SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2025

Again GHL Explains How First Bank Failed to Meet

Moves

Obligations After Benefits

Revoke Joe Biden's

INEC: Almost Two Years After 2023 Elections,

Electoral Offences Cases Still Pending Before Courts

Reiterates

call for electoral offences tribunal

Commissioners

of three suspended Resident Electoral

Soludo: We’re Bent on Cleansing Anambra State of Criminals

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has said that his administration is bent on ensuring that criminal elements in the state, who have been involved in killings and kidnapping are totally wiped out.

Soludo was reacting to the recent onslaught against criminals by his newly set up security operation codenamed, Operation Udo Ga Achi, which is spearheaded by the state's new security agency, Agunechemba.

This was as the lawmaker representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, Senator Victor Umeh, has condemned the gruesome murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, who represented the people of Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

The governor confirmed that in a Thursday night operation, in Owerre-Ezukala in Orumba South Local Government Area of the state,

about 15 criminals were shot dead by the operatives and 13 of them captured alive.

The governor during an exclusive interview with THISDAY also confirmed that six people involved in the kidnap and killing of a state lawmaker, Hon. Azuka had been arrested.

Azuka was kidnapped in Onitsha on Christmas eve, while travelling home for the holiday, but on Thursday morning, his remains were found dumped at the foot of the Second Niger bridge.

Speaking on his exploits in the area of security, Soludo said: "When we arrived here, eight local government areas were under siege, me and other fellow candidates in the 2021 election could not campaign in such places. In fact, a fellow contestant, Mr. Agbasimalo was kidnapped, right from his convoy and he has Continued on page 5

Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Bola Tinubu and the electoral body for their decisive action in terminating the appointments

(RECs) from Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states.

Rewane: Nigeria is Morgue of Abandoned Projects

Says losses from inefficient infrastructure cost country over $29bn yearly

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has likened Nigeria to a morgue of abandoned projects and described the Highway Development Management Initiative (HDMI) that was established by the federal government to redeem the situation as an albatross of growth.

Rewane stated these in his presentation at this month’s Lagos Business School (LBS) Breakfast Session titled "Nigeria in 2025: Breakthrough or Fall through," in which he tasked the federal government to build a resilient economy to reverse Nigeria’s diminishing relevance in the global arena.

He also warned that delay in enthroning a resilient economy would be expensive for Nigeria while inaction and doing nothing would be debilitating and destructive.

Rewane said: “Nigeria is like a morgue of abandoned projects. Easy to start and easier to kill. The federal government in 2022 came up with the novel idea of highway concessioning.

“In all, about 19 federal highways were selected for rehabilitation and tolling. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved and reached financial closure with investors.”

He, however, said that the noble aims the HDMI was meant to achieve were thwarted with the entrance of the current Federal Minister of Works, who came into the picture, first as a catalyst and next as a spoiler.

He said that the derailment of the HDMI turned what was a great initiative into a nightmare and resulted in stalling “N11.54 trillion in private investment,” warning that “if HDMI fails private capital will avoid future infrastructure projects in roads, power, ports and rails.”

He added that Nigeria is still recovering from the Lekki-Epe concession failure but cautioned that “Nigeria cannot afford another high profile loss.” According to him, “investors are licking their wounds, and Nigerian road users are suffering, smiling and hoping for the best.”

He said that case studies from major road projects illustrated how prolonged delays escalated costs by as much as 30 per cent annually, leading to stalled investments worth trillions of Naira.

He added: “Productivity losses from inefficient infrastructure are estimated at over $29 billion per year, according to the World Bank.”

Rewane also said that Nigeria’s economic stability is hinged on policy execution, adding that the “good news is that the Naira has

SOLUDO: WE’RE BENT ON CLEANSING ANAMBRA

STATE OF CRIMINALS

not been seen till date.

"Today we have liberated such places. From the very first day of my office, I went to work, and I can say that today we have reached those local governments. Now, there is an axis of evil that is still persisting, and we are on the final onslaught against them. That is where they call the mother valley. We have bombed them severally by air, and because that place is safe for them, when you finish, they come out. We have been on them and we have killed them in thousands.

"With our new security operation, we are on the last lap now. Kidnapping is lucrative and they are into it because they feel Anambra people can pay. We are back again and have turned on gear two, and it is fight to finish, and we are ready to clear them off. We are embarking on this security thing at a fundamental level, different from what is happening anywhere else in Nigeria.

"We have passed the homeland security law. We have provided the criminal legal framework to support it. The ideology behind this is that people now celebrate crowns without a cross. So we have criminalised such. If you display obscene wealth, the security agencies can invite you to come and answer questions. We have to stop people who do that from deceiving the young ones.

"Again, there is a Nexus between crime and drugs, so we have made drugs a property offense in Anambra. Any property used for the sales, manufacture of drugs is brought down. Landlords should better know who their tenants are. Traditional rulers must also be part of this agenda to know the people living in their domains.

"Anambra people are known for hard work and integrity and not money that falls from heaven. So our laws want to tackle the things that fuel these things."

Speaking on the death of the lawmaker, Soludo said: "Today would have been my happiest day, save for the news I just received about the death of our lawmaker. It was reported just this morning (Thursday) that his remains were found on the road, and that has spoiled our mood."

"Our security architecture is paying off hugely. We woke up this morning to the news of the invasion of a camp in Owerre-Ezukala by our security men, Agunechemba. About 15 gunmen

Urges

begun to strengthen, appreciating by 6.07 per cent to ₦1,565/$ in the parallel market so far in 2025.

“The Naira is gaining on technical factors with gross external reserves falling to $39.5 billion.

FG to build a resilient economy to reverse Nigeria’s diminishing relevance on global stage

“Also, the price of petrol at the refinery has dropped to ₦890/litre, even though consumers are yet to see a corresponding reduction at the pump.

“In Q1’25, inflation is projected

to ease marginally towards 33.1 per cent, reflecting a stable Naira and fairly lower food and fuel prices.” Rewane also said that Nigeria must now be resilient because in the global scheme of things, scale and

size matter more than anything else. “While Nigeria may perceive itself as an economic giant, its relevance on the global stage has diminished considerably compared to what it once was or what it thinks it is.

INEC: ALMOST TWO YEARS AFTER 2023 ELECTIONS, ELECTORAL OFFENCES CASES STILL PENDING BEFORE COURTS

Also yesterday, a former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Tonnie Iredia, called for significant reforms in Nigeria’s electoral process, stressing the need for impartial election umpires and punishment for those who manipulate the system.

President Tinubu on Wednesday made a formal request to the Senate for the termination of the appointments of Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa REC); Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto REC), and Mr. Ike Uzochukwu (Abia REC) in March 2023, over their alleged misconduct during the general election.

The electoral body had taken initial disciplinary action by suspending Yunusa-Ari, Ali and Uzochukwu Yunusa-Ari was suspended for unlawfully usurping the Returning Officer’s role in the Adamawa governorship election and making an unauthorised declaration of results, while Uzochukwu was suspended for dereliction of duty, with Ali also facing prosecution over bribery allegations.

However, Yakubu, while speaking during the meeting, noted that the major obstacle to the speedy dispensation of justice was that electoral offences are not time-bound.

were demobilised and 13 captured alive. We will continue on this lane until Anambra is totally free.

"About those who killed the lawmaker, I want to announce to you too that six of them have been arrested, while the native doctor who prepares their charms who lives in Asaba is being traced now. We must liberate Anambra and that we must do," the governor said.

Meanwhile, Senator Umeh who lamented over the tragic end of Hon. Azuka in a statement he personally signed yesterday, asked all well-meaning citizens of Anambra to join in fighting the insecurity that has taken over their state, noting that the security of lives is a collective responsibility.

He condoled the deceased immediate family, constituents, the Speaker and the members of the Anambra State House of Assembly for this irreparable loss.

Also, Umeh commiserated with the Onitsha people and the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, over Azuka's demise.

"I received with sadness the news of the discovery of the decomposing body of Hon. Justice Azuka, who until his kidnap and eventual murder represented the people of Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

"Hon. Azuka, who was elected under the platform of our party, the Labour Party, was reported kidnapped on the 24th day of December, 2024.

"While we prayed and hoped for his safe return, time ticked away, raising anxiety over his life and safety.

"The worst happened yesterday (Thursday) when the news of the founding of his decomposing body dashed our hopes.

"My condolences go to his immediate family and the constituents that he represented, particularly his mentor, Chief Mrs. Azuka Enemuo who has been greatly traumatised during the agonising wait for his return and the eventual news of his death yesterday.

"I heartily commiserate with the Onitsha people and the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR.

"My condolences also go to the Speaker and the members of the Anambra State House of Assembly who were his colleagues until his tragic death.

He said one of the critical areas of reforms was the prosecution of electoral offenders, adding that judicial and legislative action in the last few days underscored the Commission’s effort to deal with offences involving officials of the Commission assigned to carry out designated responsibilities.

“The recent successful prosecution of a Returning Officer in Akwa Ibom State is a case in point. The Commission has been diligently pursuing the case which arose from the 2019 general election.

“In this particular case, it took nearly

the courts, GHL claimed that First Bank breached their subrogation agreement, which led to a loss of trust. A Federal High Court in Lagos recently set aside a Mareva order, wherein the bank attempted to freeze the accounts of GHL. This was seen as a major victory for the oil company.

But GHL in a statement, insisted that First Bank failed to meet its commitment under the Tripartite Agreement to fully finance and make the payments required for the optimal exploration and development of OML 120.

It explained: “Is GHL’s liability to First Bank a loan? The simple answer is NO, as it is not a normal commercial loan: it is a Project Finance relationship. Here is how:

“GHL is the awardee and licenced operator of OML 120. FBN approached GHL to finance the exploration, development and production of OML 120 and share profit 50:50, while paying FBN cost of finance.”

“The FBN 50 per cent share is dedicated to paydown its nonperforming loan of $600 million, discounted from $718 million from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Eligible Bank Asset in order to resolve FBN’s solvency issues.

“In doing that, GHL guaranteed FBN’s liability to AMCON, through a Tripartite Agreement between GHL, FBN and AMCON. The result of the Tripartite Agreement was that FBN became immediately profitable and moved from a loss of N302 billion to a profit of N151 billion for 2021 Fiscal Year End (FYE),” GHL contended. However, in return, the oil company stated that FBN failed to meet its commitment under the Tripartite

six years to achieve the successful prosecution at the trial court. Through our collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) cases involving 774 alleged offenders from the 2023 general election are being prosecuted,” he added.

The chairman added that so far, successful prosecutions have been recorded in Kebbi and Kogi States while INEC’s collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on vote-buying has yielded similar results in Lagos, Kwara and Gombe States.

Yakubu stated: “A major obstacle to the speedy dispensation of justice in this regard is that electoral offences are not time-bound as is the case with post-election offences through the tribunals.

“Furthermore, they are solely prosecuted by the Magistrate and State High Courts in the jurisdiction where the alleged offences are committed.

“No priority attention is given to such cases as the courts deal with a variety of other cases. Consequently, electoral offences are carried over from one General Election to another which may sometimes affect the diligent prosecution of the cases.

“It is therefore imperative to renew our call for the creation of the Electoral Offences Tribunal that have a specific jurisdiction and limited timeframe for the speedy dispensation of cases. I urge the media to join in this patriotic advocacy for the good of our electoral democracy.”

Meanwhile, PAACA has commended Tinubu and the INEC for their decisive action in terminating the appointments of three suspended RECs from Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states.

Its Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, in a statement issued

Agreement to fully finance and make the payments required for the optimal exploration and development of OML 120 as agreed.

According to GHL, this resulted in losses in day rates and downtimes of $47 million, which has snowballed into the current impasse, as FBN has failed to make further required payments for the drilling and exploration of OML 120.

Essentially, it stated that FBN failed to fulfill its condition precedent to profitability in failing to finance OML 120 as agreed, leaving its financial statements open to challenge.

“Meanwhile the FBN’s claim of $225 million loan is not due as it is still covered by moratorium, given that the project has not achieved commercial production. So, at best FBN’s claim is premature,” GHL contended.

The oil firm said it has now gone for Arbitration which is ongoing and FBN has gone to court with a series of Exparte (temporary) Mareva measures, the first of which has been vacated and the case is now being heard on its merit.

Besides, GHL stated that the second temporary Mareva was pending at the Federal High Court in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, both supported by “wild, unfounded and unproven allegations of dissipation of assets.”

It argued: “Did GHL dissipate any asset? The answer is NO, as all payments were made by First Bank DIRECTLY to 3rd parties after due diligence and verifications by FBN, and the 3rd parties are mainly global, world class, reputable companies with strict compliance regimes.”

GHL pointed out that it was filing a claim of over $1 billion in various courts, while FBN was claiming $225 million debt which it never complied

yesterday, described the development as a significant step toward ensuring accountability and restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

He explained the complexity involved in the discipline of personnel of the electoral commission, as it took over one year after their suspension before their eventual sack.

Ezenwa noted: “The decision of President Bola Tinubu to formally request the Senate to terminate the appointments of the three RECs points to the fact that while some Nigerians argue about INEC’s regulatory powers, it is imperative to recognise the constitutional framework within which the commission operates.

"It is essential to remember that the suspension of these officials for over a year highlights the complex process required for their removal, which necessitates the combined action of the President and the National Assembly.

“During this period, these individuals continued to receive full salaries, emphasising the need for oversight institutions to act decisively in the public interest."

The advocacy group also lauded INEC for its commitment to electoral integrity, citing the recent conviction of Prof. Ignatius Uduk in Akwa Ibom State.

Uduk, a university lecturer, was sentenced to three years in prison for electoral fraud in the 2019 general election, marking a rare but significant victory in the fight against election malpractice.

Ezenwa was of the opinion that INEC’s internal disciplinary measures set a precedent that should be emulated by political parties and security agencies.

He added: "We also call on political parties and security agencies

with in line with the agreements.

“GHL will continue to fight for justice and damages whilst it remains open for mediation and resolution,” the oil firm stated.

General Hydrocarbons

Limited Vs FBN: The Explainer GHL vs FBN: The Facts, The Half-Truths and The Fiction

1. Is GHL’s liability to First Bank a loan? The simple answer is NO, as it is not a normal commercial loan: it is a Project Finance relationship. Here is how:

2. GHL is the awardee and licenced operator of OML 120. FBN approached GHL to finance the exploration, development and production of OML 120 and share profit 50:50, while paying FBN cost of finance. The FBN 50%share is dedicated to paydown its nonperforming loan of $600million (discounted from $718million from AMCON’s Eligible Bank Asset) in order to resolve FBN’s solvency issues. In doing that, GHL guaranteed FBN’s liability to AMCON, through a Tripartite Agreement between GHL, FBN and AMCON. 3. The result of the Tripartite Agreement was that FBN became immediately profitable and moved from a loss of N302Billion to a profit of N151Bn for 2021 FYE. However, in return, it has failed to meet its commitment under the Tripartite Agreement to fully finance and make the payments required for the optimal exploration and development of OML 120 as agreed in the Tripartite Agreement, resulting in losses in day rates and

to emulate INEC which has shown that it can hold its own personnel accountable for their actions. This is a significant step towards restoring public trust in the electoral process.

"Political parties and security agencies must take concrete steps to hold their personnel accountable for any actions that compromise the electoral process.

“This includes establishing robust mechanisms for investigating and disciplining errant personnel, which is essential for rebuilding public trust in the electoral system."

In the meantime, Iredia, has called for significant reforms in Nigeria’s electoral process, stressing the need for impartial election umpires and punishment for those who manipulate the system.

Speaking during an interview on ‘The Morning Show’ on ARISE News Channel, Iredia, who spoke on the conviction of Uduk, highlighted the need for Nigeria to re-evaluate its approach to election management. He said, “I think that we probably need to change our approach to INEC and perhaps other agencies that are involved in the conduct of elections. We need an impartial election umpire.

“It is frustrating when people we consider credible, such as university professors, behave like political thugs and undermine the voting process.”

He emphasised that those entrusted with conducting elections should prioritise national development over personal gain.

Commending the two judges who delivered the ruling in Uduk’s case, Iredia stated that while fairness in judicial rulings should be the norm, it has become rare in Nigeria’s electionrelated cases.

downtimes of $47million, which has snowballed into the current impasse as FBN has failed to make further required payments for the drilling and exploration of OML 120. Essentially, FBN failed to fulfil its condition precedent to profitability in failing to finance OML 120 as agreed, leaving its financial statements open to challenge. Meanwhile the FBN’s claim of$225Million loan is not due as it is still covered by moratorium, given that the project has not achieved commercial production. So, at best FBN’s claim is premature.

4. GHL has now gone for Arbitration which is ongoing and FBN has gone to court with a series of Exparte (temporary) Mareva measures, the first of which has been vacated and the case is now being heard on the merit, whilst the second temporary Mareva is pending at the Federal High Court in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, both supported by” wild, unfounded and unproven allegations of dissipation of assets.” 5.Did GHL dissipate any asset? The answer is no as all payments were made by First Bank DIRECTLY to 3rd parties after due diligence and verifications by FBN, and the 3rd parties are mainly global, world class, reputable companies with strict compliance regimes.

6. GHL is filing a claim of over $1Billion in various courts, while FBN is claiming $225million debt which it never complied with in line with the agreements. GHL will continue to fight for justice and damages whilst it remains open for mediation and resolution.

WE SHARE YOUR GRIEF…

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

emenyonu in Benin City

Benjamin Kalu: Proposals to Create 30 New States Failed Constitutional Requirements

captured.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos

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.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has revealed that all proposals for the 30 new states failed constitutional requirements.

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."

by the House of Representatives. Jega asserted that decentralising power from the federal government to the individual states of the country was a key solution to achieving sustainable progress.

This was as former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, strongly opposed the creation of 31 new states in Nigeria, as proposed

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.”

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

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.

But Kalu urged the applicants to comply with the constitutional procedures outlined in Section 8, Sub-sections 1 to 3 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The Deputy Speaker in a statement issued yesterday by his media office also clarified that the proposal was for

Naira Maintains Gains in Forex Market

Nume Ekeghe

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

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The naira appreciated by three per cent against the dollar in the parallel market over the past week, closing at N1,570/$1 yesterday, gaining N50 within five days.

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

Ratings at Agusto & Co., Ayokunle Olubunmi, pointed to the role of FX inflows and structural shifts in fuel imports in shaping the current trajectory of the naira.

The nation’s currency however experienced a marginal decline on the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) market closing at N1,502.5/$1.

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 currency opened the week at N1,620/$1 in the parallel market on Monday before strengthening to N1,610/$1 on Tuesday as dollar supply improved. By Wednesday, it appreciated further to N1,605/$1, maintaining its upward momentum at N1,595/$1 on Thursday. Yesterday, it closed at N1,570/$1, marking its strongest level in a week.

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

Meanwhile, the official market rate remained relatively stable, closing at N1,499/$1 on Monday and gradually adjusting to N1,502/$1 on Thursday, with yesterdays marginally declining to N1,5052.5.

Olaitan in Ibadan

The Oyo State Government, yesterday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala

Market analysts attributed the naira’s recent appreciation to a combination of factors, including increased foreign exchange inflows and policy measures aimed at stabilising the currency. The successful issuance of Nigeria’s Eurobond and the domestic dollar-denominated federal government bond has provided much-needed liquidity, easing pressure on the exchange rate. Head of Financial Institutions

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 said: "The impact of high USD inflows, given the success of the Eurobond and the domestic FGN bond, has supported the exchange rate. Similarly, the uptick in domestic production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Nigeria’s highest import, has moderated FX demand to an extent. In addition, the CBN’s reforms to sanitise the FX market have helped stabilise the exchange rate."

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.

Similarly, Tilewa Adebajo, Chief Executive of CFG Advisory, highlighted the importance of transparency in FX pricing and the role of policy reforms in restoring market confidence. He said: “The FX system with Bloomberg now has transparency with bid and offer rates. The parallel market operators have to be educated and weaned off the mentality that they need to price 50-100 naira above a market price. The CBN governor has said repeatedly the need for price discovery, which is where the market is going. The removal of subsidies has been completed, and stability should be restored to the economy with inflation on a downward trajectory. With speculation out of the way and confidence returning to the economy and polity, this is what is driving down rates. The reforms have been concluded, and it is time to deal with the fallout.”

powers in

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

30 new states and not 31 as erroneously reported in the media.

He explained that to create a new state, the constitution requires a twothirds majority vote in the Senate, the House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, and local governments.

"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

Kalu said that parliament was committed to following the procedure and is inviting the applicants to resubmit their proposals once they've complied with the constitutional guidelines.

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.”

Jega kicks against move, says power decentralisation key to Nigeria's progress

called for and in this Tenth Assembly, we have received 30, not 31. I think, on that list, they repeated Ibadan State twice. It is 30 that we have received.

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

"But having received that, in the last assembly, people did not know why their request for state creation did not go through.

“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.

“Therefore, you need to comply with Section 8 so that when we don't consider the state creation request, you will know where it emanated from. So, the notice to the public is that you have between now and March 5 to enable you cure the gaps in your application for state creation.”

“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.

states. And if we continue in the direction of every request that comes, then you create a state. We are moving in the direction of what one would call the atomisation of the Nigerian federation.

"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.

Meanwhile, Jega made these remarks yesterday during a live interview on Arise Television, a sister arm of THISDAY Newspaper.

“You know, somebody used to speak about certain parts of Nigeria as atomistic societies. An atomistic society means there are so many small, small groupings that do not work together and cannot ensure efficiency in the delivery of goods and services.

Mining Development: Nigeria, US Explore Areas of Strategic Partnership

He said: "We are the people's parliament. We are not taking any position on the issue of creation of states. We have heard a lot of people giving different narratives to the letter that was read.

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.

“In this Tenth Assembly, we decided to let the people know that granted, we have received all the applications for new states to be created either through member bills or the memoranda but not conceding that all of them are good enough to be created.

“Let me clear the dust. During the Ninth Assembly, we received more requests for state creation and some of them came through private member bills.

Speaking while receiving

“Some came from the memoranda we

“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.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Nigeria has launched its Contactless Passport Renewal System across Europe, after its successful implementation in Canada a few days ago.

“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.

Speaking at the launch yesterday, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said, “Today marks yet another pivotal moment in our commitment to streamline and enhance the efficiency of government services for Nigerians both at home and abroad in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.

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.

“There are constitutional procedures in section 8 subsection 1 to 3 on how this application should be made. As we speak, none of these 30 proposals have met the requirements of Section 8 and that was why we decided to bring it to the notice of Nigerians that your application before us is ineffective.

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.

