SATURDAY 5TH APRIL 2025

NNPC Continues Reform, Names Ewubare COO, Adesua Dozie Company Secretary

Nyako restrained both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan as well as other named parties in the case before her to stop speaking to the press on their case. The restraining order issued by Justice Binta Nyako, was

sequel to a complaint by Akpabio's lawyer, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged at a rally she organised in her hometown on April 1, that Akpabio was working

with a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to kill her. However, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Eseme Eyibo, in Abuja, the Senate President described the Kogi Central Senator’s allegations

as baseless and totally false.

Part of the statement read, “The Office of the President of the Senate strongly condemns the recent baseless,

Continued on page 5

Plateau Killings: Death Toll Hits 52 as More Corpses Are Recovered

and Adedayo

Death toll from the massive attacks launched on some communities in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State on Wednesday night has risen to 52.

This followed the recovery of more corpses by search teams after combing nearby bushes for missing persons.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar blamed the killings on what he described as the failure of President Bola Tinubu’s security architecture, noting that killings had become widespread across the country with many incidents unreported.

Also, a former member of the House of Representatives from Plateau State, Dachung Bagos, called for concerted efforts to check the killings and condemned it as babaric. He however called in National Assembly to expedite

action in creating community police to secure vulnerable places.

Gunmen had on Wednesday night attacked Mangor, Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai communities of Bokkos LGA in which 10 were reported to have been killed.

Chairman, Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC), Farmasum Fuddang confirmed the rise in the death toll yesterday.

He said aside from the 31 corpses that were given mass burial on Thursday night, five corpses of children killed were burnt to ashes at Hurti, while 11 other corpses were recovered from Ruwi village, four from Manguna village, and one from Dafo village.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State government has said some suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings.

The Commissioner of Information

CHANGE OF BATON...

Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Bayo Ojulari (right), and his predecessor in office, Mr. Mele Kyari (left), displaying the handover notes after a brief ceremony in Abuja…yesterday

Alex Enumah and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday responded to an allegation by suspended Kogi

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Akinwale in Abuja

Concerns of Rising Cases of Mental Health Disorder among Youth

Experts advocate government intervention, recommend physical exercise

Sunday Ehigiator

Psychiatric experts have raised the alarm over rising cases of economicinduced mental disorder amongst Nigerian youth, thereby calling for quick intervention by the government.

The experts also stressed the need for emotional support while recommending physical exercise as part of ways to curb the situation.

According to the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), the most pressing issue concerning mental health in Nigeria was the shortage of mental health professionals.

Only about 200 psychiatrists and 1000 psychiatric nurses serve over 200 million people in Nigeria, whereas the standard practice is for one psychiatric doctor to care for 10,000 patients, the association revealed.

However, speaking with THISDAY, the Head of Department (HOD), Occupational Therapy, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Lawrence Nwankwo, pointed out that Nigeria's current economic situation “has caused stress, affecting the mental health of many, especially young adults.”

He disclosed that, “there's a rising rate of youth and young adults dealing

with mental disorders, likely linked to economic hardship and trauma.”

According to Nwankwo, “some youth have turned to wishful thinking, illegal means of survival, and hard drugs to cope with their frustrations.

“The pressure to make ends meet and the weight of their struggles have taken a devastating toll on their mental health. The alarming rate at which this is happening demands urgent attention and action from all concerned stakeholders.”

Speaking further, Nwankwo noted that, “Mental illness, we all know, is a medical condition which affects our

thinking, emotions, and behaviours. Also, it's a condition that involves changing a person's feelings.

“When mental illness is mentioned, many people dismiss it, saying, ‘That won't happen to me’ But the reality is, mental illness can affect anyone, just like diabetes, heart disease, or HIV/ AIDS. Medication can help manage symptoms, but it's essential to address the root cause.

“Mental illness often arises from an imbalance in the brain, caused by over-stressing or overworking.

“Mental disorders can stem from a combination of genetic, biological,

and environmental factors, including child abuse, trauma, neglect, social isolation, loneliness, and economic challenges.

Also speaking with THISDAY, a Psychiatric Nurse at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Mr. Rabiu Opeyemi, revealed that there has been a rise in the number of young people seeking mental health services.

This, he said was “a stark testament to the economic hardships they face.”

“Compared to two years ago, there has been a drastic increase in the number of youth requiring care.

PLATEAU KILLINGS: DEATH TOLL HITS 52 AS MORE CORPSES ARE RECOVERED

and Communication, Hon Joyce Ramnap, in a statement confirmed that some arrests have been made in connection with the attacks.

She said Governor Caleb Mutfwang and his administration remain fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Plateau residents.

The statement added that, “Security agencies have deployed to dominate the villages to ensure normalcy returns at the shortest possible time. Additionally, important arrests have been made by the security agencies and this will hopefully help in stemming the tide of this ugly situation.

false and inflammatory accusation made by Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan, in which she falsely alleged that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio was involved in a plot to assassinate her.

“While speaking in Kogi State on April 1, 2025, the suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recklessly and maliciously claimed that Senator Godswill Akpabio “recruited” former Governor Yahaya Bello to “assassinate her in Kogi State rather than in Abuja.”

“This outrageous accusation is not only false but a complete fabrication and deeply irresponsible and dangerous attempt to provoke public unrest, attract media attention, and discredit the person and office of the President of the Senate for ulterior motives.

“It is important to remind the public that this same individual had previously made an unsubstantiated accusation of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio, a claim she seem to have abandoned without explanation.

“Having failed to gain traction with that narrative, she has now escalated her campaign of misinformation to a deadly and defamatory dimension.

“This pattern of deliberate falsehoods and manipulative theatrics

Services.

The new appointments followed the removal of the former chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure and the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari and other members of the NNPC board as well as their replacement with a new board chaired by Ahmadu Kida and Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO.

In a letter dated April 2, 2025, seen by THISDAY yesterday, the ‘shareholders’ of the NNPC also ratified all the appointments made so far in compliance with the relevant laws.

THISDAY recalls that having not listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX), the statutory shareholders of the NNPC are the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated (MOPI), each holding half of the shares on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In the official communication by one of the statutory shareholders, the Ministry of Finance, the federal government stated that the company's new leadership is expected to focus and achieve a number of fundamental objectives, including increasing crude oil and gas production as well as

“We strongly urge citizens to exercise restraint and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.”

She also called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies, adding that citizens must actively cooperate with law enforcement agents to facilitate the identification and apprehension of those responsible for the heinous acts.

She said that the Governor has deployed strategic measures to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response mechanisms in collaboration with security operatives. “In addition we call on religious,

reveals a troubling willingness to exploit public sensitivities through recurring victimhood narratives.

“It is a matter of public record that she has previously made assassination allegations against former Governor Yaya Bello and others in 2019 and 2023, along with multiple unsubstantiated claims of sexual harassment against other dignitaries.

“Her recurring persecution narrative and evident lying complex should not be weaponised to malign individuals or destroy hard-earned reputations.”

Furthermore, the statement noted that, “this latest reckless allegation is not occurring in isolation. Barely 24 hours later, on April 2, 2025, former Senator Elisha Abbo appeared on Arise Television to revive a previously withdrawn claim that Senator Akpabio “manipulated the judiciary” to secure his removal from the Senate.

“Nigerians will recall that Mr. Abbo, in 2023, publicly retracted this same accusation and tendered an apology after acknowledging that his claims were founded on incorrect assumptions.

“His removal from office was the outcome of a constitutionally grounded judicial decision by the Court of Appeal, which independently determined that he was not duly

strengthening domestic refining capacity of both state-owned and private sector entities.

In a separate resolution, the shareholders authorised the Board of Directors “to do all such things including without limitation to signing such documents, directing such committees or person(s), if any, as may be required by law and the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company to give effect to the resolutions.”

Besides, they authorised the company secretary to make all requisite filings at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of the updated list.

NNPC confirmed this in a brief statement signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye. Also yesterday, the new GCEO of the NNPC Ltd officially took over the reins of the company from his predecessor, Kyari.

In a brief handover ceremony at the NNPC Towers, the GCEO commended Kyari for his contributions to the growth of NNPC and his sterling service to the nation.

He disclosed that the objective of his management was to consolidate on

traditional, and community leaders to reinforce the message of peace, unity, and lawful engagement.

“Government remains resolute in its commitment to upholding law and order and will not relent in its pursuit of justice against those who seek to destabilize our communities.

“Residents are encouraged to remain law-abiding, support security efforts, and utilise official channels for security concerns.,"

Weighing in on the massacre, Atiku wrote: “The failure of Bola Tinubu’s security architecture has now become an endemic nationwide phenomenon with repeated killings, more of which do not even make

elected to represent Adamawa North.

“In a further twist, Mr. Abbo also alleged that he was denied his entitlements by the Senate President.

“This, too, is categorically false. Entitlements such as salaries and allowances are processed strictly through administrative and legal procedures. The Senate President does not and cannot unilaterally approve or deny such requests. Any delays or rejections would have been based solely on due diligence and compliance with established protocols.”

According to the statement, “the timing, tone, and striking similarity of these coordinated attacks point clearly to a politically motivated smear campaign.

“These individuals, backed by undisclosed interests, appear united in a desperate effort to undermine the credibility of the Senate and its leadership and intended to distract from their own personal and political shortcomings and failings.

“Senator Godswill Akpabio remains undeterred. As a statesman devoted to national unity, institutional integrity, and the rule of law, he will not be distracted by malicious falsehoods or inflammatory rhetoric.

“Regardless of the necessity for legal redress, formal letters of demand,

the successes of his predecessor and take the company to the next level.

He said though the targets set for his management were quite challenging, he would be relying on the cooperation of the management and staff of the company, as well as the counsel of his predecessor to achieve the target,” a statement by the NNPC's spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, said.

“I will be counting on your support. I will need it. I will be coming around to seek your counsel,” Ojulari told Kyari.

Earlier in his remarks, Kyari congratulated Ojulari and thanked the management and staff of the company for their support while in office. He pledged to do everything in his power to support the new management to succeed, stressing that he was only a call away.

But in the letter making and ratifying the new appointments, signed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, he stated that the appointment of the new leadership of NNPC was a bold measure for the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Tinubu administration.

the headlines.

“Nigerians are now being forced to get used to such news of wanton killings, and I again offer my condolences to the bereaved communities of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State and the affected families.”

He urged Tinubu to reconfigure security architecture to meet the needs of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.

Also, commenting on the killings, a former member of the House of Representatives, Bagos condemned the killing of 12 persons by suspected herders in Bokkos local government area of Plateau state.

seeking immediate public retractions, apologies, and compensation for reputational harm, are underway to be served on both Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Mr Elisha Abbo.

“We call on the Nigerian public in particular and the International Community to reject these baseless and provocative narratives.

“The Senate, under Senator Akpabio’s leadership, remains focused on its constitutional mandate: to promote legislative excellence, safeguard democratic values, and deliver meaningful progress for the Nigerian people."

Court Restrains Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan, Others from Speaking with Media

Meanwhile, the restraining order issued yesterday by Justice Binta Nyako, was sequel to a complaint by Akpabio's lawyer, Ogunwumiju, SAN.

The senior lawyer at yesterday's proceedings had accused AkpotiUduaghan of going from one television house to another, granting press interviews on issues relating to her case, currently pending before the court.

“Mr Chairman, let me begin by congratulating you on your appointment by Mr President as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NNPC. It is a testament to the confidence in your ability to guide and to lead at this critical moment in our country's developmental journey.

“Further to the announcement of the new Board of Directors NNPC by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, based on the vision to comprehensively transform Nigeria's energy industry, the company's leadership is expected to focus and achieve a number of fundamental objectives including increasing crude oil and gas production, strengthening domestic refining capacity of both state-owned and private sector entities, attracting and promoting strategic investments across the entire energy value chain.

“As you are aware, the achievement of these and other objectives are not matters to be driven solely by the Board of Directors but also the Management Team of NNPC. In this regard, to deliver on the vision of Mr President, the shareholders of NNPC have passed the enclosed written resolution directing the Board of Directors of the

Shockingly, nine out of 10 patients with mental disorders at our facility are young people.

“The primary cause of their mental health struggles is substance abuse, triggered by frustration and desperation. Many have turned to illegal means of survival, such as fraud, due to the inability to secure a decent living despite having a degree.

“This downward spiral often leads to drug abuse, which further erodes their mental stability. The economic factor is, therefore, a major contributor to the mental health crisis affecting Nigerian youth,” he added.

Bagos, who was the Chairman House Committee on Science and Technology, therefore, called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the creation of state police to enable state governments and local communities to take care of their security needs.

The former lawmaker in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dafwam Yaks urged local communities to unite in their efforts to protect one another.

He said: "Expressed deep sorrow and condemnation over the ongoing killings in Bokkos, particularly regarding the recent tragic attacks

Ogunwumiju added that the Kogi Central Senator had also been to the BBC and CNN to speak on the issue.

Reacting, Justice Nyako ordered that there shall be no press interviews by all parties and their lawyers as regard the subject matter of the case.

While observing that the case was sub-judice, she further barred parties and their lawyers from engaging in streaming of proceedings in the case on social media.

At the commencement of proceedings yesterday, plaintiff's lawyer, Jibril Okutepa (SAN) told the court that the case was coming up for the first time, having been transferred from another court, under Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

He informed the court that parties had filed and exchanged all relevant documents, except one and prayed the court to grant a consolidated hearing of all pending applications along with the substantive suit.

According to the senior lawyer, time was of the essence because his client's suspension was for a limited period, adding that Akpoti-Uduaghan was desirous of expeditious determination of the case.

Responding, the Clerk of the National Assembly represented by

Company to immediately appoint a new management team to superintend the day-to-day administration of the Company.

“In your capacity as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, you are to take all! measures required to give effect to these resolutions with dispatch. The appointment of the new leadership of NNPC is a bold measure for the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration; it must therefore operate with impeccable integrity, accountability and unparalleled efficiency to compete with other reputable energy companies around the world and deliver meaningful value to the Federation and Nigerians.

“As the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, I regard the operations and activities of the Company as critical to the economic stability of the country. Therefore, my office will work with the NNPC to position it as an enabler of economic prosperity, energy security and industrial growth of the country for the benefit of all,” Edun stated.

The shareholders also ratified the appointments of Ewubare as COO;

in Ruwi village, which resulted in the deaths of not less than 12 innocent individuals.

“Urge the federal government to intensify efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens in Plateau state, acknowledging the urgent need for adequate policing and protection.

"He also called on the National Assembly to hasten the enactment of State Police Law to enable state government and local communities to take charge of its security.”

The former lawmaker also commiserated with the families affected by this senseless loss, which has left lasting scars on the community and beyond.

Mr. Charles Iyoila as well as Paul Daudu, SAN, who represented the Senate, did not object to Okutepa's application that the substantive case should be heard with the objections raised by the defendants.

However, the application was opposed by Ogunwumiju and Umeh Kalu, SAN, representing the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuem. In a short ruling, Justice Nyako granted the application and held that the court would hear all pending applications, including preliminary objections along with the substantive suit. The judge subsequently adjourned till May 12 for hearing. Listed as defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 are the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the President of the Senate and Senator Neda Imasuem (Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct).

Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the court to challenge her investigation and subsequent suspension for six months over alleged misconduct. Amongst others, the plaintiff claimed that she was not given fair hearing before her suspension by the Senate.

Adedapo Segun as Group Chief Finance Officer; Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President Gas, Power & New Energy and Udobong Ntia as Executive Vice President, Upstream. Other members ratified included: Mumuni Dagazau, as Executive Vice President Downstream; Sophia Mbakwe as Executive Vice President Business Services and Adesuwa Dozie as Company Secretary & Chief Legal Officer.

The new COO, Roland Ewubare is an accomplished global business leader and administrator, recognised for his significant management roles in both Nigeria and the United States. Most recently, he held the position of COO at the NNPC, where he oversaw two key directorates: Upstream and Ventures. He voluntarily stepped down from this role in May 2020. Before his appointment as COO, Ewubare served as the Group General Manager of NNPC’s National Petroleum Investments Management Services, where he was responsible for managing Nigeria's commercial partnerships with both local and international oil companies, overseeing an annual budget exceeding $15 billion.

STrATeGIC ALLIANCe TO SANITISe FX MArKeT…

AKPABIO HOSTS NBA LEADERSHIP…

L-R: Secretary

President,

the

L-R: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria, Wale Edun; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede and the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, in a Strategic Alliance to Stimulate the forex market in Abuja…yesterday

Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary

during a courtesy call on the

After S'Court Ruling on LP’s National

Chairman, Abure, Nenadi Claim Victory

Edo APC, State Govt Trade Words over N9bn Fresh Loan Approval

captured.

Party’s crisis deepens Lawmakers hail ruling

and Alex

Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to stop securing loans, noting that the N9 billion loan recently approved by the House of Assembly was needless and will plunge the state into financial distress.

The Chairman of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee, Senator Nenadi Usman and Mr. Julius Abure, who was the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) before yesterday’s ruling, are laying claims to victory over the Supreme Court judgement.

Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives welcomed the judgement of the Supreme Court, saying it meant the removal of Abure as the National Chairman of the party.

The Supreme Court yesterday reversed the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which recognised Abure as the National Chairman of the LP.

But in a swift reaction, the Edo State Government said it was perplexed to learn of what it termed “laughable and incredibly ridiculous tantrums attributed to the new acting chairman of the Edo State chapter of APC, Jarret Tenebe where he made baseless and spurious allegations on the fiscal management of our dear state by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government.”

The apex court predicated its action on the grounds that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to have

Addressing a press conference yesterday, Tenebe had said the state was already suffering under a debt profile of N135 billion and $35.6 billion.

He said, "While it is a monumental disaster that Edo State patrimony

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

pronounced Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party after holding that the substance of the case borders on the party's leadership.

A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, had on January 17, recognised Abure as the National Chairman of the LP.

has been swindled by Obaseki-led administration with an unassailable, humongous debt profile of N135 billion and $35.6 billion, the governor is unyielding and unstoppable in his characteristic design to leave Edo State in ruin, by asking for a facility of N17.5 billion few days ago, which was said to be N9 billion."

chairman of the party.

Justice Hamma Barka, who delivered the lead judgement had said that their decision was based on their earlier judgement of November 13, 2024, which recognises Abure as national chairman, adding that the judgement subsists and has not been set aside by any court.

Dissatisfied, Usman, who heads a committee set up by the LP to run the affairs of the party in the interim, alongside the caretaker committee, had approached the apex court to challenge the decision of the appellate court recognising Abure as national

Tenebe, said "It is important to state, that it is now in public and political space that the fiscal budget of Edo State was passed few weeks ago before the Edo State House of Assembly proceeded on leave without the commencement of the execution of the budget by the executive. It is most disheartening that the Edo State Government now is requesting for a facility of N17.5 billion with no corollary of project attached there to the said facility and also that the facility is not contained as loan to be taken in the 2024 fiscal budget just recently passed. A cursory perusal of the entire budget does not reveal where the project for the facility is ever

Umahi Announces Reopening of Lagos Independence Bridge after Repairs

redesigned as one span in a bridge."

"Information at the behest of the members of the Edo State House of Assembly is to the effect that they were recalled from their holiday or leave by the Speaker on the request of the state governor for the immediate approval of the said facility which according to them is said to be N9 billion but as event unfolded, after the mammoth request by the opposition in the House as to the rationale for a facility as

Delivering judgement in the appeal marked: SC/CV/56/2025, Justice John Inyang Okoro, who prepared the lead judgement as delivered by Mohammed Baba Idris, held that the issue bordering on leadership of a political party remains an internal affair of that party, which no courts has jurisdiction to entertain.

According to the judgement, the appellate court found that the main relief in the suit filed by the LP before the Federal High Court, Abuja, was predicated on the leadership of the party and therefore not justiciable.

Justice Idris explained that having found that the issue of leadership

lid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has described the United States as Nigeria’s longstanding ally and strategic partner for the nation’s mining sector development. Speaking while receiving

was not justiciable, the court below ought not to have gone further to pronounce Abure as the National Chairman of the party.

"In summary, both the trial court and the lower have no jurisdiction to have entertained the suit by the first respondent (LP).

stupendous as N9 billion for fathom projects which only existed in the imagination of the governor, it was discovered that the facility was not even N9 billion but a figure wrapped in secrecy as much as N17.5 billion to which the opposition in the house rejected and or refused to be part of the approval.

the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki across all sectors of the state over the past seven years.”

in choosing their leaders as well as their candidates.

The court noted that by doing so the incessant wrangling and recourse to court will be reduced, adding that officers of the parties, whose tenure of office has expired should not hesitate to vacate office.

"Flowing from above, the decisions of the trial court and the court below, recognising Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the first respondent are hereby set aside," the apex court held.

But in its reaction, the Edo State Government stated that the Edo APC was “obviously pained by the achievements of

Besides, the apex court urged political parties and their members to always endeavour to allow their constitutions and rules guide them

“Tenebe has been on a frenzy looking for lies to tell since he assumed office as Acting Chairman. Rather than focus on reawakening his completely comatose party, which is unable to provide constructive criticisms expected of a viable opposition, he has resorted to spreading misinformation in a desperate attempt to curry cheap popularity.

After agreeing with the appellants that the lower court erred in law by acknowledging Abure's leadership, the apex court subsequently allowed the appeal and quashed the Court of Appeal judgement.

The apex court also went ahead to dismiss the cross-appeal filed by the Abure faction of the LP for being incompetent and lacking in merit.

“In his infertile rambling, Tenebe made wild and completely off-themark comments suggesting that Edo State is owing $35 billion. Even if that was what was written for him, he should have known that the figure is wrong and can't be true. "In reality, our debt stock is not a secret and in fact, we are ‘under borrowed’. Emperor Tenebe would have known this if he understood the economics of governance, fiscal responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio.

Recall that Justice Barka had while delivering judgement in two separate appeals filed by Senator Usman and the caretaker committee and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), held that it did not delve into the issue of the leadership of the Labour Party, because such issues are not justiciable.

It was the position of the appellate court that anything done outside jurisdiction amounts to a nullity, "Hence the judgement of the Federal High Court delivered on October 8, 2024 by Justice Emeka Nwite is of no effect because it was delivered without jurisdiction."

Mining Development: Nigeria, US Explore Areas of Strategic Partnership

Ibas

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday announced that the failed section of the Independence Bridge, Lagos, which was closed for repairs on April 2, 2025, causing heavy traffic gridlock and untold hardship to commuters, has been fixed.

A statement in Abuja by the minister's spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said the situation necessitated the visit of Umahi to Lagos, less than 24 hours after the incident.

The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has announced plans to launch a 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in primary schools across the country. He made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Ibadan during a working visit to Oyo State.

The minister also rolled out a new policy direction on measures to follow before a federal road is closed nationwide. He stated that going forward, a feedback mechanism through stakeholders' engagement would be a condition precedent before approval for closure of federal bridges and roads.

among the youthful population. He said the government is worried that about 72 per cent of the nation’s youthful population have become foreigners through the influence of cartoons and movies which are foreign in contents, values and cultures.

He mentioned among others that the person seeking such closure must state what is to be done, the technical problems and the technical solutions.

In his speech at the opening of the bridge for traffic, the minister noted that the reason for the closure of the bridge was not for pleasure, but due a technical failure of the approach slab, which affected the strength and utility of the bridge.

He said 1,000 Citizens’ Brigade would be set up in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to promote national values as of old, stating that the essence of the Brigade was to revive and rebuild the national values and create positive models

He, however, expressed displeasure that the right procedure for the closure was not followed, and that it was the reason the public was taken unawares.

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

He said: "So, the reason for the closure was not for pleasure. It was because it became very dangerous for commuters to use the place. But we didn't do it in the right way.

The Oyo State Government, yesterday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, as the Onido of Ido in Ido Local Government Area of the state.

The government, in a letter dated 2nd of February, 2024 and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola,

" And now, we had a design for the project, and I've looked at the design that we intended to use by using God's wisdom and grace and experience, and we have agreed to redesign the project. It's going to be

Issa-Onilu said as a way out of the malaise, NOA would soon launch a Mobile App containing indigenous cartoons through which local contents, national values and culture would be promoted. According to him, "These various policies are geared towards changing the narratives and the wrong impression that the outside world is having about the country.

"He will be able to put all these exposures to the public. So, we request comments from the public and tell them how long it is going to last. And so, with this feedback, everybody is in the know, and then we'll be able to do that," he added.

Earlier, Umahi had vowed that he won't leave Lagos until the Independence Bridge, which had been closed due to repairs, causing serious traffic issues in parts of the city, was fixed.

He stated that the federal government will ensure compliance with the best construction methodologies, techniques and processes in all federal road construction projects across the country.

He expressed the displeasure of President Bola Tinubu over the hardship occasioned by the sudden closure of the bridge for emergency works, stressing it fell short of the standing practice of the Federal Ministry of Works.

indicated that Governor Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on 1st of February, 2024. The letter read in part, "I wish to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sub-section 1&2 of Section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and by virtue of all other enabling powers in

Alex Enumah in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Charge d'Affairs, US Embassy, David Greene, in his office on Thursday, Alake lauded the United States’ commitment to fostering cooperation with Nigeria in diverse sectors of the economy, stating that it underscores the significance of the smooth bilateral relations between both countries.

also want to be part of the move to reduce global emissions and put our mining sector on the global map. We have critical minerals that are in commercial demand globally,"Alake said.

solicits Senate support for effective

Court Fixes April 10 for Hearing in Suit Seeking Iba’s Sack as Sole Administrator

governance

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja has fixed April 10 for hearing in the suit seeking to sack Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

“We are establishing, this year, 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in Primary School. 1,000 in each state, including FCT, Abuja. These Citizens’ Brigade are going to be like Boys’ Scout and Girls’ Guild of the olden days.

“Across the world, Nigerians are known to be the smartest people on earth. This is a positive development but some people mischievously tend to portray us in negative light. But this is not who we are as a people.

