GHL: How FBN’s Recklessness Almost Killed 93 on Oil Rig
James Emejo in Abuja General Hydrocarbons Limited
www.thisdaylive.com
and Sunday
Food Security: FG Takes Delivery
Tractors for Distribution
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The federal government yesterday disclosed that it has taken delivery of 255 tractors out of the 2000 it signed with a private firm about a year ago to be distributed to farmers. Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who made this known while addressing newsmen at the State House on government's moves to bring down food inflation currently at about 34 percent also stated that the government has commenced plan for the reorganisation and recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture which was expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2025. Kyari explained that all the efforts were moves by the President Bola Tinubu's administration for its Renewed Hope Agenda geared towards reducing food inflation, increasing food production and reducing foreign currency expenditure.
James Emejo
Aborisade in Abuja
ALAWUBA CONFERRED WITH HONORARY DOCTORATE...
L-R: Chairman, African University of Science and Technology(ASUT), Board of Trustees, Etigwe Uwa (SAN); wife of the Honoree, Professor Nkeiruka Oly-Alawuba; Honorary Doctorate recipient and Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Oliver Alawuba; Director-General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and President, ASUT, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, at the conferment of Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) of Business Administration by the ASUT, during the 10th Convocation Ceremony in Abuja... yesterday
Abbas: Recent Stampedes Reminder of Socio-economic Hardship Facing Nigerians
Says inflation pressing concern despite GDP growth Hints at the passage of tax reform bills FG's non-release of 2024 capital vote fueling economic hardship, group insists
Adedayo Akinwale and Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen yesterday described recent stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija in Anambra State during the distribution of palliative as a stark reminder of the socio-economic hardships facing our citizens
Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, made this known while delivering a speech on the resumption of the House from the yuletide recess.
However, the National Coalition on Accountability and Probity in Governance (NCAPG) blamed the current economic hardship in the country on the federal government's inability to release funds appropriated for the 2024 capital budget.
The group alleged that this had resulted in significant economic challenges, including stalled projects, increased unemployment, and reduced consumer spending.
Speaking further, the Speaker of the House of Representatives said: “The past year was characterised by moments of progress tempered by significant challenges. Tragic events, such as the stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija during the distribution of palliative aid, underline the urgent need for improved planning and safety protocols in humanitarian efforts.
“On behalf of the House, I extend our deepest sympathies to the families and communities affected.
“These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the socio-economic hardships facing our citizens and
the imperative for policies that tackle hunger and poverty at their roots.”
According to the Speaker, "Turning to the economy, 2024 presented both difficulties and opportunities. While inflation remains a pressing concern, progress in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and the positive trajectory of economic reforms provide hope for a more stable and prosperous 2025."
Abbas also mourned the loss of soldiers in Borno State, who paid the ultimate price in the fight against terrorism.
He stressed that their sacrifices exemplified the highest dedication to the nation’s safety and sovereignty.
On behalf of the House, the Speaker extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Abbas added: “Similarly, the tragic loss of life in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages of Sokoto State, resulting from the unintended consequences of military operations, underscores the need for a renewed focus on civilian protection in conflict zones.
“These incidents emphasise the complexities of governance and the necessity for people-centered, comprehensive solutions.
Amidst these challenges, the resilience of our security agencies deserves commendation.
“Their concerted efforts have significantly reduced threats across the country, demonstrating their courage and the growing efficacy of coordinated military operation.”
Abbas stressed that the House remained steadfast in supporting the efforts through legislative measures
that enhance security frameworks and address emerging threats.
The Speaker pointed out that the ongoing revival of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries and increased competition in the oil market have already begun to moderate fuel prices.
He, therefore, called for the swift operationalisation of the Kaduna refinery to alleviate further economic pressures on households and businesses.
Abbas emphasised that the legislative agenda of the House for 2025 prioritises the passage of the Appropriation Bill and the Tax Reform Bills, both of which are pivotal to economic recovery and fiscal stability.
These reforms, the Speaker noted, were essential for broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing dependency on external borrowing.
His words: “The House will ensure that these reforms are equitable and considerate of the needs of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable.”
Abbas said as they engage with the budget and other legislative priorities, they must remain meticulous in their scrutiny, ensuring that every proposal aligns with national objectives and delivers tangible benefits to the citizenry.
He said the planned Citizens’ Town Hall on the budget would further reinforce transparency and inclusivity in our decision-making processes.
The Speaker said the Constitutional Review Committee headed by Kalu continues to make commendable progress, stressing that the extensive consultations and rigorous review of over 350 memoranda demonstrate the depth of public engagement in
shaping the nation’s foundational document.
He said the Green Chamber anticipates that the outcomes of this process would address longstanding governance challenges and promote inclusivity, equity, and accountability.
FG's Non-release of 2024
Capital Vote, Fueling Economic Hardship, Says Group
Meanwhile, the NCAPG has blamed the current economic hardship in the country on the federal government's inability to release funds appropriated for the 2024 capital budget.
The group alleged that this had resulted in significant economic challenges, including stalled projects, increased unemployment, and reduced consumer spending.
The group expressed concerns over government's inability to release capital vote to contractors and its ripple effects on the economy at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday.
National Coordinator of NCAPG, Igwe Umanta, who read the text of the press conference, said many businesses, particularly those owed by the government for contracts executed, face severe financial difficulties, including defaulting on loans and laying off workers.
"The federal government’s failure to make capital releases to contractors is at the heart of this economic stagnation.
“Capital projects are crucial drivers of economic activity, and the absence of funding for ongoing and new projects has led to significant setbacks, putting capital release as missing catalyst which is very important to saddle the economy forward.
Adedayo Akinwale and Juliet Akoje in Abuja
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, yesterday confirmed the return of over $110 million assets recovered from various countries of the world.
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate yesterday confirmed the appointment of all the nominees for the Governing Boards of the North West Development Commission, (NWDC) and the South East Development Commission, (SEDC).
The Senate presided by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, confirmed Mark Okoye and Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji as the Managing Director and Chief Executive officers of the SEDC and NWDC respectively.
The Senate gave its final confirma-
tion after the ad hoc Committee on regional development commissions led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia-North) submitted the report of its screening exercise. Kalu in his report, said the nominees during the screening proved their capacities to man the affairs of the respective development commissions.
A mild drama however ensued as some senators made a move to invoke Order (1b) to step down the confirmation process for further consultations.
The move was however unsuc-
cessful as the Senate voted to dissolve into the Committee of the Whole to consider the report. After a brief deliberation, all the nominees of both the two commissions were approved.
The 14 board members of the NWDC led by Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi as Chairman of the commission and Ma’aji as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Others are Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, Ja’afar Abubakar Sadeeq, Yahaya Aminu Abdullahi, Hon. Engr Muhammad Ali Wudil, Shamsu Sule, Nasidi Ali,
He revealed that the ministry had developed a template for most of the agreements and shared them with some of the state governments in order to help them to review contracts, saying that is where most of the damages and risks are.
Fagbemi noted that although state
Fagbemi disclosed this during the 2025 budget defence of the ministry when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Justice chaired by Hon. Olumide Osoba.
governments were at liberty to engage in foreign transactions, the sub-national governments are not recognised in cases of arbitration, stressing that it is the national government that takes such responsibilities. He stated: “The popular case of P&ID, there were so many issues involved, including engaging lawyers that are not up to the task. Some of these commercial transactions are not given to friends or lawyers merely because they are friends. They must be people who have capacities in terms of training, in terms of experience and we have learnt our lessons in this regard.
Chukwu Chijtoke, Ahmed Mohammed, Engr. Ahmed Rufai Timasantyu, Macdonalds Michael Uyi and Hon. Babatunde Dada.
Similarly, the 18-member nominees of the South-East Development Commission led by Nworgu, were also confirmed as Chairman and Okoye as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Others are Ugochukwu H. Agballah , Hon. Okey kzenwa , Chief Hyacinth Ikpor , Chidi Echeazu, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, Hamma Adama Ali Kumo Edward David Onoja and Orure Kufre Inima.
"So, we are trying our best to ensure that those we engage are those with certified advisory given to us during the P&ID case. That whenever you want to give cases out, you don't do it out of patronage, we look at the competence of the counsel involved.
"For instance, the mere fact that you're a constitutional lawyer in Nigeria does not make you a good commercial lawyer or an arbitrator offshore or even here, so this one we have taken care of.”
The AGF stressed that in a bid to avert future occurrences, measures are being put in place to ensure that agreements are properly signed. He stressed that there were instances where
the ministry had declined approving many agreements with foreign agencies. Earlier, Osoba commended the ministry for ‘landmark’ achievements recorded so far. According to him, in the past year, Nigeria has witnessed significant judicial decisions that reinforce the principles of justice and governance. These, he said, include the Supreme Court ruling on Local Government autonomy, affirming the financial and administrative autonomy of local councils.
Osoba said the ruling declared it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds allocated to local governments or to dissolve local government councils arbitrarily. He recalled that the Supreme Court also recognised local governments as the third tier of Nigeria's governance structure, thereby strengthening grassroots democracy and enhancing service delivery at the local level.
Osoba noted: "These judicial outcomes exemplify the robustness of our legal system and underscore the importance of unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law."
But Osoba frowned on the failure of the ministry to provide details on the utilisation of N4.7 billion reportedly spent on legal services.
SIGNING OF THE HOST STATE AGREEMENT FOR 2026 NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL...
L-R: Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Enugu State, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; and the Director-General, National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olapade, during the signing of the Host State Agreement for 2026 National Sports Festival between the commission and Enugu State government at the Government House, Enugu…yesterday
Adelabu: TCN Requires N2.7 Trillion to Execute 149 Ongoing Projects Nationwide
Says second phase of Siemens project to commence in Q1 Blames obsolete equipment for incessant power grid collapse
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) would require about N2.77 trillion to complete 149 ongoing projects nationwide, an amount bigger than the entire budget of the ministry this year.
A statement in Abuja by the minister's spokesman, Bolaji Tunji, stated that Adelabu who spoke during a budget presentation at the
National Assembly, also disclosed that the completion of the projects will help to markedly improve the country's electricity supply.
Besides, he informed the lawmakers that approval had also been given for the commencement of the second phase of the Siemens power project under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) with 95 per cent completion of the pilot stage in 2024.
Aside from the pilot segment, Phase 1 of the Siemens of Germany deal focuses on quick-win measures to
increase the power system's capacity to 7,000mw, including upgrading and refurbishing existing substations, and installing new substations. The phase also includes installing transformers and mobile substations.
In addition, Phase 2 will address network bottlenecks to increase the power sector's capacity to 11,000mw, including upgrading existing transmission substations, transformers, and transmission lines.
In the third phase, the partnership will focus on developing Nigeria's
power sector's capacity to 25,000mw, with the upgrading and expansions to generation, transmission, and distribution.
According to Adelabu, the project will energise power supply as it would involve the construction of five substations across the nation and permanently address the issue of grid collapse.
“I am happy to appear before you today to address you on what we have been able to achieve since last year and what is expected of us as
Osinbajo Advocates Stronger Capital Markets, Increased Global Funding to Boost Investments in Africa's Green Energy Industry
Insists gas remains Nigeria's transition fuel despite campaign against fossil fuels
Nigeria’s immediate-past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday stressed the need for African leaders to strengthen and deepen the region's capital markets and financial institutions to be able to attract the right volume of investments into the emerging green energy industry and achieve a climate positive growth in the continent.
Osinbajo, also stated that gas remains Nigeria's transition fuel amid a global campaign against fossil fuels, describing as correct, the position of successive Nigerian governments that the country must use its abundant gas resources to industrialise and transit to renewable energy thereafter.
The former Nigeria's number two citizen made the call yesterday in Lagos, during his speech at the 23rd S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and sponsored by Chevron Nigeria Limited.
The Theme of the lecture was, "Greening Africa's Economies: Can Climate Positive Growth Deliver Prosperity?”
In his list of recommendations for achieving a climate positive and green industrial growth in Africa,
Osinbajo said Africa countries needed to speak with one voice to enable them influence global policy to the continent's advantage.
He said a united voice was key to getting Africa's agenda recognised and incorporated into emerging global rules and instruments.
He also stressed the need for the continent to organise itself and deal with the obvious governance issues of transparency and accountability, especially in public procurements.
He harped on the need for the protection of democratic processes and the security, not only because of risk perception issues but for the well-being and prosperity of the people of Africa.
The third task for the continent, according to Osinbajo, was to focus Africa's economic growth and development plans on the emerging green opportunities.
He stressed the need for structuring of internal policies and regulations in such a way that support climate positive trade and industry in the continent.
Osinbajo said, "The fourth point is that we must actively work at harmonising trade, environmental and industrial policies across the continent to ensure a level playing field. Of course, now we have the
AFCTA, that's the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which is a way of integrating trade policy. And I must say that a lot of progress has been made.
"The Guided Trade Initiative of the AFCTA has shown the great potential that exists in the African Free Trade Zone. And some of the countries that have participated have already shown some progress in trade relations and in their own
trade turnovers in their countries.
"Five, we need a stronger and deeper African capital markets. A stronger and deeper African capital markets and African financial institutions are going to be very key to promoting investments in this respect, and that work requires a lot.
"Indeed, it requires a lot of collaboration between our countries and our institutions in order to deepen our capital markets.
a ministry this year. For the TCN alone, we will need about N2.779 trillion to enable us to execute the about 149 projects we are currently engaged in all over the country.
“Our total budget as a ministry is not even up to this, but as the saying goes, half bread is better than none. I’m telling you so that you can be aware of the kind of money that is needed in the ministry for us to address our electricity challenges. We need your cooperation and collaboration in achieving the mandate of Mr. President in electricity supply to Nigerians,” the minister said.
Speaking further on the Siemens project, Adelabu said the substations to be built across the country would address the nation’s fragile power infrastructure, occasioned by obsolete and outdated equipment.
“The federal government is fully determined to address these challenges and issues that have been blocking our progress in our effort to provide electricity to Nigerians and our consumers. Of particular note is the grid collapse, which has to do with the obsolete and outdated equipment around our power stations.
“To practically address this, the Siemens project will come on board in the first quarter of this year. We have almost concluded the take-off of the project and it will involve building five substations across the country.
This will energise our supply so that the issue of grid collapse will be a thing of the past. By next week, we will begin the contracts for the substations to come on board,” Adelabu said.
Moreover, the minister stressed that when he was appointed, power generation was just about 4100mw but that within a year, the capacity increased by over 1000mw, and had even reached a peak capacity of 5270mw.
The improvement in generation capacity, he said, was due to improvements in the operation of existing power plants and the commissioning of new plants, partly driven by efforts to ensure more efficient use of existing infrastructure and completion of some power projects.
He also informed the lawmakers of the need to address the issue of vandalism as it concerns the electricity asset across the country.
“One other critical thing I want to draw your attention to is the issue of vandalism as it concerns our assets. It is important we sensitise our people against this act. We must be involved in serious advocacy on this issue.
“We must jointly address the issue of protecting the power assets. A damage to one is a damage to all, especially the transmission assets, they are so interwoven and a damage to one is a damage to all.
Road Project Abandonment: Senate Withdraws
Warrant of Arrest on Julius Berger’s Boss
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate yesterday withdrew its proclamation on warrant of arrest on the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Peer Lubasch, for persistently refusing to appear before its Committee on Works.
This was sequel to a letter of apology from the company which was read at plenary by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
The Red Chamber had last December passed a resolution to issue the warrant following a motion.
The motion was moved by the Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu and co-sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) and Mpigi Barinada (PDP, Rivers South-East).
In his motion, Ngwu had informed the Senate that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc had consistently failed to honour invitations to provide explanations regarding project abandonment and an alarming increase in contract costs from N54 billion to N195 billion.
Ngwu, in the motion had said, “Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has
neglected and refused to honour invitations to provide details of their role in the Odukpani-Itu Highway project, despite receiving substantial public funds amounting to over N18 billion.”
At a meeting with the Senate Committee on Works yesterday led by Mpigi Barinada, the Managing Director of Berger read same letter to the hearing of members of the Committee.
The Julius Berger boss enumerated forex volatility, delay in payment by the federal government, and lack of
access to the rights of ways as major encumbrances to the completion of the road project.
He said the development culminated in the mutual termination of the project and recalled that the construction company had in 2003 requested for contract variation for the job that was awarded in 2017. Barinada in his opening remarks told the team led by MD of Berger that the Odukpani- Itu- Ikot Ekpene highway was not only for the Niger Delta indigenes but a major artery for Nigerian road users.
Peter Uzoho
JULIUS BERGER MANAGEMENT MEETS SENATE COMMITTEE ON WORKS...
Amid Improved Output, NUPRC Targets
2.1m Bpd Oil Production in 2025
Komolafe gets commendation for exceeding 2024 revenue target
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has disclosed that the agency has set a minimum production target of 2.1 million barrels of crude oil per day
for operators in 2025. The Commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, announced this during his appearance before the Senate Committee on Appropriation, a statement posted on the social media handles of the upstream industry
Candidate for Niger Guber in 2023, Kantigi, Backs Bago’s 2027 Reelection Bid
Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the 2023 governorship election in Niger State, Alhaji Isah Liman Kantigi, has expressed his support for the current governor of the state, Alhaji Muhammed Umaru Bago, in the 2027 governorship poll.