According to him, “I have been engaged on the issue of constitutional reforms to address what we can call not only the imperfections of our federal system but to improve upon the structure and the operations of our federal system. And while I would say that many things would require a constitutional review, to be honest, to my mind, the creation of states is not one of them.

“We seem to already have too many

formalisation of artisanal miners into cooperatives amongst others.

“So we have to be careful that we don't keep splitting the component units of the Nigerian Federation. Already, as has been mentioned, some of the states look like they are very unviable on their own, totally dependent on revenues from the centre. And the more you split them, the more unviable they become from the revenue generation and therefore ability to address the needs and aspirations of the people."

this innovative system is designed to eliminate the traditional hurdles associated with passport renewals.

Now, eligible Nigerians in Europe can renew their passports entirely online from the comfort of their homes and offices.”

He added that:

“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

“This initiative not only reduces the inconvenience of travel and long waiting times but also brings the services of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) directly to your digital doorstep.

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.

Nigeria Launches Contactless Passport in Europe

physical presence. This helps us cut down processing times significantly.

“Accessibility: Ensuring that Nigerians in the diaspora experience government services with ease, regardless of their location.

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

"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.

development. Hence, it is our duty to ensure they have access to services that match the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.

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.

“As a government, we will continue to uphold transparency without compromising security in all our operations. This launch is only the beginning; we are poised to expand these reforms by bringing government services closer to all Nigerians.

“As with the case in Canada,

“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."

“The introduction of this system in Europe further underscores our dedication to:

Alex enumah in Abuja

“Efficiency: By allowing passport renewals to be conducted without

“Modernisation: Embracing technology to meet the contemporary needs of our citizens in line with our pledge to digital transformation of the country as we race towards achieving the $1 trillion economy ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Tunji-Ojo stated that: “The Nigerian diaspora is an integral part of our national fabric, which contributes immensely to our

bordering on terrorism and murder.

NNPC: No Explosion at

Emmanuel

Addeh

in Abuja

“We look forward to a future where every Nigerian, whether at home or abroad, benefits from our efforts to modernize and humanize government services.”

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.

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 Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday disputed reports indicating that there had been a fire incident at the just restarted Warri Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC).

A statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said that earlier, operations at WRPC Area 1 were intentionally curtailed to carry out necessary intervention works on select equipment.

“NNPC Ltd wishes to clarify that there was no explosion at the

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

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.

Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). Any reports suggesting otherwise are completely false.

Warri Refinery, Facility Undergoing Routine Maintenance

instruments that were impacting sustainable and steady operations.

“On January 25, 2025, operations at WRPC Area 1 were intentionally curtailed to carry out necessary intervention works on select equipment, including field

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

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. 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.

“These intervention works are essential to ensure the production of on-specification finished and intermediate products, particularly Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Kerosene (Kero),” the statement added.

Adibe

Kemi

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

L-R: Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; Deputy Governor of Delta State, John Onyeme; Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, during the burial service of Makinde's brother, Engr Sunday Makinde, held at Bishop Akinyode Memorial Anglican Church, Iwo Road, Ibadan…yesterday

COURTESY VISIT…

Donald Trump Moves to Revoke Joe Biden's Security Clearance

Dozens of countries reject US president’s sanctions on ICC

Sunday Ehigiator with agency report

United States President Donald Trump yesterday disclosed plan to revoke Joe Biden's security clearance and access to daily intelligence briefings, after his predecessor did the same to him four years ago.

The move comes as dozens of countries, including Germany, South Africa and Mexico, yesterday said Trump’s decision to sanction the International Criminal Court would “erode the international rule of law.” Trump who wrote about plan to cut biden’s security clearance on his Truth

Social platform, noted: "There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information.”

"Joe, you're fired," BBC quoted the Republican to have added in a reference to his catchphrase on the reality TV show The Apprentice.

Trump has already revoked the

security clearance of more than four dozen former intelligence officials whom he accused of meddling in the 2020 election in Biden's favour.

Trump posted that Biden "set this precedent in 2021, when he instructed the Intelligence Community (IC) to stop the 45th President of the United

CDS Charges Military Commanders to be Ruthless against Armed Non-State Actors

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday charged military commanders not to show mercy to all armed groups striving to destabilise the nation.

General Musa also tasked the commanders to encourage and empower their troops to think creatively to challenge conventional wisdom and embrace change as they strive for continuous improvement.

He equally confirmed the killing of two notorious terrorist kingpins, Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu, in Zamfara State.

The CDS gave this charge at the closing of Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference 2025 with the theme, 'Enhancing Jointness Across All Theatres of Operations'.

He disclosed that the operation carried out by troops of Operation Fansan Yanma under the ongoing operation 'Show No Mercy', eliminated the two leaders along with four of their fighters in Ruwan Dawa Village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Intelligence sources said the operation was conducted by troops stationed at Hannu Tara camp, in collaboration with

local vigilantes.

The troops engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, neutralising six armed criminals and recovering three motorcycles and several firearms.

Kachalla Gwammade, identified as a key terror commander, operated from a base in Chabi Village, north-east of Maru LGA.

He was also a relative of the late Kachalla Sani Black, a notorious warlord recently eliminated in ongoing military operations.

The successful operation comes amidst intensified efforts to combat terrorism in the North-west region.

Confirming the killing of the bandit

leaders during the closing ceremony of the CDS Joint Task Force Commanders Conference, General Musa expressed his appreciation for the active participation and valuable contributions of participants during the conference.

He said the conference has enabled the military authorities and field commanders to reflect on their collective efforts and the attendant challenges faced in addressing the security situation in the country.

Musa emphasised the importance of unity of effort, resourcefulness, and the need for the political class to show more commitment to addressing security challenges.

NNPP Crisis Deepens As Kwankwaso's Faction Disowns National Convention, NWC Inauguration

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has said that the party never conducted any national convention or inaugurated a new National Working Committee (NWC) member of the party in Lagos State.

The party’s National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, stated this during the party’s NWC meeting with the NNPP National Assembly members led by Senator Rufa’i Hanga at the party's headquarters in Abuja yesterday.

Ahmed noted that the current NWC of the NNPP was constituted in 2022 under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and that there is only one NNPP under his leadership and one national headquarters located in Abuja known to law and the INEC.

He also noted that the only logo of the NNPP known to law was the one with red, white colours with a book

and academic cap in the middle, with the slogan 'Education for All'.

Adding that it was clearly against the law, and against common decency, for any group under the guise of any identity different from those enumerated above, to refer to itself as NNPP.

“We want to use this medium to inform and confirm to the world that the NNPP does not operate from Apapa; we did not hold any convention this year in any hotel lobby in Lagos. Visit the INEC website and confirm for yourselves that our party is never chaired by Dr. Agbo Major.

“Our NWC was inaugurated here in Abuja in April 2022 for a tenure of four years which ends in April 2026, and it is here in Abuja that our party is headquartered and operates from in accordance with the laws of the land.

Major and his expelled group parading themselves as NNPP leaders had been suspended and expelled from the party."

He further stated that "Immediately

after the 2023 general elections, some members of the NNPP who openly played anti-party activities were subjected to proper disciplinary procedures and were found wanting. Those members were duly sanctioned, but instead of exploring the party internal mechanisms to address their grievances, they decided to release themselves as willing tools to distract the party.

"The expelled members had been going from one court to the other and swiftly losing one case after another, including courts in Abuja, Ekiti, Port Harcourt, Awka, Kano, and Katsina. In November 2024, they took themselves to court in Abia State, in the name of NNPP.

“Meanwhile, an Abuja Federal High Court as far back as April 2024 had ruled that, as expelled former members of the party, they should stop parading themselves as NNPP members or leaders in any shape or form. The Federal High Court judgement of April 18, 2024,

declared them as impostors, having been expelled by the party, and as such can neither sue in the name of the party nor against the party."

Ahmed further worried that "Major and his group could defile the above court judgements and orders claiming to be holding an unauthorised “national convention’’ for the party. For the purpose of clarity, on January 16, 2025, the High Court of FCT, gave an order restraining them and their privies, proxies and whosoever from carrying out any official duty or activity for or on behalf of NNPP.

“The said orders were served on them, they have briefed their lawyers, they have appeared before the courts and filed their processes. Yet with brazen disregard to the orders of the court, the same group have gone ahead to hold this unlawful meeting and have purported to have elected members of a kangaroo National Working Committee.

States (ME!) from accessing details on National Security, a courtesy provided to former Presidents."

He said Biden "could not be trusted with sensitive information", citing a justice department inquiry into the Democrat's storage of classified files, which decided not to press charges and said Biden had a poor memory. Biden rejected that characterisation at the time.

Trump has taken steps to revoke the security clearances and protections of other top officials linked to the Biden administration since returning to office.

In 2021, Biden stopped Trump from receiving classified intelligence briefings, the first time an expresident had ever been denied such information, which is traditionally given as a courtesy.

He justified the move by saying Trump could not be trusted because of his "erratic behaviour", even before the 2021 US Capitol riot, which Democrats accused Trump of inciting in the last days of his first term.

Meanwhile, dozens of countries have said Trump’s decision to sanction the International Criminal Court would “erode the international rule of law.”

The joint statement by 79 countries came hours after Trump signed an executive order slapping financial sanctions and visa restrictions against

ICC staff and their family members, alleging the court has improperly targeted the United States and Israel.

“Such measures increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the international rule of law, which is crucial for promoting global order and security,” the NBC quoted 79 countries, including Canada and France, to have stated in a statement publicly released by numerous governments.

The statement added that, “sanctions could jeopardise the confidentiality of sensitive information and the safety of those involved—including victims, witnesses, and court officials, many of whom are our nationals.”

The signatories said the sanctions may result in the ICC having to close its field offices.

"We regret any attempts to undermine the court’s independence, integrity and impartiality," they said, crediting the "ICC’s indispensable role in ending impunity, promoting the rule of law, and fostering lasting respect for international law and human rights."

The United States and Israel were among a minority of around 40 countries that never signed up to the ICC, an international court based in the Netherlands that seeks to hold to account the perpetrators of war crimes, like genocide.

Oyo/Osun Customs Rakes in N7.8bn in January

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, yesterday, said the Command generated over N7.8 billion in revenue and seized contraband goods with a duty paid value of N202 million in the month of January.

He made the disclosure in Ibadan while addressing journalists on the Command’s scorecard for 2024 as well as for January 2025.

According to him, the feat was achieved despite the prevailing economic situation and the implementation of various fiscal policies aimed at boosting the economy.

The Customs boss listed the seizures to include 170 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 1,667 used tyres, 32 bales of used clothes, two sacks of used shoes

and 40 kegs of 25 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), describing the Command’s revenue collection performance in 2024 as exceptional and respectable. He said, “In 2024 the Command generated N82.2 billion for the federal government. The amount collected is 15.3 per cent higher than the N71.2 billion collected in 2023.

“The total revenue received in 2024 is the largest since the inception of the Command."

Oramalugo added that the Command intercepted and seized smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value of N202 million between December 20, 2024 and January 31.

“As we carried out these anti-smuggling operations, we remained focused on protecting the interests of local manufacturers and industries.

Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, Mary Ng (left) and Director General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, after a meeting at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland…recently

LAGOS AGRINNOVATION FORUM…

First Lady Backs NAPTIP in Fight against Human Trafficking

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pledged her support to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) in its ongoing fight against human trafficking. She made the pledge yesterday while playing host to the Director General of the agency, Hajia Binta Lami Adamu Bello, who was at her office in the State House, Abuja.

The First Lady pledged her support to the agency, starting with interfacing with wives of state governors to assist in enhancing

awareness and advocacy about its activities.

Mrs. Tinubu who was briefed on the activities of the agency particularly the recent raid on a baby factory in Abuja where 19 pregnant young girls were rescued, called on youths to stop making themselves easy targets for traffickers and other criminally-minded people by embracing the virtues of patience and hard work.

“The get rich quick syndrome is not helping matters. Even our religious institutions are doing prosperity preaching, Even the Bible talks about work.

Buhari Eulogises Kayode Fayemi on 60th Birthday

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, has eulogised former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, as he celebrates his 60th birthday.

The ex-president in a statement personally signed by him yesterday described Fayemi as a man who stands tall both as a statesman as well as a leader.

He lauded the ex-governor's pivotal role in the coming together of different parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his election as civilian president in 2015.

The former president in the congratulatory message to Fayemi stated: "On the occasion of his birth anniversary, I pay homage to our beloved friend and colleague, oneof-a-kind public figure John Kayode Fayemi, JKF, as he attains the ripe age of 60.

"He stands tall as a statesman and a leader as he continues to inspire others in all age brackets across Nigeria.

"Fayemi played an instrumental role in the coming together of our disparate political parties into a single, strong opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, the APC which did the unthinkable in 2015- ousting of a ruling party through the ballot box for the first time in Nigeria, an election that put me, an opposition candidate in office as president.

"His contributions to the presidential campaign both as its director of policy and as a key figure in the struggle for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria through

his various struggles in the defunct NADECO and other fora promoting freedom and democracy would continue to be remembered by political leaders across the country.

"His dedication to building a nation where everyone is free and equal while always putting the welfare of the people first marks him out as an outstanding example of a leader with good character.

"When he lost the governorship election in 2014 after one term in office, he never carried any trace of bitterness against party men who worked against his success or against those in the opposition party that succeeded him, even when some of them stooped to new lows by going to the extent of calling him names and distorting the very fine records he left behind in office. Any ordinary leader would have buckled, but JKF was made differently.

"Instead, he went back to the drawing board, calculated and re-calculated, redesigned a path to the State House and was able to convince the people to give him another chance four years after he left the office, to continue the business of building Ekiti State, which he proudly did in the second and final term.

"I am truly proud of my association with Governor Fayemi as a party man, a minister, and a governor.

"May the Almighty Lord grant him a long life in good health and keep him for the family, friends, and the nation.

"Happy birthday and many Happy Returns."

“The social media is also not helping. Nollywood as well.”

Earlier, NAPTIP Director General solicited the support of the First Lady for NAPTIP’s renewed campaign against human trafficking and GBV explaining that it is top on the agenda of the agency, as the trend of trafficking is getting alarming.

According to her, "Trafficking in persons is the second largest transnational organised crime in the world after drug trafficking. It is also a huge menace in Nigeria and it requires the buy-in and active engagement of critical stakeholders to fight it.”

She pointed out that despite the agency’s string of successes

including the recent rescue of 21 young victims taken from Niger State, enroute Republic of Niger, gaps in resources mobilisation and legal frameworks are some of the challenges confronting the operations of the agency.

She highlighted skills acquisition, awareness advocacy, provision of adequate shelter and safe homes in addition to legislative and policy support as some of the areas of intervention needed from the First Lady.

Also yesterday, the First Lady granted an audience to the new national executives of the National Council for Women Societies of Nigeria, led by its new National

FG Promises Improved Welfare for Police Officers

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The federal government has pledged to enhance the welfare of Nigeria Police personnel to strengthen internal security as well as effectively combat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal elements.

According to a statement by Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Bolaji Kazeem, the improved welfare package is part of the government's efforts to bolster

national security.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya, reaffirmed this commitment during a meeting with the ministry's management and staff, shortly after assuming office. He emphasised the need for welfare packages to enable police personnel to perform their duties efficiently.

"We can change the narratives and bring smiles to the faces of the wives, children, and police officers

across the country.

"When you joke with the welfare of the police, you will have insecurity. We have to join hands to ensure we address the challenges they face," he said.

The Permanent Secretary also reiterated his commitment to implementing President Bola Tinubu's 8-Point Agenda for the ministry and the police force.

He acknowledged the ministry's mandate to ensure internal

security through effective policy implementation and support for the police ecosystem. To achieve this, Ogbonnaya charged the directorate cadre staff, and stakeholders to support him, promising an inclusive and open-door policy for efficient service delivery.

"I will run an open-door policy, well inclusive administration where everybody would be carried along," he assured.

Pirates Hijack Passenger Boat in Rivers, 12 Travellers Missing

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

About 12 travellers are yet to be rescued in a suspected pirates' attack that occurred along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State.

THISDAY gathered that the suspected pirates hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travellers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways on Thursday.

Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, who confirmed the incident, said 12 travellers are still missing while nine others in the boat were rescued.

Claude-Wilcox, who disclosed that the rescue was achieved in

collaboration with security agencies, said frantic efforts are on to rescue other missing victims.

The Bonny LGA boss in a statement by his media aide, Boma Waribor, yesterday, said the driver of the passenger boat went contrary to the rules passing through kilometre 10, which is a prohibited channel for commercial boat drivers.

"Security briefing at the disposal of the Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, indicates that a passenger boat comprising 20 persons enroute Bonny was intercepted this afternoon by Sea Pirates around the precincts of Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area.

"However, it should be noted that nine persons have been found and returned to Port Harcourt through the timely intervention of government security operatives who are currently up and about and have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining 12 passengers.

"It should be noted that preliminary findings reveal that the boat driver disobeyed the rules and passed through Kilometre 10, a prohibited channel for commercial boat drivers.

"The relatives of the victims and the public are urged to be calm as the Bonny Local Government Council is seriously collaborating with neighbouring LGAs and the security agencies to arrest the situation."

Meanwhile, the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, has expressed worry over the continued pirates' attacks in the state.

Chairman of the union, Rivers Commercial District, Isreal Wariboko while reacting to the incident, decried the incessant attacks despite the efforts of state government to stop the trends. He noted that the pirates came out with different strategies in each operation, noting that the miscreants reside in the mangrove.

According to him, "Of course, you know these boys. When they know that there is security in this area they go to another area to operate. They are criminals.

Federal Lawmaker Appeals to Tinubu to Pardon Nnamdi Kanu

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

The Member representing Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant Presidential Pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In an open letter dated February 7, 2025 and titled, 'Appeal for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: The Law is the Law But let Mercy Prevail over Judgement', the lawmaker said Kanu's freedom would restore peace, stability and economic prosperity in the South-east region.

He noted that he was compelled

to write to President Tinubu due to the ugly situation that had befell the region since the arrest of Kanu.

Nkemkanma who is the Chairman, House Committee on Climate Change, called on the President to temper justice with mercy and facilitate the release of Kanu.

"I understand the gravity of this charge, however, my appeal stems from the collateral damage accrued as its result as well as my concern for the escalating socio-economic crisis and human sufferings in South East, and my belief in your leadership as a beacon of national unity and reconciliation in line with your “Renewed Hope Agenda,” Nkemkanma stated.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President, Princess Edna Azura.

L-R: Deputy Consul General, Netherlands, Mr. Peter Keulers; Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya; President, Lagos State Catfish and Allied Farmer Farmers Association (LASCAFAN), Sejiro Micheal OkeTojinu; Agricultural Counselor, United States Department of Agriculture, U.S Consulate, Dr. Christopher Bielecki, and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Fatai Audu, during the Lagos State

Agrinnovation Hangout Agenda 5.0 in Lagos...yesterday

THE BLOOM CONVERSATION...

Air Travels, Others to Suffer Losses with Trump’s Freeze on Aid Programmes

Chinedu Eze

The decision to suspend the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for 90 days by President Donald Trump’s administration will lead to losses by different sectors of the Nigerian economy that benefit from aid, including the transport and hospitality sectors.

Although that decision will leave a huge financial deficit in the health sector, it also impacts on air, road travel and hospitality industry, as workers who offer their services to the agencies supported by USAID engage in a lot of travel and

cargoes like medical equipment and medicines are transported both by air and other means.

The impact of the losses could be deduced from the funding USAID deployed to many causes in order to assist organisations and governments in the country to improve the lives of

citizens.

According to US State Department’s ForeignAssistance.gov, in the last 10 years USAID disbursed $7, 829, 000, 000 in aid to Nigeria and these included $446 million in 2015, $543 million in 2016, $643 million in 2017, $877 million in 2018 and $761 million in 2019.

China Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s Agricultural Mechanisation

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering Nigeria in the area of mechanised agriculture to achieve food security in the country.

This commitment was made at the 2025 Zoomlion Agriculture Machinery Exhibition and New Distributor Channel Fair, held at the China-Nigeria Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre in Ushafa, Abuja.

The event featured the exhibition and demonstration of the RK 754-A and RK 504-A tractors, both manufactured

by Chinese company.

Zoomlion Marketing Director, Jerry Wu, said the tractors are efficient, durable, cost-effective, and provide easy access to spare parts.

He pledged China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s quest for food sufficiency through agricultural mechanisation.

He said: “China is committed to supporting Nigeria’s quest for food sufficiency through agricultural mechanisation. Our advanced machinery is designed to empower farmers, enabling them to achieve greater yields and contribute to the

nation’s food security.”

In his remarks, the Principal Agricultural Engineer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hillary Aroboinosen, stated that the federal government remains fully committed to supporting mechanisation initiatives through public-private partnerships and facilitating the acquisition of affordable machinery for farmers.

He said: “The role of mechanisation in transforming agriculture cannot be overstated. Modern agricultural machinery has the potential to bridge the gap between subsistence farming and commercially viable farming,

enabling our farmers to adapt to the challenges of climate change, rising population demands, and global market competition.

“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security remains fully committed to supporting mechanization initiatives. Through strategic programs like this, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building projects, we aim to facilitate the acquisition of affordable machinery for farmers, especially for small-scale operators and promote training and skills development to ensure the effective use of modern equipment.

Oil Resumption: Tinubu Urged to Exonerate Saro-Wiwa, 8 Other Deceased Ogoni Indigenes

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Following the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, a coalition under the aegis of Ogoni Civil Society Groups has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others who were killed while in the struggle for the rights of the Ogoni people. It would be recalled that President Tinubu has had a series of meetings with various Ogoni leaders and other

stakeholders in Rivers State ahead of the proposed oil exploration in the land. Most recent was the signing of a bill into law for a University of Environment, Ogoni, as a way to cushion the pains and agonies of the people who have suffered years of environmental degradation and hardship.

Briefing journalists in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, yesterday, they insisted that before commencement of the exploration,

the nine Ogoni martyrs must be exonerated from the alleged crime against them.

This was contained in a statement at the briefing signed by HRH Chief Georgina Tenalo, founding President Federation of Ogoni Women Association (FOWA), Fegalo Nsuke, factional President Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Barine Nagbo, Barinaadaa Wugale, Executive Director Ogoni Solidarity Forum, South Africa, Michael

Karikpo, Country Manager, Natural Justice, Emmanuel Barinuazor, National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and Theophilus Mbagha (NYCOP).

Thanking President Tinubu for the sincerity to underpin the current attempt to resolve the Ogoni question, the group noted that the President assured the Ogoni delegation that his administration would prioritise peace, justice and sustainable development in Ogoni.

