FRIDAY 5TH JANUARY 2024

KPMG: Exit of GSK, P&G, Others Reducing Investors’ Confidence in Nigeria’s Economy Says nation’s huge infrastructure gap requires $14.2bn annual investment over 10 years

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja World renowned audit, tax and advisory services firm,

KPMG, yesterday, said the exit of major companies that had operated in Nigeria for years was contributing to the

waning investors’ confidence in the country. The firm stated this in its “flashnotes” on the recent capital importation

report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which it tagged, “Light Not Yet at the End of the Tunnel for Foreign

in Q2, 2023, to continuing negative market sentiments

Capital?”

It attributed the drop in capital importation to Nigeria in Q3, 2023, after an initial rise

Continued on page 5

Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ Grosses N1bn,First of Its Kind in Nollywood... Page 35 Friday, January 5, 2024 Vol 28. No 10495. Price: N400

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To Consolidate Himself in Power, Fubara Reaches Out to Allies in Unlikely Quarters Visits Diri in country home, Mbata too Ex-speaker withdraws suit against Amaewhule-led Assembly Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt In

an

apparent

bid

to

consolidate himself in power, Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has begun to reach out to politicians within and outside the

state, aligning and realigning forces, whose association he thinks can help him navigate the maze of political crisis produced by the recent faceoff

with his political godfather, Nyesom Wike.

Fubara, yesterday, visited his nearest neighbour, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye

Diri, and Senator Azuta Mbata from Rivers State, to seek further unity between the two states.

In a related development,

which signalled the advancement of the peace Continued on page 5

EFCC Investigates Scores of Top Companies over FX Allocations in 10Years Former minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq writes agency over failure to honour invitation Suspended NSIPA boss, Halima Shehu, reports second day for further interrogation

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is conducting a comprehensive review and investigation into foreign exchange (FX) utilisation in the last 10 years, which involves scores of leading companies in the country that may have benefited from FX allocation from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The target companies include: Dangote Group, TGI, and Flour Mills, among several others.

The development might not be unconnected with the investigation over arbitrary FX allocations.

Clearly, none of the companies was said to have committed any infractions, as Continued on page 5

FUBARA CREEPS OUT OF WIKE'S SHADOWS...

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara (left), and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, during Fubara’s visit to Diri’s Sampou country home in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area... yesterday

FG: Power Firms Short of $2.5bn of Capital to Improve Electricity Supply... Page 5

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FG: Power Firms Short of $2.5bn of Capital to Improve Electricity Supply Emmanuel Addeh with agency report The federal government has stated that Nigerian electricity companies are short of an estimated N2trillion or about $2.5 billion in capital to improve power supply to Nigerians.

A report by Bloomberg yesterday also said that the industry would require new investors to revive the industry that can barely supply power to its 200 million residents.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, said the companies are over-leveraged and undercapitalised, which has limited their capacity to invest in distributing electricity to households.

Inadequate pricing, patchy revenue collection and a dilapidated national grid have left most residents in Africa’s most populated nation to produce their own power using noisy generators.

In Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, for instance, the grid delivers only 1,000 megawatts to the city of 25 million people. By contrast, Shanghai, with roughly the same population, supplies more than 30,000 megawatts at peak demand, Bloomberg said.

“We need to set policies that facilitate reorganisation and recapitalisation and bring in new partners with new capital,” the adviser said, but without providing a date or more details for the plan.

Tinubu pledged on January 1 to improve electricity supply in the West African nation. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, thereafter followed up with a statement, stressing that the new roadmap for the sector was ready.

Adelabu noted that in recognising the critical role of electricity in economic growth, the initial three months of his assumption of office focused on diagnosis, stakeholder

Olu Verheijen consultation, and strategy formulation.

With a well-documented implementation plan now in place, he added that it is now time to take decisive action.

“Our primary focus is enhancing distribution and transmission infrastructure to minimise technical and commercial losses. The lack of liquidity continues to be

a significant challenge in the electricity market.

“We are currently reviewing the implementation process of a cost-reflective tariff, while government will continue to subsidise power supply to those that are vulnerable in our society,” he added.

But the recapitalisation, Bloomberg reported, will accompany plans to make electricity tariffs cost-reflective, which will improve the liquidity and viability of the power sector, according to Verheijen.

While the country privatised generation and distribution in 2013, tariffs are set by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), a government-controlled body.

Power firms aren’t allowed to charge enough to recover the cost of distributing electricity, with the government paying the difference as a subsidy to companies in the sector.

Without a tariff review, weakness in the naira — which

slumped 50 per cent against the dollar last year — and accelerating inflation could push energy subsidies to N1.6 trillion this year from 600 billion naira in 2023, according to the regulator.

“With the current tight fiscal space, government’s ability to cover this shortfall is challenged,” Verheijen said.

“These issues have exacerbated the financial-liquidity challenges in the sector,” she added.

Only 4,000 megawatts of Nigeria’s 13,000 megawatts of installed capacity for electricity generation are distributed to homes and businesses.

In contrast, South Africa — with a population that’s a third the size of Nigeria’s and whose economy was crippled by almost-daily power cuts last year — has about 52,000 megawatts of capacity, three quarters of which comes from a debt-riddled state-owned utility running aged plants, the report stressed.

TO CONSOLIDATE HIMSELF IN POWER, FUBARA REACHES OUT TO ALLIES IN UNLIKELY QUARTERS process in Rivers State, the former factional Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, withdrew his suit filed before the State High Court, seeking to stop the Martin Amaewhule-led faction from sitting and carrying out legislative functions.

During the visit to Diri, Fubara said he was willing to work with him to achieve a peaceful settlement of issues concerning property jointly

owned by both states that were pending in courts.

Towards the end of his tenure as Rivers State governor, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wike, and Diri had feuded the jointly own property.

Amid the dispute, Wike had ordered the demolition of a Bayelsa-owned property in Port Harcourt, and claimed it was unkempt.

However, Fubara expressed

his strong desire for mutual cooperation, when he paid a New Year’s visit to Diri at his country home in Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Fubara said he visited Diri with some prominent leaders from Rivers State to underscore the importance of the unification meeting.

He said the meeting aimed to open a new chapter in

efforts to renew brotherhood between the two sister states and avoid attempts to allow administrative boundary issues to create animosity between them.

He stated, “The purpose of my presence today is not a mere visit, but a reunification meeting. Our visit is to let our brother know that we want to work together for a common purpose and the development of both states.

KPMG: EXIT OF GSK, P&G, OTHERS REDUCING INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE IN NIGERIA’S ECONOMY on the country, despite initial reforms being viewed positively.

The need for macroeconomic stability, the negative interest rate environment, wide FX gap with low and declining forex reserves, the global firm said, were also partly responsible for the waning investors’ confidence in the Nigerian economy.

It listed others as the need for greater clarity with respect to monetary and fiscal direction as well as various negative news, including the exit of multinational companies, like GlaxoSmithKline and Procter & Gambles (P&G) from the country.

KPMG stated these companies had now discontinued onground operations and adopted import and distributor-led business models.

According to the firm, the recent reclassifications of Nigeria from frontier markets to standalone and lower markets by two external investment bodies, FTSE Russell and MSCI, respectively, have also dampened external sentiments.

KPMG further stated that Nigeria would require to invest at least $14.2 billion annually, spanning the next 10 years, to close the country’s huge infrastructure gap, which is currently estimated at 40 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Nigeria’s huge infrastructure gap estimated at 40 per cent of GDP requires a sustained expenditure of $14.2 billion annually or 12 per cent of its annual GDP consistently over the next 10 years,” KPMG added in the note.

It explained that the fact that trade credit, loans and related forms of capital inflows now overly dominated capital importation was a concern, given their short-term nature.

Additionally, the report stated that portfolio investment, which includes investments in financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, and other securities, had also been on the decline since Q1

, 2023, from $649.28 million to $87.11 million in Q3 2023, exposing the economy to risks of foreign exchange illiquidity and currency depreciation.

According to the firm, it is also mounting pressure on consumer price inflation, reducing purchasing power, resulting in slower economic growth of 3.75 per cent target for 2024, lower job creation, especially from persistent reduction in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and overall macroeconomic instability.

“It also makes the economy more vulnerable to global economic shocks which is especially concerning given the current global poly-crisis.

Furthermore, reduced foreign capital inflows limits access to much needed external funding for infrastructure projects,” KPMG added.

It said foreign investment often brought advanced technologies, expertise and knowledge that could be shared with local industries, leading to improved productivity and competitiveness and other development initiatives.

Without this, the audit firm noted that the cost of doing business, and attractiveness of investment opportunities would worsen and further hinder the country’s ability to compete globally.

It stated, “Despite the well-recognised potential of the Nigerian environment, investors are, nevertheless, reluctant to invest or remain in a country where they anticipate challenges related to infrastructure, logistics, connectivity, and operational efficiency.

“Investors seek stability and predictability in the business environment, and the lack thereof hampers capital inflows.

“Therefore, there is an urgent need to reverse this trend and restore investors’ confidence in the Nigerian economy by intensifying ongoing efforts to create a stable and enabling

macroeconomic environment. “(Also there’s the need for) implementing consistent and investorfriendly policies, improving infrastructure, strengthening the competitiveness of macroeconomic fundamentals, and eliminating structural and regulatory bottlenecks impeding the inflow and outflow of capital.”

KPMG stated that restoration of investors’ confidence in the Nigerian economy required concerted efforts from the Nigerian government and relevant stakeholders.

But on the positive side, it stated that declining foreign inflow might promote selfsufficiency by reducing the reliance on foreign capital and encouraging the development of Nigeria’s own resources.

It said it might also lead to exploring alternative sources of financing, such as domestic savings and capital markets, and foster local entrepreneurship.

The firm stated, “It is nevertheless important for Nigeria to strike a balance between attracting foreign capital and promoting domestic development through policies that encourage foreign investment while also fostering

a conducive environment for local businesses to thrive.”

According to the report published by the NBS earlier, total capital imported into Nigeria in Q3,2023 stood at $654.65 million, representing a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 36.45 per cent from the $1.03 billion recorded in Q2, 2023 and a 43.55 per cent year-onyear decline from $1.16 billion recorded in the previous year.

Further disaggregation revealed that other investments, which included trade credits, loans, currency deposits dominated inflows accounted for 77.56 per cent of the total capital imported in Q3, 2023.

Portfolio investments, which had been the largest contributor to capital importation for the past six years with an average contribution of 62.18 per cent annually, accounted for 13.31 per cent of capital importation in Q3, 2023 and 29.93 per cent in 2023.

On the other hand, FDI remained the least contributor to capital importation, accounting for 9.13 per cent of total capital importation valued at $59.77 million in Q3, 2023, representing a decrease of 30.52 per cent from $86.03 million in Q2, 2023.

“We have a lot of things in Rivers State that are jointly owned by both states. I know we have not had this kind of meeting before, but we desire that from this particular moment, whatever the issues are, let us look for a way to settle them amicably so that we can forge ahead.

“I have always said that we cannot attain development in the face of crisis. We cannot help one another in a situation of anarchy. Peace is the major ingredient for development.”

Fubara commended Diri and the people of Bayelsa State for their show of solidarity with his administration during the political crisis that erupted in the state recently. He told Diri that if he accepted the brotherly handshake extended to him, then he would not sneeze in isolation because they would be stronger together as they forged ahead as one people.

The Rivers State governor acknowledged the fatherly role played by President Bola Tinubu, when he mediated in the political crisis.

He reiterated his commitment to continue to support the Tinubu administration because if there was no peace in Rivers, the national economy would surely suffer.

In his speech, Diri thanked Fubara for the visit and his initiative towards a mutually beneficial working arrangement with Bayelsa State. He recalled the ongoing legal dispute at the Supreme Court between the two states over the disputed Soku oil wells and the Bayelsa House that was demolished in Rivers State.

Diri pledged his willingness to work with Fubara.

Former governor of Bayelsa

State, Diri’s predecessor, Dickson Sirake, was also at the meeting.

Earlier, Fubara visited Mbata at his residence to felicitate with him on his birthday and wished him more glorious years in good health.

Meanwhile, Ehie withdrew his suit before the State High Court seeking to stop the Amaewhule-led faction from sitting and carrying out legislative functions.

Ehie was rumoured to have been appointed Chief of Staff to Fubara after his resignation from the assembly function on December 29.

He had written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on his resignation, both as Speaker and the lawmaker representing Ahoada Constituency II. Ehie had filed the suit, PHC/3638/CS/2023, in Port Harcourt challenging the sittings and the subsequent legislative activities carried out by 25 lawmakers of the Assembly after the declaration of their sits vacant.

When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, counsel for the claimants, I. MacBarango, drew the attention of the court to a notice of discontinuance filed by the claimants in the matter.

Barango applied that the court should give effect to the said notice of discontinuance based on the notice.

Defendant’s counsel, Chief Ferdinand Orbih, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Emeka Onyeka, did not object to the said application.

Ruling on the submissions by the parties, the presiding judge, Justice F. A. Fiberesima, pursuant to the said application by claimants’ counsel, struck out the suit accordingly.

EFCC INVESTIGATES SCORES OF TOP COMPANIES OVER FX ALLOCATIONS IN 10 YEARS there were yet to be proof of their involvement in criminal activities.

Equally, yesterday, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wrote to the anti-graft agency to tender her apology for failing to appear before the commission to answer questions on alleged laundering of N37.1 billion during her tenure.

But suspended National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu,

reported to the agency after she was released Tuesday night.

On the FX probe, it was gathered that that EFCC had written to the 52 companies, directing them to supply documents supporting the allocation and utilisation of foreign currencies to them in the last 10 years.

Sources at Dangote Group said officials of the anti-graft agency sought documents on the company’s forex deals and transactions with the CBN under Godwin Emefiele as governor.

“They asked for the

documents on forex transactions with the CBN,” a source said.

A competent source privy to the investigation told THISDAY, "We want to know how (FX) was allocated, the processes. How it started and how it ended. It's an ongoing investigation."

Meanwhile, Umar-Farouq wrote the anti-graft agency to apologise for failing to appear before the commission.

Spokesman of the commission, Dele Oyewale, said the former minister wrote to the anti-graft

agency to explain that she was indisposed. Oyewale said EFCC had directed her to honour the invite without further delay.

Relatedly, the suspended national coordinator of NSIPA, Halima Shehu, reported to the agency yesterday, following her release Tuesday night. She was said to be providing necessary information to the agency’s interrogators.

While not in detention, Shehu was expected to report to the commission every day until investigations were concluded.

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322

COURTESY VISIT TO THE PRESIDENT… President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (L) and Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya during the governor's visit to the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ... yesterday

Minister Kicks as Total Contract Cost for AbujaKaduna Road Project Rises from N165bn to N1.35tn Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The total contract cost for the critical Abuja-Kaduna road which commenced in 2018 has now risen from N165 billion at the time, as the contractors are currently asking for N1.35 trillion to finish the project.

But despite the misgivings by the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, he has vowed

to complete and deliver the remaining section of road before the end of 2024, even though such promises had been made by the previous government.

Speaking during a meeting with directors of the ministry in Abuja yesterday, Umahi stated the ministry under his watch was prepared to remove all contractual obstacles and ensure delivery of the project for the benefit of

Nigerians before the end of 2024.

“The ministry has some supervision work to be done tomorrow on that road and we will be advised on the real designs of the two sections.

“Funding is also an issue because it is under the presidential development fund initiative got from looted funds.

I have had to discuss with Mr president about the importance

of the road for all Northerners.

“But I won’t be able to go back to him until we re-scope it because the project was N165 billion before and a review brought the cost to N655 billion.

“But today, the contractor is asking for N1.35 trillion and the government cannot afford it. What they are asking is very wrong. So, they are looking at existing sub-grade and see what

FG, China Set to Build New Steel Plant in Nigeria To commence military hardwares in Ajaokuta Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government yesterday, disclosed that it was holding discussions with a Chinese firm to build a new steel plant in Nigeria as well as commence the building of military hardwares at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

To this end, the government has sent a delegation led by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Mary

A Ogbe, on a tour of the Luan Steel Holding Group in Hefei and Guangzhou Regions of China.

Audu, in a statement in Abuja, that was released by the Head, Press & Public Relations of the ministry, Salamatu F. Jibaniya, stated that the trip to China was one of the steps being taken to realise the goals of reviving the steel industry in Nigeria, in line with the Renewed Hope’ Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Audu, said work had commenced to create an operational steel industry that

would attract billions of dollars of foreign direct investments into the country, open up the nation’s economy and create thousands of job opportunities.

He further noted that building military hardwares at the Ajaokuta steel plant was also timely, considering that Nigeria was facing security challenges.

"This would help in the fight against insecurity and terrorism.

"We had very meaningful discussions with the Chairman of Luan Steel Holding Group, Mr. Wang Jianbing, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Xiao Weizhan,

and other senior Executives of the Luan Steel Holding Group.

"Like several other international and local investors, Luan Steel Holding Group has indicated interest in setting up a new Steel Plant in Nigeria, as well as handling a component of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant for building military hard wares in Nigeria.

“We are optimistic that before the end of President Tinubu’s administration, we will commence commercial Steel Production in some of the government owned entities in Nigeria."

Group Urges FG, IOCs to Halt Oil Exploration in Ogoni Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Following the alleged continuous pollution of Ogoni land by oil exploration activities, a group, Lekeh Development Foundation, has called on the government and international companies to stop all forms of oil exploration in the area.

Executive Director of Lekeh Development Foundation, Friday Nbani, during a road walk to mark January 4 Ogoni Day in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, said several years of oil exploration in the area had done a lot of damage to the area and the Niger Delta region.

He said agriculture had been rendered useless because of pollution, while life expectancy had also reduced, demanding an end to fossil fuel in the Niger Delta region.

"As an organisation that is focused on climate justice, livelihoods supports and human right, we are using this medium to demand the phasing out of fossil fuels in Niger Delta region.

We are asking that there should not be funding for fossil fuels anymore.

"We demand that Ogoni oil should be left in the ground. Ogoni oil should be left in the ground because in those days, our fathers and mothers could cultivate tangible cassava from a small portion of land for survival and the income from fishing was also tangible.

“But today, it is difficult to get income from agriculture in Ogoni land and that's why we are demanding that Ogoni oil should be left in the ground," he said.

He also urged the government to transit to renewable energy which

is more friendly to the environment.

"The continuous gas flaring and oil spill in the area is unbearable as oil companies and the government seems not to care that people are living in those areas.

"Countries like United Kingdom will soon stop depending on fossil fuels but about 80 per cent of Nigeria's revenue is from fossil fuel generation and we say enough is enough, it's time to transit from fossil fuel to renewable energy which is friendly to the environment and human health.

"Again, if you research, you would see that Ogoni region and the Niger Delta is one of the most polluted regions in the world and also, the life expectancy of the region has reduced to 41 years, which is different from life expectancy in

other parts of Nigeria and other countries," he added.

Nbani pointed out that what led to the hanging of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight other Ogonis haspd not been totally achieved even though he admitted little success.

"What our leaders died for is still in the struggle as it has not been totally achieved but for the fact that we have a voice now, we have little success but that of environmental justice is what we are still pushing and I believe with the younger generation, we can get it peacefully," he said.

On the significance of the day to the Ogoni people, the environment rights activist said it is a day set aside by the Ogonis to celebrate their freedom from the oppressors.

we can do about it.

“We are also looking at the first 40 kilometres to be constructed by Dangote under the Tax credit scheme to do it on concrete pavement, but I am very committed to completing that road this year. No matter what happens, that road will be done this year,” the minister assured.

The former Ebonyi state governor said that concerning non-performing contractors under the Highway Development Management Initiative with the private sector, the government was determined to review all contracts that were not seriously being done.

He said the cost, scope, and

technicalities of the contracts would be reviewed by the end of January.

The minister said he had asked for a 5 per cent equity contribution or guarantee from the contractors so that he would have the assurance of the commitment of those serious about working.

On the key areas of focus of the ministry, he said that if the ministry is given N892 billion to carry out its operations, no money would be left unutilised

by December 2024.

The reconstruction of the expressway, currently handled

by Julius Berger, is being funded under the presidential development fund initiative and is divided into three sections.

APSS Urges Private Sector Bill Adoption to Enhance Business in Africa The Africa Private Sector Summit (APSS) has called on African governments to consider the adoption of a Charter on Private Sector Bill of Rights (PSBoR) to facilitate the emergence of an enabling environment for trade and investment on the continent.

APSS stressed that the PSBoR would be an accompanying instrument to the existing Regional Economic Commissions (RECs) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocols by governments of all African countries and the African Union.

The organisation suggested this in a statement issued yesterday and signed by Prof Kingsley Moghalu, the chairman of the APSS board of directors and advisory board.

"We in the APSS urge all African leaders and aspiring leaders to make democracy a true opportunity for prosperity for the continent’s 1.3 billion people," said the statement.

According to APSS, the PSBoR will contribute to actualising the vision of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, creating "prosperity for Africans through intra-African" trade.

Considering the potential of the AfCFTA (which has been ratified by 47 African countries as of December 2023) to lift 30

million people out of poverty and boost Africa’s income by $450 billion by 2035, the APSS stated that "businesses and the private sector as the primary drivers of wealth creation," needed to be empowered and enabled with "a supportive environment, to get on with this natural task."

It added: "This is why we are advocating the adoption of a Charter on Private Sector Bill of Rights (PSBoR) that facilitates the emergence of an enabling environment for trade and investment in Africa as an accompanying instrument to the existing Regional Economic Commissions (RECs) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocols, by governments of all African countries and the African Union."

The PSBoR, it said, outlines 24 specific rights that all African governments should adopt to support businesses.

The APSS said it was working, along with partners including the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce (PACCI), strong support of the AfCFTA secretariat and the Africa Business Council (AfBC), towards a target of the formal adoption of the PSBoR by the heads of state and government of the African Union in 2025.

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DINNER WITH THE GOVERNOR… L-R: Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Edo-born music artist, Divine Uzama; his brother, Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Uyi Malaka Oduwa, after a dinner with the governor, at the Government House in Benin City.

Tinubu Moves to Increase Contribution of Marine & Blue Economy Sector to Nation's GDP Appoints six new executive directors for NPA, NIMASA

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has taken immediate step towards raising the contribution of the Marine and Blue Economy sector to the nation's Gross Domestic Product

(GDP).

To this end, he has appointed six new Executive Directors for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), two major agencies

in the federal ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement yesterday, disclosed that Tinubu approved the appointment of new Executive

Directors in two agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The new Executive Directors include Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet — Executive Director, Finance & Administration (NPA); Engr.

Jigawa Set to Produce 2m Tonnes of Wheat Gov says Nigeria capable of attaining wheat sufficiency soon Deji Elumoye in Abuja Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has disclosed that his State was targeting the production of two million tonnes of wheat to complement Nigeria's drive towards food sufficiency.

Namadi, who made this known to newsmen yesterday, shortly after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, explained that Jigawa's production target would be achieved through both the National and State Wheat Development Programmes.

The governor, who also said he was at the seat of government to thank Tinubu for giving his state an opportunity to cultivate 40,000 hectares out of 120,000 hectares of land set aside for wheat farming in Nigeria, stressed that Nigeria was capable of exporting wheat with the current deliberate plan to attain self-sufficiency.

He further revealed that the President has thrown his weight behind his state’s efforts and has

assured of full support to ensure their projections become a reality.

The federal government had in November 2023, flagged off the dry season programme in Jigawa, allocating 100,000 hectares to wheat farming in the country, with Jigawa alone allocated 40,000 hectares for the programme.

Namadi said Tinubu assured him that he was ready to give us all the support required to his government to achieve the set goals, saying, "whatever we need, we should tell him and he's ready to support us."

Asked about the difference Jigawa State could make in wheat production for Nigeria, he said: "We are number one in wheat in Nigeria. So, the issue is we have already made a difference because we are number one. And then today like I told you out of 120,000 hectares for Nigeria, Jigawa State alone is given 40,000 hectares and that shows that we are making a difference."

On whether Nigeria could attain wheat sufficiency, the governor said: "Certainly, we will. In Jigawa State, we have a FADAMA land of over 400,000 hectares. So, that is only FADAMA land that we can cultivate both in rainy and dry season."

Asked about the possibility of exporting the State’s wheat, Namadi said: "Certainly, we are going to export wheat over time.

We're doing the first one, and then after this one, we're going for rice and the next one, we're going to wheat, that's how the cycle will continue to go.

“Definitely, we're going to have food sufficiency and we'll definitely have surplus to export."

On his projection about the number of tonnes of wheat to expect from Jigawa State, the governor said: "The issue is what we're doing now, the minimum we're expecting is about four tonnes per hectare. Now four tonnes per hectare and we’re

doing 40,000 hectares. in fact, this 40,000 are the ones which we have received support from the federal government.

“We are doing more than that. We can have about 50,000 hectares going on of people that are doing it on their own.

"So at least with the essential services we have provided and with all the support we have provided for land clearing, especially for harrowing that we have supported the farmers, that has given them an opportunity to cultivate more.

"Somebody who was doing one hectare now is ready to do more hectares because of the support he has from the federal government and from the support he has from the state government, multiply that by 40,000 hectares, the official one we are doing plus about 10,000 hectares.

“We are taking just the minimum, so definitely, I think the future is very bright", Namadi further said.

National Hospital Denies Referring Zack Orji to Private Facility Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Hospital in Abuja has denied recommending the transfer of the ailing Nigerian actor to a private hospital in the city.

A statement signed by Hospital's Spokesman, Tayo Haastrup, on behalf of the Chief Medical Director said the

decision to move the actor to another hospital was that of his relatives.

The hospital statement stated: "The attention of the National Hospital Abuja has been drawn to a publication insinuating that the apex hospital referred the Nigerian actor Zack Orji to a private hospital in Abuja.

"To set the record straight, the

actor who was brought in on New Year's Eve and admitted to the intensive care unit, was stabilised

by National Hospital Abuja and moved to the ENT ward.

"Later in the day, he was transferred to the orthopaedic ward, where our surgeons began preparing him for surgery.

"However, the relatives of the patient signed a form ‘leaving

against medical advice’ on January 1, 2024. This thwarted all preparations for his surgery.”

Nevertheless, the management of national hospital Abuja, said it wishes Orji a speedy recovery.

The 63-year-old actor was said to have fallen ill on New Year’s eve and was brought to the hospital in critical condition after slumping in the toilet.

Olalekan Badmus — Executive Director, Marine & Operations (NPA) and Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar — Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services (NPA).

Others are Mr. Jibril Abba — Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services (NIMASA); Mr. Chudi Offodile — Executive Director, Finance & Administration (NIMASA) and Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi — Executive Director, Operations (NIMASA).

According to the statement, the President approved the appointments with the firm belief,

after studying their impressive profiles, that the new appointees would expeditiously and efficiently execute on their collective mandate to create the conditions required to significantly raise the contribution of the Marine & Blue Economy sector to the nation's GDP. The new Executive Directors were also expected to evolve the Nigerian economy into a labourintensive and inclusive one that creates new opportunity for all Nigerians in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda, under the able guidance of the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola.

