FRIDAY 17TH JANUARY 2025

Says no plan to return to board

Cardoso Unveils Initiatives to Boost Payment Turnaround, Streamline Approval Processes, Others

Tax Reform: Govs, Presidential

Endorse Revised VAT 50% Equality

Onyekachi Nweboyin, at the

Emejo in Abuja Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso,

AVIATION ECONOMIC CONFERENCE IN DUBLIN...

L-R: Emmanuel Iza of XEJet; Hon Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Abdullahi Idris Garba; Mrs. Helen Brume of Afrixe; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus

ManagingDirector, FidelityBank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari; Moore Ibekwe of Boeing. Back roll: L-R: Director

Mary; and DG, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, at the Aviation Economic Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland

FG Convenes Inaugural Oil Industry Forum, Set to Halt Policy, Regulatory Conflicts, Others

NUPRC announces cut in oil theft, deferment by over 40% Nigeria raised CNG conversion capacity by 2,500% in one year, says

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday convened the Nigerian oil sector's maiden Industry Stakeholders’ Forum, to ensure the alignment of policies, regulations and activities in the sector.

Speaking at the event which took place in Abuja, the minister who hosted key industry players, noted that just like the bankers' committee, the capital market committee, among others, there was the need to establish a forum where oil sector challenges are discussed and solutions proffered.

He explained that the committee will decide when to meet, whether quarterly or bi-monthly, stressing that there was the need to sort out all the overlapping functions, including multiple taxes, levies and even agree on the need to stop the short-changing of customers at filling stations.

“We have a finance committee that talks about banking issues, and what everybody is doing in that sector. You also have a similar committee in the capital market, which is the capital market committee, where they sit together and form policies when there are some issues.

“ So, we felt that it's a good thing going forward for us to bring all the leaders of the oil industry together. So that we can have a better oil industry, and take all that forward in the coming years. Now, we're going to be meeting maybe on a quarterly basis, or bi-monthly, or whatever. We're going to agree on that.

“ But the whole idea is to have a one-stop shop where all stakeholders will gather to address issues, concerns, or policy concerns, so that the oil industry will grow very fast the way we want it to be,” Lokpobiri stated.

With the deregulation of the downstream, the minister stated that fuel prices will eventually find their levels, explaining that what the government is concerned about now is quality of the fuels and their availability.

“As the crude price goes up, (fuel) price will go up and as it comes down, price will come down,” he maintained, adding that “what the government is more interested in is quality control. What the government is more interested in is availability. What the government is particularly interested in is dispensation of the right quantity.”

According to him, part of the challenges Nigeria faces is how to ramp up production, which it's already doing.

“We're not where we want to be, but we're already getting there. The other challenge was availability of products… We're also trying to address the issue of policy conflicts. Where you see one agency making a policy, there'll be a conflict with another agency.

“We're also trying to address whatever concerns people are talking about. Part of OPTS’ concern is that Nigeria has so many taxes and levies. Highest in the world. And these are issues that we want to sit down at a table to address,” he explained.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, said that the

upstream sector experienced growth in the national oil and gas reserves by 1.45 per cent and 0.206 per cent respectively in 2024 compared with 2023 and that oil production rose by 26 per cent from April 2023 to November 2024.

“The active rig count increased from an average of eight in 2021 to 38 as at today representing 79 per cent growth. Also, with effective collaboration with the security agencies, the theft and deferment has reduced drastically by more than 40 per cent in the last year. The import of this is that it's not all gloomy for the industry,” he said.

He also hinted that with Donald Trump in the saddle, the oil sector could see some revamp in contrast to renewable energy which is facing declines, describing it as good news for the Nigerian upstream sector.

“This gathering therefore is timely as

the objective is to foster collaboration and team effort towards achieving the aspiration of the government. The 2025 budget is predicated on crude oil production of 2.062M barrels at $75 per barrel whereas our current production is averaging 1.7M barrels leaving a deficit of about 350,000 barrels to be bridged,” he added.

Komolafe listed the five-point agenda of the NUPRC this year as: Effective implementation of the 1m barrel production incremental initiatives and enhancing transparency of hydrocarbon measurement accuracy through the implementation of the metering and advance cargo regulations.

Others, he said, are digitalisation of upstream regulatory activities; interrogating and achieving optimum unit cost per barrel for increased federation revenue and conducting licensing bid

round by implementing the drill or drop provisions of the PIA, 2021 to ensure that non-performing assets are revived.

In line with boosting Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming the energy hub of the continent, the commission, he said, through the National Data Repository (NDR) has provided a building to host the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) headquarters in Abuja.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, said the organisation had taken careful measures to ensure consumer protection from exploitative tendencies and unwholesome practices by the sector participants.

“The development of CNG as a viable alternative to Petrol has been incentivised. The NMDPRA has

supported the PCNGI which has over the last year, helped stimulate 186 new conversion centers increasing Nigeria’s conversion capacity by over 2500 per cent.

“These conversions alongside new buys have raised Nigeria Nigerian Gas Vehicles (NGV) population to an estimated 30-50,000 vehicles and trucks and it continues to grow daily.

“With over $400 million attracted for investment in 86 and 65 new daughters and mother stations under construction respectively, Nigeria refueling capacity has therefore risen from 20 to 56. The collaborative efforts of Presidential CNG Initiative, NMDPRA and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) led to the development of standards and the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System to ensure safety which is already in pilot phase, expected to be launched in 2025,” he stressed.

Bello: Deal will open new vistas of economic growth, development

James Emejo in Abuja

The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration and trade ties between

the United States and Nigeria.

The agreement was signed by the US Exim President/Chair, Reta Jo Lewis on behalf of US EXIM, while Managing Director/Chief Executive, NEXIM Bank, Mr. Abba Bello, signed on behalf of the bank.

Essentially, the agreement dem-

Afrexim Bank Commits to Multimillion Dollars Aircraft Financing for Nigerian Airlines

Chinedu Eze

The African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim) has expressed commitment to financing aircraft acquisition for Nigerian airlines.

Afrexim Bank which provides financing solutions and advisory services for the expansion, diversification, promotion and development of intra-and extra-African trade made the commitment during the sideline meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, at the on-going Dublin Aviation Economic Conference.

Spokesman of the minister, Tunde Moshood, said in a statement that

a significant milestone in Nigeria's aviation sector was achieved during a side meeting held with the Afreximbank team at the ongoing Aviation Economic Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

He said the meeting, facilitated by Boeing's Senior Director of Finance, Lereece Rose, brought together key stakeholders to discuss aircraft financing opportunities for Nigerian airlines. At the meeting, Afreximbank, led by its Director and Global Head of Project and Asset-Based Finance, Helen Brume, agreed in principle to collaborate with Nigeria on aircraft financing.

Afreximbank, a 30-year-old

development financing institution, has a primary mandate to promote trade across Africa.

Highlighting the bank’s extensive experience in supporting airlines such as Arik Air, Kenya Airways, and TAG over the past two decades, Brume emphasized the need for robust aviation infrastructure to enhance the competitiveness of African airlines.

To address this, Afreximbank announced plans to launch a leasing subsidiary, which will soon take delivery of 25 aircraft to be leased to African airlines.

This initiative aims to provide Nigerian airlines with access to dry-leased aircraft, enabling them

to better service Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) routes and domestic operations.

Lereece Rose commended the minister for his efforts in improving Nigeria's aviation ecosystem, particularly in raising Nigeria's Cape Town Convention score from 49.5% to 75.5%, noting that this progress underscores the country’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for aircraft financing and leasing.

“The minister highlighted the critical need for partnerships that would enhance access to aircraft financing for Nigerian operators, facilitating growth and improved service delivery.

onstrates a shared desire to identify and promote trade and economic cooperation between both countries, especially in sectors including clean energy, critical minerals, aviation, maritime transport, digital connectivity, and infrastructure, among others.

Lewis said, “Nigeria is the second largest U.S. export destination in Sub-Saharan Africa, but there is so much opportunity to grow.

"This MoU with NEXIM sends a strong market signal to Nigeria that EXIM is eager to forge a stronger commercial relationship by supporting U.S. exports in key sectors.”

Also, Bello said, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen trade ties between Nigeria and the United States. We are confident that this partnership will open new avenues for economic growth and development.”

The MoU marks a significant milestone for the United States and Nigeria as it seeks to enhance the competitiveness of companies in both countries and strengthen collaboration by exploring options for utilising EXIM’s medium- and long-term loan guarantees and/or direct loans to finance U.S. exports to Nigeria.

The agreement further contributes

directly to EXIM’s Sub-Saharan Africa Mandate.

Over the past three years, EXIM had approved about $4 billion of authorisations in support of U.S. exports to sub-Saharan Africa. EXIM is the US official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans.

Similarly, NEXIM which is wholly owned by the federal government, has mandate to provide finance, risk bearing and advisory services to duly registered companies in Nigeria towards the expansion, diversification and development of the non-oil export sector in furtherance of increased foreign exchange earnings, jobs creation and rapid economic development of the country. The bank also complements in attracting foreign investment capital through availment of concessional lines of credit, co-financing arrangements and facilitation of buyers’/ suppliers’ credits.

Keyamo;

Legal, NCAA, Mrs. Tufano

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FG Defends Plan to Rebase GDP, Explains Why CBN Deferred January MPC Meeting

Dike Onwuamaeze

The federal government yesterday defended its plan to rebase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), declaring that the ongoing efforts will make the economic data ‘look better’.

Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, spoke in a presentation on: “Economic Scorecard: A Positive Projection into The Future,” at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (LCCI) “2025 LCCI Economic Review and Outlook Conference.”

According to Fasua, the economic reforms that were initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration have enabled Nigeria to achieve trade surpluses in four successive quarters and is also forcing behavioural changes on Nigerians and businesses.

He said: “Our numbers will look better when that rebasing happens. And I think we need it since the president has promised $1 trillion GDP. If we said that we are going to achieve $1 trillion and we end up at $650 billion, then there is nothing bad.”

He explained that it is taking Nigeria 11 years to rebase its economy after the last exercise was carried out in 2014, even though the

practice is to carry out the exercise every five years.

The special adviser further explained that rebasing is just about accounting accuracy to know what is growing and what is not growing.

“It is a new calibration of the economy, especially now that we have a new economy that is not being tracked. Entertainment, especially music, is supposed to be our biggest (economic) sector.

Presidency: Tinubu Embarked on Economic Reforms to Stop Nigeria from Bleeding

Says FG's policies led to rise in FAAC allocation from N760bn to N3.2tn Insists president paying debts owed by 4 predecessors

The presidency yesterday defended President Bola Tinubu‘s economic policies, maintaining that the ongoing reforms have stopped Nigeria from hemorrhaging due to years of mismanagement by previous administrations.

Special Adviser, Media & Public Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, who spoke on Arise Television last night, said that the country was losing as much as $7.5 billion annually to fuel subsidy before the intervention of the current administration.

point, we needed to apply certain brakes.

“At the point he (Tinubu) came in, two brakes were necessary. You look at 30 years of this country skirting around subsidy removal.

We're hemorrhaging $7.5 billion every year. We had a period in which 87 Nigerian companies and individuals were declared wanted for corruption, having to do with subsidy scam.

If subsidy was not removed, we would not have it go up to 3.2 trillion,” he maintained.

Still in defence of subsidy removal, Dare argued that if it was not removed, the Dangote, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries would never have come alive.

President Bola Tinubu, has been repaying in the last one year plus, the loans inherited by four previous presidents, because government is a continuum.

We need a lot more growth because we are hungry for growth. With a population growth rate of 2.5 and 2.6 per cent, we need to accelerate our growth.

“If we want to achieve this $1 trillion or anything near it, we must be targeting double digit GDP growth,” he stated.

Fasua also disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has postponed its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting for this month (January) into next month (February) to see how rebasing will be.

He also said that the devaluation of the Naira has boosted the performance of non-oil exports, but doubted if the foreign exchange is being repatriated.

“We get to this inflection point in the value of the Naira that is now driving export. But the money can go in various directions due to the sophisticated financial system that enables young Nigerians to invest in the New York exchange when it is even much more difficult to get into the stock market in Nigeria.

“There's a way if this debt hangs on, the economy cannot breathe. Some of the revenue and resources coming in is used up to pay almost 16 different loans inherited by previous governments,” he asserted.

“A lot of our harvests were bought up by people in Niger, Chad, Benin and Cameroon. Benin particularly targets our soybean. It is one of the crops that we cannot give enough to the world. So, nothing stops us from producing more.

“Less than 5.0 per cent, even one per cent, of what our entertainers earn externally come back to Nigeria. They open accounts in all the tax havens around the world. Only the ‘change’ they bring to Nigeria,” Fasua said. He also said that the reforms initiated by the federal government are driving behavioural change in the country, arguing that Nigeria must stay the course as far as the reforms are concerned.

Also, Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who sent a recorded address to the conference, said rebasing the GDP has raised debate on the morality and legality of some economic activities that should be included in the GDP. Oyedele said that if these debates are pushed aside, “rebasing the GDP with or without the inclusion of the black economy will mean a lot for Nigeria.

“It will have an impact on our projected tax to GDP ratio,” he said, noting that “what is important is how we are perceived by investors as to our ability to buy whatever they will produce.”

He explained that the president was also providing buffers to poor and vulnerable Nigerians to reduce the impact of the harsh economic policies.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria, Prof Mohammed Ali Pate (left) receiving his letter of nomination as Minister of the Year by THISDAY/Arise Group from Manager, Corporate Affairs, THISDAY/Arise Group, Comrade Chris Isiguzo in Abuja...yesterday BPP Approves N252.89 Billion for Abuja-Kaduna-Kano

Urging Nigerians to hold their governors accountable for the huge revenues now available to them, Dare stated that from N760 billion in 2023, the 36 states and the federal government now share as much as N3.2 trillion monthly.

“Sometimes, if you refuse to take the stitch you need in time, you have to take so many stitches down the road. This country was hemorrhaging. This country was on a sliding slope. And at that

“And then we went back into that same subsidy process. But then we have seen the removal of subsidy. The resources that have been freed up for human capital development, and one part that is really poignant is the fact, in 2023, N760 billion, that was the FAAC that was shared by the 36 states and the federal government.

“As of 2024, that moved up to N3.2 trillion. Now, when it comes to governance, there's the federal government, there's the sub-national. Every month, these monies are shared. It has tripled to the state government. So, subsidy has freed up resources.

“As we speak, for over 5.3 million households, over N197 billion has gone out. As we speak, N75,000 will go to about 17 million poor Nigerians. Now, these are what we also see in advanced countries,” he observed.

On the question of spending more funds on servicing debts than carrying out capital projects, Dare noted that Tinubu has been paying the debts accumulated by four previous presidents.

“We have moved from spending 91 per cent of our revenue servicing debt to 62 per cent. That's one. Two, we've also seen this president,

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has approved Messrs Infouest Nigeria Limited as the preferred successful bidder of the rescoped section 1 of Abuja-Kaduna- Kano road for the sum of N252.89 billion. Minister of Works, David Umahi disclosed this yesterday while on an inspection tour of the

He added: “The bigger the size of the economy, the bigger the per capita income and the more attractive the country will be.”

road with Minister of Information Mohammed Idris. He also expressed hope that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will at the next sitting approve the contract. Umahi said: " No Objection" by BPP is to be presented to FEC while the federal government shall endeavour to complete the project in 12 months from the date of award and is to be funded by Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund. Disclosing that six contractors, including Julius Berger were invited to tender for the project, he added that 38 km (dual) of the rescoped Section 1 ceded to Dangote Nigeria Ltd and 17.32km ceded to BUA

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

CONSULTATION WITH PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON TAX REFORMS...

Tinubu Rejoices With 6 Diasporan Nigerian Scientists for Making Biden's Honours List

Congratulates Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Fola Adeola, Kola Adesina for bagging UNILAG'S honorary doctorate degrees

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated six distinguished Diasporan Nigerians named by President Joe Biden among the 400 recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in the United States.

The prestigious recognition established by former President Bill Clinton in 1996 is the highest honour bestowed by the United States Government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers.

In another development President Tinubu also rejoiced with the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Fola Adeola, and Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Mr. Kola Adesina on the well-deserved conferment of honorary doctorate degrees by the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Meanwhile, this year's awardees, announced by President Joe Biden on January 14, 2025, are employed or funded by 14 participating United States Government agencies.

In a release issued on Thursday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended these trailblazing Nigerians for their remarkable achievements in science, technology and engineering.

The president noted that recognising these exceptional talents underscores Nigerians' vast potential to excel both at home and on the global stage.

He looked forward to the honorees sharing their multidisciplinary expertise to benefit Nigeria's development efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Nigerian honorees include Azeez Butali, Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa; Ijeoma Opara, Associate Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences), Yale School of Public Health, Yale University; and Oluwatomi Akindele, Postdoctoral Researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Others are Eno Ebong, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biology at Northeastern University; Oluwasanmi Koyejo, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University; and Abidemi Ajiboye, Executive Vice Chair of the Case School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University.

The University of Lagos recognised Dr. Okonjo-Iweala for her trailblazing role as the first African woman to lead the World Trade Organisation and for introducing significant reforms in Nigeria's financial sector.

It honoured Mr. Fola Adeola for his pioneering role in the Nigerian banking sector and for founding the FATE Foundation, an NGO mentoring young Nigerian entrepreneurs through training and loans.

Mr. Kola Adesina, an alumnus of the University, was recognised for his innovative contributions to the energy industry. Adesina is the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Sahara Power Group, an energy and infrastructure organisation with operations in 42 countries.

The three distinguished Nigerians were awarded a Doctor of Science honorary degree (D. Sc) by the university at its 55th convocation

on January 16.

President Tinubu, in a statement issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, deeply admired these exceptional Nigerians who have excelled in their careers and are role models for the nation's youth.

In one of the congratulatory letters, the President praised Mr. Adesina

for his significant contributions to Nigeria's energy sector, highlighting this recognition as a reflection of his commitment to advancing national development.

"Your visionary leadership at Sahara Power Group has been transformative, ensuring sustainable power solutions and inspiring professionals across the energy sector to pursue excellence.

“This honorary degree is a welldeserved acknowledgement of your tireless efforts to elevate engineering standards and drive innovation in Nigeria," President Tinubu remarked.

According to the President, the three Nigerian icons deserve recognition for their pursuit of excellence, hard work, and invaluable contributions to the nation's economic development.

"I encourage you to continue to serve as beacons of hope, innovation, and inspiration for future generations. Please know that your contributions remain deeply valued by the government and people of Nigeria," the President stated.

President Tinubu wished Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, Mr. Adeola and Mr. Adesina more success.

Saraki Congratulates New Beneficiaries of ABSF Tertiary Scholarships

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has congratulated the 71 students of four tertiary institutions in Kwara State who benefitted from the annual scholarship Programme of his foundation, the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation (ABSF), for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Saraki in a statement released in Abuja Thursday expressed happiness that the managers of the Foundation were able to complete on time the process of selecting the beneficiaries and releasing the school fees directly to the four tertiary institutions whose students formed the catchment area for the second phase of the scholarship Programme which was formalized in 2023/2024 academic session.

The 71 students were selected from Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, with 14 beneficiaries, Kwara State College of Education, Oro (6 students), Kwara State School of Nursing Sciences, Oke Ode (31

Chartered Institute of Admin Elects 10th President, Inducts 250 Members

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Chartered Institute of Administration (CIA) has elected Ugochukwu Azubuko as its new President and Chairman of Council.

The new CIA leader, who is the 10th President of the Institute, was sworn in at the Investiture Ceremony which was held in Lagos, alongside the Institute’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Induction ceremony where over 250 persons were inducted as new members of the Institute.

In his keynote address during the ceremonies, the outgoing President

(now Immediate Past President), Dr. Odunayo Oshoba, congratulated the new President and urged the Governing Council, Management, Staff and Members of the Institute to accord him their full support and cooperation throughout his tenure.

Similarly, Oshoba congratulated all the new members, while noting that the rigorous processes leading to the qualification and admission of persons into the professional membership of the Institute were to ensure that those that join its membership are people of exemplary conduct.

He added that they must have requisite skills, wealth of experience and high societal values to contribute to the national economy.

The new President, Azubuko, in his acceptance speech, expressed deep appreciation to the Governing Council and members of the Institute for the privilege of serving as the 10th President and Chairman of the Council of CIA.

He, among other things, pledged to work tirelessly to promote the vision and mission of the Institute; the interest of members, and the Administration profession for the general good of the nation.

students) and Federal Polytechnic, Offa, (20 students).

“I am happy that the selection process was verifiable as the chairman, a senior university lecturer, explained to me at the weekend. The process of paying the school fees directly to the bank account of the institutions attended by beneficiaries would also help to achieve and promote accountability, transparency, and promptness in the execution of the scholarship scheme”, he stated.

He also commended members of the education committee of the ABS Foundation for continuing to improve on the scholarship process after the first one that was implemented at the Kamaldeen University, Ilorin in 2023 when 100 students of the new institution were granted four and five-year scholarships with a total sum of about N200 million im-

mediately released to the institution.

The former Senate President noted he was happy that the new beneficiaries were selected from institutions that are located in Kwara South.

He said the exercise fulfilled his promise that after the award of scholarship to students of Kamaldeen University, Ilorin, many of whom are from Kwara Central, other zones in Kwara State will also benefit from the award.

He added that now that the scholarships had been awarded successfully in Kwara South, he has directed the ABSF committee on education to commence the process of awarding scholarships to students of higher institutions located in Kwara North after which the opportunity will be extended to institutions in North Central Zone of the country and two nearby states

close to the zone.

“The involvement of the committee has made a positive difference. Before now, we have been giving scholarships based on people we know, those who approach us, or members of families of associates who died or are financially incapable.

“Sometimes we award scholarships to students who have done something that we consider brilliant and impressive. Now, the committee working under the ABSF has made the award of scholarships formal, consistent, wide-reaching, and more effective. I thank the members for this positive development.

“The scholarship Programme is our way of giving back to society, helping to cushion the harsh impact of the present state of the economy on our people as well as helping to create a better citizenry for the country”, he stated.

Makinde Assures Indigenes of Enhanced Security in Aftermath of Bodija Explosion

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, yesterday, reiterated the determination of his administration to ensure that every part of the state was safe and secure.

He gave this assurance in a statement in commemoration of the first anniversary of the explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese Close, Adeyi Avenue, Bodija area of Ibadan.

The governor, while praying for the repose of of the souls of those who lost their lives in the incident, called on the citizens to join hands with the government in securing the state.

“As a government, we are doing

all we can to make the state safe. This is why we are investing so much in security architecture. But for these efforts to yield the desired results, we need the cooperation of the citizens.

“We need information from the citizens. That is why we say, ‘If you see something, say something and the authorities will do something about it’.

“The explosion of January 16, 2024 could have been prevented if those who saw those storing explosive devices in residential areas had informed our security operatives.

“So, to prevent recurrence of such in any part of the state, let us all take the issue of security seriously and cooperate with security operatives by providing necessary information that will help them in discharging their duties of securing our lives.

“We pray for the repose of those who lost their lives in the incident and we pray that Almighty God will continue to strengthen their loved ones.

“As a government we have taken steps to prosecute those who caused this unfortunate incident. They are facing trial for terrorism and are currently being held in prison.

“That means the people that died did not have to die, the houses that were destroyed didn’t have to be destroyed and the disruption that we experienced didn’t have to happen.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

L-R: Kwara State Governor and Chairman of Governors Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Chairman APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; and Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, chatting during the Subnational Consultation with the Presidential Committee on Tax Reforms at the presidential Villa Abuja ... yesterday

Galactica Funds Repatriation: US Deputy Secretary of State Campbell Commends Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has commended the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its close collaboration in successfully repatriating funds linked to forfeited luxury real estate and the Galactica Star Superyacht.

According to the spokesman of Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim AbdulKadir, the comment was made during a valedictory telephone conversation of

his boss with the Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell. He said the departing Deputy Secretary of State made the commendation and thanked Tuggar and his team over the repatriation, stressing that the repatriation negotiations had made him a believer in the country, and further pledged the support and cooperation of the incoming Deputy Secretary of State.

AbdulKadir said Tuggar thanked him for his dedication to the process and steadfast determination to bring the repatriation to fruition,

and addressing the bilateral issues between the two countries, such as leveraging technology to turn digital assets like Binance into mutually beneficial opportunities for Nigeria to become a hub of data mining, data storage and artificial intelligence.

Tuggar said as energy producers, “Nigeria’s robust gas energy transition plans, like the African Atlantic gas pipeline traversing 15 African countries, can provide the requisite energy supply for crypto players and data miners. This has great potential, and we are counting on

our allies like the United States and Morocco.”

He noted that: “Truly, Nigeria and the United States are going back to basics, back to strong values, and this is something we can build upon.”

Plans are on to use the repatriated funds to expand the Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-Up project through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

The programme is intended to increase access to electricity services in the country.