Tinubu Congratulates Funmi Babington-Ashaye at 60, Nkem Owoh on 70th Birthday

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with renowned insurance broker, Dr. Funmi Babington-Ashaye on 60th birthday, applauding her trailblazing career in the insurance sector and commitment to Nigeria's socioeconomic advancement. He also extended warm felicitations to the veteran Nollywood actor, comedian, singer and scriptwriter Mr. Nkem Owoh, as he marks his 70th birthday.

The President, in a release issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that as the 48th President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Dr. Babington-Ashaye, now the CEO of Risk Analyst Insurance Brokers, spearheaded innovative reforms that elevated industry standards and expanded access to financial security for Nigerians.

Her leadership at Cornerstone Insurance Plc and NICON

Insurance Corporation further cemented her role as a key figure in shaping the sector's growth. Beyond her corporate achievements, Dr. Babington-Ashaye has championed ethical governance. Her involvement with the Chartered Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) reflects her commitment to driving positive change.

She has empowered countless individuals through the Funmi Babington-Ashaye Foundation, reinforcing her dedication to social

impact.

President Tinubu described her as a leader whose work continues to uplift industries and communities.

"As you celebrate your 60th birthday, I recognise the depth of your contributions to Nigeria's economic and professional landscape. Your work has strengthened institutions, created opportunities, and set a standard for excellence.

"May the years ahead be filled with continued grace, vitality, and the fulfilment of every aspiration," the President said.

Others were $880 million in 2020, $922 million in 2021, $974 million in 2022, $1 billion in 2023 and $783 million in 2024.

Over the last few weeks, Trump’s administration has made drastic changes to the US agency charged with delivering humanitarian assistance overseas, casting a bleak future to the NGOs funded by the agency in many countries.

In the transport and hospitality sector, the Founder and Managing Director of Travel Lab Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Shalom Asuquo, said the suspension of USAID activities in Nigeria, was anticipated to have several financial implications for the country’s domestic aviation sector, particularly concerning the movement of USAID staff and associated personnel.

She estimated the financial impact on domestic airlines, which included reduction in passenger revenue and explained that USAID’s operational

scale in Nigeria has been huge.

“In recent years, USAID has managed an annual budget exceeding $40 billion globally, with a significant portion allocated to programmes in countries like Nigeria. A considerable number of USAID employees, contractors, and partner organisation staff frequently travel within Nigeria to implement and monitor projects.

“While specific figures for Nigeria are not publicly disclosed, if we conservatively estimate that USAID and its affiliates spent approximately $5 million annually on domestic air travel within Nigeria, the suspension could lead to a direct loss of this revenue for local airlines.

“There are also ancillary revenue losses in areas like cargo services because USAID programs often involve the transportation of goods such as medical supplies and educational materials. The suspension may result in an estimated reduction of $500,000 in cargo-related revenues for airlines annually.

Group: We Won't Allow Political Actors Push Kaduna Into Another Cycle of Violence

Following the recent war of words between the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and his successor, Senator Uba Sani, a group, Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) has vowed not to allow the state relapse into another cycle of violence due to political ambitions of individuals.

It said it cannot afford to stand idly while Kaduna State, still nursing wounds from the recent insecurity that threatened to consume it, is pushed to the brink once more by individuals' political ambitions that prioritise power over people.

Its National Coordinator, Comrade Michael Briggs, in a statement issued yesterday raised the alarm that the fragile peace that has begun to take root in the state was under threat as shadows of chaos loomed on the horizon.

The group stressed that the people of Kaduna have endured enough bloodshed, enough tears, and enough despair. It said: “The relative calm that now blankets the state is like a delicate sapling, struggling to grow in soil still poisoned by the remnants of conflict.

“We cannot allow this sapling to be uprooted by the reckless hands of those who seek to exploit chaos for their own ends.

“TAN stands firmly against any attempt to plunge Kaduna back into the abyss of turmoil. We call on the National Security Adviser (NSA) to act swiftly and decisively.“ The group maintained that the seeds of discord must be uprooted before they take root and spread their toxic vines across the state. It noted: “To the political actors and community leaders of Kaduna, we issue a clarion call: reject the siren song of division and violence. The path to power must never be paved with the broken dreams and shattered lives of the innocent.

“The people of Kaduna are not pawns to be moved across a chessboard of political ambition; they are the heart and soul of the state, deserving of peace, dignity, and opportunity.

“We must prioritise the well-being and safety of our citizens over individual political interests. The fate of Kaduna State hangs in the balance, and we must act with foresight and collective responsibility to prevent another descent into chaos.

“We cannot afford to stand idly by while Kaduna State, still nursing wounds from the recent insecurity that threatened to consume it, is pushed to the brink once more by individuals' political ambitions that prioritise power over people.”

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow, Adenike Macaulay; Convener The Bloom Conversation with Sola, Oluwasola Obagbemi, and Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Electric, and Folake Soetan, during the Bloom Conversation with Sola… recently

6-3-3-4 or 12-4?

a waste!

In Praise of President Buhari

Satan, Witchcraft and Misinterpretation of Dreams

TWhen 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.

he Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) draws the attention of the public to a Facebook post by Helen Ukpabio of the Liberty Gospel Church linking dreams to Satan and Witchcraft. In the post, Ukpabio stated: One of the greatest means of Satan attacking humanity is through dreams and incidentally, the dream is so misconstrued. Whereas dream is one of the greatest weapons in(sic) Satan distributing problems to man. He allows you to be the one carrying your load. He allows you to be the one carrying your death sentence in your hand. He shows you what he wants to do to you through dreams, whereas many (sic) when they have these dreams they said: “The Lord showed me”.

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.

bub. Her interpretation of dreams is based on ignorance, fear, and twisted Christian superstitions.

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.

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.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the public to ignore the falsehoods, mistaken ideas, and witchhunting teachings of Helen Ukpabio and her so-called Liberty Gospel Church. Their misinterpretations and witch propaganda have motivated people to commit atrocities and horrific abuses. The public should disregard Ukpabio’s misinformation and disinformation about dreams. Her teachings are misleading and have no basis in science, reason, or 21st-century Christianity.

Igalla Maidens as Objects of Ritual Killing

Stop Ritual Attacks and Killings

IAfter 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.

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.

The 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.

AfAW employs the “informaction” theory of change in combating witch hunts in the region. It dispels misinformation and combines information dissemination with actionable steps.

Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches

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.

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).

Ukpabio had no idea of what she was talking about. She lacked basic knowledge of psychology and a basic understanding of dreams. Dreams are natural, not supernatural occurrences. They have nothing to do with Satan, the devil, or demons as she proposed. According to the online source, Wikipedia: “A dream is a succession of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep”. These images, which could make you feel happy, sad, or fearful, represent unconscious desires and wishes based on information and experiences gathered during the day when one is awake. Dream experiences are not satanic attacks on human beings.

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.

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.

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 OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

galla ladies, particularly the Christian women, are the trusting type. That’s what the native church at Igalla land preaches, one formerly known as the Qua Iboe Mission and there is the other known as something like Fellowship of Brethren. What is becoming of this trust? Young Igalla university graduates in Abuja are lured into relationships by unscrupulous pagan grooming gangs from Nigeria’s Midwest and West and then these girls are offered as human sacrifices in pagan juju rituals. No, the damned pagans don’t offer up their own, especially the Bini. They go for vulnerable, well-bred maidens. Yet the Nigerian state argue that a return to “native culture” is cool. The children of those who advocate a return to “culture” are safe in the US and elsewhere.

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

Swear to Obey

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.

As expected, Ukpabio linked dream experiences to witchcraft. She stated: “Now since these dreams came from the realm of satanic affliction, Beelzebub which is called Ba’alzebub takes the glory because it is the spirit, the servient spirit of leviathan in charge of witchcraft. And one of the greatest ways in which witchcraft, ancient altar, and altars, can distribute problems to mankind is through dreams. Once you lie down to sleep, the bible says you shall sleep and your sleep shall be sweet, now instead of you to sleep and sleep sweetly you sleep into activities, this is not of God”. Ukpabio is mistaken. Dreams have no connection with witchcraft, Satan, or Beelze-

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

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU

MANAGING DIRECTOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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.

octors swear to follow the ‘Hippocratic Oath’ which requires in simple terms that the doctor does the best they can for their patient and doesn’t cause harm.

This is a simple standard that doctors seem to have no problem following but what of the US doctors’ proposed boss, Robert Kennedy Jr? He has expressed a range of contradictory views on medical issues including vaccines, abortions and even the food industry. It is not safe or sensible to allow him to take the position. Health is far more important than political favours.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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

PROMOTING SPORTS DEVELOPMENT...

The National Sports Commission

and Sports Commissioner, Aliyu Shargalle, after a meeting to enhance sporting infrastructure and talent development programmes in Katsina held in Abuja…yesterday

FG Adopts ‘Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere' to Boost Nation’s Image

Charles Ajunwa

The federal government has officially adopted 'Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere' as Nigeria's Global Soft Power and Tourism brand, marking a significant milestone in the country's journey to becoming a prominent global hub for art, culture, tourism, and creative economy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the adoption in Abuja during the Federal Executive Council meeting.

Since its inception in 2023, the soft power initiative has yielded remarkable progress in showcasing Nigeria's creative industries globally, expanding the country's cultural influence, improving its global soft power ranking by 14 places, and positioning it as a lucrative destination for investment in the creative industry.

During her presentation, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the strategic importance of 'Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere' as the country's National Soft Power and Tourism brand.

She said that this initiative will accelerate efforts to maximise the economic potential of Nigeria's cultural sector.

In a statement by the minister's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, Musawa said “Our focus is on monetising Intellectual Property and generating revenue from our rich cultural and tourism assets. This will be achieved by showcasing and exporting Nigerian creative products and talent,

creating access to international markets, and securing global funding to support our creative economy."

Launched at the World Economic Forum, Davos 2023, 'Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere' made a major breakthrough promoting Nigeria's creative industries on the world stage. Same was replicated at the sideline event hosted by Nigeria at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend in Algiers, and the Nigeria Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Through these platforms, Nigeria's rich cultural heritage has been showcased to a global audience, attracting international attention and investment.

The statement further said that "the adoption of 'Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere' is aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a global soft power leader by promoting its rich cultural heritage and vibrant creative sector, and projecting Nigeria as a premier tourism destination, showcasing its diverse cultural experiences, natural wonders, hospitality, and unique culinary offerings.

"The ministry will improve the promotion of brand Nigeria through an integrated nationwide campaign, showcasing Nigeria's dynamism across arts, culture, heritage, media, film, music, fashion, technology, tourism, and gastronomy.

"Key brand activation programmes for the year include the integration of tourism and culinary experiences into the Nigeria Everywhere Shorts series, a seven-part celebration of Nigerian identity and culture, as well as collaborations with

Soulcomms Appoints Onabajo New Chief Operating Officer

Soulcomms, one of Nigeria’s leading strategic communications and engagement agencies, has announced the appointment of Ayodeji Onabajo as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

A statement explained that the appointment was a significant step in the agency’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and driving impactful client engagements in today’s evolving communication landscape.

It stated that the appointment of Onabajo was central to its transformative journey.

national and international stakeholders to elevate Nigeria's arts, culture, tourism, and cuisine on the global stage.

"In 2025, the global outreach programme will span four continents, with key events including ScreenNigeria's

return to the Cannes Film Festival in France, the D30 Nigeria Everywhere Pavilion at key cultural exhibitions in the UK, and appearances at the United Nations General Assembly, as well as strategic engagements in the

UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The year will culminate in Latin America with the rebuilding of Nigeria House in Brazil for cross-continental cultural exchange.

"Through these international

engagements, Nigeria Everywhere will continue to promote Nigerian excellence in the global marketplace, driving international recognition and market access for Nigerian creative products and talent."

APGA Senatorial Aspirant, Emecheta Withdraws from Race to Replace Late Ubah

David-Chyddy

Eleke in Awka

A top aspirant for the ticket of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the Anambra South senatorial zone by-election, Mr. Jude Emecheta, has withdrawn from the race.

The forthcoming by-election is to replace late Senator Ubah, who died in July last year, leaving the seat vacant. Emecheta, the National Coordinator of a supporters group, Anambra Deserves Soludo (ADS) and former Managing Director of the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement

Agency (ANSAA), disclosed his withdrawal from the race during a strategy meeting with his supporters.

While stepping down from the Senate race, he called on his teeming supporters to work for the victory of another aspirant of the party, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo during the primaries of the party for the ticket to contest for the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election.

Speaking at the meeting, Emecheta said: "Having checked the profiles of all the other APGA aspirants in the race for the Anambra South Senatorial

by-election primaries, I found Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo as the most qualified candidate for the party.

"He is the one who really symbolises what our party represents in terms of representative position. We should present for the Senate race our very best, and I think that is what he represents.

"I want to tell you that there are people who are ready to finance my election, so money was not my problem. I just looked at the whole scenario and felt that I am from Ekwusigo, and Ebuka Onunkwo is

also from Ekwusigo. Why should we be spending resources fighting each other, when indeed we should come together.

"Ebuka did not approach me to step down for him, I did this all by myself after thinking about it. Let us all support him because I know what he is capable of doing."

With the latest development, Onunkwo, an industrialist will have to face another aspirant of the party, Chief Akai Egwuonwu in the battle for the ticket of APGA for the election.

Continental Hotels Plans Big for Valentine

Charles Ajunwa

The Group Managing Director of Continental Hotels, Mr. Karl Hala, has said that the two hotels in Lagos and Abuja are planning big for this year's Valentine's Day.

Hala, told journalists that they are working the clock to make it a memorable day for lovers and families who need a cool place to celebrate Valentine.

"Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day

at our luxurious hotels in Lagos and Abuja, where romance meets elegance in unforgettable settings. Whether you’re looking for a dreamy weekend escape with indulgent spa treatments and gourmet dining at Abuja Continental, or a captivating getaway with special surprises and live entertainment at Lagos Continental, we have the perfect experience waiting for you. Let us set the stage for cherished moments and timeless memories with exclusive packages designed to

ignite romance. Book your enchanting Valentine’s experience now and make every moment magical," Hala said.

According to him, Lagos Continental Hotel is going to provide luxurious accommodations, delightful extras and breakfast in bed, adding that for all lovers at heart "this embraces everyone from couples cherishing their bond to singles on a quest to conquer for love. It's also perfect for friend groups looking to celebrate friendship or

those dating couples ready to take their next big step." Hala, who has been living with his family in Nigeria for over 10 years, said Valentine's course included a puff pastry sheet heaped with Mascarpone Cream - smoked Salmon - micro greens bitter orange Marmalade and 10 year Balsamic Vinegar, a Cepe Mushroom Soup topped with cream, a Campari - orange Sherbet farm chicken breast and prawn in Cognac sauce and varieties of chocolate mousse.

“In his previous roles, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to build high-performing teams, execute successful campaigns, and deliver measurable results for top-tier clients across various industries.

“Onabajo’s professional journey has taken him through marketing and product marketing roles in Kenya, United States and the United Kingdom, giving him a global perspective on consumer engagement strategies. He was also named 1st Runner-Up in the prestigious Nigeria's Employee of the Year Award (NEYA) in 2019,” the statement added.

“With over 12 years of experience spanning continents and industries, Onabajo brings a wealth of expertise that is expected to drive Soulcomms’ strategic vision. Recognised as a leader in marketing communications, he has seamlessly merged traditional marketing approaches with innovative MarTech solutions.

Expert Advises Cancer Patients to Embrace Multi-prong Treatment Approach

Omolabake

Fasogbon

A call to embrace a multi-pronged approach in cancer treatment has been made by African Women Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) as part of its recommendations to arrest cancer mortality on the continent. AWCAA during its launch in Nigeria to commemorate World Cancer Day 2025, highlighted a synergised solution integrating science, faith and culture for effective cancer treatment. Founder of AWCAA, Ify Anne

Nwabukwu, recognised that relevant stakeholders must come together and bring their individual solutions to the table to further drive progress in cancer cure . According to her, "The momentum to collaborate efforts to reduce the scourge is crucial. We need to find what works for us, we should partner with already existing entities to reduce the burden of treatment and prevention. All must come together, including experts in the village and the city. By uniting our efforts, we can make significant

strides in cancer prevention, treatment, and management."

Although, a member of the association, Dr. Nnesochi Offor urged prevention through healthy lifestyle like diet and exercise, this too, according to her, does not guarantee 100 per cent immunity from cancer. She maintained that cancer of any type is best prevented or contained through proactive measures as self checks, routine checkups, and annual screenings that are able to detect ailments early.

"This is why awareness should centre on this this to enable early diagnoses and better treatment outcomes. AWCAA is here to bridge the gap in cancer education, screening, and treatment, ensuring more women receive the support they need", she assured.

On her part, Celine Orji who is also a member of AWCAA acknowledged some progress in cancer awareness, noting that it is still insufficient given rising stigma and apathy to preventive steps like routine checkups.

(NSC), Alhaji Shehu Dikko and Katsina State Youth

PRODUCT LAUNCH…

Obi Calls for Transparency After Increase in 2025 Appropriation Bill to N54trn

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 polls, Peter Obi, yesterday, called for greater transparency and accountability as a result of the recent increase in the 'Budget of Restoration' to N54 trillion due to reported revenue growth.

Obi made the call in a statement on X, noting that while the sources of revenue were detailed, there was no corresponding breakdown of expenditures to justify the budget

Pharmacists

increase.

The LP chieftain stressed the need for Nigerians to be informed on how public funds are allocated and spent. For transparency and accountability, he insisted that Nigerians should know how the resources generated are being allocated to ensure that they are judiciously spent on the country’s development and the well-being of the people.

According to the former Anambra State governor, budgetary expenditures should be directed toward critical areas

Protest Sealing of Premises By Benue Govt

Pharmacists under the umbrella of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) have decried the raid and sealing of pharmaceutical premises in Benue by the state's Ministry of Trade and Investment officials over business registration fees.

In a letter to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Hyacinth Alia, signed by the ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh and Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, the association said officials of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, accompanied by policemen invaded pharmaceutical facilities in Makurdi and Oturkpo, demanding payment of "unauthorised Commerce and Industry levy" and subsequently sealed the premises for alleged non-compliance.

ACPN also claimed that the officials of the Benue State Ministry of Trade and Investment forcibly locked pharmacists and their staff inside the premises for over seven hours and were "released after the intervention of some citizens."

It described the action of the officials as "illegal and contrary to existing Pharmacy and Drug Laws in Nigeria."

In the document, ACPN said that a "group of 20 officials from the Ministry

Digital solutions company, Globacom, on Wednesday opened another Gloworld, its retail outlet, in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The new Gloworld is equipped with the latest technology for fast services and efficient customer complaint diagnosis and resolution. It also boasts a cool and cozy ambience that relaxes customers while they transact business with the network.

According to the company’s Regional Sales Coordinator for North-east, Mr. Augustine Mamuro,

of Trade and Investment, accompanied by 10 policemen, stormed pharmaceutical facilities on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The agents reportedly demanded payment of an unauthorised “Commerce and Industry levy” and subsequently sealed the premises for alleged non-compliance.

Pharmacists and their staff were forcibly locked inside the premises from 11a.m. to 7p.m. until their release was secured through the intervention of concerned citizens.

"It is a violation of due process as articulated by the Joint Tax Board for two different agents of government (federal and state government) to subject any entity to multiple taxes on a particular endeavour.’’

Continuing, it body of pharmacists stated: "As clearly enunciated by the victims of the unlawful act of the State Ministry of Commerce and Investment, all pharmaceutical premises in Nigeria pay the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria a body corporate and parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Health a fee for the certificate of pharmaceutical premises where they operate based on extant Pharmacy laws."

the opening of the centre is in line with its desire to bring its services closer to the people, create more platforms for customers to have access to its wide range of products and services and give them more exciting experience on the network.

"As you are well aware, our approach to customer service is one that is underpinned by innovation and total inclusiveness. This is why we are consistently seeking innovative channels to make available our array of services to them," he

of development, including education, healthcare, security and poverty alleviation, to ensure meaningful impact on citizens’ lives.

''Yesterday, I read about the increase in the Budget of Restoration to N54 trillion due to increased revenue.

"While the sources of this revenue were detailed, there is no corresponding breakdown of expenditures to justify the increase. For transparency and accountability sake Nigerians need to know how the resources generated from them are being allocated to ensure that they are judiciously spent on the country's development and

the well-being of the people.

"Such expenditures should be directed toward critical areas of development; education, healthcare, security, and poverty alleviation."

He said Nigerians are still waiting for a detailed account of the execution and expenditures of the Renewed Hope budget, which was passed in December 2023.

While urging the government to provide clarity on how the funds from that budget have been utilised, he called on the “National Assembly to seize this opportunity to obtain and make public the full details of

the 2024 Renewed Hope budget.”

He also called on lawmakers and government officials to prioritise openness and accountability to safeguard public trust as preparations begin for the 2025 Budget of Restoration,

“Transparency in this regard is crucial for ensuring accountability, learning from past budgets, and making informed decisions for the nation’s progress.

“As we work towards passing the Budget of Restoration for 2025, let us uphold openness, accountability, and the welfare of the Nigerian people.

We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of our great nation,” he stated.

Obi’s demand comes two days after President Bola Tinubu hiked the proposed 2025 budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion, citing additional revenues generated by key government agencies. Tinubu conveyed the budget adjustment in separate letters sent to both the Senate and the House of Representatives, which were read during Wednesday’s plenary by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Police to Unveil 25 Newly Acquired Gunboats

The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to unveil 25 newly acquired gunboats to strengthen maritime security.

The police explained that this strategic asset acquisition is a proactive approach of the force to ensure the safety of lives and property, as well as fostering confidence in maritime safety.

A statement by Force Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant

Commissioner of Police said the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun made two strategic appointments to improve police operation.

He said, "These key appointments came at a crucial time as the force is set to unveil 25 newly acquired gunboats and initiatives to acquire more maritime safety equipment aimed at improving security operations on our waterways across the country.

"The Inspector General of Police,

Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle to head the Special Intervention Squad (SIS); Elections Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Safe School Protection Squad.

"The IGP also appointed CSP Chima Ogarashi as the new Force Marine Officer (FMO).

"Shogunle, is a highly experienced officer in the Department of Operations, Public Relations, and certified in several other various capacities.

"He will lead the SIS in addressing various security challenges and also serve efficiently as the head of Elections Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, and the Safe School Protection Squad." Adejobi said that CSP Ogarashi, will oversee one of the critical sections of the force with his experience in maritime security and policing and enforcement of maritime laws.

The IGP reassured members of the public of the Police Force's commitment to respond effectively to any security threats.

Scraping of TETFund Will Collapse University System in Nigeria, Says Don

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

As the university system continued to face various challenges ,the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja,Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi,

added.