Climate Change: Azibaola Takes Campaign against Deforestation to Grassroots Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Robert Azibaola foundation has taken the campaign against deforestation and illegal logging to the grassroots in over 20 communities in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Azibaola, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zeetin Engineering and a climate change campaigner, who also advocated for re-inclusion of tug-of-war back into the Olympic games, said he organised the game to preach the message of climate change.

The tug-of- war game among his kinsmen was part of activities marking the final burial rites of his mother-in-law, Madam Ego Enesua at Kolo Community, Speaking with journalists immediately after the game, he said one of the essence of the game was also to foster unity among the people of the local government.

He said: "I want to use these games to make practical the climate change issue. I have spoken with the governor of Bayelsa State and he is very happy with what I am trying to do.

“If I can partner with the state government on this kind of thing, maybe the climate change movement in Nigeria will also be domiciled in Bayelsa State.

"Nobody has thought of this kind of thing that you can use games to attract people and talk to people and get people's attention.

People don't just gather and allow you talk to them.

"Climate change must have a grassroots support, it is from the grassroots that you build it up to a national platform, without that you are just speaking grammar because the people do not understand what you are talking about.

"They need to know and you need to tell them practical examples and this grassroots orientation that I am doing is very important to me and gives me peace of mind to know that I have contributed my quota to the environment conservation,” he stated.

He added that the activities were self-sponsored, saying he had not collected any dime from the government or from any international organisation.

“There are people who are agitating for climate change based on how much they will get from international funding. I am not for that. If you are a human being, you must contribute your quota to nature and make sure before you die you should beat your chest and say I did my best to pull back the hands of time in respect to climate change," he added.

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MATTAWALE VISITS TINUBU… L-R: Minister of State, Defence, Bello Matawalle and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his visit to the President at the Presidential Villa Abuja ... yesterday

GODWIN OMOIGUI

Recapitalisation: Analysts Project Shrink in Merchant Banks Space Nume Ekeghe Analysts have predicted that the imminent recapitalisation exercise in the banking sector could see a lot of mergers and acquisitions in the commercial banking space which could boost the sub-sector but may see a reduction in the number of merchant banks in the country.

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, had last month, revealed that the apex bank would recapitalise the banks.

Presently, the capitalisation of commercial banking at the national level is N25 billion, regional banking licences is N10 billion and international commercial licences - N50 billion.

But analysts who spoke with THISDAY, noted that the recapitalisation exercise, when it commences would see more merchant banks merge or change their licences. This appears to have started as last week, Nova Merchant Bank switched its licence to that of commercial

banking and there are talks about some others following suit in the coming months.

Speaking to THISDAY, the Chief Executive Officer Cowry Management, Johnson Chukwu, said asking the banks to recapitalise to $1 trillion would be unrealistic.

He added: “Merchant Banks may be the worst of the categories of banks if the regulatory capital is increased beyond a certain threshold.

“The economic environment is not providing as many opportunities for merchant banking business as applicable to commercial banks, which can explain why merchant banks in previous periods have converted to commercial banks and we are also seen that happening again.

“So, if you increase the capital base and threshold and they don’t have opportunities to invest that capital they may be compelled to look at other banking services which may make it attractive for them to consider the option of converting

to commercial banks.”

Furthermore, he noted that most tier 1 and tier 2 banks were adequately capitalised.

He said: “Whatever figure I quote would be speculative but I know that the intention is to increase by as much as 100 per cent of what it is today.

“For each category of bank, like I said, it's still in this speculative realm, but the intention may be to increase it by 100 per cent of each category.

“The tier 1 and tier 2 banks already have adequate capital.

But the key thing like I've always said is that we don't have a $1 trillion economy. To now compel the bank to have the capital requirement for a $1 trillion economy when we are not going to have a $1 trillion economy in the next 20 years at our current growth rate will simply mean that the banks would be over-capitalised.

“And if the banks are well capitalised, that means the return on investment will decline and holding banking equity as an investment will be less attractive.

“So, the regulatory authorities must be must think through the recapitalisation proposal,” Chukwu said.

Also speaking to THISDAY, the Head, of Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co, Mr. Ayokunle Olubunmi, predicted that the exercise would not be drastic considering the challenge of forex.

He said: “It is a dilemma for the CBN because if you increase it, for the banks to effectively implement it, they would need foreign investors.

“But with the way forex is, there is no foreign investor that would want to bring in money into the country. However, even if it is increased by 400 per cent, a lot of banks would still make it.

“For national bank is doing N25 billion and if they raise it to N100 billion you will realise that except the new banks and the banks with negative capital like Unity Bank and Keystone, most of the banks have surpassed N100 billion.

“So, unless it is something extremely high, the banks that would be challenged would just be the new banks and the banks that have negative capital.

“What banks are focusing on now is their capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and those that are low or close to the regulatory threshold are already looking for means to raise capital.”

He added: “The merchant banks are converting to commercial banks. The would be a redefinition, realignment, acquisition and mergers in the merchant banking space.

“Some would recalibrate their business model unless the CBN

comes out and gives them some things that would make the segment more profitable and attractive.

“But the way it is, I envisage more of them converting to commercial banks. Merchant banks with affiliation to commercial banks may close their merchant bank subsidiaries.”

Former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Segun Ajibola, in a recent interview on ARISE News had said: “The CBN governor must engage with stakeholders to avert any possible consequences of the recapitalisation exercise.

“Let all stakeholders sit down, look at the facts and ask ourselves, not only about the desirable figures but the obtainable figures, given the state of the economy. The Central Bank is right in saying this exercise is now due.”

Commuters Seek Extension as FG's 50% Fare Reduction Scheme Ends

NIDCOM: Justice Will Be fare reduction scheme, but called on State Polytechnic, observed that the 19 when the federal government Akanbi Served in Alleged Killing of Festus the federal government to extend it 50 per cent fare reduction scheme announced the initiative.

Otunola said: “So far, we have had Scores of commuters at the Oshodi till January 7 to enable more citizens, was a pro-people policy, which Interchange and other who had not returned to their bases, indeed cushioned the effects of fuel an upsurge in passenger numbers.

Nigerian Student in Canada Transport subsidy removal on the masses to We have been managing this terminal accredited parks in Lagos State to benefit from it.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike DabiriErewa has promised that the commission will ensure that justice is served in the case of the alleged killing of Afolabi Stephen, a 19-year-old Nigerian student in Manitoba, Canada.

Describing the incident as wicked, Dabiri-Erewa, in a condolence message issued by the Director of Media and Public Relations and Protocols of NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the organisation received the news with shock.

“We are in touch with the Nigerians mission in Ottawa who have the assurances of the Canadian authorities that investigations into the unfortunate incident had

begun and will be thorough.

'We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Afolabi and pray unto God to allow his gentle and innocent soul rest in perfect peace," she stated.

Reports stated that the victim was allegedly killed by policemen on December 31, 2023 in Manitoba, Canada.

Though the details of his death are still sketchy, the Winnipeg, Manitoba Police Department, in a statement posted on its website via Winnipeg.ca, said its officers responded to a call about a young male who was acting “erratically”.

The police noted that upon arrival, efforts to calm the young man proved abortive which led to the discharge of a firearm by the police which ultimately led to his death.

have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend the 50 per cent fare reduction on inter-state road transport services to January.

The calls came yesterday, as the Managing Director of Planet Project Limited, Mr. Biodun Otunola, disclosed that over 6,000 inter-state passengers benefitted from the scheme at the Oshodi Transport Interchange, Lagos alone.

In separate interviews with journalists, the commuters commended the federal government for granting a rebate of 50 per cent on their fare tickets to passengers travelling to different destinations across all states of the federation.

Specifically, they pointed out that thousands of people, who travelled homes during the yuletide period, had not fully returned to their cities or states of residence, thus urging the federal government to extend its fare reduction scheme to January 7.

One of the commuters, Ms. Amaka Eze, thanked the president for the

Eze, who travelled to Onitsha, Anambra State through Mosco Sienna Link at the Oshodi Transport Interchange, said: “In all sincerity, I appreciate the federal government for introducing this scheme. The fare to Onitsha is N30, 000. But to my surprise, I received a rebate of N15, 000. It is truly huge.”

According to her, “I am appealing to the federal government to extend the scheme to January 7 to enable more people to benefit from it.

“A lot of people, who will return to their bases this weekend, will not benefit from it if the scheme is not extended. For this reason, we plead with President Tinubu to graciously extend it.”

Another passenger, Ms. Mariam Ogundeji also benefited from the fare reduction scheme at Terminal I, Oshodi Transport Interchange, noted that this was the first time the government policy would directly touch her life as a person.

Ogundeji, also a student of Kwara

some extent.

She urged the federal government, “to sustain initiating policies, programmes and projects that will directly touch the lives of ordinary people. For instance, I got a return of N3, 000 out of N6, 000 fare I paid to travel to Ilorin, Kwara State. It is amazing. I have not benefited from anything from the government before now.”

An entirely different commuter, Ms. Esther Omoshebi, shared how she received a rebate of N3, 750 from a bus operator after she paid a sum of N7, 500 for the Lagos-Akure road.

Omoshebi said: “I am indeed happy. It is a good move by the federal government. We appreciate President Tinubu for this initiative.

If they can extend it beyond today, it will be more appreciated.’’

Commenting on the implementation of the initiative in Lagos State, Otunola stated that there had been a surge in the number of people travelling out since December

for the past five years, we could say that we have over 35 per cent increase in the number of passengers compared to what we normally would have recorded during the Christmas period.

“Nigerians are kind of trooped out and took advantage of the fact that there is a 50 per cent reduction in transport fare. As you know, transport is one of the pain points of the fuel subsidy removal and because of this laudable programme of the federal government, a lot of Nigerians troop here daily, morning, afternoon and evening to take advantage of the opportunity so that they can travel for the yuletide season.

“From this terminal, over 6,000 passengers have benefitted from the initiative and so far over 700 vehicles in 15 days, have conveyed passengers out of the State which is far higher than what we could have during the festive period at this point in time based on our historical data,” he added.

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NEWS

RE-ENACTING THE OLD TIMES...

Cross section of the Old Grammarians Society, CMS Grammar School, Bariga Lagos, Class of 1972-76/78 sets, re-enacting the old times in their school uniform during their get together event on December 15 and 16 at the school premises in Bariga, Lagos... recently

Gov Mutfwang to Supreme Court: Appeal Court Determined Only One of My Eight Arguments Wants judgement of appellate court upturned The Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, yesterday said the Court of Appeal was unfair to him in nullifying his election, pointing out that the appellate court determined only one of his eight arguments before it.

Stressing that he was not given a fair hearing by the appellate court, Mutfwang stated that the dismissal of the seven issues he raised before the court of appeal was against the directive of the supreme court that intermediate courts should pronounce on all issues placed before it.

The governor in a brief hearing by the supreme court therefore pleaded with the apex court to declare him as the validly elected governor of the state, arguing that the law is settled that wherever there is a wrong, there must be a remedy.

He made the submission in his brief at the court by an eight-man team of Senior

Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) led by Kanu Agabi.

“Eight issues were distilled and placed before the court below for determination.

Unfortunately, only one issue (of jurisdiction) was determined by the court below leaving untouched seven issues.

"This court has stated in quite a number of cases that intermediate courts should pronounce on all issues placed before it. It should not restrict it to one or more issues which its opinion may dispose of the matter. " This is to give the apex court the benefit of their views in the matter should there be need to consider other issues not determined by the intermediate court,” Mutfwang argued.

Mutfwang insisted that since he was not given fair hearing, the supreme court should dismiss the judgment of the court of appeal which invalidated his

Aiyedatiwa: I’ll Sustain 'Amotekun' Initiative Corps commanders hold candlelight walk for Akeredolu Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said his government would continue to work with the governors of the south-west zone to ensure the continuity of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps.

Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance after a five km walk in Akure, the Ondo State capital,

by Amotekun Corps officers, led by Amotekun commanders of the five South West states of Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Ondo.

Aiyedatiwa appreciated the corps for protecting lives and properties of citizens in the zone and noted that their activities over the years in protecting the people could not be over-emphasised.

“I can assure you that Amotekun will be sustained because of its role in society.

Because the security of lives

and properties of the people of the south-west zone is very important to us, we will use whatever is in our possession to support and sustain it,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa, therefore, commended the Amotekun corps commanders and their men for honouring the late Akeredolu, “whose passage was a monumental loss to the state and Amotekun as a whole.”

Responding on behalf of the commanders, Mr Adetunji Adeleye, Commander of Ondo State Security Network, noted that the late Akeredolu would continue to be remembered for his legacy.

Adeleye, who is the Chairman of the South West Amotekun Commanders, said the formation has come to stay and all states in the region were poised to continue protecting the region from criminals.

election.

“We have demonstrably shown in this brief that to all intents and purposes, the judgment of the lower court, with the greatest respect, has occasioned injustice of unquantifiable magnitude to the appellant.

“The law is settled that wherever there is a wrong, there must be a remedy. This principle of law which is of considerable antiquity is expressed in the Latin maxim, ubi jus, ibi remedium.

“We therefore most respectfully urge the honourable

court to allow the appeal, set aside the judgment of the lower court and thereupon affirm the appellant as the duly elected governor of Plateau state,” the governor said.

He said he had attached enough evidence to prove that the court of appeal should not have cancelled his election. " It is our further submission that having denied fair hearing to the appellant, with respect to the notice of preliminary objection as well as a motion to strike out the incompetent grounds

of appeal,, the decision of the lower court to dismiss same is, with all due respect manifestly flawed,” he maintained.

Mutfwang further listed eight reasons why the supreme court should validate his election as the governor of Plateau state, stressing that the issue of nomination and sponsorship which underpinned ground one of the petition was not only a pre-election matter, but within the internal affair of the 4th respondent and as such the 1st and 2nd respondents lacked

the locus standi to canvass it.

“The judgment of the lower court delivered on November 19, 2023 is fatally flawed for want of jurisdiction, having regard to section 285(2) of the constitution,” he argued.

He added: “The lower court was, with all due respect, in grave error when it held that the tribunal was wrong in striking out the offensive paragraphs of appellant’s reply and in utilising evidence of PW16, PW24, PW27 and PW28 as a tribunal of first instance."

Adeleke Harmonises Levies, Taxes to Enhance Ease of Doing Business Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state yesterday harmonised into a single bill the multiple taxes and levies collected by different government ministries, departments and agencies across all business sectors.

The governor’s new initiative was informed by the need to put an end to the incessant challenges of multiple taxation being faced by taxpayers in the Osun state.

This harmonised bill curates all levies, which all businesses are expected to pay on an annual basis as a single bill.

The new initiative which was announced by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, explained that the single bill allows for easy and convenient payments that can be in equal or unequal tranches.

He said that the bill certificate will be issued automatically after completion of the payment and enjoined businesses to pay their

taxes as early as they can as there may be fines or late payment penalty for delayed payments.

The state government further deployed some automation systems for improved government services delivery which include but not limited to the government assets and utility management system for renting and leasing of government properties and assets.

It will also be used in C of O in 45 days programme, electronic

affidavit system, electronic state of origin and local government area of origin portal, mobile tax stations, seamless online payment systems for taxes, among others.

The release admonished members of the public to always ensure collection of evidence of payment which is in form of Government Automated Revenue Receipt (A.R.R) for all payments made and to visit any tax offices nearest to them for any enquiry.

Imo Police Probe HURIWA's Allegations of Extortion, Misconduct Tony Icheku in Owerri The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, has set up an investigating team, comprising officers of his monitoring unit and other disciplinary units to investigate allegations of extortion and sundry professional misconduct levelled against them.

The police promised to ensure that any officer found wanting is severely sanctioned in accordance with the force’s extant laws.

In a press statement , the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Okoye affirmed the command’s commitment to

ensuring that its officers and men uphold the highest standard of professionalism, respect for rule of law, and aversion to corrupt practices while discharging their lawful duties.

The CP, while reacting to the allegations, urged the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) lee by Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko, to assist the team with detailed information that will assist in carrying out a comprehensive investigation.

He further mandated Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Team Commanders, and Traffic Officers to continuously embark on strict

supervision of their subordinates and clamp down on extortion and all forms of corruption. " The CP assertively stated that it is illegal and unprofessional for any police officer to demand money from a citizen before lodging his complaint, responding to distress calls, or releasing a suspect on bail.

“He warned that supervisory officers who fail to fulfil their duty of oversight will also face appropriate sanctions," the statement stated.

HURIWA had called out the Imo state police command over what it described as brazen professional misconduct and

human rights abuses ranging from widespread extortion, arbitrary arrests, detention, and extrajudicial execution by the police.

Onwubiko, HURIWA boss who was in Owerri, Imo State capital on a visit , alleged that police officers now charge between N40,000 to N100, 000 before they can respond to distress calls from residents.

He further alleged that the Yuletide season which witnessed influx of visitors to the Southeast provided a goldmine to police officers who patrol in police operational vehicles harassing young men driving exotic cars.

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BAGO RECEIVES DOCUMENT ON STATE'S NEW UNIVERSITY...

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago (left), receives document on State's New University from the Pro Chancellor, Prof. Kuta Yahaya at Govt House, Minna ... yesterday

ASUP Seeks Exemption of Tertiary Institutions from IGR Deduction Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The academic staff of federal polytechnics in the country has

urged the federal government to exclude tertiary institutions from the policy requiring all partially funded federal government

Abiodun Wins Sun Newspapers Governor of the Year, Silverbird Man of the Year Awards James Sowole in Abeokuta Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has won the 2023 Governor of the Year Award by the Sun Newspapers and the 2023 Silverbird Man of the Year Award The Awards were communicated in separate letters to the governor by the two media establishments.

The Sun, in a letter signed by its Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief, Onuoha Ukeh, dated November 20, said the award was in recognition of Abiodun's strides in Ogun state, turning the state into an industrial giant, while also improving its revenue base.

The letter said: "The management and staff of The Sun Publishing Limited, publishers of Daily Sun, Saturday Sun, Sunday Sun and Sporting Sun, brings you warm greetings. We felicitate with you on your achievements in office.

"We write to notify that the Board of Editors of The Sun Publishing Limited, after a rigorous selection process, has picked you as the winner of The Sun Governor of the Year Award 2023.

"The Award will be formally presented to you at an elaborate ceremony on February 17, 2024 at the Sun Awards in Lagos.”

Abiodun also emerged 2023 Silverbird Man of the Year Award from four nominees after a rigorous voting process.

The management of Silverbird Group, in a statement, dated December 11, signed by Jacob Akinyemi-Johnson, Chief Creative Officer/Chairman Editorial Board said Abiodun, since his assumption

of office had contributed immensely to the advancement of the Nigerian society through his many laudable projects, hence his nomination.

"We feel deeply honoured to write and felicitate with you for being nominated by the Editorial Board of the Silverbird Group, owners of Silverbird Television and the Rhythm FM Network as one of the four distinguished individuals for the prestigious '2023 Silverbird Man of the Year Award' "You were nominated because of the immense contributions you have made towards the advancement of the Nigerian society through laudable projects and schemes that you have embarked on and have subsequently impacted positively on the lives of Nigerians.

"Your exemplary disposition has also not gone unnoticed. The winner will be chosen by Nigerians who will vote by sms, WhatsApp, and online". It further stated. Silverbird television Award has been fixed for Sunday, Match 4, 2024.

Abiodun won the Forbes Best of Africa award in industrial revolution in 2023. He won the LEADERSHIP Governor of the Year Award 2022.

The governor was also conferred with the Vanguard's Governor of the Year Award 2021, along with four others as well as Daily Independent Newspapers' Governor of the Year, also in 2021.

He won the Governor of the Year Award at the Nigerian Agricultural Awards 2020. He has also been honoured by the federal government with the Industrial Revolution Award, amongst others.

institutions to return 50 per cent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

They said that federal government should rather devise means of increasing funding to the tertiary institutions as they should be treated as part of the social service sectors in dire need of resuscitation and stability.

The lecturers under the auspices of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) said they are against the classification of tertiary institutions as revenue generating agencies or agents of the federal government.

ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja who signed the statement said: "We are equally aware that following the outcry from the nation, the president directed

a suspension of the policy in federal tertiary institutions.

"We are therefore surprised and worried that the federal ministry of finance is issuing yet another circular to this effect presumably overriding the presidential directive on the issue as there are no reports yet indicating that the president has lifted the suspension".

He said the union’s worry is the continued classification of the tertiary institutions as "revenue generating agencies or agents of the federal government.

ASUP said it viewed as embarrassing the apparent discrepancy between an earlier circular of 40 per cent internally generated revenue deduction issued by the federal government in October 2023 and that of December 28 issued by the

federal ministry of finance.

"We view this an embarrassingly poor understanding of the workings and indeed the well documented deplorable funding status of these tertiary institutions by the federal ministry of finance,” it added.

The union urged government to consider the funding challenges tertiary institutions are currently facing and find better ways to meet their needs.

"For the records and the umpteenth time, tuition fees are forbidden in the nation’s tertiary institutions as a policy of the government.

"These institutions survive on the meagre allocations for capital, overhead and personnel costs from the government with support from interventionist

agencies like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) “The fees charged by these institutions which are currently and erroneously tagged as IGR are charges for specific services to students.

"We are indeed worried by this unwelcome end of the year ‘gift’ by the federal ministry of finance as same is a clear invitation to anarchy in these tertiary institutions.

“As a matter of fact, no polytechnic in the country can survive with this poorly thought-out policy of classifying tertiary institutions as revenue generating agencies.

“We are therefore calling for the exclusion of tertiary institutions in general and polytechnics in particular from this circular," ASUP added.

FG Releases FCTA’s 2023 N50bn Supplementary Budget for Capital Projects Olawale Ajimotokan, Abuja The Ministry of Finance has released the sum of N50 billion of the N100 billion 2023 supplementary budget for the implementation of capital projects to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this yesterday after inspecting three ongoing projects in the FCT. “I am happy to announce to you that the Ministry of Finance has released 50 per cent of the National Supplementary Budget, and that in a way has given us that hope that the contractors would be paid anytime from now.

“We have also gotten assent to the statutory budget, which

again has given us hope that no project will be left uncompleted as promised. We have visited three projects today; one being carried out by CGC, one by Julius Berger, and the N20 Carriage being constructed

by Gilmor.

"The supplementary budget as approved by the National Assembly is N100 billion and 50 per cent of the amount has been released, which is N50 billion.

“This afternoon when I went to the office, I have directed the Permanent Secretary that immediate payment should be made to the companies carrying out project in FCT," Wike said.

He insisted the ongoing projects must be completed before May 24, 2024 to commemorate the first year in office of President, Bola

Tinubu.

The ongoing projects included the Outer Southern Expressway, beginning from AA Rano behind the Villa through Deeper Life Junction, SARS, Apo Roundabout to Wassa, under construction by Messrs CGC Construction Limited; and the Northern N20 Expressway in Jahi District beginning from AA Rano and stretching to Zuba; being constructed by Gilmore Construction, as well as the residence of the Vice President.

The minister assured the people that the approval and subsequent disbursement of the fund has given hope that none of the ongoing projects would be left uncompleted.

He commended the quality of the various projects, while

assuring FCT residents that all promises made towards the completion of the projects would be fulfilled.

“I am sure residents of Abuja have seen the difference that no promise made would not be fulfilled. All promises made will be fulfilled. And we also want to commend the residents of Abuja for the support they are giving to us.

“We are happy with what we have seen, and we will continue to do it for the satisfaction of the residents of Abuja and assure them that the Renewed Hope Agenda was not a mere talk. So, it is a promise and a promise kept,” he said.

He promised that the ongoing projects would impact the economy, create jobs and directly benefit the people.

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POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY

As Tinubu Moves to Rev up Economic Recovery with Consumer Credit...

Temitope Ajayi writes that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has put necessary machinery in motion for the launch of a comprehensive consumer credit system for the nation this year.

A

s the new year 2024 begins with a positive outlook, Nigerians can look forward to a great and economically rewarding year as the Federal Government is set to launch a massive consumer credit system in the country.

While seeking the mandate of Nigerians during the last electioneering season, President Bola Tinubu was big and loud on the catalytic effect of consumer credit in driving economic recovery, growth and development, in boosting industrial production and as a strong weapon against corruption.

Long before he declared for the Presidency of Nigeria, President Tinubu had been a big advocate of consumer credit. He made it a key highlight of his remarks at the 2016 edition of the Bola Tinubu Colloquium in Lagos where he called out Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia; his UBA counterpart, Tony Elumelu, and other bankers in attendance to begin to rethink consumer credit in Nigeria and charged them to develop good banking products in this regard.

In ‘Financialism: Water from Empty Well’, a book he co-authored with Brian Browne, several pages were devoted to how consumer credit can propel unprecedented growth and shared prosperity.

To demonstrate his absolute commitment to achieving this objective and a major campaign promise clearly enunciated in his Renewed Hope Agenda for a better Nigeria, President Tinubu has set in motion the process to entrench consumer credit as one of the building blocks of a virile and productive economy.

Against this backdrop, the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalisation, on December 20, 2023, just before the Christmas holiday, established a Technical Working Group to develop the needed framework to enhance consumer credit in Nigeria.

The Tinubu-led administration in the words of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, recognises the importance of consumer credit and its linkage to market efficiencies.

“An efficient consumer credit system is a highly essential component of successful economies, as it works to improve market efficiencies and fill in gaps in consumption and productivity by providing consumers immediate access to credit, allowing them to purchase ahead of ability,” the Minister said.

At the inaugural meeting of the Technical Working Group on Consumer credit system that had other members including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, Uzoka-Anite lamented how the absence of consumer credit had shrunk the productive capacity of the economy and hampered financial inclusion.

“The absence of a well-structured consumer credit system has been a significant impediment to financial inclusion and economic prosperity,” the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment declared.

Given the current state of the economy and the strong push by the government to revamp it, the setting up of the Technical Working Group by the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalization can be said to be timely and strategic.

The Technical Working Group, among other things, will draw up a working proposal and implementation method on how the country can achieve a viable institutional and regulatory framework that will significantly open up the consumer credit landscape.

According to Uzoka-Anite, Nigeria has numerous financial institutions and credit schemes, but many Nigerians still face substantial hurdles in accessing credit due to stringent eligibility criteria, high interest rates, identity-related challenges, fragmented data sources for proof of livelihood and financial worth, lack of awareness or understanding of credit processes, and inadequate credit available for lending.

To make sure the agenda of President Tinubu is established on a solid ground and for seamless take-off of the credit scheme, the government has brought together various Ministries and

agencies of government that have roles to play to work collaboratively for a successful execution.

The Technical Working Group draws its membership from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), the National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA), the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) amongst others.

It must be said that because of the importance attached to the scheme by President Tinubu, the TWG set for itself a five-month timeline to achieve its objectives. This means by May 2024, a comprehensive, life-changing and an all-encompassing consumer credit system will be launched.

Uzoka-Anite who is the Vice Chairman of the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalisation spoke on the specific objectives and the tasks before her Committee to include: “increasing

consumer credit uptake in Nigeria, enabling a sustainable credit system for the country in line with global best practices, and enhancing the supporting infrastructure (technology, data, financial institutions, global partners) to boost credit operations and equip players in the industry.”

In delivering on its core mandate, the TWG has adopted, according to the Vice Chairman, a holistic consultative approach that will draw on the experience, knowledge, and expertise of the credit ecosystem to understand the issues within the industry and define workable solutions to addressing them.