TAX REFORM: GOVS, PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ENDORSE REVISED VAT 50% EQUALITY

After many weeks of controversy, governors of the 36 states of the federation and the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, yesterday, agreed on modalities for sharing the Value Added Tax (VAT).

The governors, at the end of their meeting, endorsed the sharing of the VAT proceeds on the basis of 50 per cent equality, unchanged from what is currently in operation; 30 per cent derivation, from 20 per cent currently in operation and 60 per cent that was proposed by the Presidential Tax Reform Committee headed by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele.

The governors also agreed on 20 per cent sharing on population basis, from 30 per cent which is the current allocation before the tax reform proposal.

The tax reform deal came as Senate yesterday projected a N100 trillion aggregate expenditure for the 2026 fiscal year, and vowed to free funds it said were being held by some government organisations.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), made the disclosure during a Stakeholders Public Hearing and Interactive Session on the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The session had the theme, “The 2025 Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, said some stakeholders in the north were jittery about the tax reform bills because the region was ill-prepared for such fiscal legislation.

At the same time, some northern groups urged Nigerians, particularly northerners, to be wary of political actors using the current tax reform debate as platform to advance their ambitions ahead of the 2027 general election.

However, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) reiterated its stance against the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, warning that it would spell doom for public universities in the country if implemented.

The communique of the governors’ meeting with members of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee in Abuja, held behind closed-doors, was signed by Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq.

The communique stated, “The Forum endorsed a revised Value Added

Tax (VAT) sharing formula to ensure equitable distribution of resources: 50 per cent based on equality, 30 per cent based on derivation, and 20 per cent based on population.

“The Forum reiterated its strong support for the comprehensive reform of Nigeria's archaic tax laws. Members acknowledged the importance of modernising the tax system to enhance fiscal stability and align with global best practices.

“We, members of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) and presidential tax reform committee, convened on the 16th of January 2025 to deliberate on critical national issues, including the reform of Nigeria's fiscal policies and tax system, arrived at more resolutions.

“Members agreed that there should be no increase in the VAT rate or reduction in Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at this time, to maintain economic stability.

“The Forum advocated for the continued exemption of essential goods and agricultural produce from VAT to safeguard the welfare of citizens and promote agricultural productivity.

“The meeting recommended that there should be no terminal clause for TETFUND, NASENI, and NITDA in the sharing of development levies in the bills

“The meeting supports the continuation of the legislative process at the National Assembly that will culminate in the eventual passage of the Tax Reform Bills.”

Yesterday's meeting between the governors and members of the presidential committee marked a major breakthrough, as the northern states’ governors, emirs and chiefs had last year rejected the proposed tax amendment bills sent to the National Assembly by the federal government.

They said it was capable of jeopardising the wellbeing of the people in the region.

The northern leaders said they were not against any policy that would ensure the growth and development of the country, but called for equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes to ensure that no geopolitical zone was marginalised.

Their position was contained in a communique signed by Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, after a joint meeting with the traditional council in Kaduna.

The communique read, “Forum notes with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was

CARDOSO UNVEILS INITIATIVES TO BOOST PAYMENT TURNAROUND, STREAMLINE APPROVAL PROCESSES, OTHERS

bank's document management processes by digitising documentation, minimising paper usage, and streamlining the approval processes.

On the other hand, he said the MDAs Naira Payment Solution, automates the cash withdrawal process for MDAs, enhancing efficiency in financial transactions and strengthening client support.

He also pledged his commitment to all initiatives of the bank aimed at enhancing service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and foster sustainability through technological advancements and expressed delight that the two solutions were fully developed in-house, thus saving a lot of costs.

Also speaking at the event, CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Emem Usoro, stated that the launch of the solutions demonstrated the bank’s desire for operational excellence through process automation and

creating a culture of innovation that prioritises stakeholders’ satisfaction. She further highlighted the benefit of the MDAs Naira Payment Solution to include improved service delivery to MDAs, while minimising errors, irregularities and mitigating against fraud.

The project lead who is the acting CBN Director, Information Technology Department, Mrs. JideSamuel, said the MDA Cash Payment Solution had been successfully tested with some MDAs and aligns with the CBN's enterprise objective of “Excellence in Central Banking Operations”.

In a statement, the central bank noted that the MDAs Naira solution remained a game-changer in the CBN’s financial transaction management, which is projected to lead to a 70 per cent improvement in payment turnaround time as well as boost the country's financial ecosystem.

forwarded to the National Assembly.

“The contents blare against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to Derivation-based Model.

“This is because companies remit VAT using location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed.

“In view of the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and call on members of National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governor’ Forum is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the country.

“However, the Forum calls for equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalised.”

Senate Projects N100 Trillion Budget

The senate projected a N100 trillion aggregate expenditure for 2026, vowing to free funds held by some government organisations.

The National Assembly is currently considering the N49.7 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill submitted to a joint session of the two chambers of the federal legislature in December last year by President Bola Tinubu.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), revealed the figure during a Stakeholders Public Hearing and Interactive Session on the 2025 Appropriation Bill, with the theme, “The 2025 Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.”

The session had in attendance the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations, and heads of critical economic agencies of the federal government.

Adeola said the National Assembly was working to shore up the federal government’s revenue by freeing funds held by organisations, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

He said, “In the past, we borrowed money to stabilise the naira, so that the exchange rate can be somehow good and that we are not being threatened. To stabilise the naira, we were borrowing.

“CBN is doing a lot of things behind the scenes.

“When this administration came, it said there is no need for that. If you recall, we are operating a free economy. We must be seen to be operating that free economy and it throws everything

to the table. No more subsidy, no more exchange rate difference, and no more electricity tariff.

“By so doing, what we are trying to do, this N49.7 trillion 2025 budget you are seeing, maybe by next year it will have doubled because by then, there is still a lot of our revenue that still need to be freed.”

Adeola said, “A lot of revenue has been held hostage by no other person than organisations, like the NNPC. The NNPCL still believes that there are still some elements of subsidy that are being treated as an operational expense in their documents that they still need to wipe out for more revenue to be freed and all other sundry items.

“By the time all this comes to pass, I can tell you maybe next time when we are gathered here, we will start having a budget of a minimum of about N100 trillion. So we are working round the clock, especially on this side of the divide, to ensure that we shore up our Senaterevenue.”President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, urged his colleagues and other critical stakeholders to make the 2025 budget one that prioritised the welfare of Nigerians.

Akpabio said, “Together, we must ensure that this budget is not a mere ledger of revenue and expenditure, but a living document that prioritises the welfare of every Nigerian.

“This is not an ordinary assembly, and this is not an ordinary moment. For we are not gathered here merely as legislators, public servants, or citizens, but as custodians of Nigeria’s destiny, stewards of its promise, and architects of its future.

“Our beloved nation faces trials that would shake the resolve of lesser nations, but I am here to affirm, with unshakable conviction, that within every challenge lies the seed of opportunity. The task before us is formidable, but it is neither beyond our reach nor beneath our determination.”

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) said it had saved Nigeria N1.9 trillion from contract fraud over the years. Director-General of BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, stated this during the budget defence session with the Senate Committee on Public Procurement.

Adedokun said the agency set up June 14, 2007 remained a key stakeholder in the war against cor- ruption in the country, especially as regards contract awards, inflation, and diversion.

He said, "The BPP has within the last 17 years been changing the landscape of public procurement in Nigeria by ensuring transparency, fairness and efficiency on contracts awards and execution.

"The BPP has been saving the country from loss of at least N40 billion annually to contract inflation, diversion of public funds, and poor service delivery. Records from our price intelligence unit indicate that total money prevented so far from being diverted to personal pockets from contracts award is N1.9 trillion.

“BPP has over the years been significantly contributing to increased revenue generation by the relevant agencies, like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Pension Commission (PENCOM), among others.”

Natasha: North Jittery Because It’s Ill-Prepared

Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan, has said some stakeholders in the north were Jittery over the tax reform bills because the region was ill-prepared for such fiscal legislation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, called for the revitalisation of northern Nigeria's socio-economic and cultural heritage. She urged northerners to embrace the vision of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello, who led the region to prosperity in the 1950s.

The senator, according to a statement by her media aide, Arogbonlo Israel, made the appeal while speaking at the Sardauna Memorial Day in Kaduna.

She highlighted the importance of education and cultural preservation to achieve the envisaged economic transformation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that in 1959, Nigeria's groundnut export to the UK was valued at £27 million, equivalent of N3.6 trillion today, while current groundnut exports were only $3 million.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated, “The only reason why the north is jittery about the Tax Reform Bills is because we are ill-prepared. If we were generating N3.6 trillion from one agricultural product, would we be bothered about the reforms?

“Hence, we must task our leaders with developmental mind-sets to stir up the entrepreneurial ecosystems so our lands and factories can be productive once again.

“Let’s act from a position of economic abundance for our region and country at large.”

She urged collaboration among northern leaders and civil society to achieve those goals.

According to her, “In 1959, Nigeria groundnut export to United Kingdom alone stood at £27 million, which has an equivalent purchasing power of N3.6 trillion today.

“The residue from the groundnut’s

oil extraction was also exported to the UK as livestock feeds. Today, Nigeria’s groundnut exports sit at distant $3 million.

“The northern Nigeria’s cotton industry shaped the Liverpool cloth market in London, UK, between the 50s and 70s, while the Kaduna Textile Mill flourished, creating thousands of jobs.

“Today, the cotton industry in Nigeria is pretty much non-existent while this same industry generates $21 billion annually. That’s the thriving economy Sardauna helped create and left for us to improve upon."

Northern Groups Decry Politicisation of Tax Reform

Some northern groups urged Nigerians, especially northerners, to be wary of political actors using the current tax reform debate as platform to advance their 2027 political ambitions. They said certain political actors were deliberately manipulating public sentiment, disguising personal interests under the guise of regional or national concern, thereby, diverting focus on tax reforms to an agenda centred on the 2027 general election. The groups, which comprised Nigeria First Project Initiative, Muryar Talaka Awareness Initiative, and Coalition of Northern Nigerian Students Forum, gave their position via a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day engagement with youth groups, students, and community-based organisations at Arewa House, Kaduna. The engagement was on the theme, "Tax Reform Bills: Between the Facts and Politics."

The communique was jointly signed by National Coordinator, Nigeria First Project Initiative, Comrade Hamza Saulawa; National Secretary, Muryar Talaka Awareness Initiative, Comrade Bishir Dauda; and Coordinator, Coalition of Northern Nigerian Students Forum, Sadi Garba Sadiq.

Participants emphasised the need for accountability, transparency, and visionary leadership, particularly from the northern states governors. They stated, “Only transparent and committed governance can lift the region out of its current economic and social challenges.”

The participants said the reforms aimed to simplify the country's tax structure, broaden the tax net to include more sectors, and encourage compliance while supporting economic growth. They added that the benefits were crucial for long-term fiscal stability and sustainable development of the country. The participants also called for caution and restraint in the ongoing

OTUDEKO REFUTES ALLEGED ROLE IN FBN HOLDINGS, VOWS TO DEFEND REPUTATION

FBN Holdings, and Onasanya will face charges alongside former Honeywell board member, Soji Akintayo and Anchorage Leisure Limited, a company linked to Otudeko.

However, in a statement issued by General Counsel, Honeywell Group, Olasumbo Abolaji, Otudeko said he was yet to receive any official summons, adding that neither has his legal team received any official invitation from relevant authorities.

He said contrary to speculations, he was not considering the possibility of returning to the board of FBN Holdings, which appeared to be the focus of the recent "unfortunate news barrage".

The statement stressed that FBN Holdings, a legacy institution built over 130 years, holds a special place in Otudeko's heart, adding that he

"trusts this strong foundation to guide the institution into the next era of success".

The statement categorically denied claims concerning his role in FBN Holdings adding that he will "aggressively defend his reputation".

It further described Otudeko as a builder and one of Nigeria's foremost investors and industrialists who had built directly from scratch and worked with others to build many of Nigeria's most successful companies.

It said, "This includes FBN Holdings, where he served as a director (then Chairman) from 1997 to 2021 and was instrumental in supporting the transformation of the bank from an old generation bank to its current leadership role as a pan-African financial services

holding company.

"As he has done in the past, Dr Oba Otudeko is always ready and available to assist any government agency with appropriate oversight in the execution of their duties, with the expectation that these affairs will be conducted with the highest standard of professionalism.

"While we respect the role of the press in keeping the public informed, we urge journalists to verify such sensitive information before publication to ensure accuracy and fairness."

The statement added, "At 81, after five decades of contributions to the growth of Nigeria's economy, Dr. Oba Otudeko is now focused on mentoring the next generation of business leaders and contributing to the positive development of society

through enterprise.

"He is not interested in serving in an executive capacity in any organisation in Nigeria or elsewhere, neither is he interested in serving in a non-executive capacity on any board asides those he currently sits on.

"This includes any possibility of returning to the board of FBN Holdings Plc, which appears to be the focus of the recent unfortunate news barrage. FBN Holdings, a legacy institution built over 130 years, holds a special place in Dr. Otudeko's heart. He trusts this strong foundation to guide the institution into the next era of success.

"Dr. Oba Otudeko is confident that the truth will prevail in due course and looks forward to addressing these claims in the appropriate forum."

Chuks Okocha, James Emejo, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Kurt Campbell

IN DEFENCE OF POLICE 2025 BUDGET...

Alleged N12.3bn Fraud: EFCC to Arraign

Ex-First Bank Chairman, MD on Monday

Otudeko, Onasanya to face 13-count charge

Wale Igbintade

Barring any last-minute change of plan, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on Monday, January 20, 2025, arraign Honeywell Group Chairman, Chief Oba Otudeko, and former First Bank Managing Director, Olabisi Onasanya, before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N12.3 billion fraud.

Otudeko, a former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Holdings, and Onasanya will face charges alongside former Honeywell board member, Soji Akintayo and Anchorage Leisure Limited, a

company linked to Otudeko.

The EFCC alleged that between 2013 and 2014, the defendants orchestrated fraudulent transactions totaling N12.3 billion, involving amounts of N5.2 billion, N6.2 billion, N6.15 billion, N1.5 billion, and N500 million through fraudulent credit facilities.

In the 13-count charge filed by EFCC counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, on January 16, 2025, the anti-graft agency also accused the defendants of forging documents to deceive First Bank.

They will be arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke for trial under charge number FHC/L/20C/2025.

The charges include conspiracy to

defraud First Bank, obtaining loans under false pretences, and money laundering activities involving the diversion and conversion of bank funds for personal use.

They are also accused of forging documents to mislead the bank into believing that companies like V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited and Stallion Nigeria Limited had requested credit facilities.

According to the EFCC, the alleged offences contravene Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act 2006 and are punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

Some of the charges include: "That

you, Chief Oba Otudeko, Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited, on or about December 11, 2013, in Lagos, procured Honeywell Flour Mills Plc to retain the sum of N1.5 billion.

“This, you reasonably ought to have known, was part of the proceeds of your unlawful activities, specifically obtaining by false pretenses. You thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 18(c) and Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act."

"That you, Chief Oba Otudeko, Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, Soji

No Let-up in Fight Against HIV/AIDS Stigmatisation in Abia, Says Mrs. Otti

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has pledged sustained fight to eliminate stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS in this year and going forward.

She gave the assurance yesterday at a meeting with the Abia State chapters of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) and the Key Population (KP) group at her residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

Mrs. Otti expressed her commitment not only to combat stigmatisation and provide hope for the people living with HIV/ AIDS but also to improve their lives through sustained advocacy, support, and empowerment.

She reiterated that HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence and urged those affected to embrace treatment and reject any form of societal judgment in order to live their lives to the fullest.

“I am encouraged by the progress we are making to suppress the spread of the disease, but we must do more to prevent new infections and ensure

Tinubu Mourns Ex-Lagos Head of Service, Sunny Ajose

Deji Elumoye in

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the Lagos State Government and the All Progressives Congress over the death of Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, an elder statesman and former head of service.

Chief Ajose died early Thursday, January 16, 2025, aged 78. The President, in a release issued on Thursday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commiserated, particularly with the people of Badagry.

He described the late Ajose as a statesman, party loyalist and committed APC apex leader in Badagry who was also a unifying force in Lagos State.

Recalling his relationship with

Chief Ajose as the head of service during his time as governor, President Tinubu underscored Ajose's commitment to reforming the service.

According to the President: "He was an astute administrator and dogged civil servant. When I appointed him the head of service, he became a rallying point. He had a considerable influence on the workers. He was pivotal in getting the civil service behind our policies and initiatives.

"Even after his tenure as head of service, we remained very close because of his leadership qualities and because he was an important partner in development".

President Tinubu said Pa Ajose made immense contributions to developing not only his Badagry Constituency but also the entire state.

a stigma-free society," Mrs. Otti said.

She stated the administration of Governor Alex Otti "is dedicated to supporting every group in Abia State, including those living with HIV/AIDS”.

To achieve success in her advocacy against stigmatisation, the Abia First Lady announced she would collaborate with key stakeholders to domesticate laws prohibiting discrimination and stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS in Abia.

She called on women and youths engaged in commercial sex work to seek alternative means of livelihood and promised to initiate skill acquisition programme to empower and

uplift them after changing their trade.

Earlier in her remarks, Director General of Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS(ABSACA), Dr. Uloaku Emma-Ukaegbu, said that 46,788 persons living with HIV/AIDS were currently receiving treatment in the state.

She stated the agency’s commitment to eradicating stigmatisation, which she identified as a critical step towards achieving zero new infections. Representatives from NEPWHAN and the KP group, including the National Secretary Mr. Joseph Anosike and State Coordinator Mr. Agbai Okali, expressed their gratitude to Mrs. Otti for her interventions in the welfare of vulnerable groups.

Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited, on or about December 17, 2013, in Lagos, converted the sum of N500 million to the use of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, which you reasonably ought to have known was part of the proceeds of your unlawful activities, specifically obtaining by false pretences. You thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act."

"That you, Chief Oba Otudeko, Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited, on or about September 3, 2013, in Lagos, conspired to ‘utter’ a forged document titled 'Letter of Application' with the intent that it would be used by First Bank, believing the document was genuine and emanated from V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited.

“You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offenses Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and punishable under Section 1(2)(c) of the same Act."

"That you, Chief Oba Otudeko, Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited, on or about September 3, 2013, in Lagos, made a forged document titled 'Authorization to Issue Investment Certificate to First Bank,' intending it to be used by First Bank, believing it to be genuine and originating from V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited. You thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 1(2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offenses Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and punishable under

the same Act."

"That you, Chief Oba Otudeko, Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited, on or about September 3, 2013, in Lagos, made a forged document titled 'Authorization to Issue Investment Certificate to First Bank,' intending it to be used by First Bank, believing it to be genuine and originating from V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited. You thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 1(2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offenses Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and punishable under the same Act."

Part of the charges further said that Otudeko and Onasanya, on or about October 31, 2014, in Lagos, procured Abiodun Olatunji and Raymond Eze to transfer N6.2 billion to Stallion Nigeria Limited’s account (No. 2015708429) domiciled with First Bank.

According to the charges, the accused reasonably ought to have known that this money was part of the proceeds of unlawful activities, specifically fraudulent false accounting, thereby committing an offence contrary to Sections 18(c) and 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

"That you, Chief Oba Otudeko and Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, on or about December 11, 2013, in Lagos, procured Abiodun Olatunji and Raymond Eze to transfer N2.09 billion from Stallion Nigeria Limited’s account (No. 2015708429) with First Bank to Emmerado Logistics Limited’s account (No. 0688985010) with First City Monument Bank.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, has confirmed the outbreak of cholera in the state, saying the state has recorded nine deaths related to the deadly disease.

Dr. Oreh who spoke with journalists yesterday on the outbreak also disclosed that the ministry’s investigation of the disease has recorded 41 suspected cases from Akuku-Toru and Andoni Local Government Areas of the state.

It would be recalled that last weekend, a former Chairman of Andoni LGA, Dr. Gogo-Ogute Isaiah, decried the outbreak of the disease in his area.

Isaiah disclosed that two persons

died of cholera after having constant vomiting and stooling, in the Isiodum Community.

According to the former LGA chairman, “Two people from the same compound of Isiodum Community in Andoni Local Government Area named, Mr. Micheal Agba and Mrs. Abigail Rowland died through constant vomiting and stooling, “As the battle to resuscitate others who were also attacked by the same disease continues, on January 11th, 2025 morning, one Mrs. EkenereAwaji Loveday has been reported dead. Others including Mrs. Amos Asitor who’s is in a very critical condition as means to access medical attention in the area is nearly impossible.”

Isaiah explained that Isiodum

is one of the Andoni ancient communities close to Unyeada Town, revealing that it is one of the neglected communities in Andoni without good drinking water.

Reacting on the incident, the health commissioner, who confirmed the death linked to the cholera, said

“As at January 13, 2025, we have recorded a total of 41 suspected cases from two local government areas in the state and those local government areas are Andoni and Akuku-Toru. “Five were confirmed from Akuku-Toru and none yet from Andoni because of our inability to collect stool samples from the reported cases by the time our team was notified.

“We have also recorded nine associated deaths out of which two are from Andoni. It was majorly these deaths that were reported and brought to our attention that necessitated the swift response from our Directorate of Public Health and Disease Control.”

Dr. Oreh recalled that the “Attention of Rivers State Public Health Emergency Centre of the Rivers State Ministry of Health was drawn to a signal on three deaths within 48 hours in Isiodum Community in Andoni Local Government Area. “The State Rapid Response Team led by the director of Public Health and Disease Control investigated and commenced actions to curtail that outbreak”.

Abuja

L-R: Chairman Police Service Commission, Hashim Salihu Arungugu; IGP Kayode Egbetokun; and Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, during their appearance before the Senate Committee on Police Affairs to defend their 2025 Budget

PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI.

CANADA'S DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER VISITS FREE ZONE...

Wike Revokes Maitama II Lands Allocated to Tajudeen, Uzodimma, Diri, Dabiri-Erewa, Ayade

Onnoghen, Onyejeocha, Salihu, Atunwa, Enoh also affected

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has withdrawn the Rights of Occupancy to plots of land in Maitama ll, Abuja, allocated to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt.

Sokoto Investment Company: Gov Aliyu Inaugurates Members, Vows to Confront Challenges

Onuminya Innocent

Governor Ahmed Aliyu has inaugurated the Chairman and Board members of the Sokoto Investment Company with an assurance that the states government will address the challenges hindering its smooth development.

He charged the newly inaugurated board members to buckle up so as to achieve the set target.

Governor Aliyu further said his administration had within one and a half year executed numerous people-oriented projects across the state.

He assured the people of the sustainance of such gesture and sought their continued support.

According to Aliyu, the state government has decided to look into the company, with a view to attracting more investment for the state, so as boost the internally generated revenue.

He disclosed that the most common sources of income for the state are those from the federation account and the internally generated revenue, which are most often volatile due to the

uncertain nature of the state's economic variables.

Gov. Aliyu said: "It is on this basis that the company will guarantee an alternative source of income for the state government through portfolio investment in various key profitable sectors of our economy.

"We count on you to see accountability and transparency in your conduct and in every action you take pertaining to the investment portfolio."

He added that the present administration had made numerous promises to the electorate in order to improve their socio-economic and political well-being, with guarantees to deliver effective public goods and services.

"The government stands by that commitment and will commit all the resources necessary to ensure the attainment of the objective," he emphasized.

In his brief remarks, the Board Chairman of the firm, Abubakar Sulaiman Goronyo, expressed appreciation to Governor Aliyu for the opportunity given to them to serve the state.

Hon. Abass Tajudeen, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, and a former governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade, for contravening their obligations regarding the payment of their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).

The Federal Capital Territory

Administration (FCTA) announced the revocation via a public advertisement placed in some national newspapers on Thursday, according to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which obligated all title holders to settle all bills.

The notice on the Maitama ll, Cadastral Zone A10, that involved

568 individuals and organisations also named as defaulters the Chairman/ CEO, Nigerian in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, former lawmaker and beauty queen, Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu, wife of the

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mrs. Regina Akume, and a serving Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan A. Enoh. The withdrawal of their allocation followed failure to pay their outstanding bills after the expiration of the grace of January 3, 2025 granted by Wike.

Shouting Match at NASS: Legislators Fight During IGP’s Budget Defence Session

IG canvasses removal of police from envelope budgetary regime

As NASS panel threatens zero allocation for absentee agriculture agencies

Sunday Aborisade, Linus Aleke and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Members of the National Assembly, NASS, opted for a noisy shouting match yesterday at the 2025 budget defence session when the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was presenting details of the last year’s budget of the Nigeria Police Force.

Meanwhile, in defending the 2025 budget for the police before the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, Egbetokun stressed the need to remove the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), from the envelope budgetary regime to allow for accurate funding projections.

He explained that this adjustment would enable greater flexibility and

ensure the availability of funds to manage the force more effectively.

