THURSDAY 16TH JANUARY 2025

Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, others recorded highest increases

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2025 Budget: N'Assembly Proposes N25trn Revenue Target for FIRS

in Lagos

Shettima, led by

of the Guards Brigade, stood in for Tinubu.

ABU DHABI SUSTAINABILITY WEEK SUMMIT...

Sustainability week Summit, 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center...

Tax Reform Bill: ASUU Warns FG Not

to Scrap TETFUND for NELFUND

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sokoto Zone, has warned the federal government not to phase out the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), saying it has helped to transform tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria in the last three decades.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Sokoto, the chairman of the Sokoto zone, Professor Abubakar Sabo, explained that suffocating the funding source of TETFund to run the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) would destroy public education in the country.

“The only source of funding is from TETFund, so when you destroy it, you have destroyed public universities,” Sabo stated.

He alleged that some members of the ruling class “want to destroy public universities and ensure that the children of the poor remain slaves”.

The ASUU chairman faulted the tax reform bills introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration. He said stakeholders were not consulted within the educational sector before the bills were sent to the National Assembly.

Sabo said, “TETFund is a product of ASUU. You can’t make the tax laws without meeting with ASUU for inputs before proposing it before the National Assembly.

“The Vice Chancellors were not consulted; Pro-Chancellors were not consulted. The people sat down somewhere and said over the next five years let’s scrap it without consulting those who initiated this bill that has transformed Nigerian public universities.

“That’s not how to work in a system. That’s not how to run a country that is democratic.”

Sabo maintained that rather than systematically phasing out TETFund, which derived its funding from consolidated revenue from company income tax, the government should bankroll the newly formed NELFUND from Value Added Tax (VAT).

According to him, “Let that Act that was initiated in 1993 that has transformed all Nigerian universities, be allowed to stay. If you want to drive NELFUND, go and look for ways to fund it. Don’t take from the one that is in existence to fund it.

“When you go around all Nigerian universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education today, 90 per cent of

the physical structures you have there are products of this struggle for TETFUND.

“But this tax bill is saying that by the year 2030, it should be scrapped and merged with NASENI and NITDA and then reduced to two per cent.”

He explained, “When you go outside the country, companies fund universities, they give grants, which companies are not doing in Nigeria. The only one they are doing is this two per cent. So, they should not look

at it as tax but investment to produce graduates that would work for you.

“Other countries in Africa are emulating this TETFund. I will give you an example: Ghana. Because of this, in 2021, Ghana passed their GETFUND - Ghana Education Trust Fund. They got theirs from VAT.”

Sabo further stated, “If you are starting your programme, which is NELFUND, there is no problem. Challenge the academia, we will tell you how to fund it. We will give you

a way to fund it without tampering with the one on the ground.”

The union asked the government to “let the poor breath” and not suffocate them with anti-people policies.

Sabo stated, “Our issue with NELFUND is that in a country like Nigeria, it should be grants; and not a loan.

“All the universities are increasing their fees now; jerking up their fees so that the students will borrow more loans from this NELFUND,

encumbering the children of the poor.

“Allow TETFund as approved by the military based on the efforts of Nigerian lecturers, for whom many died: Mahmood Tukur died for that struggle. Don’t destroy it because once you destroy it, you have destroyed Nigerian education. “It is not about ASUU; it is about the future of Nigeria. Nigerian government gives less than 10 per cent to education. In West Africa, the minimum budget allocation is 15 per cent.”

FERMA Defends N64.88bn Budget Proposal, Laments Paucity of Funds

The budget, the agency said, prioritises major trunk ‘A’ roads within the six geopolitical zones, aligning with President Bola Tinubu‘s development and economic recovery objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. However, the amount is less than

Lagos Govt Reiterates Commitment to Women's Empowerment, Financial Inclusion

what was proposed for the budget circle in the year 2024, separate statements in Abuja signed by FERMA’s spokesperson, Maryam Sanusi and a spokesman at the Works Ministry, Mohammed Ahmed, stated.

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday restated its commitment to women's empowerment and financial inclusion in hard-toreach communities for them to be independent and self-reliant.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sustainable Development Goals, SDG, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, spoke on Lagos State Government's commitment during an advocacy programme for over 100 women at Odomola in the Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the Epe area of Lagos State.

Speaking at the event held at the Aimasiko Compound, Alasko Hospital Bus Stop in Odomola, Finnih advised women to ensure

they are engaged in one business or the other, no matter how small, to be financially empowered, with a call on them to imbibe saving culture.

Dr. Finnih, represented by her Technical Assistant, Dr. Oluwunmi Akinlade, said the advocacy programme in partnership with Human Capital Development (HCD) Africa was to increase advocacy for women's financial inclusion in hard-to-reach communities as well as increase awareness of data's role in delivering better HCD outcomes.

She said it was important to educate women on financial literacy to empower them.

"Our advice to women is to make sure that they save. We want every woman to be able to fend for herself.

We want women to be financially independent. We don't want them to depend solely on any man.

“We don't want to depend on other people, especially if we have children. We want to take care of our children and make sure that we have enough money to do whatever we want," she said.

Also speaking, representatives of the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA), Mr. Kayode Yusuf, and the National Identification Management Commission (NIMC), Mr. Saheed Adebayo, while educating the women in Epe on the importance of data for development, urged the women to ensure they are captured for the exercise.

Yusuf said LASSRA registration is

very important for Lagos residents because it helps the state government to plan on how to meet the community needs in terms of planning and provision of amenities, while Adebayo said NIN is important for every citizen of Nigeria.

Speaking during the event, some of the beneficiaries, especially those who were captured for NIN and LASSRA as well as those who opened bank accounts with some financial institutions on the ground, commended the Lagos State Government, HCD Africa, and other partners for coming to their communities for the advocacy programme which they noted has changed their orientation on financial inclusion and the importance of data.

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, who is also the supervising minister of the agency, while speaking during the agency's budget defence before the joint session of the National Assembly on FERMA, stated that N96.7 billion was allocated to FERMA in 2024, but was later increased to N103.3 billion by theThepresident.minister further recalled that during the committee’s oversight visit to the agency’s headquarters last year, it was observed that the yearly budget allocation to the agency was inadequate to cater to the task of maintaining the nation’s extensive network of federal roads which will require over N700 billion.

“ I want to implore this esteemed committee to support the agency to ensure the sustainability of road infrastructure maintenance. The benefits of increased financial support will ensure scaling up preventive maintenance, and promote sustainable road maintenance practices," Goronyo added.

The minister assured that FERMA was committed to ensuring transparency and accountability, using data-driven decision-making and regular community engagement in road maintenance planning.

“FERMA is in the process of developing, modifying and redefining key policies which will generate resources for the agency to proactively maintain our roads for ease of movement of people, goods and services,” Goronyo stated.

In his presentation before the committee, the Managing Director of FERMA, Emeka Agbasi, reiterated the paucity of funds of the agency, noting that adequate funding was needed to enable the agency to increase its activities in preventive maintenance and other interventions on federal roads across the country.

Says such move will destroy public varsities TETFund product of ASUU; other African countries emulating it Education sector stakeholders, VCs, pro-VCs not consulted Office of SDGs, HCD Africa, others educate Epe women on financial literacy Minister says agency requires over N700bn annually

He stressed that the agency was faced with enormous challenges as a result of low budgetary allocation. He noted that inadequate release of funds for the 2024 budget, had negatively affected the ability of the agency to maintain the roads.

Other challenges he enumerated that are facing the agency include the age of the roads, stressing that many of the roads were constructed in the early 70s and they require total rehabilitation.

Also, he pointed out that abuse of the roads by Nigerians was another factor that was reducing the lifespan of Nigerian roads.

However, he informed the committee that equipment worth N3.3 billion was donated to the agency by the Government of Japan and will soon be commissioned as part of the achievements recorded in 2024.

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

L-R: President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan; and President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, during the second day of Abu Dhabi

yesterday

BILATERAL MEETING ON THE SIDELINES OF SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT...

Telcos to Disconnect Nine Banks by January 27 over N160bn USSD Debt

Emma Okonji

Telecom operators (Telcos) would from Monday, January 27, disconnect nine banks from having access to its Unstructured Supplementary Service

Data (USSD) code over their failure to pay the USSD services debts, which accumulated to over N200 billion as of October 2024.

The accumulated sum however dropped to over N160 billion as of

November 2024, after some banks paid off their debts.

The nine banks included Fidelity Bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Jaiz Bank, Polaris Bank, Sterling Bank, United Bank for Africa

(UBA), Unity Bank, Wema Bank and Zenith Bank.

The decision to disconnect the indebted banks from having access to the USSD code was sequel to an approval given by the Nigerian

Chevron Advocates Continuous Research to Sustain Nigeria's Environment for Devt

Awards grants to two doctoral candidates

Oil and gas giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited has stressed the need to sustain the environment for Nigeria's development and prosperity through continuous research aimed at finding new and better ways to preserve nature. Chevron has also unveiled two fresh beneficiaries of the S.L. Edu Research Grant, funded by the multinational oil and gas company in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF).

Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Jim Swartz, made the call during his goodwill message at the 23rd Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture held in Lagos, with the theme: "Greening Africa’s Economies: Can Climate Positive Growth Deliver Prosperity?"

Represented at the occasion by Chevron's General Manager, Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu, Swartz emphasised the need for a collaborative work towards environmental conservation, which he viewed as a key factor for attaining well-being, economic growth, andHeprosperity.

said Edu's vision for the NCF still thrived after 45 years and commended the foundation for upholding the vision and strengthening the institution as a leader in nature conservation in Nigeria and beyond.

He said the theme of the event addresses the critical impact of climate issues on economies and environments and lauded the guest speaker and former Nigeria's Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for providing erudite insight into the theme.

The Chevron boss further noted that Osinbajo's presentation which was a call to action inspired optimism and underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to achieve Africa's sustainable future.

He said Chevron Nigeria values a lower-carbon future, investing in reducing carbon intensity and expanding lower-carbon businesses.

According to Swartz, Chevron Corporation is a signatory of the Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change and Chevron Nigeria supports Chevron Corporation’s commitment to global net-zero goals.

He maintained that Chevron Nigeria enhances environmental performance with innovative projects in energy efficiency, flare reductions, renewables, and carbon capture, adding that in Nigeria, the company collaborates with the National Climate Change Council on developing the Carbon Market Framework.

Swartz stated, "Chevron Nigeria’s vision is to be the regional energy company most admired for its people, partnership, and performance. We aim to develop affordable, reliable, ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress.

"In line with our vision, we have maintained a mutually beneficial partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), producing commendable projects to conserve our environment and build Nigeria’s economy.

"One of the projects is the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) built with funds provided by Chevron Corporation in 1992 as a reserved sanctuary for the rich flora and fauna of the Lekki Peninsula and a significant uptake of available Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the environment.

"Today, the LCC has become one of Africa’s most prominent and diverse urban parks. It attracts tourists from all over the world, thus contributing to the nation’s economy.

“The LCC is also known as a safe habitat for several species of plants and animals going extinct and has attracted several educational researchers."

Reiterating Chevron's pride in supporting the annual Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture and sponsor a Research Grant Scheme in memory of the late icon, the managing director stated, "To sustain our environment for development and prosperity, there is a need for continuous research to

find new and better ways to preserve nature."

In this regard, he recalled that since 2006, through the S.L. Edu Research Grant and in partnership with the NCF, Chevron Nigeria Limited has continued to award scholarships to doctoral candidates whose research works were on environmental conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria.

According to him, about 38 PhD students have benefited from the grant since its inception.

He congratulated the two awardees unveiled at the occasion - Mr. Johanna Christopher Tumba of the University of Jos and Ms. Oluwatoyin Mary Oluyinka of the University of Ibadan,

saying the company looked forward to their contributions to the body of knowledge in the nature conservation space.

"I also encourage every one of us to commit to preserving our environment. As we seek to address the impact of climate issues on economies and the environment, let us continue to work together to create a more sustainable future for all.

“Let us prioritise environmental integrity and equitable solutions to keep global climate goals within reach.

"With the right sensitisation, advocacy, and action, we can collectively contribute and deliver needed Climate-Positive Growth for Prosperity," Swartz added.

Communications Commission (NCC), to all telecoms operators to withdraw the USSD services on January 27.

The NCC yesterday issued a public notice of approval to the telecoms companies to withdraw the USSD services from the nine banks still indebted to the telecoms operators.

Going by the NCC’s approval, all customers of the nine banks would not be able to access the USSD code for financial transactions from January 27, a development that may compel the affected banks’ customers to switch their banking services to other banks, to enable them to continue using the USSD code for their banking transactions.

According to the public notice issued by NCC and signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, “The NCC hereby notifies members of the public that it has granted approval to telecoms companies to disconnect USSD codes assigned by the commission to financial institutions that are indebted to the telecoms companies, if such institutions do not settle the outstanding invoices by Monday, January 27, 2025.

“NCC will therefore recover such codes and may reassign them to other applicants in accordance with the applicable instruments. In fulfillment of its consumer protection mandate the commission wishes to

inform consumers that they may be unable to access the USSD platform of the affected banks from January 27, 2025.”

According to NCC, of a total of 18 financial institutions, the nine listed failed to comply significantly with the directives of the second joint circular of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the NCC, dated December 20, 2024 for the settlement of outstanding invoices due to telecoms companies since 2019.

The USSD short codes are used by bank customers to conduct banking Services, which are preferred by some banking customers because they can be used to carry out electronic transactions without the need for a smartphone, and without the data for connectivity. The USSD debt had been accumulating since September 2019 to date, reaching over N200 billion, but dropped to over N160 billion as at November 2024, after some banks cleared their outstanding debts. The banks were supposed to remit N6.98 kobo to telecoms operators from the total amount they charge customers for every financial transaction carried out on the USSD platform, but the banks refused to remit any amount since 2019 that the agreement was reached between the banks and the telcos, which accumulated over time.

Oyetola Urges Agencies to Align Their 2025 Budget Proposals with Blue Economy

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has charged agencies under the Ministry to align and prioritise their 2025 budget proposals in line with the pillars of the national policy on Marine and Blue Economy and the 2021-2025 National Development Plan.

The Minister who made this known yesterday, in Abuja, during the Ministry’s session with agencies to consider their 2025 budget proposals, expressed optimism that the budget proposals would further consolidate the plan of the Ministry to develop Nigeria's marine and blue economy potentials.

While urging the agencies to demonstrate transparency, fiscal prudence, and strategic prioritisation, he said: "Our fiscal strategy must

reflect the ambitions outlined in our policy framework. We are tasked with ensuring that every naira allocated delivers a measurable impact."

He added: "I hope that the 2025 budget will not only provide for the immediate needs of this Ministry/ Agencies, but will serve as a catalyst for sustainable marine resource management and long-term national economic growth."

He affirmed that the marine and blue economy sector holds unparalleled potential for national development as it provides a sustainable platform for economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship, adding that attaining these, aligns with the key priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President as it relates to Marine and Blue Economy.

Oyetola, further stated that re-

sources should be channelled towards strengthening the maritime sector through investments in surveillance systems, operations, and enforcement of maritime laws.

He highlighted the need to enhance capacity in aquaculture, fishing ports, and curbing illegal and unregulated fishing activities in the sector.

Other priority areas such as promoting oceanographic research, stock assessment, renewable marine energy, and climate resilience technologies; he said should equally be on the front burner of the agencies.

On the draft National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, the Minister stated that the policy was not just a document, but a roadmap that would guide collective efforts towards the sustainable management of marine resources, climate adaptation, technological innovation and

enhanced governance in the sector.

"This policy embodies our commitment to international best practices and sustainable development goals particularly SDG 14, which emphasises the sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources," he added.

The Heads of Agencies in attendance included: the Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, National Inland Waterways, Nigerian Shippers' Council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research, Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology and the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (L) with President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan during a

Peter Uzoho

SIGNING OF MOU BETWEEN FCCPC AND NCC...

L-R: Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Tunji Bello and Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr

Maida, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on regulatory collaboration between FCCPC and NCC, held at the FCCPC head office, Abuja ... yesterday

FAAN Shops for N580 Billion to Rehabilitate 21 Airports’ Runways

Ibrahim commends reforms under Kuku

Chinedu Eze

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has revealed that it requires over N580 billion for the rehabilitation of runways of the 21 airports under its management.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, during a tour of Lagos airport facilities by the new Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Kana Ibrahim.

Kuku explained that the runways of the airports built in the late 70s have outlived their lifespan and needed total rehabilitation.

“N580 billion is required to fix runways across all airports, their life span is between 20 to 25 years but most of the airports were built in 1978. “Many of FAAN’s facilities, including terminals and runways, are aging and in need of significant repairs and upgrades.

“This affects operational efficiency and safety and necessitates substantial investment for modernisation. Also, despite efforts to enhance security at airports, FAAN continues to face challenges in managing security risks, particularly with the increase in air travel and the potential for terrorist activities or other threats at key airport locations.

“On land encroachment, due to lack of perimeter fence, the Authority landmass is constantly being encroached on all over the country,” Kuku explained.

She also said obsolete equipment such as old fire tenders, generators, air conditioning systems conveyor lines with worn-out slats, belts and motors,

could be found in many airports that have low efficiency and have high maintenance cost.

She said FAAN plans to modernise airport infrastructure by renovating terminals, expanding runways, and upgrading navigational aids, disclosing that in 2025, the construction of a new and befitting headquarters for FAAN would also be a top priority, providing a centralised and modern facility to enhance operational efficiency.

Kuku added that priority would be given to improving critical facilities at major international airports and enhancing regional airport capacity to meet growing passenger and cargo demands.

“We need to be deliberate about it. So many haphazard jobs and abandoned projects at the airports. The runways require major rehabilitation,” she said.

The FAAN Managing Director also disclosed that the Authority plans to increase its revenue for 2025 by adopting innovative strategies to increase non-aeronautical revenue streams, such as commercial concessions, advertising, real estate development, and cargo operations.

Kuku, who reiterated that N128.7 billion was remitted into the Federation account in 2024, noted that a reduction in revenue leakages in 2024 led to about 93 percent in net inflows as compared to 2023.

While itemising challenges of the Authority, she lamented that those challenges have impacted the agency’s efficiency and operational capacity.

On its strategic focus areas for 2025, she said in addition to adopting innovative strategies to increase

revenue; FAAN would also focus on Public Private Partnership (PPP) to expand investment opportunities and develop underutilised assets.

According to her, to ensure compliance with global standards, FAAN would invest in state-of-the-art security systems, including biometric screening and advanced surveillance technologies.

“Staff training on aviation security and safety procedures will be intensified to address emerging challenges and risks in the industry.

“FAAN will upgrade and maintain e-procurement systems to reduce technical downtimes, we plan to align FAAN’s goals with National Aviation policies and international standards.

“FAAN will also integrate environmentally sustainable practices into its operations, focusing on energy efficiency, waste management, and carbon emission reductions. “The Authority will collaborate with industry stakeholders to adopt green airport initiatives and promote environmental stewardship. FAAN will prioritise

increasing its workforce strength to support growing operations and ensure employee welfare through improved working conditions, comprehensive training, and enhanced benefits,” Kuku added.

Ibrahim, in response, expressed strong confidence in the ongoing transformation within Nigeria’s aviation sector and attributed this progress to the solid structural framework at FAAN, driven by Kuku’s strategic leadership. Ibrahim equally credited the success recorded in the aviation industry,

including FAAN to the dynamic and visionary leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo. He noted that the Minister's proactive policies and strategic direction have created an enabling environment for growth and innovation within the aviation sector.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s full support for FAAN, Ibrahim pledged to work closely with the management of the agency to sustain the momentum of development.

Adeleke Pledges Support for FG's Reforms in Livestock Sector

Reaffirms commitment to make Osun nation’s food basket

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has given a nod to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government in its ongoing commitment to boost the agricultural sector of the country. Governor Adeleke who applauded the reforms currently being embarked on by the FG in the sector with a Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee set up recently, described it as one initiative well intended that couldn't have come at a better time than now.

A press statement made available to newsmen yesterday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, revealed Governor Adeleke pledged the readiness of his administration to key into the initiative while granting audience to Professor Attahiru Jega-led Presidential Livestock Reforms Initiative Committee in his office.

According to Alimi, the advocacy visit which took place at the Exco Chambers, Governor’s Office, State Secretariat, afforded the Osun helmsman the opportunity to reel out

National Assembly Cautioned Against Passage of NGO Regulatory Bill

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A Non-Governmental Organisation based in Kwara State, Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), has urged the National Assembly to have a rethink the NGO Regulatory Bill in order to save the country from its negative effects on the masses.

The National Assembly is currently considering the enactment of an Act to provide for the Establishment of NGO Regulatory Commission.

The bill which would supervise, coordinate and monitor NGOs and

CSOs had gone through first and second readings and is presently at the committee phase at the House of Representatives.

A key issue that the Bill seeks to introduce is a new form of registration where the Board will have powers to license all NGOs. Without the license of the Board, no NGO can operate. This is proposed by the Bill, notwithstanding extant laws regulating all aspects of the operations of voluntary organisations.

However, speaking in Ilorin, yesterday, on the sidelines of the sensitisation programme on gender

justice and inclusiveness policy dialogue organised for people of Kwara Central Senatorial District at Adewole Ward in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state, the team lead of BBYDI, Mrs. Bashirah Abdulganiyu, stated that the bill if passed into law would affect the activities of NGOs in the country.

She said the current challenges in the country need the support of the non- governmental organisations so as to advance the needs and support of all and sundry.

She stated since the government cannot do it alone, hence there is need to have private sector to

contribute to growth and development of the society. She called on the representatives of the state at the national assembly to reject the idea of enacting a bill to regulate the activities of non-governmental organisations in the country.

Mrs. Abdulganiyu however noted further that placing more priority on a gender above the other is against the principles of justice and fairness. According to her, parents should do away with the old fashion that place the male child above the female gender.

many of the reforms being currently put in place in Osun State with a view to making it one of the food baskets of Nigeria in terms of food security and abundance.

Part of the press statement by Alimi in respect of Governor Adeleke’s commitment to the FG's initiative on livestock read:

"My administration is irrevocably committed to any initiative by the FG that will put more foods on the tables of the people of Nigeria.

"While I welcome your team to my dear Osun, the State of the Living Spring, it will interest you to hear that my administration is not leaving any stone unturned to buy this idea.

"One of the efforts of my administration in this regard, among others, was the recent procurement of thirty-one tractors given to the farmers in the state, aimed at boosting food sufficiency.

"In addition to this, seedlings and other incentives are being given to farmers at will by my administration using a wellstructured implementation drive being organized ceaselessly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in my state.

“My dear Professor Jega and your team, at the risk of sounding immodest, I want to tell you with all sense of responsibility, that my State, Osun is enormously endowed and blessed with arable lands and forests, which if fully harnessed in the best way, will ensure food security and create more job opportunities, not only for my

people here in Osun but Nigeria as a whole.

"To this end, I want to earnestly declare my interest in this FG's initiative to boost food production and very soon, I will put in place a strong committee of egg heads in the field of Agriculture, to design a good template for Osun on the best way to reform the livestock sector."

Earlier, the Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Initiative Reforms Committee and former Chairman, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said his team was in Osun State to sell the idea of the committee and its overall objectives, which, if bought into, will go a long way in making Osun to benefit maximally. Prof. Jega particularly appealed to Governor Adeleke to set up a Ministry of Livestock in Osun State or any agency in that regard that will see to the realisation of the dream of the FG to make livestock available in large quantity throughout Nigeria.

To give it the needed backing, the Professor Attahiru Jega’s Presidential Livestock Initiative Reforms Committee urged Governor Adeleke to back it up with an enabling legislation through the State House of Assembly.

He also called on Governor Adeleke to engage the services of critical stakeholders in livestock production in addition to creating good awareness on the immense importance of reforming the sector for the good and happiness of all Nigerians.

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Aminu

PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

Israel, Hamas Reach Ceasefire Deal 15 Months into War

Over 46,700 killed, 110, 000 injured since conflict started

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A ceasefire deal that will take off on Sunday has been reached between Israel and Hamas, more than 15 months into the devastating war in Gaza, Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. He said the deal will lead to the release of Israeli captives and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. The war in Gaza has killed at least 46,707 Palestinians and wounded 110,265 since October 7, 2023, according to reports. In the same vein, at least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day and more than 200 were taken captive.

Also, the outgoing US President, Joe Biden, confirmed the deal, saying that “dogged and painstaking American diplomacy” led to the agreement.

“It is the result not only of the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under and the changed regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran — but also of dogged and painstaking American diplomacy,” Biden said in a statement.

He noted that he put forward “the precise contours” of the plan in May of last year. “My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done,” he added. Critics have slammed the Biden administration for failing to condition US aid to Israel in order to pressure the top American ally to agree sooner to end its war on Gaza.