As he declared in his New Year National Broadcast, President Tinubu committed himself to removing every obstacle that impedes economic recovery and competitiveness of the business environment.

In the new year speech, he also assured that his administration would race against time to deliver necessary reforms that will make life better for all Nigerians. This move by the government to recalibrate consumer credit system is one important reform that will give a new lease of life to Nigerians to be able to own the consumer goods they desire without the burden of having to pay all at once.

The strategy will also be calibrated to promote local industries and boost productivity among Nigerians towards achieving the lofty economic growth and development promises of the Tinubu administration, as Nigerians will be encouraged to patronise local goods and services. This way, the velocity of credit will be enhanced and the dreams of President Tinubu for the transformative power of credit and capital will be achieved.

-Ajayi is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity

Moro: Carving a Niche for Himself at The Senate Paul Mumeh writes about the various legislative interventions of ranking Senator and Senate Minority Leader, Abba Morro, since his election into the Red Chamber of the National Assembly in 2019.

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n November, 2023, the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led 10th Senate elected Senator Patrick Abba Moro (Benue South) as its Minority Leader following his nomination by the opposition caucuses. This was sequel to the exit of Senator Simon Mwadkwon of Plateau State who was axed by the appeal court.

By this development, the Benue Senator who succeeded Senator David Mark in 2019 became a principal officer of the National Assembly.

Before his election as Minority Leader, Senator Moro, a ranking Senator has demonstrated capacity and competence in legislative assignments. He has provided leadership and quality representation for his constituents.

But Moro has an uphill task of stepping into the large shoes left behind by the 6th and 7th President of the Senate, Mark. It is on record that till date, Mark remains one of the longest Senators who served for 20 years, eight of which he was President of the Senate uninterrupted.

This unarguably puts a heavy burden on Senator Moro to live up to his billings.

However, his election as Minority Leader seems to be trailing the trajectory of his predecessor; Mark who led the Senate to its glorious heights between 2007 and 2015.

In acknowledging the accomplishments of Moro last month, Mark praised him for his sterling leadership qualities.

He said, “These remarkable achievements are testaments to your exceptional leadership skills, unwavering dedication and the trust and confidence your colleagues have in you.

“Your elevation to such a crucial position is a testament to the respect and admiration you have earned throughout your distinguished career.

“Your commitment to public service, tireless advocacy for your constituents and your ability to bridge divides make you an exemplary choice for the role of Minority Leader”

The former Senate helmsman added: “As the minority leader, you will undoubtedly face numerous challenges and responsibilities.

However, I have no doubt that your wealth of experience, sharp intellect, and unshakable principles will guide you in navigating these complexities with grace and resilience.

“Your ability to foster collaboration, encourage bipartisan dialogue and finding common ground will be instrumental in shaping thoughtful and impactful policies for the betterment of our nation.”

According to Mark “your election also serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders who look up to you as a role model. Your dedication to public service and your unwavering commitments to the values that defines our great nation will undoubtably continue to inspire future generation of leaders.

He described Moro as a worthy successor saying “I have every confidence that you will excel in your new role as the Minority Leader of the Senate and continue to make significant

difference in the lives of our people.”

Moro, on his part, left no one in doubt that he is prepared for the task ahead when he took to the floor of the Senate to move a motion calling for the abolition of Caretaker Committees running some Local Government Councils in the country.

In the motion that was unanimously endorsed, the Senate urged the Federal Government to henceforth withhold statutory monthly allocation to the Councils that are illegally run or administered by appointed Caretaker Committees set up by the State Governors.

It is instructive to note that in tandem with Section 7(1) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), the administration of Local Government Councils in Nigeria should be by elected officers and not appointed.

The section states emphatically that “The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the government of every State shall subject to section 8 of this constitution, ensure their existence under a Law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils”.

Expectedly, more than a few of the States, believed to be about 16, running the third tier of government through appointed Caretaker Committees took the gauntlet attacking Moro for bringing the matter to the fore but that motion enjoyed a popular mandate across the length and breadth of Nigeria to wit: nothing stops an idea whose time has come.

Moro’s motion was titled, “Urgent need to halt the erosion of democracy: The dissolution of elected Councils in Benue State.”

-Mumeh writes from Abuja.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

DIGNITY OF LABOUR: CAN YOU REALLY AFFORD A NANNY?

Many artisans are not well appreciated, reckons JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

See page 21

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PROF

MUHAMMED ABDULKABIR pays tribute to Toyin Falola, a scholar of note, at 71

See page 21 EDITORIAL

THE OMOKU TRAGEDY

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OSIEGBU AZUKA argues for the concession of critical roads to reputable global players

NIGERIA NEEDS REPUTABLE FIRMS TO MANAGE ITS ROADS Roads are critical for development. They DUH WKH EDVLF PRVW DͿRUGDEOH WUDQVSRUW investment with the widest reach, especially for a country like Nigeria which has a huge landmass. But, anyone who plies our roads knows that they are in very poor shape. Compared to some of its peers in the developing world, Nigeria’s road network of about 195,000 is grossly limited. According to data from the CIA World Factbook, Brazil had 2,000,000 km of roads as at 2023 and South Africa, 750,000 km.

I have been privileged to drive on most of our roads, whether the Federal Government Trunk A roads or States Trunk B roads that are supposed to be well-paved. Most of them have become seasonal, even some Trunk A roads are impassable during the rains on account of potholes and gullies. This has an impact obviously on vehicles, travel time and the economy.

Nigeria’s road stock is both inadequate and poor because of the fact that most roads are badly built and maintained on account of poor funding. This is why a typical road project in Nigeria almost takes forever to complete.

For instance, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has been in construction since 2013 after its concession agreement was revoked, against the initial agreement that it will be ready in three years. %HFDXVH URDG LQIUDVWUXFWXUH LV ÀQDQFHG largely from the annual budgets in Nigeria there is hardly enough money to build quality roads that are durable. The 2024 budget allocation for the Works Ministry is N657.22 billion (less than a billion dollars).

Of this sum, contractors being owed will also be paid and the rest spread so thinly that it is doubtful that any outstanding road projects will be completed in 2024.

At the budget defence last December, the Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, made a robust plea to raise the budget to N1.5 trillion (just about $2 billion). Even if the ministry gets that amount it is still a drop in our ocean of needs. It is also small in comparison to what many forward-thinking countries are spending. France, for instance, spent about $8.8 billion on roads alone in the year 2020.

China’s ambitious Road and Belt initiative spanning three continents will cost between $4 and $8 trillion dollars when completed.

7R VLGHVWHS WKH ÀQDQFLQJ SUREOHP WKH federal government in 2019 introduced the Road Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme to encourage private-public participation in the construction and maintenance of key road infrastructure in Nigeria. Under this, corporate players make tax-deductible investments in building and rehabilitating public roads. Dangote and MTN have been enlisted. Though commendable, the money still comes from the federal purse because it is tax revenues spent forward. Focus should be on concession of critical roads to reputable

global players in the business, who can PRELOLVH ÀQDQFH DQG H[SHUWLVH Generally, there are three main types of concessions that can be undertaken but the most popular which will not cost the government money is the BOT (Build Operate and Transfer), which applies in many top-tier road projects around the world. If well managed, we can get solid roads that add value to the economy. A typical road that is well constructed lasts between 18 and 25 years, while a typical concession agreement lasts from 15 to 30 years.

Nigeria already has the legal framework to operate concessions with the federal government’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act 2005 for projects of this nature at the federal level. Some states too have their own laws. Under these legal frameworks we have seen some developments like the Lekki-Victoria Island road corridor undertaken by Lekki Concession Company, which invested in expanding the road and is licensed to toll it for 30 years after which the assets will be transferred to the Lagos State Government.

Though the Lagos-Ibadan concession to Bi Courtney in 2009 failed for a number of reasons, it should not close the door to concession arrangements that can scale up RXU LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DVVHWV 7KH ÀUVW VWHS LV to get the economics right. Every road is an economic asset. Given the fact that roads are Nigeria’s main mode of travel and movement of goods, most of the major roads have high WUD΀F YROXPHV )RU LQVWDQFH WKH /DJRV Ibadan highway, which is Nigeria’s busiest highway, is reputed to have an average of 250,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) daily, which means a total of a quarter of a million vehicles plying the road! Other roads like Sagamu-Benin-Onitsha, Aba-Port Harcourt, DQG $EXMD².DGXQD DOVR KDYH VLJQLÀFDQW WUD΀F YROXPHV DQG ZLOO KDYH PRUH LQ D EHWWHU shape.

The economic loss from bad roads such as vehicle wear and tear and man-hours ORVW LQ WUD΀F PDNH WKH FRVWV RI WROOV SDOH LQWR LQVLJQLÀFDQFH 7KHUH LV DOVR HYLGHQFH that Nigerians are not really worried about paying for service; our worry is paying and not getting service. Even up to 2003 when toll

gates were on federal roads there were no agitations against them; they were removed because of corruption issues as the huge sums collected could not be accounted for as the roads were badly maintained.

Moving to concession therefore is for DQ H΀FLHQW SULYDWH VHFWRU OHG DOWHUQDWLYH The only challenge is for the government to attract globally-reputable operators in the sector who can bring in the funds to develop our infrastructure. Governments at all levels must avoid the temptation to simply concession roads without doing GXH GLOLJHQFH RQ WKH ÀQDQFLDO DQG WHFKQLFDO capacity of the concessionaire, a case in point being the announcement in October last year that the Lagos-Abeokuta highway had been handed over to the Ogun State government to rehabilitate and toll. Pray, what value can a state government that does not have enough funds to provide basic services, bring to such a project?

Government should be looking to reputable global players in this sector. For instance, Cintra SA is one of the leading private developers of transport infrastructure in the world, managing 26 toll roads and managedlane concessions over 2,072 kilometres in Canada, the U.S., Spain, the U.K., Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Slovakia, Colombia and Australia. Another concessionaire, Mundys, has a total of 43 concessions covering over 8,680 km of roads in 11 countries in Asia, Europe and America. There are many more DQG WKH\ EULQJ H[SHUWLVH ÀQDQFH DQG QHZ opportunities. There is nothing against local companies, so long they show a detailed ÀQDQFLDO SODQ DQG FRQVWUXFWLRQ H[SHUWLVH HOVH we will be struggling to make progress the way the country is groping in the dark even after privatizing our power sector assets.

Good roads are a must for any country to develop its economy. A well-articulated and executed road initiative will raise H΀FLHQF\ DQG 1LJHULD V HFRQRPLF DQG VRFLDO development. Like they say, the best time to start is yesterday, the next best time is now.

Azuka, a Marine Transport and logistics specialist, writes from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada / azukaosiegbu@yahoo.co.uk

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MUHAMMED ABDULKABIR pays tribute to Toyin Falola, a scholar of note, at 71 Many artisans are not well appreciated, reckons JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

DIGNITY OF LABOUR: CAN YOU REALLY AFFORD A NANNY? My housekeeper was on holiday so I needed the services of someone who could do the job this holiday. I made enquiries and I eventually found one. She asked to be paid N3,000. I was shocked by that, so I asked what exactly she intended to do for N3,000. I expected that she’d say, to dust the place and then go home. That wasn’t it though. It was N3,000 to clean the entire house. I did the conversion in my head, that’s about $3. That didn’t just feel right to me. I told her to get to work whilst still refusing to believe she meant N3000.

Most Nigerians who have not experienced it themselves know those who have. It is the understandable behaviour of converting every expense/prospective expense to Naira when abroad, especially when in the United States (US) or the United Kingdom (UK). In practice, a Nigerian in the UK sees something they’d love to buy, they then convert the cost of that thing to Naira, often to help them make a decision. The conversion mostly leaves the bearer feeling like the price is dearer in Naira-reality than it really is in the original price. You want to get a nanny in the US? Convert the cost to Naira and you suddenly start to see how you don’t really need a nanny.

My experience with the above housekeeper is the reverse of that reality that I have found myself living. I remember back when I’d get on a bike — okada — and at the destination/or whilst on the bike, they’d mention the cost. I was always thinking, “that’s it? That’s all you’d take for this work?” Needless to say except out of cash, I often ended up paying more. This holiday, a trending video got me thinking a lot about the absence of dignity of labour this side of the world.

When we talk “dignity of labour,” we often think of it from the abstract point of view. The philosophy of respect for every job equally and not equate one occupation above the other.

Dignity of labour is about inclusion, the belief that we should not look down on anyone on account of their job. That said, philosophy has not exactly matched reality in our socioeconomic culture.

People respect plumbers in the UK. They have little or no choice because you know how much their services would cost you per hour. No one looks down on a bricklayer in the US, you can’t because you know their services come at a considerable cost. Think of any job, in countries where dignity of labour is entrenched in their laws, there is no labour that is without dignity.

When I lived in Germany, I had a friend who came from a wealthy home who spent her holiday waiting tables. Dignity. of Labour.

We talk about the need to respect everyone, irrespective of their job. If you are paying them a respectable sum for their services, respect for them comes by default. I was watching a video where a senior citizen who genuinely meant well was talking about how easy/cheaper it is to get labour here as part of his argument for why people should re-consider leaving Nigeria. In his opinion, you can’t afford the privilege of a cheap nanny or chauffeur abroad. Nigeria hands you those on a platter. So, stay in Nigeria. He meant well.

What he of course didn’t pay attention to was that the cheap labour is an indictment on all of us. Abroad, no artisan is going to send you a text message about some desperate need for money

for food or a sick child. They won’t message you to send them something for Christmas. Matter of fact, if you met some of them at the mall and offered to pay for their groceries – as it is normal here – they’d consider it an insult on their sense of self and dignity.

We complain about our cleaners, plumbers, gardeners, etc., asking for money outside the services they already offer. In fact, we find some sense of pride in handing them one little help or the other from time to time. We do not consider that it is abnormal for people who work to constantly have need for bail out.

How do we speak of the dignity of labour when those who work cannot even afford to meet their regular needs? What is the dignity in a life that works yet must depend on some hand-out to enjoy say a sumptuous meal during the holidays? This is not an indictment on an individual. That’d have been nothing. It is an indictment on us.

Sadly, this anomaly and unjust labour culture is what we consider as a privilege, a token of being above the poverty line — rich, nouveau riche and fake-it-to-make-it class — walking tall, shoulders straight, chin up, head slanted in pride as we strut through our daily lives feeling rich and proud that we made it.

And a telling sign of that? The cheap labour we call on every day to clean our mess.

Plot twist. That housekeeper did a shoddy job, so I paid her N10,000 for her services. That’s over 200 percent of the sum she asked for, yet she’d have earned more. I bet she’d have gone home feeling lucky and I, standing in gap for the privileged Nigerian, felt like Alexander the Great as she thanked me for my benevolence.

For paying her a paltry $10. And you go to bed thinking you are rich because you can afford to hire the services of a housekeeper. But can you really or did your socio-economic system subsidize yet another service for you? I don’t know.

What is at the root of this? Many things.

Professionalization? Because to start with, if I spent time training and learning to qualify to earn fees for offering my services for a craft, rest assured, you’d be paying more.

Can you really afford a nanny?

That said, how many people can really do what they say they are qualified to do? Let’s not even start with that.

Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/ author, Digital Wealth Book

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PROF As an undergraduate student who (un) studies.

IRUWXQDWHO\ ÀQGV KLPVHOI LQ WKH ÀHOG RI Amazingly, Falola has not retired! +LVWRU\ , KDG KHDUG DQG UHDG TXLWH PXFK A more amazing attribute of Professor about Professor Toyin Falola and his works. Toyin Falola is his “Africanness.” Falola +H XQGRXEWHGO\ ZDV SDUW RI WKH UHDVRQV , is so emblematic that he could not stop WKRXJKW , KDG HQWHUHG ´RQH FKDQFHµ GXULQJ showcasing the quality and beauty in my early undergraduate studies. The mantra $IULFD·V $VR 2À , ZLOO QRW EH H[DJJHUDWLQJ ´1R ÀUVW FODVV LQ +LVWRU\µ DQG WKH PDQ\ WR DVVHUW WKDW , KDYH QRW VHHQ )DOROD LQ DQ ERRNV , KDG WR UHDG WR VXUYLYH DV D KLVWRU\ (QJOLVK DWWLUH 7KH ÀUVW WLPH WKH 3URIHVVRU VWXGHQW³D FRXUVH , KDG QR HOHPHQWDU\ ZDV LQYLWHG E\ P\ GHSDUWPHQW WKH knowledge about—were my greatest 'HSDUWPHQW RI +LVWRU\ DQG ,QWHUQDWLRQDO concerns. Falola’s books represent about 20% 6WXGLHV /DJRV 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ IRU LWV RI WKRVH YROXPLQRXV ERRNV , ZDV VHHLQJ RQ ÀUVW GLVWLQJXLVKHG OHFWXUH VHULHV , ZDV WKH KLVWRU\ VKHOYHV LQ P\ XQLYHUVLW\ /LEUDU\ H[SHFWLQJ WR VHH WKH 7H[DV SURIHVVRU his books accounts for much of the references IXOO\ GUHVVHG LQ DQ $PHULFDQ RXWÀW ZH UHFHLYH IURP OHFWXUHUV DQG SUHGHFHVVRUV 7KH UHYHUVH ZDV WKH FDVH +LV VHFRQG Also, 50% of contemporary African history DSSHDUDQFH LQ WKH XQLYHUVLW\ LQ 2FWREHU ERRNV KDYH )DOROD DVFULEHG DV HLWKHU DXWKRU ODVW \HDU ZDV QR GLͿHUHQFH 7KLV VLJQLÀHV FR DXWKRU RU HGLWRU RU KLV ZRUNV DUH UDWKHU WKH FRQVHUYDWLYHQHVV RI DQ $IULFDQ FLWHG 6R , FRQVLVWHQWO\ DVNHG P\VHOI ´KRZ scholar, who does not only write, but ZRXOG , JHW WR UHDG DOO WKHVH KLVWRU\ ERRNV LI ZDON WKH WDONV , DP DZDUH WKH VFKRODU KDV , FRXOG QRW HYHQ FRXQW WKH QXPEHU RI ERRNV FRQWLQXHG WR DGYRFDWH IRU ZULWLQJV ZLWK ZULWWHQ E\ RQH LQGLYLGXDO"µ $IWHU DOO ZKDW indigenous languages in Africa. Falola is is worth doing at all is what doing well! so African!

0RUHRYHU WKH 3URIHVVRU ZRXOG QRW VWRS Close at hand is his embodiment of VRFLDO YDOXHV $ VFKRODU ZKR ORYHV DQG respect both the young and old, Professor Falola does not underate anyone. He PHQWRUV DYDLODEOH VWXGHQWV LUUHVSHFWLYH of status. An epitome of humility, Falola KRQRUV HYHU\ DFDGHPLF FDOO DV D VHUYLFH IRU KXPDQLW\ GHOLYHULQJ OHFWXUHV DW YDULRXV IRUHLJQ DQG ORFDO LQVWLWXWLRQV , ZDV IRUFHG WR DVN LI KH ZDV QR ORQJHU D SURIHVVRU DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 7H[DV Falola is more Nigerian than the homeEDVHG ,W FRXOG QRW KDYH EHHQ PRQH\ )DOROD·V KXPEOHQHVV UHÁHFWV LQ KLV allowing poor students who struggle to take pictures with the global scholar did. His friendliness and hospitability, no GRXEW DUH LQÁXHQWLDO LQ KLV SXEOLFDWLRQV RQ YDULRXV 1LJHULDQ VODQJ :RUR VL :RUR entertaining us with those article series he $\DPDWDQJD 2PRNRPR )RNDVLEH ,MRED consistently publishes across media, all of 0XPP\ /HW WKH 6LQJOHV %UHDWKH ,JER ZKLFK , HQVXUH , UHDG %HIRUH WKH UHDGHUVKLS among others.

LPDJLQH P\ SHUVRQDOLW\ DV ,ND ZKRP ,Q VXP 3URIHVVRU 7R\LQ )DOROD LV DQ DOO as Falola described, are “so interested in rounded African scholar whose impacts demolishing, damaging, and destroying on African literature, politics, economic ZKDW KDV EHHQ VWUHQXRXVO\ DFKLHYHG E\ and religious histories cannot be fully RWKHUV IRU D YHU\ ORQJ WLPHµ OHW PH GHGLFDWH appreciated in an article such as this. the second part of this piece to eulogise the 7KH SURIHVVRU LV LQDUJXDEO\ D %LJ )LVK , great scholar. realised this fact in October, last year, upon , DEVROXWHO\ DJUHH ZLWK WKH 6RXWK $IULFDQ FRPSOHWLQJ D UHYLHZ RI )DOROD·V OHFWXUH professor and Dean, Faculty of Law, at the WLWOHG ´%H\RQG 6HFWDULDQLVP +DUQHVVLQJ 8QLYHUVLW\ RI )UHH 6WDWH ZKHQ KH SRVLWHG the Socio-religious and Political Values WKDW 3URIHVVRU )DOROD ZRXOG KDYH EDJJHG WKH for a Greater Nigeria.” His comments, status of an Orisa, had he “came at the early ´, HQMR\HG WKH UHYLHZµ VDZ PH UHMRLFLQJ WLPH RI <RUXED FLYLOL]DWLRQ µ +LV HQRUPRXV OLNH D SUHVLGHQWLDO FDQGLGDWH ZKR KDG MXVW FRQWULEXWLRQV WR WKH ÀHOG RI $IULFDQ KLVWRU\ ZRQ DQ HOHFWLRQ ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV )DOROD ZRXOG KDYH WUDQVPRJULÀHG KLP LQWR is to history students as Lionel Messi is becoming what was left of Sango, the god to football. Although, the Professor may RI WKXQGHU 7KHUH LV YLUWXDOO\ QR DVSHFW RI not apologise for compelling us (history African history which Toyin Falola has not students) to reading his numerous books, dissected. From political history to economic KH KDV PDGH XV UHDOLVHG WKDW WKH ÀHOG RI history, and from religion to philosophy and KLVWRU\ LV QRW IRU WKH OD]\ VWXGHQWV , MRLQ sociology, Falola has attained a landmark other scholars to celebrate Professor Toyin that no contemporary academic has Falola on his 71st birthday. Keep making UHDFKHG :LWK RYHU MRXUQDO DUWLFOHV DQG us proud, Professor! books publications—single-authored, coDXWKRUHG DQG HGLWHG³WKH ,ZLQ RI $IULFD KDV Muhammed FRQWULEXWHG WR WKH ÀHOG RI KLVWRU\ VXFK WKDW is of the Department of History if his books alone were to be left for history and International Studies, Lagos State VWXGHQWV WKH\ FDQQRW ÀQLVK H[KDXVWLQJ WKHP University. He can be reached via throughout their four years of undergraduate abdulkabirm87@gmail.com

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EDITORIAL

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE OMOKU TRAGEDY The authorities should do more to stop the menace

I

ntense campaigns against the danger of illegal oil bunkering do not seem to be yielding fruits. Last October, more than two dozen people were killed following a devastating H[SORVLRQ DW DQ LOOHJDO UHÀQLQJ VLWH DW ,ED LQ Emohua local government area of Rivers State. The dangerous crime persisted last week as no fewer than 25 persons lost their lives following an explosion from an illegal oil tapping point in Omoku in Ogba/Egebema/Ndoni local government area, also in Rivers State.

According to reports, some youths allegedly punctured an ageing pipeline belonging to one of WKH RLO ÀUPV RSHUDWLQJ LQ WKH DUHD 7KH DWWHPSW E\ some impoverished persons to scoop fuel with the aid of plastic buckets resulted in an explosion which consumed many while many others VXͿHUHG YDU\LQJ GHJUHHV of burns. Even with the danger they pose, illegal oil bunkering is thriving in Rivers as in other states in the Niger Delta. ,OOHJDO UHÀQLQJ LV FRPPRQ LQ WKH 1LJHU 'HOWD DQG other oil producing states as locals break pipelines, extract crude oil and process to make low quality fuel for sale. Many of the unemployed and frustrated youths are, more or less, through these measures, turning their anger on the oil companies and indeed the country to extract their share of the national cake in risky actions bordering on criminality. Some of the deadly explosions result from illegal artisanal oil UHÀQLQJ ORFDOO\ FDOOHG ´NSRÀUH µ )RU LQVWDQFH ZLWKLQ a week last July, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC Ltd) reportedly recorded 240 incidents of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. Indeed, several reports estimate that more than 200,000 barrels of crude oil are stolen every day from the Niger Delta, with vast volumes RI WKLV HQGLQJ XS LQ LOOHJDO UHÀQLQJ IDFLOLWLHV DFURVV creeks in the region. These are costly activities that a nation ignores at its own peril.

The frequent blowout of crude oil facilities in the Niger Delta is a grave threat to the nation’s economy, marine ecosystem and the defenseless villagers on the coastline who depend on the sea and its feeder rivers for their livelihood. Indeed, apart from the economic challenges of crude oil theft, the environmental degradation associated ZLWK LOOHJDO RLO UHÀQHULHV UHTXLUH XUJHQW DWWHQWLRQ Spills pollute the waters and air, kill plants, animals, GHVWUR\ KDELWDWV DQG JHQHUDOO\ DͿHFW WKH TXDOLW\ RI WKH FUHHNV DQG RFHDQV 7KH KD]DUGRXV LOOHJDO UHÀQLQJ process has led to many fatal accidents, in addition to worsening a polluted region blighted by oil spills.

There is still a growing anxiety in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, over the presence of black soot, resulting in poor air quality, and some medical conditions associated ZLWK EUHDWKLQJ GL΀FXOW\ according to reports.

The soot is largely linked to the activities RI LOOHJDO RLO UHÀQHULHV and bunkers. Indeed, in WKH )HGHUDO 0LQLVWU\ RI (QYLURQPHQW FRQÀUPHG WKH SUREOHP RI VRRW enveloping the city and environs to the operation RI LOOHJDO RLO UHÀQHULHV DQG WKHLU GHVWUXFWLRQ ´7KHUH is a direct correlation between the level, intensity DQG FRPSRVLWLRQ RI WKH VRRW DQG LOOHJDO RLO UHÀQHU\ activities, including their destruction in the Niger 'HOWD µ WKH PLQLVWU\ VDLG It is the federal government’s statutory UHVSRQVLELOLW\ WR VWRS LOOHJDO EXQNHULQJ DQG UHÀQLQJ of crude oil in the country. But the vast expanse of the nation’s maritime domain makes it expedient for critical stakeholders to emplace more robust collaborative engagements to surmount crude oil WKHIW LOOHJDO RLO UHÀQLQJ DQG RWKHU UHODWHG FKDOOHQJHV This latest explosion and attendant human and environmental losses should be treated with urgent and appropriate seriousness. It is unacceptable that previous tragedies were handled with laxity. This is one too many. There should be an end to many of these avoidable tragedies.

The hazardous illegal refining process has led to many fatal accidents, in addition to worsening a polluted region blighted by oil spills T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI 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

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

LETTERS PRESIDENT TINUBU: THE GREAT EXPECTATIONS Nigerians have been ushered into the new year with pomp.