Still, in another budget defencerelated development, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Agricultural Production and Services issued a stern warning that agencies under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security risk receiving zero budget allocations for 2025 if their chief executive officers fail to appear in person to defend their budget estimates.

Trouble started in the NASS when Egbetokun, was giving a breakdown of funds used for the construction of five zonal police headquarters in the country.

The IGP had barely started his presentation when a member of the House of Representatives, Mark Esset

from Akwa Ibom interjected - questioning why the details of what the IGP read is not contained in the document given to him.

But it was Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi - a member of the All Progressives Congress and Principal Officer that turned on the heat, insisting that as a senator he should have the appropriate copy of what the IGP dished out to them.

Nwebonyi said: “We are here to serve Nigerians and Nigerians should see us as a very serious institution.

“We are not against the presentation of the IGP. But I, as the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, should have a copy of what the IGP is reading.”

Efforts to explain his intention were thwarted as members of the joint committee shouted him down.

Nwebonyi’s spirited efforts to raise his Point of Order was overruled by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, Honourable Abubakar Makki Yalleman, as he asked the IGP to continue with his presentation.

they do not have the floor. When the dust simmered down - the IGP continued his presentation. On recruitment, Egbetokun disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has increased the yearly quota from 10,000 to 30,000 and that this will greatly improve the Force’s performance. He urged the National Assembly to help the police deliver on its mandate “otherwise we depend only on the budgetary allocation.

“We are glad that this committee has identified the gross underfunding of the police,” he said.

The Republic of South Korea has handed over mechanised farming equipment worth over $500,000 to the Bayelsa State Government.

The items include four tractors, two rice transplanting machines, one rice seeding machine, 10,000 rice seed beds, and four 10-tonne per day rice mills.

The equipment were handed over to the state government by the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Rear Admiral Kim Pankyu (rtd), on Thursday, at the Schoolto-Land Farm complex in Yenagoa.

Speaking at the handover and rice planting demonstration ceremony,

Amb. Pankyu said the donation was part of a collaborative partnership between his country and Bayelsa State.

He noted that Bayelsa was endowed with a suitable soil and favourable weather for rice cultivation and expressed the optimism that the equipment and training of the state’s personnel would help boost rice production in the state.

He said: “This event underscores the agricultural cooperation between both governments. The governor visited South Korea last year at the invitation of the South Korean Government. His Excellency explored opportunities for agricultural cooperation with

my country.

"Korea is promoting rice farming in Bayelsa by providing $500,000 of agricultural equipment. This support will help Bayelsa.”

In his remarks, governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, said the equipment were the first result of the collaboration between the two governments.

He noted that the gesture would boost the state's effort to enhance food security and stimulate economic growth.

He also stated that the training of Bayelsans and the equipment would increase the productivity and efficiency of farmers just as the technology transferred would

build their capacity and create employment opportunities.

The governor equally urged investors to take advantage of the natural resources and the peaceful environment to invest in the state.

The Bayelsa helmsman, who said his foreign trips have exposed him to a lot of opportunities in the agric sector, directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to procure more farming equipment to boost production in the state.

He also called on TYM Machinery, one of the companies he visited in Korea, to establish a manufacturing plant in the state in order to create employment and stimulate economic growth.

Nwoebonyi angrily packed his belongings and stormed out of the budget defence exercise.

He kept exchanging hot words with mostly House of Representatives members who jeered at him as he took his exit.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Yusuf Gagdi, who represents Panshin/Kanam/ Kanke Federal Constituency of Plateau State, was apparently disappointed at what played out.

He explained that the committee’s decision to allow the IGP to continue to speak was in line with established parliamentary procedures.

He added that it is completely out of place for lawmakers to interject when

While defending the 2025 budget for the police before the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, Egbetokun also advocated the need for the approval and creation of a special operations account dedicated solely to national security emergencies, as well as an increase in allocations for overhead and capital expenditure. He further called for the allocation of funds for the construction of five new zonal headquarters, along with supporting tactical units critical to internal security.

He said this is in addition to the approval of dedicated budget lines for police training institutions to enhance capacity building.

The IGP also stressed that the prompt and full release of appropriated funds in 2025 budget would be essential for the smooth functioning of the entire force.

He expressed his gratitude to the Joint Committees for their engagement during the critical budgetary session. He reiterated the force’s commitment to working collaboratively with the committees to reposition the NPF, aligning it with the shared vision of a secure and stable nation.

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

L-R: Business Development and Marketing Manager, Lagos Free Zone, Chinju Nwankwo-Udora; Second Secretary, Trade Commissioner, Deputy High Commission of Canada, Zaya Kuyena; MD/CEO, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja; Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, Carlos Rojas-Arbulu and Assistant Trade Commissioner, Deputy High Commission of Canada, Benedicta Emovuon, during a tour of Lagos Free Zone by the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada ...yesterday

HANDOVER CEREMONY OF MECHANISED AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT...

Tinubu Eulogises Chief Bisi Akande at 86

Says he's true progressive, committed Awoist who has contributed immensely to nation's democracy, development He’s a true democrat, declares Sanwo-Olu Celebrant rallies support for president’s policies aimed to liberate Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu,

1999 to 2003, and Interim National Chairman of APC.

He is currently Chairman of the Governing Board of Nigeria's premier University of Ibadan.

The president, in a release by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Akande as a truly progressive and

committed Awoist, who had made tremendous contributions to Nigeria's democracy, nation-building, and development.

He said selfless service had been Akande's watchword since he entered politics.

First Lady, Abbas, Onyejeocha, Kalu, APC, Sanwo-Olu Mourn Onanuga, GAC's Ajose

Ogun observes three days mourning

Segun James in Lagos, Adedayo Akinwale and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Condolences continued to pour in yesterday for the late Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, who passed on recently.

Onanuga, 59, reportedly died of cancer after many years of battling the scourge. He represented Sagamu/ Ikenne Federal Constituency of Ogun State, and was serving her second term in the House before her demise.

Ogun State Government declared three days of mourning in honour of the late deputy chief whip.

Relatedly, prominent Lagosians mourned former Head of Service of Lagos State and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos, Chief Akinsanya Ajose.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commiserated with the leadership and members of the House of Representatives, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, her constituents in Ikenne/Sagamu/ Remo North Constituency, and the entire people of Ogun State over Onanuga's demise.

"Her demise is a great loss to her family, the legislature, Ogun State, Nigeria, and the women folk, in general," she lamented.

The first lady stated, "Adewunmi Onanuga was an astute politician, who demonstrated her leadership capabilities in no small measure as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives.

“I pray that Almighty God grants her family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Hon. Ben Kalu, described Onanuga as a strong pillar, who would be sorely missed in the House.

Abbas said he had led members of the House in support and prayers

for the deceased during her health challenge, lamenting her eventual death as painful.

The speaker, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, recalled Onanuga’s campaigns for gender equality, women empowerment and inclusion in politics and governance, especially as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare in the ninth House and as principal officer in the 10th House.

The statement said, “Hon. Onanuga was a brilliant woman, experienced politician, resourceful lawmaker and a dependable ally in the legislative business.

“She was a dogged, dedicated, loyal and patriotic Nigerian. She was not just a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus but also the leadership of the House.

“I remember her roles in the fight for gender-bills since the last Assembly, and how she rallied women from within and outside the chamber to get the support and buy-in of members on issues affecting women and children.”

Kalu, also described Onanuga as a shining example of dedication, compassion, and a selfless lawmaker whose service to her constituents and the nation was outstanding.

The deputy speaker, in a statement by his media office, noted Onanuga's unwavering commitment to peace

Kalu said, "Onanuga was a dedicated and committed lawmaker, renowned for her unwavering commitment to peace. Her passion for promoting harmony and understanding was truly commendable.

“But beyond her legislative accomplishments, Onanuga's compassion, humility, and simplicity inspired countless individuals. Her warm and infectious smile, coupled with her empathetic nature, endeared her to everyone she met, making her a beloved figure in the lives of many."

APC expressed shock and sadness

at the passing of Onanuga.

Spokesperson of the party, Felix Morka, in a statement, said she distinguished herself as a vibrant lawmaker.

“Onanuga, fondly called 'Ijaya' by friends and associates, distinguished herself as a fine and vibrant lawmaker, serving as chairman of House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development until her elevation as Deputy Chief Whip in 2023,” Morka stated.

He said the party's thoughts and prayers were with Onanuga’s family, the leadership and members of the House of Representatives, constituents, the government and people of Ogun State at this difficult time.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, acknowledged Onanuga's remarkable contributions to the ninth and 10th House.

She highlighted the deceased lawmaker’s tireless advocacy for inclusion, equity, and women's

rights, adding that her legacy would undoubtedly continue to inspire and empower future generations.

The minister stated, "I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, whose untimely demise has left an unfillable void in the lives of those who knew her.

“As her predecessor in the role of Deputy Whip of the House of Representatives, I have followed her remarkable contributions to the 10th assembly, where she represented the good people of Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State with unflinching dedication and passion to her duty.

"She would be remembered for her tireless advocacy for inclusion, equity, and women's rights, and her influence will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. As a strong voice for gender bills and other legislation impacting women, she has left an indelible mark on Nigeria's political landscape.”

Underscoring Akande's contributions to APC, Tinubu commended the former governor for his pioneering efforts, which were pivotal to the party's victory in the 2015 and subsequent elections. Tinubu stated that Akande had been a close ally and partner in establishing progressive good governance in the country.

He particularly recalled their days in the pro-democracy group, National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), during the struggle to restore democracy in the country, praising Akande for his leadership, direction, integrity and wisdom.

The president said Akande's 86th birthday offered him (Tinubu) a veritable opportunity to thank the pioneer APC chairman again for his support and wise counsel in his political journey and rise to the presidency of Nigeria.

Tinubu wished Akande more grace and strength as he made invaluable contributions to the country and impacted the younger generation.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, also praised Akande's commitment, dedication, and contributions to politics and governance in Nigeria in the last four decades.

Sanwo-Olu, who is Chairman of South-West Governors Forum, described Akande as a true democrat, seasoned administrator, quintessential leader, and highly revered statesman, who had held several public offices with passion, integrity and honesty.

The governor stated, "Chief Bisi Akande is a revered statesman, a respected political figure and an

advocate of good governance, who has made significant contributions to Nigerian politics and governance.

"Baba Akande's dedication to public service, commitment to democracy and the rule of law, unwavering integrity and honesty have set a remarkable example for current and future public servants, particularly in the South-west.

"As Chief Bisi Akande clocks 86 today, I wish him good health and pray that God will grant him the grace and strength to celebrate more impactful years. We look forward to benefiting further from his wisdom and exemplary leadership."

Speaking at his home in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, Akande, who celebrated his 86th birthday with children and secondary school students, rallied support for the policies of Tinubu, which he claimed were to liberate the country.

He described Tinubu's economic reforms as child of necessity deliberately designed to eradicate bad governance and liberate Nigeria and Nigerians from the shackles of political brigandage, retrogression and bad leadership that characterised past administrations in the country.

Akande stated that the policies were genuinely tailored to rebirth and reset the country to the path of greatness, renaissance, sustainable growth and development as envisaged by its founding fathers.

He stated, "The All Progressives Congress under former President Buhari did eight years and now under President Bola Tinubu is doing it for the second year, the goal is to correct the bad governance that has been established over the years, so Nigeria can get back on track.

Leadership Crisis: A’Court Orders PDP to Maintain Status Quo, Adjourns Till Jan 27

Temporary relief came the way of the embattled National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, as the Court of Appeal, yesterday, in Abuja, directed the parties to maintain status quo.

It, therefore, adjourned the suit to January 27, 2025, to discuss the application for the stay of the judgement delivered by the Court of Appeal in

Enugu on December 20 2024.

According to a certified true copy of the judgement signed by Josephine Ekperobe, Esq, the court said, ''It is hereby ordered that the motion for stay of execution is adjoined to the 27th day of January, 2025 for hearing.”

The motion for the stay of execution was filed January 2 2025

Anyanwu was asking for an order of injunction restraining the first respondent, Emmanuel

Aniagu, his agents or privies of whatever described to be restrained from enforcing or giving effects to the judgement of the court of appeal delivered on December 20th 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The Court of Appeal order stated that all parties must maintain status quo ante bellum

The first respondent in the suit was Emmanuel Ahigwu,

who went to court of appeal against Anyanwu The order was given on January 13, 2025 by Justice Mamam Akawu Barka of the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The certified true copy sighted by THISDAY was signed on January 16, 2025.

But Anyanwu has since January 13 commenced work. He was at the office since 10.52 am on Monday, where he was received to his office by the staff of the PDP national secretariat.

L-R: Speaker, Bayelsa House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Republic of South Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, Rear Admiral Kim Pankyu (rtd); and Governor Douye Diri, during the handover ceremony of mechanised agricultural equipment donated by South Korea to Bayelsa State government at the School-to-Land Farm complex in Yenagoa ... yesterday

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

yesterday, paid tribute to elder statesman, administrator, and first National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief

Bisi Akande, as he turned 86. Akande was Secretary to the Government of Old Oyo State and later Deputy Governor. He then served as Governor of Osun State from

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Princess Comfort Folashade Esusu, mother of the deceased Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, during a condolence visit to the residence of the Onanugas by Governor Dapo Abiodun in Sagamu... yesterday

Rivers State Court Judgement: PDP Accepts Verdict,

The National Working Committee (NWC) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, acknowledged

Affirms Ewor-led State Executives

receipt, as well as considered and accepted the judgement of the Rivers State High Court on the party’s state leadership. In the Suit No. PHC/2301/

Outrage as Edo APC Invades PDP Secretariat

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

There was pandemonium yesterday in some parts of Edo State, as political thugs, believed to be affiliated to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly invaded the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The thugs said to be sentimental to the APC, were reported to have descended upon the PDP state secretariat on Airport Road, Benin, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in their wake.

Eyewitnesses reported that the thugs chased away PDP administrative staff, inflicted injuries on party workers, and brought down the PDP flags, replacing them with APC’s with the invaders claiming they were "recovering" the office secretariat, despite the PDP currently occupying it.

The State PDP chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, who was on the premises at the time of the attack was later seen being escorted out of the building by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku.

Speaking on the matter, Edo APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, said the property rightfully

belonged to the APC as they had renewed the rent for a period of 7 years before the PDP, with the help of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, forcefully took it from them.

“About four years ago, APC made frantic effort to extend the rent-age of this particular building, which has always been the office of the APC. If you search on google, you will discover that this secretariat still reads ‘APC’s office’.

“The party in the state approached the national office to arrange so that we will be able to pay for more years for the rentage off this facility. The national obliged us and sent us money to renew it for seven years.

“The governor (Obaseki) decamped to PDP and in a military way, they took us out of this secretariat. Destroyed all our properties, took our vehicles and drove us out of this place.

“At that time, we complained to the Inspector General of Police and he, in his wisdom agreed that we should take over the secretariat. But because the Commissioner of Police in the state was working hand-inhand with the then governor, they refused to allow us access. Then, I was the deputy chairman of APC.”

CS/2024, the Rivers State High Court nullified the Ward, Local Government and State Congresses of the party in Rivers State conducted on July 27, August 10 and August 31, 2024, respectively.

The party said in line with the judgement of the court delivered on Monday, January 13, 2025, the NWC affirmed the Hon. Nname Ewor-led Rivers State executive to henceforth pilot the affairs of the PDP Rivers State Chapter in

TAX

debate over the tax reform bills, and advised the public to disregard divisive rhetoric propagated by agents of discord seeking to exploit the issue for political gain.

They encouraged northerners to actively participate in the upcoming public hearings on the tax bills, stressing that citizens should present their views constructively and engage lawmakers through established democratic channels, as advised by President Bola Tinubu.

The groups specifically called on the northern states to diversify their revenue sources to reduce dependence on federal allocations.

They said governors and leaders should prioritise agricultural development, leveraging the region’s potential in value chains, such as cotton and groundnuts, to boost productivity.

They also urged northern states to capitalise on federal government policies on solid minerals and livestock development to generate income, employment, and revenue.

They said the tax reform bills, if implemented effectively, could significantly enhance the country’s revenue base, reduce over-dependence on oil revenue, and ensure a more

accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

A statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said, “The NWC commends the decision of the court, which reaffirms the famed position of the PDP as the bastion of transparency in the due process of internal democracy and strict adherence to the rule of law and party guidelines in the conduct of

equitable tax system.

Participants, however, expressed regret that the discourse on the tax reform bills had been heavily politicised, regionalised, and ethnically charged.

ASUU: Tax Bills Will Ruin Public Universities

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) reiterated its stand against the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, saying it would spell doom for public universities in the country if implemented.

Addressing a press conference in Jos, the Bauchi zone of ASUU, comprising six universities, and led by Zonal Coordinator, Professor Namo Timothy, expressed the union's concerns about the bill.

Timothy said the bill sought to replace the Development Levy, a major source of funding for Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) projects, with the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

The move, ASUU argued, would have far-reaching implications for the survival of TETFund and the Nigerian tertiary education system.

The union stated that TETFund had been instrumental in infrastructure

Congresses and other activities.”

The NWC called on all leaders, critical stakeholders, members and supporters of the party in Rivers State and the nation to work with the Ewor-led Rivers State executive to ensure the unity, stability, growth and continuous success of the PDP in Rivers State.

The NWC charged the Ewor-led Rivers State executive to work hard to further unite the party in the state so that the people of the state

development, postgraduate training, research, and capacity-building in public tertiary institutions since 1993.

It wondered why the federal government would want to do away with the fund.

Timothy stated, "ASUU Bauchi Zone, made up Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; Federal University, Kashere; Gombe State University, Gombe; Plateau State University, Bokkos; University of Jos, Jos; and Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi, has observed with concern, the on-going public debate on the review of the tax system in the country under a proposed presidential bill tagged, Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, which is currently before the National Assembly.

"The bill seeks to enact a new law and to abrogate the Education Tax.

The bill, if passed into law, will replace the Development Levy, a major source of funding of TETFund projects, so that all the funds generated from the Education Tax will be ceded to the newly established Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

"This is dangerous and unpatriotic.

Section 59 (3) of the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 stipulates that only 50 per ent of total collection from the

could continue to enjoy the massive dividends of democracy as being delivered by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in line with the manifesto and policy thrust of PDP. The NWC commended all members of PDP in Rivers State for their steadfastness and unshaken belief in the ideals of the party as a truly democratic and all-inclusive party guided only by the collective will, yearning and aspiration of the people.

Development Levy will be accessed by TETFund in 2025 and 2026 while the remaining part will be shared by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

“In 2027, 2028 and 2029, TETFund will receive 66.7 per cent of total col- lection, while in 2030 TETFund will receive zero allocation. The far-reaching implication of this toxic bill is that by 2030 all the funds generated from the Development Levy will be accessed solely by NELFUND.

"This portends danger for the survival of TETFund and, consequently, the Nigerian tertiary education system. It is noteworthy that TETFund has been the backbone of infrastructural development, postgraduate training, research and capacity-building in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria since 1993."

The union leader called on the National Assembly to halt further debate on the bill and protect the sanctity of the TETFund Act 2011. He urged Nigerians to rise against anti-people policies of the Tinubu administration.

CSOs: ‘Erroneous’ Military Airstrikes Killed over 470 Civilians in 11 years

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Community of Practice Against Mass Atrocities, under the auspices of Nigeria Mourns, yesterday said that since February 2014, at least 21 ‘erroneous’ airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of more than 473 civilians and injuring several others. These tragic incidents, which have all occurred in established indigenous communities and recognized IDP camps, the consortium of civil society organisations said suggest a disregard for the right to life and a troubling pattern of negligence within the Nigerian military.

The CSOs further expressed sadness and outrage over the avoidable and horrifying killing of innocent citizens by a Nigerian Air Force airstrike in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, on January 11, 2025. This tragic incident, the group alleged, killed no fewer than 20 persons and devastated a significant part of the community.

a disturbing recurring pattern of avoidable carnage.

"These events are a strong reminder of the human cost of negligence and the urgent need for accountability.

A statement jointly signed by Global Rights, Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and over 15 others said that the latest killings less than three weeks after a similar airstrike in the Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa areas of Sokoto had killed at least 10 civilians, highlighting

It is disconcerting that the military continues to explain away these incidents as unavoidable ‘collateral damage’ in their fight against terrorism, perpetuating a cycle of impunity and indifference.

"Even when public outrage forces an admission of responsibility, as seen in the Tundun Biri incident in Kaduna in December 2023, meaningful accountability and reparative actions remain absent.

"Rather than be accountable, the

military routinely denies culpability, often claiming that only “security threats” were “neutralized”. Under public pressure, it promises investigations, which rarely lead to actionable outcomes.

"When admissions of errors eventually surface, there is no concrete plan to prevent future tragedies or to provide compensation and rehabilitation for those affected by these horrific violations of human rights," the group said.

The CSOs said that the military’s decade-long track record hallmarked by 22 accidental airstrikes highlights the critical need for an immediate review of civilian safety protocols, aviation equipment standards, intel-

ligence systems, proportionality in the use of force, and the retraining of bomber pilots.

To address these systemic issues, the group demanded: “The Nigerian Government must conduct an independent, comprehensive, and transparent investigation of the Tungar Kara bombing and all other “accidental” attacks on civilians to ensure accountability.

" Findings from these investigations must be published and accessible to the public in a timely manner to promote transparency and rebuild public trust. The Nigerian Military must review its operational protocols to enhance intelligence gathering,

improve precision in targeting, and minimize civilian casualties during military operations.

"The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) must leverage its authority to demand accountability and justice for affected individuals. This includes ensuring equitable compensation and rehabilitation for victims and their families to help them recover from the profound loss and devastation”

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has since instituted an investigative panel to look into the alleged killing of innocent civilians in Zamfara by its airstrikes that targeted bandit strongholds.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Politics

Acting Group Politics Edito r DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye @thisdaylive.com

08033025611 s M s O n LY

Okpebholo: Redefining Governance in Edo

Fred Itua writes about definite programmes and policies being executed by Governor Monday Okpebholo to redefine governance in Edo state.

As I set out to pen this piece, my mind is drawn to the profound epistle of Apostle Paul to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29: “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

Hallelujah!

I have chosen to begin this way because it resonates deeply with my assessment of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership over the past two months.

When Senator Monday Okpebholo stepped into the political ring, many underestimated him. He wasn’t the loudest voice in the room, nor the most flamboyant. In a political landscape where the ability to raise dust often overshadows the capacity to lay foundations, Okpebholo’s calm and collected demeanor was dismissed as a weakness. But, as Apostle Paul aptly put it, God has a way of using the “foolish” things of the world to confound the wise. And indeed, Governor Okpebholo has confounded his critics with actions that speak louder than the hollow rhetoric of his predecessor.

To truly appreciate the transformation taking place in Edo State, one must first understand where we’re coming from. For eight long years, governance was more about optics than outcomes. The previous administration, under Governor Godwin Obaseki, was a masterclass in what the locals have dubbed “audio governance.” Projects were announced with great fanfare, but their execution remained a mirage. MoUs were signed and celebrated, only to gather dust in forgotten drawers. Roads that were critical to economic and social well-being were left to rot, with billboards proclaiming, “Please bear with us; this is a federal road,” as if to absolve the state of any responsibility.

Governor Okpebholo has flipped the script. He didn’t start his administration with loud declarations or endless ribboncutting ceremonies. Instead, he started with work—real, tangible work.

In just two months, Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated that governance is about delivering results, not excuses. The BeninAuchi Road by Obadan Junction, long neglected, has received the needed attention. The failed portions of the Benin-Abuja Road in Ekpoma, which seemed destined to remain a nightmare for travelers, are now under repair. Roads that were mere campaign promises in the past, like Upper Ekenwan Road, are nearing completion.

Even the Aduwawa-Upper Mission Junction, a project that felt like a distant dream, is now coming to life. And let’s not forget the Temboga-Uteh Road, which now wears the Governor’s signature of progress.

One resident puts it succinctly: “In just two months, this man has done more than others did in eight years. He doesn’t make noise; he makes things happen.”

Beyond roads, Governor Okpebholo’s administration is tackling the long-neglected healthcare sector. The construction of a modern health center in Udomi, Irua, is a testament to his commitment. The 2025 budget allocates N63.9 billion to healthcare and an additional N1.8 billion for a health insurance scheme, ensuring that no Edo citizen is left behind.

One of the most commendable moves of Governor Okpebholo’s administration has been his decisive action to sanitize Edo’s markets. By placing a ban on market unions, which had long been accused of oppressive and exploitative practices, the governor has brought relief to traders and consumers alike. These unions had been driving up the

prices of food and commodities through arbitrary levies and monopolistic control, leaving ordinary Edo citizens to bear the brunt.

In his words, “Markets should be places

of commerce and community, not oppression. We cannot allow a few individuals to profit at the expense of the majority.”

Since the ban, market prices have begun to stabilize, and traders have expressed

gratitude for the governor’s intervention.