He disclosed that the office is manned by well-trained, polite and customer-friendly staff who will provide first-class services and attend to customers’ enquiries as well as their service and product needs.

Mamuro also said the new centre will offer affordable devices, Smartphones and accessories, adding, "We assure customers in Maiduguri and its environs of quick and satisfactory resolutions of all issues ranging from SIM

has urged the federal government to shelve the idea of scraping of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund as the move will collapse the system completely.

Prof. Akinwunmi made this

replacement and registration to recovery of over-scratched cards, refill, unblocking of phones and laptop configurations for internet, as well as post paid bill payments and purchase of all Glo and other complementary products."

The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Umar Kadafur, who was the Special Guest at the event, eulogised Globacom for deeming it fit to open a new Gloworld in Maiduguri for the benefit of the people.

appeal in a chat with journalists in Lokoja yesterday, pointing out that the universities are already facing inadequate funding which the new generation universities are not finding easy.

He explained that the federal government had already stopped funding university Education which made it more difficult now, adding that this has been a very big challenge for the universities and relies on internally generated revenues.

The Vice Chancellor noted that with the proposed scrapping of the TETFund by 2030 will further collapse the university system in Nigeria.

On why the admission into the Law programme has been delayed, Prof. Akinwunmi attributed the inability of the Council of Legal Education to visit the university and inspect the Law Faculty stalled the admission process as early scheduled.

The Vice Chancellor pointed out that

the university authority has concluded arrangements for the commencement of the Law programme, stressing that the state of arts facilities have been provided at the Law Faculty.

He explained that the National University Commission had already been at federal university and approved the programme.

"The inability of the Council of Legal Education, who coordinates the Law programmes in Nigerian universities to visit our facility is already giving us nightmares. We have put everything in place for the take off, but unfortunately the CLE could not visit our campus to see things for themselves.

"During several visits to their office, the Council.of Legal Education at one time or other had committed the management of Federal University ,Lokoja to swear an affidavit not to admit students until they visit our Law Faculty," the Vice Chancellor said.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Linus Aleke in Abuja

L-R: Business Manager, Mobile eXperience, Nathan Lee; Head of Marketing, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Oge Maduagwu; Chief Executive Officer, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Tae Sun Lee; Group Head, Mobile eXperience,Joy Tim Ayoola; and Head, Product Management, Mobile eXperience, Stephen Okwara, during the Galaxy Unpacked held in Lagos…recently

KNOWLEDGE SHARING SESSION...

Lagos Targets N2.968 Trillion Revenue in 2025

Segun James

The Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, yesterday, gave a breakdown of the 2025 budget saying the state was targeting a revenue of N2.968 trillion in the fiscal year. The revenue estimate represents a monthly target of N247.331 billion.

George, who disclosed this during a press briefing on the 2025 budget at Alausa, Ikeja, also listed priority projects for the citizens of the state.

Lagos State Governor, Mr.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had on November 21, 2024, presented a budget of M3.005 trillion to the State House of Assembly. On January 9, 2025, the Governor signed a budget estimate of N3.366 trillion into law after its passage by the House of Assembly.

Sanwo-Olu gave his assent to the budget tagged ‘Budget of Sustainability’ at Lagos House, Alausa, saying that the budget aims to address infrastructure, economic diversification, and other critical sectors in the state.

The 2024 budget was N2.467 trillion, with a total revenue

Organisers Unveil Four-nation Road-trip for Weizo Trade Fair

Charles Ajunwa

The organisers of Accra Weizo West African Travel fair have announced the dates for the 8th AccraWeizo Travel Expo.

According to the organisers, the 8th Edition of Accra Weizo is slated for Friday, 27th June, 2025 starting with a Road Trip Adventure from Nigeria through Benin, Togo and Ghana from 21st - 26th June.

The Tour Operators Summit will be held on 27th in Accra, Ghana, with the theme: 'Re-Imagining the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol'. This event will offer West African Tour Operators the opportunity to meet and network with leading travel, aviation, hospitality, and tourism personalities in West Africa.

Accra Weizo Travel Expo is a travel event targeted at growing seamless travels in West Africa, and it is organised by Akwaaba African Travel Market in partnership with Ghana Tourism Authority. The goal

is to improve Travel and Tourism growth in West Africa through easy access to towns and cities in the region, improving and simplifying airport and border processes, standardising hotel and facilities for tourism through shared vision and presenting skilled and professional service providers to the world.

West Africa is the biggest region in Africa, with over 400 million people rich in culture and tourist attractions. It receives the least number of tourists, yet West African countries generate the highest number of outbound travellers in Africa.

According to organisers, "there is a need to encourage West Africans to travel within the region, and this is the goal of Accra Weizo. To make this happen, there is a need to create a seamless travel environment, making West Africa an open domestic market, harnessing the market, and opportunities within which is the goal of Accra Weizo."

Dominion City Empowers Members, Unveils N1bn Entrepreneur Support Fund

Dominion City Church has unveiled initiatives to equip its members and foster sustainable socio-economic advancement as it has budgeted N1 billion to empower entrepreneurs in the country. These were among the outcomes of the just-concluded 2025 Lagos Executive Leadership Retreat for Entrepreneurs and Career Professionals, which was held with the President of Dominion City Global, Dr. David Ogbueli, at the church's Lagos headquarters.

The five-day retreat aimed to equip individuals with the tools and mindset to improve their economic standing and society through wealth creation, to become 10 times more productive, imbibe business innovations, access global opportunities, and primarily be useful for kingdom work.

At the retreat, participants—both onsite and online—numbering more than 1,000 were trained and fully exposed to addressing food security via pastoral farming, shifting agriculture, subsistence farming, and commercial agriculture; economic empowerment, discipleship, and spiritual growth; job creation; global migration and expansion; resource mobilization for business funding; and healthcare, among other topics. Ogbueli, who proposed a N1 billion support fund for entrepreneurs, stated that one of the goals of the empowerment retreat was to equip congregants with the skills, resources, and support necessary to succeed in business and their careers, thereby preparing them to go global and strengthen both individual livelihoods and the broader society.

of N2.080 trillion. Its capital to recurrent ratio was 61:39 with capital expenditure at N1.515 trillion and recurrent expenditure at N952.431 billion.

In comparison with the budget size of N3.366 trillion in 2025, there was an increase of N538 billion.

However, the commissioner disclosed that as at November 30, 2024, last year’s budget performance stood at 87 per cent, revenue performance at 106 per cent while capital and recurrent

expenditure performed at 81 per cent and 97 per cent respectively.

According to him, the 2025 budget would be funded from a total revenue estimate of N2.968 trillion, comprising Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): N2.230 trillion, Capital Receipts - N111.839 billion and Federal Transfer of N626.137 billion.

George explained that the LIRS was expected to contribute 63 per cent (N1.4trn) of the projected IGR, while other MDAs would generate

about 37 per cent (N830.177 billion).

He said the target would be achieved by deepening revenue and increasing the tax net through the deployment of technology, economic intelligence, data gathering and analysis amongst other initiatives.

"We believe that there are huge revenue generating opportunities in the informal sector, tourism, real estate, transportation, and trade.

"The deficit of N398.662 billion is projected to be funded by Internal, External Loans, Bond Issuance and

others," Goerge said. According to him, the deficit funding Sources Provision are external loans

A total expenditure of N3.367 trillion was budgeted for the 2025 fiscal year. The breakdown is as follows: Recurrent ExpenditureN1.296 trillion; Capital Expenditure - N2.07 trillion; and Capital to Recurrent ratio of 62:38 per cent.

Polaris Bank Strengthens Partnership in Fight against Cancer

Kayode Tokede

Polaris Bank and its long-standing NGO partner on reducing the mortality rate of breast cancer in Nigeria through awareness, screening, counselling, referral, education, enlightenment and advocacy, Care. Organisation. Public Enlightenment (COPE), have joined the global community in commemorating the World Cancer Day, restating their unwavering commitment and dedication to the fight against cancer in Nigeria.

Polaris Bank and COPE also used the occasion to celebrate their over 15 years of strategic partnership in the fight against breast cancer, spanning the days of the legacy institutions

preceding Polaris Bank, which has culminated in significant milestones, tangible interventions and outcomes.

At a joint media briefing to commemorate this year’s World Cancer Day held at the corporate headquarters of COPE in Ikeja, Lagos, at least 13 key interventions by Polaris Bank were spotlighted, even as the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of COPE, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, acknowledged the bank for its exceptional passionate support and care for cancer patients and survivors in Nigeria.

Among the key interventions by Polaris Bank are; screening of over 22,000 women for breast cancer, including female staff, customers of the bank and members of the

public through the bank’s cancer prevention intervention programme; and the purchase and donation of one-and-half acres of land with Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the development and building of COPE permanent office complex to be designated as Polaris Cancer Centre of Excellence.

Other key interventions include the donation of three ultra-modern breast cancer screening machines, including a mobile screening machine to enhance quality diagnosis and clinical practices; sponsorship of treatment of over 30 indigent cancer patients; and hosting of a 10-km/6-km walk with over 3,100 participants in Lagos to draw public attention to the breast cancer scourge and advocating for healthy

lifestyle through collaboration and partnership with COPE. Polaris Bank has also hosted over 100 cancer survivors to end-of-year party to enable them draw strength from lessons through experience sharing, with pledge to give more support for their welfare; donated a dedicated and fully-equipped cancer screening room at COPE; donated large quantity of prosthesis (artificial breast bra) for cancer survivors to enhance their self-esteem and confidence; as well as instituted monthly breast cancer screening exercise in the last three years where the bank's female staff and customers and members of the public get the opportunity for free breast cancer screening at COPE corporate office.

PE Energy Limited, an energy services company, has unveiled a new technology - Multi-phase Pump and Systems to end gas flaring and boost oil production in Nigeria.

The new technology was unveiled in Lagos on Tuesday, at an oil and gas seminar organised by the company in conjunction with ITT Bornemann GmbH under the theme 'Eliminating Gas Flaring and Reducing CAPEX in Production

Fields; A Sustainable Approach'. A statement quoted the Chairman, PANA Holdings/Group Chief Executive Officer, PE Energy Limited, Dr. Daere Akobo, to have noted that the seminar was facilitated to introduce new technology to oil and gas exploration companies that can be deployed to combat carbon and methane emission, enhance efficiency through increased oil production and meaningfully contribute to the

net zero target. According to Akobo, the deployment of the new technology in production fields will bring about environmental stewardship, an improved social well-being of the people, and support President Bola Tinubu’s policy of methane emission reduction that would eventually help in reducing the cost of oil production. He stressed the need for

stakeholders to pay urgent and sustained attention to gas flaring considering the fact that it has become a big environmental hazard. He saluted the courage of both past and present administration in developing National Gas Policy 2020 which would help to promote the transition from flaring to annexing the flares but also ensure that flare is commercialized.

Anifowoshe Joins Advisory Council of Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship

Joy Imie

The Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship (EPLF) has appointed Kwara-born legal practitioner and Executive Director of the Eagles Foundation for Humanity (EFFH), Titilope Tawakkaltu Anifowoshe, to its Technical Advisory Council for 2025.

Anifowoshe in her new role is expected to provide strategic guidance, support participant development, and contribute to key programme phases, including selection, training, mentorship, and evaluation.

Her appointment comes shortly after her selection to the Vetting

Panel of the Liberia-based Young Political Leadership School, further demonstrating her growing influence in the field.

EPLF in a statement added that Anifowoshe will be involved in evaluating applications, conducting interviews, and identification of 25 outstanding individuals with the potential to drive meaningful change in Nigeria’s political landscape. It informed further that her contributions will extend to enhancing various programme phases, including virtual training, civic engagement activities and, capstone project development, amongst others.

L-R: Guest Speakers, Lecturer Dynasty College of Education, Political Scientist and Public Affairs Analyst, Dr. Opialu Opialu; Economist Analyst, Dr. Awe Emmanuel; Vice Chancellor, African School of Economics, The Pan-African University of Excellence, Gudu, Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, and Founder/Executive Director, Beyond Boundaries Legacy Leadership Initiative(BBLLI), Omaha Daniel, during a One-Day intellectual discourse

GLAD TO MEET YOU…

and promoting

FG Demands Efficient Toll Collection, Moves to End Traffic Build-up

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday paid a visit to the Toll Plaza at Garaku, Nasarawa State, following the commencement of e-collection of tolls on the completed Keffi–Akwanga alignment of the Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi dualisation project.

Following the outcry from commuters plying the route, Umahi expressed displeasure with how the tolls are being collected, stating that it is subjecting motorists to undue hardship.

As a remedial measure, he directed the concessionaire, Messrs China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company (CHOMC) to immediately increase the number of collection points, deploy more Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, and as well as relief stations for public pleasure and convenience.

The minister, while assuring road users of smoother passage at the toll plaza, promised to revisit the site on Monday to assess compliance with his directives, according to a statement

NCF Engages Adedamola, Sustainability, Geo-Informatics Specialist as Director

Bennett Oghifo

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has appointed Mr. Adedamola Abideen Ogunsesan as its new Director of Technical Programmes, effective January 1, 2025.

In this role, he would lead NCF’s strategic conservation initiatives, driving impactful projects that align with the organization’s mission to preserve Nigeria’s natural heritage and biodiversity, NCF said in a statement yesterday.

Ogunsesan brings a wealth of experience in environmental management, conservation strategy, and technical programme implementation. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing NCF’s key conservation pillars, including the Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) Programme, species protection, climate change mitigation, and habitat restoration.

Ogunsesan has been with the foundation since 2011. Thus, giving

him a good working knowledge of the organization and its project activities across the country over the years.

Prior to his appointment, he was the Technical Manager at Finima Nature Park where he oversaw daily operations, stakeholder relations, and biodiversity conservation efforts.

From 2018 to 2022, he served as Project Manager at Lekki Conservation Centre, where he advanced ecotourism, environmental education, and community engagement initiatives.

Ogunsesan is a seasoned sustainability and geo-informatics specialist with over 17 years of extensive experience managing diverse projects in biodiversity conservation, wetland management, environmental impact assessment, and climate change adaptation.

Beyond his proficiency in strategic planning and project coordination, his skillsets extend to capacity building, health, safety, and environment (HSE) practices, and alternative livelihood development.

Gunmen Attack Sokoto Mosque, Abduct 10 Worshippers

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked a mosque in Bushe community, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State and kidnapped no fewer than 10 worshippers, including the Imam.

Sources said the gunmen invaded the mosque on Thursday while worshippers were performing their early morning prayer. They said the gunmen had been molesting the people of the community for some time now, even with the presence of security agents.

However, they noted that

the timely intervention of the security agents led by the troops of Nigerian Army, was able to curtail the activities of the gunmen.

The Sokoto State Police Command yesterday confirmed the development.

The Command’s spokesman, Ahmed Rufai, said the police authorities were working with other security agencies to rescue the abducted victims.

A member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, representing the Sabon Birni B state Constituency also confirmed the attack.

by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed.

“The tollgate is not meant to have this kind of bottleneck. The current operation is inadequate, and we are giving the Concessionaire until Monday to make the necessary improvements. If by then this bottleneck is not resolved, I will release the traffic and replace them,” Umahi warned.

Emphasising the importance of relief stations where vehicles can park and access essential amenities, the minister cautioned the operators that failure to

comply with this requirement would result in the loss of their business.

“We will not tolerate anyone exploiting the plight of Nigerians,” he emphasised. “If you wish to operate in this sector, you must meet the required standards,” he added.

Umahi also addressed the slow progress of the remaining work, the Abuja–Keffi section, directing that the contractor, Messrs China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), a 14-day notice of termination be issued to them immediately due to unsatisfactory performance and

effluxion of time.

He berated the company for achieving a meagre 8.7 per cent of the project despite receiving mobilisation funds, also surpassing 46 per cent of the agreed timeline.

“The people are suffering, and the president is deeply concerned.

Contractors cannot continue to mismanage Nigeria’s resources while failing to deliver as agreed. If there is no significant improvement within 14 days, we will take over the job,” the minister declared.

He further directed that mobilisation

funds already disbursed would not be subject to any review reiterating that contractors must be held accountable for delays resulting in cost escalations. Additionally, he instructed that the road median be reconfigured and equipped with solar-powered lights to enhance visibility and safety in the corridor. The minister also mandated the immediate reconstruction of all failed sections of the completed alignment (Kebbi-Akwanga-LafiaMakurdi), stressing that substandard work would not be tolerated by the present administration.

Makinde: Nigeria Must Build Economy that Can Weather Storms

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, yesterday, declared that for Nigeria to tackle poverty and become a prosperous country, its economy must be built to weather all storms.

The governor added that the country must also raise entrepreneurs and improve the standard of education, stating that in spite of Nigeria’s natural resources, its people might remain poor until its leadership put the right things in place.

Makinde, who was responding to a sermon delivered by Bishop Williams Aladekungbe of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese at the funeral service of his (Makinde's) elder brother, Engr Olufunmilayo Sunday Makinde, held at the Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church, Ibadan, said mineral resources are not enough to liberate a nation from poverty.

According to the governor, the experience of a country like Venezuela, which despite its huge oil reserves

cannot hold a candle to Finland, which has based its growth on developing its human capital, was enough to teach Nigerian leaders to apart from managing the country’s natural resources well, invest more in educating its younger generation and building more entrepreneurs.

He maintained that this reality made his administration in Oyo State to continue to invest heavily in education, beginning with matching the UNESCO recommendation for education funding, as evident in his government earmarking above 20 per cent of the state’s budget to education since he assumed office in 2019.

He said, “The country with the highest reserve of oil in this entire world is Venezuela and it is poor. So, to have prosperity, we must raise entrepreneurs and raise the standard of education.

“I was in Finland with my team and I tried to make inquiries on why the country got so developed. I asked

if they had oil, they said no. I asked if they had gold and silver and they said no. I asked of what they have and they said it is education.

“So, in Oyo State, since we came in six years ago, we resolved to meet and exceed the UNESCO recommendation on education by allocating over 20 per cent of our budget to the sector, it is because we know that some people will need to be entrepreneurs to turn the natural resources into something that can take us out of poverty.

“Yes, God has blessed us and we should be thankful to Him for that.

The first Industrial Revolution was coal. Nigeria was rich then because we had coal but nobody is using it again because the world has moved to oil.

Very soon, they will move away from oil to something else. So, we must be prepared. We must go beyond depending on natural resources to having an economy that can weather all storms.”

The governor, who eulogised his late brother, fondly called Sundo, as

Golden Terra Oil Promotes Healthy Living

Golden Terra Oil has stressed the importance of overall well-being andhealthy living through the consumption of heart-friendly unsaturated fat.

In a report, the edible oil company noted that the start of a new year always comes with a fresh wave of hope and determination.

It stated: “It’s a time when people set goals, dream big, and promise themselves they’ll make better choices in various areas of life, be it career, relationships, or health. These resolutions, born

from genuine intentions, hold the potential to transform lives. Yet, as the days pass and routines settle, many find themselves falling back into old patterns, leaving their goals untouched.

“One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prioritise health is by being mindful of what goes into your body. A key habit is reading food labels. Understanding the ingredients and nutritional content of the products you consume empowers you to make better choices. For instance, paying attention to the type of cooking oil

you use can have a significant impact on your health.

“Unhealthy fats, such as trans fats and excessive saturated fats, are often hidden in processed foods and lowquality cooking oils. These fats can raise cholesterol levels, clog arteries, and lead to long-term health issues like heart disease and diabetes. The good news is that avoiding them is as simple as being intentional about your choices. Opting for oils like Golden Terra Oil, which contains heart-friendly unsaturated fats can support overall well-being.”

a good man, a good brother, a good husband and a good father, recounted how he sacrificed his university education to join the Navy so that his siblings could have a better life. Governor Makinde said though he didn’t expect his brother to die so soon, he and the family had taken solace in the fact that he lived a good life and in the promise of God that there would be resurrection after death.

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Kyrgyz National Bank Governor, Melis Turgunbaev (left), after a meeting with Managing Director, International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, to discuss cooperation in ensuring economic stability

growth in the �� Kyrgyz Republic through sound monetary, fscal and structural reform policies, held in Washington DC…recently

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Radda: We Are Working to Enhance Food Production, Promote Agribusiness in Northwest

Katsina State Governor and Chairman Northwest Governors Forum, Malam Dikko Radda recently disclosed that the northwest region has taken significant steps towards the realisation of the region’s development and cooperation. He also said discussions after a meeting by governors in the region focused on addressing human capital challenges, with commitments to implement rapid, high-impact interventions across social protection, education and climate adaptation. He spoke on Arise News Channel

Can you take us through the key outcomes of the recent Northwest Governors’ Forum meeting?

The Northwest Governors’ Forum is not a recent initiative; it began even before our inauguration as governors. Recognising the shared challenges facing our region, we saw the need for a collective approach rather than individual efforts. The Northwest is a largely homogeneous region, with cultural and economic similarities across states like Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Jigawa. Our focus is on three key areas: Agricultural Development: Agriculture is the backbone of our region, engaging about 90 percent of our population. We are working to enhance food production, ensure food security, and promote agribusiness to harness our full economic potential. Economic Development: We aim to boost industrialisation, improve access to education, and create job opportunities for our youth. We are also focused on supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to drive economic growth. Security: Insecurity has been a major challenge in the Northwest for over a decade. Banditry affects almost all states in the region except Kano and Jigawa. We are developing a coordinated strategy to address this issue at the regional level, rather than through isolated state efforts. This includes engaging the federal government for support in security interventions.

You emphasised collaboration with development partners. Can you elaborate on the specific role of these partnerships?

Collaboration with development partners is crucial, not just for funding but also for technical support and capacity building. We are working with organisations like the United Nations (UN) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to address critical issues such as out-of-school children, poverty alleviation, and agricultural development. Our engagement with the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, was particularly significant. We are also strengthening regional coordination, and as part of that effort, we have appointed Miss Maryam Musa Yahaya as the first Director-General of the Northwest Governors’ Forum.

Regarding tax reforms, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum has endorsed ongoing reforms despite public concerns. What is the Northwest Governors’ position on this?

The position of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum is

also the position of the Northwest Governors. We participated in discussions with the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, and our stance aligns with the broader consensus reached at that meeting. I have nothing further to add beyond what has already been agreed upon.