The US provides Israel with at least $3.8 billion in military assistance annually, and researchers at Brown University recently estimated that the Biden administration provided

an additional $17.9 billion since the Gaza war began in October 2023, Al Jazeera reported.

The ceasefire in Gaza will take effect on Sunday, January 19, Qatar’s prime minister said in his press conference, adding that talks were continuing with Israel and Hamas on the implementation of the deal. Israel said there were still unresolved issues.

“Due to the strong insistence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas folded on its last-minute demand to change the deployment of (Israeli) forces in the Philadelphi Corridor. However, several items in the framework have yet to be finalised; we hope that the details will be finalised tonight,” a statement from the Israeli government said.

In an interesting angle to the development, US President-elect, Donald

Trump, took credit for brokering an “epic” ceasefire agreement in Gaza, saying the breakthrough only happened as a “result of our historic victory” in the November 2024 presidential election.

Trump said on his Truth Social network that the deal, “signalled to the entire world that my administration would seek peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies”. He added: “We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more victories for the United States!”

US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action (USCPR Action) said the “era of Israel’s impunity must now come to a

swift end” after a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.

Save the Children said in a statement that hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children were in urgent need of shelter, food and medical supplies.

“For 15 months, about one million children in Gaza have been caught in a living nightmare with loss, trauma and risks to their lives at every turn,” said the group’s CEO, Inger Ashing.

“If implemented, this pause will bring them vital reprieve from the bombs and bullets that have stalked them for more than a year. But it is not enough and the race is on to save children facing hunger and disease as the shadow of famine looms.

“The pause must be permanent, and efforts urgently ramped up to end the siege and vastly increase the entry of aid,” Ashing said.

According to the Hamas delegation in Doha, the provisions Hamas

and

the remaining hostages, according to the Hamas delegation.

2025 BUDGET: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PROPOSES N25TRN REVENUE TARGET FOR FIRS

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance yesterday commended the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for surpassing its target last year. The FIRS got a N19.4 trillion revenue target in 2024 but succeeded in generating N21.6 trillion.

Impressed by the performance, the panel proposed a N25 trillion tax collection or revenue generation target for the FIRS in the 2025 appropriation bill.

The Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance , Hon Saidu Musa Abdullahi, described the performance by the FIRS as unprecedented. He said, "The feat attained by FIRS on revenue collection or generation in 2024 was unprecedented and a very wonderful one, worthy of commendation.

"That you surpassed the target set for the agency in the 2024 Appropriation Act, from N19.4trillion

to N21.6 trillion is very cheering and encouraging.”

He, however, urged the FIRS boss to understudy the template being used in South Africa which according to him, generates revenue from tax collections far above that of Nigeria.

He said the South Africans achieved that despite having a smaller population of about 45 to 54 million people when compared to Nigeria’s population of 200 million.

"We shall give you total support on your tax reform but you need

to bring in more number of taxable citizens into net from the informal sector," he said.

However, the Chairman of the joint committee, Senator Sani Musa, told the FIRS boss that the N25 trillion projected for the agency in 2025 was what he should work with and possibly surpass as it did in 2024. Musa said, "FIRS should work with the N25trn projected revenue set for it in 2025. It is achievable and even surpassable."

TINUBU, AKPABIO, ABBAS, ATIKU, SARAKI, GOVS, OTHERS CELEBRATE ARMED FORCES DAY

The vice president led other senior government officials to lay the wreaths at the cenotaph, and he also performed the ceremonial release of white pigeons from the cage in commemoration of the event.

Top government functionaries at the occasion included Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; service chiefs; and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by his deputy, Benjamin Kalu; and Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, were also in attendance.

Present, too, were Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; and members of the diplomatic corps.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Saraki; and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, also celebrated the armed forces at this year’s remembrance day.

Across the states of the federation, governors likewise marked the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. They celebrated the military and their role in the democracy.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an annual event organised by the Ministry of Defence to honour the country's fallen heroes, who paid the ultimate price for the sake of humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, Peace Support Operations around the world, as well as various internal security operations.

In commemoration of the end of the Nigerian civil war on January 15, 1970, that date was chosen to mark the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria. Nigeria had previously marked the event on November 11 alongside other Commonwealth nations.

Atiku,

Saraki, Obi

Salute Fallen Heroes

Atiku, Saraki, and Obi, yesterday, felicitated with Nigeria's fallen heroes on the occasion of Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Atiku, who took to his X space, said, “On this #ArmedForcesRememberance2025, I pay tribute to the sacrifices of the men and women in uniform. May their sacrifices never

be in vain. #ThankASoldier.”

Saraki, in his statement, also on X, said, "For me, Armed Forces Remembrance Day is not just another day on the calendar – it's a solemn reminder of duty, unity, and the unyielding strength of our brave men and women in uniform.

“Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting with veterans and their families, and I have come to understand that their sacrifices go far beyond the battlefield.

“Their service is a powerful reminder that the freedoms that we enjoy today did not come free – they were paid for with courage, sacrifice, and love of country.

“So, today, as we remember those who have fallen, let us also honour those who are left behind – the mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, sons and daughters – who carry the heavy burden of loss, but continue to move forward with resilience.

“To all the fallen heroes – and to those who continue to stand watch – we say, ‘Thank you’. Your dedication to Nigeria is something we can never fully repay, but we will never forget.”

Obi stated, “Today, our dear nation commemorates Armed Forces Remembrance Day – a solemn occasion dedicated to honouring our fallen military heroes, veterans, and active service members.

“I join millions of Nigerians in expressing profound gratitude to these gallant individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the peace and security of our beloved nation.

“I also extend my heartfelt encouragement to our active-duty military personnel stationed on various front lines, bravely combating the scourge of insecurity across the country.

“Your sacrifices are deeply appreciated.”

Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other state officials, yesterday, laid wreaths in honour of fallen heroes. Sanwo-Olu stated that the government would continue to support families of the fallen heroes.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, spoke at the parade and laying of wreaths ceremony to commemorate 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at TBS Arcade.

He said, “Every year, we put in the honour of fallen heroes. We all know they sacrificed their lives,

so it's an honour for them and we pray for them. And we also use this time to remember them. This is the culmination of when Mr. President launched this movement.

"Nigerians should also contribute, because those people left people behind, they are heroes.”

The governor encouraged Nigerians to help the children and other dependants of the fallen heroes.

He said the citizens should “always help to sustain our fallen heroes. So, that's basically the essence of this, to remember and to tell them that they cannot be forgotten".

Ogun

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said Nigerians should not only remember members of the Nigerian Army, who died or were injured during services to

their fatherland during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Rather, they should be remembered everyday, Abiodun said.

He made the comments after laying wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes, at the memorial arcade, Governor's Office, Okemosan, Abeokuta.

The event also witnessed gun salute, the last post, and release of pigeons, as the governor and other dignitaries took turns to lay the wreaths.

He challenged Nigerians to continue to seize the occasion to ensure that peace reigned in the land for socioeconomic and political development of the country.

Bayelsa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, called for concerted effort

Continued on page 44

In a related development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari has said the national oil company was the agency in Nigeria that publishes 100 percent of its account yearly.

Kyari stated this yesterday, during a presentation of the revenue generation performance of NNPCL in 2024 and projection for 2025 to the National Assembly joint committee on Finance.

He said the company remitted N10 trillion to the federation account as of September, 2024.

He added that NNPCL remains the highest tax payer in the country and, the highest payer of royalty and dividends.

He, however, said the company wants forensic audit to be conducted on money spent by it for the stabilisation of the price of petrol from January to September 2024 and uninterrupted supply of the product.

He said, "Until 1st October 2024 , NNPCL as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), acted as the supply of last resort on fuel supply which requires a forensic audit to know how much NNPCL is being owed or owing any agency.

"Our transactional account is very transparent which is published on yearly basis, making the NNPCL the only company in Nigeria noted for that and also the highest taxpayer in the country as well as the highest payer of royalty and dividends to

shareholders as a commercial national oil companies,” he said.

The NNPCL Group Chief Executive, however told the joint committee that revenue projection for 2025, will be made after the meeting of board of directors of the company in two weeks time.

He said the parameters for the 2025 budget proposal were realistic and realisable.

In his encounter with the joint committee on Finance the Managing Director of Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said the NPA remitted N753 billion into the consolidated revenue fund and projected N997 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.

The Committee, however, jerked up the projected revenue for 2025 from N997 billion to N1.75 trillion.

The increased revenue projection according to the joint committee chairmen, was done for the maximisation of the 56 revenue sources which NPA possessed.

Meanwhile, the joint National Assembly Committee on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs yesterday summoned the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu and Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein.

Edun, Bagudu and Madein are expected to appear before the panel over the poor funding of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) last year.

INFLATION RISES MARGINALLY TO 34.80% AMID HIGHER FOOD, ENERGY, COMMODITY PRICES

According to the CPI report for December, year-on-year, inflation was 5.87 percent higher than the 28.92 percent recorded in December 2023.

Month-on-month, however, inflation stood at 2.44 percent in December compared to 2.64 percent in November.

"This means that in December 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level is slightly lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in November 2024," the NBS stated.

Food inflation increased to 39.84 percent year-on-year in December compared to 33.93 percent in December 2023.

The rise in annual food inflation was attributed to increases in prices of yam, water yam, sweet potatoes, etc (potatoes, yam & other tubers class), beer, pinto (tobacco class) and guinea corn.

Other were maize grains, rice, (bread and cereals class), and dried fish-sadine, catfish dried, etc (fish class).

On a month-on-month basis, food inflation decreased by 0.32 percent to 2.66 percent compared to 2.98 percent in November.

The statistical agency attributed the decline to the rate of decrease in the average prices of local beer (burukutu), pinto (tobacco class), fruit juice in tin, malt drinks (soft drinks class), rice, millet, maize flour (bread and cereals class) and water yam, irish potatoes, coco yam (potatoes,

yam and other tubers class).

However, the All items less farm produce and energy or core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce and energy stood at 29.28 percent, year-on-year in December, up by 6.21 percent compared to the 23.06 percent in December 2023.

The increase in the core index was attributed to increases in prices of taxi journey per drop, bus journey intercity, journey by motorcycle (under passenger transport by road class), meals at local restaurants (accommodation service class), haircut service, women's hairdressing, women hair brush (hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments class).

Others were women's hand bag, traveling bags (medium size), and suitcase (appliances, articles and products for personal care class).

Month-on-month, core Inflation stood at 2.24 percent in December 2024 compared to 1.83 percent in November.

The urban inflation stood at 37.29 percent, year on year, compared to 31 percent in December 2023.

Month-on-month, the index stood at 2.56 percent in December compared to 2.77 percent in the preceding month.

On the other hand, rural inflation stood at 32.47 percent year-on-year compared to 27.10 percent in December 2023.

Month-on-month, rural inflation

dropped to 2.32 percent compared to 2.51 percent in November.

At the state level, year-on-year, the All Items inflation was highest in Bauchi (44.06 percent), Sokoto (42.43 percent), Kebbi (41.47 percent), while Katsina (28.33 percent), Delta (29.23 percent), and Imo (29.99 percent) recorded the lowest rise in headline index.

Month-on-Month, however, the highest increases were recorded in Kogi (5.40 percent), Cross River (4.38 percent), Sokoto (4.29 percent), while Yobe (-1.82 percent), Kano (-0.57 percent), and Abuja (- 0.02 percent) recorded decline in prices.

Year-on-year, food inflation was highest in Sokoto (57.47 percent), Zamfara (46.39 percent), Edo (46.32 percent), while Ogun (34.24 percent), Rivers (35.43 percent), and Kwara (35.58 percent) recorded the slowest rise.

Month-on-Month, however, the food index was highest in Kogi (6.53 percent), Sokoto (6.21 percent), and Cross River (5.90 percent) while Yobe (-3.21 per cent), Kano (-1.29 per cent) and Abuja (-0.79 per cent) recorded decline in food inflation.

Reacting to the latest CPI figures, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, stressed that inflationary pressures has continued to be a troubling feature of the Nigerian economy.

Yusuf said to ensure further moderation in inflationary pressures,

the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should put a pause on monetary policy tightening and interest rate hikes in order to reduce business operating costs. He further recommended a reduction in fiscal risks to macroeconomic stability through a reduction in fiscal deficit and deceleration in growth of public debt.

Yusuf said: "CPPE is worried about the current fixation of the National Assembly on revenue, especially the arbitrary revenue targets for MDAs.

"Excessive pressure on MDAs to boost revenue and increase IGR has profound inflationary implications.

"Reality is that such pressures are invariably transmitted to investors in form of higher fees, levies, penalties, import duties, regulatory charges etc.

"These outcomes are in conflict with government aspirations to boost investment, curb inflation and create jobs."

He advised that revenue targets should be based on empirical studies, absorptive capacity of the economy and due consideration of the wider economic implications.

He added that obsession with revenue would hurt investments, worsen inflationary pressures, aggravate poverty and impede economic growth.

"There should be a careful balance act between revenue growth aspirations, desire to boost investment and commitment to moderate inflation," Yusuf said.

agreed to include the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, including the Philadelphi corridor, in stages,

handing over 33 Israeli prisoners, dead and alive, in exchange for the release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations would be completed in stages for the release of

US President, Joe Biden

ABIODUN LAYING WREATH IN HONOUR OF FALLEN HEROES...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun laying wreath during the Special Parade/Laying of Wreath to mark the Year 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Arcade Ground, Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta... yesterday

Africa Must Decolonise Economic Structure to Achieve Devt, Says UNDP Resident Rep

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr. Ayodele Odusola, yesterday, warned that there could not be sustainable future development financing in Africa without genuine structural economic transformation. Odusola stated this while presenting the first Faculty Distinguished Personality Lecture of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences of the University of Ibadan.

The lecture was titled, “The Future of Development Finance in Africa.”

Odusola said structural transformation was the engine of high-powered growth and propellant of decent job creation.

While stating that the opinions expressed in his lecture were strictly his and not that of UNDP, he insisted that African countries must brace up to rely on their own resources and private financing, which would be bolstered by innovative financing, genuine structural transformation, and good governance.

He maintained that Africa must tackle corruption, stop Illicit Financial flows (IFFs) and redundant waivers, and end being experts in primary commodities export, stating that this will give them more choices for development policies and results than before.

Odusola disclosed that the future of development finance in Africa called for a decolonised economic structure. He said a structure built on being a supplier of cheap raw materials, consumers of industrialised goods from the advanced countries, and

destination of obsolete industrial equipment and technologies locked out Africa from being a major player in the global value chain.

Odusola stated, “Any financing architecture that continues to oil the extractive mechanism, without a genuine structural economic transformation anchored on food sovereignty, energy sovereignty, and technological sovereignty, will continue to create fiscal and debt traps, as well as low development equilibrium traps in Africa.

“The future of development

finance, in its political, institutional, and technical dimensions, must be seen in the context of enhanced global coherence and evolving political will directed at bringing about change in the present international financial architecture.

“Africa needs to be focused on becoming a major player in the Global South by avoiding the diversionary tactics of emerging geo-politics. In this context, trade should not be viewed by its own sake but as an instrument of development finance.

“In this regard, relevant policies

Otti Receives New Ohanaeze President General Mbata, Pledges Support of 7 Governors to Ensure His Success

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The newly-elected President General, PG, of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata has been assured that governors of the seven Ohanaeze Ndigbo states would provide a sure footing for him to succeed in his assignment.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia gave the assurance when he received Mbata and his Deputy, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, at his Umuehim Nvosi Country Home, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

He said the collective interest of his brother governors from the states that make up the Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the development and unity of the people.

A government house press release

Alex Enumah in Abuja

More trouble seems to be brewing for recently impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, as a document, which surfaced on the social media, reveals that his name is not in the record of legal practitioners in Nigeria. The document, a response by the Supreme Court to a verification request on the status of Obasa as a lawyer, was dated July 24, 2020 and signed by one Gertrude Karenton-Mordi on behalf of the Chief Registrar of the

said the brand new Ohanaeze president general and his deputy, visited Otti Tuesday to express their personal gratitude for his support and that of other governors in the recently conducted Ohanaeze Ndigbo election.

Otti said that Mbata is a good choice for Ohanaeze leadership, noting that he has known the PG for decades and therefore harbours no doubt that he would succeed in the onerous duty of leading Ndigbo.

His words: "I know your capacity and know what you stand for. I have no doubt that in this role, you will continue to do what you have been known for, which is consistency, truthfulness, fairness, equity, and transparency.

"I can vouch for you. I was very pleased when you showed interest.

My colleagues and I also looked at it, and we said if people like this are showing interest, they should be given an opportunity."

He acknowledged that the new Ohanaeze executives have tough job cut out for them.

The Abia governor told Mbata that he and his executives can count on the support of seven governors of the states covered by Ohanaeze.

According to Otti, "the seven of us all consulted, we all met, sometimes virtually. None of us has any personal interest. Our interest is the development and unity of our people" hence their readiness to make Ohanaeze live up to expectations.

"We all agreed that this time around, Ohanaeze should be focused on uniting the people, creating that leadership of our heritage, so that

we can all do well as a people."

Senator Mbata had earlier in his speech, thanked Governor Otti and the other governors, acknowledging that they actually made his emergence as Ohanaeze PG possible on January 10, 2025.

He noted that the presence of the governors during the election that produced the new National Executives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo signifies the importance that Otti and his colleagues attached to the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.

Mbata, who had represented Rivers East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, assured that his Ohanaeze leadership "will consult, collaborate, and cooperate with (Otti and his brother governors) all the way" to pursue and achieve common goals.

He also lauded Otti for the great work he is doing in Abia, saying that "I have known you sufficiently to know that this is exactly what is going to happen. I didn't expect anything less".

"We are hoping that we would be able to tap into your wealth of experience as somebody wellgrounded within the private and public spheres. Your approach and perspective to issues will be a lot more different," Mbata said.

Katsina

Supreme Court. Titled, "Re: Verification of Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria," the apex court, according to the document, advised the impeached speaker to come to the apex court with relevant documents for enrolment, as his name was not found in the apex court's records.

The document read, "We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 23rd July, 2020 and on the above captured subject matter.

"This is to inform you that we

have checked our records and cannot find the name: MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA on the numerous Rolls of Legal Practitioners kept in this Honourable Court.

"MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA is at liberty to come to this Honourable Court with his Call to bar and qualifying certificates for enrolment. If he has done a change of name, he is expected to show proof of same."

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Supreme Court, Dr Fetus Akande, confirmed the document, acknowledging that, "It emanated from our office."

Obasa had claimed to have received a bachelor's degree in Law from Lagos State University, Lagos, in 2006. However, an anonymous person on July 23, 2020 wrote the apex court seeking to confirm if the name of Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa was contained in the Rolls of Legal Practitioners at the apex court. Obasa was on Monday impeached as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, paving the way for the first female speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda. His offences bordered on gross misconduct and abuse of office.

and regulations should be put in place for trade to become a stimulus for development finance in Africa. The AFREXIM Bank, the Trade Bank, and other pan-African trade institutions should work together for a resultsoriented framework for Africa.”

Dean, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Ibadan, Professor Abiodun Folawewo, in his remarks, stated that adequate financial resources were needed for the African continent’s aspiration of building the “Africa We Want” to be possible.

Folawewo said, “It is important to note that the future of development finance in Africa requires paradigm change from the existing practice by African leaders of ‘kneeling with cap in hand, begging and looking up to financial assistance from the developed world.’” Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Aderonke Bayeroju, stated that one of the basic problems confronting many African countries was how to mobilise enough resources to address the development gaps in the face of fiscal constraints. Bayeroju said the topic of the lecture was “relevant to the development challenges being faced by African countries, especially Nigeria”.

Woos Investors to

Mineral, Agricultural Potential

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on investors to embrace the ‘numerous’ opportu- nities that exist in the mineral and agricultural landscape of the state. While declaring open a one-day capacity-building workshop for exporters in Katsina, Radda said the state has vast untapped agricultural, textiles and mineral resources that needed to be harnessed for ultimate productivity.

With the theme: ‘Unlocking Export Potentials: Strategies for Success’, the workshop was organised by the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA) at Munaj Event Centre, Katsina. Radda said: “Katsina State possesses vast untapped potential in agriculture, textiles and mineral resources that can substantially contribute to our export portfolio.” He explained his administration

has created enabling environment for businesses and taken concrete steps to diversify the state's economy and restore sustained growth and development.

He said the state government has made significant gains in the ongoing war against bandits and kidnappers as a base for the enthronement of a secure and stable investment by all investors.

Earlier, the KIPA Director-General, Ibrahim Tukur-Jikamshi, said Katsina remained one of the most attractive investment destinations in Nigeria because of its enormous potential in minerals, textiles and agriculture. He therefore urged both foreign and local investors to take advantage of the enormous economic opportunities thereof.

He added that the capacity-building workshop aligned with the Governor Radda-led administration’s commitment to strengthening small and medium enterprises in the state.

Dr. ARA , Daughter US A (For the Family)

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

When Celebration Becomes a Political Rallying Point

Though the ceremony was meant to bring together friends and family for holy matrimony and the celebration of love, the wedding of one of Governor a biodun Oyebanji’s children in Ibadan achieved more result as it united the Ekiti political class behind the governor. Raheem Akingbolu reports.

Three different events have taken place recently that were meant to be strictly private affairs, but they all contributed to the political resume of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.

The first was the Governor’s 57th birthday on December 21, 2024 which he tried unsuccessfully to curtail but ended up being used by the Ekiti people to celebrate him for his achievements. Then came December 26, 2024 when the Governor paid a Christmas homage to his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi at his Isan Ekiti country home, which also subtly set a tone for the Governor’s second term.

The last, and perhaps most politically significant event, was the January 4, 2025 wedding ceremony of the governor’s daughter in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The Oyebanjis and their in-laws were said to have settled for the first weekend of the year and Ibadan in an attempt to make the ceremony a private affair, but they were proved wrong.

According to a family source, the governor had thought most people would be busy with their families after the festive period and might not be able to attend the wedding, but members of his political family defied the exigency of the period and registered their presence at the Ibadan wedding.

“As much as possible, Governor Oyebanji tried to draw a line between official matters and personal issues, and that was what he tried to do during his daughter’s wedding, as he has consistently done with his birthday anniversary. Don’t forget, his family settled in Ibadan, where his wife worked before he assumed office in Ekiti as Governor. His choice of the ancient city was to try and make the wedding a family affair, but he was outsmarted. Politicians within and outside Ekiti who admire Governor Oyebanji saw the wedding as an opportunity to express their love for him. I must confess, the Governor was overwhelmed by the crowd, and I know he didn’t bargain for what he saw, especially with the presence of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Governors, National Assembly members, and who’s who in Ekiti politics,” the source said.

A similar display of love had taken place in December, 2024 when Governor Oyebanji, in

his usual style, had thought his birthday would be a private affair to share love with children with special needs and those in various orphanage homes in Ekiti. In 2022 and 2023, the governor succeeded in restricting his birthday celebration through special announcements. In 2024, he must have assumed that it had become a norm and that Ekiti people would accept it, but again people proved him wrong. Ekiti people, within and outside Nigeria, who had been waiting patiently for an opportunity to celebrate Oyebanji for what he’s doing in Ekiti, saw his 57th birthday as an opportunity to celebrate him. However, it didn’t attract any jamboree, but Ekiti people used the occasion to pour out their minds and drum their support for his re-election.

If the birthday anniversary was used by the people to express their love and appreciation for Oyebanji, the December 26 Christmas visit by the Governor to his predecessor at Isan Ekiti, which also coincided with a meeting/end-of-year get-together of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders across the 16 local governments areas, was a clear case of endorsement for a second term

in office.

Before the visit, political jobbers and armchair analysts had bombarded the streets with tales of a rift between Oyebanji and Fayemi. No doubt, former Governor Fayemi had had enough of the lies and was ready to puncture them. Contrary to his taciturn nature, Dr. Fayemi didn’t allow the opportunity to slip by; he seized it and gave his verdict on Oyebanji. He didn’t only commend Oyebanji for his performance in office, but the former Governor also declared support for Oyebanji’s second-term bid.

He said the governor had done creditably well, adding that he should be supported for continuity. Dr. Fayemi, however, said his endorsement does not mean other aspirants cannot contest for the governorship ticket.

His words: “I am a democrat, so I cannot discourage anybody from contesting for the party’s ticket. Anybody who feels he is capable can contest for the party’s ticket.

What I am saying is that, as for me and my entire family, we are for Biodun Oyebanji’s second term in office.