Edo State has not been immune to the scourge of insecurity, particularly the alarming rise in cult-related killings that claimed over 100 lives in 2024. Governor Okpebholo has tackled this issue head-on, adopting a consultative and inclusive approach. Through interagency consultations and his robust security meetings, he has fostered collaboration among law enforcement agencies and local communities.

This proactive engagement has led to a significant de-escalation of tensions and a peaceful resolution to many conflicts. As one community leader observed, “For the first time, we feel heard. The governor is not just issuing orders; he’s listening and acting.”

Another area where Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated his commitment to justice is in addressing the contentious issue of land grabbing. Under the previous administration, many communities and individuals saw their lands forcefully taken, their properties destroyed, and their voices silenced.

Governor Okpebholo has taken a firm stance, declaring that such lands will be restored to their rightful owners, provided they can present proof of ownership. This policy has brought renewed hope to many Edo citizens who had all but given up on ever reclaiming their ancestral lands.

“The government is here to serve the people, not to oppress them,” the governor stated. “We will right the wrongs of the past and ensure justice prevails.”

-Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Edo Governor, writes from Benin city.

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

Niger’s 2025 Appropriation Act: Can Gov Bago Walk the Talk?

Laleye Dipo writes on the expectations of the people of Niger state from the 2025 appropriation act recently signed by Governor Mohammed Bago

Alhaji Mohammed Bago made history as the first Governor in the long history of Niger state to present his budget to the state House of Assembly in the evening.

The Governor planned to present the budget to the house on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 4pm but the event did not commence until some few minutes to 6 pm.

The delay was said due to the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting which kept the Governor in Abuja till very late that Thursday.

However, traditional rulers, past principal officers of the House of assembly, APC chieftains and the wife of the Governor waited patiently for the arrival of the governor for the presentation of the budget, the first full circle financial estimate by the administration.

The Assembly Speaker, Alhaji Abdulmalik Sarkin- Daji did not allow the invited guests to be bored with their long wait as he threw banters at some of the invitees sparing only the traditional rulers, the governor’s wife and the media.

Only one stanza of the National anthem was sang to herald the commencement of proceedings immediately the Governor arrived.

No doubt from his countenance, the Governor was fatigued from the long day and drive to Minna but this did not affect his perfect presentation as the overcrowded assembly complex cheered and hailed him at every mention of parts of the budget palatable or dear to them.

Bago also made another history by being the first Governor to present a fiscal estimate that hit the One trillion Naira mark almost double the amount approved for the state in the 2024 budget and the Supplementary budget.

History was also made by the assembly which scrutinized and passed the budget in record time, one week after the Governor presented the proposal to the House.

The House though rejigged the budget by moving N1,196,097,350 from the special project/stabilization vote to the capital head of the legislature which it said was initially “inadequate” brought the total for the legislature’s capital expenditure to N3,116,097,350. The increment for the assembly did not affect the total budget size of N1,558,887,565,358.00 for both capital and recurrent expenditures this year.

The Assembly however kicked at what it described as “late presentation of the budget to the house” which resulted

“in the hasty scrutiny but timely passage”.

“It is therefore recommended that the executive arm should ensure that the budget is laid before the legislature at least three months before the end of the year for proper scrutiny and for

timely passage”, the Chairman of the Assembly planning and Appropriation committee and the member representing Rafi state constituency, Alhaji Zubairu Ismaila Zana said.

Bago did not waste time in assenting to the budget which he did also in record time of less than 12 hours after it was presented to him.

Speaking after signing the bill into law, the Governor commended the legislators for quickly passing the budget and attributed this to the good working relationship between the executive and the legislature promising to sustain the cordial relationship. He also vowed that the budget will be implemented to the letter.

Tagged the “Budget of Hope for Sustainability and Food Security,” a title chosen to reflect the administration’s deliberate focus on ensuring a sustainable and secured future for the people of the state through infrastructural and agricultural developments as well as urban and rural developments to reduce rural urban migration.

Like recently observed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, Niger state has become “one whole construction site” with new visitors missing their ways to the state capital and local government headquarters because of huge and numerous ongoing physical and infrastructural developments.

This is the “Hope” that many believe will soon be realized especially in the state capital where road construction has led to astronomical increase in transport fares even when many motorists have to abandon their vehicles for “okada” and “Keke Napep” whose owners charge cut throat fares.

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NATIONAL ORIENTATION AND UNTOLD STORIES

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA argues for the empowerment of the national orientation agency

A rail network in the Southwest promises immense socio-economic and political benefits, argues ABIODUN OLUWADARE

THE NEED FOR A SOUTHWEST RAIL NETWORK

The recent launch of a railway project in Borno State by Governor Babagana Zulum has captured national attention, sparking curiosity and criticism across various regions of Nigeria. The project, a bold and ambitious move in a state grappling with security challenges, underscores the transformative power of visionary leadership. It also raises a critical question: why has the Southwest, historically a pacesetter in infrastructure and development, seemingly stalled on a similar initiative? The silence from Southwest governors on this matter is not just curious but also deeply disappointing to the public.

FOR A SAFER, CLEANER AND PROSPEROUS NIGERIA

The country has a lot to learn from Rwanda, South Africa and Malaysia on issues of the environment, contends SONNY IROCHE

See page 20 See page 20

EDITORIAL THE GROWING POPULATION QUESTION

The Southwest of Nigeria has long been regarded as a region of innovation and progress, thanks to the foundational work of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. As the premier of the Western Region, Awolowo laid an enduring foundation of socioeconomic transformation that remains unparalleled in Nigerian history. His achievements in education, agriculture, and social infrastructure not only uplifted the region but also set a standard for governance in Nigeria.

Awolowo’s free education policy revolutionized the region, producing a generation of skilled and educated individuals who have contributed significantly to national development. His investments in agriculture ensured food security and economic prosperity, while his visionary approach to infrastructure included the establishment of modern road networks, water systems, stadiums, and even the first television station in Africa. These projects were not merely infrastructural; they were symbols of a government committed to the welfare of its people.

It is particularly disheartening that many of the current Southwest governors, who are direct beneficiaries of these initiatives, appear hesitant or incapable of replicating such transformative projects. Instead, some have focused on symbolic gestures, such as wearing the late sage’s signature cap, without embracing the philosophy and action-oriented leadership that defined him.

A railway network in the Southwest would be a game-changer, offering immense socio-economic and political benefits. The region, with its strategic location and bustling economic activities, stands to gain significantly from a functional railway system. The benefits include: economic Integration.

• A railway network would facilitate the seamless movement of goods and services, boosting trade within the region and beyond. It would strengthen economic ties among Southwest states and enhance their collective

competitiveness. Two, Job Creation: The construction and operation of a railway system would generate thousands of jobs, from engineering and construction roles to administrative and operational positions.

Three, Reduction in Transportation Costs: Rail transport is cost-effective, particularly for bulk goods. Farmers and manufacturers would find it easier and cheaper to move their products, reducing consumer costs.

Four, Decongestion of Roads: The Southwest’s road networks are overburdened, leading to frequent accidents and delays. A railway system would ease the pressure on roads, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Five, Environmental Benefits: Rail transport is more environmentally friendly than road transport, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.

Governor Zulum’s bold move in Borno State should inspire, challenge and wake up Southwest leaders. Despite the daunting security challenges in Borno, the governor has demonstrated that visionary leadership can overcome adversity. The railway project in Borno is not just an infrastructure project; it is a statement of hope, resilience, and forward-thinking governance.

By contrast, the Southwest, with its relative peace and abundant resources, has no excuse for its inaction. The governors' silence and apparent lack of ambition raise serious questions about their priorities and commitment to the region’s development.

The current crop of Southwest leaders must ask themselves what legacy they intend to leave behind. Chief Awolowo’s vision was not limited to his time; it was a blueprint for successive generations. His achievements in education, agriculture, and social infrastructure were aimed at empowering the people

and ensuring sustainable development. A railway project in the Southwest would be a natural extension of Awolowo’s legacy. It would symbolize a commitment to economic empowerment, regional integration, and sustainable development. More importantly, it would restore the region’s status as a pacesetter in governance and innovation.

While the financial and logistical challenges of a railway project cannot be ignored, they are not insurmountable. Public-private partnerships (PPPs), federal support, and international funding are viable options for financing such a project. Additionally, the Southwest governors must demonstrate political will and unity, setting aside personal and partisan differences for the greater good of the region.

The Southwest has a rich history of pioneering development projects that have shaped Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. However, history will not judge the current leaders kindly if they fail to rise to the occasion. The railway project represents more than just an infrastructure initiative; it is an opportunity to revive the spirit of innovation and progress that has defined the region for decades.

Governor Zulum’s initiative in Borno has set a new benchmark for leadership in Nigeria. It is now up to the Southwest governors to reclaim their place in history by embarking on a transformative project that will benefit generations to come. The people of the Southwest deserve nothing less than visionary leadership that prioritizes their welfare and restores the region’s pride as the trailblazer of development in Nigeria.

Col Oluwadare (rtd) writes from Department of Political Science, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA argues for the empowerment of the national orientation agency

NATIONAL ORIENTATION AND UNTOLD STORIES

When you meet a random person in Europe or the United States who manages to know that there is a place called Nigeria, chances are that football or music will be their reference point. That is, when in conversation with a Nigerian. When alone in the comfort of their friends, their reference is most likely something to do with cybercrime. None of these perceptions has anything to do with any effort of the Nigerian government, now or in the past, to shape the way the country and its people are perceived abroad.

The country does not care about how its own citizens and residents perceive it and its programmes and projects. Any claim to the contrary is reflected in its annual spending on national orientation. Our country sometimes plays on the edge of an anomaly. If you don't understand it, you'd be directing your angst at the wrong end. Take the 2025 budget. The Ministry of Power gets about N8b for 'sensitisation'. Other such ministries and agencies have such related budget line totalling about N20b in 2024 to some N40b in 2025. You start to wonder, is the Ministry of Power a sensitisation agency? If it is not, why does it need N8b to advance its policies? Who sets these priorities?

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu said, “We are a people of over 200 million strength. So, we need to go through all the loopholes, through social media, through digital media, through the print media, to actually orientate and do this advocacy. So we have N8 billion”. Meanwhile, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the body whose responsibility is to sensitise Nigerians about all these policies, programmes, ministries and agencies is trusted with N400m to do same. That's N2/Nigerian to learn about all the new policies, programmes, their essence and the need to support them. Often, Nigerians ask, "what is the NOA doing about X?", but we've got to find Y beforehand. Y is in these numbers. That is why.

Agencies like the NOA are incapacitated by budgetary allocations that make them appear to be afterthoughts in the national design for policy development. Nothing suggests we understand the place of the NOA in policy design and development. The gaps we see between the government’s policies and its intentions, versus the people’s understanding of such policies is reflected in the lack of support for the reforms that in a sane world ought to be driven and advanced by the people. The opposite appears to be the case. Nigeria’s tourism has just enjoyed a great December powered by its diaspora and renewed attention from some international public figures

and celebrities. We aren’t looking to create or advance a story to help scale interest in the future. Platforms like The Hook have laid the template for the power and effectiveness of storytelling. Seeing the power of Nollywood and the way it has influenced people within Nigeria and shaped our perception outside it, The Hook is now developing socially conscious movies and documentaries that’d better reflect the Nigerian and African story.

Nike Okundaye’s grass to grace story for instance is now documented in the time honoured power of advertising, via Meristem. Farooq Oreagba’s story, culminating in him stealing the stage at the 2024 Ojude Oba festival which tells the limitless story of what can be, in another ad for Airtel. Efforts like that of The Hook blending real stories into commercial themes is the sort we need to position Nigeria as an investment destination and tourism hub.

The National Orientation may dream of such storytelling to align the Nigerian people and government on a common vision, but how do you deploy N400m in 2025 to sensitise and influence 200m people across various projects, programmes and policies? You’d need a miracle. Which suggests that the government is banking on some accident, incidents beyond its control to help ensure its citizens understand what it does, why it does them and how those intentions and actions are good for the people. The thing with such accidents is that, when they happen at all, they are hardly ever positive. People often end up perceiving these intentions and actions as an affront on their right to thrive and prosper.

This is why we need to be more intentional as a people and government. That intentionality will be reflected in our commitment to the NOA, the sums we dedicate towards designing sensitisation programmes and stories to help it shape the minds of our people and those watching our country from outside. The era of designing policies without a coherent plan to design a change management agenda that focuses the education and enlightenment of the people in their implantation should become a thing of the past. If not, the government will continue to stay behind the trail. The immediate consequences of the policies, often unpalatable, and the opposition will continue to take the lead in terms of how the people see these policies. The problem with this is that, without the support of the people, such policies could get derailed before they start.

The Nigerian government needs to prioritise national orientation. The tools and framework for sensitising a population of 200m comes at the sort of cost that N400m cannot move any needle, especially at a time of seemingly unprecedented reforms. Let us learn from the innovative power of stories as deployed by agencies like The Hook who know that you can create a legend out of common stories.

We cannot afford to leave Nigeria’s global perception to chance and accidents. We must set out to design what and how we want to be perceived. Leaving this to chance means often, the negative perception will prevail. That social media video where several respondents answered that Nigeria was the crime capital of the world, despite evidence to the contrary, suggests that we’ve got work to do. That work must start from inside, then out. Until we empower the National Orientation Agency, we’d be losing home and abroad in a game we ought to be dominating.

The country has a lot to learn from Rwanda, South Africa and Malaysia on issues of the environment, contends SONNY IROCHE

FOR A SAFER, CLEANER AND PROSPEROUS NIGERIA

Nigeria stands at a crossroads, where the choices made today will shape the nation's future. While challenges like poor governance and corruption are often highlighted, two critical issues are frequently overlooked: a lack of discipline and environmental degradation. Addressing these underlying factors is essential for Nigeria's progress and prosperity.

One major problem is the reckless driving seen in urban areas, especially in Lagos and Abuja. Some drivers frequently ignore traffic signals and regulations, putting themselves and others in danger. For instance, commercial minibuses, known as Danfo, often violate traffic lights and one-way rules, creating chaotic situations on the roads. This dangerous behavior not only threatens public safety but also reflects a broader issue of a deep-rooted indiscipline that needs urgent attention.

Environmental degradation is another pressing concern that cannot be ignored.

In the Niger Delta, gas flaring continues to harm the environment, while street vendors contribute to pollution through open-fire cooking. Vendors like Mama-Put and Suya sellers, who operate without proper facilities, release harmful emissions into the air.

Transitioning these businesses to enclosed environments would help reduce pollution and improve public health, making it a necessary step forward for Nigeria.

Looking at other countries can provide valuable lessons for Nigeria. Rwanda, for instance, has made tremendous strides in creating a cleaner environment. The country has implemented a nationwide ban on plastic bags and organizes monthly community cleanup days called "Umuganda." This initiative fosters a sense of community responsibility and encourages citizens to take pride in their surroundings. Such practices can inspire similar initiatives in Nigeria, promoting discipline and environmental consciousness among the population.

Singapore is another example of a country that has successfully transformed its urban landscape. The city-state is known for its strict laws regarding littering and public behavior, leading to a clean and orderly environment. The government has invested in green spaces and a comprehensive public transportation system, making it easier for citizens to move around without relying on cars. By enforcing discipline in public spaces and prioritizing sustainable development, Singapore has created a livable city that Nigeria can aspire to emulate.

Malaysia also offers valuable insights into effective urban management. The country has developed initiatives to promote the use of public transport, significantly reducing traffic congestion and pollution. Moreover, Malaysia has invested in green technology and practices, such as rainwater harvesting and waste management systems, to ensure a cleaner environment. Adopting similar strategies could help Nigeria tackle its own environmental issues and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

South Africa, with its diverse landscapes and cultures, has faced significant challenges related to urbanization and environmental degradation. However, initiatives like the "Working for Water" program aim to restore ecosystems while providing job opportunities.

This program tackles invasive plant species that threaten local biodiversity, showcasing how environmental efforts can also support economic growth. Nigeria can learn from such programs to create jobs while enhancing environmental protection.

To combat these issues, the Lagos State government must take decisive action. A modern transportation system should be prioritized, addressing the chaos on the roads and ensuring safer travel for all. This system must be equipped to handle the growing population and the increasing number of tourists visiting during peak seasons, such as the December holidays. Moreover, regulating roadside mechanics and street vendors is essential to maintain order and cleanliness in the city.

The demolition of decaying police barracks in Falomo is an encouraging move. Collaboration between both state and federal governments can lead to effective policies that target the root causes of environmental degradation.

For example, clearing shantytowns near busy areas like Eko Hotel and Onikan Stadium would not only improve the city's appearance but also enhance public safety.

For the half decade period of 2025-2030 , it is crucial for Lagos and indeed, Nigeria to focus on instilling discipline and cleaning up the environment. Phasing out unfit Danfo buses and developing a sustainable inland waterway transportation system are vital steps that can lead to a safer and cleaner Lagos. The need for immediate action is clear, as the safety of all citizens hangs in the balance.

In conclusion, the journey toward a better Nigeria requires addressing both indiscipline and environmental issues, amongst the excruciating economic challenges.

By prioritizing these concerns, the nation can create a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous future. A unified effort by the local government areas, states and the federal government to improve traffic management and regulate environmental practices will pave the way for sustainable growth. Learning from successful initiatives in countries like Rwanda, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Africa can provide a road map for Nigeria's transformation. The time to act is now.

Iroche is Senior Academic Fellow, African Studies Centre, University of Oxford. 20222023. http://linkedin.com/in/sonnyiroche

Omojuwa

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE GROWING POPULATION QUESTION

It’s time for policymakers to seriously address the population problem

Nigeria is today among the fastest growing countries of the world in terms of population. Ordinarily this should be a plus, but with the way things are, it is not. At a media roundtable on family planning organised by the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare last month, experts expressed concerns about the growing population amid dwindling resources. Many are therefore warning of the dire consequences of the uncontrolled population growth.

The prognosis is that there may come a time when food and other necessary provisions may be difficult for the ever-increasing number of people. Available statistics indicate that we may already be grappling with that reality. According to the United Nations population prediction, by the year 2050, three of the 10 most populous countries in the world will be in Africa with more than a quarter of them in Nigeria. Against the background that uncontrolled population growth is already stretching the few infrastructure facilities in the country and contributing in large measure to the poor standards of living, there is indeed an urgent need to address the dire consequences of this uncontrolled population growth.

churns out a crop of uncompetitive youth in a new world driven by technology, skills, and knowledge.

Of course, we are mindful of the fact that some people may dismiss population growth issue as mere Western propaganda aimed at keeping developing countries from having large population. They could also point to China and India as countries with huge populations harvesting their “demographic dividends”. Yet, the fact being ignored is that China for decades controlled its population with its one-child per couple policy while the Indian state encourages some form of family planning. In any case, an idle (and largely illiterate population) such as we breed in Nigeria today can only be a disaster waiting to happen.

A sustainable society is the one with moderate population growth that enables its members to achieve a high quality of life in ways that are ecologically sustainable

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

Indeed, Nigeria has a lot to worry about concerning a population that continues to bulge exponentially, at a period the nation is ranked among the poorest people in the world. We are saddled with high incidence of unemployment, predominant production of primary goods over finished products, aging public infrastructure, opaque system of government as well as the activities of criminals who are pushing people from rural communities. The high rate of out-of-school children and poor output in the education sector also contribute negatively to deepening this problem as the nation

T

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

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

Letters to the Editor

However, we are not oblivious to religious practices and beliefs that frown at any talk of over population and therefore regard any suggestion that hints at birth control as heresy. But it is a simple economic fact that population growth that is not matched with commensurate socio-economic development can only breed chaos. On a positive note, however, we also understand that at a time when the population of many countries in Europe and Asia is ageing, Nigeria’s young population could be a demographic advantage but only if the policymakers can design appropriate policies that will improve the productive capacities of our people and put our people to work. To the extent that there is no such thing, then there is the need to worry.

There is no doubt that a sustainable society is the one with moderate population growth that enables its members to achieve a high quality of life in ways that are ecologically sustainable. Unless policymakers begin now to focus their attention on how to avert this ticking time bomb the consequences could be devastating and very difficult to reverse. We hope that critical stakeholders will appreciate the urgent need to come up with strategies on population control 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.

MTN, AIRTEL AND NETWORK SERVICES IN MAIDUGURI

In recent times, residents of Maiduguri, Borno State capital, have been grappling with significant issues related to mobile network services. For many, reliable connectivity is not just a convenience but a necessity. Businesses, education, healthcare, and communication with loved ones are all increasingly dependent on the availability and stability of network services. Yet, residents find themselves struggling daily with inconsistent signals, dropped calls, and painfully slow internet speeds, especially on networks like MTN and Airtel, which have a considerable market share in the region.

As one of the cities severely affected by insurgency in the past decade, Maiduguri has faced numerous challenges. However, with gradual recovery, there’s a pressing need for infrastructure that can support the city’s reintegration into the nation’s economic and social fabric. Digital connectivity is at the heart of this transformation. From local entrepreneurs to students attending online classes, connectivity has become a bridge to opportunities and information. Yet, the current state of network services disrupts progress, leaving residents feeling marginalized.

MTN and Airtel, as two of Nigeria’s largest telecommunications providers, have a responsibility to ensure that their network services reach all parts of the country equitably. With both companies continually promoting slogans of inclusivity and national coverage, it is disheartening to see the situation in Maiduguri, where connectivity is almost a privilege rather than a right. In a time when 4G and 5G networks are expanding globally, Maiduguri residents find it challenging to access even a basic 3G signal consistently.

The issues faced by the residents are not limited to slow internet speeds alone. Network instability affects everything from voice calls to text messaging, making it difficult for people to connect with others even within the city. It is not uncommon for calls to suddenly drop, especially during peak hours, or for messages to arrive hours after they are sent. Such a situation is not only frustrating but also dangerous in emergencies when reliable communication can be a matter of life and death.

One might argue that infrastructure challenges in the North-east could be a contributing factor. Yet, with both MTN and Airtel’s extensive resources, it should not be impossible to allocate more resources to address these issues. Building and maintaining network infrastructure in Maiduguri might have its hurdles, but it is essential for a company’s vision and promises to align with the realities on the ground. The people of Maiduguri deserve the same network quality as other parts of the country.

Businesses, both small and large, have taken a hit from these network issues. Many entrepreneurs rely on social media platforms and online communication to market their goods and services. When connectivity falters, they lose clients, face delays, and suffer financially. In a region where people are working tirelessly to rebuild their lives post-conflict, reliable network services could be a crucial economic driver. It is frustrating for these business owners to know that they could be more productive if only their network providers would prioritize improvements.

Istifanus Baba, Mass Communication Department, University of Maiduguri

I DID THIS IN THE FUTURE

It is surprising to see President-Elect Trump claim, wrongly, that the Israel and Hamas ceasefire is the result of him becoming President in the future. This is like saying that the 2024 superbowl was won by the Chiefs because the 49ers could improve in 2025. It's just not logical. Thank President Biden and his team for their great efforts and show some humility. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Expert: Nigeria, Others’ $25.75bn

Eromosele Abiodun

An expert in the manufacturing and industrial sector has stated that the $25.75 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), attracted by Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in the last 12 months signals a new era of transformation for West Africa.

Country Director, Nigeria & Portfolio Director, Africa, dmg events, Wemimo Oyelana stated this while announcing the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa – IMT) Summit to be held in Lagos.

“Africa’s contribution to the global gross domestic products (GDP) currently stands at 3 per cent, contributing only 2 per cent to the world’s manufacturing value add (UNIDO 2024). Resource-rich

nations with economies based on the export of commodities are only able to capture a maximum of 30 per cent of its value. A strategic shift toward product valorisation and export could generate returns exceeding 10x the original value.

“However, international investors continue to review opportunities within the region. Over the last 12 months, the Government of Ghana signed a landmark $12 billion agreement with the TCP-UIC Consortium for the development of the Petroleum Hub Project, featuring three refineries and five petrochemical plants. ENI pledged $10 billion to develop the Baleine field offshore Côte d’Ivoire. In the June 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria secured a $3 billion facility from Afrexim Bank to

build an industrial park and invest in light manufacturing. The African Development Bank Group approved a $75 million loan to support the implementation of Resource Mobilization and Industrial Development Support Programme (PAMRDI-I) in Senegal.”

The summit, he said, aims to support the acceleration of industrial development within West Africa by convening key decision makers from across the entire industrialisation ecosystem to collaborate and chart the pathway towards a sustainable and intra-African industrial revolution.

Themed “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity,” the event will convene market leaders from around to globe to spark innovative discourse on developing

partnerships to leverage the resources endowments of African nations and the technological solutions of the developed nations.

“Heads of State across West Africa have set industrialisation as the key priority, acknowledging it as the central catalyst for economic transformation and an avenue to take advantage of its abundance in natural resources including raw materials and human capital.