This emerged as Ibas has solicited requisite legislative backing that would enable his administration to achieve the enunciated programmes of action.

The suit filed by an Abujabased legal practitioner, Mr. JohnmaryJideobi, last week, was assigned to Justice James Omotosho for determination.

While President Bola Tinubu, is

“To change the negative narratives, we are setting up the Citizens’ Brigade to produce young Nigerians and create positive models to rebuild the national values."

Oluchi Chibuzor with agency report

Audio streaming giant Spotify royalty payments to artistes from Nigeria and South Africa - its two biggest African markets - spiked to around $59 million last year as performers rode a wave of growing interest in music from the continent. Nigerian artists received over N58 billion ($38

that regard, has approved your suspension as the Onido of Ido in the area of authority of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State." It directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the Chairman of Ido local government. In the meantime, the state government has vowed to hit hard at anyone, no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

the 1st defendant, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibas, rtd, as well as Attorneys-General of the 36 States of the federation, were listed as 2nd to 39th defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025.

Jideobi predicated his demand on the grounds that the appointment of a sole administrator to run a state was unconstitutional, null and void.

“I thank you for your visit. I met the US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, on the sidelines of the Mines and Money conference in London past year, and we had a fruitful engagement. I did analyse all our issues, and fundamentally, we just want to diversify our economy from oil. Not just for our own economic survival but also to be in tune with global trends for reduction in global warming. We

The minister welcomed partnership with the US on investments in the mining value chain, expanding access to technology in extracting and processing minerals and securing mining areas.

“I am genuinely worried that, in the absence of the intervention of this Court, removal of duly elected Governors and Deputy-Governors, may become the pastime of the President thereby opening the floodgate of anarchy capable of consuming this nation," the lawyer claimed in his affidavit in support of the suit.

Throwing light on reforms embarked upon by the federal government, the minister highlighted revised Community Development Agreement (CDA) guidelines geared towards reducing friction in host communities; on-going plans for new security architecture to secure natural resources; efforts to generate big geo-data; the

formalisation of artisanal miners into cooperatives amongst others. "The mining sector provides a veritable avenue for increased trade between Nigeria and the United States, especially in the area of value addition, which implies processing of extracted minerals and setting up factories here. We would also require financing from multilateral institutions for our local operators. We are providing incentives for investments like tax waivers for mining equipment, policy of full repatriation of profits to home countries amongst others," Alake emphasised.

Besides, the lawyer argued that while the president is constitutional empowered to declare a "state of emergency" in any part of the country, he lacked the necessary powers to suspend an elected state officials.

In his remarks, the US Ambassador commended the renewed interest of Nigeria in solid minerals, stressing that the sector has huge potentials to rival the contribution of oil to the nation's economy.

“I have instituted this suit in the public interest, in the defence of the Rule of Law and accentuation of the supremacy of the Constitution and to preserve the integrity of the Nigerian Constitution which is the most sacred document that holds the Nigerian State in balance and in being.

Alex enumah in Abuja

Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, dismissed the application by two Rivers State indigenes challenging the jurisdiction of the court to try them over alleged complicity in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

the past three years, while South Africa saw export growth of 104 percent.

The number of Nigerian artists earning N10 million, meanwhile, doubled year-on-year and has tripled

Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Prince Lukman Oladele, were among five persons charged with terrorism and murder. The others are Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod. They were last week arraigned on a seven-count criminal charge

bordering on terrorism and murder.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu had recently suspended the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire

Although, they pleaded not guilty to all the charges, the judge however, ordered that they be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center, pending the hearing of their bail application fixed for February 2, as well as the motion of the 1st and 2nd defendants challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit against them.

Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, shortly after declaring a state of emergency to curb perceived threat to life and destruction of property. Tinubu subsequently appointed Ibas to run the affairs of the state pending when peace would return. However, the lawyer who considered the action of the President as illegal is therefore asking the court to among others, declare as void, “all actions and decisions (howsoever described or made] of the 3rd Defendant Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) in the name of Sole Administrator of Rivers State, same being unconstitutional, null and of no constitutional force throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria for all purposes.”

2024

Fagbemi, SAN, submitted that the charge having been filed by the Inspector General of Police, was incompetent and asked the court to strike out counts 1,3,4,5,6, and 7 of the charge or strike strike out the entire suit for been incompetent. Responding, Police lawyer, Mr. Simon Lough, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application for lacking in merit.

since 2022. In South Africa, the number of those earning between 100,000 and 500,000 rand has doubled over the past three years. The Swedish company paid out some $10 billion in royalties worldwide in 2024, Reuters revealed, noting that while Africa represents only a small part of its offering, interest in African artists has ballooned, buoyed in part by internationally recognised acts like South African singer Tyla and Nigeria's Burna Boy. Around 250 million user-created playlists now feature at least one Nigerian artist, and 220 million contain a South African, the company said. "What we're seeing is an excellent evolution around more and more mid-tier or up-and-coming artists making a living," said Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify's managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ezebalike and Oladele had argued that by the provisions of the Terrorism Act, it is only the Attorney General of the Federation that can file any charge of terrorism against them. Their lawyer, Mr. Lukman

According to Lough, besides Sections 4 and 66 of the Police Acts that empower them to bring the charge against the defendants, Section 5 and 99 of the Terrorism Act, shows that the police have powers to also initiate terrorism charges against the defendant.

Bennett Oghifo in Lagos and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Adibe emenyonu in Benin City

Chuks Okocha

Enumah in Abuja

General Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Mobolaji Ojigbara;

Mr. Afam Osigwe; President of

Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Mrs. Zainab Garba;

and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire; Mrs. Bridget Edokwe; Senator Abdulhamid Madori and Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the Senate President, Dr. Monday Ubani,

Senate President by the leadership of the NBA in Abuja… yesterday

SOLUDO PICKS APGA NOMINATION FORM...

L-R: National Legal Adviser, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Agunzi

the party’s nomination form in Abuja…yesterday

Anambra Guber Race: APGA, APC, PDP Hold Primaries Today

Soludo picks nomination form, cleared to contest APGA’s primary election APC aspirant, Chukwuma resigns from party

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The political atmosphere in Anambra State is charged, following the scheduling of governorship primary elections of three political parties for today.

This was as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in a demonstration of its commitment to deepening democratic principles, conducted a seamless screening process for Governor Chukwuma Soludo, paving the way for his candidacy in today’s primary election.

Both the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have just one aspirant each, the All Progressives Congress (APC) parades aspirants,

consisting of strong grassroots politicians.

While the APGA parades just the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as its lone aspirant, PDP parades little-known Hon. Jude Nwafor as their aspirant. Both parties will most likely affirm their aspirants and return them as candidates.

However, it was gathered that following the Supreme Court ruling on the position of its National Chairman, the Labour Party’s primary has been postponed.

Labour Party was to feature two aspirants; Mr. John Nwosu and Dr. George Moghalu.

In APGA, National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Mr. Ejimofor Opara said: "The APGA primary

Shi'ites Threatens Legal Action against FG, Army over Alleged Continued Detention of 60 Minors, Others

Any moment from now the Shi'ites may commence legal action against the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Army, unless their members, including over 60 minors, allegedly arrested and detained are released.

The Islamic group made this known yesterday while speaking with journalists in Abuja, on the recent alleged attack on their members during a peaceful procession in Abuja.

It would be recalled that on March 28, 2025, members of the Islamic group while on a peaceful procession to mark the International Quds Day, allegedly came under attack by the officers of the Nigerian Army.

Speaking on the issue, a team of lawyers, led by Mr. Bala Dakum and Yushau Uthman Dakum claimed that about 26 persons were allegedly shot dead during the incident by the security officers.

"We are compelled to address you this evening due to the recent avoidable but unfortunate brutal attack on our clients (the Shiites Muslim faithfuls).

"Our clients came out on March 28, 2025 to commemorate their annual international Quds day like their counterparts across the globe.

"While peacefully carrying out their procession in Banex Area, Wuse Il, Abuja in their thousands, they

unexpectedly and surprisingly came across a group of armed soldiers who without any provocation started firing live ammunitions at them.

"In the cause of this inhumane, callous, cruel, barbaric and most horrific attack on our clients, about 26 persons lost their lives, over 30 persons sustained various degrees of life-threatening injuries and about 274 were arrested by the soldiers", the lawyers stated.

They added that those arrested by the army were later handed over to the Nigeria Police Force who took them to the now defunct infamous SARS in Abattoir, Garki, Abuja, where they were detained under very harsh and dehumanising conditions.

Speaking further, Dakum alleged that the detainees were coerced into writing or signing statements at the police cell in the absence of their lawyers, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The lawyers in addition claimed that some of the Shi'ites members arrested and detained were over 60 minors who have been kept in the same cell with persons suspected to have been involved in heinous crimes contrary to all norms and provisions of the ACJA 2015 and Child Rights Act.

The lawyer also said that despite several appeals, the police are yet to release corpses of persons who were brutally killed by the soldiers.

election promises to be a historic event, with over 3,260 delegates set to choose their preferred candidate. The party's leadership has been praised for its commitment to peaceful and stable politics, with the screening process conducted without any rancour or controversy.

"As the party prepares for the primary election, APGA members and supporters are optimistic about the future of the party and the state. With its emphasis on progressive leadership and solutions-driven governance, APGA is poised to continue making a positive

impact in Anambra State."

According to a statement from Opara, Governor Soludo, who has been endorsed by various groups and individuals for a second term in office, quietly picked up his expression of interest and nomination forms at the APGA National Secretariat in Abuja. The Party's National Working Committee, led by Ezeokenwa Sly Jr, has certified him fit for the primary election scheduled for April 5, 2025.

“This development marks a significant milestone in the history of Anambra State elections, as Governor

Soludo becomes the first aspirant to seek re-election based on his proven track record of performance.

“The APGA primary election promises to be a historic event, with over 3,260 delegates set to choose their preferred candidate. The party's leadership has been praised for its commitment to peaceful and stable politics, with the screening process conducted without any rancor or controversy.

“As the party prepares for the primary election, APGA members and supporters are optimistic about the

future of the Party and the state. With its emphasis on progressive leadership and solutions-driven governance, APGA is poised to continue making a positive impact in Anambra State,” Opara said. In APC the aspirants earlier yesterday were Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, Hon. Edozie Madu, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu. However, Umeoji, a frontline governorship aspirant in the APC yesterday resigned from the party.

US Calls for Transparency, Fairness, Due Process in Edo Election Appeal

Sunday Ehigiator

The United States Mission in Nigeria has urged for transparency and due process in the Edo election appeal process, saying these principles are vital for maintaining public trust in democratic systems.

Reacting to the 2024 Edo and Ondo Governorship Election BIP Report in a statement posted on the US Mission Nigeria X handle (@USinNigeria), the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, reiterated his support for free and fair elections, credible, transparency and due process as essentials in maintaining public

confidence in any democratic system.

The statement read: “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.

“Ambassador Mills reiterates his statement of September 24 that transparency and due process are crucial to maintaining public confidence in any democratic system. The United States reaffirms our commitment to supporting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in

Nigeria and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

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

Of the key findings was the persistent mismatch in the number of registered voters across multiple polling units. In Edo State, inconsistencies were found in 141 polling units, while in Ondo, the same issue was observed in 87 polling units.

These discrepancies extended to the final collation centres, where the total number of registered voters recorded

differed significantly from INEC's pre-election figures.

The report also highlighted a surge in arithmetic errors, particularly in Edo State. Arithmetic inconsistencies in election result computation increased by 184 per cent from 150 cases in 2020 to 426 in 2024. In contrast, Ondo State showed a commendable reduction in arithmetic errors, improving by 69 per cent compared to the previous election cycle.

Furthermore, the report found a significant number of unaccountedfor votes in both states, with Edo recording 29,053 unaccounted ballots at the polling unit level.

THISDAY Photographer, Ogunfuyi, Three Others to Present Artworks 'Deconstructing Unity' at National Museum Lagos

Charles Ajunwa

Happ Circle Gallery will be presenting the artworks of THISDAY Photographer, Kunle Ogunfuyi, Abdulrazaq Ahmed, Klara Nze Okhide, and Moses Oghagbon with the theme: 'Deconstructing Unity' at the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos, from April 25 to April 30 2025.

In a statement, they described the six-day exhibition as going to be exceptional as it will be showcasing photography, paintings, and installations spanning 10 years tailored to captivate the attention of the art community, illuminate

fundamental principles and common bond that unites us as they embark on this profound journey towards reshaping our world.

"Art, as a product of human creativity, holds deep and far-reaching implications that resonate on a global level. It emerges as an expression of collective societal awareness. The ongoing discussion surrounding culture seeks to find a delicate equilibrium between the inherent worth of artwork as a cultural relic and the role of the artist, who stands as a pivotal figure in molding culture through their artistic pursuits.

"The artists extend an invitation

to viewers and critics to unravel the underlying significance woven into their creations. These pieces encapsulate profound metaphors aimed at evoking a deeper comprehension from the audience.

"To authentically preserve our cultural legacy, we must infuse vitality into it. Fresh interpretations can be crafted to resonate with diverse social customs and position social themes in a new light.

"Our central theme, "Deconstructing Unity," embodies the intricate artistry of collaboration showcased at the esteemed Argungu Festival in Kebbi State. Through our varied perspectives

and refined methodologies, we strive to illuminate the shared principles that bind us together, fostering a deeper insight into how acknowledging differences can serve as a conduit to bridge divides.

"Together, let us commemorate our interdependence, underscoring the idea that our diversities enrich our collective identity and cultural fabric. Join us on this odyssey as we delve into and elevate the essence of our heritage, nurturing synergy and collaboration, and fostering a renewed appreciation for the unity inherent within our diversity," the statement noted.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Victor; Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and APGA National Women Leader, Mrs. Lizzy Nwokeocha, after Soludo picked

PROMOTING ZERO TRANSFER FEES...

Tinubu Appoints Ayo Sotinrin Bank of Agriculture MD

Names Abdulsalam Ajaokuta Steel Company

Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday named Mr. Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture.

According to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga , Sotinrin's appointment, which takes immediate effect, aligns with the Tinubu administration's strategy to revitalise Nigeria's agricultural sector.

Likewise, Tinubu yesterday approved the appointment of Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam as the Managing Director, Ajaokuta Steel Company.

On the new Bank of Agriculture boss, the statement explained: “Mr Sotinrin's proven ability to mobilise capital, innovate in agribusiness, and collaborate across sectors will be instrumental in repositioning the Bank of Agriculture as a catalyst for food security, sovereignty and rural prosperity", President Tinubu emphasised.

Sotinrin brings a diverse and extensive background in the private and public sectors to his new role.

Before this appointment, he had served as Group Chief Executive Officer at SAO Group. His leadership at SAO

A statement yesterday by Director, Information & Public Relations, Office Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, said the appointment took effect from 3rd April, 2025, and was in accordance with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008 as amended.

Trustcrow Unveils Property Title Search Report, Inspection Report Products For Real Estate Market

Charles Ajunwa

Trustcrow, a leading property technology firm, has launched its flagship products, Title Search Report and Inspection Report, to provide buyers with intelligence on properties so they can eliminate uncertainty in property transactions and fight back against property fraud.

With the unveiling, property buyers who want to acquire houses, lands, completed, uncompleted and even ongoing buildings can now have access to a reputable, fast, and affordable online platform to conduct background checks on properties. The basic plans for the Title Search Report costs N100,000. The company's primary target audience are first time home buyers and diaspora buyers, while their secondary target audience are the investors who are bent on doing things differently and more efficiently.

Speaking at the launch of the two game-changers in the property market, Founder/Managing Director of Trustcrow, Mr. Joseph Orji, said “Trustcrow’s mission is to provide buyers with the tools to purchase property safely and protect their interest.”

According to Orji, both products which are currently available in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun states, are tools for property buyers and renters to conduct background checks on properties.

Orji implored subscribers to conveniently purchase the two products from anywhere in the world, noting that what inspired the idea was the pain that people go through in the process of buying a property in the country.

"Pain inspired us to launch these products. We've seen property buyers get defrauded; they lose time, money, and go to court with lots of pain. Those tragic incidents inspired us. So based on these problems we said there was a need and we asked what products can fill that need. So to verify title we developed the Title Search Report and to validate build quality we developed the Property Inspection Report,” he said

Although Orji acknowledged that both Title Search Reports and Inspection Reports have been commonplace for decades, he stated that, “Trustcrow's unique offering is that their online products makes it more accessible and streamlined for buyers (and renters) to get intelligence on properties.”

In her presentation, Trustcrow's Product Manager, Haleemah Folagbade, said that the company built these products based on market research and the pain points from buyers in the Nigerian real estate industry. Beyond helping buyers fight back against property fraud, Folagbade also pointed out that the web app is user friendly.

Agro, an agribusiness company, was marked by groundbreaking agricultural initiatives, including developing a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation and large-scale poultry, aquaculture, maize, and cassava operations in Ondo State.

He also led SAO Capital, raising over $750 million in infrastructure and development finance, including the landmark $200 million Akure Water Supply Project.

In the public sector, he served as

Special Adviser (Environment & Urban Development) to the Minister of State FCT from 2011 to 2015.

He has consulted extensively for global development partners such as the World Bank, AfDB, DFID, and

USAID and played key advisory roles on federal and state-level projects. His international background includes roles at the Royal Bank of Scotland International, Deutsche Bank, and the UK Environment Agency.

Minister Hails Dangote Cement Over Youth Development in Host Community

The implementation of the Community Development Agreement with host communities by the management of Dangote Cement Ibese Plant, received commendation at the weekend as host communities as well as the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development praised the management for diligent execution of the agreement for the benefit of the rural communities.

South-West Zonal Coordinator, Mines Environment Compliance for the Ministry, Mr. Mathew Ochimana,

expressed delight at the way and manner the Dangote Cement Ibese Plant has been socially responsible to its host communities thereby fostering an atmosphere of peace all year round.

He spoke during the certificates award and starter packs presentation to the host community youths who completed the 2024 Youth Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme organised by the Ibese plant of the foremost Cement Plant in Ogun State.

Ochimana, who was represented by an officer of the ministry pointed out that his ministry has never had cause to wade into any dispute between the management and host communities but had always been invited for one programme or the other that benefits the people and the communities.

While urging Dangote Cement to continue partnering with the host communities with more empowerment programmes to develop the communities and equip the people,

he also enjoined the host communities to reciprocate the good gesture by maintaining peace and supporting the company to do more.

Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman, Host Communities Joint Consultative Committee, Hon. Dayo Ogunyinka, thanked Dangote Cement for always rising up to the occasion noting that the company has never shied away from its social responsibilities by constantly developing programmes that could lift the people and add value to them.

Ogun Cracks Down on Criminals, Lights Up Sagamu Interchange, Clears Shanties

As part of efforts to make the Sagamu Interchange and its environs a no-go area for criminals, the Ogun State Government has provided illumination at the under-bridge area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and subsequently at the four intersections of the interchange.

The state government, which took this step after clearing the illegal shanties, shops, and stalls in the area in order to deprive criminals of cover,

undertook adequate illumination of the area through solar street lights.

Recently, the state government, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, stated that it was fully apprised of the situation in the area and would never allow criminals to continue to launch attacks on innocent citizens.

Previously, as part of its response to the reported activities of criminals in the area, the government had

deployed police and Amotekun operatives to make it safe for residents and travellers.

Apart from mandating personnel from the Bureau of Electrical Engineering Services to deploy solar street lights under the bridge, the Ogun State Government has extended the solar street lights to the roundabouts and along the inward and outward routes of the four intersections.

This intervention is part of the Light-Up Project of the Dapo

Abiodun Administration in lighting up key infrastructural projects in the state.

While the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a federal highway, the intervention is meant to stem the security concerns widely circulated on social media by residents of the state. This Light-Up Project is meant to further enhance the security apparatus of the area and assist law enforcement agents in adequately securing the area.

Flutterwave Launches Send App in Ghana

Flutterwave has announced the official launch of its Send App in Ghana.

A statement yesterday explained that the milestone marked a significant step towards seamless and secure international remittances, allowing users to receive money from abroad directly into their bank accounts or mobile money wallets (MTN Mobile Money, Telecel Cash, and AirtelTigo Money).

With Send App, individuals and

businesses in Ghana can now receive international transfers effortlessly. Whether for family support, school fees, business transactions, or essential expenses. This launch aligns with SendApp’s mission to enable seamless and secure cross-border payments across Africa and beyond through cutting-edge technology, so customers can put their money where their heart is.

Speaking on the launch, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, Olugbenga ‘GB’

Agboola, emphasised the company’s commitment to enhancing financial connectivity across and beyond Africa.

“We are dedicated to facilitating secure and seamless transactions that drive national and continental economic transformation. With Send App now live in Ghana, we are providing a fast, reliable, and accessible solution for individuals and businesses to receive international payments without stress. This is a

major leap forward in our vision of connecting Africa to the global economy,” he added. According to the fintech company, the introduction of Send App in Ghana brings unparalleled benefits, including seamless and secure transfers directly into bank accounts and mobile money wallets, competitive charges that ensure users get the best value for every transfer, and easy access with a seamless transaction process.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu (left) with former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka at a visit to open Sterling Bank accounts in support of the Zero Transfer Fees for Nigerians in Abuja…yesterday

Season Of Natashas!

The Natashas are holding their own against any force threatening their respective space, reckons TAYO OGUNBIYI

Life is full of seasons. There is a season to be born. There is a season to crawl. There is a season to walk. There is a season to talk, and there is also a season to keep quiet.

In our nation, Nigeria, we have witnessed several seasons. For instance, there was a season of oil boom, just as there was also a season of oil doom.

From all indications, this seems to be the season of the Natashas. In the past few months, two powerful Natahas have consistently been in the news, either for the right or wrong reasons.

Welcome to the world of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Hon. Natasha Osawaru.

Curiously, there seems to be a whole lot of similarities between these two Natashas. One, they are both beautiful women. Former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, affirmed this when he claimed that the beauty of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan poses a problem for her in politics, stating that men find it difficult to ignore her presence.

As for Hon. Natasha Osawaro, her beauty is so irresistible that legendary Nigerian singer, Tuface Idiba, aka 2Baba, is willing to surrender all to her.

The similarities do not, however, end in their beauty. No!

They both seem to be women who dare to fish in waters exclusively reserved for men. They are both successful politicians in their own right. Those who have deep insight into the country’s political landscape will readily tell you that it is only strong women who can survive it.

Are the Natashas strong women politically? I dare to say yes, they are.

Besides being the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, it is on record that Senator Natasha fought the former governor of Kogi State, Yaya Bello, to a standstill before she eventually reclaimed the victory that gave her the right to become a Senator. Now, if you know former governor Yaya Bello very well, you would know that he is not a politician who runs away from the battlefield.

On the other hand, Hon. Natasha Osawaru has also proved that she is an astute politician. The granddaughter of Edo-born billionaire, Chief Gabriel Igbinedon, represents Egor Constituency at the 8th Edo State House of Assembly. She is also the Deputy Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, which makes her a formidable force in Edo politics.

Aside from being both politicians, the Natashas are also both leading members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They both love to take refuge in the party with the big umbrella.

The duo also appears to love controversies, especially the ones that have to do with romance. Presently, in our country, the most trending romantic series appear to come from the stables of the delectable Natashas.

Currently, the Nigerian Senate is embroiled in an allegation of sexual harassment levied against the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha. A flurry of reactions has greeted the allegation, with the Kogi Central Senator utilising several media outlets, including influential foreign

This 484-page and twenty chapter book by Pastor Joshua Sunday Olagunju – a one-time Managing Director of the rested Sketch Newspapers – is a latest addition to the growing literature on both autobiographies and biographies of eminent personalities in our society. According to the author, the book is “an epic account of struggles, setbacks, renewed hopes, and a triumph”. Putting one’s life journey from cradle to its twilight on record, no doubt, is greatly beneficial to both the author who may like to be immortalised and the younger generation who may be privileged to read the story and learn few things in their life course. According to The Penguin Dictionary of Proverbs, (1984:268) ‘writing destroys the memory’. More so that there is a limit to human memory if not committed to writing in black and white.

Like many who were born into a stark illiterate family, the exact date of the author’s birth was not known! His date of birth became mere matter of conjecture as there was no record of birth in the family, neither did they go to the birth registry to register his birth and collect birth certificate. Not until his brother one Dele, the first son of his father told him that by the time their father gave up the ghost in 1960, that he was between 13 and 14 years old. He was also between seven and eight years old in 1955 when the author entered St. Paul’s Primary School, EfonAlaaye on February 17, 1955. From his account he was born into a polygamous family - of three wives, of which his mother Rachael Oluwafumilayo, nee Folayan – was the third wife of his father while Sunday was the first child from his own mother. From the first chapter of the book which he titled

platforms, to push her case.

This is, however, not the first time that Senator Natasha will be involved in a sexual harassment issue. She once claimed that former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, sexually harassed her, which was later found to be a false allegation.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 for “gross misconduct” after failing to appear before the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee.

The decision followed a heated exchange with Akpabio during a plenary session last month.

Now, the Kogi-born Senator is shedding more light on what she says were inappropriate advances made by Senator Akpabio both inside and outside the Senate chambers.

She recounted one such incident at Akpabio’s country home, where she alleged that he touched her suggestively while showing her around.

“We were at his country home. He was taking me around his house. My husband was walking behind us. He held my hand. He then squeezed my hands in a very suggestive way. We women, we know what it means when a man suggestively squeezes our hands,” she said.

Interestingly, this is not the first time that the Senate President and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will be having a face-off. In February 2025, Senator Akpabio faced criticism for his remarks towards Senator Natasha during a Senate plenary session.

The Senate President compared her conduct to that in a nightclub, a comment widely perceived as sexist and demeaning.

In response to public outcry and demands from over 300 women’s groups, Akpabio issued an apology, stating, “Distinguished Senator Natasha, I want to apologize to you.”