Those who survived the excruciating cost of living, insecurity DQG JDOORSLQJ LQÁDWLRQ ODVW \HDU KDYH D VWRU\ WR WHOO <HDU was an election year. Nigerians went to the poll and elected QHZ OHDGHUV WR SLORW WKH DͿDLUV RI WKH FRXQWU\ LQ WKH QH[W IRXU years. The presidential election was won by Bola Ahmed TinuEX RI WKH UXOLQJ SDUW\ 7LQXEX V YLFWRU\ ZDV IROORZHG E\ ÀHUFH legal battle. His opponents; Atiku Abubakar of PDP and Peter Obi of LP had challenged his victory up to supreme Court. At ODVW WKH SHQGXOXP ÀQDOO\ VZXQJ LQ KLV IDYRXU 7KH DSH[ FRXUW dismissed the case instituted against him by the opposition FDQGLGDWHV DQG D΀UPHG KLV YLFWRU\ 7KH 7LQXEX DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ ZKLFK FDPH RQ ERDUG RQ 0D\ DPLGVW KLJKHVW H[pectations was faced by numerous problems inherited from its predecessor.

It is no surprise that during his inauguration speech, President Tinubu announced the removal of petroleum subsidy. In DGGLWLRQ WKH SUHVLGHQW XQLÀHG WKH IRUH[ H[FKDQJH UDWH :LWK the announcement of these new policies, Nigerians started to feel the brunt. The cost of living suddenly jumped up. To cushLRQ WKH HͿHFW WKH 7LQXEX V DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ LQ SURPLVHG

to pay palliatives of N25,000 to 15million Nigerians for period of three months. The government made similar promise to FLYLO VHUYDQWV ,W DJUHHG WR SD\ 1 ZDJH DZDUG IRU VRPH months beginning from September. The million naira question EHJJLQJ IRU DQVZHU LV +DV JRYHUQPHQW IXOÀOOHG WKHVH SURPises? Civil servants who were grappling with cost of living and who put their trust on government received only in September.

Killing by bandits or non-state actors under the eightmonth- old Tinubu's administration is taking a dangerous dimension. Though, the government inherited the insecurity challenges from former the administration, the recent Tudun Biri bomb mishaps and the Plateau Christmas eve carnage pointed to a gory picture of senseless killings. The Tinubu government should develop a robust security measures to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. Government needs to change tactics on the ongoing war against banditry and other related crimes in the country. The militarization of bandits' ravaged communities has failed to provide the desired outcome. The non- kinetic approach where communities are involved to tackle insecurity have proven more potent. There

is the need for government to address the symptoms of insecurity. The menace of banditry in Katsina, Zamfara and kaduna was caused by cattle rustling, illegal mining and injustice.

However, in Plateau and Benue States, the intractable crisis beWZHHQ )XODQL KHUGVPHQ DQG QDWLYH IDUPHUV DURVH ODUJHO\ GXH to the dispute over grazing lands. In the South-East, there is unknown gunmen laying siege, maiming and killing defenseless Nigerians. These arsonists are driven by secession agenda.

These deep-rooted malaise could be addressed through dialogue. Government should engage the non-state actors who take arms against the state to a constructive dialogue. In his new year message, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, promised to give Nigerian civil servants a living wage and fast track stable power supply. President Tinubu also promised to relieve any non-performing minister of his or her position. Mr President should go beyond mere talk and match his words with actions. :LWK WKH HFRQRP\ VRXWK LQVHFXULW\ DQG LQÁDWLRQ WKUHDWHQLQJ 1LJHULDQV 3UHVLGHQW 7LQXEX VKRXOG IXOÀOO KLV SURPLVHV LQ RWKer to achieve his much talked "renewed hope agenda" Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024

23

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

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Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

J A N U A R Y

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19.12%

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Stakeholders Fret over NCAA’s Regulatory Actions, Warn against Infractions that May Jeopardise Flight Safety in 2024

Chinedu Eze There is growing lack of confidence in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which peaked in 2023 and has aroused the fear that if firm action is not taken, flights may start falling from the skies in 2024.

Stakeholders told THISDAY that the ineffectiveness of NCAA, which caused a lot of challenges in 2023 must be checked to avoid disaster in 2024.

For instance, the Managing Director/CEO of Aero Contractors Captain Ado Sanusi, said as a professional with over three decades operating in the industry, NCAA’s performance last year was nothing to write home about.

“We achieved a lot over the years and I believe we should be building on what we have achieved. Unfortunately, due to the ineffectiveness and reactive nature of

our regulators, we there haven’t been any progress. The series of incidence in our airports last year and the regulator’s inability to nip them on the board made some operators feel the regulator was not that effective,” Sanusi said.

“Some of the safety infractions last year led to some incident. In November 2023, a Hawker 800XP aircraft operated by Flint Aero crashed into the bush on landing by past 8:00 pm at the Ibadan airport designated as daylight airport, but investigation showed that the charter service operator and other airlines had been operating into the airport beyond 6:00 pm that the airport was supposed to close for daylight flights.

“Also, in 2023 NCAA issued Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to an airline, NG Eagle, almost a year after the airline carried out demonstration flight under a different management. It also allowed the

airline to operate flights with wet leased aircraft when it technically did not have any Nigerian registered aircraft because the three Boeing 737NG it claimed it had, were no more with the airline, according to a court ruling.”

Speaking on recent developments in the industry, Sanusi said: “Well, there are a couple of things we have seen over the years, especially the past one year. We have seen the regulator giving a kind of waivers that have never been given before in the aviation industry. We have seen the regulator giving a license to airlines that have not met the requirements for AOC, a proprietor’s certificate. We have seen the regulator keeping quiet when Air Nigeria was declared that it is ready to fly when it obviously was not ready. We saw the regulator not coming out to say no, it must follow laid out process. So, we have seen the regulator keeping

quiet and being complacent when things have been done wrongly.

The regulator is not supposed to be politically correct, it is supposed to say the truth. It is supposed to regulate as the case may be.

So there are so many things that we have seen in the industry; whether the regulator kept quiet or whether the regulator gave a waiver, whether the regulator did something that made the operators feel, ‘oh, so you can get away with that’. And that’s the reason why I said the regulator was not being proactive, rather it was being reactive.

“Today, you ground airline ‘A’ and tomorrow you say the same airline ‘A’ can fly. Well, in the first instance, why did you ground it without going through a proper investigation in the first place? For example, we have witnessed the reversal of grounding of airplanes.

And that sends some kind of unsure signals and political interference in the regulatory agencies. So, that is why I said the regulator was not showing a more proactive stand, rather a reactive stand when an incident has happened. That’s when they come in and ground or wave the big cane on the airlines or the operator.”

Sanusi further said that NCAA’s regulation on minimum of six aircraft was not realistic because the infrastructure to support that regulation was not put in place.

Supporting Sanusi’s view on minimum of six aircraft, another operator and the CEO of Top Brass Aviation Limited, Roland Iyayi, said if airline operator is struggling with only two aircraft, is it six aircraft that will make him viable?

“The policy does not make sense.

My conclusion is that the policy was enacted by those who do not

have business and investment experience, especially aviation business experience,” Iyayi said.

He explained that if proper investigation was conducted it would be realised that the major reason why airlines do not do well in Nigeria is because of government policies, which are inimical to profitability of airlines in Nigeria.

“If NCAA insists that all airlines must have minimum of six aircraft, I can assure you that in the next 12 months two or three airlines in Nigeria will go under. As a small carrier with two aircraft, an airline can focus on its capacity. It may decide that it will be operators only to Lagos and Enugu. If you have six aircraft it means you will spend more money on the equipment because six aircraft have fixed costs.

The story continues online on

www.thisdaylive.com

NGX, PenCom to Deepen PFAs’ Equity Participation with Pension Broad Index Kayode Tokede Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the National Pension Commission (PenCom) have assured that the NGX Pension Broad Index (NGXPENBRD) will deepen Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) participation in the equities market.

Launched in June last year, the index provides a broader benchmark

for equities investment by the pension industry.

The NGX Pension Broad Index is designed to track the performance of equity securities that adhere strictly to the profitability and dividend payment criteria, along with other parameters specifically tailored to the pension industry.

With an all-encompassing approach, the index imposes no limits or

caps on the number of stocks it can include as constituents.

Currently featuring 84 equities, the NGX Pension Broad Index aligns seamlessly with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act of 2014 and the Amended Regulation on the Investment of Pension Fund Assets proposed by PenCom. The NGX Pension Broad Index has exhibited robust performance

since its launch last year. The index stands out for its well-diversified composition, encompassing highquality stocks across key sectors, including Banking, Insurance, Oil & Gas, Consumer Goods, and Industrial Goods.

Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr. Jude Chiemeka, expressed gratitude for PenCom’s insightful partnership,

stating, “The collaboration between NGX and PenCom underscores a shared commitment to fostering transparency, compliance, and growth within the Nigerian capital market. I am pleased with the approval granted by the National Pension Commission for the NGX Pension Broad Index (NGXPENBRD) to serve as the benchmark index for Nigeria’s

Pension industry equity investment portfolios. This further solidifies the credibility of the index as a reliable yardstick for evaluating the equity performance of pension industry investments.

“The NGX Pension Broad Index is poised to play a pivotal role in guiding investment decisions and enhancing the overall stability of Nigeria’s pension industry.”

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, J A N U A R Y 4 , 2 0 2 4 BONDS Change Updated Time DESCRIPTION Price Yield (%) January ^13.53 230,00 4, 100.65 12.91 2024 MAR-2025 ^12.50 22January 98.58 13.29 0,00 JAN-2026 4, 2024 ^16.2884 17January 108.25 13.06 0,00 MAR-2027 4, 2024 ^13.98 23January 100.50 13.80 0,00 4, FEB-2028 2024 ^14.55 26January 100.13 14.50 0,00 APR-2029 4, 2024

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10.38

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CONTRACT Current TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) (MONTH) NGUS DEC 13 – 24 2024 NGUS JAN 14 – 29 2025 NGUS FEB 15 – 26 2025 NGUS MAR 16 – 26 2025 NGUS APR 17 – 30 2025

Updated Time

January 4, 2024 January 4, 2024 January 4, 2024 January 4, 2024 January 4, 2024

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AIR WATCH

SAHCO Takes over Ethiopian Airlines Ground Handling Services A I R Stories By Chinedu Eze Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has won the contract to take over the ground handling services to one of the world’s foremost airlines, Ethiopian Airlines at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

SAHCO would be providing Ramp handling services, Cargo handling services and Warehousing services and other aviation related services to the airline starting from January 1, 2024.

Although SAHCO has been responsible for providing Cargo Handling and Warehousing services to Ethiopian Airlines from 2016 in Lagos, and full handling in Kano, the procurement of state-of-the-art

equipment, fitted with the latest technology, coupled with its well trained and customer friendly staff, have made them pick SAHCO as their new preferred handler at the Cargo Ramp in Lagos.

Ethiopian Airlines is the flag carrier of Ethiopia and is wholly owned by the Ethiopian government with its hub in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest airline in terms of passengers carried, destinations served, fleet size and revenue and they have been flying into Nigeria for over 30 years.

According to the Managing Director/CEO, SAHCO, Basil Agboarumi, “SAHCO’s choice as the preferred ground handling company for full Ethiopian

Airlines’ operations at the Cargo Ramp in Lagos is due to its pedigree and brilliant track record over the years. SAHCO has been providing Cargo Services & Warehousing for Ethiopian Airlines for quite a while now and we have displayed a high level of professionalism according to global best practices. This has instilled the trust and confidence which has influenced their decision to move their ground handling contract to us.”

He hinted further that with the business partnership between SAHCO and Ethiopian Airlines, customers would be assured of speedy, safe and seamless ramp and cargo movements as they do business with the airline.

WATCH

As Travellers Threaten to Boycott Nigerian Carriers

B i - C o u r t n ey Av i a t i o n Services Raises Hope in 2024 Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, the operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has extended its heartfelt New Year wishes to its dedicated team, esteemed partners, stakeholders and valued passengers who have made 2023 a remarkable year.

The company in a statement, said: “As we bid farewell to the challenges and triumphs of the past year, BASL reflects on the resilience and commitment demonstrated by its staff and collaborators especially during the 2023 festive season.

“BASL is proud to say that all hands were on deck to ensure

smooth operations at the terminal with little or no incidences. The year 2023 has been a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to service excellence and operational efficiency”.

In the spirit of the New Year, BASL said it looks forward to continuing its mission of providing world-class aviation services at MMA2. The company expresses gratitude for the support received from passengers, airlines, regulatory bodies, and the broader aviation community.

The Head, Corporate Communications of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Ajoke

Yinka-Olawuyi, said: “As we step into 2024, we do so with a sense of gratitude for the collective efforts that have contributed to our success. The New Year offers fresh opportunities for growth, innovation, and continued collaboration with our stakeholders, partners and regulatory agencies.”

BASL also said that it reaffirms its commitment to maintaining MMA2 as a beacon of efficiency, comfort, and convenience for air travelers. The company’s vision for the future involves further enhancements to passenger experiences and the introduction of innovative services.

NIMET Warns Airlines, Others against Harmattan Haze The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has released another weather forecast for 2024 with dust haze alerts in the north and isolated thunderstorms in the South-south region.

According to the agency, beginning from Wednesday, January 3, 2024 sunny and hazy atmosphere are anticipated over the North and North Central region throughout the forecast period.

“Slight dust haze is expected over the inland areas of the South during the forecast period while few clouds in hazy atmosphere is expected over the coastal cities with slim prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states during

the afternoon/evening period” NiMET revealed.

For Thursday, January 4, sunny and hazy atmosphere are expected over the North and North Central regions throughout the forecast period.

Few patches of clouds in a hazy atmosphere are expected over the inland areas of the South and coastal cities with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States in the afternoon/evening period.

For Friday, January 5, Sunny and hazy atmosphere are anticipated over the North and North Central region during the forecast period.

Few patches of clouds in hazy

atmosphere are expected over the Inland areas of the South and the Coastal belt with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Edo, Bayelsa and Delta states in the afternoon/evening period.

NiMET noted that the potential impact could be adverse, while stating that dust particles are in suspension, and also warning the public to take necessary precautions.

“People with asthma and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations. Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it added.

Najomo Assures NCAA Workers o f P ro m o t i o n , Tr a i n i n g Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Deputy Business Editor Chinedu Eze Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Reporters Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

The acting Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo has promised the agency workers of promotion, training, retraining and fair policies in the management of the authority.

He gave the assurance when the organisation opened the new year with prayer at the Lagos office of the agency.

Najomo urged the workers to show more dedication to their duties, improve their productivity to effectively reposition the NCAA and the Nigeria aviation industry in its rightful place as a leader on the African continent.

To achieve this, he said: “ In this new year, training and retraining will be of utmost priority to enable staff to discharge their responsibilities with the required competency.

“As we all know, one of the integral commitments and cardinal policy thrust of NCAA is training

and retraining of staff. I make bold to say that we have a huge task ahead of us. Being the industry regulator comes with huge responsibility. I therefore, implore all staff to put their best foot forward.”

Represented by the Director, Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff, he also charged on punctuality saying that, all staff are expected to be at work at 8am-4pm except for staff who run shift duty.

He noted that, while taking cognisance of the high cost of fuel and transportation, the management team would map out modalities to ameliorate this situation.

On the issues of staff promotion and concerns on paucity of vacancies and openings on grade levels 15-17, the Ag. DGCA agreed this had led to stagnation in the system but assured efforts are on to create openings as realistically as possible.

Chinedu Eze One major thing that would be etched in the minds of air travellers in Nigeria in 2023 would be what many described as outrageous airfares that rose to almost N200, 000 for one way ticket at the peak of the Yuletide season.

Airlines found it very difficult convincing travellers that domestic tickets could be sold for up to N150, 000 one way and return ticket going for over N300, 000. Some travellers that spoke to THISDAY, said this had never happened in the history of aviation in Nigeria and “we have never seen this kind of greed among Nigerian airlines.”

Some Nigerians analysed that the tickets cost highest on the South-east routes and were critical of the businessmen from that region that own airlines: Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines. They insisted that there was no way that fares could climb that high on those Eastern routes and alleged that they were being ripped off by their kinsmen.

Although Air Peace had earlier issued a statement that there was no programmed intent to exploit travellers to the Eastern region; that the fares followed the principle of demand and supply, recognising the fact that there is influx of passengers to the East during Christmas holidays.

It was really difficult to tame the anger of travellers during the Christmas season, especially those who looked at the high fares from the prism that their own were exploiting them and at a time they return enmass to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their loved ones in their communities.

But airlines said that the exchange rate of over N1000 to a dollar, the high cost of operation and limited capacity and high demand were the factors that upped the fares.

The Managing Director and CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi said that the cost of tickets could only come down if the cost of operation is down.

“For cost of ticket, I believe the only way the ticket fares will come down is if the cost of operation is reduced drastically. And how do you reduce their fixed costs and their variable costs? You have to tinker with the variable costs. The fixed costs, you can do very little about that. So the variable costs, the cost of Jet A1 (aviation fuel), the personnel costs, the cost of repairs, maintenance, all that, you need to tinker with them. And of course, it all boils down to the cost of foreign exchange to the Naira. That’s the dollar to the Naira. Now, bear in mind that some of the airlines have taken the advantage of the high demand in travel during this Yuletide season, during this festive season.

They have taken that advantage to increase their fares. They will reduce their fares because people cannot afford to continue to pay those huge amount of money to travel and the demand will be very low.

So you will see a slight decrease in 2024, January, February, March, because those are

the months that airlines struggle. So you will see a bit of reduction. And if the dollar to Naira exchange stabilizes, you will see a stable rate of tickets throughout the year.

Probably if there’s a new entrant into the market, you might see a slight decrease in ticket fares,” Sanusi said.

He noted that if more airlines join the market the fares could come own because it means that more aircraft will be available or even if the existing airlines acquire more aircraft it may bring down the cost of ticket because that means more seats available for passengers.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo had hinted that he would collaborate with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and concerned authorities to see how dollars could be made available to airlines. This will enable them to bring back their aircraft ferried overseas for maintenance and it will also enable them to acquire new equipment.

Travellers also complained about flight delays and cancelation, protesting that passengers are not adequately compensated when flights are delayed for a certain period or even cancelled.

But the President, Association of Aviation Training Organisation Nigeria and the Group Managing Director of FlinchGlow Holdings, Bankole Bernard, said that prescribed compensation for passengers is contained in the consumer protection section of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations as amended.

“We do already pay compensations and delays for flight cancellations or delays. What I just want us to understand is, we are not inventing the wheel, I mean it is everywhere in the world, so let us not put a kind of money into the mouth of passengers. Oh, when there is a delay, you are going to be demanding compensation from airlinesiff the delay is caused by the parastatal, the federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for instance, or is caused by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) inspectors inspecting the airplane, who pays for that delay? So we must put an infrastructure in place that will definitely know that it’s the airline that is responsible for this delay, then we can now say this is the procedure to compensate for that delay.”

Bernard who was the former President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) further said. “But it will be chaotic, believe me, if I have a flight that is supposed to leave and because of congestion at the tarmac or congestion at the check-in counter and I could not depart for one hour, two hours because of the infrastructure of FAAN, who pays for the delay? Or if I have an airplane that was supposed to be released by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the inspectors are still doing their job and the delay turns out to be three or four hours, who pays for that delay.”

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MARITIME

2023: Koko’s Quest to Exceed Ministerial Performance Bond 2023 was a remarkable year for the Nigerian Ports Authority. The authority embarked on new ventures, expanded its operational presence, and embraced technological innovations, all while staying true to its core values and mission.

But the Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko’s commitment to attainment of the performance bond for ministerial deliverables from 2023-2027, signed by heads of agencies and departments under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy towards the end of 2023, trumped everything, writes Eromosele Abiodun

W

ith Nigeria struggling to meet revenue targets at the start of 2023, there was widespread anxiety across the nation, with many concerned that the country might hit the precipice. Amid the downturn in the economy, government agencies were expectedly confronted with dire challenges. However, a few others who had leaders with private sector experience were able to rescue the government from the threat of shutdown by generating mouthwatering revenues as well as embarked on reforms and blocked leakages.

By the end of first quarter of 2023, the general elections in the country were concluded and ushered in a new administration at the Federal level and across many states. Following the inauguration of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in May 2023, there has been a frenzy of restructured and focused interventions driven by policy changes designed to put the country and economy on a new pedestal. Notable policies as fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the currency exchange rate have undoubtedly created a fresh momentum.

These nascent policies, part of which metamorphosed in the establishment of the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, have impacted port operations in more than one way and the NPA has since joined hands with the supervising Minister, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, in pursuit of his mandate for the overall benefit of the maritime industry.

But before the new administration came onboard, the NPA had already positioned itself to support the Bola Tinubu administration. From January 2023, the Bello Koko-led transformation, re-engineering and repositioning of the NPA triggered fundamental changes that are afoot at the apex maritime organization today.

It is noteworthy that within the first half of 2023, the NPA has generated a total revenue of N191.43 billion from its operations. During the same period, it remitted N55.712 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federation.

These disclosures were contained in a half-year 2023 performance reports released by the NPA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Bello Koko.

Elucidating on the report, Mr Bello Koko said given the existential economic headwinds, both at the micro and macro levels, these operational statistics for the first six months were reassuring, adding that they catalysed the commendable remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federal Government thus far.

According to him: “Viewed within the context of current global economic upheavals which have affected trade volumes in all climes, our current growth trajectory is encouraging and gives us confidence to project a revenue growth of over 500 billion with concomitant increase in remittance to CRF by end-of-year 2023, given that shipping activities peak around the second half of the year.

“The smart policy thrust of the new administration which is already throwing up new vistas of growth further lends credence to the feasibility of our projections and gives fillip to our organizational initiatives.”

He further added, “The operationalization of Lekki Deep Seaport, expected restoration of the service boat management contract, digitalisation and intensified tightening of collections mechanisms buoys our confidence at meeting and indeed exceeding the revenue projections.

“The Authority has completed operations on a total number of one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one (1851) vessels for the 1st half of 2023 with a combined Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of fiftyseven million, eight hundred and seventy thousand and eighty-three (57,870,083). Cargo throughput for the period under review stood at 33,895,784 metric tonnes, whilst container traffic was 707,985 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).

A key indicator of port efficiency which is the average turn-around-time (TAT) of vessels, stood at 5.16days. “This is an improvement and we have put measures in place to surpass in the second half of 2023.”

TRUCK TURN-AROUND CYCLE Anyone who has been to Apapa in recent years will testify to the menace of truckers and the resulting gridlock on port access roads. Today, there is significant reduction in truck turn-around time due to successful monitoring of the E-Call Up System.

To minimize breakdown of trucks on port access

Royal Haskoning. The contract for rehabilitation will soon be awarded, it was gathered.

The NPA has also completed review of expired concessions while reviewing all available funding options in order to commence immediate reconstruction of: TinCan Island Port Complex, Berth 4-14 in Apapa Port Complex, Berth 2 in Onne, Terminal C in Warri and Warri Jetties.

Also, the synergistic partnerships at instituting transparency harbingered by the Mohammed Koko – led Management recently gained international commendation as Nigerian Ports Authority won the, “Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action Award,” of the Switzerland-based Basel Institute.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Bello-Koko roads, about 3,000 trucks have been inspected, certified and issued stickers to ensure safety and compliance with ISO certification requirements and Minimum Safety Standards (MSS). This led to a handsome 65 per cent reduction in number of accidents recorded within the port premises.

The NPA, following Koko’s directive, has enforced full compliance of trucks to the E-Call Up regime and Minimum Safety Standard resulting in significant reduction in the traffic gridlock along the main Port corridor and the internal access roads through enforcements, proper batching, continuous access control mechanisms and movement of cargo via barge operations.

To save the country the much-needed foreign exchange, Koko has ensured that complete drydocking of some tug boats are done locally, and this has increased the Authority’s fleet of vessels.

To ensure adequate security at the ports, the NPA has procured and deployed six Security Patrol Boats (SPBs) to all Pilotage Districts to address incessant attacks of vessels along the channels and at Ports’ waterfronts.

In the period under review, the NPA has ensure standardization of Operational Procedures for Different Activities, created Forcados Signal Station to enable the Port capture the movement of more Service Boats and completed bathymetric Survey for the dredging of Escravos Channels.

With vital tools and processes necessary for effective port operation lacking, what the NPA has achieved in the last 10 months is unprecedented.

They include; the survey and Mapping of the FairWay Buoy up to Warri-Sapele-Koko Ports to the prescribed standards of the UKHO Charts, increase Container holding capacity at Rivers Port arising from conversion of unused space within PTOL Terminal into stacking area, provision of 24 motor cycles deployed to aid effective monitoring of Truck E-Call Up operation at Apapa/TCIPC/Ijora axis to ease free flow of traffic, signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for data digitalization and exchange for effective integration of Ports statistics with National Database and upgrading of Website and Daily Shipping Position Portal.

With technology being the linchpin of port efficiency, the Authority’s sustained updating of ports systems automation as well as the ongoing collaboration with the IMO for the development of the Port Community System (PCS) signposts the current management team’s seriousness to advance Nigeria’s trade fortunes.

The PCS which lays the groundwork for the National Single Window (NSW- the global benchmark of port efficiency), is a sector-specific automated system that eases information exchange between all parties that have activities related to the seaports, the NPA has been at the forefront of measurable actions steps necessary to operationalize the PCS. Although the PCS by its operational dynamics requires multi-agency actions, which have been time consuming, the NPA as Nigeria’s foremost trade facilitation platform has through advocacy and collaborations fast tracked the process and as at date completed the second phase of the consultancy under the technical guidance of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

To enthrone transparency and eliminate opacity, the authority has also completed the automation of port-ship reception and billing payment with the Revenue invoicing and management system (RIMS), Deployment of Electronic manifest and Ship Entry Notice (ESEN), deployed electronic Traffic Management System (e-Call Up), currently operates Oracle Financials and Oracle HR and is on track for the procurement of software for harbour automation and is implementing an Authority-wide equipping and strengthening of Radio Signal Stations.

To assure Domain Awareness Capability to enable the Authority guide and provide safety information to vessels within its channels and ports approaches in line with the Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) convention, the current management partnered with the NLNG Ship Management Ltd (NSML) for the deployment of Vessel Traffic Service which is at its conclusive stage.

EQUIPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE Ports sustainability is dependent on quality infrastructure and equipment. Whilst awaiting the necessary approvals for the funding of the reconstruction of the aged Tin Can Island Ports Complex and rehabilitation of challenged aspects of all Port locations, the current Management team has in the period under review undertaken commendable steps in this direction as follows: r "DRVJTJUJPO PG àSTU PG JUT LJOE JO "GSJDB NBSJOF crafts such as the recently commissioned two units of Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) 8213 model 80 Ton Bollard Pull Tugboats to enable the berthing of very large vessels

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of 300 metres LOA and above. &RVJQQJOH BOE 0QFSBUJPOBMJ[BUJPO PG TUBUF PG the-art Control Towers for Lagos and Tin can Island Port Complexes.