“With abundant natural resources, a young workforce, renewable energy potential, arable land, a growing middle-class consumer market, and a cost-competitive labour force, Africa has many of the key ingredients for industrial success. However, the region continues to grapple with the impact of climate change on agriculture, geopolitical

tensions driving up energy and food prices and political uncertainties.

“Through effective reforms and the right policy measures, nations within the region are set to attract investors and create an enabling environment for business to thrive. The potential utilisation of advanced technologies for cleaner energy systems and green industrialisation could see African nations leapfrogging for a more rapid and efficient industrial revolution,” he said.

By fostering the discourse that is critical to developing the industrialisation and trade strategies for the region, and bringing companies together to drive business development efforts, he said the West Africa IMT will be at the heart of supporting regional

and international government and private sector stakeholders to spearhead a sustainable industrial revolution.

“Over the three event days, governments will meet with the private sector and international investors to outline priorities for a sustainable industrialisation journey. The event is expected to attract 2,500 attendees from over 25 countries, making it the first of its kind within the region.

“The large-scale Exhibition will showcase major international and regional players, including, manufacturing, energy, finance, technology, logistics, raw materials and security. Deal marking and collaboration will be at the heart of the networking opportunities,” Oyelana said.

Stakeholders Raise Concern over Increasing Rate of Theft on Domestic Flights

Aviation industry stakeholders, including airline operators have raised the alarm over the increasing rate of theft on domestic flights, involving passengers.

They alleged that the desire to steal from other passengers has been on the increase in the past few years.

This is coming as the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, confirmed that a passenger in one of the domestic flights had recently reported a case of theft to NCAA, where he was robbed of $100, 000, while onboard a flight. Different airlines have also alleged

onboard thefts, which sometimes disrupt flight operations.

According to a recent eye witness account, a traveler in a Lagos-Owerri bound flight, quickly carried another’s bag but because of the long distance between the tarmac and arrival hall, the real owner was able to stop him and retrieved the bag from the alleged thief.

“I was on a flight to Owerri with a lot of Diaspora Nigerians. They have checked in lots of bags and dragged some on board. Once the plane landed at SMICA (Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport), Owerri, the usual confusion started.

Passengers started jumping up and moving anyhow. One man stood up and grabbed a bag from the overhead

locker and walked down and out of the plane. Unfortunately for him it was a long walk from where the plane packed to the arrival hall. The real owner of the bag got off the plane and chased him down. He grabbed his bag from him and the guy said it was an error,” the passenger said.

Reacting to the incident, travel expert and organizer of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, said the person whose bag was taken away should have drawn the attention of other passengers and crew so that the alleged thief would be arrested.

He, however, suggested that passengers should not be allowed to open the overhead locker; instead, the cabin crew should open it in

order to monitor the actions of the passengers as they pull their bags from the locker.

There have been many incidents of stealing onboard aircraft in Nigeria. Few years ago, there was a mild drama in early morning flight of Arik Air from Lagos to Abuja as two suspects were caught stealing from a bag belonging to another passenger few minutes to landing at the local wing of Nnamdi Azikwe Airport in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The attention of the passengers were attracted by the voice of one of the crew members on the flight, asking one of the suspects to sit down and should dare not utter a word since he had been finally caught.

But the key suspect stood up to the crew member, asking him to

state his offence, but unknown to the suspect, his movement in the aircraft was monitored by another staff of Arik Air, who pretended to be a passenger, sleeping on one of the seats close by.

The Arik Air staff watched as the first suspect opened one of the overhead lockers, brought down a bag and removed a polyethylene bag containing two wrapped envelopes and loose N1000 notes.

The second suspect came into the picture when he gave a black bag to the first suspect, who kept their monies inside. He zipped up the bag and hid it by the side of his seat. They were later arrested.

Also, in July last year, a passenger was caught for allegedly stealing N1million aboard an Air Peace

flight from Abuja to Port Harcourt. According to the airline, one Vitalis Nwabuzor on-board Abuja-PHC Flight P47192 on July 27 stole the cash but was arrested. The airline said: “Nwabuzor stole the said amount contained in a brown envelope but was caught by the owner of the money and with the intervention of the airline’s staff.” According to him, the suspect had taken another passenger’s computer bag from the overhead cabin during the flight, adding that he collected the brown envelope containing the money before returning the bag to the compartment.

Chinedu Eze

Aviation Ministry Commends NAMA on Efficiency in Air Travel

Stories by Chinedu Eze

The newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development

Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana has commended the critical role played by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air navigation in the country, describing it as very strategic and pivotal in the nation’s economic development.

Kana also commended the staff of the agency for their teamwork, dedication and commitment towards achieving organisational objectives, saying that their collective performance was exemplary and deserving of emulation.

He, however, charged staff of the agency to remain committed

to teamwork, emphasising its role in achieving collective goals.

“Teamwork is the foundation of success, and your dedication will continue to propel NAMA to greater heights,” he stated.

Kana who made the remarks during a working tour of the agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, noted that NAMA’s vision to be a leading air navigation service provider in the world, aligned with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo’s strategic goals for the aviation sector, which were also in sync with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to elevate the aviation industry.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by the fluctuating dollar exchange rate, the Permanent Secretary reiterated government’s commitment to addressing funding

challenges in the sector and pledged to collaborate with the Minister to secure the necessary funding to support the agency’s projects.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NAMA, Ahmed Umar Farouk, expressed gratitude for the Permanent Secretary’s visit, acknowledging the significance of him taking time to tour all the offices at the headquarters of the agency which he described as the “heart of the aviation industry.”

He emphasised that safety remained sacrosanct in NAMA’s operations, and highlighted some of the challenges facing the organisation to include funding for critical navigational infrastructure, stating that some of the agency’s projects were currently 50 per cent completed while efforts were being made to source for more funding.

NCAA Charges Ibom Air Passenger to Court

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that Ms. Chiamaka Don Ubani, the passenger responsible for the disruption of Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja on January 8, 2025, has been charged to court.

According to a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, the charges against Ms. Ubani include intentionally and maliciously preventing the door

of the aircraft from closing and causing obstruction of flight Q1528 from flying, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 436 of the criminal code, cap 39, volume 2, laws of Akwa Ibom State.

She was also accused of constituting herself into a public nuisance by obstructing flight Q1528 from flying at the scheduled time, an act which caused inconvenience or damage to passengers already boarded and the general public

and thereby committing an offence punishable under section 196(1) (f) of the criminal code.

Ms. Ubani was released on bail on Friday, January 10, 2025, and is scheduled to appear before the Uyo Magistrate Court on February 4, 2025.

The NCAA has urged all passengers to refrain from unruly behavior at the terminals and inside aircraft, citing the incident as an example of the consequences of such behavior.

Cross River Counts Benefits of 2024 Calabar Festival

Cross River has identified the many benefits of the Calabar Festival extravaganza 2024, which showcased the richness of Calabar culture.

With the theme: ‘Our Shared Prosperity’, the 2024 Calabar Carnival lasted for 32 days, featuring a wide range of activities and events.

Some of the notable events included the Christmas Tree Lighting, Carnival Calabar Dry Run, Calabar Food Festival, and the Carnival Calabar Parade of the Bands.

The festival featured a range of activities, including music performances, cultural dances, fashion shows, and sports competitions.

Calabar international Airport (between the period 1st November, 2024 and 29th December, 2024 recorded over 10,000 inbound passenger and 79% of the passengers were visiting from other states of Nigeria, 3% from diaspora majorly for Leisure and to attend the Carnival Calabar.

The figure rose from 7,452 recorded in 2023 within the

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Energy

Emmanuel Addeh

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Correspondents

Kayodetokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)

same period to over 10,000 as recorded in 2024. An estimated visitor’s influx of 150,000 was observed to have visited Calabar in December, 2024 through road (89 per cent), Air (7 per cent) and through the sea (4 per cent). An estimated 8.875 billion naira was being spent on transportation by visitors to the destination.

The number of visitors into the destination for the 2024 Calabar festival outweighed that of 2023 by 42 per cent. A total number of 62,512 visitors were estimated to have visited the destination for the 2023 Calabar festivals and Carnival, spending about N3.1billion on transportation to the destination.

Most of the visitors were from Akwa Ibom State, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abia, FCT, Enugu, Cameroon, UK, Canada, Equatorial Guinea. Calabar recorded over 300,000 tourists within the period of (1st November 2024 – December 31st, 2024) who came in for site seeing of the OMR, Marina Resort and

the Kwa falls.

Most of the tourist were from Abuja the FCT, Lagos State and neighbouring Akwa Ibom State. Again, there was a tremendous increase in tourist to the destination when compared to the 2023 figures of over 190,345 tourists to our enchanted attraction sites.

Throughout the period under review, November – December, 2024 the occupancy rate of accommodation establishments in Calabar rose to 68 per cent from 57 per cent in 2023. More than 90 per cent of hotels in Calabar had a 100 per cent occupancy rate between December 15th –December 29th, 2024. Revenue generated from hotel bookings is estimated at N2.79 billion ($1.74 million) with 25k per night confirmed hotel bookings in December alone for about 3,600 available bed spaces in Calabar Cluster. Revenue from food and breakfast alone stood at an estimated N900 million ($562,000).

Air WAtCh

Reinforcing Safety, Passenger Protection in Flight Operations

Chinedu Eze

The key factor in any country’s air travel service is how safe it is to fly, which becomes poignant when commercial air travel is involved.

This is why the United Nations established the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to regulate air travel in the world for member states.

ICAO in turn moved for the establishment of Civil Aviation Authority by members states in order to effectively regulate air travel in every country and make sure that it is safe. That was how the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority was born.

Looking at air travel in Nigeria since NCAA become effective on January 1, 2000, it has undulating history because there have been a lot of air crashes, which thinned down over time and today Nigeria can boast of not recording accidents involving commercial airline since after 2013.

Nigeria has also recorded many Director Generals who manned the affairs of NCAA and some of them were outstanding while others occupied the footnote of history.

But in the last one year, a lot has happened at NCAA under the management of Captain Chris Najomo, the acting Director General, from addressing passenger complaints, to initiating sanctions on defaulting airlines to certification of Nigerian airports and tackling illegal charter operations in Nigeria.

There were some critical actions taken by Captain Najomo to further strengthen flight safety and also sanitize the aviation industry.

Under Najomo’s watch, the NCAA inaugurated its Flight Data Analysis Centre (FDAC) on December 11, 2024. Minister Keyamo officially commissioned this state-of-the-art facility, praising it as a game-changer in aviation oversight. Describing the centre as pivotal, Keyamo emphasized its role in creating a robust safety data bank and enhancing compliance with international standards.

NCAA, the airline, in May last year, disengaged its workers. Industry pundits are of the view that it was a critical decision taken by the regulatory body under Najomo and further investigation also revealed that the decision to ground the airline followed regulatory process and foreclosed possible safety infraction that could be lethal.

During the last International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Universal Safety Audit Program Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP), in September 2023, Nigerian airports were not certified because of too many gaps but within that time and late last year, the gaps were closed leading to the citification of Lagos and Abuja airports. Najomo recalled during the ceremony to hand over the audit certificates to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); that in March 2001, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council adopted a new Standard that required certification of aerodromes used for international operations.

This standard, Najomo said, became applicable 27“ November of 2003, adding that Nigeria initially complied with this provision by certifying two international airports in 2017. He explained that the three-year duration of those certificates lapsed in November 2020 in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations in force then.

“At the expiration of NAIA (Abuja)and MMIA Lagos) aerodrome certificates, a sixmonth extension was granted to FAAN to operate the aerodromes due to the COVID-19 Pandemic which we all remember had devastating effects on the aviation sector.

Emirates Set to Become World’s First

Autism Certified Airline

Emirates has launched an inspiring journey to officially become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, inviting customers with autism and sensory sensitivities to experience Emirates’ seamless services and personalized hospitality, making travel more accessible for all.

The inaugural designation is set to be formally awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in the coming months, when more than 30,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff will have completed the initial training.

Emirates also plans to roll out new standards and services that will improve the on ground and inflight travel experience for both customers on the autism spectrum and their families and companions, to be announced later in the year.

For many members of the global autism community, international air travel is a highly challenging experience, or something to be avoided completely, due to the high level of sensory stimuli that can be involved.

A survey on AutismTravel. com revealed that 78% of families are hesitant to travel or visit new locations, and that 94% of respondents would take more vacations if they had access to places where staff are autismtrained and certified.

Driven by its commitment to creating a welcoming travel experience for all customers including individuals with autism and those with sensory sensitivities, Emirates worked collaboratively with IBCCES, a leading organization in autism and neurodiversity training and certification, to conduct an onsite review and comprehensive audit.

The FDAC’s advanced capabilities include analyzing flight data recorders (FDRs) and cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) to detect anomalies and prevent safety incidents. This proactive, data-driven approach enables the NCAA to address safety concerns effectively, aligning Nigeria’s aviation operations with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

The NCAA has also made significant strides in digitising its operations. Najomo announced the launch of a new portal that will facilitate the digital processing of approvals, licenses, recertifications, and passenger complaints.

Najomo said the system would enhance the efficiency of the NCAA, allowing for quicker processing and real-time monitoring of airline performance. The portal will also enable the public to view airline service evaluations, offering insights into the best and worst performers.

There were series of major incidents which made Najomo to scrutinize the financials of Nigerians carriers because there is correlation between dearth of funds in an airline and its proclivity to accident. When Dana Air flight overshot the runway, followed by similar incident subsequently, NCAA suspended the airline.

NCAA later directed that the airline should do away with its MD 82/83 aircraft, which were permanently grounded, leaving it only two Boeing 737 aircraft.

The regulatory authority said it was also not pleased with the airline’s financials, which according to it, could not buoy it to safe operations.

Following the inability of the airline to meet all safety regulations and other conditions given it by

“However, the extension was granted on the condition that FAAN resolve all outstanding certification CAP items and complete the recertification process within the extension period. To be detailed, there were 136 items for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA, so this was no mean feat.Since then, NCAA and FAAN got down to the hard work of ensuring closure of the critical certification findings as required by the Regulations,” Najomo explained.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, on Wednesday said in Lagos that FAAN and NCAA are working to certify the other international airports in Port Harcourt Kano and Enugu, commending NCAA for its support to see that the airports meet international standards. in late 2023 there were series of incidents where private jets were overshooting the runway on landing and this dragged on into 2024, prompting NCAA to take decisive action. It decided to scrutinize the business aviation sub-sector.

After studying the incidents, NCAA enforced stricter regulations while allowing the flexibility but ensured that charter operators complied with the rules. 10 airlines were sanctioned for using Permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) for unauthorized charter operations. This crackdown stopped the misuse of private jets by high-net-worth individuals for commercial purposes without abiding by the rules. Operating commercial charter requires stricter regulatory oversight.

The NCAA suspended permits for offending operators and initiated a review of all PNCF holders to ensure adherence to licensing terms. This action reinforced the Authority’s commitment to fair competition, safety, and operational integrity in the sector.

Kayode Ojewale (1984-2024): Departing Soon at Noon

January 17, 2025 would have marked the 41st natal anniversary of Solomon Kayode Ojewale, the young man who was beginning to be noticed as a regular name in Nigeria’s vast media space, online and main-view. He was a migratory writer. One time he’d be in The Guardian, The Punch, The Nation, Nigerian Tribune, or Vanguard, all in Nigeria’s south, or another time up north in Daily Trust, Leadership or New Nigerian. Kayode also had a promising presence in the online publications: Premium Times, Newspot, Sahara Reporters, etc. He wrote and read lustily. On a number of occasions, he would query me: “Dad, what’s going on? I haven’t seen you write lately.” Sometimes, he was a monitoring spirit, searching for my articles on the internet and railing at the ubiquitous devil in the print. He also preyed on books. He took from me a book on John McCain, once a US presidential aspirant, which Emeka Eluem Izeze, former MD of The Guardian, loaned me. Kayode’s articles were regularly run by Alausa Alert, a publication of Lagos State Ministry of Information, edited by the versatile Tayo Ogunbiyi. At a time, we projected a joint collection of essays by himself and Ogunbiyi.

The young man ardently desired a future with the media. So he took a professional course in radio production and script writing at the Radio Nigeria Broadcasting School in Lagos.

Finally, he was approached by a business newspaper in Lagos to serve on its editorial board. The editors reckoned that pinning the prolific contributor exclusively to their desk might be more profitable to the paper than having him shared with others in the industry. The offer seemed OK for Kayode; it would give him a ready, regular and recognisable platform to express himself on hot-button issues.

Still, the deal wasn’t consummated for some reasons. Kayode was a civil servant, on full time employment with the Public Relations Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA). He troubleshot for the organisation a lot. In succession, his bosses, Mahmoud, Olumide Filade, Taofiq, Mrs. Aluko, required Kayode to leverage his pen and bond with the editors to step in with a write-up in defence of LASTMA. He obliged always; but he was careful not to compromise principles of mutual goodwill. So he did it daintily, without taking his cordial stand with the journalists for granted.

Now, would he be able to answer to the true professional and nonaligned calling of the member of the editorial board of a reputable medium and remain in the service of LASTMA? There’s far more to being offered juicy contracts because of your current running or past performance. Those hiring you are more moved by what you’d give them from the moment of your joining them after exit from your old station, scarcely excited about the exploits that made them notice you in the first place.

These were some of what we were considering

when a concatenation of health incidents set in for Kayode and hindered a logical resolution of the puzzle.

First, a call from his wife, Bunmi, on Wednesday July 4, 2024, that Kayode was gravely down with cough and unsettling breathing issues. She was taking him to a private hospital in their neighborhood at Alakuko, Lagos, she told me. There, her husband’s condition deteriorated. Bunmi, herself a professional nurse with a degree in the discipline, suggested a switch to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State. Bunmi had worked there until recently. She was familiar with the facility and was fully convinced her husband would receive much better care there. Indeed, Kayode also had a history with OOUTH, having undergone successful medical procedures at the institution in previous years.

But, suddenly, on the night of Saturday, July 6, 2024 at OOUTH, Kayode lost the struggle against the complications of irregular breathing, dragged from life into death, leaving behind a son, Othniel Oluwalonimi (barely 5 months old then), his wife,

parents, siblings and in-laws. We all and his friends along with other loved ones have long since been comforted over this huge loss. Kayode was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. He believed in His Word that if you die in genuine salvation, it’s only a temporary physical deprivation. Your soul lives on in perfect joy and repose in God’s presence in Heaven. That’s an eternal state. Bereaved believers are, therefore, not to mourn inconsolably. Colleagues at workplaces, childhood friends and those with whom he attended Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, have offered profuse eulogy endearment. Fashakin, Yeye, Kola, Sunday Ogunsola, Yemi (Baba Ibeji), Fisayo, Segun Hammed, Samson, etc. say affable Kayode touched their lives not only in the campus, but also away from its environment. They fondly referred to him as Professor, “because he had the carriage of a prof.” One of them said Kayode led him into writing for the media. He has since showed me some of his published works. One of his closest pals said their late friend was the one who always

checked on them one by one, and reminded them to felicitate with each on their birthdays. He was also known for that in the family, serving as our PRO and point man on our WhatsApp platform. If you needed the stats and pictures of an old family event, Kayode was the one to turn to. You’d get the info while rounding off your conversation. He could sometimes play games with this great gift. He would drop embarrassing ancient pictures of you which you thought had disappeared with time. At other times, if a young person in the midst of older ones acted big and felt he had arrived, Kayode would move in and cut him to size by pointing to an elderly woman and announcing, “Young man, hope you know that woman over there was the one who circumcised you!” He meant no harm in his pranks. Kayode had a kind and accommodating heart that didn’t allow him to hurt anyone with his gibes. I was a ‘victim’ of one of his sportive surprises, when years ago he conspired with some editors and had them publish his article on my 71st birthday. It was no small embarrassment when I woke that morning to a tumult of calls and messages. I got to know later that they were responding to Kayode’s stealthy tribute.

We used to call Kayode “Old Man Kayus”, because from his early years he looked like his paternal grandfather. The name stuck. Till Kayode passed on, Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of Premium Times, would always refer to him as Old Man, dropping Kayus. They were good friends, a bond built from the late 80s in Ilorin, Kwara State, where “Uncle Dapoh” used to drive Kayode and Lanre, his elder brother, around town.

Solomon Kayode Oyedotun Adigun-Odi Ojewale wanted to read Medicine, for which he was given admission at a private institution in one of Nigeria’s southeastern states. Somehow, it didn’t work out, and he went for Pure and Applied Chemistry at LAUTECH. He graduated in November 2008 and was posted to Bayelsa for his NYSC in July the following year. He served in Asamabiri. His experiences there are documented in his book, “Asamabiri: A Youth Corps Member’s Experience.” Unfortunately, the 12-chapter book wasn’t published; a blundering bureaucratic bullock bred by the NYSC authorities stood in the way of the work, whose conclusion foresaw the food crisis now pillaging the land and recommended a strategic solution: “Asamabiri can…be the food basket of the Niger Delta if the authorities harness its agricultural products. Its potential is enormous, waiting to be tapped to the full realities of full economic activity and industry. Government and the private sector must join hands to move into Asamabiri and turn the area into a developed and prosperous region. This way we can truly talk of diversifying the Nigerian economy and freeing it from dependence on oil.”

•Ojewale, an author, mailed this piece from Accra, Ghana.

1,629 Women Benefited from FG’s Free Fistula Surgery, Says Ohiri

of 1,629 women have so far undergone free fistula surgery treatment across

fistula free programme held in Abuja at the conference room of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. He said the programme which is in its six months has already recorded

impactful milestones and touched the lives of poor women. “So what have we done so far? So right now, about 1629 beneficiaries have been verified and paid for between

the last six months of the launch to date, but that’s just a number that we have verified and paid for. Number of claims submitted is over almost 2000.”

Speaking further on the programme,

Bauchi Govt Approves Recruitment of 3,000 Teachers for Secondary Schools

Segun Awofadeji in

Bauchi

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi

State has approved the recruitment of 3,000 teachers to be deployed across junior and senior secondary schools in the state.

This move is aimed at strengthening the educational system and is part of the state’s commitment to the objectives of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, which seeks to empower young girls through education. The announcement was made yesterday by the Project Coordinator for AGILE in the state, Ali Gar during

a sensitization meeting on the Girls Scholarship Programme. The meeting which brought together key stakeholders from the Bauchi Local Government Area focused on the importance of providing access to quality education for girls and ensuring their continuous enrollment in school.

According to Gar, 2,000 of the newly recruited teachers will be assigned to junior secondary schools, while the remaining 1,000 will be posted to senior secondary schools.

He added that this strategic deployment of teachers is expected to enhance the quality of education in secondary schools across the state,

improving learning outcomes for all students, particularly girls.

“Governor Bala Mohammed’s approval of the recruitment is in line with his administration’s ongoing educational reforms aimed at improving school standards and fostering an inclusive learning environment.

“The recruitment exercise is designed to bolster the teaching workforce, thereby addressing the growing demand for qualified educators in Bauchi State.

The AGILE project, an initiative supported by the federal government, focuses on providing scholarships, educational resources, and skill-building opportunities to adolescent girls.

By improving access to quality education, the project aims to equip young girls with the tools necessary for personal and professional development, ensuring that they are better prepared to contribute to their communities and the broader society.

Governor Mohammed’s initiative to recruit additional teachers is a key part of the state’s strategy to enhance the educational sector and align with the objectives of the AGILE project.

The newly recruited teachers will be deployed in various schools across the state in the coming weeks, with expectations that their presence will positively impact the educational experience of students.

This recruitment move is not only an investment in the future of Bauchi State’s youth but also a reflection of the state government’s commitment to uplifting the educational standards of the region, ensuring that every student, regardless of gender, has access to quality learning.

The recruitment exercise is expected to commence soon, with teachers slated to be deployed across junior and senior secondary schools in Bauchi.

This development is seen as a significant step toward creating a brighter future for students in the state, particularly girls, who will benefit from improved educational opportunities.

the DG said it is aimed at supporting all women in Nigeria who are living with obstetric fistula, irrespective of the geopolitical location. Ohiri said that NHIA was working with the State Health Insurance Scheme to ensure that beneficiaries are enrolled into health insurance after the surgery , adding that the NHIA intends to expand its engagement with civil society, who are best positioned to work with the communities to ensure that their livelihoods are fully restored. “It means that we have to leverage existing infrastructure work with stakeholders to make sure that they are included, and then, thirdly, make sure that inclusion mechanisms some of these people, it’s not just a medical issue they face,” he said.

Earlier, the Coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate who chaired the meeting said the programme had seen a significant change in terms of the care and the remediation the women who have obstetric fistula have received.

