TUESDAY 21ST JANUARY 2025

In Bid to Improve Services, NCC Approves 50% Rise in Telecoms Tariff

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House committee insists N595bn allocated to intelligence sub-sector inadequate Senate rejects information ministry’s meagre N8.9bn budget

Trump Inaugurated 47th US President, Says America 'Must Drill Baby Drill'

Vows swift border crackdown Insists under him America will recognise only two genders Unleashes slew of new executive orders Biden, Obama, Bush, Kamala Harris attend event Tech billionaires Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, others flood ceremony Ex-president Biden issues preemptive pardon for family, Fauci, others Putin, Trudeau, other world leaders greet Trump Prepare Implementable

Emma Okonji in Lagos and Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

Vice

Sunday Aborisade and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

and

FINANCE MINISTRY DEFENDS 2025 BUDGET...

L-R: Minister of state Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Aniete; Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and Permanent Secretary, Finance Ministry,

when they appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance to defend the 2025 Appropriation Bill in Abuja…yesterday

Prepare Implementable Budget for Approval, National Assembly Tells MDAs

Summons Edun, Bagudu over solid minerals’ poor budgetary provisions Minister: FG committed to tackling unemployment

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The National Assembly yesterday tasked the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government to present budgets that are realistic, implementable, focused and with measurable outcomes for legislative scrutiny.

This was as the National Assembly yesterday summoned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, to explain the federal government's commitment to diversify the country's economy from its heavy dependence on crude revenues.

The Chairman, Joint National Assembly Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, gave the charge to the MDAs yesterday, when Edun appeared before the panel to defend the 2025 budget of the ministry.

The session was also attended by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein and Chairman, Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Mr Victor Muruako.

Musa, said the MDAs’ budgets should have a clear purpose and translate to tangible benefits for the populace on implementation.

He said it was the responsibility of the legislature to ensure efficient and transparent allocation of government resources to drive the development and needs of the people.

He added that the Ministry of Finance plays a foundational role in shaping economic policies and fiscal strategies.

He added, “The impact of this action will be released across all sectors, and as such, this budget

must reflect prudence, accountability, and alignment with the priority of the people.

“We understand the challenges you face in balancing the demands of your mandate with available resources.

“However, as custodians of the public costs, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every one contributes meaningfully to our shared goals.

“This session is an opportunity for MDAs to address the challenges they face supported by clear data and justifiable expenditures, this process is not adversarial but collaborative as we all share the common goal of advancing the economic well-being of our country,” Musa said.

In his remarks, Edun said the nation’s economy was moving in the right direction.

He added, “We’re all moving in the right direction, all the different sub-sectors are doing positively, yes, we want those that are job-creating to do even better and utilise the funds well.

“And I think we have justified that not only do we want N13 billion in 2025 budget for the ministry, there’s an extra need for large-scale capital expenditure which requires another N25 billion.”

On the drive to bring down inflation, Edun said it was a key function of monetary policy.

“Central Bank is indicating a 15 percent inflation rate by the end of 2025, it is achievable, we are working hard towards it,we look forward to achieving it.

“It is their signaling of where inflation is expected to lie that has given us this interest rate, however, we all have a role to play.

“Even if monetary policy helps to try to bring down inflation, however, on the fiscal side, it is important that we contribute to lower inflation, not just by really squeezing demand, but by increasing supply.

“Increasing supply of food is one of the major commitments that is already laid out. We are having a dry season harvest now, and we have mobilised 250,000 farmers to be able to produce 750,000 metric pounds of assorted grains from the dry season farming.”

Responding to a question on the adoption of an envelope system of budgetary proposal for MDAs, the minister said: “We have a more pragmatic system, to improve everything, for right now, the envelope systems in terms of the capital project, it is about revenue, and a key task and a key target is ramping up revenue, already, as you have seen, revenue from Custom Service, revenue from FIRS, generally.

“The number one place to get revenue and to get foreign exchange,

we all know, is the NNPCL, the oil sector and we have good prospects because there are major improvements that are being made in the more competitive environment for international investors and international oil companies.

“Finally, Mr. Chairman, we are looking at the non-oil sector and have continued a robust application of technology that we believe will maximise revenue generation.”

However, the National Assembly yesterday summoned Edun and Bagudu to explain the federal government's commitment to diversify the country's economy from its heavy dependence on crude revenues.

The Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committees on Solid Minerals, while justifying the decision, raised concerns over the paltry funding of the Ministry of Solid Minerals in the 2025 budget.

The panel said Edun, Bagudu should appear before the federal lawmakers today in company with the Director-General of the Budget

Office of the Federation, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu.

The committees, jointly chaired by Senator Ekong Samson and Hon Gaza Jonathan, after the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, appeared before lawmakers yesterday. He was there to express the frustrations he had faced fighting hard to increase the budgetary allocations to the ministry without success.

Alake told the lawmakers that all his efforts could only get the ministry an initial envelope of N5 billion.

He said, “In fact, to let you know, the envelope we first received was N5 billion. I don't know if you are aware of that. It was N5 billion,” he informed the members.

Alake disclosed that when he stepped up mounting pressure on the ministers and the DG budget after President Bola Tinubu presented the estimates to the National Assembly, he was reassured that the allocation would be increased substantially only to be just N9 billion.

“The Permanent Secretary is here and the night before the president came here, when we were working on the rehearsal of the budget speech, the Director of Budget came in and the Minister of Budget and I took them up in the presence of the President.

“What did they do? They promised that it would be done. So, again the following day, after the President's presentation, we found N9 billion,” he stated. Speaking further on the frustrations he faced, Alake said, “There is no way that I can begin to tell you, except I have videos that I can show you of the several engagements that we had with the relevant budgetary authorities and individuals driving this process and at every turn we received very positive responses.

“We had received very positive responses from those who are saddled with the responsibility of putting our budgets together, what else could we have done?

Wale Igbintade

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned five individuals including the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, for allegedly defrauding Arik Air of N76 billion and $31.5 million. The other defendants included

former Receiver Manager of Arik Air, Kamilu Omokide; Arik Air CEO, Captain Roy Ilegbodu; and Super Bravo Ltd. The defendants faced six counts of theft, abuse of office, and stealing by dishonestly taking property. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges. It must however be noted that Kuru voluntarily went to court to answer the charges filed against him

2025 Budget: Labour Minister Says N46 Billion Insufficient for Ministry by the EFCC.

Dingyadi spoke in Abuja at the 2025 Budget Defence meetings with the House Committee, and the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, respectively.

individuals, which would ultimately promote national economic growth.

Dangyadi maintained that creating jobs through skill development is crucial to achieving part of the federal government's agenda.

During the proceedings, the defense counsel for Kuru and Ilegbodu, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), submitted bail applications dated November 28 and 29, 2024. He argued that the defendants had no prior criminal records and had complied with prior administrative bail terms.

The SAN requested that they be granted bail under similar liberal terms, noting they had not attempted to flee.

However, EFCC Counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), filed counteraffidavits on December 2 and 22, 2024, opposing the bail applications.

He argued that the charges against the defendants were serious, involving economic sabotage, and expressed concern about the risk of flight.

Shittu proposed the seizure of their international passports and called for accelerated hearings.

bail.

and re-equip the skills development centres under the ministry and its agencies across the country, aimed at generating employment.

A statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations Patience Onuobia quoted the minister as having said that skill development programmes would generate sustainable job opportunities for

The defense counsel for Omokide, Mr. Olasupo Shasore (SAN), filed a motion on December 6, 2024, requesting bail on self-recognition.

He pointed out that Omokide had previously been granted administrative

In response, Shittu opposed the application, citing Omokide’s past failure to attend court, which led to the issuance of a bench warrant.

After considering the arguments, Justice Mojisola Dada granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N20 million each, with one surety per defendant in like sum.

The sureties must be gainfully employed and provide proof of identification. The defendants were ordered to surrender their international passports.

The case was adjourned until March 17, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

The EFCC had accused Kuru, Omokide, and Ilegbodu of fraudulently converting N4.9 billion to the use of NG Eagle Ltd in 2022. Additionally, Ilegbodu was charged with stealing N22.5 million, fraudulently converting it to the use of Magashi Ali Mohammed, a property of Arik Air Ltd. Furthermore, the defendants were accused of authorising the destruction of an aircraft valued at $31.5 million, prejudicing Nigeria’s economic stability and Arik Air’s interests.

The Minister said: “One of the key priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is job creation, which falls under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. EFCC Arraigns Former AMCON MD, Others for Alleged N76bn, $31.5m Fraud against Arik Air

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi,

Mrs. Lydia Jafiya,

PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

AKPABIO LEADS SENATORS TO IVORIEN PARLIAMENT...

L-R: Senator Ibrahim Dakwambo; Speaker Côte d’Ivoire National Assembly, Adama Bictogo; Senator Cyril Fatuyi; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu; Deputy Majority Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin; Senators Titus Pam and Asuquo Ekpenyong, at the First 2025 Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, in Abidjan.....yesterday

Oxfam Report: Billionaires' Wealth Grew Three Times Faster in 2024 by $2 Trillion

Reveals wealth of Nigeria’s wealthiest four may fill entire Lagos in N500 notes Declares no fewer than five trillionaires to emerge in 10 years Warns Trump’s policies ‘set to fan the flames of inequality further’

The wealth of world's billionaires, including Nigerians, grew three times faster in 2024 than the previous year, global advocacy group, Oxfam International revealed in its new report.

The report was primed to coincide with the time scores of the world’s political and financial elite are converging for the annual meetings of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

In another Nigeria-specific report, the global advocacy group stated that the wealth of Nigeria’s four richest billionaires, amounting to $23.7 billion, was sufficient to fill Lagos State in N500 notes.

Nigeria's top four billionaires are Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Mike Adenuga, and Femi Otedola.

The Oxfam Country Director, John Makina, who commented on

the Nigerian report released at the weekend, said the country must address social injustices and invest in essential services to lift millions out of poverty.

Makina said: "Nigeria’s wealth gap is a moral and social crisis. While a few individuals amass immense wealth, over 133 million Nigerians face hunger daily.

“This extreme inequality is largely unearned, built on inheritance, monopolies, and unfair advantages

“We must act now to create a fairer system—by taxing the richest, addressing injustices, and investing in services that lift millions out of poverty.

“Nigeria’s wealth gap is a moral and social crisis. While a few individuals amass immense wealth, over 133 million Nigerians face hunger daily.

Also, Oxfam International in the latest report at the global level which

was released at the opening of the WEF meeting, Oxfam International yesterday, said the combined wealth of billionaires rose by $2 trillion to $15 trillion last year.

The report, titled, "Takers Not Makers," stated that there were 2,769 billionaires worldwide in 2024, an increase of 204 over the previous year, adding that at least four new billionaires were “minted” every week in 2024, and three-fifths of billionaires' wealth came from inheritance, monopoly power or “crony connections.

In 2024, the number of billionaires rose to 2,769, up from 2,565 in 2023. Their combined wealth surged from $13 trillion to $15 trillion in just 12 months. This is the second-largest annual increase in billionaire wealth since records began.

The wealth of the world’s ten richest men grew on average by almost $100

million a day —even if they lost 99 percent of their wealth overnight, they would remain billionaires.

Last year, Oxfam predicted the emergence of the first trillionaire within a decade.

However, with billionaires’ wealth accelerating at a faster pace, in the latest report, Oxfam expanded the projection dramatically, noting that at current rates, the world was now on track to see at least five trillionaires within that timeframe.

It noted that this ever-growing concentration of wealth was enabled by a monopolistic concentration of power, with billionaires increasingly exerting influence over industries and public opinion.

“The capture of our global economy by a privileged few has reached heights once considered unimaginable. The failure to stop billionaires is now spawning soon-to-be trillionaires.

Shettima Arrives Davos for World Economic Forum Meeting

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima

yesterday arrived Davos, Switzerland to represent Nigeria at the 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The WEF meeting, according to a statement issued by Media Assistant to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, brings together global leaders, business executives, and development partners to address pressing global and national economic challenges and identify strategies for sustainable growth.

During his stay in Davos, Shettima would participate in bilateral meetings and discussions aimed at advancing the nation's economic opportunities and addressing global risks.

A notable event on the Vice President’s schedule is a workshop titled, “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa's Frontier Markets,” organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with the WEF.

This session would focus on driving capital flows into Africa to support inclusive development and resilience across the continent.

One of the major highlights of the Shettima’s engagements is the launch of the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap for Africa,

a collaborative effort between the AfDB and other partners.

The initiative aims to foster public-private partnerships and attract investments into Africa's emerging markets.

In addition, the Vice President would co-chair a forum on, “Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa” at the Pischa

Congress Centre which will provide insights into leveraging the private sector to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, a framework adopted by African Union leaders in January 2024.

Shettima is also scheduled to attend the Annual Meeting 2025 Crystal Awards dinner for heads of state, government officials, and

international organizations at Kurpark Village, Eiger.

Another key engagement is his participation as a panelist in a session titled “Global Risks 2025”, which will take place at the Aspen 2 Congress Centre. This dialogue will explore critical geopolitical, technological, and environmental risks shaping the global landscape.

“Not only has the rate of billionaire wealth accumulation accelerated —by three times— but so too has their power,” Oxfam International Executive Director, Amitabh Behar said.

“The crown jewel of this oligarchy is a billionaire president, backed and bought by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, running the world’s largest economy. We present this report as a stark wake up-call that ordinary people the world over are being crushed by the enormous wealth of a tiny few,” Behar added.

The report also revealed how a light on how, contrary to popular perception, billionaire wealth is largely unearned —60 percent of billionaire wealth now comes from inheritance, monopoly power or crony connections. Unmerited wealth and colonialism —understood as not only a history of brutal wealth extraction but also a powerful force behind today’s extreme levels of inequality— stand as two major drivers of billionaire wealth accumulation.

Oxfam’s calculated that 36 percent of billionaires’ wealth was now inherited. Research by Forbes found that every billionaire under 30 inherited their wealth, while UBS estimated that over 1,000 of today’s billionaires will pass on more than $5.2 trillion to their heirs over the next two to three decades.

Many of the super-rich, particularly in Europe, owe part of their wealth to historical colonialism and the exploitation of poorer countries.

For example, the fortune of billionaire Vincent Bolloré, who has

put his sprawling media ‘empire’ at the service of France's nationalist right, was built partly from colonial activities in Africa. This dynamic of wealth extraction persists today: vast sums of money still flow from the Global South to countries in the Global North and their richest citizens, in what Oxfam’s report describes as modern-day colonialism. The richest 1 percent in Global North countries like the US, UK and France extracted $30 million an hour from the Global South through the financial system in 2023.

Global North countries control 69 percent of global wealth, 77 per cent of billionaire wealth and are home to 68 per cent of billionaires, despite making up just 21 per cent of the global population.

Oxfam called on governments to act rapidly to reduce inequality and end extreme wealth, adding that governments need to commit to ensuring that, both globally and at a national level, the incomes of the top 10 per cent are no higher than the bottom 40 per cent. According to World Bank data, reducing inequality could end poverty three times faster.

Another prescription is for governments to tackle and end the racism, sexism and division that underpin ongoing economic exploitation. The argument is to tax the richest to end extreme wealth, and to make the global tax policy fall under a new UN tax convention, ensuring the richest people and corporations pay their fair share.

Nigeria, France Drill Down Mining MoU in Riyadh

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and France have drilled down the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last month in Paris, with concrete commitments by France to upgrade the laboratory, provide advanced technological equipment, and fund the exploration of geological data of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake and France's Inter-ministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals, Benjamin Gallezot, meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia with their teams also resolved to exchange information on the mining

laws of both countries to compare notes on cadastral management and provisions on illegal mining.

Gallezot announced that his department was screening a list of French companies that had applied to invest in the Nigerian mining sector and would forward the final list of verified serious investors to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Opening the talks, Alake appreciated Gallezot for working with him to produce the MOU despite the severe time constraints during the visit of Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu to French President Emmanuel Macron, adding that attempts by political opponents to misinform the public about the genuine objectives of the MOU have been sufficiently neutralised.

He said the Future Minerals Forum

allowed both countries to move their understanding forward by designing programmes, policies, and projects to remove doubts about collaboration and generate positive outcomes.

The talks featured issues such as sustainable mining, artisanal mining, geological exploration, cadastral management, training, and funding.