1SPDVSFNFOU BOE EFQMPZNFOU PG 4FDVSJUZ 1BUSPM Boats (SPBs) across all Port locations leading to enhanced channel security and address incessant attacks of vessels along the channels and at ports’ waterfronts which has resulted in unprecedented cargo traffic in the Eastern Ports especially Onne Port Complex.

1SPDVSFNFOU BOE JOTUBMMBUJPO PG OBWJHBUJPOBM Aids and Buoys for Warri and Calabar Pilotage Districts, for proper channel marking and route mapping. $PNQMFUJPO PG UIF 3PBE /FUXPSL GPS UIF JOUFHSBUJPO of Berth 9,10, &11 at Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne Port.

DIVERSIFICATION OF REVENUE SOURCES In a move that is indicative of the readiness and capacity to fit into the reinvigorated capacity optimization drive of the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the visionary ministerial direction of His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, and in a bid to surpass the current revenue performance, Mohammed Bello Koko and his team are already looking beyond sole dependence on revenue from core port operations and have already put modalities in place to create jobs and add value to the national economy from the following alternative sources of revenue through Public Private Partnerships; Ports Independent Power Production, Bunkering Stations, Fallow Lands for Logistics/Real Estate, Fresh Water Provision, Ship Repairs and Maintenance and Tourism and Hospitality.

Gleaned from the foregoing, it is evident that the Nigerian Ports Authority has been placed on sound footing to guarantee its growth, competitiveness, and future readiness to maximize the opportunities inherent in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.

2024 GOALS As a precursor to achieving its goals for 2024, the NPA is sourcing low-cost funds to fully modernize its existing ports to accommodate modern cargo handling equipment, reduce vessel turn-around time, improve the berth occupancy factor, and increase competitiveness as almost every KPI in the Performance Bond it signed is hinged on port performance and improving port competitiveness index.

Said Bello Koko, “Our effort to fully automate port operations is now coming to fruition. In the first quarter of 2024, we will complete the launch of an upgraded version of the Revenue Invoice Management System, RIMS 2.0, to address the shortfalls of the earlier version. The Port Community System, which is supported by the International Maritime Organization will also go live this year to streamline port operations, improve data exchange and Port efficiency.

“The effort to deploy VTS and harbour automation that are necessary to ensure security and safe navigation has reached advanced stage and will be deployed this year. Also in our bid to be scientific in our approach to port development, the National Ports Master plan will come into effect by June this year to guide our investment and expansion plans.”

It was therefore unsurprising that sequel to signing the Presidential and Ministerial Performance Bond, the Koko-led management organized a three-day retreat during which the Executive Management Team were taken through the fundamentals of the goals and objectives as stated in the Performance Bond in order to ensure seamless achievement. The scorecards will be revealed February 2024.

“In the period under review, the NPA has ensure standardization of Operational Procedures for Different Activities, created Forcados Signal Station to enable the Port ESCRAVOS BREAKWATERS, CONCESSION REVIEW For several years the Escravos breakwaters capture the movement of more Service Boats were left to rot. However, things are turning around for good following the completion of and completed bathymetric Survey for the consultancy services for the shore protection and dredging of Escravos Channels.” rehabilitation of the Escravos breakwaters by

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IMAGES

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY ͳ, 2024

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

Celebrant/Provincial Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 36 headquarters, Ajao Estate, Lagos, Pastor Benjamin Adewole Ajayeoba, and his wife, Mrs. Victoria Ajayeoba, during the 65th birthday celebration of Pastor Ajayeoba in Lagos…recently

National Coordinator, Booth 2 Booth with Bola Tinubu, Iyke Madu (left), and National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (right), after a closed-door meeting at Ganduje’s residence in Abuja…recently

L-R: Chairman, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency, Adesagba Adekoya; Mr. Ahmed Adekunle of Ifedapo Motorcycle Riders; representative of Oyo State Governor and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; and Chairman, Oyo State Motorcycle Riders, Mr. Olugbode Solomon, during the presentation of free reflective jackets to commercial motorcycle riders by the state government in Ibadan…recently

L-R : Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Ephraim Sheyin; Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrhim Ndachi; Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Mohammed Ali; and Director of News, VON, Mr. Austeen Elewodalu, during the visit of VON DG to NAN headquarters in Abuja…recently

L-R: Chairman, Project Committee, Wesley College of Science (WECOSA), Elekuro, Ibadan, Oyo State, Mr. Seun Alli; President, WECOSA, Electro, Ibadan 95 Set, Mrs. Olanike Mustafa; Principal, WECOSA, Mr. Biodun Isola; and National Secretary -General, WECOSA, Dr. Okediji Joshua, during the inauguration of a project constructed by WESCOSA 95 Set at the school premises in Elekuro Ibadan…recently

L-R: Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ubale Maska; Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy/ Head of Nigerian Delegation, Dr. Bosun Tijani; and Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, during the World Radio Communications Conference (WRC-2023), where Nigeria joined the rest of the world to sign unto the Final Acts WRC-23, which constitutes a record of the decisions taken at the conference held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates…recently

This

Weekend FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024

Group Features Editor: CHIEMELIE EZEOBI chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

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WEEKLY MAGAZINE

Evangelist Ebuka Obi: Consecrated to His Calling, Touching Lives

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COVER

Evangelist Ebuka Obi: Consecrated to His Calling, Touching Lives For those in need of solution to their respective life issues, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, popularly known as Ebuka Obi, the Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, ZPMO, is the vessel through which the answers lie. As one of the most sought-after preachers globally, Bro Ebuka, as he is also referred to in some quarters, is a staunch Catholic, whose forte is repentance, family reconciliation, deliverance and miracles. But beyond this, the Ubulu Ihejiofor native in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, is also passionate about touching lives either through his The Seraphic Foundation or even during his ministrations where thousands throng in from all over the world seeking answers to their problems. Born 43 years ago to scholarly parents of Mr. Vincent and Mrs. Veronica Obi with six other siblings including his twin brother, Engr. C.C Obi, his brand of ministration has expectedly drawn admiration and criticisms alike. In this interview with Chiemelie Ezeobi at his office in Hosanna Estate in Ago-Palace, Lagos, he bares it all- his childhood, journey to ministry, the three-fold consecration to his calling, the foundation, plans for expansion, mentorship and even word for his detractors I usually tell them that you cannot be a Christian and have charms on your body. The Yahoo boys answer altar call, submitting the rings that they were using to charm people. Even many native doctors submitting their charms. To me, the salvation of souls, people coming back to Jesus Christ is what stands out for me.

So Evangelist, what has been happening. Seeing the crowd, all struggling to see you, when do you create time for yourself? t’s a lot. I don’t know the last time I closed my eyes to sleep like two hours- there is no night I sleep like 2 hours. Out of emotions and sympathy, I will be seeing people after the programme, holding meetings. As at 3am, 4am, I was still seeing a lot of foreigners from Gabon, America and United Kingdom. My heart will always melt once I hear the amount they pay in hotels. Even the time of Jesus, he did not do it like this because the Bible said sometimes he would disappear. But my own is too much. I used to be too emotional about people’s problem is one of my biggest problem. I am the kind of person that does not like to withstand someone’s tears.

I

What efforts are you making to reduce the workload. Are you mentoring people to ease that burden?

Yes we do. We are having sons of the prophet programme now. The work is too much for one person. I cannot be in 10 places at a time. It’s a big challenge. We need a lot of ministers who can help.

So, we are training some people already. In spite of the hours or days that people spend, waiting to see you, they remain undaunted, probably because they are getting results.

But they are getting results?

Why won’t they get results? When you keep yourself and you are honest to what you are doing, the power of God is available. Do you know the level of people that come here- the governor of Lagos was trying to come here for my birthday but he didn’t see road to enter, he turned back.

People come from all over the world, and if they are not getting what they are coming for, you won’t be seeing them.

So as a person, how do you feel that people are thronging here to come and see you?

When they are coming, what comes to my mind is ‘you have to keep maintaining what you are doing that made people to me coming here’. I don’t feel proud or arrogant about it. I just say ‘oh Lord, who am I? I give You all Glory. Give me grace to always be faithful and not to disappoint You. Because so many Men of God started very well with principle but at a time, they fell. I am always conscious of it that I don’t want to make mistakes of other prophets.

Other than God, what will you attribute the rapid rise of Zion Ministry to?

I don’t think there’s anything else to attribute the growth of Zion Ministry to, other than God, because it’s more than human comprehension. Even me, I cannot believe it. I know that when I was small, I used to see a lot of crowd that I am talking to-thousands that I could not see their faces, but I didn’t know it would come this far. There’s no time you will come here and not see thousands of people from all over the world.

So, how did this journey start?

It’s unexplainable. When I was eight years old, I normally see things that were not even clear to me. I could wake up and tell my mom that this person would die tomorrow and the person would die. Somebody could be very sick and everybody would believe that this person would die but I would tell them that the person would live and the person would recover. It got to a point where pregnant women would come and ask the sex of their child, even at a point they have not gone to scan. At that point scan was not as it is now. So, I became the scanning machine to so many pregnant mothers, not just my town but people coming from other villages. I would tell the whether it’s a boy or girl and it would be unmistakable.

So because of that, my father wasn’t comfortable with it because you would see a lot of people trooping into my family just to hear what I would say about them. Some people were asking if I was not possessed.

Even in primary school, my teachers were coming to ask me questions and sometimes, I would open their hands and it would be unmistakable.

The whole thing was spreading that people from other local governments were coming to look for a boy of eight years to verify somethings from me.

And whenever I will tell you it’s like this, it will

Obi come out like that. So my father was so careful with me amongst all my siblings. He was so careful and confused. He didn’t know how to follow me, even my teachers and fellow students, came to me. I said I will make a video about this priest (points to a life-sized portrait of Late Rev. Fr. Luke Odikaemerem).

When I was 12 years, he came to our parish, CKC Catholic Church in Ubulu. I was born in a Catholic family and was raised as one. He was the one who told my father ‘stop flogging him. He has the gift of the Holy Spirit. God will use him mightily’. He told my father to stop seeing me as a devil because that time, my father would always flog the hell out of me. I could understand my father because he wanted us to be the best. You can imagine when both parents are teachers and everyday, you are praying, leaving the school to go to the chapel to pray for hours. It didn’t go down well with father. So, it was when this priest came to Ubulu that he told my father that ‘he will be great. He will be a prophet of God. He is not possessed or demonic but is manifesting the gift of God’. The priest brought down the tension.

How does your father feel about you now, especially with how big you have become?

He still wasn’t comfortable but the pressure wasn’t the same as when the priest had not come to our parish. Now, he has no option than to be happy. You see this priest, I don’t know why he died early. I will make a video of the priest someday. He said if I was ready to work for God, I must not have sex before marriage; that God will use me mightily and that he saw me talking to millions of people, but let it not be a church. That time, I didn’t understand what is ministry and I did not plan to have one. He told me that he saw me talking to thousands all over the world but I must not leave Catholic where I was born, I should not have sex before marriage and I must not be money-minded. He made these three points and I’ve kept them till today and that is why I have not married.

So, how have you overcome the temptation?

It’s not easy but with determination leads to success and the grace of God. Saint Paul said three times I prayed to God to take away the torn of my flesh but instead of God taking it away, He said ‘my grace is sufficient’. So, the consciousness that these three vows are attached to my destiny, that if I break any of them, I might have problem, is always ringing in my subconscious. Some ladies are coming but I can’t joke with this grace. That is why I am still keeping to this grace. This is why in the church, I don’t baptise anybody, I have not wedded anybody. I don’t play the role of

any priest. That’s why on Sundays, I try to go to Mass as a Catholic or I invite a priest so as not to cause distractions.

You don’t place adverts yet your ministry is still growing in leaps and bounds. What do you attribute this growth to?

It’s just the Grace of God that God wants to do this work through this person. We have no signboard. We are not even powerful in the media. Yet if you come here, you see thousands of people from across the globe every time. We have bought a lot of houses and demolished so we can expand, still, you can’t pass. We can’t do any big programme here. It’s the grace and anointing of God but you maintain it with sacrifice. I am a man of sacrifice. I fast a lot and I have a lot of things I do personally.

Seeing the level of work God has given to me, I go to Him as a baby and tell him that I didn’t pray for this kind of ministry so He should not allow me to make a mistake. Also, the things I preach, I try to do them. I have never asked anybody in Zion ministry to pay money. I have never asked for tithe. I don’t do Bazaar or ask people to pay money to see me.

Of course, with the way people gather to see me, if I put my consultation fee at N10 million people will pay. But I will never because freely I receive, freely I will give.

So, how would you explain the miracles that are witnessed here regularly?

I don’t think there is anything I would attribute it to except God. Because it’s more than human comprehension. Even me, I can’t believe it. A lawyer from Canada brought a Tesla of over one hundred million. I was praying during Open Heavens and I prophesied that he was going to have a breakthrough. I mentioned his name, I didn’t know him before and it happened.

So, I don’t know how God does His miracles, I just prophesy. Sometimes I hear the voice clearly and sometimes it’s like me watching television. If you come to me one-on-one, I can just ask you to open your hands and I will start telling you things about you. Ask some governors, past and present senators, etc, who have come to see me here, they will tell you.

There’s another one, he brought a jeep of about thirty-something million. During Open Heavens, his name was mentioned and the prophecy came about a contract in Abuja which will be in billions, and it happened. He showed us where they were signing the contract in Abuja.

With all these miracles, which is the most memorable?

The lame working and the blind seeing happens almost all the time but it’s that of young boys surrendering their charms, giving their lives to Christ. Many youths come here and

What is the Seraphic Foundation about and how did you start it?

Seraphic Home Foundation started since 2009 but it was not called that name. I was praying in Awhum monastery in Enugu and the Lord said to me ‘I will bless you with everything and make you famous but you must take care of the poor’.

So, I established a group called Welfare Ministry and they have been going to many prisons.

Right now, we are building a psychiatric hospital in Anambra State. We will also build it in five or six other states because charity begins at home. We are starting with Anambra State because I don’t want to see any mad Igbo person moving around the street. It’s a free psychiatric home. Once completed, we will hand it over to state governor and then move to Imo, my state, then Abia. We will have buses which will be moving about picking and delivering persons with mental challenges to the psychiatric home.

Under the foundation, there’s no school term I don’t pay about N40 million school fees for people I don’t know, in Lagos, Anambra, Imo, etc. The Seraphic Hospital is also there, but like a charitable home. The people who pay money there are those we know have money and can afford it. But it is free of charge for hundreds of people. The psychiatric home is also free.

You are planning to relocate your ministry from Lagos to the East, Owerri to be precise.

What influenced that move?

I don’t think that we can do any big programme here anymore. There’s usually a crowd here on a daily basis. So, what we can manage here for now are weekly programmes. When we have a bigger programme, we go to a place that can contain us.

Do you know that last time, people were fainting here; over hundred people fainted because of lack of space. The whole street was blocked. And getting a bigger land here in Lagos, I don’t think it’s possible.

Going there also will help the people to develop that side. When I came here in 2012, this place was like a desert, but the presence of God brought development. So, I also want people who come from my area to benefit from the grace, though they also come here. But the main thing is to have a bigger space. We are looking at about 20,000 plots and that will soon be concluded.

What do you say to those who doubt the authenticity of your miracles, especially those who make negative comments on social media?

There’s no day you open social media that you don’t read Ebuka Obi did this or that. In fact, I left social media because of this. If you just type my name, you will see hundreds of fan pages; so many controversies, people coming out without evidence. Initially, it was not easy because you know I have siblings and parents who see these things. People are talking about one person, and you have not come close. Well, they can’t really understand what we are doing here because the Bible says that a carnal mind cannot understand the things of the Holy Spirit. You must be a spiritual person to understand Ebuka Obi. You cannot go to the club and from there make videos of people falling and you cannot understand why people fall on the ground.

They did the same to our Lord Jesus Christ. People said He was using the power of Beelzebub to do miracles. People also criticised all the prophets of old. But it’s like my own is getting too much. There was a time when some members arrested some of them here in Lagos and when I got to know about it, I instructed that they be released. One thing that gives me joy though is that upon all the things they are saying about me, multitudes still come here and people who love what is happening here are more than those against me. We even have more people coming from outside the country. My response is, God bless them.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

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Vitafoam Celebrates First Baby of 2024 with Multiple Gifts Precious Ugwuzor Vitafoam Nigeria PLC, a leading manufacturer of mattresses, pillows, bedding and furniture, welcomed the first three babies of 2024 with an array of gifts at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.

ThisinitiativeispartofVitafoam’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), focusing on healthcare, education, and community development.

Mrs. Praise Kelechi-Opara, the mother of the first baby, Adaeze, receivedaStorageWoodenBabyCot, BabyMattress,NursingPillow,Baby Comfy, and Breastfeeding Cover.

Mrs. Sanni Suliat, mother of the second baby, received a Cottage Wooden Baby Cot, Baby Mattress, and Complete Baby Comfy. Mrs. Omotoyosi Sanni, mother of the third baby, received a Cottage Wooden Baby Cot and Baby Mattress. Vitafoam products were also donated to the hospital staff.

Commenting on the gifts to the first three babies of the year 2024, Vitafoam’s Supply Chain Director, Mr. Ola Ogunfeyitimi, emphasised the strategic impor-

L-R: Supply Chain Director, Vitafoam Nigeria PLC, Ola Ogunfeyitimi; Head of Administration and Human Resources, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Salu Abike; Deputy Medical Director, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr. Enoma Bazuaye; Mother of first baby of the Year, Praise KelechiOpara, her baby, Adaeze; Commercial Director, Vitafoam Nigeria PLC, Dahiru Gambo and Apex Nurse, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Oluwatoyin Champion during Vitafoam’s presentation of gifts to the first baby of the year at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital recently tance of healthcare, education, and community development to human capital development.

He expressed delight that this year’s first three babies were born within 15 minutes.

“Celebrating the first baby of the year in partnership with Lagos

Island Maternity Hospital, is an age-long tradition at Vitafoam.

This event has been consistently celebrated for many years and we hope to sustain. “ Our CSR policy sits on a tripod of healthcare, education and community development.

As a caring family brand, and a proud provider of sleep solutions, we are here again to celebrate and provide quality Vitafoam products to the first three babies, their parents, the management and the dedicated staff of the Lagos island maternity hospital.

Dr. Siju Iluyomade, Lawyer, Philanthropist, Celebrates 60th Birthday Stories by MaryNnah DrSijuIluyomade,alawyer,philanthropist,speaker,businesswoman, author, and global advocate for womenandgirls,willcelebrateher 60th birthday on Sunday, January 8, 2024, in Lagos.

Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, Iluyomade who has been in active legal practice since then, is a Partner in the Law firm of Iluyomade & Iluyomade & Co., Legal Practitioners focusing on CorporateLaw,InternationalTrade andFinanceandConstructionLaw, Energy Law, Insolvency Government Relations and International - Joint Ventures.

ShehaspractisedLawinseveral Courts in Nigeria including the Supreme Court of Nigeria and she is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as well as the International Bar Association (IBA).

Having seen firsthand that empoweringwomenandgirlscan transform the health and prosperity of families, communities, and nations, Iluyomade through her twomaininitiatives-AriseWomen andTheHandmaidensWomenIn Leadership Series (HWIS), she has become a role model for kindness while simultaneously putting the human capital to work for economic growth.

Iluyomadeisonthecuttingedge

Dr. Siju Iluyomade of women’s overall well-being and empowerment.

Sheispassionate,purpose-driven, a catalyst for change, and a vessel of transformation. No wonder her initiatives in a short period have attracted considerable support from leading women to come together to make progress towards achieving the 12 pillars of the United Nations 17SustainableDevelopmentGoals: Nopoverty;zerohunger,goodhealth and well-being; quality education; genderequality,cleanwaterandsanitation; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and

infrastructure;reducedinequalities; sustainable cities and communities; life on land and lastly, partnership for the goals. vision ofARISE is abridged into six key areas of Influence: Health.

Education; empowerment, leadership & mentorship, social and arts.

Her interventions illustrate longterm growth that has contributed to various social outcomes such as good leadership, education, healthcare delivery and economic prosperity. In everything she does, she remains focused on creating sustainable communities for the

future.

The ARISE foundation speaks aboutsustainabilitythroughARISE Walk For Life;ARISE Mobile Clinics;ARISEAdopt-a-VillageProject; ARISEGoesToSchoolProgramme; Arise Vaccination Centre; ARISE Farmers Foundation;ARISE Skills Acquisition Academy; ARISE Women’s Conference andARISE Community Insurance Scheme.

Iluyomade sits as the Chairman and Director of many companies including Visible Oil Limited, Visible Energy Services Limited, the Healing Stripes Hospital and the RiverBank School, to mention a few.

She has spoken at various leadership, empowerment, sustainability, health and gender equality conferences nationally and across continents. She is also a major advocate for gender equality and children’s rights in Nigeria.

She speaks up for the rights of women and believes that gone are the days of voiceless women.

The renowned lawyer collaborates with wives of top state functionaries and military service chiefs, who are women of great influence and other women bodies including the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), International Women Society (IWS) and Market Women Associations.

Warri Again Live in Lagos Raw and Unfiltered Grand Party Willie Sohwo It what could be termed as the true assemblage and galaxy of Nigeria’s finest Musicians and Comedians, Nigeria’s Gift to the world and FIFA Executive Committee member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick and his Iconic BrownHill Group made Lagosians and visitors extremely happy at the Eko Convention Center, Victoria Island Lagos.

Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the immenselybrilliantSportsadministrator, International Business Mogul and Entertainment Connoisseur, ImpresarioandAvatarrock solidly brought to bear his enviable and impressive literary and Entertainment skills. His now legendary unassailable, unmatched and matchless patriotism to our great country, Nigeria was in full throttle once again.

The memorable and unforgettable experiences succinctly

captured Nigeria’s top flight entertainers opening the night of melodious music, boundless laughter and limitless fun.

Fireboy was the first musical artist who opened the floodgates of musical treasures and masterpieces.

Kcee who followed next literally caressed the hearts of the highly appreciative audience.

Dbanj further set the world class stage aglow with verve, panache and razz ma tazz.

Fave was a delight for the eyes to see. Ena lived up to his top billing as a musical artist of repute.

The delectable, tempestuous, musical wonder and Songbird Tiwa Savage thoroughly thrilled the audience made up of the top honchos of Corporate Nigeria, school children on vacation, etc.

The Energetic, vibrant, robust, bubbly and effervescent Yemi Alade Master-class performance was a further authentication, attestation and

reaffirmation of God’s greatness andgoodnessonourgreatcountry Nigeria. Spyro superlative efforts were genuine and fabulous.

Young Jonn and Odumodublvck performed creditably well. The high-octane performance of Wande Coal and Flavour were mercurial, marvellously wonderful, superbly packaged, masterfully crafted and delightfully presented.

Pheelz showcased his budding and boundless energy.

Shalipoppi, the last musical artist of the Warri Again Entertainment Extravaganza in Lagos crowned the night which actually ended this morning giving Nigerians and foreigners alike a foretaste of the promises and hopes for Nigeria in 2024 and beyond. Other noteworthyperformerswerethese Disc jockeys DJ Dimple Nipple, DJ Consequence and others too numerous to mention.

These ComediansMC

Edopikin, Destalker, Mr Paul, Short Family, titillated, tantalised, enraptured, mesmerised and totally captivated the cream of Nigeria’s socioeconomic, political and media firmament with their own blend of remarkable skills.

Finally, Amaju Melvin Pinnick and his well managed BrownHill Group made December 26, 2023 a day to remember for eternity.

Immense gratitude goes to the numerous sponsors who have been through thick and thin with the visionary, inspirational and upwardly mobile personality of Amaju Melvin Pinnick and his awesome and amazing Brownhill family to yearly bring unbridled joy and happiness to Nigerians home and abroad and of course foreigners joyfully doing excellently well in Nigeria. To God alone be the Glory for this Epochal Glorious occasion.

BURGER KING EXPANDS ITS ROYAL PRESENCE IN ABUJA, OPENS THIRD OUTLET Strategically strengthening its foothold in Nigeria’s vibrant food market, Burger King has officially opened its third store in Lugbe, at the Gateway Mall in Abuja. Coming on the heels of the excellence of its existing outlets since it launched in Nigeria, this expansion aligns with the brand’s broader growth strategy, as Abuja remains a pivotal hub for Burger King’s presence in the country.

Rushdi Ibrahim, CEO of Burger King Nigeria, emphasizedAbuja’s crucial role, stating, “Abuja plays a pivotal role in Burger King’s overall expansion strategy in Nigeria, serving as a strategic gateway to tap into the food market in the country’s capital.”

To maintain a consistent and exceptional experience across all locations, Burger King employs rigorous quality control measures and standardized operational procedures. The brand is committed to ensuring that every outlet upholds the same high standards, offering customers in Abuja the signature Burger King experience.

Beyond expanding its footprint, Burger King’s presence in Abuja also contributes significantly to the local community’s economic development with each outlet bringing about substantial employment opportunities and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to job creation at the grassroots level.

Ibrahim further highlighted Burger King’s dedication to community engagement, stating, “Burger King is also committed to engaging with the local community through various initiatives, fostering a positive and mutually beneficial relationship.”

This commitment, he added, extends beyond serving delicious meals. It reflects a genuine effort to become an integral part of the local fabric.

As Lugbe residents welcome the renowned fast-food chain into their locality, Burger King remains steadfast in its mission to offer a consistent, high-quality dining experience while actively contributing to the local economy and community development.

LIGHTINC’S RADIANT LOGO MARKSPARADIGM SHIFT IN ADVERTISING EVOLUTION Amidst a world saturated with brands and content, LightInc, also known as Lightstaff Solutions LTD, with operations in Nigeria and the United States of America, is standing out by combining curiosity, discoveries, and innovative sparks to help brands create distinctive ideas as it redesigns its logo, signalling a transformative journey beyond being a conventional advertising agency.

The new emblem reflects LightInc’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and client success. This approach will further enable it to cut through the noise, establish differentiation, and forge meaningful connections with consumers in today’s competitive marketplace.

Elaborating on the symbolism of the rebranded logo, Olawale Sanusi,CEO/CreativeDirector,stated“Ournewemblemencapsulates our values and vision, narrating a tale of growth, adaptability, and relevance in a swiftly changing industry. We’re not just illuminating brands; we’re illuminating the future of advertising.”

The redesigned logo features a graphical representation or symbol that conveys illumination, brightness, and clarity. Incorporating a design element, the Light Ray, it symbolizes innovation, enlightenment, and creativity. The light-themed imagery communicates a positive and forward-thinking brand image, emphasizing innovation and guidance.

This strategic rebranding positions LightInc. to continue its journey of lighting up the advertising landscape with creativity and unwavering commitment to clients. The agency’s willingness to adapt and embrace change is evident, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the dynamic advertising industry.

Echoing the philosophy of curiosity, the importance of perception, and the brand’s commitment to staying curious, LightInc’s new logo is more than a design change; it is a powerful statement of intent. It is a symbol of evolution, client commitment, and an unwavering pursuit of brilliance in advertising. With this emblem, LightInc is set to shine even brighter in the ever-evolving advertising landscape.

PRISON FELLOWSHIP NIGERIA GRADUATES 34 KIRIKIRI INMATES The Prison Fellowship Nigeria has awarded certificates to 34 inmates of the Kirikiri Maximum and Correctional facility, Lagos, in its Sycamore Tree Project.