But the PDP leadership in the state, has responded, saying,"Kantigi is on his own".
Speaking at a virtual press conference, Kantigi who placed second behind Bago in the 2023 governorship election stated emphatically that he would not run for governor in 2027.
He hinged his decision on the performance of the All Progressives Congress APC Governor in the state, saying he should be allowed to complete the good works he has started and therefore urged political leaders in Zone A to unite behind Bago for a second term.
He emphasised the importance of
allowing the governor to complete the "significant projects" he has initiated across the state’s local government areas.
"With the emergence of Umaru Bago as governor, he has embarked on an unprecedented array of projects.
What he needs now is our prayers and support to fulfill the New Niger Agenda, free from any distractions.” Kantigi declared
But, in a swift reaction the state Chairman of the PDP, Mr Tanko Beji, distanced the party from the remarks of its 2023 governorship candidate.
According to Beji, in a telephone interview, Kantigi "was not speaking for the party and he cannot speak for the party.His opinion is personal"
He said at the appropriate time the PDP would pick its candidate for the governorship election either Kantigi is interested or not, adding that, "He (Kantigi) has aired his view, his view is personal, his view is not that of the party."
regulator, said yesterday. Komolafe highlighted the significant strides made by the commission since its establishment in 2021. He noted that Nigeria's rig count, which stood at 16 as of 2021, has now doubled to 32 under the commission's oversight.
This increase, he said, reflects ongoing efforts to boost upstream activities and enhance the country's crude oil production capacity.
After struggling for over four years, Nigeria finally met its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil production quota, increasing to 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd). This was a significant boost to the country's economy, as oil exports contribute up to about 9 per cent of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and over 80 per cent of federal government foreign exchange earnings.
The increase was likely due to various factors, including improved security measures, new investments in the sector, and the development of new oil fields. Nigeria has been working to strengthen its oil industry, and the steady increase in production is seen as a positive step towards achieving that goal.
However, beyond meeting its OPEC quota for the first time in years, Nigeria also hit circa 1.7 million barrels per day average crude oil and condensate output in December 2024.
According to Komolafe, the bold crude oil production target aims to position Nigeria as a more competitive and sustainable player in the global oil and gas industry.
Also, the Joint Senate and House Committee on Finance has commended the NUPRC for surpassing
its 2024 revenue target. A separate statement from the commission said that the committee made the commendation when Komolafe appeared before it on Monday.
This achievement, the committee noted, highlighted the commission's significant contribution to national revenue and its efficient regulatory oversight of Nigeria's upstream petroleum sector.
As of November 2024, the commission said it had exceeded its revenue target by 49 per cent, attributing it to its strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector through regulatory reforms, plugging financial leakages and attracting substantial investments, despite the divestment of some oil and gas assets.
Responding to questions on gas flaring from the legislators, the CCE noted
that the commission has developed a comprehensive Gas Flaring and Commercialisation Plan which aims to reduce methane emissions significantly while generating additional revenue for Nigeria through optimised gas utilisation and monetisation.
Komolafe emphasised NUPRC's commitment to balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth in the upstream petroleum sector, stressing that these accomplishments reflect NUPRC's strategic initiatives aimed at improving revenue generation, compliance, and transparency within the sector.
On their part, the statement said the legislators emphasised the importance of such performance in supporting the country's fiscal budget and encouraged the NUPRC to sustain and build on the progress so far achieved.
Emma Okonji
Telecommunications operators (Telcos) earned as much as N5.3 trillion in revenue from telecoms service offerings, which included voice and data services in 2023.
This was as telecoms subscriptions reached 224 million in 2023, up from 222 million in 2022.
This was revealed yesterday by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in its 2023 year-end performance report titled: “2023 Subscriber/Network Performance Report.”
A breakdown of the earned revenue showed that GSM operators earned N4 trillion; Fixed wired - N273, 010, 222.21; Internet Service Providers (ISPs) - N89, 806, 249, 295.90; Value Added
Nigeria-Saudi Arabia Sign MoU on 2025 Hajj
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
He was represented at the signing ceremony by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, while His Excellency, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat, signed on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
A statement on Tuesday by the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir said preparations for the 2025 Hajj are underway, building on the previous agreements.
He disclosed that: “Key activities include the bilateral meeting and MoU signing. Other activities against the backdrop of the MoU signing will be the fourth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition.
“The platform brings all stakeholders across sectors together to enhance the Hajj experience and
elevate the quality of services offered to pilgrims.”
The Minister was quoted to have said: “Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have a longstanding tradition of signing annual Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate the smooth conduct of Hajj pilgrimages for Nigerian Muslims.
“These agreements outline the responsibilities and expectations of both nations, ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive adequate services and support during the 2025 Hajj exercise.
“These MoUs ensure Nigerian
pilgrims have a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience. They facilitate collaboration on various aspects, including accommodation, transportation, and healthcare services, thereby enhancing the overall welfare of the pilgrims.”
The event was witnessed by Chairman Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs Senator Abubakar Bello, Senator Aliyu Bilbis, Hon. Jafar Borgu, the Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Amb. Muazam Nayaya, Amb. Mahmud Lele and CDA Riyadh, Dr Modibo Umar.
Service Providers (VAS) - N14, 559, 978,522.80; Collocation and Infrastructure Sharing operators earned N1.14 trillion and others operators combined earned N41, 841,310, 710.39, totalling N5. 3 trillion
According to the NCC report, the telecoms industry’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose to 14 percent from 13.55 per cent within the period under review, while active subscribers number also increased from 222, 571, 568 in 2022 to 224,713, 710 as of December 2023, with subscribers’ data consumption exceeding 713 terabytes.
The report further explained that the telecoms market witnessed a rise in all financial segments of the market with CAPEX topping N990, 550,601,501.73, representing domestic investments, while operating cost among telecoms operators in the country was N3, 158, 403, 767, 328.48.
Citing figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the report stated that capital inflow in the form of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Nigerian telecoms sector in 2023 was approximately $134,754, 819.27 as against $399, 905, 531. 38 as of 2022. "Across the telecoms market, the number of active subscribers grew from 222, 571,568 subscriptions in 2022 to 224,713, 710 active voice subscriptions as of December 2023, representing an increase of 2.14 million subscriptions and 0.96 per cent growth in active subscriptions year-on-year," the report stated. The increase in the operators’ subscriber base was attributed to subscriber loyalty, promos, aggressive consumer acquisition drive and competitive product offerings across all the networks. Also, the subscription growth was attributed to a mix of factors, including increased data consumption, subscriber growth and substantial investments in infrastructure by operators.
"The increase in subscriber base is attributed to high volumes of subscriber activation and reactivation drive of efficient customer retention management strategies and an increase in new subscriber additions within the period under review,” the report stated. According to the report, during the year, tele-density declined as a result of adjustments in population estimates.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Laleye Dipo in Minna
L-R: Executive Assistant Julius Berger, Benjamin Bott; Director of Administration, Abdulaziz Kaita; and MD, Julius Berger, Dr. Peer Labasch, during their appearance before the Senate Committee on Works to explain their absence from previous meetings with the committee
PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI
CBN Fines 9 Banks N1.35bn Over Failure to Dispense Cash via ATMs
To intensify spot checks for compliance
James Emejo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday announced that it has imposed fines amounting to N1.35 billion on nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) over their failure to make Naira notes available through automated teller machines (ATMs) during the yuletide season.
The central bank further disclosed that the affected banks were fined N150 million each for non-compliance, in line with the CBN’s cash distribution guidelines, following spot checks on their branches.
CBN acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali confirmed the development in a statement, noting that “ensuring seamless cash flow
The Minister said the 255 tractors that have arrived were contained in 85 containers with each having three tractors, adding that apart from the tractors, government will also distribute 1,200 trailers.
He further said government was expecting 9000 sets of spare parts that come with the procurement.
is paramount to maintaining public trust and economic stability”.
The apex bank pointed out that the enforcement action followed repeated warnings from the CBN to financial institutions to guarantee seamless cash availability, particularly during periods of high demand.
According to the central bank, the affected banks included Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, and Union Bank Plc.
Others are Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc.
The CBN further noted that it had communicated with the banks that the fines would be debited directly from their accounts with the apex bank.
Sidi Ali said, “The CBN will not hesitate to impose further sanctions
on any institution found violating its cash circulation guidelines.”
She added that the CBN’s investigations and monitoring will continue to scrutinise cash hoarding and rationing, both at bank branches and by Point-of-Sale (POS) operators.
She also said the central bank was working with security agencies to crack down on illegal cash sales and operational violations, including enforcing POS operators’ daily cumulative withdrawal limit of N1.2 million.
In his address at the Annual Bankers’ Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in November 2024, CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, warned banks to strictly adhere to cash distribution policies or face severe penalties.
He underscored the CBN’s com-
mitment to maintaining a robust cash buffer to meet Nigerians’ needs, adding “Our focus remains on fostering trust, ensuring stability, and guaranteeing seamless cash circulation across the financial system.”
The CBN however, urged all financial institutions to comply with its guidelines, warning that further violations would attract swift and decisive sanctions.
On December 14, the CBN threatened to impose N150 million fine, at first instance, on any erring Deposit Money Bank or financial institution that facilitate, aid or abet by direct actions or inactions, illicit flow of mint banknotes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous economic agents that commodify Naira banknotes.
The apex bank disclosed this in a circular titled, "Updated Penalty on
Inappropriate Cash Disbursement Practices by Deposit Money Banks (DMBS)"which was addressed to all DMBs, dated December 14 and signed by both CBN acting Director, Currency Operations Department, Solaja, Olayemi and acting Director, Branch Operations, Dr. Isa-Olatinwo, Aisha.
The bank explained that the fine would be apply per erring branch and at later instances apply the full weight of relevant provisions of BOFIA 2020.
The central bank said it had noted with dismay, the prevalence of illicit flow of mint banknotes to currency hawkers and other unscrupulous economic agents that commodify Naira banknotes, thus, impeding efficient and effective cash distribution to banks' customers and
"So, if you interpolate, every container takes about three tractors, so do the calculations. So we’re looking at about 200 and something, tractors that have arrived. "But the commitment is not how much we have now, when are you going to give us the 2000 with all the 9000 implements? Because there will be 9000 implements. We are looking at 2000 tractors.
"That tractor in itself cannot do anything, but we have for every
On the number of tractors received, the minister said: "Yesterday, (Monday), I think while some of the members were with me, we had to call the agents, and they have told us that they have 85 containers that have arrived, and they are coming almost on weekly basis.
tractor, there is a plough. So we have 2000 ploughs. Every tractor there's a harrow, there will be 2000 harrows. Every tractor will have a seeder, which is a planter. Then we’ll also have boom sprayer, which is 2000.
"Then, in addition, we have trailers, but the trailers, instead of 2,000 will be 1,200. The reason why it is like that was because we still have around... trailers are not something that spoil easily. We have some that NASENI has started rehabilitating. So they will be put together as part of the every
tractor will have for those exercises.”
Speaking further, he said: "In addition, we also have 9000 sets of spare parts that will come with this particular procurement. Then we also have 10 combined harvesters of 330 horsepower.
"These are huge combined harvesters that will be able to do about one and a half hectares per hour. So if you just imagine, in one day, you'll be able to do nothing less than 10 hectares. 10 hectares is like 13 football fields. So you could just imagine, in one day to harvest a
CUSTOMS TARGETS N6.58TN REVENUE FOR 2025, COLLECTED N6.11TN IN 2024
National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance jerked up the revenue projections for NCS from the proposed N6.5trn to N12 trillion in the 2025 appropriation bill.
Addressing journalists at a media briefing to shed light on the service’s activities for 2024, Adeniyi said the remarkable achievement represented 90.4 percent increase compared to N3.21 trillion collected in 2023.
He described the revenue growth as historic as it marked the highest year-on-year increase recorded by the service in recent times, surpassing the 52.24 percent growth recorded in 2022 by 38.18 percent.
Adeniyi also pointed out that the service achieved another milestone in October 2024 when it recorded N603.17 billion as the highest monthly collection in the history of the NCS.
Nonetheless, the CGC said the new revenue target reflected the government's confidence in customs’ capabilities and the expanding scope of its operations.
FOOD SECURITY: FG TAKES DELIVERY OF 255 TRACTORS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO FARMERS of funds levelled against GHL in a public statement issued by FBN.
He said, “We approach this challenge with determination, building on our achievements in 2024 and leveraging our enhanced capabilities. As we move into 2025, our strategic priorities have been carefully aligned with national economic objectives and the evolving global trading environment.”
Further providing a breakdown of the revenue collection for last year, Adeniyi stated that N3.66 trillion was collected into the Federation Account, consisting of import duty, excise duty, fees, e-auction proceeds, and Common External Tariff (CET) levy.
In addition, N816.90 billion was collected as Non-Federation Account Levies and N1.63 trillion as Value Added Tax (VAT) on imports.
He pointed out that the collections were achieved despite significant concessions granted to support various sectors of the economy, totaling N1.68 trillion.
He said these concessions comprised N723 billion in import duty waivers, N372.65 billion in other levy concessions, and N586.65 billion in import VAT relief.
Adeniyi noted that the strategic concessions were granted to stimulate economic growth, support industrial development, and enhance the overall business environment in line with government policy objectives.
However, he said the 2024 concession value represented a significant
reduction from the N3.95 trillion recorded in 2023, adding that the reduction was a direct result of the service’s enhanced monitoring mechanisms and strategic reforms aimed at blocking loopholes and eliminating abuses in the concession granting process, ensuring that only genuine and qualifying enterprises benefitted from these incentives.
Adeniyi further attributed the revenue achievements to its continuous alignment with the policy objectives President Bola Tinubu, under the guidance of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, as well as the support of management and entire staff of the NCS.
He said the service made several commitments towards modernising its operations and enhancing service delivery.
He said despite its impressive revenue performance, the service remained conscious of the need to strike a balance between revenue
collection and trade facilitation, adding that this balance was evident in its commitments at the beginning of the year and served as a milestone for gauging performance throughout 2024.
The CGC pointed out that trade data for 2024 reflected significant growth in trade value despite global economic headwinds, stressing that the service processed imports with a Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of N60.29 trillion in 2024, representing a remarkable 117.4 per cent increase from N27.74 trillion in 2023.
He said this was achieved through 1,262,988 import transactions, handling a total mass of 15.35 billion kilograms –noting that the higher value recorded despite an 8.2 per cent decrease in transaction volume from the previous year's 1,376,514 transactions indicated a shift towards higher-value goods in our import trade portfolio.
He said export trade performance
was equally impressive, with the total CIF value rising significantly to N136.65 trillion in 2024 from N42.77 trillion in 2023, marking a 219.5 per cent increase.
He said while the number of export transactions remained relatively stable at 38,199 compared to 38,294 in 2023, the country witnessed a substantial increase in export volume, processing 12.35 billion kilograms in 2024 compared to 3.70 billion kilograms in 2023.
He said the 234 percent increase in export mass, coupled with the higher value, indicated a robust growth in our export trade and suggested increasing competitiveness of Nigerian products in the international market.
According to him, the total trade value handled by the service in the review year amounted to N196.94 trillion, compared to N70.50 trillion in 2023, representing a 179.3 percent increase.
GHL: HOW FBN’S RECKLESSNESS ALMOST KILLED 93 ON OIL RIG
According to GHL, on October 7, 2023, the drilling rig, Blackford Dolphin, ran out of fuel, food and other critical supplies with 93 persons on board, a critical situation, which almost warranted declaring MAYDAY.
During the life-threatening incident, both the Managing Director and Executive Director of the bank were reportedly abroad while the current Managing Director/Chief Executive, Olusegun Alebiosu, who was then the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), acted for the Managing Director, when GHL brought the matter to his urgent attention. Alebiosu, GHL stated, then worked the phone, calling suppliers and service providers one after the other and promised to pay within three days.
Based on FBN’s assurances, the service providers made emergency supplies, which the payment never came.
However, in a bid to ensure safety of life and continuing security at 75KM Offshore Nigeria, GHL entered an Irrevocable Third-Party Payment Order with one of the Off-takers to pay the suppliers directly, a move that helped to stabilise the operation.
Regrettably, FBN has continued to refer to this intervention by GHL as diversion of funds without providing any evidence, and after the latter had subsequently provided the bank with evidence of the payments made to suppliers.
GHL insisted that all contracts and invoices were duly vetted and paid by FBN through their Credit and Risk teams, therefore, rendering any claims of fund diversion laughable.
Furthermore, FBN’s repeated failures to effect timely payment for invoices within the contractual framework of five days became 70 days or not at all, in a clear breach of its tripartite obligations.
For emphasis, the letters of the agreement stipulated that, “The Bank shall, where GHL has satisfied all conditions precedent to disbursement under the Facility Agreement, disburse all of or part of the Facility Amount to GHL not later than 5 (five) Business Days after GHL makes a utilisation request in accordance with the terms of the Facility Agreement.”
GHL, however, insisted that it actually paid the suppliers, and acted to save the 93 souls onboard the rig, most of whom were foreign nationals, who had begun contacting their embassies
and home governments, and to save Nigeria from an international incident offshore Nigeria.
The company stated that, “We will meet FBN in court with Daily Reports and log details to debunk this continuing misinformation of diversion.”
Also, on the abuse of court process and failure to comply with a valid court order, FBN claimed it went to court on a different matter with regards to the Facility Agreement.