“We have all agreed that our governor is an Omoluabi who has performed exceedingly well within the last two years. And we all agreed that if we support him as our candidate, the people of Ekiti will joyfully follow us. So, the best thing to do is to rally support for him so

The o yebanjis and their in-laws were said to have settled for the first weekend of the year and Ibadan in an attempt to make the ceremony a private affair, but they were proved wrong. According to a family source, the governor had thought most people would be busy with their families after the festive period and might not be able to attend the wedding, but members of his political family defied the exigency of the period and registered their presence at the Ibadan wedding.

he can continue the good governance till 2030.

“I am a democrat, and during my time, I contested against no fewer than 30 other aspirants in 2007, and in 2018, not less than 26 other aspirants showed interest. So, as a democrat, I cannot ask anybody not to show interest. Anybody who feels he is sufficiently capable can show interest, should go ahead,” the former Governor added.

The declaration was greeted with thunderous applause from the over 5,000 party leaders in attendance at the meeting.

Oyebanji, who expressed appreciation to Fayemi and other party leaders, said he was humbled by the open declaration by his “boss, mentor, and benefactor.”

He said he will do everything possible not to disappoint Fayemi and other leaders of the APC.

Like the Isan meeting, the Ibadan wedding gathering suddenly became a political gathering and a unified platform for Ekiti political gladiators. Before the wedding, Oyebanji had been praised for uniting Ekiti political leaders, irrespective of their affiliations. The wedding, which took place at the serene University of Ibadan Conference Centre, lend credence to this popular notion.

Speaking on the relevance of the wedding to Ekiti unity and Oyebanji’s political relevance, a former member of the House of Representatives and current Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on National Assembly matters (House of Representatives), Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, said the Ibadan wedding has further spoken volumes of Governor Oyebanji as a unifier.

“While I congratulate Governor Oyebanji for the successful wedding, I congratulate him more for being a unifier and change agent. I was particularly delighted to see Ekiti leaders, irrespective of the parties, including the apolitical, under the same roof and celebrating with the state governor. It’s a rare feat, and I pray it continues,” Olanrewaju said.

As observed by the Presidential aide, one lesson that can be learned from the recent developments is that Oyebanji’s good nature, commitment to service, and his politics of unity are fast redefining the Ekiti political environment and repositioning the governor for a second term in office.

l-R: Gov Babajide sanwo-olu of lagos state, his Ekiti state counterpart, Abiodun oyebanji and Vice President Kassim shettima during oyebanji’s daughter’s wedding in Ibadan... recently

INSTALLATION OF LAMPEJO AS THE LEMO OF EGBALAND...

L-R: The Onijale of Ijaleland, Oba Michael Babalola; Lemo of Egbaland, Chief Oludotun Lampejo; Osile of Oke Ona

at the Installation of Lampejo as the Lemo of Egbaland, at the Alake's palace in Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State...recently.

Oba

Tinubu: Nigeria, Alongside Other Nations, Will Build Resilient, Equitable World for All

Seeks global cooperation to turn climate action into economic opportunity for Africa

President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria is ready to work with other nations to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable world for all.

Tinubu spoke yesterday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on the second day of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The president spoke on the topic, "From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future."

He declared that no single nation could walk the road to sustainability alone, stressing that global interconnectedness demand collective action, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.

According to Tinubu, "The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape.

"As leaders, stakeholders and citizens of our planet, we stand at a critical juncture in human history. To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate and act decisively as one global community."

Reiterating his administration's commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Tinubu assured the audience that the Nigerian government had developed actionable programmes in line with global expectations, bearing in mind Nigeria's economic and political expectations.

“My administration recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions and a just transition to clean and renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.

"Our energy transition plans, like many nations, are aimed at diversifying energy sources and reducing dependency on fossil fuels, prioritising the transition to cleaner energy sources as a cornerstone of our national development strategy."

The president added that Nigeria was developing infrastructure for the widespread use of Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles, and harnessing the potential in solid minerals to support the green energy transition.

He stressed that Nigeria was also implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance food security and lessen its destructive environmental impact. These included the introduction of the National Clean Cooking Policy, which aimed to promote clean energy, environmental and health benefits, and socio-economic development in the African region, Tinubu said.

He stated that government was working with local communities to implement solutions to mitigate the adverse consequences of the country's environmental challenges, such as deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution.

He said the challenges threatened

He said, "We have embraced a vision of sustainability that aligns with global aspirations while addressing local realities. Our efforts are anchored on three pillars: Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development.

the livelihoods of millions and called on partner countries to collaborate in mobilising resources to tackle them and embrace innovation and technology.

Tinubu stated, "To promote a Green Economy in Africa, we must focus on integrating sustainable practices in all sectors of our economy. These investments are capital intensive and require international support from

partner countries, including multinational organisations, development partners and individuals who share our vision of a sustainable, prosperous and equitable future.

"Nigeria became the first country in Africa to initiate funding of green projects through Sovereign Green Bond proceeds, the third issuance of which is in progress.

“We urge investors to partner with

us in this regard. Our administration remains committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria. "By partnering global leaders and harnessing the power of technology, we are finding new and innovative ways to address our environmental challenges. We have arable agricultural lands for advanced technological farming, including a bright future for Artificial Intelligence." Tinubu commended his United Arab Emirates counterpart, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for his invitation and foresight in organising the event. The event brought world leaders together to exchange views and perspectives on how to address the global challenges of the time collectively.

Minister: FG’s Strategic Reforms Will Address Poverty, Social Vulnerabilities

Emma Okonji and Agnes Ekebuike

The Minister of Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has said the federal government’s strategic reforms and interventions enshrined in its National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) would help reduce poverty in Nigeria, address social vulnerabilities, and foster sustainable growth.

Yilwatda, who said this yesterday on ARISE News Channels, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspaper, emphasised the administration's commitment to reducing poverty, and addressing social vulnerabilities across the country.

With over 24 million Nigerians

St. Gregory’s College Old Boys Pay Condolence

Visit to Family of Late Chief Olabode Emanuel

Wale Igbintade

Members of the St. Gregory’s College Old Boys Association (SGCOBA) have paid a condolence visit to the family of their esteemed Board of Trustees member, Chief Olabode Emanuel, who passed away on January 4, 2025.

The delegation, led by veteran advertising expert, Sir Steve Omojafor, was warmly received by members of the Emanuel family, including Justice Nike Coker, Chief Ade Emanuel, Prof. Ogunbiyi, Mrs. Anana Emanuel, Mr. Bobby Emanuel, and Ms. Gbemi Emanuel. During the visit, Omojafor conveyed the association's heartfelt condolences, describing the late Chief Olabode Emanuel as a remarkable

individual who transcended regional boundaries, viewing everyone as a fellow Nigerian, and particularly as a Gregorian.

He described the late Chief Olabode Emanuel as someone who was everything to everyone - a man in a million whom you could always rely on.

His words: “He never cared where you came from. Sometimes, Uncle Bode didn’t even need to know your name, as long as he knew you were a Gregorian, he welcomed you with open arms, whether at his office or his home. He would stop and help you wherever you met him.”

He encouraged the family to find comfort in the legacy left by the late Emanuel, noting that only the God determines when a person’s

time on earth has come to an end.

Omojafor reflected on the inevitability of death, reminding the family that every individual, at some point, must return to their Creator.

He said: “There’s a time to be born, and there’s a time to die. There’s a time to gather and a time to scatter. There’s a time to cry, and a time to laugh. There’s a time to mourn and a time to rejoice.

At this moment, we are all asking ourselves: are we mourning or rejoicing? Are we crying or laughing? We all know that a time will come for each of us to return to our Creator. As we grow older, we begin to look forward to it. When the Lord knocks on our door and says it’s time to come home, we must be prepared.”

that slipped into poverty between 2018 and 2023, according to World Bank data, Yilwatda described the data as “staggering” and highlighted the compounded challenges of climate change, flooding, desertification, and insurgency, as the major crisis that faced Nigeria within the period.

This, he said, adversely impacted agricultural produce, and left many Nigerians hungry and vulnerable.

The Minister highlighted significant strides of the government in addressing the issues, which include the conditional cash transfer programme embarked upon by the federal government.

According to him, between October and November 2024, the ministry disbursed payments to five million beneficiaries, explaining that efforts to ensure transparency have reduced the number of eligible households to 1.4 million, pending digital identity registration.

“To enhance accountability, the ministry has digitised processes, enabling geo-tagging of beneficiaries and monitoring their socioeconomic status. We are eliminating manual cash distributions. Every payment is now traceable to individual accounts, ensuring funds reach the intended recipients,” Yilwatda explained, adding that government

aims to expand the conditional cash transfer programme to 15 million households in 2025, with each recipient receiving N75,000.

“This initiative is coupled with financial literacy training to enable beneficiaries to invest in small businesses or agriculture, thereby promoting self-reliance.

“In addition to direct cash transfers, the ministry has launched youth development programmes. Over 100,000 tools and equipment in sectors such as auto mechanics, baking, and renewable energy have been procured to empower unemployed youth,” Yilwatda further said.

Lagos Inaugurates EKO Learners Support Programme for WASSCE, NECO Candidates

Funmi Ogundare

The Lagos State Government, yesterday, launched the Eko Learners' Support Programme for WASSCE and NECO candidates, a comprehensive programme designed to assist senior secondary school candidates in achieving academic excellence.

The initiative has been designed to broadcast a head-start of 320 lessons in 10 different subjects, including - English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Government, History, Literature-in-English and Yoruba on Lagos Television (LTV) and other social platforms, with proficient teachers, who were recruited painstakingly through thorough and rigorous screening.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held at the Education Resource Centre, Ojodu, the Com-

missioner, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, explained that the initiative was aimed at investing in the future of the children, state, and nation.

He added the programme is scheduled for 26 weeks in the period leading up to the start of the public examinations with duration of 30 minutes per episode and each episode archived for easy access by learners and teachers.

According to him, "the lessons, after broadcast on television, are archived permanently on social media platforms like Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter). These platforms will enable our candidates to continue to engage privately with these resources, give feedback and ask questions, as well as create a collaborative forum with our faculty of teachers and other learners on the forum/fora.

"While we recognise education as the bedrock of development, it becomes our collective responsibility to provide our students with the necessary tools, resources and support to succeed."

The commissioner emphasised the need to support improvement of Lagos State candidates in external examinations, particularly in WASSCE and NECO, while taking crucial steps to enhance stakeholders’ commitment towards achieving improved and better performance in students examinations.

He affirmed the state government's resolve to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters academic achievement, creativity, and critical thinking.

"We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to attain their full potential, regardless of their background or socio-economic status, " Alli-Balogun stated.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Egbaland,

Adedapo Tejuoso with Babalaje of Egbaland; Chief Olusegun Osunkeye

Yesterday, Nigerian Senate President, Senator Godwill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative Benjamin Kalu, and state governors led solemn tributes to the nation's fallen heroes during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day commemoration. in honour of the nation's brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria. Below are some images of the day…

Ogun State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Master Warrant Officer Orukotan Olumuyiwa (rtd); Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo; Commandant, Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Commander Yinka Toba; Commandant, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Brig. Gen. Tajudeen Aminu and Governor Dapo Abiodun, during the Special Parade/Laying of Wreath to mark the Year 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Arcade Ground, Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta... yesterday

Deputy Speaker, House of Representative, Benjamin Kalu (l) with Senate President , Senator Godswill Akpabio laying wreath at the National Arcade ….yesterday

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, laying a wreath during the grand finale of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Cenotaph, Asaba...yesterday

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, releases a pigeon into the air to mark lasting peace during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Okpara Square, Enugu... yesterday.

L-R:

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo laying the wreath at the World War Cenotaph to commemorate the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations in Lokoja, Kogi State..yesterday

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, laying the wreath, during the grand finale and laying wreaths to celebrate 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Remembrance Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan... yesterday

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, laying the wreath at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier at the Peace Park in Yenagoa during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration ... yesterday

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State laying the wreath in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri, Imo State... yesterday

FEaturEs

Bridging Nigeria’s Protein Gap through Investment in Soybeans Production

Nigeria faces a growing protein deficiency crisis, with a low protein consumption score of 32/100 according to the Global Food Security Index. To tackle this, Olam Agri, a leading agribusiness, has partnered state governments to boost soybean production, a key source of protein and animal feed. Through investments in training, tools, and sustainable practices, Olam Agri aims to improve local food production, create jobs, and empower farmers. Their initiatives include capacitybuilding workshops and donations of threshing machines to soybean-producing communities. Precious Ugwuzor writes that these efforts align with the federal government’s agenda to enhance food security and drive agricultural self-sufficiency

The poor level of protein consumption in Nigeria is becoming alarming. Data provided by the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) showed that Nigeria’s score of protein intake is 32 over 100. Considering the importance of protein foods to overall population health, urgent actions need to be taken to arrest the worsened proteindeficiency score.

Protein nourishes the body by keeping the body running smoothly, helping growth and repair within the systems. It is also essential in the growth and maintenance of muscles, skin, and other body parts. Children and pregnant women are more vulnerable to the effects of protein deficiency. Eggs, chicken, fish, milk, and certain types of oil amongst others are valuable protein sources. Ensuring scaled production of those food types is key to raising protein consumption and achieving food security in the country.

Role of Government, Partners in Tackling Food Insecurity across the Country

The Federal Government, global agencies and private agencies continue to seek ways to tackle the challenges. Recently, the Federal Government called on state governments to join concertedly in what may be described as the journey to end the food crisis in the country, while extending hands of fellowship to private stakeholders to drive a robust campaign.

Also recently, the Federal Government began engagement with stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ-1) Programme aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector into a key driver of economic growth and industrialisation, emphasising the importance of collaboration with the private sector in achieving increased domestic production, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

One private business spearheading the search for a sustainable solution to the food security and protein deficiency challenges in the country is Olam Agri, an agribusiness in food, feed and fibre. The company consistently scaled its investment in various out-grower programmes, research partnerships, seed trials, and the integration of smallholder farmers into various empowerment initiatives across different levels.

Olam Agri’s Bold Investment in Raising Soybean Production in the Country

Considering the importance of protein foods to sound physiological growth, Olam Agri through its animal feed business is partnering the Kwara State Government to increase productivity in the soybean value chain.

Soybean is the main source of protein and amino acids (AA) used in animal feed formulations. It is also a good source of polyunsaturated oil, milk and tofu, which are packed with valuable nutrients. Strategically, boosting the production of soybeans will improve access to quality and affordable animal feed ingredients with a positive impact on the poultry and aquaculture segments. Another impact angle is the fact that it will contribute to the local sourcing of raw materials for animal feed which will reduce overall production costs for farmers leading to increased farm productivity/profitability.

L-R: Hajia Hussain Aminat, Director, Agricultural Services, Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Kwara State; Oloruntoyosi Thomas, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Kwara State; His Royal Highness (HRH) Alhaji Idris Abubakar (Sinaboko Serobetete III), King of Sennu-Kperu Town (Okuta), Baruten; Amit Mathur, Commercial Manager, Soybean Value Chain, Olam Agri Integrated Feed & Protein, and Olayinka Solomon, State Chairman, Soybean Farmers’ Association, during the Olam Agri Integrated Feed & Protein Business and Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development visit to Okuta, Baruten LGA, Kwara State, to donate Soybean Threshing Machines to local farmers.

Currently, Olam Agri is the leading animal feed and day-old chick producer in Nigeria, providing quality, affordable poultry and fresh-water fish feed, and chicks to farmers. It operates one of Nigeria's largest poultry feed mills and day-old-chick facilities in Kaduna and Kwara States. These facilities are already serving the country’s expanding poultry and aquaculture sectors.

The business’ current partnership with the Kwara State government in the soybean value chain builds on previous investments in the state and other agriculture-focused states such as Kano, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Ondo and Ogun amongst others.

Olam Agri’s investment in the soybean value chain has been impressive. In July 2024, the Integrated Feed & Protein (IFP) Business of Olam Agri launched a 2-day Agri-Extension Capacity Building Workshop to empower agricultural extension agents and officers in the soybean and maize value chain in Kwara State.

The workshop provided a platform for equipping extension agents with practical knowledge and skills to support farmers effectively, a significant stride towards the overall development of the agricultural sector. Overall, a total of 118 extension officers were trained.

Following the success of the training workshop, Olam Agri visited the soybeanproducing communities in Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, in December

2024, to engage with farmers, and the local chiefs and donate threshing machines to aid soybean cultivation.

During the engagement, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, Kwara State’s Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development,commended the business for its transformative investment. She mentioned that the State Governor, His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, is impressed with the business seeing that the effort will foster growth in local food production and enhance the livelihood of the farming community.

The foremost traditional ruler in the soybean farming community, His Royal Highness Alhaji Idris Abubakar, the Sinaboko Serobetete III, praised Olam Agri for prioritising growth in the soybean value chain. He said that the investment would boost farming activities in the community while impacting positively on the ongoing national food security agenda.

To sum up the soybean value chain investment focus, Anil Nair, Managing Director of Olam Agri in Nigeria, explained that the business aim is to support the Federal Government Renewed Hope Agenda of building a resilient food supply chain. He stated, “By investing in tools, training, and sustainable practices, we aim to

One private business spearheading the search for a sustainable solution to the food security and protein deficiency challenges in the country is Olam Agri, an agribusiness in food, feed and fibre…Strategically, boosting the production of soybeans will improve access to quality and affordable animal feed ingredients with a positive impact on the poultry and aquaculture segments

significantly impact Kwara State’s economy, create jobs, and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Together, we are fostering agricultural self-sufficiency and socioeconomic development”.

Positive Projection into the Country’s Food Value Chain

Precisely, Olam Agri’s animal feed business activities in the soybean value chain speak to the overall focus of the agribusiness. As a business that started in Nigeria three decades ago, its investment footprint in the agriculture landscape continues to expand. Like its exploits in the rice, wheat milling and edible oil value chain, Olam Agri's partnership with the Kwara State Government will improve local production of soybeans and drive up the supply of feeds to poultry and aquaculture farmers. This is a welcome development and a step in the right direction. No doubt deepening such efforts will help arrest the dire food insecurity situationhighlighted in the GFSI.

About Olam Agri

Olam Agri is a market leading, differentiated food, feed and fibre agri-business with a global origination footprint, processing capabilities and deep understanding of market needs built over 34 years. With a strong presence in high-growth emerging markets and products across grains & oilseeds, freight, integrated feed & protein, rice, edible oils, specialty grains & seeds, sugar, cotton, wood products, rubber and risk management solutions, Olam Agri is at the heart of global food and agri-trade flows with 39.6 million MT in volume traded in 2023. Focused on transforming food, feed and fibre for a more sustainable future, it aims at creating value for customers, enable farming communities to prosper sustainably and strive for a food-secure future. Olam Agri Holdings Limited, which holds the Olam Agri business, is a 64.6% owned subsidiary of Olam Group. 35.4% of Olam Agri Holdings is owned by SALIC International Investment Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olam Agri’s strategic partner The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Company.

Olam Group

Olam Group is a leading food and agribusiness supplying food, ingredients, feed and fibre to 22,000 customers worldwide. Our value chain spans over 60 countries and includes farming, processing and distribution operations, as well as a global network of farmers. Through our purpose to ‘Re-imagine Global Agriculture and Food Systems’, Olam Group aims to address the many challenges involved in meeting the needs of a growing global population, while achieving positive impact for farming communities, our planet and all our stakeholders. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, Olam Group currently ranks among the top 30 largest primary listed companies in terms of market capitalisation on SGX-ST. Since June 2020, Olam Group has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global sustainable investment index series developed by FTSE Russell, following a rigorous assessment of Olam’s supply chain activities, impact on the environment and governance transparency.

The Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo has stated that there was a decline in telecoms investments in 2024 as a result of the delayed review of telecoms tariff.

Adebayo said such delay, negatively affected revenue generation of telecoms operators in 2024, and they were unable to invest significantly in network expansion in 2024.

“So I can say that 2024 was actually a year of subsidy, where telecoms operators had to subsidise their services for everybody. We provided subsidised services and that is not commendable because it is not sustainable,” Adebayo said.

In 2023, telecommunications

Emma Okonji

A new global survey report from Ipsos and Google has shown widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among Nigerian online population.

The study, tagged: “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, and observed that global AI usage has jumped to 48 per cent and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns (57 per cent vs. 43 per cent, up from 50 per cent / 50 per cent last year).

According to the report, in Nigeria, AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher, as 70 per cent of the Nigerian online

companies attracted substantial in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), infrastructure development, including the expansion of network coverage, which played a crucial role in improving service quality and coverage, according to the 2023 Subscriber/Network Performance Report, released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

However, telecoms investments dropped significantly in 2024, a development that has been blamed on the delayed review of telecoms tariff, despite the push by telecoms operators for100 per cent increase in telecoms tariff to boost industry sustainability.

According to the report, Foreign Direct Investment in the form of capital inflow into Nigeria’s telecoms industry in 2023 was $134 million,

while telecoms industry contribution to the Nigerian Gross Domestic Products (GDP) increased from 13.55 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2022 to 14.00 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Also, the total number of towers deployed as at December 2023 stood at 39,356, which included towers owned by TowerCos as well as other operators within the telecoms ecosystem. The total number of Base Stations deployed in 2023 was 137,992, while On-Land fibre optics deployment (notleased) in Kilometres (Km) was as 83,254.50km. As at December 2023, mobile operators deployed a total of 299,976.06km of Microwave Radio Links as against the 288,947.48km of Microwave Radio Links deployed 2022, which was an increase of 3.82 per cent.

Telecoms operators, through its umbrella body, ALTON, had in April 2022, wrote the NCC, demanding for a 40 per cent hike in voice and data tariff, to enable them cope with the high cost of delivering telecoms services across the country.

Although NCC is yet to accept the demand, the operators kept pushing for tariff hike, and have recently come up with a new demand of 100 per cent hike in telecoms tariff, to enable them provide quality service in 2025 and beyond.

Just as the call for tariff hike has been vehemently resisted by different industry groups representing the interests of telecoms consumers, ALTON has however warned that any further delay in reviewing the current tariff plan, could lead to collapse of the telecoms sector in 2025.

“If telecoms tariff is not reviewed upward this year, the industry will again suffer poor investments in 2025, and this could lead to total collapse of the telecoms industry,” Adebayo told THISDAY.

“I must say it again with even greater urgency that we are in the last days for the survival of this sector. If nothing is done, we might begin to see in the new year, grim consequences unfolding, such as service shedding; and operators may not be able to provide services in some areas and at some times of the day leaving millions disconnected.

There will be significant economic fallout, because businesses will suffer from a lack of connectivity, stalling growth and innovation,” Adebayo further said

Worried about the unfolding development, the Minister of

Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, last week in Abuja, assured telecoms operators of possible tariff hike, but insisted the hike would not be as high as 100 per cent, as currently being proposed by telecoms operators.

“You have seen over the past weeks that there have been agitations from the telecoms companies to increase tariffs. They are requesting for 100 per cent tariff increase, but it will not be 100 per cent. The NCC will soon come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it.

“We want to strike the balance as a government, to protect telecoms consumers, and also protect and ensure that the telecoms operators can continue to invest significantly,” the Minister said.

population used generative AI, surpassing the 48 per cent global average. Moreover, 87 per cent are excited about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks.

Analysing the report, President of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet, Kent Walker, said: “AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better. The survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”

The survey results indicate that optimism about AI is growing within the surveyed online community in Nigeria. Key findings from the survey, show

that among survey participants in Nigeria, 70 per cent reported using generative AI in the past year, which is significantly higher than the global average of 48 per cent. A substantial 87 per cent of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI. A significant 81 per cent of surveyed Nigerian adults believe AI will positively change the economy. Furthermore, 90 per cent of the survey respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI having a positive impact on science and medicine, demonstrating the widespread belief in the potential of AI to drive progress in these sectors.

According to the report, Nigeria’s

online population demonstrates a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI when compared to other regions. The survey indicates: Nigeria is among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential.

This contrasts with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.

The report also said the Nigerian online community saw immense potential for AI in science and medical advancements:

“A significant 90 per cent of survey respondents expect AI to have a positive impact on science and medicine. This is one of the highest rates

globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI,” the report said, and onlinerd that the population in Nigeria recognised AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development:

“Many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources. Within the Nigerian online population surveyed, there is a prevailing sentiment that supports the fostering of AI advancement rather than restrictive regulations. This suggests that those surveyed are keen to embrace innovation,” the report further said.

The survey results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism

of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI. Google has been pursuing AI boldly and responsibly for years. In 2018, Google was one of the first companies to establish AI Principles grounded in beneficial use and avoidance of harm.

Two years ago, it unveiled its opportunity agenda, which shard concrete recommendations for governments to ensure AI benefits the broadest range of people possible.