The event was hosted by Prison Fellowship Nigeria’s member Church, Christ Livingspring Apostolic Ministry (CLAM).

Speaking after the programme the Chairman of the Lagos state chapter of Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Chaplain Michael Adeyemo expressed appreciation to CLAM for organising the 8-week training leading to the award of certificate.

He also thanked the Nigeria Correctional Service for opening its door and supporting PFN in running this programme.

He shared a word for the graduating students: “As you have done this programme, you should be our ambassadors.

The Sycamore Tree Project is a restorative Justice programme that helps society as not all issues should be taken to Federal court. We have a restorative Justice court in Lagos where we can take aggrieved persons; victims and offenders without resorting to the prisons.

According to Adeyemo, “The Sycamore Tree Project is borne out of the lessons in the story of Zacheus, who has an encounter with Jesus Christ. It is a victim awareness programme that creates increased awareness of the impact of a crime on the victim, offender and the community at large.

Through its Sycamore Tree Project, Prison Fellowship Nigeria brings victims and offenders (not an exact match of the actual offender and his/her victim) under the guidance of a trained PF facilitator.

Adeyemo also appreciated God ‘’Above all for granting us grace and giving us light. We are also reaching out to the community at large and the State to partner with us.’’

30

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024 T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Organisations Urged to Adopt AI-centric Strategies to Mitigate CyberThreats in 2024 Stories By Emma Okonji Following the global cybersecurity projection in 2024 that organisations would be faced with proliferation of AI-driven threats, a cybersecurity expert and Founder, Lynsec Cyber Security and GoLeget Africa, Mr. Remi Afon, has urged organisations in Nigeria to adopt a comprehensive AIcentric defence strategies, that would help to counter the multifaceted AI-driven threats in 2024.

According to him, the year 2023 witnessed a notable surge in the utilisation of AI, notably marked by the increased adoption of Generative AI, including platforms like ChatGPT. He however said in 2024, the global cybersecurity landscape will experience proliferation of AI-driven threats taking centre stage.

He said in 2024, there would be an alarming trend on the cybersecurity horizon that would lead to potential misuse of advanced language models, such as ChatGPT, by cybercriminals.

“As these models become more sophisticated, there’s a risk of threat actors employing them to craft highly convincing phishing messages, social engineering tactics, and even automated attacks that exploit human-like interactions.

Cybercriminals will continue to leverage ChatGPT to generate realistic-sounding emails or messages, making it challenging for individuals to discern between legitimate and malicious communications. This poses a significant challenge for traditional email filtering and security measures. The 2024 evolving threat landscape will include the ominous use of AI for

crafting malware, posing an increased risk to organisations.

Malicious actors leveraging AI to design sophisticated and evasive malware will further strain cybersecurity defences, demanding innovative strategies to detect and neutralise these AI-generated threats.

Additionally, the threat of AI-driven Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks looms large. Cyber attackers are likely to exploit AI to orchestrate more complex and adaptive DDoS assaults, overwhelming organisations’ online infrastructure,” Afon said.

He however said addressing the threat would require the integration of sophisticated AI-based detection mechanisms to identify and mitigate the impact of deepfakes on various fronts, including misinformation and reputational damage.

L-R: Oyeshina Oyelade of WealthBridge Capital; CEO, Wealthbridge Capital Partners, Mr. Ahmed Lawal; Managing Director, AG Mortgage Bank Plc, Mr. Ngozi Anyogu; Company Secretary, Mrs. Joan David-Madukwe; Oreoluwa Anako of WealthBridge Capital and DH, Finance/Inv. & Risk Mgt. AG Mortgage Bank Plc, Dr. Anderson Nwosu at the signing ceremony of the N1billion Tier- 2 capital issuance exercise in Lagos...recently

MARKET INDICATORS

Dozy Mmobuosi Dismisses DOJ Allegations Dozy Mmobuosi has firmly reject the validity of all the allegations presented by the United States Department of Justice via the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. According to their statement published on January 2, 2024, Mr. Mmobuosi is alleged to have misrepresented the companies he once ran in the United Startes market.

But Mmobuosi in a statement

yesterday, said; “I wish to make it unequivocally clear that these allegations are unfounded, and we are preparing to contest them to the full extent of our capacity.”

However, he said he will not be making specific statements regarding the allegations for now, as the matter is now in the purview of the courts.

“As is publicly known, I am is resident in the United

Kingdom and cannot be said to be at large. He is committed to cooperating with the legal authorities to ensure a thorough and fair examination of the facts, which he believes will ultimately lead to his exoneration.

We appreciate the understanding of the media and the public during this time and request respect for the legal process and the principles of

ID4Africa Honours Aziz as Ambassador Emeritus for Life The ID4Africa Movement, devoted to supporting African countries build strategic capacity required for development, has granted its status of Ambassador Emeritus to the immediate past Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Aziz in appreciation of his outstanding service and commitment during his tenure as ambassador.

In a letter signed by the Executive Chairman of ID4Africa Movement, Dr. Joseph Atick, he stated that Aziz was being appreciated for the “outstanding service, unwavering commitment, and invaluable contributions to the Ambassadors Bureau in your country throughout your tenure,” being January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2023.

In the letter, dated December 29, 2023, and certificate

issued from the ID4Africa headquarters in New York, USA, the Movement’s executive chairman stated further: “Your dedicated service to the ID4Africa Movement has left an enduring impact not only on your Bureau, but also on your country and the broader cause of identity for all. “It brings me great pleasure to officially confer upon you the title of ID4Africa Ambassador Emeritus for life, effective January 1, 2024, in recognition of the remarkable contributions you have made to our collective cause. Enclosed, please find your Ambassador Emeritus certificate for your use, and we are delighted to feature you prominently in the Ambassadors Emeritus section on our website.”

The movement noted that while Aziz’s role as the active Ambassador for Nigeria

had concluded, “your position as Ambassador Emeritus ensures that you remain a vital and esteemed part of the ID4Africa Movement,” and added “your tireless efforts in promoting the development of responsible digital identity systems for the benefit of people in your country and the wider African continent have been truly commendable, and we eagerly look forward to your continued advocacy in this important field.”

Atick further stated: “We also look forward to your continued passionate engagement with the movement. On behalf of the entire ID4Africa Movement and its institutions, I want to convey our deepest gratitude for your significant contributions to advancing the cause of identity for all in Africa, and we wish you all the best in what comes next.”

Indomie Extends Love to Less Privileged To commemorate the end of the year celebration and usher in the new year with the less privileged in the society especially the orphans and elderly ones as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ways of giving back to the society, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie instant noodles has donated several cartons of its products to some selected Orphanages and Homes for the aged in key cities across the country.

Speaking during the Lagos visits, the Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager for Dufil, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju said December / January are months of giving

and one of the best times to show love and admiration.

According to him, “As we celebrate this festive season of Christmas and usher in the new year, the donation is an avenue for the company to show love to the less privileged in the society, including the orphans by putting smiles on their faces. In the spirit of the season, the management and staff of Dufil Prima Foods Ltd want everyone to have something to cheer.”

Ashiwaju revealed that the company believes so much in giving a reasonable

proportion of profit earned back to the society through its varied corporate social responsibility initiatives which he noted have far reaching effect in the lives of Nigerians.

Receiving the Indomie team at the Little Saints Orphanage Ilupeju, the Administrator, Mrs Maryann Ekanem-Akpan expressed her excitement at the donations to the Home by Indomie. She commended Indomie for its continuous generosity and thoughtfulness towards the home, adding that the gesture will give them a sense of belonging and make the children feel loved during the season.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) August, 2023

Money Supply (M3)

65,445,154.2

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

552,553.58

Money Supply (M2)

64,892,600.61

-- Quasi Money

40,870,301.28

-- Narrow Money (M1)

24,022,299.33

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,295,309.10

---- Demand Deposits

21,726,990.23

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,144,158.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

58,300,995.27

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

87,273,966.81

---- Credit to Government (Net)

32,511,333.17

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

54,762,633.63

--Other Assets Net

13,347,376.27

Reserve Money (Base Money

19,429,603.25

--Currency in Circulation

2,660,138.92

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

16,769,464.34 428,519.21

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

August 2023

Inter-Bank Call Rate

3.89

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

18.75

Treasury Bill Rate

5.13

Savings Deposit Rate

5.26

1 Month Deposit Rate

7.31

3 Months Deposit Rate

7.55

6 Months Deposit Rate

8.30

12 Months Deposit Rate

8.13

Prime Lending rate

13.99

Maximum Lending Rate

27.59

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 29TH SEPTEMBER , 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $97.48 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $97.08 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, JANUARY 5, 2024

31

MARKET NEWS

Stock Market Maintain Positive Momentum, Gains N1.78tn inThree Days Kayode Tokede The stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has appreciated by N1.78trrillion in the first three days of 2024 to sustain its positive momentum from closing of 2023 trading activities.

Specifically, the overall stock market capitalisation closed yesterday at N42.694 trillion, gaining N1.78trillion or 4.34per

cent from N40.917 trillion it opened for trading this year.

The NGX All-Share Index increased to historic 78,020.54 basis points, representing a growth of 3,246.77basis points or 4.34per cent from basis points when the stock market closed for trading in 2023. The breakdown revealed that on the first trading day in 2024, investors bargain hunting in Airtel Africa Plc and 49 others underpinned a N667

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

billion increase in the overall capitalisation. As a result, the NGX All-Share Index gained 1,217.11 basis points or 1.63 per cent to close at 75,990.88 basis points.

THISDAY had reported that on the second day of trading activities, the stock market sustained the uptrend performance with a gain of N847 billion, as bargain hunting in Presco Plc and 71 underpinned market performance.

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

Consequently, the NGX All Share Index gained by 1,546.69 basis points or 2.04 per cent to close at 77,537.57 basis points.

Also, market capitalisation gained N847 billion to close at N42.430 trillion.

Closing yesterday, the stock market gained N264.3billion to close at N42.694trillion in market capitalisation, while the NGX All Share crossed the 78,000 basis points to 78,020.54 basis

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S O F

points, gaining 482.97basis points or 0.62per cent from 77,537.57 basis points.

Capital analysts had predicted sustained positive momentum this year over early passage of the 2024 budget, and Federal Government policy reforms.

The CEO, Wyoming Capital and Partners, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka, in a chat with THISDAY explained that the stock market has witnessed positive momentum in 2024 and

J A N U A RY DEALS

it can draw that from 2024 budget proposal of President Tinubu, where total reliance has been placed on the use of private capital in funding some important developmental projects across the country.

According to him, “In a way, we are going to see more public companies get listed on the stock exchange for the purpose of raising new capital, while the existing listed companies will not be left behind in this development.

/ 4 / 2 4 MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024

Thursday, January 4, 2024

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THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

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Ticker

Current Price

Previous Price Change

Current Price Change Weighting YTD

Price Change Index to Date

ROE

ROA

P/E

P/BV

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

4013.24

0.64%

69.9%

301.3%

14.1%

3.2%

6.0x

1.4x

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

3.7%

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ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ŝŶ ƚŽĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ďƵŽLJĞĚ ďLJ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͘

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

9.90

10.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

108.1

9.6%

N A SC ON

59.40

10.0%

FCM B

79.1

10.0%

B ER GER

14.30

10.0%

UB A

55.5

10.0%

M OR ISON

3.08

10.0%

UN IVIN SUR E

50.6

7.7%

IN F IN IT Y

7.26

10.0%

A C C ESSC OR P

46.9

10.0%

IKEJ A H OT EL

7.26

10.0%

J A IZ B A N K

43.0

9.7%

UB A

28.60

10.0%

ST ER LIN GN G

41.6

9.9%

FCM B

8.25

10.0%

OA N D O

37.5

9.7%

UP L

2.64

10.0%

WEM A B A N K

28.9

9.9%

D A N GSUGA R

63.25

10.0%

T R A N SC OR P

28.0

10.0%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s

T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

LEA R N A F R C A

2.90

-9.1%

UB A

1544.5

10.0%

C H A M P ION

3.80

-7.3%

F ID ELIT YB K

1312.3

9.6%

C ILEA SIN G

5.03

-2.3%

A C C ESSC OR P

1184.5

10.0%

N GXGR OUP

23.10

-1.7%

Z EN IT H B A N K

832.8

4.2%

ELLA H LA KES

3.00

-1.6%

FCM B

644.0

10.0%

C A D B UR Y

16.90

-1.2%

OA N D O

428.3

9.7%

M A N SA R D

5.45

-0.9%

FB NH

399.4

8.2%

ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ tĞƐƚ ĨƌŝĐĂ >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ

P ric e C hg %

C UST OD IA N

Vo lum e

0

GT C O

387.9

3.5%

0

SEP LA T

363.7

0.0%

0

T R A N SC OR P

293.3

10.0%

ƌŽŬĞƌĂŐĞ

ƐƐĞƚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ

/ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ZĞƐĞĂƌĐŚ

ĚĞĚŽLJŝŶ ůůĞŶ ͮ ĂĂůůĞŶΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ZŽďĞƌƚ KŵŽƚƵŶĚĞ ͮ ƌŽŵŽƚƵŶĚĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ďŝŽĚƵŶ <ĞƌŝƉĞ ͮ <ĞƌŝƉĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

dĂŝǁŽ KŐƵŶĚŝƉĞ ͮ ƚŽŐƵŶĚŝƉĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ŚƌŝƐƚŽƉŚĞƌ KŵŽŚ ͮ ĐŽŵŽŚΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ĂŵŝůĂƌĞ ƐŝŵŝLJƵ ͮ ĚĂƐŝŵŝLJƵΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

9.3%

THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 , 2024

33

PERSPECTIVE

Fresh Air as Olukoyede Repositions EFCC to Tackle Economic Crimes

Ayodeji Seriki

A

t the beginning, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was established by an Act of the National Assembly on December 12, 2002 by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, partly in response to pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Money Laundering, also known by its French name, Grouped’actionfinancière (GAFI).

FATF had then ranked Nigeria as one of the 23 countries that were non-cooperative in the combined efforts to fight money laundering globally. Due to the identified inadequacies in the 2002 Establishment Act, the National Assembly repealed it and re-enacted the 2004 Establishment Act while the bill was signed into law on June 4, 2004 by President Obasanjo.

Within the first few months of his assumption of office in 2003, the pioneer Executive Chairman of the commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, hit the ground running and put the agency on a firm footing that was quick to enhance public confidence and earned it global recognition.

Within few years, Nigeria was able to command the respect it deserved as a country that was determined to nip corruption in the bud and make the country an ideal place to do business for local and foreign investors.

Sadly, Ribadu was sent packing unceremoniously by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in December 2007, after the commission arrested a powerful politician, who was known to be a close ally to the late President, following his alleged involvement in corrupt activities.

In a jiffy, the commission lost its relevance and respect as many members of the public began to see it, under successive chairmen as nothing but a witch-hunting political tool used to oppress and suppress people considered enemies of the ruling party.

With the emergence of AIG Ibrahim Mustafa Magu (rtd), who emerged EFCC Chairman like a phoenix from the ashes, sanity didn’t only return to the commission but again brought the foremost anti-graft agency to the local and global reckoning.

One of his landmark achievements was his role in the celebrated P&ID case, which gave Nigeria a landmark victory at the Commercial Court of England and Wales. As Nigerians were heaving a sigh of relief that the commission had gotten its groove back, Magu was framed and removed after clashing with some political interests and heavyweights, who were close to power and saw the no-nonsense EFCC boss as a stumbling block.

Then came the immediate past Chairman of the commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, who was believed to have been brought in from the blue, against all odds by the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

Bawa, the first person without either military or police background to lead the commission, was accused of lack of discretion in running the anti-graft agency and tackling the big elephant in the room.

Although he gave the Commission a Strategic Plan Policy Document and implemented Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents for the Commission’s departments, his tenure witnessed mixed-feelings from the staff and the general public.

But President Bola Tinubu later suspended Bawa from office and appointed Abdulkarim Chukkol as the Acting Chairman of the EFCC to stabilise the commission.

Chukkol also tried his best to restore sanity at the foremost anti-graft agency. He also put in place certain measures to reassure the staff of the commission and informed Nigerians that the commission would live up to expectations Fast forward to October 12, 2023, when President Tinubu approved the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede as the Executive Chairman of the Commission and was subsequently confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, the commission appears to have opened a new chapter and ready to fulfil the purpose for which it was established.

In particular, the new Sheriff came with a clearcut agenda of re-positioning and re-focusing the Commission for optimal effectiveness.

Olukoyede, who had been a principal officer in

Olukoyede

the commission and served creditably well under Magu, is not only a tested hand but a disciplined man who has an unblemished record of performance.

The new EFCC chairman must have studied the mood of the public when he declared within a few days of his assumption of office that anti-corruption fights should be premised on initiatives and modalities capable of stimulating economic growth and development in the overall interests of Nigerians.

Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, while addressing officers of the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC, Olukoyede said, “There is need to redirect our focus towards what we were set up to do in Nigeria, which is to drive economic development. We will tilt our focus towards that area. We will work to drive economic development, create wealth and employment”.

To me, if Olukoyede walks the talk and puts an end to the era of winding down businesses by way of investigation, the country will enter the good books of foreign investors.

His declaration that the commission would look into the mix-fund rules that separate proceeds of crimes from legitimate money so as to allow businesses to grow will rewrite the name of the commission in gold.

If all these are done, it is a matter of time that EFCC would have helped, in line with its mandate, makes conscious efforts to redeem the image of the country in the global community.

This is one measure that will tell the whole world that the anti-graft agency is ready to do the needful and put Nigeria among the comity of nations.

His promise that the agency would collaborate with other stakeholders to re-write the country’s history will go a long way in boosting not only Nigeria’s image but will encourage foreign direct investments (FDI) to impact positively on our ailing economy.

As Olukoyede marches on in his determination to be the change agent, he should not forget his promise that the Commission will uphold the core values of the EFCC which include integrity, courage, professionalism and collaboration in the discharge of its duties in order to justify its engagement.

Another thing that would interest the progressive-minded Nigerians and potential investors is the new helmsman promise that the anti-corruption drive must open up an atmosphere of accountability and transparency in the country.

To demonstrate his seriousness, Olukoyede, who promised to use the instrumentality of the law to preside over the affairs of the agency, enjoined the EFCC staff in a recent event that, “You must be professional in all you do. Our image should reflect our core values. I have been part of this system. I was out for three years and I know the way things are”.

In line with the popular proverb that charity begins at home, the new EFCC chair won the hearts of many Nigerians when he tasked officers and men of the Commission to be above board and insisted that asset declaration is compulsory for every staff.

It is instructive to note that while given the directives, Olukoyede informed Nigerians that he had declared that his asset, stressing that all staff should declare theirs too.

As promised by Olukoyede, the job will be half done if he can keep his promise on the three focal areas already identified and raises three posers as important thrusts of plying his new job. The three focal areas are : focus on the mandate of the EFCC, pursuit of transparency and accountability and building the image of Nigeria. To achieve these, he has dwelt on the need for collective responsibility, greater emphasis on preventive frameworks against graft and premium attention on transactional credits.

If indeed he resets the focus of the agency as enshrined in the section 6 of the EFCC Act, which gives the commission what an anti-corruption agency should be doing. Number one, he has promised to focus on driving economic development. Number two, he has promised to create an atmosphere of transparency and accountability. Thirdly, which is central to economic and social development, is his promise that the agency would help, as an anti-corruption agency, to build the image of Nigeria.

But do I envy the new chairman, the answer is capital No because it takes two to tango. Indeed, there is an urgent need for Nigerians to get to a point where we need to come together on the same page and believe that corruption is a canker-worm to our development.

Looking at the task ahead and the need for total commitment from all, Olukoyede also stated recently that, “We must come together and believe that, with the way financial crimes have overwhelmed our structures and systems in Nigeria, we can’t move forward and if we move forward, it will be at a snail speed…The time has come for us to show commitment” •Seriki, a public affairs analyst and commentator, contributes this piece from Lagos

34

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024

NEWS

LAST LAP OF THE 50 PER CENT FARE REDUCTION SCHEME AT OSHODI… L-R: Director, Operations and Maintenance, Planet Project Limited, Mr. Ade Ibileke; Cashier, Transport Company of Anambra State (TRACAS), Ijeoma Okocha; one of the beneficiaries of FG’s fare reduction scheme, Ms. Amarachi Okolie; Operation Manager, Oshodi Interchange, Mr. Kolawole Babatunde and Group Managing Director, Planet Projects Limited, Mr. Biodun Otunola during the last lap of the 50 percent fare reduction scheme at Oshodi, Lagos … yesterday ETOP UKUTT

Yahaya: FG Should Review Immediate, Remote Causes of Plateau Crises Says crises not new Farmers now ready to return to farms in Niger despite insecurity, Bago reveals Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has said the crises rocking Plateau State were not new and therefore urged government to review their immediate and remote causes.

Yahaya stated this yesterday while speaking with newsmen after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

The governor further thanked the president for sending Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kaduna and Plateau States, in order to get the details of what transpired at Tudun Biri, Kaduna State as well as Bokkos and Barikin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

“In my capacity as the Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, I praise the steps taken by the president in order to get to the root of what happened in these two states and the pledge he made that the right action would be taken to prevent future occurrence of these incidents. Above all, I am thanking him for the support given to victims or survivors."

Speaking particularly on the Plateau crisis, Yahaya said it was not a new thing but there was need for a review of the immediate and remote causes in order to find a lasting solution.

"Despite the fact that this matter has been there for long, it is time for stakeholders to have a roundtable and tell each other the truth and then take deliberate steps towards loving each other. Before now, the people were living in peace

NNPC to Complete Test Runs at Port Harcourt Refinery this Month In a major step towards resuming operations five years after the plant was shut, NNPC Ltd will complete test runs at the Port Harcourt refinery this month, the company said yesterday.

“Testing will conclude shortly, ensuring the refinery’s efficient operation. That phase will be completed this month,” NNPC spokesperson Femi Soneye said.

The refinery, which is undergoing an upgrade, will begin by processing 60,000 barrels per day, and NNPC expects to operate at the full capacity of 210,000 barrels per day later this year.

Port Harcourt is among Nigerian state-owned refineries that have been mothballed for years, but which the government is trying to revive to end the country’s reliance on imported refined products.

According to Soneye, “Testing will conclude shortly, ensuring the refinery’s efficient operation.

That phase will be completed this month.”

The federal government last month announced the mechanical completion and flare start off of the Port Hacourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC).

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, who made the announcement said: “Just to announce to Nigerians the fulfillment of our pledge to bring on stream phase one of the Port Hacourt Refinery by the end of 2023 and the subsequent streaming of phase two in 2024.

“We happily announce the mechanical completion and the flare start-off on December 20, 2023.

“This heralds the commencement of the production of petroleum products after the Christmas break.”

The minister had thanked Nigerians for their patience and the trust on the NNPC Ltd. to deliver on its promise and the mandate of the refinery’s rehabilitation.

and going about their normal businesses.

Some of the major issues that seemed to allow the problem to persist include issues like farmerherder clashes, the clamour for indigenes versus settlers. But the world over, if any society or country doesn’t welcome visitors, such a nation will not progress. After all, we here are one and the same family."

Also, yesterday, Niger State Governor, Hon. Abdulahi Bago, who equally met with

the President, said despite the security situation in his state, the farmers were ready to return to their farms for the dry season farming.

Bago said he was at the State House to update the president with what he was doing in his state.

"You know, Niger State is now the leading state in terms of the food security initiative of Mr. President, and there are some initiatives we have started we're about to do a total of 250,000

hectares dry season farming, which we've already signed an agreement with some companies for off-take and just to keep him up to speed with what we're doing in agriculture," he said.

On the development in the pact between Niger State and the federal government, he said, "The federal government if you have listened carefully to Mr. President's New Year's speech, you would have seen the emphasis on agriculture and also the 500,000 hectares

the government is planning to farm this 2024.

“And Niger State has also provided itself as a pilot state for that project, and that we are also ambitious to also match with the federal government 500,000 for 500,000."

Asked what the President's reaction was to his farming initiative, Bago said, "He is positive about it, he is very delighted and happy with what we're doing and he has given us his blessing and encouragement."

NCOS: Inmates in Nigeria Fed Daily with N750, Not N200 Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Nigerian Correctional Service, has said the inmates in Nigeria were daily fed with the sum of N750 daily and not N200 as being rumoured.

This disclosure was contained in a statement on by the Assistant Controller of Corrections (Public Relations Officer), Abubakar Umar.

The statement read: “A misleading report circulated in a section of the media purporting that Nigerian inmates are fed with N200 daily instead of N750 approved by the federal

government has come to the attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“This report is false, misleading, and mischievous in all ramifications. For the avoidance of doubt, the public may wish to note that feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria is in the public domain, and vendors are paid the approved amount upon completion of supply.

“Contract for ration supply is usually made public, and the conditions clearly stated for interested vendors to apply in line with the public procurement

act 2007.”

Umar added in the statement that: “Furthermore, every custodial centre has a ration committee that exercises supervisory role over quality assurance of supply, preparation, and distribution to inmates to ensure that they are fed within the approved budget.

“The authorities have over the years, demonstrated commitment towards improving inmates' welfare in terms of feeding as well as empowerment through effective reformation and rehabilitation programmes.”

He said while the Service was

making efforts to appeal to the federal government for upward review of feeding allowance to reflect the present economic realities, it would however “be unfair and unpatriotic for anyone to fabricate stories just to denigrate the Service.

“The public is advised to discountenance the false report and be assured of the irrevocable commitment of the ControllerGeneral of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, FICMC MFR, to work for the general good of persons in custody even as genuine support of well-meaning Nigerians will continue to be appreciated.”

Bago Inaugurates 16-man Governing Board for New Niger Varsity Laleye Dipo in Minna Governor Umaru Bago has inaugurated the 16-man governing board of the newly-approved Abdulkhadir Kure University of Education in Minna in Niger State.

The governing board has prof.

Mohammed Yahaya as the pro chancellor while Prof. Muhammad Paiko is the first vice chancellor and Prof. Tsado Jacob is the deputy vice chancellor.

Bago, who inaugurated the board at the government house in Minna, challenged the team to hit the ground running and put the university

on a high pedestal, assuring that funding of the institution had already been secured for the take-off of the institution.

Bago also disclosed that a committee had been put in place to look at the drawings made for the expansion and development of the institution.

He added that the institution should be transformed into a conventional one due to the gap in capacity, explaining that there is also the need to have fields like medicine, aviation, science and technology and climate change studied at the university.

To attract more students into the university, Bago disclosed that a scholarship scheme will be introduced for all students from public schools who obtained five credits including, English and Mathematics at one sitting to study at the university.

He restated that a University of Agriculture and Climate Change will be located at Mokwa, while another University of Technology and Innovation will be located at Zungeru.

Bago maintained that the decision of the administration to invest heavily in the IBBU Lapai Teaching Hospital

was for it to service all universities within the state that are going to offer medicine and other medical science-related courses.

The Pro Chancellor of the university, Yahaya disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had approved all the 41 programmes submitted, but that only 14 were to be implemented in the 2023/2024 academic session which he said will commence soon.

The NUC, he said, had also approved a 3,000 admission quota which had been communicated to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

35

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024

NEWS

INAUGURATION OF THE PROJECT CONSTRUCTED BY WESCOSA 95'SET...

L-R: Chairman, Project Committee, Wesley College of Science, Elekuro, Ibadan (WESCOSA), Mr. Seun Alli; President WESCOSA, Elekuro, Ibadan 95' Set, Mrs. Olanike Mustafa; Principal, WESCOSA, Mr. Biodun Isola and National Secretary General, Dr. Okediji Joshua, during the commissioning of the project constructed by WESCOSA 95'Set at the school premises in Elekuro, Ibadan... recently

Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ Grosses N1bn,First of Its Kind in Nollywood Sunday Ehigiator In two weeks of its release, Veteran Actress, Funke Akindele made history with her new movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, became the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever with a reported N1 billion earnings at the box office.

This feat surpassed her previous films ‘Battle on Buka Street’, which gulped N668.4 million, and ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’, which made over N636.1 million currently sitting as the second and third highestgrossing film in the Nigerian box

office respectively.

The movie premiered on December 15, 2023, across cinemas nationwide and kick-started with a total of N113.3 million, which made it the highest-grossing Nollywood opening weekend for the year.

In a short while, A Tribe Called Judah became a massive hit, with sold-out showings across the country.

It's also currently showing in the United Kingdom as well.

According to the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), it finished 2023 with a total gross of N854.3 million,

Group Commends Bauchi Gov for Signing Child Rights Bill into Law Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi A Civil Society Organisation, Young Leaders Network (YLN), has commended the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed for signing into law the child rights bill passed by the state’s House of Assembly.

Executive Director, YLN, Seun Onarinde, who spoke in behalf of the group, said the new law will address the problems and needs of children, youth and women in the state.

“We are exceptionally pleased by the gesture of the Bauchi state government led by Governor Bala Abdukadir Muhammed in signing the bill. This is a laudable step by the government and a strategic move in protecting the rights of children everywhere in the state,” Onarinde said in a press release made available to Journalists yesterday.

Mohammed had on December 28, 2023 assented to the bill, during the signing of the state’s 2024 budget into law.

“The signing of this law has also projected the Governor Mohammed-led administration and the state at large as one which cares about the wellbeing of her young and vulnerable citizens".

“We see it as an important breakthrough in the efforts for the protection of children and girls’ rights in Bauchi State.

“The domestication of the Child Rights Act in Bauchi State

is indeed a timely development in the State that is battling with numerous child abuses and surge in the number of out-of-school children.

“YLN commends all civil society organisations, government statesmen and stateswomen, legislators and community/ traditional leaders who have contributed to the domestication of this law in Bauchi State.

“We also call on the state government, development partners and other stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure proper operation structures are put in place for the smooth implementation of this law throughout the state,” the group added.

YLN said it had been working in the past six years to protect the rights of women, children, and youth in 13 locals in the state, stressing that it also championed the campaign for school safety to ensure that boys and girls learn in a safe, secure atmosphere.

"Young Leaders Network is calling on all stakeholders and caregivers of children to partner with the government in upholding the dignity of the children they work with through ensuring access to education and healthcare , while shielding them from harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), rape, child marriages, child trafficking and so on,” it added.

which automatically made it the highest-grossing Nollywood title for 2023 and the highest ever, and has now crossed the N1 billion historic mark in just two days into 2024.

During the festive season, the average ticket price for watching a movie in regular cinemas was N5,500, while it goes up to N7,000 at IMAX cinemas.

Considering the substantial number of admissions and multiplying it by these ticket prices, it becomes evident that the film’s ability to surpass a billion in record time was a straightforward outcome.

‘A Tribe Called Judah’ follows five brothers: Jide Kene Achufusi

as Emeka Judah, Timini Egbuson as Pere Judah, Uzee Usman as Adamu Judah, Tobi Makinde as Shina Judah, and Olumide Oworu as Ejiro Judah, who must come together to rob a company to save their mother, played by Akindele as Jedidah Judah.

In 2020, her film Omo Ghetto: The Saga raked a whooping N636.1 million setting a new record for the highest-grossing movie during that period. Not long after in 2022, the release of her next film: ‘Battle on Buka Street’ a comedy-drama, saw Akindele break her own record as the movie earned N668.4 making her one of two filmmakers to reach

and surpass the N1 billion gross at the box office and the only one to do it with just two movies.

Akindele has been lauded for her effective marketing skills as the key to her movie’s success at the cinema by captivating audiences with compelling trailers, strategic social media campaigns, and promotional materials.

Her well-thought-out promotion not only generates widespread anticipation but also establishes a strong connection between the audience and the film, ensuring a packed cinema hall and a huge cinematic debut.

With a social media following

of over 16 million followers on Instagram alone, (the third most followed woman in Nigeria) the award-winning actor has contributed to the appeal of her films as she has consistently proven to serve her audience with quality films with good storytelling.

Funke Akindele’s films predominantly resonate with audiences from the South-west geopolitical zone, proving advantageous for her.

This alignment is particularly significant considering that the South West region holds 57 per cent of the total 81 cinemas in Nigeria, as reported by Statista.

Malabu Oil Deal: FG Drops Charge against Adoke, Others after Their 'No-Case Submissions' Cites paucity of evidence Insists prima facie case made against 3rd defendant Alex Enumah in Abuja The federal government has said it would not be challenging the no-case submissions made by a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke and five others in their alleged complicity in the Malabu Oil and Gas deal.

In its response to the no-case submissions dated December 2023, by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Offem Uket, the prosecution agreed that the testimonies of its 10 witnesses called in the case as well as evidence led were not strong enough to pin the six defendants to the allegations of criminal offences preferred against them.

EFCC, however, told the court that a prima facie case was successfully made against the 3rd defendant and as such, should be ordered to enter his defence in 35 count criminal charge.

The federal government had in 2020 arraigned Adoke, Aliyu Abubakar, Rasky Gbinigie, Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd., Nigeria Agip Exploration Ltd., Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Ltd., and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited over alleged complicity in the

sale of Operating Mining Licence (OPL 45), otherwise known as Malabu Oil. The defendants were jointly charged with varying sets of offences and arraigned on a forty (40) count further amended charge dated February 1, 2023 and filed on February 3, 2023.

They however, pleaded not guilty to all the charge when read against them, following which trial commenced and the prosecution called in 10 witnesses before closing its case.

Rather than opening their defence, the defendants argued that the prosecution failed to establish credible evidence linking them to the said charge and urged the court to dismiss and acquit them of any allegations of wrong doing.

Responding to the defendants claim that having regard to the evidence adduced and exhibits tendered at the trial and all the facts and circumstances of this case, the prosecution has not made out a prima facie case against the defendants to warrant them being called upon to enter their respective defences.

Uket informed the court that, "Having evaluated the evidence adduced by the ten prosecution witnesses including the exhibits tendered during the trial, the prosecution has no desire to

arguing against the no case submission made by the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th defendants with regard to counts 1.2.3, 4 and 5.

"The decision is anchored on paucity of evidence available to sustain any of the ingredients required to establish each of the offences preferred against the six defendants."

To that end, he added that, it was needless to analyse the evidence adduced vis-avis the ingredients of the offences charged in counts 1-5 respectively.

"Nevertheless, the prosecution shall contend against the no case submission made by the 3rd defendant in regard to counts 6 - 40, as overwhelming evidence abounds to warrant this Honourable Court to call upon the 3rd defendant to enter his defence on all the 35 counts against him,” he said.

The prosecution claimed that evidence before the court proved that the 3rd defendant actually conspired with one Seidougha Munamuna and Dauzia Loya Etete, both of who had been at large to commit criminal breach of trust and forgery contrary to Section 97(1) and punishable under Sections 312 and 364 of the Penal Code, Cap 532 laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

"The 3rd defendant knew that

there were only two directors in MOGL from 6/3/2000 when PECOS Energy Ltd became a shareholder in MOGL and Otumba Oyewole Fasawe was appointed a director to represent its interest in the board of the company up to 2011.

“Nevertheless, the 3rd defendant and Seidougha Munamuna prepared and signed the two resolutions dated 12/8/2011 and 15/8/2011 and used same as genuine to open the two accounts in First Bank Ltd and Keystone Bank Pic without the concurrence of Otumba Oyewole Fasawe.

"My lords, what is required of the prosecution in a no case submission is, to show simply that a prima facie case has been established at the close of its case requiring some explanation upon which the Court could proceed with the trial, and that the evidence has disclosed an allegation which if uncontradicted and believed will be sufficient to prove the case and not whether the evidence led against the defendant is sufficient to justify conviction "We, therefore, urge your lordship to hold that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the 3rd defendant for using forged documents as genuine.”

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FRIDAY JANUARY 5, 2024 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

TRADITIONAL RECOGNITION FOR NGIGE…

Former Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige (left), and Professor Emeritus Ear, Nose,Throat, Prof. Basil Ezeanolue, during the conferment ceremony of Ochendo Akwaeze on Ngige by Igwe Akwaeze, in Akwaeze, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State…recently

Police Arrest 85 Suspects for Alleged Criminal Activities in Borno The Borno Police Command arrested 85 suspects for alleged rape, homicide, armed robbery and other criminal activities in the state between October 1, and December 31, 2023.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Daso Nahum, who disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri yesterday said the command recorded 49 cases and got 27 suspects convicted.

Nahum said that 14 cases

were under investigation while 31 others were charged to court.

He said that four of the suspects were arrested on Dec. 31, 2023 by the Joint Anti-vice Unit, for alleged criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, possession of dangerous weapons as well as Indian Hemp.

The PPRO explained that the exhibits recovered from the suspects included dried leaves suspected to be Indian Hemp,

Protesters Demand Site for Lagos Market

Civil society organisations and traders from Orilowo Perishable Food Market, Agboyi-Ketu, Lagos yesterday , conducted a peaceful protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly to clarify the status of the site of the market.

The protesters alleged that they had earlier met with the authority of the area development council and it had refused to address their plea for a site for the market.

But the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Dele Oshinowo, faulted the protesters’ claim.

He said that he had not met with the group of traders at any time to discuss request for a market site.

“That place is not marked for market. They have not gone to Lagos State Ministry of Lands to change the use of the land to a market site.

“The group has issues with plantain sellers and started having a fight. The place they are claiming is not for market.

“We cannot be creating market at every spot. Rather than come to me, they went ahead to protest, what are they protesting”, he asked.

Court Stops Removal of Directors of Platform Capital Wale Igbintade A Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained Duport Midstream Company Limited from taking any step towards removing the directors of a private investment firm, Platform Capital Investment Partners.

Justice Akintayo Aluko made the order upon hearing a Motion Exparte dated December 3, 2023, moved by counsel to the applicant, Olayinka Olajuwon, praying the court to grant the reliefs sought as endorsed on the motion paper.

The court in an Enrolment

Order dated January 3, 2023, made an Order of Interlocutory Injunction restraining the first defendant (Duport Midstream Company Limited) either by itself or through its agents, servants, privies, representatives or any person or whosoever is acting on its behalf from taking any steps towards removing the directors of the first defendant nominated to its board of directors by the second defendant pending the hearing and determination of a suit marked FHC/L/CS/2623/2023 filed by Dr. Ponmile Osibo, a partner at Platform Capital.

one sword, two pots used for inhaling an intoxicant locally called shisha, one stick and five mobile phones.

He said that the suspects were under investigation for diligent

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Organised Labour in Niger State has extended the ultimatum given to the state government to meet its demands on the welfare of its members.

The extension of the ultimatum followed the deadline given to the government falling

of mobile phones.

“During the course of investigation, she revealed her accomplice, one Mohammed Isa, from Babban Layi area of the Metropolis.

on public holidays.

As a result, according to Labour laws, the ultimatum will now lapse on January 11 after which a strike will be declared within 24 hours if the government did not address the issues in contention.

Rising from a meeting held at the Labour House last

Wednesday, the organised labour said: “Considering the seven days public holiday declared by the Niger State Government and the Labour Act, the organised labour hereby extend the ultimatum to give room for the provisions of the Labour Act while discussions continues.”

A communique jointly signed by the state NLC Chairman, Abdulkarerm Idris Lafene, and his TUC counterpart, Ibrahim Gana, stated that “in the event that negotiations failed, the organised labour will have no other option than to embark on industrial action within 24 hours.”

‘2024 Budget Allocation for Agriculture Not Enough’ A scholar, Prof. Olufemi Ajayi, has said the 2024 budget allocation for the agricultural sector will not make any difference or bridge the gap in the nation’s food deficit.

Ajayi, a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Extension, Obafemi Awolowo

University, Ile-Ife, Osun, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to be more committed to addressing challenges in the agricultural sector.

NAN reports that Tinubu had

on Monday signed into law the 2024 Appropriation Bill at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tinubu signed the N28.7 trillion budget which was N1.2 trillion higher than the budget he proposed to a joint session of the National Assembly on Nov. 29, 2023.

The don said that the 2024 allocation had further shown that agriculture had never had it so good in any regime.

He noted that food should always come first but like the past government, food production is not given the right allocation.

Ebonyi WorkersThey Call for Review of Civil Servants’ Salaries A cross-section of workers in said that the review and efforts. change and youth restiveness.

Abakaliki, the Ebonyi capital, have called on the federal and state governments to review salaries of civil servants.

Some citizens made this known yesterday , during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki.

revamping of sectors would help address the economic challenges in the country.

A civil servant and resident of Abakaliki, Mr Kenneth Usulor, said that there was the need to improve the pay and allowances of workers to encourage their

He said: “Reviewing salaries and other welfare of the work force means a lot to them, the system, productivity and development.”

Another civil servant, Mrs Judith Eze, recommended that the review would drive behaviourial

Also another civil servant, Mr. Stanley Uguru, added that empowerment of youth would also reduce social vices among them.

“Engagements of youth will promote peace and development in the country,” Uguru added.

Kano Shops Owners Receive N1bn Compensation AhmadSorondinkiinKano TheMasallacinEidShopOwnersand Trader Association (MEOTA) Kano State, has confirmed that the Kano State Government has released the sum of N1 billion to their members as part of the N3 billion out-of-court

settlement for their demolished shops.

The shop owners dragged the Kano State Government to court, claiming damages of N30 billion as compensation for the demolition but later reached an out-of-court settlement.

Addressing a press conference in Kano yesterday, Mr. Maaruf Yakasai,

alongside members of the traders association said that despite the payment, the MEOTAhas petitioned the Kano State Police Command to investigate the criminal aspect of the demolition.

He added that given the psychological trauma untold

hardship and untimely death suffered, the MEOTA has decided to write a letter of petition to the Nigeria Police on complaints of alleged criminal conspiracy, theft, and criminal misappropriation against that act while carrying out the illegal demolition.

Police Operatives Arrest Two Suspects for Slitting Neighbour’s Throat in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Operatives of the Kwara State

“The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has tasked our tactical team commanders and the Divisional Police Officers within the jurisdiction to implement adequate security measures.

“These measures have been put in place to ensure that the criminals are apprehended,” she stated.

NAN learned that the victims were traveling from the airport area to the Obiri Ikwerre Road when they were attacked by suspected bandits positioned on the road.

Intelligence Bureau (SIB), acting on credible information, apprehended one Fatima Abatcha aka Bintu of Shehuri South Maiduguri, who had earlier been declared wanted for serial offences of theft

Niger Organised Labour Extends Strike Ultimatum Given to Govt

Command have arrested PoliceConfirmKidnapofThree inRivers Police two suspects for allegedly slitting

The Police Command in Rivers yesterday confirmed the abduction of three persons along a road leading to Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers.

The victims were abducted on the Obiri Ikwerre Road stretch leading to the airport late on Tuesday.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that police were already in pursuit of the abductors.

prosecution under the Borno State Penal Code Law and other matters connected therewith Law 2023.

“On the 28th Dec. 2023 at about 0948hrs, operatives of State

the throat of their neighbour over a disagreement.

The suspects are Mr. Abdullateef Yakubu and Mr.

Yakubu Olanrewaju of Shao Garage Area, Il rin.

The incident, according to THISDAY investigations, happened around 12:00 a.m. on Monday.

A source familiar with the matter told our correspondent yesterday that a brother of

the victim, Mr. AbdulRazaq Babatunde, who was attracted by the shout of a resident, came out during the hour only to find his younger brother, Mr. Abubakar Babatunde, in the pool of his blood bleeding from his slit throat.

“He was subsequently rushed

to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital for medical attention,” the source added.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident. “The needful will be done as soon as we have concluded our findings,” she said.

Benue Deputy Gov Urges Politicians to Work for the Country’s Unity

George Okoh in Makurdi

Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, has called on political leaders and other stakeholders to close ranks and work in unity for the overall and speedy development of Nigeria and

Benue State in particular.

Ode made the call yesterday in Makurdi where he stated that the administration of his principal, Rev. Fr. Hyicenth Alia, was eagerly ready and determined to provide quality leadership and good governance to the people

of the state.

He promised that the state government would partner with the media for development to thrive in the state, which has experienced underdevelopment for too long.

Ode explained that since electioneering and campaigns were

over, it is now time to deliver good governance to the people.

He said: “It is time for our administration to provide the much needed service that will lead the people out of abject povertyline, to give them a new lease of life.”

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WORLD OF ISLAM

NEWSXTRA

Insecurity: Don Urges Govt to Adopt Sokoto Caliphate’s Model Reclaiming Honour: The Pivotal Role of Muslim Women in Family Development

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Onuminya Innocent inSokoto

A university Professor of History, Attahiru Sifawa, has urged governments at different level to adopt the grassroots security mechanisms of the Sokoto Caliphate, to address the security challenges in the country.

Sifawa made the suggestion in a presentation at the Sokoto State University (SSU) Public Lecture Series held in Sokoto.

The lecture has a theme: ‘The Role of Sokoto Caliphate in

Addressing Security Challenges in Sokoto Province from 1903-1960: Lessons for contemporary northern Nigeria’.

Sifawa stressed that the caliphate instituted satellite towns monitoring officials, and other internal security mechanisms that tracked movements of people in all wards, villages and towns.

He said: “Sokoto Caliphate ensured harmonious relationship between diverse groups, justice and fairness in governance, as well as transparent dealings in resources.

”Traditional institutions can still play roles in containing security challenges and enhancing peaceful coexistence among citizens.”

He added that the caliphate administration ensured security presence in all domains, which helped to curtail major crimes such as robbery and banditry.

Sifawa, however, said the driving force for peace and stability in any country is good leadership and the implementation of meaningful policies that impact positively on the people.

‘Oil Thieves Sponsoring Malicious Media Campaign against Navy’ The Nigerian Navy (NN) said criminals, desperate individuals and organisations behind crude oil theft in the country were sponsoring malicious media campaign against it for their selfish interest.

The Director of Naval Information, Rear Adm. Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

Ayo-Vaughan said the desperate individuals and organisations were sponsoring unsubstantiated reports in

some mainstream media and online news platforms against efforts of the navy towards eradicating crude oil theft and other forms of illegalities in the nation’s maritime domain.

According to him, it has been observed that their modus operandi includes sourcing the services of third-party agents/sectional egoists to discredit the reinvigorated stance of the NN in the fight against crude oil theft.

“Ordinarily, the NN would not

have responded to such baseless assertions, but it has become necessary in order to prevent gullible members of the public from being misinformed by the erroneous publications.

“Suffice to state that the NN in the discharge of her statutory responsibilities as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of the nation’s maritime security.

Adeleke Unveils Support Package for Traditional Institutions Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has unveiled an integrated support package for members of Osun State Council of Obas in recognition of their role as a pillar of peoples’ government.

Adeleke also listened attentively to the suggestions and submissions of the royal fathers under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at the second strategic consultative meeting with the state royal fathers before opening up on his plan for the council of Obas.

He reminded them the challenges his administration inherited and assured them that his team prioritised the royal institutions because he grew up within a palace environment and because service delivery is best facilitated by royal fathers.

The governor said: “Our Obas live and dine with the people.

They are the custodian of our culture with deep affinity with the people. In Africa, productive collaboration with traditional rulers is, therefore, the foundation of successful governance.”

He disclosed that despite the harsh state of finance, his administration has crafted a

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support package for the traditional rulers, which is already under implementation.

“Our administration will continue to support our Kings

for the successful hosting of their town days. We will work on a public- private partnership for town development through town day celebration.

Zion Ministry Leader Calls for Righteousness to Survive Difficult Year The Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, has said though 2024 will be a difficult year for Nigerians generally, God will uplift and prosper the righteous.

Speaking at the Cross-over programme of the Ministry at its headquarters at Zion ground, Okota, Lagos, Evangelist Ebuka said those who are steadfast in the Lord need not worry about the economic challenges that will come with the year as “It shall be well with the righteous.”

Quoting the Bible, he said: “Say ye to the righteous that it shall be well with them; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings - Isaiah 3:10.”

The prosperity will however come with a personal sacrifice people must make, he cautioned.

“2024 will be tough, but it will be one of the most prosperous years for Zionites. It is a year you should make the commitment and

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say, “Lord I am going to serve you, no matter what it takes. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”, is God’s promise to the faithful,” he declared.

Ebuka said people who want to prosper must make that connection with God,adding: “Lord, let me sacrifice myself to serve you in 2024. Please Lord, give me the grace to obey you in 2024, to please you, do other things for me.”

Oyebanji Swears in New Council Chairmen Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, yesterday swore in the 38 newly elected local government chairmen and their vices, urging them to place high premium on radical improvement on the security of lives and property, as well as revenue generation in their respective council areas.

Oyebanji also gave a matching order to the council chairmen to rev up the pedal of development by building on the strong foundation laid by their predecessors, adding that his administration would not tolerate any form of security lapses at the third tier of government under their watch.

The governor stated these in Ado-Ekiti yesterday during the inauguration ceremony for the new council chairmen held at Osuntokun Pavillion, Government House in Ado Ekiti.

The new council chairmen were elected during the December 2, 2023, local government election in the state.

Addressing the new council bosses, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, described the Local Government as an integral part of the overall development focus and strategy of his government that requires adequate attention to tackle the menace of poverty, joblessness and insecurity.

By: Spahic Omer/IslamiCity

I

n Islam, the house is an institution. It is a family development centre, which in tandem with other social institutions at once facilitates and supervises the rise of Islamic societies, and by extension, Islamic culture and civilization.

The importance of the house institution-cum-centre is unparalleled. Together with the mosque institution, it occupies the pinnacle of the hierarchy of social establishments. Consequently, women as wives have been appointed as managers or directors (guardians).

They have been greatly honored.

The Prophet said this: “Everyone of you is a guardian and every one of you is responsible (for his wards). A ruler is a guardian and is responsible (for his subjects); a man is a guardian of his family and is responsible (for them); a wife is a guardian of her husband’s house and she is responsible (for it), a slave is a guardian of his master’s property and is responsible (for that). Beware! All of you are guardians and are responsible (for your wards)” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

However, due to the global assaults of the materialistic worldview and its resultant lifestyles, the Muslim consciousness has been affected and conduct slanted.

Instead of seeing the development and administration of the most important institution - i.e. the house - as not only a pivotal enterprise, but also a privilege, Muslims, suddenly, started seeing it as a sign of backwardness and women’s imprisonment.

Instead of perceiving it as a mark of honour, they started perceiving it as a mark of degradation. That resulted in conceiving, planning, building and maintaining houses as centres of materialistic tendencies and corresponding hedonistic behavioural patterns, in lieu of vibrant centres of family and generally social development.

In such houses and under the novel circumstances, Muslim women, without warning, found themselves underutilized and so, underperforming. Staying home as just “housewives” became an undesired anomaly. It became meaningless in a way, which was understandable.

If everything changed, from thinking to performing, whereby essentially all things were looked at through the prism of materialism (money-making), it was natural that Muslim women demanded changes with regard to their lives as well.

Muslim women now became more useful outside the house than inside it. Inside they were confined, but outside emancipated. Inside, furthermore, they were inhibited, but outside unleashed. In reality, though, Muslim women were the last link in a chain to be affected, after the concept and architectural phenomenon of the house institution, the family institution itself, and the general idea of social development, had been affected (distorted).

In many ways, Muslim women were hoodwinked. Yet, they were victimized. The culmination of their case was the end product of a great many primary and secondary factors, only a few of which were relevant to them. As per a more scathing assessment, Muslim women had to abandon houses because Muslim men were failing in their own duties outside them.

Rather than supporting and complementing each other, Muslim men and Muslim women began to encroach on each other’s roles and even compete with each other.

Moreover, instead of talking about equity as well as synchronisation between the two different groups and their respective realms, the Muslim mind was forced to waste itself on perennially dwelling on such nonsensical issues as equality between two inherently different things (men and women) and the status of Muslim women within the frameworks that from the very beginning had been wrongly conceptualized. History attests to the fact that those were of the pathways which led Muslim societies into the abyss of civilizational ruin.

And so, Muslim women were taken out from the warmth and intimacy of the sanctuary of the house institution to the callousness and iciness of the perils of the outside world, with no or very little protection.

From the guaranteed honour and the clear as well as safe passages to potential triumphs, they were thrust into the arena of infinite uncertainties where the roads to success are usually littered with unforeseen hazards and even compromises.

With all honesty, women were neither built nor meant for such unfortunate adventures. What Muslim women now achieve outside the house institution pales in comparison with what they used to achieve inside it.

By the same token, what they achieve outside is nothing when compared with what they lose by abandoning the family establishment and the prospect of the family development as part of a holistic civilizational advancement.

This is one of the fundamental reasons why Muslim societies suffer today, because they dispose of the essentials without which no healthy model of growth is possible.

In consequence, warm and welcoming homes were converted into cold and aloof houses as mere architectural displays; family-cum-social development centres were turned into museum-like hubs of fake prosperity, together with happiness, indexes; dynamic and busy homes became empty and lifeless structural shells; and finally, homes as visionary and self-contained sanctuaries were transmuted into nothing else but transit points on the existential trajectory of matter-veneration.

In other words, multidimensional homes simply became one-dimensional shelters, and the assignments

of nurturing individuals and shaping generations were delegated to either incompetent or insincere protagonists.

What also suffered in the process was the authentic Islamic residential architecture. In many parts of the Muslim world, it became almost extinct.

If Muslim women underperform, yet fail, as administrators, lawyers, economists, journalists, teachers, businesswomen, etc., that will on no account be the “end of the world.” The consequences will be minimal and the impacts generated thus, before long, smoothed over.

But if Muslim women fail as wives, mothers, mentors and neighbours, as segments of the multilayered post of home managers or home directors, that will spell catastrophic repercussions, such as divorces, broken families, poorly raised and educated children, “cold homes”, and general despondency. Undoubtedly, such failures can be neither smoothed over nor counterbalanced.

The trend is as much against the precepts of Islam as the laws of nature.

Hence, its effects are uncharacteristically dire.

It follows that if Muslim women fail, Muslim societies fail. The future is in women’s hands. What the majority of Muslim men do, such as handling machines, running businesses, routine office work and manual labour, in the long run is not as consequential as what women do in relation to the house. They build people, yet future generations, as foremost components of which all sectors of society are constructed.