Banji Ojewale

Kayode Ojewale

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has said that a total

theOhiricountry.disclosed this at the second steering committee meeting of NHIA

Engr. Stella Okengwu: Nigerian Real Estate Trailblazer Honoured with President Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award

in an era where glass ceilings are being shattered and new frontiers are being conquered, Engr. Stella ifeoma Okengwu, the Managing director of Win Homes Global Services Ltd., stands as a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and resilience. recognised globally as the “Luxury Queen of real Estate,” she has left an indelible mark on the industry. Chiemelie ezeobi writes that recently, she was crowned with one of the world’s most prestigious accolades – President Joe Biden’s 2025 Lifetime achievement award

Ashinning light in global leadership, the recent recognition of Engr. Stella Okengwu’s with President Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to excellence, innovation, and empowerment. For the Managing Director of Win Homes Global Services Ltd, the trajectory from a chemical engineering graduate to a globally celebrated entrepreneur has been a story of courage and vision.

Through her work in real estate, her advocacy for women, and her philanthropic endeavours, she has created a legacy that transcends industries and borders. Her success is not just her own but a beacon of hope for all who dare to dream and strive for greatness.

This recognition is not merely a celebration of her business acumen; it encapsulates a lifetime of dedication to creating opportunities, empowering women, and transforming lives. From her early days as a chemical engineer to becoming the visionary MD of Win Homes, Engr. Okengwu’s inspiring journey epitomises the boundless possibilities of hard work and courage.

The Transition From Oil and Gas to Real Estate

Engr. Stella Okengwu began her professional life in Nigeria’s thriving oil and gas industry after earning a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Benin. It was a career filled with promise and stability, but deep within, she yearned for something more. A pivotal conversation with a friend illuminated the immense potential within the real estate sector, igniting a fire that would soon redefine her career.

Leaving behind a successful career to venture into real estate was no easy decision. “It was a leap of faith,” she recalls, “but I believed in the possibilities that lay ahead.” The transition came with significant challenges, including navigating a male-dominated industry, securing funding, and building a reputable brand. Yet, her unyielding determination carried her through.

The Rise of Win Homes Global Services Ltd

Engr. Okengwu’s courage culminated in the founding of Win Homes Global Services Ltd, a company that has revolutionised the real estate landscape in Nigeria. Under her leadership, the firm has become synonymous with affordable luxury, sustainability, and innovation.

Win Homes specialises in providing homes that combine cutting-edge designs, smart technologies, and eco-friendly solutions, bridging the gap between high-end living and accessibility. By prioritising energy efficiency and sustainability, her projects have set new standards in the industry.

Her bold vision has not only addressed Nigeria’s housing deficit but also created opportunities for thousands of Nigerians to achieve their dream of homeownership. “Home is more than just a place; it’s a foundation for stability and growth,” she often says.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-dominated Industry

As a woman operating in the highly competitive and male-dominated real estate sector, Engr. Okengwu faced her fair share of challenges. She recalls the scepticism she encountered when she first entered the industry, with many doubting her ability to thrive in a space traditionally dominated by men. Yet, she refused to be defined by societal expectations. Instead, she channelled these challenges into opportunities to prove her mettle, creating a legacy of resilience and excellence. Her leadership style, which combines vision and pragmatism, has set her apart as a trailblazer in the field.

Empowering Women: A Lifelong Mission

Beyond her business achievements, Engr. Okengwu is a passionate advocate for women’s

empowerment. She firmly believes that women have the potential to excel in any field, provided they have the right opportunities and support.

Through mentorship programmes, workshops, and speaking engagements, she has inspired countless women to pursue their dreams and challenge stereotypes. “Women are powerful agents of change,” she asserts. “When we empower one woman, we empower an entire community.”

Her leadership extends to creating a more inclusive workplace. At Win Homes, she has implemented policies that prioritise gender diversity and foster an environment where women can thrive.

Philanthropy and Community Impact

Engr. Okengwu’s success is not measured solely by her business accomplishments but by her unwavering commitment to giving back to society. Her philanthropic initiatives have touched countless lives, from supporting orphanages and sponsoring educational programmes to aiding internally displaced

persons in Northern Nigeria.

She is also a strong proponent of youth empowerment, partnering with organisations to provide training and mentorship for young entrepreneurs. “True success lies in how much we uplift others,” she says.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, she was named the Dynamic CEO of the Year at the Global African Diaspora Awards, an honour that further cemented her reputation as a global leader.

A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

Engr. Okengwu’s journey is marked by her ability to anticipate and adapt to industry trends. As the real estate market evolves, she remains at the forefront, integrating smart home technologies and sustainable practices into her projects. Her vision for the future includes creating even more inclusive housing solutions that cater to diverse demographics.

In addition to her ventures in real estate, she has diversified her business portfolio to include trucking, logistics,

and healthcare services in the United States. These ventures underscore her adaptability and innovative spirit, solidifying her status as a dynamic entrepreneur.

Inspiration to the Next Generation

For many young people, especially women, Engr. Okengwu serves as a powerful role model. Her story exemplifies that with passion, perseverance, and a clear vision, no dream is unattainable. She has shown that success is not about avoiding challenges but embracing them as opportunities for growth.

Dr Grace Adebayo, a close associate, aptly summarised her impact: “She has given us a blueprint for success in business while staying true to values of integrity and inclusivity. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come. “

As she continues to lead, inspire, and innovate, Engr. Stella Okengwu remains a shining light, proving that extraordinary success is possible when passion meets purpose. Her story reminds us that the sky is not the limit; it is only the beginning.

Engr. Stella Okengwu

SUNU: Sound Governance Structure Driving Our Strong Performance

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Managing Director of SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc, Mr. Samuel Ogbodu, and the Managing Director of SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, Dr. Patrick Korie, have disclosed that sound governance structure that was put in place by the Founder of SURU Group, Late Mr. Pathé Dione, is behind the groups stronger financial showings two years after the founder’s passing away.

They disclosed this on Monday during a mass to commemorate the second anniversary of the passing of Mr. Dione at the St. Luke’s Catholic Chaplaincy, LUTH, Idi-Araba, Lagos State.

The commemorative mass was part of the religious cer-

emonies that were organised in 17 countries in Africa where the SUNU Group is present to honur Dione’s enduring legacy and his unwavering commitment to the development of Africa.

Ogbodu told journalists that the departure of Dione has not impacted negatively on the group’s financial performance, which was stronger in 2024 that two years ago when the founder was alive.

He added that the stock that appreciated the most in the Nigerian Exchange in 2024 was Sunu Assurance Nigeria Plc.

Ogbodu said: “Mr. Dione’s legacy is deeply ingrained in the DNA of SUNU Group. We are committed to honouring his memory by continuing to build on the strong foundation he laid and by striving to

achieve the ambitious goals he envisioned for the group.”

Speaking in the same vein, Korie eulogised the late founder of SURU Group, saying that “Mr. Dione was not just a founder; he was a mentor and an inspiration to all of us at SUNU Group.

“His unwavering belief in the power of African entrepreneurship and his commitment to social responsibility continue to guide our actions and inspire us to strive for excellence in all that we do.”

In Nigeria, aside the commomerative mass at the Divine Physician and St. Luke’s Catholic Chaplaincy, LUTH, Idi-Araba, a Koranic reading was also held at the NTA mosque, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

First City Monument Bank Announces Appointment of Executive Director

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has announced the appointment of Felicia Obozuwa as Executive Director, Corporate Services and Service Management, following approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Felicia brings nearly three decades of experience and a proven track record of excellence to her new position. Her expertise and leadership

Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), promoter of Lekki Deep Sea Port, has announced the appointment of Wang Qiang as its new Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer. He takes over the reign of leadership from Du Ruogang.

According to the Lekki Port Board of Directors, the strategic leadership change reinforces the company’s commitment to operational excellence and role as a critical driver of Nigeria’s maritime and economic development.

Until his appointment, Wang held strategic leadership roles within China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, CORE Investment Consultancy (Beijing) Co. Limited, CCCG Overseas Real Estate Pte. Limited, subsidiaries of China Communication Construction Company Limited (CCCC).

Starting his career at China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), Sri Lanka, Wang was responsible for carrying out engineering works

will be invaluable assets to FCMB as it continues to drive strategic growth and innovation.

Felicia is a seasoned banking professional with deep consumer, corporate, and commercial banking expertise. In her current role, she oversees the Bank’s Operations, Service Management, Human Resources, Training, Administration, Property

related to CHEC construction works; his work included the daily management of project sites, including construction management, spare parts planning, purchasing, storage, budget and cost system operation.

He has worked at the Puttalam Coal Power Plant Project, Sri Lanka, where he oversaw the maintenance budget and cost control system and procedures, the Hambantota Port Development Project (Phase 1) in Sri Lanka and the Project of New Terminal of Puerto Cabello, Valencia, Venezuela where he was responsible for the establishment, operation and maintenance budget and cost control system and procedures at both establishments.

He also headed the commercial, financial and administrative departments of the Maritime Terminal of Moron Petrochemical Complex project in Venezuela. He was the President of CORE (USA) Investment Holding LLC,

Development, and Project Management.

She holds a law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and an MBA from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. We are thrilled to welcome Felicia to our Board. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence make her an ideal fit for this position.

providing strategic leadership for the “The Grand Project”, a real estate project based in Los Angeles, USA.

Over the last 18 years, he has garnered extensive expertise in investment management, real estate, and quality assurance in various countries, including China, the United States of America, Venezuela, and Sri Lanka.

He brings robust experience spanning various fields, including Engineering, Investments, Quality Assurance, Commercial and Administration, Terminal Operations, Strategic Planning, and Real Estate, to his new role.

Wang holds a bachelor’s degree in Harbour, Channels, and Coastal Engineering from Hohai University and also has a Master’s degree in Transport Engineering from the same university.

The Board noted that his vast experience in different fields has positioned him to drive Lekki Port’s growth and operations.

NWAPDI Unveil Plans for Women Farmers Empowerment

2024 was a transformative year for Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) and this was recorded through strategic partnerships, impactful training programs, and robust advocacy efforts. The organization significantly advanced its mission of empowering women and youth in agriculture and these achievements have laid a strong foundation for sustained growth and development in the years to come.

NWAPDI President, Omolara Svenson, pointed out that, “Building on the successes of 2024, NWAPDI aims to lead the

transformation of Nigerian agriculture through empowerment, innovation, and sustainability. The focus for 2025 is to expand technological adoption, enhance youth engagement, and foster collaborative partnerships that deliver measurable impact.”

Key Initiatives for 2025 includes Digital Agriculture Expansion, AgriCert Escrow System Rollout, Youth in Agriculture Empowerment, Sustainability and Climate Action as well as Health and Digital Inclusion. Svensson also made clear that the initiative’s goal extends beyond farming techniques as it is designed to

empower women and youths to become agricultural entrepreneurs, driving economic growth for themselves and the country.

Swenson noted that, “FarmAssure is an advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) system tailored for agriculture. It empowers farmers with tools for precision agriculture, real-time crop management, and operational efficiency. By integrating AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies, FarmAssure streamlines farm operations, supply chain logistics, and financial planning, enabling sustainable and productive farming practices.

(Iraq),

Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria),

(Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE)

Merey (Venezuela).

Lekki Port Appoints Wang Qiang Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer

Positive Sentiment Lift Market Cap by N53.12bn

KayodeTokede

Following a three-day consecutive profit-taking by investors, positive sentiments resurfaced on the stock market segment of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), yesterday amid N53.12bilion increase in market capitalisation.

The 3.1 per cent increase in Dangote Cement Plc, 25 others contributed to the stock market 0.09 per cent

increase in market capitalisation from N62.257 trillion to N62.31 trillion.

The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) gained 87.11 basis points, or 0.09 per cent to close at 102,183.06 basis points with the stock market Year-to-Date return settling at -0.7per cent.

On sectors, the NGX Industrial Goods index (+1.4per cent), NGX Banking index (+0.2 per cent, and NGX Consumer Goods index (+0.2per cent) advanced,

while the NGX Oil & Gas index (-2.5per cent) and NGX Insurance index (-1.3per cent) settled lower.

However, as measured by market breadth, market sentiment was negative, as 35 stocks lost relative to 26 gainers. NNFM emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent to close at N54.45, while Dangote Sugar Refinery followed with a gain of 9.91 per cent to close at N40.50, per share.

John Holt and The Initiates Plc (TIP) advanced by 9.80 per cent each to close at N9.30 and N2.80 respectively, while Omatek Ventures rose by 9.76 per cent to close at 90 kobo, per share. On the other side, Livestock Feeds led others on the losers’ chart with 10 per cent to close at N5.40, per share. Eunisell Interlinked followed with a decline of 9.97 per cent to close at N15.62, while Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals

shed 9.83 per cent to close at N3.12, per share. Regency Alliance Insurance lost 9.33 per cent to close at 68 kobo, while Honeywell Flour Mills depreciated by 9.26 per cent to close at N9.21, per share. The total volume traded nudged higher by 8.4 per cent to 472.163 million units, valued at N16.696 billion, and exchanged in 12,336 deals. Transactions in the shares of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) led

PERSPECTIVE

Political Undercurrents In ‘Benue South’ Ahead Of 2027

By Tunde Olusunle

It may be well over two years to the next cycle of general elections in Nigeria. For the people of Apa/Agatu federal constituency in Benue South, however, the measure of their participation and integration into the governance scheme will be defined in the run-up to the general polls that year. Nine local government areas make up the predominantly Idoma country of Benue State also labelled Zone C in the senatorial tripod of the geo-polity. The zone is also home to the Igede ethnic stock and the Etulo. Local government areas in “Benue Zone C” include: Apa, Agatu, Oju, Obi, Ado, Ogbadibo, Okpokwu, Otukpo and Ohimini. The other zones, Benue North East and Benue North West, are wholly dominated by the Tiv nationality, striding across 14 local government areas. They are christened Zone A and Zone B in the local political scheme of the state. Federal constituencies in Benue South are: Apa/Agatu, Oju/Obi; Ado/ Ogbadibo/Opokwu and Otukpo/Ohimini.

The subjugation of groups and ethnicities considered demographically smaller, by the larger groups which has dominated Nigeria’s politics over time, has not been any different for the Idoma of Benue State. Until the circumstantial emergence of a Yahaya Bello from the Ebira ethnicity in Kogi State in 2015, the Igala had the relay baton of governorship of Kogi State, in rounds and succession. The Ebiras and the Okun-Yoruba zones in the state could only aspire to be serial deputies or Secretaries to the State Government. This political template was virtually cast in stone. The Ilorin people of Kwara State have similarly wholly warehoused the gubernatorial office, sparingly conceding the position to other sociocultural groups in the state. The only exception was the concession of the seat to a candidate from Kwara South, in the person of Abdulfatah Ahmed, by his predecessor, Bukola Saraki in 2011. Even at that, there were murmurs and dissent from those who believed Ahmed came from a community too close to the Ilorin emirate to be of genuine Igbomina stock, which prides itself as the pure Yoruba species in Kwara State.

Twenty-six years into the Fourth Republic, the maximum proximity of the Idoma to Government House, Makurdi, has been by the customary allocation of the Deputy Governor’s slot to its people. Ogirri Ajene from Oju/Obi, the charismatic blue-blood of blessed memory, was deputy to George Akume, incumbent Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), from 1999 to 2007. Akume it was reported, genuinely desired to be succeeded by Ajene who exhibited competence and loyalty and could build on their legacies. The Tiv nation we understand, shot down the proposal. Gabriel Suswam succeeded Akume and had the urbane multipreneur, Stephen Lawani from Ogbadibo as deputy. Samuel Ortom, a Minister in the Goodluck Jonathan presidency who took over from Suswam opted for Benson Abounu, an engineer from Otukpo as running mate, while Hyacinth Alia, the Catholic priest who succeeded Ortom, also chose as deputy, Samuel Ode, who was also a Minister in the Jonathan government, from Otukpo. Arising from this precedence, Apa/ Agatu has not for once, been considered for a place in Government House, Makurdi. In similar fashion, the position of Senator representing Benue South, has repeatedly precluded Apa/Agatu federal constituency. David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark a former army General from Otukpo, took the first shot at the office in 1999. He was to remain in the position for five consecutive times, a distinctive record by Nigerian standards. Mark would subsequently become President of the Senate and the third most senior political office holder in the nation’s governance scheme for a string of two terms between 2007 and 2015. He was replaced by Patrick Abba Moro, who hails from Okpokwu and was a former teacher, in 2019. Abba Moro who previously served as Minister of Interior in the Jonathan government from 2011 to 2015, won a second term at the 2023 general elections and remains substantive Senator for “Benue Zone C.” He is indeed incumbent Minority Leader of the Senate, and thus a principal officer in the leadership scheme of the “red chambers.”

While Moro is barely two years into his second term, there are suggestions that he is interested in a third term which should run from 2027 to 2031! This is the core issue which has dominated contemporary political discourse in Benue South, especially from the Apa/Agatu bloc. For Apa/ Agatu, it is bad enough that they are repeatedly bypassed in the nomination of deputy governors in the scheme of state politics. It is worse that they are equally subjugated by their own kinsmen within the context of politics in Idoma and Igede land. This is particularly worrying when both local government areas constituting the Apa/

Agatu federal constituency, Apa and Agatu, are not in anyway deficient in human resources to represent Benue South. Names like John Elaigwu Odogbo, the incumbent Och’Idoma and respected clergy; Isa Innocent Ekoja, renowned Professor and Librarian; Sonny Togo Echono, FNIA, OON, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFUND), and John Mgbede, Emeritus State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Benue State, readily come to mind.

Major General R.I. Adoba, (rtd), a former Chief Training and Operations in the Nigerian Army; Professor Emmanuel Adanu, former Director of the Kaduna-based National Water Resources Institute, (NWRI) and the US-based specialist in internal medicine, Dr Raymond Audu, are eminent Apa/ Agatu constituents. There are also Ada Egahi, long-serving technocrat who retired from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, (NPHDA), and Super Eagles forward, Moses Simon, (why not, hasn’t the retired soccer star, George Opong Weah just completed his term as President of Liberia)? The Member Representing Apa/Agatu in the House of Representatives, Godday Samuel Odagboyi, an office previously held by Solomon Agidani, as well as Adamu Ochepo Entonu, is, like his predecessors, a prominent figure from the resourceful Apa/Agatu federal constituency.

The Olofu brothers, Tony Adejoh, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, (AIG), and David, PhD, a renowned management and financial strategist, who is also an Emeritus Member of the Benue State Executive Council during the Ortom dispensation, are from the same federal constituency. So is Abu Umoru, a serial entrepreneur who represents Apa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly. The continuing intra-zonal alienation of Apa-Agatu from the politics of Benue Zone C, remains a sore thumb which must be clinically diagnosed and intentionally treated in the run-up to 2027.

If previous top level political office holders

from Idomaland in general and Apa/Agatu in particular, had diligently applied themselves to tangible, multisectoral development of the zone and constituency, the present clamour for inclusiveness would probably been less vociferous. River Agatu which flows from Kogi State, and runs through Agatu before emptying into River Benue, is a potential game changer in the socioeconomy of Apa/Agatu, Benue South and Benue State in general. Properly harnessed, it can revolutionise agriculture and aquaculture in the state, beyond subsistence levels which are the primary vocations of the indigenous people. Rice, yam, guinea corn, millet and similar grains, thrive in the fertile soils of the area. These can support “first level” processing of produce and guarantee value addition beneficial to the primary producers, before being shipped to other markets. River Agatu can indeed be dammed to provide hydro-electricity to power the entire gamut of Idomaland.

The infrastructure deficit in Benue South with specific reference to Apa/Agatu is equally very concerning. A notable pattern in Nigerian politics is its self-centeredness, the penchant for political players to prioritise their personal wellbeing and the development of their immediate space. This has accentuated the ever recurring desire of people to ascend the political pedestals of their predecessors if that is the principal window by which they can also privilege their own primary constituents. Motorable roads are non-existent, seamless travel between communities therefore encumbered. Expectedly this has been a major impediment to subsistent trade and social engagements between constituents and their kinsmen. Primary health facilities are almost non-existent, compelling people to flock to Otukpo, headquarters of Benue South, for the minutest of medical advice and treatment.

Apa/Agatu pitiably bleeds from the relentless and condemnable activities of vagrants and bandits who have reduced the constituency into a killing field. Reports suggest that in the past 15 years,

no less than 2500 lives were lost to the vicious attacks of marauders and trespassers in the area under reference. This unnerving situation has compelled engagements between concerned Apa/ Agatu leaders, and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, (NPF). The prayer is for the swift establishment of a mobile police outpost in the troubled sub-zone to contain bloodletting. The proposal, anchored by AIG Tony Olofu, NPOM, (rtd), and Echono, has received the blessings of the police high command. At the last update, a commander for the outfit had been named, while the deployment of personnel had begun in earnest. It is very clear that in the march towards 2027, Apa/Agatu will refuse, very vehemently, to be sidelined and trampled upon in the political scheme of their senatorial zone. Abba Moro may desire a third term in the Senate, but the people of Apa/ Agatu are quick to remind him that his curriculum vitae as a politician is sufficiently sumptuous for him to yield the seat in the “red chambers” and sit back like an elder statesman. They remind you that for a man who began his working life modestly as a lecturer in the Federal Polytechnic, Ugbokolo in 1991, Abba Moro has done extremely well for himself in Nigerian politics. For reminders, Abba Moro was elected Chairman of Okpokwu local government in the state as far back as 1998. Ever since, he has remained a permanent fixture in Nigeria’s national politics.

The people of Apa/Agatu will put up a determined fight for the Benue South senatorial seat in 2027, and no one should begrudge them. They are the proverbial ram which was pushed to the wall, which must of necessity push back with angered horns to liberate itself. They are already engaging with their kith across “Benue Zone C” to ensure that intra-zonal equity, fairness and justice, prevails in communal politics.

•Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), teaches Creative Writing at the University of Abuja

David Olofu

David Mark

Patrick Abba Moro

David Olofu

2025 FAMAD NIGERIA PLC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING...

I Won't Sacrifice Quality Jobs for Friendship, Oborevwori Tells Contractors

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday said his administration’s priority remains delivering quality projects aimed at giving value to the people, regardless of personal relationships.

Speaking during inspection of multiple projects in Asaba, the state capital, the governor emphasised that competence, integrity, and value for money was critical to his administration's M.O.R.E Agenda.

The projects inspected include; Ogbeosonwe, Ogbeilo road, Ogbogonogo market storm drainage project and Ogbe-Ofu Road, Off Jarret Road, Cable Point, Asaba.

Others are; 1.7km Amaechi Agusi Street with 10 adjoining streets, Dorah Allanah Street, Oluu Street, Burutu Drive, Off Infant Jesus Road, Odilison Junior Crescent, Agbogun Close, Ngozi Odiaka Avenue, Aloy Isomede

Street, Ezeobi Ojukwu Street, and Ajudua Street, Okpanam, Aretha Table Water Street, Off NTA Road Asaba and Redeemer's Street Asaba.

Governor Oborevwori said, “I was elected to serve the people of Delta, not to please a select few. Friendship cannot and will not take precedence over the quality of projects we provide for the people.

"Contractors in the state know that; I have always emphasized

on the need for quality jobs but the people who are causing this problem are not the big companies, it is some of our indigenous contractors that are causing these problems.

"The problem we are having majorly are the indigenous contractors, if you don't patronize them they will say you want to suffer them, they will blame you for not supporting the growth of

indigenous contractors. We need to also patronize them but they should do well because some of them are not doing well and like I have said the ones that are not doing well, will be blacklisted.

"The interest today is the public interest because the interest of the people is more important than any other thing. Some of them are not too happy but it is important the majority of the people are happy

PENGASSAN: No Record of Job Losses, Cut in Remuneration by Divesting IOCs

Rates NUPRC high for conducting transparent oil bid rounds

Peter Uzoho

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) yesterday confirmed that the divestment of onshore assets by four International Oil Companies (IOCs) did not lead to job losses or reduced remuneration.

The international oil companies which recently offloaded their onshore oil assets, including their human resources to Nigerian companies include TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Eni and Equinor.

President of PENGASSAN, Mr. Festus Osifo, stated in Lagos at the public session of the association's National Executive Council meeting, that the achievement was in line with their earlier strategies to secure their members' jobs and welfare in the course of the divestment.

In multi-billion dollar oil and gas assets divestment transactions that were concluded last year with their final approval by the Nigerian government, Italian oil giant, Eni sold its Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to Oando Plc while ExxonMobil sold its Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) to Seplat Energy.

Moreover, French oil major, TotalEnergies divested its onshore assets to Chappal; Norwegian energy company, Equinor divested to Project Odinrin, while Shell sold its Nigerian onshore business, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, a consortium of five oil firms .

According to Osifo, former employees of TotalEnergies, Eni,

ExxonMobil and Equinor in the divested assets have all transited to their new employers without any job security or remuneration concerns.

He explained: "So, on the divestment, for us, as PENGASSAN, and we wish to also announce to you, as we stated in Abuja in December, that we came up with strategies to ensure that none of our members will lose their job as a result of divestment.

"And we will announce to you that by the grace of God, today, there is none of our members that has lost his or her job because of divestment. The job has been 100 per cent guaranteed.