In a recent revelation on TV, Senator Natasha alleged that her troubles in the Senate stem from rejecting the sexual advances of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

“Mine is the case of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him,” she stated.

As for the other Natasha, Hon. Osawaru, what started as a rumoured relationship with ace singer, Innocent Idibia, appears to be heading toward the altar.

2Baba recently sparked conversations about his personal life after hinting at a romantic relationship with the Edo State lawmaker.

2Baba addressed the swirling rumours, denying that Hon. Natasha played any role in his split with his now estranged wife, Annie.

He said: “… Hon. Natasha is a young, brilliant, amazing woman, and she had nothing to do with what is happening between me and Annie in our marriage. Yes, I love her, and I want to marry her.”

ASIDE FROM BEING BOTH POLITICIANS, THE NATASHAS ARE ALSO LEADING MEMBERS OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP). THEY BOTH LOVE TO TAKE REFUGE IN THE PARTY WITH THE BIG UMBRELLA

This comes shortly after his separation from his wife Annie.

A surprise appearance at the Edo State House of Assembly during plenary further intensified speculation, especially after a video of them at a Lagos nightclub also surfaced.

Ogunbiyi is of the Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

‘My Life Odyssey’ EMMANUEL OJO reviews Joshua Olagunju’s autobiography

“My Childhood Years”, the author benefitted from the free Universal Basic Education of the late Sage –Chief Obafemi Awolowo- the Premier of the defunct Western Region. In the early hours of February 17, 1955 his mother had woken him up early enough to get ready for school. It was at Efon Alaaye, in present day Ekiti State of Nigeria. Young Sunday was a brilliant chap passing exams in flying colours to the admiration of his teachers and consternation of his class mates.

The second chapter entitled ‘Parenthood’, Sunday’s father was a traditional ‘Adamo’ musician who was famous for it with his dexterity which attracted accolades and fame from his admirers. His father did not live long with Sunday. His son started school in 1955 and Dad gave up the ghost in 1960. Life expectancy was very low then. The sudden demise of his father made the responsibility of taking good care of the author to fall solely on his mother who had no dime with her after a protracted sickness. He thus began a journey of life of poverty and penury.

The death of his benefactors and those left behind with low education that could barely eke a living threw young Sunday into a bleak future. Vicissitudes of life made him to begin squatting from one relation to the other, while some were tolerant for a short while some could not accommodate him with his financial liabilities. On completion of his Secondary Modern School which was in vogue then, he found himself in a quagmire, especially as regards what next for him to do. He became perplexed and seemed totally hopeless as a young man. In the process, he found himself at Osogbo,

present day capital of Osun State as an apprentice Radio repairer. Not long, he found himself in Lagos too as an apprentice tailor. His Lagos experience was fascinating as he was moving away from his cocoon to a cosmopolitan city for the first time in his life. His high expectation was not a misnomer as his movements ever since his birth was restricted to few towns of Efon, Aramoko, Ilesha and Osogbo. It was in Lagos while working as a professional tailor that by happenstance and divine providence that this author got a salary job for the first time in his life with Palm Line Agency of Nigeria, Apapa, Lagos. Despite being paid monthly salary, the author did not relent in his innate desire for Western Education which he believed could liberate him from poverty. As a private candidate he registered for two ‘A’ level papers – Economics and Government – at the same time he also put in for four ‘O’ level papers too - English Language, Geography, History and Mathematics. He however passed the two ‘A’level papers and the four ‘O’ level ones. What was amazing to many is the English Language that he crushed. It was the major albatross for many including his superiors at work.

Furthermore, with his sterling performance in public examinations, God’s fingers did not stop pushing him to great fortunes as he was advised to apply for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a job. He did and was able to pass the interview. Thus, a career in banking commenced in earnest. He was with the CBN between 1976 – 1978. He attempted professional bodies’ examination in Banking which he passed. But all these did not becloud his desire for tertiary education.

In July, 1978 fortune smiled on him as he was admitted to the University of Lagos to read History. He was faced with making difficult decisions of whether to continue with the prestigious CBN job or proceed to the University. Eventually, reason prevailed as he registered as an undergraduate despite all hiccups. He waved all entreaties from his bosses and colleagues at the bank to stay put, as he resigned his appointment in August 1978 for higher education.

Few events cannot escape this review from his experience in the University as a student. First was the smart way he was schemed out of the race of becoming the Secretary-General of the Student Union. He was shown real ‘politik’ that eventually tainted his perception and world view of politics in the larger society. Another is the cat and mouse relationship amongst lecturers in his department; which dissuaded him from taking up interest in scholarship. He however learnt later from his work place experiences most especially in The Daily Times where he worked for more than a decade before he was frustrated out, and the rested Daily Sketch too. Perhaps, a bad one was the personal animosity with one Professor Asiwaju.

Chapter nine chronicles his National Youth Service (NYSC) experience after graduation from the University of Lagos. He was posted to Plateau State. The take away from the chapter is that it was during his Youth Corps programme that he met his wife.

Ojo is a Professor of Comparative Politics, Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, Kwara State

In Praise of President Buhari

Those Who Raise False Alarms Must Face Justice

A Jungle Without justice

WThe Advocacy for Alleged Witches enjoins authorities in Delta state to bring to justice those who raise false alarms over penis disappearance. This statement has become necessary following incidents of accusations of manhood disappearance and mob violence in Asaba, Delta state. False alarms over manhood disappearance have led to attacks, beating, murder, and abuse of innocent persons.

hen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad governance and untold level of corruption, government could not live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the federal and state levels.

Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a ticking bomb.

In the past months, there have been cases of alleged manhood disappearance and mob violence in Delta state. In November, a young woman accused of disappearing a penis was stripped naked, beaten, and violated by youths. An image that circulated on social media showed the woman forced to sit on the ground with her clothes torn, and bruises and stains of blood all over her body. Unfortunately, no arrest was made. Nobody was brought to justice. Perpetrators went scot-free.

Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state President Buhari inherited in 2015.

It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the Buhari government.

The case was taken to the palace of Odogwu of Asaba who called in the police. Police arrested two suspects and charged them in a magistrate court. They were charged with false information to the public and assault occasioning harm. The magistrate granted the two suspects bail. Meanwhile, community members and relatives of the victims have been pressuring the complainant to withdraw the case. False alarm over police disappearance is a form of incitement of violence against the accused. It riles up the public and fuels panic and hysteria. Those who raise false alarms misinform the public and engage in activities that breach public peace and order. They should be made to pay for their crimes. Measures should be taken to stop this criminal behavior because accusations of manhood disappearance are baseless and untrue. There is no evidence that anybody magically disappears or steals someone’s manhood. False alarm over manhood disappearance and mob violence persist in Asaba because of impunity, because there are no consequences and perpetrators are not punished; they get away with their crimes. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches

by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level of transparency and accountability.

AAfter keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bay through the EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can be produced at home. One of such items was rice, a major staple among Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually.

Stop Ritual Attacks and Killings

s a country, Nigeria feels strange in so many ways. These feelings of strangeness are no doubt largely supplied by the aching possibility that anything can happen at any time.

TTo reckon with the strangeness that bites them like serpents, Nigerians treat each other like strangers in competition for strangled resources. There is a kind of brutal and bludgeoning aggression that many Nigerians bring to bear in their relationship with each other.

And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production of rice and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice value chain.

On March 25, 2025, about 16 hunters travelling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Eid celebrations were fed to the flames in Uromi, Edo state on flimsy but fatal accusations of being kidnappers. It was not the first time.

Three years earlier, precisely on May 12, 2022, the hallowed grounds of the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto State served up a stage for one of the most chilling crimes ever to rock Nigeria. In the glare of the midday sun, Deborah Samuel, a 22-year-old student was lynched on allegations of blasphemy.

What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals. Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could not dream of.

One of the greatest indicators that Nigeria is not yet ready for the understated civilization which underpins developed countries is found in the number of those who participate in dishing out mob justice, or enjoy the spectacle from afar.

Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be paid into one single account in line with the policy of Single Treasury Account (TSA).

The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the PDP government but its penchant for imprudence and lack of accountability denied it the courage of implementing the policy. What the President literally did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for any thief to come close.

In another incident at Ogbeogonogo market in Asaba, police arrested and detained the victim, not the accusers and abusers. When contacted, the head of the police anti-cult unit, stated that the accused was in custody for safety reasons. But in fact, it was his accused and abusers who should be in custody. A resident of Asaba shared this post on social media regarding the matter: “Another incident happened recently at Ogbeogonogo market but thank God they rushed the guy to the Anti-cult police office. The crowd was dispersed, if not they would have beaten the guy to death. The guy came to buy shoes at the market. After purchasing the shoes, he now asked a guy where he could buy a television remote and the guy pointed to him where he could buy it. Then the young man went to the same shop the guy pointed at. Not quite long the guy who showed him the shop came with other people saying that he didn’t feel his penis again. It took the quick intervention of the man who sold some shoes to him earlier and the owner of the remote shop to stop the beating because the shoe seller said the guy called him earlier this morning that he was coming to get some shoes and he came. So they took the matter to the anti-cult office in Asaba”.

Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic advantages.

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA

Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI

It is damningly bizarre that some Nigerians prefer to supply fuel, car tyres and match sticks to burn suspected criminals rather than ask pertinent questions, and hand them over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

It is even more telling that many Nigerians who happen to stumble on such scenes prefer to whip out their mobile phones and take pictures and videos while people burn. This indicts their humanity to no end.

Nigerians who often form these killer mobs, whether as killers or witnesses, are often criminals themselves.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

In light of these incidents, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the government to prosecute those who accused a young man, Evan of disappearing their manhood, and subsequently abused him on March 17, 2025. Following this accusation, the mob brutalized Evan. The mother of one of the accusers stabbed him with a broken bottle and kicked and wounded him in the groin area. He was hit on the head and face and bled from the left eye.

Who can blame the President for almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of the national treasury with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back in national spending.

Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

he Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual attacks and killings because the notion of ritual money and wealth is completely baseless. AfAW is making this call following the reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State in southern Nigeria. The local media reported that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists with the body parts of a 73-year-old man. The suspects, who were apprehended in the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim cleric asked them to procure some human body parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Home movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films have not helped matters. These movies continue to reinforce these mistaken notions and other superstitions. Families, churches, mosques, and other public institutions do not encourage the interrogation of these traditional occult beliefs. There are no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these irrational and paranormal claims in schools, colleges, and universities. So millions of Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they could make money through ritual sacrifice of human body parts. The belief has led many Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed or are undergoing court trials due to ritualrelated attacks and murder.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU,

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

elania Trump spoke at the International Women of Courage Awards. She probably knows about courage given who she is married to, and has to wake up next to, occasionally.

Not too long ago, the police arrested some young Nigerians for stealing female pants, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from ritual-related abuses because ritual money beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian media, schools, and colleges should help educate and reorient the public. They should assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

a waste!

HONOURING WOMEN MAKING IMPACT…

NJC Distances Self from Imo Acting CJ

Appointment, State Government Kicks

Abuja

Tony

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has distanced itself from the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as an acting Chief Judge for Imo State.

However, in a swift reaction, the Imo State government affirmed the appointment, saying it came after a thorough personnel audit of the judiciary by the State Judicial Service Commission.

The NJC in a statement emphasised that it neither gave approval to Governor Hope Uzodinma to appoint an acting CJ for the state nor was it involved in the process that produced Justice

Nzeukwu, who was the fourth most senior judge as the Acting Chief Judge. Deputy Director, Information, Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, who issued the statement yesterday, explained that the NJC was yet to look into the issue of the appointment of an acting CJ for Imo State.

"The attention of the Council has been drawn to the news making rounds that the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, had purportedly appointed Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, who is No. 4 in the hierarchy of Judges seniority in Imo State High Court, as the acting Chief Judge of the state, in view of the recent disciplinary action taken against

the erstwhile Chief Judge of the State.

"The National Judicial Council by this Press Release wants to clarify to the public that the Governor of Imo State had earlier written to the Council requesting for its approval to appoint Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, who is No. 4 in the hierarchy of seniority as acting Chief Judge of the State.

"The Governor in his said correspondence to the Council, gave reasons why in his own view, the three most senior Judges are not appointable.

"The Council is informing the public that the said letter is yet to be considered, as deliberation on the request is slated for the next Council meeting, which is scheduled to hold on April 29 and 30, 2025.

"The Council is therefore, by this Press Release, informing the public that: The Governor’s request is yet to be considered by the Council, The Council has not approved to the Governor for the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge. The Council is not a party to the process of the purported appointment of Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge" the statement read.

However, in a statement, Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Mr. Declan Emelumba, explained that Nzeukwu's appointment came after a thorough personnel audit of the judiciary by

Nigeria Receives One Million Doses of Vaccine to Combat Meningitis Outbreak

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Health has received over one million pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) doses from the Gavifunded global stockpile to combat the meningococcus C and W outbreak in northern Nigeria.

The outbreak has already claimed over 70 lives, with more than 800 cases across 23 states.

Seasonal outbreaks in Nigeria are common during the dry season, which runs from December to June, peaking between March and April when low

humidity and high dust levels prevail.

According to a statement by UNICEF yesterday, the first shipment would enable the launch of an outbreak response campaign targeting individuals aged 1–29 years, the most severely affected group.

It stated that the campaign would initially be launched in Kebbi and Sokoto States, with plan to expand to Yobe State as additional doses arrive in the country.

Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pates was quoted to have said: “The arrival of the Men5CV vaccines is a

crucial milestone in Nigeria’s response to the current meningitis outbreak.

“It reflects our commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to protect the health and well-being of all Nigerians – especially our children and young people who are most vulnerable.

"Through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Sector-Wide Approach, we have prioritised epidemic preparedness and rapid response as part of our broader health security agenda.

Pate further stated:" We are grateful for the support of Gavi, WHO, and

UNICEF in enabling this swift deployment. Together, we are not only containing today’s outbreak but also laying the foundation to eliminate meningitis and strengthen routine immunization for the future.”

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance funds the global stockpiles of vaccines against cholera, Ebola, meningitis and yellow fever, which are accessible to all countries in the world, and supports the cost of procurement, delivery and outbreak response campaigns in lower-income countries, as well as preventive and routine immunisation activities where these are relevant.

Wike Queries Abuja University’s Acquisition of 1,000 Hectares of Land, Says It's Unfuturistic

Inaugurates Nigeria's first solar-powered market

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described as unacceptable the acquisition of 1,000 hectares of land by University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University.

This was as the minister yesterday officially inaugurated the Utako Farmer's Market, Abuja.

The facility, which is Nigeria's first evergreen solar powered market, was developed on 3,000 square meters of land, consisting of 50 lock up shops, 40 informal stalls and seven warehouses.

On the acquisition of 1,000 hectares of land by the University of Abuja, the minister made the observation

yesterday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects such as OSEX and the road leading to the EFCC Academy ahead of activities marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office. He described the move as unfuturistic, excessive and a hindrance to developmental efforts within the territory. "I have discovered and also opened my eyes as to the kind of land that the University of Abuja has acquired. It is not acceptable. You can't deny development, where a university will go and take over 1,000 hectares of land for what purpose? We have been to universities, we have gone around to schools, just the grabbing of land is not the whole thing. It is just for

development purposes," Wike said.

The minister also lampooned the institution for failing to put the land to productive use, warning any public land left fallow would be repossessed and reassigned.

“If you don’t develop it, the government will take it back and give it to those who will. We must stop this idea of acquiring land just for acquisition’s sake," he said.

He also questioned the underlying motive of such large-scale land acquisition saying, “Before you know it, they will begin to lease it out to people. It doesn't make sense. What makes a university is not the large expansion of land. What makes a university is the infrastructure, and the quality. It is

not about land. You can have 20,000 hectares of land and the university does not have any infrastructure. So, what does it help? We must stop this idea of just acquiring land for acquiring sake. That is not the essence of it. If they give you land, if you develop it, fine. if you don't develop it, the government will take it back and give it to those who want to develop. So that is our position."

Meanwhile, speaking while unveiling the market in Abuja yesterday, the FCT Minister, Wike, stated that the inauguration of the market marks a significant milestone in boosting commercial infrastructure and economic growth within the Federal Capital Territory.

the State Judicial Service Commission which discovered that he was the most senior by records

Owing to this, he said the Governor in exercise of his powers, pursuant to section 271(4) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, decided to appoint Nzeukwu. He added that, "as a result of the dismissal of the former chief Judge, Hon Justice Chikeka for age falsification, the judicial service commission of Imo State took time to go through the records of judicial officers in Imo State. After the exercise, it was confirmed that Hon Justice Nzeukwu was most senior to occupy the position, by all available records.”

Report: Arik Air Airlifted 2.2m Passengers in 2024, Operated 10,699 Flights

Arik Air in 2024, airlifted 2,239,176 passengers between January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, a report sourced from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed.

The airline, which has been under the receivership of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since 2017, despite its challenges, also operated 10,699 flights within the year under review, making it the second most active airline in terms of passenger traffic and flight operations in Nigeria, after Air Peace.

According to the report, the total number of air travellers in the domestic scene in 2024 was 11, 549,443 with inbound at 5,727,700 and outbound passengers at 5,821,743. This figure shows that Arik Air captured 19.3 per cent of the total passenger traffic for 2024, while it had 15.1 per cent of the total 70,543 flights operated by the 15 domestic airlines in the year under review.

The Executive Summary on International and Domestic Flight Operations 2024, as captured by the

NCAA, indicated that Arik Air had 1,112,358 and 1,126,818 as inbound and outbound passengers for 2024, respectively, making it a total of 2,239,176 passengers ferried in 2024. Monthly breakdown of the passenger traffic indicated that Arik Air had 37,772 inbound passengers and another 38,987 as outbound passengers in January 2024, totalling 76,759 passengers. For February the airline recorded 38,217 as inbound and 39,209 as outbound, totalling 77,426; March, 37,183 as inbound and 37,642 as outbound, making it a total of 74,825; April, 31,326 as inbound and 31,971 as outbound, making 63,297. The airline in May 2024, also recorded 39,006 as inbound and 39,765 as outbound passengers, totalling 78,771 for the month, while the month of June had 37,710 as inbound and 38,617 as outbound, totalling 76,327; July, 156,146 as inbound and 159,044 as outbound, totalling 315,190; August, the airline recorded 153,080 as inbound and 144,259 as outbound, making it a total figure of 297,339 within the period.

Tro-vest Capital Solidifies Position With AFILA Award

Oluchi Chibuzor

In recognition of its cutting-edge solution to Nigeria's financial landscape, Tro-vest Capital Partners has been named Africa’s Most Innovative Financial Services Leader of the Year at the 2025 Africa Financial Industry Leadership Award (AFILA).

Announcing the award at a virtual meeting held recently, the Group Head, Private and Personal Business, Tro-vest Capital Partners, Nkantion Bassey, noted that the award solidifies the firm's position as one of the leading financial institutions shaping Africa’s financial future.

According to him, “Tro-vest Capital Partners’ recognition as Africa’s Most Innovative Financial Services Leader of the Year 2025 highlights our excellence in driving cutting-edge financial solutions. We have positioned ourselves as a full-

fledged financial services hub, covering consumer lending, investment banking, retail banking, wealth management, micro-lending, and fintech.

“This has distinguished us in Nigeria’s financial landscape, particularly through our digital-first approach, making financial services more accessible, efficient, and tailored to client needs. Our expertise in risk reduction, consistent returns, and diversified investment strategies played a key role in securing this award.

“The recognition strengthens our competitive edge in Nigeria’s financial services industry and opens doors to more partnerships and growth opportunities. It reaffirms our commitment

Alex Enumah in

and

Icheku in Owerri

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

L-R: Acting Managing Director/CEO, NOVA Bank and Awardee, Chinwe Iloghalu; her husband, Mr. Ike Iloghalu; Executive Vice President, Afreximbank and Awardee, Kanayo Awani, and Executive Director, Nova Bank, Dr. David Isiavwe, at the ARISE Women Making Impact 2025 and Award Night organised by ARISE NEWS in Lagos…recently

SKILLS ACQUISITION AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME...

Court Stops Pro-Wike Rally in Bayelsa

YHC/CV/133/2025 filed by the state’s Attorney General, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN.

The High Court of Bayelsa State sitting in Yenagoa, has issued an order restraining associates of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, from holding a mega rally in the state pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

The order which obtained on Thursday was to stop the proposed rally by George Turnah and key Wike loyalists scheduled for Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on April 12, 2025.

Reacting to this development, the lead convener of the NEW Associates Bayelsa State chapter, Turnah, organisers of the rally, said his group had no plans to hold a rally for the FCT Minister, Wike, in the Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital as was alleged by the state government.

Instead he said what the group was planning was a solidarity rally in appreciation of President Bola Tinubu for appointing persons from Bayelsa State into positions of authority and trust in his administration.

Hon. Justice I.A. Uzakah of High Court of Bayelsa State granted the Motion Ex-Parte in Suit No.BYHC/

Listed as first and second defendants/respondents in the suit are the lead convener of the NEW Associates, organisers of the rally, Mr. George Turnah, and the FCT Minister, Wike.

The other defendants are the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Police Command.

The enrolled court order states that:

“An order of the interim injunction is hereby made or granted restraining the 1st and 2nd defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, associates, privies, representatives (or any person whatsoever acting at their behest), from conducting, convening, coordinating, engaging in, organising, participating in, holding, hosting, or facilitating any political assembly, rally meeting, or gathering within Bayelsa State, for the purpose of solidarity, hosting, and celebrating the 2nd defendant in Bayelsa State, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”

The matter was adjourned to April 11, 2025 for hearing.

Meanwhile, while addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, Turnah denied what he described as false allegation that NEW Associates Bayelsa State chapter was colluding with Wike, Minister of the FCT, to instigate insecurity in Bayelsa State in a bid to destabilise the state and subsequently trigger a state of emergency.

Turnah, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Bayelsa State, Mr.George Turnah, described the allegation as false and mischievous,

saying it was regrettable to hear such allegation from someone occupying the esteemed office of a state governor.

Turnah, who insisted that the group will go ahead with the rally on April 12, denied the involvement of Wike in the planned rally, insisting that the minister was yet to be notified of the rally in Bayelsa State.

The group's leader who is the South-south Zonal Secretary of the faction of the PDP loyal to Wike, said at no time did, "the NEW Associates

Bayelsa State chapter, or any associated entity announce plans to host Minister Wike in Bayelsa State or any other location on the dates mentioned or any other time.

"Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State, in these statements, he accused me of colluding with Wike, Minister of the FCT and former Governor of Rivers State, to instigate insecurity in Bayelsa State in a bid to destabilise the state.

"In two separate broadcasts, while

Wale Igbintade

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday sentenced one Igboezue Emeka to one-month imprisonment for money laundering. Justice Alexander Owoeye also ordered the forfeiture of $40,000 to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Emeka, was arrested on February 12, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport by officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) for failing to declare the sum of $40,000 in his possession.

No plan to hold rally in support of FCT minister, Turnah declares NSGF chairman Gov Yahaya expresses sadness over his demise

Emeka pleaded guilty to the charge.

Following his plea, the prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, sought the court’s permission to review the facts by calling an EFCC operative, Michael Olaremi.

Olaremi told the court that the EFCC received an intelligence report from the NCS around 1:20p.m. on February 12, 2025. Customs officers had intercepted Emeka with $40,000, which he failed to declare.

Olaremi instructed a team member, Lanre Michael, to retrieve Emeka and the monetary exhibit from the NCS.

He was immediately handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.

“That you, Igboezue Emeka, on or about the 12th day of February, 2025, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, failed to declare the sum of $40,000 USD (forty thousand United States Dollars) to the Nigerian Customs Service, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 3(3) of the Money Laundering Act, No. 14 of 2022, and punishable under Section 3(5) of the same Act.”

"At about 4p.m., Emeka was brought in with the cash, his international passport, and two mobile phones. In the presence of his relatives, he voluntarily gave a statement admitting that he was en route to Seoul, South Korea, via Qatar Airways.

"He confessed that when asked by Customs officials whether he had any currency to declare, he falsely answered "No."

Olaremi further testified that Customs officer Ogar Sadin John, who initially intercepted Emeka, became suspicious and discovered the money hidden in one of Emeka’s shoes inside his hand luggage.

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Leaders of communities in Anambra State have praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his development strides in the state.

Presidents General of all the 179 communities in the state during a recent meeting endorsed the governor for a second term in office, saying that his works in the state have earned him their respects and endorsement.

Chairman of Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC), Mr. Vin Dike who was recently appointed by the governor to head the organisation, told journalists that leaders of the communities conveyed their endorsement to the governor during the meeting.

He said the group will also collaborate with the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council to help the governor in ensuring security in communities, especially as the new Anambra Homeland Security Law has given Presidents General of communities the power to become chief security officers of their areas.

Dike, who spoke from his home in Oraifite said: "Soludo has done what no other governor has done in Anambra State and you know that ASTUC on 29 March endorsed him for a second term. His road infrastructure is second to none. In terms of education, health, you need to see what the man has done in these areas, including employment of teachers and doctors.

"To speak to his achievements in

Oraifite, my community, I can tell you that in the last 18 years, we have never seen the presence of government in Oraifite, but through him, we now have several projects here, including the recently flagged off smart school at Oraifite and the Nkwo to Nkwo road among others.

"Come November 8, I will be among those shouting from the rooftop campaigning for him because the man has shown that he knows what he is doing, and does not only speak, but shows what he has done."

On how ASTUC will help the governor in addressing insecurity in communities, the chairman said: "ASTUC will work with government. Already, through the Homeland Security

addressing the State Security Council and the Elders' Council, the governor claimed he encountered a Facebook report featuring my phone number that suggested I would host Minister Wike for a rally organised by the NEW Associates in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

"These claims, which were anchored on a Facebook report that Governor Diri did not bother to verify first, are entirely false and represent the highest form of rumour-mongering," he said.