In his presentation, the DirectorGeneral (DG) of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Prof. Olusegun Ige, highlighted the agency's desire to acquire modern advanced technological equipment to enhance the exploration of geological data. He said the lack of advanced technological equipment delayed the exploration of large sheets of miralised spaces.

Ige said the laboratory must also be

upgraded to analyse extracted rocks using the latest gadgets to generate accurate information.

Harping on the need for training and skills transfer, Ige emphasised the need to develop local expertise with international exposure because mining is a global business.

In his contribution, the DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, Engineer Simon Nkom, called for comparing the mining laws of France and Nigeria to detect areas of common practices and improvement, adding that this could be useful to the ongoing review of mining laws. Simon urged the French delegation to encourage French investors to explore opportunities in Nigerian mining by leveraging the MOU.

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian

Fund,

in her presentation, proposed the co-funding of early-stage exploration projects by the agency and French financial institutions, informing that the SMDF has acquired a lot of historical data and best practices from its current collaboration with the Africa Finance Corporation to fund mining entrepreneurs seeking funding for exploration.

Replying to matters raised by NGSA, Deputy Director, Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres (BRGM), the French geological agency, Christophe Poinssot, promised to include Nigeria among the countries benefitting from funds managed by France to build the capacity of geologists in Africa.

Solid Minerals

Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi,

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

SANWO-OLU RECEIVES NEW LAGOS SPEAKER...

L-R: Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; newly elected Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojeed Fatai, during a courtesy visit to the governor in his office, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, ... yesterday

Wabara: I Won't Dignify Wike by Joining Issues with Him, He’s Bad-mannered

Supreme Court fixes February 10 for hearing in five separate appeals over Rivers crisis HURIWA warns FCT minister’s camp undermining Tinubu's peace accord

Chairman, Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has said he would not join issues with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, despite his disparaging outburst against him.

Wabara made the statement in Umuahia while fielding questions from journalists.

The PDP BoT chairman’s comments came as the Supreme Court, yesterday, adjourned to February 10 for hearing in five different appeals in respect of the Rivers State political crisis.

But Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, came down heavily on Wike for accusing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of violating a presidential peace accord.

Wike had weekend, during a live television interview, said he would have disowned Wabara if he were to be the former senate president’s father or even a relative.

However, speaking with journalists, the PDP BoT chairman said he would rather restrain himself as an elder statesman instead of exchanging words with Wike, who had established himself as an ill-mannered person.

Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, had not hidden his disdain for Wabara for not supporting him in his feud with his successor, Fubara.

Answering a question on the crisis in PDP, the FCT minister had blamed Wabara, saying, "It's unfortunate they have a man they said is a former

senate president (as) the man leading PDP BoT."

He alleged that Wabara was corrupt, declaring, "No wonder President Obasanjo made a presidential broadcast under his tenure about corruption."

But Wabara stated that as an elder statesman, who had been privileged to be Nigeria's number three citizen, it would be unbecoming of his status to start speaking like a loose cannon, as Wike was wont to do.

According to him, joining words with Wike would only dignify the FCT minister, who had no dignity and was bereft of decorum.

The former senate president said he had expected Wike to refrain from wallowing in unguarded utterances, if not for self-respect but for the position "he occupies as a Minister of the Federal Republic, and as a former governor”.

Wabara said, "I will expect a man of his calibre and status to mind his language and words. He should be sure of his facts. But I don't want to join issues with Wike and dignify him."

Supreme Court Fixes February 10 for Hearing in Five Separate Appeals over Rivers Crisis

The Supreme Court, yesterday, adjourned to February 10, for hearing in five different appeals in respect of the political crisis in Rivers State.

A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Uwani Musa AbaAji, ordered adjournment to enable parties file and serve necessary court documents in the separate appeals.

However, the court ordered consolidation in four of the appeals, following

request by appellants’ counsel, Chief Joseph Daudu, SAN.

The four appeals wherein the court ordered consolidated hearing were SC/CV/1174/2024, between Rivers State House of Assembly and another against the Rivers State government and nine others; SC/CV/1175/2024 between Rivers State House of Assembly and another against the Rivers

State governor and nine others. Others were SC/CV/1176/2024 between Rivers State House of Assembly and another against Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and nine others; and SC/ CV/1177/2024 between Rivers State House of Assembly and another against Accountant General of Rivers State and nine others.

Earlier, following a request for the withdrawal of a cross appeal filed on November 18, 2024 in SC/ CV/1071A/2024 between Rivers State House of Assembly and another against the National Assembly and 16 others, Aba-Aji, announced that hearing had been fixed for February 10, 2025.

Justice James Omotosho of the

Federal High Court had in a judgement delivered on January 22, 2024 faulted the presentation of the 2024 budget to four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the governor. Omotosho, in the judgement, then ordered the governor to represent the budget to the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly loyal to Wike.

Segun James

Lagos State once again lived up to its billing as tourism and entertainment capital of Africa, with a notable December 2024 season, generating over $71.6 million in revenue across tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.

During the season, tagged “Detty December,” hotels alone accounted for over $44 million, while shortlet apartments contributed over $13 million, underscoring Lagos’ immense economic potential as a destination city.

Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, made the revelation at the weekend during the review of the “Lagos State Detty December 2024/2025 Report,” with officials of Tantacom

Experimental Projects and other stakeholders.

Aregbe, who also commended the report released recently by the MO Africa Consulting on the impressive millions of dollars’ revenues generated from the December season, said tourism remained a vital driver of economic growth and cultural preservation for Lagos State, with the “Ember” season playing a key role.

During the “Detty December,” Lagos hosted a wide array of spectacular events that drew massive crowds and highlighted Nigeria’s rich heritage, among which were the Mrs. Universe Africa event, Greater Lagos Fiesta, music concerts, fashion shows, cultural exhibitions, culinary events, Spotify Wrapped Concert, Lungu Boy Block Party, Rhythm Unplugged, Entertainment Week Lagos, Joeboy, The La Vida

Experience, African Fashion Week, and Fashion Souk.

The season also drew locals and members of the Nigerian diaspora, popularly known as IJGBs (I Just Got Back), as well as international tourists who were eager to experience the energy and diversity that made Lagos a global cultural destination.

Beyond the economic benefits, “December in Lagos” has become a platform to celebrate Nigerian arts, culture, and music on a global stage. It fosters community spirit, strengthens ties with the diaspora, and reinforces Lagos as a destination of choice for cultural tourism.

Speaking on the success of the

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

“Detty December,” Aregbe said the Sanwo-Olu administration was shaping a Lagos that blended tradition with creativity, creating unforgettable experiences for all. He stated that various activities held during the “Detty December” not only enriched the cultural landscape but also had a profound economic impact. He said the progress recorded by the Lagos State government reflected the visionary leadership of Sanwo-Olu and the support of the deputy governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, stating that their dedication to fostering growth in tourism and culture laid the foundation for the achievements.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has announced a record disbursement of N12.18 billion in National Housing Fund (NHF) refunds to retiring or exiting subscribers within a 10-month period. Managing Director and Chief Executive of the FMBN, Shehu Osidi, disclosed this when he led the bank’s top management as part of the team of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development that appeared before the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development.

At the interactive session which

was to review the ministry’s 2024 budget performance and 2025 estimates, Osidi said out of the over N91.1 billion refunded since inception, over N12.1 billion was recorded within a 10-month period, especially since his appointment in February 2024.

The feat, according to a statement from the bank, was achieved between January and October 2024, representing more than 13 per cent of the total recorded NHF refunds since the inception of the scheme in 1992. He said this was a result of process improvements introduced in the bank by the new management to improve turnaround time and ensure speedy approvals and disbursements.

“When we came onboard, we made it clear that one of our major priorities was to ensure prompt service delivery to our subscribers and customers. If you look at our seven-point agenda, process automation and organisational/employee performance management are two key components of our management’s focus.

“We are leveraging technology and ensuring that staff of the bank can deliver on their responsibilities promptly and efficiently through continuous capacity building and motivation,” he said.

On the bank’s adoption of the Core Banking Application which he said

is almost 100 per cent completed, he noted that this has led to improved service delivery, ensuring that interactions with customers are timely and transactions are completed within the shortest possible time.

“We will not relent and there’s no room for complacency. We realise that we are not there yet, but we will continue to leverage innovations and technologies that make our work better. I always say that without the subscribers, there will not be an FMBN, so it is important to offer them excellent services and ensure their housing needs are met quickly and adequately within the scope of our mandate,” he added.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) last night blamed vandals for the fire incident which occurred recently at the Buguma oil wellhead in Rivers state.

The Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd (NEOL), the company said, was directly caused by the activities of pipeline vandals attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil.

"This unfortunate act of sabotage, which also resulted in severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve, reflects a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the zone.

"Since March 2023, crude oil theft on this asset has been persistent, with criminals now resorting to

extreme measures, including the use of dynamite to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons," the national oil company said in a statement.

NNPC, in the release signed by its spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, said it remains committed to combating the fires and mitigating the financial losses associated with the criminal activities.

It explained that while these activities place a significant burden on the nation's economy, the company was working closely with relevant security agencies to put an end to the acts of vandalism.

Additionally, NNPC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting communities affected by the destructive activities, saying it will continue to provide necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact on those affected.

Alex Enumah in Abuja and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

CAC Targets 30-minute Company Registration Timeframe Aided by AI

Moves to enforce compliance, enforcement mandates

ames Emejo in Abuja

The Registrar-General/Chief Executive, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mr. Hussaini Magaji, yesterday said all business registration with the commission would soon be fully driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to further simplify processes and enhance ease of doing business in the country.

He said advancements in AI could handle routine operational tasks such as business registration, freeing resources for more complex compliance and enforcement activities.

Magaji spoke at the opening of an in-house compliance and

enforcement training workshop for CAC staff with the theme, "Reengineering the Commission for Effective Discharge of Compliance and Enforcement Mandates to Ensure Efficient Management of Corporate Vehicles" in Abuja.

He said business registration was currently online end-to-end, adding that there's no longer manual services - a situation that enables registration in real-time from anywhere in the world.

He said the commission had already delivered on the 24-hour registration timeframe it earlier promised, though some may linger up to three days depending on the

volume of inflows and applications to its portal.

Magaji said in less than a month, all operations would be driven by AI to further achieve a 30- minute registration timeframe, "God willing".

He further clarified that contrary to speculations, the CAC statutory mandate was not restricted to administering the Act in the areas of registration and supervision of formation, incorporation, and striking-off and winding up of companies.

He said the commission has a duty to also ensure proper regulation and management of companies.

He also unveiled plans to strengthen its compliance and

enforcement mandates, with a focus on formalising businesses and enhancing post-incorporation compliance.

Magaji called for a paradigm shift in the commission’s operations, emphasising the importance of compliance and enforcement functions beyond the routine registration of businesses.

He said, “One of the key priorities I identified upon assuming duty on October 16, 2023, was the need to bring the commission's regulatory and management functions to the forefront.

"This led to the inclusion of compliance enforcement as a key

component of my four-point agenda."

He also highlighted the success of the PoS Formalisation Project, which had registered about 100,000 operators under the requirements of Section 863(1) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.

He explained that the project aimed to formalise at least 250,000 operators in the sector, as part of broader efforts to regulate about 40 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

Magaji said, “Formalisation is the first step for legitimate business operations and access to government interventions.

"It also mitigates the risks associated

TRUMP INAUGURATED 47TH US PRESIDENT, SAYS AMERICA 'MUST DRILL BABY DRILL'

Donald Trump was yesterday sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, completing what has been described as one of the most remarkable political comebacks in American history. He declared that America "must drill baby drill" referring to his desire to expand America's oil production capacity. He vowed to cut regulation and ensure America remains the dominant oil producing nation in the world. By cutting regulations, and lifting ban on new drilling, Trump hopes to boost America's quest for energy self sufficiency and stabilise prices.

Trump is entering office as a disruptive force, vowing to remake the federal government and expressing deep skepticism about the US-led alliances that have shaped post-World War Two global politics. Trump, who pledged to save America from decline, announced a range of policies in his inaugural address - some of them bound to cause controversy, proclaiming that a "golden age begins right now" for the world's most powerful country. He has already announced the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Climate Treaty and an end to US Electric Cars Mandate.

He reiterated that he would rename the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of

America" and take back the Panama Canal, even though he promised to be a 'peacemaker and unifier'.

Trump, a Republican, said he would declare a national emergency at the southern border with Mexico as well as declare a national energy emergency.

The new American president's inauguration was attended by many tech billionaires, as well as former American leaders and their wives. However former President Barack Obama's wife, Michelle was conspicuously absent.

Trump said he would "bring law and order back to our cities" and bring in "a society that is colourblind and merit-based", adding "there are only

2025 BUDGET: HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS MINISTRY SEEKS N260BN TO CREATE 2M JOBS

Committee on National Security and Intelligence said the total allocation of N595,024,943,368 billion to the sub-sector in the 2025 appropriation bill was inadequate. The committee chairman, Hon. Ahmed Satomi, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the budget defence meeting with agencies under the committee's oversight jurisdiction.

Yilwatda was accompanied to the session by the national coordinator of National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Mr. Gbadamosi Lawan.

He said, "The National Assembly should note that the ministry has a mandate to create two million jobs in 2025.

“This will be achieved through a combination of efforts: the ministry has already procured starter packs that would enable over 110,000 beneficiaries to embark on self-reliant ventures.

“These starter packs are vital tools for entrepreneurship and economic growth.

"However, to ensure the success of these programmes, we require N55 billion funds to conduct a two-week intensive training for all beneficiaries, payment of resource person and logistics funding to facilitate the effective distribution of the starter packs at N45,000 per beneficiary.

"There is need for monitoring and evaluation to ensure the transparency and sustainability of these initiatives at N5,000 per beneficiary.

"Additionally, we need to train 50,000 unemployed graduates and non-graduates under our Skill2Wealth Initiative which seeks to create many micro and small-scale businesses.

"This will cost N50 billion (at N1,000,000 per beneficiary: covering training in all the 36 states and FCT, Starter pack, linkage to the market and M&E)."

Yilwatda added, "There is also the need to create a budget line for Humanitarian Response Fund of N10 billion for communities affected by climate-change related disasters, conflicts and man-made crises, including: flooding, fire outbreaks and insurgency attacks that have displaced thousands.

"In the same vein, another budget line of N15 billion is required in 2025 fiscal year for durable solutions for households affected by disaster in 2024, just as additional sum of N130 billion is required by the ministry as intervention fund to resolve these humanitarian and poverty reduction challenges across the country in 2025."

The minister assured that efforts will be intensified to get Mr. President's approval for the release of the sum of N3.7 billion approved in the 2024 Appropriation Act for grant to 5,000 vulnerable groups, domiciled with Access Bank, for onward disbursement to the beneficiaries.

Giving details on the 2025 proposed budget, he said overhead was increased from N682.7 billion in 2024 to N978.3billion in 2025, representing 43.31 per cent increase, to cushion changes caused by inflation.

For capital budget, he lamented that the N4,601,092 billion provided in the 2025 proposal was inadequate to address the increasing humanitarian challenges in the country, as support from global partners had dwindled

Yilwatda told the committee, "It is worth noting that global humanitarian support from donor countries has dropped, and most donors are targeting the Middle East, Sudan and Ukraine."

He also urged the National Assembly to amend the NSIPA Act to address gaps hampering effective operations of the agency, especially in the area of funding.

Responding to his presentation, the committee assured the minister that the National Assembly will provide sufficient funds for the ministry in 2025 fiscal year to enable it reduce poverty among vulnerable Nigerians and address humanitarian crises across the country.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence stressed that in the 2025 budget, defence and security sectors were allocated N4.91 trillion, underscoring the priority accorded security in the 2025 budget.

Satomi said, “For this laudable allocation, may I, however, note that the intelligence sub-sector appears to be grossly underfunded going by the total allocation of N595,024,943,368 billion to the subsector.

“Out of which proposed capital expenditure allocation is N274,550,298,453.00, overhead allocation is N107,963,187,783, while allocation to personnel expenditure for the entire intelligence sector is N212,511,457,132 billion.”

The committee chairman pointed out that it was not encouraging to observe that the frontline agencies saddled with statutory responsibilities of countering violent extremism, terrorism, illicit flow of small arms and light weapons, intelligence gathering and analysis, maintenance of national security and

ensuring the provision of safe, secure and efficient air transportation for the president, vice president and other notable government officials were negligibly funded.

Satomi stated, “Going by submissions before the committee, it is heart-breaking that an agency like the National Centre for Counter Terrorism has not gotten any capital release for year 2023 and year 2024.