Let’s talk about security. How are you collaborating with the federal government to address the security challenges in the Northwest? Security is a top priority for us, and we have been working closely with the federal government. One of our first actions after taking office was to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek support for security interventions and agricultural development. We appreciate the president’s establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development and his support for the Ministry of Agriculture. This collaboration has already yielded positive results. For instance, in Katsina State, 95 percent of our farmland was cultivated last season, leading to increased food production and lower food prices. In terms of security, we are working closely with the federal authorities. Just yesterday, I met with the

Governor of Zamfara State, the National Security Adviser, and the Minister of Defense to develop a comprehensive strategy for tackling banditry. Our approach ensures that states are not working in isolation but are coordinating efforts to achieve lasting security solutions.

According to a recent UNICEF report, Nigeria has 10.2 million out-of-school children, with significant numbers in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina. Specifically, UNICEF states that 536,112 children in Katsina State are out of school. What is your government doing to address this issue?

I acknowledge that out-of-school children remain a challenge, but I believe the figures reported by UNICEF may not reflect recent progress. Since taking office, we have prioritised education, allocating the highest budgetary share to the sector in both the 2024 and 2025 budgets. Our efforts include: Recruiting over 7,000 new teachers; constructing 150 new junior and secondary schools to accommodate students transitioning from primary schools, with 75 completed and 75 ongoing; investing N120 billion in education infrastructure, teacher training, and learning materials; Establishing a Bureau of Statistics in Katsina State to provide accurate data on education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Additionally, we have formed community-level committees, leveraging traditional and religious institutions to encourage school enrollment. We recognise the challenge and are committed to addressing it systematically.

Given the economic challenges in the region, has the Northwest Governors’ Forum developed a regional economic strategy?

Yes, we have a clear economic agenda focused on two key areas: Agricultural Transformation: The region has immense agricultural potential. We are investing heavily in irrigation, mechanized farming, and value chain development. The African Development Bank is supporting us through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) and National Agriculture Growth Scheme (NAGS) 2.0 projects, focusing on irrigation and livestock production. Energy and Industrialisation: We recognise that industrialisation requires reliable power supply. All Northwest states have committed to developing independent power projects. Katsina State, for instance, is working on renewable energy solutions, including a 20-megawatt solar project, to attract industries and create jobs. By implementing these strategies, we aim to reduce poverty, create employment opportunities, and foster sustainable economic growth in the region.

Segun Aina: Celebrating Visionary Leader at 70

ayomide erhabor

On January 31, 2025, Dr. Lawrence Olusegun Aina celebrated his 70th birthday with series of distinguished events in Lagos.

The day’s proceedings commenced with a solemn service at the Church of the Assumption in Ikoyi, followed by a grand reception and colloquium at The Hall on Musa Yar’Adua Street, also in Ikoyi. Thereafter, thanksgiving Mass was held at the Church of the Assumption. The Mass was graced by several high-ranking clergies, including bishops from various dioceses. Notably, the Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Reverend John Akin Oyejola, and the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Reverend Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, were in attendance. The homily delivered during the Mass highlighted Aina’s unwavering faith and his significant contributions to the church and society at large. The congregation included dignitaries such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who graced the occasion before his early departure, and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. The Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, was also present,

reflecting Aina’s broad influence across Nigeria’s political and social spheres.

Their presence underscored the high esteem in which Aina is held, as a man whose life’s work has touched many beyond his immediate circles. Aina’s loving wife, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aina, and their daughter, Dr. Morounkeji Aina, stood by his side throughout the day, radiating pride and affection. Their heartfelt tributes during the reception later in the day were met with warm applause, as they spoke about his dedication not only as a public figure but also as a devoted family man.

Following the Mass, guests transitioned to The Hall on Musa Yar’Adua Street for the reception and colloquium. The venue was exquisitely decorated, reflecting the celebratory yet dignified nature of the occasion. As Aina entered, he was met with a standing ovation, a testament to the profound respect and admiration he commands.

Among the distinguished guests was Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor of Ogun State, who paid his respects and shared a few words before departing. His presence, alongside other notable figures, highlighted Aina’s enduring connections within Nigeria’s leadership landscape.

The event was steered by adept programme directors: Akin Morakinyo, Registrar and CEO of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of

Nigeria (CIBN), and Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager of MasterCard. Their engaging demeanour added a lively touch to the proceedings. In a light-hearted moment, they jested about how Aina, at 70, remains youthful and relatable across all generations, dubbing him: “70 years younger.”

The celebration featured a plethora of goodwill messages from various dignitaries.

The Deputy Governor of Osun State delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing the state’s pride

in Aina and conveying the governor’s commendations.

Similarly, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, in a message, lauded Aina’s contributions to the state’s development and his exemplary leadership in the financial sector.

radda

L-r: Mrs. aina; aina and their daughter, Morounkeji

FeATureS

Tony Elumelu Foundation: Unlocking Africa’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

Donatus eleko

Africa has always been described as a continent with untapped potential. The continent is notable for its rapidly expanding consumer markets as well as its huge youth population. This provides opportunities for start-ups and young Africans who have entrepreneurial spirits to thrive.

Access to finance and mentorship, however, are some of the constraints that confront fledgling entrepreneurs in the region. This is a gap the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has been trying to fill in the past 10 years. The TEF recently announced that applications are now open for its 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes.

The Africa’s leading champion of entrepreneurship application opened January 1, 2025 and would be on till March 1, 2025, and applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their applications well ahead of the deadline.

The 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes is an opportunity for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs across Africa to apply for a chance to receive world-class training, expert mentoring, and non-refundable seed capital funding to scale their businesses.

The Foundation stated that the flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to all entrepreneurs across Africa with innovative business ideas or existing businesses not older than five years.

“This year, there is a special emphasis on businesses leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and green initiatives. Applicants must be at least 18 years old,” it stated.

The programme also opened for the IYBA-WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme.

“Launched by the Tony Elumelu Foundation in partnership with the European Union (EU) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), IYBA-WE4A stands for Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa and is exclusively for women entrepreneurs with green business ideas or existing green businesses in Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, and Togo. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, with businesses not exceeding five years in operation,” it explained on IYBA-WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme.

For the Aguka Ideation Programme, the TEF explained: “The Aguka Ideation Entrepreneurship Programme is a partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, UNDP Rwanda and the Rwandan Ministry of Youths and Arts to support young Rwandan entrepreneurs between 18 -30 with business ideas with a seed capital of $3000, with the aim of nurturing and developing innovative concepts into viable enterprises.”

Applications are to be submitted through TEF’s proprietary digital hub, TEFConnect.

On eligibility, “the programme is open to African entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas or existing businesses not older than five years. Applicants must be at least 18

elumelu

years old.

“To learn more about the TEF’s transformative work and the success of our African entrepreneurs. Applicant can explore: impact report, which highlights the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s achievements and contributions to Africa’s economic growth; African Entrepreneurs’ Success Stories, showcasing the inspiring journeys of Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs and annual reports that offers insights into the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s strategies and outcomes,” it added.

Since the launch of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in 2015, the Foundation has provided up to 2.5 million young Africans with access to training on its digital hub, TEFConnect, and disbursed over $100 million in direct funding to over 21,000 African women and men, who have collectively created over 800,000 direct and indirect jobs, and generated over $4.2 billion in revenue.

Founder of the TEF, Mr. Tony Elumelu, said the organisation has so far lifted over two million individuals out of poverty in Africa. Elumelu disclosed that 2.5 million Africans had accessed training through TEFConnect, an online portal.

The chairman of Heirs Holdings Group made the assertions in his keynote remarks at the Legacy Builders Palm Beach Conference, with theme, “Democratising Luck”, in United

States of America (USA).

He stated that TEF had disbursed more than $100 million in direct funding to over 21,000 beneficiaries, who had created 1.5 million jobs, and generated $4.2 billion in revenue across the continent.

According to Elumelu, young entrepreneurs have the potential to transform the continent. He stressed that in 2015 his foundation committed $100 million to identify, train, and fund the businesses of African entrepreneurs over 10 years.

“Because of that belief that entrepreneurs hold the key to unlocking Africa’s untapped potential. They are the innovators, the dreamers, and the builders who can transform not only their own lives but entire economies,” he added.

Elumelu said his journey in life had been shaped by a combination of luck, opportunity, grit, and resilience.

He stated, “I am where I am today because I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time — I was prepared to seize the moment when luck presented itself. However, I believe luck and opportunity should not be reserved for a select few.

“We cannot claim to be rich when there is pervasive poverty that is evident all around us. This belief has always been guided by a question that fuels my purpose: how do I extend the same opportunity I had to young Africans who have not been as fortunate? How can I democratise luck?”

Elumelu said the youth in Africa inspired him, as they created jobs and eliminated poverty. He said their impact was being felt in their communities and across the continent as they came up with solutions that were transforming Africa.

He said, “My greatest fulfilment comes from the legacy we are building, the lives we are transforming, and the profound impact of what The Tony Elumelu Foundation now represents. However, there is still more to be done. Every young African with a dream should have a fair shot at realising it.

“Democratising luck is not just about finance—it is about knowledge-sharing, about mentorship, about building networks that support and uplift. We must create a continent where young entrepreneurs are not paralysed by systemic barriers, but propelled forward by opportunity. We will bring back hope.

“To those who have achieved success, I say this: we must do more. Become a mentor, an investor, a champion for those who only need a chance. Africa will not rise by chance—it will rise because of deliberate action, because of people who refuse to accept the status quo and choose, instead, to create the future we deserve.

“I am not interested in looking backward – I don’t look at historic causes of our problems – but at the current solutions.

“I invite each of you to explore how you can be part of our mission to drive meaningful and sustainable impact. Together, we can transform the African continent, one entrepreneur at a time.

For Dangote Brands, Quality is the Cutting Edge

raheem akingbolu

Talk of a brand that has endured consistent bashing and de-marketing by competitions and the fifth columnist and the Dangote brand will readily come to mind. In most cases, the Dangote Group is being accused wrongly or being abused for the ‘sin’ of others. It is either as a result of negligence on the part of the government or collective problems of the manufacturing sector. But as a big brand and market leader, the Dangote brand will carry the burden of others.

If it is not about tankers and the condition of Nigeria roads, it will be about the soaring price of cement. Rather than blaming the government for the bad roads, some armchair critics will blame the Dangote group as if the company owns all the heavy duty vehicles in Nigeria. Also, the blame of a manufacturing sector challenge that affects all is also often dropped at the doorstep of the Dangote Group.

Despite all these, one thing that has remained a mystery to even an ardent critic of the brand is that the company has continued to come out of every criticism stronger. According to a survey carried out by this reporter, one major thing that has continued to work in favour of the Dangote brand lies in the quality of each of the products from the stable of the group. It has consistently worked for the Dangote Cement and findings have revealed that it is currently working for Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Several studies have shown that petroleum refinement and production is key to nation building. For local production, the contribution is more because local production not only provides employment to the Nigerian citizens, it also contributes to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and to a reasonable extent conserves scarce foreign reserves which is

constantly being depleted through unnecessary import of crude oil, especially when it can have local production capacity.

Dangote Industries Limited is renowned for the quality of its products across Africa. In all the countries where it operates, Dangote Cement stands out as the best in quality and a key change agent in the domestic market. In the case of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, it entered the Nigerian market with Euro-V quality gasoline and diesel, as well as jet fuel. These products conform to the best global standards hence the demand from other countries.

During a recent engagement with experts on Dangote Petroleum Refinery, it was disclosed that the company operates a modern laboratory where rigorous testing is carried out on the products to ensure conformity to global standards. “That products of global standards roll out of the stable of Dangote Group is a plus to the nation. It gives Nigeria and Nigerians a psychological advantage that products from the nation can meet and surpass global standards. It implies that products from Nigeria can be exported to other countries which will create jobs, bring in foreign exchange and stimulate linkages in the economy.” Odunayo Ogunremi, a certified Petroleum Engineer, Odunayo Ogunremi told THISDAY.

Ogunremi further stated that Nigeria achieved self-sufficiency in supply of refined petroleum products with the coming on stream of Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Meanwhile, according to the company, the refinery has the capacity to meet daily domestic demand for products and still have excess for export. The nation became assured of energy security as the shortages of refined products were curtailed.

However, instead of focusing on meeting domestic energy needs through local refining,

servile public officials preferred to issue import licenses for refined petroleum, thereby sabotaging domestic refineries.

Many observers have described as disheartening, the way these wicked elites adopt unpatriotic business behaviour after gaining a lot from the nation in their youthful days.

An Abuja based businessman, who is also into transport business, Sir Franklin Nweke, who described Dangote Group’s foray into the petroleum sector as a trailblazer. To this end, he has called on stakeholders in the transport sector to rally round the group to frustrate any effort by the company’s traducers to truncate the business. “Many of these leaders who are working against the interest of the masses attended schools via scholarships and are expected to make decisions that will be of benefit to the nation but the reverse is the case. To me, all hands must be on the deck to ensure that a few elites do not kill a brand that would benefit us all,” Nweke stated.

Meanwhile, the quality of Dangote Refinery’s fuel and diesel has been a topic of discussion in recent times. Largely, some drivers, who are the end users of the product, have supported the refinery on quality and fuel’s longevity. Some drivers have noted that the fuel has an impressive burn rate and the company has said that its fuel quality matches that of America.

For the diesel quality, the company has also stated that the quality of its diesel, especially its sulfur content, was as low as 88 parts per million (ppm). From the beginning, Dangote had assured consumers that it aimed at producing diesel with a sulfur content of 10 ppm, which is lower than the 50 ppm cap on West African imports.

Three years ago, the entire Africa continent celebrated with the group when Dangote Cement, the largest cement company in the continent, won the West Africa’s best

quality cement brand of the decade award. The cement manufacturer won the award with its novel Dangote 3X (42.5) brand. The award was organised by the Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria (IBMN).

At the award presentation in Lagos, Dangote Cement was adjudged as Africa’s number one cement by all standards, as the company was said to have contributed tremendously to the infrastructure development not only in Nigeria but Africa as a whole through its offshore business units.

In response to the new award, the Group Chief, Branding & Communication, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Anthony Chiejina, said the Group remains at the forefront of African enterprise and that the brand since inception, has touched the lives of many by providing their needs and empowering the continent of Africa.

Dangote

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Tana Adelana: Living Someone’s Life, Trying to Understand Their Pain, joy, Inspires Me

Award-winning actress and filmmaker, Tana Adelana has won many hearts and continues to do so through her creative streak in acting and television appearances. Tana who has featured in a good number of films tells Ferdinand Ekechukwu about her craft and lifestyle. She also shares her thoughts about the industry. Excerpts

Takeusthroughabitofyour journeyintoacting?

I sort of started as a model and television presenter, so naturally, acting would find its way to creep in. I’ve actually enjoyed it so far so.

Youhaveevolvedasanactress;canyou share with us some of your memorable moments?

I understood early enough that every job is different and you’re only as good as your last job. I honed my craft and worked day in day out to better myself. being the first Nigerian presenter on channel O was definitely memorable and also working as the presenter in Nigeria for Big Brother Africa, hosting Mnet’s Let’s Dance, Peak Talent Show and then winning lovely awards for my work as an actress tops it all.

If you were not in entertainment, whatothercareerpathwouldyouhavetaken?

I do consulting as well as a little bit of real estate. If I didn’t have a thriving career here, I

probably would have focused on these two mentioned above.

Has there been a time you ever thought of quitting acting?

Oh yes! There comes a point in your career when you think or rather feel that you’re not being appreciated and you don’t know what to do anymore. That’s the point; the break or make point. I decided to forge ahead.

What inspires you and what to youisthemostexcitingthingabout acting?

Living someone’s life and trying to understand their pain, joy, happiness and emotional state while telling their story is the most fascinating thing ever! Nature inspires me.

Some of your colleagues have taken to skit-making, would you consider such?

I do not follow trends. I don’t want to do anything stupid but if I find a

good character and storyline, maybe I would.

How have you managed to stay out of scandal/controversy?

Honestly, I don’t even know. I guess it’s because I mind the business that pays me, I don’t have a lot of friends and I stay private.

In what ways has fame changed your lifestyle?

I don’t have that stuck in my head because I want to live a normal and peaceful life.

What’s your view of Nollywood at the moment?

It’s putting the country in places where it ought to have been eons ago! For the first time, it’s all positive news about our great country.

What are some of the changes you crave in the sector?

Major budgets, so at least actors get paid enough, enough to do just 2 jobs in

a year and be financially stable. Whathaveyoubeenworkingonlately? I’ve been on several sets, filming. I’ve also been working on my personal projects.

Ministry of Art, Culture Partners Tikera Africa on Residency Programme

The Federal Ministry of art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative economy, in collaboration with MaDhouse by Tikera africa have announced the launch of the reimagining Hope residency. This transformative program is set to bring together 20 exceptional creatives from across Nigeria for a four-week residency focused on addressing societal challenges and inspiring cultural pride through artistic expression.

The residency, which would feature two streams - in the first and second quarter of 2025, would provide a platform for visual artists (painters, sculptors and digital artists) to engage in structured mentorship, collaborative workshops, and open studio

events.

each participant would create between two to four unique artworks that integrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary societal issues. These pieces would be showcased in government buildings, embassies, and other prominent institutions locally and internationally.

The key highlights of the residency include: Collaboration among creatives from diverse backgrounds to foster unity and shared innovation; Mentorship by cultural leaders and established artists to refine artistic concepts; Workshops and designthinking sessions to inspire co-creation and collaboration; and opportunities for public exhibition and global visibility.

Participants in the residency would also benefit from a fully immersive experience, including access to MADhouse’s state-ofthe-art facilities, shared studio spaces, and

cultural excursions that connect their work to Nigeria’s heritage. The residency aims to highlight the role of creativity as a tool for nation-building while fostering relationships between artists and key stakeholders in the creative economy.

Speaking about the program, Minister of art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa stated, “This partnership underscores the critical role of the creative industry in shaping national identity and addressing societal challenges. by empowering our creatives, we are investing in Nigeria’s future as a cultural and artistic powerhouse.”

Director of Innovation and enterprise at Tikera Africa, Osarume Akenzua explained: “This residency is more than an artistic journey; it is a mission to reimagine how art can build bridges, inspire unity, and catalyse change in the creative economy.

Leading Woman Show Season

after two successful seasons in 2023 and 2024 respectively, The Leading Woman TV Show hosted by the Women in Leadership advancement Network (WILAN) Global, is set for its third season, promising insightful conversations, inspiring stories, and actionable strategies for empowering women.

Season 1 - Election Series - focused on women’s political inclusion, barriers to achieving it, and strategies for addressing these challenges. While season 2 - Governance Series - explored the nuances of leadership, challenged stereotypes, and reaffirmed the importance of gender-balanced leadership,

This season 3 themed “The Policy Series” will premiere across television stations on February 8, 2025, featuring 13 episodes, and building on the success of previous seasons as it continues its mission to reshape perceptions and drive progress toward gender-balanced leadership.

Some of the distinguished guests featured in this new season included the lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Kafilat Ogbara;

Mandate Secretary for Women at the Federal Capital Territory, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, and former governor of Cross-River State,

Speaking during a media chat in Lagos, the founder and Executive Director of WILAN Global, Abosede George-Ogan, offered a sneak preview of the new series.

She said the show was about advocacy for equity and changing the narrative that women cannot hold leadership positions.

She interrogated stereotypical norms, saying “One of the practices that shape the culture of society on what’s acceptable and what not; on what the role of a man should be versus what

3 Premieres

the role of a woman should be. Who defined leadership as a domain for men?”

George-Ogan believes there’s a lot that is not told about the stories of women going by the history of africa where there were female kings. Speaking further she said there’s a lot that has gone into the making of what has become The Leading Woman Show.

“but I wanted to provide this background because there is a lot that is being done in the design thinking of what has become The Leading Woman show. every time you say the leading woman show, you are affirming that women’s leadership could become normal.”

“The Leading Woman Show is more than just a talk show; it’s an attempt to deconstruct social biases, stereotypes, that women are socialised with,” George-Ogan explains. “It has all for everybody including the men as there’s been this misconception of the show to be just for women.”

“WILAN is a non-profit organisation that is focused on promoting women leadership across public, private, sectors of life; giving access to the resources which, and basically everything that women needs to lead, and to succeed,” Communications Lead at WILAN Global, Itunuoluwa Hunga added.

“at Tikera africa, we believe in the transformative power of creativity, and this residency reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of cultural leaders who will reposition africa globally through their creative expressions and enterprises.”

acompelling drama that sheds light on sexual harassment and systemic corruption in Nigerian universities is due to hit cinemas soon.

Starring Sam Dede, Shaffy bello and adunni ade, in the lead, it unravels the hidden realities students face in academic institutions.

The stellar ensemble cast also includes Nobert Young, and Tony Akposheri, whose performances bring depth and authenticity to this thought-provoking narrative.

Produced by Eno Udo, the film tells the story of sex-for-grades scandals at a fictional City university with Teco benson on the directorial seat.

The narrative centres on a lecturer, who faces accusations of sexual harassment from a student. The situation escalates, prompting a female rights activist and head of the department to step in. Her determination to uncover the truth exposes the hidden layers of corruption and secrecy within the university.

Ferdinand ekechukwu

Tana Adelana

Ferdinand ekechukwu

Liyel Imoke.

Ferdinand ekechukwu

George-Ogan

Shaffy Bello, Sam Dede and Adunni Ade, all Cast of ‘red Line’

Sexual Harassment Revisited in RedLine

Soludo’s Pan-Nigerian Disposition as Acclaimed Leadership Model

Christian aburime

National unity is a constant refrain in Nigeria, where ethnic divisions and sectional interests often dominate common political discourse. Yet, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, of Anambra State continues to garner accolades as an exemplar for true national integration. His actions since becoming Governor of Anambra State, particularly in political and civil service appointments, demonstrate a refreshing departure from the parochial politics that has plagued our nation for far too long.

As highlighted by veteran journalist and university don, Tunde Olusunle, in his insightful analysis, revisited Soludo’s appointment of Joachim Achor from Abia State and Adebayo Ojeyinka from Osun State as Permanent Secretaries in Anambra’s Civil Service speaks volumes about his commitment to merit-based leadership. These appointments were not mere tokenism; they emerged from a rigorous selection process that included computer-based examinations, thorough security verification, and personal interviews with the governor himself.

Governor Soludo’s merit-based approach represents more than just administrative decisions; it embodies a philosophical shift in governance.

Just recently, too, the governor appointed Mr Chris Molokwu, who hails from Delta State as Managing Director of the State-owned Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS). This is aside from several other appointments of individuals who are actually not from Anambra State, this writer inclusive.

By looking beyond state boundaries and ethnic considerations, he demonstrates that competence and merit should be the primary criteria for public service. This approach aligns perfectly with global best practices, where talent and capability trump geographical origins.