Law, the PGs have been empowered as chief security officers of communities, and are responsible for security in the communities. What we will do is to work with the governor to tackle insecurity, and you may know that the governor is also backing us with intelligence, foot soldiers on ground and many more.

"If you watch, you will see that the partnership we have with government is already yielding results, what my leadership will do is to take it a notch higher. We will arrange trainings and seminars for new presidents general, so as to acquaint them with our workings and how they can synergise with government to improve the security of their communities."

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of Bauchibased Islamic cleric, Dr. Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, who passed away in the early hours of yesterday at 68.

The President, deeply moved by the loss, in a release issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the cleric contributed to moulding millions of youths and other Muslim faithful on the tenets

of Islam.

Similarly, the Chairman of Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, yesterday they received with deep sadness the news of the passing of prominent Islamic scholar and preacher, Dr. Tanshi, who died in the late hours of yesterday in Bauchi after a brief illness.

President Tinubu extolled Dr. Tanshi's efforts in countering the spread of violent extremism, especially in the early days of the Boko Haram conflict.

He said the Muslim faithful would greatly miss the cleric's trenchant voice, calling for moral rectitude and probity.

While praying for the repose of Tansi's soul, President Tinubu urged his family and followers to find solace in his good work.

In a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, Governor Yahaya described Dr. Idris as a respected cleric and preacher, whose immense contributions to Islamic scholarship and nurturing a society rooted in faith and righteousness, remain invaluable.

The NSGF Chairman said the demise of the Sheikh is a huge loss, not only to his family and the people of Bauchi State, but also to the field of Islamic scholarship, especially for those who drew inspiration from his wisdom and guidance. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the government of Bauchi State and the Muslim Ummah. He prayed Almighty Allah to grant Dr. Tanshi Aljannat Firdaus and give his loved ones the strength to bear this profound loss.

Barth Nnaji to Deliver The Bullion Lecture

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

L-R: Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Area Manager, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Bolanle Ajibade; Dangote Cement Ibese Plant Director, Roy K. Uttam; Chairman Yewa North LGA, Ogun State, Hon. Akinbode Olusola, and representative of South West Coordinator of Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mines Environmental Compliance, Jeremiah Ibrahim, at the 2024 Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme by Dangote Cement Ibese Plant, Ogun State…recently

PROPERTY INSPECTION REPORT UNVEILING…

With Tariffs, WTO Foresees Contraction in Global Merchandise Trade Volume

China imposes 34% reciprocal tariffs on imports of US goods Markets plunges further Trump extends deadline for TikTok to get US buyer by 75 Days

Oluchi Chibuzor with agency report

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has warned that new

tariffs announced by the United States along with those introduced at the start of the year could lead to a contraction of around one percent in global merchandise trade volumes in 2025.

"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," Reuters

quoted Okonjo-Iweala to have said in a statement.

China yesterday said it would impose reciprocal 34 percent tariffs on all imports from the United States from

Fubara's Kinsmen Ask Tinubu to Halt Emergency Rule, Rescind Suspension Order

Say AGF's allegations against governor disappointing

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Kinsmen of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the state of emergency he declared in Rivers State and suspension of their son.

The suspended governor's kinsmen said Tinubu should allow diplomatic and justifiable resolution of the lingering crisis in the state.

In a communique after a critical stakeholders meeting at Opobo, Fubara's hometown, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, the people held that not only is Tinubu's emergency in Rivers

unconstitutional, but counterproductive as it has induced untold hardship and economic strangulation on law abiding citizens of the state. This was contained in the communique signed by Ben Daminabo, Prof Blessing Jaja, Edward Namiesimagha, Dr. Roseline Apawari Uranta, Sam Stewart, Maclean Minimah, and Emma Taribo, among others.

The suspended governor's community people stated, "Our people recognise the strategic economic importance of Rivers State as Treasure Base of the nation, being hub of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, nay Africa - mainstay of the

Nigerian economy and the major foreign exchange earner of our country, Nigeria.

"We affirm our inalienable commitment to the unity, peaceful coexistence and stability of our state and nation in line with universally acceptable democratic principles and ethos in line with the extant provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

"Whereas we unequivocally subscribe to proactive intervention by all and sundry to ensure restoration and sustenance of peace, safety and security of life and property of the citizenry, with the highest sense of patriotism, responsibility

and unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, stability and progress of our dear nation, Nigeria, we express deep concerns regarding the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers."

To the President the people asserted,

"While we acknowledge Your Excellency’s commitment to upholding law and order across the federation and your unwavering determination to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians, 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.

Entrepreneurs Development: NDDC

Boost

Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce with N10bn

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has received a whooping sum of N10 billion from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to commence its entrepreneurs’ development programme.

This was disclosed yesterday, at the inauguration of the board of directors of the NDCCITMA at NDDC's headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, explained

that the N10 billion is an initial deposit of the N30 billion promised by the commission to invest in the Chamber.

He said the development reaffirmed the NDDC's commitment to the growth of commerce and trade in the region.

Ogbuku said, “During the flagoff ceremony of the sensitisation programme, I did mention that the commission will be investing N30bn in the Enterprise Development scheme to be managed by NDCCITMA to support the entrepreneurs in our region from the NANO, Micro and Small-scale level. “I am here to reaffirm that promise.

Today, we shall make good the promise by releasing N10bn to the NDCCITMA designated bank for Immediate commencement of the entrepreneur's development programme.”

Ogbuku assured of the commission's commitment to partnering NDCCITMA to achieve its set goals.

“We look forward to their partnering with NDCCITMA for the growth of the economies of the states and the region at large. I will also like to appreciate all the state reps on the NDDC board for their full support, it is good that this is happening in your own time

on the board of NDDC.

“NDCCITMA and the commission will work out the operational dynamics for the programme. The commission has approved 5000 businesses to kick-start this initiative. We assure you that NDDC is poised to grow the region in commerce and trade through encouraging everyone to part of the NDCCITMA activities.”

The MD, however, directed all contractors and vendors in the NDDC to ensure they register with the NDCCITMA by July 31, 2025.

New Fictional Novel Exposes Dark Realities of Power, Corruption

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

A novel, ‘Impunity’ which speaks to the realities of power, oppression, corruption and other social vices as well as the quest for justice has found its way into the Nigerian literary scene. Author of the literary piece, Faith Ose Ebhodaghe said in the tradition of not writing in a vacuum, she has gathered subject matter and themes from the Nigerian socio-cultural, economic and political space to make her contributions

in the fictional novel which is a searing and suspense-filled exploration of unchecked power, survival, and the search for justice.

Ebhodaghe who spoke yesterday in Abuja, said her storytelling ability was influenced by authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dan Brown and is hopeful that her work will reach the targeted audience and make societal corrections where applicable.

The novel which has sparked conversations about corruption, justice,

and the price for ambition, with early readers calling it a brutally honest, thought-provoking read, has a setting in Port Harcourt and with a 14-year-old boy as protagonist.

According to her, "It is set against the backdrop of contemporary Nigeria and features Aza Kio Briggs, a 14-year-old boy whose life is shaped by a system where power is wielded without consequence.

"The thrilling and emotionally charged tale follows the character of Aza over a four-decade timeline, delving into

the depths of power, corruption, and resilience.

"The novel masterfully blends suspense, politics, and human drama that speaks to the realities of oppression and the fight for justice, thereby blending political intrigue and supernatural elements," she said.

She further revealed that the work is now available on Amazon and Selar, and is set to challenge perceptions and ignite discussions about the realities of power in Nigeria and beyond.

April 10, making good on a promise to strike back after US President Donald Trump escalated a global trade war.

Owing to the development, the global stocks selloff sent money flooding into low-risk assets like U.S. government bonds, even as safe-haven gold recoiled from Thursday's record high alongside a further slide in crude oil brought by fears that a trade war would cause a global recession.

U.S. Treasury yields fell sharply yesterday, after China's retaliation against Trump's tariff plan that caught markets off guard by its scope, although declines were curtailed after a solid U.S. jobs report.

Equally, yesterday, President Trump granted TikTok another reprieve by announcing that he would extend the deadline for when the popular app had to make a deal to be separated from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, or face a ban in the United States.

Speaking further, Okonjo-Iweala warned that the tariffs have the potential to create significant trade diversion effects.

The WTO administers 74 percent of global trade, down from around 80 percent at the beginning of the year due to recent tariffs, according to the organisation.

World leaders have warned of the potential negative economic consequences of the tariffs.

"President Trump's announcement of universal tariffs on the whole world, including the EU, is a major blow to the world economy," European Commission

President Ursula Von Der Leyen said. Okonjo-Iweala told member states earlier on Thursday in a letter seen by Reuters that the WTO had received many questions about the tariffs.

"Many of you have been in touch about the U.S. announcement on tariffs, asking for the Secretariat to provide an economic analysis of the impact of these tariffs and any potential reaction on your trade," Okonjo-Iweala wrote. Observers say U.S. determination to double down on tariffs risks sidelining the Geneva-based WTO and its freetrade mandate.

On Wednesday, Trump unveiled an additional 34 percent tariff on all Chinese goods imported into the US, in a move poised to cause a major reset of relations and worsen trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

“This practice of the US is not in line with international trade rules, seriously undermines China’s legitimate rights and interests, and is a typical unilateral bullying practice,” the CNN quoted China’s State Council Tariff Commission to have said in a statement announcing its retaliatory tariffs.

Since returning to power in January, Trump had already levied two tranches of 10% additional duties on all Chinese imports, which the White House said was necessary to stem the flow of illicit fentanyl from the country to the US. Combined with pre-existing tariffs, that means Chinese goods arriving in the US would be effectively subject to tariffs of well over 54%.

The pioneer president of Awomamma Development Forum, Imo State (worldwide), Chief Tony Akuneme, has hailed the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for re-awarding the road from Awomamma to Okwudor, after the road was abandoned for two years by the Chinese contractors whose engineers were kidnapped twice along that road.

The community leader in a statement signed by himself and Elder Aloy Nnawugo on behalf of Awomamma Leaders of Thought, acknowledged that though it may appear simple and normal for government to fix infrastructure in various communities, a situation where one's community is singled out for such a critical infrastructure among over 600 other autonomous

communities, calls for appreciation of the government in power. He further averred that if previous administrations had utilised even half of their resources judiciously, the issue of basic amenities would have been a thing of the past. Akuneme used the opportunity to appreciate the governor for appointing indigenes of Awomamma into positions in government especially the MDs of the State Oil Development Commission, Chief Austin Onyedebelu and the Imo State Transport Company, Hon. Uche Obiozor. He equally implored the governor not to forget the ultra modern Awomamma Civic Centre built by the state government in 2023, which is yet to be furnished and inaugurated.

L-R: Content Digital Advertising Manager, Trustcrow, Benedict Bassey; Founder/ Managing Director, Joseph Orji; Product Manager, Haleemah Folagbade, and Sales Manager, Michael Okonkwo, during Trustcrow's unveiling of the Title Search Report and Property Inspection Report products for property industry in Nigeria, held at Impact Hub, Ikoyi, Lagos...recently

Mutfang: Nigeria Made Mistake Allowing Non-state Actors to Acquire Capabilities

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

Governor Caleb Mutfang of Plateau State has stated that the country made a mistake by allowing non- state actors acquire capabilities that are almost overwhelming the security agencies, declaring that it was time to reverse the development.

He said this during the unveiling and live demonstration of the first set of locally manufactured attack drones, missiles and bombs by Briech Unmanned Aerial Systems Limited in Abuja.

In his remarks at the event, Mutfang said: "Indeed, we have made a mistake as a nation when we allowed non-state actors to acquire capabilities that are almost overwhelming state actors.

"And it is time to address that disadvantage. We must get to the point where no one operates within our borders with capabilities that compete, not to talk of exceed those who have been charged with the constitutional responsibility for protecting our national sovereignty.

"I, therefore, welcome this development by this company that we are entering into strategic and sensible acquisition of technology without strings attached.

"It's important for our national progression. And I'm sure that beyond the nations that can assist us in fighting insurgency, criminality, and other devious acts, there are many countries that probably in assisting us would want to put strings to whatever we acquire.

"It is therefore heartwarming and gratifying that we can enter into partnership with technologies originating from other countries to be able to localise and adapt to our environment.

" I therefore want to congratulate Dr. Bright Echefu and his team for this achievement. And I'm sure that this collaboration is going to enhance the overall efficiency of our armed forces and that sooner than later we will gain the victory we desire over all these forces that have terrorised us for many decades now."

Speaking earlier, he appreciated the Nigerian Armed Forces for their contributions towards securing the nation, adding that "as governor of my state, Plateau, I can attest to the professionalism, efficiency of the Armed Forces of Nigeria."

According to him, that's why today, Plateau State is regaining its name as the home of peace and tourism.

He stressed that, "one of the tools that has made this possible is the effective deployment of technology."

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa stated that the local manufacturing of attack drones would aid the military and save the nation revenue from what the country spends buying such drones from foreign manufacturers.

"In a world where the global politics surrounding the procurement of advanced military hardware, particularly combat drones, have become more intricate, countries that do not produce such solutions are made to face bureaucratic bottlenecks and diplomatic hurdles in acquiring these critical platforms.

"It is in this context that the indigenous production of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles becomes an invaluable strategic asset.

"By manufacturing these drones locally, Nigeria reduces its dependence on foreign sources, ensures prompt acquisition and strengthens its ability to respond swiftly to security threats.

"The cumbersome bureaucracy that has characterised the procurement of defence equipment, even when urgent needs arise, has been a source of concern.

To Guarantee Credible Financial Reporting, FRC, NADP Advocate More Actuarial Professionals in Nigeria

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Due to the low number of Actuarial Professionals in Nigeria, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Actuarial Development Programme (NADP) took an advocacy outreach to the University of Benin, Benin City. Speaking at the event with the theme: ‘Building Capacity for Actuarial Excellence in Nigeria’, Executive Secretary/CEO Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr. Rabiu Olowo disclosed that the reason for the advocate hinged on the fact that Nigeria has a total of 28 actuaries, a number according to him, is too little to ensure credible financial reporting in the insurance, health and banking sector.

Dr. Olowo also noted that the need for awareness at the grassroot informed the decision to talk to students in universities to embrace the Actuarial profession.

He promised that for those who would like to delve in the profession, FRC, NADP and other stakeholders have provided the enabling environment and incentives for students to pass professional exams like tuition and examination fee; all barriers negatively affecting the growth of the profession.

Others he said are full plans and initiatives in the area of capacity building for practitioners, development of Nigeria Actuarial practice regulations, collaboration on development of the mobility and mortality tables for Nigeria; as well as educational support,

bursaries awards and sponsorship through though leadership in the area of hosting the insurance and Actuarial summit.

"Financial Reporting Council stands as a guardian of Financial Integrity. Through regulation and strategic partnerships, FRC ensures transparency and economic stability. The journey continues towards trusted financial reporting ecosystem aimed at providing a collective front to tackle the Actuarial talent shortage, strengthening financial stability, enhancing compliance with global standards, and providing career pathways for industrial collaboration, " Olowo further disclosed.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Who are Actuaries’ Prof. Ismaila Adeleke of University of Lagos, explained that Actuarial science is a discipline that uses mathematical and statistical methods to assess and manage financial risks, particularly in insurance and finance, by analysing the probability of future events and their financial implications.

It also focuses on understanding and quantifying risks, which are uncertainties that could lead to financial losses.

Actuaries use advanced mathematics and statistics models to analyse data, predict future events and assess the potential and financial impact of those events.

The field is heavily applied in insurance industry, where actuaries help determine premiums, manage reserves, and assess the financial stability of insurance companies

Actuaries also work in finance,

where they assess risks related investments, pensions and other financial instruments like Life Insurance, Pension Funds health Insurance and Investment with a view to analysing mortality rates such as cost life insurance policies; long term financial stability of financial of pension funds and help to manage investments.

They also analyse health care costs and predict future healthcare expenses as well as assessing the risks associated with different investment strategies.

"Actuaries are like heroes and fortune tellers who calculate possibilities of guiding and protecting business organisations, put in place measures to mitigate risks from happening, help to set aside funds to reduce risks. They are also people who make use of their skills to manage finances and keepers of the book (records)" the professor of Actuarial Science stated.

Professor Ayinde further stated that one of the majr aims of taking the advocacy to universities points to the fact that of the 223 universities in Nigeria, only eight offer Actuarial Science; out of the 50,000 Accountants in Nigeria, none is an Actuarial.

Others who spoke at the event are Kingsley Miller, immediate past President, Nigeria Actuarial Association who topic dell on ‘Introduction to Actuarial Science and Career Pathways’, and Olasunkanmi Ayinde, Head, Directorate of office Actuarial Standards, FRC whose topic is ‘The NADP: Vision, Objectives and Opportunities for Students’.

Miva University Targets 20,000 Students by December

Private Open University, Miva University, is set to increase its student population to 20,000 by December 2025, after an expected increase from 10,000 students by May 2025. The institution is also on a bold mission to transform higher education in Nigeria and beyond, aiming for massive enrollment while maintaining quality through technology-driven solutions.

Chief Executive Officer of the institution, Sim Shagaya who stated this yesterday in Abuja during his 50th birthday celebration and colloquium, stressed his determination to offer the world top-notch university education by targeting the overall population of the university to rise to 10,000 by May 2025. According to him, the university was watching global advancements in online technical education to implement them in Nigeria, adding that Miva aspires to be Africa’s first one-million-student university without compromising quality

Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged that past experiences shaped his current vision for education through Miva University and ULesson. Shagaya acknowledged the challenge of maintaining quality in a rapidly expanding online university and emphasized that Miva is not just a commercial venture but a mission-driven institution aiming for societal impact. He reassured investors of responsible financial management and making affordable access was provided to subscribers, adding that the university is committed to keeping tuition fees affordable while ensuring high-quality education.

“And society is beginning to reward us. As you mentioned, we started out with 500 students in the first semester. By this time last year, I believe we’re sitting at, maybe 2,000, 3,000. So 500 to 2,000 to 8,000, and we’ll likely cross 10,000 at the end of May. And our plans are to hit 18,000, 20,000 by the end of this year, and

45,000 next year.

“And God willing, cross 100,000 sometime in 2027. And who knows where we go from there. One of our investors, the U.S. investor, that lady Emily, her partner told me, you know, you have the opportunity to build the first one million person university on the continent, if not in the world.

“One million people in a university. That is just going to come with incredible responsibility, because the risk is that you build a one million person university and quality falls, and efficacy falls, and you’re just printing diplomas and handing out to people. And that’s one thing that keeps me up at night today,” he said.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of Miva University, Prof. Tayo Arulogun, noted the skills gap in the Nigerian school system as a major challenge in the country and explained how the University is addressing it through technology-driven, AI-inclusive, and accessible education.

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS

THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS, HIS EXCELLENCY, ENGR. (SEN.) DAVID UMAHI, CON, FNSE, FNATE, WILL BE HAVING A CONTINUOUS STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ON THE LAGOSCALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY, PHASE I, SECTION 11 (ELEKO TOWN - ODE - OMI)

As part of its continuous stakeholders' engagement on the Renewed Hope Legacy Projects of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Federal Ministry of Works hereby invites concerned members of the public to another round of engagement on the ongoing construction of Phase I, Sections I and Il of the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway scheduled as follows:

Date: Sunday, 6th April, 2025

Venue: Orchid Hall, Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State Time: 1pm prompt

This engagement is in accordance with the Renewed Hope democratic principle of open government and encouragement for active participation of citizens in our democratic governance.

Please be assured always of the highest regards of the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON.

ANNOUNCER: Engr. O.O Adebiyi Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Of works

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Osita Izunaso: Days of Ponzi Scheme, Capital Market Manipulation Over

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, Senator Osita Izunaso, explains stringent penalties awaiting Ponzi scheme operators as contained in the new Investment and Securities Act 2025 aimed at restoring confidence in the capital market. Sunday Aborisade provides the excerpts:

What are the major highlights of the Invest- ment and Securities Act 2025?

The newly enacted Investment and Securities Act 2025, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, marks a significant overhaul of Nigeria’s investment and securities regulations. This law repeals the 2007 Investment and Securities Act (ISA) and introduces a comprehensive legal framework aimed at modernising and resetting Nigeria’s investment and securities landscape. First, it acknowledges the recognition of digital assets and Cryptocurrency. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, digital assets and cryptocurrencies are officially recognised as securities. This means individuals and businesses can now legally trade in digital assets and cryptocurrencies under proper regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and digital asset operators now fall under SEC’s jurisdiction, ensuring regulatory oversight and investor protection. Specifically, the overview of the Act is a holistic enactment because we repealed the 2007 ISA and re-enacted the 2025 Act to reset the entire investment and securities law in Nigeria. With what we have done now, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, the digital assets as well as cryptocurrency has now been recognized as a form of security in Nigeria, meaning that people can now trade with digital assets, people can now do the cryptocurrency and it will be properly regulated by SEC. So today, what it means is that the virtual asset services providers, as well as the digital asset operators are under the purview of SEC. However, before now, that was not the case. You will recall that Nigeria is about the second or the third globally in terms of cryptocurrency and a lot of money has passed through this country without it being regulated.

How will it boost Nigeria’s economy?

The law supports the President’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by strengthening the money and capital markets. The proper regulation of digital assets will enhance investor confidence and financial market stability. Mr. President is talking about $1 trillion economy. By signing this Act into law, it means that Nigeria is set for that $1 trillion economy because if you want to achieve the $1 trillion economy that Mr. President is envisaging, you must promote both the money market and the capital market. So today, the capital market has been reset for that purpose.

Are there measures against Ponzi Schemes and market manipulations?

The Act imposes strict penalties against Ponzi scheme operators, insider traders, and market manipulators. Offenders face up to 10 years in prison and fines ranging from N20 million to N40 million. The government will also recover stolen funds from fraudulent operators. Let me make it clear that the days of Ponzi insider trading and market manipulations are over. You can’t do Ponzi without passing through the Internet and all the rest of them. So, you’ll be caught.

The whole essence of it is to protect people’s money. That is why we are saying that apart from the fine, the person also risks going to jail for 10 years. Apart from paying the fine. So, you can’t even say that you pay the fine and you go free. You will still pay the fine and go to jail. That is what the law is talking about. And you are also aware of Insider Trader, which was part of the collapse of the capital market in Nigeria before. Because those who were operating the capital market were sabotaging the system internally. Today, you can’t do it again with this new law. If you know the type of economic sabotage that is involved, it is an economic sabotage not only for the country, but also for the people involved. So, you can imagine if you have all your savings and somebody will go and collect it from you. And you will lose everything that you have worked for throughout your life.

So, if you pay that much imprisonment for 10 years, is it conventional for you to lose everything that you have got? So, the idea is to deter people from even trying it. It is not going to be selective.

The Act categorises exchanges into two

types. What are they?

Yes, they are Composite and Non-Composite Exchanges. Composite

Allow multiple forms of trading while Non-Composite Exchanges is limited to single-security trading. This classification aims to enhance market regulation and risk mitigation. So the whole idea is to enhance proper market regulation and also mitigate risk.

What is the level of the new law’s compli- ance with International standards?

The new law aligns Nigeria’s securities regulations with the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) standards. This ensures global credibility and allows international participation in Nigeria’s capital markets. So this new law is now promoting investors’ confidence, repositioning Nigeria because hitherto, the ISA of 2007, was not in compliance with the International Organisation for Securities Commissions. Today, the new law is now arranged in a manner that is consistent with IOSCO standards and regulations.

How will it strengthen corporate gover- nance in publicly listed organisations?

Publicly listed companies must now obtain SEC approval for major acquisitions, mergers, and issuance of securities. Any corporate restructuring, including schemes and arrangements, must be sanctioned by the SEC. So you can trade anywhere now in Nigeria internationally, taking it from the records that is known, not the records that are not known as we were doing it before. So there are so many areas. Today, we are making it more transparent for you to operate in the capital market. And again, publicly quoted companies before now can do mergers and acquisitions and even issue securities without SEC. Today, for any publicly quoted company to do mergers, acquisitions, or issue securities, SEC must approve it. Any corporate action of restructuring in any form of any public company must be approved by SEC, even if it is schemes, transactions, and arrangements. So long as it is a corporate action, SEC must approve it. So, from what you have seen today, we are set to achieving the $1 trillion economy of Mr. President by the new revolutionary resetting investment that Securities Act 2025 as assented to by Mr. President.

How will it address cybercrime in the digital asset space?

Cybercrime related to digital assets and cryptocurrency will now be monitored and regulated by SEC. Other cybercrime matters remain under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies. The Act has sufficiently addressed the issue of cybercrime as it relates to digital assets, as it relates to cryptocurrency. For now, everything about crypto and digital assets is under the purview of SEC for

proper regulation.

Did you come up with this legislation based on any unpleasant experience you had in the capital market?

No, there wasn’t any incident. This is legislative process in action. This reform has been in progress since the 8th and 9th Senate sessions. The Act reflects the need to keep up with the evolving global financial market and enhance investor confidence in Nigeria’s capital markets. You can see that since 2007, the capital market has been very dynamic. Things are changing daily. So, you must change globally as things are changing; if not, you’ll be left alone. So, by the time we came in the 10th Senate, we have to look at what they did in the 8th and 9th Senate, and put it together so that we can meet up with the global trend of capital market expectations. That’s what we have done. I am happy today that we have achieved that. Because with this, we are good to go.

What economic impact will this law have on states and local governments in terms of access to funding?

States and local governments can now access long-term funding from the capital market. It would reduce their dependence on federal allocations and commercial borrowing. Currently, only one local government, Lagos Island, has accessed capital market funding, highlighting the need for broader participation. Before now, sub-national entities like the states and local governments do not approach capital market for long-term funding. With this new law, states and local governments can approach the capital market for long-term funding. Instead of relying on federal accounts and commercial borrowing, you can now go to the capital market for long-term funding for your state. In fact, of all the 774 local governments in Nigeria, there is only one local government, Lagos Island, that has approached the capital market for funding. So, what are the other local governments doing? What are the states doing? So, we have now made it more flexible. Every state that wants to approach the capital market now can go to SEC and get approval and get long-term funding for infrastructure development in their state.