“The National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSSALW) are yet to receive a single kobo for their capital projects in 2024.

“The capital releases to the DSS and NIA are insufficient to motivate these agencies to work optimally in order to deliver on their critical mandates.”

Satomi called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene for an increase in the allocations to the agencies in the intelligence sector. He also urged the president to direct the Minister of Finance to, as a matter of national security, prioritise the full release of all outstanding 2024 budget allocations to the intelligence agencies and sustain the practice of prompt releases to them going forward.

two genders - male and female". He also promised to raise tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich American citizens.

Among others, he promised to reinstate any armed services members who were expelled for objecting to the COVID vaccine mandate - on full back pay as well as build the strongest military the world has ever seen.

Touching on the assassination attempt in which he was shot during his campaign, Trump stated that"I was saved by God to make America great again," receiving wild applause from supporters.

Ex-US leaders who attended the event included: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. In attendance at the inauguration were also former first ladies Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, and Jill Biden.

It was also an event attended by billionaires and world's wealthiest persons, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos (worth $239.4 billion); Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg ($211.8 billion); Tesla Chief Executive and presidential confidante, Elon Musk ($433.9 billion) as well as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman ($1.1 billion).

Also at the inauguration ceremony was Apple CEO, Tim Cook, ($2.2 billion); billionaire backer Miriam Adelson ($31.9 billion) and former Fox News Chairman Rupert Murdoch ($22.2 billion).

Besides, Bernard Arnault ($179.6 billion), the head of the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton luxury empire and the richest person in France, was at the inauguration with his son, Alexandre. Trump’s friend Phil Ruffin, a Las Vegas casino executive worth $4.7 billion, was also spotted at the Capitol. TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew also attended. A host of foreign politicians were also in the room to watch the transfer of power.

The ceremony is usually held outside but was brought inside the Capitol Rotunda because of the weather as it was expected to be the coldest

inauguration day in 40 years.

In his speech, Trump talked about America being in chaos, being broken, being lawless, being leaderless, being corrupt, explaining that it was his job to fix it.

In his second coming, the new American president said he would sign an executive order to bring back common sense, drill more crude oil, and designate cartels in Mexico as foreign terrorist organisations.

Trump pledged to rescue America from what he described as years of betrayal and decline , prioritising a crackdown on illegal immigration and portraying himself as a national savior chosen by God.

"For American citizens, January 20, 2025, is Liberation Day," Trump, 78, said inside the Rotunda of the US Capitol, the symbol of US democracy that was invaded on January 6, 2021, by a mob of Trump supporters intent on reversing his 2020 election defeat to Biden.

The half-hour speech echoed some of the themes he sounded at his first inauguration in 2017, when he spoke of the "American carnage" of crime and job loss that he said had ravaged the country.

However, the inauguration completed a triumphant return for a political disruptor who was impeached twice, survived two assassination attempts, was convicted in a criminal trial and faced charges for attempting to overturn his 2020 election loss.

Yesterday, during his speech,he re-echoed this occurrence: "I was saved by God to make America great again," Trump said, referring to the assassin's bullet that grazed his ear in July.

Trump is the first felon to occupy the White House after a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying business records to cover up hush money paid to a porn star.

"Many people thought it was impossible for me to stage such a historic political comeback," he added later. "I stand before you now as proof that you

should never believe that something is impossible to do in America. The impossible is what we do best."

But while Trump sought to portray himself as a peacemaker and unifier, his speech was often sharply partisan, in contrast to those of past presidents. With Biden seated nearby, affecting a polite smile, Trump issued a stinging indictment of Biden's policies from immigration to foreign affairs.

Trump took the oath of office to "preserve, protect and defend" the U.S. Constitution at 12:01 p.m., administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. His vice president, JD Vance, was sworn in just before him.

Trump, the first US president since the 19th century to win a second term after losing the White House, has also said he would pardon many of the more than 1,500 people charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Meanwhile, Biden, in one of his last official acts, pardoned several people whom Trump had threatened with retaliation, including former White House Chief Medical Adviser, Anthony Fauci, former Republican US Representative, Liz Cheney and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley. He also pardoned five family members just minutes before leaving office, citing fears that Trump would target them. Trump, last night, was expected to sign an order requiring that official US documents such as passports reflect citizens' gender as assigned at birth. "As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female," Trump said.

Trump is returning to Washington, thanks to a groundswell of voter frustration over persistent inflation, though he still fell just short of a 50 per cent majority. Trump, who surpassed Biden as the oldest president ever to be sworn in.

IN BID TO IMPROVE SERVICES, NCC APPROVES 50% RISE IN TELECOMS TARIFF

especially small business owners whose offices and shops are their mobile phones and laptops.

Telecoms operators had requested for 100 percent hike in tariff for industry sustainability, a request that was rejected by different groups of telecoms subscribers, who felt that any increase would further bring hardship on the subscribers.

But the statement stated: “The NCC pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators, will be granting approval for tariff adjustment requests by network operators in response to prevailing market conditions.

“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 percent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 percent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests

will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the commission's standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.”

The statement further noted that tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators, adding that the approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised.

“These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.

“Recognising the concerns of the public, this decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

The NCC has prioritised strik-

ing a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem. NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments.

“To this end, the commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers. Operators are also required to educate and inform the public about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery,” the statement further said.

The NCC however reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector, and explained that beyond protecting consumers, it would ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, support indigenous vendors and suppliers, and promote the overall growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“As a regulator, the NCC will continue to engage with stakeholders to create a telecommunications environment that works for everyone—one that protects consumers, supports operators, and sustains the ecosystem that drives connectivity across the nation,” the statement added.

Earlier yesterday, telecoms subscribers had faulted the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for saying the industry will witness a hike of between 30per cent and 60 percent in end user telecom tariffs in the country. According to them, the Minister’s statement was contrary to the agreements reached between the Consumer Bureau Department of the NCC and industry stakeholders at a meeting held on January 9, 2025 at the NCC headquarters in Abuja. The subscribers, under the aegis of Association of Telephone, Cable Tv and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria), the planned tariff hike negates all agreements reached with NCC, and could bring untold hardship to the subscribers.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

with unregistered businesses, such as money laundering and terrorism financing."

Magaji Continues

TWO-DAY RETREAT FOR HIGHWAY ENGINEERS...

L-R: Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi; Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement(BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun; and Permanent Secretary, Works, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, during the ministry’s two-day retreat for Highway Engineers and Managerial Staff in Abuja... recently

Loan Controversy: Otudeko, Onasanya’s Counsels Condemn Media Trial

Arraignment stalls as defendants not served with charges Case adjourned to February 13

Wale Igbintade

The much-anticipated arraignment of Honeywell Group Chairman, Oba Otudeko, and former First Bank Managing Director, Stephen Onasanya, was stalled yesterday as their lawyers announced appearance in protest, claiming their clients have not been served as required by law.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a 13-count charge against Otudeko,

former First Bank Plc Managing Director, Onasanya, former Honeywell board member, Soji Akintayo, and the company Anchorage Leisure Limited. The case was marked FHC/L/20C/2025.

The defendants were accused of allegedly obtaining N12.3 billion from First Bank under false pretences.

At the start of the hearing, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), representing Otudeko, informed the court that he was appearing "in protest" because

his client had not been served the charge.

Similarly, Mr. Olumide Fusika (SAN), announced his appearance for Onasanya, stating that his client was not served but that he was able to print a copy of the charge.

Fusika condemned the media trial his client had been subjected to, saying his client is not formally invited by EFCC or served a notice of the charge.

He expressed surprise at seeing

news stories in major newspapers linking Onasanya to a trial on loan controversy during his time as First Bank Group Managing Director without prior notification.

"My Lord, it is concerning that my client has been unduly exposed to media trial without being formally served. This is a procedural anomaly that undermines his right to a fair hearing and personal dignity," Fusika said.

Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN)

GOC Charges Military to Intensify Efforts in Tackling Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalism

The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, has charged officers and soldiers of the division to increase their efforts in tackling oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The GOC who gave the charge at the 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA) of the Division, held in Port Harcourt, urged officers to ensure continued increase in the nation's crude oil production output.

Abdussalam advised the soldiers to remain dedicated, focused, and committed in the discharge of their responsibilities of ensuring zero tolerance for pipeline vandalism and other associated crimes with a view to maintaining peace and stability while sustaining the economic lifeline of Nigeria.

He explained that WASA was one of the significant events, which was part of the customs and traditions of the Nigerian Army adding that the event was to strengthen social relationships among officers, soldiers and their families through social displays, musical performances and other regimental activities.

He said; "It (WASA) is also an avenue for informal social interaction and forum for the barracks communities to showcase the rich and diversified cultural heritage of our great nation.

"Additionally, it is an event that marks the end of an eventful

training year while heralding the beginning of a new year."

He pointed out that the 2024 training activities were designed to sharpen troops’ skills, toughen their endurance, and introduce them to new ways of doing things while reminding them of the rudiments of basic soldiering and were also successfully conducted with a lot of positive gains.

The GOC said the gains were visible during the various operations of the Division, which facilitated the maintenance of security, peace, social economic, and political stability within the Division's area of responsibility.

"The tenure activities were headed by the Division's Garrison and Division's Training School in amphibious and riverine operations, equally reflected the achievements recorded during the operations to clear criminal camps of IPOB, ESN, and other criminal groups along the shared operations boundary of 82-Division particularly the Imo River," he stated.

He expressed delight for the successful conclusion of the 2024 training cycle saying; "Having set this pace, I am delighted to say that we have cause to celebrate and thank God for the successes of the 6 Division in the last 12 months.

"As we embark on yet another training cycle for the year 2025, I enjoin you all to remain dedicated, focused and committed in the discharge of our collective responsibilities of ensuring zero tolerance for pipeline vandalism

and other associated crimes with a view to maintaining peace and stability while sustaining the economic lifeline of Nigeria."

He did not forget to pay tribute to fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to keep Nigeria safe.

appeared for Akintayo, while Mr. Charles Adeogun-Philips (SAN) represented Anchorage Leisure Ltd. and also protested, confirming that his client had not been served.

Consequently, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke questioned how all defense counsels could appear in court if the defendants had not been served.

In response, Olanipekun, counsel to Otudeko, pointed out that despite the media reporting on January 17 about the defendants' impending arraignment, no charge had been formally served on his client.

He presented some national newspapers clippings to support this claim.

In response, EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), explained that multiple efforts had been made to serve the defendants at their last known addresses without success.

The second defense counsel, Fusika, then offered to accept service on behalf of his client, which the court approved. The prosecutor handed Fusika a copy of the charge in court.

The case was adjourned till February 13 for the defendants' formal arraignment.

EFCC alleged that the defendants orchestrated fraudulent transactions totalling N12.3 billion in 2013 and 2014 in various amounts, and used forged documents to deceive the bank.

In his remarks, the Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Israel Lebara, who represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara, at the event, expressed delight in being part of the programme.

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has presented consignment of Ready-to-Use-Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to the Gombe State Government to fight issues of acute severe malnutrition among children U-5.

The presentation was made by the Chief of Field Office (CFO), Bauchi UNICEF Field Office (BFO), Dr. Nuzhart Rafique, during the Taskforce on Primary Healthcare quarterly meeting held at the Deputy Governor's Office, Gombe, presided over by the Deputy Governor, Manasseh Daniel Jatau weekend.

The meeting, according to Chief of Field Office, was to review performance in the past quarter and assess progress toward achieving its goals.

Nuzhat Rafique explained that the provision of the ready-to-use

Lebara commended officers and soldiers of the Division for their maintenance of peace and order in the state and pledged the support and collaboration of the state government with the Army in all its activities.

Oyedepo denied any involvement by EFCC in the media coverage of the case. He stated that the commission had not issued a press statement and suggested that journalists might have obtained information through other means.

"My Lord, we disassociate ourselves from any media reports," Oyedepo said.

The charges included 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 were also accused of forging documents to mislead the bank into believing false credit facilities had been requested by companies like V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited and Stallion Nigeria Limited. These actions violated several provisions of the Nigerian law, including the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act 2006, Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, and the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

therapeutic foods as part of a partnership between the state and UNICEF, with the state contributing a counterpart fund of N175 million.

The CFO stressed that, "Children are the future of the next generation," emphasising the importance of addressing malnutrition to ensure a healthy and productive society.

The representative of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum commended Gombe State’s efforts in healthcare, noting the state's recognition as the second best in the northeast region for health initiatives. The forum expressed strong support for Gombe State's health policies.

During the meeting, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau acknowledged the Committee's improvements but emphasised that there is still significant room for growth.

He urged the members to identify

areas where the committee fell short and share constructive feedback to help improve performance stressing that, "The meeting was an opportunity to address areas of failure and to discuss how we can enhance our efforts."

The deputy governor commended members of the committee for its prompt attendance at meetings, highlighting it as a testament to their commitment to fulfilling the mandate.

He stressed that, "Health is the driver of other sectors in society. When health is compromised, everything else fails."

The deputy governor also announced the government’s intention to introduce a policy aimed at improving cleanliness not only in offices but also in homes and bedrooms, to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.

Additionally, Manassah Jatau

received cartons of ready-to-use therapeutic foods from the Chief of the UNICEF Field Office, Bauchi. These packages, which are part of a collaborative effort between the Gombe State Government and UNICEF, will be used to combat malnutrition among children in the state.

Manassah Jatau assured that the resources would be used judiciously to reduce child malnutrition.

The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, and the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Abdulrahman Shuaibu, also spoke at the meeting. Both of them emphasised the purpose of the gathering was to review the committee’s progress and assess the implementation of policies and decisions made in the previous quarter.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

5TH EDITION OF DANGOTE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO HOST COMMUNITIES STUDENTS...

L-R: Alhaji Wasiu O Ayeola, Chairman Lekki Coastal Area Development Association, Director Clubs and Societies Education District 3; Rep. of Perm. Secretary, Ajibola - Morebise

Adewale Salami, Aro of Lekki kingdom; Representative of Oni Lekki of Lekki, Chief Mufutau Dauda, Baale of Magbon and Chairman of Baales in Lekki; One of the student beneficiaries, Jimoh Yusuf Bamidele; Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin; and Jaiswal Anurag, Director of Operations Dangote Fertiliser, at the 5th Edition of Dangote Scholarship Awards to students in host communities by Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Plant in Lekki ... yesterday

Women Affairs Minister Seeks Immediate End to Killings, Sexual Abuse, Violence Against Women, Others

Warns ‘enough is enough’ Police intensify anti-human trafficking operation, rescue over 207 minors across Nigeria

Michael Olugbode and Linus Aleke

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has condemned the recent killings, sexual abuses, and violence perpetrated against women, children and vulnerable groups in the country, saying “enough is enough”.

In a strongly worded statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jonathan Eze, on Monday in Abuja, the minister also promised to, among others, strengthen national response for social protection of women, children, and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria. According to the statement, the minister is deeply disturbed by the increasing cases of sexual assault, physical violence, emotional abuse, child trafficking, and online exploitation of morals within schools, homes and communities.

Relatedly, the Nigeria Police said their operatives had intensified their initiatives to combat human trafficking and the operation of illegal baby factories in the country.

The police also revealed that the new vigour against human trafficking and routine raid of suspected illegal baby factories had resulted in the rescue of more than 207 abducted children from suspected traffickers nationwide.

While declaring, “Enough is Enough”, the women affairs minister said, "Violence against women and children must be stopped with immediate effect.

"We have a moral and legal obligation to protect our women, children, and other vulnerable groups from all forms of abuse and violence.

"The reports of violence against children are not only heart-breaking but also a grave violation of their

fundamental rights. Every child deserves to live in a safe, secure and nurturing environment free from fear, violence, and abuse.

"Schools, homes, and communities should be sanctuaries and not places of torment.

"We are, therefore, taking immediate, decisive, and drastic action against all perpetrators of these acts as crimes of this nature violate the very essence of our societal values.

"We are working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to review existing legislations, including the Child Rights Act of 2003 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAAP), to introduce severe penalties for offenders and ensure stronger enforcement, while developing the National Social Protection Policy to enhance protection frameworks and institutionalise comprehensive strategies for national safeguards.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim revealed, “The ministry has also activated all available child protection mechanisms and is working very closely with justice actors, law enforcement, and all stakeholders to strengthen coordination in addressing these crimes.