The governor’s actions remind us of an essential truth:

Soludo

Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. When we tap into our vast pool of human resources without prejudice to ethnic or religious backgrounds, we position ourselves for exponential growth and development. This is particularly relevant in today’s global context, where Nigerian talents are making remarkable strides internationally, as evidenced by the recent recognition of six Nigerian professionals by the U.S. President for their exceptional contributions to science and engineering.

What makes Governor Soludo’s leadership style particularly noteworthy is its timing. In a period when some political leaders still cling to divisive rhetoric and ethnic considerations, his inclusive governance model offers a practical template for national integration. His administration proves that state boundaries need not be barriers to talent acquisition and deployment in public service.

The ripple effects of such leadership extend far beyond Anambra State. By creating an environment where competence is valued over connections, where merit trumps mediocrity, Governor Soludo is setting a precedent that is worthy of emulation. His actions demonstrate that true federalism is not just about resource control or political autonomy; it is about creating systems that allow the best talents to serve wherever their skills are needed most.

While Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of unity and national integration, leaders like Governor Soludo have continued to show us that these challenges are not insurmountable. Through deliberate policies and actions that promote inclusion and merit, we can build a nation where every qualified citizen has an opportunity to serve and contribute to national development, regardless of their state of origin.

Let the message continue to resonate in our ears: Nigeria’s path to greatness lies not in ethnic considerations or geographical divisions but in our ability to harness the diverse talents and capabilities of all our citizens Governor Soludo’s exemplary leadership in Anambra State serves as a practical demonstration of how this can be achieved. It is a model that deserves not just recognition but replication across the nation. Looking ahead, one can only hope that more Nigerian leaders will embrace this progressive approach to governance. For in doing so, we move closer to realizing the dream of a truly united and prosperous Nigeria, where merit and competence are the primary currencies of public service.

Aburime wrote in from Awka

Tinubu: An Uncommon Political Juggernaut

bamidele atoyebi

As political scientists postulated, we humans are all political animals, just as we are social creatures. Whether we play a role in it or not, politics has control over and impacts our lives in countless ways. Policies, government decisions, and instructions affect us every day, either directly or through delegated authorities, some of whom make poorer decisions than others. To think politics does not concern you is to overlook its daily influence. When we refuse to participate in the political process or neglect the politics of our local environment, we miss out in a big way. Growing up as a child born in Lagos and raised in Kwara, I knew this well and understood its importance. Ask anyone born or raised in Kwara, and you will find they are always up-to-date on politics and political issues. The same can be said for people from the North Central, Northeast, and Northwest geopolitical zones, where political awareness is high due to limited activities and opportunities in these areas. Often, people either develop an interest in education or immerse themselves in politics, with education seen as a fifty-fifty chance and politics as a more reliable career choice.

As a young person growing up in Afon, in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara, my main interests were politics, hunting, football, and sometimes school. I did not even know about higher education after secondary school until SS3 because there were few graduates around to mentor us. Farming was another common choice, though to some of

us, it held little appeal. We went to the farm only when necessary, either out of duty or to make a little money for financial stability, a reality faced by many families with limited means in the village.

From my experience studying and observing President Bola Tinubu’s approach to politics, I believe he is the most politically stable, steadfast, committed, and progressive leader in Nigeria’s political space.

Over the years, Tinubu has nurtured and built many top politicians, helping people rise from councilors to local government chairmen, to members of the House of Assembly, to members of the National Assembly, to governors, to ministers, and even to the vice presidency.

His influence was instrumental in President Muhammadu Buhari’s election. Unlike many leaders who limit the potential of those they mentor, Tinubu develops people who exceed expectations, supporting them even if they rise above his achievements.

As long as his mentees are progressive in their policies and actions, Tinubu does not mind if they outshine him. He is a rare breed in politics, always encouraging success and growth for those around him.

As former President Buhari described him, Tinubu is politically steadfast, stable, and possesses an uncommon political ideology. During his second-term election in 2003, Tinubu was the only governor in the southwest who survived President Obasanjo’s political “tsunami” that swept away most AD governors. Where others faltered, his stability and consistency ensured his survival. Tinubu political stability transcends beyond just strategies. It’s also displayed in his daily outfits, most especially his breaking the shackles

design cap, that he’s held on to for more than 30 years. Even when he was still following the likes of Mashood Abiola and co around. This is an absolute commitment to what he believes in. Indeed, he’s not your regular politician.

Let’s look at how he handled his political feud with Babatunde Fashola. Towards the end of the former Governor’s second term, it was said that Fashola had his own prefered candidate as against that of Tinubu. It was noted that when both of them were in the meeting Tinubu never went direct to force his candidate (Ambode) on him. He asked Fashola who do we use, don’t you have someone you’re nurturing to succeed you? Fashola quickly said no and that was the end to that feud.

Also, let’s consider how Governor

Akinwunmi Ambode was handled. When Ambode had committed different political blunder, Tinubu never made it all about himself, he told him to go and talk to the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). It was the GAC that rejected Ambode even while he was sending emissaries to beg Tinubu. GAC is the appex decision maker in Lagos, both for leadership and political matter.

Tinubu had formed GAC long term ago to avoid carrying the burden of the party and leadership matter alone. This is another political strategic leadership you can’t find in any state or among political leaders. Like Moses inlaw advised him to appoint wise men to handle most issues and matter arising among the children of Israel instead of him chesting everything.

Tinubu style of leadership comes with liberalism, natural, with love and camaraderie. His mentees and followers follow him because they know he would sacrifice many things for their progress and success, they trust his sense of judgment and leadership because they know he won’t lead them astray. A gesture you can’t find in many leaders in Nigeria political space.

Tinubu’s political confidence and energy are rare and undeniable. He carries himself with humility and grace, always strategizing, even in his everyday interactions. People may hate, envy, criticize him, frown at some of his political style, but they cannot ignore him. He is, indeed, an uncommon political juggernaut.

Atoyebi is an award-winning philanthropist, criminologist and founder of Bola Ahmed Ideological Group

Tinubu

Factors to Consider Before Taking Business Loans

While money is the soul of business, loans remain one of the available vehicles to propel business ventures. Obtaining loans however may not be the best decision in all cases, given the inherent risks and obligation for responsible borrowing.

A number of reasons, including internal and external such as cash flows, financial management, market and economy, operational challenges, and other loan-related issues add up to contribute to why businesses fall into debt, which in extreme cases go bankrupt or fizzle out.

Reports point out to a growing trend of local businesses filing for insolvency due to mounting debt burdens, while many are struggling to meet loan repayments amidst economic challenges, including inflation and currency fluctuations. This comes with dire consequences not only for lenders, the economy and the borrowers also feel the pinch.

It is thus important that before deciding to take a loan, borrowers should reassess their worthiness, understand the risks associated with debt, and make informed financial decisions.

Here are some key considerations to note before borrowing, as drawn from different resources:

Is loan your best option?

Before seeking a loan, carefully assess whether your financial difficulties stem from a genuine need for capital or simply a cash flow problem. If the latter, explore strategies to improve cash flow, such as incentivising early payments from customers. Furthermore, evaluate if a loan aligns with your business objectives. A comprehensive business plan, which is often a lender’s

requirement, is crucial for determining the necessity and appropriate size of a loan, and for clarifying how it will contribute to business goals.

Research Available Loan Options

Before applying, thoroughly investigate the different types of loans offered by banks and other financial institutions, paying close attention to interest rates and repayment terms. This research will empower small businesses to choose the loan product that best suits their specific requirements.

Check Credit Score and Gather Paper Work Business financial statements, like a

OTH er Bu SIN e SS STO r I e S

current profit and loss statement from the last three fiscal years, a cash flow statement, and your balance sheet. Additionally, personal and business income tax returns for the last three years, ownership and affiliations, including any other business you have a financial interest in and any partners in your business.

Prepare a Robust Business Plan Lenders typically require a solid business plan before approving a loan, so small businesses should prepare a comprehensive plan outlining their current operations, future growth plans, and loan utilisation to demonstrate their repayment ability and increase approval chances.

Choose Right Lender Businesses should carefully select a lender

Ibadan Travel Tourism Expo Announces Date for 2025 Edition

The organisers of Ibadan Travel and Tourism Expo, the unique selling point for destination marketing in Ibadan, have announced 16th and 17th April as dates for the 2025 edition.

According to the statement from the expo coordinators, Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye, the expo which opens at 10a.m. daily, would gather travel and tourism industry stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond in Ibadan, the largest city in the sub-saharan

of Africa, for the second Ibadan travel and tourism expo with the theme, ‘Enhancing Sustainable Tourism for Social and Economic Transformation’.

The two-day international platform which features activities such as tourism roundtable panel discussion, exhibition, networking and awards would take place at De Signature Tower, Jericho, Ibadan, Oyo State.

It will bring together buyers, customers, airlines, travel tech, travel and tourism service providers, hospitality value chain, wildlife and ecotourism, media , financial

institutions and others

ITTE coordinators further said, “Following the success of the 1st edition in 2024, attendees can expect a bigger and better event for the general public as we hope to showcase 30 exhibitors within the travel and tourism sphere. Many partners and brands are coming on board for the 2025 edition.

“The Expo is an open event and serves as a platform to connect with industry players, giving the needed market exposure of products and services to the target audience and industry decision makers,” they concluded.

Davido Partners GAC on Valentine Promo

In the spirit of love and luxury, Afrobeats sensation, Davido and GAC Motor Nigeria have launched a special Valentine’s Day offer this February.

With the partnership, customers can enjoy an exclusive deal when they order using a special promo code. This timed offer has been described as the perfect opportunity for many to own and ride the powerful GS8 at an unbeatable price.

Known for his musical prowess and weighty discography, Davido has enjoyed a great deal of

success in his illustrious career. From sold-out shows to number-one singles and albums on charts down to several admirable results he has truly earned his place as one of the greatest musical acts in the last decade across Africa and beyond.

He has also secured major endorsement deals with both local and international brands, leveraging his strong personal brand, credibility, and massive influence to drive visibility and consumer trust. With his image and reputation closely aligned with these brands, they benefit from increased recognition, engagement, and market expansion. His association not only enhances their current appeal but also ensures

LG Scales Up CSR at UNIBEN with Solar Borehole

Manufacturer of consumer electronics, LG electronics has taken a significant step towards sustainable development in Nigeria by donating first ever solar-powered borehole to the University of Benin’s (UNIBEN).

The corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of the organisation would serve the institution with clean and uninterrupted water, while reducing its

reliance on the national grid and associated costs.

Speaking at the inauguration of the project witnessed by key stakeholders, Corporate Marketing Manager of LG electronics Nigeria, Mr. Paul Mba, stated that the investment was in furtherance of the company’s dedication to sustainable growth, community development and environmental conservation.

a sustainable and profitable future, making him a valuable asset in the world of brand partnerships.

As announced on his Instagram Page a few days ago he is partnering with GAC Motors Nigeria to offer an interesting deal this Valentine. He shared in his post that, “BIG NEWS, 001 Gang! I’m super excited to partner with GAC Motor to bring you the All-New GS8 SUV-a ride that’s all about power, luxury, and top-tier performance! And because it’s the month of love, l’ve got something special for my fans! Use my exclusive promo code “DavidoGAC” when you order, and enjoy a MIND-BLOWING DISCOUNT this February!”

Initiative Tackles Work Stress with Couples’ Dinner

The Executive Director of QR Luxury Event, Olori Aderonke Erinle has stressed a growing need for stress relief and relationship maintenance, amid the daily struggle for livelihood. Erinle, maintained that this was crucial to boost overall wellness, productivity as well as economic health. She explained that it was for this reason that a forthcoming programme ‘Spice it Up’ was designed to enable

that meets their specific needs by researching and comparing loan products, interest rates, repayment terms, reputation, customer service, and lenders’ experience in supporting small businesses.

Understand Total Cost

A comprehensive understanding of loan costs is essential. Beyond the principal, borrowers must consider all associated expenses, such as interest, potential penalties, management fees, and any other hidden charges, as these can substantially impact the overall cost of borrowing.

Understand Interest Type

This can significantly impact a total loan cost. Simple interest is calculated only on the original loan amount, whereas compound interest is calculated on both the original amount and accumulated interest, potentially leading to a substantial increase in long-term loan costs.

Measure Default Consequences

Before committing to a loan, understand the consequences of defaulting on payments, including penalty fees and other potential issues that can arise from missing principal or interest payments to avoid unexpected complications.

Understand Collateral Release Terms

Review the process for reclaiming your pledged asset once the loan is fully repaid, ensuring you understand the terms before finalising the loan agreement.

Finally, before signing a loan agreement, prospective borrowers should consult a financial advisor, lawyer, or accountant to review the contract and determine the optimal borrowing amount and timeline.

FG Advised on Tech-Driven Solutions to Tackle Resource Shortage

An expert in accounting and financial development, Prof. Godwin Emmanuel Oyedokun has urged the Nigerian government to leverage disruptive technology to address growing challenge of resource scarcity.

Oyedokun while speaking at the University of Benin International Conference, recently, emphasised the transformative potential of these innovations to solve global issues, including climate change, and social inequality.

According to him, optimising these tools, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), however, requires that strong accountability frameworks are in place.

“Disruptive technologies have the potential to revolutionise industries by improving efficiency, inclusivity, and transparency,” he maintained.

Oyedokun went further to highlight how blockchain technology could bolster financial transparency and supply chain accountability, adding that AI and big data analytics can be relied on for seamless decision-making in both governance and corporate settings.

“IoT enables real-time environmental monitoring, which is crucial for sustainability efforts. By integrating these technologies into governance and business practices, we can significantly reduce corruption, improve regulatory compliance, and build public trust,” he added.

couples unwind, bond and stay refreshed to become more productive for self and family, while contributing meaningfully to the economy.

The convener of the initiative further reiterated that the event slated for February 14, 2025, would be an evening of soulful music, and intimate moments, leaving couples to return to their personal and professional lives feeling refreshed and reconnected.

Acknowledging the challenges associated with these technologies, such as job displacement, ethical concerns, data security risks, and digital divide, Oyedokun called for inclusive innovation, regulatory reforms, and skill development to mitigate these risks.

“We must bridge the existing digital divide and ensure that technological advancements do not deepen existing inequalities. Policymakers, businesses, and civil society must collaborate to create an equitable and sustainable digital landscape,” he said. He further recommended stronger regulatory frameworks, ethical AI development, and investments in green technologies to ensure that disruptive innovations align with sustainability goals and social responsibility.

Bamking Hall

Charles Ajunwa

Tosin Clegg

Kayode Stephen: There is Increasing Demand to Deepen Financial Inclusion in Rural Areas

Managing Director of Transkredit Finance, one of Nigeria’s leading credit businesses, Kayode Stephen says Nigeria’s credit system has transitioned from being bank-dominated to a more diversified, inclusive framework. He lists drivers of this to include digitisation, regulatory reforms, and fintech innovations, such as micro-loans and open banking regulations, which have enhanced financial inclusion and improved credit assessment. oluchi Chibuzor brings the excerpts:

How has the credit landscape in Nigeria evolved over the years?

Nigeria’s credit landscape has evolved remarkably over the years, transitioning from a system once dominated by major banks to a more diversified and inclusive framework. This transformation has been driven by increased digitisation, regulatory reforms, and the rise of financial technology (fintech) firms. The advent of micro-loans has been particularly impactful, enabling a broader segment of Nigerians, including those in rural areas, to access credit facilities. This development has significantly advanced financial inclusion by bringing underserved populations into the formal financial ecosystem. Moreover, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) enforcement of open banking regulations has further revolutionised the credit market. By enhancing transparency in borrowers’ financial data, open banking has empowered financial institutions to assess creditworthiness more effectively and offer tailored credit solutions.

What are the major challenges facing the credit environment in Nigeria?

Nigeria’s credit environment faces a myriad of challenges shaped by economic, infrastructural, and regulatory factors. One of the primary hurdles is limited financial inclusion, as a significant portion (32%) of the population remains unbanked or underbanked, particularly in rural areas. This restricts access to credit facilities and excludes many from the formal financial system. Additionally, high-interest rates pose a significant barrier for individuals and businesses seeking credit. The elevated cost of borrowing, often influenced by macroeconomic instability and high inflation, discourages loan uptake and hampers economic growth. The high interest rate and economic volatility have also impacted non-performing loan ratios, currently at 4.12 percent, hereby eroding lender confidence. In the same vein, Nigeria also grapples with weak credit infrastructure, including inadequate credit reporting systems, limited access to

reliable financial data, and insufficient credit bureaus, making it difficult for lenders to assess creditworthiness effectively. This lack of infrastructure contributes to inefficiencies in the credit market, increasing the risks associated with lending.

What impact does inflation and current high rate have on credit demand and repayment?

Inflation, which peaked at 34.80 percent in December 2024, has a double-edged effect on credit. First, it reduces purchasing power, which can cause lower demand for credit as consumers tend to prioritize essential expenses. On the other hand, rising operational costs and declining profit margins can affect borrowers’ ability to repay loans. The high rate is influenced by the heightened Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), which is designed to curb inflation, but it concurrently raises the barrier to affordable credit. This discourages borrowing for business expansion, especially for MSMEs.

To what extent has fintech reshaped the credit ecosystem in Nigeria?

Financial technology (fintech) is addressing gaps in traditional banking by leveraging data analytics and alternative credit scoring models to assess risk. Several fintechs in the credit space have been able to drive faster loan disbursements without requiring collateral. Essentially, fintechs are at the forefront of financial inclusion and credit penetration, they al-

low easy access to credit and provide flexible repayment options.

To what extent is the adoption of ESG principles shaping credit allocation and decision- making in Nigeria?

There is a growing focus on sustainable finance, with investors and lenders placing greater emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in their credit decision-making processes. The adoption of ESG principles is increasingly shaping credit allocation and decision-making in Nigeria, driven by a combination of global trends, regulatory frameworks, and market demand. Financial institutions in Nigeria are starting to prioritise credit allocation to projects that align with ESG principles, and it appears that will be one of the major drivers of credit allocation going forward.

What strategies can banks and other key players in the credit market adopt to improve credit penetration in 2025?

The credit landscape is an intricate one, to effectively manage risk and maximise returns, players in the credit space must embrace innovative practices while upholding regulatory and ethical guidelines. To improve credit penetration, players in the credit space must leverage technology in their process and develop alternative credit scoring models away from the traditional credit scoring methods which is prevalent in banks. This method often excludes many potential borrowers, a data-driven approach tends to be more inclusive.

What role does the CBN have to play in improving credit access in Nigeria?

The CBN is the primary regulator in the Nigerian credit space and is responsible for formulating policies that guides operators in the credit market. Developing flexible policies and regulatory standards to cater for smaller financial institutions who are unable meet up with certain standard can help increase credit penetration and access. Also, consistent and firm enforcement of policies and regulation will help level the playing field where all borrowers have equal access to credit.

Would you say opportunities exist for foreign investors in Nigeria’s credit market?

Nigeria’s large unbanked and underbanked population presents a vast opportunity for foreign investors to play in the credit market. There is an increasing demand to deepen financial inclusion, especially in rural areas, foreign investors can partner with local players to offer credit solutions targeting rural areas. MSMEs account for over 90 percent of businesses in Nigeria but face significant credit access challenges. This provides a lucrative opening for foreign investors to provide credit in the Nigerian market. Sustainable (green) financing is another segment of the Nigerian economy that can be tapped into by foreign investors.

What emerging trends and factors should be expected to drive the credit industry in 2025?

Fintechs have been instrumental in leveraging digitalisation to expand access to credit, particularly in underserved and unbanked areas. By integrating technology into financial services, these firms have revolutionised lending through innovative solutions such as blockchain technology and peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms, which are becoming key drivers in the credit market.

L-r; Certified Nurses, James Damilare Taiwo; Detoun Omoba; Sholeye Oluwadarasimi; board certified endocrinologist, Dr ajulo; Chairman NurTW bariga, Mr. Temidayo Odutola; Mental/emotional Health Specialist, abidemi a Popoola; Certified Nurses, Sariyu Olajumoke; Olamide esther; and board member, a2Z Health Services, Mr. Gybolar Sarumo at the concluded health drive for the NurTW held at the state headquarters, Oko-Oba agege in Lagos…yesterday PHOTO SuNDay aDIGuN

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola having a hand Shake with Primate elijah ayodele Founder of INrI evangelical Spiritual Church during Courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police at the Lagos Command Headquarters in Lagos..... recently

L-r: Co-Founding Partner, T & a Legal, Mr. Seyi adisa; Partner, T & a Legal, Mrs. Gbemisola Mosuro: Managing Partner, T & a Legal, Mr. ayobami Tunde and Former First Lady, Oyo State, Mrs. Florence ajimobi during the 15 years anniversary dinner of T & a Legal held at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos on Saturday PHOTO SuNDay aDIGuN

Stephen

The ChUMMIeS

Hyundai Motor Redefines EV Mobility with IONIQ 9 Electric SUV

Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled IONIQ 9, a three-row, all-electric SuV with expansive interior space that fuses cutting-edge design and innovative electric vehicle (eV) technology.

IONIQ 9 was unveiled at the iconic Goldstein House in La, a celebrated example of midcentury modern architecture. This unique venue reflects Hyundai Motor’s vision of positioning its IONIQ lineup as a symbol of innovation and progress in the eV market, underscoring its leadership in electrification and the company’s target to offer a full lineup of 23 eV models by 2030. Following IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, both triple winners at the World Car of the year awards in 2022 and 2023 respectively, IONIQ 9 will build on this legacy of electrification excellence. according to the automaker, the World Premiere event opened with a keynote speech by José Muñoz, the President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company. Following the unveiling of IONIQ 9, the event featured a terrace talk session exploring the Hyundai brand and IONIQ 9’s design and space, while an exhibition zone showcased the development journey of IONIQ 9.

The statement said, “IONIQ 9 is an appealing new choice for customers seeking a three-row eV that can accommodate up to seven occupants. It provides impressive space and features that cater to individual needs while offering a sense of togetherness — it is truly ‘Built to Belong’. IONIQ 9 is designed to meet the needs of consumers who are hyper-connected but also value space, privacy and relaxation.”

IONIQ 9 embodies Hyundai Motor’s unwavering commitment and confidence in electrification. Based on Hyundai Motor Group’s acclaimed electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), IONIQ 9 offers outstanding interior space, providing customers with unique value while solidifying our leadership in the global eV market,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CeO of Hyundai Motor Company

Serene, spacious interior provides an unparalleled EV experience

IONIQ 9 offers superior roominess with ample second- and third-row space, providing

an exceptional experience for occupants. Its interior design is characterized by elliptical elements and calming tones to create a loungelike atmosphere. This provides a serene and natural feel, especially when immersed in natural light from the Panoramic Sunroof.