What other reform is it bringing to the Investment and Securities Tribunal (IST)?

The IST remains the sole body for adjudicating investment and securities disputes in Nigeria. The Act introduces stricter requirements for tribunal members, ensuring they have a minimum of 10-15 years of relevant experience in capital markets. The Investment and Securities Act 2025 is a transformative legal framework designed to modernize Nigeria’s financial sector. This is because it recognises digital assets, strengthening market regulations, and enhancing investor protection. Nigeria is now better positioned to achieve its economic growth targets and restore confidence in its capital markets. It is settled in law by the Supreme Court that the Investment and Securities Tribunal is the only body that is responsible for adjudication on matters of capital market; matters of investment and securities in Nigeria. Now, this new law has now led to the composition, jurisdiction, and the process of appointment of members of that tribunal. Now, we are saying that for you to be a member of that tribunal, you must be a lawyer of not less than 10 to 15 years cognate experience in the capital market. So, we are now trying to reposition that Investment and Securities Tribunal so that it can ease dispute resolution and make people to have more confidence in going to the capital market. I am sure you are all aware that there was a time in this country when the capital market was booming. After, it failed. Why did it fail? It is because some of these components of this law that we have added now were not there before. So, people can do anything they want to do and get away with it. And a lot of Nigerians lost their money. It is even now that we are rebuilding the confidence. The confidence in the capital market is not yet there. We are just rebuilding it now, making Nigerians to have more confidence in the capital market. This is because, as far as Nigerians are concerned, capital market is a place where you put your money. After a while, you lose the money. But we are now saying that should not be the case. You can put your money in the capital market now and be protected. The investors are now protected. There is even now more funding. This particular law has also made it possible for commodity markets. It is now a structural arrangement in the agricultural sector and in the mining sector. Before now, they were not available.

izunaso

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

BamBam:I See Every Script as Opportunity to Step into Someone Else’s Shoes, Bring Their Story to Life

From reality TV exploits to becoming one of the most sensational actresses at the moment, Oluwabamike Adebuniyan, professionally known as BamBam merits the accolades following her stellar performance in the YouTube blockbuster, ‘Love in Every World’. BamBam opens up more about her craft, reflects on her career-defining moments and the chances taken leading her to stardom in this chat with Ferdinand Ekechukwu. Excerpts:

Let’s start with your YouTube blockbuster,LoveinEveryWord, whichisnowseenasamajorcareer highlightforyou.Howdoyoufeel about the success of the movie?

I feel incredibly grateful. Seeing how ‘Love in Every Word’ has resonated with so many people is humbling. It’s proof that when a story is told with heart, people will connect with it. The love and feedback have been overwhelming, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work we did.

Can you briefly take us through the start of yourjourneywiththeproduction,andwhatwas theexperiencelikeworkingwithOmoniOboli?

From the first script reading, I knew ‘Love in Every Word’ was special. The story had depth, and I was excited about the challenge. Working with Omoni Oboli was a blessing. She’s not just a phenomenal actress but also a brilliant director and mentor. Her passion is contagious, and she creates a space where you can bring your best self to the character. You’vefeaturedinquiteanumberoffilms.What wouldyouattributetoLoveinEveryWordthat madeitgreatandresonatewithawideraudience?

I think it’s the authenticity of the story. It wasn’t just another love story; it was about the power of words, unspoken emotions, and the depth of human connection. Also, the chemistry between the cast was real; we lived those moments, and I believe the audience could feel that.

FromrealityTVexploitstobecomingoneof the most talked-about actresses now, how has yourjourneyshapedthewayyoutakeonnew opportunities?

It has taught me to be intentional. Not every opportunity is meant for me, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, align with projects that reflect my values, and challenge myself with

roles that push my limits.

Whatothercareerpathwouldyouhavetaken outsideofentertainment,andwhy?

It would be Philanthropy and activism, for sure. I have a heart for people, and I love creating impact. Whether it’s through storytelling or direct outreach, I want to be part of something bigger than myself.

Youoncedescribedyourselfasatriplethreat, havingtheabilitytosing,danceandact.Tellusa bitmoreaboutthisandyourjourneyintoacting?

Acting has always been my first love, but music and dance have been part of me for as long as I can remember. Each one feeds into the other. Music helps me express emotions, dance connects me to my body, and acting allows me to bring stories to life. My journey started with a passion for performance. Years ago, I auditioned for MTN Project Fame because

I wanted to pursue music, but my nerves got the best of me, and I didn’t make it into the house. Still, I didn’t give up. I worked as a backup vocalist for Gospel on the Beat for a few months and also sang for a few gospel artists. Knowing that I needed proper training as an actor, I enrolled in the Royal Arts Academy, where I earned a Diploma in Stage and TV Acting. I trained in Theatre and was one of the best graduating students. After that, Emem Isong and Uduak Isong featured me in a few of their films. Wanting more visibility, I auditioned for Big Brother Naija to showcase my talent to a wider audience of producers and directors. After the show, BAP Productions took a chance on me when I auditioned for Moremi the Musical and later Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, which ran in Lagos and South Africa. But after having my two daughters, the acting gigs slowed down. I wasn’t getting roles, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I started reaching out to producers directly. Only Omoni Oboli responded, and that one response changed everything. Today, I’ve done over six movies on her channel alone, and the journey is just beginning!

What excites you most as an artist and what inspiresyou?

What excites me most as an artist is the ability to move people to make them laugh, cry, or see the world differently. That connection is what keeps me going. Life itself is my biggest inspiration, real stories, raw emotions, and the beauty of human relationships. I see every script as a privilege, a chance to step into someone else’s shoes and bring their story to life. My approach is deeply emotional, much like Stanislavski’s system, where I fully connect with the character’s experiences and emotions during a performance but switch back to myself afterward. I don’t carry my characters with me off-screen, but in the moment, I become them. This balance allows me to deliver an authentic performance while staying grounded in my own reality.

Itappearsyou’vebeenworkingnon-stopfor monthsandnowonamuch-neededbreak,how areyouadjustingtothedowntime,andwhatdoes restlooklikeforyou?

It’s a bit of an adjustment, to be honest. I’m so used to the grind that having free time feels strange. But I’m learning to embrace rest, to be still, to reflect, and to reconnect with myself. Rest for me looks like spending time with family, reading, praying, and just being present in the moment.

ForthosewhomaywanttoseemoreofBambam’s acting prowess, which three films would you recommend,andwhy?

If you want to see more of my acting journey, here are three films I’d highly recommend: A Case for the Heart – This film was a defining moment for me. It was my first movie on Omoni Oboli TV, and I had the honor of sparring with the legendary Majid Michel. The storyline was unique, and working with such an excellent co-star pushed me to new heights as an actress. Seasoned with Love (Omoni Oboli TV) – This one allowed me to explore a different side of my acting range. The depth of emotions and the storytelling made it a beautiful experience. Collision Course (Netflix) – My first Netflix film as a female lead, and it truly tested my range as an actor. The film carries a powerful message, and being part of it was both challenging and rewarding.

What’sthegoalforBamBaminthenextfive ortenyearsfromnow?

Global impact; I see myself not just as an actress but as a powerhouse in entertainment, business, and philanthropy. I want to build a legacy whether through my companies, my films, or the lives I touch. My dream and goal is to be the world’s wealthiest and most influential woman not just in terms of financial success, but in the impact I create.

2Baba, Natasha Wax Stronger, Ignore

Since the news of 2Baba’s romance with Edo State lawmaker, Natasha Osawaru hit public domain, the two lovebirds, as some would call them, have remained the juice of celebrity gist. Both the music icon and his lover, Natasha seem to be everywhere, regularly making public appearances as if it’s their new occupation.

One wonders if 2baba’s family, particularly his beloved mum, is still unaware of his son’s whereabouts, having declared him missing a couple of weeks ago, making the issue look more than it is. As funny as their show of love seems, both the singer and his heartthrob, Natasha, have their lives to live and their choices to make.

In one’s opinion, what the public thinks or

Lagos Trumpet Conference Honors Victor Olaiya, Rex Lawson, Others

Late legendary trumpeters who set the pace for the new generation were honoured at the annual Lagos Trumpet Conference along with other great veterans of the elastic Nigeria Trumpet Guild (NTG). Late Victor Olaiya, Rex Lawson, and Zeal Onyia were given post humous awards. Bayode Olaiya, the son of Victor Olaiya represented his father and thanked organisers of Lagos Trumpet Conference particularly the convener, Victor Ademofe for honouring his Dad even in death.

Taiwo and Seyi Clegg, among others were also honoured as well as the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Surulere Dance Band, and the Mushin Brass Brand. The Supporters Club along with the Surulere Dance Band were given each new trumpet.

Victor Ademofe who has worked with several musicians notably Mike Aremu, Lagbaja to name a few, reiterated the reason he was inspired to create a forum for trumpeters in the nation and beyond, even as American trumpeter, Daniel Walter, Goke Bajowa, Adesanya Babatunde, the Chaplain of NTG, Pastor Jimmy Olulami spoke on the spiritual relevance of the Trumpeter.

says about them at this point doesn’t count. Natasha who seems to be unaware of trolls appears unbothered. Especially for 2Baba, who appears to have found peace in Natasha’s bosom. The past week has seen them attend events, shopping and visiting Natasha’s family home.

Natasha took it up a bit in a video that went viral, showing off her engagement ring and in another video hinted on their upcoming wedding. The comments that followed her posts offered scathing remarks. The couple had sparked dating rumours in the aftermath of 2Baba’s announcement of his separation from his wife, Annie Idibia.

Following the announcement, he publicly declared his love for Natasha and proposed to her on the eve of Valentine’s Day in February.

Natasha was seen in a video, excitedly saying yes with a visibly excited 2Baba rising to share a warm hug with his lover. He proceeded to

spray her some money, they danced as friends and well-wishers cheered on.

In the outcome of recent developments, Natasha now goes by Honourable Natasha IDIBIA on Instagram, with the singer’s name conspicuously displayed in capital letters. Natasha replacing her surname with Idibia days after 2Baba’s estranged wife, Annie, reintroduced herself as ‘Macaulay’ in an Instagram post officially signals the beginning of their union.

Natasha adopting 2Baba’s surname expectedly ignited controversy with many still wondering, looking at the sudden turn of events in 2Baba’s status. One social media influencer hinted, saying ‘Dey don 2Baba to 1Baba’. The 49-year-old singer unveiled Ms Osawaru as his fiancée just barely two weeks after announcing his separation from his actress wife, Annie, in January after 12 years of marriage.

Award-winning actor, filmmaker, and founder of Tilda Goes Green Foundation, Matilda Gogo Lambert is dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the founder of the NGO, Matilda is celebrating her birthday with the launch of #7forGreen, a seven-day global sustainability challenge. The campaign was aimed at promoting ecofriendly practices and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Running from April 1 to 7, 2025, the challenge

invites individuals, communities and organisations worldwide to take simple yet impactful steps toward environmental sustainability.

Participants were encouraged to engage in activities such as tree planting, reducing plastic waste, conserving water, and advocating for climate policies. To amplify the movement, they can document their efforts on social media using the hashtags #7forGreen and #TildaGoesGreen.

“As I approach my birthday on April 13, I want to celebrate by giving back to the planet,” Lambert stated. “The #7forGreen Challenge is an opportunity for people everywhere to take small actions that, together, create a massive impact for a greener and more sustainable future.”

Ferdinand ekechukwu

Ferdinand ekechukwu

Ferdinand ekechukwu

BamBam

2Baba

Solomon Sanusi: Every Brand Needs to Understand Its Bottlenecks

Solomon Sanusi is a seasoned media strategist and the Director of Social Media Centre Marketing, a marketing firm with operations in Shenzhen, China, and headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. He tells Tosin Clegg how he amplifies brands, talents, and enterprises, ensuring they are seen, heard, and made relevant through strategic media planning, innovative digital campaigns, and effective public relations.

How has your experience shaped your approach to making brands and talents visible?

Iwould specifically say I explore; I love to travel the world. I travel to get fresh ideas, even though there’s nothing new under the sun. You might need to tick it here and there to get another approach to suit what concept or idea that is in your mind or your client’s.

That idea of exploration has worked for me. I keep myself up to date by exploring, by going places, by learning new things, and by being teachable. All these have made me innovative. And most importantly, just trying things out, because a lot of the time, you can plan all you know, but if you do nothing, nothing is going to be executed, so I take solace in trying things out. Sometimes you win, a lot of the time you fail, but the reality is, the more you try, the better you become.

With over a decade of experience, what specific strategy have you found most effective in achieving your goals for clients?

The most specific strategy I found is that, people want to achieve a certain goal within a certain time. They say delay is not denial, but once it becomes too long to a certain point, then people start to feel like, our rights or goals are defeated. So, one of the strategies that we offer at Social Media Centre is timeliness, and timeliness is very key to life at every point. If a player on the pitch does not know how to quickly head up to where the ball is going while he is in the mind of his fellow player, then he is going to miss out on the opportunity of scoring the goal. Hence, timeliness is a major approach to how we deal with clients and how we resolve their marketing needs.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments to ensure that your strategies remain innovative and effective?

When people come to us, it’s because they have a goal, and that goal is to be relevant, to be out there, also, they want to be seen and heard. Knowing that has made me know that people are not just trying to put out services,

products, songs, or projects, what they ultimately want to put out is the totality of their value and what that value can do to people or can resolve in people’s lives. That approach is why I don’t see marketing or selling as just a means for my company to make money, but as a means to give value that the customer or the client is looking for.

Can you share a successful campaign or project that you spearheaded where you achieved significant results for a client?

One of the clients I want to throw forward is Tade Cash as an idea that needs to reach the world and that idea is an idea of cash flow and for him, he says “cash flow is like your blood and you can’t live without your blood; it has to be constant”. When the blood is taken out of a being, life stops to exist in that being. In less than 30 days, we spearheaded the campaign for his sold-out show, but we blew it larger than the room. It was held at Marriot Hotel and we used public relations, digital marketing, and advertising bill-boards to achieve the summit hosted for 200 candidates. The world knew that it was an idea that needs to be shared around and listened to by millions of people in the world. We love to work with clients that are passionate, it motivates us. We love to work for clients who don’t just work for enterprises. We don’t just work for talents. We work with people who are passionate, we love to put our name behind such brands, talents or services.

In your opinion, what are the key elements necessary to be seen, be heard or be relevant in today’s fast-paced digital landscape?

Balancing creativity comes with this aspect of business. Let’s take for instance, music. The way we are going to manage music, promote or advertise music is quite different from the way we advertise travel. It’s also going to be different from the way we advertise a product. Although, they may have similar element of things to do or how to do it, but the approach is totally different. So, depending on the field of interest, every field industry has got their own approach and how they are done. In some industries, what is done last is done first in other industries. Knowing

the sequence in which your marketing or campaign goes for each industry helps to keep your creativity at the most possible advantageous point for the client.

How do you approach balancing creativity and strategy in your work, especially when managing multiple touch points?

What I consider to be the biggest challenge for every brand is when they don’t know what is their bottleneck. No matter the solution you bring to the table, if they don’t know what the original problem that is responsible for making a business not to scale through, an artiste not to be known, or even for a brand not to be as relevant as they want to be, then the main problem has not been discovered. Once you know your bottleneck, then you’re on a 50 percent chance of resolving it faster than trying so many other things that would not help the situation at hand. The approach to business or enterprise and talent is that, there is usually a singular thing that you need to do first before every other thing lines up. So, when a business does not know their major problem; which is their bottleneck, then it becomes very difficult for them to scale. And that’s where we come in as a firm. We can help you spot where your bottleneck is and how to take the major problem that is causing the bottleneck. Once that is taken out, then we can hit our goal(s) faster.

l-r: route-to-Market, Tech Sales and Trade Marketing Director, international Breweries plc (iBplC), Yvonne Onyejiaka; Communications and Sustainability Manager, iBplC, Damian igwe; NBA Africa Vice president and NBA Nigeria Country Head, Gbemisola Abudu; and Castle lite Nigeria Marketing Manager, Oluwatoyin Ogunjimi, during The lite Side of the Court, an exclusive basketball event organized by Castle lite in partnership with NBA Nigeria in lagos...recently.

l-r: Director of News, TVC Communications, Stella Din-Jacob; CEO, ACT Foundation, Osayi Alile; MD/ CEO, TVC Communication, Victoria Ajayi; MD, TVC Entertainment, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, and Senior Branding and Communications Executive, ACT Foundation, Omoye Oriaghan, at ACT Foundation’s partnership visit to TVC Communications in lagos... recently

Commissioner of police, FCT Command, Cp Adewale Ajao (middle) flanked with other senior officers during his visit to strategic border locations bounding FCT, Niger and Kaduna to enhance and sustain security measures across the capital and its border communities on Friday.

l-r: principal Design Engineer, TECO Group, Engr Babatunde Ogunleye; Sales Manager, Obafemi Fabola; Executive Director, Funmi Babatunde-Dada; lead Design Engineer, Engr Joseph Adegbayibi; Acting General Manager, Engr peter Akinwumi; and project Manager, Engr Ayodeji Adebimpe at the unveiling of TECO Group Dual-purpose Screw press and Digester for palm Oil processing at the Agrofood and plastprintpack Nigeria exhibition held in lagos…. recently

Sanusi

Inside Taiwo Agboola’s 10-Year Journey, Disruptive Advertising

A lot can happen in ten years. For Taiwo Agboola, CEO of 7even Interactive, it feels like the blink of an eye. In a rapidly evolving advertising landscape, few agencies have managed to carve out a legacy as bold and transformative as 7even Interactive. Yet, it’s been a decade marked by incredible audacity, resilience, innovation, and a commitment to challenging the norms of advertising, writes Adedayo Adejobi

When 7even Interactive opened its doors in 2015, the advertising landscape was far from ideal. Nigeria, in particular, was enduring the throes of a national recession, which caused businesses to tighten their belts and cut marketing budgets.

But instead of folding under the pressure, Agboola and his team embraced the challenge. “We didn’t just want to be another agency in the market,” Agboola recalls. “We wanted to build something bold, something different—an agency that would be a force in shaping culture and creating ideas that would not just win awards, but win hearts.”

That tenacity turned out to be the agency’s secret weapon. By recognising the seismic shift towards digital marketing early, 7even Interactive positioned itself as a leader in the digital-first advertising revolution. What began as a small idea to carve out a space for creativity and innovation quickly grew into a powerhouse of conceptual brilliance and cultural relevance.

Navigating Challenges with Innovation and Vision

Of course, the journey has been far from easy. In those early years, when the

market was unpredictable and clients’ budgets were shrinking, Agboola faced a daunting question: How does one sustain an agency amid uncertainty? The answer was simple but transformative—innovation.

“We embraced digital marketing techniques early on, using them to craft campaigns that

spoke directly to audiences in a way traditional media could not,” says Agboola.

By doing so, 7even Interactive found itself not just surviving but thriving in an environment that many others had written off as too volatile.

And it wasn’t just the digital shift that kept 7even Interactive ahead of the curve. Agboola’s leadership philosophy—centred around collaboration and empowering people—became the backbone of the agency.

“Our people are everything,” Agboola explains. “I believe in giving everyone the space to be themselves and to contribute their ideas. This has led to not only great work but also an impressive level of retention in an industry where turnover is high.”

Leadership Style Built

on

Teamwork, Passion

For Agboola, leadership is about more than just steering the ship. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels invested in the agency’s mission and goals.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that success isn’t just about winning clients or making profits,” he says.

“It’s about making an impact—on your team, on your clients, and on society.”

That philosophy has permeated every level of 7even Interactive, influencing how the agency approaches its clients, its work, and

its growth. “We don’t just create ads; we create movements,” Agboola says with conviction. Whether it’s launching a campaign that challenges perceptions or using advertising as a tool for social good, 7even Interactive has proven time and again that it is capable of delivering work that matters.

Disrupting the Status Quo

In a world where social media influencers now play a central role in marketing, 7even Interactive has continued to evolve, integrating influencer culture with its deep understanding of traditional advertising principles. Agboola isn’t just waiting for the future to arrive—he’s shaping it. “We’re digital natives,” he notes. “We’ve been at the forefront of this shift, and we’re well-positioned to take full advantage of the opportunities it presents.”

As advertising continues its transformation in the digital age, Agboola believes that agencies will need to step up their game.

“The next decade will see more reliance on digital platforms, and it’s up to agencies like ours to not only navigate these changes but lead them,” he predicts. “We’re already looking toward the future, and we’re ready to take our clients to the MOON—Milking Opportunities Outta Nothing.”

Toyosi Ige: Nigerian Filmmaker Redefining Storytelling with Heirloom

An award-winning writer and director, Toyosi Ige, through his new movie, Heirloom, attempts to marry the surreal with the mundane, cross cultural borders, as well as spiritual beliefs, perceptions and stereotypes through action, dialogue and overall spectacle, writes Kemi Olaitan

At a time when Nigerians are viewed with suspicion by foreigners all over the world, one Nigerian who has continued to make waves and bring honour to his fatherland is a multi-award-winning screenwriter, director, and playwright, Toyosi Ige. A holder of Master’s degrees both in Film and Civil Engineering and currently based in the United Kingdom, he has established himself as a driving force in the Nigerian film industry with a unique blend of technical expertise and creative flair.

As a prolific writer and director, Toyosi is driven to spark meaningful conversations about social and national development through the power of visual storytelling with his new movie, Heirloom, a web series set in the United Kingdom but cuts across Nigerian and Caribbean cultures expected to start streaming from Easter Monday this year.

The new movie is a thrilling web series about a man’s unusual discovery of his greater mission while on a mission to save himself. It centres around Edward Akenzua, a Nigerian of high religious/moral standing in the United Kingdom out to break a jinx that has been afflicting his family. However, having been a victim of many misfortunes, he is struggling financially.

Desperate to meet a payment deadline for his family back in Nigeria, he goes against his ethics and enlists the help of an acquaintance, Osahon, a ghostly figure and associate of THE OSIRIS, a relic-smuggling organisation. On his very first mission, Edward becomes suspicious after an unusual encounter with the erratic scientist, Dr. Dzierzykraj Belewsky.

But while trailing the scientist, Edward accidentally runs into pretty Marjorie Collins, a British-Carribean psychic and along the line affection strikes.

The two are then caught up in what looks like love at first sight, except that they may not necessarily be strangers.

At the end of the day, the quest for truth takes Edward on a whirlwind journey into his family’s past and self-discovery.

Speaking on what motivated him to write Heirloom, Toyosi said it was by his observations as a Nigerian immigrant in the United Kingdom who was exposed to interactions with diverse cultures and nationalities.

According to him, “I’m an avid student of history and

ige anthroppology. Having studied the similarities, differences and dynamism in the way we all related with one another, I decided to tell a story that links history with present day realities.”

The casts in the movie according to him are Destiny Osagiede a Nigerian who played the lead role of Edward an international student battling to pay up a debt he owes in Nigeria within 72 hours while on the other hand, Henry, his grandfather, studied in the UK before leaving to fight for Nigeria’s independence in the 1950s.

Others include British actress Christine Hoilett, who played Marjorie, a pretty clairvoyant whose secret power comes from her family heirloom but has a troubled relationship with her mother, Irie, which affects her quality of life.

Marjorie’s grandmother, Faye was a member of the Windrush generation that arrived in the UK from Jamaica in the late 1940s.

On the other hand, Jeffrey Akhidenor, a Nigerian, played

the role of Osahon, Edward’s long lost friend and the key to the various adventures/misadventures in the series while the British actor, Tej Brindley played the role of Pete Tsar, a Polish anthropologist who is in search of an ancient fossil that is key to his research and crosses paths with Edward and Osahon in the most auspicious manner.

A cohort member of the Rockup Ready Filmmaking Skills Accelerator Program at Birmingham City University, Toyosi declared that the new movie is a series that will continue beyond episode 10 in subsequent seasons, saying “Heirloom is meant for young and old people, all nationalities and movie buffs while lovers of Nigerian/Carribean history, heritage and culture will love the series.”

With the new movie to be shown on PartyJollof TV YouTube channel from April 21, Toyosi’s impressive portfolio includes short films, feature films, and TV series that have captivated audiences worldwide.

His notable works include “Fading Echoes,” “Oiza’s Nexus,” “My Oga na Tailor,” and more with his films been showcased at prestigious international film festivals, such as the Birmingham Film Festival, Realtime Film Festival, and Abuja International Film Festival.

In terms of award, Toyosi’s short film “Oiza’s Nexus” took home the coveted award for Best Short Film at the Eko International Film Festival in 2022 while his theatrical productions, including “The TRYMO,” “Sham Complex,” “Ajuwaya,” and “Cesay’s Truth,” have also garnered critical acclaim.

A man of many parts, Toyosi worked with the Africa Independent Television (AIT) from 2014 to 2018, and in 2012, he founded Rayhouse Studios, followed by the Rayhouse Academy in 2017. Through this academy, he has mentored over 200 filmmakers, many of whom are now prominent figures in Nollywood.

As he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers and storytellers, Toyosi with an unreleased short film about immigration palaver titled, Fading Echoes, has words of advise for upcoming playwrights/filmmakers in Nigeria, saying “they should learn and keep up with global best practices, identify your audience, learn the laws surrounding their art and also learn the business behind the craft.”

Agboola

Akpabio and the Price of Loyalty

Clementina Daika

In Nigerian politics, loyalty is not merely a virtue—it is a double-edged sword, a cross to bear, and sometimes, a noose. A man who stands firm with his principal will either be praised as a committed ally or seen as an obstacle to someone else’s inordinate ambition. In the latter case, such a man must be “removed.”