"We have transited from Nigeria Agip Oil Company to Oando Energy Resources Limited with zero loss to membership. We have transited from Equinor to Chappal, with zero loss of membership. We just transited from Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, with zero loss to membership.

"And beyond zero loss to membership, the condition of service was 100 per cent protected. So, there is none of our members today that is earning less than what they were earning before now as a result of divestment. So, it is an achievement that we are extremely proud of"

He expressed confidence that no job will be lost upon transition of employees from SPDC to Renaissance as the association was going to deepen the conversation with both companies.

Osifo assured that no member against his own volition will lose his

or her job and that the remuneration will even be enhanced.

Also, responding to THISDAY's question on the integrity of the oil bid rounds concluded in 2024 by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the PENGASSAN president rated the commission high, describing the exercise as one of the most transparent in the history of the country's oil and gas exploration andHeproduction.

said PENGASSAN followed and monitored the process to ensure that the process was transparent and conducted in line with best international practice.

He said the association's interest was to ensure that only competent

Umahi

companies that have commercial and technical wherewithal win the assets, develop them and bring them to production.

"We commend the management of NUPRC for bringing about one of the most transparent bid rounds that we have ever seen in this country. Because the commercial bid was done to the public glare and at the end, we strongly believe that those that won the bid were qualified and competent.

"We saw some IOCs winning the bid. We know very well that they have the right competence and technical know-how to be able to develop that field."

With Nigeria boasting of over 37 billion barrels of oil from

the reserves on the ground but producing less than 2 million barrels per day, Osifo stressed the need to redouble efforts to increase the nation's production.

"So what we are advocating is that as a country, we must expand our production base. We have the capacity as a country to be doing nothing less than 4 million barrels of crude production per day.

“And that is the direction that the government must think towards. That is the direction that we must continuously find ways to achieve. Because it will not just give us more revenue, it is also going to create a lot of jobs. It is going to increase our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a country," he added.

with what we are doing now.

"We are not doing media show, what we are doing is real and those who know me very well know that I will not compromise. So if you want to be my friend do a good job, if you don't want to be my friend then don't do a good job and I will kick you out.

"Some people say that this kind of governor who is doing like EFCC, is good for the people. The masses voted for me and they appreciate what we are doing so I will not allow a few people to decide for us, I will not take that from them."

On requests for upward review of projects, Oborevwori said rates had gone up, adding that he usually visits such projects to see the extent of work done before carrying out any upward review.

"We can only review jobs awarded 2022 and early part of 2023 before I assumed office. This is because when we came in the dollar was around N750 now dollar is about N1600. Materials have gone up and we also feel for them but most especially we want them to do good job.

"You can see most of the contractors have returned to sites, we are not going to spare anybody, do the right thing."

The governor who spoke further, appealed to residents of Asaba to keep their environments clean and directed the state Commissioner for Environment, Chairman Waste Management Board and the Chairman Taskforce on Environment to ensure total compliance.

to Nigerians: Disregard Rumours, 3rd Mainland Bridge Not Defective

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday said that contrary to some reports in certain quarters, the popular Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos remains in good condition.

A statement in Abuja by his spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said the insinuations of deterioration were nothing but outright falsehood by fifth columnists, whose mission, he said, is to undermine the confidence and solidarity reposed in the works ministry.

“The rumour, for all intents and purposes, is nothing but an untactful

falsehood by the fifth columnists whose mission is to undermine the confidence and solidarity reposed on the works sector of the Renewed Hope administration by Nigerians.

“The Minister of Works had upon getting wind of this needless rumour and, for the benefit of the doubt, deployed a team of engineers led by the Federal Controller of Works in charge of Lagos State, Engr. Olukorede Kesha to inspect the entire length and width of the bridge measuring 11 kilometres.

"This was a view to ascertaining if by the whiskers anything went amiss with the 3rd Mainland bridge.

The report is the same; that the bridge is hale and hearty, and its integrity is undoubtedly intact,” Uchenna said.

He enjoined members of the public to disregard the ‘false rumours’ making the rounds on the state of the 3rd Mainland bridge, saying the current administration has demonstrated commitment to the revamping of inherited road infrastructure deficiencies.

“The 3rd Mainland Bridge, including other iconic bridges in Lagos, have received priority intervention by Mr. President knowing that they are vital to the road communication

and transportation ecosystem in Lagos and beyond.

“ That is why the superstructure, the substructure, and other underwater elements of the 3rd Mainland bridge are receiving profound repairs by the Renewed Hope administration.

“The Federal Ministry of Works is up to task and speed in changing the narratives in the road infrastructure development in Nigeria. The code is quality, speed, and value for money, and you can be sure that the roads done by the Renewed Hope administration can stand the test of time,” Orji added.

L-R: Director, Famad Nigeria PLC, Engr. (Mrs.), Mayen Adetiba; Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Susan Aronke; the Chairman, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; and the Company’s Secretary, Rose Water Partners at the 2025 Famad Nigeria Plc Annual General Meeting held in Lagos…yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY

.

INDUCTION AS YOUTH AMBASSADOR…

L-R: Director of Contacts and mobilisation, West Africa Youth Council, Akeem Bolade; recipient of West African Youth Ambassador, Executive Director, Optiva Capital Partners, Amaka Diane Okeke, and Nigeria Coordinator/Director of Youth Engagement, Olaleru Folorunsho, during induction of Amaka in Lagos… recently

2025 Budget: N’ Assembly Committee Threatens Zero Allocation for Absentee Agric Agencies

Juliet Akoje in abuja

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Agricultural Production and Services has issued a stern warning that agencies under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security risk receiving zero budget allocations for 2025 if their chief executive officers(CEOs) fail to appear in person to defend their budget estimates.

Ihonbvere, Obadan Battle for APC LG Control

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Leadership tussle is currently rocking the Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding who takes over from the current leadership.

The crisis is between a former deputy governor, Rev. Peter Obadan, who has tacitly endorsed a successor and the supporters of the member, representing Owan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonbvere, who double as House Majority Leader.

Ihonbvere feels that as the one holding the highest political office in the local government, he should become the next leader or anybody he nominated.

It was gathered that Rev. Obadan moments after the victory of the APC in the last gubernatorial elections told party stakeholders during an enlarged

Blessing Ibunge in Port

Harcourt

The Obolo Youth Coalition Worldwide has called on the oil firm operating OML 115 and OML 67 also known as “Ebok and Okwok Fileds” in Akwa Ibom to comply with the policies and guidelines of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in relationship with host communities of Effiat/ Mbo in the state.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Port Harcourt, the youth body alleged that oil firm, Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL) has a refused to comply with the guidelines, saying that the neglect has caused untold hardship to the people of the area.

President-General of Obolo Youth Coalition worldwide, Emmanuel Essang, who

This decision was announced yesterday as part of efforts of the lawmakers to ensure accountability and transparency in the budgeting process while emphasising the importance of direct engagement with the heads of these agencies to address critical issues and justify their proposed allocations.

meeting of his willingness to handover the leadership of the party to a younger man, Lucky Ohimai popularly called Tarex who was said to have been instrumental to the victory of the APC.

But some ward leaders in the local government loyal to Ihonbvere, met recently to strategise on how to ease out the long-serving Obadan and replace him with their nominee, Dele Ogunleye.

In a communiqué signed by Mr. S. I. Akhigbe and 15 others, it was said that a motion for the replacement of Obadan was moved and unanimously adopted at the meeting.

The choice of Ogunleye and attempt to alter the leadership status met stiff opposition and condemnation from another group in the local government who opted for the maintenance of the status quo, adding that if a change must be effected, it should be Ohimai.

A’Ibom Youths Urge Oil Firm to Comply with NCDMB Guidelines

addressed the journalists, who appreciated the company for their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the area, said the OERL should reserve all unskilled job roles for indigenes of the host communities where its project is domiciled.

The group demanded that “At least 50 per cent of semiskilled job roles to be exclusively reserved for indigenes of the host community or communities where the operation is domiciled.

“At least 10 per cent of skilled roles to be exclusively reserved for indigenes of the host communities where the project is domiciled. In the event the host community does not have qualified personnel to take over the 10 percent of the skilled, then the 10 percent slot shall be converted to additional relevant skill-training for the community or communities.”

The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Saliu

Mustapha and his House of Representatives counterpart, Hon. Bello Kaoje, during their remarks lamented that despite the directive of the President for all heads of agencies to appear

before the National Assembly to defend their budget, some of them choose to travel at this critical time.

The lawmakers’ displeasure was as a result of the absence

of the Director-General of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service Dr. Vincent Isegbe, during the budget defence session of the agency.

$345,000 Fraud: Court Issues Warrant for Arrest of Mercy Chinwo’s Manager

Wale Igbintade

A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a warrant for the arrest of Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo, following a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Alexander Owoeye granted the order yesterday after the EFCC filed an ex parte motion seeking to compel Onyedikachukwu’s appearance in court to answer to alleged criminal charges.

The motion, presented by

EFCC counsel Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, cited constitutional and legal provisions for the warrant.

Buhari explained that the manager was accused of criminal activities related to financial mismanagement, including diverting royalties from Chinwo’s digital platforms and events.

The EFCC claims the manager misappropriated approximately $345,000 and failed to remit Chinwo’s share. Despite attempts, the EFCC has been unable to arrest Onyedikachukwu, prompting the warrant.

C’River’s Attorney General Distances Self from Alleged Arrest of Monarch

The Attorney General of Cross River State and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani Esq has denied any involvement in the alleged arrest and detention of one Chief Maurice Omin Iso, a traditional ruler in Calabar Municipality.

Ani described as false and

Sunday Okobi

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is set to introduce Post-graduate Diploma (PGD), Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes in Digital Humanities.

The initiative, spearheaded by the university’s Centre for Digital

baseless, an online report that linked him to the said arrest and detention of the chief.

He described the said report as malicious with the intention to denigrate his good name and reputation, which has been painstakingly built over the years.

Humanities (CEDHUL) under the leadership of Prof. Babatunde Ope-Davies, has been approved by the UNILAG’s School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) and is expected to take off in the next academic session.

Founder and Director of CEDHUL, Professor Ope-Davies, disclosed this in an interview while describing the field of Digital Humanities as an

While urging members of the public not to pay heed to the report, he said contrary to what was reported, the said chief was never arrested on his directive.

“While the article claimed that Chief Maurice Omin Iso was allegedly arrested and detained on the directives of the Attorney

interdisciplinary field that integrates computer technology methodologies into traditional humanities disciplines such as Philosophy, Literature, and History. He said the centre is the first of its kind in Africa.

According to him, “Our goal is to enhance the impact of traditional humanities by utilising technology to project, process, and share research

General, on December 21, 2024, there exists verifiable records that Chief Maurice Omin Iso, Ntufam Donatus Etim and others, visited the Zone 6 Police Headquarters Calabar, on December 23, 2024, for an interview with regard to a petition bordering on attempted murder and kidnapping.

outcomes with greater effectiveness.” Professor Ope-Davies said that his fascination with the potential of digital technologies to enhance the impact of humanities research shaped his career path and inspired the chain of events that led to the creation of graduate programmes to bring the benefits of Digital Humanities to Nigeria and Africa.

2025 Budget: Osun Govt Allocates N11.3bn to Agric, Commerce, Industry

Yinka Kolawole inOsogbo

Osun State Government has allocated N11,371,504,490 from N427,746,925,170 2025 budget to agriculture, commerce and industry sectors.

The state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, had signed the 2025 budget (Budget of Sustainable Growth

Development and Transformation) into law after the state House of Assembly added N37,718,647,430 to accommodate citizens’ needs.

Speaking yesterday during Budget Analysis, the state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Prof. Ademola Adeleke Moruf, said that the budget

tagged: ‘Sustainable Growth and Transformation’, was crafted to fast-track the revitalisation of various sectors of the state economy.

Moruf stated that the present administration under Governor Adeleke is focusing on agriculture, creative industry, digital economy, education, health, sports, roads, and general infrastructure alongside women and youth programmes and policies.

He said that the budget process was carefully and meticulously done with stakeholders, among Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Members of Traditional Council, Market Women and Men Associations.

Niger Outlaws Payment of PTA Levies in Schools

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Niger State Government has outlawed the collection of Parents Teachers Association PTA levies from pupils and students in educational institutions throughout the state.

The government has also

told parents not to allow lack of funds to purchase school uniform to push them to withdraw their wards from schools.

The state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, gave the directives in Sarkinpawa headquarters of Munya

Local Government Area at the beginning of his tour of the Niger East senatorial zone.

Bago warned that school heads caught collecting PTA levies would be dealt with even as he said government will shoulder the payment of such levies on behalf of students/pupils.

Governor Bago charged parents to enrol their children, especially the girl-child in school insisting that school uniform should not be impediment to any child from going to school.

“Children can go to school with their personal dresses,” the governor declared

Manuscripts Exhibition Boosts Nigeria-Saudi Relations, Cultural Collaboration

Raheem Akingbolu

In what looked like a practical demonstration of the strong bond between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, the prestigious Saudi Manuscripts

Exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Culture through the Libraries Commission, had spotlighted the Kingdom’s rich cultural legacy.

According to a statement issued by the organisers, the event, held at

the iconic Riyadh Diriyah Squares recently, attracted dignitaries and diplomats from around the globe, further underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.

Among the notable Nigerian representatives was Senior Economic Counsellor at the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Abdulazeez Hong, who was presented with a symbolic gift by the Libraries Commission.

Kidnappers Murder Katsina Teenager after Demanding N25m Ransom

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has nabbed Muttaka Garba and Yusuf Usman for allegedly abducting and murdering a teenager after demanding N25 million ransom from his parents in Kaita Local Government Area of the state. The duo were said to have kidnapped the 12-year-old victim, Salihu Sadi, on January

11 in Dankama community of the local government area while on an errand to a neighbouring pharmaceutical shop in the area.

Parading the suspects alongside other suspected criminals, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said they contacted the victim’s family via phone call and “demanded N25 million ransom.

“Despite efforts from the family to negotiate, the kidnappers refused to release the boy and eventually killed him. His lifeless body was later abandoned and found at the outskirts of Dankama town.”

The suspects had confessed to the commission of the crime, and would be charged to court for prosecution upon conclusion of investigations by the Command.

Lagos-Calabar Highway: Concerns Raised Over Okun Ajah Demolitions

Mary Nnah

A recent demolition exercise in the Okun Ajah area of Lagos State has raised concerns among residents and stakeholders, following allegations that the exercise may have contravened a court directive to maintain the status quo. Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos had explicitly ordered all parties involved to refrain from any actions that could prejudice the outcome of the case.

“I will enjoin parties to respect the court processes and not engage in any acts capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or rendering the outcome of the case nugatory,” Justice Aluko had warned.

According to a statement signed by one of the stakeholders in the investment scheme, Femi Adekoya, and made available to THISDAY yesterday, the demolition is part of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway diversion project, which has been marred by controversy.

The original 2006 gazetted alignment was deviated, putting the investments and property rights

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I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBISI ADEOLA AKANDE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBISI ADEOLA ABDULjABAR. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

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of residents at risk. WinHomes Global Estate, one of the affected parties, had secured all necessary documents and approvals from the Lagos State Government before construction.

The plaintiffs, led by Managing Director Stella Okengwu, have condemned the demolition and demanded adherence to the original alignment. Their counsel, Bolanle Olugbani, had filed an ex parte application seeking to preserve the subject matter of the litigation.

Adekoya noted in the release that despite the court’s directive, the Federal Ministry of Works has

pressed on with the demolitions, leaving hundreds of houses in ruins.

The case, he said, is set to come up for hearing in March, but the actions of the Ministry have already raised concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

As the affected residents struggle to come to terms with the destruction of their homes, Adekoya expressed that the Federal Ministry of Works must be held accountable for its actions. The people of Okun Ajah believe they deserve justice, and it’s time for the government to respect the rule of law.

NSCDC Arrests Two Suspects for Alleged Vandalism in Kogi

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) operatives have arrested two suspects for alleged vandalism in Kogi State.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Kogi State Command, DSC Abdullahi Aliyu, and made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

The two suspects arrested are Yakubu Muhammad and Rabiu Suleiman.

He disclosed that the suspects were apprehended in Okumi (up Nataco) area of Lokoja following a routine patrol and credible intelligence by the antivandal task force of the NSCDC in Kogi State.

The statement read in part: “The suspects were caught redhanded while engaging in the vandalism of an Etisalat antenna

(mast). Under the leadership of the Commandant of NSCDC in Kogi State Akinlade Esther, as the Command pledged to bring to justice any other accomplice who remains at large, leaving no stone unturned in their efforts.

“The commandant is using this opportunity to urge the good people of Kogi State to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to help prevent any potential security breaches.

“She also cautioned individuals with criminal intentions to reconsider their choices, emphasizing that the corps remains unwavering in its mandate to protect lives, properties, and other critical national assets and infrastructures,” the statement noted.

Aliyu added that the suspects would soon be charged to court once the investigation is concluded.

Man Defile 12-year-old Kid in Delta

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

A 26-year-old barbing salon operator has been arrested by operatives of the Delta State Police Command for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old child in Ugborikoko area in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect identified as Volte Bale, was apprehended on January 7 this year, following a complaint by a man from the community (name withheld) at Ugborikoko Divisional Police headquarters.

According to the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, in a statement issued yesterday, the complaint claimed that at about 0800 hours, he received a report from their 12-year-old son that the suspect, a neighbour, invited the victim to his barbing salon where he committed the crime.

“On January 7, 2025, at about 1930 hours, the DPO Ugborikoko Division received a complaint from a man (name withheld) of

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

What is Your Mission in Life?

By: Abdul Malik Mujahid/SoundVision

Once Khalifa Abu Bakr, may God be pleased with him, noticed a bird on a tree. He sighed deeply saying “O, bird! How lucky you are! You sit on the tree, you eat from the fruit, then fly away, you fear no accountability or punishment. I wish I was like you.”

Birds and animals, like us, experience similar biological processes. There is hardly any difference between a human being and other animals.

They are born, we are born

They eat and drink, so do we

They grow up, we grow up

They become sick, we do that as well

They have children, we have children

They die, we die

In some cases, animals are better than us because they do exactly what God Almighty has set them out to do. There are no disbelieving animals or hypocrites. They are all true Muslims submitting to God Almighty, worshiping Him, although Allah has told us that we don’t understand their form of worship.

Unlike animals, human beings are given the choice to select their way of life. God has shown us the right path and the wrong path. The right path is good for this world and the only way to succeed in earning the everlasting life in Paradise. Allah has also clearly told us the consequences of choosing the wrong path, which is bad for us in this world and leads to a horrific end in the Hellfire.

The right path requires us to live a mission-oriented life to be successful.

God sent Prophets after Prophets, from Adam to Abraham to Moses, Jesus, and finally Muhammad, God’s peace and blessings be upon them, to guide humanity to live a mission-oriented life. Their message was consistently aimed at helping people realize that they must rise above other animal life. This message called all human beings throughout history to live a purposeful life and to make this world a better place for all beings. It also reminded them of the promise of Paradise that they earn by doing this, a place where, by God’s mercy, we will instantly be blessed with whatever we ask for.

So, what was the mission of all these Prophets in helping people live a purposeful life in alignment with God’s guidance?

Ugborikoko community, that at about 0800hours of January 4, 2024, they received a complaint from their 12-year-old son (name withheld) that their neighbour one Volte Bale, 26, invited him to his barbing salon,” he said.

On arriving the salon, Edafe said the suspect logged into a pornographic website and told he child that they should do what they were watching.

“The suspect then allegedly defiled the 12-year-old boy through his mouth and anus, and preliminary investigation also revealed that he has been defiling the victim for the past two years,” he said.

According to Edafe, the Ugborikoko Divisional Police Officer, Agbede Zuokumour Setemi, a no nonsense female police officer and lawyer, detailed her officers to apprehend the suspect and commenced investigations, adding that the “suspect is in custody and investigation is ongoing.”

upon him. One example was Khabbab ibn Aratt, may God be pleased with him. After his conversion to Islam, he was tortured to such an extent that the fat of his body remained visible on his body. It was in this context that he asked the Prophet to curse the Makkans who were persecuting the Muslims. The Prophet did not. Instead, he reassured Khabbab his vision of peace and justice prevailing n Arabia, that an old woman laden with gold jewelry would be able to travel from one corner of Arabia to another with no fear of anyone but God. (source: Several Hadiths including one in Sahih Bukhari).

God blessed Prophet Muhammad with success in this world. He achieved his vision by fulfilling his Prophetic mission of establishing peace, justice, fairness, and equity in his lifetime.

As the Prophet delivered his farewell sermon on Mount Arafat, during the only Hajj pilgrimage he ever performed, he asked the audience: Did I fulfill my mission? Those present all responded, “Yes, oh Prophet of God.” He then made Allah his witness saying three times “Allahuma Ashhad” (“Oh Allah be my witness”).

Then he ordered the believers who were present to carry on this message to those who were not present there. He also said that perhaps the latter will understand the mission better than those present with the Prophet at that moment (Bukhari)

This was a reminder of God’s command to fulfill the duty of Shahadah, the obligation to share the mission of the Prophet. This has also been described as “witnessing” his message by living, upholding, and spreading it to others.

“…It is God Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and you be witnesses for humanity!.. (Quran 22:78).

When pilgrims circle the Kaba during the Hajj pilgrimage, they repeatedly say in sync, out loud:

Labbayk Allaahumma labbayk, labbayk laa shareeka laka labbayk, ‘innal-hamda, wanni’mata, laka wal mulk, laa shareeka laka.

Here I am Allah, here I am at your service…

God has told us in the Quran the mission of the Prophets: We sent Our Messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance of right and wrong, so that the people may stand forth in justice, fairness and equity; And We sent down iron, wherein there is awesome power and many benefits for people, so that Allah may know who, without even having seen Him, helps Him and His Messengers: For Allah is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might” (Quran 57:25).

The mission of the Prophets, therefore, was to establish justice, fairness, and equity. Based on this God-assigned mission, all Prophets engaged in a struggle to invite people to a Godly way of life. They also tried to establish justice through a system of encouraging values and laws in their societies. All Prophets were successful people in the eyes of Allah, although many were not blessed to be successful in getting their societies to accept that model of just living.

It was this Prophetic mission which let Prophet Muhammad, to envision a just society despite the overwhelming persecution he and his Companions endured. God’s peace and blessings be

What is that service which the Hajj pilgrims are committing to? That is the Prophetic mission assigned by God to all the Prophets. That is the mission God has asked Muslims to carry out. That is the mission that the Prophet spoke of in his last sermon, reminding us as he left this world: That we need to live a purposeful mission-oriented life and work to establish justice, fairness, and equity.

There are five pillars of Islam. You must have read or at least seen books about Salat, Zakat, fasting, and Hajj. But it is the first pillar of Islam, Shahadah or affirming and witnessing to the faith, which requires us to read the life of the Prophet. His Seerah or biography, is how you learn how to fulfill this first pillar of Islam by establishing justice in society.

So, if you would like to live a purposeful life, better than an animal life, adopt the God-given Prophetic mission to establish a just and peaceful society as your personal mission. This commitment does not require anyone to abandon this world. Allah does want us to take our share from this world. This ensures that both this world and the everlasting world will be ours with the blessings of God Almighty if we follow the mission of the Prophet.

Living a purposeful, mission-oriented life, does involve struggle, and sacrifice. But then who said Jannah is free?

Chelle Insists He’s Competent Enough to Manage Super Eagles

Unfazed by criticism trailing his appointment as Nigeria’s Head Coach

Femi Solaja

Newly appointed Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, seems not bothered by the criticism trailing his appointment as Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior male football team.

Speaking with Radio France International (RFI) and reported via Matin Libre yesterday, the former Mali gaffer insisted that he’s not bothered by critics but would rather allow his results on the field speak for him.

Chelle is very optimistic about getting the desired result that would prove his doubters wrong about his ability to manage the team.

Since his announcement as the new gaffer of the Super Eagles, the Franco-Malian tactician has faced several criticisms, questioning his qualities to manage the team.

On Monday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) unveiled the 47-year-old as the new manager of the Super Eagles.

The former Mali coach took over from Austin Eguavoen, who held the position in an interim capacity since the exit of Finidi George.

Following his appointment, some Nigerians have questioned his abilities to lead the team, while others have shown support and encouragement for the new coach.

The situation has increased the pressure on Chelle to deliver ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March 2025.

Despite the criticism, Chelle

remains confident and believes in his approach and tactical abilities to deliver the desired result to help overcome the pressure.

In that interview with RFI, he remained unfazed by the pressure and criticism and expressed his readiness to implement his playing style on the Super Eagles.

"We play football, it's normal that there is pressure. Normally, there is criticism. Wherever I go, in any club or team, there will be people who are fans of me and others who will hate me," he stressed.