"Furthermore, the ministry is focused on establishing the necessary reporting mechanisms and crisis management centres to help citizens recognise, report, and seek help from abuse through helplines, school-based programs, psycho-social support, and community sensitisation initiatives.

"We believe in a holistic approach to prevention and intervention, and we are committed to creating a safer environment for our women, children and vulnerable citizens."

Sulaiman-Ibrahim added that with the strong backing of President Bola Tinubu, who had committed to a zero-tolerance policy on violence, the

ministry was accelerating efforts to ensure that the protection of women, children, and vulnerable groups remained a top priority in Nigeria.

She stated, “The Renewed Hope Agenda is built on equity, justice, and protection for all citizens. We call on all Nigerians to join us in this crucial fight to eradicate violence and all forms of abuse from our society.”

On its part, the police said a significant breakthrough was achieved with the arrest of a syndicate involved in child abduction and trafficking by the Ondo State Police Command, following intelligence regarding a missing child at Okuta Elerin-Nla, Akure.

A statement by force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the operatives

apprehended members of the syndicate, identified as Abosede Olanipekun, female; Lukman Isiaka, male; and Sabira Izuorah, female, and rescued 14 children between the ages of one week and seven years.

Adejobi stressed that the success of the operations was a significant blow to those who threatened the country's security, and contributed to the overall efforts of the police to enhance public safety.

He recalled that on January 18, police operatives attached to the Kogi State Command got information about a group of armed bandits holding a strategic meeting for a possible attack at a forest in Budon, Kogi State. He said, "Gallant operatives of

the command were mobilised and deployed to the scene. Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits engaged the police operatives in a fierce gun duel.

"Fortunately, the bandits were overpowered, with one bandit neutralised and four others arrested.

"The operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 30 rounds of live ammunition and two motorcycles.

"Similarly, on same January 18th 2025, a distress call was received at the Dutsinma Divisional Police Headquarters, Katsina State, that some suspected armed bandits, armed with dangerous weapons, were headed to attack Ruwan Doruwa Village,

Dutsinma LGA of the state".

Adejobi stated that upon receipt of the call, police operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, mobilised and intercepted the armed bandits, and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, leading to the neutralisation of seven of the bandits, with the rest of the gang fleeing and abandoning 109 livestock suspected to be rustled animals.

Stressing that the police will remain steadfast and committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens, Adejobi assured that the force will continue to take a firm stance against criminal activities and ensure that offenders were brought to justice.

Sanwo-Olu Receives New Lagos Speaker

It's beginning of new dawn, harmonious relationship, Meranda declares

Segun James

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, received the new Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, and other principal officers of the assembly, on a courtesy visit, at his office, in Alausa, Ikeja.

The speaker was received by Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, shortly before the commencement of the weekly State Executive Council meeting.

Sanwo-Olu led the Speaker and her delegation to the Council Chamber, where she was received with a standing ovation.

Merande pledged to continue harmonious work relationship

between the arms of Government In Lagos State.

The Principal Officers that accompanied Madam Speaker were Deputy Speaker: Hon Mojeed Fatai (Ibeju-Lekki State Constituency 1), Majority Leader: Hon. Temitope Adedeji (Ifako Ijaiye 1), Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Richard Kasunmu (Ikeja 2) , Chief Whip, Hon. David Setonji (Badagry 2) and Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Sanni Babatunde (Kosofe 1).

Thirty-two members of the State House of Assembly had on Monday 13th January, impeached the embattled State Assembly Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

The Deputy Speaker, Meranda, was elected to replace Obasa while

Stakeholders Bemoan Poor Vitamin-A Supplementation Coverage in Nigeria

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Stakeholders at the opening of a two-day Round Table Dialogue in Abuja, the nation's capital yesterday expressed concerns over the poor coverage of the Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) programme in Nigeria.

They noted the development remained a great threat to the health of children, between the age of six and 59 months.

The event was organised by the Nutrition International, and UNICEF, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and had as

participants, executive secretaries of health in local government councils.

The Country Director, Nutritional International, Dr. Osita Okonkwo, on the occasion said Vitamin A Supplementation plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of young children.

He noted that it is essential for immune function, vision, and cell growth and that its deficiency could lead to severe health issues such as increased susceptibility to infections, vision problems, and even blindness.

Okonkwo added that regular vitamin A supplementation, particularly for children between

the age of six to 59 months, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and death from common childhood infections like measles and diarrhea.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr. Daju Kachollom, noted the challenges affecting the programme and advocated continued investments in healthcare infrastructure, access, and education to further reduce child and maternal mortality rates in Nigeria.

He said the Nigerian government has recognised the importance of routine VAS in its National Health Policy, to enhance coverage and

ensure that children receive regular doses of vitamin A as integrated with other health services such as Immunization campaigns, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Weeks, and Routine health check-ups for children.

He said: “Through these initiatives, the government can leverage existing infrastructure and increase the likelihood that children receive their supplements.

“The importance of partnership and collaborative efforts in addressing nutrition-related challenges and achieving sustainable improvements in public health cannot be overemphasized.

the Chief Whip, Hon Mojeed Fatai was elected as the Deputy Speaker. The motion to remove Obasa was moved Under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Hon. Femi Saheed.

Saheed stated that in line with the provision of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, accused Obasa of gross misconduct and poor leadership which included perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings; highhandedness and lack of regard for members.

Nigeria

Saheed also revealed that the former Speaker was accused of gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members by inciting members against one another amongst others. He mentioned that Obasa also practised an authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties. He, therefore, moved the motion for impeachment. Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was made by the 32 members through a voice vote.

ImplementationCommends

of Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Nigeria has welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, commending it as offering a prospect of an end to the appalling loss of civilian life and human tragedy.

The government’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by the acting spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, and made available to the media.

The statement read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria welcomes the agreement of a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The agreement offers the prospect of an end to the appalling loss of civilian life and human tragedy

witnessed across Gaza over the last 15 months, as well as relief to the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and some of the Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.

“Nigeria also welcomes the supply of much needed aid and relief materials that the peace deal facilitates.

“The ceasefire agreement presents the people of the region with an opportunity for hope and compassion. The federal government praises the Arabic Republic of Egypt, the State of Qatar and the United States of America for their painstaking work during the negotiations that delivered the ceasefire agreement, and for which they will now act as international guarantors.

in Abuja

Olubunmi; Chief M.

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Anambra: Parties Gear Up for Primary Ahead of 2025 Guber Poll

David-Chyddy Eleke reports that the political atmosphere in a nambra State is gradually heating up as the people of the state prepare to go to polls on November 8, 2025 to elect governor

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo last Saturday while launching a security operation codenamed; ‘Operation Udo Ga Achi’ at the International Convention Center in Awka told people of the state that he recently marked his two years and 10 months in office. What this means is that the governor still has a year and two months to complete his first term, but already, there is a clamour from political gladiators in the state on how to take his seat.

This year, precisely on November 8, eligible voters in the state will go to the polls to either renew Soludo’s tenure as governor, or vote him out.

The country’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in October, 2023 issued a guideline for the conduct of the election.

It said: “The Commission has approved that the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will hold on Saturday 8th November 2025. In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025. Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday, 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 polling units across the State on Saturday, 8th November 2025,” the commission said.

Already, politicians have started placing themselves in good standing with both the electorates and political parties, in readiness for the contest.

Typical of Anambra state which has always been known for multiplicity of contestants, many are already warming up from various parties, but what must be taken into cognizance is that only few parties are rooted in Anambra State, and

any contest outside the key ones may just be a waste of resources.

Political Parties/Their Aspirants

Only few political parties possess the support and mechanism to win elections in Anambra State. These parties include; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Though Anambra was previously referred to as a typical PDP state, especially with its cult following in the state then, but today, internal wrangling has long torn the party apart, leaving it in shreds.

The party first started by battling godfatherism in the early days when it produced a governor for the state, and later went into leadership tussle, which resulted in the state having more than two factions led by different chairmen at every interval. In successive governorship elections in the state, the party has always held at least two primary elections and also produced candidates in same number. This has greatly affected their victory as they share their votes among factional candidates, weakening their chances to victory.

To date, the party is still struggling to find it’s feet, and one would doubt

what fight they can possibly put up in the coming election.

So far, no politician has been known to reveal intention to seek the ticket of the party to contest the election, and this may not be unconnected to their waning popularity in the state.

On the other hand, the loss of PDP has constantly remained the gain of APGA in the state. Since 2006 when the party took the reins of power in the state through Mr Peter Obi, ousting then governor, Dr Chris Ngige through the court, the party has controlled Anambra State for 19 unbroken years, with three governors. The party over the years has grown in size, and there is no doubt that if elections were to be conducted, the party will still be a force to reckon with, especially as it is the party in power in the state.

The performance of the incumbent governor, who has been adjudged to have done so very well in infrastructural development may also pose a challenge to any party contesting against him. So far, he has failed to mention any interest in seeking re-election, insisting that he has a major task to deliver in the state. Notwithstanding, so many support groups have positioned themselves, prodding him to recontest, and there are no doubts whatsoever that he will need their plea as the signs are everywhere. No one is known to be seeking to drag the ticket

Already, politicians have started placing themselves in good standing with both the electorates and political parties, in readiness for the contest. Typical of Anambra state which has always been known for multiplicity of contestants, many are already warming up from various parties, but what must be taken into cognizance is that only few parties are rooted in Anambra s tate, and any contest outside the key ones may just be a waste of resources.

with him either.

Another political party that took the state by storm, almost positioning itself as the most popular after APGA is Labour Party. The clout of the former governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi and the huge support he garnered during the last general election swept through the entire country and Anambra. Because of such popularity, LP today has the second highest number of lawmakers, both in the state assembly and National Assembly.

Many politicians who ran into the party as a second option after they fell apart with their previous parties used the platform to defeat other more established politicians. To this day, many still believe that the party will spring wonders in the Anambra governorship election, while others believe that with the leadership crisis in the party, its popularity is waning.

The viability of the platform may be the reason many politicians are seeking to use the platform to contest the election, and they include; Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Barth Nwibe, Senator Tony Nwoye and Dr George Moghalu.

The APC on the other hand is one party that Anambra people have never given a chance, but today it seems to have put its acts right and has gradually started permeating the consciousness of the people of the state. Though the party is not known to have any elected representative in the state, outside Late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who won his seat from a separate party, YPP and later defected to APC, before his eventual death. Today, maybe largely because of the ruling-party-at-the-center factor, the party has become a beautiful bride, with many established politicians joining it. So far, the APC looks like the only party in the state that is set to give APGA a run for their money, and the party members are not mincing words about their preparedness to take the Government House.

So far, the party has two major governorship aspirants who have shown considerable interest in the ticket of APC and they are; Sir Paul Chukwuma and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.

soludo

Chukwuma

nwosu

POLITY

Health for All: One Year of Transformative Progress in Nigeria’s Health Sector

By Muntaqa al-Sadiq

On December 12, 2023, His Excellency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, declared that “health is back on the front burner of Nigeria’s policy priorities.” This declaration was a pivotal moment, signaling a renewed commitment to the well-being of Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda. With this bold vision, the administration launched the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and signed a Compact with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), setting in motion a transformative journey to rebuild Nigeria’s health system into one that is equitable, resilient, and accessible to all.

At the heart of these reforms is the NHSRII, which provides a unified framework to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce fragmentation, and align efforts across all levels of government, the private sector, and development partners. Guided by the principle of “one vision—one conversation, one budget, one report,” the NHSRII has mobilized over $3 billion in external funding, with significant domestic investments projected over four years. This sector-wide approach has established Nigeria as a leader in health systems accountability across Africa.

Nowhere is the impact of this framework more evident than in the revitalization of primary healthcare centers (PHCs), the cornerstone of Nigeria’s health system. More than 2,100 PHCs have been upgraded to full functionality, with another 3,000 in progress and on track to be fully functional by end of 2025, ensuring no Nigerian will need to travel more than five kilometers to access care. Backed by ₦46 billion Direct Financing Facility, disbursed this year through the revamped Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to more than 8,000 facilities, these PHCs now deliver essential services, from immunizations to maternal and child healthcare. The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) has been critical to achieving these results, with tools like Joint Annual Reviews (JARs), Annual Operational Plans (AOPs), and State Dialogue Mechanisms driving accountability, alignment, and efficient resource use. Real-time dashboards ensure resources are deployed efficiently and transparently. For women like Hadiza in Gombe, who no longer has to walk 10 kilometers while pregnant to reach a clinic, these improvements are more than just policy—they are life-changing.

The challenges of maternal and newborn health have long been a source of pain for families across Nigeria. The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) was launched to change this, initially targeting 172 highest-burden local governments (LGAs). As part of the expanded National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) package, prequalified poor and vulnerable women now have access to free cesarean sections at accredited facilities, addressing obstetric complications that previously led to tragic outcomes. This initiative is supported by the National Emergency Medical Service and

Minister of Health, Ali Pete

Ambulance System (NEMSAS), which ensures emergency transport for those in critical need. Amina, a young mother in Bauchi State, is one of thousands whose life—and that of her baby—was saved through this program. Her story reminds us why expanding access to quality, life-saving care remains essential. In addition to saving mothers and children, Nigeria is intensifying its fight against infectious diseases. The government has made significant investments in malaria prevention, treatment, and vaccination, aiming to eradicate a disease that continues to claim lives, especially among children under five. The recent receipt of over one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine from The Vaccine Alliance, GAVI, and its rollout in high-burden states such as Kebbi and Bayelsa is a testament to this commitment. Furthermore, strategic collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO), The Global Fund, U.S.Government, and other partners have helped scale up efforts to end diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. These initiatives reflect the government’s unwavering focus on improving health outcomes for all Nigerians.

To make these reforms sustainable, robust financing has been a cornerstone of this administration’s strategy. In 2023, the health sector budget increased by an unprecedented 41.5%, rising from N826.9 billion in 2022 to N1.17 trillion.. This investment has revitalized PHCs, expanded health insurance

PowerGen,

Energy firm to light up 68,000 households

(PowerGen) has announced its partnership with leading international investors to

coverage, and strengthened health security. Tools like TokunsAccounting ensure transparency in how these funds are deployed, bolstering public trust in our health system, which has risen from 37% to 54% between 2023 and 2024.

Another landmark achievement under the NHSRII has been Nigeria’s strengthened vaccination efforts, which have played a critical role in combating emerging and re-emerging diseases. Enhanced immunization campaigns have led to significant progress in stopping outbreaks such as diphtheria. These strides exemplify the power of collaboration between government, development partners and communities to protect public health.

Yet, financial protection for families remains a pressing challenge. While health insurance coverage under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has grown by over two million enrollees in the past year—bringing the total to 19.2 million Nigerians—out-of-pocket health expenditures still remain too high. The upcoming Medical Relief Program in 2024 will provide targeted subsidies for essential services, ensuring that financial hardship is no longer a barrier to care.

Our health workforce is the foundation of all of these reforms. Over 53,000 frontline workers have been retrained in the past year, out of a target of 120,000 within three years. Community health workers, often the only connection between remote villages and the broader health system, are now better equipped to deliver immunizations, enlighten families, and provide referrals. At the same time, the adoption of the Health Workforce Migration Policy, signed by the President, reflects a balanced approach to addressing brain drain while strengthening domestic capacity.

In tandem with these workforce reforms, we have also focused sharply towards unlocking the economic potential of the health sector. Through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), over $1 billion in investments have been catalyzed, with 42 business cases finalized for the local production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Partnerships with global firms are fostering innovation and technology transfer, making Nigeria a hub for healthcare manufacturing and resilience.

The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) has line of sight to billions in projects and has finalized 74 business cases to boost local production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Supported by a landmark Executive Order, unprecedented incentives are empowering local manufacturers and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.

Nigeria’s progress has been amplified by international collaborations that reflect the nation’s growing influence on the global health stage. His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was appointed African Union Champion for Health Workforce Development, highlighting his leadership in addressing workforce challenges across the

continent. Her Excellency, the First Lady of Nigeria, has also been appointed as the National and Global Champion for Tuberculosis, lending her voice and influence to fight one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. These leadership roles underscore Nigeria’s commitment to tackling health challenges not only domestically but across Africa and beyond.

Nigeria is hosting the newly established Africa CDC Regional Collaborating Centre for Western Africa, commissioned in Abuja. This regional hub will strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and response across West Africa.

Health security has also been prioritized, with Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) now established in all geopolitical zones and enhanced genomic surveillance systems allowing for faster detection of diseases like diphtheria and monkeypox. The launch of the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment Report has positioned Nigeria as a leader in integrating climate resilience into health systems, ensuring that we are prepared for the challenges of a changing world.

Significant progress has also been made in tertiary care, with six state-of-the-art cancer treatment centers being developed in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). Two of these centers are set to open in May 2025, providing much-needed oncology services and reducing the financial and emotional toll of medical tourism for Nigerian families.

As we reflect on the past year, we must also acknowledge the challenges that remain. Geographic disparities in access to care, the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, and the ongoing need to sustain financial reforms will require our unwavering focus. Yet, the progress we have made demonstrates that transformative change is not only possible but already underway. This progress is visible in the growing confidence of the public, the strengthened trust of our partners, and most importantly, in the lives that have been saved and transformed across our nation.

Looking ahead, it is evident that these reforms are anchored in the leadership and vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Under his guidance, health has been elevated from a sectoral concern to a national imperative. His pledge—that no Nigerian woman will lose her life giving birth, no child will suffer needlessly for lack of care, and no family will face financial ruin from illness—has inspired this transformative journey. Together, with the President’s enduring support and the collective resolve of all Nigerians, we will continue to strengthen our health system, ensuring it leaves no one behind. This is not just about health—it is about delivering hope, equity, and opportunity for generations to come.

•Muntaqa Umar-sadiq is the National Coordinator, Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) / Sector Wide Approach (SWAp)

establish a scalable, distributed renewable energy platform, for the deployment of 120mw clean energy power solutions across Africa.

Aside from PowerGen, other

Okpebholo Swears in Edo SUBEB

Chairman, Six Commissioners, Others

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in the new Chairman of the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), and six commissioners. Also sworn in were members of Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), and State Secondary

Education Board (SSEB).

Addressing the newly sworn in executives at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Okpebholo charged them to help him drive development and progress in the state, stressing that his administration was in a hurry to bring development. Harping on the unique qualities and capacity of the newly sworn in executives, Okpebholo noted that they reflected the requisite commitment of his administration to bring good

governance, efficient and effective service delivery and fulfill the promises made to the people of Edo State.

“To the newly appointed executives, congratulations on your appointment. This appointment is not just an honor but a call to serve with dedication, integrity, and excellence.

“You have been chosen because of your skills and the trust we have in your ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of our State.

“I encourage you to work with

a share sense of purpose, prioritize teamwork, and remain focused on improving the lives of our citizens. Together, we can make Edo State a model of growth and prosperity.”

The new Chairman of SUBEB was Onomen Goodness Briggs, while the new Commissioners were Sir Lucky Eseigbe; Hon. Paul Nosayaba Ohonbamu; Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu; Hon. Dr. Washington Osa Osifo; Mr. Andrew Ijegbai; and Barr. Marie Olabisi ldaomi.

partners include: Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), the Danish Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU), EDFI Management Company, through its EU-funded Electrification Financing Initiative (ElectriFi), and the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA).

The anchor commitment from PIDG was made through the investment arm of InfraCo, its project development solution, with concessional capital provided by PIDG technical assistance.

A statement said with PowerGen building on its over 13 years of experience developing, implementing, and operating projects across Africa, the funds will support the deployment of the 120mw portfolio of renewable mini/metro-grids as well

as Commercial and Industrial (C&I) power solutions, inclusive of battery energy storage. Initially focused on Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the platform will now be expanded within the wider region, the statement added.

The first closing of the transaction was reached in January 2025 and will catalyse additional equity and debt finance later this year, PowerGen, a private sector partner of Power Africa, a US government-led partnership, said. Commenting on the deal, PIDG Head of Investment Management for InfraCo, Claire Jarratt, expressed confidence in its ability to develop, deliver and operate high-quality distributed energy infrastructure in challenging conditions.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja PowerGen Renewable Energy

LAWYER

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

Determining the Veracity of a Retracted Confessional Statement

Page IV

IBA Elects Chile’s Jaime Carey President in Historic Joint Leadership

Page V

Quotable

‘We are going to approach 2025, with determination to stamp out criminals. The ones that have been chased away, will not be allowed to come back….We are going to record more achievements, in 2025.’ -

Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, Inspector General of Police

Canada Appoints Nigerian, Emem Madu, as Judge

Page V Judicial Usurpation of Electoral Mandate: Myth or Reality?

Page VI

The Injustice in Nigeria’s Criminal Justice Administration

As the Fapohunda Committee updates the 2004 Laws of the Federation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, some laws require attention, particularly for better dispensation of justice, criminal justice to be precise. While many complain that the Nigerian wheels of justice move too slowly, it’s even worse for the administration of criminal justice here, the slowness of which often results in the breach of fundamental rights of Defendants (accused persons). There is no better time than during this updating of laws exercise, for one of the most important laws in this regard, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA), to be directed to the National Assembly (NASS) for amendment. I had already pointed out that, for instance, Section 396(7) of ACJA which was first struck down by Gabriel Kolawole J’s (as he then was) ruling delivered on 25/1/2019 in Charge No. FHC/ ABJ/CR/185/2009 FRN v Iwueke where he held inter alia that though Section 396(7) of ACJA was laudable, since its intention was to facilitate a speedy delivery of justice, a constitutional amendment was required for it to stand. It had to do with a Federal High Court Judge elevated to the Court of Appeal, being able to conclude part-heard criminal matters despite the elevation. Kolawole JCA held that for a Judge to be able to wear two caps simultaneously, that is, one of a Federal High Court Judge and another of a Court of Appeal Justice, a constitutional amendment would be required. The Supreme Court upheld Kolawole JCA’s view, and Section 396(7) of ACJA was declared void due to its inconsistency with Section 290(1) of the Constitution in Ude Jones Udeogu v FRN & 2 Ors 2022 3 NWLR Part 1816 Page 40 per Ejembi Eko, JSC. Accordingly, it must be removed from the updated statute, while the discrepancies between the Child’s Rights Act 2007 (CRA) and ACJA with regard to the prosecution of child offenders must be addressed, not just so that that they can be in sync, but so that the process of prosecution of child offenders is clearly laid out from arrest to prosecution, conviction and punishment. Also see Section 35 of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 on accommodation for juvenile offenders.

In the aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance Protest, when an argument ensued as to the venue of the prosecution of the minors who were charged for treasonable offences, the Attorney-General of the Federation had stated that minors could be tried for treason at the Federal High Court (FHC), because Section 251(2) of the Constitution vests the FHC with the jurisdiction to try treason and other allied offences. This may very well be so, but the provision doesn’t provide that such jurisdiction is exclusive to the FHC, as it unequivocally provides exclusive jurisdiction for those listed in Section 251(1) of the Constitution. Now that a situation of minors being charged at the FHC has occurred, it is apposite that this issue is addressed in ACJA and the CRA during the law updating exercise. It may be that Section 251(2) of the Constitution, may require some amendment.

Breach of Fundamental Rights

The way in which criminal justice is presently administered in Nigeria, usually results in the breach of the fundamental rights of accused persons. See for example, Sections 33, 34(1) (a), 35 & 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the Constitution). Among the breaches, Defendants are kept in inhumane conditions at the Correctional Facilities which are mostly unfit for human habitation; their right to liberty is seriously violated, as many spend years in custody awaiting trial; some detainees are tortured while in custody and a few even disappear, never to be heard from again, so much so that, NASS enacted the Anti-Torture Act 2017 (ATA) which contains severe punishments for law enforcement agents who are caught engaging in torture of those in their custody. There’s also usually a long delay between the arrest of a Defendant, and when they are actually brought to trial. Many a time, the Prosecutors hinge their cases on the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) as the principal witness, and these IPOs sometimes either become constantly unavailable or even disappear. The cases then suffer numerous adjournments spanning several

onIkepo BRaIThwaITe

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

“The way in which criminal justice is presently administered in Nigeria, usually results in the breach of the fundamental rights of accused persons…. Defendants are kept in inhumane conditions at the Correctional Facilities which are mostly unfit for human habitation; their right to liberty is seriously violated, as many spend years in custody awaiting trial; some detainees are tortured while in custody….law enforcement agents use force to extract confessions….”

years, while Defendants remain in custody.

Though Section 35(4)(a) & (b) of the Constitution provides that a Defendant should be brought to trial within two (where the Defendant is in custody) or three months (where the Defendant is granted bail), accused persons languish in jail for years awaiting trial. They are also not released unconditionally or subject to conditions, by virtue of the provision of Section 35(4)(b) of the Constitution for trial at a later date when the prosecution may be ready to proceed. Instead, they are kept in custody awaiting trial ‘sine die’. Even for those charged with capital offences, where bail may only be granted by the High Court in exceptional circumstances, for example, circumstances in which the accused person is suffering from an illness which the Correctional Facility doesn’t have the medical facilities to treat, or there’s extraordinary delay in investigation, arraignment and prosecution exceeding one year (see Section 161(1) & (2)(a)-(c) of ACJA), they are usually neither granted bail nor brought to trial within a year.

Section 110(4) of ACJA talks about commencing criminal trials within 30 days of preferring a charge and completing the trial within 180 days. However, it doesn’t make it mandatory, at least not the way timelines are clearly set in Section 285 of the Constitution and the Election Act 2022 for pre-election matters and election petitions all the way to the Supreme Court. Courts are permitted to give the Chief Judge reasons or rather excuses, for why the trials haven’t commenced or been completed within 180 days. It is time that the timelines are unequivocally set out in ACJA. If the Constitution says that an accused person must be charged to court within 60-90 days of arrest depending on

gather information that will be used to nail the suspect in court, Nigerian investigation seems to comprise mainly of confessional statements of the accused persons! A confessional statement is a statement in which the Defendant admits to committing the offence he/she is charged for. See Sections 28, 29 (2)(a) & (5) of the Evidence Act 2011 (EA) and Nkie v FRN (2014) LPELR-22877 (SC) per John Inyang Okoro, JSC on the definition of a confessional statement. Since so much emphasis is placed on the confessional statements of the Defendant, the process of obtaining them must be unimpeachable. Yet, it usually isn’t, and this is another area of concern in ACJA that requires urgent attention - Sections 15 & 17 concerning the extraction of a Defendant’s statement at the Police station or other law enforcement agency, because for instance, the Police do not always use the right methods to extract confessions. The Police have been known to torture suspects into confession, or after asking the suspect basic questions about their name, address, etc, simply attach a written confession to their responses to these basic questions without their knowledge, only asking them to them sign or thumbprint the statement at the end - a sort of entrapment.

the circumstances; and ACJA provides trial commencing 30 days after the charge has been preferred, and completed within 180 days of arraignment; judgement within 90 days of the conclusion of evidence and final addresses (Section 294(1) of the Constitution) - see Rossek & Ors v ACB Ltd & Ors (1993) LPELR-2955(SC) per Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte, JSC where the Supreme Court held that a judgement that is delivered more than three months from the final addresses is a nullity. All this should be codified. The practice of Judges asking Counsel to re-adopt their final addresses when they have failed to meet the 90 day deadline to deliver judgement shouldn’t be permitted, particularly when accused persons have had to wait for extended periods of years before going to trial.

Considering the fact that there’s a presumption of innocence until an accused person is proven guilty (Section 36(5) of the Constitution), ACJA must be tweaked so that all the fundamental rights of Defendants are upheld. Currently, criminal justice, at least for the adjudication of offences which the common man are mostly accused of, seem to treat Defendants as if they are guilty once they are arrested.

Confessional Statements

Contrary to Sections 3 & 4 (a) of ACJA and the Nigeria Police Act 2020 (NPA) respectively (and other provisions of establishment statutes of other law enforcement agencies, with regard to investigation), not much investigation appears to go on when an individual is suspected of committing a crime. Unlike the FBI in US, that can trail a suspect for years to

Section 15(4) of ACJA makes it mandatory that a confessional statement must be in writing (without the mention of a legal practitioner being present), but electronic recording is optional, while Section 15(5) thereof makes it worse by providing that notwithstanding Section 15(4), an oral confession is admissible in evidence. Both provisions appear to be deficient. The law must provide unequivocally, that it is mandatory that a Defendant’s statement must be recorded in an area where the whole environment surrounding the area is clearly visible in the recording, or taken in the presence of his/her legal practitioner or both. See the case of FRN v Akaeze (2024) LPELR-62190(SC) per Helen Morinkeji Ogunwumiju, JSC on the necessity of video recordings in confessional statements.

Practically every Defendant has an extra-judicial confessional statement, which forms part of the Prosecution’s proof of evidence, and the first thing that happens when the trial commences, is that the Defence Counsel raises a preliminary objection as to the admissibility of the Defendant’s confessional statement, on the ground that it was made under duress (involuntary) - that the law enforcement agents used force to extract the confession. This then leads to a trial-within-trial, where the voluntariness of the Defendant’s confessional statement must be established, in order to determine its admissibility or otherwise. This is yet another avoidable time wasting exercise that impugns on the Defendant’s right to a fair and speedy trial; if statements of accused persons are properly taken, there will be no room for doubt.

Conclusion

In the UK on which we base legal system on, the timeframe for the determination of criminal cases is more certain. A person is usually charged within 1-3 days of arrest. Investigation takes place before arrest, unlike Nigeria where investigation takes place after arrest (see Section 3 of ACJA). More serious cases are heard at the Crown Court, and take between 6-18 months. Judgement is usually delivered within 4 weeks of the trial being completed. Be that as it may, the prisons in UK are almost full to capacity, but due to certain reasons, like longer custodial sentences and backlog from the Covid-19 period. The reasons for the lapses in our system are due to multiple reasons, not limited to muddled up provisions and procedures, with regard to the administration of criminal justice; inefficiency; corruption; disrespect and disregard for the rule of law. We therefore, need to reconsider our criminal justice system, not only to make it function more efficiently, and so that the fundamental rights of Defendants are upheld, but, so that our prisons can also be decongested. And, when the ACJA is amended accordingly, these amendments must be reflected in all the State Administration of Criminal Justice Laws, for completeness. Isn't it ironical that a criminal justice system whose primary goal is to mete out justice, has given so much chance for injustice, so much so that the fundamental rights of accused persons, are breached with gusto and aplomb by the authorities? This window of opportunity to correct these anomalies, provided by the current updating of laws exercise, must not be missed. onikepo

Determining the Veracity of a Retracted Confessional Statement

Fact

s

The Respondent and two others (at large) were arraigned before the High Court of Kaduna State, on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery punishable under Sections 6(b) and 1(2)(a) (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act 2004.

The Respondent was alleged to have been part of a team of armed robbers that robbed the residents of Ungwan Hausawa, and killed one Abubakar Garba Dankera on 10th March, 2018. The Respondent was arrested by the members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (J.T.F) on his farm on the same date, but, taken to the Police station on 22nd September, 2018. During trial, the Appellant called two witnesses – PW1 and PW2. PW1 - the Investigating Police Officer, testified that the robbery incident occurred on 10th March, 2028; but, the Respondent was brought to the Police station on 22nd September, 2018 by the Civilian J.T.F., also known as Yam Bula. He testified that the Respondent made a confessional statement which the Respondent thumb printed, and he counter-signed. The said confessional statement was tendered as Exhibit A. PW2 on his part, testified that he had heard gunshots on the afternoon of 10th March, 2018, and one boy called him on the phone to inform him that the deceased Abubakar Garba Dankera was killed.

The Respondent, in his defence, claimed that he had been arrested by certain persons whom he did not know while he was on his farm, and he was kept in a private room for months. He claimed that he was tortured and forced to say that he and the two other accused persons at large, perpetrated the robbery and killed the said Abubakar Garba Dankera, and that he was subsequently, taken to the Police station where he denied the allegation against him. The Respondent denied making Exhibit A, and testified that he only saw PW1 for the first time in court, and he was not taken before any superior officer for confirmation of the said confessional statement. At the end of trial and after considering the evidence before it, the trial court convicted the Respondent as charged, and sentenced him to death by hanging. Dissatisfied, the Respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal which found merit in the appeal, and quashed the Respondent’s conviction and sentence. The Court of Appeal found that the trial court’s failure to order a trial-within-trial, to eliminate the issue of involuntariness of the Respondent’s confessional statement and test its veracity before admitting it into evidence as Exhibit A, was fatal to the Appellant’s case. Aggrieved, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issue for Determination

The Supreme Court adopted the lone issue distilled by the Respondent for the determination of the appeal as follows:

Whether the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal were right in allowing the appeal and quashing the conviction of the Respondent, for failure of the Prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt the offences for which the Respondent was charged at the trial court.

Arguments

Counsel for the Appellant submitted that the conviction of an accused person can be based solely on a confessional statement, even without corroboration. Counsel further argued that a retracted confessional statement remains admissible in evidence, and that the Appellant had proved beyond reasonable doubt, the offences of conspiracy and armed robbery for which the Respondent was charged, by the Respondent’s confessional statement (Exhibit ‘A’) and the evidence of PW2. Counsel submitted that there was no basis for the Court of Appeal to have interfered with the decision of the trial court. In response, Counsel for the Respondent

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja

On Friday, the 14th day of June, 2024

Before their lordships

Mohammed Lawal Garba Tijjani abubakar

Jummai Hannatu Sankey

Moore aseimo abraham adumein

Obande Festus Ogbuinya Justices, Supreme Court SC/CR/1161/2022

Between

THe STaTe aPPeLLaNT And RICHaRd MOSeS ReSPONdeNT

(Lead Judgement

argued that the Appellant failed to establish that Exhibit “A” was made voluntarily, as required under Section 29(1) of the Evidence Act 2011. Counsel also argued that the trial court erred by not ordering a trial-within-trial, to determine the voluntariness of Exhibit “A”. It was also submitted that the Appellant failed to call one Danjuma Ibrahim Balarabe, a shopkeeper who was a vital witness, to testify on the amount of money referenced in the confessional statement. Relying on the decision in UZIM v STATE (2019) 14 NWLR (PT. 1693) 149, Counsel emphasised the significance of a vital witness, and argued that the Appellant’s failure to call the said Danjuma Ibrahim Balarabe weakened its case.

“....what the court is expected to do to determine the weight to be attached to a retracted confessional statement, is to test its truthfulness and veracity by examining the said statement in light of other credible available evidence”

the accused person’s confession is possible; and (f) Whether the confession is consistent with the other facts ascertained and proved at the trial.

The Court observed that the testimony of PW1, who claimed that the Respondent thumb printed Exhibit A while he countersigned, was directly contradicted by the Respondent who testified that his first encounter with PW1 was in court and he was not taken before any Superior Police Officer in the case. The Supreme Court found that, there was however, no endorsement on Exhibit A showing that any Superior Police Officer or any one at all counter-signed it to confirm or verify that it was made by the Respondent; hence, there was no conclusive evidence establishing that the statement was made by the Respondent, and the trial court ought to have treated the said confessional statement with utter suspicion.

The Court held that, based on the peculiar facts of the case and the circumstances of the arrest of the Appellant, it was desirable, in the face of the denial and retraction of the confessional statement, to look for some corroboration, no matter how slight, that made it likely that the confession was true.

The Apex Court held that the evidence of PW1 who testified that the Respondent confessed while in the custody of the Civilian J.T. F and the testimony of PW2 (who was not at the scene of the robbery) however, constituted hearsay evidence and was thus, inadmissible.

The Apex Court held further, in agreement with the Court of Appeal, that the Civilian J.T.F which arrested the Respondent on the date of the alleged robbery and kept him for more than half a year before handing him over to the Police, was a vital witness whose evidence would have assisted the trial court in its determination of the questions of the circumstances of the Respondent’s arrest, what transpired with the Respondent between 10th March 2018 (when he was arrested) and 22nd September ,2018 (when he was taken to the Police); and whether he indeed, made a confessional statement. The Court also held that the shopkeeper - Danjuma Ibrahim Balarabe who was alleged to have been a victim of the robbery was also a necessary witness for the prosecution, in proving that an armed robbery took place and that he was robbed of the properties and sums of money as alleged.

The Supreme Court held that although that the prosecution is not bound to call multiple of witnesses to secure a conviction; however, the prosecution has a duty to call a vital witness, whose evidence is critical or crucial in proving the guilt of a Defendant and failure to call such a witness is fatal to the prosecution's case.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Resolving the sole issue, the Supreme Court held that, an accused person may be convicted solely based on his confessional statement if it is positive, direct, unequivocal and voluntarily made, and consistent with other ascertained facts. The Apex Court also held that the retraction of a confessional statement is neither inviolable nor sacrosanct, as a confession freely and voluntarily made can constitute proof of guilt and sustain a conviction, provided the court is satisfied with its truthfulness.

The Court reaffirmed the legal principle that the fact that an accused Defendant denies making a confessional statement, does not render such extra-judicial statement inadmissible merely because the accused person denies having made it.

The Court held that what the trial court is expected to do in the circumstance, to determine the weight to be attached to the retracted confessional statement, is to test its truthfulness and veracity by examining the said statement in light of other credible evidence. The Supreme Court held that a trial court, when faced with a retracted confession, has to apply the six tests laid down in R v SYKES (1913) 8 CR. APP. R. 233 as follows: (a) Whether there is anything outside that confessional statement to show that it is true; (b) Whether it is corroborated; (c) Whether the facts stated in it are true as far as it can be tested; (d) Whether the accused person had the opportunity of committing the offence; (e) Whether

The Apex Court held that since the veracity of the confessional statement purportedly made by the Respondent was not established, in the face of its denial and retraction by the Appellant, and also since vital witnesses such as the victim of the robbery and the JTF which first effected the Appellant’s arrest were not called to testify, the case of the Appellant rang hollow. The Court held that this is invariably so, because the ingredients of the offence for which the Respondent was charged, to wit: (i) that there was a robbery; (ii) in which arms/weapons were used; and (iii) that the Respondent participated in the armed robbery along with others, were not proved by any credible evidence, either direct, circumstantial or by a verified and reliable confessional statement.

In the overall, the Apex Court held that the Appellant’s evidence at the trial court fell short of the required standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt expected in a criminal trial to warrant the Respondent’s conviction.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

Dr M. T. Adekilekun (having the Fiat of the Attorney-General of Kaduna State) for the Appellant.

Dr Nnaemeka Otagburuagu with Emmanuel Enemor and Chisanya Amadi for the Respondent. Reported

delivered by Honourable Justice Moore Aseimo Abraham Adumein, JSC)

Honourable Justice Moore Aseimo Abraham Adumein, JSC

IBA Elects Chile’s Jaime Carey President in Historic Joint Leadership

Jude Igbanoi with Agency Report

In a groundbreaking development, Chile’s Jaime Carey has been elected as the President of the International Bar Association (IBA), succeeding Almudena Arpón de Mendívil y Aldama of Spain. Carey’s Presidency, marks the first time a Chilean will lead the prestigious global legal association.

In an unprecedented arrangement, Carey will share leadership with Claudio Visco, a Senior Partner at the Italian law firm Lipani. The IBA Council ratified this Joint Presidency on September 19, 2024, for the 2025–2026 term.

Carey will serve as President in 2025, with Visco as President-Elect, before transitioning roles in 2026.

Carey, a Senior Partner at Carey, Chile’s largest law firm, has been an IBA member for over four decades. His extensive involvement includes serving as Co-Vice President, Co-Secretary-General, Chair of the Legal Practice Division, and Officer of the Diversity and Inclusion Council, among other roles. He has also been recognised as a “Male Champion for Change

Ambassador” by the Women Lawyers’ Committee.

“I am deeply honoured to have been elected President of the International Bar Association”, Carey said in his acceptance speech.

Carey outlined his plans to enhance the IBA’s engagement across Africa and Asia, while amplifying Latin America’s visibility in the global legal community.

“Unity, collaboration, diversity, and integration are essential to

“I will carry out the duties of this office with full conviction and high resolve, building on the efforts of my predecessors. Knowing that I am part of a continuum working to uphold the rule of law, fills me with pride.”

improving the world”, he noted.

“During my tenure, I intend to encourage these values across all IBA constituents and jurisdictions.”

Carey and Visco have shared a long-standing friendship, since meeting at an IBA Conference in Hong Kong in 1991. They have pledged to divide the two-year term, working collaboratively to

ensure continuity and coordination in the IBA’s mission. In a joint statement, Carey and Visco expressed gratitude to the IBA Council for endorsing their unique leadership structure.

“Our Joint Presidency reflects the collaborative approach of IBA members, who freely and voluntarily share their knowledge with legal professionals worldwide. Together, we will uphold the rule of law and human rights globally, in an environment of mutual respect and shared objectives”, they said.

As Carey assumes the Presidency for 2025, Visco will prepare to take the reins in 2026, ensuring a seamless transition and continued progress for the IBA.

Canada Appoints Nigerian, Emem Madu, as Judge

Nigerian-born Canadian, Emem Madu, has been appointed as a Judge of the Alberta Court of Justice in Canada. Madu is an alumna of the University of Lagos Nigeria.

The announcement was made on January, 15, 2025 by Justice Minister Mickey Amery showcasing three new Provincial Judges, including Emem Madu. Her appointment is to the Edmonton Family and Youth Division, and takes effect January 31, 2025.

A Nigerian jurist and fellow alumni, Professor Gideon Christian, shared a post last Thursday announcing her

Lagos Magistrate Slumps, Dies

Stories by Steve Aya

A Lagos State Magistrate and Pastor, Olasanmi Ogunkanmi, 58, suddenly, slumped and died the night after returning from a three-week holy pilgrimage in Jerusalem, Israel. It was gathered that late Magistrate Ogunkanmi, performed his last pilgrimage exercise to Jerusalem with the first batch of Lagos pilgrims, before his sudden death on January 1, 2025.

The deceased, who worked at Ikeja Magistrate Court, was described as a “gentle, humble and amiable fellow” who performed his job excellently well while alive.

However, there are conflicting reports, as to the cause of death. While it was gathered that he suddenly slumped and died on the fateful night at his residence, another source said he slept off peacefully that night, and never woke up.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite paid a condolence visit to the widow of late Ogunkanmi at their Ikorodu residence in Lagos on Friday, January 17, 2025. Adegbite,

expressed heartfelt sympathy with the young widow, over the sudden, shocking demise of Magistrate Ogunkanmi. Adegbite said he was filled with excitement and satisfaction on his return on 1st January, 2025 when suddenly, God called him home. He urged her to have faith in God, and rest assured that the deceased has gone to rest in the bosom of his maker.

According to Adegbite, “It was not an accident that late Magistrate Ogunkanmi died the night he successfully returned from performing holy pilgrimage in Jerusalem. The occurrence makes his death providential”. Your husband lived a well fulfilled life on earth, it is therefore, not how long one lives on earth that matters, but how well”. He prayed that the Good Lord would certainly comfort the family, at this moment of their bereavement.

The NCPC boss had earlier visited his family residence in Kado, Abuja, last Monday, where he commiserated with his family members.

The remains of late Magistrate Ogunkanmi, will be committed to mother earth on 7th February, 2025 in Lagos, after a Service of Songs on February 6, 2025.

appointment.

Madu received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 2002, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003. She also obtained a Master of Laws degree from the University of Alberta in 2007.

Madu has also worked as a Regulatory Compliance Specialist at ATB Financial, as a Policy and Legislation Analyst at Alberta Justice, and as a Research Lawyer at Brownlee LLP in Edmonton.

Her husband Kaycee (Kelechi) Madu served as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General from 2020 and 2022, as well as Deputy Premier. He also graduated from

the University of Lagos with a Bachelor of Laws degree.

The Alberta Government says the decision to appoint the wife of a former Justice Minister to the Provincial Court of Justice, was subject to “extensive” and independent vetting.

In a statement, Provincial Press Secretary, Justin Brattinga, said judicial appointments “are always undertaken after extensive vetting by the Alberta Judicial Council and the Alberta Judicial Nominating Committee”.

“The candidates appointed in the latest round, including Emem Madu, went through the proper independent process”,

he said.

“As a Lawyer with extensive experience and education, an immigrant to Canada from Nigeria and a mother, she brings vital experience to the family and youth division.”

Her husband wrote “Our family are incredibly thrilled at the historic appointment of Justice Madu. Justice Madu is arguably, the most brilliant legal mind I know. Having been Law School classmates, I witnessed her legal education and career first hand, from the first day of Law School to this day: from narrowly missing a First Class in law from our alma mater, the

prestigious University of Lagos, Nigeria, to achieving a First Class from the Nigerian Law School, to becoming a Law Professor at our alma mater, working at one of the biggest law firms in Nigeria and Alberta and obtaining a Master of Laws (LLM) from the Univeristy of Alberta, to the brilliant, astute and compassionate Lawyer she is today. Justice Madu has always been exceptional, and aims for the very best. I have no doubt that, she will bring the same excellence to bear on all matters before her and the court. The Alberta Court of Justice, is so lucky to have Justice Madu”.

Freed Lawyer Visits NBA President and Exco in Abuja

In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, Port Harcourt-based Lawyer, Kelvin Okorie, who was recently released from over a year of detention by the Nigerian Navy, visited the Nigerian Bar Association leadership in Abuja on January 13, 2025.

Accompanied by his brother, Deacon Nnamdi Eze, Okorie expressed his profound gratitude to the NBA for its unyielding advocacy, which played a pivotal role in securing his freedom.

“I pledge to take my Bar activities seriously, and avail myself to the NBA in any way I can help”, Okorie stated during his visit. “In my 19 years as a

Lawyer, I have never felt this valuable and important. I am indeed, proud and the happiest.

Thank you, Mr President.”

Okorie’s release came after decisive efforts led by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, alongside the NBA National Executive Council and the National Litigation Committee.

On January 7, 2025, the NBA delegation met with the Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, to advocate for Okorie’s release. The meeting resulted in his immediate freedom, allowing him to reunite with his family.

During his visit to the NBA headquarters, Okorie was received

by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and key NBA executives, including Dr Mobolaji Ojibara (General Secretary), Blessing Poromo (Treasurer), Auta Nyada (Welfare Secretary), Henry Barnabas Ehi (Assistant General Secretary), Aliyu Isah (Secretary, National Litigation Committee), and Barbara Omosun (Chief of Staff to the President).

Recounting his experience, Okorie revealed the inhumane treatment he endured in detention, explaining that he was targeted for upholding client confidentiality. His release, he said, underscored the vital role of the NBA in protecting its members.

Responding to Okorie, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, expressed relief at his safe return, and reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to supporting him, particularly if he chooses to seek legal redress. “We must ensure this does not happen to any other Lawyer”, Osigwe stated, emphasising the need to safeguard legal practitioners from such violations.

NBA’s intervention in Okorie’s case, highlights its unwavering dedication to defending the rights and dignity of its members. This successful advocacy, reinforces the Association’s role as a protector of justice and a pillar of the legal profession.

Court Bars FRSC from Arresting Vehicles with Faded Number Plate

Justice Aluko of the Federal High Court, in Lagos on Friday, restrained the Federal Road Safety Commission from arresting vehicles with faded number plates. The trial Judge also restricted the FRSC from imposing any fine or punishment on any driver, for driving with a faded vehicle number plate.

Justice Aluko made the orders while delivering judgement in a suit marked FHC/L/ CS/253/2024, filed by Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube against

FRSC. The Applicant, Ezebube, in an Originating Summons dated January 12, 2024 and filed on February 13, 2024, by his Lawyer, U.G.Nwokedi, had asked the court to determine the following: “Whether the Defendant, pursuant to Section 5(g) and Section 10(3)(f) of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act 2007, being the sole designer and producer of Vehicle Number Plates in Nigeria, is not absolutely responsible for the quality and durability of the vehicle number

plates as are produced by it.

“Whether the Defendant, pursuant to Section 5(g) and Section 10(3)(f) of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, 2007, being the sole designer and producer of Vehicle Number Plates in Nigeria, and responsible for the quality and durability of the vehicle plate numbers as are produced by it not liable for any defect or poor quality and durability.”

“Whether the Defendant can, pursuant to Section 5(g) and Section 10(3)(f) of the Federal

Road Safety Commission Act, 2007 being the sole designer and producer of Vehicle Number Plates in Nigeria, and absolutely responsible for the quality and durability of the vehicle plate numbers as are produced by it, penalise or threaten to penalise the Plaintiff and/or other Nigerians for the depreciating quality, durability, fading or peeling off of the colours and characters of the Vehicle Number Plates designed and produced by the Defendant”, amongst others prayers.

IBA Presidents, Jaime Carey and Claudio Visco

Justice Emem Madu

Late Olasanmi Ogunkanmi

Mandate capture, mandate usurpation, electorate displacement, and judicial mandate conferment by the Courts and Tribunals, are now more forcefully embedded in the electoral lexicon of Nigeria. With every election since the return to civil democratic rule in 1999, aggrieved aspirants, candidates, and their political parties have utilised, resorted to, and or exploited the instrumentality of pre-election judicial processes and post-election electoral petitions to actualise or retrieve their mandates or express their grievances, gain political mileage or commercial gains. After the 2011 general election, aggrieved candidates filed 731 petitions before the various election petitions tribunals. In the 2015 general election, candidates in the election filed a total of 663 petitions and candidates filed a total of 807 petitions after the 2019 general election. In the 2023 general election, as of 19th October, 2023, out of 1,196 petitions decided by the Courts, 712 were dismissed and 179 were withdrawn.

Some of the suits and petitions filed in pre and postelection litigations are varied and variegated. A number of the suits and petitions succeeded on their merits, while a large number failed or collapsed on technical grounds. Some political parties and their candidates filed pre- or post-election matters, for pecuniary purposes or purposes of relevance and grandstanding. Some suits and petitions complained that their political parties submitted the names of aspirants who did not participate in, contest, or win party primaries to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Some candidates who failed in the election also decided to try their luck using the judicial process to snatch the mandate democratically conferred on others. Some celebrated what they referred to as the retrieval of their stolen mandate.

While Section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) domiciles sovereignty with the people of Nigeria from whom governments through the Constitution derive their powers and authority, several Nigerians believe that the Courts/ Tribunals have reduced the power of the vote to a mere theoretical construct and usurped the power of the people to determine who governs them. In the same vein, some political parties and their candidates, through brazen disregard of democratic norms and processes, seem to have reduced the efficacy of Section 1(1) & (2) of the Constitution that proclaims the supremacy of the Constitution over all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is axiomatic that the electoral space in Nigeria has

Judicial Usurpation of Electoral Mandate: Myth or Reality?

This article by Festus Okoye examines the assertion by some, that the Courts and the Tribunals have usurped the right of the voters to determine the winners of elections; and responds that this contention is not true, because of the indispensable role of the courts, in safeguarding our electoral process. He concludes that the Judiciary remains a vital pillar in resolving electoral disputes, ensuring accountability, and upholding democratic principles, and therefore, the benefits of the involvement of the Judiciary in the electoral process, far outweighs the consequences of its absence

experienced challenges of election malpractices resulting in the militarisation of the electoral environment, vote buying, intimidation of election officials, snatching of ballot papers and ballot boxes, unmitigated violence against the voters and a gradual disengagement of the Nigerian people from the electoral process.

Some political parties, party chieftains, and their foot soldiers believe that what is important in an election is being declared the winner, and the manner and tactics of winning are a product of competitive rigging and the ability to deploy superior firepower and violence. This has led to a deluge of pre-election and election-related matters, that sometimes end in a manner that confounds those learned in the law and the ordinary people of Nigeria. This deluge of cases has also led to a situation where the Courts and the Tribunals have increasingly assumed centrality in the election and election-related matters, and the renewed clamour for a recalibration of the electoral process to prevent the Courts and the Tribunals from usurping and taking over the mandate of the people and deciding the winners of the election.

The centrality of the Courts and Election Tribunals

“After the 2011 general election, aggrieved candidates filed 731 petitions before the various election petitions tribunals. In the 2015 general election, candidates in the election filed a total of 663 petitions and candidates filed a total of 807 petitions after the 2019 general election. In the 2023 general election, as of 19th October, 2023, out of 1,196 petitions decided by the Courts, 712 were dismissed and 179 were withdrawn”

in our electoral jurisprudence, is constitutionally and legally domiciled. Although they have assumed greater prominence in electoral disputes, the Courts and the Tribunals remain dormant unless activated by Petitioners and Plaintiffs. The framers of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, vest the Courts and the Tribunals with specific powers and mandates in electoral disputes. Is it, therefore constitutionally, legally, and democratically right to assert that the Courts and the Tribunals have usurped the right of the voters to determine the winners of elections?

Increasingly, some Nigerians now believe that the various levels of Courts in Nigeria and the Election Petitions Tribunals are usurping the sovereign right of the Nigerian people to choose through competitive electoral means those that will govern them in total disregard of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and the various regional and international electoral standards of which Nigeria is a signatory. Others believe that without the intervention of the Courts and the Tribunals, their “stolen” electoral mandate would have been appropriated by candidates and political parties that did not win elections. However, some Nigerians perceive the Courts and the Tribunals as enablers in the “subversion of electoral mandate.” This is hinged on available evidence indicating that some candidates and political parties see campaigns and rallies as a wasted effort and prefer to wait at the doorstep of the various courts and tribunals with bales of cash to corrupt the process and get favourable judgments that undermine the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.

Some Nigerians have also resigned to fate and are more or less disengaged from the electoral process as they believe that their votes do not count, hence, it is a useless venture to go out on Election Day to vote. Voting in the main they insist consists of using the voting preferences of the people in the determination of the winners of an election and cannot be equated with political parties, their candidates, and their political thugs and sometimes in connivance with poll officials and some security agents conniving to render their votes completely irrelevant and meaningless and turn around to use the Courts and the Tribunals

to validate such electoral heist.

The Mandate and Powers of Election Petitions Tribunals

Sections 29, 84, Part V111, and other corresponding sections of the Electoral Act 2022 define the classes of individuals and the specific infractions that give aggrieved persons the Locus Standi to go to court and the courts with jurisdiction in pre-election matters. Section 285 of the Constitution also defines the category of cases classified as “Pre-election.” Section 285 of the Constitution also establishes various classes of Election Tribunals with the mandate to adjudicate petitions arising from the conduct of National and State Houses of Assembly elections, and Governorship election petitions. In terms of original jurisdiction, Section 239 of the Constitution confers on the Court of Appeal, to the exclusion of any other court of law original jurisdiction, to hear and determine any question as to whether any person has been validly elected to the office of President or Vice-President or the term of office of the President or Vice-President has ceased; or the office of President or Vice-President has become vacant.

Candidates and political parties aggrieved by the outcome of any of these elections can file a petition before the appropriate and competent election petition tribunal or court complaining of undue election or undue return in which the person elected or returned is joined as a party. An election petition may be presented by one or more of the following persons: (a) candidates in the election or political parties that participated in the election. Candidates and political parties aggrieved by the outcome of an election may question the said election on grounds that a person whose election is questioned was at the time of the election not qualified to contest the election, that the election was invalid by reason of corrupt practices or non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, that the respondent was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast at the election; or that the petitioner or its candidate was validly nominated but was unlawfully excluded from the election; that the person whose election was questioned had submitted to the Commission affidavit containing false information of a fundamental nature in aid of his qualification for the election.

Former INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye

Judicial Usurpation of Electoral Mandate: Myth or Reality?

The Courts/Tribunals and Usurpation of Electoral Mandate

Constitutionally and democratically, the electoral mandate can only be conferred by registered voters, who out of their deliberate act and choice approach the polling units on election day and having satisfied the criteria for voting decide to cast their votes for the candidates who in their estimation possess qualities that marks them out as preferable to others. The Constitution and electoral rules do not envisage that any form of impediment should be placed on the path of the voters that may distort their deliberate choice.

However, the Constitution and the law recognise that human beings conduct elections and that people who are not ordinarily qualified to contest an election may evade the law and slip through the process, become candidates in an election, and proceed to contest an election and be declared as having won and returned as duly elected. The constitution and the law recognise that political parties may conduct opaque party primaries and submit the name of a candidate that did not meet the constitutional and legal threshold in party primaries as the aspirant that won the primaries. It recognises that the electoral management body may mistakenly declare a candidate who did not score the majority of lawful votes as the winner of an election.

Based on these realities, the framers of the Nigerian Constitution and the National Assembly that drew up the Electoral Act decided that a separate mechanism and arm of government should be empowered to adjudicate disputes arising from pre-election and post-election challenges. This is based on the fact that the Courts and Election Petition Tribunals are part of the electoral ecosystem and exercise the powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the harmonious working of the different components guarantees free and fair elections.

However, some persons and institutions believe that the Courts and the Tribunals should stay far from the electoral system and the conferment of electoral mandate.

Two cases heightened anxiety on the issue of mandate usurpation in the electoral process, and led to a flurry of activities in the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Two of the cases revolved around the conduct of party primaries and the display of the personal particulars of candidates and the challenges arising therefrom.

The first is the case of Kabiru Marafa and Sanusi Dan Alhaji in Zamfara State, a purely internal wrangling in the All Progressives Congress (APC) that made it difficult for the Party to conduct its party primaries within the period stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Before the conclusion of the pre-election matter, the National Assembly Elections took place and APC won all the seats. However, the Supreme Court determined that all the votes recorded for the party were wasted votes, as they did not have valid candidates. The Supreme Court ruled that “The party that has no candidate, cannot be declared winner of the election. Therefore, all votes that are credited to such party are deemed as wasted votes. Candidates of parties with the highest number of valid votes cast with the required spread stands elected in Zamfara”.

The second is the case of the People’s Democratic Party & Ors v Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo & Ors, (2020) LPELR-49734(SC). The issues revolved around a pre-election matter, that dovetailed to the post-election period. In the said matter, the 2nd respondent (DAVID LYON) won the nomination to contest the Governorship election in Bayelsa State on the platform of the A.P.C. He, in turn, nominated the 1st respondent (Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo) as his running mate. “The APC submitted the names, personal information and particulars of the 1st and 2nd Respondent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the same, contained in INEC Form CF001, for each of the 1st and 2nd Respondent. The 1st Respondent’s Form CF001 duly sworn to by him was published. Pursuant to Section 31(5) of the Electoral Act, the appellants approached the Federal High Court, claiming that the information contained therein were false.”

The trial Federal High Court, which was presided over by I. E. Ekwo J., agreed with the Appellants and invoked Section 31(6) of the Electoral Act to disqualify the 1st Respondent, and consequentially the 2nd Respondent, from contesting the Governorship election in Bayelsa State. The Court of Appeal set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court, and made it possible for the 1st and 2nd Respondent to contest the Governorship election in Bayelsa State. The matter subsequently went to the Supreme Court, and before the Supreme Court could hear the matter, elections took place and the Independent National Electoral Commission returned the 1st and 2nd Respindent as duly elected.

The Supreme Court heard the appeal, set aside the judgement of the Court of Appeal, and affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court. The Court held that the “sanction for presenting to INEC Form CF001 containing false facts about the personal particulars or information of the candidate, by Section 31 (6) of the Electoral Act, is an order issued by the High Court, disqualifying such candidate from contesting the election.’ Mandate Subversion: Myth or Reality?

The Superior Courts of Record that entertain and adjudicate on pre-election matters are a creation of the Constitution, and the same thing applies to Election Petitions Tribunals that adjudicate on post-election matters. The Constitution and the Electoral Act vest these courts and the tribunals with specific jurisdiction

to entertain matters with electoral flavour. The Courts and the Tribunals are dormant and do not activate themselves. Election Courts and Tribunals are disbanded if plaintiffs and petitioners do not approach them. They are like the famous Imo River that flows and minds its business. Those who get into trouble with the Imo River use two legs to test its depth.

The expectation is that political parties will screen their candidates following the constitution, the Electoral Act, and their party constitution. When this is done professionally, ethically, and constitutionally, the issue of fielding unqualified candidates will not arise. The Courts have repeatedly and in numerous decisions made it clear that it is within the domestic realm of political parties to screen and pre-qualify their candidates and the decision on who is sponsored is not a justiciable grievance so long as they comply with the law and the regulations and guidelines of their parties. Political parties are also expected to comply with the provisions of section 87 of the Electoral Act and their Regulations and Guidelines in the conduct of their party primaries. Unfortunately, the bulk of pre-election litigation arises from the skewed conduct of primaries by some of the political parties. The Courts will not literally “buy the case” of political parties that do the right thing or follow the right procedure in the conduct of primaries and nomination of candidates. The Courts and Tribunals will be dormant and will not serve as an “alternative electorate” if political parties and their candidates conduct their affairs in the manner provided by the law and their rules and regulations. Political parties are aware of the procedure for primaries and the nomination of candidates. They know that the law is settled on how a candidate and a political party can get on the ballot. It is inconceivable that a political party and its candidates will attempt to get on the ballot without conducting primaries to nominate candidates or conducting primaries known to law. It is axiomatic that “aspirants” remain aspirants and can only transmute to candidates known to section 29 of the Electoral Act if they emerge from properly conducted primaries. In the case of Obazee & Anor v Ekhosuehi & Anor the name of a duly nominated candidate was substituted by his party without his knowledge. When the matter got to the Supreme Court, the Hon. Justice Kumai Aka’ahs lamented that the case “has again brought to the fore the unwillingness of politicians to abide by the tenets of democracy, where the will of the electorate is subverted to favour preferred candidates”. Therefore, it is incongruous to posit that and or talk of usurpation of electoral mandate, when a supposed candidate was never a candidate in the first place. Fidelity to the electoral process, involves following the different stages of elections and the timelines prescribed therein. A candidate and his party cannot subvert the law and the Constitution, wangle their way to the ballot and turn around to claim mandate usurpation when they were never and should never have been on the ballot in the first place. Section 87(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010(as amended) (now Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022) is mandatory. A political party wishing to sponsor candidates in an election must conduct direct or indirect primaries or choose their candidate through the consensus option. Party members in such primaries are called aspirants and transmute to candidates on winning primaries through lawful means, and their names are forwarded to the electoral management body.

A political party doesn’t need to field candidates in all elections. A political party doesn’t need to conduct primaries, if it has no intention of fielding candidates

in an election. In such situations, they are not obliged to inform the electoral management body of the conduct of primaries. The danger here is that, the party becomes vulnerable to de- registration under Section 225A of the Constitution. It is not the business of Election Courts and Tribunals whether a political party has zoned its offices, or whether the political party is interested in sponsoring someone from an ethnic or religious denomination. A party may decide to field a Governorship candidate from a Senatorial District with more registered voters, or more Local Government Areas. It may settle for a candidate from a particular religious denomination based on their numerical strength. It may also decide to field a candidate with deep pockets who can finance his campaign. These are matters within the exclusive domain of a political party. The Law insists that a political party cannot unilaterally set aside its Party Nomination Guidelines, derived from or embedded in the Party Constitution. That is the law, and the law is a product of the experiences of various political parties in the conduct of their party primaries. The Courts did not design the amendments to the Electoral Act. The political parties and Nigerians insisted that they wanted clean primaries, and that the votes of the members and delegates must count in the nomination of candidates. Even with the new Electoral Act, the nation still witnessed brazen and irresponsible disregard for the law and the Constitution.

Mandate Usurpation and Legitimisation of Skewed Mandate

Adjudication is based on facts and evidence properly laid before Election Courts and Tribunals. Political parties and candidates in elections approach election courts and tribunals for various reasons. Some of the reasons are noble, and some are based on subterfuge. There are instances where some political parties and their candidates held Collation and Returning Officers, hostage, got results declared under duress and/ or compromised Returning Officers, and ran to the Courts to seek refuge under Sections 68 and 75 of the Electoral Act. There are instances where the decisions of the Courts and Tribunals, have left Nigerians wondering whether justice has truly been served. There are instances where political parties and their candidates won their cases on television and social media, and did not present any evidence worthy of consideration before the Tribunals.

Conclusion

The Courts are not primed to confer a mandate on those seeking to govern, as that is exclusively reserved for the electorates whose sovereign right is to confer a mandate. A legitimate mandate occurs, when the ingredients of a valid election are met. The Courts and the Tribunals wield the powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and are set up to adjudicate on legitimate issues in the electoral process. They are mandated to ensure that mandates legitimately conferred are not brazenly through subterfuge, undue influence, or genuine mistakes, taken away. They are mandated to ensure that, political parties and candidates emerge from political party primaries through due process of law. They have the jurisdiction and mandate to ensure that only candidates who score the majority of lawful votes, are declared winners. However, a few decisions of election courts and tribunals defy logic and the law, and can only be decisions procured through underhand methods. In such situations, the professional bodies and the Nigerian people must approach the regulatory bodies for sanction. Petitions must be based on concrete facts and evidence, and not on speculation. Unfortunately, some cases are tried on social media by those who know next to nothing about how election tribunals operate.