Justice Ambrose L. Allagoa, it was further learnt, had given his judgement after hearing both sides on the Facility Agreement, amongst other issues, on December 12, 2024.
His judgement read in part: “That an order is granted, restraining the Respondent (FBN) either by itself, or acting through its servants, agents, assigns, privies, affiliates howsoever described, including any persons claiming under its authority from making any calls or demands, or taking any steps whatsoever to enforce any security, receivables, instrument, finance documents or assets of the Applicant (GHL) which have been charged as security for the facility agreements in respect of the Applicant’s operation of OML 120, including but not limited to the side
cornfield in just one harvester.
"So we also have service vehicles, about 12 service vehicles that will come, it's a mobile workshop with all the items that will be there that will be placed in all these areas that we're going to have, those tractors."
Kyari stressed that the recapitalisation of Bank of Agriculture would be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2025, to support funding of smallholder farming activities.
The recapitalisation of the bank which has been on for years, was seen as the panacea for inadequate funding of commercial agriculture, as statistical evidence showed that the highest commercial bank loan the sector had between 2014 and 2021, was N1.04 trillion in 2020 which was only 5.15 percent of the total commercial bank loan, in seven years.
He noted that the bank with about 109 branches has the potentials to aid funding for the agric sector.
His words: "Something that I also missed out is the reorganisation and recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture. It's in the process, and very soon, within the first quarter of this year, you will see a report that will outline the reorganisation and the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture.
"Bank of Agriculture has branches in all 109 senatorial districts, and can reach out easily to those farmers.
"What we are saying is the smallholder farmer lacks capital. So we have written to some banks, and we are also reorganising the Bank of Agriculture to support what the government is doing in the sense of public financing in the budgets and what have you."
letter, and the amended and restated agreements between the Applicant and the Respondent pending the hearing and determination of the arbitration proceedings between the Applicant and the Respondent brought pursuant to Clause 12(c) of the Agreement between the Applicant and the Respondent dated 29th May 2021.”
The bank, then went to Justice D. Dipeolu of the same Federal High Court on December 30, 2024, with same lawyers, without disclosing the relevant judgment to the learned Justice, to obtain a Mareva injunction Exparte freezing order against GHL and individual directors, who did not sign personal guarantees and thus not personally liable.
GHL, questioned why a 130-year old blue-chip financial institution in the cast of FBN, which claimed to be committed to good governance and rule of law, could behave in such a manner.
GHL also wondered why the bank was in such a hurry to score cheap points to use on the social media.
At a meeting of the National Council of Privatisation, NCP, in 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima as Chairman of the Council had inaugurated a committee, headed by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to work out modalities for the resuscitation of the bank. The move was part of the government's response to the escalating food insecurity, as part of strategic interventions aimed at mitigating the crisis.
Kyari explained that the efforts were complemented by public financing mechanisms, development partners, and private banks, collectively working to strengthen agricultural programs across the country. The former Senator cited successful partnerships with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a United Nations organisation based in Rome.
In 2024, the positive outcomes of IFAD-funded projects—such as the Livelihood Improvement of Family Enterprise for the Niger Delta—led to an additional grant of $32 million, along with an extension of the project’s timeline, he revealed.
"So budget alone cannot support agriculture, but we have to look at development partners are there. We're very excited, we're happy with development partners. Case in point, IFAD, which is the International Fund for Agricultural Development, it's a united nation Rome-based organisation."
The Minister also noted that the
“If FBN was so sure of its facts why not put GHL on notice? Why an Exparte? We leave this to the Justices of the Federal High Court to decide on this matter and we will not make any further comment to avoid being subjudice,” the company maintained. Disputing FBN’s claims that it sought to appoint an Independent Asset Manager to promote corporate governance, GHL explained that the bank had only sought to appoint a company that it could fire at any time to “take over GHL’s business, offices and operations within 90 days” of further disbursement. GHL declined the idea, but counter-offered a Joint Operating Committee with FBN, which the bank also refused, resulting in the current impasse, which GHL claimed it eventually weaponised and made a public spectacle with the publication of the Exparte Mareva Freezing Orders. GHL stood its ground against such bullying, adding that its second Right of Reply became necessary in view of FBN’s continued misstatement, having “failed to debunk or deny the foundational material facts and seeking to eating their cake and having it.” In all of these, however, FBN has not denied the subrogation MoU and the benefits it got upfront from GHL’s intervention.
“FBN should meet their obligations and all will be well,” GHL added.
general public. The bank said it would continue to intensify the periodic spot checks to the banking halls/ATMs to review cash payouts to banks' customers, as well as mystery shopping to all identified cash hawking spots, across the country.
CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso
Kayode Tokede
Following Investors’ demand for insurance stocks despite inflation and high interest rates, the market capitalisation of 16 insurance companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) reached N504.08billion at the end of 2024, about 132 per cent increase when compared to N217.5 billion in 2023.
The key reforms in the insurance sector, and impressive corporate earnings declared by these firms resulted in the huge demand by investors during the period under review.
Nigeria’s insurance sector is undergoing significant reforms to modernise and enhance operations.
Part of these reforms include: the Nigeria Insurance Industry Reform Bill, 2024 aimed to consolidate outdated laws to provide a more robust regulatory environment, increased capital requirements, focus on deepening penetration, and claims management and consumer protection.
The reforms represent a significant shift, aiming to modernise the industry and
increase its contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth. However, the proposed changes require careful implementation to balance industry development with inclusivity and fairness.
With a strong year-to-date performance above 100 per cent in 2024, the NGX insurance Index outperformed the overall market performance in 2024.
While the NGX All-Share Index gained 37.65 per cent to close 2024 at 102,926.40 basis points, the NGX Insurance Index appreciated by 123.22 per cent to close 2024 at 718 basis points from 321.66 basis points the stock market opened for trading.
The first quarter saw steady gains, with January and March closing positively; however, February experienced a minor dip. Notably, the index soared to a peak of 405 basis points in March.
Uncertainty stemming from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recapitalization policy led to a downturn in April, negatively impacting the All-Share Index.
From April to July, the index experienced stagnation, losing
10 per cent of its points.
In the latter half of the year, positive sentiment returned to the financial services sector, driving the insurance index to close in the green for five consecutive months.
December marked a highlight, with the index surging 47per cent month-to-date and decisively closing at 718 points.
In 2024, the insurance index emerged as a significant player, demonstrating resilience and growth throughout the year.
Among the five primary sectors on the Nigerian Exchange, it attained the distinction of being the second-best performer, closely following the Oil and Gas sector, which achieved a noteworthy year-to-date performance of 160%.
In contrast, the Industrial goods sector realized a more modest gain of 31.70per cent, while the Consumer goods and Banking sectors recorded performances of 27.56per cent and 21.13per cent, respectively.
According to a THISDAY analysis, the impressive market capitalisation rise was driven by six standout stocks: AIICO Insurance Plc, Axamansard Insurance Plc, Cornerstone Insurance
Plc, Coronation Insurance Plc, NEM Insurance Plc and Sunu Assurances Nigeria Plc.
The firms contributed about N362.92 billion out of the N504.08billion overall insurance sector market amid significant increase in stock price in 2024.
Specifically, Axamansard Insurance led the chart with the largest market capitalisation among listed insurance company at N73.8billion as of 2024 ending from N49.5 billion in 2023. Its stock price appreciated by 49 per cent to close 2024 at N8.20 per share from N5.50 per share it closed for trading in 2023.
It was closely followed by Cornerstone Insurance with N65.4billion market capitalisation as of close of business activities in 2024 from N25.43billion in 2023 as its stock price appreciated significantly by 157 per cent to close 2024 at N3.60 per share from N1.40 per share.
In nine months of 2024, Axamansard Insurance had generated N98.2 billion revenue, about 60 per cent increase from N61.3billion reported in nine months of 2023, while AIICO Insurance announced N76.98billion insurance revenue in
nine months of 2024, representing a growth of 50.04 per cent from N51.31billion reported in nine months of 2023.
In term of profit, Again, Axamansard Insurance reported the highest profit before tax in the period under review, followed by Cornerstone Insurance.
While Axamansard Insurance announced N34.48 billion profit before tax in nine months of 2024, representing 128 per cent increase, Cornerstone Insurance closed the period under review with N26.59 billion profit before tax, about 57 per cent increase from N16.96billion in corresponding period of 2023
In addition, Sunu Assurances Nigeria saw it market capitalisation at N62.47billion in 2024 from N6.39 billion in 2023, following a significant 877.27 per cent increase in its stock price from N1.10 per share in 2023 to N10.75 per share it closed 2024.
The Central Bank of Nigeria raised interest rate from 18.75 per cent to 27.5 per cent between January and November 2024 to rein in inflation and stabilise the naira.
The Chief operating officer of InvestData Consulting Limited, Mr.
Ambrose Omordion noted that the insurance sector performance on the NGX is purely market dynamics, stressing that though penetration may be weak, some companies are introducing products and services to drive top-line.
The Chief Executive Officer, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori stated that the insurance companies should take pride in their achievements and resilience displayed amidst the rapidly changing macro environment in the period under review.
“Last year Nigeria recorded a prevailing economic landscape, market and inflationary trends influence customer spending leading to shifts in consumer demand. Despite challenges posed by the macroeconomic environment and supply constraints, these listed insurance companies delivered strong performance, maintaining a disciplined approach to strategic investments for the future hence upholding the strength of our balance sheet,” he said.
Nigeria’s foreign reserves recorded an impressive $7.69 billion gain between January 10, 2024, and January 10, 2025, marking a 23 per cent year-on-year increase. The gross reserves, which began at $33.08 billion at the start of 2024, closed the period at $40.75 billion, underscoring the strengthening of the country’s external financial position amidst evolving global and domestic
economic conditions.
The trajectory of reserve growth in 2024 reflected a steady and deliberate consolidation of external buffers.
At the close of Q1 2024, reserves rose to $34.45 billion, representing a modest 4.1 per cent gain over three months. This initial growth mirrored heightened crude oil prices, which supported stronger foreign exchange inflows and improved export receipts. By mid-year, the reserves had risen to $35.70 billion, reflecting a
cautious but upward momentum as monetary policy adjustments began to take effect. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) efforts to stabilise the naira by attracting foreign portfolio investments and enhancing diaspora remittance flows contributed significantly to this trend.
The second half of 2024 saw accelerated reserve accumulation, with the balance breaching the $36 billion mark in August. By the end of Q3, reserves climbed
further to $38.35 billion, marking a 16 per cent gain compared to January levels. This growth was underpinned by sustained oil market rallies and increased foreign direct investments, particularly in energy and infrastructure sectors.
The final quarter of the year was characterized by a sharper upward trajectory. Reserves surpassed $39 billion in October, reaching the $40 billion milestone by November, a level not seen in recent years. The
consistent appreciation in reserves through December, peaking at $40.88 billion, reflects the robustness of fiscal and monetary interventions aimed at bolstering external stability.
As of January 10, 2025, the reserves settled at $40.75 billion, reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to weather external shocks.
The cumulative 23 per cent annual increase demonstrates improved economic resilience despite global headwinds such as fluctuating
commodity prices and tighter financial conditions in advanced economies.
The steady growth in reserves aligns with Nigeria’s broader macroeconomic goals, including maintaining exchange rate stability and ensuring adequate coverage for critical imports. It also signals a healthier fiscal outlook, providing a buffer for external debt servicing and boosting investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
Nume Ekeghe
CFG’s Report Doubts Rebasing Nigeria’s GDP, CPI will Yield Desired Results
Says GDP lost over $300bn in 8 years Gains from subsidy being used for debt servicing
Dike Onwuamaeze
The CFG Advisory has expressed doubt that the federal government’s move to rebase Nigeria’s Gros Domestic
Product (GDP) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) would yield desired economic outcomes.
The CFG expressed this view in a report, “Nigeria 2025 Economic Forecast: From Reform Fatigue
NAICOM Collaborates With Malaysia for Takaful Insurance Development
Ebere Nwoji
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is collaborating with Malaysia in capacity building and investment opportunities to grow its Takaful insurance
The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer, NAICOM, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, disclosed this when he played a host to the High Commissioner of Malaysia Mr. Aiyub Omar who visited him in his office in Abuja.
During the visit, Omosehin explained the functions of the commission, emphasising its dual role in regulating the insurance industry’s business activities and driving growth and development in Nigeria.
To tap from the country’s wealth of experience the commissioner suggested Nigeria should study countries with similar characteristics, such as Malaysia, which has witnessed rapid growth in Takaful Insurance over the past three decades.
He sad this would enable the Commission to identify best practices, gain valuable insights, and adapt strategies that have proven success in similar markets.
According to him, by exploring international models and benchmarking against industry leaders, the commission aimed to creating a more conducive environment for insurance growth in Nigeria, ultimately benefiting policyholders and stakeholders alike.
The commissioner further stressed the importance of knowledge sharing to replicate successful models in Nigeria, particularly in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy.
This goal, he said, aimed to be
accomplished within eight years, relies heavily on collaborations with foreign governments, including Malaysia, stressing that given Nigeria’s low insurance penetration, the potential for growth and investment is substantial.
Omosehin stated that notably, Nigeria has made progress in the Takaful insurance sector, expanding from a single company in 2013 to six companies currently under the National Insurance Commission’s regulation.
He emphasised the need for knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships, reiterating that by learning from Malaysia’s experiences and best practices, Nigeria can accelerate its economic growth and development, ultimately achieving the ambitious goal of a $1 trillion economy.
He informed the Malaysian High Commissioner about the newly passed insurance bill by the Senate, which now awaits concurrence from the House of Representatives.
This bill, he said, is expected to significantly boost capital in the insurance industry and create new investment opportunities.
He said that by enhancing the regulatory framework, the bill sought to promote the growth and development of the insurance industry in Nigeria, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth.
The Malaysian High Commissioner, in response, said he was thrilled by the reception by the National Insurance Commission and expressed his enthusiasm for collaboration.
He highlighted Malaysia’s expertise in Takaful Insurance, emphasising the potential for bilateral agreements to drive growth in Nigeria’s insurance industry, particularly in the Takaful sector.
Quagmire to Sustainable Growth.”
The report placed the responsibility for returning the economy on the path of recovery on the government, which it said should implement policies that would stabilise the exchange rate, lower interest rate and foster productivity.
According to the report: “Plans to rebase GDP and CPI is of particular concern. Rebased unemployment numbers do not reflect the reality. The ongoing exercise to rebase GDP and CPI might, therefore, not yield the desired results. Nigeria’s GDP at $195 billion has declined over the last decade losing over $300 billion in value due to devaluation, low productivity and stagflation.
“The country is no longer the largest Economy in Africa, ranking fourth behind South Africa, Egypt and Algeria. This owing to prolonged policy inconsistency since the economy came out of post COVID recession.”
It noted that 3.5 per cent GDP growth in 2024 is not sufficient to deliver value for the size of the Nigeria economy, stating that expectations of GDP growth should be between 8.5 per cent 10 per cent.
The report said Nigeria’s GDP grew in excess of 8.0 per cent in 2011 and 2014. “In both years, inflation was within a band of 11-13 per cent and interest rates 12-15 per cent.
“Our analysis and charts of the historical data, confirms that when inflation and interest rates are within this band, and real rates are positive, high GDP growth rates are assured, which is a pointer for monetary policy formulation. Nigeria requires 8.0 to10 per cent GDP growth,” the report said.
CFG emphasised that policy implementation that would enhance productivity is critical to reviving underperforming sectors of the Nigerian economy in 2025 and reposition them for recovery from
stagflation and sustainable growth. It said: “In 2023 only three sectors of the economy experienced double digit growth. They were mining and quarrying 26.16 per cent; water and waste 11.93 per cent and financial Sservices 28.21 per cent. Manufacturing was a paltry 1.45 per cent reflecting the lack of productivity in the Nigerian economy. 2024 H1 did not fare better as only oil and gas recovered with an impressive 10 per cent growth with all other sectors maintaining the 2023 growth levels. Policy implementation to enhance productivity is critical to revive all the other sectors of the Nigerian economy in 2025 for recovery from stagflation and sustainable growth.”
According to CFG, “the fundamentals of the Nigerian economy are sound but poor economic leadership has failed to realise the potential and grow the economy. The success or failure of our projections in 2025, will depend on governments
commitment and sincerity to implement policy,” adding that “a coordinated approach is required to drive the economy out of stagflation and meet the sustainable GDP growth targets in 2025.”
Reviewing the state of the Nigerian economy, the report stated that the current economic reform has plunged the economy in an economic quagmire as the economy is, “still deep in stagflation, after 18 months of reforms have failed to achieve a sustainable growth trajectory because the government had the cart before the horse in the course of implementing the reforms.” It said that the outcome of the reform, “is 300 per cent currency devaluation, debt in excess $100 billion and an economy deep in stagflation. Household and firms are bearing the brunt of the reforms, with low purchasing power, low productivity, high interest rates and unfavorable exchange rates.”
USAID Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector
Arthur Eriye
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector through transparent, collaborative programs that align with the country’s legal frameworks.
USAID in a statement said it has supported over 5 million Nigerian farmers since 2019, significantly boosted food production and strengthened rural economies. The agency also responded and clarified recent media misrepresentations about its role in empowering local agencies to improve agricultural biotechnology processes, emphasizing that all programs
are developed in partnership with Nigerian experts, farmers, and government officials to ensure their relevance and effectiveness.