"Today, I will work, I have certainties, I have my game plan in mind, and I will quickly put it in place. Now, my results and the team's results will speak for me.

"So, critics can say what we want but at this time we speak, the coach of the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, his name is Eric Chelle,” the Malian coach put it sarcastically.

From initially considering renowned German tactician Bruno Labbadia to ultimately naming Chelle, many Nigerian football stakehold- ers have viewed the decision as a misstep.

Several fans and pundits have questioned the credentials of the Franco-Malian football tactician, pointing out that he lacks the experience to manage a top African team like Nigeria, especially as they face the significant challenge of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after a poor start to the qualifiers.

Chelle managed lower-division

NPFL: Shooting Stars Declare Readiness for Second Stanza

The Chairman of Shooting Stars Football Club, Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan, has expressed strong confidence in the team’s readiness for the second half of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

In an interview with BCOS TV's Sports Update programme, Olaniyan stressed that the club is actively strengthening its squad during the current transfer window, having already secured five of the seven new signings they had anticipated.

He noted, “We are expecting nothing less than seven players, and we’ve already brought in five. With Utin called up to the CHAN team, we are also seeking a replacement for that position.”

The Chairman also highlighted

that the club’s financial situation has significantly improved, putting them in a strong position to pursue their goal of winning the league.

“Our vision is to win the league, and every team faces its challenges. However, we will do everything within our power to push forward, and we remain hopeful for a stronger second half of the season,” he said.

Shooting Stars finished the first half of the season with 33 points from 19 matches and will resume their campaign with an away fixture against Kwara United in Ilorin.

With renewed optimism and a bolstered squad, Shooting Stars are primed to make a serious title push in the second half of the NPFL season.

French clubs Martigues and Boulogne-sur-Mer followed by spells at Mali and Mouloudia Club of Oran.

Addressing concerns about his pedigree, the 47-year-old said:

"Already, there are a lot of people who say that I don't have much experience. But ultimately, I do have experience.

"I ended my career in 2014 and I've been coaching since that year. I coached a team, let's say, from West Africa not long ago.

"I coached a team in Algeria, the Mouloudia Club d'Oran. So, I'm

starting to get to know African football well.

"Today, I feel ready to lead this great team with great players. So, I'm part of the progression process; the players will help me progress and I will help them progress too because I have a vision of football that will fit well with this team."

There is also the question of managing top stars in the Super Eagles squad, including marquee forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze.

Chelle has vowed to remain humble and build a positive rapport with the players.

"They are great players, great men. I will come with a lot of humility, but once again, I have a lot of certainties. It is a dialogue that we will have to establish between us."

Currently, Nigeria is fifth in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, securing merely three points from four games.

With Nigeria in danger of missing out on the World Cup, Chelle's first objective would be to secure

N’Forest

Target Congolese Striker as Awoniyi’s Replacement

English Premier League high-flyers Nottingham Forest are eyeing Congolese striker, Yoanne Wissa, as a possible replacement for Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been tipped to switch to West Ham this January transfer window.

Awoniyi’s future has been in question in recent months since he lost his starting shirt at Not-

tingham Forest to New Zealand striker Chris Wood. The Nigerian striker has struggled with injuries since joining the Tricky Trees three seasons ago, allowing Wood to take over his position.

According to Forest Transfer Hub,

the club wants to sign Congolese striker Wissa from Brentford to add some bite to their attack. Wissa has been prolific for Brentford this season, contributing 11 goals and two assists in the Premier League.

Awoniyi has been restricted to 16 appearances in the ongoing season, but just two were starts.

The 27-year-old striker scored his

FIFA Questioned Over Fernandez Sanction after Racism Row

Anti-discrimination organisation

Kick It Out has asked FIFA what, if any, action the world football's governing body has taken regarding the racism row surrounding Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez last summer.

The Argentina international filmed himself and several of his compatriots singing a foul- mouthed chant in the aftermath of the 2024 Copa America final. The lyrics were aimed at French footballers of African heritage and were condemned as "racist and discriminatory" by France's football association in a formal complaint to FIFA.

Fernandez issued a public

apology and was the subject of an "internal disciplinary procedure" from Chelsea in July. Once the 2024/25 Premier League season began, the Blues' new head coach Enzo Maresca made the Argentine vice-captain.

Kick It Outchief executive, Samuel Okafor, sent a letter to FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and his counterpart at the South American Confederation, CONMEBOL, Alejandro Dominguez, asking questions of whether Fernandez will face any consequences, according to a report from the BBC.

"Despite making inquiries to the FA and FIFA, we and many others have not been told if there

has been any investigation or outcome into his or any other players' conduct. Establishing the facts and reaching an outcome should not be an extraordinary or difficult task for organisations who want to take discrimination seriously," Okafor wrote.

"On behalf of many in the football community who are invested in this case, we would appreciate it if you could let us know if an investigation is underway and when you intend to reach an outcome.

"Several of the players were filmed singing a song on the team coach which was both racist and transphobic about France's play-

ers. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was seen singing, although we recognise he was not alone in those actions as many players can be heard during the video.

"Chelsea said Fernandez would take part in education to learn from his mistake. However, it's important to note how this incident and its handling would have affected a wider community both in England and globally."

Kick It Out's letter also pointed to the punishment handed out to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. The Uruguay international was charged by the English Football Association after making derogatory comments

about his South Korean teammate Son Heung-min in June - not long before Fernandez's video.

As Okafor pointed out, Ben- tancur was banned for seven matches this season: "You'll be aware that Bentancur has recently been held accountable by the FA for making discriminatory remarks. Many fans have asked us why the Argentina team has not been held to account in the same manner and fear what that means."

"It's vital we present a united front to tackle discrimination," the letter concluded. "Otherwise, claims from federations that action is being taken fall at the first hurdle."

first goal of the season this month in a 3-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Due to his lack of game time, there have been talks that the Nigerian could leave City Ground this January. Premier League side West Ham has emerged as a possible destination, as they are searching for a prolific goal scorer to aid their resurgence after a poor start to the campaign. Forest appears willing to let the Nigerian striker leave if they can get a decent offer. The Tricky Trees are also moving to get a replacement just in case Awoniyi leaves. This is not the first time Nottingham Forest have been linked to Wissa, though. They were linked last summer, but Brentford were adamant about letting him leave. This time, however, Wissa could be tempted to make the move due to Nottingham Forest’s impressive form this season. Nonetheless, the deal is dependent on Awoniyi’s decision. If he decides to stay at Nottingham Forest, it is unlikely that they will push for the Wissa move. But if Awoniyi’s game time does not increase by the end of the campaign, he may opt for a new club.

qualification for the tournament to be jointly hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Taiwo Awoniyi

Super Eagles Coach, Eric Sekou Chelle

YORUBA ARE INDEED A RACE

and Fatima Harrak for the Institute of African Studies Rabat), reads:

“Those who come to you from the following [sic] clans: the Mossi, the Gurma, the Busa, the Yorko, the Ku Tukul, the Yoruba, the Tanbugbu, the Bobo) are considered non-believers who still adhere to non-belief until now.... You are allowed to own all these”

In his book, titled “Partitioned Borgu: State, Society and Politics in a West African Border Region” to which Kperogi made copious reference Dr. Hussaini Abdu rationalised “It’s obvious that Ahmad Baba “Yoruba” as “Yariba” in his 1613 essay because Arabic, the language in which he wrote, does not have the vowel “o.”. The three dominant vowels in Arabic are “a,” “I,” and “u.

So how, then, does Abdu account for the use of the vowel ‘o’ in the words “the Mossi, the Yorko, the Bobo, as they appeared alongside Yoruba in the original text? ie (“Those who come to you from the following [sic] clans: the Mossi, the Gurma, the Busa, the Yorko, the Ku Tukul, the Yoruba, the Tanbugbu, the Bobo”).

It is not that Kperogi was not aware of the crucial point made by Olagunju and Okediji …it is just that it does not serve the purpose of his neo Bala Usman scholarship.

He thereafter embarked on a relentless heckling of the Yoruba in his Saturday Tribune column (“Kemi Badenoch’s Yoruba Identity Meets Inconvenient Truths”)

Surprisingly, there are some simple historical facts that one would not expect an average general reader to get confused about.

Kperogi wrote “I was shocked to read recently that even Ibadan, the administrative capital of Western Nigeria, was founded by a northern Nigerian of Borgu origins”. Oluyole, the founder of modern Ibadan, was the scion of Bashorun Yau Yamba, who was of Borgu ancestry”.

From 1820 when Ibadan was founded, the order in which they ascended the Ibadan throne was Baale Maye Okunade,1820-1826; followed by Baale Oluyendun Labosinde (1826 to 1830); Baale Lakanle (1830-1835) and Basorun Oluyole who reigned for 15 years (1835-1850).

From this chronology, how does anyone extrapolate that Oluyole was the founder of Ibadan, ancient

Kperogi equally wrote “More than that, several towns and villages in Oyo were founded by Borgu people. For instance, Ogbomoso, a major Oyo town, was founded by a Baatonu (Bariba) prince. The title of the town’s monarch, “Soun,” is a corruption of “Suno,” the Baatonu word for king”. First, from all available evidence, Soun Ogunlola was of Ibariba ancestry but I’m yet to come across any information that he was Ibariba prince. He was a hunter from a neighboring community to Oyo metropolis who helped get rid of a fiend, Elemosho, who had besieged Oyo.

look outside Yoruba cultural heritage, to pick a title for a subordinate monarch.

For that matter, were any eccentric Alaafin to contemplate any such self-abnegation, the title should be Sonu (which means king in Baatonu language, according to Kperogi) not Soun.

Two more contenders on this evergreen Yoruba nationality consciousness syndrome have come to my notice.

“The Alaafin was so impressed by Ogunlola’s prowess that he, the Alaafin, requested Ogunlola to stay in the capital (Oyo-Ile) instead of returning to his settlement”.

“Ogunlola politely declined saying “Ejeki a ma se ohun” meaning “let me manage that place” (This is precisely what Soun connotes in Yoruba language).

“His majesty, the Alaafin, granted Ogunlola’s wish to return to his settlement”. Literally, Soun is Yoruba word for, keep minding the other place. We have to wonder why a principal sovereign monarch, of the status of Alaafin, would have to

POLITICISING OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION amendment of the constitution.

I am, however, of the respectful view that section 150 of the constitution goes beyond providing for the office of ‘Attorney General of the Federation’ and ‘Chief Law Officer.’ It adds a third ‘portfolio’ of a ‘Minister in the Government of the Federation’ to such an appointee thereby making it mandatory for the Attorney General of the Federation to be made a Minister in the Government of the Federation. For the avoidance of doubt. The section is hereby reproduced in ex tenso: “150 (1) There shall be an Attorney General of the Federation who shall be the Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Minister of the Government of the Federation” (emphasis supplied). I, therefore, humbly opine that there is need to amend section 150 of the Constitution by deleting “and a Minister of the Government of the Federation” to effectively separate the offices.

I am convinced that to achieve the objective of depoliticising the office, the Attorney General of the Federation should not be a Minister. This is because by virtue of section 148 of the Constitution, ministers are delegates who exercise executive powers of the president. They must therefore be subject to the direction and control of the president while exercising such powers. The Attorney General of the Federation should, therefore, head the Department of Justice akin to the offices of the Accountant General of the Federation, Auditor General of the Federation, and Surveyor General of the Federation, etc., and should be independent. The Attorney General of the Federation should be guided by the dictates of his/her conscience and the overriding public interest, and reporting on the activities of the office at least once in a year to the National Assembly.

Apart from the physical separation of the offices, care must be taken to address issues that are likely to impinge on the independence of the office holder. These include: the appointment process, qualification, tenure and remuneration. For instance, in the United States of America, the Attorney General is appointed by the President on the confirmation of the Senate while in the United Kingdom, the Attorney General is nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Monarch (King) on the advice of the Prime Minister. Similarly, in Kenya, the Attorney General is nominated by the President with approval of the National Assembly and appointed by the President and reforms are being proposed to limit the tenure to 10 years. In India, the Attorney General is appointed by the President at the instance of the Union Cabinet. In South Africa, the Attorney General is appointed by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs after consultation with the Solicitor General and can be removed with the approval of both Houses of Parliament.

In addition to the appointing process, some jurisdictions prescribe qualifications, the most significant one being where the Attorney General is required to have the same qualification as the Chief Justice or Justice of the Supreme Court as

is the case in Kenya and India respectively. In the United States, a Bar qualification will suffice while in the United Kingdom, qualification is not specified, but holders of the office have traditionally been Barristers who continue to practise with the Crown as their client. Also, the remuneration for the office is carefully considered to insulate the appointee from influences that may derail him or her. What is important is to ensure that the appointee is well compensated for the onerous duties he or she is discharging and to insulate him from financial pressures as has been done in some jurisdictions.

Given the peculiarities of Nigeria, care should be taken to ensure that the appointment process is clearly specified in the Constitution establishing the Office of Attorney General of the Federation and his counterparts at the state level. I submit that the Attorney General of the Federation should be appointed by the President subject to confirmation by the Senate. The appointee should have the same qualification as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and should be appointed for

a fixed, non-renewable tenure of six years only. The appointee should not be removed except for misconduct, violation of the provisions of the enabling law, convictions or inability to discharge the functions of the office due to infirmity of the body or mind. The President should only remove the appointee upon an address supported by two-thirds of the Senate. The remuneration of the appointee should be stated in the Instrument of Appointment and should be reasonable enough to compensate the appointee and insulate him from monetary inducement. The remuneration so specified should be subject to yearly adjustments based on inflation to ensure that the salary is not eroded.

It is also necessary to clarify the duties of the Attorney General of the Federation as well as that of the Minister of Justice to avoid jurisdictional overlaps. The Attorney General, who must be a seasoned lawyer, should be appointed under section 150 of the Constitution to head the Department of Justice. He will be assisted by professional staff such as the Solicitor General, Director, Public or modern?

According to the Cambridge University Press “English ethnologist Richard F. Burton reports of a Yoruba account in 1861, noting that the name “Yoruba” derives from Ori Obba, i.e. -The Head King. It was applied ex-situ originally in reference to the Yoruba sociolinguistic group as a whole. Centuries later however, it evolved to be applied exclusively to the oyo subgroup when this subgroup rose to attain imperial status, particularly at its apogee (c.1650 – c.1750) until in the mid-1800s when this trend was reversed back to the original context. If this account is true then it turns many previous accounts on their heads. It claims that Yoruba have identified themselves as such long before the Oyo empire appropriated the identity (or was appropriated to them). It is doubtful whether a man of this description was mindless or spinning a yarn. The other says “the people who call themselves Yoruba today, said in Hausa what they usually say when they go to their own markets, to other merchants. Apparently as far back as the 16th century and right up to the 19th..when they get to the market places where they met the Hausa people, they inquired from them in their usual courteous manner, Ya meaning “How”, or Yi meaning “How about” and ribà, meaning “profit” (See the Dictionary of Hausa-English). Ya-ribà or Yi-ribà- How about profit? Hence they were known as the people that say Ya-ribà” (Posted in: Rhythms of Shekere). It will be interesting to know what Yariba theorists have to say on this.

Meanwhile, according to the same Cambridge University Press-”The word “Yoruba,” used to describe a group of people speaking a common language, was already in use in the interior of the Bight of Benin, probably before the sixteenth century”. I’m certain this will not be the last word of the syndrome.

Prosecutions, Director, Civil Litigation, Director, Legal Drafting, Director, Solicitors Dept, and Director of International Law. He will also superintend all the law officers and be responsible for posting them as pool officers to other ministries to deal with legal matters and proffer legal opinions on his behalf. The Attorney General shall not be a Minister but shall attend the Federal Executive Council to render legal advice where required, attend Court as amicus curie even in a matter where the Government is not a Party and attend the National Assembly to render legal advice. The Attorney General shall also superintend the exercise of prosecutorial powers by prosecutorial agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NATIP) and the national Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). To be effective, all these Agencies as well as the Nigeria Police should report to the Department of Justice. For instance, In the United States of America, the Attorney General is assisted by Deputy Attorneys General, Associate Attorney General, the Solicitor General and heads of Litigating Divisions such as Criminal, Civil, Antitrust, Civil rights, Tax, National Security etc. The Enforcement Divisions include Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), US Marshals Service (USMS), and Interpol Washington. On the other hand, the Minister of Justice need not be a lawyer and should be appointed under section 148 of the Constitution. However, care should be taken to appoint a person with knowledge of the justice sector. The Minister of Justice will be responsible for implementing Government policies in the justice sector. This will cover issues such as government policies on the administration of justice, access to justice, law reform, research, legal education, law reporting, etc. The Minister will be assisted by the bureaucracy comprising relevant professionals and technocrats such as the Permanent Secretary and relevant Directors. The Minister of Justice shall superintend over parastatals such as the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Nigerian Law School, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.

Finally, while the above proposals are designed to strengthen the hand of the appointee to do justice to all those who encounter the justice system, there is no guarantee that the separation alone is enough to insulate the office from politics. The occupants of the office must have the requisite moral fibre and strength of character to resist subtle pressures from the powers that be in the discharge of their onerous duties. The search for a suitable attorney general of the federation or his counterparts at the state level should go beyond mere knowledge of the law to x-raying the antecedents of appointees over a fairly long period to determine their suitability.

•Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke was Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2010 to 2015.

Fagbemi Pa Fasoranti

MISSILE

Supreme Court to Mudashiru Obasa

“We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 23rd July, 2020...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” --Supreme Court’s response to a verification request on the impeached Lagos State Assembly Speaker’s status as a lawyer.

Yoruba are Indeed a Race

“Two thirds of people in Scotland identify only as Scottish, not British, according to new findings from the census”

“1.8 million people identify as Welsh only (58% of the population) and 218,000 identify their national identity as Welsh-British (7% of the population”)

I was reintroduced to the controversy over the origins, wherewithal and proprietary rights of the name Yoruba, by the altercation between Professor Peter Ekeh and Dr Bala Usman in 2001.

The original introduction came from “Colonialism and the Two Publics of Africa: A Theoretical Statement” by Professor Peter Ekeh. It was published by the Journal of Comparative Studies in 1975

The first salvo was fired by Dr Bala Usman whose ‘imperial historiography’ started with this bombast: “The fact is that, the earliest record we have of the use of the very name “Yoruba” was in the Hausa language and it seems to have applied to the people of the Alafinate of Oyo”.

“This came from the writings of the seventeenth century Katsina scholar, Dan Masani (1595-1667), who wrote a book on Muslim scholars of the ‘Yarriba.’ But it was from a book of the Sarkin Musulmi Bello, written in the early nineteenth century, that the name became more widely used”.

“The Bishop Ajayi Crowther, the Reverend Samuel Johnson, and his brother Obadiah Johnson, among others, came, in the nineteenth century, to widely spread this Hausa name to the people who now bear it, in their writings”

‘Anybody who has read the scholarly writings

that have come out of the University of Ibadan from the early 1950’s knows that there has never been and there is nothing like a Yoruba “Race”. There is no way ignorant people can lead. Unless something is done these nincompoops will continue to shout true federalism”

In response, Ekeh countered in (The Mischief of History: Bala Usman’s Unmaking of Nigerian History By Peter Ekeh, Urhobo Historical Society)

“In the week of April 18th through 25th, 2001, the Nigerian internet community received an ample supply of Bala Usman’s essay titled

“Misrepresentation of Nigeria” and “Ignorance, Knowledge and Democratic Politics in Nigeria”.. It is the text of his presentation at a symposium at Bayero University, Kano, on Tuesday, 17th April 2001..” It was a frontal attack on the notion that the Yoruba and Igbo had their own autonomous history, independent of Nigeria”.

“Bala Usman is telling us in his two essays that the Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, and Urhobo -- his principal examples -- had no histories until they were created by British imperialism”

“So what is Bala Usman’s proof that the name “Yoruba” is an “Hausa name”? It is so, to repeat, because, he says, “the earliest record [sic] we have of the use of the very name ‘Yoruba’ was in the Hausa language” -- from the writings of a man born in 1595!

“But in fact the name Yoruba was used by a Timbucktu theologian, Ahmad Baba, who was already a distinguished scholar long before Dan Masani was born in 1595. Moreover, Ahmad Baba (1556-1627) wrote in Arabic, not in the Hausa language”.”

I like to upgrade Ekeh’s rebuttal with the disclosure that Usman actually exhibited ignorance in his agitation “that there has never been and there is nothing like a Yoruba race”. To think that he actually titled his missive “Ignorance, Knowledge and Democratic Politics in Nigeria”

He was, of course, writing to the answer of a predetermined conclusion conspicuously manifested in his “misrepresentation of Nigeria”. My former boss at the Guardian, Godwin Darah referred to him in his response as an ‘ideological point man

of the Fulani oligarchy for decades’

Regardless of the plausibility of the myth of Oduduwa, the conception of this “Yoruba race” is not determined by biology…or the Oduduwa myth. Long before Usman passed on, the conception of what constitutes a race has gone beyond biological determinism. ‘Many scholars now consider race to be a social construction.

This means that racial categories, such as “black,” “white,” or “Asian,” are not based on natural or inevitable human differences but are the result of social ideas, values, and practices’

The more the embarrassment for Usman given his affectation of structuralism and socialism while intermittently spewing fascist outbursts.

Of a similar Pan Muslim North ideological orientation, Professor Farooq Kperogi turned on Mrs Kemi Badenock, the leader of the Conservative Party in the UnitedKingdom, UK. “Well, since Ms. Badenoch hates northern Nigeria that much, she might also consider rejecting even the term Yoruba, as it originates from—of all places—northern Nigeria!”

Professor Moyo Okediji rightly made the point. “Why do they assume that if x is found in Yoruba language and it is also found in the Arabic language, x must be an Arabic word by default, but not a Yoruba?. His editor at the Saturday Tribune seconded Okediji in similarly argued article four years ago. There is also the manipulation of the translation of what Ahmad Baba actually said.The reproduction of his original text (as translated by John Hunwick

Politicising Office of the Attorney General of the Federation

The clamour for the separation of the ‘Office of the Attorney General of the Federation’ from that of the ‘Minister of Justice’ which is largely attributable, rightly or wrongly, to the perceived politicisation of the office of the AGF has been raging for quite some time. It, however, gained momentum based on the experiences of Nigerians in the 4th Republic. They question the fidelity of such an appointee of the president to the Constitution under a partisan system. Can he/she consciously discern that his/ her functions of the AGF are not subject to the dictates of the President, unlike his/her functions of the Minister of Justice?

While the AGF is the Chief Law Officer of the Federation and is charged with protecting the public interest by ensuring the proper implementation of the laws, the Minister of Justice deals with the implementation of the policies of the government in the justice sector and is subject to the direction of the President in whom the Constitution vests all the executive powers of the federation. Nigerians who hold the view that the offices should be separated believe that one must be a saint to be able to navigate the delicate balance or the rather thin line that separates the appointee when acting as the Attorney General of the Federation from when he is discharging the duties of the Minister

of Justice. Since we are all subject to human frailty, it would amount to burying one’s head in the sand to fail to acknowledge that such an appointee may sometimes consciously or unconsciously become susceptible to the political influence of the appointor

(the President) or the political party. Where this happens, the appointee may lose the requisite objectivity required to discharge the functions of his/her office equitably, fairly and in accordance with the dictates of the law and conscience.

Given Nigeria’s experience with the holders of the office under a partisan political system, there are palpable fears that an Attorney General who is lacking the requisite integrity, diligence and independence, will unwittingly become a tool in the hands of a powerful president enabling him/her to ride roughshod over the rights of the people. Thus, instead of insisting on his fidelity to the constitution and serving as a check on the excesses of executive power, the appointee may feel obligated to his/her appointer and may be moved to descend into the political arena and have his/her vision beclouded by the murky waters of politics to the detriment of the people.

In view of the foregoing, Nigerians have been vocal in their clamour that the two offices be separated and held by different persons. They want the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to be insulated from politics through an appointment process and remuneration that guarantees its independence from the Minister of Justice. This view has found expression in the ongoing Constitution Review Exercise by the National

Assembly which is considering proposals for the amendment of the constitution to separate the office. The practice around the world and some commonwealth jurisdictions supports separating the office. For instance, in the United Kingdon, the Office of the Attorney General is separate from the Minister of Justice. In India, Kenya and South Africa, to name a few jurisdictions, the offices are separate. This means that the concerns of well-meaning Nigerians advocating for such a separation to depoliticise the office are not misplaced.

To achieve the objective of separating the office, views are divided as to whether a constitutional amendment is required. Reacting to these contending positions, my predecessor in office, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, recently opined that an amendment to the constitution was not necessary to achieve such an outcome. In his view, the provisions of section 150 of the constitution merely provide that there shall be an Attorney General of the Federation who shall be the Chief Law Officer of the Federation. He therefore contends that the president is, therefore, free to appoint a separate Minister of Justice in much the same way as he appoints other ministers not expressly mentioned in the Constitution without any consequential

Continued on

Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi