow our non-oil export footprint and build a more resilient economy”.

Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, said recent tariff announcements would have substantial implications for global trade and economic growth.

In a statement, Okonjo-Iweala said while the situation was rapidly evolving, "Our initial estimates suggest that these measures, coupled with those introduced since the beginning of the year, could lead to an overall contraction of around one per cent in global merchandise trade volumes this year, representing a downward revision of nearly four percentage points from previous projections."

She said, "I'm deeply concerned about this decline and the potential for escalation into a tariff war with a cycle of retaliatory measures that lead to further declines in trade."

Nonetheless, Okonjo-Iweala pointed out, "It is important to remember that,

had begun reclaiming our identity as the Home of Peace and Tourism.

“For over a year, we recorded no major incident. But these attacks are clearly orchestrated, deliberate attempts to impoverish and intimidate our people at the start of every farming season.

“Let it be known, we will farm this year. No amount of intimidation will stop us. I appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and support from Nigerians across the country.

“I’ve had deep consultations with security chiefs and I want to assure the people of Plateau State that everything possible will be done to protect lives and property.”

The governor extended his appreciation to the president for his swift response and firm commitment to restoring peace in the state, especially for directing federal agencies to deliver relief materials to victims of the Bokkos attacks.

or 5.82 per cent, to 15,587.79.

The pan-European index closed 5.1 per cent lower, its biggest daily loss since the COVID-19-fuelled selloff in 2020. The index fell nearly 12 per cent from its March 3 all-time closing high, confirming it was in correction territory.

Also, Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), a gauge of stocks across the globe, fell 43.35 points, or 5.37 per cent, to 764.29, and was set for its biggest weekly percentage drop since 2020 at the weekend, Besides, oil prices plunged about 7 per cent to settle at their lowest in over three years, after the tariff response from China, the world's top oil importer. Brent crude futures fell 6.5 per cent to settle at $65.58. U.S. crude futures lost 7.4 per cent to settle at $61.99.

Federal Reserve Chair, Jerome Powell, said in remarks at a business

companies will form the venture with domestic oil and gas logistics firm Caverton Marine.

The operation is targeting a modern and efficient fleet, comprising new and existing tonnage depending on market factors and commercial opportunities in the region, the partners said.

The plan is likely to have arisen out of a suezmax charter deal agreed last year by NNPC Shipping and the Stena group.

despite these new measures, the vast majority of global trade still flows under the WTO's Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) terms.

"Our estimates now indicate that this share currently stands at 74 per cent, down from around 80 per cent at the beginning of the year. WTO members must stand together to safeguard these gains."

She added, "Trade measures of this magnitude have the potential to create significant trade diversion effects. I call on Members to manage the resulting pressures responsibly to prevent trade tensions from proliferating.

"The WTO was established to serve precisely in moments like this — as a platform for dialogue, to prevent trade conflicts from escalating, and to support an open and predictable trading environment.

"I encourage members to utilize this forum to engage constructively and seek cooperative solutions.”

Okonjo-Iweala said the WTO secretariat was closely monitoring and analysing the measures announced by the U.S. on April 2, 2025.

She said, "Many members have reached out to us and we are actively engaging with them in response to their questions about the potential impact on their economies and the global trading system."

In September 2024, Nigeria's total exports to the U.S. was $124.857 million, compared to $629.193 million in the

He confirmed that some masterminds of the attacks had already been apprehended and stressed that the era of arrest without prosecution was over.

“As your governor, I make this solemn promise: anyone involved in spilling the blood of a Plateau citizen will be pursued and brought to justice. None of them will go scot-free,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, ripples of the killings in Plateau State continued as more and more people and institutions condemned the development considered barbaric.

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory condemned the killings, while commiserating with the governor of Plateau State and the people of the state.

Describing it as “yet another senseless bloodshed,” CAN, in a statement by its northern chairman,

journalists' conference in Arlington, Virginia, that Trump's new tariffs are "larger than expected" and the economic fallout, including higher inflation and slower growth, likely will be as well.

He also said the U.S. central bank does not have a prediction of a downturn in its outlook but he recognised private-sector forecasters are shifting on that front.

Earlier, investment bank JP Morgan said it was forecasting a 60 per cent chance of the global economy entering a recession by year-end, up from 40 per cent previously.

"I think (Powell's) comments will be disappointing for those who believe that the Fed is going to step in anytime soon," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities in New York.

The U.S. dollar recovered against the euro and yen, with Powell signalling

preceding month.

Essentially, exports from Nigeria to the U.S. increased at an annualised rate of 1.59 per cent over the past five years, from $5.81 billion in 2018, to $6.29 billion in 2023.

In Q2 of 2024, oil products accounted for 92.3 per cent of the country's exports to the U.S., while non-oil exports made up about eight per cent.

Nigeria's main exports to the U.S. included crude petroleum, petroleum gas, and nitrogenous fertilisers, with a total value of $6.29 billion in 2023, an increase of 1.59 per cent annually over the past five years.

Crude petroleum remained the largest export category, accounting for $4.73 billion in 2023. Petroleum gas was valued at $920 million in 2023, while nitrogenous fertilisers, another notable export, was valued at $167 million in 2023. Agricultural products exported to the U.S. include cocoa, cashew nuts, and animal feed.

Others are coffee, tea, mate and spices, rubbers, raw hides and skins, cereal, flour, starch, milk preparations and products.

Ghanaian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Ablakwa, called for tumbling down of the artificial barriers impeding trading among West African countries.

Speaking in Abuja at the weekend during a visit to River Park Estate,

Rev. Joseph John Hayab, expressed concern over “a disturbing and recurring culture of violence that continues to claim innocent lives across Northern Nigeria.”

The association said it was completely unacceptable, barbaric and tragic, an attack that left at least 52 people dead.

According to the Northern CAN, “We condemn in totality this strange and evil culture of taking human lives. Hiding under religion, ethnicity, or any guise to unleash terror on communities is unacceptable.

“Our societal value for human life has dangerously eroded, and this must not be allowed to continue.”

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Arewa Youths Conservative Forum (AYCF) also condemned the killings. In a statement in Kaduna, the two groups expressed sadness over the

a cautious tone on future easing. The dollar index was last up 0.7 per cent on Friday after its biggest fall since November 2022 on Thursday. After years of huge flows into U.S. stocks and a booming American economy, investors are grappling with where to put their cash. That helped drive a powerful rush towards government bond markets.

The yield on the benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury note fell 12.2 basis points to 3.933 per cent after falling to a six-month low of 3.86%. Yields move inversely to prices. The German 10-year bond yield , the benchmark for the euro zone bloc, fell as much as 17 basis points during the day.

Money market futures were pricing in cumulative rate cuts of 110 basis points from the Fed by the end of this year, compared with about 75 bps a week earlier.

NNPC GMD, Ojulari

CORONATION OF ALAAFIN OF OYO...

The federal government said yesterday that Nigeria is set to receive the first batch of over 3.2 million electricity meters procured to bridge the over 7 million units metering gap in the country.

A statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special

Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said 75,000 meters under the International Competitive Bid 1 are expected by April 2025, followed by the second batch of 200,000 meters in May 2025.

“While challenges persist, the facts tell a more balanced story – one of

sustained effort, financial commitment, and structured implementation plans by the Federal Government of Nigeria to close the metering gap”, according to Tunji.

“Despite claims of stagnation, metering installations have been progressing steadily. As of December 2024, a total of 5,502,460 customers

had been metered, representing about 55 per cent of the 10,114,060 active electricity customers in Nigeria.

“In 2024 alone, 572,050 meters were installed. While the government acknowledges the existing metering gap, it is actively working to close it as quickly as possible. However, the fact remains that a sizable portion of

Shettima: Tinubu's Bold Vision Will Transform Nigeria into Vibrant, Prosperous Nation

Big Win Philanthropy lauds VP's role in combating malnutrition Promises to create 2m jobs in Nigeria

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has given an assurance that President Bola Tinubu's bold vision and pragmatic leadership will transform Nigeria into a better and more vibrant country in no distant future.

According to him, the projection is based on the robust investments by the Renewed Hope administration in healthcare, education and other critical sectors of the economy.

Shettima stated this at the weekend when he received in audience a delegation from Big Win Philanthropy, led by its CEO, Jamie Cooper, at the State House in Abuja.

game-changer. With education, within a generation, the son of a pauper can become a celebrated icon," he stated.

The vice president welcomed Big Win Philanthropy's pledge to work with the Tinubu administration, saying government was ready to explore how the Foundation's "wealth of experience intersects with President Tinubu's Bold vision - our Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that the Nutrition 774 Initiative – a grassroots-driven programme designed to institutionalise nutrition at the local government level - is a multisector initiative that will drive the process of reversing Nigeria’s negative health indicators.

Philanthropy because you have the deep knowledge, the institutional memory, the goodwill and the context for a partnership.

“We were at the World Economic Forum (WEF), and I told the world that I don’t believe in handouts but partnerships. We are looking for real partnerships that together, will be a win-win for the whole world.

"Honestly, Nigeria is not a nation of scarcity; we are a nation defined by potential, blessed with abundant natural resources but our greatest wealth lies in our people, young, dynamic and determined.

Earlier, CEO of Big Win Philanthropy, Cooper, said they were at the Presidential Villa to discuss with the Vice President, acknowledging his role in nutrition, combating stunting and emphasizing the need for collaboration.

"We are working with Ministers of Education, Culture and Creative Economy, and Health, among others, to create over two million jobs in Nigeria; we are also working on malnutrition, local production of vaccines and drugs," Cooper stated.

active electricity users already have meters, countering the exaggerated portrayal of an industry in crisis,” Adelabu stated.

According to the statement, though installation rates have varied over the years, the sector has maintained a yearly average of about 668,000 meters installation annually.

Additionally, Adelabu stated that structured financing and government-backed initiatives are expected to accelerate deployment beyond the current pace, ensuring that the metering gap is addressed efficiently.

“To bridge this gap, the government has put in place key initiatives aimed at significantly improving metering across the country. The Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) is set to deliver 3,205,101 meters by 2026.

“This will be achieved through different procurement models, including 1,437,501 meters through International Competitive Bid 1 (ICB1), 217,600 meters through National Competitive Bid (NCB), and 1,550,000 meters through International Competitive Bid 2 (ICB2).

“As part of this plan, the first batch of 75,000 meters under ICB1 is expected by April 2025, followed by the second batch of 200,000 meters in May 2025.

“In addition to the DISREP, the

N700 billion Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) is another key intervention designed to accelerate metering. The initiative, which has already secured N700 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), is structured to ensure large-scale meter procurement and deployment,” the minister added. According to him, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been established to oversee the implementation of the initiative, with the government setting a target of deploying 2 million meters annually for five years, with the tender for the first batch of 2 million meters expected to be released by the third quarter of 2025.

These structured interventions, the minister explained, provide a clear roadmap for addressing the metering gap in an effective and sustainable manner.

The statement reveals further that while the metering gap remains a concern, the notion that it will take over a decade to resolve is misleading.

“With the ongoing DISREP and PMI initiatives, Nigeria’s metering landscape is set to experience significant improvement before the end of the year. The focus should be on the execution of these well-structured plans rather than a blanket critique that overlooks the real progress being made,” the minister added.

"In a couple of years to come, I am projecting a vibrant and better Nigerian society. We are investing in healthcare and education - it is a

On his part, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the visit by the delegation as thoughtful, saying it is a mark of confidence in the direction of the country led by President Tinubu, supported by Vice President Shettima and other members of the team. FG: 75,000 of 3.2m Electricity Meters for Delivery in April, 200,000 Units in May

“I can assure you that Africa is rising, we are embracing change all over the continent and for Nigeria, we are open for business. We are ready for fruitful engagements with Big Win

“I believe in the calibre of people we have at the helm of affairs, starting with my boss, President Bola Tinubu, who is supremely competent and a highly intelligent human being," the VP added.

Adeleke to Attend Investment Summit and Commonwealth Trade & Investment Forum in London

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is scheduled to attend a series of high-level investment engagements in London this week, including the prestigious Commonwealth Business Forum and other targeted investment summits.

In a global climate where developed economies are actively seeking new investment frontiers, Governor Adeleke will also hold strategic meetings with key stakeholders, including the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, to attract capital and partnerships into Osun’s priority

sectors.

As part of his official itinerary, the governor will visit the British Museum to explore potential areas of collaboration in the creative and cultural sectors an effort to further harness and export Osun’s rich heritage, arts, and creative talents.

During his various engagements, the governor is expected to spotlight Osun State’s reformed investment climate, emphasizing: Reduction in infrastructure deficits; Harmonization of the tax system; Enhanced security for lives and property; 45-day window for the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for business-related land use

Since November 2022, Osun State has hosted over 100 potential investors, with more than half of those interests translating into active projects across key economic sectors. Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has appealed to traditional rulers across the state to foster peace and refrain from actions that could trigger discord or public confrontations.

His words: “Our royal fathers are the age-long custodians of peace and unity in their towns and villages. They are symbols of harmony and serve as grassroots mediators,” Governor Adeleke stated.

“Whenever we are faced with governance challenges, we often turn to our royal fathers for guidance and intervention. The State Council of Traditional Rulers recently hosted me for discussions on critical state matters. That council is too vital to allow internal disputes spill into the public domain.

“We cannot afford a situation where royal fathers are seen openly fighting one another. Left unchecked, such conduct may fuel communal tension. I urge our revered monarchs to be mindful of their public utterances in the interest of unity and peaceful coexistence across the state.”

Medical, Dental Consultants Link ‘Rumblings’ in DUFUTH to Unhealthy Rivalry, Proffer Lasting Solutions

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Medical and dental consultants have called on the Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Ministry of Health to step in without further delay to delineate the functions of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) and David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH).

The consultants, under the aegis of Old Ohaozara Medical and Dental Consultants Forum, made the call following the crisis at DUFUTH, which they linked to unhealthy rivalry between the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Jesse Uneke, and Chief Medical Director (CMD) of DUFUTH, Professor Uzoma Maryrose Agwu.

The consultants drawn from Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo local government areas (that make up old Ohaozara), with membership

strength of over 50, stated their stance in a statement signed by the president and secretary of the forum, Dr. Kenneth Okoro, and Dr. Mcsteve Okeke, respectively.

The forum traced the root cause of the "rumblings" at DUFUTH to the unhealthy rivalry between the leaderships of the two federal institutions that share the same premises in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.

"As indigenes of Old Ohaozara Division and professional stakeholders in DUFUTH, we are worried by the potential negative impact of the unease at the hospital on service delivery, medical education and research," the statement said.

DUFUTH was in the last few weeks rocked by hostilities from the host community, which manifested in protests that caused disruptions in clinical and academic activities.

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

L-R: Newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, HRH Oba Akeem Owoade; with Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse iii; at Alaafin's coronation yesterday in Oyo

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun (L), and the Group Chairman and CEO of Lee Engineering Group and Allied Companies Limited, Chief (Dr.) Leemon Ikpea, during the minister’s visit/tour of Lee Engineering’s operational base and fabrication yard in Warri, Delta State… recently

Umahi Inspects Third Mainland, Eko, Carter Bridges, Warns Against Illegal Dredging

Says

Lagos-Calabar highway game changer for Nigeria Urges Sanwo-Olu to shut down some waterways to reduce risk to passengers

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the weekend inspected the substructure of the Third Mainland, Eko, Carter, and Independence Bridges to assess the structural integrity of the facilities as well as appraise the progress of work.

In a briefing after the inspection visit to the four bridges at the weekend, the minister expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of underwater works done on the 3rd Mainland bridge and Carter bridge handled by Julius Berger Plc as well as Eko bridge and Independence bridge handled by Buildwell Nig Ltd.

He commended the contractors for the milestone completion recorded by them, but frowned on the continued tampering of the underwater piers and pile caps of the bridges by people despite warnings.

Umahi made particular reference to the most recent case of a ship that capsized at the Eko bridge waterway, hit and destroyed the underwater pier and pile cap of the bridge, thereby causing a big threat to the structure of the bridge.

He also made mention of unlawful dredging going on in the waterways of 3rd Mainland bridge where the dredger destroyed the pile cap of the bridge.

"We have inspected the 3rd Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge handled by Julius Berger to know what is happening below the deck, and we are satisfied with the work they're doing. I can say that the work on the 3rd Mainland Bridge is about 50 per cent completed, and that of Carter Bridge is about 70 per cent completed.

“We didn't visit Iddo Bridge because

AFDEIC Conference to Discuss Role of AI in Africa’s $180bn Digital Economy

The African Digital Economy and Inclusivity Conference (AFDEIC) 2025 is set to hold in Abuja, from August 12 to 14, with speakers lined up to discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing Africa's $180 billion digital economy.

The event is expected to bring together government officials, policymakers, business leaders, tech innovators, academics, and development partners to discuss the growth of Africa’s digital economy.

Themed, “AI and Africa’s Digital Economy: Leaving No One Behind,” the conference will focus on financial inclusion, digital infrastructure expansion, AI adoption, data governance, and cybersecurity.

The organisers, in a statement, said discussions would explore strategies to bridge Africa’s digital divide, strengthen Fintech ecosystems, and drive broadband expansion amid the projection that the digital economy will contribute $180 billion to Africa's GDP by 2025 and exceed $712 billion by 2050.

AFDEIC said the pan-African digital economy conference was not just a dialogue but a gathering where stakeholders will develop actionable solutions that address Africa’s digital challenges and unlock the continent's potential for socio-economic achievement through inclusive policies, ensuring that no one is left behind in

digital transformation.

Commenting on the conference, Team Lead, AFDIEC Organising Committee, Adedayo Oketola, said, "Despite rapid Fintech, e-commerce, and AI-driven advancements, Africa still faces significant digital infrastructure gaps. Many rural Africans lack internet access, with millions still unable to benefit from digital financial services and e-learning platforms. This disparity hinders the equitable distribution of opportunities associated with the digital economy and draws attention to the urgency for targeted interventions.

"AFDEIC 2025 would be a defining moment for Africa’s digital economy, offering stakeholders an opportunity to engage with policymakers, explore AI’s role in economic inclusion, and forge strategic partnerships that could drive investments in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and Fintech."

Marketing Lead at AFDEIC, Adetoun Tade, said the government, private sector leaders, development organisations, and investors had been invited to participate as partners, exhibitors, and sponsors.

According to her, "The African digital landscape is evolving rapidly, with AI, mobile payments, and block-chain technology reshaping industries, from banking to healthcare. AFDEIC is where to stay ahead of digital trends that will define Africa’s economic future."

it's small work, and it's not as dangerous as what is happening under the deck of Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. Part of Julius Berger's work is to reinstate the deflected slab in the 3rd Mainland bridge.

“We don't have deflection on Carter bridge and this is the reason why we closed the 3rd Mainland bridge against big trucks, and so they (contractors) are insisting that they have a new design to tackle that because it's a very delicate work and they want our designers to go with them to Germany and look at the new design and then give approval, and so I've approved for that to happen, " he stated in a statement by his spokesman, Uchenna Orji.

While underscoring the importance of the underwater elements to the substructure of a bridge, the minister

compared the pile caps to the legs to human beings, noting that one full pile was removed during the recent accident.

He appealed to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to consider the need to shut down the waterways between the Carter bridge and Eko bridge because of the risk occasioned by the impact of the capsized facility to underwater elements.

"Let me appeal to the Governor of Lagos State to please enforce that the waterways between Carter Bridge and the Eko Bridge be closed because the dredger that hit the pile caps and the piles tumbled and they got sunk. So what is safe is for that section of the waterways to be closed down.

“And so I'm alerting all the authorities of the Navy, the Lagos

State government, they have always been very proactive. This section of the waterway needs to be closed down immediately.

“At the Third Mainland Bridge, we have installed a camera to observe what is going on top and also under the bridge. And so we're going to be looking at that for the bridges in Lagos even though it's quite a lot of cost,” the minister stressed.

The minister, who also visited the ongoing construction of Section I of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project by Hitech Construction Company Ltd, said he was full of joy for the quality and level of work the contractor has attained.

He said the president's decision to invest in infrastructure at a time of economic challenges, shows his practical political will to transform limitations

to possibilities, highlighting the investment and tourism opportunities that would be generated upon the completion of sections of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He urged Nigerians to keep faith with the vision underpinning the Renewed Hope agenda on road development, noting that where an individual's land is affected by the ongoing road infrastructure revolution, it is for the overriding public interest. He described as ‘misleading and fictitious’ the claim by one Mrs Ifeoma that she invested over $215 million on her land on the right of way at Chainage 18 of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and urged Nigerians to visit the location and see that no single structure was built there, except a gate which has been removed to give way for construction work.

In Line with ICAO Recommendation, FAAN Upgrades Security Infrastructure at Nation’s Airports

Chinedu Eze

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has upgraded security infrastructure at Nigeria’s airports, especially international airports, in line with Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPS), which are technical specifications adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

FAAN replaced most of the security equipment with modern, state-of-the-art alternatives at the most critical areas of the airports, and it trained Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel to effectively man the new equipment.

FAAN also took significant steps to finally remove the notorious table where some security operatives stayed at departures to physically search and allegedly extort passengers, by providing an alternative system, whereby security officials at the terminals could monitor passengers’ luggage through computer systems.

The new security equipment has the ability to single out all the prohibited items, including drugs, currencies, medicines and others, simultaneously, thus, making physical search of the luggage unnecessary, except those specially identified by the new system.

FAAN’s Director of Aviation

Security Services, (DASS), Afegbai Igbafe, spoke to some aviation writers who toured the terminal facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at the weekend.

Igbafe said FAAN had comprehensively replaced most of the security equipment at the strategic areas of the passenger and cargo service terminals and done away with the obsolete security machines in line with ICAO regulations and requests of some of the international airlines.

One of the new security equipment is the Orion 927DX machine, acquired by FAAN and installed at the entrance of the new international terminal of the Lagos airport.

The equipment has the capacity to exhibit images in the Classic 4-colour and the new proprietary Spectrum 4-color (SP4) option, providing superior image, allowing improved security by quick and accurate identification of threats, and enhancing quick passenger facilitation.

The machines are also designed to detect a wide range of explosives and narcotics in real time during the scanning process, by marking a potential threat on the X-ray image.

Igbafe said by the time FAAN finished installing all the screening machines and the monitors, each security agency would have its own

monitors and the tables would be put away permanently.

Igbafe stated, "The tables you see will be a thing of the past, you will not see any table here. There will be no physical contact, because what we are also doing is that when we fix those monitors and the machines dictate unaccepted objects, the concerned officials will take the passenger and his or her baggage to designated areas for physical checks.

"The designated areas will also have CCTV cameras. This is to ensure the passengers are not being exploited.

When the machines dictate something, the Aviation Security (AVSEC) call the relevant agencies, such as National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Customs, Quarantine, amongst others to follow up."

He explained that FAAN was extending the machines to include six different monitors for the six security agencies present at the airport, so that officials could sit and monitor the bags on their screens.

"Custom will have their screen.

The Quarantine will have their screen and others will also have theirs. So, everybody will sit down while the bags go through the machines," he said.

Speaking on AVSEC's collaboration with the NDLEA in terms of drug investigation, Igbafe said, "Before

we bought the new machines, our machines were not detecting some drugs, but with the new machines, we will start to train some of the security agencies, like the NDLEA, the DSS, the immigration and the quarantine.”

Also speaking during the tour, Head of Department, ICT, at MMIA, Lagos, Chima Oge, said the new Orion 927DX machine had features that helped with identification of organic materials accurately and quickly either in range mode, which highlighted the areas based on range selected by the operator, or in interactive mode, which provided the operator the option to display the areas based on the value of the pixel.

Over the years, air travellers and industry stakeholders had expressed concerns that the table where security operatives, including NDLEA, Quarantine, Nigeria Customs Service officials conducted secondary checks after baggage had been screened by scanning machines only constituted delays and amounted to unnecessary multiple checks at the airport. Few years ago, the federal government in promotion of ease of doing business removed the search table, but the security operatives surreptitiously brought it back. FAAN decided to use technology to permanently do away with the table.

Chief Ikpea showing Minister Edun a dish head for high-pressure vessels being fabricated by Lee Engineering at its operational yard in Warri

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Emma Okonji

Edo Guber Case: Two More Hurdles to Go

After emerging victorious at Edo Governorship Petition Tribunal last Wednesday, Governor Monday Okpebholo may have to wait perhaps for the apex court to make a pronouncement on the electoral victory as his closest rival in the 2024 gubernatorial poll, Asue Ighodalo, has hinted of plan to appeal the judgement. Alex Enumah reports.

Indications that the legal battle for the governorship seat in Edo State, may go all the way to the apex court emerged last Wednesday’s night, following the disclosure by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2024 gubernatorial poll in the state, Mr Asue Ighodalo, to seek further redress of his grievances against the conduct of the September 21, 2024 governorship election, which produced Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Governor, at the Court of Appeal.A Few minutes after the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which sat in Abuja, affirmed his election as Governor of Edo State, Senator Okpebholo, after dedicating his victory to the Almighty God and the people of Edo State, extended an olive branch to his closest rival at last year’s governorship election, Mr Asue Ighodalo of the PDP. The governor in a release by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Fred Itua, while thanking the tribunal for its diligence and fairness, called on all citizens, including Ighodalo to join hands with him in the spirit of unity and work together for the progress of Edo State. “It is time to put aside partisan differences and focus on the common goal of building a better future for our state”, he said.

But, in his immediate reaction to the unanimous decision of the three-member tribunal led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the PDP governorship candidate who reiterated his confidence in the judiciary, announced that he will be appealing the verdict.

Ighodalo in a statement personally signed on Wednesday night, described the tribunal’s judgment as a travesty of justice.

“Today, the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has delivered its judgment in our petition challenging the outcome of the September 21st, 2024 Governorship election in our dear State. While we all may not agree with the verdict, we however remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must remain the bedrock of our democracy. Our pursuit of justice in this regard is an affirmation of our

firm belief that the right of the good people of Edo State to freely choose their leaders through a credible, free and fair electoral process must never be compromised.

“As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and I urge all of you, our dear good people of Edo State, to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding in the aftermath of this judgment. However, let it be clear: this is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate freely conferred on my running mate, Osarodion Ogie and I on the platform of our great Party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)”.

Ighodalo stressed that his action has never been about the realisation of a personal ambition but about the conviction to create a clear pathway to prosperity for all Edo people, while upholding the foundational values of democracy, justice, and the will of the people.

“I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision which we consider a huge travesty of justice. This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy, the preservation of our collective right

to freely determine our future, and the legacy we leave for generations unborn.

“We remain resolute. We remain committed. And we shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice”, he stated.

Ighodalo and the PDP are not the only one who seems dissatisfied with the verdict of the tribunal, as the United States mission in Nigeria, has called for the observance of transparency and due process in the Edo election appeal process, because such principles are vital for maintaining public trust in the democratic systems.

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, while reacting to the 2024 Edo and Ondo Governorship Election BIP Report in a statement posted on the US Mission Nigeria X handle (@ USinNigeria), disclosed that, “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is following the Edo election appeal process closely, particularly given civil society’s concerns about critical issues related to the election, such as ‘serious lapses in the collation process’ that were observed.

“The 2024 Edo and Ondo Governorship Election BIP Report, conducted by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), revealed significant discrepancies in the electoral process. According to the report, one of the key findings was the persistent mismatch in the number of registered voters across multiple polling units. While the report claimed that in Edo State, inconsistencies were found in 141 polling units, in Ondo State, the same issue was observed in 87

It’s just a matter of time for Nigerians to know if the verdict of the tribunal would stand or fall. According to the constitutional provisions, any dissatisfied party to the decision of an election tribunal has 14 days to file his case at the Court of Appeal, while the appellate court is bound to hear and determine the appeal within 60 days. The same goes for the apex court.

polling units. And the discrepancies were said to have extended to the final collation centres, where the total number of registered voters recorded differed significantly from INEC’s pre-election figures.

A civil society group under the aegis of Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa, has, however, faulted the position of the US mission in Nigeria on the Edo tribunal, pointed out that the mission has no role to play in Nigeria’s judiciary or even in the country’s local politics. Country Director of the coalition, Mr. John Mayaki, whike commending journalists for their unbiased reportage of the tribunal’s proceedings, called for the protection of the country’s institutions, adding that the Edo governorship tribunal adjudicated to its best ability on what was presented before it.

While describing as “shocking” the statement by the US that “they are watching the appeal closely”, Mayaki stressed that “there should be a limit to everything” and advised the PDP not to be “carried away with what the international community says about our local politics because they are not the judiciary”. According to the country director, the tribunal was right in arriving at its decision that the petitioners did not call competent witnesses to substantiate their allegations and even dumped exhibits before the court.

“We should try to protect our own institutions because if we destroy them at some point we would come back and be needing them......I trust that being a sovereign nation we are not a vassal state to the US and Edo State is not a colony of Washington or the US”, Mayaki stated, adding that the country and the judiciary would always do what is right.

While he acknowledged that it is within the rights of Ighodalo to go on appeal against the judgment of the tribunal, Mayaki appealed that they should rather join hands with the governor to move the state forward.

Okpebholo

Ighodalo

Feeding the Future: How NASENI’s Irrigation Revolution Aims to End Nigeria’s Food Crisis

As Nigeria grapples with rising hunger, food insecurity, and the impacts of climate change, a bold new initiative is setting the stage for an agricultural transformation. The Irrigate Nigeria Project (INP), launched by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in partnership with the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), is designed to deliver a groundbreaking shift from rain-dependent farming to smart, irrigated, year-round agriculture. With the potential to cultivate one million hectares, empower millions of farmers, and stabilise food prices, the project signals a critical step toward securing Nigeria’s food future and revitalising its rural economy, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi reports

In a decisive move to address Nigeria’s mounting food insecurity crisis, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), has launched the Irrigate Nigeria Project (INP) — an ambitious initiative set to redefine the landscape of dry-season agriculture in the country.

Unveiled at the TIAMIN Rice Farm in Udubo, Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, the project is desig ned to facilitate year-round farming through the deployment of modern irrigation technologies, enabling three harvests annually, as opposed to the traditional single-season approach. It marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable agricultural productivity, economic growth, and climate resilience.

Confronting the Hunger Crisis

Food insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. Conflict, poverty, inflation, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change have all contributed to widespread hunger and malnutrition, particularly in the North-East, where over 4.4 million people are food insecure — with 3 million in Borno State alone.

Nigeria possesses 3.14 million hectares of irrigation potential, yet fewer than 200,000 hectares are currently cultivated using irrigation systems. This heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture has rendered the nation vulnerable to erratic weather patterns and unpredictable harvests.

Speaking at the launch, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, emphasised the transformative nature of the initiative.

According to him, “the goal of Irrigate Nigeria is to transform Nigeria’s agriculture through the provision of sustainable irrigation systems that empower farmers to achieve year-round farming, and by extension, increased productivity and reduced food prices”.

He further explained that the project is aimed at tackling food scarcity by “providing farmers with modern irrigation techniques and modern equipment to dry-season farming”. A Technological Shift

to support farming clusters; Provision of inputs including improved seeds and fertilisers; Technical support for farmers; and commercially viable model that ensures long-term sustainability.

“To get to where we are today – the launch of this pilot phase, taking place on 10,000 hectares of farmland – a lot of work has taken place, bringing together various partners and stakeholders, who deserve immense gratitude,” he stated.

He reassured farmers that the repayment model would not be burdensome: “Irrigate Nigeria will be run on a commercial basis, but with every care taken to ensure that this does not burden the participating farmers unnecessarily. To this end, the repayments by farmers for the support being provided will be in the form of convenient portions of their harvests, like rice paddy.”

These repayments will contribute to a strategic food reserve that will not only stabilise prices but also be available for institutional sales and export.

“Irrigate Nigeria Project will ensure that Nigeria’s farmers are able to farm throughout the year, regardless of the availability of rains. Irrigate Nigeria will empower Nigeria’s farmers and rural economies. By increasing the quantity and quality of harvests, farmers and farming communities will see increased incomes.”

He added: “Nigerian consumers will benefit through reduced prices that will result from increased availability of food.

Upon achievement of domestic sufficiency, Nigeria will be able to increase export volumes and earn much-needed foreign exchange that will support macroeconomic stability.”

“For us at NASENI, this is a perfect opportunity for us to put our technology and innovation to work for the benefit of the people of Nigeria, in line with our 3Cs Operating Principles of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialisation.”

Beyond Government Funding

Also speaking, Dr Dahiru Muhammad, Chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, decried Nigeria’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture

despite the sector employing over 70% of the national workforce.

He said: “The Irrigate Nigeria Project is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity through modern irrigation technologies”, and explained that while Nigeria has an irrigation potential of 3.14 million hectares, only about 200,000 hectares are currently under cultivation using irrigation.

A flagship under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, INP powered by NASENI will unlock Nigeria’s vast irrigation potential 70 per cent of which lies in the North by developing 1,000,000 hectares of irrigated land. Through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, it will attract investment, deploy smart irrigation technologies, and provide market-driven technical support,” he stated.

He added that the project will train farmers in advanced farming techniques, water conservation, and agribusiness development, ensuring long-term sustainability.

“The Irrigate Nigeria Project differentiates itself by adopting a PPP model, merging public resources with private-sector expertise, investment, and technological advancement,” Muhammad noted.

“Unlike previous irrigation programs that relied solely on government funding and were hindered by inefficiencies, INP ensures long-term financial sustainability and operational effectiveness through risk-sharing mechanisms. It integrates smart irrigation technologies, such as solar-powered water pumps and automated irrigation systems, to enhance efficiency and reduce water wastage.”

Multi-Stakeholder Model

The implementation will involve contributions from state governments, private sector partners, foreign technical collaborators, international development agencies, and local farming communities.

While states will facilitate land allocation and approvals, the private sector will introduce modern irrigation infrastructure, provide farm inputs and technical services, and develop market linkages for produce aggregation and export.

Bauchi at the Forefront Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, expressed his administration’s full support for the project.

He reiterated his commitment to unlocking the state’s vast agricultural potential through modern techniques and year-round irrigation.

“Our determination is to continue to support innovations that will enhance growth and development of the state in all ramifications,” he said. The governor confirmed that 50,000 hectares of land in Toro Local Government Area have already been allocated for agricultural activities under this vision.

“This initiative directly addresses the nation’s ongoing food scarcity challenges by equipping farmers with modern irrigation techniques and dry-season farming equipment,” he said, commending NASENI and RHIDF for leading the charge.

Renewed Hope for Agriculture

Representing the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Chairman of RHIDF, Zaccheus Adedeji, a senior official described the initiative as part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The project is aimed at unbundling the agricultural subsector of the country for youths and women empowerment through all seasons agriculture activities,” he stated. Looking ahead, the Irrigate Nigeria Project is projected to create five million jobs in five years, lift rural populations out of poverty, and integrate farmers into the formal economy — boosting financial inclusion and attracting agribusiness investment.

By leveraging smart irrigation systems, it will reduce water wastage, lower costs, and increase crop yields — all while fostering community-driven agriculture, curbing youth restiveness, and stemming urban migration.

But the ultimate success of the project lies in collective ownership and action. “Every stakeholder — government agencies, private sector partners, development organisations, and, most importantly, hardworking farmers — has a role to play in ensuring this project delivers real, lasting impact.”

Halilu

L-R: Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu ; Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu; and the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on NASENI, Hon. Abdul Malik Zubairu Bungudu, at the official launching of the Irrigate Nigeria Project in Gamawa Local Government Area, Bauchi State, recently

POLITY

Uromi: Cause, Effect and Misdirected Outrage

Calixthus Okoruwa

Iwill not watch the videos of the events that took place in Uromi, in which travelers were lynched on the suspicion of being terrorists and kidnappers. The reports emanating from the media are gruesome enough. The incident dehumanizes us all as Nigerians and is yet another commentary on our country’s rapid descent to the barbaric. It is sad. My unqualified sympathies go to the victims of this mob justice and the sundry other victims of mob justice all over our country. It is fitting that the entire country has been united in its condemnation of mob justice. Mob lynchings of fellow citizens ought to belong in ancient history.

Incidentally, as usual, the government whose duplicity and ineptitude have led to this pathetic state of affairs in Nigeria, has been busy in their well-oiled machination to deflect blame for the development. Vigilante groups have been quickly disbanded. Police commissioners have been redeployed. And there have been well-commended visits by the Edo State Governor to his Kano counterpart as well as bereaved families with promises of compensation.

The Uromi incident, however, ought to help redirect our attention as a country to the sundry contradictions that collectively act as the “cause” of the growing epidemic of insecurity in our country (the “effect”). It is to these contradictions, these deliberate failings by government that Nigeria ought to target its most vociferous outrage.

One of the most glaring contradictions is that the biggest perpetrators of terrorism and kidnappings in Nigeria are known and reachable. In 2022, at least two media organizations, the BBC (“the bandit warlords of Zamfara”) and Daily Trust (“Nigeria’s banditry, the inside story) conducted discrete investigations into banditry in northern Nigeria. In the course of these investigations, they conducted one-on-one interviews with terrorist leaders. Yes, journalists

were able to track and engage the leadership of various terrorist gangs holding huge swathes of Nigeria to ransom. The face-saving reaction of the Federal Government at the time, was to impose a fine of N5million on the BBC and Daily Trust, respectively.

In a more recent incident, the Kaduna State Government announced a peace deal with dozens of known terrorists. In so doing, terrorists whose scope of operations and escapades including killings and kidnappings are well-known and documented were fished out and invited to a round-table. Some of the terrorists at the “peace meeting”, which was also graced by the military and the security forces, were armed.

The Kaduna State “peace deal” with terrorists follows in the footsteps of similar dalliances between government and terrorists over the years. A particularly instructive deal is one that Nigerians appear to have forgotten. On February 18, 2018, terrorists abducted over 100 school girls from their school in Dapchi, a town in Yobe State. Five girls lost their lives to the emotional and physical trauma of that event. By March 21 of the same year, all the abducted girls with the exception of one, Leah Sharibu, were released to the Federal Government. What could have been responsible for the sudden change of heart of the terrorists? Compassion for the kidnapped girls? A generous ransom by the government? We will never know, but what is clear is that the government via some formal or informal channels negotiated the release of the girls with the terrorists. The same terrorists it repeatedly claims it is fighting and bombing and “decimating”.

According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s kidnapping industry helped to amass well over N2 trillion for its perpetrators between May 2023 and April 2024. A huge proportion of such monies apparently goes into the purchase of the sophisticated arms which these bandits bear and

with which they often unabashedly raze entire villages to the ground. Worse still, released victims of kidnappings often lament that these terrorists are better armed than the military who are saddled with the task of neutralizing and eliminating them. Banditry documentaries so far aired indicate that security agencies often delay in responding to attacks by these terrorists on communities, ostensibly on account of the superior fire power of the terrorists.

No media house has yet produced an investigative documentary on the state of the Nigerian military, including how well-equipped and -motivated its operatives are. However, the circumstantial evidence of the occasional videos made by a handful of soldiers on the battlefront who lament their lack of equipment, poor motivation and lack of support by the military high command for hospitalized colleagues coupled with the apparent hesitancy of security forces to respond to distress calls in villages under attack by terrorists, strongly suggests that the Nigerian military and security forces are morbidly under-resourced and ill-prepared to tackle the monstrosity of terrorism.

But Nigeria has in the last 15 years since the gradual incursion of terrorism into our polity budgeted the equivalent of billions of dollars annually towards defence and security. Where has all the money gone? Has defence spending ever been audited and by whom? Have the heads of the several defence agencies ever been requested to account for defence spending over the last decade and half?

So clearly, government chicanery and incompetence in tracking and eliminating terrorists and bandits from the polity is worsened by corruption. Going by the operating manual in the Nigerian public sector, it is reasonable to infer that only a small fraction of the annual budgetary provisions for defence and security may have actually been deployed to defence and security since 2009.

Amidst the incompetence, corruption and insincerity of government, therefore, citizens across the country

have over the years been left no choice but to take over community policing and security, by forming vigilante groups among others. But community policing is a specialized role. It is a role that is meant for trained professionals within a system that ought to be properly overseen by unbiased operatives and reasonably well-funded. It is a role for the police and security forces, not groups of untrained operatives called “vigilantes”, formed out of desperation by citizens. Little wonder, therefore, that vigilante policing despite pockets of successes has often created bigger societal challenges. It is the selfish and hypocritical dithering by politicians towards eliminating terrorism that has fueled the expansion and increasing brazenness of the terrorists. If they strike nocturnal deals with the presidency and attend “peace meetings” with governors decked in their fake military fatigues while brandishing military grade rifles, why should they spare a thought for the victims they beat up, rob, extort, rape and decapitate? Or those whose homes they raze to the ground? Why should they bother when they invade farms, uproot tubers and feed them to their herds? It is most heart-rending that the same politicians who are fully conversant with the genocidal inclinations of these kidnappers and terrorists and know how and where to reach them, continue to deceive Nigerians; enabling the specter of insecurity to fester nationwide.

The Uromi incident ought to mark a turning point for our country in the protracted and badly prosecuted war against terrorism. Why are our politicians, like the Roman Emperor Nero, fiddling while the country burns? Why is Nigerian politics so laden with corruption, incompetence and deceit? How many more Nigerians need to die needlessly before Nigeria decides to call its politicians to order?

•Okoruwa works for the communications company, XLR8

Alausa: A Disruptor in Education

Nigeria’s education system has been trapped in a cycle of stagnation for decades, failing to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. The symptoms of this failure are everywhere: high youth unemployment, a growing mismatch between education and labour market demands, and an over-reliance on theoretical learning with little emphasis on practical application. Despite numerous policies and interventions, the fundamental problems have persisted, mainly due to a lack of political will and execution capacity. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate stood at 42.5% in 2023, a stark indication of the education sector’s failure to align with economic realities. This long-standing crisis has made it clear that Nigeria requires a fundamental shift in its approach to education—a shift that Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, is now driving.

Dr Alausa is proving to be a disruptor in a sector long resistant to change. With bold initiatives, datadriven policies, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, he is redefining the future of Nigerian education under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He has brought a fresh and pragmatic approach, implementing solutions addressing deep-rooted systemic issues rather than merely offering superficial reforms.

The most glaring issue facing Nigeria’s education sector is the learning poverty crisis, a situation of utmost urgency. According to alarming statistics from the World Bank, 45 million Nigerians are ‘learning poor,’ unable to read age-appropriate texts. Nigeria has the second-highest number of out-of-school children worldwide, estimated at over 20 million, with the highest concentrations in northern states such as Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. This is not just an educational failure but a national emergency with dire implications for Nigeria’s economic and social stability. A poorly educated population translates into reduced productivity, limited innovation, and a growing dependence on external aid.

Alausa understands that merely increasing enrollment is not enough. To combat learning poverty, he has introduced a three-pillar strategy. The first pillar focuses on equitable access to basic education, ensuring that marginalised children, especially those in rural areas, are brought into the formal education system. The second pillar is improved learning outcomes, which shift focus from rote memorisation to foundational literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills. The third pillar emphasises stronger governance by strengthening school oversight through School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), which a Nigerian consultancy

is training in partnership with international education NGOs. These strategic actions form a holistic approach that seeks to make education accessible and impactful, empowering students with the skills they need to succeed in life and live meaningful and productive lives.

One of the most striking deficiencies of Nigeria’s education system is its neglect of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This has created a paradox in which industries lack skilled labour while millions of youths remain unemployed. The disconnect between the education system and labour market needs has contributed to economic stagnation, as many graduates cannot secure jobs due to a lack of practical skills. According to a report by the International Labour Organization, over 30% of Nigerian graduates are deemed unemployable due to skill gaps.

Alausa’s strategy to reverse this trend is both ambitious and pragmatic, offering a beacon of hope for the future of vocational education. He prioritises TVET expansion by implementing a performance monitoring framework to ensure the effectiveness of vocational training programmes. Additionally, he is revamping TVET curricula to align with industry needs, ensuring that graduates possess market-relevant skills that enhance employability. Recognising the need for practical experience, the government is creating hands-on training opportunities in high-

demand fields such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion and maintenance, solar energy technology, electric vehicle assembly and maintenance, and mechanised farming and livestock production.

To encourage participation in TVET programmes, the government offers stipends, accommodation, and entrepreneurial grants for TVET students. These incentives aim to change the perception of technical education, positioning it as a viable and respected career pathway rather than a last resort for those unable to pursue traditional university education.

According to a statement by Alausa, “We are not just reforming technical education; we are creating a value chain where graduates are immediately absorbed into the workforce.”

While Nigeria produces thousands of university graduates each year, the quality of education remains a pressing concern. Employers frequently complain about graduates’ poor employability, particularly in critical fields like healthcare, where the demand for skilled professionals far exceeds supply. The World Health Organization estimates Nigeria needs at least 200,000 additional doctors and nurses to meet its healthcare needs.

Recognising this, Alausa has identified medical sciences as a pilot sector for comprehensive reform. Key initiatives include quadrupling admissions into medical schools by 2027 to address the acute shortage of healthcare professionals, which is expected to expand Nigeria’s medical workforce significantly. Furthermore, 18 selected medical schools across six geopolitical zones are undergoing significant upgrades, with heavy investments in classrooms, laboratories, and student accommodations. Six world-class simulation labs are being constructed to provide students with hands-on training without compromising quality to enhance the quality of medical education. Additionally, nursing and community health training programmes are being expanded through new “Monotechnics” nationwide, ensuring the country produces a steady supply of healthcare workers.

One of the most revolutionary aspects of Alausa’s vision is his emphasis on data-driven governance. Nigeria’s education sector has historically suffered from a lack of accurate, real-time data, making it difficult to track progress or implement effective policies. The absence of reliable data has contributed to inefficiencies, misallocation of resources, and an inability to measure the true impact of education policies.

To address this, the Ministry of Education is developing the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI), a unified digital platform that will house data from primary to tertiary levels. This platform will enable better policy decisions by providing real-time tracking of school enrollments, learning outcomes, and infrastructure needs. Additionally, it will

improve resource allocation by ensuring that funds are directed where they are most needed. By integrating technology into education management, Alausa brings transparency, efficiency, and accountability to a system plagued by inefficiency, paving the way for a brighter future in education management. No meaningful educational reform can occur without significant investments in infrastructure. Recognising this, Alausa has prioritised renovating federal government colleges and tertiary institutions through increased funding and strategic collaborations. The focus areas include upgrading classrooms and laboratories to enhance the learning experience, expanding student accommodations to accommodate rising enrollments, and modernising faculty buildings to attract and retain high-quality educators. These infrastructure improvements ensure students learn in conducive environments, fostering academic excellence and practical skill development.

Alausa understands that federal and state governments must work together for these reforms to succeed. Historically, fragmented policies and poor coordination have hindered progress in education. To bridge this gap, the Ministry has engaged the Nigerian Governors Forum to ensure alignment between federal and state education policies, revived the State Commissioners of Education Forum to promote policy consistency nationwide, and fostered private-sector partnerships to drive innovation and sustainable funding. These efforts aim to create a unified and coherent approach to education reform, ensuring long-term sustainability and success.

Dr. Tunji Alausa’s bold, data-driven, and execution-focused approach is precisely what Nigeria’s education system needs. Unlike previous policymakers who shied away from politically sensitive reforms, he is fearlessly tackling the root causes of Nigeria’s education crisis. His emphasis on systemic change rather than quick fixes demonstrates a commitment to building an education system supporting Nigeria’s ambitions for economic growth and global competitiveness. By prioritising learning poverty reduction, TVET expansion, university quality improvement, digital transformation, and infrastructure upgrades, Alausa is laying the foundation for a future where Nigerian students are not just graduates but innovators, entrepreneurs, and global professionals. His reforms are not merely about improving statistics but transforming lives, creating opportunities, and positioning Nigeria as a leader in education and workforce development. This is more than just reform. This is an educational revolution that has the potential to redefine Nigeria’s future.

•Dr Jeff Ukachukwu is a public affairs analyst and communication consultant. You can reach him on jeffuka@gmail.com

Jeff Ukachukwu

Alausa

www.thisdaylive.com

ILLEGAL MINING: ENDING THE UNWHOLESOME PRACTICES

JOE EDET suggests measures to curb the scourge of illegal mining

opinion@thisdaylive.com

CALIXTHUS OKORUWA urges government to take its duty of securing the people more seriously

UROMI: CAUSE, EFFECT AND MISDIRECTED OUTRAGE

I will not watch the videos of the events that took place in Uromi, in which travelers were lynched on the suspicion of being terrorists and kidnappers. The reports emanating from the media are gruesome enough. The incident dehumanizes us all as Nigerians and is yet another commentary on our country’s rapid descent to the barbaric. It is sad. My unqualified sympathies go to the victims of this mob justice and the sundry other victims of mob justice all over our country.

It is fitting that the entire country has been united in its condemnation of mob justice. Mob lynchings of fellow citizens ought to belong in ancient history.

prepared to tackle the monstrosity of terrorism.

But Nigeria has in the last 15 years since the gradual incursion of terrorism into our polity budgeted the equivalent of billions of dollars annually towards defence and security. Where has all the money gone? Has defence spending ever been audited and by whom? Have the heads of the several defence agencies ever been requested to account for defence spending over the last decade and half?

NIGERIA AND THE FADING LIGHTS OF JUSTICE

Tales of leaked judicial decision in election disputes are growing, writes CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU

page 21 See page 21

Incidentally, as usual, the government whose duplicity and ineptitude have led to this pathetic state of affairs in Nigeria, has been busy in their well-oiled machination to deflect blame for the development. Vigilante groups have been quickly disbanded. Police commissioners have been redeployed. And there have been well-commended visits by the Edo State Governor to his Kano counterpart as well as bereaved families with promises of compensation.

The Uromi incident, however, ought to help redirect our attention as a country to the sundry contradictions that collectively act as the “cause” of the growing epidemic of insecurity in our country (the “effect”). It is to these contradictions, these deliberate failings by government that Nigeria ought to target its most vociferous outrage.

So clearly, government chicanery and incompetence in tracking and eliminating terrorists and bandits from the polity is worsened by corruption. Going by the operating manual in the Nigerian public sector, it is reasonable to infer that only a small fraction of the annual budgetary provisions for defence and security may have actually been deployed to defence and security since 2009.

EDITORIAL

AND THE DEBTS KEEP PILING UP...

One of the most glaring contradictions is that the biggest perpetrators of terrorism and kidnappings in Nigeria are known and reachable. In 2022, at least two media organizations, the BBC (“the bandit warlords of Zamfara”) and Daily Trust (“Nigeria’s banditry, the inside story) conducted discrete investigations into banditry in northern Nigeria. In the course of these investigations, they conducted one-on-one interviews with terrorist leaders. Yes, journalists were able to track and engage the leadership of various terrorist gangs holding huge swathes of Nigeria to ransom. The face-saving reaction of the federal government at the time, was to impose a fine of N5million on the BBC and Daily Trust, respectively.

100 school girls from their school in Dapchi, a town in Yobe State. Five girls lost their lives to the emotional and physical trauma of that event. By March 21 of the same year, all the abducted girls with the exception of one, Leah Sharibu, were released to the federal government. What could have been responsible for the sudden change of heart of the terrorists? Compassion for the kidnapped girls? A generous ransom by the government? We will never know, but what is clear is that the government via some formal or informal channels negotiated the release of the girls with the terrorists. The same terrorists it repeatedly claims it is fighting and bombing and “decimating”.

Amidst the incompetence, corruption and insincerity of government, therefore, citizens across the country have over the years been left no choice but to take over community policing and security, by forming vigilante groups among others. But community policing is a specialized role. It is a role that is meant for trained professionals within a system that ought to be properly overseen by unbiased operatives and reasonably well-funded. It is a role for the police and security forces, not groups of untrained operatives called “vigilantes”, formed out of desperation by citizens. Little wonder, therefore, that vigilante policing despite pockets of successes has often created bigger societal challenges.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s kidnapping industry helped to amass well over N2 trillion for its perpetrators between May 2023 and April 2024. A huge proportion of such monies apparently goes into the purchase of the sophisticated arms which these bandits bear and with which they often unabashedly raze entire villages to the ground. Worse still, released victims of kidnappings often lament that these terrorists are better armed than the military who are saddled with the task of neutralizing and eliminating them. Banditry documentaries so far aired indicate that security agencies often delay in responding to attacks by these terrorists on communities, ostensibly on account of the superior fire power of the terrorists.

In a more recent incident, the Kaduna State government announced a peace deal with dozens of known terrorists. In so doing, terrorists whose scope of operations and escapades including killings and kidnappings are well-known and documented were fished out and invited to a round-table. Some of the terrorists at the “peace meeting”, which was also graced by the military and the security forces, were armed.

It is the selfish and hypocritical dithering by politicians towards eliminating terrorism that has fueled the expansion and increasing brazenness of the terrorists. If they strike nocturnal deals with the presidency and attend “peace meetings” with governors decked in their fake military fatigues while brandishing military grade rifles, why should they spare a thought for the victims they beat up, rob, extort, rape and decapitate? Or those whose homes they raze to the ground? Why should they bother when they invade farms, uproot tubers and feed them to their herds? It is most heartrending that the same politicians who are fully conversant with the genocidal inclinations of these kidnappers and terrorists and know how and where to reach them, continue to deceive Nigerians; enabling the specter of insecurity to fester nationwide.

The Kaduna State “peace deal” with terrorists follows in the footsteps of similar dalliances between government and terrorists over the years. A particularly instructive deal is one that Nigerians appear to have forgotten. On February 18, 2018, terrorists abducted over

No media house has yet produced an investigative documentary on the state of the Nigerian military, including how well-equipped and -motivated its operatives are. However, the circumstantial evidence of the occasional videos made by a handful of soldiers on the battlefront who lament their lack of equipment, poor motivation and lack of support by the military high command for hospitalized colleagues coupled with the apparent hesitancy of security forces to respond to distress calls in villages under attack by terrorists, strongly suggests that the Nigerian military and security forces are morbidly under-resourced and ill-

The Uromi incident ought to mark a turning point for our country in the protracted and badly prosecuted war against terrorism. Why are our politicians, like the Roman Emperor Nero, fiddling while the country burns? Why is Nigerian politics so laden with corruption, incompetence and deceit? How many more Nigerians need to die needlessly before Nigeria decides to call its politicians to order?

Okoruwa works for the communications company, XLR8

JOE EDET suggests measures to curb the scourge of illegal mining

ILLEGAL MINING: ENDING THE UNWHOLESOME PRACTICES

It is no secret that Nigeria is endowed with so many Mineral resources. There are about 44 different minerals spread across the nation. Cross River State alone has about 24 minerals namely Salt, limestone, coal, manganese, mica, ilmenite, gold, quartz, glasssand, tourmaline, petroleum, natural gas, kaolin, mica, clay, spring water, talc, granite, galena, cassiterite, goethite, uranium, barites. Sadly, though, it was reported in November 2015 by a Senator that Nigeria lost N8 Trillion in two years due to illegal mining and exportation of unprocessed gold. In developing countries like Nigeria, minerals are mostly extracted by artisanal, small scale and illegal miners. Their activities are hardly or never regulated by government agencies. It might be on the increase because it attracts energetic young people due to its lure and promise of quick money.

Though the activities of illegal mining might happen in just a matter of days or hours, their destructive effect can affect many generations through time. Some of the alarming effects of illegal mining include: Pollution from runoffs of mining activities can kill organisms. For example, when illegal miners use liquid mercury to extract gold without the proper technology used in the process, nor any protection for workers or the environment, it is hazardous in that when mercury is dumped into the environment, and dumped as effluents into fishing rivers, it finds its ways into the fish which is in turn consumed by humans. This causes Mercury poisoning which causes infertility, heart problems, and even death of the fish. Another form of poisoning is Cyanide poisoning. In 2010, one of the worst cases ever of lethal levels of lead poisoning was discovered in Zamfara State, when 43 villages showed lead poisoning effects. Over 400 children died from the scourge due to unsafe and illegal mining of gold in the state. Illegal sand and laterite mining has led to erosion, flooding and the consequent loss of property by residents in the State.

Illegal mining processes can also cause siltation which is the pollution of water by particulate terrestrial clastic material, with a particle size dominated by silt or clay. Siltation is most often caused by soil erosion or sediment spill.

The activities of illegal miners robbed the country of its wealth especially in the face of dwindling oil prices as they operate without recourse to cost and they pay no taxes or royalties or in some cases pay the incorrect values, since there is no proper regulation of their activities.

Environmental degradation is unavoidable as the illegal operators cause accumulation of chemicals and poisons, damage lands, especially arable ones, lead to the formation of gullies, cause deforestation, pollute water sources, delay the growth of the host communities and take away their sources of livelihood, especially as most people in Cross-River are farmers.

Illegal miners use explosives and do not remediate their mining sites, thereby leaving dangerous chemicals freely exposed to the environment. This is often in violation of S. 99 (2) of the Mining and Minerals Act, which prohibits the use of explosives in extracting sand, clay, laterite, etc.

Tin miners will often sink mine pits to exploit tin and will not close them after the operation.

Quarry companies rarely involve in reclamation which is the process of creating new land or returning disturbed lands to an improved state. In Canada, reclamation is defined as ‘the process of reconverting disturbed land to its former or other productive uses’. In Oceania, it is frequently referred to as land rehabilitation. Conflicts will often break out among communities or groups over ownership of the mined lands since the proper process of authorizing ownership of the land was not followed. Miners are often killed due to poor operational facilities and working conditions and little or no safety precautions for mining explo-

sives are observed.

Communities are deprived of the development that should accrue to them because artisanal miners do not operate based on laid down rules and legislation. The Minerals and Mining Act mandates a Community Development Agreement approved by the Mines Environmental Compliance Department but this is denied to the host communities.

Mining companies are supposed to provide jobs for Nigerians, especially under the Local Content Act, but the jobs are taken by foreigners and the local industries complying with the law and employing 100% Nigerians are faced with stiff competition. Illegal mining can cause unfair pricing advantages. Due to the often crude methods used by illegal miners, the minerals extracted are inefficiently exploited and processed. An Environmental Impact assessment is supposed to be done on the land and also mitigation plans put in place but these are never followed or adhered to by illegal miners.

Labor laws are usually disregarded and there are the vexed cases of child labour and women labour. There is a school of thought that small-scale mining activities should be encouraged by providing them with incentives, access to facilities and programs to encourage safe mining processes and effective remediation of the environment, and providing modern mining tools to reduce the pollution of the environment and hazards to their health and the environment.

Artisanal miners should come together to form cooperatives which can also have government supervision and backing. It will be easier for them to pursue their interests collectively and lobby the government to support them. A task force or mining police should be established to arrest persons engaged in illegal mining. This will also employ our teeming youths. The government should begin to make it clear to traditional and community leaders that they will be held responsible for allowing illegal mining activities to go on unreported or undisturbed. On the other hand, also, they can be trained to spot these activities and report them. Of note is the fact that S. 19, Minerals and Mining Act 2007, establishes the State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee whose function is to advise the Local Governments on the implementation of programs for environmental protection. The government can take steps to close down illegal mines, confiscate equipment, revoke the licenses of illegal miners and sanction them. It can increase physical and electronic security, create intelligence channels to be more informed on secret mining activities, and create a whistleblowing mechanism to enhance the flow of information. Collaborate with and train security and regulatory agencies, communities and businesses to identify and report illegal miners, perform impromptu raids and strengthen checkpoints.

Edet,

Vice Chancellor, Arthur Jarvis University, was formerly the Senior Special Adviser and Consultant on Mineral Resources to Cross River State

Tales of leaked judicial decision in election disputes are growing, writes

CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU

NIGERIA AND THE FADING LIGHTS OF JUSTICE

As he settled in to deliver the judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on 2 April 2025, presiding judge, Wilfred Kpochi, felt obliged to get one ritual out of the way. Glancing left and right, he asked each of his two colleagues on the three-person tribunal to confirm that the judgment he was about to deliver was unanimous. Justice Kpochi only proceeded after each, one to his left and the other to his right, nodded their affirmation.

The judge had good reason for this preliminary ritual. Some 48 hours before it was due, a leaked document purporting to be the judgment of the tribunal went into circulation. Ahead of judgment day, both leading parties in the electoral contest which had inexorably mutated into a judicial one – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) – felt compelled to issue duelling statements denouncing the leak and blaming the other for it. The APC claimed that “the PDP leaked a fake judgment, knowing they would lose”, while the PDP “accused the APC of using the leaked fake document to gauge public reaction.”

The leaked document suggested that the tribunal would deliver a split verdict, with one of the three judges dissenting from the majority of two who were supposed to decide against the petition of the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo. When, therefore, the presiding judge asked his colleagues to affirm that the judgment was unanimous, he sought to telegraph that tales of the leak of their judgment were unfounded or, in any case, had mis-described the decision of the tribunal. Instead of a split decision suggested by the leak, this was a unanimous court.

This was far from the first time that the decision of an election petition tribunal in Nigeria would be foreshadowed by suggestions or allegations of a leak ahead of its delivery.

At the onset of presidentialism in Nigeria in 1979, the contest between Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) ended up before the presidential election tribunal. On 20 August 1979, Obafemi Awolowo filed his petition against the declaration of Shehu Shagari as the winner of the election. The following day, military ruler, General Olusegun Obasanjo, invited Atanda Fatayi Williams to the Dodan Barracks (as the seat of government then in Lagos was called) and offered him the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Fatayi Williams’ first task was to adjudicate Chief Awolowo’s petition. The military had committed to handing over power on 1 October, a mere 40 days later.

General Obasanjo, who was overseeing arrangements for a high profile handover to an elected successor, was anxious to know that the Supreme Court would not torpedo his plans. It was credibly suspected that he received the necessary assurances from his handpicked CJN well ahead of the judgment.

In March 2008, Action Congress (AC), the party then led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, vigorously alleged that the outcome of the presidential election petition challenging the announcement of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of the PDP as the winner of the 2007 presidential election, had leaked. Lai Mohammed, the spokesperson of the party at the time, denounced the leak, proclaiming that the judgment would “not stand the test of time.”

Some 15 years later, as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal issued a 48-hour notice of the delivery of its judgment on 4 September 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of the APC, whose announcement on 1 March as the winner of the presidential election was under challenge, departed for New Delhi, India, to attend the G-20 Summit. He arrived India on 5 September, the day before the judgment, guaranteeing that he was going to be outside the country when the tribunal delivered its judgment. Many people believed that Tinubu traveled to India with the confidence of a man who had been assured ahead of schedule of the outcome that the tribunal would announce the day after he landed in

India.

Whether these allegations were true in any specific case is a subject for another day. Far from diminishing over the years, however, credible suspicions of breach of the deliberative confidentiality of judicial decision-making in election disputes and political cases in Nigeria have grown. They enjoy high credulity with the public, an indication of a deep-seated deficit of credibility that now clearly afflicts the business of what judges do in political and electoral disputes in Nigeria.

At the valedictory session of the 9th Senate in June 2023, Adamu Bulkachuwa, the senator for Bauchi North, confirmed suspicions of unconscionably intimate dalliances between judges and politicians when he appreciated his colleagues “whom (sic) have come to me and sought for my help when my wife was the President of the Court of Appeal.” Senator Bulkachuwa did not forget to thank his wife “whose freedom and independence I encroached upon while she was in office…. She has been very tolerant and accepted my encroachment and extended her help to my colleagues.” His wife, Zainab, was President of the Court of Appeal from 2014 to 2020.

For insisting on calling attention to this kind of criminal acccessorisation of judges, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory who is also a member of Nigeria’s Body of Benchers (BoB), invited the grandees of the BoB who visited him in his office at the end of last month to dispense with basic niceties of process and “punish” me. His 36 minutelong harangue to the old men and women of the BoB who were his guests, was occasionally punctuated with enthusiastic applause belying the average age of the group as well as the kind of undisguised ridicule which they had to endure for both themselves and the institutions of the judicial process in Nigeria. Such cravenness from the leadership of the self-described “body of practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession in Nigeria”, bodes ill for judicial credibility and independence.

As Mr. Wike was busy advertising his undisguised contempt for them and telling the leaders of Nigeria’s legal profession that they were no better than deodorized sex workers with an inflated price-tag, an advocate who had spent his life campaigning against that tendency took a characteristically unpretentious leave.

Raised in Agbor, Delta State, by a father who was a high school teacher from Imo State, Joseph Otteh was one of the first two colleagues whom I engaged in the legal directorate of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Lagos in 1991. He brought tremendous integrity, intellect, and industry to the role, and had remarkable reserves of empathy.

A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

AND THE DEBTS KEEP PILING UP...

The debts are increasingly becoming excessive

South Africa's MultiChoice's business ethics, I am long, MultiChoice has taken its DStv subscribers, es-

Over the years, authorities in both the federal and states have accumulated huge debts at public expense which were

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

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Letters to the Editor

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

LETTERS

MULTICHOICE NEEDS COMPETITION IN NIGERIA

the price of its subscription with often implausible jus-

A large chunk of its subscriber base, which also translates to its main revenue location, is in Nigeria, where

-

Dr Cosmas Odoemena, Lagos

Q1 2025: FGN Bonds Surpasses Corporates in N2.8trn New Listings

Kayode Tokede

An estimated N2.8trillion new listings was recorded on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) in first quarter 0f 2025 with FGN Bonds surpassing corporates listings in the period under review.

FGN Bonds issued by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on behalf of the federal government are listed on the floor of the NGX.

THISDAY findings from the data obtained on the NGX showed that out of the N2.8 trillion new listings, FGN Bonds was responsible for N1.67 trillion, while corporates listed N1.2 trillion.

The FGN bond market in Q1 2025 consistently witnessed increased participation by Pension

Funds Administrators (PFAs) as double-digit inflation rate eroded investments.

In Q1 2025, NGX listed 12 FGN bonds, while corporates listing stood at 13.

Finance analysts attributed the strong demand for FGN bonds to attractive yields, which offer investors high returns on their investments, stressing that the oversubscription also revealed that investors have confidence in the Federal Government’s ability to meet its debt obligations.

The appetite for FGN bonds indicates that PFAs, and Nigerian investors prefer investment instruments with less volatility that assures them of their capital returns albeit with low yield on

investment.

Under corporates new listings, banks top the chat following the banking sector recapitalisation exercise by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Recently, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama disclosed that Nigerian banks have so far raised N2.4 trillion through the capital market in the ongoing recapitalisation of the banking sector.

He stated that the capital market was strong enough to provide the much-needed finance for various sectors of the economy.

Agama said, “The capital market is strong enough to provide the much-needed funding needs for

Kayode Tokede

For non-compliance to post listings requirement, Medview Airline Plc, Capital Oil Plc and Goldlink Insurance Plc have been delisted from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

The three firms, among others, have failed to submit result and accounts on the Exchange.

THISDAY investigation revealed that the NGX will soon delist STACO Insurance Plc, DN Tyre & Rubber Plc, Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc for failing post listings requirements.

It was learnt that Medview

Airline has not submitted between 2019 -2023 result and accounts to the investing public, while Goldlink Insurance has failed to file audited financial statements for 2020 – 2023. On its part, Capital Oil has failed to submit its audited financial statements for 2018 -2023.

As at the time of delisting, the market capitalisation of Medview Airline stood at N15.8billion, while Capital Oil, Goldlink Insurance market capitalisation was N1.17 billion and N909.99 million, respectively.

N220.38million profit as against N3billion loss reported in 2018. The value of Medview Airlines on the floor of the NGX has not moved below or above N1.62 in the last two years.

As at April 26, 2024, data obtained from the local bourse disclosed that the company recorded zero trade and zero volume within the period under review.

Also, the airline has been among companies listed on the NGX’s free float deficiencies of 14.16 per cent.

Medview Airline in its interim result and accounts for the full year ended December 31, 2019 reported

Chairman of the airline, Sheik Abdul-Mosheen Al-Thunayan, had blamed the performance on political

various sectors of the economy. It is one of the strongest you can think about, our Return on Investment (RoI) was one of the best in the world for last year.

“When you look at what the capital market has already done with the bank recapitalisation, which is still ongoing, you can agree with me that our market is strong. Today, the Nigerian capital market has been able to facilitate the raising of capital by banks to the tune of N2.4 trillion, and still counting. This has never happened in the history of this country.”

A breakdown of listings showed that Access Holdings in January 2025 listed N351.01 billion shares, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) listed

N209.41 billion shares. In the same January 2025, FCMB Group listed N144.6 billion shares.

In February 2025, Zenith Bank after a successful rights issue and public offer listed a combine N350.46 billion shares.

In addition, Fidelity Bank listed N175.85 billion shares in March 2025 after a successful rights issue and public offer as Ellah Lakes Plc listed N3.09 billion shares, arising from the conversion of its debt to equity at N2.80 per share.

In the same March 2025, Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc listed N75 billion shares while Dangote Cement Plc, listed N38.2 billion bonds.

Dangote Cement’s listings is on the back of 10-Year 23.50 per cent

tension and tight liquidity.

Goldlink insurance had joined other insurance firms declared technically insolvent as its total assets couldn’t cover its liabilities, which means they could be acquisition targets for firms that have strong capital bases.

The insurers are reeling from deteriorating underwriting performance as evidenced in huge and burdensome claims, underwriting, and management expenses as an economic downturn and difficult operating environment continues to hobble revenue.

brink of bankruptcy, issuing a qualified report, signaling their financial statements have been stigmatised.

In 2023, pension Reform Act PRA, Federal Government Pension Transitional Arrangements Directorate (FGPTAD) set up as an independent pension department for the public service of the federation had filed a winding up petition against Goldlink Insurance over the inability of the insurance company to pay N1.24 billion insurance contribution.

fixed rate senior unsecured bonds due 2034 under the company’s N300 billion multi instrument issuance programme.

Professor of Finance and Capital market, Uche Uwaleke had at a conference in Lagos called on the need for the government to unlock the huge potential of long-term financing inherent in the capital market and ensure borrowings tied to infrastructure bonds. He said this became necessary for the nation’s economy to grow steadily at 16 per cent per annum over the next six years to attain the projected $1 trillion economy by 2030.

had ordered the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to takeover Capital Oil for allegedly defrauding shareholders of more than N5 billion.

Speaking on the latest delisting, Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Boniface Okezie, urged the management of the Exchange and SEC to always protect shareholders and delist moribund companies on the bourse.

He noted that these companies have not contributed to the stock market communities neither have they remain in operations in developing Nigeria’s economy. RATES AS AT

Auditors have issued warnings that some of them are on the

In 2018, sub-committee of the House of Representatives on Capital Market and Institutions

From Okupe-Agbonmagbe to Olorunshola: Wema Bank’s 80-Year Leadership Journey

For 80 years, Wema Bank has stood as a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and indigenous pride in Nigeria’s financial industry. What began in 1945 as a two-room enterprise, Agbonmagbe Bank, founded by Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, has evolved into the nation’s oldest surviving indigenous bank. Wema Bank’s leadership journey from colonial exclusion to digital disruption tells the story of bold transitions, strategic pivots, and a relentless pursuit of progress now guided by its first female Chairman, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, writes Nume Ekeghe

Birth of Indigenous Banking: 1945–1969

Founded on May 2, 1945, by Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, a nationalist and trader, the bank emerged as a response to the colonial exclusion of local businesses from financial services. Chief Okupe, frustrated by the discriminatory credit practices of colonial banks, established Agbonmagbe Bank to serve Nigerians—especially traders like himself—who lacked access to loans and financial inclusion.

“He was intuitive and deeply resourceful,” said Alaba Adegboyega Okupe, Chief Okupe’s eldest surviving child, in an interview with The Nation Newspaper. “He kept diaries, records, and managed staff with remarkable discipline. The bank started from a modest two-room office in Agbonmagbe Lodge and quickly grew.”

The early years saw branches opening in Ebute-Metta, Mushin, Ifo, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ago-Iwoye, and Ijebu-Igbo, unprecedented for a wholly indigenous bank in colonial Nigeria.

EXPANSION, DIVERSIFICATION, INSTITUTIONALISATION

In 1969, amid economic restructuring and capital reforms, the Western Nigeria Marketing Board converted a £200,000 deposit into equity, becoming the majority shareholder. Agbonmagbe Bank was renamed Wema Bank Limited that same year, ushering in a new phase of institutional governance.

During the oil-fueled 1970s, Wema Bank expanded into Lagos and beyond, diversifying its portfolio to include savings accounts, loans, foreign exchange, and computerized systems— uncommon in Nigerian banking at the time.

2000S: OVERCOMING FINANCIAL HEADWINDS

By the early 2000s, Wema Bank, though still standing strong as Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, was grappling with systemic challenges common in the financial industry. In 2005, amidst a nationwide wave of banking consolidation driven by Central Bank reforms, Wema faced leadership transitions and governance concerns that would test its stability.

Rather than buckle under pressure, Wema Bank used the moment as a springboard for reform. With a renewed commitment to transparency and institutional integrity, the bank initiated critical internal evaluations, paving the way for

a more accountable and resilient financial structure.

THE REFORMERS: OLOKETUYI, ASEKUN

When Segun Oloketuyi took over as Managing Director and CEO of Wema Bank in June 2009, the institution was in dire straits. The bank was burdened by over N45 billion in negative retained earnings and had been classified by regulators as a bank in grave financial condition. Investor confidence was eroding. Oloketuyi came in with the mission to return Wema Bank to profitability and national relevance. His approach was both pragmatic and visionary. He introduced a three-phase turnaround strategy: stabilise, restructure, and scale, focusing first on strengthening internal controls, risk management, and cost discipline.

As part of the initial stabilisation phase, Oloketuyi led a voluntary downgrade from a national license to a regional banking license in 2011, a move that allowed the bank to streamline its operations and consolidate

its core market in Southwest Nigeria. This strategic retreat laid the groundwork for future growth. As the Bank moved from stabilising to restructuring, 2012 saw Adeyinka Asekun, the former Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, take up the role of Chairman, Wema Bank Plc. As Oloketuyi championed the reform of Wema Bank, Asekun stood as a catalyst, setting the pace, stimulating growth and accelerating results.

By 2015, Wema Bank had regained its national banking license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a key milestone that validated the success of the restructuring phase. That same year, the bank’s financials began showing signs of resurgence. The bank’s profit before tax (PBT) reached N1.83 billion in 2015, up from the loss positions recorded in previous years. Deposit liabilities had risen to N254.5 billion, reflecting renewed public confidence.

However, Oloketuyi’s most transformative legacy was digital innovation. In 2017, Wema Bank launched ALAT, Nigeria’s first fully digital bank. This initiative redefined how Nigerians interacted with banking. Users

“By the early 2000s, Wema Bank, though still standing strong as Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, was grappling with systemic challenges common in the financial industry. In 2005, amidst a nationwide wave of banking consolidation driven by Central Bank reforms, Wema faced leadership transitions and governance concerns that would test its stability. Rather than buckle under pressure, Wema Bank used the moment as a springboard for reform. With a renewed commitment to transparency and institutional integrity, the bank initiated critical internal evaluations, paving the way for a more accountable and resilient financial structure.”

could open an account, request cards, and perform transactions entirely via mobile without stepping into a branch. Within its first year, ALAT onboarded over 250,000 users, processed N1.6 billion in savings, and set a new benchmark for digital banking in West Africa. By 2018, the platform had grown to serve over 500,000 customers, contributing significantly to the bank’s digital revenue and cost-to-income ratio improvements. ALAT helped reduce operational expenses as fewer customers relied on physical branches.

UNDER OLOKETUYI’S LEADERSHIP:

H1 2017 to N31.93 billion in H1 2018, a 5.12 per cent increase.

N354.88 billion.

per cent from the previous year to N1.83 billion.

billion in 2015 to over N391.7 billion in 2016, a 13.7 per cent increase.

His tenure also marked a significant cultural shift. Internally, he invested in staff training and leadership development. Externally, he reintroduced Wema Bank as a competitive brand that could attract not only retail and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) clients but also digital-savvy millennials.

In recognition of his role in stabilising and transforming the bank, industry analysts hailed his leadership as a benchmark for crisis management and strategic turnaround in Nigerian banking. He stepped down in July 2018, leaving behind a stronger, more agile, and future-ready bank. With the foundation firmly laid, Wema Bank was no longer a bank fighting for survival, it had become a tech-forward, customer-first institution, poised for scalable national growth.

ADEMOLA ADEBISE AND DIGITAL EXPANSION

Appointed Managing Director in October 2018, Mr. Ademola Adebise was not new to Wema Bank. He had served as Executive Director since 2009 and as Deputy Managing Director from 2015. With a strong background in IT and management consulting honed during his time at Accenture, Adebise’s leadership under the Chairmanship of the now retired Babatunde

Chief Okupe

Segun Oloketuyi

Adeyinka Asekun

FROM OKUPE-AGBONMAGBE TO OLORUNSHOLA: WEMA BANK’S 80-YEAR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY

Kasali, marked Wema Bank’s most aggressive digital evolution. Their regime gave rise to a new era of digital transformation for Wema Bank.

During this transformative regime, Adebise expanded ALAT’s capabilities, onboarding over 1.3 million users and pioneering financial services tailored for SMEs, youth, and women. Notably, the bank became Nigeria’s most awarded digital bank, securing top rankings in the KPMG Digital Scorecard and winning the BusinessDay SME Bank of the Year 2020.

His leadership saw the bank’s assets rise from N470 billion to over N1.2 trillion. Deposits grew by 214 per cent, and the customer base surged by 2 million. Perhaps most striking was the bank’s return to dividend payment—a feat not achieved in 13 years—signaling restored investor confidence. Adebise also partnered with the Bank of Africa to extend services to Nigerian businesses across the continent. He launched the Wema SME Business School, which trained over 20,000 entrepreneurs, and advanced the Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme to support farmers and food security. Adebise’s style was empathetic and collaborative. His book, The Transformational Leader: The Journey of a Tech Bro Turned Bank CEO, chronicles his journey, emphasising innovation, leadership, and nation-building.

OSENI AND NEW ERA OF DIGITAL GOVERNANCE

When Moruf Oseni was appointed Managing Director and CEO of Wema Bank in April 2023, he brought over 25 years of experience and a deep understanding of the bank’s transformative journey. Having joined Wema Bank in 2012 as an Executive Director and later serving as Deputy Managing Director for four years, Oseni had been a key player in shaping the bank’s digital infrastructure and strategic operations.

Armed with an MBA from INSEAD, a Master’s in Finance from the London Business School, and a degree in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Oseni represents a rare blend of technical acumen, financial foresight, and leadership excellence. His appointment came at a time when Wema Bank had laid solid digital foundations and was ripe for rapid scale and innovation. Under Oseni’s leadership, Wema Bank has reinforced its identity as Nigeria’s most resilient and innovative indigenous bank. His primary focus has been digital optimization, operational efficiency, and broadening financial inclusion, especially through tech-driven platforms.

Building on the success of ALAT, Oseni introduced CoopHub, a first-of-its-kind digital banking platform for cooperative societies. The solution provides end-to-end automation for cooperatives, from account opening to loans and savings management, offering financial services to underserved communities. The platform also reduces financial mismanagement and introduces transparency through automation, digital ledgers, and real-time reporting. Beyond its technology, CoopHub is a social impact initiative. By improving financial literacy and providing easier access to credit, the platform supports smallholder farmers, market women,

artisans, and gig workers, groups typically excluded from formal banking. Oseni has also announced plans to integrate microinsurance and investment products within CoopHub, offering members more robust financial tools to grow their communities. Oseni’s impact is also Financially measurable.

In Wema Bank’s FY 2024 unaudited results, the bank reported:

diversified income sources and stronger market engagement.

increased lending activity and returns from investment securities.

improved fee-based services, commissions, and foreign exchange revaluation gains.

from N7.35 billion in FY 2023 to N14.11 billion, reflecting the success of digital transformation initiatives and customer adoption.

scale and stability.

trust and an expanded retail footprint. showcasing improved credit disbursement and risk management strategies.

affirming the bank’s operational efficiency. reflecting solid bottom-line growth. billion, reinforcing investor trust and market performance.

strong indicator of investor confidence and market momentum or confidence

These figures reflect a bank that is not only financially healthy but is also experiencing its most profitable run in decades. Beyond financial metrics, Oseni has placed a premium on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Wema Bank, under his stewardship, has deepened its role as a founding signatory of the UN commitments aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. Internally, this has translated to more responsible lending, investment in green technologies, and gender-inclusive which supports female entrepreneurs and professionals.

In the words of industry observers, Oseni is not just managing a bank, he is engineering

“Building on the success of ALAT, Oseni introduced CoopHub, a first-of-its-kind digital banking platform for cooperative societies. The solution provides end-to-end automation for cooperatives, from account opening to loans and savings management, offering financial services to underserved communities. The platform also reduces financial mismanagement and introduces transparency through automation, digital ledgers, and real-time reporting. Beyond its technology, CoopHub is a social impact initiative.”

a movement. By merging innovation with inclusion and performance with purpose, he is reshaping the future of indigenous banking in Nigeria. His leadership signals a new era for Wema Bank, one where tradition meets transformation, and legacy fuels the leap into the future.

Also, Wema Bank Plc has lived up to its promise of an improved return on investment for shareholders with the declaration of a One Naira (N1) dividend per share for its 2024 financial year, a 104 per cent increase over the previous year’s to be approved by the shareholders during the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The management dividend in 2023 financial year and in 2022 and N0.23 dividends, respectively.

By the Bank’s 2024 financial performance, submitted to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), as part of the Post Listing N1 dividend for the 2024 financial year

Commenting on the N1.00 dividend declared for 2024 financial year, the National Chairman of Progressive Shareholders Association, Mr. Boniface Okezie, said Wema Bank had kept to its promise of good returns to the shareholders, which is highly commendable. He added that “the progressive dividend payout is a strategic statement and an excellent reflection of the sound management and capability and good standing of the bank in the market.”

Okezie described the proposed dividend as generous and a motivator for the existing shareholders of the Bank, urging them to fully when the bank capital raise opens. According to him, the Bank got it right with its repositioning and operational reengineering, which has placed it on the path of sustained profitability and growth. “ The current development in the bank is

a win-win situation for all the stakeholders,” he noted.

OLUWAYEMISI OLORUNSHOLA AT THE HELM

In a landmark appointment, Dr. Mrs. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola became Chairman of the Board in 2024, succeeding Mr. Babatunde Kasali. With decades of experience in business management and supply chain, Olorunshola community development, and strategic foresight. She is not only the first woman to occupy the role in the bank’s history but also a symbol of Wema Bank’s commitment to inclusive leadership. A scholar, educator, and community advocate, she has served on numerous boards and contributed to gender empowerment initiatives, including women-led businesses.

Her leadership signals continuity and progress, building on the digital and financial foundations laid by her predecessors while pushing forward the bank’s social impact goals.

80 YEARS OF VISION, RESILIENCE, REINVENTION

From its humble birth in Ebute Metta to its current position as a digital pioneer with over N1.2 trillion in assets and more than 140 masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Each leadership phase, marked by visionaries like Chief Okupe, technocrats like Oloketuyi, digital disruptors like Adebise, and inclusive strategists like Dr. Olorunshola, has added a new layer to the bank’s legacy.

As Wema Bank enters its next chapter, it continues to champion responsive banking, meeting the needs of every generation, from colonial-era traders to digital-native entrepreneurs. With ALAT, CoopHub, SME empowerment programs, and national expansions, Wema Bank is not just Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank. It is Nigeria’s leading innovative bank and more than ever, Africa’s most forward-looking.

Ademola Adebise

Moruf Oseni

Olorunshola Oluwayemisi

Unilever, UK, EY Announce £500,000 Grant for Five W’African Startups

Kayode Tokede

TRANSFORM West Africa - an impact accelerator led by Unilever, the UK government, and EY – has awarded £500,000 in grant funding to five West African enterprises focused on circularity and regenerative agriculture.

The grantees, they said in a statement, were recognised and celebrated at an event last night hosted by the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos.

The selected organisations will also receive business insight, practical experience, resources and access to networks through Unilever and EY, to scale and maximise their impact.

TRANSFORM, a global initiative led from the United Kingdom, appointed Nigerian representatives from Unilever, the British High Commission and EY, to guide the selection process. Colleagues in the region leveraged local networks to source enterprises, attracting over 100 applications.

The winners in Nigeria include: Chanja Datti: A startup decentralising plastic waste

processing with Micro-Recycling Plants (MRPs) near waste collection points; Planet 3R, A social enterprise enhancing the livelihoods of women and youths in Nigeria by teaching them weaving skills to convert plastic and textile waste into functional goods (e.g., bags, boxes); and Scrapays, A digital platform connecting waste producers to aggregators and processors.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr Jonny Baxter praised the innovators’ creative approach to plastic waste management, stating: “It’s very promising to see so many strong candidates working to reduce, collect and process plastic waste. With the World Earth Day fast approaching, we’re proud to support three Nigerian enterprises - Scrapays, Chanja Datti, and Planet3R who are demonstrating how digital networks can address recycling challenges and create economic growth while contributing to the global net-zero agenda.”

Country Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria, Tobi Adeniyi, highlighted the importance of TRANSFORM’s approach which

puts decision-making power into the hands of local leaders.

“At TRANSFORM, we strongly believe that the best solutions are those developed by those closest to the challenge at hand. By tapping into our networks and expertise, we were able to use our local lens

to identify the best innovators in the region.” he said.

The selected enterprises will be able to receive in-kind support from EY professionals, helping them navigate growth challenges and scale their impact.

Sr. Partner, Head of Markets –

EY West Africa, Ashish Bakhshi also commented: “At EY, we are proud to collaborate with Unilever and BHC on TRANSFORM, where we bring our knowledge, skills and professional experience to support impactful enterprises and foster innovation. We saw

many applications from across the region that are coming up with creative, innovative and inspiring solutions towards creating a more sustainable world – and we look forward to harnessing this ecosystem to create a better future for everyone, together.”

Expert: Nigeria Must Adopt Unified National Approach to Data Privacy to Mitigate

Mary Nnah

A seasoned expert in risk management and cybersecurity, Onotole Erumusele, has sounded the alarm, calling for a unified national approach to data privacy to mitigate risks and safeguard citizens’ information.

Nigeria’s digital revolution is facing a critical juncture as experts warn that the country’s rapid adoption of emerging technologies is outpacing its data protection measures. Nigeria’s rapid adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI),

Nigerian Breweries Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainability

In line with its “Brew a Better World” agenda, Nigerian Breweries Plc- has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability through initiatives hinged on three key pillars: Environment, Social and Responsible.

The company’s Corporate Affairs Director, Sade Morgan disclosed this while delivering her remarks during the 79th Pre-Annual General Meeting media briefing held in Lagos.

Morgan noted that the company would continue to raise the bar in sustainability to drive its Brew a Better World(BaBw) agenda through

innovations and collaborations that will protect and preserve the environment, support local communities, and ensure responsible alcohol use.

“Sustainability remains at the heart of our business. We continue to raise the bar on our Brew a Better World agenda, focusing on three pillars of climate action, accelerating the social sustainability agenda through community impact, and addressing the harmful use of alcohol,” she said.

She explained further that the company is committed to achieving its carbon neutrality goal across its production facilities by adopting

green and renewable energy sources, maximising the circularity of the products, and giving input and output materials a second life.

Reeling out the environmental stewardship scorecard, Morgan explained that the company has invested about N2.5 billion in decarbonising its footprints.

She revealed that the company had achieved 98% of its Zero-Waste to Landfill target and planted 283,904 trees at the Olokomeji forest reserve to restore a healthy watershed. She added that all seven of the company’s operational breweries are equipped with functional wastewater treatment

blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming every sector, from digital banking to telemedicine and innovative city initiatives. However, this progress is accompanied by increased cyber threats, data breaches, and public privacy concerns.

Erumusele noted that Nigeria has a chance to leap into a secure, data-centric future, but that leap must be grounded in solid strategies that safeguard citizens’ information and critical infrastructure. “The real danger isn’t just external attacks, but our lack of a unified national approach to data privacy,” he

warned, adding. “We can’t let innovation race ahead of regulation.”

He added that as international standards like the GDPR and California’s CCPA raise the bar for data privacy, Nigeria must act swiftly to strengthen its regulatory landscape. While the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) marks progress, enforcement and awareness remain insufficient.

Erumusele recommended creating a National Data Governance Strategy, aligning privacy, policy, and technology standards across sectors, clearly defining ownership, access rights, and compliance

Risks

expectations. Additionally, he suggests enhancing NDPR and regulatory oversight, expanding NDPR to cover emerging tech and crossborder data handling, empowering data protection authorities with technical expertise and actual enforcement capabilities, and building Cybersecurity Capacity Nationwide through national training programs and education. This includes launching national training programs for cybersecurity talent and integrating cybersecurity and privacy education into schools and public sector training.

Ogbara Partners New Horizons to Empower 300 Women inTech Skills

Emma Okonji

In commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, in conjunction with New Horizons Nigeria, has commenced an empowerment skills training for 300 women selected from across various disciplines in Lagos. Addressing the women at the beginning of the training session in Lagos, Ogbara said the 300 scholarship for young women in ICT, was her contribution to women

empowerment to commemorate International Women’s Day.

“The global event serves as a platform to highlight women’s social, economic, cultural, and political contributions while advocating for their rights and also raising awareness about existing inequalities, and advocate for a future where women have equal rights and opportunities. This year’s theme: ‘Accelerate Action’ resonates deeply with my mandate. This is why the House of Reps Committee recently unveiled a compendium to celebrate women in leadership positions in Nigeria tagged: ‘Jewels of hope and

development in Nigeria’. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where women’s voices are heard, their rights are upheld, and their potentials unleashed. Together, we aim to create policies that not only address the unique challenges women face but also promote their leadership and participation in decision-making processes,” Ogbara said. She advised the women to take good advantage of the ICT training to challenge assumptions, collaborate with one another and pave the way for innovative solutions that advance gender equity and social justice.

The Dignity of Age and Legacy of Bamanga Tukur: Rebuttal to Social Media Irresponsibility

Adebayo Sarumi

In a world increasingly driven by instant validation and digital theatrics, where virality often trumps veracity, we must draw a line — firm and luminous — against the weaponisation of social media to ridicule, shame, and denigrate those who have served their nation with distinction.

It is with deep concern, and a profound sense of responsibility, that I condemn the recent social media post targeting elder statesman Alhaji (Dr.) Bamanga Tukur, a revered icon of Nigerian public service and international business. The post, which took the form of a photograph showing the 89-year-old elder statesman in a wheelchair, was accompanied by sanctimonious reflections — thinly veiled in faux humility — meant not to edify, but to denigrate. This act, disguised as a philosophical life lesson, is nothing short of a malicious attempt to mock the natural and noble process of ageing.

Let it be said without equivocation: there is absolutely nothing shameful about growing old. In fact, to age is a privilege — one not granted to all. Wrinkles are not a cause for ridicule, but the imprints of wisdom earned. Fragile limbs are not a sign of weakness, but the echo of decades spent in labour and service. Old age is not a curse — it is a crown. And when worn by a man like Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, that crown glows with honour, accomplishment, and an enduring legacy.

The act of sharing his photograph in such a context — bereft of respect, empathy, or appreciation for his towering contributions — is cruel, indecent, and utterly irresponsible. It is emblematic of a disturbing trend in the digital age: the rise of virtual mobs who derive morbid pleasure from tearing down venerable figures from the safety of anonymity. Social media, though a powerful tool for connection, has become a haven for character assassins, emboldened by likes, shares, and faceless applause.

But no barrage of online contempt can erase Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.

As General Manager/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 1975 to 1982, his tenure was marked by visionary infrastructural transformation. Under his leadership, the NPA saw the construction of the Calabar Port, Tin Can Island Port, and the third wharf extension at the Lagos Port Complex

in Apapa — projects that redefined Nigeria’s maritime landscape. He was instrumental in modernizing port operations, reducing turnaround times, increasing cargo throughput, and encouraging private sector participation. These reforms laid the groundwork for the more efficient, investment-friendly port systems we benefit from today.

In the late 1970s, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur made a groundbreaking achievement by becoming the first African to be elected Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), a renowned global trade association representing seaports worldwide, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. This esteemed organization plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of ports and maritime trade globally.

Beyond his exploits in public service, Tukur is the founder of the Africa Business Roundtable (ABR), a platform that catalyzed private sectorled growth across the continent. His vision for regional integration, trade facilitation, and good governance directly contributed to the conceptual foundation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through ABR, he brought together African business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to chart a course toward economic transformation.

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s legacy is not confined to boardrooms or bureaucratic corridors. He stepped into the political arena, was elected Governor of the then Gongola State in 1983, served as Minister of Industries from 1993 to 1995, and rose to become the National Chairman

of the then ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from 2012 to 2014 — a testament to his political acumen and capacity for leadership. He was also elected Chairman of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Business Group in 2002, advancing the cause of African development on global stages. His accolades are many: the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), the Commander of the Order of the Mono (COM), and an honorary Doctorate Degree in Law from Benue State University. And today, at 89, though physically slowed by time — as all humans will eventually be — Alhaji Bamanga Tukur remains a towering figure. He still offers wise counsel to leaders at various levels, commands respect in national and international circles, and continues to inspire generations with his story of resilience, excellence, and patriotic service. It is therefore morally reprehensible and deeply disappointing that such a man would be made the subject of social media mockery. Those who participated in this denigration have only displayed their own ignorance, for a man’s legacy is not defined by the chair he sits on in old age, but by the pillars he built in his prime. This episode brings to the fore the urgent need for stricter regulation of the social media space. Freedom of expression must never be a license for digital cruelty. The sanctity of old age must be preserved. Our digital platforms must become spaces of dignity and constructive engagement, not arenas of mockery and malice.

To the perpetrators of this act, we say: reflect, not on the fragility of an elder’s limbs, but on the strength of his legacy. You will age too. And may you do so with half the honour, accomplishment, and dignity that Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has earned.

To Alhaji (Dr) Bamanga Tukur, we say: thank you. Thank you for a life of service. Thank you for your sacrifices and your vision. Thank you for showing us what true leadership and commitment look like. Nigeria stands taller because of your contributions. Your place in history is secured — not in viral posts, but in the hearts of grateful citizens and the annals of national progress.

May the Almighty continue to preserve your life, grant you strength in your twilight years, and bless you with peace, fulfillment, and enduring joy. Amen.

Tukur

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 03 April-2025, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust 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 would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

FCMB Group Reports N111.9bn Profit Before Tax for 2024

FCMB Group Plc has announced its audited financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2024, reporting a profit before tax (PBT) of N111.9 billion, a 7.1 per cent year-on-year increase.

The group recorded a 53.9 per cent increase in gross revenue at the end of December 2024, reaching N794.4 billion, driven by a 75.2 per cent growth in interest income and an 8.7 per cent increase in non-interest income. Net interest income grew by 27.6 per cent to N225.3 billion, supported by improved yields on earning assets, despite a decline in net interest margin due to higher funding costs.

FCMB Group’s digital business continued to record

strong growth, with digital revenues growing by 69.2 per cent from N60.3 billion to N101.9 billion as at December 2024. Over 1.6 million retail loans worth N148.8 billion and more than 18,000 SME loans totalling N208.2 billion were disbursed through digital channels. Assets Under Management (AUM) in digital wealth management rose to N22.4 billion as at December 2024, up from N15.1 billion in the prior year.

Customer confidence in FCMB remained strong as deposits grew by 39.4 per cent Year-on-Year to N4.30 trillion at the end of December 2024, compared to N3.08 trillion the preceding year.

FCMB Group’s total assets grew by 59.5% year-on-year

to N7.05 trillion from N4.42 trillion in the prior year. Additionally, the Group’s loans and advances increased by 28% to N2.36 trillion, while Assets Under Management (AUM) across the Investment Management division grew by 35% to N1.37 trillion at the end of December 2024.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc, Ladi Balogun, said:

“Overall, we anticipate significant earnings per share (EPS) growth in full-year 2025, underpinned by a continued momentum in our non-banking businesses, a stronger balance sheet, digital transformation, and strategic market positioning.”

Mbah to Lead Governors’ Roundtable as Commonwealth Investment Summit Opens in London

Oluchi Chibuzor

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah is to lead State Governors Roundtable on unlocking opportunities in Enugu and beyond as the 2025 edition of the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit, CTIS, opens in London Today.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, CWEIC, at the weekend.

CWEIC, which has an official mandate from the Commonwealth Heads of Government to facilitate trade and investment, boasts of a network of over 140 Strategic Partners from both the public and private sectors and helps build vital relationships that drive economic growth and development in the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries.

According to CWEIC, the 2025 edition of CTIS, which holds from Monday, April 7 to Tuesday, April 8 at the historic Mansion House in London, would bring together the Commonwealth business community with Heads of Government, senior ministers, and representatives of Commonwealth governments.

“Following the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa last October, this business-to-government summit will provide a platform to advance discussion, re-focus on critical issues, and ensure that Commonwealth business priorities are advanced.

“The Summit will feature plenary sessions and high-level roundtable discussions, supported by informal networking opportunities and one-to-one meetings, attracting

some of the Commonwealth’s most high-profile participants. With over 400 delegates confirmed from more than 40 countries, CTIS 2025 is already heavily oversubscribed – highlighting the Commonwealth’s growing importance as a global network for trade and investment.

“In his capacity as Governor of Enugu State, HE Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah will be attending CTIS, and will lead a State Governors Roundtable on unlocking opportunities in Lagos and Enugu States. Theroundtable will also feature representatives from Acre Capital, Africa Exim Bank, British International Investment, Crown Agents Bank, KPMG, M&G Investments, Standard Chartered, and will provide an invaluable opportunity to tell Enugu’s story to the international business community,” CWEIC stated.

C&I Leasing Expands Use of Electric Vehicles, CP Records Impressive Subscription

C&I Leasing Plc has said that its recent Series 5 Commercial Paper Issuance which concluded in March 2025, recorded over subscription. Since registering its N50 billion commercial paper program with the FMDQ in 2022, C&I Leasing has raised over N22.00 billion across four series with increasingly rising demand for the Company’s Commercial Notes as indicated by issuing houses Cordros Capital Limited and Anchoria Advisory Services Limited.

In the last 5-years the company has issued series of commercial papers and corporate bonds, which had all been oversubscribed indicating an excellent show of confidence from the Market in the

Board and Management’s initiatives to improve the Company’s fortunes. As Nigeria’s largest integrated leasing and business services group with over 7,500 employees accross Nigeria and its subsidiaries overseas. C&I Leasing Plc has witnessed some strong improvements across its core business areas of Marine Services, Fleet Services and Personnel Outsourcing Services. This includes its recent foray into alternative energy for its Vehicle Fleet and also has its sights set on introducing same to the Marine Services section of its business in the near future. On the West African front and with the positive feedback received from its clients within the Ghana

economy, C&I Leasing Plc via its subsidiary, Leasafric Ghana Plc, is expanding its use of Electric Vehicles within its Fleet.

In a recent report, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Lenin Ugoji, alluded to several factors that are positioning the company for improved shareholder value. Key amongst being the strategy of continuous focus on improving operational efficiency and performance management.

“As a service business, we are only as good as what our clients say. In addition to this renewed focus on customer feedback and retention across its business offerings, increased investments in technology to improve service efficiency is one of its goals in 2025.

Akinmolayan & Dudu Tech Bell the Cat in Nollywood Revolution

What’s the first step in organising an industry that runs on passion and hope with little or no structure?

How do you repair the fractured trust that has plagued an industry which, though 2nd in the world by content output, is at the bottom of the pecking order in ethics and professionalism?

Well, at the J.K. Randle center on 1st April 2025, Niyi Akinmolayan revealed a tech solution to steer this Nollywood megaship in the right direction.

The solution? NollywoodFilmaker.com! A virtual Noah’s Ark that brings directors, screenwriters, editors, VFX artists, lawyers,

movie marketers, DPs.....etc. all into one tightly controlled space.

His words “talk to the right people before you make your next film. Let professionals do the parts of your film you can’t handle. Stop falling for scammers!! Stop guessing your budgets, stop losing partnerships due to lack of technical knowhow, use intellectual property lawyers for contracts. Make Successful Films with the best people in the business! Our path to true profit and sustainable success in Nollywood begins with putting square pegs in square holes. This platform does that”.

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (N FVCB), Dr. Shaibu Hussein, who was profoundly delighted by the project, described it as one undoubtedly capable of advancing the future of the Nigerian film industry.

“I assure you that NFVCB will be featuring the app on our website,” Hussein said.

It was learnt that NollywoodFilmaker.com registers and vigorously verifies film production talents and connects them to aspiring and accomplished filmmakers that need them.

(Gabon), Iran Heavy

(Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny

(Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Shareholders of United Capital Approve N14.4bn Dividend Pay-out

Kayode Tokede

Shareholders of United Capital Plc have unanimously endorsed a total dividend payout of N14.4 billion for the 2024 fiscal year—a 33per cent increase from the previous year.

At its 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja, the Board Chairman, Prof. Chika Mordi, lauded the Group’s sterling financial performance during the

exceptional year, noting that Profit Before Tax (PBT) surged 74 per cent year-onyear to N30.10 billion, while Total Assets experienced an unprecedented growth of 82.6per cent, reaching N1.7 trillion.

“These figures are not merely financial metrics; they underscore a resilient business model and disciplined execution,” Mordi stated, expressing confidence in the Group’s

trajectory toward even greater profitability.

Investors and stakeholders welcomed the Board’s declaration of a final dividend of N0.50 per share, supplementing the N0.90 interim dividend already distributed during the year.

The dividend distribution was further buoyed by a 2-for-1 bonus share issuance, which significantly deepened shareholder equity positions. Shareholders’ funds rose

47per cent to N133.50 billion, a testament to United Capital’s relentless drive to enhance investor wealth.

In his remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ashade, attributed the firm’s continued success to its strategic clarity and operational discipline.

“Despite prevailing economic volatility, we remained focused on our mission to deliver sustainable returns. Our market

capitalization soared by 200% to N396 billion, while Return on Average Equity (RoAE) stood at a robust 21.5per cent, reinforcing both value creation and institutional resilience,” Ashade said.

Highlighting the company’s successful foray into digital banking and consumer finance, Ashade reaffirmed United Capital’s commitment to innovation, market leadership,

and regional expansion. “As we look to 2025, we are determined to push boundaries, deepen our footprint, and set new standards across Africa’s financial landscape.”

With a legacy of excellence and a forward-looking strategy, United Capital Plc continues to chart a course toward becoming the continent’s benchmark for financial innovation and investment stewardship.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF APRIL/3/25

BUSINESS SPECIAL

UBA: Core Banking Operations Income Drives Profit, Dividend

Kayode Tokede examines United Bank for Africa Plc’s 2024 financial year performance and prospects for shareholders of the pan-African financial institution

United Bank for Africa (UBA) sustained a year round 2024 performance as its income from core banking operations drove profit and dividend payout to shareholders.

A review of UBA’s performance since first quarter (Q1) ended March 2024 showed a profit before tax of N156.34 billion, a significant increase of 155 per cent from N61.7 billion in Q1 2023, while profit after tax(PAT) jumped from N53.5 billion to N142.5 billion, representing an impressive rise of 165 per cent.

In the half year ended June, 2024, the lender announced profit before tax(PBT) of N402 billion, while PAT stood at N316 billion in the year under consideration.

In third quarter (Q3) ended September 30, 2024, the management of UBA declared N603.48 billion PBT, representing an increase of 20.2 per cent from N502.09billion recorded at the end of the nine months of 2023, while PAT also rose remarkably by 16.9 per cent from N449.26 billion recorded a year earlier to N525.31 billion in the period under review. However, despite the highly challenging global economic and business environment, UBA in its full year ended December 31, 2024 recorded a profit before tax of N803.72 billion representing a 6.1 percent increase from N757.68 billion recorded at the end of the 2023 financial year.

PAT stood at N766.57 billion, up by 26.14per cent from N607.7billion declared in 2023. This translates to an Earning Per Share (EPS) of N21.73 in 2024, compared to N17.49 in 2023.

As a result of the impressive performance and in fulfilment of the promise made by the UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, to shareholders at the last annual general meeting (AGM) the bank proposed a final dividend of N3.00 kobo for every ordinary share of 50 kobo, for the financial year ended December 31, 2024. This brings the total dividend in the year to N5.00.

The Board of Directors of UBA had declared an interim dividend of N2.00 per share for every ordinary share of N0.50 each held by its shareholders in H1 2024, representing 300 per cent increase compared to the N0.50 declared in the similar period of 2023.

The 7.8 per cent dividend yield had ranked UBA as the highest among other listed financial institutions that have declared interim dividend payout to shareholders on

the Exchange. UBA in 2023 financial year paid shareholders a final dividend of N2.30 per share (N0.90 per share in 2022).

The proposed final dividend of N2.30 per share and the N0.50 per share interim dividend paid in September 2023, brought the total dividend for the year to N2.80 in 2023 from N1.10 per share total dividend paid in the 2022 financial year.

It is clear to explain that the growth in profit was driven by a notable increase in revenue generation by the bank. According to the details from the report, gross revenue expanded to N3.19 trillion in 2024, 53.56 per cent increase when compared to N2.08trillion in 2023.

This was driven by improved performance across major income lines, including both interest income and non-interest income. Specifically, interest income expanded to N2.37trillion in 2024, up by by 120.40 per cent from N1.08 trillion in 2023 . The growth in interest income is on the back of the high yield environment, which was prevalent in 2024, as policy makers jacked up rates to curb inflationary pressures.

This positively impacted asset yield, translating to substantial increase in interest earned on loans and investment securities. Thus, interest income from loans and investment securities stood at N1.02trillion and N1.20trillion, representing a 104.98 per cent and 137.05 per cen jump respectively, while interest on cash balance also rose by 109.43per cent to N146.08billion in 2024.

Similarly, interest expense moved to N839.25bn in 2024, up by 128 per cent from N367.81billion in 2023 amid the expansion of Current Account and Savings Account (CASA) mix by 304basis to 88.52per cent.

This was mainly propelled by interest incurred on deposits from banks (+277.77per cent to N196.63billon), deposits from customers (+85.24per cent to N456.61billion) and borrowings (+169.86per cent to N180.56billion).

Eventually, net interest income amounted to N1.53 trillion, 116.35per cent higher than what was recorded in the same period in 2023.

UBA’s cost pressure was evident in the review period. This emanated from impairment charges on financial instruments, which amounted to

N216.97billion in 2024, representing a 50.6 per cent increase from N144.05 billion reported in 2023, amid the challenging macroeconomic conditions affecting loan repayments.

Elsewhere, operating expenses saw significant increase, coming in at N1.06trillion in 2024 , up by 69.01 per cent from N625.01 billion in 2023. Growth in operating expenses was driven by the inflationary pressures witnessed in 2024 as employee benefits jumped to N314.66 billion, about 72.12 per cent when compared to N182.81billion in 2023

Like in the previous years, the Group’s total assets also increased significantly to N30.4 trillion, about 46.8 per cent increase from N20.65 trillion in 2023, signifying a milestone leap for the bank with the largest spread across the continent.

From the 2024 balance sheet position, the key drivers to the Group’s total assets was N24.65 trillion total deposits in 2024, up by 42.03 per cent from N17.36 trillion in 2023 and N7.5 trillion net loans in 2024, about 42.03 per cent increase over N5.55 trillion reported in 2023.

Consequently, UBA Group shareholders’ funds rose from N2.030 trillion in 2023 to close the 2024 financial year at N3.419 trillion, achieving an impressive growth of 68.39 per cent. .

Furthermore, UBA’s non-performing loans (NPL) stood at 5.58per cent in 2024 from 5.85 per cent in 2023, while NPL coverage ratio moved from 77.55 per cent in 2023 from 80.85 per cent in 2024.

CONCLUSION

The Group Managing Director, UBA, Oliver Alawuba in a statement said: “UBA’s 2024 financial performance demonstrates our continued focus on driving earnings growth, preserving asset quality, expanding business operations and deepening market share.

“Our continued investment in our highly diversified global network allows UBA to deliver high quality, consistent earnings. Our businesses have been able to grow product and service income and expand our deposit base, allowing the Group to increase earnings, while maintaining strong spreads and margins.

“The Group made a profit before tax of N803.7billon, with total deposits

increasing 42per cent from N17.4 trillion at 2023 to N24.7 trillion. Total assets grew 47per cent to N30.3 trillion from N20.7 trillion reflecting broad-based growth across all core businesses. These results were achieved despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges, geopolitical uncertainties, and exchange rate volatilities.

“I am particularly pleased with the marked improvement in our core earnings profile, as the profit is derived from high-quality income streams from funding intermediation, fees and commissions. This reflects strong long-term, sustainable revenues generation capacity.

“Our ex-Nigeria (Rest of Africa & International) operations have expanded significantly over the past five years, now contributing 51.7per cent of Group revenue, up from 31per cent in 2019, delivering diversification benefits and further boosting long-term shareholder value. This will continue to grow, as we further explore strategic markets that align with our overall vision.

“We are currently upgrading our business scope and authorization in France and considering other viable markets in the short to medium term.

“We remain committed to continuous investment in technology, data analytics, product innovation, staff training and development, which collectively enhance our customers’ experience.”

Also commenting on the results, the Executive Director, Finance & Risk Management, Ugo Nwaghodoh, said: “UBA recorded triple digit growth in net interest income, resulting in remarkable improvement in net interest margin from 6.83per cent in 2023 to 9.02per cent. Similarly, the Group recorded strong double-digit growth in fee and commission income lines of 91.66per cent.

As we defensibly position the portfolio to navigate prevailing global and regional macroeconomic upheavals, asset quality improved, with NPL ratio moderating to 5.58%, with strong provision coverage at 81per cent.

“UBA Group continues to demonstrate strong capital levels, with shareholders’ funds growth of 68per cent to N3.42 trillion and a solid capital adequacy ratio of 31per cent.

“As we navigate evolving risks, we remain focused on responsible growth, delivering customer-focused value propositions, whilst ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions.”

MOU ON UPGRADE OF GENERAL HOSPITAL, OMU-ARAN...

Solid Minerals Sector: Senate Pledges Legislative Support for Chinese Firms Investing $1 Billion

Senate Spokesman, Adaramodu: We are not rubber stamp senators

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Senate Committee on Solid Minerals has pledged to provide legislative support aimed at protecting Chinese companies planning to invest $1 billion in the country's solid minerals sector. Representatives of the Chinese firms were at the National Assembly to secure the assurance of the federal lawmakers before investing their funds. They planned to invest an initial

$500 million in Zamfara, Kebbi and Nasarawa states and bring another $500m if they enjoyed a favourable outcome.

In another development, the Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Yemi Adaramodu, have said the current 9th Assembly members are not rubber stamp senators, contrary to views by some Nigerians. Senator Adaramodu while speaking with journalists in his home town in Ilawe Ekiti said the senate is not a wrestling arena while senators will

India-bound Siblings Arrested with Cocaine at Lagos Airport

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two siblings at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos during a planned travel to India with 5 kilogrammes of cocaine.

The spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, said: “Operatives of a Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested two brothers: John Abugu, 43, and Kenneth Abugu, 31, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja, Lagos with 5 kilogrammes cocaine concealed in walls of their suitcases while attempting to board a flight to India.”

He said the two brothers were arrested at the Lagos airport last Thursday following proactive processing of credible intelligence.

He said they claimed they were travelling to India for medical treatment but when their suitcases were thoroughly searched by NDLEA officers, whitish powdery substances later confirmed to be cocaine were discovered on the walls of their bags.

Babafemi said in a similar development, NDLEA officers of the MMIA Strategic Command same day, Thursday intercepted a 20-year-old Ghanaian-British man, Parker Osei with 36 parcels of Loud, a strong strain of

cannabis weighing 19.4 kilogrammes packed in a giant travelling bag.

The suspect who claims he is a student of Computer Science at East London University, UK, was arrested during the inward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand, at the E-arrival hall of the Lagos airport.

In his statement, he claimed he lives with his parents in the UK but left London about a week ago for Bangkok where he picked up the illicit drug consignment to deliver in Nigeria.

NDLEA operatives in Kogi State have also arrested a 33-year-old woman, Ngozi Ogili while moving 3 kilogrammes of methamphetamine from Lagos to Abuja. She was nabbed in a commercial transport bus along Okene-Lokoja highway last Monday.

Babafemi said a follow up operation at her point of delivery in Apo mechanic area of Abuja led to the seizure of quantities of Loud and Colorado, both synthetic strains of cannabis.

In Abia State, NDLEA officers on Saturday arrested a 75-year-old grandpa, Nnanna Felix with 1.6 kilogrammes skunk, a strain of cannabis during a raid at Umunteke Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area, while another suspect David Chinemerem, 21, was nabbed with 2,050 ampoules of pentazocine at 7 Nnajiego Lane, Umuode road, Aba last Tuesday.

be fighting the executive, judiciary or other arms of the government while neglecting the constitutional roles they are supposed to carry out.

Meanwhile, the acting Chairman of the Committee, Senator Onawo Mohammed Ogoshi (SDP - Nasarawa South), gave the assurance during an interactive session between the panel and a Chinese delegation.

According to a statement by his media office on Sunday, Ogoshi assured the delegation that the Senate will provide enabling legislations to protect their investments in any part of the country.

He said: "The Nigerian Senate is supposed to give you all the necessary encouragement to come and bring this huge amount of money to our economy.

"Our laws on solid minerals exploration are very robust. We intend to make it more robust by amending some of the laws that are obsolete, outdated and enact laws that will give your companies better

protection in doing good business in Nigeria,” he said.

He appealed to the delegation to bring in more investors into Nigeria to do business.

Also speaking, a member of the committee, Senator Adamu Aliero said: "I join the chairman to commend you for coming to invest in our country. You have come at the right time when the country is venturing into diversifying her economy.

“We had a mono-economy before now, where we depended heavily on oil for our foreign exchange earnings.

"However, the federal government has realized that we had no better choice than to look for other sectors of economy to earn revenue to finance our budget and solid minerals is one area where we have a lot of potentials.

"We will do all we can to facilitate your involvement in this sector. We will liaise with the Ministry of Solid Minerals at the national level to secure licenses and to give you permission to go and start mining.

"We will also talk to the governors and the traditional institutions to ensure that you have free access to the areas where you are going to do your business and once that is done, I don't think you will have any problem," he said.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation comprising some solid minerals exploration firms from China, Mr. Chen Twan of Zong Hong Kotai Group said that the delegation is coming up with an initial $500million to invest in three states of Nigeria, comprising Zamfara, Kebbi and Nasarawa.

He noted that if they do well within the first one year of their exploration in the three states, they would extend their investments to other states that have solid minerals’ potentials.

Mr. Chen Twan said: "If we test the waters and see that it is good, we will attract more investors to Nigeria to invest in minerals deposits.

“As an international group, our company specializes in mining and bitumen. In the past few years, we

have invested extensively globally, and on that strength, we have come to Nigeria to survey the possibility of investing in the mining and industrial park sectors in your country for the coming year.

"We also have another investment in Nigeria and we will make that known in the course of our stay in country."

Also, a representative of Nigerian investors and Managing Director of El-Tahdam Exploration Limited, Mr. Adamu Tah, said: “Over time, we have been engaging them for the past two years. We have gone to their factories in China.

“I have personally visited their factories for the past one year, I saw their processes and we know what they do and we trust them and we are a Nigerian based company.

"They are not coming to Nigeria on their own, they are coming based on the investigation they have done, the companies that we have and the licenses that we have acquired.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, at the weekend performed the groundbreaking of Guelph Gas Limited's Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station in Ibesikpo, Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at the event, Ekpo noted that as the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources, Nigeria was poised to leverage its vast natural gas reserves to drive a just and equitable energy transition to enhance the country's industrialisation.

Ekpo, in a speech at the event also described CNG as a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels that will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a healthier and cleaner environment, a statement in Abuja by his spokesman,

Louis Ibah, stated.

The gas minister lauded Guelph Gas Limited for committing funds to the project, citing it as a testament to growing confidence in Nigeria's gas sector. He attributed the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for private sector participation as instrumental in driving investment.

Ekpo assured that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) will provide necessary support to ensure the project's success and similar initiatives across the country. These efforts, he said, aim to significantly boost the country's income earnings, stimulate economic growth, and generate vast employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.

The minister also lauded the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for supporting investments

that drive economic growth and create employment opportunities for citizens.

"As someone who hails from this great state, I have seen firsthand the dedication of our people to development and innovation. With its strategic location, resource wealth, and commitment to development, the state is positioned to be a key hub in Nigeria's gas revolution," the minister added.

Managing Director of Guelph Gas Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Bassey, while speaking at the event, lauded President Bola Tinubu for supporting initiatives and policies like the ‘Gas to Prosperity’ and ‘Decade of Gas’, which aim to enhance gas penetration.

These policies, he said, have encouraged companies like Guelph Gas Limited to invest in the gas sector as Nigeria seeks to become

a gas-powered economy. Bassey also thanked Ekpo for his support in bringing the CNG project to fruition.

The 3 million standard cubic feet per day CNG mother station project in Ibesikpo, Akwa Ibom state, aims to supply natural gas via CNG to commercial and industrial customers in the South-south and South-eastern parts of the country not currently connected to the country's gas pipeline network.

Bassey said the company was wrapping up it's pre-development phase and had received the license to establish, license to construct, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, building approval, and the Head of Terms (HoT), and also expect to sign the Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) before the end of the month, with offtake agreements already in place.

L–R: Vice Chancellor, Thomas Adewumi University, Prof. Francisca Oladipo; Founder & Chancellor of the University, Engr. Dr. JBO Adewumi; and Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, displaying the MoU signed by the Kwara State Government and Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, Kwara State, on the upgrade of the General Hospital, Omu-Aran, to a teaching hospital… recently

AT THE INTERNATIONAL WOMAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE...

Mixed Reactions Trail US Mission Comment on Edo Guber Tribunal Verdict

PDP says tribunal turned law on its head to protect a rigged process

Alex Enumah in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The comment of the United States Mission in Nigeria, on the Edo State Governorship Tribunal, which awarded victory to Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has elicited different reactions from groups and individuals in the country.

While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) welcomed the comment, describing it as a confirmation of the imperfections of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, a civil society group, which rose in defence of the tribunal, warned that foreign bodies should desist from interfering with local politics in Nigeria.

Mr Anthony Ehilebo, Special Adviser

on Media to PDP's governorship candidate, Mr Asue Ighodalo, said, "People do not grasp the gravity of what happened in Edo.”

He recalled that, "TAP Initiative uncovered what was effectively an electoral coup. INEC printed a duplicate set of result sheets and used these fake documents to declare their preferred candidate."

He submitted that besides TAP Initiative, a broad coalition of civil society groups and international observers had also echoed similar concerns, adding that, "These reports appear to have found an audience in the international community."

The US Mission, a few days after the tribunal affirmed the election of Okpebholo as Edo State Governor, confirmed that it was following the

appeal process closely, particularly in light of civil society concerns over the integrity of the vote.

"The Mission emphasised that transparency and due process are essential to democratic legitimacy; a signal, many observers believe, of disapproval with the Tribunal’s ruling," he said.

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, had while reacting to the 2024 Edo and Ondo Governorship Election BIP Report in a statement posted on the US Mission Nigeria X handle (@USinNigeria), stated his opinion.

“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is following the Edo election appeal process closely, particularly given civil society’s concerns about critical issues related to the election, such as

‘serious lapses in the collation process’ that were observed,” he said.

The 2024 Edo and Ondo Governorship Election BIP Report, conducted by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), revealed significant discrepancies in the electoral process.

According to the report, one of the key findings was the persistent mismatch in the number of registered voters across multiple polling units.

While the report claimed that in Edo State, inconsistencies were found in 141 polling units, in Ondo State, the same issue was observed in 87 polling units.

The discrepancies were said to have extended to the final collation centres, where the total number of registered voters recorded differed significantly from INEC’s pre-election figures.

Nigeria Records 151 Deaths from Meningitis Epidemic

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that the country recorded a total of 151 deaths as a result of Cerebrospinal Meningitis.

It said that 23 states reported suspected meningitis cases from epidemic week 40 of 2024 to epidemic week 12, 2025.

These states are Adamawa, AkwaIbom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Fct, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto and Yobe.

NCDC said that going forward, it will maintain communication with and support to states for data reporting and response continuing advocacy

to state governments to fund CSM IAP for ownership and sustainability.

The centre said it will continue distributing response commodities across states, build capacity for sample collection, transportation, laboratory diagnosis and data management and scale up risk communications.

According to the epidemiological report for week 12 published by NCDC, "As at 23rd March 2025, a total of 1826 suspected cases with 151 deaths, with case fatality rate of 8.3 percent have been reported from 23 states in the current season.

The report said a total of 289 samples were collected from some of the reported suspected cases since the beginning of the season, with 126 confirmed (44% positivity rate).

It also showed that age group 5

CSOs Coalition:

-14 years remains most affected group while 60 percent of the total suspected case were male.

The report showed that 94 percent of all suspected cases are being reported from ten (10) states – Kebbi (881), Katsina (158), Jigawa (147), Yobe (109), Gombe (47), Sokoto (303), Borno (36), Adamawa (27), Oyo (23) and Bauchi (66).

In the same vein, 17 local government areas across 9 states reported more than ten suspected cases in the current CSM season., namely; Gwandu (313), Tambuwal (155), Aleiro (143), Katsina (69), Kankia (54), Sule-Tankarkar (29), Jega (61), Fune (28), Maiduguri (29), Jahun (15), Birnin kudu (13), Nafada (13), Nguru (53), Bauch (25), Gamawa (20), Taura (14), Sule-Tankarkar (30), Birnin kudu (13), Nafada (13) and Yola South (13).

According to the report of the National Multi-sectoral Cerebrospinal Meningitis (EOC) monitor and surveillance activities across states, 315 suspected cases were reported from 3 states (Kebbi, Sokoto and Yobe).

38 cases turned out positive while 14 deaths were recorded with case fatality rate of 4.4 percent.

The report showed that there was 65 percent decrease in number of reported cases in epidemic -week 12 with 315 compared to cases reported in week 11 (418) cases.

NCDC listed some challenges facing efforts to combat the meningitis to include; inadequate trained personnel in states for case management, lack of CSM commodities some facilities - ceftriaxone, poor and inconsistent reporting from states, poor data quality.

Benue Killings Fuelled By Power Tussle, Plots to Declare State of Emergency

Akinwale

The Coalition for Civil Society in Nigeria and Advocates of Social Justice have alleged that the violence rocking Benue State is fueled by political crisis in the state. He added that aggrieved politicians in the state are allegedly orchestrating the killings to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency.

The Chief Convener of the groups, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta stated this

while addressing a press conference on Sunday in Abuja.

The groups added that street and campus cults are being used by politicians to carry out the heinous act.

The groups noted that since the day the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal delivered judgment in favour of the elected councilors from the seven local government areas of Benue North West Senatorial District, zone B, hell has been let loose in Benue. Ude-Umanta added that it was

worrisome that people who are elected to serve the people are the ones also killing them indirectly, just to score political points.

He said these same characters would boldly tell the world that they are supporting the President yet, they are bastardizing his administration and secretly sponsoring insecurity in the state.

Against this background, the groups called on the security agencies to immediately go after the serial killers

in Benue state.

Ude-Umanta stated: “Since the day the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal delivered judgment in favour of the elected councilors from the seven local government areas of Benue North West Senatorial District, zone B, hell has been let loose in Benue.

“Every day there are pockets of killings which we believe are being sponsored by some national assembly members who constitute themselves as enemies of the state.

But a civil society group under the aegis of Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa, has faulted the position of the US mission in Nigeria on the Edo tribunal, pointing out that the mission has no role to play in Nigeria's judiciary or even in the country's local politics.

Country Director of the coalition, Mr. John Mayaki, while commending journalists for their unbiased reportage of the tribunal's proceedings, called for the protection of the country's institutions, adding that the Edo governorship tribunal adjudicated to its best ability on what was presented before it.

While describing as "shocking" the statement by the US that "they are

watching the appeal closely", Mayaki stressed that, "there should be a limit to everything" and advised the PDP not to be "carried away with what the international community says about our local politics because they are not the judiciary."

Also, the Edo chairman of the PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, has described the tribunal judgment as a miscarriage of justice, arguing that the panel ignored overwhelming facts, twisted the law, and rewarded impunity.

Having received and studied the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, the petitioners said they were now even more convinced that the tribunal turned the law on its head to protect a rigged process.

Otti Orders Manhunt as Police Confirm Killing of Two Chinese, Police Escort

Kalu demands swift prosecution of killers

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed sadness over a security breach in the state, resulting to the killing of two Chinese miners and their police escort at a mining site located at Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area.

He gave "a strong directive" for security agencies to launch immediate manhunt to apprehend the suspected killers and bring them to book.

Otti's reaction to the "dastardly and unprovoked" killings was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Mesia and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, available to journalists, Sunday.

In a related reaction, the Senate Committee Chairman on South East Development Commission (SEDC) and senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on the Inspector General of Police and Abia State Government to ensure an immediate arrest of the killers of two Chinese nationals and a police inspector in the state Kalu, in a signed statement issued from his media office on Sunday condemned the unfortunate attacks and killings of the Chinese expatriates including a policeman.

Meanwhile, Governor Otti

expressed his outrage over what appeared to targeted attack and assured that his government would provide every necessary support to security agents to ensure that the killers do not find a hiding place. According to the Abia governor, the attack bore clear imprints of terrorism, adding it should be strongly condemned by all men of good conscience.

Otti said that his administration would intensify security collaboration with neighboring states to prevent criminals from using border communities as entry points to enter into Abia and carry out criminal activities.

He offered his heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Police Force, the Chinese Embassy and the families and loved ones of the victims of the attack, and prayed God to grant their souls eternal repose. The Abia State Police Command said that the killings occurred on Friday when "unidentified armed men ambushed and attacked a group of Chinese expatriates and their police escorts".

A release signed by the spokesperson of Abia Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said that the expatriates were en route to their company site located at Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu Community, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA when the assailants struck.

Adedayo

in Abuja

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

L–R: Head of UNIDO ITPO Bahrain and Global Advocate for Entrepreneurship and MSME, Dr. Hashim S. Hussein; Chairman, Burnley Football Club and Managing Partner of ALK Capital, Alan Pace; Convener of The International Woman Leadership Conference (TIWLC), Mrs. Ibukun Awosika; Founder and CEO of African Leadership Group, Fred Swaniker; Wife of the former Nigerian Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Co-founder of GTBank and Chairman of FATE Foundation, Fola Adeola; Founder and Chairman of Eventful Limited, Yewande Zaccheaus; and Leadership Expert and Global Speaker, Dr. Sam Adeyemi, at the International Woman Leadership Conference held at The Grand Hyatt in Dubai, United Arab Emirates… recently

CORONATION CEREMONY OF OBA OWOADE AS 46TH ALAAFIN OF OYO...

Police Withdraw Sanusi’s Invitation for Questioning in Abuja After Public Outcry

Order their men to meet emir in Kano Peterside, Odinkalu condemn move

The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, in connection with an unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.

This followed public outcry, including prominent Nigerians like the Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Atedo Peterside, and human rights activist and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chidi Odinkalu, who condemned the move.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, mandated the Force Intelligence Department (FID) to proceed to Kano and obtain Sanusi's statement.

A statement by Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, explained that the invitation was initially issued to enable Sanusi to provide his account

of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

However, "following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police's commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.

“Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi's statement.

"Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two disputed Emirs in Kano State -Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.

“The Durbar Festival is a long held tradition, which involves a recognised Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.

"To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, deployed

the Coordinating DIG for the North West who also serves as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to engage in dialogue with the two disputed Emirs in Kano and the Kano State Government.

“It was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety and none of the disputed emirs will ride on horse on Sallah day."

Adejobi noted that despite this agreement, Sanusi, who had attended the Eid Prayers in his car, decided to mount a horse in a procession after Eid Prayers on Sallah Day, accompanied by local vigilantes.

This, he said, triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru, and leaving several others injured.

"A situation which the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by the emissaries sent earlier to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado

Bayero

"The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the InspectorGeneral of Police, remains resolute in its commitment to conducting its criminal investigation duties with the highest level of professionalism including the investigation of this incident," the police said.

Adejobi also threatened that all individuals found culpable would at the end be brought to justice. To this effect, he said some arrests have been made prompting invitation to Alhaji Sanusi.

He concluded that the actions of the police were guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.

Sanusi was, therefore, invited for questioning over the alleged killings during the recent Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

In a letter dated April 4 and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Olajide Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-general of police in charge of the force intelligence department (FID), Abuja, the police asked Sanusi

Reinstated Council Chairmen: Adeleke Ready to Procure 'Kangaroo Judgment' to Cause Mayhem, Osun APC Alerts

Alerts IGP, DG DSS, NSA on looming dangers PDP: Osun APC raising false alarm, over illegal occupation of LG secretariats

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday unveiled Governor Ademola Adeleke's government's alleged fresh plot to procure a judgement from the State High Court, Ikirun, that will create a platform to launch another round of a massive attack on the local government chairmen and councillors elected on its platform who are currently in charge of the council secretariats and subject the state to another round of anarchy.

Addressing a press conference at the Ilerioluwa Campaign Office, OgoOluwa, Osogbo on Sunday, the APC, through a former state Commissioner for Information, Hon Sunday Akere, revealed that the state government has concluded an arrangement to procure the 'kangaroo judgment' from the court to be presided over by one Justice I. O. Adeleke of Ikirun on the 17th of April, 2025, with a view to perverting the cause of justice and bringing the sponsored Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) selected chairmen and hoodlums to the councils through the backdoor.

But in a swift rebuttal, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State has dismissed the allegations of main opposition All Progressive Congress (APC), accusing it of raising false alarm and being afraid of imminent backlash over its illegal occupation of local government secretariats and has embarked on an open blackmail of the judiciary.

The PDP additionally stated the APC is lying about an open secret that it faces three lawsuits over its invasion of the local government secretariats namely; the first by the duly elected local government chairmen and councillors of PDP under ALGON, the second by the state local government workers under NULGE and the third by the All Peoples Party (APP) which sued the APC for contempt of Court for ignoring a subsisting court judgement that sacked its Yes/No chairmen.

The main opposition APC noted it has reliably gathered that it is the purchased order of mandamus from the pliable High Court judge in Ikirun which Governor Adeleke is banking

on to bring the illegally-selected chairmen of the PDP to the council with the aid of Amotekun Corps and thugs by all means without reflecting on the consequences of his action to security of lives and property.

The APC reaffirmed its commitment to resist any illegal means capable of causing political unrest and undermining the security and sanctity of the judiciary in the state saying: "Adeleke's executive recklessness, security compromise, abuse of power and judicial integrity will be resisted without apology."

This is even as the formidable opposition party in the state sought immediate intervention of the Inspector General of Police, Director-General, Department of State Services -DSS and Office of the National Security Adviser over the looming crisis in the state.

The party lampooned Adeleke for resorting to a self-help instead of treading the path of the rule of law and compliance to judicial authority by obeying the judgment of the Court of Appeal or at most approach the Supreme Court, saying his fresh move was capable

of subjecting the state to anarchy and threat to the lives of innocent citizens.

The party accused Adeleke's government of grounding the local government activities by financially inducing the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to illegally withdraw the services of the state local government workers at the Local Government Secretariats

This allegedly has invariably denied the people of the state essential services being provided by the local government councils in all the 30 local government council areas and the Area Office, Modakeke in the last two months.

According to the APC, the planned Order of Mandamus filed against Governor Adeleke for the High Court to prevent the governor from locking the illegal and sit-at-home PDP Chairmen and Councillors out of council and be aided by Amotekun Corps and daredevil thugs to invade all the local government council areas in the state which would resort to a breakdown of law and order.

to attend an investigative meeting tomorrow, April 8.

The letter stated: “I have the directives of the Inspector General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, to invite you for an investigative meeting regarding an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within your domain.”

But Peterside, had faulted the invitation extended to Sanusi, by the police in Abuja.

In a post on X, Peterside said the Kano police command should have quizzed the monarch.

“What is Nigeria Police Force trying to turn Nigeria into? Has Nigeria become a Police State? Is there any question that the Commissioner of Police cannot legitimately ask the Emir of Kano in Kano on behalf of his Abuja bosses?” he asked.

Peterside added that invitations across state boundaries are a “form

of harassment” and should be discouraged.

Odinkalu, while condemning the development said the force’s action might be politically motivated and potentially destabilising.

Reacting, too, Odinkalu, on his X post, said, “It looks like some people are bent on using Police to foment crisis in Kano at all costs.”

The Kano State Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest of a 20-year-old suspect in connection with the fatal stabbing, which reportedly occurred as security operatives were escorting the Emir after Eid prayers.

A palace official, Shamakin Kano, Wada Isyaku, has also been invited for questioning as investigations continue. While the police maintained that the Emir’s invitation was part of standard investigative procedures, critics feared the move could be politically charged and further inflame tensions in the already sensitive Kano emirate.

INEC Delineation Report Sparks Anger in Delta, Group Alleges Anti-Itsekiri Agenda

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The report of the fresh delineation fieldwork of Wards and Polling Units, which was unveiled at the weekend in Asaba by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in respect of the Warri Federal Constituency, has sparked anger from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, who described the report as unacceptable because of alleged anti-Itsekiri colouration.

The fresh ward and polling unit delineation fieldwork was prompted by the Supreme Court judgment of 2022, which had ordered INEC to conduct the exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency.

Addressing newsmen at a press conference in Asaba yesterday, the Secretary, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Sir Sunny Amorighoye Mene, stressed that the polling unit and ward delineation proposed by the INEC report was unrealistic and provocative as it was at variance with reality, based on existing records and documents adopted by the country's electoral umpire since 1999.

The INEC delineation proposal clearly showed a pattern that relegated Itsekiri to insignificance in the electoral system in the three local government areas of Warri North, Warri South

and Warri South-West, but was rather in favour of its Ijaw neighbour, as well as the Urhobo in Warri South, Mene emphasized. Overall, the ward and polling unit delineation was done to disfavour the Itsekiri and ruin their political and socio-economic influence and relevance in the three local government areas and Delta State at large, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought argued. Mene said that it was ridiculous for INEC to create the impression that its own records and documents on electoral wards and polling units in the three local government areas since 1999 have been fictitious, alleging that that is what the new, discriminatory delineation reports against Itsekiri people suggested.

"We, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, will use all means available to ensure that this evident injustice against Itsekiri does not stand but that it is overturned, and the fair and legally equitable thing is done regarding the delineation of wards poling units being proposed by INEC", Sir Mene said. Sir Mene, who noted that he was in Friday's stakeholders’ meeting called by INEC to exhibit the report on the fieldwork, stressed, “We reject in totality any form of constituency delineation that seeks to politically emasculate the Itsekiri people."

Chuks Okocha and Linus Aleke in Abuja

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (middle); His wife, Tamunominini (second right); Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin (right); The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; and His wife, Ayaba Abiwumi, during the coronation ceremony of Oba Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, held at Oliver Baptist High School, Oyo

RECOGNISED AS AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY TRADITIONAL RULER...

Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Rejoice with Former Lagos First Lady, Abimbola Fashola, at 60

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated a former first lady of Lagos State, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, as she clocked 60 yesterday, April 6, 2025.

Dame Fashola, wife of former governor of Lagos State and ex-

minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, is renowned for her dedication and contributions as an experienced administrator in education management and as a passionate advocate for health and socio-economic issues.

The president, in a release by his Adviser on Information and Strategy,

Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged her impact on public awareness and sensitisation campaigns on children and women's health.

He described her as a steadfast pillar of support for her husband, offering tremendous help during his tenure as Lagos Governor and Minister of Works and Housing.

"Dame Fashola is devoted to her family, seeing it as a priority and a haven for growth and development. Her marriage, characterised by religious tolerance — she is a devout Christian and her husband a Muslim — is a powerful example of unity and understanding, crucial elements in nation-building."

Otti Urges Abure-led LP Faction to Accept Bitter Truth, Give Peace a Chance in Party

Party’s faction vows to resist planned invasion of offices by NLC Nenadi Usman’s group releases verbatim report of supreme court’s verdict

Abia State Governor, Mr. Alex Otti, has advised Julius Abure and his allies in the Labour Party (LP) to accept the bitter truth of his permanent sacking and give peace a chance in the party.

He counseled Abure following his claim that the Supreme Court verdict which nullified his position as national chairman was in his favour.

Otti reacted to the Apex Court verdict during the inauguration of the new leadership of his political structure, Abia Arise, at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government.

He expressed joy at the outcome of the legal battle over the leadership crisis in LP, saying that justice has been done to the party.

"I was watching and saw some people making some claims about them not being removed by the Supreme Court. We can as well ignore them, but I will not ignore them.

"I want to appeal to them to give peace a chance, except, if what they wanted in the first place is to destroy the party, and if they want to destroy the party, they will destroy themselves and the party will become even stronger," he said.

Otti had in September 2024 hosted an enlarged stakeholders meeting of the Labour Party in Umuahia during which Abure was sacked along with the National Working Committee(NWC) having exceeded their tenure.

In their place, a Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman was set up and given the mandate to run the party pending the election of new leadership in a properly constituted national convention.

But in spite of his non-recognition by not only the major stakeholders of LP but also by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abure kept fighting.

He got a lifeline from the Appeal Court, which upheld the disputed

national convention of the party held at Nnewi where he was "re-elected" by affirmation.

However, the bubble has eventually burst in his face as the apex court has set aside the earlier verdict of the appellate court, finally removing the reed he has been clutching to stay afloat.

Otti, who is the only governor elected on the platform of Labour Party, reminded him that, "The party is bigger and more important than any of us put together."

According to him, the judgment of the Supreme Court has put paid to the posturings by Abure, adding that, "the triumph of evil over good is for a moment."

"So, we thank God for (the apex court verdict delivered on Friday). We somehow believed that justice will be done to the Labour Party," he said.

Meanwhile, the faction of the Labour party loyal to Abure, yesterday, raised the alarm that Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), had concluded plans to invade offices

of the party across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, vowing to resist it.

In a statement by the National Secretary of the party loyal to Julius Abure, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, ''It has come to the knowledge of the leadership of the Labour Party that the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC is mobilising its members, hired thugs and some miscreants in concert with the illegal Nenadi Usman led National Caretaker Committee (NCC), and the National Transition Committee (NTC) to invade the National Secretariat of our party.

''The invasion which is allegedly funded by the Abia State government and one other prominent leader in the party, is expected to commence as from Monday 7th of April 2025.

''During the invasion, the NLC will attempt an unlawful break and entry into offices at the national headquarters with the aim of carting away sensitive documents and to also vandalise the properties belonging to the party,'' he stressed.

US Law Professor Urges Tinubu to Rescind Fubara’s Suspension

Alex Enumah in Abuja

A Professor of International Environmental and Public International Law, Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, before the hearing of the suit filed by some governors at the Supreme Court. Edward-Ekpo, who is also the Director, Institute of Law Research & Development of United Nations (ILAWDUN), Washington D.C, USA,

explained that the swift and corrective action would help reaffirm the president’s commitment to democracy, thereby repositioning his image as a leader who values the rule of law, and demonstrates that he listens to the people.

Reacting to the legal action, EdwardEkpo said the president, allowing the Supreme Court to dismiss the matter either by technicality or by forcing the parties to withdraw the suit, as some people anticipate, would damage his reputation as a pro-democracy

advocate.

“I am aware that the courts, particularly the Supreme Court, are currently saddled with this matter. Mr. President, heeding my humble appeal is your best course of action.

“I understand that you are caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea — a difficult choice — waiting for the court’s decision on this constitutional crisis or taking the more prudent and popular path of correcting the error now.

“Let me explain why the latter

is the wiser option: (a) If the Supreme Court upholds the emergency declaration and the suspension of a democratically elected state governor and legislature by another democratically elected official (the President and the National Assembly), it will permanently stain your legacy.

“You will be remembered as the president who undermined constitutional principles and legitimised illegality. Regardless of the court’s ruling, the perception will be that the Supreme Court was influenced by you.

The president expressed his appreciation for Dame Fashola's enduring contributions to the people of Lagos, specifically her leadership of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

“Her initiatives have notably included the inauguration of recreation centres and support for the screening and treatment of women with breast and cervical cancers,” the president noted, wishing her continued health, happiness, and well-being.

Also celebrating her, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described Mrs. Fashola as an Amazon, a selfless giver and an experienced administrator.

According to Sanwo-Olu, who described her as a ‘compassionate woman’ in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, noted that his experience and interactions with the former First Lady were always about positive change and lifting of others.

“On behalf of my adorable wife, Ibijoke, the government and the people of Lagos State, I heartily congratulate Dame Abimbola Fashola, former First Lady and wife of the 13th Governor of Lagos State, Mr

Babatunde Fashola (SAN), on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee celebration.

“Dame Abimbola Fashola attaining the age of 60 years in grace and elegance is worth celebrating because she made positive impacts in our dear Lagos State, especially during her tenure as the First Lady as a supportive pillar to her husband.

“As the Founder of Leadership Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN), Dame Fashola impacted and transformed lives. She is a selfless giver who is passionately committed to humanitarian services. She is a caring, loving and supportive wife and mother.

“As First Lady of Lagos State, she used the Office to impact many lives by advocating for women’s health, championing education, and empowering the youth. Through her LEARN initiative, she gave hope of a better future to Lagos residents, particularly the younger generation.

“On this landmark occasion of her Diamond Jubilee, I pray that God will continue to preserve and grant her perfect health and an abundance of joy to enable her to render more service to humanity.”

Police Investigate Deadly Explosion in Mushin as Military-grade Grenade Detonates, Kills One, Injures Three

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Lagos State Police Command, yesterday said it’s investigating the explosion that occurred weekend on 40, Taiwo Street, Idi-Araba in the Mushin area of Lagos State, which left one person dead and three others injured.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said: “The Lagos State Police Command hereby confirms an unfortunate explosion that occurred at Idi-Araba in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

“It sadly claimed the life of one individual and left three others injured. The injured victims have been taken to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.”

THISDAY gathered that the explosion happened when a scrap metal dealer attempted to cut a metal object later identified as a militarygrade grenade, which triggered a deadly detonation.

According to Hundeyin, “Preliminary investigations into the unfortunate incident revealed

that the explosion occurred when a scrap metal dealer attempted to cut a metal object into smaller pieces, which might be unknown to him, was a military-grade grenade, resulting in an explosion that led to his death.” Following the incident, he said police explosive ordnance experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EODCBRN) Unit of the Lagos State Police Command were swiftly deployed to the scene.

“The area was immediately cordoned off, secured, and subsequently rendered safe. The remnant of one exploded grenade, and two live (active) grenades were professionally and technically evacuated from the scene to the Base Headquarters of Police EOD-CBRN, Lagos, for safety.

“The experts cordoned-off the scene and the adjoining areas was emplaced to facilitate a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion and took immediate further necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Governor Hope Uzodimma (R) with HRH, Eze Prof. Eugene Iheanacho, after the latter was recognised as the traditional ruler of Umuakalukwu Emekeuku Autonomous Community at Government House, Owerri… weekend

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

MINISTRY OF BUDGET STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP RETREAT...

L–R: Chief Resilience Officer, Lagos State Resilience Office (LASRO), Dr. Folayinka Dania; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Sam Egube; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Mrs. Olayinka Ojo; Commissioner, MEPB, Mr. Ope George; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi; and Managing Partner/Head, Strategy and HR Consulting, Human Capital Partners (HCP), Mr. Innocent Oseghe, during the ministry’s strategy and leadership retreat, held in Victoria Island, Lagos at the weekend

Tinubu, Obasanjo, Makinde, Sanwo-Olu Mourn Former Oyo Gov, Omololu Olunloyo

President salutes his commitment to nation's unity, progress, intellectual advancement

Deji Elumoye in Abuja, James Sowole in Abeokuta, Segun James in Lagos and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The statement read: "With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.

"The Balogun of Oyo and Otun

President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have mourned the passing of a former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, who died at 89. The death of the Ibadan-born scholar and administrator was confirmed in a statement by a former Editor of Nigerian Tribune, Oladapo Ogunwusi.

a massive investment by Ghanaian entrepreneurs in Nigeria, as part of his official visit to Nigeria, Ablakwa said the 50th Anniversary of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should be used to reinvigorate the push to encourage more trading and investment by citizens of the sub-region in the countries of the sub-region.

He said the recent decision of the American president to stop aids to Africa should be an eye opener for countries in West Africa and the rest of Africa to encourage trading and investment among themselves and equally embrace Africa first before others.

On the River Park Estate in Abuja, the Ghanaian minister said, “When Dr. Kwame Nkrumah proclaimed at our independence in March 1957 that we will show the world that the black man is capable of managing his own affairs, this is representative of that, and I am really inspired about what has been achieved here.

“It shows that when we come together, Ghana, Nigeria, ECOWAS, the rest of Africa, and we bring down all of those artificial borders, those artificial

unfortunate incident.

The ACF, in its statement, described the killings as "disheartening and frightening attacks by terror gangs on defenceless communities."

The statement signed by Tukur Muhammad-Baba, spokesperson of the ACF, called on the federal government to live up to its constitutional responsibility by ensuring the security of life and property of citizens.

The statement said, "ACF deeply mourns the dead and unequivocally condemns the attacks. The forum particularly extends sympathy and condolence to the affected communities, the government, and the people of Plateau State.

"The forum identifies with the deep pains of families of the victims, prays to God to grant the deceased eternal rest, for surviving victims to be fortified with strength to bear the losses and for quick return to full health for all who suffered injuries," the statement stated.

borders, which really do not mean anything because it cannot separate us.

"They were so haphazardly done, so hurriedly done during the scramble for Africa, just to share the continent and its resources among European colonialists. But over the years, we have just allowed those artificial boundaries to divide us, but today, what we see here is that those boundaries can no longer divide us, and that we transcend those artificial boundaries."

Ablakwa, added, “So from that Berlin artificial division. We are here in Abuja to see what pan Africanism is about, that we can come together. We can unite. We can put our shoulders to the wheel, and we can achieve greatness.

“What this also represents is a new narrative that when we talk about investors, we should not always be looking outside the continent. That we can have African investors and we can open our countries to each other.

“Nigerians can come into Ghana, invest, create jobs, transform our countries. And it should be possible for Ghanaians to come into Nigeria and also create jobs and transform the landscape, transform the kaleidoscope

The forum drew attention, "for the umpteenth time, to the deterioration in the state of security in Arewa communities and elsewhere in Nigeria. The killing spree on the Plateau must be stopped immediately, and peace must return to the state."

It called on the federal government to "declare a state of security emergency on vulnerable and banditry-prone communities and to initiate effective early-warning and early-response strategies that incorporate the participation of community members”.

The ACF also urged the federal government to intensify efforts in” actionable intelligence gathering, processing and deployment by relevant security agencies so as to establish the immediate and remote causes of the latest skirmishes. investigate, identify, arrest, and prosecute perpetrators and enablers of the attacks."

On its part, the AYCF called for the arrest and prosecution of the

Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan Polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.

“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.

"The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give

of Nigeria, and that is what we see today.”

Ablakwa also said, “Interestingly, we are speaking at a time that we mark 50 years of ECOWAS. And many have said that the ECOWAS dream, the dream of sub-regional integration, has not yet been achieved as envisioned by our founding fathers, but what we see here today tells us that that dream is alive and that we can come together and transform our sub-region, transform our continent, create real opportunities for our people,

“And those opportunities can lead to the progress that Africa needs. And speaking about the state of our continent, there is no other time to reflect on how we should come together and do it ourselves than this time, if we look at what is happening internationally?

"We are seeing a rise in nationalism. We are seeing the imposition of tariffs. We are seeing a rise in defense budgets. And where are they diverting those resources from? They are diverting resources meant for aid, resources meant for international cooperation, to strengthen their national defense."

He said, "Many are crying that it

perpetrators.

In a statement by Yerima Shettima, it said, "The perpetrators of these heinous acts must be brought to justice, and it is imperative that the government takes immediate and decisive action to prevent further bloodshed.

"We at AYCF express our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and the affected communities who have suffered irreparable losses.

"The pain and trauma caused by such violence cannot be understated, and it is a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms."

League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by the former governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, also condemned the killings, stating that it is alarmed at the escalating state of insecurity along the Bokkos-Mangu corridor in Plateau State.

In a statement by the spokesman of the league of Northern Democrats, Ladan Salihu, it said the gruesome

him a befitting burial."

The president conveyed his deepest condolences to the government and people of Oyo State following the passing of the former governor of the old Oyo State, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president, extended sympathies to the Olunloyo family and all who knew and respected the late

turns out that Africa is not really a priority to some of our traditional partners. We have held in high esteem for many, many years that many have described as tragic, but some of us see it as a silver lining.

"We see it as an opportunity to look within, to build resilience, to come together and to forge our own path towards the progress and development of our continent.

“We can no longer rely on others. We must rely on ourselves and what is happening now should not bring despair. It should rather make us stronger. It should rather make us bolder, and it should make us more courageous, to look within, to dig deep and to come up with solutions that will help our continent progress."

According to him, "And so this is a story that the Foreign Ministry of Ghana is happy to project, and we are going to showcase this as a blueprint of what can be achieved, not only in Abuja, but I believe it can be achieved in Cotonou.

"It can be achieved in Ouagadougou. It can be achieved in Johannesburg. It can be achieved in many, many other places on the continent. We just have

killing of 52 innocent lives in Bokkos was a dent on humanity.

According to Salihu, “We condemn this heinous act of brutality and criminality. We extend our deepest condolences to His Excellency Governor Caleb Muftwang, the Government and People of Plateau State over this devastating and tragic incident.”

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), backed claims by the Mutfwang that the frequent bloody attacks by suspected armed herders were coordinated acts of genocide against the native people of the state.

HURIWA reminded President Bola Tinubu that his primary constitutional duty was to provide security to the lives and property of citizens.

The group asserted that security forces had failed to arrest the key sponsors neither had any of the real killers known to have been arrested,

elder statesman and scholar. Tinubu paid tribute to Olunloyo's remarkable academic and professional journey and his fervent belief in education as a transformative tool for national development.

"Dr. Olunloyo will be celebrated in academic circles for his brilliance and foundational contributions to applied mathematics and number theory. As an educator, he profoundly influenced future leaders and fortified educational institutions," President Tinubu stated. Reflecting on his tenure as governor of the old Oyo State, Tinubu remarked: "Although his time in office was brief, his tenure was marked by exceptional vision and leadership. The abrupt end to his administration due to military intervention did not deter him from continuing to serve the nation."

to come together. And once there is a will, there will always be away.

“The time has come for Africans to do more business amongst ourselves, to trade more amongst ourselves. And that was the whole vision behind the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.”

The Ghanaian minister, expressed dismay at the trade data in the region,” lamenting, “We don't do business among ourselves. We don't trade among ourselves. It's below 20 per cent, if you look at intra-European trade, there's an excess of 60 per cent, same for intra-Asia trade, but intra-Africa trade, it's very, very low, and we need to really collapse those artificial barriers and invest in the business ecosystem, creating opportunities venture capital funds, nurturing young entrepreneurs, and we need to also consciously promote made in Africa.

"So, it doesn't matter where the entrepreneur comes from, and that's why I'm excited to be here seeing what Ghanaian entrepreneurs have done here, with the support of the government in Nigeria facilitating we also are proud to say that we host a lot of Nigerian businesses in Ghana.

prosecuted and punished sternly in compliance with the extant laws against mass murders.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, advocated that rather than shout just like a mere observer, the president of Nigeria, with all the powers to command the armed security forces, should mandate the relevant commanders to go after the sponsors and the killers within a given timeline or be dismissed from their positions in the armed forces of Nigeria.

HURIWA said Tinubu should be decisive, authoritative, bold, courageous and above all act like a statesman and not a politician.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said it had commenced a rapid assessment

If you come to Ghana, the banking sector really is controlled by Nigerian entrepreneurs.”

Earlier, in his remarks, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited, Kojo Mensah, said, as declared by President John Mahama of Ghana and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Accra, ”The bond between Ghana and Nigeria is strong and cannot be broken.”

Mensah said those words resonated deeply.

He stated, "For in River Park, we’ve turned that bond into action. Our collaboration is a rebuke to those who peddle division; it is a testament to the words of the Ashanti proverb: 'When brothers unite, the walls of the city shake.'"

Mensah said “Africa’s future will not be written in Beijing, Washington, or Brussels— it will be written here, by us. While global partnerships are vital, the greatest catalyst for our growth lies within our sub-region. "River Park Estate stands as evidence: over 75 per cent of our workforce is Nigerian, 20 per cent Ghanaian, and five per cent from other ECOWAS nations.”

of the communities affected by the attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to a statement signed by Head of NEMA's Press Unit, “assessment teams are currently on ground in the impacted areas to evaluate the extent of the damage and identify the immediate needs of affected populations.

“Concurrently, arrangements are being finalized for the delivery of relief materials approved by the Federal Government, in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to provide swift humanitarian assistance to the victims."

The statement further said "a highlevel team from NEMA headquarters, led by the Director General, is en route to Plateau State to reinforce ongoing efforts by the NEMA Zonal Office in Jos. This visit aims to further coordinate relief interventions and ensure an efficient and timely response."

Makinde: I Was Asked to Influence Selection Process of New Alaafin of Oyo

Sanwo-Olu, Owa of Ijesaland felicitate new monarch

Sunday Ehigiator

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at the weekend revealed that some people came to him and pleaded with him to influence the selection process of the new Alaafin of Oyo, even though the oracle did not pick their choice candidates.

He, however, promised that his administration would continue to ensure that due process and laid down rules are followed in governing the state, maintaining that his government would maintain a record of not interfering in traditional institutions and also remain impartial in the process of selecting traditional rulers.

Makinde stated this at the coronation of Oba Abdulakeem Abimbola Owoade I as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.

He described the ascension of Oba Abimbola as a testament to his administration's credibility as a stickler to due process, stating that his ascension is also a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Oyo indigenes.

"I want to say congratulations once again to the people of Oyo Kingdom. Your patience and resilience have paid off and this is why today has become a reality. Some people came to meet me to influence the selection process of the new Alaafin, but the Oracle didn’t really pick their candidates. The person that Ifa and the people of Oyo chose is the person we are witnessing his coronation here today as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

“Oyo is one of the oldest civilisations in Yoruba history. So, when they brought to me the first selection process and the person went on air to declare himself as the Alaafin-elect, I conducted an investigation and discovered that some people were bribed.

“Thereafter, I asked my conscience if the Alaafin's stool was for sale and I said no, because I cannot defend it before my Maker. Yes, a lot has happened since the last Alaafin joined his ancestors, but we are happy today that those issues have been resolved in the way our forefathers would be happy with.

"Today, the people of Oyo State can be proud again that we have a new Kabiyesi that represents the interest of our people and that of our ancestors. When it comes to maintaining traditional institutions, this administration will maintain a record of never interfering with the process.

“We will be there to see that due process is followed. We will be impartial, stand at the sideline, ensuring that rules are not broken for one side or the other," the governor stated.

Makinde, however, called on Oba Owoade to work hard for the progress of Oyo, assuring him that the state government would continue to play a vital role in ensuring the growth and development of the state and promoting Oyo's World Sango Festival as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

He equally charged those challenging the emergence of the Alaafin in court to accept Oba Owoade as God's choice, which was also supported by the people and the government of Oyo State.

Also, the Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba AbdulAkeem Abimbola Owoade. Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, wished the 46th Alaafin of Oyo success on the throne of his forefathers.

He also congratulated the sons and

daughters of Oyo at home and in the diaspora on the coronation of Oba Owoade. He urged them to work together with the traditional ruler for the growth and development of the Oyo kingdom.

Sanwo-Olu said the Alaafin of Oyo’s stool is a symbol of cultural pride and the enduring legacy of one of the most powerful empires in Africa and therefore implored Oba Owoade to continuously uphold the dignity of the throne.

The governor also appealed to the new Alaafin of Oyo to promote Yoruba culture, tradition, history, norms, values and aspirations like his predecessors.

He said: "On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate Oba Abdulakeem Abimbola Owoade on his coronation as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. The people of the ancient Oyo kingdom are lucky to have a successful technocrat and seasoned administrator like Oba Akeem Owoade

as their paramount ruler.

"As Oba Owoade sits on the throne of his forefathers, I pray that God will bestow on him good health, strength, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for a peaceful reign in Oyo kingdom and Yoruba Land in general."

Meanwhile, the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has provided clarity on the proper way to call his title and address his as the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.

This is just as he congratulated the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, on his ascension to the throne.

According to a statement issued on behalf of the Coronation Committee yesterday, as signed the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Subcommittee, Chief Shola Oshunkeye, “the Paramount Ruler should be officially addressed as: His Imperial

Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, Owa Obokun Adimula and The Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.

“The clarification is to forestall any ambiguity and discordance in reportage, correspondences and communications on all matters concerning the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.

The Palace appreciates maximum cooperation on this matter,” he said.

In a separate statement, Haastrup felicitated the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade on his ascension to the throne as the 46th Alaafin, while also praying that his reign heralds new lease of peace, happiness and prosperity in Yoruba Land.

The statement read: “On behalf of myself and the entire Sons and Daughters of Ijesaland, I offer my hearty congratulations to you and the entire people of Oyo kingdom on your ascension to the throne of Iku Baba Yeye, your legendary forefathers.

“In retrospect, the bond between Alaafin and Owa Obokun dates back to the evolution of Yoruba race, an era that predates all of the present generation of Oodua descendants. It is gratifying to note that our forefathers succeeded in sustaining this great legacy of kinship, brotherliness and brotherhood.

“As Your Majesty may be aware, I am currently observing mandatory seclusion hence my inability to participate in the coronation festivities. As a representative of the Yoruba cultural heritage and the embodiment of wisdom, I pray for divine enablement for you to provide the leadership desired for and by the people of your kingdom and the entire Yoruba race.

“May your reign herald a new lease of peace, happiness and prosperity in the entire Yorubaland. Accept the assurances of the people of Ijesaland for mutual understanding and cooperation.”

SERAP Asks President Tinubu to Reject World Bank

Cites concern over Nigeria’s rising debt profile

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reject the newly approved $1.08 billion loan from the World Bank, citing concerns over Nigeria’s rising debt profile and financial mismanagement within federal institutions.

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle yesterday, the prominent civil society organisation said:

“We have urged President Tinubu to reject the recently approved $1.08 billion World Bank loan for Nigeria and instead recover the missing N233 billion from the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc

and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The loan is neither necessary nor in the public interest.”

The loan, which was approved by the World Bank last week, is aimed at supporting Nigeria’s electricity sector and scaling up reforms in the power industry.

However, SERAP said that such funding only fuels a cycle of borrowing without adequate accountability or value for money.

According to data from the external debt report released by the Debt Management Office (DMO), the World Bank’s share of Nigeria’s debt totals $17.32 billion, with the majority owed to the International Development

Association (IDA), which accounts for $16.84 billion and represents 39.14 per cent of Nigeria’s total external debt.

SERAP has consistently criticised what it views as indiscriminate borrowing by the federal government, warning that it places an unsustainable financial burden on future generations.

The organisation referenced recent audit reports by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF), which revealed that over N233 billion in public funds remained unaccounted for across key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET).

SERAP also urged the Tinubu

administration to prioritise transparency, fiscal discipline, and anti-corruption measures as part of broader economic reforms. It warned that continued borrowing without corresponding accountability mechanisms could further weaken investor confidence and damage Nigeria’s international credit standing.

The group emphasised that sustainable development must be rooted in responsible governance and effective utilization of existing resources. Nigeria currently grapples with a failing power sector, with nationwide electricity access and reliability still far below regional and global averages.

NHIA Moves to Reduce Delays in Accessing Healthcare by Enrollees

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), said it has directed all its stakeholders on steps aimed at reducing delays in accessing services and ensuring that enrollees receive quality healthcare services.

According to the agency, the new directive came into operation on April 1, 2025.

A statement by its acting Director

of media, Emmanuel Ononokpono, the agency said the measure has become imperative in view of notable delays in authorization of treatment and issuance of codes, which continues to negatively impact beneficiaries' experience. He said the steps are consistent with the effective implementation of the NHIA Act 2022, adding the changes regarding authorization of care were approved at a Stakeholders' Meeting in February

help address delays. According to Emmanuel Ononokpono the steps include; authorization of care and issuance of authorization codes by HMOs shall no longer exceed *one hour from the time of requests by providers.

Also Health Care Facilities (HCFs) are to promptly submit requests for authorization codes to HMOs to mitigate service access delays to enrollees

He added that communication of a response of ‘no authorization should be within the one-hour period where the HMO has justifiable reasons for not issuing the requested code. Other steps include maintenance of records of all requests and responses for treatment authorization by providers and HMOs and where delays occur, beyond the one-hour timeline, the healthcare providers are to proceed

to render services to the enrollee and inform NHIA immediately.

Ononokpono further said that NHIA will verify that such services were rendered and that enrollees are to report any delays or barriers to timely access to health service resulting from receiving authorization codes in excess of the one-hour limit independently to the NHIA.

"For all emergency cases, authorization codes shall not

be required before commencing treatment but shall be obtained with 48 hours of commencing care as stipulated in the operational guidelines.

"Sanctions shall be applied appropriately to entities deliberately delaying authorization of care," he said .

NHIA said that it will regularly review compliance with this revised timeline and provide feedback to stakeholders.

L–R: Head, The Library and Public Affairs Committee, The Metropolitan Club, Dr. Adeoye Adefulu; President, The Metropolitan Club, Fola Adeola; Executive Producer/Chief Executive Officer, Accelerate Media Group, Colette Otusheso; Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; and Associate Producer/Documentary Researcher, Ed Emeka Keazor, during the premiere of a documentary screening titled ‘The Decolonisation of Africa’ held in Lagos on Saturday PHOT: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Army Arrest 43 Oil Thieves, Confiscate Over 254,000 Litres of Stolen Products in N’Delta

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have arrested 43 suspects involved in oil theft and associated crimes, and deactivated14 artisanal refineries in Niger Delta.

Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah, in a statement yesterday, said the troops sustained the pressure on the economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta Region.

Danjuma, who revealed that the achievement was made

from March 31 to 6 April 2025, noted that troops have recorded significant operational strides in collaboration with other sister agencies.

He further revealed that during the operations, the troops demolished 14 boats used for economic sabotage, with several vehicles intercepted and over 254,000 litres of stolen products confiscated across the region.

According to Danjuma, “In notable operations conducted in Delta State, troops uncovered a large-scale illegal bunkering site at Old Ogorode in Sapele Local Government Area (LGA).

Tinubu Urged to Caution Minister Lokpobiri over NCDMB Turmoil

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to call Minister of State for Petroleum Resources(oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, to account for his meddling at the Nigerian Content Development and Management Board (NCDMB).

The Niger Delta Defenders(NDD), a prominent advocacy group, who condemned Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, accusing him of causing chaos and impeding progress in the country’s critical oil and gas sector.

President of the NDD, Engr. Emiko Omola, in a statement requested the President’s immediate intervention to address Senator Lokpobiri’s alleged disruptive behaviour and power struggles, particularly within NCDMB.

The statement depicts a dysfunctional NCDMB, crippled by internal conflict alleged fuelled by the minister following his refusal to recognise the authority of the

Minister of State for Gas, Edet Ekperipke Ekpo, as co-chairman of the board.

According to statement,, the situation erupted at last week’s General Council meeting, when Senator Lokpobiri allegedly attempted to slap Minister Ekpo during a heated exchange.

“The question that begs an answer is: how long will this last? And who will call Senator Lokpobiri to order?” Omola demanded, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with the minister’s alleged actions.

The NDD emphasised the critical importance of the oil and gas sector to Nigeria’s economic well-being, stating that it accounts for approximately 65 per cent of revenue and more than 80 per cent of total exports.

It stressed the Tinubu administration’s focus on transforming the sector to improve efficiencies and increase its contribution to the national economy.

Several items were recovered at the site, including one Ford Bus with Registration number Delta KLK 797 HR loaded with nine drums of 1,000 litres each filled with 90,000

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, has admonished the convicts who secured freedom through the intervention of the Idewole Foundation during the recent correctional centres congestion exercise in the state to shun crimes. He urged them to shun bad

litres, 74 drums of 200 litres each stocked with 14,800 litres, and one tank filled with over 20,000 litres of stolen products.

“Other seizures included: nine drums of 200 litres capacity

companies, social vices and other criminal activities that are capable of returning them to prison.

The CJ gave the advice at the judiciary headquarters in Lokoja at the weekend when he received some of the ex-convicts who have been trained by the Foundation in solar installation.

It would be recalled that the Idewole Foundation, through

each, estimated to be 1,800 litres, eight drums of 200 litres each filled with illegally refined engine oil estimated to be over 1,600 litres, 90 empty drums, one empty 5,000 litres

the Chairman of the Kogi State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, Justice and Legal Matters, Halidu Adejoh, joined the CJ during the decongestion exercise and secured the release of some convicts after paying their judgement fines.

capacity tank, eight pumping machines, one Lister generator, and one big generator. This was in addition to two suspected economic saboteurs arrested at the site. “

The foundation subsequently took those who were ready to acquire skills for a three-month training programme in Abuja. The beneficiaries were also given N300,000 each at the end of the training as startup capital by the foundation. The fund was routed through the judiciary after the programme for onward disbursement to the recipients to ensure proper handling just as their visit was to appreciate the CJ and collect their money.

Cross-Party Alignment: Wike Has Lost PDP Membership, Says CP-PDP

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP), after its technical weekly review of the state of affairs of the party, posited that the former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike, has lost his membership of the PDP.

In a communique of the meeting signed by Obinna Nwachukwu, the national coordinator CP-PDP, said that:

‘’The position of the CP-PDP is predicated on the public declaration by the FCT Minister of his alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pursue APC’s victory in the 2026 FCT Council election and the 2027 presidential election, which

declaration is in direct conflict with the PDP Code of Conduct of members as expressly provided under Section 10 (6) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017). According to the communique, ‘’For clarity, Section 10 (6) of the PDP Constitution clearly states that: “No member of the party shall align with other parties or groups to undermine the party or any of its elected government.

Oyebanji:Ekiti Set to Employ Doctors, Nurses on National

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, at the weekend expressed appreciation of his government to members of the National Assembly for pulling resources together for payment of salaries of the new set of doctors and health workers billed to be employed by the state government in a bid to strengthen healthcare delivery.

Governor Oyebanji, who disclosed this to journalists

Eid Celebration Inspires Business Leaders to Bring Hope to Hungry Nigerians

In the spirit of Eid celebration, a remarkable act of kindness unfolded in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Mr. Sudeep Ramnani and Mr. Jai Mahtani, international businessmen and foreign investors in the Nigerian market, recently partnered Pukka Logistics and Support Services Limited to bring much-needed food items to the community.

This outreach led by Beulah Akingbelu-Banjo, the Managing Director of Pukka Logistics and Support Services Ltd, is part of a larger mission to alleviate hunger and food poverty across Nigeria.

According to Beulah, the outreach had already reached thousands of Nigerians across several local government areas to date, and the mission is to reach out to the 774 local

government areas in Nigeria, one local government at a time.

The response from the community was overwhelming.

The Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Olalekan Idris Kusimo, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of his constituents for the kind thoughts of the organizers.

He noted that the local government was open to receiving more of such kind gestures in the future.

shortly after inspecting some ongoing projects in the state last Friday, said his government has embarked on the renovation and equipping of 11 secondary health facilities which gulped

billions of naira only to find out that the state needed more money to employ the required professionals to man the facilities. He added that he had to

‘’The unambiguous intention of the crafters of the PDP Constitution in the reading, interpretation and application of Section 10 (6) is that a person who aligns with another political party, as has been done by the FCT minister, has by the effect of such alignment effectively relinquished his affiliation with the party and ceases to be a member of the PDP.

Assembly Members’ Bill

consult with the legislators who immediate agreed to come to the aid of the government by taking care of the salaries of the new health workers on behalf of the state.

Kogi Chief Judge Admonishes Trained Ex-convicts to Shun Crime ‘Non-release of

An investment analyst, Mahmood DanAudu has chided the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun for the poor capital budgetary releases, saying that it poses serious threat to economic development.

DanAudu, who claimed that releases for overhead cost and intervention funds for the 2024 budget are 100 per cent, alleged that capital releases so far was about 20 per cent even though the

lifetime of the 2024 budget ends in June.

He said: “How can we have a minister that is comfortable with about 100 per cent releases for the overhead cost and intervention funds but refused to release funding for capital project as a result of which most contractors have abandoned site? Do we expect to build a virile economy under this scenario?”

He has therefore, called for

the immediate sack of the Minister of Finance, whom he accused of failing in ensuring dutiful implementation of the budget and creating bad image for the present administration.

DanAudu alleged that those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring budgetary releases are concentrating on areas that benefit them and some people while ignoring the main budget (capital) which benefits all.

Ruger Thrills Fans at Trace Live

and industry insiders were

and premium experiences as

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The event, which has become a staple in Nigeria’s live music scene, provided an intimate setting where

fans could enjoy Ruger’s signature sound up close. With an impressive repertoire of chart-topping hits, the artist captivated the audience with an engaging set that reinforced his status as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic performers. In addition to the live music, guests were treated to a selection of expertly crafted Lord’s Gin cocktails, further elevating the experience. Commenting on the essence

of the partnership and the brand role, the Marketing Manager, Nigeria Distillery Limited (NDL), Gbemileke Lawal said:

“At Nigeria Distillery Limited, we are committed to building brands that not only deliver premium quality but also connect deeply with consumers’ lifestyles. Lord’s Gin represents elegance and celebration, making our partnership with Trace Live a perfect fit.”

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Folalumi Alaran inAbuja Music lovers

treated to an exceptional night of live music

Lord’s London Dry Gin once

2025 edition of Trace Live featuring Afrobeats star Ruger in Lagos.

Mary Nnah

THE GREAT ADS OF OLD

the rugged Western cowboy Marlboro Man. But when Big Tobacco lost a billiondollar lawsuit in 1992, the NGO that sued them placed an ad in newspapers saying, “Marlboro Man rode into the sunset.” Very creative was the Dutch beer firm Heineken. It placed an ad in many news magazines stating, “Our great grandfather Heineken used to say, ‘You don’t play around with the family name!” It then adds under it, “When you make a great beer, you don’t have to make a great fuss.” In 1983 however when Heineken’s Chairman/ CEO Freddy Heineken was kidnapped, Newsweek magazine said in a story, “The company’s ad says when you make a great beer, you don’t have to make a great fuss but last week, Heineken made a great fuss over the kidnap of its chairman.”

The parcel delivery firm DHL had an ad that showed its delivery man riding a sledge, pulled by a reindeer across an ice field, in order to deliver a parcel to an isolated cottage on a remote island. Under it was the legend: “Going great lengths to please.” There was this billboard ad of a man escaping from a lion on a Yamaha motorcycle. Airlines were great advertisers in those days, such as KLM which called itself “The flying Dutchman.” I cannot forget an Indian Airlines ad of a Maharaja celebrating his wonderful life of big palaces, beautiful women and exotic food. Then he sobbed and said, “But now I am sick/sick and dejected/ To find an airline that treats

every passenger/ Like a Maharaja.”

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR] once had an ad with the pitiable face of a child refugee. Under it was stated: “Your sympathies may not help a refugee. But it is a good beginning.” Newspapers and magazines that carried the ads did not often advertise themselves but TIME magazine once had a full-page ad with the frowning face of Leonid Brezhnev, President of the Soviet Union, with his bushy eyebrows. Beside it was stated: "It is not in my nature to grant interviews.”---Leonid Brezhnev, in an interview with TIME magazine. In those days, billion-dollar advertising brought home to us the names of exotic American firms such as General Motors, General Dynamics, General Electric, Chrysler, Ford Motors, Consolidated Edison, Citicorp, Penn Central Railroad, Morgan Guaranty Trust, Manufacturers Hanover, US Steel, United Technologies, Bechtel, ITT, AT&T, Boeing, Westinghouse, Lockheed, Pan Am, Packard and DeLorean. Probably their greatest ad was the pitch by Chrysler Motors’ new President Lee Iacocca in 1983. Standing next to a Chrysler automobile, he said, “Take a hard look. If you can find a better car, buy it.”

In Nigeria too, we had many unforgettable ads of the kind that we hardly see today. After winning the Argungu Safari Rally in 1974, Toyota made a huge splash with billboards and newspaper ads saying, “Toyota Corolla. King of the Road.” Very memorable was

the 1980s ad by Bagco super sack. It was of labourers soaked in sweat and covered in soot. They told their master that they will only carry cement in a Bagco and not any other yama-yama sack. There was the 1990s Pears Vaseline ad in which the child judge dismissed a case against a Mum accused of pinching her son’s Vaseline. The judge ruled, “I use it myself. Case dismissed.”

In the 1970s, the music recording company EMI’s ubiquitous ad of the dog speaking into a megaphone was quite memorable. It had the legend: “His Master’s Voice.” Probably the most controversial ad in Nigeria was by the toothpaste Daily Need, featuring a couple about to kiss when the woman suddenly pulled away. “I won’t do it till you darling/Till you darling/Use Daily Need.” The ad made such an impact that a motion was moved on the Senate floor in 1982 asking NTA to yank it off because it was immoral!

Very memorable too was the Volkswagen Beetle television ad in which a beetle was stamped several times with a huge boot, only for it to recover and match on. The legend was: “There is no killing the beetle.” Probably because we heard them several times a day, bank television commercials are etched in our memory. Such as UBA’s: “Wise men bank with UBA/And women too with UBA/Start a savings account today/With UBA, UBA.” Or: “Union Bank/We set the pace,” accompanied by a flying white horse. The 1980s promo for Nigeria placed

NNPC LEADERSHIP: AGENDA FOR FALTERING OIL GIANT

vested interests in private oil and gas companies, creating a high risk of conflict of interest and policy decisions that serve personal gains over national development. Transparency International has consistently ranked Nigeria’s oil sector among the opaquest in the world, with corruption and vested interests undermining effective governance. To dispel these concerns, the new leadership must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. Key questions must be addressed: Will their private interests precede national interests? Can they implement policies that might negatively impact their business associates? How will transparency and accountability be maintained in the decision-making process? The ability of this leadership team to separate personal gain from national duty will be a defining factor in its success or failure.

Nigeria’s oil production costs, from 2023 data, are among the highest in the world. Saudi Arabia and Iraq produce oil at $10 per barrel, Russia and Norway at $20-$21 per barrel, while Nigeria produces at between $40 and $48 per barrel. Security costs ,burdensome logistics and infrastructure, inflated contracts and fraudulent procurement, and other corrupt practices contribute to these high production costs. The Cable, a Nigerian online publication quoting the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, says that the country loses around 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily to theft and sabotage. By improving operational efficiency, adopting cutting edge technology and eliminating corruption, the new leadership could reduce the cost of production to $25-$30 per barrel—leading to a potential 75% increase in oil revenue.

Nigeria has consistently failed to meet its OPEC production quotas due to large-scale oil theft, pipeline vandalism, community conflicts, and inefficiencies in NNPC Ltd.’s operations and management. Strengthening security measures in oilproducing regions, establishing clear community engagement frameworks, and improving operational efficiency through technology and management reforms are critical to addressing these

issues. In 2024,the country struggled to produce a daily average of 1.4 million barrels per day , according to data from NUPRC, which is the industry regulator, due to these challenges. A key priority for the new leadership must be to secure and ramp up oil production. Addressing the complicity of some NNPC Ltd. and Nigeria Navy personnel in oil theft will be crucial.

NNPC Ltd. is notorious for delays in making Final Investment Decisions (FID) due to bureaucratic red tape, layers of embedded interests and political interference, and over-reliance on joint venture models where NNPC Ltd. expects international oil companies to finance projects. A prime example is the stalled Brass LNG and Olokola LNG projects. One stakeholder attributed it to the nature of the joint venture model operated by NNPC. He likened it to a woman going to the market with her friend and banking on her friend to pay for both purchases. Here, the NNPC, which is the landlord, plans to be funded by the tenant, the field operator. The challenge is their refusal to comply with section 65 of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that has suggested that they migrate from unincorporated joint venture (uJV) to incorporated joint venture ( IJVCL) that will require joint upfront financing of projects at the beginning without the need of structure for ‘carry’ or cash calls". The new leadership of NNPC must address this inefficiency and recklessness so that Nigeria and Nigerians can benefit from oil and gas resources. The former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, once described Nigeria’s investment delays as "crippling to sectoral growth."

Despite spending trillions of Naira on refinery maintenance, Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries remain non-functional.

Between 2000 and 2020, according to House of Representatives investigation committee reports, NNPC spent over $25 billion on refinery repairs without tangible results. By today's estimate, that money can be used to build 2 new refineries with a capacity of 225,000 bpd. NNNPC has the most inefficient refinery operations and expensive turnaround maintenance costs. The

by the Federal Ministry of Information on NTA was unforgettable: “Me I like Nigeria/ Me I like my country/I like the land and people/ Everything dey for Nigeria/ Make we join hands/ To make Nigeria better/.” Then another man said, “Oh yes, wetin man want wey no dey. From the open big land for North, to the thick thick forest for South, to the big big rock for Abuja/Fish dey for water nyam nyam/ Everywhere small pikin dey run left and right/ Ah ah!/ God bless dis country/.”

Central Bank of Nigeria’s [CBN] campaign of the early 1990s against mutilation of the naira was also memorable. The clip showed all the people who really mutilate currency: taxi drivers who squeeze change into their cigarette ash compartment; suya sellers who place naira notes under the meat; market women who push notes into their bras; sprayers at society weddings and gamblers who give naira notes the tightest squeeze.

Some international ads are best remembered for their spectacular failure. Probably the leader in that regard was the detergent salesman who had a three-part billboard in Western countries. Part one showed a dirty vest; in the second part it is soaked in detergent; in the third part it comes out squeaky clean. He transplanted his successful billboard into Arabia. Since Arabs read from right to left, what they saw was a very clean vest, soaked in detergent, and it came out very dirty.

new leadership of NNPC has both a moral obligation and a national duty to make appropriate decisions on what to do with the refineries. Some national oil companies have sold off their refineries to focus on crude oil production and renewables , while others operate their refineries efficiently and generate profits. The key questions are: Should NNPC Ltd sell the refineries to private investors? Or should it reform its operational structures for greater efficiency and adopt a new refinery management model?

For decades, corruption and mismanagement have plagued NNPC Ltd. Political actors have used the company as a cash cow, opaque procurement processes, and delayed and unreliable financial disclosures. It is estimated that one-third of NNPC's revenue is used to service political commitments that have nothing to do with the national economy. NNPC has attempted publishing its financial report in the past three years since PIB. Stakeholders say it is more of a ceremonial ritual than any serious attempt to be transparent. Unlike its peers, NNPCL does not accompany its audited financial statements with comprehensive operational reports. Being more transparent and professional in NNPC's management should be a topmost priority of the new leadership. To restore credibility, NNPC Ltd. must publish independently audited financial reports with full operational details, implement transparent procurement policies, establish zero-tolerance measures against corruption, and resist political interference in financial decisions.

Nigeria has 203 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, yet these remain largely untapped due to a lack of critical infrastructure and poor pricing policies that deter investment. How did other nations do it to earn optimally from gas resources? Qatar became the world’s largest LNG exporter, generating over $100 billion annually from gas sales. Trinidad & Tobago built a robust petrochemical industry using gas resources . Norway used gas revenues to develop a $1.4b sovereign wealth fund. These success stories demonstrate the transformative potential of natural gas when it is

strategically managed and leveraged for comprehensive national development. Nigeria can draw valuable insights from these experiences to unlock the full potential of gas resources. Investing in gas infrastructure development, reforming pricing policies to attract investors, and developing a clear gas commercialization strategy are essential steps toward unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential. As the International Energy Agency (IEA) points out, "Natural gas can be a bridge to sustainable energy security if managed efficiently."

To ensure long-term sustainability, NNPC Ltd. must optimize asset utilization, especially in crude oil exploration and refinery operations, prioritize profit-driven decision-making over political interference, and streamline bureaucratic processes to boost efficiency. The company has attempted an Initial Public Offering (IPO) three times between 2018 and 2023, failing each time due to a lack of political will and transparency issues . Listing NNPC Ltd. on a foreign stock exchange such as New York or London could attract investors and strengthen corporate governance, following the examples of Saudi Aramco, Petronas, and Petrobras. Fast-tracking the promised Initial Public Offering (IPO) on major stock exchanges is essential. NNPC stands at a critical crossroads. With exemplary leadership and reforms, Nigeria’s economy can be transformed, global investment can be attracted, and the potential of its vast oil and gas resources can be maximized. However, if these necessary reforms are not implemented, history will repeat itself, and Nigeria will continue to suffer from inefficiencies and corruption. "Nigeria's oil sector has the potential to be the backbone of our economy," admitted Mele Kyari, immediate past Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., "but only if we make the hard decisions now." The responsibility now lies with the new leadership: Will they seize this opportunity or squander it like their predecessors? Will this new leadership deliver, or will history repeat itself? That NNPC needs a serious course correction is no brainer. The coming on board of a new leadership is the right time to do a reset. The choices made today will define Nigeria’s economic trajectory for decades.

Osimhen on Real Madrid Radar as Replacement for Vinicius Jnr

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Nigerian international striker, Victor Osimhen, is on the radar of Real Madrid as possible replacement for Brazilian star, Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius is being tempted with mouthwatering offer of €200million per season, five-year deal by the Saudi Arabia Pro League. Even Madrid may also be tempted to jump at the offer of €300million for the signature of the Brazilian forward.

According to Spanish medium, Fichajes, Real Madrid view Osimhen as a possible replacement for Vinicius Junior, as the Brazilian continues

to be linked with a bigmoney move to Saudi Arabia.

Vinicius has again been in strong form for Real Madrid during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 19 goals and registering 13 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions.

Los Blancos sources alleged that the Saudis are preparing the bid to submit to Real Madrid in the summer window.

Los Blancos are believed to be giving serious consideration to selling Vinicius this summer, and the club’s Head Coach, Carlo Ancelotti said earlier this year that he would understand if

the Brazilian departed Santiago Bernabéu.

“I understand everything. In football I understand everything. I also understood that (Toni) Kroos left

football... and that few did. These decisions are individual,” Ancelotti told reporters. Osimhen has been in excellent form on loan at Turkish Galatasaray

Iwobi on Target as Fulham End Liverpool’s 26-match Unbeaten Run

Onuachu, Aribo relegated with Southampton

from Napoli during the 2024-25 campaign. He has scored 28 times and registered five assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

Should Osimhen arrive this summer as a replacement for Vinicius, then it is highly likely that French Captain, Kylian Mbappe, would be moved into the left-sided attacking role, allowing the new signing to go through the middle.

Selling Vinicius would be a major call for Real Madrid considering his contribution to the cause, but Osimhen is also one of the leading forwards in world football, and he would be a statement

signing for the capital giants.

It is not only the Spanish LaLiga giants that wants Osimhen. Manchester United want the Nigerian forward same way as Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. These renewed interests appear what Napoli President, Aurelio De Laurentiis, wants in order for his club to cash out big time from the transfer of the high in demand Nigeria striker. Osimhen scored 76 goals and registered 12 assists in 133 appearances for Napoli in all competitions since his arrival from Lille in 2020.

Team Nigeria Begins Quest for Honours at World Junior Fencing Championships

Fulham have now climbed to eighth in the English Premier League standings and could well be back playing in Europe should they maintain their position with seven rounds of matches to the end of the season.

For Liverpool, the defeat by Fulham was the Reds’ first in 26

Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, was on target as he scored his first-ever goal against Liverpool as well as provided an assist for Fulham to beat Liverpool 3-2 in the Premier League. Iwobi put Fulham 2-1 ahead in the 32nd minute for his eighth Premier League goal of the season. The goal needed a deflection before he then assisted for the London club to increase their lead to 3-1 in the 37th minute.

league games and just their second of the campaign. But with seven games remaining, Arne Slot’s side who are 11 points clear of second placed Nottingham Forest, require a maximum of 11 points more to secure the title.

Meanwhile, Southampton, who parade Super Eagles stars Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo, were relegated from the Premier League.

They were the first team to be relegated from the Premier League this season after they fell 3-1 at Spurs. They have so far recorded 10 points from 31 matches and in the process lost 25 games.

It is now left to be seen whether Onuachu and Joe Aribo will again play with them in the second-tier English Championship next season.

NPFL: Ikorodu City Players, Match Officials Held Hostage in Ibadan

The ugly side of the NPFL again came to the fore last night after angry fans of Shooting Stars allegedly held players and officials of Ikorodu City hostage following a 0-0 draw.

Ikorodu City team bus was vandalised by the home fans, while the police had a hard time trying to prevent them from gaining access to the dressing room where the Lagos team retired to after the game.

The visiting team were held at the stadium for at least two hours after the game.

They needed the assurance of a military escort before they would

make their way out of the stadium in Ibadan.

Meanwhile, Rivers United cut back Remo Stars lead at the top of the NPFL to five points after they beat them courtesy of a late goal.

Boluwaji David headed an 84th match winner for Rivers United to consolidate second place in the standings with 55 points from 32 matches.

Enyimba came from behind to win ‘The Oriental Derby’ against Abia Warriors 2-1.

The home win has lifted them to seventh in the standings with 46 points.

NDSF: Organisers Restate Resolve to Train Discovered Talents

Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has restated that athletes discovered at the NDSF will undergo periodical camping where scientific methods of training would be applied.

The Co-Chairman revealed that,over 60 athletes have already been spotted as at Day 4 of the festival, Ikpokpo said, “This festival is not about who came first or who won gold. Our Scouts are looking out for hints of potential, quality that can be groomed for future success.

He said the finders made up of coaches, former athletes and scouts have so far submitted 64 names and most of them were not those that came first or second.

“We seek to set up camps for the identified athletes with a view to putting them through scientific research based training supervised by certified coaches,” added Ikpokpo who is the lead Consultant for the project.

“The real work is not this festival, it is to design and implement the plan to nuture the talents discovered here to go on and replace those who have been representing Nigeria.”

In the battle of the mid-table teams, Kwara United held hosts Plateau United to a scoreless draw, while Nasarawa United moved out of the relegation zone thanks to a 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Akwa United.

Bottom team Lobi Stars were held at home by Sunshine Stars to a 1-1 draw, Emile home team Katsina United and Bayelsa United played out a 1-1 draw and Niger Tornadoes were 2-0 winners over El Kanemi Warriors.

NDSF: Organisers Restate Resolve to Train Discovered

Talents

Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has restated that athletes discovered at the NDSF will undergo periodical camping where scientific methods of training would be applied.

The Co-Chairman revealed that,over 60 athletes have already been spotted as at Day 4 of the festival,

Ikpokpo said, “This festival is not about who came first or who won gold. Our Scouts are looking out for hints of potential, quality that can be groomed for future success.

Team Nigeria’s six-man squad is brimming with confidence as they head to the 2025 World Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships in Wuxi, China, beginning from today April 7, through April 15.

The squad comprises four boys and two girls, led by 17-year-old Inkosi Brou, the country’s highestranked fencer.

Brou, the grandson of the former DG of NAFDAC, is Nigeria’s most active fencer, having competed in over five tournaments this year.

He is also the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal in an international event and aims to improve his world ranking ahead of the 2025 African Senior Championships in Lagos this June.

“My target is to make the top 16 in the junior men’s Sabre individual event, improve my junior FIE rank, and perform better than I did last year at the Junior/Cadet World Championships in Saudi Arabia,” Brou said.

The squad also includes the Idongesit siblings, all making their international debut for Nigeria in China. Eighteen-year-old Mahathir Idongesit aims to finish in the top eight in his first world junior championship. “My target in China is to make it to the top eight. I am also hoping to give my best no matter the outcome,” he said.

Fourteen-year-old Mahadi Idongesit is resolute in his ambition to reach the podium. “My target is to get on the podium and finish among the top three. I will give it my all to achieve this,” he stated. Despite the quality of possible opponents, Mahadi remains determined: “I expect to give my best no matter who I face in China.”

Thirteen-year-old Sara Idongesit is looking to gain valuable experience in her maiden international outing. “My target in China is to reach the top 16 and give it everything I have. I see this as a valuable opportunity to learn and grow. No matter who I fence against, I’ll give it my all,” she said.

US-based Peluola Akinbamiro, who competed at this year’s African Junior Championships in Angola, has modest ambitions but remains hopeful. “I am hoping to make it to the top eight or higher and that everything will run smoothly,” the 13-year-old said.

Other African countries competing in China include Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, South Africa, Togo, and Tunisia. The World Cadets and Juniors Fencing Championships are an annual international competition held by the International Fencing

A brand-new official match ball, PUMA Órbita Fuego has been unveiled to elevate the experience for players and fans during the thrilling final stages of the LALIGA EA SPorts & LALIGA Hypermotion seasons.

Engineered for optimal precision and speed, Órbita Fuego promises to contribute significantly to an exhilarating end to the season. Additionally, tests have proven this ball to be the brightest on camera this year, adding extra visibility during crucial matches.

The ball’s release coincides with LALIGA’s latest campaign, “Don’t Let the Ball Burn You,” highlighting

one of the tightest and most fiercely contested season finales in recent history. The PUMA Órbita Fuego stands as the centrepiece of this campaign, symbolizing how players who handle pressure will ultimately rise above the rest.

Constructed with innovative materials and cutting-edge technology, the PUMA Órbita Fuego meets the rigorous demands of high-performance football. Its seamless large-panel design ensures outstanding stability during flight, while the textured 1.1mm PU 3D surface guarantees precise control and an exceptional touch on every pass and strike.

TRUTH & REASON Monday, April 7, 2025Price:

MISSILE

Fubara's Kinsmen to Tinubu

“We express deep concerns regarding the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State. While we acknowledge your Excellency's commitment to upholding law and order...we regrettably observed that the decision fell short of its constitutional requirements as provided under the relevant sections of 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended" –Kinsmen of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, ask President Bola Tinubu to halt emergency rule in the state.

MAHMUDJEGA

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

IThe Great Ads of Old

was just thinking: whatever happened to creativity, humour and entertainment in the advertising industry? Why is it that most of the adverts we see in the newspapers these days are of rich people being congratulated on their birthdays, of rich folks taking out a page to remember a long-lost grandma or grandpa, and then of governors and ministers being congratulated for winning awards bestowed by media houses or student organisations?

Even though I used to admire their creativity, I ceased adoring adverts when, one day in the 1980s, my senior colleague at the university Dr. Haruna Sanusi gave me an article to read about advertising. He had photocopied it from an American newspaper during his student days there. 1980s was the golden age of advertising, and I read in that article that the American supermarket chain Sears, Roebuck alone spent $600 million a year to advertise its products.

To what end? The author said the purpose of product advertising is to create

permanent customer unhappiness in the consumer society. He cited an example of a young female operator in a New York telephone exchange. She was very busy and during her one hour’s lunch break, she will rush to a nearby Big Mac, grab a burger, then grab the newspaper, toss all the news sections into a dustbin and return to her desk only with the adverts pull out. As she munched her burger, she will spend the whole hour scanning the pages for the latest cosmetics, jewelry, home products, clothing, shoes and bags. That’s advertisement’s main purpose; as soon as you buy a product, within weeks you are told that a new, better product is on offer, and it creates a powerful desire in your heart to go out and get it.

Even though Dr. Sanusi’s article made it to hate the underlying purpose of adverts, I still enjoyed their creativity in those days and today, I will like to recall some of the most memorable ads I saw on television and in the newspapers in the 1970s and 1980s.

One day in 1976 I saw a giant billboard

with a picture of the Kenyan long-distance runner Kipchoge Keino. He sat on a track after winning a race, sweating profusely in the East African sun and drinking from a chilled bottle of Coke. Under the picture was the legend: “Kipchoge Keino. Running is his sport; Coca Cola is his refreshment.” I did not know when I dived into a nearby kiosk for a bottle of Coke, became addicted to it for the next 40 years and only stepped back when I was diagnosed with diabetes.

In the 1970s and 1980s the flourishing pan-African magazines Africa, Africa Now, West Africa, New African and South were rich in full-colour ads. One unforgettable one was by the giant South Korean construction firm Hyundai. It stated, “Rome was not built in a day. Because Hyundai was not there.” Another giant South Korean firm, Samsung, had an ad that listed the alphabets A to Z. Under each alphabet it listed the products or services that it offered, a very wide range of them.

The American firm Xerox, which made photocopiers, boasted in its ads that “We

DAKUKU PETERSIDE

BENEATH THE SURFACE

taught the world to copy.” The ad by Xerox’s training academy was even more unforgettable. It said, “We are the only school that encourages copying.” Then there was the American chips maker Wang Laboratories which said in its ads, “There are only two ways in which you can buy an electronic word processor. The Wang way and the wrong way.” In 1980 or so, the medium sized Japanese construction firm Chiyoda placed a full-page ad in TIME magazine. It said, “We have just completed Nigeria’s third and largest refinery in Kaduna. To do so, we moved 600,000 tons of equipment from Lagos port to Kaduna in central Nigeria. We had to reinforce several bridges in advance, move several power and telephone cables and widen many roads. And we completed the project ahead of schedule.” How I wish today’s contractors will do more of that.

Cigarette was once one of the most advertised products across the world. Cigarette’s best-known face on ads was

Continued on page 38

NNPC Leadership: Agenda for Faltering Oil Giant

The appointment of a new leadership team at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has sparked fresh hope. However, history teaches us that leadership changes in Nigeria’s public institutions is often not a guarantee for remarkable positive changes . Each transition is seen as a potential turning point, yet the cycle of inefficiency, corruption and mismanagement persists. This time, however, there is a distinguishing factor—NNPC Ltd. is now led by a technocratic board predominantly composed of industry professionals. This shift signals the possibility of meaningful change, but only if these experts can resist personal and corporate interests and genuinely serve national priorities. Will this be a turning point or another wasted opportunity? The answer will profoundly affect Nigeria’s economic stability and long-term economic health .

As Nigeria’s national oil company, NNPC Ltd. wields significant influence, managing the country’s vast oil and

gas resources. Its efficiency, or lack thereof, has far-reaching implications for government funding, economic stability, foreign exchange reserves, currency valuation, job creation, and investor confidence. A well-managed NNPC Ltd. could serve as the backbone of economic revival, while inefficiency could lead to a domino effect of economic crises. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) reports that the country lost over $46 billion to oil theft and operational inefficiencies between 2009 and 2020, underscoring the potential impact of a well-managed NNPC Ltd.

An ineffective NNPC Ltd. is not just a national disservice —it is an economic crisis in itself. The company’s mismanagement directly impacts the economy and national development projects.

Globally, state-owned oil companies have been instrumental in their nations' economic development. Saudi Aramco is the most profitable company in the

world, surpassing tech giants like Apple and Microsoft, with a net income of $161.1 billion in 2022. Petrobras in Brazil has driven economic expansion through strategic investments and governance reforms, generating $35.7 billion in net profits in the same year. Equinor in Norway used oil revenues to establish a sovereign wealth fund valued at over $1.4 trillion, ensuring long-term economic stability. While these national oil companies fuel economic prosperity in their respective countries, NNPC Ltd. has struggled with inefficiency, corruption, and chronic underperformance. NNPC Ltd. has the potential to match these achievements, but only if it undergoes serious structural and operational reforms.

A technocratic board raises expectations of professionalism and efficiency but also presents risks. Many board members have

NNPC GMD, Bashir Ojulari