IONIQ 9’s flat floor accommodates seating arrangements for six or seven occupants. The Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows can fully recline and offer a leg rest for optimal comfort, allowing up to four people to rest during vehicle charging depending on the configuration. IONIQ 9 also boasts 1,899 mm of headroom and 2,050 mm of legroom, when second and third rows are combined.

IONIQ 9’s Relaxation Seats feature Hyundai Motor’s first Dynamic Body Care system 6, including a Dynamic Touch Massage function. This system uses pressure and vibration to stimulate blood flow and circulation, reducing fatigue on long drives.

IONIQ 9 also introduces second-row Swiveling Seats, allowing the second- and third-row occupants to face each other when the vehicle

is stationary. This flexible configuration feature enhances interaction and communication among passengers, adding another way to enjoy the vehicle’s unique space.

The SUV’s slidable Universal Island 2.0 console provides an impressive level of storage and delivers a walk-through front-row seating arrangement, enhancing accessibility and convenience. The bidirectional armrests can be opened from the front and rear allowing easy access to the console from the second row. universal Island 2.0 can be moved by up to 190 mm, allowing passengers in the second row to access it easily. The console also provides 5.6 liters of storage in the upper tray, as well as 12.6 liters of storage in the lower sliding tray.

With the third-row seats folded flat, the trunk can accommodate up to 1,323 liters of luggage, while with all three rows in place IONIQ 9 offers up to 620 liters of luggage room.8 Additionally, the front trunk offers a maximum volume of 88 liters for RWD models and 52 liters for AWD models.

Volkswagen Celebrates 50 Years of Polo at Bremen Classic Motorshow

The Volkswagen Polo, a versatile small car for everyone, has been delighting people for 50 years. With more than 20 million units sold worldwide, it is a true success model, according to a statement by the automaker.

To kick off the 2025 anniversary year, Volkswagen presented a duo from the first generation- a Polo L from 1975 and a hill climb Polo from 1977- at the bremen Classic Motorshow in Germany from January 31 to February 2, 2025.

The Volkswagen Classic team selected the two special models from the first Polo generation for the vintage and modern classic car exhibition in northern Germany. The Polo L from 1975 represents the beginnings of the small car from Wolfsburg. Small, functional and with a pared-down design, the model in Oceanic blue shows how the foundation was laid for the success story of the Polo, which was only 3.50 metres long at the time. With a 0.9-litre engine and an output of 29 kW (40 PS), the Polo with a weight of just 685 kilograms boasts a top speed of 132 km/h. The more upscale, optional L equipment gave the Polo the insignia of a certain luxury – with side trim strips, two-speed blower and carpet. In addition, with its large boot lid and folding rear bench seat, the Polo L could be loaded with a generous 900 litres. “Small size. Large space” was how the sales literature described it at the time. “a solid, reliable and economical Volkswagen, with space for four people and a modern, water-cooled drive system” – a concept that would prove itself. Quality,

Volkswagen polo l from 1975 and a hill climb polo from 1977

innovative spirit, versatility, comfort and economy have characterised all six model generations of the Polo right up to the present day – making it a national and international bestseller with 20 million units sold.

The anniversary model will be accompanied by an athlete: the hill climb Polo from 1977 impressively demonstrates the model’s sporty DNA. The wider and lowered motorsport vehicle was used as a race car for around 20

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil

Top 5 synthetic motor oil FAQs

Is synthetic oil better than conventional oil? Should I consider changing from conventional oil to synthetic oil? What’s the real difference between full synthetic, synthetic blend and conventional oil?

5. Is synthetic oil better for my engine than conventional oil?

yes, synthetic oil is better for your engine than conventional oil. although conventional oil (i.e., mineral oil) can provide adequate lubrication performance, it can’t compete with the overall engine performance and protection provided by synthetics.

Synthetics use higher quality base oils as compared to the less-refined base oils used in conventional oils which makes conventional oils:

Less chemically stable

Oxidize and acidify more easily

Quicker to break down and lose protective qualities

Overall, full synthetic oils provide better engine performance and protection than conventional and synthetic blend motor oils. Mobil 1™ advanced full synthetic motor oils are specially formulated with a tailored additive system that provides additional performance benefits above and beyond those found with conventional and synthetic blend oils by:

Combating sludge and deposit buildup reducing wear

Protecting against high temperatures

Controlling oil breakdown

So all of the chemistry that starts in a lab really makes a big difference on the road.

4. What are the advantages of synthetic oil over conventional oil?

Synthetic oils are created through complex processes, including being chemically developed from petrochemicals, to have the exact molecular qualities needed for a specific application. These processes remove impurities from the crude oil and enable individual molecules to be tailored to the demands of modern engines. These customized molecules in synthetic oils provide higher levels of performance and protection than conventional oils.

So how do synthetic oils outperform conventional oils? by offering greater engine wear protection engine parts are in constant contact with each other and moving at high speeds. In the extreme environment of your engine, components can wear and break down. your motor oil is the only protective barrier between these components. as conventional and synthetic blend oils break down, typically, their ability to prevent engine wear diminishes. But Mobil 1 full synthetic oils retain their wear protection properties for a much longer time, helping to increase engine life by keeping important engine parts in excellent condition for 250,000 miles.*

*Total engine miles. Tested in vehicles primarily in city and highway driving conditions with respective product recommended oil change intervals.

By keeping your engine cleaner as oil circulates through your engine, it can pick up deposits. Over time, conventional oils can form sludge, which can reduce your engine’s efficiency and, ultimately, reduce the life of your engine. Mobil 1 full synthetic oils contain fewer impurities compared to conventional and synthetic blend oils and can better resist the formation of sludge and deposits in your engine. If your engine already has sludge, Mobil 1 motor oils clean up virtually all engine sludge in just one oil change.

By flowing better in low temperatures

years. after around two years of restoration, the overhauled model raced again for the first time in 2022 at the Osnabrück hill climb race as part of the International Hill Climb Cup. The one-off model based on a Polo I in bali Green with a capacity of 1,300 ccm impressed with an output of 81 kW (110 PS) and a top speed of approx. 150 km/h. It was also equipped with a shorter gear ratio and a safety-relevant rollover cage for use in racing.

When your vehicle is not being driven, the oil settles. but when you fire up the ignition, it begins flowing through critical engine parts to protect against friction. Conventional and synthetic blend oils take more time until they are able to flow smoothly through the engine. During cold winter months, or if you live in an extremely cold environment, this flow process takes even longer. (Source:Mobil)

Hyundai IoNIQ 9

STILL ON THE SOLID MINERALS SECTOR

through the development of a roadmap on Nigeria’s critical value chain from extraction to beneficiation. It is to be funded by the Global Council for Critical Minerals, as one of many low hanging fruits secured for the sector in recent times.

The study, which will examine the country’s critical minerals resource/reserve and set international best practices for value development, will be carried out by UC Davis and supported by Core International. The point to note here is that we are likely to walk away with the cheery news of both the upgrading and upscaling of actionable information on what the sector has to offer to the nation and the world.

This brings us to the submission we made about this sector here a few weeks ago. That was shortly after the ban on solid minerals exploration and exploitation in Zamfara state was lifted by the federal Government. The lifting of the ban came after more than five years of zero mining and exploration activities. A “no fly and no go” zone was also imposed on the area, with miners, mining sites and environs grounded since 2019. The ban was predicated on the perceived security and humanitarian concerns of the Buhari government, as the entire Zamfara axis boiled over continuously during the period.

One fact was clear before and after the ban was lifted: The activities of illegal miners, bandits and other miscreants continued unchallenged. It even got much worse. What was initially conceived as a temporary solution to an obviously big problem thus took on a life of its own. As was stated in the article, titled “Alake and Matters Arising in the Mining sector”, the lifting of the ban was “apparently based on new, intelligence-driven, and better-coordinated, security operations that led to the progressive and visible elimination

of major leaders of criminal gangs and leaders of bandit groups”.

It was in the national interest to lift the ban, because of the expected and obvious gains to be derived from a reactivation of mining, and related, activities in the Zamfara axis. That the nation has now secured a UN agency study facility for critical minerals in Nigeria is because there is a mining sector to talk about. It would not have happened if the initial step of lifting the ban on mining activities did not take place.

The question of development of a roadmap on Nigeria’s critical value chain, from extraction to beneficiation, would not have arisen if the mining sites were still shut down. Nor would there have been any talk about the funding of such an endeavour by the Global Council for Critical Minerals, but for the lifting of that ban.

The UN agency study that is now poised to examine the country’s critical mineral resources and reserves, in order to recalibrate for the better and more sustainable international best practices for value development, will be carried out by UC Davis and supported by Core International. The point to note here is that we are looking at both the upgrading and upscaling of actionable information on what the sector has to offer. It means that there is a mining sector that is worthy of such attention right now.

Going back to what was said here back then: “While the ban lasted, the miners who were officially and formally granted lease by the mining cadastral office to carry out mining activities had to hands off, and stay off, the area. While these duly recognized miners were held in abeyance by the ban and the law, the space they left unmanned was taken over by non-state actors like bandits and illegal miners. The proceeds of these

AFRICA WITHOUT BEGGING BOWLS

sent to an Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group, the Trump administration said.

The documents further revealed that the USAID sent millions of dollars to countries for LGBT groups and their activism. These included, $1.5 million to promote LGBT advocacy in Jamaica, $2 million to promote LGBT equality through entrepreneurship in Latin America, $3.9 million for LGBT causes in the Western Balkans, $5.5 million for LGBT activism in Uganda, $6 million for advancing LGBT issues in priority countries around the world, and $6.3 million for men who have sex with men in South Africa. Weighing in on the matter, billionaire Elon Musk, whom Trump put in charge of a new pseudo-government office tasked with cutting waste, wrote on X a few days ago, “We spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper,” calling the agency a “radical-left political psy op” and “a criminal organisation.” Musk further said it was “time for it to die.”

While there are reports that show that Africa may be affected more by this decision to temporarily cut the flow of foreign aid, since the region got more than $6.5 billion in humanitarian assistance last year, the fact remains that most of these monies end up in private pockets or bank accounts. Critics argue that foreign aid has over the years failed to deliver sustainable development, has even perpetuated dependency and hindered progress in the region. Reports also indicate that foreign aid over the years has been fueling corruption and has made the region poorer with very little impact. There are also allegations that some portions of aid the continent receives yearly are used in financing wars and terrorism. Over-reliance on aid, to a large extent, has discouraged local initiatives as some individuals and governments in the continent divert resources from their intended purposes. Furthermore, aid most times comes with conditions that

questionable mining activities were going into the pockets of individuals, especially bandits. Marauders and sundry socially disruptive stakeholders were also the beneficiaries.

The massive quantities of gold, lithium, copper and other associated minerals in the state were thus being mined during the period of the ban, but not in the interest of the nation or its treasury. The positive security mileage that would have come from the ban, as well as the good intentions behind it, were nowhere to be seen. Instead, the ban unintentionally opened the space for unlawful activities that worsened the security problems in the area”.

The Presidential Artisanal Gold Miners Initiative (PAGMI) under president Buhari, which was designed to bring the unlicensed fringe actors in the sector within a regulated umbrella, did not successfully block the obvious revenue and resource leakages. The renaming of illegal miners, as well as the setting up of a presidential initiative to make the best of them, did not still bring most of them within the Standard Regulatory Environment (SRE) and framework established for the sector.

We called for a review of PAGMI last year, demanding timelines for the full integration and streamlining of all miners. This must be realized quickly or industry cohesion. Yes, mining activities are back in Zamfara with a security tax force, known as the Mine Police or Mining Marshal Police. But more still needs to be done, so that the expected improvements in government revenue materializes in real terms and with minimal hiccups.

It is obvious that the UN agency intervention keys into the spirit of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Nigeria signed with France on training and capacity building for mining professionals. Such further technical

do not align with local priorities, beliefs or culture.

Dambisa Moyo, author of ‘Dead Aid,’ argues aggressively that even though western countries have pumped trillion dollars into Africa over the last half-century there is almost nothing to show for it. To her, aid isn’t just ineffective, it is counterproductive as it creates dependencies, props up bad governments, discourages transparency, undermines local enterprise, reduces incentives to save, and stunts growth.

“It’s time to stop pretending that the aid-based development model currently in place will generate sustained economic

and financial capacity support can only lead to the further development of the sector.

This backs up the point made here in the aforementioned article, thus: “Ours is a nation endowed with substantial solid, liquid and gaseous mineral deposits, for which extant internal capacities are not enough. It is only through clear-eyed technical partnerships, technological support, security of the operating environment and reforms and guaranteed regulatory compliance that the sector can be taken to greater heights”.

As the ministry is fleshing out the full capacities of the mining sector again, after a season of partly ill-advised hibernation under Buhari, it should be taken to new levels of impact. All the talk about increased revenue and economic diversification of the Nigerian economy will be nothing but smoke, for as long as we do not do the needful in a holistic manner. The policies, the partnerships, the funding and international collaborations are needed to get us to where we ought to be in the mining sector.

To make the best of the UN agency intervention, which is coming after the MOU with the French, we must have the following, as was observed here before:| “(1) Availability and accessibility of high-quality geological data. (2) Popularization of the National Integrated Mineral Exploration Project (NIMEP). (3) Improvements in critical infrastructure. (4) The leveraging of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). (5) Review of existing incentives frameworks. (6) Disaggregating and evaluating fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to ascertain to what extent they are competitive and aligned with investor expectations and global industry practices”.

In sum, this is the sector to look at for much more than forex earnings; while agriculture is recovering from years of merciless denudation.

are you crying? It’s not your country, he has no reason to give you anything, you don’t pay taxes in America. This is a wake-up call for you to say, ok, what are we going to do to help ourselves?” the former president said.

He also challenged the leaders to use Africa’s resources for the right purposes and support Africans in living a comfortable life.

Also, President of African School of Governance and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, argues that the aid-industrial complex had “helped under-develop Africa in cahoots with many clueless leaders on the continent by promoting a culture of dependency and destroying African agencies,” even as he sympathised with the families that the “complex has kept afloat.”

“But I say to Africa: Now is your time to rise! Find your own way in the world! Necessity is often the mother of invention. I have long been skeptical of the notion that development can be “international”. It is in reality always a homegrown process everywhere it has been achieved. The phrase “international development is an oxymoron.”

growth in the world’s poorest countries,” she writes. “It will not. The answer then, is to break the aid cycle.”

“Africa is addicted to aid,” she writes. “It is no longer part of the potential solution, it’s part of the problem – in fact, aid is the problem.”

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, also criticised African leaders who have been complaining after Trump temporarily withdrew aid to the continent. Kenyatta challenged African leaders to stop crying foul and instead rethink ways to secure funds to facilitate their needs.

“I saw some people crying the other day that Trump has withdrawn aid. Why

Clearly, this development is expected to compel African leaders examine themselves and use the continent’s abundant natural resources and human capital to propel economic expansion. It promotes selfreliance, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Africa is at a pivotal point in time. This is the best time for African leaders to think outside the box and find alternatives to sustain development programmes on the continent. Depending on foreign handouts is no longer viable. African leaders must learn to effectively channel their resources for the right purpose and fashion out economic programmes that are self-sufficient so as to wean the continent off aid dependence. Africa should be seen as a partner and not as a beggar.

Tinubu

Arrest For, Not ‘Over’

THE NATION of January 27 lied while defending our freedom: “…the six governors seemed to have taken the bull by the horn.” Truth: horns.

“Eight arrested in Bauchi over (for) attempt to bomb church”

“To assume a wider role, the Euro will have to first of all flourish in (on) the continent and survive….”

“The sensible caveat placed at the onset (outset) is now hunting or is it hurting the Euro?” There is a world of difference between ‘onset’ and ‘outset’.

“Those at the forefront in ECOWAS should start by doing the little things first before going for the big bang.” ‘Bang’ does not need any amplification as it is already a loud sound.

“The Igbo cultural war dancers at (on) the occasion”

“Wade’s tenure extension chicanery was an affront on (to) the Senegalese 2001 Constitution….”

“Contrary to what Sanusi may want us to see, critical (a critical) analysis of his activities show (shows) a resourceful….”

“…enlightened and superior intelligence with regards to public or political questions.” Another form of intellectual violence: with regard to or as regards.

“Nigeria, China trade hit (hits) $10b”

“Investment into power without right tariff difficult—NERC” Business: investment in (into) power….

“The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) said on Tuesday that the fate of banks are now in the hands of their shareholders.” No commercialese: the fate of banks is (not are).

“The testimony of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former CSO to late General Sani Abacha….” A fox and his bagful of yarns: former CSO

to the late General Sani Abacha.

“The corporation said it is (was) determined to protect depositors by all means.”

“Food crop production has declined rapidly and this is largely attributable to soil despoilation….” Frequent oil spills in the Niger Delta axis: despoliation.

“Money speaks, we will interprete” Spell-check: interpret.

“Anxiety over Nnamdi Kanu’s health hightens” This way: heightens.

“He said the taking over of these banks by AMCON will (would) not….” (Source: as above) Yet another Business English (commercialese)!

“The boys who were to kill us started fighting themselves” This way: The boys fought one another (not themselves). Except, of course, they were on a suicide mission!

“English Premiership kicks-off in grand style August” This is incongruent with flagship journalism: inclusion of hyphen in phrasal verbs!

“Banks nationalization: Accusing fingers point at regulators” A rewrite: Banks’ (take note of the apostrophe) nationalization: The finger points at regulators

“Adanma who is based in the United States and works as a medical personnel….” (Source: as above) ‘Personnel’ is a collective noun and cannot function as used. Get it right: a medical official, employee, worker, service provider, assistant, hand…

“President Bola Tinubu has warned that forceful takeover of power through coup d’etats will no longer be tolerated….” Conscience, nurtured by truth: coups d’ etat.

“Otti mourns late Hausa leader” The

governor couldn’t have mourned someone who was alive! So, he mourns Hausa leader.

“Veteran golfers converge at Ikeja club” Let’s go golfing as we converge on Ikeja Club.

“…even foreigners who should ordinarily be living in utmost circumspection have the effrontory and confidence to dupe Nigerians and even kill them.” No lexical quackery: effrontery.

“We shudder to imagine how many of these foreigners are involved in various forms of criminality which the lax security system of the state have (has) permitted.”

“He will do it well, but if you give it to a mediocre….” People and Power: a mediocrity or mediocrist. ‘Mediocre’ is an adjective.

“FRSC records 180 causalities in Kogi” Spell-check: casualties.

“Customs seize N25bn goods” Customs seizes.

“She argued that a pact such as is being advocated for by the lawmakers amounted to Nigeria’s re-orientation.” Remove ‘for’.

“I searched in vain for the Ministry of Defence and, unless the text I had was defective, it was conspicuously absent.” ‘Absence’ does not require any qualification. Simply, it was absent.

“His Excellency…Ambassador Extraordinary (Extraordinaire) and Plenipotentiary….”

“In fact, the situation has degenerated from that of epileptic power supply down to that of complete blackout which in most cases lasts from weeks to months.” ‘Blackout’ does not need any modifier—it means total extinction or concealment of lights.

“The reasons range from power generation limitation to the use of overaged (overage), antiquated and arsenic hydro-terminal plants and so many others too numerous to mention.” Agreed that ‘overage’ means ‘too old’ (used mostly for human beings), but for contextu-

Born to Shine: Saluting Our February Stars

This piece was originally published on 4 March, 2023, amid the heated aftermath of Nigeria’s general elections. At the time, the political noise all but drowned out the celebrations of some of our finest creative minds. Now, in 2025, as February rolls on once again, it feels only right to revisit and refresh this tribute to the remarkable stars born in the month of love. After all, diamonds deserve to shine - regardless of how much dust politics tries to kick up.

taIWo aJaI-LYCEtt, oon

A name as grand as her talent, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett has been a force in Nigerian and British theatre since the ‘70s and ‘80s. Even now, in her mid 80s, she’s still as passionate about acting as she was when she made her debut in 1967 at London’s Royal Court Theatre. Talk about consistency!

Her resilience became legendary in 1993 when, moments before stepping on stage, she received the devastating news of her husband’s passing. Instead of breaking down, she delivered a performance so powerful it became a reference point for professional commitment. That kind of dedication is rarer than a Lagos driver using a turn signal.

Her credentials read like a theatre lover’s dream - trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, a member of the British Actors Equity Union, and a performer at the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival. Even Conor Cruise O’Brien, not exactly known for dishing out free compliments, was awestruck by her ability to convey intense grief in Murderous Angels (1971), writing: “Rarely has an actor done so much for a part with so little help from the author.” In other words, she turned a bit role into a showstopper.

Ajai-Lycett has left her mark on British television (Some Mothers Do ‘Av ‘Em, Crown Court, General Hospital, Angels) and Nigerian classics (Winds Against My Soul, For Better for Worse, The Honourable, Eyo Fancy, The Young Ones, The Mansion). Of course, her film debut was in A Warm December (1978) alongside Sidney Poitier, because when you start big, you start big. Now 84, she’s showing no signs of slowing down - maybe just

pacing herself for the next act.

oMotoLa JaLaDE-EkEInDE, MFr

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde stormed Nollywood in the mid-90s like a diva born for the spotlight. At just 17, she glided into Venom of Justice (1995) with the ease of a veteran, but it was her unforgettable lead in Mortal Inheritance (1996) that truly announced her arrival. Playing a sickle cell warrior, she delivered a gripping performance that won her Best Lead Actress at the Reel Awards in 1997 - at just 19! That’s the kind of youthful achievement that makes some wonder what they were doing at 19 (likely just figuring out JAMB).

Fast forward 30 years, and she’s gone from wide-eyed debutante to seasoned queen of the screen, amassing over 300 films (allegedly) under her belt. If that number seems excessive, just remember that Nollywood actors have a work ethic that makes marathon runners look like slackers. She turned 47 on 7th of February, and if history is anything to go by, she’s far from done.

alization and language grasp, ‘obsolete’ (for inanimate things) should have been it.

“Many people have lost their household properties as a result of uncontrolled power voltage.” Time to remove the immunity of PHCN: property (not properties) in this context.

“The consensus of opinion in the country today.…” Despite the pockets of debate on what some learner’s dictionaries say, I insist on consensus (without opinion, which is optional anyway).

“It is also an open secret that a cabal of highly placed sacred cows holds the fuel distribution process in the country to ransome. “ Spell-check: ransom.

“Council chairmen and legislators at the council, state and federal levels would also later be sworn-in (sworn in) for the take off (take-off) of the Ninth Republic.” Again, phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation.

“The Yorubas, Igbos and even Northern minorities have grudges….” English is no politics: the Yoruba, the Igbo and the Northern minorities.