Emma Okonji

Banigbe: We Are Repositioning 9mobile for Efficient Service Delivery

CEO, 9mobile, Obafemi Banigbe, speaks about the multi-dimensional challenges facing 9mobile since the exit of Etisalat in 2017, and how the new management is repositioning the brand for competition and efficient service delivery to its customers. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

You have been at the helm of affairs in 9mobile since July last year. What do you think are the most critical challenges facing the telecoms company right now, and what are your plans to address them?

It’s been a privilege to have been appointed as the CEO of 9mobile to lead the company, especially in this space where it is pursuing a transformation agenda. As you will recall, the company started out as Etisalat, and then it became a major competitive force in the industry. It reached its peak between 2014 and 2016, celebrating 22 million subscribers, but unfortunately, the business could not sustain the old competitive edge in the industry after the exit of its initial parent body, Etisalat, in 2017.

Since its exit, the performance of the business has been on the decline. So at the time the new shareholders and the new management took over the business, the business was really grappling with multi-dimensional challenges that we had to take on headlong.

Some of the most critical challenges that 9mobile is currently facing, are issues around infrastructure, declining revenue, declining subscriber number and market share, high cost of telecoms business, among others. The overall infrastructure of the business has really not been upgraded for some time, and so we are dealing with a lot of obsolete infrastructure, and we are also dealing with a whole lot of issues of declining revenue, declining subscribers, and high cost of doing telecoms business. To address these challenges headlong, we broke down our recovery plan into four phases. The first is the stabilisation phase, and this is where we are looking at how to keep the business going, and stabilise it from a network stability point of view, from a cost management point of view, and from an employee morale point of view. The second phase of the agenda, is the modernisation phase of the business. So we’re currently in the process of refreshing our radio network, our core network, our transmission infrastructure, our billing system, and our charging system, which is like rebuilding the entire network from the scratch.

The third phase is the transformation phase, while the fourth phase is the growth phase, where we will be pursuing our growth objectives.

The good news is that we have gotten the commitment of our shareholders and the new investors to secure the required amount of money that we need to implement all of these things, in order to make sure that the business

can return back as a competitive force in the market. We are in the process of repositioning the brand for efficient service delivery and to regain its lost market share and subscriber number.

Your market share has declined, and your penetration level is low, including your subscriber base, which affected investment and network connectivity in 9mobile. How do you intend to revamp all of these?

Investment in telecoms business is key, to avoid service deterioration. When you do not invest in infrastructure for multiple years, up to seven, eight or nine years, it becomes very difficult to sustain a level of service that the customer is accustomed to. Again, when you do not invest in the right technology and in the right infrastructure, what’s going to happen is that the customer is going to suffer a decline in the quality of experience.

And when they suffer a decline in quality of experience, they’re going to definitely drop the SIM card. So, what we are doing to recapture our market share, is to first reposition as a service organisation. And to do that, it means that we have to refresh our entire infrastructure from everything you can think of in making a telecoms network to work effectively. What we have done is to secure investment from our new investors, to be able to power the investment we need to do in the market. And at the same time, we’re also looking at opportunities to take advantage of the use of fibre sharing, because we’re not able to build every single fibre, and every single base station by ourselves, given that we are far away in the market. We have the weakest coverage as far as the competition is concerned, and we also have weak 4G coverage. So, effectively, it means that even from the point of view of fibre infrastructure, we have one of the lowest fiber infrastructure in the market. So, we believe that in order for us to leapfrog and make sure that we reclaim our position in the market, it requires us to do multiple investments at the same time, which is going to be the bedrock of our recovery plan.

So, once we have the network service out there, then we’re going to go back into our subscriber win-back and acquisition campaign. And that requires us to engage the customers more.

But in all of these, we need to fix the basics first, which is making sure that we have a network that works, a service portfolio that is more appealing to the demography we have positioned ourselves, to be able to attract customers. At a time, we were very big in terms of the youth market and the SME market. Those are market shares that we can still regain because, as you know, the population of Nigeria is increasing and new businesses are springing up every day.

Young people are still the majority from the point of view of demography as far as the Nigerian population is concerned. So there is still a chance for us to be able to recapture our lost ground.

It requires a lot of work, but the underlining thing that has to happen is that we must bring back service quality in our network and revamp

our customer touch points across the country, from our shop, through our digital interfaces, to how the customer interacts with our products.

There have been some concerns about the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecoms sector amid ongoing economic challenges prompting calls by several operators to warn that without appropriate tariff adjustments, the industry risks stagnation, network degradation, and potential shutdowns. How can your industry navigate this path?

The telecoms industry has been a major contributor to the GDP of Nigeria and it has been the bedrock for the entire digital economy of Nigeria over the last 20 years. Now this was possible because the industry was experiencing impressive growth as service penetration and adoption increased, which allowed the industry to scale and to enjoy some cost efficiencies as a result of scaling. So the level of growth experienced by the industry did encourage a lot of inflow of capital, both from foreign and local investors. The investments were channeled to cover underserved areas, including capacity expansion and quality of service improvement. However, the recent macroeconomic challenges facing the nation, which is basically fueled by inflation and currency devaluation, has been a major challenge. As you can imagine, both our capital investment costs and operational costs have skyrocketed massively because they are mostly denominated in foreign currency or indexed against foreign currency, whereas our revenues are in local currency.

So even though the industry is growing in its top line revenues, the rate of growth of revenue in local currency is not commensurate with the rate of growth of the cost-base that we have. So, when we are speaking about industry sustainability, what we are saying is that every business must be in a position to generate revenues that can cover its cost and also give it the opportunity to be able to reinvest back into the business. So if we do not generate enough revenues to cover our cost, we’ll have to resort to borrowing either from shareholders or from the capital market.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Adisa: AI Not A Threat, Will Enhance Creativity

President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, who also doubles as Chairman, Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups, Lanre Adisa in this interview with Raheem Akingbolu speaks about the prospects and the challenges facing the Marketing communication industry in Nigeria. Excerpts:

It’s been almost 8 months since you took over as the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), how has the experience been?

Ithink first and foremost, it’s been a humbling and also exciting experience. Humbling, in the sense that you are first among equals. It’s not because you are the best the industry ever produced, especially when your colleagues unanimously supported you to lead them unopposed. It simply means that they must have some trust in what you’re capable of doing. That is something that I don’t take for granted. I must confess too that on assumption of office, I met a AAAN with a big difference from what we had when I vied for Presidency 10 years ago. But there is a way fate plays a fast game on us. I came in when AAAN has become stronger and commands more respect and I think I’m far better prepared too and better experienced to attend to this now than I was 10 years ago. Again, the beauty of it all is that since 10 years ago when I first aspired, I never let go of anything that has to do with AAAN. Within that period, I have served as chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, served in the Membership Committee and served as Chairman, Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival(LAIF).

Coming to my experience in the last few months, my team at Noah’s Ark Advertising can attest to the fact that since I’ve taken on this particular role, more than 60% of my time is spent on things that have to do with AAAN and as Chairman of the Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), which also fell on my lap almost immediately. So, in that sense, it’s humbling, it’s exciting. It’s also good to serve. As the leader in a group or association, you can see things on a broader level because there are so many issues that the ordinary person may not even be able to see. And I feel very grateful that I’ve been given that chance to contribute my quota to moving things forward.

What does the future hold for the association, I mean AAAN?

One thing you must admit -that we all need to admit, is that like they say, change is still very constant. The environment is changing rapidly. The practice is also changing. So, what

is important is; how do we stay relevant in the scheme of things? Technology is making the entry level lower and lower by the day. So, for people in our business, the only way you can justify your role and competence is that you keep getting better at what you do. So for us, the key aim of this particular administration is how do we strengthen the industry? How do we shore up standards to ensure that we are ready for that future? That future is not somewhere tomorrow, it’s here, it’s now with us.

So that is very critical for us; that no matter what changes may occur in the space of technology, something cannot be taken away.

And what’s that?

The fact that we have a great understanding of the human psyche, of their desires, we understand this environment, we understand this country, we understand

the dynamics in terms of what will lead to brands staying on top of their game, that cannot be taken away. But we have to also embrace technology. We have to embrace this change for us to stay relevant and effective in the scale of business

What is your view about talent retention in the industry?

I think for me, you must also take into cognizance the fact that there are some factors that are happening in the macro space that also have an impact on the micro in our industry. What I mean by this is that the general effect of the economy has led to what people now call the ‘japa’ syndrome. So, we see the migration of talent. It’s not just about people moving from agency A to B. Some of these guys are actually moving out of the country and sometimes out of the industry.

Some of them are moving to other industries, especially tech or whatever it is, or moving out of the country in entirety. So what it means for us is that retention or even attraction can only happen when we grow talent and attract talent into our industry. It can happen when we constantly train and when we constantly embrace the new thinking that is out there. To this end, a key pillar of this particular administration is to focus on training. Focus on training is not just organizing, perhaps a one off training -it’s more structural than that. Our Academy working group will do a lot to strengthen the association training school called Adcademy. The Academy working group has been reconstituted under the leadership of Dr. Tayo Oyedeji, the Chief Excutive Officer at Publicis Group/ Redefini. This way, we would succeed in institutionalizing the training arm.

This takes me to the LAIF award, despite the challenges, despite the peculiar challenges of the environment where we operate, AAN has kept LAIF awards going for 19 years. It’s going to be 20 next year. All because it is in the hands of an institution, AAAN. The same thing is what will apply to the Advertising school. Through it, we will be able to groom and train our young ones and retrain even the established

practitioners on new trends. When you go out of Nigeria, go to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, go to the Loeries, and other international awards platforms. You will observe that most of the people you see climbing the stage and winning these awards are very young people.

Therefore, it is up to us to ensure that we are able to groom the talent that will grow our industry and build that future for us. On this note, that is where that school is very important. The other thing is that we are also contemplating and working on collaboration at the moment. For instance, we’re talking to a South African advertising school -Red and Yellow School, with the aim of having some of their programs for our people to access and even customize for our own needs and all of that. Again, that way, our drive for knowledge is not just limited to our own environment alone. We’re looking at the best of knowledge from around the world to ensure that people get the best.

It’s believed in some quarters that AI will be a future albatross for creativity, do you share such sentiment?

Well, I think it is almost natural that every time there is some new invention, people are scared. We are always scared of the unknown. At a point in time, radio was a novelty. TV was a novelty. It’s like, hey, you know, the prints will die because now there’s radio. Oh, now TV will die. Oh, because now there is the Internet, creativity is in trouble. For me, that natural instinct of being scared is what we have to deal with.

AI is just a way of doing things better, doing it faster, doing it better than a human being could possibly do. But there is still the role that will be played by human beings. So, this is what we have to brace ourselves for and how do we embrace AI in a way that makes our lives easier. But AI on its own cannot do our work without our influence. First, we, as a people, as an industry, we have to embrace AI in ways that will make our work a lot easier to do. Having stated this, I can say with confidence that AI is not in any way a threat.

Adisa Banigbe

AIR PEACE CERTIFICATION…

Dr. Allen Onyema; Area Manager, West and Central Africa, IATA, Dr. Samson Fatokun; and Safety Manager, Air Peace limited, Captain Godfrey Ogbogu, at the IOSA Certification presentation ceremony in Lagos… recently

Experts: FG’s Economic Policies Will Attract Investment to Marketing Industry in 2025

Raheem Akingbolu

A former Chairman of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, (ARCON), Mr. Udeme Ufot, has said there are signs that some of the economic measures being implemented by the federal government are positively impacting the economy.

Speaking with THISDAY on the Marketing Communications industry prospect in 2025, Ufot though admitted that the various economic measures being implemented by the President Bola Tinubu administration is still in their early days, he nonetheless expressed the view that the positive signals of the measures should offer encouragement to forward looking business operators and investors.

He said, “In 2025, we can begin to see more investment in the economy, including marketing activities. Key brands will want to maintain and even improve upon their market positions. New entrants will need to invest in brand building activities in order to secure a foothold in the market

and entrench themselves in the minds of consumers. Ownership of some brands in the market changed hands last year while some others worked on restructuring their businesses for greater efficiency.”

According to Udeme, who is also the Co-Founder and Group Managing Director of SO&U Limited, the new business executives, new owners, as well as the restructured businesses will be keen to retain the confidence of consumers through increased marketing activities in 2025.

“Some confidence will generally return to the market and the advertising industry will certainly benefit from these improvements.

It will also be up to agencies to position themselves to optimally benefit from these developments. This will not be a time for marketers to take undue risks with untested agencies. Agencies also need to work on winning and retaining the confidence of the market as to their capabilities,” he added.

Also speaking on the same subject matter, the President,

Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), who also doubles as Chairman, Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), Lanre Adisa, said the general sentiment in the marketing communications industry is the expectation that the year 2025 would be better than last year based on certain macroeconomic indicators with regards to some of the policies adopted by the Federal Government in 2024.

“We can see some stability in the forex regime as well as the investments in infrastructure and a further reduction in the cost of energy. We expect these developments to create some ease for businesses. When our clients’ businesses improve, our industry will benefit from these changes. When our clients experience any economic discomfort or suffer any negative impact from some policies or the economy generally, the marketing industry feels it as well. The last one year has been challenging for everybody. A lot of businesses have had to do a lot of price increases along the way. They have had back-to-back

Interswitch Champions AI Innovation at InnovateAI Conference Lagos 2025

Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing innovation through its participation as a platinum sponsor of the InnovateAI Conference for the second consecutive year.

Organised by AI-in-Nigeria, a company focused on localising and scaling AI across Nigeria, the event will take place on February 21, 2025, at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

With the theme ‘Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria: Catalysing Cross-Sectoral Innovation and Fostering Inclusive Growth’, this year’s conference is set to attract over 3,000 participants, including AI enthusiasts, industry leaders, scholars, and innovators from Nigeria and across the world.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Chief Data and AI Officer, Interswitch, Oluwadamilare Akinwunmi, highlighted the company’s steadfast dedication to advancing innovation in Nigeria and creating seamless digital payment solutions through the transformative power of AI.

“Interswitch is excited to sponsor the InnovateAI Conference for the second consecutive year. We recognise the transformative power of artificial intelligence in shaping Nigeria’s industries and the need for platforms like this to advance its adoption. Through our continued collaboration with stakeholders, we aim to spark insightful conversations, build new partnerships, and drive AI-powered solutions that will redefine the future of payments, commerce, and

beyond,” Akinwunmi said.

Designed to promote knowledge sharing and showcase cutting-edge developments, the conference will feature keynote addresses by thought leaders, who will explore strategies for scaling AI adoption across sectors such as fintech, financial services, public services, and oil and gas. Panel discussions will examine the critical interplay between data, talent, and compute; the foundational elements for sustainable AIdriven innovation in Nigeria.

The event will also feature AI product demonstrations to highlight transformative solutions and practical applications, showcasing the potential of artificial intelligence to address realworld challenges and drive inclusive growth.

MarketBuddy Debuts to Connect Buyers, Sellers in Nigeria

Stories by Agnes Ekebuike

Electronic commerce (eCommerce) web application platform, MarketBuddy has formally debuted in Nigeria with focus to connect buyers to sellers.

Speaking at the formal launch held at The Nest Technology Hub, Lagos, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, MarketBuddy, Adejuwon Adeboboye, said the firm would among other things, bridge the gap between blue collar artisan, who has no reach on the Internet but that just depends on their traditional day to day pickups from people on the road side by giving them platforms to exhibit products and services globally.

According to him, in selecting artisans to the platform, “we sent a few agents to the market to survey and introduce the platform to people, especially those with zero online presence. Then we help them to come to the platform after thorough

assessment of such artisan, we do this through verification which includes checking their phone number, NIN and business registration number. This verification is done through our partner, YouID, which gives a verdict before they are onboarded.”

Providing more insights, Head of Operations and Product Manager, Raymond Maduawgu, explained that after onboarding the artisans through the verification process, “we have a marketing budget for all artisans, which helps to ensure that their businesses are visible, when that is done, we have a 10 per cent cap, which is the lowest in the market.”

On his part, Data Analyst, Mobolaji Anthony, said the firm made progress significantly and positioned adequately well to benefit for the global ecommerce market put at $6 trillion, which is open to everybody.

Firm Plans AI Varsity in Nigeria to Boost Africa’s Tech Adoption

Wini Group is planning to establish the first AI Nigeria-focused University in Epe, Lagos, as part of the move to advance the course of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa,

losses, quarter-to-quarter board losses and other challenges. But again, it’s the human spirit of trying to survive, the human spirit of not giving up,” Adisa stated.

According to Wini Group, the varsity will revolutionise education in Africa and serve as the nucleus for Africa’s first Silicon Valley powered by AI. It aimed to build a vibrant community of world-class faculty and students passionate about leveraging AI and quantum computing to drive progress in Africa and beyond.

The proposed Wini University is envisioned as Africa’s first university entirely focused on

Artificial Intelligence. According to the Chairman of Wini Group Nigeria, Olukayode Akano, the decision to locate the university in Epe was due to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to attracting global investors to Nigeria and advancing his administration’s vision of transforming the country into a trillion-dollar economy. Akano said the decision was also influenced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s remarkable efforts in positioning Lagos as the “California of Africa” thereby elevating its economy to the fifth largest in Africa, which is akin to California’s global ranking.

L-R: Head of Quality, Air Peace Limited, Patrick Achurefe; Chairman/CEO, Air Peace Limited,

ProPerty & environment

NEWSAN Partners USAID to Implement WASH Advocacy in Lagos Communities

Bennett Oghifo

The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), a network of civil society organizations, non-profit organizations, NGOs, and community-based organizations, CBOs) working on water, sanitation, and hygiene in Nigeria is currently implementing the Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (LUWASH) with funding from USAID.

The project, “Enhancing WASH systems services and Community Engagement towards eradicating Cholera risk and improvement in public health in four communities in Amuwo-Odofin, and Ajeromi –Ifelodun LGAs” has fully commenced in the two priority local Government Areas. The project whose Goal is ” to reduce Cholera Incidence and improve public health by enhancing WASH services and fostering active community engagement”.

NEWSAN LUWASH project team having secured the buy-in and support of the AjeromiIfelodun LGA authority kick off the community components with advocacy to leadership of the various communities which is crucial for driving change in WASH access. , The project team led by Mr Evans Enwefah today paid an advocacy visit to the Baale of Awodi-ora High Chief A.A.Abiodun to intimate

him of the LUWASH project and its scope at the community, get his buy-in and request that he used his exulted position in the community to mobilise his people to participate in the project and drive change for WASH access and improve well- being of the people. He emphasized that the advocacy visit is aimed at clarifying the project’s scope, identifying challenges and mitigations, enhancing communication, and secure stakeholder buy-in. It expected that the visit will lay a strong foundation for successful project implementation by establishing a shared understanding of objectives, outcomes, roles, responsibilities, timelines, and budget with the Baale.

In his response, High Chief A.A Abiodun thanked the team for the visit reiterating that health is wealth and any initiative that is designed to improve WASH access and healthy living must be supported by all. He thanked LUWASH and USAID for bringing the project to his people. The team that conducted this visit along with the NEWSAN-LUWASH programme officer Evans Enwefah included the communication Officer Ruth During and Charles Christopher the M&E officer. According to the NEWSAN LUWASH TEAM, Lagos State, grappling with rapid urbanisa-

tion and a population of 21 million, faces severe WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) challenges. The inadequate access to safe drinking water, poor sanitation infrastructure, and insufficient hygiene practices are exacerbated by frequent flooding, contributing to a cholera outbreak that, as at June 30, 2024, has resulted in 436 cases and 21 deaths, according to NCDC. This outbreak is driven by poor hygiene, weak waste management, and inadequate water infrastructure. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive multi-sectorial approach involving community engagement, awareness creation, and education on WASH best practices to improve public health and combat cholera effectively.

In view of the above, the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) in partnership with USAID has signed an agreement for the implementation of a one year Lagos Urban Water and Sanitation and Hygiene project (LUWASH) on “Enhancing WASH System Services and Community Engagement towards Eradicating Cholera Risk and Improving Public Health,” in Ajeromi ifelodun LGA in Awodiora Ward: Awodiora community, Lodi Alayabiagba Ward: Boundary/ tolu community, Alayabiagba, Baale Aiyetoro,

Ojora, and Amuwo odofin LGA: Abule Osun Ward: Abule Osun community, Satellite town, and Amuwo odofin Ward: Mile2 estate, Festac Town.

The project’s core objective is to improve WASH system services and foster community engagement to eliminate cholera risks and enhance public health which involves improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities, supporting national cholera control plans, targeting cholera hotspots, strengthening community capacity, and enhancing monitoring and response systems.

The project has now formally kicked off with Effective advocacy by the NEWSAN LUWASH

Team in Lagos State to state officials and traditional leaders aiming to clarify the project’s scope, identify challenges and mitigations, enhance communication, and secure stakeholder buy-in, which will lay a strong foundation for successful project implementation by establishing a shared understanding of objectives, outcomes, roles, responsibilities, and timelines.

Recently, the NEWSAN LUWASH Team paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Chairman Ajeromi -Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Lucky Igbekwe and the Head of Department Environmental Services and Waste Management, San. O.L. Idriss at the LGA secretariat. The

Deputy Chairman received the Team and thanked them for this laudable project and assured the NEWSAN LUWASH team of his support and buy-in and is optimistic to a good delivery at the end of the project. He gave the go ahead to NEWSAN to commence implementation and asked the team to liaise with the department of Environmental Services moving forward. In his response, the programme officer NEWSAN LUWASH, Mr. Evans Enwefah, thanked the Deputy Chairman and the HOD Environmental Services and Waste management for their support and assure them of effective delivery of the project in the LGA.

Lagos NSE Inducts Young Engineers, Urge Deployment of AI to Solve Nigeria’s Challenges

Bennett Oghifo

The Lagos State Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), during the week, inducted a new set of young Engineers, charging them to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) positively to solve Nigeria’s challenges.

The Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Lagos Branch, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, stated this in her welcome address, at the Graduateship Induction Programme that was held in the University of Lagos, Akoka.

The theme of the induction was; “AI Revolution in Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Nation Building.”

On AI and Nation Building, Engr. Kesha said, “Engineers built the bridges that connect our cities, the power grids that light our homes, and the systems that sustain our industries. But the task ahead is even greater.

“Nigeria stands on the brink

of a renaissance — a moment where technology and talent can converge to solve our deepest challenges, the nation is calling on you to lead.

So, what will you do?

- Will you be spectators of change, or will you lead the charge?

- Will you lead with urgency, passion, and purpose?

- Will you be remembered as the generation that transformed Nigeria?

“As you step out of this auditorium today, remember that your education is not just a privilege but a tool — a tool to serve, to innovate, and to inspire. There is no time to waste. The challenges are here. But so are the opportunities. As Engineers, do not just think outside the box - break the box apart and build something entirely new.

“Yes, the future is something to create, but I say, the future is here already, and standing here

to deliver this address is both a litmus test that the future is present, and also proof-positive of the very many things to accomplish with AI.

“Let this be your moment of rebirth as engineers and nation-builders. Be bold. Be visionary. Be relentless - and may history remember this class as the generation that transformed Nigeria and left an indelible mark on the world.”

While congratulating the new inductees, she said, “You, the engineers of today, are the architects of tomorrow’s Nigeria. The future is yours to create.”

Earlier, she said the theme of this event, “AI Revolution in Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Nation Building,” is a demand for urgency — a challenge to each of us to redefine the boundaries of possibility. Artificial intelligence is no longer the future; it is the present. It is the engine driving innovation, the force reshaping

industries, and the tool redefining what it means to create, build, and solve.

“Right where you are seated, take it as no co-incidence. You are exactly where you need to be in this moment. A moment that challenges you and I to seize the future with both hands, for the future is already here, unfolding at breakneck speed.

“As engineers, you are not just problem solvers; you are creators of systems, architects of solutions, and builders of nations. And today, you inherit a responsibility that goes beyond calculations and codes. The question is not just what you can build with AI, but how you can wield it to transform our society.”

On AI and Engineering, she said, “As engineers, you are not simply stepping into a profession — you are stepping into a battlefield of ideas, innovation, and disruption. From designing smarter infrastructure to solving

complex healthcare challenges, AI is revolutionising the engineering landscape. But remember this: technology is only as powerful as the people who harness it. You are the drivers of this revolution. It is your curiosity, your ingenuity, and your courage to question the status quo that will dictate the future. Will your hands be among those that shape the future? Or will you let this moment pass you by?”

Discussing AI and Entrepreneurship, Kesha said, “The entrepreneurial spirit thrives where others see challenges. With AI, the barriers to innovation have fallen. You no longer need to be in Silicon Valley to create world- changing solutions. Right here in Lagos, right here in Nigeria, you have the tools to innovate, disrupt, and lead. The AI revolution is your opportunity to create not just businesses but ecosystems that uplift communities and fuel

economic growth.