USAID’s support through the years includes enhancing market access, agricultural training, and research collaborations, while ensuring that research findings and program details are shared transparently through official channels. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigerian stakeholders to address food security challenges using locally-driven solutions.
The statement concluded by highlighting USAID’s respect for Nigeria’s agricultural sovereignty, traditions, and ongoing engagement with local communities to support sustainable growth.
Leadway Advocates Public Safety in New Business Year
Ebere Nwoji
Leadway Holdings, one of the non-banking financial institutions has staged a public safety campaign aimed at equipping business operators and members of the insuring public with expert insights and practical tips to remain informed, vigilant and prepared, with the aim of bridging the gap against risk exposure.
The campaign saw the firm hosting a webinar session in which it assembled experts in risk management and safety to brainstorm on security challenges facing businesses and way out in
the new business year.
Speaking at the session, the Leadway Chief Security Officer, Imeh Udofia, highlighted the importance of personal vigilance and adopting safety best practices.
He said: “The new year presents opportunities for celebration, but it also brings unique security challenges. Simple actions, like safeguarding personal belongings, reporting lost items with your identity, avoiding late-night commutes, and staying aware of your surroundings, can make all the difference”.
Speaking further he said security was not passive but required awareness and action.
He said at Leadway, the mission was to empower people with the knowledge and tools to navigate these challenges safely.
Speaking on road safety, the Chief Route Commander, Federal Road Safety Corpse, (FRAS) Godwin Umweni Johnson, urged Nigerians to embrace shared responsibility.
According to him,as an organisation, the FRSC has increased activities this period to match the dynamism of the period.
“This year, we are taking a paradigm shift with the theme ‘Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving”, where our focus this year extends to passengers, urging
them to take responsibility for their safety. He said while drivers remain key focus, the FRSC was empowering passengers to hold them accountable.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and when every road user plays his or her part, we can create a crash-free and safe environment. The risks are not mystical; they are preventable when we prioritise responsibility and caution” he stated. Participants at the webinar session lauded Leadway’s proactive approach in providing valuable insights into fostering a culture of safety.
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 13 January-2025, unless otherwise stated.
UBA Rewards Customers With over N41m in Final Edition of Legacy Promo
Oluchi
Chibuzor
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has said that it distributed over N41.8m in prizes to over 100 lucky customers in its just concluded UBA Legacy Promo series.
The bank in a statement said the promo, which began last year, was specially designed to celebrate its rich legacy spanning over 75 years, as well as its long-standing commitment towards rewarding its loyal customers in a grand style.
The campaign, which was opened to several categories of Account holders including bumper account holders, savings account, kiddies & teens account holders as well as nextgen account holders, also saw lucky customers winning other consolidation prizes including educational grants.
The winners were announced during the Grand Finale draw of the promo, which held at the UBA Head-office, Marina, Lagos and was witnessed by members journalists and representatives of relevant regulatory bodies including the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), among other stakeholders.
In the Savings Account category, ten loyal customers walked away with N1,000,000 each. The lucky winners are: Olonade Funmilayo, Abdullahi Yunusa, Anibueze Augustine Chidozie, Ibironke Adedayo, Gilbert Godswill Pepple, Ekonmene Daniel Leghemo,
Oligbo Francis Azuka, Liafeez Adebowale, Abiodun Bolanle Felicia, and Adamu Bappayo. When contacted over the phone, one of the winners, Mr. Oligbo Francis Azuka, who won N1,000,000 in the savings account category expressed his surprise and excitement, stating that it was totally unexpected. He was however grateful to the bank for the gesture, adding: “I am deeply grateful and surprised by this reward from UBA. I honestly, didn’t expect this. I really appreciate the fact that UBA recognizes me. I am very grateful,” he stated.
The Bumper Category saw 10 people who emerged winners of N1,000,000 each. They are: Emem Christian Thompson, Lateefat Omotayo Waheed, Victoria Oluwaferanmi Adebusoye, Nkechinyere Agnes Okolo, Ibrahim Rabiu, Hammed Akande Idowu, Modester Chiadikobi Nwoke, Ajisafe Folashade Success, Thelma Ndubisi Enajiyerin, and Sunday Obaje. 20 lucky customers also received N500,000 each. They are: Ojo Goroye Banjo, Sandra Christopher Effiong, Femi Henry Idehen, Rashida Oiza Momohjimoh, Umar Usman, Joshua Chidera Nweke, Racheal Erhieyovwe, and Fatima Muhammed. Others include Ogbonna Edward, Eziuche Goodluck Chinyere, Lydia Bawa, Obiajulu Augustine Agwazia, Sale Barde, and Sikiru Morakinyo; Tajudeen Kareem Opeloyeru, Regina
Queen Abeekaa, Isaac M. Ponfa, Mary Amos, Emmanuel Isa, and Amaechi Okoro.
Also in the bumper category another twenty customers got N250,000 each, while 10 lucky customers each won N100,000 each during the live draws.
In the NextGen category, Emmanuel Olakotan Oke, Sharon Oluwafunmilayo Ibitoye, Fortunate Izegboya Ijewemen, Anozie Janerose Chinelo, Maryam Zaharaddeen, Oluwakamikun Faidat Taiwo, Daniel Ayomikun Olawale, Ayomide Goodness Olowodara, Dennis Ogina Gbele, and Ofeoritse Jessica Waya each received N180,000 pocket money for a year.
The Kiddies and Teens category, also saw 20 young customers receiving N200,000 each in educational grants.
UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, who spoke at the event, emphasised the significance of the promotion in strengthening the relationship between the bank and its community.
He said, “UBA Legacy Promo is our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers who have trusted us over the years. As we celebrate 75 years of impact, we remain committed to deepening financial inclusion and providing innovative and customer-focused products and services. Our goal is to make banking more rewarding and life-changing, improving lives and building stronger communities.”
FIRS Commends SIFAX for Supporting Tax Revenue Growth in 2024
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has recognized SIFAX Group for its significant contribution to Nigeria’s tax revenue growth and compliance efforts in 2024.
During an appreciation visit to SIFAX Group’s headquarters in Lagos, Head of the Taxpayers Service Unit at FIRS’ Lagos Mainland West Medium Taxpayers Office, Mr. Kazeem Olanrewaju, announced that SIFAX Group is now ranked among the Top 20 companies under FIRS’ jurisdiction, out of 300 assessed organizations.
Olanrewaju noted that the visit reflects FIRS’ customer-focused approach in acknowledging top-performing companies
that have demonstrated consistent diligence in tax filing compliance throughout the year.
As part of the visit, the agency presented SIFAX Group with a formal commendation letter co-signed by Mr. Olanrewaju and Tax Controller, E.F. George. The letter praised SIFAX Group’s exceptional dedication, stating: “As the year comes to a close, it is with great pride and gratitude that we write to commend your company for being part of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) revenue collection success story for the year 2024. This milestone could not have been possible without your company’s unwavering dedication and exceptional
support in the area of tax filing compliance.”
Responding on behalf of SIFAX Group, Director of Strategy and Operations, Mr. Oliver Omajuwa, expressed gratitude for the recognition. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting FIRS and contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
“As a socially responsible organization, we firmly believe in the principle of corporate social responsibility (CSR), and prompt regulatory compliance is a key aspect of our commitment. We remain dedicated to supporting the government’s vision of widening the tax net and fostering economic growth,” said Mr. Omajuwa.
Curiosity Mounts over New Children’s Show in The Offing
The country is buzzing with expectation following hints that a children’s music sitcom will soon make a grand entry into the Nigerian entertainment landscape.
Reportedly, the company behind the show is Anthill Studios, a leader in the creation and production of many Nollywood titles including the recent Netflix blockbuster, Lisabi.
The organization is keeping mum about the programme, with its CEO, Niyi Akinmolayan neither confirming nor denying the report.
“What I can confirm to
you is that there’s lot in the works, including a children’s show but for details, let’s wait and see”, he said in response to enquiries.
However, sources in the know insist that that the show, with themes of music, food, culture, and family, is set to make a mark on children’s programming contextualized for Nigeria and Africa.
Pointing to hints and teasers appearing on the Anthill studios social media handles, they claim the sitcom is a continuing expression of Niyi Akinmolayan’s passion
for children’s entertainment and would add to his already impressive track record in the field.
Anthill Studios is a leading, fully integrated, broadbased production company based in Nigeria and a leader in the creation and production of all types of entertainment ranging from 3D animation to medical thrillers, to comedies to epic Yoruba film.
Since its inception 15 years ago, the company has emerged as a clear voice of creative quality in Nollywood.
Saharan Blend (Algeria), 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).
Stock Market Drops by N1.06trn on Profit-taking in Dangote Cement, 40 Others
KayodeTokede
The Nigerian stock market yesterday saw continued profit-taking, as the market capitalisation declined by N1.06 trillion driven by the losses in Dangote Cement Plc and 40 others.
As the stock price of Dangote Cement depreciated by 9.98per cent, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) lost 1,745.16 basis points or 1.66 per cent to
close at 103,622.09 basis points, with the Year-to-Date returns moderated to +0.7per cent.
Also, market capitalisation declined by N1.06 trillion to close at N63.188 trillion from N65.252trillion the stock market opened for trading.
Analysing by sectors, the NGX Industrial Goods Index depreciated by five per cent, NGX Insurance Index was down by 2.8per cent, NGX Consumer Goods Index decreased by 0.3per cent,
and NGX Banking index plummets by 0.1per cent while the NGX Oil & Gas gained 0.3 per cent, the sole gainer.
As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was negative, as 23 stocks gained relative to 41 losers.
Northern Nigeria Flour Mills (NNFM) emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent to close at N45.10, per share.
Livestock Feeds followed with a gain of 9.91 per cent to close
at N6.10, while Academy Press advanced by 9.90 per cent to close at N3.22, per share. University Press rose by 9.82 per cent to close at N4.81, while NEIMETH International Pharmaceuticals appreciated by 9.76 per cent to close at N3.15, per share. On the other side, Honeywell Flour Mills led others on the losers’ chart with 10 per cent to close at N9.54, while Julius Berger and Dangote Cement followed with a decline of 9.98 per
cent each to close at N139.80 and N431.00 respectively, per share.
Sovereign Trust Insurance lost 9.68 per cent to close at N1.12, while Prestige Assurance depreciated by 9.30 per cent to close at N1.17, per share. The total volume traded rose by 1.1 per cent to 511.157 million units, valued at N12.759 billion, and exchanged in 13,052 deals. Transactions in the shares of Guaranty Trust Holding Company
SENATE RESUMES AFTER CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR HOLIDAY...
DSS: Jubilation as Tinubu Approves Appointment of Deputy DG
In a major boost to the morale of the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, President Bola Ahmed Tinibu has approved the appointment of Folashade Arinola
Adekaiyaoja fsi+, fdc, as Deputy Director General for the Service.
The approval, the first by any president, has drawn commendation from a large section of serving and
retired DSS officers who see the move as largely aimed at restoring professionalism to the service.
The presidential approval, it was gathered, seeks to revise the agency's
structure for better efficiency, in line with the original oganogram of the service.
Checks revealed that the DSS is structured to comprise three Deputy
Okonjo-Iweala: With Right Policies, Investments, AI Can Boost Nigeria’s Economy
Says constant power outages could limit potential, technology adoption UBA GMD, Alawuba bags honorary doctorate from AUST
James Emejo in Abuja
The Director-General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, yesterday said the Nigerian economy could reap enormous benefits from Artificial Intelligence (AI) if the government makes the right policy and investment decisions to drive its adoption.
Citing a recent report by a public policy consultancy, Okonjo-Iweala said AI could generate $136 billion in productivity gains, including cost and time savings and increased revenues for four countries - Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.
She, however, pointed out that access to reliable electricity power supply, power outages and constant interruptions might prove a more challenging constraint in Nigeria and other African countries to internet access and AI adoption than anything else.
Delivering her keynote address at the 10th Convocation of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, the former Minister of
Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy said, “If Nigeria could get it right, our economy could reap major rewards”.
This came as the AUST Governing Board, at the convocation, conferred an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) of Business Administration on Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Oliver Alawuba.
The WTO DG however, noted that the gains and savings of the four countries amounted to 13per cent of their 2022 GDP with Nigeria in line to receive 43 per cent of the estimated gains. She said, “And here we must also commend the federal government and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for its proactive role in putting together a national AI strategy that seeks to leverage AI to help drive the economy in precisely the ways we spelled out earlier - developing talent and skills and partnering with big players like Google to train and upskill young people and support startups.”
Also citing a Pricewaterhouse report, Okonjo-Iweala said AI could boost global economic activity by up to $15.7 trillion or about 15 per cent by 2030.
She said, “They predict that this growth will not be confined to the industrialised north. The global south including Nigeria has much to gain, but countries across the developing world will need to be proactive to seize this potential.”
She said Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind in the race to take advantage of AI technology to reshape economies and achieve development goals and aspirations.
She said AI was also poised to reshape international trade in profound ways, creating opportunities for Nigeria and other developing economies.
According to her, WTO research had highlighted AI's potential to reduce trade costs, boost productivity and accelerate growth in digitally deliverable services.
She said, “According to simulations in our report, broad adoption of AI worldwide contributing to high and
widely distributed productivity gains could increase global trade itself by as much as 14 percentage points by 2040 compared to baseline projections.
“In this optimistic scenario, lowincome and lower-middle-income economies stand to register faster trade growth than upper-middle-income and high-income economies.
“However, in a scenario marked by divergent AI adoption and more limited productivity increases, the gains for trade could be halved and prospects for developing economies would be diminished.
“To maximise AI's benefits for trade, countries need to cooperate at the international level to avoid conflicting approaches to AI. But even more importantly, countries need to act at home to prepare and position themselves properly.”
The WTO boss further stressed that AI could open pathways to create jobs that enhance and leverage local talent in Nigeria, adding that cheaper white-collar services could lower costs for Nigerian companies.
Oba of Yoruba in Bauchi Congratulates New Alaafin of Oyo, Says Emergence Act of God
Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
The traditional ruler of the Yoruba Community in Bauchi State, Alhaji Tirimisiyu Tijani Adegoke, has congratulated the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, describing his emergence as an act sanctioned by God. In a congratulatory message made available to journalists Tuesday, Oba Tirimisiyu Adegoke enjoined his contenders to cooperate and work with him towards moving Oyo town forward.
According to him, "I felicitate and congratulate the new Alaafin of Oyo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, and I have a strong hope that his enthronement will bring good tidings and prosperity to the people of Oyo town, Insha Allah" "I have no doubt that the Alaafin has the creativity, capacity, capability and commitment to transform the lives of his people and move Oyo town forward.
"I want to appeal to his contenders to resign to the will of God by cooperating with the newly appointed Alaafin to move Oyo land forward because only God Almighty enthrones."
Oba Tirimisiyu Adegoke stated that, "It is certain that in every contest or in the quest to fill any vacant position, there will be diverse interests/opinions but at the end of the day a truce must be found, and there must be a winner. May God bless your Royal Majesty and the people of Oyo land ".
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Monday presented certificate of office to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.
The presentation of certificate was held at the Oyo State Government House in Agodi, Ibadan, the state capital.
Recall that Prince Owoade was announced on Friday by the state government as the Alaafin-elect, to succeed late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the 44th Alaafin of Oyo, who passed on two years ago.
Directors General in its hierarchy.
The appointment and ratification by the president, according to elated operatives of the agency, was based on the recommendation of the DG, through the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. They stated that it is line with its extant regulations and unprecedented in the history of the secret police.
The appointment of Adekaiyaoja, a native of Kogi State, it was gathered, is being celebrated by a cross section of officers and operatives who see her as eminently qualified for the position.
It was further gathered that
President Tinubu had, in line with his promise to improve on the security of life and property of Nigerians, tasked the heads of security agencies to come up with proposals on how to improve on their service delivery.
"It was on this note," offered a security source, "that the president approved the DG's recommendation,
which many serving and retired officers are confident would boost career progression in the Service."
President Tinubu had at the investiture ceremony of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 graduates last December, promised to support the DSS and other security agencies with Artificial Intelligence-powered state-of-the-art equipment to combat insecurity across the country.
Speaking through the NSA, the president stated he was not oblivious of the security challenges in contemporary times, and charged all security agencies to synergize for the common good of Nigerians.
The DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwastosin Ajayi, had on assumption of office late August 2024, promised sweeping reforms in the Organization, which he assured would transform the DSS into one of the most efficient covert Security Agencies in the world.
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The federal government yesterday inducted 332 newly promoted directors in the federal civil service.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, noted the directors were chosen because of their capabilities and potential to drive meaningful change.
She said they have the responsibility to create an environment where the core values of integrity, service, and excellence are upheld at all times.
The head of service equally noted the induction was taking place at a pivotal time when the federal civil service was undergoing transformation and in 2025 which marks the final year of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP25).
"It is imperative that we collectively work towards achieving the full implementation of these transformative reforms. The progress made under FCSSIP25 has already set a strong foundation, but this final year presents an opportunity to consolidate gains and deliver results that will leave a lasting legacy," she said.
The head of service added that the office had adopted a slogan for this year: "2025: Year of Accomplishments"
to capture the collective resolve to make 2025 a year of exceptional achievements across the civil service.
She urged the inductees to internalize the mantra as a guiding principle in their work and to embody the core values of FCSSIP25: accountability, meritocracy, professionalism, loyalty, and efficiency.
"As newly promoted directors, your roles are critical in driving the reforms and ensuring that the civil service remains a model of professionalism, efficiency, and integrity.
“You are leaders now, and leadership comes with the responsibility to inspire, mentor, and deliver tangible results. Your actions will significantly impact the lives of millions of Nigerians who depend on the effectiveness of the Civil Service.
“It is imperative that you approach your responsibilities with a deep sense of duty, fairness, and professionalism," Walson-Jack said. The induction lecture was virtually delivered by the founder of AigImoukhuede Foundation, Agboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
Aig-Imoukhuede listed some of the roles of directors to include influencing change during policy reform development, employee engagement, community engagement and communicating vision, among others.
L-R: Senators Abdul Ningi, Ede Dafinon and Samaila Kaila; Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; and Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, at the resumption of Senate Plenary ... yesterday
THE 5TH LAUNCH OF AFRICA SOLAR OUTLOOK REPORT CONFERENCE...
L-R: Event and Digital Communications Manager, African Solar Industry Association, Salim Mukanda; Regional Sales Manager, West African Sub-Saharan Africa, ASTRONERGY, Victor Emmanuel; CEO, African Solar Industry Association, John Van Zuylen; Global Technical Service Manager, West and East Africa, Chint New Energy Technology Co. Ltd, Emmanuel Olajide Kumuyi; and the Business Manager, Energy Intelligence, Sherief El-Shazly at the launch 5th African Solar Outlook Report and Executive Solar Dialogue Conference held in Lagos…yesterday
National Assembly Says N11.8bn Proposed Budget Poor for Livestock Ministry’s Take-off
Seeks supplementary appropriation to address shortfall House committee opposes govt's envelop budgeting system NHRC promises to tackle emerging human rights challenges
Michael Olugbode, Sunday Aborisade and Juliet Akoje in Abuja
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Livestock Development yesterday said the N11.8 billion proposed for the take-off of the recently created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was grossly inadequate.
Also yesterday, the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs opposed the federal government's envelop budgeting system, stating that it lacks legal recognition.
Equally, yesterday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) presented its 2024 budget performance and defended its proposed 2025 budget before the Joint Committees on Human Rights of the Senate and House of Representatives.
The federal government had in the 2025 appropriation bill asked the National Assembly to approve N10 billion as capital expenditure and N1.8 billion as overhead for the Livestock Ministry.
The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Livestock Development, Hon. Wale Raji, queried the amount of input from the Presidential Implementation Committee for the take-off of the ministry. Raji said, "There will be need for you to make special presentation on this and come up with supplementary budget that will reflect the hope of Nigerians.
"The budget is abysmally low to respond to the yearnings of Nigerians."
LASG Warns Residents Against Resurgence of Wild Polio Virus
Rolls out response scheme across 57 councils
Segun James
As part of effort to consolidate on the successful fight against the COVID 19 virus, Lagos State Government is set to begin Polio Vaccine Response in all 20 local governments and local council development areas to maintain the country’s polio-free status.
The government disclosed that the Year 2024 Measles and Yellow Fever Mass Vaccination Campaign achieved significant milestones with 3,595,461 children being vaccinated against measles, representing 85% coverage; 20,366,405 Lagos residents received the yellow fever vaccine, achieving 95% coverage, while 163,553 eligible persons were vaccinated against HPV.
Supervising Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Abimbola Bowale, disclosed this during a media briefing on the November Supplemental Immunisation Activities and the Polio Outbreak Response in Lagos State, which was held at Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
This Outbreak Response (OBR) will hold between Saturday 18th to Tuesday 22nd January 2025.
The Supervising Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Abimbola Bowale made the disclosure during a press briefing at Alausa, Ikeja.
She warned the entire country is
vulnerable to reinfection by the wild polio-virus, especially with a recent outbreak of wild polio-virus type 1 in Malawi and Mozambique.
She recalled that the Lagos State Government commenced the year 2024 Measles and Yellow Fever Integrated vaccination campaign on the 19th of October 2024.
According to her, "The Integrated Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIA) campaign was a landmark public health intervention that was aimed at addressing gaps in immunization coverage and curbing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in Lagos State.
"This comprehensive campaign targeted measles, yellow fever, and Human Papilloma-virus (HPV), prioritizing high-risk populations and leveraging innovative strategies to maximize impact.
"Safe guarding of the lives of Lagosians remains a priority of the Lagos State Government, and to continue to ensure that the State remains free from the burden of all Vaccine Preventable Diseases, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, will implement a Polio Outbreak Response in all LGAs and LCDAs in a bid to maintain the country’s polio-free status following the certification received in August 2020."
The minister, Mr. Idi Maiha led management staff of the ministry and heads of agencies to defend the budget before the joint committees of the National Assembly.
He said activities for the smooth take-off of the ministry which was created three months ago, had started with necessary structures being put together.
He said some departments had been drafted to the new ministry from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, from which the new ministry was carved out.
The minister said the ministry had yet to have office accommodations and lacked facilities, necessary office, and operational equipment to run as a full-fledged ministry.
He said, “The ministry is currently being accommodated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).”
Maiha said his ministry had initiated talks with the Minister of
the Federal Capital Territory to secure an adequate office accommodation.
The minister said though the budget might be small, it would provide a roadmap to get the ministry take-off effectively.
He said the ministry was committed to addressing negative climate change and other environmental challenges.
He also said it would open up avenues for youth and women to engage in economic activities in the livestock sector.
He added that processes were ongoing to statutorily transfer livestock-related federal agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture, to the livestock ministry.
He said within the budgetary envelope, capital projects will be shared across geopolitical zones.
He said its projects would be market-driven to attract local and foreign investments
He said the ministry would engage in massive well-coordinated sensitisa-
tion campaign across national and local media to project the ministry.
The joint committee asked the minister to harmonise adequate financial needs and present it again, in the form of supplementary budget.
The panel assured the Minister that the National Assembly would ensure its accelerated passage.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Musa Mustapha, said the committees, "will try our best to see how we can help the ministry achieve its mandate."
He said the meeting was on foundation laying but that the ministry must buckle up as it was expected to give a progress report on the challenges raised for the joint committee to make necessary interventions.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has opposed the federal government's envelop budgeting system, stating that it lacks legal recognition.
The Committee also criticised the
allocation of only N286 million to service Nigeria’s 109 missions abroad.
According to the Documents submitted by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Committee, the Ministry had recommended about N1.5 trillion budget, based on its needs assessment of the missions.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Wole Oke, while speaking during an interactive session with the Ministry and the Budget Office yesterday said: "I have not seen anywhere in our laws where envelop budgeting is mentioned" describing the budget as too poor for missions that were supposed to mirror the country’s image.
"We're worried that what you submitted to Mr. President was not based on needs assessment, and it is at variance with the law."
The Director General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu explained that budgetary allocation for the missions had been increased by 25 percent in the 2025 proposed budget.
Marwa Pleads with National Assembly to Assist Ongoing Drug War with Improved Budget
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA(, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.) has appealed to the National Assembly to further give teeth to the ongoing fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
Marwa made the appeal when the management team of the antinarcotics agency to defend the 2025 budget proposal of NDLEA before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics respectively.
Marwa, at the defence sitting which was held on Monday and Tuesday, expressed appreciation to the National Assembly especially the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs for their commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, but however appealed for their continued support to enhance the capacity and capability of the agency to deliver on its mandate.
The anti-drug czar who equally thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting encouragement to the NDLEA, said: “I wish to first appreciate the honourable chairman, the deputy chairman, and distin-
guished members of this esteemed committee for your invaluable and consistent support throughout the 2024 fiscal year.
“This committee, under its able and dynamic chairman, has demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment towards the war against drug abuse. In particular, your effort towards the amendment of the NDLEA Act is also highly appreciated.
“And I respectfully ask your good offices to continue to assist in our area
of critical needs during the appropriation process. Our commands across the federation are contending with significant challenges, particularly lack of accommodation.
“I cannot overstate this matter because it all comes to my desk when you get these reports of attacks on our officers and so on and so forth, killing personnel and their families. So, we know that we trust that this esteemed committee will do its best.
“And we know that there are compelling demands from other
MDAs, but the barracks project is critical to the operational efficiency and success of NDLEA.
“I must not forget to seize this opportunity to also appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his continuing support and encouragement to the agency. I also wish to reaffirm the agency's unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with the National Assembly, in particular this esteemed committee, to advance our shared vision of a drug-free Nigeria.
19 Wedding Guests Killed, 11 Others Injured in Plateau Accident
Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
A tragic accident in Kwanan Maciji, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State on Saturday claimed the lives of 19 persons and left 11 others badly injured.
The victims, who had travelled from Kano State to attend a wedding ceremony in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, were returning home when the
accident occurred.
Chairman of the Pankshin Local Government Area Emergency Management Committee, Mr. John Dasar, who confirmed the incident, described it as devastating.
According to him, the victims opted for a shorter route through Gindiri to Bauchi State where their vehicle was involved in the accident. The Gindiri road is rocky and meandering
“In the aftermath of the crash, bystanders were helping to evacuate passengers from the vehicle when it suddenly caught fire. Unfortunately, 19 of the occupants were trapped and burnt beyond recognition. The driver and a few others managed to survive", Dasar lamented. He said that the 11 survivors, some with serious injuries, were rushed to Pankshin General Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN
55TH CONVOCATION LECTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS...
L-R: Bursar, University of Lagos, Mrs. Oluwafunlola Adekunle; Acting Registrar, Mrs. Olakunle Makinde; Chief Executive Officer, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), and Guest Lecturer, Dr. Oluwatayo Aduloju; ProChancellor and Chairman of UNILAG’s Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Former Minister of Works and Housing & Chairman of the Convocation Lecture, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN ; Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Lucian Obinna Chukwu; and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Ayo Atsenuwa at the 55th Convocation Lecture of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), on the theme, “Universities as Hubs of Development and Wealth Creation,” at the J.F Ade-Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos on Monday
$157bn OpenAI Research Lab Adds Nigerianborn Adebayo Ogunlesi to Board of Directors
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
OpenAI, a research lab that develops artificial intelligence to benefit humanity, said yesterday that Nigerian-born billionaire businessman, Adebayo Ogunlesi, a Senior Managing Director at BlackRock was joining its board, the company's latest move in its push toward a for-profit structure. Aside from BlackRock valued at $11.475 trillion, Ogunlesi’s other board positions include: Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings and Terminal Investment Ltd.
The private equity investor is a founding partner of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), an infrastructure investing firm that was acquired by BlackRock last year for $12 billion. Before helping to
start GIP in 2006, Ogunlesi spent 23 years at Credit Suisse.
“The rapid advancement and development of AI offers a unique opportunity to build a better future,” Ogunlesi said in OpenAI’s announcement Tuesday.
“As part of this, thoughtful strategies and investment in infrastructure will be key to unlocking AI’s full potential and delivering its benefits responsibly. I’m excited to contribute to this effort and look forward to being a part of the OpenAI Board,” he added.
For OpenAI, the addition of Ogunlesi to its board marks another step in its dramatic transformation to a for-profit company. The board has been almost entirely revamped since late 2023, when Chief Executive, Sam Altman, was abruptly ousted before being quickly reinstated.
Former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor, who was chairman at Twitter before its purchase by Elon Musk, became chair of OpenAI after the Altman ordeal in November 2023.
Larry Summers, a former Treasury secretary, joined at the same time. Last year, the board added several new faces including Instacart CEO Fidji Simo and Dr. Sue DesmondHellmann, former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, now known as the Gates Foundation.
OpenAI, which was founded as a non-profit in 2015, said in late December that it will create a public benefit corporation to oversee commercial operations, removing some of its non-profit restrictions and allowing it to function more like a high-growth startup.
Last year, OpenAI was valued at $157 billion as it continued rolling
out updated large language models and new tools after kicking off the generative artificial intelligence boom in late 2022, CNBC reported.
The company said that by transforming into a Delaware PBC “with ordinary shares of stock,” it can pursue commercial operations while separately hiring a staff for its non-profit arm and allowing that wing to take on charitable activities in health care, education and science, OpenAI said in December.
Musk, one of OpenAI’s cofounders is suing to try and stop OpenAI from converting into a full for-profit business.
President Bola Tinubu, in March last year, met with Ogunlesi in Abuja in his drive to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FID) to the country.
Ogunlesi hails from Makun, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. He is
FCCPC, NCC Sign MoU to Address Regulatory Gaps in Telecoms Industry
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.
Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the agreement symbolised the convergence of two diligent government agencies, in compliance with legal requirements, to bridge regulatory gaps.
Bello said the partnership will ensure that "if one agency, due to certain limitations, fails to identify or address a consumer issue or regulatory violation, the other agency, potentially with a different perspective, will be able to step in effectively”. He said this highlighted the importance of Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which explicitly provided for cooperation and collaboration between FCCPC and sector regulators.
He added that synergy remained critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without
regulatory conflicts or duplications.
Bello said, “By this, we are also making life easier for the generality of consumers in dealing with two government agencies on the same issue at the same time.
“By design, regulations are often interwoven and overlapping. The principle behind overlapping regulations is simple: it serves as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks.
“This explains the interwoven relationship between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).”
Bello said the partnership will benefit both operators and consumers, and foster harmonious collaboration between both organisations, streamline operations for telecoms operators through a one-stop-shop approach in many instances, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices.
He also said, “This is entirely consistent with President Bola Tinubu's vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration, enhanced market efficiency, and prioritising consumer welfare.
“Given the importance of this legal requirement, today’s
event should inspire other sector regulators to establish similar collaborative frameworks with the FCCPC, as mandated by Section 105 of the FCCPA. This will ensure that consumers across all sectors enjoy the benefits of coordinated and comprehensive regulatory oversight.”
Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the MoU as the “beginning of a strategic partnership between two critical regulatory institutions, each committed to advancing the welfare of the Nigerian people through fair competition and robust consumer protection frameworks”.
Maida said in an era of rapid technological advancements, the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies could not be overstated. He stated that the telecommunications sector, in particular, had become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development.
Maida said, “This makes it imperative that we ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services.
“This MoU is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunica-
tions industry. By aligning our efforts, the NCC and FCCPC aim to avoid regulatory uncertainty and create clarity for the benefit of all stakeholders in the communications sector and in furtherance of their joint responsibility to ensure the realisation of the federal government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.”
the son of Theophilus Ogunlesi, the first Nigerian professor of medicine at the University of Ibadan. He went to King's College, Lagos and received a B.A. with first class honours in philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford University in England.
In 1979, Ogunlesi received a JD–MBA from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School. During his time at Harvard, he was on the Harvard Law Review. He has been married to British-born optometrist Dr. Amelia Quist-Ogunlesi since 1985, according to THISDAY checks.
Members of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Indigenous Contractors Forum have said there is no amount of threat from the board and management of the interventionist agency that will dissuade them from embarking on planned protest against extreme poor payment of contracts executed and review of contracts in line with current inflationary trend.
The Forum had on Monday scheduled to protest on January 24, 2025 over what the group alleged as high handedness of the board and management of the Commission for refusing to heed several appeals by members to pay for services rendered.
However, some members of the board and management of DESOPADEC were alleged to have resorted to threatening some of the leadership of the Forum as an attempt to abort the protest. Chairman of DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum, Engr. Ogie Samson Oritsebemigho, insisted in a statement yesterday that the protest would hold as planned noting that series of meetings were held by the executives of the group before arriving at the decision to protest mismanagement of the challenges facing their members as a result of extreme poor payment of contracts executed and variation of existing contracts because of hike of price of materials used in executing contracts.
Inaugurates grievance redress committee
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
The Katsina State Government has earmarked the sum of N50 billion for various water supply projects across 20 local government areas of the state.
The Managing Director of the State Water Board, Engr. Tukur Hassan-Tingilin, stated this Tuesday while inaugurating grievance redress committee on NG-SURWASH in the state.
He explained the N50 billion earmarked for the water supply projects across the 20 local government
areas is enshrined in the state’s N682.2 billion 2025 budget. He said the fund would enable the state government to provide sustainable and potable water to residents in rural and urban cities across the 20 benefiting local government areas of the state.
The managing director reiterated that the state government has expended N20 billion on water and sanitation projects in 10 local government areas of the state in the 2024 fiscal year.
“For the 2025, His Excellency,
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has budgeted over N50 billion to ensure sustainability and provision of clean water within 20 local governments in Katsina state”, Hassan-Tingilin added. He, however, said the grievance redress committee was inaugurated to checkmate community-related issues bordering on the ongoing SURWASH projects in the state. While noting that communities are the direct beneficiaries of the projects, Hassan-Tingilin charged members of the committee to ensure sustainability of the projects.
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
James Emejo in Abuja
Ogunlesi
BRIEFING THE MINISTER...
Armed Forces Are First Victims of Military Rule in Nigeria, Ex-CDS, Irabor, Declares
Says narrative dumping all nation’s woes on doorsteps of military must change Insists any badly behaved officer or soldier not representing the institution
Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, yesterday, said contrary to expectations and beliefs, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) were always the first victims of military rule in the country
Irabor said any misdemeanour by individual military service persons should not be seen as institutional disposition.