This appears to be the case in the ongoing saga between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who initially attributed her removal as Chairman of the Local Content Committee to sexual harassment, has now changed her tone—claiming she was sacked for “protecting Northern interests.”

When one places this narrative side-by-side with the comments of Busola Saraki, Atiku Abubakar, the Arewa Consultative Forum, and other Northern elements, the larger play unfolds. This is not an innocent drama of legislative disagreement. It is a carefully choreographed spectacle—replete with villains, pawns, and shadows.

At the heart of it stands Akpabio—a man accused, maligned, and marked. Not because he has broken any law or committed any proven wrong, but because he has stood firm beside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And for that, he must be brought down.

There is, without question, a gathering of dissenters—former aspirants, serial losers at the ballot, political relics whose time has passed but whose ambitions remain undimmed. They have no national vision to offer, no coherent philosophy to propose—only a festering grievance and a common enemy: the man who defeated them.

Their aim is simple: to seize, through subterfuge and scandal, what they could not secure through the sovereign will of the people. And if power cannot be regained, then the next best thing is to make the country ungovernable.

The first phase of this plot is clear—decimate the President’s Praetorian Guard. Strip him of loyal allies. Render him vulnerable as 2027 approaches. In their crosshairs is Akpabio, and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan appears to be the willing hired gun for the dirty job.

Why Akpabio? Akpabio is the first supporter they wish to sacrifice on the altar of vengeance. A visible ally of Tinubu. A formidable defender of the administration. They know that weakening Akpabio loosens the pillars holding up Tinubu’s house. And so, they reach for their weapons—not of war, but of whispers and smear campaigns, sponsored headlines, and strategic falsehoods. Among these, the most visible instrument is Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan—a willing tool for their evil enterprise.

They know that as long as Akpabio remains Senate President, Tinubu’s re-election bid will enjoy solid legislative backing.

As Machiavelli put it, “He who guards the throne is more dangerous than he who sits upon it—remove the guardian, and

the throne becomes a chair.”

Akpabio is a major guardian of the Tinubu throne. Hence, the attacks from all angles.

Let us not be beguiled by sentiment. Senator Natasha, in this context, is not a lone voice of justice crying in the wilderness. She is no accidental heroine. She is a pawn in a larger political game—a game devised in the drawing rooms of desperate politicians who, unable to govern Nigeria, now seek to ruin those who do.

The names are not unfamiliar: Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Peter Obi—the trio of ambition, bitterness, and illusion. They lost the 2023 election, not through fraud or manipulation, but through the expressed will of millions of Nigerians. Yet, rather than accept the verdict of democracy, they now seek to dismantle its very instruments. What better place to strike than the Senate? And what better target than its presiding officer?

This is not speculation. Their recent statements, social media antics, and strategic silences at critical moments reveal their hand. Atiku’s viral, unprovoked attack on Akpabio is no coincidence—it is part of the plan.

Natasha is not a loose cannon; she is a guided missile. The game plan is simple: manufacture crises from the most mundane matters, paint key figures as villains, and set the stage for a grand opposition showdown in 2027. Her sudden outburst in the Senate and carefully choreographed media blitz were the cold open of the movie. Now the sequence has been established, and the opening credits are rolling—featuring Bukola Saraki and company.

From a routine seating arrangement—a mundane legislative procedure—Senator Natasha has now conjured accusations of sexual harassment, threats to life, and elaborate conspiracies. The timing of this remembrance, suddenly arising a year after the alleged incident, is not only convenient; it is calculated. A smokescreen. A decoy. An attempt to stain a man’s name in the court of public opinion, where evidence is no longer required, and accusation is guilt enough.

There’s an old legal maxim: Give a dog a bad name and hang him. That, indeed, is what is unfolding. The Atiku-led clique is directing the movie. The volume of money pumped into this needless campaign to lure international media and embarrass the nation is staggering.

One day, it’s alleged insults. The next, sexual harassment. Tomorrow—who knows? Perhaps they’ll say Akpabio plans to auction Nigeria. The strategy is obvious: manufacture offence, amplify it through a compliant media, and weaponize it for political gain. But Nigerians are growing wiser—and wearier.

Even locally, all these unpatriotic efforts to create global embarrassment have yielded nothing. Nigerians are not fools. They know, as all people of discernment do, that justice cannot be built on lies, and democracy cannot thrive on deceit. The cry for accountability rings hollow when it emerges from a place of partisanship, not principle.

If Senator Natasha were truly pursuing justice, would she be flanked only by those with a declared interest in toppling the administration? According to the ancient Nigerian proverb: “When an owl hoots in the night and a child dies in the morning, we all know who to suspect.” In this case, it is now clear: Natasha was never a bystander. She was a hired agent provocateur sent to destabilize the Red Chamber. The logic was simple: strike Akpabio, the shepherd, and the sheep would scatter.

Before the unsuspecting public, a mere seating issue has now mushroomed into a web of accusations—sexual harassment, assassination plots, and shadowy threats—all conveniently aimed at one man. When we uncover the lies, she changes the script—hoping the audience forgets the plot.

This is a textbook case of “Give a dog a bad name and hang it.” The goal is to destroy Akpabio’s public image. First, he allegedly harassed her. Then, he sidelined her. What next? That he plans to privatise the oxygen Nigerians breathe?

Let us be clear: the Natasha debacle is a scripted drama to paint Akpabio as a villain and a threat to democracy. Ultimately, the goal is to weaken Senate leadership. But Nigerians are not being fooled—and many already see through the charade. History has taught us that in politics, those who cry the loudest often have the most to hide.

This episode is not about justice, democracy, or the protection of women—it is about power. Senator Natasha Akpoti, who has previously accused several men of sexual misconduct, is a well-placed pawn in a political chess game. Akpabio is simply the collateral victim. The true aim is to erode Tinubu’s support base

Social Media and Spirituality Concerns

To say that social media mean almost everything to Gen Zs is perhaps an understatement. They conspicuously have an inimitable entrapment for that generation and increasingly, the rest of us. Foremost digital media scholar and recent Higher Education Minister in Spain, Manuel Castells firmly wrapped it all in the theory of network society. Social media’s strong appeal to humanity defies divides. They’re maximally representative, even as their miniaturization for mere pockets is hardly diminishing.

The speed of light has become more meaningful with the capacity to transmit and retransmit messages with the unprecedented characteristic of multimediality. Yet, their doors, irrespective of their peculiarities are eternally accessible to anyone with a smartphone duly enabled with data.

So, on account of this welcome to everyone availability, you’re responsible for whatever you choose to access or disseminate via your favourite social media platforms. There is hardly any better time to engage with the palpability deriving from the all-pervading capability of social media. This year 2025 alone the count of the lunar month of March coincides with that of the Islamic month of Ramadan. Yet the commencement of the Christian Lenten period was only a few days away from that of Ramadan prompting episodic neologists to coin the acronym Ramalent, as a way of synthesizing the two holy seasons.

If there is any month most specially treasured by Muslims, it is Ramadan. It comes with all forms of discipline ranging from abstinence from food and drinks to, restraining your sight,

amorous possibilities and all, for the better of the day. But the images of the aforelisted pleasures for humans, indeed their extreme versions, are all available in abundance in the social media. Humans’ reach for pleasure is now transcendental extending beyond real life to the virtual realm courtesy of social media. So how should serious religionists with relevant scriptural admonitions Muslims cope with the bourgeoning phenomenon?

First the benefits. The rapid growth of social media has revolutionized human communication, offering immense opportunities for connectivity, knowledge sharing, and spiritual development.

One of the greatest blessings of social media is the ease of accessing Islamic knowledge. Scholars, institutions, and da’wah organizations use platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook to share Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir), Hadith commentaries, and fatwas, enabling millions to learn about their faith. Interestingly, for those contents that may be rather long, they could also be shortened even as their overall meanings may not be affected and may also be adapted to various platforms.

Most striking perhaps is the revivalist effect of the social media platforms. In southwestern Nigeria for instance, from Ede, home to Nigeria’s first sharia court, to Iwo and Ilorin, there were several muslim public intellectuals otherwise referred to as oniwaasi. All such erudite Islamic scholars well known and respected during their times for instance are now for transgenerational appreciation on account of the invaluability of their public lectures especially those laden with prayers of the Holy Prophet, Muhammed, may eternal peace be on him. Such is the affinity for the prayers known to be authentic in all essence that some videos available on some of the platforms contain only those segments featuring

the prayers. It is in fact suspected that the commerce minded folks are also beginning to take advantage of these video clips by ensuring that the ones available online do not contain the full versions of the treasured contents. Interested persons may therefore have to pay to them for access.

Meanwhile, Allah (SWT) in the supreme scripture of Islam, the Holy Qur’an, commands believers to seek knowledge:

“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only those who possess intellect take admonition.” (Qur’an 39:9) The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also emphasized the pursuit of knowledge:

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah, Hadith 224)

Yet another major benefit abounds with virtual communities that enjoy as much spiritual support as physical groups encumbered by several conventional challenges including membership fees. Today, online Islamic groups, Qur’an study circles and virtual religious gatherings have made it easier for Muslims to stay connected with their faith, even in non-Muslim majority societies. These digital communities provide spiritual encouragement, enabling believers to uphold their Islamic identity and practice. Otherwise lost souls manage to retrace their path in the righteous direction while some others not known to be knowledgeable find social media platforms convenient avenues to share knowledge. The interesting thing with all of these is the absolute blurring of boundaries with interaction not being dependent on physical access or presence. This goes to align with the unity of the entire musli ummah irrespective of race or some other parameters.

The Prophet (SAW) stated:

“The example of believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body

responds with sleeplessness and fever.”

(Sahih Muslim, 2586)

It’s however not all chummy with social media. It has also introduced challenges that can divert individuals from the path of righteousness, fostering distractions, vanity, and unethical behavior. What about the fact that some people now hold that social media’s disconnecting effect within homes is most discomforting making it hardly being labelled social? It is not unusual to see parents and children within same household get glued to their assorted devices at the expense of each other’s attention and welfare. They are literally carried away by vanity and exhibitionist spectacles spread everywhere online.

Allah (SWT) warns against seeking worldly attention:

“So woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer—those who only show off.” (Qur’an 107:4-6)

The Prophet (SAW) also warned:

“The thing I fear most for you is the minor shirk: showing off.” (Musnad Ahmad, 23630)

It is incumbent on believers to guard their intentions, ensuring that their social media exploration and presence do not lead them away from sincerity and humility. With limitless offerings in video, texts and audio accompanied by interactivity, social media can become an addictive distraction, taking away time from acts of worship such as salah (prayer), dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and Qur’an recitation. These days, many people wake up, contrary to the Islamic prescription of thanking Allah first, now prioritise checking their phones. What has happened to starting the day with du’a and seeking Allah’s guidance for khayra al-yawm?

Akpabio

Tunde Akanni

Olayemi Cardoso: Rebuilding Confidence, Reducing Vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s Economy

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has been at the forefront of concerted efforts to restore confidence in the nation’s economy. His strategies are centered on stabilising the foreign exchange market, curbing inflation, and creating an environment that attracts foreign investment.

In line with this effort, the CBN few days ago reported a marked improvement in its net foreign exchange reserve (NFER), which stood at $23.11 billion in 2024.

According to a statement from the central bank, the figure was the highest level of FX accretion in three years, compared to $3.99 billion in 2023, $8.19 billion in 2022, and $14.59 billion in 2021. The accretion reflected a remarkable improvement in the country’s external liquidity, reduced short-term obligations, and renewed investor confidence. Gross external reserves also increased to $40.19 billion, compared to $33.22 billion in 2023.

Commenting on the development, Cardoso, declared that the improvement in net reserves was not accidental but, “outcome of deliberate policy choices aimed at rebuilding confidence, reducing vulnerabilities, and laying the foundation for long-term stability.”

He said, “We remain focused on sustaining this progress through transparency, discipline, and market-driven reforms.”

NFER, which adjusts gross reserves to account for near-term liabilities such as FX swaps and forward contracts, is widely regarded as a more accurate indicator of the foreign exchange buffers available to meet immediate external obligations.

The increase in reserves reflects a combination of strategic measures undertaken by the CBN, including a deliberate and substantial reduction in short-term foreign exchange liabilities – notably swaps and forward obligations, the apex bank stated.

The strengthening was also spurred by policy actions to rebuild confidence in the FX market and increase reserve buffers, along with recent improved foreign exchange inflows – particularly from non-oil sources.

The outcome further reflected a stronger and more transparent reserve position that better equips the country to withstand external shocks.

The expansion occurred even as the CBN continues to reduce short-term liabilities, thereby improving the overall quality of the reserve position.

However, reserves have continued to strengthen in 2025. While the first quarter figures reflected some seasonal and transitional adjustments, including significant interest payments on foreign-denominated debt, underlying fundamentals remained intact. The central bank added that reserves are expected to continue improving over the second quarter of the year.

The bank further anticipated a steady uptick in reserves, underpinned by improved oil production levels, and a more supporting export growth environment expected to boost non-oil FX earnings and diversify external inflows.

Applauding the Cordoso-led CBN, analysts at JP Morgan noted that Nigeria’s local markets remain its top trade recommendation within frontier markets.

They stressed that despite increasing global risks, they have maintained a bullish stance in frontier local markets as they remain insulated from the United States growth slowdowns and offer sufficient rates buffer to cushion potential short-lived FX losses.

“As a result, we recently rolled our maturing Nigeria treasury bill trade into a new Nigeria Open Market Operation (OMO) bill, as the carry trade worked well over the past year and we expected it to continue performing well given potential imminent catalysts.

“Some of those catalysts have now materialised as the CBN has now published net FX reserves (near-term catalyst). Net FX reserves came in in line with expectations, but CBN’s commitment to improve quality of reserves shouldn’t be understated.

“While CBN didn’t publish detailed data of its short- and medium-term foreign liabilities, providing some insight into its net reserves is a significant step in the right direction. This is in line with our broader view that the current government (and by extension, the CBN) is indeed committed to a more market-friendly approach to policymaking,” it stated.

In the assessment of JP Morgan’s analysts, why the dollar/ naira was under so much pressure last year, going forward it should face less pressure as the central bank may ease off on the pace of net reserve accumulation.

“We maintain a bullish stance in Nigeria and recently rolled our bill trade. Given substantial reforms already implemented and likelihood of new catalysts, we still think this is one of the best trades to hold within frontier local markets. NGN continues to screen as cheap both on our fundamental models and relative to reforms already implemented.

“This is mainly because the central bank has kept FX spot elevated in order to aggressively improve the FX reserves picture. Now that net reserves data has been published, the central bank might ease off aggressively absorbing inflows, which could result in USD/NGN moving moderately lower, declining to around N1,450/$ by year-end.

“We also think there is scope for both short-dated bills and longer-tenored bond yields to decline in 2H25 as the

new inflation series gives the central bank some room to cautiously deliver some cuts,” they added.

Cardoso has continued to express satisfaction over the growing investor confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.

Cardoso also acknowledged recent challenges confronting the economy, noting that progress had been recorded in stabilising the foreign exchange market as well as taming headline inflation.

He recalled recent visits by top executives from JP Morgan, Citi Bank, and International Monetary Fund (IMF), saying they further demonstrated that the country remains in the right direction.

He said, “These are individuals who base their decisions on data and trends, not sentiment. Their interest reaffirms that we are on the right path.”

The CBN governor reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to fostering intellectual engagement and policy-driven solutions. He emphasised the value of exchanging ideas and fostering partnerships to strengthen trust and understanding in Nigeria’s financial system.

Cardoso said, “As we reset the bank, we are committed to being a hub for thought leadership. The exposure you gain from institutions like Harvard is invaluable, and we see this as an opportunity to build long-term alliances.”

Since his appointment as CBN Governor, the apex bank has implemented a series of ground-breaking measures aimed at enhancing market transparency, improving financial stability, fostering a more secure investment environment, and shifting towards a market-driven exchange rate regime, to restore confidence and stabilise the economy.

From enhancing market transparency through restricting unearned income distribution to facilitating Nigeria’s delisting from the FATF Grey List, the CBN has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to strengthening the financial system. The introduction of new guidelines for dormant accounts, the suspension of processing fees to encourage cash deposits, and the advanced use of Early Warning Systems further underscores the central bank’s dedication to promoting stability and trust within the financial sector.

Undoubtedly, his more than one year in office has been marked by some achievements and challenges that have tested his leadership and the institution’s resilience.

However, owing to reform measures, the CBN reported a significant increase in remittance inflows.

Also, the CBN under Cardoso has recorded some progress in its fight against the soaring inflation rate in the country that had plagued the nation for years. By aggressively tightening monetary policy, the CBN aimed to curb excessive money supply, a key driver of inflation.

Cardoso made inflation tackling his paramount mission and the essential path to achieving sustainable economic growth in the mid to long term as well as improving the standard of living of ordinary Nigerians.

Owing to that, in the last one year, the CBN adopted an aggressive monetary policy stance that involved increasing interest rates. This, in theory, reduced spending and investment, thereby cooling down demand in the economy. Additionally, the bank has been implementing measures to mop up excess liquidity from the system, further tightening financial conditions.

The implementation of an Inflation-Targeting (IT) framework by Cardoso, aims to stabilise price levels, reduce currency volatility, and foster sustainable economic growth.

There have been enhanced communication and strategic

actions that have helped in minimising economic uncertainties and building trust among investors and the public.

There has also been a visible improved monetary-fiscal coordination as the Fiscal and Monetary Policy Coordination Framework (FMPCF) was developed to improve synergy between monetary and fiscal policies, ensuring better economic management. The Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee (FSRCC) has also been strengthened with regular inter-agency meetings and collaborations on issues such as cryptocurrency frameworks and infrastructure financing. The Carbon Market Framework was also developed with the Nigerian Climate Change Council to attract sustainable finance and foreign investment.

Additionally, the central bank has improved the communication of monetary policy decisions through strategic planning and engagement with media and stakeholders, introduced podcasts, and enhanced social media presence to provide timely updates and engage the public effectively. It has also introduced big data for more informed monetary policy decisions through tools like Dynamic Integrated Analytic Modeling and Macro Diagnostic Framework and maintained high forecast accuracy and developed news-based indices for policy uncertainty.

All in all, Cardoso as CBN Governor has shown a clear focus on restoring stability and confidence in the nation’s economy. The observed increase in Nigeria’s net foreign exchange reserves, coupled with the reduction of short-term liabilities, indicates that the implemented policy decisions are yielding positive results. These actions, aimed at fostering a more transparent and marketdriven financial environment, are crucial for attracting sustainable investments and bolstering Nigeria’s resilience against external economic shocks. While ongoing economic challenges persist, the steps taken by Cardoso and the CBN demonstrate a commitment to laying a foundation for long-term economic stability and growth.

Continued adherence to prudent fiscal policies, coupled with the diversification of foreign exchange inflows, will be essential in solidifying these gains and ensuring a more robust economic future for Nigeria.

PCNGI, Firm Sign $27.3m Mini-LNG Deal to Boost CNG Penetration

Emmanuel AddehinAbuja

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LNG Arete Limited, an indigenous company, for the construction of a $27.3 million Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Ajaokuta, North-central Nigeria.

When completed, the facility would have a processing capacity of 7 Million Standard Cubic Feet Per Day (MMSCFD) and will primarily serve northern Nigeria and by extension the entire country.

Speaking in Abuja at the signing ceremony, a breakdown by the Chief Executive of the PCNGI, Micheal Oluwagbemi, showed that LNG Arete woulf provide a about $12 million of the funding as equity, while PCNGI is expected to contribute about $6 million equity. In addition, the remaining amount will be sourced from other identified investors.

“To achieve this, it’s very important that we provide the raw material, which is gas, which this country has in abundance to the end-user. Currently Nigeria’s gas resources far outstrips what we have in oil, but the constraint has always been how do we not just produce it, how do we distribute

it and how do we get it to the final user in various forms,” Oluwagbemi stated.

Stressing that Nigeria has no business being solely dependent on oil, with gas being cheaper, safer and more reliable, Oluwagbemi stated that there has been increasing demand to be able to access gas to enable transportation and other sectors.

The PCNGI CEO stated that the project would be completed in between 12 to 16 months, explaining that when completed, it will help unlock gas resources to the north and democratise access to gas resources across Nigeria.

“So this is about industrialisation in the first instance. Many industries across the north, from textile to agriculture to processing to manufacturing, will benefit hugely from this project. The logistics of moving goods from the north down to the south, food items especially, processed and manufactured products will also be cheaper because of this project.

“And even more importantly, is that even when the north gets piped natural gas in a few years’ time, this plant is still going to be very critical to enable LNG trucks that run more efficiently on LNG, even better than CNG,” Oluwagbemi noted.

With the company having gone through various processes, and putting in about $12 million, Oluwagbemi stressed that the company is now able to unlock counterparty funding from the presidential CNG initiative.

Cardoso

Donatus Eleko

The ChUMMIeS

Between High Inflation and Your Savings

The culture of saving in Nigeria is dwindling. No thanks to the mounting inflation squeezing disposable income and multiplying hardship in households.

A recently released savings report by a fintech, piggyVest highlights a decline in Nigerians’ saving habits. it revealed that only 57 percent of Nigerians practiced saving in 2024, down from 64 percent in 2023.

The report revealed that among the 57 percent of Nigerians who save, only 47percent do so consistently each month, while 10 percent save occasionally,with building emergency fund, children up keep, rent, and personal education topping the reasons why they save.

Amid skyrocketing commodity prices and increasing cost of living, focus thus shifted from saving to survival. Moreover, some schools of thoughts have argued that saving money in a critical time like this do not make economy sense, arguing however that excess money should be channeled to projects or investment.

They hinged their position on the uncertainty around speeding inflation that is fast outpacing and eroding savings value.

“The high cost of living makes it increasingly difficult for the average Nigerian to allocate funds for savings after covering essential expenses. Financial insecurity brought on by job instability and increasing household expenses could also be discouraging regular savings,” the financial analyst/ COO, piggyVest, Odun Eweniyi said.

like Eweniyi submitted, a fashion designer cum fabrics trader, Foluke Daniel noted, “i used to be able to put a little aside either for emergencies or reinvesting in the business. But now, every naira goes straight back into keeping the lights on or the stock shelves full. My customers are feeling it too, hence sales are down. Saving to

me seems a luxury now. “

Economic factors notwithstanding, Eweniyi maintained that man cannot not save, noting that keeping up with even small and regular savings remains crucial for financial stability and resilience.

She said, “it’s undeniable that saving has become more difficult for many Nigerians in the current economic climate. But, it’s more important than ever to hold on to saving habit, even in the face of these difficulties.

“When income feels tight, prioritising small, consistent savings can make a massive difference in the longrun, creating even a small buffer for the unpredictable”. lending his voice, the CMO of piggyVest,

Other Business stO ries

Joshua Chibueze said government and financial institutions have a role to play to reignite savings culture, especially through seamless access to credit and friendly interest rate.

“We do not expect people to save when they do not even have food on their table, which is the situation of many Nigerians right now. This is why access to credit is very crucial more than ever, this will empower individuals to transform their lives, upgrade their financial status, and achieve sustainable/ long-term growth.”

Addressing concerns on dwindling savings value, Eweniyi said innovation within the fintech space now allows for inflation-proof savings via products that are able to grow and enhance wealth, as much as they can preserve wealth.

GMW: Access Bank Empowers Teens with Financial Literacy Skills

Access Bank plc has reaffirmed its dedication to financial literacy and empowerment at a money management training organised for over 20,000 children across the country, recently.

The training initiative, implemented in partnership with 9ijakids and Kidpreneur Africa was part of activities marking this year’s Global Money Week (GMW).

With Access Bank as a key sponsor, the initiative, themed, “learn, Save, Earn,” engaged 100 schools in 10 Nigerian states, emphasising the importance of saving, earning, and making responsible financial

decisions from an early age.

Commenting on the initiative, Access Bank project Manager, Education, Kosiso Chinenye, stated that the gesture under- scored the bank’s broader commitment to economic empowerment and financial inclusion.

“By supporting Global Money Week 2025, we continue to play a vital role in shaping financially responsible future leaders in Nigeria,” she said.

Also commenting, the founder of Kidpreneur Africa and co-organisers of the programme, Mrs. Juliet Obi stressed the

importance of financial literacy in shaping a financially secured future for children.

“Early exposure to the principles of saving and earning can help children develop entrepreneurial mindsets and secure their financial independence,” she noted.

in her remark, the Head teacher of Community Secondary Commercial School, Akwa-ibom, Enwongo Effiong Okon said, “This effort is highly laudable and demonstrates significant value in educating students on the fundamentals of saving, earning, investing, and prudent financial decision-making.”

Regional Tax Body Elects Agbeluyi President

The West African Union of Tax institutes (WAUTi) has pledged its commitment to effective tax practices in the region, just as it elected seasoned Nigerian tax expert, Samuel Agbeluyi as its new president to steer the affairs of the body.

Agbeluyi in his new role announced at WAUTi’s 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ghana recently, is expected to drive key tax initiatives and reforms across West Africa over the next two years, leveraging his expertise and track record as president of the Chartered institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CiTN).

Comprising national tax institutes and as-

sociations within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region, WAUTi seeks to foster tax professionalism, compliance and streamline tax administration across member states.

in a statement, the regional tax institute reiterated its objective to harmonise taxation practices across West Africa.

“We are working towards establishing a fair and transparent tax system that benefits economies and enhances compliance.

“Our mission includes promoting professional standards, competence, and integrity among taxation practitioners while fostering collaboration

among member states”, it stated.

Agbeluyi brings extensive experience in taxation, playing a key role in tax reforms across both the private and public sectors. He previously served WAUTi in key leadership roles, including Honorary Treasurer and 2nd Vice president.

He is a member of the National institute for policy and Strategic Studies (NipSS), Kuru, Jos, fellow of the institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (iCAN) and Chartered institute of Stockbrokers of Nigeria (CiS), amongst others.

Commenting on his new role, Agbeluyi pledged to leverage regional partnerships to enhance tax professionalism in ECOWAS member states.

Fraud Fight Now More Urgent, Expert Insists

The immediate past president of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), South-West Nigeria Chapter, Dr. Titi Fowokan, has decried the rising fraud trend in the country, calling on relevant authorities to intensify efforts at taming the scourge.

Fowokan, declared this while passing over the baton of the association’s leadership to her successor, Dr. lydia Ajayi in ijebu-Ode, Ogun state, recently.

The fraud examiner expressed worry over the increasing sophistication of fraud schemes

and their impact on individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole, urging fraud fighters to up their game.

Citing a report by the Nigeria inter-Bank Settlement System (NiBSS), Fowokan noted that fraud in Nigeria’s banking sector nearly tripled over the past five years, rising from N11.61 billion in 2020 to N52.26 billion in 2024. She said, “ The chapter has through several initiatives in fraud prevention, capacity building, and strategic partnerships strengthened anti-fraud efforts in Nigeria, while fostering

professional excellence, and advocating for integrity in financial practices.”

reflecting on her tenure as the president, Fowokan said the chapter was able to explore strategic partnership with relevant organisations, including KpMG Nigeria and ACCA Nigeria to drive the objective of ACFE in combating fraud and deception in business practices.

Fowokan reiterated her dedication to antifraud efforts, while she charged her successor to elevate standard in response to escalating fraud concerns.

She advised on the need to embrace right savings account and more importantly, if necessary, reviewing their strategy to maximise their reserve.

“There are diverse opportunities that come with saving, which unfortunately, many are oblivion of. Only few people know they can actually make a lot on their saved money.

“For instance, those looking to build a habit of consistent savings, automated savings plans allow thrm to set aside money daily, weekly, or monthly with the benefit of earning competitive interest rates. These types of structured savings options encourage financial discipline while also offering returns on idle funds.

“On the other hand, flexible savings accounts provide liquidity, allowing users to access their funds anytime while still earning interest. This is ideal for those who need immediate access to cash without sacrificing growth potential.

“individuals focusing on long-term financial security can explore locked savings accounts, which function similarly to treasury bills, providing an opportunity to earn higher returns by committing funds for a fixed period. This option is particularly useful for those saving for major financial goals” she stated.

Continuing, Eweniyi said, “Goal-oriented savings solutions allow individuals to save toward specific targets, such as weddings, tuition, or large purchases, helping them stay committed to financial milestones. For those seeking to hedge against currency fluctuations, foreign currency savings accounts provide a means to store wealth in stable currencies while earning returns.

“Beyond traditional savings, investment platforms offer access to alternative investment opportunities such as commercial papers, bonds, and fixed-income instruments, with the potential for higher yields. These platforms empower individuals to take a more active role in wealth creation by diversifying their portfolios.”

Rite Foods Pledges Inclusive Work Environment

r ite Foods has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment that promotes diversity and equity.

The company restated this recently during the 2025 i nternational Women’s Day ( i WD), noting the alignment of its policy with empowering women to thrive, lead, and drive innovation.

Speaking on the i WD, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Seleem Adegunwa, lauded women who are breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering, supply chain, technology, and sales.

He affirmed women’s role in driving societal and organisational progress, asserting the company’s dedication to gender inclusivity.

“We believe in the power of diversity and the strength that women bring to the workplace. We remain committed to encouraging an environment where women can excel, innovate, and build thriving careers, “he said.

Adegunwa also took time to pay tribute to women in the organisation who are taking on pivotal roles as female production supervisors, finance experts, sales managers, marketing strategists, and factory engineers.

Also commenting, Chief Financial Officer of the organisation, Kudirat Balogun, charged women on resilience while expressing the company’s consistent support for their growth.

“ i encourage women to embrace their strength, ambition, and achievement, just as r ite Foods continues to refresh and satisfy diverse consumer needs with our premium brands,” she said.

•Tourism •Arts&Culture

Lekan Fatodu: Lagos Committed to Promoting Sports Tourism

Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu tells Charles Ajunwa that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is marketing Lagos as a destination for sports tourism. He also says the Governor is developing sports with a bottom-up strategy from primary, secondary, and tertiary

LagosStateGovernor,Mr.Babajide Sanwo-Olu,ismakingeffortsto improve sports tourism in the State.Canyouthrowmorelight on this?

You will see for the first time in modern times, Lagos State Government is so dedicated to exploring opportunities across the value chain within the sports ecosystem. From sports tourism, to sports management, to sports medicine, to fitness, wellness, recreation, everything all-encompassing. We want to create opportunities for great Lagosians to have multiple options and to look into entrepreneurial opportunities within the game of sports in Lagos State.

So as far as sports tourism is concerned, it’s actually heavily infused with entertainment because we understand that Lagos State, is the entertainment capital of Africa, not even just in West Africa. And that’s the reason why a lot of people are actually showing interest on development in the city. On the side of Lagos State Sports Commission, we are collaborating with organisations who have strong interests in some sports that can be described as exotic sports. Sports that are not really popular as our regular swimming, football, boxing and the rest. When I say Sport that are exotic, we are talking about fencing, archery, boat sailing, motor sports and many others.

Also, we know that we have a huge community of expatriates in Lagos State and a lot of them have been asking about what we are doing about these sports. When we showed them, what we have done so far, they were really impressed. And by so doing, a lot of them are beginning to inform other foreigners and their friends who are just coming into the country that Lagos State is leading the charge around these sports, which provides an opportunity for them to engage in their sporting interests. By so doing, we are marketing Lagos State as a destination for sports tourism.

We are marketing Lagos State as a very veritable ground where people can have recreation around sports. Where people can have fun, things that are tailored towards sporting engagements. So, we are also moving to people around some of our islands, who engage in things like jesking, flight boarding and all of that. We want to stretch our hands so that we can be a go-through platform for information around sports tourism for anyone coming into the country who want to have a special experience that’s uncommon. So that’s what we’re doing in that regard. We’re bringing in an archery range within this Teslim Balogun Stadium. This is one of the reasons why sports tourism is actually at the centre of such efforts and decision, which provides opportunity for a lot of people to have multiple or diverse choices around sports. They can locate what they want to do within Lagos, not just our beautiful food, not just our rich culture or hospitable populace but also experiencing Lagos State from the perspective of sports tourism.

Howisyourcommissioninterfacingwith playersinthehospitalitysectortopromote sports tourism in Lagos?

We have three dimensions in terms of interventions around sports: sports for competition, sports for fitness, and sports for recreation. And we know that many of hospitality facilities, provide some measure of recreation for our citizens. So, as a result of that, we are engaging with all of them and we are designing some programmes that can fit into what their facilities can accommodate for us. For instance, we are partnering Bamura on some of the events that they are doing.

They are doing so much in terms of boxing and a lot of people are coming out now not just watching boxing for the kind of energy and passion that usually come out of that sports. But in an environment where they can interact, have fun, have beautiful food and also network. So that is the kind of relationship we’re having and we’re having this across the board.

The Sanwo-Olu administration has made investments in youth development, from primary,secondaryandtertiarylevels.What structure are you focusing on?

Our structure in terms of talent identification, growth and support is broken into two. We have the Under-15 category, and we have the Senior category. So, many of these Under-15 category, they actually move from Under-15 and graduate into the Senior category. What we do is to spread our tentacles into schools. We have very robust and vibrant school sports directorates, where we interact with sports masters and sports instructors in schools so that we can give them some of our tailor-made ideas and initiatives through

which they can engage many of our youths and young people and we can locate diverse interests in different sports. Many of those people are sort of recruited or scouted from those avenues. Equally, we have some who are actually within the community and we’re very heavy about our grassroots development. We have strong partnerships and relationships with various local governments and LCDAs in Lagos State. So those are strategic catchment areas for us in identifying raw talents, shaping the talents and also giving them the opportunity to grow and excel. From the state, our Sports-loving Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is doing a lot in terms of sports development. He has improved the welfare of these athletes and he has also been supporting them in different areas. Equally, the coaches and the technical teams we have improved their welfare. We have given the opportunity for motivations such that when they win or they do better than the previous performance, there is an incentive for them. They are relatively better incentivised now to enhance performance. That’s one of the steps that we have taken in identifying the talents, nurturing them and shaping them to a better future in the sports that they have chosen. It is not also limited to that. We know that some people who will not pursue a career in sports at the end of the day, there’s opportunity for entrepreneurship where they are trained to learn some certain skills within that ecosystem. Those are some of the things that we have done successfully well.

In terms of identifying and nurturing young talents, are there efforts to ensure theygothroughformaltraininginstitutions to enhance their skills?

The whole essence of Mr. Governor is providing facilities and ensuring that every community has a facility that is closer to it so that it will reduce mobility from one community to another. The reason why it’s done is to really domesticate these talents and locate them within the various communities. They can be an advantage to those communities in terms of growth and inspiration for other young people. While we sit at the centre pulling them in to further encourage them and also understand some of their needs. Many of these people also need some of the soft skills that will make them excel in life in terms of punctuality, communication, coordination, psychological preparedness and make up for some certain tasks and responsibilities. So it’s an entire intervention strategy that is aimed at ensuring that they become a total being.

What do you consider as your greatest achievement so far?

My greatest achievement, number one, we have a governor who believes truly in sports and who believes in whoever he has appointed to take up responsibility. It’s a huge task dealing with different stakeholders and all of that and we came on the saddle with a lot of challenges. But Mr. Governor understands the terrain and he knows that the person that he has put into that responsibility can deliver. So that is the number one motivation and opportunity to do better for us. Number two greatest achievement is our determination to bring back trust and support from the private sector. We believe that the state cannot do it alone. So we believe why we need that strategic partner is for us to be able to accelerate the attainment of some of our plans and programmes to bring them to actualisation. We have partnered on this journey with Tecno, Post Assurance Broker, Paralex Bank. All of these partnerships are aimed at harnessing the talents and potential of our athletes. And also helps to bring sanity, stability and progress within the society because through their supports some of them are sponsoring some of our athletes, providing resources and using their support to ensure that our athletes are really busy on things that are positive. Some people thought that it’s not going to be possible for us to bring back many of these private sector players after a long hiatus of non-communication and lack of engagement. I would say that with it, we have established, it’s a template that we can run and this will help even do better in the future for sports development in Lagos State because the private sector is the engine of any economy. Sports is a big business outside of this space and Lagos can set that example for the rest of the country.

Musawa Commits to Empowering Autistic Artists

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has announced the ministry’s commitment to supporting talented autistic children in Nigeria. Musawa made this known at the Eagles Square Abuja, during the unveiling and presentation of certificate to 15-year-old autistic artist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke by the Guinness World Record Organisation.

The event also coincided with the commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day.

In her welcome address, the minister congratulated Tagbo-Okeke for breaking the Guinness World Record by painting the largest art canvas in the world.

“We are here to honour 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a young Nigerian prodigy, who has shown the world what is possible when passion meets hard work. By breaking this world record, Kanyeyachukwu has not only set a new record but has also demonstrated to us all

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative economy, Hannatu Musawab(1st left), at the unveiling and certificate presentation for the world’s largest art canvas created by a single artist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, in Abuja...recently

that age is no barrier to greatness.

“We are not only witnessing the breaking of a world record but also the triumph of determination, perseverance, and the unrelenting spirit of the

Nigerian youth.

“We recognise the unique abilities and potential of individuals with autism and are dedicated to providing opportunities for them to thrive in the

creative industries.

“Kanyeyachukwu’s record-breaking artwork, ‘Impossible is a Myth,’ is not only an impressive feat but also a beacon of inspiration for autistic children and individuals around the world. His achievement demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, individuals with autism can excel in their chosen fields.”

Musawa added that the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy was committed to providing a platform for autistic artists like Kanyeyachukwu to showcase their talents.

“We will work with relevant stakeholders to create opportunities for autistic children to develop their creative skills and pursue their passions,” she said.

In attendance was the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed M. Malik; Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Pasquale Salvaggio; Director General, National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi; President, Society of Nigerian Artists Muhammad Suleiman; representatives of the Chief of Defense Staff and the Minister Federal Capital Territory, the Guinness World Record Organisation and popular Afrobeat singer, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj.

Fatodu

Charles Ajunwa

Mercedes-AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition Debuts

Mercedes-AMG has presented the new limited AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition.

Based on the 2026 AMG CLE 53 Coupe and Cabriolet, this special model arrives at U.S. dealerships later this year and will be available to U.S. customers in limited numbers, the automaker said in a statement. The exclusive edition showcases distinctive design elements, stunning finishes and an expansive suite of standard equipment.

At the heart of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 is an AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine equipped with an exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor. The advanced powertrain produces 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, as well as 443 lb-ft in overboost for up to 10 seconds. Power is transferred via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive, creating a highly dynamic driving experience that matches the expressive design of the AMG CLE.

The AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition features specially curated exteriors for both the Coupe and Cabriolet that underscore the vehicles’ exclusivity as well as sporty and luxury character. The Coupe is finished in MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno paint and adorned with yellow AMG graphics. 20-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels in black with yellow rim flanges, unique to this special edition, provide further contrast. The Cabriolet exemplifies top-down luxury with AMG-exclusive MANUFAKTUR Starling Blue Magno paint, highlighted by captivating black and blue AMG graphics. This is complimented by 20-inch AMG Multi-Spoke Y-Design wheels with black accents.

Sporty interior with AMG Performance seats

The new limited AMG Cle MANuFAKTur edition

Distinctive design elements extend to the interior of the AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition. The AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced, fitted standard, features black AMG Nappa leather upholstery with yellow contrast stitching on the Coupe, and new exclusive AMG Nappa leather in white with black accents on the Cabriolet. Trim elements in AMG carbon fiber further elevate the interior. The AMG door sill trims are illuminated in yellow on Coupe and white on the Cabriolet. Color accents are also highlighted on the AMG floor mats for this special model with yellow (Coupe) or white (Cabriolet) MANUFAKTUR Edition branding and stitching.

Additional packages & options, included

standard, make this special model even more desirable:

AMG Night Package Plus (Coupe only)

Striking design details in gloss black emphasize the expressive design of the AMG CLE. This includes elements on the AMG front fascia, wide front fenders, side sill panel inserts, exterior mirror housings, window trim and surrounds, rear bumper and twin tailpipe trims of the AMG Performance exhaust system. High-quality design details in dark chrome for the AMG-specific radiator grille and badging on the front fenders and trunk lid further sharpen the look of the vehicle.

AMG Performance Studio Package (Coupe only)

The sporty design elements provide an even more dynamic appearance. This includes an AMG front fascia with flics on each side, AMG spoiler lip on the trunk lid, AMG rear fascia with diffuser panel and flics in the side air outlets.

AMG Carbon Fiber Package I and II (Cabriolet only)

Elegant carbon fiber elements are highlighted throughout the exterior of the Cabriolet, including on the AMG front fascia, AMG side sill panel inserts and rear bumper. A carbon fiber AMG spoiler lip on the trunk lid and carbon exterior mirror housing covers also emphasize the performance character of the vehicle.

AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package (Coupe and Cabriolet)

This package provides additional dynamic equipment in the MANUFAKTUR Edition, including active engine mounts that enable a wider spread between dynamic and comfort.

Pinnacle Trim (Coupe and Cabriolet)

The Pinnacle Trim expands on the generous standard features of the AMG CLE with DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with projections, MBUX augmented video for navigation and a head-up display with AMG-exclusive content.

AMG Real Performance Sound (Coupe and Cabriolet)

AMG Real Performance Sound provides an even more emotional driving experience. At the touch of a button or the central display, customers can choose between BALANCED or POWERFUL profiles to adjust the sound of the AMG-enhanced engine in the cabin.

A final sophisticated detail of both the Coupe and Cabriolet is the AMG fuel cap in silver chrome with black design elements. Each AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition model also includes a custom, edition-specific AMG indoor car cover. The specially tailored cover is constructed from a breathable, tear-resistant synthetic fabric and an anti-static flannel inner fabric.

Carloha Showcases Chery Vehicles, Power Bikes, Loha Mobility at EXPOYO 2025

Carloha is making a grand statement at the ongoing Oyo State Trade Fair 2025, which began from yesterday Friday April 4 to 11, 2025, at EXPOYO, Permanent International Trade Fair Complex, Ibadan.

The trade fair, a major event in Nigeria’s business calendar, will attract key industry players, potential customers, and stakeholders from various sectors. Sola Adigun, Managing Director at Carloha, stated, “This highly anticipated event will serve as an excellent platform for Carloha to showcase its impressive range of Chery vehicles, Old Yorker Power Bikes and Loha Mobility services. It will provide automobile enthusiasts, business owners, and trade visitors with a firsthand experience of world-class automotive innovation and excellence.”

He concluded by emphasizing Carloha’s industry leadership: “As a leading name in Nigeria’s automotive industry, Carloha continues to redefine mobility with cutting-edge mobility solutions that blend performance, technology, and affordability.”

Attendees at the Oyo State Trade Fair will have the opportunity to explore Chery’s latest lineup, featuring sophisticated

SUVs, sedans, and other innovative models designed to meet the needs of Nigerian road users. The display will highlight Chery’s renowned durability, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features, reaffirming its position as a trusted brand in the Nigerian auto market.

Beyond its impressive car lineup, Carloha will also showcase Old Yorker Electric Power Bikes, catering to individuals who seek premium two-wheeled mobility solutions. These power bikes, known for their strength, reliability, and stylish design, are perfect for riders who desire an efficient and exhilarating mode of transportation. Whether for urban commuting or adventure riding, Old Yorker Electric Power Bikes will stand out as a key attraction at the Carloha exhibition booth.

A major highlight of Carloha’s participation at the trade fair is the introduction of Loha Mobility, its dedicated mobility service subsidiary. Loha Mobility was founded to address the challenges individuals and businesses face in acquiring and managing vehicles efficiently. With tailored leasing solutions, flexible payment plans, and top-notch fleet management services, Loha Mobility is set to revolutionize the way Nigerians access and utilize automobiles for personal and commercial purposes.

Winpart by CFAO Starts Distribution of Toyota Tsusho Corporation CWorks Batteries

Winpart by CFAO, a leading distributor and importer of high-quality automotive spare parts and lubricants in Nigeria, has announced the arrival of CWORKS batteries, a premium automotive battery brand from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, to the Nigerian market.

This introduction marks a new era of reliability, durability, and high performance for Nigerian motorists and businesses.

As an official distributor and importer of top-quality automotive spare parts, Winpart by CFAO continues to bring globally trusted brands to Nigeria, ensuring that vehicle owners and businesses have access to world-class solutions.

CWORKS batteries, developed under the renowned Toyota Tsusho Corporation, are engineered to deliver superior power, a longer lifespan, and consistent performance in all driving conditions.

On why the CWorks batteries should be chosen, Winpart by CFAO says it is a

product of “renowned Toyota Tsusho excellence, designed to meet global automotive standards; long-lasting performance, built

for durability and resilience on Nigerian roads and weather conditions”.

The company which stated the batteries are now available through Winpart by CFAO

outlets, added that the product facilitates “reliable power supply, ensuring smooth engine starts and sustained power for all vehicle types”.

Mohamed TALEB, General Manager of Winpart by CFAO, stated that “we are excited to introduce CWORKS Batteries to Nigerian motorists. As a brand from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, CWORKS Batteries reflects the same commitment to quality and performance that Toyota is known for worldwide. With Winpart by CFAO, Nigerians can now enjoy a battery that delivers reliability, longevity, and value.”

Through Winpart by CFAO, CWORKS Batteries will be available across Nigeria through authorized dealers and service centres, ensuring easy access to high-quality battery solutions.

Winpart by CFAO is a leading distributor and importer of high-quality automotive spare parts and Lubricants in Nigeria, offering a wide range of products from globally recognised brands. Committed to quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction, Winpart by CFAO ensures Nigerian motorists get the best automotive solutions.

CworKS Batteries

Chery Tiggo 9

Machinery: Count, Non-count

“ICPC boss laments high rate of ‘sex for grades’ (sex-for-grades) in schools”

“Despite the huge money expended in (on) these periodic maintenance exercises, the nation’s refineries have remained unproductive, forcing the country to depend so much on imported petroleum products at exorbitant rates.”

Daily Independent Online of March 2 backs the floodgate of goofs this week: “The result is that many under-aged (sic) children are routinely subjected to abuse….” All the facts, all the sides: overage and underage (not ‘overaged’ or ‘underaged’) children.

The politics page of the above medium raises the tone with four slip-ups: “The Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference recently kick started (kick-started) its sitting in Akure….”

“These facts have contributed greatly in (to) the level of congestion in the courts.”

“…enjoy their loots and still aspire for (to) higher offices.” Again, ‘loot’ is uncountable—and you aspire to, not for!

Repeat by popular demand: In order to address the divergent views on the plurality of ‘machinery’, I visited Wiktionary, an online portal on Google platform and here is the result: ‘Machinery (countable and uncountable, plural machinery) (1.) The machines constituting a production apparatus, in a plant etc., collectively. (2) The working parts of a machine as a group. (3) The collective parts of something which allow it to function. (4) (Figuratively): The literary devices used in a work, notably for dramatic effect.’ ‘Machinery’ is an assemblage of machines or mechanical apparatuses. If you must use a plural form for ‘machine’, use the word ‘machines’, not ‘machineries’ to avoid

needless morphological controversies. The machinery, not ‘machineries’, of government.

My dear reader, here is a revelation: restricting yourself to the printed dictionary—no matter its currency—will circumscribe your knowledge span and development. Based on Mr. Ken Ugbechie’s suggestion that I enquire more about ‘machinery’, ‘convoy’ and ‘motorcade’, I set out and rediscovered a boundless goldmine of knowledge: additional online dictionaries too numerous to be listed here and other related portals. Most of them, however, require subscription. I recommend grammarly. com because of its comprehensiveness.

It is a thin line between ‘convoy’ and ‘motorcade’. From my research, both words can be used interchangeably. The only difference is their etymological origin. The underlining point is that the two words involve processions of vehicles for security/escort, essentially, mutual benefit, ceremony and other sundry deployments. So, the Kogi governor’s fatalistic procession could be described as a convoy or motorcade.

“At Electro-hall, our trained engineers ensure that your photocopier get (gets) back to work as soon as possible.”

“The Admiral lived a glorious live (life) of service to his community and to the nation.”

“Irregularities, logistics (logistic/ logistical) chaos mar Anambra poll” Truth in defence of freedom: Adjective (logistic—also logistical) and noun (logistics).

Now the inside pages: “Alaafin advocates for re-orientation of moral

values” Firstly, yank away ‘for’ and secondly, do you re-orientate values or people?

“NURTW crisis: Ondo drivers’ wives protest over detention of husbands” You protest against/at/about (not over) something. You can also protest something: I protested my friend’s arrest. Similarly: Ondo drivers’ wives protest husbands’ detention

“Then another committee of eminent bureaucrats would be set up to prepare what we know as Government White Paper….” My comment: delete ‘government’. ‘White papers’ are issued by governments.

Still on THE NATION ON SUNDAY: “The 4th Conference of the Forum of Cities in Transition holds (held) recently in Kaduna….”

“We have always believed in the team’s enormous potentials (potential/potentialities) for greatness and our support has been consistent and unwavering.” (Centre-spread advertisement by Guinness) ‘Potential’ is uncountable.

“Oduah: Pitfalls of Reps (Reps’) report”

“Bomber bags life sentence…N150m awarded to family victims” A rewrite of the sub-head: Victims’ families awarded N150m

“EFCC arrests Lamido’s sons over N11b money laundering” A voice of your own: The governor’s sons were arrested for (not over) N11b money laundering!

“Let’s go to England…All expense paid trip for 60 people” (Full-page advertisement by DStv) Lexical terms and conditions apply: All-expenses-paid trip for 60 people. There is nothing like ‘all expense paid trip’! Grammar is not Samba. In the months ahead, DStv will continue to replicate this promotional blunder.

“Abiola’s wife, others charged over N617m bank fraud” The SATURDAY INDEPENDENT sub-editors must be obsessed with ‘over’.

The Profiteers of Premature Obituaries

There was a time long ago that a solemn bell tolled only when someone of substance truly kicked the bucket. It was a sign of finality, of transition, of the grand exit. But in Nigeria, the bell now tolls willy-nilly, oftentimes for the living, curiously summoned by mischief-makers with itchy fingers and monetised misadventures. In a digital landscape where the price of truth has depreciated below the naira’s freefalling value, the only commodity more lucrative than scandal is the premature death announcement of a popular figure. Who knew that the business of “killing” celebrities off before their time could be so profitable?

Veteran actor Olu Jacobs has lived and died more times than a proverbial cat has lives. Every so often, some enterprising purveyor of untruths announces his supposed departure, prompting a frantic outpouring of tributes and remembrances - only for the man himself, or his family, to make a quiet reappearance (or terse rebuttal) like a character in an unfinished script. Zack Orji, too, was recently escorted to the great beyond in the fevered imaginations of some disreputable headline-chasers, even as he merely rested from the rigours of an ailment. Tony Umez had his turn at being prematurely eulogised, and the inimitable Ngozi Ezeonu found herself having to publicly clarify that she was still among the breathing after some excitable fingers typed her into oblivion.

This macabre obsession with death is not unique to Nigeria. Globally, celebrities and political figures have been subjected to metaphorical assassinations at the hands of reckless media and unscrupulous bloggers. In 2016, the world was briefly convinced that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away after a hoax gained traction on Twitter, causing a royal panic. American actor Morgan Freeman has been reported dead so many times that he once jokingly reassured fans that he was still alive and in search of the source of the rumours.

Paul McCartney of The Beatles was famously declared dead in the 1960s, with an entire conspiracy theory spun around his supposed

demise. Even the great Nelson Mandela, in his lifetime, found himself prematurely mourned in various fabricated reports before his actual passing.