“The world will not wait for you. If you do not act, and now, someone else will.”

During an interview on the sideline of the event, Kesha said, “You’ll agree with me that technology didn’t come out during our own time. And AI is all about technology. So it’s their own thing, it’s their tenure. “We’re saying that they should harness and channel the time spent on their systems to positive and something very constructive. And that’s what somebody did by inventing AI. So we can take advantage of that in the area of security, engineering infrastructure, just that, my own fear is that it’s going to replace humans if we’re not careful, and that’s why I’m not too much an advocate. But you can’t stop a moving train, you either jump in or you’re left behind. So we’re advising them to jump into the moving train.

Facilities Management Professionals Urged to Make Meaningful Impact on Communities

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

Facilities management professionals in Nigeria have been urged to make meaningful impact wherever they practice in the country.

Speaking after his inauguration recently, President of the Association of Facilities Management Practitioners Nigeria (AFMPN), Dr. Olumide Aina said, “We live in a world where the built environment plays a critical role in shaping our economies, societies, and individual well-being. Facilities management is no longer just

about maintaining buildings and infrastructure; it is about creating spaces that inspire, heal, educate, and nurture.

“As facilities management professionals, we have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our communities, our environment, and our economy. We must seize this moment to redefine our profession, to push boundaries, and to drive innovation.

“In Nigeria and across Africa, we face significant challenges: rapid urbanization, infrastructure deficits,

climate change, and economic uncertainty. But we also have tremendous opportunities: a young, vibrant population, an abundance of natural resources, and a resilient, entrepreneurial spirit.

“As your president, I commit to working with our members, partners, and stakeholders to address these challenges and seize these opportunities.”

During his tenure, he said, “We will focus on: Professional Development: Enhancing our skills, knowledge, and competencies to stay ahead

of the curve.

“Industry Advocacy: Promoting the value and importance of facilities management in Nigeria and Africa.

“Sustainability and Innovation: Driving green practices, embracing technology, and fostering a culture of innovation.

“Collaboration and Partnerships: Building strategic alliances with government, industry, and civil society to advance our shared goals.

“Community Engagement: Giving back to our com-

munities, promoting social responsibility, and supporting the next generation of facilities management professionals.

“To my fellow members, I ask that you join me on this journey. Let us work together to elevate our profession, to drive positive change, and to make a lasting impact on our nation and our continent.

“To our partners and stakeholders, I extend a hand of friendship and collaboration. Let us work together to build a better future for all.

“And to the people of Nigeria and Africa, I pledge

that we will work tirelessly to create spaces that inspire, heal, educate, and nurture. We will strive to make a meaningful difference in your lives, your communities, and your environment.” He pledged “to work tirelessly to elevate our profession, promote excellence, and drive positive change in our industry.

“As we gather here today, we are not just representing ourselves or our organizations; we are representing the hopes, aspirations, and expectations of our nation, Nigeria, and our beloved continent, Africa.”

L-R: NEWSAN-LUWASH Programme Officer, Evans Enwefah; HOD Environmental Services and Waste management, Idris L.O.; Vice Chairman Ajeromi –Ifelodun LGA, Hon Lucy Udiukhuem; NEWSAN-LUWASH Communication officer, Ruth During; NEWSAN member, Zibor Williams; and NEWSAN-LUWASH Monitoring and Evaluation officer, Charles Christopher, at Ajeromi-Ifelodun, LGA… recently

PERSPECTIVE

January 15, 1966: A Morning of Murder, Mayhem and Carnage

Femi Fani-Kayode

In the early hours of the morning of January 15th 1966, a coup d’etat took place in Nigeria which resulted in the murder of a number of leading political figures and senior army officers. This was the first coup in the history of our country and 98 per cent of the officers that planned and led it were from a particular ethnic nationality in the country.

According to Max Siollun, a notable and respected historian whose primary source of information was the formal police report compiled by the Police’s Special Branch Department immediately after the failure of the coup, during the course of the investigation and after the mutineers had been arrested and detained, names of the leaders of the mutiny were as follows: Major Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna, Major Chukwuemeka Kaduna Nzeogwu, Major Chris Anuforo, Major Tim Onwutuegwu, Major Chudi-Sokei, Major Adewale Ademoyega, Major Don Okafor, Major John Obieno, Captain Ben Gbulie, Captain Emmanuel Nwobosi, Captain Chukwuka and Lt. Oguchi.

It is important to point out that I saw the Special Branch report myself and I can confirm Siollun’s findings. These were indeed the names of ALL the leaders of the January 15th 1966 mutiny and all other lists are FAKE.

The names of those that they murdered in cold-blood or abducted were as follows. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the Prime Minister of Nigeria (murdered), Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and the Premier of the Old Northern Region (murdered), Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the Shettima of Borno and the Governor of the Old Northern Region (abducted).

Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the Aare Ana Kakanfo of Yorubaland and the Premier of the Old Western Region (murdered), Chief Remilekun Adetokunboh Fani-Kayode Q.C., the Balogun of Ife, the Deputy Premier of the Old Western Region and my beloved father (abducted), Chief Festus Samuel Okotie-Eboh, the Oguwa of the Itsekiris and the Minister of Finance of Nigeria (murdered), Brigadier Samuel Adesujo Ademulegun, Commander of the 1st Brigade, Nigerian Army (murdered), Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari, Commander of the 2nd Brigade, Nigerian Army (murdered). Colonel James Pam (murdered), Colonel Ralph Sodeinde (murdered), Colonel Arthur Unegbe (murdered), Colonel Kur Mohammed (murdered), Lt. Colonel Abogo Largema (murdered), Alhaja Hafsatu Bello, the wife of the Sardauna of Sokoto (murdered), Alhaji Zarumi, traditional bodyguard of the Sardauna of Sokoto (murdered), Mrs. Lateefat Ademulegun, the wife of Brigadier Ademulegun who was

Major Kaduna

eight months pregnant at the time (murdered). Ahmed B. Musa (murdered), Ahmed Pategi (murdered), Sgt. Daramola Oyegoke (murdered0, Police Constable Yohana Garkawa (murdered), Police Constable Musa Nimzo (murdered), Police Constable Akpan Anduka (murdered), Police Constable Hagai Lai (murdered) and Police Constable Philip Lewande (murdered). In order to reflect the callousness of the mutineers permit me to share under what circumstances some of their victims were murdered and abducted.

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was abducted from his home, beaten, mocked, tortured, forced to drink alcohol, humiliated and murdered after which his body was dumped in a bush along the Lagos-Abeokuta road.

Sir Ahmadu Bello was killed in the sanctity of his own home with his wife Hafsatu and his loyal security assistant Zurumi. Zurumi drew his sword to defend his principal whilst Hafsatu threw her body over her dear husband in an attempt to protect him from the bullets.

Chief S. L. Akintola was gunned down as he stepped out of his house in the presence of his family and Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh was beaten, brutalised, abducted from his home, maimed and murdered and his body was dumped in a bush.

Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari had held a cocktail party in his home the evening before which was attended by some of the young officers that went

back to his house early the following morning and murdered him.

Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun was shot to death at home, in his bedroom and in his matrimonial bed along with his eight-month pregnant wife Lateefat.

Colonel Shodeinde was murdered in Ikoyi hotel whilst Col. Pam was abducted from his home and murdered in a bush.

Most of the individuals that were killed that morning were subjected to a degree of humiliation, shame and torture that was so horrendous that I am constrained to decline from sharing them in this contribution.

The mutineers came to our home as well which at that time was the official residence of the Deputy Premier of the Old Western Region and which remains there till today. After storming our house and almost killing my brother, sister and me, they beat, brutalised and abducted my father Chief Remi Fani-Kayode.

What I witnessed that morning was traumatic and devastating and, of course, what the entire nation witnessed was horrific. It was a morning of carnage, barbarity and terror.

Those events set in motion a cycle of carnage which changed our entire history and the consequences remain with us till this day. It was a sad and terrible morning and one of blood and slaughter. My recollection of the events in our home is as follows.

At around 2.00 a.m. my mother, Mrs. Adia Aduni Fani-Kayode, came into the bedroom which I shared with my older brother, Rotimi and my younger sister Toyin. I was six years old at the time.

The lights had been cut off by the mutineers so we were in complete darkness and all we could see and hear were the headlights from three or four large and heavy trucks with big loud engines.

The official residence of the Deputy Premier had a very long drive so it took the vehicles a while to reach us. We saw four sets of headlights and heard the engines of four lorries drive up the drive-way.

The occupants of the lorries, who were uniformed men who carried torches, positioned themselves and prepared to storm our home whilst calling my fathers name and ordering him to come out.

My father courageously went out to meet them after he had called us together, prayed for us and explained to us that since it was him they wanted he must go out there.

He explained that he would rather go out to meet them and, if necessary, meet his death than let them come into the house to shoot or harm us all. The minute he stepped out they brutalised

him. I witnessed this. They beat him, tied him up and threw him into one of the lorries. The first thing they said to him as he stepped out was “where are your thugs now Fani-Power”. My father’s response was typical of him, sharp and to the point. He said, “I don’t have thugs, only gentlemen.”

I think this annoyed them and made them brutalise him even more. They tied him up, threw him in the back of the lorry and then stormed the house.

When they got into the house they ransacked every nook and cranny, shooting into the ceiling and wardrobes. They were very brutal and frightful and we were terrified.

My mother was screaming and crying from the balcony because all she could do was focus on her husband who was in the back of the truck downstairs. There is little doubt that she loved him more than life itself.

“Don’t kill him, don’t kill him!!” she kept screaming at them. I can still visualise this and hear her voice pleading, screaming and crying. I didn’t know where my brother or sister were at this point because the house was in total chaos. I was just six years old and I was standing there in the middle of the passage upstairs in the house by my parents bedroom, surrounded by uniformed men who were ransacking the whole place and terrorising my family. Then out of the blue something extraordinary happened. All of a sudden one of the soldiers came up to me, put his hand on my head and said: “don’t worry, we won’t kill your father, stop crying.”

He said this to me three times. After he said it the third time I looked in his eyes and I stopped crying. This was because he gave me hope and he spoke with kindness and compassion. At that point all the fear and trepidation left me.

With new-found confidence I went rushing to my mother who was still screaming on the balcony and told her to stop crying because the soldier had promised that they would not kill my father and that everything would be okay. I held on to the words of that soldier and that morning, despite all that was going on around me, I never cried again.

Four years ago when he was still alive I made contact with and spoke to Captain Nwobosi, the mutineer who led the team to our house and that led the Ibadan operation that night about these events. He confirmed my recollection of what happened in our house saying that he remembered listening to my mother screaming and watching me cry.

Okpebholo’s 60 Days Without a Plan

By Crusoe Osagie

Iread the desperate attempt by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to celebrate victories that are completely absent in the first 60 days of his administration.

What is most interesting is the messenger that has been recruited to implement this grand deception of the people -- none other than John Mayaki, who is now known to make up alternate truths as he goes along, depending on how much of his personal interest is being served at the time.

Remember Mayaki, in 2020, famously fell on his sword in the well-publicized admission that he lied for his political interest when he reported that one time Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mike Igini, was given sacks of money by former Governor Godwin Obaseki ahead of the 2020 governorship election, which Obaseki won with record transparency.

Please refer to Premium Times, dated December 25, 2020, with the headline, “John Mayaki apologises over fake report that INEC official collected bribe” for more details.

In much the same way, the government of Monday Okpebholo appears to have sufficiently satiated Mayaki and his personal interests, and he has gone to town labouring to turn the truth on its head.

All that Edo people have known in the past 60 days of Okpebholo’s government is doom and gloom.

Just yesterday, a protest was carried out by drivers over the hardship they face from hoodlums close to the government who have made their lives a living hell, demanding all kinds of unlawful levies from them with the veiled protection of the government of the day which seeks to reward the hoodlums for their roles in the election that brought Okpebholo to office, an election widely perceived to be the most

flawed and manipulated in the nation’s history and whose outcome is now being keenly challenged in the courts.

The havoc Okpebholo has wreaked on local government councils all in his effort to access their funds to settle the many political godfathers who helped him into the shaky office he presently occupies is replete in the media space with thugs moving from one council to another with horse whips, dangerous weapons, under Government House police cover to flog elected local government chairmen and chase them out of offices.

If nothing else, Edo State has been a gangland of sorts in the last 60 days.

There was an attempt to reverse the Edo e-governance system, after indiscriminately dismissing the senior civil servants responsible for the smooth running of the digital platform, leaving Okpebholo and his government severely hamstrung.

The attempt to reverse the revenue collection processes set up by Obaseki had to be hurriedly jettisoned when the monthly revenue took a massive nosedive in November from over N8 billion to less than N2 billion.

Quite curiously, all the roads celebrated by Mayaki on behalf of Okpebholo are either Obaseki’s projects or ongoing Federal Government projects. These include Temboga Road, initiated and completed by the Obaseki-led administration, as well as Ekenhuan Road. Other road projects touted by Mayaki to whitewash Okpebholo are ongoing

Federal Government projects, including the ‘repairs of the critical portions of the Benin-Auchi Road, and ‘ongoing repairs of the Benin-Abuja Road.’

The only project that Okpebholo initiated, without any procurement process being carried out, is the white elephant flyover bridge in Ramat Park, which expectedly has not seen the light of day.

To be fair, all we need to see from Okpebholo in these early days is his strategic plan to move Edo forward from the enviable place Obaseki took it to, but clearly that plan is none existent because Okpebholo never planned to be Governor. He only stumbled at the last minute on the APC ticket, when the party saw that Obaseki’s argument for a governor from Edo Central Senatorial District is the only reasonable thing to do. Ab initio, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and other APC leaders wanted a governor from Edo South, while Philip Shaibu refused to see reason with Obaseki that it was not politically fair for Edo North to take the position. This was the cause of the differences between Obaseki and Shaibu.

So, instead of coming to the media and trying to dupe the people about non-existent achievements, Okpebholo should work on a plan and share it with Edo people, and a good place to begin is to simply read and meticulously study the over 400-page detailed transition documents handed to him by the Obaseki administration.

•Osagie is the Media Adviser to His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State (2016-2024)

Nzeogwu

Okpebholo

www.thisdaylive.com

opinion@thisdaylive.com

THE CRISIS OF ACCESS TO LEPROSY TREATMENT

Difficulties in securing multi-drug therapy medications are hindering the treatment of leprosy, contends SUNDAY UDO

CRYING OUT LOUD

DANIELS argues for more amenities in Isoko Land

Sometimes hard to imbibe, citizens must find ways to embrace patriotism and love the nation more, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

NIGERIANS AND THEIR BELEAGUERED COUNTRY

Beleaguered. At the moment, I can’t find a better adjective to describe the land of my forefathers. Nigeria has remained resilient and refused to go under in the face of different forms of abuse even from many of its leaders and citizens. We have witnessed the country’s unstable political and economic trajectories in the course of its nearly six and half decades of nationhood. And to add to the pain of those who care, since the fourth republic started more than 25 years ago, it has been a case of steady descent. Bluntly put, no government in the present democratic dispensation can claim to have impacted the lives of the people better than its predecessor.

In what is beginning to look like a curse, optimism about Nigeria’s prospects increasingly appears jaundiced, a situation that keeps churning out more cynics, sceptics, antagonists and even haters of varying ranks. “Nigeria happened to him” is one common expression that sums up the view in many quarters that the country doesn’t have any good to offer; that it is now synonymous with shattered dreams, needless obstacles and ill fortunes. And that its people have no business expecting anything otherwise.

Successive administrations have had to bear the brunt of the people’s anger and frustrations. Comparisons usually go the same way, matching the incumbent government with the previous one, of course with predictable conclusions. The preceding one is given the pass mark while the current is left with bruises. Nostalgia often takes the front seat during such encounters. With all the suffering that characterised a sizable portion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s two terms in office, many people now swear with their lives that they never had it this bad. As some disenchanted individuals argued the other day, nothing in their wildest imagination ever prepared them to buy a single onion at N500.

But shock does happen. And, although things could actually get messier, they’re already choking, enough for people to throw up their hands in despair. Enough to make them quit hoping and trying altogether. Enough to further widen the spiritual and material gap between those in positions of authority and the longsuffering masses. And, more significantly, enough to drain whatever is left of any responsibility for patriotism. This last point directly undermines the basis for collective actions that are critical to corporate rejuvenation and continuity - indispensable attributes for countries hopeful of staying afloat and thriving.

I was pondering over the true conditions of the patriotic credentials of Nigerians in the midst of so many vicissitudes of life when I stumbled on an article published in Dialogue and Discourse in October 2022 by a Lebanese student writer, Ivan I. Khalil. Titled “Patriotism: What Does It Mean to Love Your Country,” he was inspired by

interacting with some friends in a local coffee shop.

Khalil’s takeaways from his encounter are truly instructive: “In Lebanese society, patriotism is reliably instilled by schooling institutions, popular culture, and the political establishment. But with the currently unfolding socioeconomic meltdown, much doubt has been cast on the fate of this ironclad sentiment.” Conversely, in Nigeria, if this vital subject is in the curriculum, it’s certainly not active and is, therefore, not a virtue to look out for among young people as a matter of rightful expectation. The relevant lines in the National Anthem and Pledge could well have been lifted from empty odes because of the lack of passion that usually accompanies them. So, when confronted with biting, stark visceral and existential realities, noble qualities like patriotism promptly take the back seat. One can only hope that the National Values Charter designed and driven by the present leadership of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) would succeed where its predecessors failed to make the desired impact.

Khalil: “Patriotism in its earliest forms was an unwavering loyalty to a common cause instead of a fixed national identity. Fascinatingly, this still applies today. The sentiment of patriotism cannot hold in a state where the state stands for nothing. While the cause may shift with time as the nation-state builds its unique identity, the loyalty associated with it does not waver.” Common, unifying cause. On the eve of Nigeria’s 65th anniversary as an independent state, there’re many citizens who still question the things that define its true identity. Such persons are quick to canvass and enforce the legitimacy of the nationalities that fill up the nation’s geographical space but have refused to even acknowledge its legitimacy to exist as a nation. Not to talk of mobilising the citizenry towards achieving national goals. The idea of being patriotic can’t then be a priority to them.

Khalil: “Patriotism, loving the country, is not dying for your country. Patriotism,

loving the country, is not throwing away your future to stay entrenched in a land of perpetual suffering. Patriotism, loving the country, is not shaming those who prioritised their lives over an abstract idea of unity. No.” This is some justification for those who have “jumped ship” in search of the good life elsewhere. The caveat here is that some persons left Nigeria and went straight into disillusionment. Even if US or Canadian dollars, pound sterling and euros grow on trees, locating their sources is herculean, more daunting than some of the hurdles back home. Some have been forced to embrace a popular Nigerian social media saying, “problems nor de finish”, as an armour against their acquired fate.

Khalil: “Patriotism is loving the country despite its flaws. Loving the country is to be one with its culture. Loving the country is to keep the faith in a better tomorrow. Loving the country is to leave your anchor in the harbor of diversity, to return whence the pier’s been salvaged from ruins.” Whoever is able to draw a line between Nigeria and its routinely fumbling, largely selfcentered leaders would have succeeded in surmounting a major obstacle to loving it.

Khalil: “For me, to love your country is to have the burning ache of dread when thinking of your separation with it. /To love your country is to think about it before soon being so cruelly separated by the dagger of life. /For you, it is sure to be different, but it is a dedication in heart, more than a dedication in actions or words. /Words lie and actions deceive, but your heart is whole and true until it is broken, /and it is broken only when your country tears itself apart. / Even so, your heart heals and loves anew, /a country born again, /until it too, /dies again, /lives again, /and rises so new.”

By concluding his remarkable piece on a poetic, emotive note, he revealed one crucial element of patriotism: the personal passion of every true believer for one’s country no matter the shortcomings.

Arguably, Lebanon has incurred more turbulence and tragedies of global dimensions and implications than Nigeria. The article by this perceptive writer on politics, philosophy and economy surely transcends a simple academic look at his own country. The other Lebanese folks and even Khalil probably didn’t know they were engaged in a profound Focus Group Discussion (FGD), an established qualitative research method. But the exchanges have produced valid findings worth digesting. One last thing, those interactions can easily be replicated on the streets of Nigeria, in Anyigba, Lugbe, Ojodu-Berger, OboloAfor, Chibok, Okitipupa, Mbiama and Lapai. For, like Lebanon, my own country is in desperate need of lovers, people who are willing to look beyond its scars and protracted trauma to appreciate its very essence: a land of enduring promise.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

Difficulties in securing multi-drug therapy medications are hindering the treatment of leprosy, contends Sunday Udo

THE CRISIS OF ACCESS TO LEPROSY TREATMENT

For over a decade, Nigeria has made commendable strides in its fight against leprosy, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable. However, a current crisis threatens to unravel this progress and raises urgent questions about the country’s commitment to equitable healthcare and human rights.

For the past 11 months, Nigeria has been unable to secure Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) medications essential for treating leprosy. This delay, stemming from procedural bottlenecks in obtaining the Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) and the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP), has left over 3,000 individuals—including 800 children—without access to life-saving treatment.

At its core, this situation represents a grave violation of human rights. Health is a fundamental right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and denying access to essential medicines infringes upon this right. For individuals affected by leprosy, the lack of timely treatment exacerbates physical disabilities, fuels stigma, and erodes their dignity.

The fact that these medications are donated free of charge by the World Health Organisation (WHO) makes the situation even more egregious. The procedural delays preventing their procurement not only deepen the suffering of affected individuals but also expose Nigeria to international embarrassment as the only country unable to secure MDT medications for reasons entirely within its control.

Hauwa, a 12-year-old girl from Zamfara State, was diagnosed with leprosy since May 2024. She first noticed patches on her skin and numbness in her fingers. By the time she was diagnosed, the disease had already begun to cause deformities in her hands and feet.

Hauwa’s parents were relieved to learn that leprosy is curable, and that treatment could stop the disease’s progression. However, their hope quickly turned to despair when they were informed that the necessary MDT medications were unavailable due to supply delays.

As weeks turned into months, Hauwa’s condition worsened. The once cheerful girl now struggles with physical deformities and its associated stigma. “I just want to go back to school and play with my friends,” Hauwa says, her voice filled with tears. Hauwa’s story is just one among thousands. Her suffering underscores the human cost of bureaucratic inefficiencies and the urgent need for intervention.

Untreated leprosy cases act as reservoirs for the disease, increasing transmission and burdening an already strained healthcare system. Nigeria, once proud of its progress in leprosy elimination, now risks becoming a global outlier due to avoidable

bureaucratic inefficiencies that have hindered its ability to procure free MDT medications. On December 23, 2024, the Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria), a national association of persons affected by leprosy, organized a press conference to address the gravity of the situation. In his statement, IDEA President, Mr. Peter Terver Iorkighir highlighted the dire consequences of the 11-month delay in MDT supply, emphasizing its human rights and public health implications. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promptly address regulatory barriers and ensure affected individuals receive the necessary treatment; stressing the need for decisive leadership to uphold Nigeria’s commitment to leprosy elimination and alleviate the suffering of those affected. Despite this urgent appeal, however, no action was taken, and the critical delays in treatment have persisted, worsening the crisis.

This crisis is not unique to leprosy. Across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), systemic barriers hinder access to essential medicines. Complex regulatory requirements, insufficient local manufacturing capacity, and reliance on international donors often create a perfect storm of delays and shortages.

In Nigeria’s case, the additional requirement for a CRIA, compounded by the need for a waiver from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), underscores the procedural inefficiencies that plague access to medicines. These challenges highlight the need for regulatory frameworks that are robust yet flexible enough to prioritize public health emergencies.

Resolving this crisis requires immediate and strategic action. The following recommendations are key:

Expedited Waivers for Essential Medicines:Regulatory agencies like NAFDAC must establish streamlined processes for waivers during public health emergencies, ensuring that procedural requirements do not delay access to life-saving treatments.

Strengthened Coordination Between Ministries:The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and regulatory bodies should enhance collaboration to address bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure timely procurement of donated medicines.

Advocacy at the Highest Levels: The Presidency must recognize the urgency of this crisis and prioritise intervention. A high-level task force should be established to oversee the resolution of this issue and prevent future occurrences.

Long-Term Investment in Local Manufacturing:Nigeria must invest in building local capacity for the production of essential medicines, reducing dependency on international suppliers and mitigating the risk of supply chain disruptions.

Global Accountability: International stakeholders, including WHO and donors, should work closely with LMICs to streamline donation processes and align them with local regulatory requirements.

This crisis is a defining moment for Nigeria’s public health leadership. Beyond the immediate health implications, it is a test of the country’s commitment to its most vulnerable citizens and to its global reputation as a leader in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.

Leprosy is curable, and its elimination is within reach. However, this goal will remain unattainable if procedural inefficiencies continue to obstruct access to the very tools that make elimination possible. The time for decisive action is now.

Nigeria must act swiftly to restore access to MDT medications and reaffirm its commitment to health equity, human rights, and global health leadership. Anything less would be an injustice to those who depend on these life-saving treatments—and a disservice to the nation’s public health legacy.

Dr. Udo

is the Country Director of The Leprosy Mission-Nigeria and a public health expert

CLEAVER UZEZI DANIELS

argues for more amenities in Isoko Land

CRYING OUT LOUD

Oil and gas exploration in Nigeria started in the early 1950s and by 1956 oil was found in Oloibiri, now in Bayelsa State. Two years after in 1958, oil was also found in Uzere in Isoko while drilling started in 1959. In Olomoro, another onshore oil well was found, and drilling activities started in 1962.

All together, there are four oil flow stations in Isoko land with several cogged oil wells yet to be opened for production.

Agip and Shell were the dominant explorers, and recently NPDC/Heritage, and Oando have taken over the activities of Agip and Shell as the new operators.

The Isoko composite economic contribution to the Niger Delta area of Nigeria includes oil and gas, palm oil, rubber, cassava, plantain, yams, fish production, etc. Isoko is the second largest ethnic group in Delta State, after Urhobo.

With good arable lands, farming is the major economic occupation of the Isokos, and its contribution to the food baskets is reputable. Garri production and cornflakes making are legendary.

However, the effects of oil exploration hazards have impacted negatively on Isoko land over the years since 1957, when the onshore oil production activities started in its oil fields.

It is our pain that the entire Isoko communities have been subjected to environmental degradation,and the farms yield emaciated; the economic prosperity is poor, ecosystems poisonous, and life expectancy reduced.

Public electricity is a mirage and craft centres, and small-scale industries are not sustainable to improve commercial activities to provide employment. The few industries running on diesel engine generators are groaning.

Despite the hue and cry of the population, the oil and gas explorers paid no attention to the development of the Isoko communities. They have the capacity under social corporate responsibility policy to provide gas turbines to give electricity to the communities, and it is woefully disappointing to see that the erstwhile Agip and Shell turned deaf ears to the plight of the Isokos. The youths in a conclave about three years ago agreed to picket the oil facilities in demand for gas turbines infrastructure.

The monarchs in the know of the youths' decision appealed to youth leaders and took over the challenge to engage Agip in dialogue all through 2022 and 2023. Agip only responded and attended Isoko stakeholders' meeting initiated by the monarchs at the IDU main complex in Oleh. Agip never till date acted on the demands of the stakeholders for gas turbine infrastructure in Isoko land.

The Isoko nation has been unjustly denied attention by the federal government. That's very unfair to such a rich onshore oil production area.

Isoko oil and gas resources are directly related to the record of Delta State as the leading oil producing state in Nigeria. But what are the gains?

To say the least, Isoko is severely marginalised.

Since 1958, there has been no single federal institution established in Isoko land, nor a minister appointed as a mark of recognition of the contribution of isoko’s wealth to national revenue.

The Isoko have just two local government areas, among the three sister ethnic groups in the south senatorial district.

It's sad to realise that leaders who preach development and peaceful co-existence are the ones in the forefront of rivalry to undo their neighbours.

Since our ethnic groups inter marry, one expects that when the opportunity comes, fairness should be the watchword.

Any ethnic group canvassing and consulting to up-stage Isoko from getting the slot of governorship is about to stand unity and equity on its head. The Isokos have supported their neighbours in the past. Isoko deserves the support of all three senatorial districts in reciprocity.

This is also clarion call on the federal government to establish federal institutions in Isoko, and appoint their sons and daughters to positions of repute.

Chief Daniels, LLM, BL,FCIA is a Public Policy Analyst/Legal Psychologist

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE CRISIS OF UNEMPLOYMENT

All the stakeholders should do more to ease the scourge of joblessness

In its 2024 last quarter report published last September, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) bemoaned the fact that unemployment rate stood at 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, representing a third consecutive increase since the second quarter of 2023. “Consequently, Nigeria’s misery index - the sum of unemployment and inflation rates - rose to 36.9 per cent in 2024Q1 from 30.5 per cent in 2023Q3,” according to the report. “Nigeria has one of the world's highest misery indexes, with many Nigerians experiencing a cost-of-living crisis and weak purchasing power due to rising inflation.”

Indeed, one of the issues that should task authorities in Nigeria is the growing unemployment, especially among young people. Unfortunately, the crisis of unemployment has led to the creation of bubble jobs as political office holders appoint thousands of special assistants with no job schedules. The crisis has also engendered a prevalence of bribery and job racketeering, particularly in the country’s public service. Today, recruitment of civil servants and public officers is fraught with corruption, especially since public institutions have stopped advertising for jobs and vacancies as syndicates make applicants to pay scandalous amounts of money. A report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), for instance, observed that 32 per cent Nigerians who secured jobs in the nation’s public service in 2019 paid a bribe. It is therefore no surprise that we have a civil/public service that seems incapable of meeting the expectations of citizens both in terms of basic needs as well as institutional transformation.

combined with scarce domestic employment opportunities amid dwindling resources. This, according to the report, was creating high rates of unemployment, especially for the growing youth population. A combination of rising unemployment, booming demography, and unfulfilled aspirations, according to the World Bank result in increasing pressure on young Nigerians to migrate in search of gainful employment overseas.

The high rate of out-of-school children and poor output in the education sector also contribute to deepening the challenge of unemployment

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE T

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

When these are juxtaposed against the background that there has been an 80 per cent drop in foreign direct investment, it is obvious that we have a serious challenge on our hands. The high rate of out-of-school children and poor output in the education sector also contribute to deepening the challenge of unemployment as the nation continues to churn out a crop of uncompetitive youth in a world driven by technology. Although some governors have established skill acquisition centres by which young people can undergo vocational training, the emphasis seems to be political.

The World Bank has in recent years warned that Nigeria is currently undergoing the worst unemployment crisis in its history. Three years ago, it authored a report, ‘Of Roads Less Travelled: Assessing the Potential for Migration to Provide Overseas Jobs for Nigeria’s Youth’. The report particularly raised the alarm over the nation’s expanding working-age population

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

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

Letters to the Editor

President Bola Tinubu has blamed the high unemployment rate in the country on a rapidly growing population that has outpaced the creation of sufficient job opportunities. “For too long, Nigeria has underperformed, unable to harness the potential of its large population of hardworking citizens. Nigerians are not lazy; the problem has been a lack of job opportunities. As the population grew, service providers did not expand proportionately,” said the president. “The steps we are taking now should have been taken long ago. People should have been incentivised to establish small and medium enterprises instead of seeking opportunities abroad.” Last December, while speaking to a gathering of MSME stakeholders, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, promised that the federal government would soon launch the national youth unemployment benefits scheme. We hope the federal government and authorities in the 36 states will work together to address the unemployment crisis in Nigeria.

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

RULE OF LAW OR RULE OF MIGHT?

The real national conference we need in this country is to collectively decide whether we want to be ruled by the Constitution and the rule of law, or to govern ourselves through feudal instincts, brute force, and barbaric tendencies. If we decide against constitutional rule, let us openly acknowledge it. At least then, we will know the truth of what governs us, rather than hiding behind the pretense of adhering to the rule of law.

It honestly intrigues me, when individuals defend injustice and rationalise rule of might. In this instance, what exactly would warrant the Police to keep a citizen in a cell without formal criminal trial for more than 24 hours or 48 hours at most where there is no close-by court house.

Akpi Speed Darlington wasn't accused of armed robbery or murder, even if he was - it cannot warrant such "trial-by-ordeal". Recently a lawyer was brutalised by the police, some were even detained for months and years without trial. On numerous occasions courts will give orders and government agencies will disobey it, disregard it and circumvent it. The concept of justice warrants timely dispensation of justice however small or mighty the alleged offence - justice delayed is justice denied.

How can it be just when someone accused of a crime carrying a likely sentence of one year spends two months in detention without trial? Our courts need to be bold - where two or four Commissioners of Police or senior hierarchy of the Police Force, law enforcement or other government

agencies and parastatals are thrown into prison for contempt - the message will be effectively passed that nobody is above the law.

John Rawls, in his ground breaking work - theory of justice, argued that progress can come not from any new insight about substance of justice but from devising a fair procedure for justice. Our constitution and legal jurisprudence, however imperfect has devised a fair procedure for justice not only to be done but also to be seen to be done; yet for the purpose of power-show, we have set up various devices and restraints to suffocate these legal safeguards.

In Nigeria today, the convenience of some powerful people is the law. The rule of law we observe today is the discretion and caprices of some public office holders. The study of Law and Development through its proponents such as David Trubek, Douglas North and others, has shown the clear connections between justice, rule of law and national development. Justice and rule of law should never be treated as mere inconvenience by public office holders and men of means in the society, the state should never even allow such opportunity if it so much as believe in the word national development.

Opatola Victor, Victor@legalifyattorneys.com

WHO WILL PUT THAT FIRE OUT?

Mark Zuckerberg has stopped Meta's fact-checking program and will rely on its users to consider content.

Isn't this similar to sacking fire-fighters and letting arsonists decide which fires are serious and what to do about them?

Actually it's not a big concern for me as I don't use social media and rely on newspapers for my news and analysis.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Gamin G Week

Edited by nseobonG

okon-ekonG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com | Tel: 08114495324

What Betting Operators Stand to Gain Partnering Gamblepause Africa

Nseobong Okon-Ekong  writes on the enduring efforts of  Gamblepause Africa, a not-for-profit Organisation led by Ladipo Abiose Akokade to educate individuals and communities about the risks of gambling while  providing resources for those struggling with gambling addiction

The rising profile of the interventionist agency for problem gamblers, Gamblepause Africa, has attracted the attention of more stakeholders as its visionary founder, Ladipo Abiose Akokade, gets set to unveil the agency’s agenda for 2025.

Gamblepause Africa is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness about responsible gaming and tackling the challenges of gambling addiction in Africa. With over eight years of professional experience in intelligence analysis, cybercrime, and anti-money laundering, Ladipo combines his security and policy advocacy expertise to address the growing gambling issue on the continent.

Through Gamblepause Africa, Ladipo leads efforts to educate individuals and communities about the risks of gambling and provides resources for those struggling with addiction. The organization is committed to promoting healthier, more responsible gaming practices and working with governments, stakeholders, and gambling operators to create a safer and more sustainable gambling environment.

Explaining that it’s been a challenging journey

trying to convince operators of betting companies of the need to partner with Gamblepause Africa, Ladipo said that his compassion for problem

gamblers far outweighs the frustration he is confronted with.

Betting operators play a critical role in shaping

Drake’s $100m Deal with Stake: Crypto and Casinos

Davidson Abraham dives into the $100m partnership between a cryptocurrency-based online casino and sports betting platform and Canadian rapper Drake

The world of online gambling has taken a futuristic turn, with cryptocurrency reshaping how people place bets. At the heart of this revolution is the collaboration between Canadian rapper Drake and Stake, a cryptocurrency-based online casino and sports betting platform. The partnership, reportedly worth $100 million annually, highlights a growing trend of celebrities endorsing crypto gambling platforms to reach wider audiences. But what makes this deal stand out, and what does it mean for the gambling industry? Let’s dive in.

What is Stake, and why did Drake partner them?

Stake is one of the most popular online casinos that operates exclusively using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Launched in 2017, Stake offers a wide range of gambling options, including casino games like roulette, blackjack, and poker, as well as sports and esports betting. Known for its fast transactions, global access, and anonymous betting, Stake has gained popularity through its partnerships with celebrities, including Drake.

For Stake, partnering with a global superstar like Drake was a marketing masterstroke. With millions of fans across the world, Drake brings a level of cultural influence that few other celebrities can match. His partnership gives Stake an edge in the highly competitive online gambling industry, constantly evolving to attract younger, tech-savvy users.

Drake’s $100m deal – What’s the story?

Drake’s partnership with Stake is reportedly worth $100 million annually, making it one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in the gambling world. This figure is staggering, even for someone of Drake’s stature. The deal includes a mix of live-streamed gambling sessions,

social media promotions, and exclusive giveaways for fans. The rapper often hosts “Drake on Stake” events, where he live-streams himself placing massive bets on Stake’s platform. These streams feature games like roulette, with Drake wagering millions of dollars in cryptocurrency in a single session. During these events, he also gives away crypto prizes to viewers, further promoting Stake’s platform.

What’s in it for Drake?

For Drake, the partnership with Stake is more than a massive paycheck. It’s an opportunity to engage with his fans in a new, interactive way. By hosting livestreams and offering crypto giveaways, Drake creates an immersive experience for his audience that goes beyond music. Additionally, the partnership

allows Drake to remain culturally relevant in a world increasingly embracing cryptocurrency. His involvement in the crypto gambling space positions him at the forefront of an industry growing rapidly.

Crypto gambling as new frontier of online casinos

The use of cryptocurrencies in gambling has transformed the industry. Platforms like Stake offer users a faster, more secure, and more private way to place bets online. Here’s why crypto gambling is growing. One is anonymity. Users can gamble without revealing personal details. It offers faster transactions as deposits and withdrawals are quicker with crypto. Thirdly, it provides global access. Crypto allows users to bypass traditional banking restrictions. However, crypto gambling also comes with risks, particularly because it operates in a largely unregulated space. This has led to concerns about responsible gambling practices, particularly when promoted by celebrities with massive followings.

The ethical dilemma: Should celebrities promote gambling?

Drake’s partnership with Stake hasn’t been without criticism. Some argue that celebrities endorsing gambling platforms can encourage risky behaviours, especially among younger fans. Popular Twitch streamer Pokimane publicly criticised Drake’s involvement with Stake, calling out the ethical implications of promoting crypto gambling. The concern is that fans may see gambling as glamorous or a way to get rich quickly without fully understanding the risks involved. Moreover, the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies adds another layer of complexity. Crypto values can fluctuate wildly, which means players may win or lose more than expected due to market changes.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

the gambling landscape, and their involvement in promoting responsible gaming is essential to creating a safe environment for players. Partnering Gamblepause Africa offers operators several key benefits, according to Ladipo. Some benefits of partnering Gamblepause include corporate social responsibility, which demonstrates their commitment to the welfare of their customers and society, enhancing their reputation and building consumer trust. Another benefit to operators is that collaboration with Gamblepause Africa ensures that operators are aligned with best practices in responsible gaming, reducing the risk of regulatory penalties and contributing to a more transparent industry. There is also the opportunity to promote healthy gambling habits by helping to foster a culture of responsible gambling, ensuring that players are aware of the risks and know where to seek help if needed.

Speaking further on what operators stand to gain by working with Gamblepause, Ladipo mentioned the advantage to operators who prioritize responsible gaming and community welfare distinguish themselves as leaders in the industry, attracting conscientious players and securing long-term customers. He also added that operators can make a positive impact on public health by contributing to the reduction of gambling-related harm, addiction, and its negative consequences on families and communities. By partnering Gamblepause Africa, betting operators enhance their business and brands. They also contribute to creating a safer, more responsible gambling environment that benefits all stakeholders.

Ladipo a biose (3rd left) with stakeholders at a Gamblepause event

Experts: Nigeria’s Participation in AfCFTA Will Boost Regional Trade Growth

Arthur Eriye

Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), has been identified as a key opportunity to drive regional trade and economic growth across Africa. This is as the continent’s largest economy and most populous nation, is positioned to promote industrialisation, diversify exports, and achieve sustainable development through the agreement.

Despite its over-dependence e on oil, which accounts for over 90% of total exports as of 2023, the AfCFTA offers Nigeria a chance to expand its export base and reduce its dependence on oil. The agreement provides access to

a market of over 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council estimates that targeted export initiatives under AfCFTA could generate up to $30 billion annually in non-oil revenue by 2035. Key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and fintech are expected to thrive, with fintech benefiting from Africa’s growing digitalisation.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed described AfCFTA as an “unparalleled opportunity” for Nigeria to lead Africa’s economic transformation. Similarly, Finance Minister Wale Edun highlighted government efforts to tackle socio-economic challenges, including digitising

social welfare programs for greater transparency.

The National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Olusegun Awolowo emphasised the agreement’s potential to create jobs, foster industrialisation, and promote inclusive growth. He urged Nigeria to prioritise export growth to combat poverty and unemployment.

The African Development Bank estimates Africa’s annual infrastructure financing gap at $68–$108 billion, with closing this gap essential for AfCFTA’s success. The World Bank projects that AfCFTA’s full implementation could lift 30 million Africans out of extreme poverty, with Nigeria positioned as a major beneficiary.

Escravos Seaport Deal Faces Brickwall as FG Revalidation Stalls

Promoters of Escravos Seaport Investment Complex (ESIC) have said that development of the project is yet to commence as they are yet to receive statutory revalidation from the federal government.

The partners, Mercury Maritime Concession Company (MMCC) and EDIB International of Hong Kong, represented by MMCC Chairperson Rear Admiral Andrew Okoja (rtd), made this disclosure at a press conference in Lagos.

A provisional approval granted by the federal government through the Ministry of Transportation in November 2020, Okoja explained, enabled the promoters of ESIC to carry out preliminary consultations, which have so far cost $15 million, in addition to $1 billion as an expression of “capacity” to deliver on their commitment.

Okoja expressed optimism that the ESIC project if given the necessary approvals by the federal government, state government and statutory authorities will be completed in five years starting 2024 while highlighting that it’s partner and project financier,

Gaming technology and service provider company pawaTech Group has signed a four-year licensing agreement with Choplife Gaming to further develop Africa’s leading sports betting brand betPawa into Nigeria.

This is an extension of a successful partnership that has positioned betPawa in top positions in markets like Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Benin and Ghana where the brand is licensed to Choplife.

Choplife Gaming has recently acquired the rights for Nigeria, solidifying its commitment to continue collaborating with betPawa through the upfront licence fee model. This model has been extended to the five other existing markets for the next four years, bringing the total to six markets where Choplife Gaming now operates.

“We have successfully

EDIB International, were threatening to withdraw their $27.29 billion investment proposition if necessary approval was not granted by the federal government in June, 2024.

The ESIC project, which is to be situated at Escravos (Gbaramatu Island/Omadino) in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, is designed to include a deep seaport, a free trade zone, a gas complex, an oil refinery, independent power plants, a nature park, an airport, and mini cities. The promoters have indicated they are collaborating with international and local technical partners to ensure its success.

When MMCC proposed the ESIC project in 2019, it estimated the total cost at $2.9 billion. The provisional approval granted by the federal government in November 2020, offered ESIC a 50-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) lease agreement.

The Delta State government had earlier granted approval to help the promoters secure 31,000 hectares of land for the project site. In June 2023, MMCC announced that the Delta State government had again validated the ESIC contract, reaffirming its confidence in the project.

worked with Choplife Gaming in other markets and are excited about their willingness to co-invest into the Nigerian market with us,” said Kresten Buch, the Executive Chairman of pawaTech Group. “We look forward to that collaboration. Our platform, designed to provide the best digital gaming experience, will be further enhanced for Nigeria - contributing to the growth of the digital economy through its successful fintech, mobile money, and instant payments solutions,” added Buch. Today, betPawa stands as a leading online gaming brand operating in 17 markets in Africa giving customers a fast, convenient, and exciting platform. It is supported by an engaging array of sports betting, virtual and casino games that create a userfriendly betting experience.

On his part, Choplife Gam-

However, with successive changes in government, MMCC and its partner, EDIB International, are seeking revalidation from the current federal administration to secure EDIB’s $27.29 billion investment stake.

According to Koko, these setbacks include the violation of the open bidding process, as MMCC proposed a monopoly on deep seaport operations in the eastern part of the country. Koko stated: He said, “Mercury Maritime Concession Company Ltd (MMCC) submitted a proposal requesting the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to approve its request as the ONLY deep seaportfree zone in the eastern zone of the country for decades to come.

“The Authority has received numerous proposals for developing deep seaports, including Ibom, Burutu, Bakassi, Bonny, and the Port of Benin, all of which are at various stages of review. Nonetheless, we have carefully outlined the requirements for this project.”

Other issues raised by Koko include the fact that while the port falls under the purview of the NPA, the broader ESIC project requires extensive consultations.

ing Chairman Oluwatosin ‘Mr Eazi’ Ajibade said: “We are thrilled about this exciting partnership with pawaTech Group, which marks a significant milestone for Choplife Gaming as we expand our footprint into the dynamic Nigerian market.

“As a Nigerian myself, this opportunity holds a special place in my heart. Having worked across various industries in Nigeria, I’ve seen first-hand the remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and vibrancy that defines this nation. Joining forces with pawaTech Group as co-investors allows us not only to grow our operations but also to contribute to the flourishing gaming space in my mother country. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to bring innovative

solutions to Nigeria and beyond.”

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).

L-R: Director ICT Niger Delta `Development Commission (NDDC), Emeka M. Ani; Director, Teenage Pregnancy Secretariat, Patricia Matu bah; Managing Director, Parallex Bank, Olufemi Bakre; Founder, Areta, Eleonora Bonacossa, Honorees at the Global Sustainable Education and Leadership Conference 2024 held at the Palace of Westminister Abbey, House of Lords, in London... recently

Esther Oluku

pawaTech Increases Investment, Launches

Stock Market Extends Losing Streak for Fourth Consecutive Session, Drops by N931bn

Kayode Tokede

The stock market section of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday extended its losing streak for the fourth consecutive trading day, as investors’ investment declined by N931 billion.

Sell pressures on Dangote Cement Plc that dropped by 10 per cent weighed down the NGX All-Share Index by 1.47 per cent to

102,095.95 basis points. As a result, the stock market Year-to-Date return settled at -0.8per cent. Also, market capitalisation declined by N931 billion to close at N62.257 trillion.

Sectoral performance was mixed as the NGX Industrial Goods index depreciated by 4.7per cent and NGX Insurance index was down by 3.5 per cent while the NGX Consumer Goods added one per cent

and NGX Oil & Gas Index appreciated by 0.2per cent. The NGX Banking index closed flat.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was negative, as 28 stocks gained relative to 39 losers.

Dangote Sugar Refinery, SUNU Assurance and NASCON Allied Industries emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent each to close at N36.85, N6.71 and N38.50 respectively,

per share.

Skyway Aviation Handling Company followed with a gain of 9.95 per cent to close at N33.15, while Austin Laz and Company advanced by 9.94 per cent to close at N1.99, per share.

On the other side, Dangote Cement and Universal Insurance led others on the losers’ chart with 10 per cent each to close at N387.90 and 63 kobo respectively, while John Holt followed with a

decline of 9.99 per cent to close at N8.47, per share.

Transcorp Power lost 9.97 per cent to close at N324.00, while Omatek Ventures depreciated by 9.89 per cent to close at 82 kobo, per share.

The total volume traded declined by 14.79 per cent to 435.542 million units, valued at N9.442 billion, and exchanged in 12,098 deals. Transactions in the shares of Universal Insurance led

the activity with 70.309 million shares worth N46.390 million. AIICO Insurance followed with account of 39.682 million shares valued at N67.511 million, while Access Holdings traded 16.841 million shares valued at N413.986 million. Livestock Feeds traded 16.823 million shares worth N106.766 million, while Nigerian Breweries traded 16.195 million shares worth N518.152 million.

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 14 January-2025, unless otherwise stated.

CHINESE INVESTOR VISITS MAKINDE...

Sanusi: I'll No Longer Offer Advice to Government on Economic Matters

Blames Nigeria's downturn on decades of mismanagement

Wale Igbintade

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, yesterday declared that he would no longer offer advice to the administration of President Bola Tinubu on how to address the country’s economic challenges. Sanusi made this statement during the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos, where he served as chairman of the event.

Speaking at the event, the emir

explained that he initially tried to help the government but has now resolved not to offer further assistance.

He said: "I don’t want to help the government. They are my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I won’t act like one. So, I watch them struggle, and they don’t even have people with credibility to explain their actions.

“But I’m not going to help. I started out offering advice, but that’s not happening anymore.

Let them come and explain to Nigerians why they are pursuing these policies. In the meantime, I’ll sit back and enjoy a good movie with popcorn."

According to the monarch, the economic difficulties Nigerians are facing today are, in part, a result of decades of irresponsible economic management by past governments.

He stated: “What we are going through now is a necessary consequence of years of poor economic governance. We were

warned repeatedly, but no one listened. Now, is everything being done today correct? No."

Sanusi further emphasised that personal integrity, courage, and discipline matter more than wealth or power, highlighting the importance of self-reflection as a nation.

“Can we please ask ourselves, ‘Who am I?’” he urged. “We have lost sight of what truly defines us.”

He also lamented how people, upon gaining power, often become

End Harassment, Threats Against Amnesty International Nigeria, Others, CSOs Tell FG

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Wednesday said they were seriously concerned about the ongoing intimidation, harassment and threat against Amnesty International in Nigeria (AI-Nigeria) by the Nigeria Police Force and therefore, called on the government of President Bola Tinubu to end the escalating crackdown on human rights activists, journalists and other Nigerians simply for peacefully exercising their human rights.

They noted the Nigeria Police Force in a letter dated 6th January 2025 threatened Amnesty International with a purported legal action over the organisation’s recent report titled: “Nigeria: Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests.

The undersigned CSOs, not less than 67 of them stressed: "We also note that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) reported that 27 protesters were killed by the police while about 800 people were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests across the country in August 2024.

"Several protesters were reportedly detained without charges or trial.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN also reported that some 22 protesters were killed while over 2,000 protesters were arrested during the protests in several states.

“We are seriously concerned that rather than promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently and effectively investigating these grave allegations of human rights violations and abuses, bringing suspected perpetrators to justice and ensuring effective remedies and adequate compensation for victims and their

families, the police is deliberately intimidating, threatening and targeting Amnesty International."

According to them, the intimidation, harassment and threat against Amnesty International coming after the recent reports of intimidation and harassment of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and in the context of the ongoing repression of civic space and attacks against activists, human rights defenders, and journalists demonstrates an alarming crackdown on civic space and human rights in Nigeria.

"We are concerned that the intimidation, harassment and threat against Amnesty International have seriously undermined the space for activists, human rights defenders, journalists and other Nigerians to carry out their legitimate human rights activities and work, and to freely associate and express themselves.

"We are concerned that Nigerian authorities continue to disregard their obligations under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the human rights treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which the country is a state party.

"We stand in solidarity with Amnesty International. The intimidation, harassment and threat against Amnesty International and escalating crackdown on the human rights movement in the country must end.

“We call on the government of President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigeria police force to immediately end its ongoing intimidation, harassment and threat against Amnesty International and to allow the orga-

nization to freely carry out its human rights work in the country without any fear of reprisals.

"We call on the Tinubu administration to thoroughly, impartially, independently and effectively investigate the grave allegations of human rights violations and abuses in the context of the #EndBadGovernance protests.

"The administration must ensure that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice promptly and

that victims and their families are provided with access to justice and effective remedies.

“We call on the Tinubu administration to immediately take measures to ensure a conducive environment where civil society organizations, activists, human rights defenders, journalists and other Nigerians will feel safe to carry out their work and exercise their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.

consumed by it, adding that "People get into power, but they don’t know how to use it.” “They think it belongs to them. We need to stop taking pride in these temporary, superficial things," he added.

He stated that while he may discuss the economy in the future, his current focus was to honour the legacy of Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

He urged the audience to reflect on Fawehinmi's example of integrity and to re-examine the distinction between "who we are" and "what we are."

Sanusi also took the opportunity to encourage lawyers to emulate the late Gani Fawehinmi’s commitment to integrity, character, and justice—values he believes are currently lacking in the legal profession.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), praised the enduring legacy of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, describing him as a symbol of courage and justice.

Keyamo, who was represented by Henry Agbebire of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), acknowledged Fawehinmi’s monumental impact on human rights, public service, and the legal profession.

“The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi left an indelible mark on human rights advocacy, public service, and the legal profession. His legacy inspires us all with its courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice for the common man," Keyamo said.

Reflecting on his own journey, Keyamo credited Fawehinmi's mentorship with shaping his activism and legal career.

“As someone whose human rights activism began under Gani Fawehinmi’s guidance, I am proud to continue championing issues such as citizens’ rights, accountable governance, and equitable public policy. These principles guide my work today," he pointed out. Keyamo also expressed his hope that the discussions at the event would yield ideas for promoting Nigeria’s sustainable development and social justice.

"I trust the deliberations will offer solutions that can guide our nation toward economic progress and fairness," he added.

Other notable guests included the Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe (SAN), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), among others.

Joint Security Forces Kill 5 Gunmen in Anambra, Recover Arms, Destroy Camp

As vigilante detain pregnant woman over husband's debt

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A Joint Security Team comprising the police, military and other security agencies have killed five suspected gunmen in Anambra State.

This is coming as police yesterday rescued a woman detained by vigilante operatives in a community in the state over her husband's indebtedness.

These were revealed by spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in separate press releases he made available to journalists in Awka.

He said the first incident happened on 14th January 2025 by 12.30 pm in Umuogem, Ufuma Community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He said: "The team successfully car-

ried out an offensive operation against a suspected armed secessionist gang in Umugem road, Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area.

"The team neutralized five members of the armed group, while some others escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds.

"During the operation, the security team razed down the criminals’ camp and recovered four undetonated improvised explosive devices (IED), two AK47 assault rifles, one pump action gun, and one 75-volt battery with other incriminating items."

Ikenga attributed the success of the operations to the collaboration and coordination among the various security agencies, adding that operations were still ongoing in the area to arrest fleeing gang members.

He quoted the Commissioner

of Police in the state, CP Nnaghe

Obono Itam, as calling for greater cooperation of the people in the area to ensure that criminal gangs are wiped out.

A pregnant woman whose name was given as Mrs. Chidinma has been detained by operatives of Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG), over unpaid debt owed by her husband.

THISDAY gathered the incident happened in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

A viral video showed that she was detained in the operatives' security office in Okija.

A press release by the state police command's spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the woman had been released after two days in detention, when the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnaghe

Obono Itam ordered her immediate release.

Ikenga in his press release however said that the case involved theft accusation leveled against the victim's husband.

He said: "The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a pregnant woman allegedly detained over a case of stealing by her husband in a Security Office at Okija.

"The report of the incident was intercepted in a trending video by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam as he ordered rescue operations and an investigation into the report.

"The CP frowns at such acts of indiscriminate detention and inhuman treatment of suspects by some members of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG).

R-L: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Executive Secretary General, Working Committee for Overseas Cooperation of China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, He Lixiong; Chairman, Belt and Road Africa Economic Promotion, Innocent Okonkwo( and Consul General, Nigeria in Shanghai and China, Ambassador Gbadebo Afolabi, during the Chinese business investor’s visit to the Governor's Office Secretariat, in Ibadan

REVISED STRUCTURED TRAINING PROGRAMME...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Olasunkanmi Oyegbola; Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro; Director, Career Management Directorate, Civil Service Commission (CSC), Mr. Kehinde Yusuf; and the Permanent Secretary, CSC, Mr. Akinbode Obadina, during the opening ceremony of the Revised Structured Training Programme (RSTP) for the Y2025 Promotion Exercise for Eligible Officers on Grade 06-10 at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium... recently

UN: Killing of 40 Borno Farmers/Fishermen Horrific, Attackers Must Be Prosecuted

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations has described as horrific, the recent killing of about 40 farmers and fishermen in part of Borno State, in North East Nigeria.

Over 40 farmers and fishermen were reportedly killed last weekend at a settlement in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State by terrorist groups, ISWAP/Boko Haram.

In a statement, yesterday, the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, said, “I am horrified by the recent mass killing of fishermen and farmers in Borno States’s Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) reportedly by members of a non-state armed group (NSAG).

“On 12 January, at least 40 civilians, all men, were reportedly killed in Dumba community in Kukawa after allegedly breaching an NSAG ban on farming activities. Several people remain missing, according to humanitarian partners operating in neighbouring Monguno LGA.

“On behalf of the UN in Nigeria,

I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery. The UN stands in solidarity with the people and the Government of Borno State.

“The armed actors, who perpetrated these attacks must be identified and brought to account in compliance with national and international human rights laws.

“This recent attack is yet another grim reminder of the profound dangers that civilians in conflict-affected parts of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states continue to face in their struggle to survive.”

He recalled that, “In 2024, multiple attacks against civilians were recorded. In February, 2024, NSAGs allegedly abducted hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of them women, boys and girls in Ngala LGA, Borno State.

“The IDPs had reportedly ventured beyond the safety of the trenches surrounding Ngala in search of firewood.

“In June 2024, scores of civilians were reportedly killed and others seriously injured following suicide

PSC Disowns 2022 Batch B Constable Recruitment Announcement

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Police Service Commission (PSC), has disowned a trending, but fictitious and misleading story in the social media on the resumption of training for an imaginary batch B of the 2022 Constable Recruitment.

The Commission noted that it was disturbed on the continuous use of the name of its Spokesman, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, on the diversionary publications obviously planted to cause mischief and mislead innocent young Nigerians, who are desirous of a career in the Nigeria Police Force.

A statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, stated that the fictitious publication was captioned: "Police Recruitment: Batch B Candidates starts training February 16; PSC/ NPF Endorses https://apply. policerecruitment.gov.ng portal-calls on Batch B candidates to stick to it for information."

He noted that the fraudsters also attached a telephone no:09027314596, where they were expected to fraudulently dupe unsuspecting Nigerian youths.

"The Police Service Commission distances itself and its Spokesman from this obviously misleading and libelous story.

"The Commission states as

follows:

i. That at no time did it discuss, approve or issue any Press Release on the above phantom publication. ii. That the new Recruits are still in training and will be passing out later this month and no decision has been taken on when the next recruitment will commence. iii. That the Commission in line with its standard Operating procedures will issue an official statement on subsequent decision on recruitment for this year."

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd., directed the Nigeria Police Force to quickly arrest the fraudsters, who were bent on undermining the Commission and duping unsuspecting Nigerian youths.

The chairman advised that the misleading story should be ignored as the commission was yet to take any decision on recruitment for this year.

He noted that the commission would continue to be transparent and ensure that its recruitment was merit-based and in line with established rules and regulations. Argungu stated that interested Nigerians should be patient and await the commission's official statement on this year's recruitment exercise.

bomb attacks in Gwoza LGA, also in Borno.

“In July 2024, suspected NSAGs attacked farmers in the Firgi community, also in Gwoza LGA, leading to the killing of an unspecified number

of IDPs and the abduction of two women and seven teenage girls who were later released.

“And in September 2024, more than 100 men and boys lost their lives following an NSAG attack on

Enugu

Mafa, in Yobe State’s Tarmuwa LGA.

Several other incidents were reported in Borno’s Dikwa, Logomane, Ngala and Pulka areas.

“The UN remains committed to supporting affected people to comple-

ment government’s efforts. I also call for enhanced security measures and urge parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm.

TINUBU, AKPABIO, ABBAS, ATIKU, SARAKI, GOVS, OTHERS CELEBRATE ARMED FORCES DAY to build a Nigeria that embodied justice, equity and peace, a country deserving of the sacrifices of the fallen heroes.

Paying tribute to the nation's slain heroes at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, the state capital, Diri stressed the need to move beyond ceremonial gestures and ensure that the sacrifices of the heroes were reflected in the progress and betterment of society.

He stated, “The legacy of our heroes calls for a Nigeria, where justice, equity, and prosperity are tangible realities for all citizens. It is about ensuring that policies and actions bring about meaningful and positive outcomes, addressing the needs of all Nigerians, and working towards the common good.

"Every decision, no matter how big or small, should be made with the aim of fostering unity, justice, peace, promoting development, and enhancing the welfare of every individual in our nation."

Oyo

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, yesterday, presented a brand new car to Major Rasaki Salawu (rtd.), the pioneer Director of Operations, Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC).

The car presentation formed part of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, which took place at the Remembrance Arcade, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan. It was in recognition of the contributions of the retired military officer to the traffic management sector in the state, in particular, and the country, as a whole.

Presenting the car, Makinde said, “They told me about the difficulty that you have getting around because of the state of your vehicle.

“We thought that being a retired Major in the Nigerian Army, there cannot be a better time to also honour you than this day we are remembering our fallen heroes.

“So, on behalf of the Oyo State Government, I am presenting to you a brand new vehicle to move around easily.”

Salawu appreciated Makinde and the state for the gift, and promised to continue to contribute his quota to efforts to improve the traffic management system in the state.

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, extolled the bravery and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and veterans, saying the nation owes them eternal gratitude.

Mbah recognised and appreciated, in a special way, the role of the armed forces in the peace and security that currently prevailed in the state.

He stated, “Our debt of gratitude to you is eternal – not just one felt for a day. For us, this debt of gratitude is not mere lip service. It is a debt we are obligated to repay, because yours have been a career of lifelong service to the nation.

“Yours have been a career dedicated to keeping us safe – sometimes at the risk of your lives. The cenotaphs across the country are stark reminders of the price that our armed forces personnel have been paying, from colonial times to the present day.”

The governor recalled the exploits and sacrifices of the Nigeria armed forces in battlefields and peace missions around the world, which he said had earned them accolades, pride and respect.

He said, “From the jungles of Burma and Congo to the arid fields of South Sudan, and the war-torn streets of Liberia and Sierra Leone, our armed forces have always been an embodiment of valour.

“The brave men and women of our armed forces have literally led the charge, ready and willing to deploy, as evident from their participation in numerous United Nations missions across the world.”

Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, praised the patriotism of the men and officers of the Nigerian military, and said their sense of commitment to national duties saved Nigeria from drifting into anarchy and protected the country's territorial integrity. Oyebanji stated that it was in recognition of this onerous duty that Ekiti State Government under his watch donated N10 million to support the war veterans, besides the personal donation he made for the upkeep of those who fought to protect Nigeria's sovereignty.

He spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, during a programme commemorating the 2025 Armed

Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Addressing the war veterans and soldiers, Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, said Nigeria would have been plunged into anarchy through the horrendous activities of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers, but for the efficiency of the Nigerian military, who deployed their strength to avert such scenario.

He thanked the military for partnering other security organisations to make Ekiti safe for habitation and investment, and assured that his administration would work hard to cement the bond of unity among the security outfits in the state.

Abia

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described Nigeria’s armed forces as fountain of patriotism from which Nigerians should drink in order to make sacrifices to build a strong nation in all ramifications.

Speaking at the 2025 Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day held at the Armed Forces Remembrance Arcade, Umuahia, Otti invited every Nigerian to emulate the armed forces personnel for inspiration in patriotism.

He said, "This gathering presents a special invitation to all of us to think deeply about what we are willing to sacrifice for the good of the Nigerian society and the larger human community.

"The men whose courage, discipline and patriotism we celebrate today have laid down a good marker for us to follow in determining how far we are willing to go in a collective push to build a nation that is truly the pride of the human race."

The governor used the occasion to honour the memories and sacrifices of the nine soldiers killed in active duty by hoodlums in various attacks across the state in the last 12 months.

Kwara

Kwara State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’Forum (NGF), Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday, urged Nigerians to always remember the men of the armed forces and other security agents for their immeasurable sacrifices for the country.

AbdulRazaq spoke in Ilorin

during the 2025 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebrations. He said, “The significance of today is that we must never forget those that held us together today.

“We must not forget their families. We should continue to pray for Nigeria to have peace, harmony, and improved security."

Rivers State

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, pledged N50 million in aid of the widows of the fallen heroes to enable them scale up their economic activities, pay rents and solve other problems of their families.

Fubara also commended Tinubu for his efforts in modernising the Nigerian Armed Forces and prioritising the welfare of the officers and men.

The governor made the pledge during an event climaxing the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Port Harcourt.

He said his administration was committed to supporting the legionnaires and families of the fallen heroes.

The governor pointed to the robust government-security agencies' collaboration that had greatly helped in achieving the peace and stability enjoyed in the state.

He, ultimately, ascribed the feat to divine help, insisting that without the grace of God, every human effort and strategies would come to naught.

Kogi

Kogi State Government pledged to enrol the widows and children of the fallen heroes in the state’s Health Insurance Scheme as a way of honouring the departed soldiers, who fought for the unity and peace of the country. Governor Usman Ododo disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Colonial Cenotaph in Lokoja.

Ododo commended the soldiers, pointing out that the fallen heroes had given their lives for the country to be united and to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of their fatherland.

He said celebrating the military was a testament to their selfless sacrifice, stressing, "We are not just grateful to them, but also recognise the widows and the children they left behind."

WOMEN COUNCIL VISITS MINISTER OF WOMEN AFFAIRS...

L-R:

Edo Governorship: Tribunal Adjourns PDP’s Petition for Pre-hearing Conference, Documents’ Inspection

Congress (APC) as winner of the governorship election.

The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led threeman Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Edo State, yesterday, adjourned hearing to January 17, 2025 on a petition filed by Dr. Asue Ighodalo and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to enable parties have a pre-hearing meeting with the court registry today on the way to go about presentation of documents by the petitioners.

The tribunal had commenced full hearing on the petitions challenging the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of All Progressives

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo winner with 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo of PDP, who recorded 247,274 votes.

Not satisfied, the petitioners, Ighodalo, PDP, Accord Party (AP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), dragged INEC, Okpebholo, and APC before the court to challenge the declaration and conduct of the election.

When the matter was called for

hearing, Ken Mozia, SAN, who held the brief of the petitioners' lead counsel, Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, told the court that his clients were ready to tender carefully arranged documents used in the conduct of the election.

Mozia maintained that the documents to be tendered from the bar were arranged very well to make the entire process seamless for parties before the court.

However, counsels to Okpebholo, APC and INEC, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, Emmanuel Ukala SAN, and Kanu Agabi, SAN, opposed the submission, maintaining that the documents should have been filed before the court before same could

be admitted as exhibits.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the adjournment, Ighodalo expressed confidence in the judiciary, and said he would reclaim his mandate.

He commended the people of the state for their overwhelming votes during the governorship election.

Meanwhile, PDP accused APC of being responsible for sporadic gunshots heard close to the tribunal venue yesterday. But APC fingered PDP for the shooting.

In a statement, PDP’s Acting Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said APC, "who are clearly scared of justice, have continued their devious ploy

Odefa: PDP NWC Dismisses Purported Removal

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed purported removal from office of Chief Ali Odefa as the National Vice Chairman, South East of the party.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party stated that, ''The NWC categorically declares the purported removal of Chief Ali Odefa and claimed replacement with another Party member, Hon. Goodluck Chidiebere Egwu as null and void

and of no effect, not being consistent with provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and laid down Rules of our great Party.

''For the avoidance of doubt, no State Working Committee has the power whatsoever to expel, suspend or take any disciplinary action against a National Vice Chairman being a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party without due recourse to the NWC as provided by the Constitution of the PDP.

''For emphasis, Section 57(7) of the Constitution of the PDP is clear in

providing that, ‘Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee’ shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors or members of the National Assembly,” the spokesman of the party said.

He said the NWC affirmed that Odefa remained the National Vice Chairman (South East) of the PDP and charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, members and supporters of the PDP in the South East and the

nation to disregard the purported replacement.

According to Ologunagba, ''The NWC restates that the PDP is a highly organised and ordered political party governed by strict adherence to the provisions of its Constitution and Rules and will not allow any individual or group at any level to violate its Constitution and Rules under any circumstances whatsoever.''

The NWC called on all party members in the South East to remain united and continue to work together in the overall interest of our Party and the people.

to frustrate our party, the PDP, from reclaiming the mandate duly given to us by the good people of Edo State in the last governorship election at the tribunal, have now resorted to deploying thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to disrupt the legal process, while pointing accusing fingers at our party."

APC countered, and declared that the shooting involved members of the opposition PDP.

In a press statement, APC’s state chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, said the tribunal was a sacred space where justice was meant to be administered impartially, adding that any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of the legal system, and threatens the safety of all involved.

In a related development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stated that one Mr Jonathan Okunbor, who was under investigation for alleged N6 billion fraud was not a witness for PDP at the election petition tribunal in Benin City.

A statement released by the antigraft agency claimed that the sum of N6 billion belonging to Edo State was diverted to Kezmith Global Ventures owned by Okunbor.

EFCC stated, "The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been drawn to a trending video insinuating that Mr. Jonathan Okunbor, a suspect being investigated for an alleged N6

Fitch Ratings Assign Cross River 'B-', Stable Outlook IG Appoints

Nume Ekeghe

Fitch Ratings has assigned Cross River State a 'B-' Long-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) and a 'AA-(nga)' National Long-Term Rating, underscoring the state’s fiscal fragility as its debt trajectory approaches an alarming N880 billion.

The ratings agency announced yesterday on its official website that this spotlights the state’s heavy reliance on federal revenue transfers and a swelling debt portfolio exacerbated by foreign currency exposure and rising expenditure.

The stable outlook reflects Fitch's measured confidence in Cross River's fiscal framework despite vulnerabili-

ties tied to its weak socioeconomic profile, dependence on oil-linked revenue, and limited capacity for independent revenue generation.

It said that Cross River’s debt burden is projected to reach N880 billion under Fitch’s rating case, driven by an ambitious N600 billion capital expenditure plan, spanning the next five years and the naira’s sharp depreciation, which has doubled the state’s external debt in 2023. External debt now accounts for 50 per cent of adjusted liabilities, it said, with domestic obligations and arrears, including contractor and pension liabilities, making up the balance.

“Cross River's 'B-' IDRs reflect its

dependency on revenue transfers from the federal government of Nigeria, despite improving internally generated revenue (IGR). Its 'b-' Standalone Credit Profile (SCP) reflects manageable but rising debt, with some foreign-currency exposure. We apply a notch of asymmetric risk to highlight below-standard disclosure on debt details, including interest payments.

“Under our rating case of economic downturn, we forecast Cross River's debt payback ratio at 14x on average in 2026-2028 with some volatility linked to changes in oil prices. We expect debt/operating revenue to increase to above 400 per cent and weak debt service coverage by the operating balance.

billion fraud, was an election witness.

"The commission wishes to state without any equivocation that Okunbor is not a witness of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election tribunal, as claimed by Mr. Asue Ighodalo.

“Rather, he is a prime suspect connected to a case of misappropriation of funds involving all the 18 local government areas of Edo State."

The statement signed by Head, Media and Publicity, Mr Dele Oyewale, added that the suspect was running the ventures using the name and identity of one Mr. Godfrey Emode.

The statement explained that the commission’s investigators, in their quest to unearth the alleged shadiness of Okunbor, arrested Emode, who led them to the suspect in Eterno Hotel, where a pre-trial meeting was being held.

The commission added, "Investigators interrogated the counsel to Ighodalo on the status of Okunbor in the election tribunal matters and he clearly stated that he was not a witness in the matter.

"In spite of this, Mr. Ighodalo and his co-travellers at Eterno Hotel prevented EFCC officers from carrying out their constitutional duty and obstructed them from arresting Okunbor.

“Specifically, Ighodalo insisted that Okunbor was his witness when it was obvious that he only wanted to aid his escape from the Commission’s investigators."

Edozie Head of Police Anti-money Laundering Unit

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has established the Police Anti-money Laundering Unit and appointed a renowned financial expert, Hyacinth Edozie, a Commissioner of Police, to head the unit.

Also, officers of the rank of Chief Superintendents of Police will lead the units in all State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) across the country, a statement by Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said yesterday.

The initiative is a strategic move to strengthen the police’s role in national security, specifically in combating financial crimes, the statement added.

"It is also critical in countering the sophisticated methods used by terror-

in counterfeit currencies

ist organisations and other criminal entities to finance their activities. The establishment underscores the force's commitment to safeguarding national security by preventing and detecting illicit financial activities that could undermine the country’s stability.

"It also enhances the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies, especially the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in furtherance of its global oversight functions, to address various security threats. As a testament to the zeal to curb financial crimes and boost national security, the police recently made significant arrests in Kano and Nasarawa States.

"On December 8, 2024, at Gwale, Kano, operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Nura Ibrahim and discovered counterfeit

currency, which included the sum of N129,542,823,000 in counterfeit currencies, with a breakdown of 3,366,000 in counterfeit US Dollars, 51,970 in counterfeit CFA franc, and 1,443,000 in counterfeit Naira,” the police said.

The arrest, the police stressed, led to further apprehension of accomplices, Muhammed Muntari and Usman Abdullahi, while on January 13, 2025, the Force arrested 53-year-old Ephraim Barde in New Karu, Nasarawa State, with counterfeit US dollar notes totalling $160,000. Further investigations, he added, are underway to determine the full scope of Barde’s involvement and identify any accomplices, noting that the police are committed to preventing further threats to the nation’s financial system.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Alex Enumah in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Keshinro; Acting President, National Council for Women Societies, Mrs. Geraldine Etuk; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Princess Edna Azura; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Amb Gabriel Adudua, during a courtesy visit of the Women Council to the minister in Abuja, at the weekend

COURTEsy VisiT…

L-R: Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, FrieslandCampina, Mrs. Ore Famurewa; Managing Director, Mr. Roger P. Adou, and Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Funke Adepoju, during WAMCO’s courtesy visit to the commission in Lagos...yesterday

Group Attributes Fall of Democracy in Edo to Weak Link under Gov Okpebholo

adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city Edo State’s democratic decline has been alarming since Senator Monday Okpebholo’s assumption of office as the governor of the state.