He observed that though military incursion into civil space was an aberration, it was not a product of the military institution.
Speaking at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Lecture and Art Exhibition 2025, Irabor insisted that military incursion into the political space in Nigeria was often perpetrated by a select group of individuals and not military institutions.
Irabor, who was the guest lecturer, said there was an urgent need to change the narrative that all the woes of the country must be dumped on the doorstep of the military.
According to him, "The military is an instrument of state for upholding the sanctity of the values of the nation.
"However, in the course of national growth and development, the Nigerian military leadership, at some point in our history, has found itself in the political leadership of the country.
"Whereas the development is an aberration and not a product of the military institution, it has been a challenge for many elites in the geo-political space to understand that the military itself is the first victim of military rule in Nigeria.
“In this regard, the resonant narrative,
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has commended the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of the late Andrew Omotor, a firefighter, who lost his life in the line of duty while responding to a distress call. Okpebholo, represented by Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, visited the family of the deceased in Benin City alongside Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Safety and Security, Queeneth Orobedo; Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hon. Jerry Idahosa; and Director of Edo State Fire Service, Mr.
inadvertently or otherwise, deepens the gorge in civil-military relations to the detriment of the state. This must be reversed.
"It must be reiterated that militarypolitical leadership of the country is by a select group of individuals. It must not be construed to be an institutional arrangement."
Irabor said that position must be understood in order to optimise the lofty contributions of the military in national development.
He stated that when political power was thrusted on military leaders by the society, military professionalism suffered, and in the end, the state suffered, as it could not endure under a situation of devalued military professionalism.
He stated that improved or flourishing civil-military relations, which democracy provided for, must be relied upon to upscale the professional standing of the military.
Irabor stated that the celebration of veterans and active duty personnel was a good part of the awareness programme.
He said the armed forces must not be seen to be in conflict with the people, stressing, "It is an ill-wind to do so."
While stating that the military existed for the good of the state and its citizens, Irabor warned the public to resist any attempt to convey the impression that the military was responsible for the order of the nation or the perspective that the military was working against the interest of the people.
He stated, "Such a view is deceptive. Any misdemeanour by individual military service personnel should not be construed to be institutional behaviour.
"The military institution already has
established disciplinary protocols to address issues bothering personnel that cross professional boundaries.
"There could be, and certainly there are, challenges with the military institution. However, there are institutional mechanisms designed to address them in due deference to the norms of objective civil control of the military.
"Our collective aspiration should be to have the optimum effectiveness of the military in national growth and development and not otherwise."
Addressing the plight of veterans, Irabor said their greatest need was healthcare, adding that the quality of life of veterans depreciate daily when juxtaposed with the inflationary trends.
He said, "The plight of servicemen and women, who are wounded or disabled leaves, a heart-breaking tale in the mind of everyone.
"This could indirectly demoralise serving personnel. It could even make veterans to go into depression for possible regrets of patriotic services rendered to the nation.
"Even with prompt payment of monetary entitlements, the value pales when healthcare-related issues are tied to the disposable income of the veteran.”
Irabor stressed, "Currently, the Defence Healthcare Insurance policy for personnel is not comprehensive. So many ailments and medical cases are not covered in the policy. This is a major issue that must be looked into."
He said the special and arduous conditions that military personnel were exposed to during active service predisposed them to all kinds of medical conditions. He said this was made worse in retirement, adding that a special
purpose vehicle for comprehensive healthcare for veterans would be invaluable in addressing this challenge
Irabor stated, "To redress this, it is suggested that special support could be organised for better care of wounded and disabled active-duty and retired military personnel. "I am aware of the on-going construction of the PostTraumatic Stress Disorder facility and the Invictus Games project.
"It is very essential that these projects are completed, fully furnished, well-equipped and properly manned, sustained and well publicised for the benefit of the armed forces.
"The projects will also improve the perception of the federal government and the nation, in general, as a grateful people for patriotic services rendered."
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said the Armed Force
Celebration and Remembrance Day was not merely an occasion to observe a tradition, but to honour a legacy.
Akpabio described the event as, "A legacy forged on courage, sacrifice and unyielding devotion to our nation. Today we do not only remember our heroes, we celebrate them. We celebrate their resolve, their resilience and their remarkable contributions to the development and security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
Represented by Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, the senate resident said great nations were built on the strength of their institutions and the unity of their people. He said the challenge of insurgency, banditry kidnapping, and terrorism, and the pursuit of sustainable development required unified response.
Omoluru Osayande, among others. During the visit, Okungbowa conveyed the governor’s condolences to the bereaved family, and described the late Omotor as a courageous firefighter who served with dedication.
He stated that the 45-year-old Omotor left behind a wife, six children, and an elderly mother, who were struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of their breadwinner.
Addressing the family, Okungbowa said, “We are here to commiserate with the family of one of our fallen heroes, Mr. Andrew Omotor, who died tragically in the line of duty.
Former National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbodiyan, said the crisis in the party was orchestrated to disorganise it and, by extension, the opposition, ahead of future elections.
Ologbodiyan said, “All these crises are being generated to make sure that the party does not have its cohesion and unity, it must deter so that the people
who are in government, the party in government will be able to suppress the other opposition parties.”
He suggested that the current crises were being used to weaken PDP’s capacity to effectively challenge the ruling party.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Ologbodiyan addressed several key issues affecting the party, including the leadership dispute within PDP, allegations of external interference, and the party’s preparedness for the 2027 elections.
He affirmed that Sunday
“He responded to a distress call to save lives and properties but, sadly, lost his life in the process. Another firefighter sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
“This is a painful occurrence. Mr. Omotor was a brave and diligent firefighter who gave his all for his duty. The governor is deeply moved by this loss and has assured that he will personally visit the family to offer his support and condolences.
“This preliminary visit is to assess the situation and provide an initial hand of comfort on behalf of the state government.”
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, signed a total of 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) as of December 31, 2024, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the minister, Lere Olayinka, stated this in a statement yesterday.
He said the number was 2,919 less than the total number of C-of-O printed and signed in 13 years by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) from 2010 to 2023.
He added that land allottees could now get their C-of-O within two weeks from the time necessary payments were made.
Udeh-Okoye was the legitimate national secretary of the PDP, as confirmed by the Court of Appeal.
Ologbodiyan stated, “First and foremost, I want to say that as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, whatever Mr Ologunagba comes out to say is the official position of the PDP.
“Ologunagba has forthrightly said, legitimately and constitutionally, that Sunday Udeh-Okoye is the person recognised by the party, and until he says otherwise, I think that his position is valid.”
On the issue of external interference, particularly from the ruling
All Progressives Congress (APC), Ologbodiyan expressed concern over efforts to undermine PDP. He alleged, “There is an attempt to reduce the PDP to a branch or an arm of the APC.” He bemoaned the involvement of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former presidential aspirant on the PDP platform, Nyesom Wike, in APC.
“The involvement of Nyesom Wike in the governance of the APC has created a room that can lead to the collapse of the PDP, that is a fact,” Ologbodiyan stated.
C-of-O in 2024
"One of the reasons land allottees do not find it compelling to pay for their C-of-O is because when they pay, they wait for years. But in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government, that has changed now.
"Even uploading of necessary information to show when a C-of-O is collected as well as details on the collector that used to take months, is now done within 72 hours," Olalere stressed.
He also provided details of C-of-O produced and signed in the FCT in the last 15 years, saying, "From May 2010 to May 2015, total of 5,655 Certificates of Occupancy were produced and signed.
"From May 2015 to May 2019, a total of 1,174 Certificates of Occupancy were produced and signed, while 1,571 were done between May 2019 and May 2023.
"Meanwhile, from May 2023 that President Tinubu assumed office till December 31, 2024, a total of 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy were produced and signed by the FCT Minister.
"Also, in the next few weeks, land allottees whose C-of-O are ready for collection will begin to receive autogenerated SMS because it has been discovered that most of them don't even know that their title documents are ready."
Linus Aleke in Abuja
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
L-R: Director-General, Maryam Babangida National Development Centre For Women, Dr Vilita Asabe Bashir; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, during the DG's visit to the minister in Abuja ... yesterday
APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE INTENSIFIES WORK ON 2025 BUDGET...
L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola; Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Contents, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, working on the 2025 Appropriation Bill...yesterday
Oborevwori Paid over N200bn Delta Debt in 19 Months, Says Gov’s Aide
The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) and Supervising Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, yesterday said that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has paid over N200 billion debts owed by the state since his assumption of office.
Speaking with newsmen in Asaba at his maiden meeting with the media since being directed by the governor to oversee the information ministry where he once held sway during the Okowa administration, Aniagwu said that the move had significantly reduced the state's debt portfolio.
Also, Aniagwu stressed that the governor would not be distracted by the politics of 2027, but remained focused on delivering more projects across the state in line with his M.O.R.E development blueprint.
Aniagwu said: "His (governor's) business at the moment is governance
He said, “This substantial growth in trade value, achieved with fewer but more valuable transactions, is evident of the increasing sophistication of Nigeria's international trade and the effectiveness of our trade facilitation measures.”
On its anti-smuggling operations, Adeniyi stated that the NCS adapted its strategies to the evolving security challenges resulting in 3,555 seizures in 2024 with a dramatic 100.92 percent increase in the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seizures from N17.56 billion in 2023 to N35.29 billion in 2024.
He said the seizures, with CIF value of N28.46 billion and a total duty of N6.83 billion highlighted the scale of attempted economic sabotage prevented by the service, adding that the recorded seizures included traditional and emerging risks to Nigeria's economic and overall national security.
Notably, he said there were seizures of arms and ammunition, including 900 arms and 113,472 rounds of ammunition, and the interception of narcotics and other illicit drugs, resulting in 105 seizures across various forms that were aided by the declaration of a state of emergency at our major entry points.
Adeniyi said the service also intercepted unauthorised pharmaceutical products, with 40 seizures including 175,676 pieces and 6,271 cartons of various medicaments valued at N3.04 billion, protecting public health from potentially dangerous counterfeit drugs.
According to him, the service's
and he is not going to lose sight of it. Owing to side talks and because he believes that this is not the time to begin to play politics, what he is doing at the moment is to ensure that he keeps faith with all Deltans.
"He believes that every Deltan deserves the dividend of democracy
Ndume:
in Abuja
and that is what he has concerned himself all about."
On fiscal discipline and efficient resource allocation under Oborevwori's watch, Aniagwu said:
"Over N200 billion has been paid to liquidate the state's debt stock while contractors are being mobilised
Tinubu
The senator for Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Ali Ndume, has expressed his unwavering respect for President Bola Tinubu, clarifying, however, that his stance on government policies are aimed at bettering the society, and not to impugn the president as a person.
Speaking on a television programme, the senator stated that his
enforcement activities also revealed evolving patterns in environmental and wildlife crimes, with 76 seizures of animal/wildlife products valued at N5.93 billion.
He said, “We also maintained vigilance over trade-sensitive goods, as evidenced by the seizure of 183,527 bags of rice. Additionally, significant seizures were made of other restricted items including 3,785 bales of textiles valued at N945.9 million, and various quantities of footwear, beverages, and other consumer goods, protecting local industries and supporting the government's economic diversification agenda.
“The service also recorded 397 seizures of vehicles valued at N5.64 billion, as we continue to enforce import regulations and protect government revenue.
“The mounting sophistication of smuggling networks also necessitated a corresponding elevation in our enforcement capabilities, leading to enhanced collaboration with national and international partners and the deployment of advanced detection approaches.
“Worthy of note is the launch of operation Whirlwind with the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) under the Nigeria Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd).
“This operation resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of petroleum products totaling 1,716,656 litres from saboteurs diverting
with new jobs with outstanding job certificates paid as they fall due.
"As part of its efforts at diversifying the economy of the state, the administration has sealed a deal with UTM LNG for the harnessing of the huge reserves of natural gas in the state."
The governor's aide also said that Oborevwori had been building bridges, connecting communities and giving room for both business interaction and for people to also have some form of interaction with their kiths and kins in their neighbouring local government
areas. "I also recall that in one of our outings at the UPU celebration at Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, in Ughelli North Local Government Area, the governor asked his kinsmen and Deltans to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
is My Mentor, I Criticise His Policies, Not Him
relationship with Tinubu remained robust. He reiterated his commitment to constructive criticism for the betterment of Nigeria.
“I am not a critique of the government. It is our government. President Tinubu is one of my mentors,” Ndume said.
Clarifying a viral picture of him and Tinubu in a cheerful mood, he said of the president, “He always says that I don’t come to the villa. I told
petroleum products intended for home use to neighbouring countries.
Most significantly, our enforcement activities have yielded 55 arrests of suspects currently under investigation as we continue to dismantle the criminal networks behind these activities.
“This comprehensive approach to enforcement, aligned with both national security objectives and international obligations, positions the NCS as a crucial actor in the nation's security architecture as we continue to facilitate legitimate trade.”
Adeniyi stressed that to strengthen customs’ enforcement capabilities further, the service is actively expanding its technological infrastructure by integrating geo-spatial technology and other cutting-edge solutions.
He said these technological advancements, coupled with capacity building and enhanced intelligence gathering mechanisms, will significantly boost its surveillance and enforcement operations, adding that the integration of these modern tools with its existing frameworks was a strategic investment in the future of customs enforcement, to ensure that we stay ahead of emerging threats as we continue to facilitate legitimate trade.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance yesterday jerked up the revenue projections for the NCS from the proposed N6.5 trillion to N12 trillion in the 2025 appropriation bill.
The lawmakers also jerked up that of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation ( NDIC ) from N163.3
him that he didn’t ask me to, and he said I can come tonight.
“Then he (Tinubu) said he is attending my daughter’s wedding, even though it coincided with the Nigerian Army Remembrance Day. So after the ceremony, I was expecting him to leave. He said he is not going anywhere; that he is going to attend the wedding. That is what actually happened.”
Ndume explained his approach
billion to N180 billion.
The two separate but similar decisions of the joint committee were taken when Chief Executives of the federal government-owned agencies appeared before it for defence of 2024 budget and revenue projections for 2025 fiscal year.
First to make presentation on revenue projections for the 2025 fiscal year was Adeniyi.
The Chairmen of the joint committee, Senators Sani Musa and Hon James Faleke in their separate remarks told the CGC that the 2025 projected revenue should be far above N6.5 trillion.
Musa in particular said N10 trillion should be the minimum revenue generation target for customs in 2025 which was however increased to N12 trillion based on suggestions made to that effect by some other members of the committee.
He said, "Based on the aggregate of opinions expressed by members of this committee, the CGC should aim at generating N12 trillion revenue for Nigeria in 2025 which almost doubles the N6.5 trillion proposed by Customs itself."
Similar ambitious revenue generation projection was made for the NDIC when its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Bello Hassan, made presentation on defence of 2024 budget and revenue projection for 2025.
The NDIC boss in his presentation, informed the committee that N163.3 billion was projected as revenue generation in 2025 which was described as very low by Musa.
to governance and criticism, and said he did not criticise Tinubu but his policies.
He stated, “In all of my critiques, I don’t criticise my elders. Tinubu is my senior, I respect him, though, I disagree with him in some cases in order for us to agree for the betterment of Nigeria. I criticise policies, not Tinubu. I criticised policies of Buhari, but I’m closer to Tinubu than Buhari.” Ndume had in November stated that the tax reform bills sent by Tinubu were “dead on arrival”.
He explained, “Our people are saying they don’t want the VAT bill, they don’t even want to hear
about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival.”
He urged Tinubu to heed the advice of the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Northern Governors’ Forum and withdraw the bills immediately. Meanwhile, Ndume urged the president to prioritise implementation of the federal budget and focus on critical areas, like security and welfare. He said, “I have always said it to Mr. President: implement the budget, and Nigerians will be happy. Concentrate on two things – security and welfare of citizens – and then every other thing will come.”
FOOD SECURITY: FG TAKES DELIVERY OF 255 TRACTORS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO FARMERS
government was addressing postharvest losses through cold storage and improving logistics.
While acknowledging that the 2024 budget faced competing headlines nationwide, he emphasised the government’s commitment to security in the 2025 budget.
He noted that many of the agricultural gains seen in 2024 were tied to newly accessible farmlands in regions previously hindered by insecurity.
According to him: "I'm sure you must have seen the budget and by having 2024 there are competing needs in Nigeria, but you must also appreciate that one area that we are highly excited about is the emphasis on security by Mr President in 2025 Budget.
"We have seen, and we know that some of the results, the successes that we received in 2024 were as a result of some of those inaccessible lands due to insecurity that opened up. Case in point is Borno State, where the terrorism was very high.
"My own local government (Mobbar) before now was not even accessible to farmers, but there is one place where, along the river as long as 18 kilometers that they did bumper harvest of rice in the dry season last year. So many other areas, Katsina State has reported an improvement of almost 70 percent in
security that has opened up farmland for our farmers.
"So, it's not as if we are to support every smallholder farmer. No country can do that. But what we are saying is we are also exposing our smallholder farmers to the issue of having access to funding, to credit."
On the positive side, Kyari said the, “country experienced positive harvest in the 2024 farming season that has far exceeded what we had in the previous years” He explained that these efforts are complemented by public financing mechanisms, development partners, and private banks, collectively working to strengthen agricultural programs across the country.
He cited successful partnerships with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, a United Nations organisation based in Rome.