And the gory parade does not stop there. Beyoncé was falsely reported dead on 23 February, 2015, in a fabricated car crash, which triggered a Twitter storm with the hashtag #RIPBeyonce. Jackie Chan, a victim of multiple death hoaxes, was “killed” in Austria in June 2013 while filming a movie, only for another report to “finish him off” again in September. Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff was prematurely mourned by the newspaper De Volkskrant in 2014 when a test version of their website mistakenly announced his death - a full two years before his actual passing. Miley Cyrus, too, has been digitally buried multiple times, from car accidents to suicide hoaxes, including a YouTube hack in 2008 that falsely declared her dead at the hands of a drunk driver. These incidents underscore the global penchant for falsely burying the living, proving that in the age of sensationalism, the world is united in its ability to conjure phantoms of the departed.

It begs the question - why? Why this morbid fascination with fabricating death? The answer, as with most things in the age of clickbait, is simple: engagement and revenue. The unholy matrimony between sensationalism and the internet’s profit model has given birth to a monstrous culture where a fabricated tragedy can bring in more ad revenue than a well-researched exposé. In simpler terms: eyeballs equal money, and nothing grabs attention quite like the premature obituary of a beloved figure.

One would think that a society whose elders caution against calling death carelessly - lest the grim reaper overhear and take it as an invitation - would be more circumspect. But alas, the lure

They were charged with (not over) fraud.

“Ethiopia set to fly over (this word, again!) Ethiopia (Ethiopian) Antelopes”

“Sanwo-Olu assures on making Lagos liveable (livable)” Furthermore, who did he assure?

“Man bags 21 years (years’) imprisonment for snatching motorcycle in Ibadan”

“1.3m people die yearly through road mishap (vehicle mishaps)”

“…is one celebrity who seem (seems) to do big things without attracting the paparazzi.”

“Producers calls (why?) for more local content at DISCOP”

Still on SATURDAY INDEPENDENT: “False allegations have promoted Liberation City” True confession: what is the meaning of ‘false allegation’? My dear reader, please jettison ‘false’ so that our syntactic ministry can move to a higher realm. You can say grievous allegations—not false!

Finally from the back page with this boyish goof: “Ladipo, Taiwo tips (what?) Eagles for…”

feedBACk

READING through Nigerian dailies, one is always scandalized by the unbecoming repetition of a barrage of howlers which are painstakingly corrected week in, week out here (and Thisday on Saturday, Sunday Tribune, et al). The impression one always goes away with is that many people suffer from intellectual conceit (as earlier observed). They are beyond correction! If not, why do they remain heedlessly and pig-headedly incorrigible? Admission of one’s shortcomings—of any hue—is an integral hallmark of true greatness. (Folorunso Babafemi, Ilesa, 08133197524).

of instant virality has drowned out cultural caution. Today’s bloggers, newshounds, and social media “journalists” operate without remorse, without scruples, and certainly without fact-checking. They function on the ethos of post first, verify never, apologise only if dragged to court.

And what of the victims? The true tragedy of these premature death announcements lies not just in the distress they cause to the individuals and their families but also in their insidious ability to erode public trust. When a society is constantly fed falsehoods, it becomes desensitised to truth. The day an actual legend truly passes, there will be an unsettling hesitation before we mourn - just in case it’s another prank for clicks.

Of course, the solution to this epidemic of fraudulent obituaries is neither simple nor straightforward. Public education on media literacy could help; a discerning populace would be less susceptible to such misinformation. Fact-checking platforms can be empowered to nip false reports in the bud before they gain traction. But let’s not be naïve - the merchants of deception are resilient. They will always find newer, sneakier ways to peddle their wares.

Regulatory bodies could flex their muscles a little more. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Nigeria’s cybercrime laws already have some teeth, but they often bite selectively. Stricter enforcement, coupled with tangible repercussions for the perpetrators, could serve as a deterrent. If a handful of these digital Grim Reapers were to face stiff penalties - fines, social media bans, even lawsuits - their peers might think twice before hastily pronouncing someone dead.

Around the world, different nations have tackled disinformation with varying degrees of success. In the UK, laws against malicious communications have been used to prosecute individuals who knowingly spread harmful falsehoods. In a notable case, June Ashimola, 55, who was falsely declared dead, won a High Court case after proving her existence. The court recognized the fraudulent nature

of the death certificate and revoked related legal documents.

In Germany, strict regulations require social media companies to swiftly remove false reports or face heavy fines. Even in the free-speech bastion of the United States, defamation lawsuits have led to substantial settlements against reckless publishers of untruths. Nigeria could take a leaf or two from these playbooks, tailoring solutions to fit our own digital Wild Wild West. Victims of false death reports can pursue legal action for defamation, emotional distress, and other related claims. For instance, Tony Umez expressed intentions to take legal steps against those spreading false narratives about him.

But at the end of the day, the real battle lies in shifting societal values. Until we, as a people, begin to prioritise accuracy over virality, integrity over engagement, and truth over profit, the cycle will continue. Bloggers will keep “killing” celebrities to harvest clicks, and audiences will keep consuming these fabrications without question. If we do not actively reject this culture of falsehood, we may wake up one day to find that the most unbelievable news is the one that is actually true.

And so, to the next aspiring undertakerturned-blogger who, even as we speak, is sharpening their quill for yet another unfounded obituary: may your drafts wither before they see the light of day. May your clickbait crumble into the abyss of irrelevance. May the living outlive your mischief a thousandfold, and may the souls you so eagerly dispatch in error rise to haunt your conscience till you learn that truth is greater than traffic, and integrity is mightier than mischief. May the internet, in its boundless wisdom, one day awaken to the true worth of credibility over chaos. Amen and Amen!

GLOBAL SOCCER GLOBAL SOCCER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Leon Balogun Buying Time at Ibrox

Leon Balogun’s first stint with Glasgow Rangers was in the summer of 2020,when the Super Eagles defender signed a one-year contract with the Scottish giants with an option to extend.And after an impressive first season,Rangers renewed his contract by another year.The 36-year-old however left at the expiration of his contract to pitch tent with Queens Park Rangers in England.He returned to Hampden Park after a year.His return was hugely celebrated byThe Gers faithful.But,with several injuries that have plagued him this season,thereby reducing his playing time,and the quest for a pacey central defender by Coach Barry Ferguson,Balogun may just be buying time at Ibrox

Leon Balogun returned to Hampden Park in the summer of 2023 after a brief stint with Queens Park Rangers in the EFL Championship, penning a one-year deal with Rangers. Before the end of last season, his stay with the club was extended for another year.

Former Rangers and Scotland midfielder, Derek Ferguson, has however warned the Scottish Record champions against renewing the 36-year-old contract.

So far this season, the Nigerian defender has racked up more appearances than he managed throughout the entirety of the last campaign, but he has also been riddled with injuries, and his body is beginning to tell as he nears the end of his career.

In 12 starts for Barry Ferguson’s side this season, Balogun has only completed four and was subbed off in eight of those due to injuries.

While many have tipped the former Mainz 05 man to stay in Rangers for another year, former Ibrox star, Derek Ferguson, and the Gers current head coach, Barry Ferguson, think otherwise.

Balogun shows what it means to be a player for Rangers, giving his all on the pitch till his lungs give out. Ferguson believes his body can’t simply take it anymore, and a renewal is not worth the risk.

“I think he’ll be off. He’s done terrifically well since coming back in, but he’s 36 and injury-prone. He’s a good player, but is he someone Rangers should be looking to tie down? No. He’s done well across two spells, but no, it’s time for Leon to look elsewhere.

“Rangers will need to look for a younger version of Balogun – a player with pace, power and good in the air. Leon is just too fragile,” the 57-year-old said in an interview with Ibrox News.

Interestingly, legendary Rangers defender, John Brown has called on the Nigerian centre-back to be more physical in his defensive approach, following his performance in Rangers’ dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Dundee United.

Balogun started the game but was substituted at halftime, with Ianis Hagi coming on as Rangers overturned a twogoal deficit to secure the win.

Before his exit, the Nigerian defender played a crucial role by clearing a dangerous ball after Cyriel Dessers’ had blocked an effort on the goal line.

However, he went down and seem to have sustained an injury in the process, prompting Brown to call for greater toughness in his defensive play.

Despite acknowledging Balogun’s commitment, Brown expressed his belief that the 36-year-old should show more toughness when making defensive challenges.

“He likes a knock. I’d like to see my centre-half be tougher, just take it and

get on with it,” Brown commented, as reported by Rangers News.

The former defender insisted that while Balogun’s clearance was crucial, he must be more robust in such moments to avoid unnecessary setbacks.

Balogun has been a key player for Rangers this season, making 16 league appearances and contributing a goal and an assist.

However, injuries have sidelined him for 10 games, raising concerns about his durability.

With Rangers pushing to end the season on a positive note, Balogun will be eager to maintain his fitness and incorporate Brown’s advice to stay effective at the heart of the defense.

While there’s barely anything left for Rangers to salvage domestically, the fighting spirit they displayed yesterday will be crucial in their UEFA Europa League campaign. Knowing it could be his last lap, Balogun will be giving his all to fight for his potential debut European trophy.

The Gers will play against Athletic Club in the Europa League quarter-final on April 10. The first leg will be played at Hampden Park, giving the Scottish side the home advantage.

Meanwhile, players of the Super Eagles of Nigeria have told head coach, Eric Chelle to hand a recall to the Rangers defender largely due to

his experience following the 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo last Tuesday.

Balogun last played for the team two years ago, no thanks to his poor form at club level in the past, but he has showed glimpses of his best at Scottish side Rangers this season.

The 36-year-old has played a total of 23 games in all competitions this season. A sign of how well he has maintained his physical shape since shaking off the injuries and fitness issues that slowed him down for almost two years.

Despite his impressive form this season he wasn’t called up by Chelle for the World Cup qualifier games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe respectively, with Nigeria winning 2-0 in Kigali before drawing 1-1 at home against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles conceded late in the game with captain William TroostEkong guilty of letting his man go past him easily. The goal further compounded the chances of Nigeria making it to the World Cup next year, leaving some players unhappy with the selection for the game.

”We needed a defender and our coach didn’t have much faith in Igho Ogbu, who is new in the team and Jordan Torunarigha, who was called up as a replacement for

Nathan Tella. At that stage you needed a player of Balogun’s experience,” one of the players said at the airport before departing for his base.

”You can ask the other players. We all felt the same way after the game. Granted that Balogun probably can’t play two games in four days, but he can help us see out games in crucial moments like on Tuesday. We saw Jose Peseiro used Kenneth Omeruo at the AFCON when we needed to close a game down”, he concluded.

“I have always been available. I’ve never said that I retired from international football, and I think the people who need to know are aware that I’m still very much willing and ambitious to represent the national team,” Balogun once said in an interview.

Since making his debut for Nigeria in

Leon Balogun has been a strong force in rangers quest for europa League title

First Lady Declares Open 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday declared open the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball club championship in Abuja with a charge on the athletes to compete clean and take advantage of the championship to make their mark in the sport. According to her: “The athletes before us today perfectly embody what we advocate for - women boldly claiming their space and demonstrating that gender is never a limitation to excellence.

“Each of you represents your nation, as well as the unlimited potential of African womanhood. Seeing these talented young African women gathered here, poised to showcase their exceptional skills and sporting excellence, fills my heart with profound joy and optimism for our continent’s future”.

The First Lady admonished the athletes to see themselves as ambassadors of sports and inspiration to other young girls and women.

Her words: “As you compete in this tournament, I encourage you to see yourselves as

ambassadors of sports, and of the limitless potential that lies within every African woman. The discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience you cultivate as athletes are invaluable life skills that will serve you well beyond the volleyball court.

“To all participants, I encourage you to approach both victory and defeat with grace and dignity, you are all winners. To the winner, recognize that your success inspires countless young girls watching from the stands and from homes across Africa.”

Gueye Names Mane as Senegal’s Best Ever in Premier League

Everton, stung by their derby defeat to Liverpool, face a monumental challenge against high-flying Arsenal. The Toffees are desperate for three points to climb the table, while Arsenal know any slip-up could derail their title chase.

Showmax brings you an exclusive, inside look ahead of this crucial clash, with a captivating interview featuring Everton’s Senegalese star, Idrissa Gana Gueye, who opens up about life at Merseyside and his deep connection to Senegal.

Catch Everton v Arsenal live on Showmax Premier League today, at 13:30.

As much as it pains him to say it, Idrissa Gana Gueye believes that Sadio Mane is the greatest Senegalese player to have played in the Premier League.

Having played for his rival club Liverpool, Gueye says it’s not easy to admit that Mane is the best player to have represented Senegal in the Premier League.

“Maybe it’s difficult for me to say it, but Sadio is the best Senegalese to have ever played in the Premier League, he just played in the wrong colour,” Gueye tells Showmax as he giggles away.

There have been 46 Senegalese players who have played in the Premier League since its inception in 1992, but Gueye says Mane is head and shoulder above the rest.

“He is the king of Senegal, and I am just so proud of him,” says Gueye. “He represents the country in the best way, he has scored a lot of goals, assisted plenty, won so many trophies, and so I am really

happy to have him in Senegal, and so happy for his career.

He has shown kids in Africa that everything is possible. He was close to winning a Ballon d’Or, he won the Champions League and the Premier League, and hopefully he will give the country another African Cup of Nations (AFCON) soon.”

He says Mane has also been a great example off the pitch to millions of young and old football fans.

“He is such a great guy, and a very good example off the pitch for everyone. He’s a great player and a good person, and a really good friend of mine. Even when he played for rival clubs, we would always speak. He would text me when we would be playing against each other, and we have kept in touch until now.”

There have been plenty of great Senegalese players to have played in the Premier League, so for Gueye to single Mane out as the greatest, especially since he has played for Liverpool, is a massive compliment from the commanding midfielder.

He says, however, that he is incredibly proud of all the Senegalese footballers who have played in arguably the greatest football league in the world.

“It means a lot for our country that so many of our players have had the opportunity to play in the Premier League and in Europe in general. It means a lot for us to be able to get out of our country and play in these top leagues. Playing in the Premier League for us Senegalese means success, it means happiness, it means security for our families. We are all so proud to represent

African Knockout Championship Kicks off 2025 Season with AKO8 in Lagos

The African Knockout (AKO) Championship delivered an electrifying start to the 2025 season with AKO8, yesterday at The Pistis Conference Centre, Lekki, Lagos, at 6pm. As Africa’s biggest MMA championship, AKO8 was a world-class production, unmatched action, and a fight experience like no other.

This season-opening event brought together 18 fighters from across Africa,

including Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Benin, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and South Africa. Each fighter showcased their skills and dominated the AKO stage in one of the continent’s most competitive MMA events. With a high-energy atmosphere, top-tier matchups, and immersive entertainment, AKO8 is more than just a fight night—it’s a spectacle you can’t afford to miss.

During the official Face-off event which

happened on April 3, fans got a preview of the intense energy and rivalries leading up to AKO8. The fight card revealed nine thrilling matchups, headlined by the long-awaited semi-final between Gasmire Diatta (aka The Killer AK-47) and Faout Youssef (aka Super Saiyan), in the Featherweight Fight. The co-main fight featured Xavier Adams Boa vs. Venatius Chidubem Iyinagolu (aka Vuga De Great) in the Light Heavyweight Fight.

156 Players From 28 Countries Set for Basketball League in Morocco

Senegal in the Premier League.”

This is Gueye’s second stint in the Premier League, having left Everton for a move to France with Paris Saint-Germain, before returning to Merseyside to play for the Blues once again.

He says he is delighted to be back as Everton means everything to him.

“I will always support Everton. It doesn’t matter what happens. I can’t explain it. The club touched me in some way. The club and stadium are so special, it just feels different. I am really happy to be here once again. I have some great friends here, and always kept in touch with them even when I was in Paris. I was always in touch with Seamus Coleman, Mason Holgate, Jordan Pickford and many others, because I had such a good time during my first stint at the club. When I moved to Paris, I kept supporting the team and used to watch all the games with some of my team mates at PSG. It was tough to watch during that time because we had lost a lot of games in the beginning, but I kept supporting them with all my heart.”

He says that when a move back to Everton was on the cards for him, it was a no-brainer.

“My friends and family were really happy when I told them about the possibility of moving back to the Premier League with Everton.

They used to send me these messages on social media where fans were asking me to come back to the club. I was really happy to come back. I had a nice experience in Paris, but coming back to Everton was something really special for me and my family.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has announced that 156 players from a record 28 countries across five continents will compete in the league’s milestone fifth season, which will tip off today at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

In the season opener, 2023 third-place finisher, Stade Malien (Mali) will face 2024 third-place finisher, Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) at 4:00 p.m. GMT. In the second game, home team Fath Union Sport (FUS; Morocco) will take on

first-time BAL participant Al Ittihad (Egypt) at 7:00 p.m. GMT. The complete season schedule is available at BAL. NBA.com/schedule.

The 2025 BAL season will reach fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages through free-to-air and paid TV broadcast partnerships with the African Union of Broadcasting, American Forces Network (AFN), Canal+, ESPN, FIBA’s digital platform Courtside 1891, NBA TV, Ninety Media Services, SNRT, Tencent Sports, TV5

Monde and livestreaming on the NBA App, NBA.com, BAL. NBA.com and the BAL’s YouTubechannel.

The BAL also today announced that the league will honor NBA Legend Dikembe Mutombo throughout the season, including by featuring a “DM55” patch on all player jerseys and select warmup gear, as well as moments of silence ahead of each conference group phase. The late four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer served as the NBA’s first global ambassador following his retirement in 2009.

CitySports Africa Set to Stage Maiden Easter Cup Youth Football Tournament

After several weeks of planning, CitySports Africa, a leading giant in global sports, is set for the premier edition of the Easter Cup Youth Football Tournament.

The event is powered by CitySports League, an initiative of CitySports Africa. At the

press briefing during the week, the CEO of the outfit, Shola Opaleye, expressed excitement about the upcoming tournament and its impact on society.

Tagged Easter Cup Youth Football Tournament will hold from April 18th - 19th, 2025, and it will bring together

young football talents from 48 teams across Nigeria in an electrifying two-day competition.

“The Easter Cup is more than just a tournament—it is a talent development platform. We emphasise high-level organisation, media exposure, and structured competition to ensure participants have a professional experience. The kind that is offered by tournaments organised abroad. There are opportunities for players, coaches, professionals and industry stakeholders to network and interact with each other,” Opaleye stated.

Manchester Derby Headlines Weekend’s Premier League Clashes on GOtv

All eyes will be on the Manchester Derby this weekend, as the Premier League hits the home stretch. Manchester United host their city rivals, Man City, tomorrow after United’s struggles continued midweek with a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, leaving them in 13th place. City, currently sixth, are locked in a tight race for Champions

League qualification and will be desperate for three points. Kick-off at Old Trafford is 4:30 pm live on GOtv Channel 65. Action begins today, with Arsenal travelling to take on Everton at 12:30 pm. Later that evening, Aston Villa, pushing for a top-four finish, host third-placed Nottingham Forest at 5:30 pm in what

promises to be a high-stakes battle.

Also, tomorrow, Liverpool will be guests of Fulham at 2:00 pm, looking to extend their winning streak to five games and move another step closer to the title. Brentford with take on Chelsea at 2:00 pm in an encounter that could prove crucial in the race for Champions League places.

Deji elumoye in Abuja

Gueye to lead everton’s charge against Arsenal today

L-r: Gasmire Diatta, COO AKO rayan Fayad and Faout Youssef during the face-off of their Featherweight fight at AKO8 in Lagos

L-r Media partner from Brila, Babasulaiman Adams, pr Manager, emmanuella Igomu, CitySports Africa CeO Africa, Shola Opaleye, CompleteSports, Adeboye Amosu, CitySports Africa, Bamidele Nurudeen at the official press briefing and tournament draws for the easter Cup Youth Football Tournament in Victoria Island Lagos

MISSILE

PDP to Tinubu

“These travels show a lack of seriousness. The President and his vice are supposed to be serving the people of Nigeria, but they seem to be prioritising their personal needs over national governance. In an ideal situation, ambassadors or foreign ministers should handle many of these events. It’s unnecessary for the president to attend every event abroad” – PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, calling the constant travels by Tinubu and Shettima a sign of irresponsibility and a lack of commitment to the Nigerian people.

OBINNA CHIMA

Between Banks’ Soaring Profits and Economic Realities

The banking sector dominated headlines in the past few days following the humongous earnings released by most of the financial institutions in their full-year 2024 financial results.

In a country where individuals and companies are hurting from economic challenges and rising cost of basic necessities, the financial industry seems to be projecting a stark contrast as commercial banks continue to churn out staggering and record-breaking earnings.

For instance, the pre-tax profit for five tier-1 banks rose by about 69.5 percent to N4.56 trillion in 2024, as against the N2.69 trillion they recorded in 2023, just as their net profit after tax grew by 66.2 per cent, from N2.27 trillion in 2023, to N3.78 trillion in 2024.

Key extracts from the full-year financial results of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, First Holdco Plc, Zenith Bank International Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc revealed a strong jump in their respective profitability and assets.

Their combined total assets hit N108.21 trillion in the review year, compared with the N72.80 trillion recorded in 2023.

For UBA, while it recorded a pretax profit of N803.72 billion in 2024, compared with N757.68 billion in 2023, its net profit rose from N607.7 billion to N766.6 billion. Zenith Bank’s profit before tax rose from N795.96 billion in 2023 to N1.32 trillion in 2024, while its profit after tax also crossed the N1 trillion mark from N676.9 billion to N1.03 trillion.

GTCO printed pre-tax profit of N1.27 trillion in 2024 as against N609.3 billion in 2023, and its net profit rose from N539.66 billion to N1.02 trillion. First Holdco doubled profit before tax from N356.15 billion in 2023 to N862.39 billion in 2024, while its profit after tax increased from N308.4 billion to N736.7 billion.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings’ profit before tax doubled from N172.91 billion in 2023 to N303.8 billion in 2024, while profit after tax increased from N140.62 billion to N225.3 billion.

In the same vein, Fidelity Bank Plc which is not in the tier-one league reporting a 210 per cent growth in its profit before tax to N385.2 billion in 2024. According to the bank’s results released on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), its profit after tax jumped by 179.6 percent to N278.1 billion in 2024. Clearly, this is a startling dissonance

and most Nigerians are wondering how possible it is for a sector to thrive so magnificently amid the economic hardship in the land? They are also questioning if these earnings are a testament to sound financial management, or do they signal a widening gap between the prosperity of the banking sector and the struggles of everyday citizens?

This questions arise because today, millions of Nigerians still experience multidimensional poverty as the country faces unique challenges in addressing poverty, considering its diverse population and regions. With the rebased Consumer Price Index, inflation in Nigeria today stands at 23.18 percent with the harsh business environment.

While the robust finance performance is partly attributed to banks taking advantage of the high interest rate environment and foreign exchange revaluation gains, many banks also short-change their customers and illegally profit from hidden and arbitrary charges. These excess charges range from commission on NIP transfer, VAT charges, SMS VAT charges, SMS alert charges, processing fees, interest charges, commission on turnover, card and account maintenance fees, withdrawals, and transfers charges, ATM fees, stamp duty fees, among others. Annoyingly, some banks charge for each of the more than two SMS notifications they send on

a single transaction, in a country where workers’ minimum wage remains lower compared to other emerging economies.

These numerous charges significantly erode bank customers’ savings in Nigeria, compared with other jurisdictions where such charges are often non-existent, especially for basic accounts. It also impacts negatively on financial inclusion.

Indeed, this is not about demonising banks making profits, it is about advocating for a more balanced approach and responsible banking. The concerns of banks profiting from excessive charges call(s) for scrutiny and highlight(s) the need for consumer protection.

Also, beyond declaring huge profits, banks should note that they are essential in providing a safe place for individuals and businesses to store their money, offer loans to stimulate economic activity, and facilitating a wide range of financial transactions.

The concern by the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, who recently stated that commercial banks are not supporting manufacturers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) enough should also be looked into.

According to Meshioye, the percentage of bank loans to the real sector yearly, compared to other sectors, is abysmal, currently at about 12.9 per cent.

“Besides scarcity, the cost of funds is too high and no manufacturer can produce anything with the current interest rate. If the banks have access to short-term funds, they cannot give long-term loans. The cost of funds will determine how much the banks are going to give out as they certainly cannot give out funds at a loss to them.

“The banks are growing their capital base and declaring huge profits while manufacturers are declaring losses and closing shops. When we even get the funds, by the time it is time to pay back, the cost of funds has gone up and we find out that our capital base has eroded even more,” he said.

From the foregoing, commercial banks must shun arbitrary deductions from customers’ accounts, and transparency, fairness should be their guiding principles.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) which has statutory mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act to intervene in matters that adversely affect consumer interests, must also be alive to its responsibility to prevent banks from ripping off consumers.

Equally, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has to ensure that the regulatory environment is strengthened so that banks can operate in a manner that aligns with the nation’s developmental goals. Policies that promote financial inclusion, encourage lending to productive sectors, and curb excessive interest rate spreads are essential. It is equally important for regulators in the financial system to initiate enduring public awareness programmes that will build financial knowledge and literacy of consumers.

The development also justifies the need for the federal government to ensure the enforcement of last year’s imposition of a windfall tax. In July 2024, the National Assembly passed a bill that was assented to by President Bola Tinubu in August 2024. By the Finance (Amendment) Act 2023, the windfall tax targets the significant profits banks made due to the naira’s devaluation. This policy is expected to push banks towards more sustainable and ethical business practices, where profit generation is aligned with long-term value creation, customer satisfaction, and economic development.

Finally, for Nigeria to truly prosper, the benefits of economic growth must be more equitably distributed. Banks must also contribute towards ensuring that the country achieves inclusive growth and one where the prosperity of the few translates into opportunity for many.

TRUTH & REASON

Price: N400

Cardoso