This was the observation of the Convener of the socio political organisation in Edo State, Gidigba Group, Mr. Solomon Idugboe, which he

made yesterday in Benin-city, the capital of the state.

He said although the governor’s victory in the September 2024 election was marred with obvious irregularities which is now strongly contended by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, in the Election Tribunal, the short

House Deputy Chief Whip, Onanuga, is Dead

adedayo akinwale in abuja

The House of Representatives Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, who represented the Ikenne/ Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, is dead.

Onanuga died yesterday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness.

The dpokesperson of the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi in a statement issued yesterday said Onanuga who was born

on December 2, 1965, was a dedicated public servant, a visionary leader, and a passionate advocate for her constituents.

He noted that she was first elected to the House in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and served as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in the 9th Assembly, where she championed policies to empower women and advance social welfare.

Tears as High Court Sentences Two Siblings to Death in Niger

Laleye dipo in Minna

Tears flowed freely from the parents of three siblings yesterday when a Minna High Court in Niger State sentenced two of the teenagers to death, and the third to life imprisonment.

Sympathisers also joined the parents in sobbing as Justice Bilkisu Gambo Yussuf handed down the sentences to Amina Aliyu, Aishat Mohammed and Zainab Aliyu, all of the same parents and resided at Barkin Saleh area of Minna, the Niger State capital.

For three years, the siblings had faced a two-count charge of joint act and culpable homicide punishable with death, contrary to Sections 97 and 221 of the penal code brought against them by the state AttorneyGeneral.

Aishat Aliyu was said to have on March 23, 2021, killed her rival, late Hafsat Aliyu, after hitting her with a pestle and setting her corpse on fire in the kitchen.

Four witnesses, including the husband of the deceased, Alhaji Mohammed Sani, testified for the prosecution.

House Member, Okonkwo, Inaugurates ICT Centre in Anambra

sunday Okobi

House of Representatives member representing Idemili North/South Federal Constituency, Hon Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, has inaugurated a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre in Ojoto, Anambra State.

The ICT Centre, which has computers, printers, and internet services powered by solar energy, is set up at the Boys Secondary School, Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the event, Okonkwo

said the ICT Centre would benefit the youths of Idemili and Ojoto, particularly students who are preparing for national examinations such as JAMB, WASSCE, and SSCE.

Okonkwo restated his commitment to partnering with well-meaning Ojoto people to bring further development and shared prosperity to the community.

According to him, “This centre will support youths interested in acquiring digital skills such as content creation, digital marketing, graphic design, and video editing.”

spell in office of Okpebholo has largely promoted disregard for the rule of law.

According to him, the state economic and democratic

downturn has reached embarrassing levels, prompting multinationals to flee due to lawlessness and disregard for the rule of law in the state under

the watch of Okpebholo.

In stark contrast, Idugboe further observed that the PDP reign under former Governor Godwin Obaseki saw economic

growth in power and energy as well as other critical infrastructure development, attracting investors and fostering a thriving business environment.

Gunmen Abduct Five Persons in Kwara Community, Rescue Operations Begin

Hammed s hittu in Ilorin

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted five persons at Odo-Eku community in Isin Local Government Council Area of Kwara State.

Already, members of the vigilante, local hunters and

other security agencies have been deployed into the bush in the community to rescue the victims.

THISDAY checks revealed that the incident happened in the midnight of Tuesday when the people of the community were supposed to be sleeping.

It was learnt that the bandits were said to have invaded the community, shooting sporadically which led the victims to rise up from their sleep but later kidnapped by the bandits.

Sources close to the community told THISDAY yesterday in Ilorin that the victims were said to have been taken into bush by the bandits.

Sources said that the incident has thrown the entire committee into confusion as they have been moving from one place to another so as to ensure the rescue of the victims.

Zulum Visits Baga, Warns Residents against Colluding with Insurgents

Michael OlugbodeinMaiduguri

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has issued a stern warning to farming and fishing communities in Baga, urging them to refrain from any form of collaboration with Boko Haram insurgents. Zulum gave the warning

yesterday while addressing residents at the palace of the District Head in Baga town. The governor expressed sympathy for the recent tragic event in Dumba community where 40 farmers/fishermen were reportedly killed. He emphasised the importance of abiding by military regulations to ensure the safety of the area.

He said: “I urge the people of Baga and surrounding communities to conduct their farming activities only within areas approved by the military. While we encourage agricultural efforts, it is crucial that our people remain law-abiding and adhere to the rules set forth by both the Nigerian military and Borno State government.”

The governor, while condemning the actions of individuals colluding with insurgents, said it was “unacceptable” and a direct threat to the region’s stability. As part of his visit to Baga, Zulum also inspected the 2,000-hectare solarpowered surface irrigation system being used for the cultivation of wheat and cassava in Mile 3.

Ijaw Youths Hail Tinubu, Otuaro over Transformative Leadership in N’ Delta

Leaders of the Ijaw Youth Network (IYN) have lauded President Bola Tinubu and Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro for their commitment to developing the Niger Delta region.

The prominent youths group particularly cited the recent award of scholarships to over 1,700 students from the region.

In a statement by the IYN President and Secretary, Frank Ebikabo and Federal Ebiaridor, respectively, the group praised the president’s decision to retain the PAP and his appointment of Otuaro to lead the agency.

The duo described the president’s decision as a visionary move that has started to yield unprecedented results in peace sustenance in the region.

They IYN particularly commended Otuaro was taking painstaking steps to ensure that the last scholarship exercise was transparent and fair across the region.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated exceptional wisdom not only by retaining the PAP but also by appointing Dr. Otuaro, an accomplished administrator whose leadership has brought remarkable progress to the programme,” they said.

Court Adjourns Hearing on NDIC’s Case against Gulf Bank’s Ex-MD, Others

Nume Ekeghe

The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Dan Osiagor, has scheduled February 21, 24, and 28, 2025, for the continuation of hearings in the case against the former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Gulf Bank, Babajide Rogers, along with other defendants.

The case was brought by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

The defendants, including former Director and shareholder Prince Adekunle Adeyeba, ex-Company Secretary Uche Uwechia, Gareth Mervyn Wilcox, Ibom Power Company, and Lyk Engineering Company Ltd, face 28 charges filed by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN)

The charges were filed under a fiat granted by the Attorney General of the Federation in 2023. The allegations involve financial malpractices totaling N6.27 billion and $64.10 million. The charges, filed as far back as 2013 by the NDIC in collaboration with the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), accuse the defendants of granting unsecured credit facilities, engaging in money laundering, and financial misappropriation during their tenure at Gulf Bank.

Residents, CSOs Decry Heat from NNPCL Facility in Rivers Community

Blessing ibunge inPortharcourt

Residents and indigenes of Buguma community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State have decried heavy heat and unusual atmosphere following days of fire incident that occurred in the area from a facility operated

by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

THISDAY gathered that fire broke out in a wellhead of OML15, a facility of NNPCL, also known as Bukuma/Buguma flow station in the area.

It was further gathered that the raging inferno, which has lasted for

four days as of the time of filing this report, was a result of shelling of the area by security agencies operations to ward off oil thieves from the wellhead, which has a spill.

A youth leader from Buguma, who disclosed his name as Taribo Horsefall lamented the impact of the fire on the livelihoods of the community.

President of Kalabari Youths Federation and leader of the team, Livingstone Membere that led journalists to the scene yesterday, explained that repeated raid by the security agents is responsible for the oil spill that now resulted in the fire outbreak.

South-east Politicians Urged to Align with FG for Development

The South-East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA) has urged leaders in the South-east to shift away from opposition politics and align with the federal government to accelerate development in the region.

The Coordinator of SERHA, Belusochukwu Enwere, who made

the call while speaking during an empowerment programme in Owerri, Imo State, emphasised the need for South-east leaders to embrace President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to Enwere, closer collaboration with the federal

government would ensure the region benefits from the dividends of democracy more effectively.

Enwere said: “We call on political leaders of South-East extraction to provide guidance and support to rally around the administration of President Bola Tinubu for effective

leadership in the country.”

Commending the economic policies and reforms of the Tinubu-led government, Enwere encouraged Nigerians to back these initiatives, emphasising their long-term potential for economic prosperity.

S'Eagles Team B Draw Champions, Senegal, Congo and Sudan

Femi Solaja

The draw for the 2024 African Nations Championship has thrown up intriguing fixtures for Nigeria Super Eagles-B.

The Nigerian team managed to avoid the three co-hosts of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda but will have to contend with stiff opponents from the defending champions and African

CHAN 2024

powerhouse, Senegal in Group D.

They also have Congo, two-time quarterfinalists to contend with. The other team in Group D Sudan, are a two-time third-placed finishers.

Kenya, debutant and one of the three hosts countries even have a more daunting challenge in Group A.

They will face two teams who are two-time champions, Morocco and DR Congo. In addition, they will face Angola, runners-up in 2011 and Zambia, third-placed finishers at the inaugural edition in 2009. Kenya become the 34th country to feature at the African Nations Championship. Group A where the Kenyans will be competing has five teams.

In Group B, Tanzania, another hosts country will be facing the quartet of Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic

Group C has the third host nation, Uganda along with Niger Republic, Guinea and two other teams that will emerge from the second-tier qualifying series.

Earlier in the day, CAF had

Okpala: Blame NFF If Super Eagles Fail to Qualify for 2026 World Cup

As Nigeria’s ex-internationals continue to express their opinions on the recent appointment of Mali's Eric Chelle as the new Super Eagles coach by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, former coach and midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala, has expressed concerns following selection of the gaffer to oversee the countries games.

The former Lens defender was recently unveiled as the new boss of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions by the NFF.

The Nigerian football community and the former Enugu Rangers midfielder have not been pleased with this, and they have also weighed in on this appointment.

The ex-international emphasised the importance of 2026 World Cup qualification for Nigerian football, and that missing the tournament again would be a huge failure.

“The point is that if we don’t qualify for the World Cup, we have failed,” he told Brila FM “NFF has every right if that’s the coach they want, but he has to qualify us for the World Cup. If he doesn’t do that,

he has failed.”

The Super Eagles missed out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup after losing to Ghana on the away goals rule, and a second consecutive absence from the global stage would undoubtedly be devastating.

“Nigeria cannot afford not to go to the World Cup for the second time. It will be very disastrous for Nigerian football. It’s becoming difficult, but it is not impossible; there is still room with six games left,” he added.

Chelle, recently appointed by the NFF, faces the tough task of winning the remaining qualification games to ensure Nigeria’s spot in the event to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The outspoken former player also urged the NFF to hold themselves accountable for their decisions and not to use Chelle’s mid-qualifier appointment as an excuse for failure.

“So later, they shouldn’t come with the excuse that things had already

National Sports

pledge was made by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko during a visit from the NSSF leadership team led by President Olabisi Joseph in Abuja. Dikko expressed his admiration for the NSSF's initiatives and assured the

announced that the tournament winner would receive U.S.$3.5 million dollars - an increment of 75% of the initial reward.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the tournament "is an important competition for the development and growth of Africa-based football players and talented young stars and will contribute significantly to the global competitiveness of African football and CAF Competitions".

Motsepe said it is part of a strategy to invest in African football and make it "appealing and attractive to football fans".

THE GROUPS

•Group A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia

•Group B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic

•Group C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Q2, Q1, •Group D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria.

17 countries have qualified for the competition in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

A European scout, Harry Varley George, has expressed optimism about the future of football in Nigeria based on what he saw at the maiden edition of the N-Youth League (NYLC) U19 Mid-Season Invitational Tournament. He was in the country with other scouts including Ryan Badu, Connor Tagoe (professional coach), former Newcastle player, Danny Guthrie, Isah Lawal-Saulawa (General manager) and Ade Adebisi (Head of Talentlock Africa).

The talent showcases which started on January 9, ended Sunday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja with 60 talented players showcasing their precocious latent talents.

Assessing the exercise after the end of the programme, some of the scouts hailed the players for displaying high soccer maturity despite their young age.

George described the tournament standard as very high, competitive with a lot of promising signs, while the game was excellent.

“The level will improve in subsequent editions. We have been able to identify one or two players that will make it in Europe" George said. He also commended NYLC president Robinson Adakosa over the top-notch organisation of the programme. Also, FIFA agent, Ryan Badu declared that many of the players have the potential to break into top European clubs.

“Yes, we have seen players like Kanu Nwankwo playing for Arsenal. I’m sure some of the players here too will break into top clubs. We have seen their statistics through Wycout. We just need to develop and harness their talents. We will continue to monitor them” NYLC president, Robinson Adakosa thanked the chairman National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and director general, Hon. Bukola Olopade for their support and assistance towards the success of the tournament.

gone wrong before his appointment because they would have waited until after the qualifiers to appoint his,” he concluded.

With six games left in the qualification process, the pressure is mounting on Chelle and the Super Eagles to deliver the expected results.

Chelle’s first task will be a mustwin clash against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe in Uyo next month, where all eyes will be on him and his troops for victory.

Nigeria's Junior Female Yellow Greens wrapped up their prepara- tions for the 2025 ICC Women's U-19 World Cup with an empathic seven-wicket win over Scotland yesterday.

The match which was played at the Royal Selangor Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia saw captain Lucky Piety and her teammates give the world a tip of what to expect when they begin the World Cup properly against Samoa on Saturday.

Nigeria won the toss of the encounter and elected to field first.

The Sarah Bhakita-led girls surely had a field day with the ball, limiting the Scots to just 62 runs in 18.2 overs.

Lillian Ude led the charge in the Scot's innings, grabbing three wickets, Shola Adekunle had two and the likes of Kehinde Amusa,

Peace Usen and Piety had one each as the woods kept falling during the first innings.

Captain Piety then led the chase in Nigeria's innings, finishing 28 not out from just 16 balls, hitting three sixes, with Victory Igbinedion making another score of note (25) after her work against Pakistan two days ago to close out the win. The Junior Female Yellow Greens had come within upsetting the eighth-ranked Pakistan on Monday before putting the world on notice with the statement win over Scotland who are ranked 11th in the World, 14 places above Nigeria.

The World Cup proper begins for Nigeria on Saturday, January 18 when they face fellow debutants Samoa at the Borneo Cricket Ground, Kuching, Sarawak in Malaysia.

Commission Pledges Support to NSSF

federation of the Federal Government's backing to help implement their programs nationwide. He emphasized the importance of school sports in developing a robust sports economy, as directed by the President.

"The development of school sports is crucial," Dikko stated. "We have been tasked with creating a sports economy, and this begins at the grassroots level where talent is

first identified. Without a strong foundation, elite sports development is unsustainable." He further added, "We plan to establish a comprehensive structure for school sports development in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Education. We will support talented students through scholarships for international studies and work closely with their parents.

We are aligned in our goals and would appreciate a formal presentation of your programs to see how we can integrate them with our initiatives."

In her remarks, NSSF President Olabisi Joseph congratulated Dikko on his appointment and requested technical support from the NSC to ensure national sports federations actively scout for talent during their activities.

"On behalf of the NSSF, I extend our heartfelt congratulations on your appointment as Chairman of the NSC," Joseph said. "Your dedication to sports development in Nigeria is a beacon of hope for our future athletes. The NSSF has been at the forefront of promoting grassroots sports through schools, recognizing that nurturing young talent is the foundation of any great sports nation."

L-R Super Eagles B coaching crew, Olatunji Baruwa, Daniel Ogunmodede, the new Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle and Fidelis Ilechukwu at the Ikenne training ground of the team on Tuesday night

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has committed to supporting the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) in its mission to discover and nurture grassroots talent. This

“He saw himself as an emperor. Recall the events on the day when the governor presented the 2025 appropriation bill. Not only was the governor kept waiting for over four hours, but the leadership of the party and all invited dignitaries were also kept waiting with no apology given. One of the ways to check such an irresponsible attitude is by stopping his excesses”—Lagos APC chieftain on why the former state House of Assembly Speaker had to be removed

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

The GDP of Sex, Drugs, Rituals

Last weekend, The Nation newspapers published a gripping story of 47-year-old twin brothers who lured a young girl to their hideout in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, where they murdered and dismembered her body for ritual purposes.

Now in the custody of the Ogun State Police Command, one of the twins is already singing. “We usually kill our victims and sell their body parts for money rituals, grill some and grind them into powder for consumption with alcohol or mix them with soap for a magic bath that would bring good fortunes,” he said. “We sell ordinary body parts for N20,000 and hands or limbs for N50,000. We sell a leg for N50,000 while the heart goes for N100,000.’’ Those interested in the gory story can look for the report, but my main concern is that ‘professionals’ in the business of rituals, among other crimes like drug trafficking, banditry, as well as prostitution may soon enjoy official validation.

Going by the new National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) parameters for assessing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Nigeria, contributions of these ‘entrepreneurs’ will not be ignored when rebasing the economy. “If you are into, for instance, drugs, there are some countries where the drug trade drives their economy. It is illegal here because there is no legal backing. Also, prostitution earns income. Some even live better than those in the formal sector,” said Baba Madu, the NBS Head of National Accounts during a sensitization workshop last Thursday in Abuja. “The challenge is the legal backing and how do we gather accurate data? These sectors contribute significantly, but they remain underreported due to their hidden nature.” But despite these challenges, Madu assured Nigerians that those activities deserve to be captured in the new rebased economy, and that’s what the NBS intends to do in the coming exercise.

Let me state upfront that there is nothing wrong with rebasing the economy and Nigeria is indeed long overdue for one. In April 2014, the GDP was rebased by the NBS to propel our economy into first position in Africa and 24th in the world (with Belgium and Poland), overtaking South Africa. Among other contentions at the time, I recall a few people arguing that placing Nollywood above India’s Bollywood was carrying fantasy too far. But notwithstanding some misgivings back then, there was consensus about the credibility of that exercise. More significantly, then NBS Director General, Yemi Kale, also placed a rather instructive caveat on the figures: “While GDP depicts how rich a nation is, this is not necessarily the same as showing how rich individuals in the nation are, due to problem of unequal distribution of wealth. Similarly, growth in GDP is not synonymous with job creation…this is the challenge of non-inclusive growth.”

Now, the current debate is on whether certain activities should be included in the GDP, and I offer background to my concern. According to

the NBS 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, for instance, a staggering sum of N2.2 trillion was paid as ransom to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024. Against the background that the 2024 Budget of ‘Renewed Hope’ as proposed by President Bola Tinubu outlined a projected revenue of N18.32 trillion and just about half that amount was realized, according to most reports, the NBS figure meant that within a period of 12 months kidnappers alone took about 25 percent of the federal government revenue for last year. If we extrapolate with the same methodology to calculate the ‘take-home pay’ for prostitutes, ritual killers, Yahoo Plus experts, bandits etc. then we are looking at a super jumbo rebased economy that raises more questions than answers.

Beyond the issue of accuracy is the character of the national economy itself and the implications of adding dubious/criminal activities as components of our GDP. The NBS is citing a self-serving System National Account (SNA) 2008 to bamboozle the people without telling us that most serious countries (including the United States from where we photocopied our presidential system of government) do not compute crime proceeds as part of their GDP. In a December 2019 piece titled, ‘GDP Doesn’t Include Proceeds of Crime. Should It?’ published in the Wall Street Journal

In a nation where the line between right and wrong is increasingly becoming blurred—with many young people believing there is no correlation between wealth and legitimate work—converting drug trafficking, prostitution, ransom for kidnapping, and other criminal activities into statistical advantages for the purpose of a phantom GDP showmanship is unconscionable.

(WSJ), Science Bureau Chief, Jo Craven McGinty wrote, “When the U.S. calculates its gross domestic product, it only includes things that are legal. But if the wares of drug dealers, pimps, bookies and other black-market denizens were included, the GDP would expand by more than 1%, according to one estimate.” Proceeds of drug trafficking alone, McGinty added, “would have added $111 billion to U.S. gross domestic product, according to estimate.”

Why does the US leave out illegal activities that fetch humongous amounts of money from its GDP? That question was partly answered by a former American diplomat and national security official, David M. Luna. “As some have underscored, the illegal economy obeys no laws except the law of the strong, the corrupt, and the criminal; impunity, coercion, lawlessness, unrest and violence reign,” argued Luna in 2012, as Director for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affair at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). “From an economic perspective, all these illicit activities divert money from the balance sheets of legitimate businesses and put cash in the hands of criminals, who build larger and larger illicit networks. These networks threaten the stability of governments and the prosperity of our economies.” In societies that have been corrupted by such criminal networks, according to Luna, “market- and state-building become more unattainable, economic growth is stunted, efforts towards development and poverty eradication are stifled, and foreign direct investment is deterred.”

Ordinarily, rebasing the economy of a country should be rooted in certain values. In a nation where the line between right and wrong is increasingly becoming blurred—with many young Nigerians believing there is no correlation between wealth and legitimate work—I fail to see the essence of adding these illicit activities to our GDP. Besides, I believe that the financials from these sources are already captured in some form, either through the formal sector (banks and other money deposit institutions) or the informal sector without making those who engage in them imagine they are legitimate activities. In any case, the NBS can only engage in speculation when it comes to putting figures to these illicit activities and it has admitted as much.

What I find hard to understand is what stands to be achieved by a GDP that only serves to massage

By Fifelomo Dawodu

Dear Segun,

Iagreewith your perspective on the leadership lessons in the Tik tok message of Pastor Adeboye in your piece on the Soun of Ogbomosho. Indeed, the dimensions of the clip are several and I have just written about it in a draft personal statement I am putting together for an application for some doctoral research work. Some of the contradictions of interest that I am looking to interrogate are implicated in the clip. I endorse the idea of Pastor Adeboye (rightfully) insisting on speaking to the Soun in Yoruba. But there are several questions to pose from that. Will the successor to the throne of Soun when Oba Ghandi, in ripe old age, goes to join his ancestors speak any Yoruba? Should a ‘born again’ Soun reckon with the powers and principalities of the land to ensure a long peaceful reign? How do we reconcile the phenomena of western educated, urbane/

the ego of politicians while the broad majority sink deeper into misery and avoidable penury. More importantly, a GDP re-basing exercise that legitimizes criminal and dark economic activities can only license the drift to an immoral nation. At a period when drug trafficking, cyber crimes, prostitution, trade in ritual body parts, ransom for kidnapping, terrorism etc. have compromised the integrity of our nation, legitimising them as components of our GDP would only embolden some of our young people who just want to ‘make it’ by hook or by crook.

Highlighting the benefits of GDP rebasing, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Chief Executive Officer, Tayo Aduloju, said Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio, a critical indicator of fiscal health, dropped from 19% to 11% after the 2014 exercise. “This improved Nigeria’s creditworthiness, making us a more attractive destination for foreign direct investment. Investors are drawn to transparency and growth potential, and rebasing sends a clear message: we understand our economy, and we are open for business,” Aduloju said. “Second, rebasing sharpens policymaking. It provides a detailed map of our economic terrain, enabling governments to identify high-growth sectors for scaling and low-growth sectors that require targeted interventions to drive impactful and balanced development.”

If we adopt the NBS approach, we are not likely to achieve those lofty objectives and we may give ammunition to those who already criminalise our country. By openly admitting that our GDP includes the same illegal activities that are already emblems of shame for our country and have stigmatised otherwise innocent citizens, we may just be validating the social media slang that ‘Nigeria is a crime scene’. Therefore, while the NBS occasional reports on the ‘economic value’ of these criminal activities are okay, adding their ‘contributions’ to the national economy as part of a rebased GDP is not the way to go. Yes, an elevated GDP is good. But even in George Orwell’s, ‘Animal Farm’, a time came when most animals realised that statistics were being used to make fools of them. In normal circumstances, a responsible government would set as its target the elimination of criminal economic activities as a mark of progress. Converting illegal activities into statistical advantages for the purpose of a phantom GDP showmanship is unconscionable. The NBS should just perish the thought!

cosmopolitan persons as traditional rulers and custodians of our culture? How many people are left who can transmit messages through the talking drum? Eti melo lo ku to gbo ilu? (How many of us are left with an ear for the message of the talking drum?).

Westernisation has robbed us of our cultural vestiges and left us with generic symbolisms. We celebrate that our traditional rulers have College degrees even where they may be unable to speak the language needed to appease the spirit of the land. How odd that the new Alaafin-elect does not have tribal marks! These are marks of identification, beautification and distinction of lineage and royalty. Should we continue to keep faith in the belief that the oracle picks who would ascend the throne? Or resort to AI for less fallible choices? The answers, I guess, are in the womb of time!

•Mrs Dawodu, a solicitor and graduate student of comparative education, resides in Lagos.

Price: N400

Fouad Oki to Mudashiru Obasa