In 2024, the positive outcomes of IFAD-funded projects—such as the Livelihood Improvement of Family Enterprise for the Niger Delta—led to an additional grant of $32m, along with an extension of the project’s timeline, he revealed.
The Value Chain Development Nigeria programme also secured a two-year extension; occurrences, Kyari argued, further illustrate the faith development partners have in the administration’s ongoing agricultural reforms.
Chuks Okocha
Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
NEW TRADITIONAL TITLE HOLDERS……
PDP Alleges Attempt to Arrest Star Witnesses in Edo Guber Election Tribunal
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The Edo State Chapter of the People Democratic Party(PDP) yesterday, alleged that there was an attempt by security operatives to arrest the party’s star witnesses in the governorship election which resumes sitting today.
In a viral video, which had the candidate of the party in
the September 21 election, Asue Ighodalo and the lead counsel to Ighodalo and PDP, Ken Mozia, SAN, and other party faithful, showed a plain cloth operative was trying to make an arrest and was being prevented.
One of the party officials in the video said that the counsel and the witnesses were going through what the situation would
FactCheck Africa Founder Selected for AI Journalism Lab Leadership Cohort in US
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
The Founder of FactCheck Africa, a nonprofit fact-checking platform, Mr. Abideen Olasupo, has been selected for the 2025 AI Journalism Lab Leadership Cohort hosted by the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York (CUNY), United States.
Olasupo, who is currently in New York, joins a group of 23 prominent news leaders from across the globe, who will explore cutting-edge technologies that are transforming the media landscape.
Through this cohort, Olasupo will deepen his understanding of AI-driven tools that can enhance journalistic accuracy, streamline fact-checking processes, and fight the growing tide of misinformation.
He will also learn from AI and journalism experts about how to integrate AI tools into
media workflows, increase transparency in newsrooms, and tackle challenges related to deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and data manipulation.
Olasupo was selected for the programme in recognition of his contributions to the field of factchecking in Africa through his organisation, FactCheck Africa.
Speaking with THISDAY on his selection for the 2025 AI Journalism Lab Leadership Cohort, Olasupo said: “This programme perfectly aligns with FactCheck Africa’s mission to improve media literacy, promote critical thinking, and provide reliable fact-checking services to the African public.”
He, however, added that he was delighted with the opportunity provided by the programme for him to collaborate with other media leaders across the globe to create synergies that will further elevate his work in the realm of digital journalism and fact-checking.
SoTLAN Inaugurates
New Board of Trustees
The Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SoTLAN), the professional body of laboratory analysts, dedicated to promoting quality standards and professional excellence, has inaugurated its newly constituted Board of Trustees(BoT). Comprising a distinguished group of high-calibre professional and accomplished scientists, the BoT pledged to work to ensure that SoTLAN makes a meaningful impact on national development, particularly in the area of quality enhancement across sectors.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Lagos recently was attended by key stakeholders, including the President of SoTLAN, Prof Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, SoTLAN Exco Members, and the Registrar of
the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), Alhaji Aliyu Angara.
The newly inducted BoT includes: Prof Oladapo Afolabi (Chairman of the Board and former Head of the Federal Civil Service of the Federation), Prof. Oladele Osibanjo, Prof (Mrs) Celina Maduemezia, Dr. Dahiru Adamu and Balogun Ganiyu Sanni, all of whom are renowned science professionals with proven track records in their respective fields.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the BoT, Prof Afolabi, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him to Chair the BoT and reaffirmed the commitment of the board under his leadership, to advancing the Society’s mission.
be like on Wednesday in the conference room of an hotel.
The official added, “All of a sudden, one of the security operatives said that the EFCC
want to arrest witnesses of Ighodalo who are suppose to be in court on Wednesday in the first public hearing.
“They had no papers, they
had no warrant of arrest, they had nothing and they just presented an identity card. Who does that? And taking into the fact that it is like reinforcing
brazen criminality “Ighodalo was even diplomatic and he let them to understand the enormity of what they are doing.”
Sacked Rivers PDP Executives Urge Members to Remain Calm
Ex-party spokesperson hails judgement
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The sacked Executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State led by Chukwuemeka Aaron said the reason they went on with the congresses was because of
an order from a Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement by State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Dr Kenneth Yorwika, the party explained that the Abuja Court presided by Justice Peter Lifu gave an order to the party in the state to go ahead with the ward, local government and state congresses.
Yorwika, however, called on all members of the party from the wards, LGA’S and state to be calm over the ruling delivered by Justice Jumbo on the party’s leadership, saying that “our lawyers are studying the kangaroo Judgement that will be immediately appealed by the party.”
Rivers State High Court presided by Justice Stephen Jumbo in Port Harcourt, on Monday, retrained Mr. Aaron from parading himself as the state chairman of PDP.
Anambra Youths Attribute Ills in Nigeria to Veneration of Unearned Wealth
David-Chyddy Eleke in awka
Youths of Anambra State under the aegis of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) youth wing, have attributed most of the ills in the society today to veneration of ill gotten wealth.
The President-General of the group, Mr. Ken Okoli, stated this yesterday, during a community youth development award programme organised to honour deserving individuals in the state. He said there was need to honour those who merit to be made role models for younger
people to emulate, noting that the quest for wealth today has pushed many into engaging in all manner of evil things just to make money.
Okoli said: “Today we are honouring people who have made impact in our society. People who are worthy to be emulated by the
youths. There are set criteria for this honour, and one of it is that your source of income must be verifiable and legitimate.
“Some of the problems we are having today is due to ostentatious display of wealth by people whose source of livelihood are not known.”
CSOs Tasked to Develop Strategic Plans for Impactful Results
Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
Strategic plan has been identified as the success driver of any organisation particularly civil society organisations (CSOs) that want to achieve its set objectives, mission and vision.
The assertion was made by
the Executive Director of a Bauchi-based CSO, Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD), Elizabeth Kah, during the commencement of a two-day workshop in Bauchi yesterday.
Kah stressed that as a guide, strategic plan is valuable and must
be diligently done in line with the set objectives of the organisation.
The J4PD ED assured the people that the organisation will put together a strategic and work plan that will improve accessibility to public health in Bauchi State in particular and the country as a whole working with relevant agencies. She particularly commended the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for collaborating with J4PD in the implementation of its activities in the state assuring all that the collaborative effort will yield positive and impactful outcome.
New CP, Eribo, Sets Out Plans to Tackle Crimes in
Gbenga SodeindeinadoEkiti
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, has mapped out plans to effectively tackle crimes in the state.
Eribo made this known yesterday at the police headquarters in Ado Ekiti when the Nigeria Union of
‘Creation
Daji Sani inyola
Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, paid him a courtesy visit.
Specifically, the new CP disclosed that efforts are ongoing to strengthen the joint taskforce that would encompass citizens; ethnic groups to flush out criminals and checkmate herders -farmers clash in the state.
“We are going to bring police
very closer to the door step of every citizen in Ekiti State; we are not going to do this alone, we have our sister agency that we will work together to make the state safe,” the CP stated.
The police boss disclosed further that all the flash points of criminals have been mapped, adding that his
Ekiti
men have been deployed strategically to all the identified area in the state. While soliciting the cooperation of stakeholders and residents of Ekiti State to effectively carryout the task of tackling crimes in the state, the police commissioner assured residents of adequate security of lives and property.
of Chiefdoms, Emirates Addresses Injustices in Adamawa’
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s decision to create new Chiefdoms and Emirates in the state is a bold step towards rewriting history and
addressing long-standing injustices done to some nationalities of the state.
This was disclosed yesterday by the former Director-General of Communications to Fintiri and now Permanent Secretary
Two Injured as Osun Communities Renew
Yinka KolawoleinOsogbo
No fewer than two persons have been reportedly injured in a renewed clash between Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State. THISDAY gathered yesterday
that the two injured persons are from Ifon in Orolu Local Government Area of the state. They were said to have been injured in a shooting incident in the Apiponroro area. Ifon and Ilobu share a history
of State Ministry of Information, Mr. Solomon Kumangar, in his office during an interaction with journalists , in Yola, Adamawa State He added that this is a move that challenges the status quo, disrupts feudal remnants, and fosters inclusivity. According to him, dispelling historical myths, for too long, a skewed narrative has perpetuated the myth that the conquests of Usman Dan Fodio granted him dominion over the entire region.
Age-long Clash over Boundary Dispute
of communal clashes often fueled by disputed boundaries, which have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property over the years.
In the renewed clash, Ifon indigenes alleged that the attack was purportedly carried out by individuals from the neighbouring Ilobu community. This allegation is also corroborated by the Ifon Progressive Union, an umbrella body for Ifon-Orolu indigenes.
L-R: Ifechinyere Oko; Chief (Prof). Henry Aginam; Osuofia Oko, Chief (Dr) Nelson Ilodigwe; Akajiugo Oko, High Chief Reuben Muoka; Chinechendo Oko, Chief. Joseph Obi and Ifemba Oko, Chief Uchenna Okonkwo-Okom, at the conferment of their chieftaincy titles by Eze Ijikala II , HRH Igwe Prof Laz Ekwueme, in Oko, in Anambra State… recently
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL…
L-R: Group Legal Officer, Confederated Facilitators Limited Group (CFL), Chukwuka
Emmanuel
and Group
Group
Lawal Receives NAF Fact-finding Team over Recent Airstrikes That Killed Civilians
Incident not deliberate act, governor declares
Linus Aleke in abuja
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, yesterday, received the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) factfinding team over the recent airstrikes that killed civilian population in Gusau, the state capital.
The team, led by the Director of Coordination and Cooperation of the Civil-Military Relations Branch, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, was received by Lawal
at the Government House.
A statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, stated that the team was dispatched at the instance of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, to investigate the reported incidence of civilian casualties in a recent NAF airstrike in Zamfara State on Saturday, 11 January 2025.
He said while in Zamfara, the
Six Killed, Sixty Injured in Kogi Road Crash
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
No fewer than six passengers lost their lives while 60 others received varying degrees of injuries in a fatal road crash that occurred in Lokoja, Kogi State, yesterday.
The accident, which occurred at about 3.00 p.m. on Hassan Katsina road when the driver of an articulated vehicle loaded with cows and passengers, who was in high speed while negotiating a bend, subsequently fell down.
The Kogi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Samuel Oyedeji, who confirmed the incident, stated that it was a lone accident which occurred as result of high speed.
He told the journalists that the truck was coming from Bauchi and heading towards Enugu State
when the crash occurred.
Oyedeji explained that it happened when the truck was over speeding in a bending and fell resulting in the scattering of the cows and the over 100 passengers all over the places.
The commander noted that the truck drivers had been warned not to carry passengers with cows, but would not listen.
He stated that six persons lost their lives, while 60 others got injured.
The FRSC boss added that the corpses of victims have deposited at the mortuary of the Federal Teaching Hospital while the injured ones have taken to the specialist hospital in Lokoja.
He warned that any drivers caught carry cows and human beings would be prosecuted henceforth.
team would extensively liaise and interface with state and local government officials as well as all other critical stakeholders, for a holistic assessment that would guide subsequent necessary action.
“During the meeting, the
team leader emphasised NAF’s unwavering commitment to professionalism and transparency in all operations, adhering to international standards.
“He accentuated NAF’s deep respect for the life and wellbeing of every Nigerian, highlighting
this as a core value of the Service,” the statement stated.
Gabkwet stated that the team’s mission in the state was to conduct a thorough and objective investigation into the reported incident.
He, however, expressed
appreciation to Governor Lawal for his kind hospitality and support, despite the short notice. Lawal, in his response, reaffirmed his support for the military, particularly the NAF, in their ongoing operations against banditry.
NDDC Seeks Support for Underprivileged, Elderly in Nigeria
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Executive Director of Corporate Services, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ifedayo Abegunde, has appealed to organisations and the elite to extend a hand of fellowship to underprivileged citizens, especially the elderly in the society.
Abegunde made the call when top officials of the commission visited the Home for the Elderly, run by the Catholic Church in Port Harcourt.
The visit, THISDAY observed, is part of the activities marking Abegunde’s 70th birthday.
THISDAY also witnessed the donation of various food
items to the home to support the vulnerable and improve the lives of elderly citizens.
Abegunde thanked God for allowing him to serve humanity as the Executive Director of Corporate Services at the NDDC and prayed for blessings for the elderly people in the society.
He encouraged privileged individuals and corporate organisations to always give a helping hand to those in need.
In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Boma Iyaye, underlined the need for organisations to support the church in caring for the elderly. “We must create schemes to help the weak and fend for the poor,” he said.
Police Recover Stolen Barge as Atlantic Refinery Property are Looted in Bayelsa
Olusegun Samuel in yenagoa
Property belonging to Atlantic International Refinery Limited meant for a refinery project located in Okpoma, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has been looted.
THISDAY learnt that some youths invaded the site of the
company and vandalised two 40ft containers that housed some valuables such as furniture, armoured cables, tanks and other items.
A community leader who pleaded anonymity told journalists that the items which were allegedly stolen have been sighted in many homes, including
the homes of some prominent chiefs of the community, adding that a roll of armoured cable which was recovered was later sold on the order of one the chief.
“It is shameful to note that some of the pieces of furniture found their way to the homes of respected leaders of the community,” the source said.
When contacted, the Regent of the community, Chief Paul Briggs Suobagha, debunked the allegations as misleading and lies.
“It is not true. The company has security guards guarding its facility and they are in the best position to answer for the missing property.“
Alia Charges New Permanent Secretaries Not to be Partisan
George Okoh in Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has charged the new permanent secretaries in the state to be non-partisan, and act as responsible officers in their areas of coverage.
House in Makurdi yesterday while swearing in 13 new permanent secretaries.
Police Arrest 32 Suspects for Ondo Communal
Fidelis Davidinakure
Ondo State Police Command yesterday said it has arrested 32 suspects in connection with the communal clash between the Owake and Ebo communities in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State which led to the death of two people.
THISDAY reported that the attack occurred last Sunday and a house belonging to Omorinbola Francis was set ablaze, while several injured residents were rushed to the newly inaugurated Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Iwaro-Oka for treatment.
Also the Palace of the Asin of Oka-Odo and an event hall were destroyed during the clash. However, the state Commissioner
Clash
of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, while leading top police officials to the affected communities, said the culprits would be prosecuted after completion of investigation.
The police commissioner said the police should be commended for their urgent intervention in the affected areas.
The CP had last Monday urged all parties involved to sheath their sword, as violence and property destruction would only result in stagnation and underdevelopment.
He said: “The clash started on January 12, 2025, when youths from Oka Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo.
The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.
The governor gave the charge at the Benue State Government
He said his government carried out due diligence in selecting the new permanent secretaries, insisting that experience, integrity, track record of service are the yard sticks for the selection.
He said: “As a government, we took our time to search carefully and conducted due diligence to arrive at these 13 officers.
“We also consulted widely to ensure that their appointments were based on merit. Indeed, they are civil servants with cognate experience, proven integrity and exemplary track record of service.”
The governor tasked the new administrative heads of the ministries to ensure that staff adhere to the codes of the civil service, and to instill in them the culture of discipline and respect for constituted authorities.
Food Security: Ekiti Sets up Storage Facilities for Bumper Harvest
Gbenga Sodeinde in ado Ekiti
In a move aimed at ensuring food sufficiency, the Ekiti State Government has set up storage facilities in different parts of the state, with the sole aim of buying farm produce from farmers during harvest season and storing them for release during period of scarcity.
The state Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, who last Monday led some officials on inspection of one of the storage facilities for agricultural produce in Ado- Ekiti, said building the storage facilities is one of the government’s plans to avert the food scarcity that was experienced in the state last year.
Governor Oyebanji said the government’s immediate focus is to address food shortage, reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food sufficiency all year round across the state.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the inspection, Governor Oyebanji, who was accompanied on the inspection by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Boluwade Ebenezer; and Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs. Tayo Adeola, said the initiative was in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to state governors to prioritize food security as critical step in combating hunger across the country.
Kogi Poly Rector Commiserates with Family of Late Staff Member
Ibrahim Oyewale inLokoja
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Usman, has commiserated with family of late John Otaru on behalf of the Academic Board, management, staff, alumni and students of the institution.
Until his death, John Friday Otaru was a former internal member of the Governing Council, representing Academic Board, He died on January 12.
This was contained in statement signed the Head of Public Relations
Department, Ufedo Omale, and made available to the journalists in Lokoja yesterday. He said: “We extend our deepest condolences to the immediate family, kinsmen, associates of the deceased and the good people of Ikuehi Ihima, Okehi Local Government
Area over the irreparable loss.
“The entire polytechnic community is in deep shock and sorrow over the demise of such a diligent, selfless, and intelligent public servant who gave his all to the service of the Polytechnic and humanity.
Okolo;
Head, Real Estate Sales Manager, Babatunde Ajayi; Group Managing Director /CEO,CFL Group, Dr. Lai Omotola; Group Company Secretary,
Odigie,
Accountant, Akinosho Olatunji, during the media parley to review the 2024 activities of the group in Lagos…recently ETOP UKUTT
NSC Confirms Enugu State as Host of 2026 Sports Festival
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has taken a significant forward step in the preparations for the 2026 National Sports Festival, after the Commission officially presented the Letter of Award for the hosting of the Games to the Enugu State Government, yesterday.