“Except round pegs are put in round holes, the nation will be the looser (loser) for it.”

“It is arguable if the current spate of advancement (advancements) recorded in the area of….”

“Thank God he is concerned at (about/for/ over/in—depending on context—never at) the security situation.”

“There were other ministers in the last dispensation who performed creditably well, but who were not re-appointed.” Get it right: ministers who performed creditably or well. ‘Creditably well’ is an over-kill. Both cannot co-function.

GLorIa anoZIE-YounG

Fresh from her studies abroad in 1984, Gloria Ijeoma Anozie had a burning desire to tell stories. She started as a journalist with Daily Times, cutting her teeth on the energy beat (because nothing says excitement like power sector reporting). She then moved to Poise magazine, freelanced for Quality, and became part of the pioneering team at Classique, working with the iconic May Ellen Ezekiel.

But fate, and perhaps mischief, led her into the orbit of Charles “Charly Boy” Oputa, a man known for turning television into an unpredictable circus. Together, they created The Charly Boy Show, a whirlwind of satire, music, and sheer chaos that Nigerians couldn’t get enough of in the ‘90s.

Her biggest breakthrough came with Glamour Girls (1994/1995), the film that turned heads, ruffled feathers, and redefined bold storytelling in Nollywood. She also became the familiar face in that unforgettable analgesic TV commercial - proof that sometimes, even pain relief can be dramatic. Now happily married to star method actor, Norbert Young, she turned 58 on 4th of February, still radiating the same vibrant energy that marked her early career.

DESM on D ELLI ot

Before politics lured him into the trenches of legislative debate, Desmond Oluwashola Elliot was one of Nollywood’s golden boys. He came in through television, with roles in Everyday People, One Too Much, and Saints and Sinners. Then, from 2004 to 2007, he practically lived on film sets, churning out roles at a rate that made one question if he had a twin working overtime. The numbers are staggering - over 200 movies in four years! That’s not just acting; that’s an assembly line.

By 2008, he had cooled down to a more ‘reasonable’ 15 movies per year. And while politics has since absorbed much of his time, at 51 (4 February), he’s still got the charm and chops for a grand return to the big screen.

Given how Nollywood loves a good comeback,

who knows what’s next?

othEr FEbruarY CELEbrantS

Beyond the headliners, we send warm wishes to:

Tiwa Savage (5 February, 1978) - Queen of Afrobeats and unofficial Minister of Vibes.

Foluke Daramola (15 February, 1978) - Actress, producer, and advocate for social causes.

Adesuwa Etomi (22 February, 1988) - The epitome of grace and effortless talent.

Osita “Pawpaw” Iheme (20 February, 1982)Half of Nollywood’s most inimitable comedic duo. Fathia “Balogun” Williams (5 February, 1969) - A youngish veteran still dazzling the industry.

Korede Bello (29 February, 1996) - If you still hum “God...win”, you understand his impact. Malaika (15 February, 1973) - Fuji star and party-starter extraordinaire.

rEMEMbErInG thE LEGEnDS

We also pause to honor the memories of our dearly departed stars:

Bukky Ajayi (2 February, 1934) - A matriarch of the screen.

Francis Agu (18 February, 1965) - Gone too soon but never forgotten.

Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (9 February, 1948) - The godfather of Fuji music.

Geraldo Pino (10 February, 1939) - A pioneer in African funk.

Orlando Owoh (14 February, 1932) - A highlife legend for the ages.

With the digital age making information fluid, some birthdates may be slightly off the mark. If anyone feels misrepresented, kindly direct corrections to the relevant Wikipedia editors - after all, even history needs updates. Regardless of any chronological hiccups, one fact remains unchanged: these February-born stars are a gift to the world. To the living, we wish continued success; to the departed, we salute your lasting legacies. Felicitations!

Ajai-Lycett

GLOBAL SOCCER

e mmanuel Dennis Targets e agles r eturn with Blackburn

Since making his debut for the Super Eagles in September 2019 as an 82nd-minute substitute for Samuel Chukwueze,Emmanuel Dennis has not really asserted himself with the Nigerian senior team.What would have been his major breakthrough to the three-time African champions was the 2021AFCON but his then club,Watford,refused to release him on the ground that the Nigeria Football Federation,NFF,failed to ask for his release on time. His last major involvement was being part of the Nigerian squad that lost on away goals rule with an aggregate score-line of 1–1 to the Black Stars of Ghana in the third round of the 2022 FIFAWorld Cup qualifier.With his recent move to Blackburn Rovers,Dennis would be hoping to relaunch his football career to international relevance

In their quest at gaining promotion to the Premier League, EFL Championship side, Blackburn Rovers have secured the signing of Nigerian forward, Emmanuel Dennis on loan from Nottingham Forest. Blackburn Rovers in an official statement confirmed Dennis’ arrival on their website on deadline day of the winter transfer season.

Dennis struggled for game time at Nottingham Forest and will now look to revive his career in the EFL Championship.

With Blackburn sitting fifth on the table and chasing promotion, the Nigerian forward is expected to play a key role in their attacking setup.

Dennis will be hoping to rediscover the form that made him a standout at Club Brugge and Watford, with an eye on breaking back into the Super Eagles squad.

The deadline day signing has indeed assured fans that exciting moments await after joining the club on loan from Nottingham Forest for the remainder of the season.

The Nigerian international, who became Rovers’ sixth signing of the January transfer window, is eager to make an impact and entertain supporters

at Ewood Park.

The 27-year-old forward, who boasts experience in the Champions League, Premier League, and Championship, strengthens John Eustace’s attacking options as Rovers continue their push for a play-off spot.

Speaking to RoversTV, Dennis expressed his enthusiasm about the move and his desire to contribute to the team’s success.

“Rovers are in a very good position and the team plays good football, so I hope I can add a bit of something to the team for us to have a good time together,” he said.

Dennis, known for his flair and technical ability, emphasised that he is not just focused on scoring goals but also on bringing entertainment to the pitch.

“Goals are no problem, but I also like having fun, showing tricks, nutmegs and exciting the fans, because that’s what they come to the stadium to see,” he added.

“They come for fun, some happy moments and victories.”

The Nigerian forward acknowledged the dedication of fans who brave the cold to watch their team and vowed to give them something memorable in return.

“People come from home to sit in the cold and watch us play, so you have to give them something,” he stated.

Dennis, who has previously played for clubs such as Watford, Club Brugge, and Köln, is eager to bring his experience and energy to Blackburn’s promotion bid.

He believes his style of play will connect well with the fans and create an enjoyable atmosphere.

“I’m a happy guy, I’m always happy and it’s a good feeling when I’m scoring goals. I’m excited to go out there in front of the fans and they’re going to have a good time with me!” he concluded.

Meanwhile, former England and Nottingham Forest midfielder, Carlton Lloyd Palmer, has backed Dennis to succeed at Blackburn Rovers.

The 27-year-old was alienated at Nottingham Forest, and has not featured for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side since the start of the season.

Carlton, who’s been a fan of the forgotten Nottingham Forest forward since when he was a young budding talent, claimed Blackburn have made a quality deal by signing a player of Dennis’ stature.

“Brilliant news for John Eustace, who is having a fantastic season as manager of Blackburn Rovers and they’re going nicely in the race for a play-off place in the Championship. They’ve managed to beat the likes of Watford and Sheffield Wednesday, which I was really surprised

about, to the signature of Emmanuel Dennis on loan from Nottingham Forest.

“Dennis spent part of last season on loan at Watford, so I fancied him to head back there, but Eustace has secured his signing. He’s a very good signing at this level. The only problem you’ve got at this moment is he hasn’t had any game time at Forest, it made sense for him to move on. He hasn’t played any football, so it’s going to take him a little bit of time to get up to speed,” the former Leeds United midfielder said in quotes revealed by Football League World.

Additionally, Palmer played up Dennis’ versatility as a key feature that’ll be vital to Blackburn’s promotion charge as the season goes on.

“He can play up front and he can play on the flanks so it’s a massive signing, a real signal of intent from Blackburn in their quest to secure a play-off place. I think he could make the difference if he can get up to speed, they’ve just got to be careful in how they integrate him into the squad, but if he can get up to speed, he’s a good striker and will guarantee goals in the Championship.

“Good business by Blackburn, and it’s something they’ve needed – an injection of pace and trickery, and a guarantee of goals. He knows where the back of the net is and he knows it at this level, so a very good bit of business,” the 59-year-old concluded.

It, however, remains to be seen if all Dennis vowed to give to Blackburn Rovers would be enough to get him back to the Super Eagles which he last appeared for in April 2024.

The 27-year-old becomes the fourth Super Eagles player to wear Blackburn’s colours after Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Dickson Etuhu, and Hope Akpan had earlier played at Ewood Park.

emmanuel Dennis celebrates perhaps his best moment in football as his two goals for Club Brugge in the Champions League silenced Santiago Bernabeu fans

Chelle Opens Doors to Akpom, Tella as Super Eagles Prepare for Rwanda

Super Eagles Malian Coach, Eric Chelle is set to make bold changes as he leads the threetime African champions in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Malian coach, tasked with revitalising the Super Eagles, has pledged to select players based on merit rather than reputation.

This shift could open doors for the likes of Chuba Akpom, Nathan Tella, and Chrisantus Uche, three players excelling in Europe but overlooked in

previous call-ups. Akpom has enjoyed a resurgence, starring for Middlesbrough and Ajax before his recent move to Lille. Tella, who could win his first club goal award, is making an impact at Bayer Leverkusen. At the same time, Uche has emerged as one of La Liga’s standout talents. However, none has featured in Nigeria’s recent AFCON or World Cup qualifiers. Instead, past selections

Tight Bond Amongst Super Eagles Players Could Inspire AFCON 2025 Victory, Says Iwobi

Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder, Alex Chuka Iwobi, has revealed the tight-knit bond amongst the Super Eagles players, stating that it could play a huge role as they aim for AFCON 2025 victory.

Iwobi has been ever present for Fulham this season, recording his best season in the English top flight so far with seven goals and three assists.

Away from the English Premier League, the former Arsenal man has his gaze

fixed on a gold medal when the AFCON 2025 tournament comes to an end in Morocco.

Speaking in an interview with Chinasa Anukam on the Is This Seat Taken show, Iwobi shared his favourite moment from Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 outing in Ivory Coast, playing up the team’s camaraderie.

“My favourite moment from AFCON 2023 was beating South Africa on penalties. Our goalkeeper (Nwabali), that’s my guy. We’re one big family, we

have included injured or out-of-form players and club benchwarmers, a factor contributing to Nigeria’s poor World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles remain winless after four matches, sitting fifth in Group C behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho.

With only the group winners securing an automatic spot at the tournament, Chelle faces a daunting task to reignite Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

don’t like having big egos, and we’re all as good as each other. Obviously, we’ve got people nominated for Africa’s best, but we’re trying to be Africa’s best team. That’s how we see it,” the former Everton man said.

Iwobi was a part of the Super Eagles team that claimed bronze in the AFCON 2019 and was part of the team that won silver in Ivory Coast last year and is gunning for a gold or nothing in the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.

“We want to win the AFCON, we were so close in the last one, and I want to win the next one,” the 28-year-old concluded.

Amidst Super Eagles Call-up, Ugochukwu Snubs Nigeria for France

Chelsea loanee, Lesley Ugochukwu, has made a decision on his international future amid reports in the local media that he has been included in Eric Chelle’s first provisional squad as Super Eagles head coach.

Ugochukwu is the nephew of former Super Eagles central defender and 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist Onyekachi Apam.

The report suggested that the Nigeria Football Federation are racing against time for Chelsea duo Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka to

switch their allegiance from France and England respectively to Nigeria.

Reports confirmed that Ugochukwu is still loyal to France at this very moment and has no immediate plans to apply for a nationality switch.

As a result, the Southampton midfielder will not be available for selection in the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda’s Wasps and Zimbabwe’s Warriors in March 2025.

Born in Rennes to Nigerian parents, Ugochukwu has rep-

resented his country of birth at U18, U19, U20, U21 and U23 level.

The 20-year-old became provisionally cap-tied to France after making his competitive debut for their youth team in a European U19 Championship qualifier against Kazakhstan in November 2022.

Lesley hopes to earn a place in France’s senior squad in the near future, making it a challenging task for the Nigeria Football Federation to persuade him to switch his allegiance to Nigeria.

Akwa Ibom Ready to Host Niger Delta Sports Festival, Says Gov Eno

The maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival has received a major boost with an assurance by the Akwa Ibom State Government of its readiness to host.

The State Governor, Pastor Umoh Eno, gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, led by the Managing Director, Dr Sam Ogbuku, and accompanied by the Executive Director, Sector Directors, and the Project Consultants, Dunamis Icon, to brief

the Governor on the objectives for instituting the multi-sports competition and plans for its successful realisation.

Thanking the NDDC for initiating the festival and choosing Akwa Ibom State as host of the maiden edition, Gov Enoh said the visit by the NDDC shows it’s seriousness on the project.

“We thank you for the privilege to host. Your visit shows your seriousness, and there is no way we will reject it.

“The festival will promote

LSSTF Hands Over Olympics-size Swimming Pool at Rowe Park

The Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF), on Thursday, officially handed over a newly reconstructed 250-seater capacity Olympic-size swimming pool, a warm-up pool, two tennis courts, one basketball court, one volleyball court and one handball court, at the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba. This development is part of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to improve sports infrastructure and create better opportunities for athletes and

The Lagos State Government has concluded plans with Circuits of Africa to develop a premier Formula l-standard race track in the state.

This initiative aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of global motorsport events while driving economic growth and elevating the country’s profile on the international stage.

The state-of-the-art facility will set a new benchmark for motorsport infrastructure in Africa offering the most advanced and highest-grade

The 2024/25 FA Cup continues this weekend with thrilling fourth-round matchups. Brighton & Hove Albion will today welcome Chelsea to the AMEX Stadium in what promises to be a cracking encounter as the Seagulls seek redemption after suffering an embarrassing 7-0 Premier

The first secondary institution in Nigeria, CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, will on Thursday, February 13, hold its annual inter-house sports festival in commemoration of the school’s 166th Founder’s Day celebration at the school sports ground.

the unity in our diversity and also help the local economy through the various commercial activities, from patronage of hotels, food, transportation and other things involved.

“We will set up a small committee to work with you to deliver the event. We look forward to welcoming the Niger Delta, and together, we will have a good time.”

young sports enthusiasts.

Speaking at the event on Thursday, the Commissioner for YouthandSocialDevelopment,Bolaji Ogunlende, on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the government’sdedicationtoproviding world-class sports facilities in line with the THEMES+ Agenda. He stated that the newly upgraded facilities would help develop grassroots sports and provide a training ground for athletes and students across the state.

racing conditions on the continent.

Plans for the race track facility were disclosed during a high-level meeting in Lagos, Wednesday, to formalise agreement for the project between Circuits of Africa’s CEO, Siu-Anne MarieGill, and key stakeholders from the Lagos State Government.

Officials of the state government include Mr. Sam Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development,

League defeat at Nottingham Forest last weekend. Customers can stream the action live on their mobile device courtesy Showmax.

The renovation project at Rowe Park includes several key upgrades, such as a new Olympic-size swimming pool, warm-up/training pool, two tennis courts, one basketball court, one volleyball court, and one handball court.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed deep appreciation to Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, who is the Platinum Donor, for his generous donation of N200 million towards the project.

Mr Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, and Mr. Ayokunnu Adesina, Surveyor General of Lagos State, amongst other state functionaries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, CEO of Circuits of Africa, Siu-Anne Marie Gill, said, “This project transcends motorsport. It’s about driving economic development, expanding infrastructure, and stimulating a new wave of talent in Africa.

In the other fourth-round fixtures, Manchester City travel to League One side, Leyton Orient. The match is at 1:15 pm today. With the Premier League title slipping out of City’s grasp, the FA Cup is a viable opportunity for silverware this season. Tomorrow, Liverpool will take on Championship side Plymouth Argyle at 4 pm and Aston Villa will square up against Tottenham Hotspurs at Villa Park at 6:35 pm.

On the availability of required sports facilities, the governor expressed pleasure that successive administrations in the state have contributed to the stock. CMS Grammar School Holds Annual Inter-house Sports February 13

Eight houses, which are Stanley House (Brown), Crowther House (Red), Gordon House (Blue), Babington Macauley House (Green), Kale House (White), Wilberforce House (Yellow), Living Stone House (Orange) and Oluwole House (Purple), would be competing for honours.

According to the organisers, some of the events have already been decided and these are; discuss, volleyball, basketball, scrabble, chess, long jump, javelin, football, table tennis and swimming.

Some of the events that

would be competed for on the final day include, the traditional match past, 100m junior and senior, 400m junior and senior, 800m, 1x100m relay, junior and senior, 4 x 400 relay, junior and senior, duathlon, tug of war, amongst others.

In a chat with the principal of the school, Reverend Jacob Ayokunle Ogunyinka, he said this year’s edition of the school’s inter-house sports is so significant in that students were allowed to participate in as many events as possible.

“Our students have been allowed to participate in many of the events and they have been able to showcase their talents. And we strongly believe that with some of the efforts put in by some of the students and the return time by some of them in the tracks, they would go on to represent the states and even the country

in international competitions such as the All African Games, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics,” Ogunyinka said. The Reverend, who is the 27th Principal of CMS Grammar School, indeed charged parents and guardians to come in their numbers and cheer their wards.

The day would be Chaired by the former Director of Planning Monitoring, and Information of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Peter Nelson, who is an old boy of CMS Grammar School.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Bolaji Ogunlende, reading Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s address during LSSTF handing over the newly constructed Olympics-size swimming pool at rowe park, Yaba

Super eagles in training

principal CMS Grammar School, The reverend Jacob Ogunyinka

Brighton Seek Redemption against Chelsea Live on Showmax

Lagos Partners African Circuits to Build Formula 1 Race Track

WORLD CUP QUALI F IER

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Shehu Sani to House of Reps Members

“While many states are dependent on federal allocation for their survival, the House of Representatives proposal for 31 states is ironic and comical. Politicians just want to carve out mini colonies for themselves” – Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, faulted the proposed creation of 31 additional states besides the country’s 36 existing states.

Still on the Solid Minerals Sector

When, last week, Senator Adams Oshiomhole bombed the National Assembly with bold and well publicized claims about who was looting the nation’s mineral resources, I realized that it was time to take up the next leg of my planned series of conversations about the solid minerals sector and its likely impact on the economic future and fortunes of the Nigerian State. For the record, there are three major factors that kindled, and are likely to sustain, any conversations one wishes to hold here about the solid minerals sector in Nigeria.

The first is that the sector is one of the quickest routes to alternative, high-volume national earnings in foreign currency; once it is very well managed. The second is that the new measures being put in place to revamp the sector are coming on well. The third, and very significantly, is the need to deal with the frequently re-echoed claims about the plundering of the nation’s solid mineral output by a cartel of powerful individuals. This last point puts new pressures on the

government of the day, to deal with the matter once and for all.

Regarding the first point, it is fairly obvious that solid minerals hold great prospects for increased forex earnings and that,

notwithstanding the potentials of Agriculture as a strong competitor, our current security challenges diminish the capacity of the agricultural sector to make the needed impact. The needed comprehensive development, strategic regulation and holistic management of the mining sector is the only way of putting its actual capacities for impact on national earnings, job creation and overall increase in national productivity on the table.

Two related events occurred last week, in connection with the sector. The first was the aforementioned Bombshell of Oshiomhole, wherein he claimed that there were two distinct laws guiding solid mineral exploitation in Nigeria, among other allegations. The second was the securing of a UN agency study facility for critical minerals in Nigeria.

The first point, that Oshiomhole’s intervention, is not a new claim or story. There were also some (hushed) and even more elaborate details when some of us went on study tour, to look at the economic potentials of the Zamfara State during governor Yari’s tenure. Oshiomhole only voiced a subsisting perception, and claim, that is at least 30 years old.

It is not a matter that I would like to dwell upon at the moment, because it is probably best to take it together with the twin economic sins of oil bunkering and illegal refineries. They are northern and southern equivalents of the same elite-facilitated malfeasance and would be taken together some other time for full treatment.

Concerning illegal refineries, a perfunctory check will show you that the Federal Government has destroyed at least 300 illegal refineries in the last ten years alone. Why? What is the total land area of the entire South South, that it should house so many refineries? Why did the number of illegal refineries drop close to zero in Rivers State, when then Governor Wike threatened to sack every Local Government Chairman in whose domain an illegal refinery was found? This was addressed on this page on January 2022, under the title, “Governors, Just Look at Wike”.

As for the securing of a UN agency study facility for critical minerals in Nigeria, the point to note here is that this will help the sector,

President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order that temporarily froze almost all United States foreign aid programmes to Africa and other developing and underdeveloped continents has sent shockwaves across the world.

While there is panic and uncertainty in Africa’s massive aid industry with some, mostly promoters of non-governmental organisations that are beneficiaries viewing the decision as a setback, there have been excitement from ordinary citizens who say stopping the US aid flow will enable the region shed its dependence on foreign aid and chart a new course.

No doubt, across Africa - from bombedout Sudanese cities grappling with cholera, malaria, and measles - to Congo where millions of people are already displaced and where outbreaks of mpox virus had been declared a global health emergency,

to Kenyan clinics, Mauritanian refugee camps, HIV patients in South Africa and insecurity-ravaged and malaria-infested citizens in some parts of Nigeria, among other countries on the continent, the US aid ban will have profound consequences for the most vulnerable people as the world awaits Trump’s further directive on the policy.

As part of his “America First,” Trump signed executive orders on the day of his inauguration, including a 90-day freeze on foreign aid spending. The freeze also affected current foreign assistance programmes, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

USAID was set up in 1961 to administer humanitarian aid programmes on behalf of the US government. It is by far the largest humanitarian and development arm of the US government. It employs not less than

10,000 people, two-thirds of whom work overseas, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Through USAID, the US spent $68 billion on international aid in 2023. The vast majority of the humanitarian agency’s money is spent in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Ukraine.

Justifying the rationale for its action, the Trump administration, maintained that USAID and other aid programmes had over the years been wasting money and needed to be aligned with the policy priorities of the present government.

The US government also revealed details of how USAID funded “ridiculous” projects over the years. For instance, the documents showed that USAID spent $500 million to solve sectarian violence in Israel, just 10 days before the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas that killed at least 1,200 people. It also gave $5 million to EcoHealth Alliance - one of the key NGOs funding bat virus research at the Wuhan lab in China. At least $10 million worth of USAID-funded meals were

Price: N400

Oshiomhole

Trump