While women’s tasks are unreplaceable, most of men’s ones are. The capabilities and inputs of men, by and large, can be purchased, obtained from a third party, replicated and even substituted with cost-effective foreign labour.

It cannot be said enough that Muslims ought to desist from making observations and judgments from purely materialistic standpoints. There are other more important things that are at stake. It is indisputable that the development of civilizations involves far more than just the growth of economies (material progress).

Developing minds and purifying souls, as part of the processes of cultivating individuals, is more critical. It is more rewarding as well in both worlds.

Bearing in mind all of the above, it is essential to ensure Muslim women receive appropriate education. It is normally stressed that education is Muslim women’s right, which is absolutely correct; however, their twin right is also an education that is in harmony with their Islamic identity and the existential mission of theirs.

For example, education for Muslim women should be such that they will be both instructed and trained to be exemplary custodians (managers or directors) of the delicately demanding house institution above all else. The rest of scholarly undertakings are to be relegated to a subordinate position relative to the former.

Educating Muslim women to be mere professionals ahead of everything else in fields that lie beyond their prescribed domains, denotes a form of misguidance and betrayal for them. In the name of learning and enlightenment, they are led astray; in the name of empowerment, they are incapacitated; and in the name of enrichment, they are “robbed.”

As a small digression, against this background should the “unorthodox” system of female education administered by the Taliban in Afghanistan be examined. In the interest of fairness, a more inclusive and more balanced method ought to be adopted. The usual opinion of the Taliban is shaped by the media outlets of their enemies in the institutionalized West.

As one would expect, those narratives are infused with bigotry and are wrong. Other more objective alternatives are needed. Not only in relation to the Taliban, but also the entire Muslim world, it is high time to accept that such news channels and information agencies as CNN, Fox News, BBC, Sky News, etc., have lost all credibility.

Taking everything into account, the Taliban may not be as wide of the mark as stereotyped.

Finally, this by no means implies that Muslim women have no role to play outside the purview of the house institution. On the contrary, they have outstanding roles to play, which are part of the comprehensive roles of the house, or are fully independent from them.

Nevertheless, the truth remains that the house institution is the top priority. Other opportunities are subordinated to it. If the functionality of the top priority is not affected in any way. Muslim women are welcome to perform the needed and appropriate external functions, just as the women of the Prophet’s era and the women of the subsequent eras of the truly golden age of Islamic civilization, have done.

But if the functionality of the house and the orb of its activities are affected, Muslim women should then hasten to either reduce or terminate their outer involvements.

Doing so, however, is not a choice, but an obligation, for which Muslim women will have to answer to their Creator on the Day of Judgment: “(and) a wife is a guardian of her husband’s house and she is responsible (for it)” – rewarded for good performances and answerable for inadequate ones.

So important is the house institution as Muslim women’s sanctum that for them even praying in it is more rewarding than in mosques. Indirectly, therefore, Muslim houses are also mosques, so to speak, as a feature of the former’s complexity and sophistication. Given that on the Day of Judgment many questions will be asked, Muslim women should start preparing answers while still in this world and as soon as possible.

38

FRIDAY, JA ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͼ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Mikel Obi Backs Super Eagles for Fourth AFCON Title

Former Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi, has declared Nigeria as favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament which kicks off on January 13 in Cote d'Ivoire.

Mikel told CAFOnline yesterday that the three-time African champions will always go into the AFCON as favourites and was hoping that this generation of players will emulate what his team did a decade ago.

“We are always favourites, this is every time we go into the tournament and it’s no different this time. Everyone knows that we are one of the favourites – not the massive favourite but definitely one of the favourites”, said the former Chelsea midfield enforcer.

The Super Eagles landed the prestigious AFCON title in 1980, p g 1994 and 2013. They were also

runners-up in 1984, 1988, 1990 and 2000.

Mikel, who made 91 appearances for Nigeria added: “To be able to do it again will be a massive achievement for us which I think the country needs right now as well.

“We need to get our football back where it should be and by winning this tournament, it will take it back to where it should be.

“Football has changed dramatically, and I think this group of players are a good young team and play a different brand of football than we did so let’s hope we can see a good performance from the Nigerian team”, he said.

Super Eagles will kick off their campaign on 14 January against Equatorial Guinea before facing the hosts, Ivory y Coast four days y later.

Olise, Solanke Nominated for Premier League Player of the Month

Osimhen, Boniface Listed in 100 Most Expensive Players in the World Kunle Adewale

Super Eagles strikers Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface have been named in CIES’ list for the 100 most expensive footballers.

According to CIES Observatory, a website that provides exclusive data and analysis on players’ ratings and values, has released a new rating of the top 100 most expensive players. And on the list, Nigerian strikers Osimhen and Boniface are present.

At €100.5 million, Napoli hitman Osimhen is the 36th most expensive player in the world, while Bayer Leverkusen star Boniface is the 98th most expensive player in the world with a value of €72.5M.

Real Madrid star Jude Ju ude Belll iingham h iis number b one on the th list, with a hefty valuation of €267.5M. Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are valued at €251.2M and €250.3M respectively.

Rodrigo Goes follows in fourth with a valuation of €247.9M, while Bukayo Saka completes the top five at a valuation of €223.0M. Phil Foden, Pablo Gavi, Julian Alvarez, Jamal Musiala, and Martin Odegaard make up the top 10.

Nigeria is currently blessed with some of the best pointmen in the game and coach Jose Peseiro is spoilt for choices as even stars like Cyriel Dessers and Terem Moffi were excluded from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Obaseki Mourns Passing of Veteran Coach Broderick- Imasuen Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the passing of veteran football coach, Sebastian Broderick Imasuen, describing him as a great Edo son and one of Nigeria’s most accomplished football players and coaches.

In a statement in Benin City, Obaseki said he received the news of Broderick’s passing with a heavy heart, celebrating his genius and contributions to the development of sports, particularly football in Nigeria.

According to him, “It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of a great Edo son and one of Nigeria's most accomplished football players and coaches, Sebastian Broderick Imaseun, who passed away at the age of 85.

“Born in Benin City in 1938, Broderick attended St. John’s Primary School, Onitsha and gained admission to Bishop Shenahan College, Orlu, in 1955, obtaining his West African Schools Certificate (WASC) in 1960.

“He started his football career early and played for the defunct Electricity Corporation of Nigeria Football Club of Lagos (ECN FC).

He also represented the Nigerian football team at the Mexico Olympic Games in 1968.

He added: “Broderick played for Bendel Insurance Football Club and scored a famous free kick to win the Challenge Cup for Bendel Insurance in 1972.

“He was the head coach of the Nigerian FIFA-U17 team that won the U-17 World Cup in China in 1985.

“He distinguished himself on and off the pitch and brought a peculiar flair for football that set him apart from his contemporaries.

A legend in the game of football, he was renowned for his role in the development of football in Nigeria, discovering young talents and projecting them to national prominence.

“Late Imaseun was a dedicated family man whose exploits as a football player and tactician knew no bounds, as he was renowned for his astuteness, discipline, boldness, and commitment to sports in our dear State and country.”

Hailing his prowess, the governor noted: “Outspoken and fervently patriotic, he was emblematic of the indefatigable Edo spirit and was an inspiration to generations both within and beyond the world of sports.

Victor Osimhen... Listed amongst 100 most expensive players in the world

Super Eagles-eligible duo, Michael Olise and Dominic Solanke have been nominated for EA Sports Premier League Player of the Month for December 2023.

The duo have been nominated alongside Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander Arnold, Tottenham Captain Son Heung-Min, Chelsea winger Cole Palmer, West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus, Wolves striker Matheus Cunha, and Bournemouth center-back Marcos Senesi.

Olise was remarkable for Crystal Palace in December as he mustered 5-goal contributions( 4 goals and one assist), including a brace against Brentford, marking the first time he had ever scored two goals in a game in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old has 5 goals this campaign, which is only bettered

by Odsonne Édouard in Roy Hodgson's side.

Similarly, Solanke was in a rich vein of form for Bournemouth in the said month having notched 6 goals which was the most of any player in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old is one of the leading top scorers in the division this season with only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland finding the back of the net more times than him.

The winner of the Premier League Player of the Month is decided by votes of a selected panel, clubs' captains, and the public.

FA Cup: GTI Seals Partnership Deal with NFF Nigeria’s foremost investment banking firm, GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, have signed a strategic partnership deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to further enhance the efficient management of the FA Cup. The deal is expected to boost the commercial value of Nigeria’s oldest domestic club competition and ensure that it attracts the sponsorship of Corporate Nigeria and the Multinationals. This is essential in order to develop the product which has immensely contributed in unifying the football-loving Nigerians.

A peep into history reveals that the FA Cup was created in 1945 and currently, is the main football single-elimination tournament in Nigeria, contested by over 2,000 teams across the 774 local governments of the Federation and FCT. With the emergence of GTI into Nigeria’s football ecosystem in 2022 as strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the financial institution’s commitment towards a total restructuring of the elite league endeared the new partnership with the NFF. In his remarks, the President of the NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, commended the GTI Group for

what they have achieved with the NPFL and expects the partnership to impact positively on the development of the FA Cup. Similarly, the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, stated “the NFF is delighted about this partnership as we are keen to have the glory days of the Federation Cup back. This agreement has the potential to robustly improve the country’s Football Economy.”

Reacting to the new deal with NFF, GTI’s GMD, Abubakar Lawal, affirmed that their expertise and experience will come handy to further improve the management of the FA Cup. He also assured stakeholders that beginning from the 2023/2024 edition the structure and prize money will be enhanced.

“We expect that between now and the first three years of this deal, the FA Cup would have been

transformed to a very competitive tournament full of excitement and glamour. Therefore, we call on the investing public to find it worthy to invest in our football via The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF),” he said.

TNFF has remained a veritable tool in driving football development to a desirable height in the country and it is registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

L-R: NFF Director of Finance, Mr. Babatunde Akinsanya; NFF Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau; GMD GTI, Abubakar Lawal; Chairman, Marketing and Sponsorship of NFF, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa and Executive Director GTI, Nelson Ine at the signing ceremony of the FA Cup partnership deal between the NFF and GTI in Abuja... yesterday

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024 • T H I S D AY

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION THE BANALITY OF CELEBRATING BUHARI stench of sleaze and corruption wafting over him. Did he not deny the PTF responsibility as well, attributing all the financial misdeeds to Salihijo Ahmad and the Afri projects consortium?

And rather conveniently, the guy took leave of this world soon thereafter.

Thus Buhari is only being consistent when he elevated the mantra “I’m not aware” to the status of an ideology in the new found circumstances of his presidency. Contemporaneously, did the president approved or not approved the currency redesign policy? With any President other than Buhari, such suggestions would have been unthinkable. Reported the special Investigator appointed by President Tinubu to audit the affairs of the central bank in recent memory, Jim Obazee. He recalled that”On October 6, 2022, Emefiele wrote to Buhari that he wanted to redesign and reconfigure the N1000, N500, and N200 notes. The former president tagged along but did not approve the redesign as required by law. Buhari merely approved that the currency be printed in Nigeria”.

So, according to Adesina, there was a human angle to the Buhari story, but so was there one to the Idi Amins, the Sani Abachas, to Josef Stalin, Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. I can put the phenomenon no better than the celebrated political philosopher, Hannah Arendt (who suffered the holocaust on account of her Jewish identity) in her ‘’Report on the Banality of Evil”. She had “followed the Eichmann trial for war crimes and highlighted how this brutal criminal was an absolutely “normal” person in everyday and family life. Is it possible, asked Arendt, that apparently normal individuals, can in particular circumstances become heinous criminals without the slightest sense of guilt?”

Was Hitler actually a nice guy in person? As gruesome as it sounds, the answer is yes.

According to Thom Thibeault and Susanna Viljanen, Hitler had several redeeming qualities: He hated child abuse, abuse of women, etc,

having himself been seriously abused. He hated porn and exploitation of women. He was deeply anti-elitist. He came from the deep ranks of the people, and he got much better along with the little people than the aristocrats or plutocrats. He hated vanity and the pompous lifestyle many Nazi bosses led.

He was easy-going with children, and he was known as a matchmaker among the Nazi elites.

He was a health fanatic, and he hated drugs and alcohol, and tobacco especially; yes, the paradox is obvious” It was the turn of Adesina to introduce Buhari us “Buhari, the Kind-hearted Toughie at 81. From his days as an iron fisted military ruler, Muhammadu Buhari had cut the image of a brutal, no nonsense person, without a drop of milk of human kindness. Not so.

People often condemn who or what they don’t understand”. Continues the narcissistic hero worshiper “I’ve written about how the president left all other things in 2013, flew into Lagos to attend a farewell service for my late mum. One of his longest serving aides told me there were not up to five people in the country Buhari could do such for. I felt, and still feel, eternally honored”.

“When my elder sister, a Professor of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, died in a road crash in December 2015, the President placed a personal phone call to sympathize with me. He also extended the sympathy to the entire Adesina household”.

“In his speech, the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church thanked the President for appointing one of the members of the church as his Adviser on media and publicity. When the president responded, he said he was the one that should be thankful to me for coming to serve the government” “I was on Sunday Politics on Channels Television one evening. The host, Seun Okinbaloye, was particularly combative that day. But yours truly can always hold

his own. It was no quarter asked, and none given. The next morning, the President saw me in the office. He laughed, and said; “I watched you on television last night. I could see how fast your brain was working.Thank you for defending me always.”

At 81, former President Buhari is looking very fresh, well rested. I know, because I was with him in his Daura, Katsina State home last week. I wish him longer years, in peace and all that is good. He did his best for Nigeria” Which then begs the question. During his incumbency, was there a time he was not literally idling and sleeping away?

He was either in the United Kingdom receiving regenerative medicare and addressing us in Hausa language from his cushy sick bay; picking his teeth while Nigeria burns often at his passive or active instigation or globe trotting and luxuriating in his custom built presidential jet?. In agreement, the Financial Times noted “Under Buhari’s somnolent watch, he has overseen two terms of economic slump, rising debt and a calamitous increase in kidnapping and banditry — the one thing you might have thought a former general could control.” corroborated the Financial Times.

Contrary to the jejune peregrinations of a presidential power besotted Adesina, here is what the bigoted politician had to say for himself “I will continue to show openly and inside me the total commitment to the Sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria.

God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of the Sharia in the country.” – Buhari (News24, August 27, 2001) “If what happened in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon will all be soaked in blood.” – Buhari (Vanguard May 15, 2012).

“The declaration of state of emergency in three Northern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe is a grave injustice against the North.” – Buhari (Liberty Radio, June 2, 2013). “No no no, Abacha

did not steal Nigeria’s money.” – Buhari (10th Anniversary of Abacha’s death) “When the Niger Delta militants started their activities in the South-South, they were invited by the late President Umaru Yar’adua.

An aircraft was sent to them and their leaders met with the late President in Aso Rock and discussed issues. They were given money and a training scheme was introduced for their members. But when the Boko Haram emerged in the north, members of the sect were killed”. – Buhari (Liberty Radio, Kaduna May 14 2012) “Muslims should only vote those who will promote Islam. We are more than the Christians if you add our Muslim brothers in the West.”- Buhari (Liberty Radio Kaduna, 2003). “Why should Christians be concerned when Muslim cut off their limbs? After all, the limbs that are being cut off are Muslim ones and not Christian. So why should Christians bother about it?? – Buhari (Liberty Radio, Kaduna 2003) “If There Is a repeat of the Civil War again, I will kill more Igbos to save the country.”

– Buhari (BBC Hausa Service, 2015) “I can die for the cause of Islam if necessary. We are prepared to fight another civil war. We cannot be blackmailed into killing Sharia.” – Muhammadu Buhari (Freedom House, 2000) Adesina did not forget to tell us that “at 81, former President Buhari is looking very fresh, well rested. I know, because I was with him in his Daura, Katsina State home last week. I wish him longer years, in peace and all that is good. He did his best for Nigeria.”

Despite himself, I also wish Buhari “peace and all that is good”. Both Buhari and his acolyte should however spare a thought for those Nigerians who can no longer enjoy “longer years, peace and all that is good” as a result of Buhari’s callous and dangerously incompetent leadership. For whatever it is worth.

WHAT TIME IS IT FOR NIGERIA? So, even though evidence abound in our public finance data to support Ribadu’s assessment of the current state of the country’s finance, Nigeria’s reality is worse than mere financial bankruptcy. An empty treasury is the least of insolvencies that stymie Nigeria and Nigerians. The substantial and existential danger is that Nigeria as a country is totally bankrupt of values, void of soul and headed into a cataclysmic collapse of the kind that more money cannot change. What can more money do to reverse the callous acceptance of a brutish, short, and nasty existence into which majority Nigerians have now acculturated their minds?

What will more money do for a people who no longer expect their leaders to take responsibility for basic duties including accountability for failure to produce results?

What can more money do for a country that kidnapping of citizens grew into an industry nationwide? The Nigeria we all lament today is a sad example of what failure to agree and uphold a national integrity and values system can do to any people. Nigerians chose to be lethargic to how our country is governed, so our public leaders willfully distorted incentives and sanctions in our society.

Yes, the public coffers are empty, but the time now is to tackle the cause and not one of the symptoms of our national bankruptcy as a country and people. Nigeria must first overcome the existential sustainability question as our top priority agenda at this time. Is it not staggeringly alarming that Nigeria’s contemporary peer-countries are contending to lead the 21st Century by shifting global economic dominance while we in contrast are steadily regressing farther away from being a country? Nigeria’s multiple existential threats to retaining the status of country are fiercer than ever before. We now barely tick the boxes for the full status of a country, properly so called.

A Nigeria that is fast losing most of the basic criteria that qualified us to be included in the United Nations list of recognized countries should alarm all patriots into action to save and avoid the tendentious pattern of our political class tunnelling our focus to addressing symptoms instead of their underlying causes.

Our evident state of affairs is that Nigeria now more than ever before ticks closest to the box of a failed state on the criteria of renowned Fund for Peace and Foreign Policy magazine.

The index annually uses Economic, Political and

Tinubu

Social factors to evaluate fragility and resilience of countries. Nigeria has every year over the last ten years remained within the group of 15 countries out of 170 that rank closest to fragile-failed country status. For example, on the economic front, Nigeria is entangled with endemic issues of systemic and widespread grand as well as petty corruption, “high economic inequality, economic development along group line, low growth, severe economic decline and rising extreme poverty”.

In the context of the Fragility Index on the political front, Nigeria experiences “breakdown of capacity of government to function usually characterized by delegitimization of the state, deterioration of public services, suspension, or arbitrary application of law; widespread human rights abuses, security forces operating as a “state within a state” often with impunity, rise of factionalized elites, and rise of external political agents and foreign states”.

On the social metrics, the index evaluates Nigeria’s “depleting social capital, loss of social cohesion, a squandering and poor management

of its diversity, demographic pressures and tribal, ethnic and/or religious conflicts, massive internal and external displacement of refugees, creating severe humanitarian emergencies, widespread vengeance-seeking group grievances and sustained human flight” and such like.

It will amount to a historical missed opportunity if Nigerians do not in 2024 collectively resist the syndrome of tunneling our focus to the lowest common denominator of our problems. The Federal Government in its current narrative about public financial distress is leading everyone down that path because even though it is true that Nigeria and Nigerians are faced with the severest fiscal distress ever experienced in recent history, our single-minded focus must be the battle for the Soul of Nigeria. No amount of money from higher oil prices, tax collections and more domestic and external debts can win this battle for us.

More money cannot save a country and people that have lost their soul. Even then, the fact is that from all evidence available in the

public domain, additional money earned by Nigeria now merely and mostly feed the avarice and voracious greed of Nigeria’s politicians anyway as the budget process has often revealed.

The question that should therefore seize the minds of citizens of Nigeria and move all in the direction of the right actions is found in the timeless words of scripture; “Behold, what does it profit a man, nay, a woman and people of a country, to gain the whole world but lose their soul?”

There is a raging battle for the Soul of Nigeria, a country which has turned into a massive killing field and mass graves overrunning with the blood of innocent children, youth, women, and men brutally murdered, battered or abducted without any consequence to the criminals.

Every Nigerian of goodwill - regardless of ethnicity, religion, economic status, and political persuasion - knows that the Nigeria we once knew is gone. The collective momentum must now swiftly gather to the tipping point for Nigerians to compel a legally mandated National Conversation that will fundamentally negotiate and determine the value we place on our lives and the values that will uphold, preserve, and dignify a New Nigeria and Nigerians.

Throughout history, dead countries commenced their dying when human life ceased to have worth. This is the kind of time Nigeria find itself, but we can by a collective will confront the demons that have dwarfed the realization of our country’s giant potentials and change the course of our checkered history.

Could this be the ironic time a lethally flawed government of President Bola Tinubu which continues struggling with crisis of legitimacy, makes the urgent and historic choice to facilitate and enable a New Constitutional Process credibly co-led by citizens? Will the Tinubu administration surprise us and choose the good of Nigeria and Nigerians this Time?

Will he take up the gauntlet at this Time and ask himself the question, “What Time is it for Nigeria?” Can Tinubu’s candid answer be that it is “The Time for me to do right by the Citizens of Nigeria?”.

There is indeed Time for everything, and Nigerians are anxiously waiting. It is Time.

•Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education and Solid Minerals, is Founder and Chairperson of the Board of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG)

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Cleric to President Tinubu “When I was praying about Nigeria yesterday, God told me that the President has good visions for Nigeria but the people assigned to work with him are no longer having the national interest at heart. Our President must thoroughly assess those working with him...let them give account of their stewardship periodically...Our President should not just rely on how he knew the people as of the time they started that they are still the same” –Cleric, CAC Adamimogo Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, Sam Alo, admonishing Tinubu to beware of his appointees.

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AKINOSUNTOKUN The Banality of Celebrating Buhari DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akinosuntokun@thisdaylive.com

F

irst a recall of a personal encounter with Chief Femi Adesina in his capacity as the media and publicity interlocutor to President Muhammadu Buhari and a remorseless witness of falsehood.

Here he goes, “Akin Oshuntokun appeared on Channels television today and made the false claim that a bomb blast had gone off earlier in the day, killing about 88 people in Maiduguri… Apparently, enemies of peace and progress had expected a return to the infamous past, thus Osuntokun appeared on television with his bag of lies”- This was a press statement he issued on a programme I participated on Channels in which I spoke in English not Portuguese. I was taken aback. I could not recall saying anything about a bomb blast. So I double checked with Channels. They were equally flustered that such falsehood could emanate from Adesina within hours of the appearance in contention.

Significantly, Adesina had thus set me up for the malicious attention of the heavily compromised and politicised Nigerian military.

Rather than prioritise the confrontation with their Boko Haram nemesis, they were looking to get me to come and clarify the allegation

Buhari

of bomb blast in Maiduguri that only existed in the fevered imagination of the Buhari press Secretary. It was on account of this falsehood that another aide to Buhari would cite me as

“making his dislike of Buhari a profession”.

Eight years of the ruinous presidency to the bargain, it is a citation I should wear as a vindication and badge of honour. With

the increasingly alarming revelations of a spectacularly failed presidency, it is impossible to overstate the existential menace Buhari posed to Nigeria.You do not even need to scratch beneath the surface to get a surfeit of scandalous materials on Adesina’s demigod.

They stare you right in the face.

Setting the ball rolling was the thumbs down salute (of his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), that for him, the transition from Buhari amounted to “moving from darkness to a glorious dawn”. This qualification was seconded by his National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu who substantiated the idiom of his principal with the clarification that “We have inherited a very difficult country, a bankrupt country”. A recurring decimal of this bankruptcy is the instructive report that President Buhari moved Nigeria’s debt profile from N42tn to N77tn.

Contrary to the norm of the buck stops at my table leadership responsibility, Buhari thrives on distancing himself from responsibility. His constant refrain and ablution is “I’m not aware” -purporting to lose his sense of smell right inside his pit latrine reeking of the suffocating Continued on page 39

OBIAGELIEZEKWESILI GUEST COLUMNIST

What Time is it for Nigeria?

T

here is Time for everything.

Figuratively speaking, a person or country can be asked, “What Time is it?” with an intention to trigger a deep rumination from those who should know or care.

The start of the New Year after a bloodied end of 2023 with yet another mass brutal killings of over 150 children, youth, women, and men during the Christmas week, in several villages of Plateau State did provide the context for one to ask. So, I ask first, those among my fellow citizens who have only always hoped against hope that our country will ultimately Become, “What Time is it for Nigeria?” I next ask all those who have held and the ones currently holding political and public leadership positions in the country, “What Time is it for Nigeria?”

The blood of Fidelis Solomon and over one hundred and fifty other victims gruesomely massacred in the latest Plateau State carnage, and the blood of the hundreds of thousands of innocent Nigerians cumulatively killed in the North Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southsouth and Southwest regions of our country are crying, “What Time is it for

Nigeria?” What is your answer, fellow citizens?

This really is the hardest question that all the people of goodwill in Nigeria must ask and answer candidly. Anyone who attempts to evade asking and confronting the inevitable tough answer to this question merely lives in delusion.

For me, it is the critical time to confront the hard conversations on how to create a viable Nigeria that transits from mere country to a nation of people who though diverse have collectively negotiated to unite themselves around a shared sense of nationalism to build a just, equitable, peaceful, orderly, prosperous, stable, resilient, and ethical society based on shared values, national vision and common identity. It is the most feasible way to avoid Nigeria becoming a truly bankrupt country with all her people.

Bankruptcy, an extremely scary word was recently used by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to describe the financial situation of the country. In his words: “We are facing very serious budgetary constraints. It is okay for me to tell you. It is fine for you to know. We have a very serious

situation… We have inherited a very difficult country, a bankrupt country to the extent that we are paying back what was taken. It is serious”.

Bankruptcy in corporate use, means the death of an entity because it stops all operations and goes completely out of business. Death is the loss of soul. Like humans, a country also has a soul, and it contains the values and boundaries of what is acceptable or abhorrent behavior. For example, in Nigeria, there was a time when a certain modicum of values served as filters of what behaviors were rewarded and punished. The soul of our country began to die when public leaders became bad examples, disdaining values and rewarding vices. As the people either helplessly watched on or simply did not care and many chose to join the leaders in sliding the scale of values, the soul of Nigeria started to erode. The soul of the country has eroded to a degree where today, the value and respect for human life is closer to zero than to one.

The bankruptcy of a country and people which relegates the dignity of life is much more damaging than empty public coffers.

Public leaders who do not value the life of

their fellow human being bankrupt the soul of their country. The cyclical pattern of empty coffers in a country vastly endowed with the natural, human, and other resources to have emerged as a globally productive and competitive economy is a factor of Nigeria’s values bankruptcy. The Nigerian-State run by governments which are inured to the debasement of human lives is bankrupt of soul.

We shockingly arrived a time in our country when regardless of the number of mass abductions, maiming and killings of fellow humans being in our country, the Nigerian-State moves on without an iota of accountability and consequence for especially murderous criminals. We are in a time when Nigerians have normalized and accepted that their governments and leaders can conduct, enable, or ignore acts of impunity. A time in which the lines between reward and punishment are so blurred that the country exists without any form of deterring consequence for the most atrocious behaviors.

Continued on page 39

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