The leader of the NSC delegation to the event at the Enugu State Government House, Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade,
said the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration has shown immense dedication in working with the NSC to deliver a spectacular event.
The event included discussion on key topics including infrastructure development, logistical planning, and the festival’s potential economic and social benefits for Enugu State.
Hon. Olopade outlined specific baseline requirements for hosting the festival, including the provision
of state-of-the-art sporting facilities, efficient logistics, and the establish- ment of an environment that fosters sportsmanship and unity among participants and spectators.
"The National Sports Festival is more than just a competition; it is a platform for fostering unity, showcasing talent, and driving development," Hon. Olopade stated. "Before the
current NSC leadership assumed office, Enugu had already been given the nod as hosts, and upon our arrival, we facilitated the final approval to cement that decision.”
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has unveiled the management and players of Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens Football Club with an affirmation of the government’s commitment to revitalize the football clubs and restore them back to their glory days.
The Governor was represented by his Deputy Governor, Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on Tuesday, did the official unveiling at the Government House, in Benin City.
Recognizing the importance of sport in building cohesion and fostering unity as well as driving economic growth in the society, Hon. Dennis said the Edo State Government places great importance on sporting activities and is committed to revitalizing the twin clubs and taking them to enviable heights in both national and intercontinental football competitions.
Hon. Idahosa said: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this epoch-making event. Today’s unveiling of the management and players of Bendel Insurance FC and Edo Queens underscores the importance this administration places on sport as a verifiable vehicle for cohesion and progress
“The appointment of the new management team and extra players are testaments of government resolve to revitalize Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens FC and restore it to its glory days in Nigeria football competitions.
“And the resolve of this present administration to support Edo State Commission’s vision of grooming talents, especially youths in channelling their energy as envisioned by the founding fathers
“The new coach, the technical directors and the team management must work together to improve on
the performance of Bendel Insurance FC and advance the club beyond Premier league tournament. The new players must shun indiscipline, hooliganism and embrace team work to place them ahead in the league.”
The Deputy Governor continued:
“It is on this record that the superlative performance of Edo Queens FC as the defending champions of the Women Football League has restored the position of Edo State as the home of sport in Nigeria. The state governor is proud and elated over the performance of Edo Queens in Nigeria female football tournament and in continental engagements.
“It is my honour and privilege to unveil the new management and players of Bendel Insurance FC and Edo Queens FC for more victories and success.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Edo State Sport Commission, Hon. Desmond Enabulele, said the gathering was unique as it avails an opportunity to unveil the team that would take the clubs to national and international competitions.
Hon. Enabulele appreciated the Governor for his support, stressing that the positive energy being infused by into the team is yielding results and already sending positive vibes within the sporting world.
He ascribed the recent stellar performance of Edo Queens at the recently concluded CAF women's championship to the positive support from the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
He said the commission had carefully selected the management crew and new players based on their performances, competence and capacity and assured the government of improved results in their performances, promising to bring national and international glory to the state.
"For the first time in history, we are announcing the host of the next edition ahead of the commencement of the current Festival. This shift is deliberate, providing ample planning time and ensuring that Enugu delivers a spectacular event. Traditionally, the next host was only unveiled during closing ceremonies, but we believe this proactive approach will set a new standard for excellence in hosting the National Sports Festival."
The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission for presenting the State with the official hosting letter. He said it represented a proud moment for the people of Enugu State.
"Enugu State has a rich sporting history that dates back to the preindependence era," the Governor said. "Beyond being a commercial hub of our nation, we have woven ourselves into the fabric of sports excellence. We are fully prepared to host the National Sports Festival and have already embarked on several projects to ensure our facilities meet world-class standards."
"The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, along with other key facilities, will be ready to deliver a memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike," the Governor added.
The NSC remains committed to working closely with the Enugu State Government to create an unforgettable sporting spectacle that aligns with the nation’s vision of building a viable sports economy and using sports as a tool for development and social cohesion. Excitement continues to build as the National Sports Festival returns to Coal City for the first time in 28 years.
CAF Postpones CHAN 2024 as S’Eagles Team Opponents Emerge Tonight
On the eve of the draw ceremony, the African Nations Championship, (CHAN) has been postponed till much later in the year.
However, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the much-advertised draw ceremony will still take place this evening.
This development implies that the Super Eagles Team B closed camp, which opened last Monday, will be dissolved, and players will be expected to return to their respective clubs for the second stanza of the league season, which will resume next weekend.
But yesterday before the new
development, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF), Coach Augustine Eguavoen, arrived at the Ikenne-Remo camp of the Super Eagles B alongside new Super Eagles’ Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle and the latter’s agent, Sidibe Abraham Brehima.
The Continental Football governing body announced on its website that the event will now hold in August. No actual date has been fixed. CAF announced that although good progress has been made in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, the host countries, the CAF Technical and Infrastructure experts advised that more time is required to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities are at the levels necessary for hosting
The Group Managing Director of GTI Assets Management and Trust Limited, Abubakar Lawal, on Tuesday afternoon, expressed his appreciation over the nomination of the organisation as one of the recipients of the maiden Newstap/ SWAN Five Star Sports Award.
During a visit to GTI’s Corporate Headquarters in Lagos by the management of Newstap Communication and SWAN, Lawal said it has been a worthwhile journey working as the strategic partner for the Nigeria Premier Football League while also assuring Nigerians of GTI's continuous support for football in Nigeria.
“What can I say really, except to just thank Newstap and SWAN for the recognition that you have given to GTI for the bits that we
a successful Championship.
Some of the experts on facilities are based in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment and good progress that has been made in building and upgrading the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for hosting a successful championship.
“I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the
are contributing,” he said.
“And we pray that God will give us life and strength such that we'll be able to stretch, you know, a similar hand of fellowship as we are doing in NPFL to NNL in the coming days.
“It's all about Nigeria. The whole story is all about Nigeria. Nobody's going to do it for us. We have to take responsibility as Nigerians. Nigeria has to be better. No British, no American, no Japanese, no Chinese will help us to rebuild Nigeria. It is our responsibility.
“So I thank you very much for the recognition, and we look forward to brighter days ahead for Nigeria and for Nigerian football.”
Speaking at the brief visit, the Editor-in-Chief of Newstap, George Aluo, appreciated GTI for
football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
“I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities will be at the requisite CAF standards for hosting, in August 2025, a very successful African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.”
The names of a total of 19 countries, viz joint-hosts Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, Nigeria, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Algeria, Niger Republic, Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Angola and Madagascar will be in the pots for the draw ceremony.
the support given to the NPFL while adding that the league wouldn't have been in the current position it is right now without the strategic partnership of GTI.
According to Aluo who is the chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL) the management of Newstap and SWAN decided to honour GTI with the award as they have given a new lease of life to the league in Nigeria. He added: “If not for your involvement in NPFL, there's no way NPFL will be at the level where it is today.
“The management of Newstap and SWAN felt that GTI deserves a lot of commendation and praise. This letter has since been sent, but I still felt that I should formally hand over the letter of the awards to you and make it a media event.”
Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah with the Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC), at the formal confirmation of Enugu State as the host of the 2026 National Sports Festival
L-R: Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) South West scribe, Charles Ogundiya, Chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL) George Aluo, Group Managing Director of GTI Abubakar Lawal and Executive Director GTI Nelson Ine at the Corporate Headquarters of GTI. GTI, the strategic partner of NPFL is one of the nominees for the maiden edition of the Newstap/ SWAN award billed for next month in Lagos.
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Femi Solaja with agency report
MISSILE
Oshiomhole to JAMB Registrar
“You spent N1.1billion on meals and refreshments. Are you being freely fed by the government? What this means is that you are spending the money you generate from poor students, many of them orphans. You also spent N850million on security, cleaning and fumigation in 2024. What did you fumigate? Is it mosquitoes that took all this money?” --Senator Adams Oshiomhole, member, Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Finance, queries the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, over their spending in 2024.
KAYODE KOMOLAFE
Bene Madunagu, A Revolutionary Departs
The burial of Comrade Bene Madunagu on Friday in Calabar will be a fitting farewell to a socialist revolutionary, scholar, feminist and patriot whose life and times could be summed up as the struggle for human progress.
Tomorrow, family members, comrades, friends, colleagues and well wishers are expected to assemble to celebrate her in a potpourri of funeral activities including a feminist forum, lecture, tributes, cultural performances and renditions by mentees.
She was 77.
Comrade Bene, who died on November 26 last year, retired from the University of Calabar (Unical) as a professor of botany after many years of teaching and influencing generations of students and mentees. Before then she was an assistant lecturer at the University of Lagos. Bene and her spouse, comrade and life-long collaborator, Comrade Eddie Madunagu, moved to Calabar in 1976.
She earned degrees from the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan.
Not a few members of the generation of university students of the late 1970s would, perhaps, have it etched in their memories the momentous events now historically dubbed “Ali Must Go.”
The Ali in the slogan was Colonel Ahmadu Ali, the federal commissioner for education in the military government of General Olusegun Obasanjo. While tuition was free, students had staged a nation-wide protest against increases in the cost of accommodation and feeding. Things turned bloody and lives were lost. In the aftermath of this struggle for socio-economic justice, the military government responded with some repressive measures. Two vice chancellors, some lecturers, non-academic staff and a journalist were sacked. Student leaders were rusticated.
Among the victims was a Unical couple- Bene and Eddie Madunagu. The military government got Bene deported from the United Kingdom where she was pursuing an academic programme. They were ejected from the staff quarters.
This was just one of the better known sacrifices that Bene made gallantly in the course of the struggle.
In her younger days of revolutionary energy, she had even elected in company of other comrades to make the struggle for socialist Nigeria a full-time career.
Significantly, a number of Bene’s comrades have been paying tributes to her revolutionary memory. These include the recall of events at different periods in the last 50 years of Bene’s life by Comrades Najeem Jimoh, Owei Lakemfa and Chido Onumah in sweep reviews of her activities and thoughts in various organisations to which she belonged. Some of those organisations were the Nigerian Youth Action Committee (NYAC) Anti-Poverty Movement of Nigeria (APMON), the Calabar Group of Socialists and the Movement of Peoples Democracy and the Democratic Action Committee (DACOM).
Hopefully after the funeral there would still be conferences and publications on the various aspects of her versatile life defined by remarkable brilliance and untiring hard work.
From whichever perspective you reflect on the revolutionary career of Comrade Bene what you would find unmistakable was her immense humanity. Ideologically, she was distinguished by her clarity of purpose, courage of conviction, notable consistency and unyielding commitment. She was never a pretender on matters of principle.
A well-organised human being, Bene could be brutally honest in making her point. I used to tease her that if we had a socialist government I could never propose her for the job of a diplomat because she was frank to a fault. She would retort that I was rather suited for that purpose because the nature of the movement was such that comrades had attributes for different purposes. Hence she nominated me to be the external relations officer in our Calabar group, DACOM. My task was to liaise with other comrades and groups in different parts of the country.
To her younger comrades, Bene was first and foremost an inspirer. She never doubted that popular-democratic struggles could be the basis for the transformation of Nigeria into a humane social order. She was always quick to add that this could only be a result of a disciplined organisation. Rather than agonise, she would rather call for proper organisation. In her praxis, she demonstrated a good mastery of the dialectics of tactics and strategy.
After the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, many socialists in the world became disillusioned and began to doubt the efficacy of socialism as system that could be efficiently productive as well as ensure distributive justice. The Nigerian Left was not spared of this atmosphere of despair enveloping many socialist parties and groups globally.
In many ways, Comrade Bene’s ideological personality was an exemplar of her generation of the Nigerian Left and the generation preceding it. The virtues of this generation include deep comprehension of the ideas of the struggle and the conscious efforts to reproduce cadres. For instance, Comrade Eskor Toyo, who also operated from Calabar during the same period, was in the generation before that of Comrade Bene. He was also a huge inspirer and a great mobiliser. Unfortunately, and this is on a self-critical note, succeeding generations have not been able to make sufficient advancement of this legacy.
As a Marxist, Bene was also a self-professed feminist. In a 2008 piece she wrote for an international publication entitled “Voice, Power and Soul: Portraits of African Feminism,” Bene put the matter squarely like this: “I am an absolutely confirmed feminist, with no ”ifs’ or ‘buts.” I am a feminist by choice and conviction… I am passionate about combating gender discrimination and insensitivity
in whatever forms. I am a committed human rights defender and I work in defence of victims of sexual abuse and all forms of violence against women and girls.” She was neither abstract nor vulgar in her feminism. The feat she achieved with the Calabar branch of Girls Power Initiative (GPI) remains a testament to her feminist practice. Here is a solid establishment on ground for the empowerment and orientation of girls about their rights and responsibilities in the society. In partnership with Grace Osakue, the GPI was established in Nigeria in 1993 with the national headquarters in Nigeria. Scores of girls have been trained in the institution and its community activities have extended to other south-south states. Bene was also a founding member of Women in Nigeria (WIN), a feminist movement that emerged in 1982 to reframe the gender debates in Nigeria.
Bene was a leader in the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). She was a two-term chairperson the Unical branch of ASUU with a national prominence.
It was Comrade Sonni Anyang who introduced me to Bene and Eddie in 1978 and since then I became a comrade member of the family. I often stayed in their house during holidays. Anyang, now a member of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMAC), was then the leader of the Unical branch of the Movement for a Progressive Nigeria (MPN), a Marxist students’ group, with branches and allied groups on campuses. MPN was such a fertile ground for breeding cadres with ideological clarity. For instance, President Umaru Yar’Adua once said in an interview that he was a product of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) branch of MPN.
Comrade Bene often referred to me as her ideological son and I called her my ideological mother. In a 2017 publication of tributes to mark the 70th birthday of Bene, Eddie expressly acknowledged this relationship between me and Bene. In that piece, Eddie also said the same thing of Comrade Biodun Jeyifo (BJ), who is the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the magnificent Socialist Library and Archives (SOLAR), the nucleus of which is constituted by the books, papers and other documents. The digitalization of SOLAR is in earnest. By the way, at another level Eddie and BJ constitute an ideological duo.
Comrade Bene could sometimes be sharply critical of me; yet she was often my unyielding defender. Whatever concerned me was taken as her business.
Maybe it would suffice to recall a few touching moments to illustrate this mother-son relationship.
In the light of the mood in the family during Bene’s 70th birthday, she and Eddie opted to have a quiet moment at a resort in Uyo. I was invited to make a trio for the occasion to reflect on a number of issues.
Some years ago, Bene called to inform me about an attack on her by robbers, who dispossessed her
“With the death of Comrade Bene a genuine revolutionary has indeed departed from our midst”
of some valuables. From her voice it was evident she was seriously traumatised. In the evening of the following day I called to ask about her condition and how to replace some of the lost items especially the handsets. Her response: “KK, I had expected you would be in Calabar by now given what happened to me.” I was speechless and moved to tears. I arrived Calabar two days later in the true sense of solidarity.
The day I introduced my wife, Funmi, to Bene as my fiancée, Bene told her that I was her son and she should be conscious of the implication of getting married to a Marxist socialist. From that day on she also adopted Funmi as a daughter. When she died the sad news was broken to our children as the death of the grandma in Calabar. Very early in the relationship, Bene and Eddie left me in no doubt about my integration into their family apart from the fact that all of us belonged to the same movement as comrades. There was an issue on which both of them not only agreed to seek my view but to consent whatever verdict I passed on the matter. With Bene behind the steering in their blue Volkswagen Beetle, the comrades came from Calabar to see me, a 22-year old youth corps member, in Takum Taraba State (it was then part of the old Gongola State). I shared a humble three-bed room flat with two other corps members. To the amazement of my co-tenants who had known my visitors by reputation as radical lecturers, we didn’t look for a hotel room. Eddie and Bene spent the night in the little house where we had frank and comradely discussions till early hours of the following day. Issues were resolved and the visitors returned to Calabar in the morning. Till I left Takum other youth corps members kept talking about the comradeship displayed by Bene and Eddie. Invariably, a tribute to the memory of Bene would compel a salute to Eddie, in particular for one reason. The last seven years of Comrade Bene battling with Alzheimer’s have indeed been trying times for Eddie. His movement has been restricted to Calabar (without any court order!) as the chief career of Bene. I often told those who asked after Eddie that he had been virtually a detainee as he took care of Bene every day. The condition of Bene has also progressively drained Eddie physically, mentally, emotionally and, of course, materially. But he has soldiered on with a rare dedication to his wife and comrade.
In a tribute paid to Bene on her 70th birthday, Eddie dwelt on “the meaning and attributes of love.” Eddie, who professes no religion, wrote inter alia: “I refer my readers - revolutionaries and nonrevolutionaries, Christians and non-Christians- to what Saint Paul said in the 13th Chapter of the First Letter to the People of Corinth…” My comrade was referring to this passage in the Bible: “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love’’ - 1 Corinthians 13:13 Eddie found himself later in a psychological laboratory for testing this biblical doctrine for seven years. I dare say that he has done incredibly well by demonstrating to Bene the genuine love while she might not even be conscious of his presence. Yet, this tribute would not be complete without expressing gratitude to comrades, friends, colleagues and well -wishers who have shown love and solidarity to both Bene and Eddie in the last seven years. The support received so far has been nothing but great.
With the death of Comrade Bene a genuine revolutionary has indeed departed from our midst. May her tribe increase.
Late Madunagu