While the perception of judicial usurpation of electoral mandate stems from observations and personal biases often shared by those who feel disenfranchised by judicial outcomes, it is crucial to recognise that these opinions are not universal. Those who have had their mandates restored by the election tribunals and courts of law do not share the same sentiment, as they view the Judiciary as a protector of justice and democracy. It is important to recognise the indispensable role of the courts, in safeguarding our electoral process. Despite its perceived shortcomings, the Judiciary remains a vital pillar in resolving electoral disputes, ensuring accountability, and upholding democratic principles. The benefits of the Judiciary’s involvement far outweighs the consequences of its absence, as a robust legal framework is essential for fostering trust and stability in our democracy. Without this system, our democracy would be vulnerable to unchecked abuses, and public confidence in the process would erode. It is, therefore, imperative that we protect and strengthen the role of the courts, while also advocating for reforms that ensure transparency and fairness. A balance must be struck to preserve the legitimacy of our electoral process and maintain faith in the democratic institutions that bind our nation together.

Festus Okoye, Former National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

“There are instances where some political parties and their candidates held Collation and Returning Officers, hostage, got results declared under duress and/or compromised Returning Officers, and ran to the Courts to seek refuge under

Sections 68 and 75 of the Electoral Act…. Those who have had their mandates restored by the election tribunals and courts of law….view the Judiciary as a protector of justice and democracy”

INEc chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu

Should Nnamdi Kanu be Released?

The leader and founder of the of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been held in detention since 2021, on charges of treasonable felony and other allied charges. First arrested and detained in 2015, Kanu escaped while on bail and fled to London, being a British citizen, when his country home was invaded by soldiers, resulting in the loss of some lives. Kanu was rearrested in Kenya in 2021, and forcibly brought back to Nigeria (extraordinary rendition) where he has been held by the Federal authorities since then. However, concerns have been expressed in several quarters, as to why he has continued to be detained, despite several court orders granting him bail. Ebunolu Adegboruwa, SAN and chief Goddy Uwazurike examine issues surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest, detention and why he should be released

Nnamdi Kanu: Time for Freedom and Peace

Ebunolu Adegboruwa, SAN

Last Week…..

Last week, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe restated his offer to stand as surety for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Not long after, in the same week, Senator John Azuta-Mbata was elected as the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo. Still in the same week, the Governor of Ondo State,

Mr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, pardoned sixty prisoners as part of his 60th birthday anniversary. Some of the prisoners got their sentences commuted from death to life imprisonment.

Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB and ESN

Undoubtedly, the major task before Ohaneze presently is

“….in so far as the agitation for Biafra meant an end to the marginalisation of the South-East, in so far as IPOB stood for a demand for inclusive governance and equity in the creation of States in Nigeria, they had my support, and I dare say, that of many Nigerians. However, when such activism graduates to secession, killing of persons and the general paralysis of the economy, it will only receive condemnation”

to secure the release of Kanu, by all means necessary. Kanu became known as a British political activist, advocating for the secession and independence of Biafra from Nigeria. He is the leader of IPOB, which he founded in 2012. The main aim of IPOB, is to restore the defunct separatist state of Biafra which existed in Nigeria’s Eastern Region during the civil war of 1967-1970. In no uncertain terms, Kanu propagates Biafran separatism. He is very popular amongst the Igbos, especially those within the middle class. In his domain in Nigeria, Kanu was more of a tin god who commanded the respect and loyalty of the populace and his words became law. He had a large following, and was very effective in organising the people for the actualisation of the Biafra agenda. In the course of time, Kanu established the armed wing of Biafra, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), through which he was recruiting and training youths for the Biafra mandate. There were reported excesses within the fold of ESN, resulting in

avoidable deaths, economic losses and indeed, a total deviation from the lofty ideals behind the formation of IPOB. But, this is not limited to Kanu, as other regions of Nigeria have produced separatists too.

Kanu’s Arrest

Sometime in or about October 18, 2015, it was reported that Kanu had been arrested in Lagos State by Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services, DSS. He was eventually transferred to Abuja, leading to protests across many States of the South East. He was initially arraigned before the Abuja Magistrate Court, which released him on ‘bail’. Kanu was later arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he was granted bail on health grounds. What followed thereafter, became as controversial as the IPOB leader himself. Kanu disappeared from public view after his home was raided by the Nigerian military in September 2017, an event which led to the death of many IPOB members.

In December 2020, Kanu announced that IPOB had organised the ESN, which was supposed

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GcFR

Should Nnamdi Kanu be released?

to defend Southeastern Nigerians from bandits and armed Fulani herders. Kanu later gave all the Governors of South-East 14 days to ban open-grazing, threatening to deploy ESN to enforce the ban if the authorities did not do so. This led to open confrontation with the Nigerian military, which commenced the indiscriminate but illegal manhunt for IPOB and ESN activists. Despite this, Kanu maintained that IPOB was interested in a non-violent solution of the conflict, and that ESN was supposed to fight bandits, not the Nigerian security forces. Regardless, the Nigerian authorities designated IPOB as a terrorist organisation, and claimed that Kanu was inciting violence. I joined other Nigerians to denounce the tag on IPOB, given that other ethnic nationalities had their respective organisations such as Miyetti Allah, the Yoruba Nation, Ijaw National Congress, etc.

In June 2016, I filed a case at the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/775/2016, against President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff, seeking amongst others, the release of IPOB members and for a declaration that pro-Biafran protesters are entitled to assemble together in any part of the country, for the purpose of demanding for self-determination. I also prayed the court to hold that the Police, the Army and other security agencies are not entitled to invade the gathering of pro-Biafran protesters, or to shoot at them, or to arrest and detain them. The reason for the suit and the point for the support for IPOB then, was that in so far as the agitation for Biafra meant an end to the marginalisation of the South-East, in so far as IPOB stood for a demand for inclusive governance and equity in the creation of States in Nigeria, they had my support, and I dare say that of many Nigerians. However, when such activism graduates to secession, killing of persons and the general paralysis of the economy, it will only receive condemnation.

On June 27, 2021, Kanu was arrested in Kenya by Interpol, and brought to Nigeria by extraordinary rendition to face his trial for alleged terrorism, treason, involvement with banned separatist movement, inciting the public violence through radio broadcasts

and defamation of Nigerian authorities. Kanu challenged his trial, but, it was eventually upheld by the Supreme Court.

I see Kanu’s trial as purely political, given the initial lofty goals that birthed IPOB as a movement. Perhaps, due to inexperience and lack of proper coordination, Kanu could not sustain the momentum of that struggle. IPOB became a threat to the political gladiators in the South-East, and if he had continued in the way he was rallying the youths, he would have taken over the government of the South-East States. I generally believe that, leaders of the region should take responsibility for the fate of Kanu.

Initially, when Sunday Igboho and others started the Yoruba Nation agenda, people thought it was a noble initiative, so long as it remained peaceful and law-abiding. But, once it became apparent that it was translating into a separatist movement, prominent leaders within the South-West rose in condemnation of such an agenda, and when it became necessary to tame the monster, the relevant authorities moved swiftly to nip it in the bud.

The other side of the Kanu

“When Sunday Igboho faced his ordeal, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Yomi Aliyu, SAN and others rose in defence of his fundamental rights, while condemning his criminal tendencies. I urge all Nigerians to unite for Kanu’s freedom, but, more particularly, the people of the South-East must speak with one voice to secure Kanu’s release”

agenda, is failure of governance. Until the reign of Governor Dave Umahi in Ebonyi State and lately, Dr Alex Otti in Abia State, South-East Nigeria has not witnessed commensurate development from the Governors. And, apart from the trumpeted second Niger-Bridge, the Federal Government itself, has not stamped its presence in the region, in the area of infrastructure and general development. So, IPOB grew to fill up the vacuum created by non-performance by the South-East Governors, and the deliberate marginalisation of the Igbos by the Federal Government.

That said, every political agitation requires a political solution. The people of the South-West enjoyed the support of Nigerians against the annulment of the June 12 election, leading to mass protests and peaceful agitations for many years. This would lead to some kind of concession within the political class in 1998 when Nigerians unanimously zoned the Presidency to the SouthWest, leading to the emergence of General Olusegun Obasanjo. The people of the South-South region, took their own agitation to the creeks. They disrupted oil production and rendered the region generally unsafe for foreign investors, leading to the relocation of major oil companies from that region. I believe that their agitation led to the choice of Dr Goodluck Jonathan as the Vice-President, and eventually as President of Nigeria. As stated earlier, I only support the peaceful agitations of pro-Biafra activists against marginalisation, and

will continue to distance myself from any transformation into a separatist and armed group. Take it or leave it, the Kanu phenomenon will continue to haunt the Nigerian State, if only as a reminder of the wanton neglect of and injustices against the South-East, all of which must be addressed holistically. Part of the issues will result in questions such as: why can’t we have an Igbo President? Why can’t we have an Igbo IGP or Chief of Army Staff? Why should the South-East not enjoy an additional State as the other geo-political zones which all have six States? Notwithstanding the excesses of Kanu and IPOB, these to me represent the pro-Biafra struggles. Are the Igbos part of Nigeria? Is the civil war truly over, or is Nigeria still punishing the Igbos for the war? Or what on earth is the reason for the exclusion of the Igbos from mainstream governance? What exactly is the fear of the other regions for dreading the Igbo President? This is why Kanu’s case becomes political, because even if you jail Kanu today, the marginalisation of the Igbos will keep staring Nigeria in its face, every day. When Gani Adams was arrested, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN stood firm for him all through his trial. When Sunday Igboho faced his ordeal, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Yomi Aliyu, SAN and others rose in defence of his fundamental rights, while condemning his criminal tendencies. I urge all Nigerians to unite for Kanu’s freedom, but, more particularly, the people of the South-East must speak with one voice to secure Kanu’s release.

Conclusion

Nnamdi Kanu and his Team of Lawyers in court

Should Nnamdi Kanu be released?

The Federal Government has nothing to profit from a prolonged trial of Kanu, beyond isolating itself from the Igbos. If the criminal charge against the leader of Miyetti Allah could be withdrawn, if Sunday Igboho is today a free man, then there is nothing so special about Kanu’s trial, beyond a carryover of the civil war. I advocate for a discontinuance of his trial, and his eventual release.

But, the matter does not end there. Since their release, I have not heard of Miyetti Allah or Yoruba Nation, in the same aggression and militancy that heralded their misadventures. The choice belongs to Kanu, to decide on the fate of IPOB. If it is to continue with armed resistance, killing of security agents and the total paralysis of the economy of that region, we cannot close our eyes to the existing laws against these acts. The South-East Governors, Legislators and leaders of thought, should first meet with Kanu and secure his co-operation for his freedom. Over to the new leadership of Ohaneze.

Ebunolu Adegboruwa, SAN Nnamdi Kanu: The Man Who Mustn’t be Allowed to Exist

Chief Goddy Uwazurike

asked for a Referendum!! The weapon of this generation, was the shaking of fist and radio broadcast. The response of the Government, depended on the whims and caprices of the President of the day.

kidnapped Kanu in Kenya and brought him back to Nigeria.

The trial continued, and the FGN pledged to obey court order.

But, when the Court of Appeal freed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the FGN refused to obey.

The young Nnamdi Kanu, belongs to the age group who knew nothing about Biafra, Biafra war and the antecedents . Nnamdi and his group belong to the generation who are derided as the 'dot' nation! Those who witnessed the Biafra war, know that war is an evil wind that blows no one any good!! Except of course, the arms manufacturers and the contractors, and also the commission agents. So, this later group will do anything to avoid war.

The generation of Nnamdi Kanu, saw the Igbo parents being discriminated against by the Nigerian oligarchy. This generation took it upon itself, to restore the dignity of the Igbo person. This generation

“…Chief

Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan, relied on peaceful persuasion. This lasted till May 29, 2015.

President Buhari, like a carpenter whose solution to every issue is nail and hammer, descended on the Biafra agitators in December, 2015, and pounced on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on his return from London. All Biafra agitators were treated like felons, even before horrendous charges were brought against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and others.

What was the Offence?

That Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was running Radio Biafra! That he described Nigeria as a zoo!! It is now Nine years since the arrest.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was granted bail, but, he had to run for his dear life when heavily armed soldiers invaded his home. To bring back Mazi Nnamdi Kanu back to Nigeria to continue the 'trial', the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)

Amechi and Dr Ezeife, have died without seeing a free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The last action of…late …Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, was to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the DSS Centre. On his way back to his car, trekking, he collapsed….He died some days later, in the hospital… .Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his co-Defendants”

The Highly Respected Igbo Eminent Personalities made up of myself Chief Goddy Uwazurike, Bishop Onuoha, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife and the 94 year old, Chief Mbazulike Amechi (accompanied by his son) had a scheduled meeting with President Buhari at Aso Rock, a political decision to withdraw the charges, discontinue the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu trial and free the detainees. He requested time, to mentally go through the process. It must be stated that, the eloquent and concise Chief Amechi was impressive as our leader. Buhari promised to get back to us. He never did. His Justice Minister was adamant, that there was no political solution on the table. Buhari himself made a mockery of Ndigbo by describing us as a 'dot' !!

Thereafter, the court battle to deal a blow on Nnamdi Kanu intensified. I was the Lawyer to Ohanaeze Ndigbo at the trial. There was undisguised hostility to me, to Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife and indeed, to every Lawyer who came to defend Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This attitude began at the gate, where the defence Lawyers would be made to queue for a thorough search and screening. We would be in line, as the prosecutors from the Ministry of Justice would swagger in without any obstruction.

The road leading to the court, would be cordoned off. Any person suspected to be

a sympathiser of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, would be chased into the adjoining park. But, then, two or three long buses would bring in anti-Kanu demonstrators who, with their placards would be demanding for the death sentence for Kanu!!! The atmosphere was clearly a reminder of the military-era tribunals. The court room itself, was also unlike any court room I have ever seen. Did I expect a free and fair trial? Certainly not.

Now, two members of the Eminent persons group - Chief Amechi and Dr Ezeife, have died without seeing a free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The last action of the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, was to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the DSS Centre. On his way back to his car, trekking, he collapsed. No help came for him. He died some days later, in the hospital.

The South East is still treated like a war zone. The insecurity by non-State actors, is beyond imagination.

Since the man on the seat in Aso Rock, is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all eyes are now on him. This is because the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has become a political one! The Judiciary of Nigeria, is now in the dock before the eyes of the free world. The country called Nigeria is being discussed all over the world, and the arbitration clauses deliberately exclude Nigeria, even in the contracts in Nigeria.

The solution is very simple and straight forward.

Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his co-Defendants.

Chief Goddy Uwazurike, President of the Credibility Group; Ohanaeze Chieftain; Lawyer to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

Nnamdi Kanu

Revolutionising Sustainable Hair, Beard Care Solutions in Nigeria through Organic Hairoids

In an era where grooming and self-care are becoming integral aspects of identity and confidence, Organic Hairoids, a UK-based hair and beard care brand, is poised to make a transformative impact in Nigeria. Established in 2021, the company has quickly gained recognition for its sustainable, natural, and premium-quality grooming products. Now, under the visionary leadership of its British-born CEO, Henry Okwuosa, Organic Hairoids is set to introduce its innovative offerings to the vibrant Nigerian market. Precious Ugwuzor writes

In the world of grooming and personal care, a quiet revolution is underway. Since its establishment in 2021, Organic Hairoids, a UK-based hair and beard care brand, has carved out a reputation for delivering premium, sustainable, and natural grooming products. This year, the company is preparing to take its commitment to quality and sustainability to new heights with its highly anticipated expansion into Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa.

At the forefront of this expansion are Henry Okwuosa, CEO of Organic Hairoids and his brother and business partner Odera Okwuosa. The British-born Nigerians have built successful careers in the United Kingdom. Henry has long nurtured a dream of giving back to his homeland. His decision to prioritise Nigeria as the first African market for Organic Hairoids is deeply personal. It reflects not only his vision for transforming the grooming industry in the region but also his commitment to contributing meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.

A Personal and Professional Homecoming In December 2024, Okwuosa returned to Nigeria after many years abroad. The visit was more than just a personal journey—it was a professional awakening. “Coming back to Nigeria was deeply personal for me,” he says. “I saw first-hand the increasing demand for authentic, high-quality products that cater to the diverse hair and beard care needs of Nigerians. It was clear that Organic Hairoids could fill this gap and make a real impact.”

Nigeria’s grooming industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. No longer limited to basic haircuts and shaving, the sector now encompasses a wide array of services and products catering to diverse grooming needs. Okwuosa was particularly struck by the growing interest in natural and organic products, a trend that aligns perfectly with Organic Hairoids’ ethos.

With a product range that includes hair oils, beard balms, oud fragrance oils, and other grooming essentials, Organic Hairoids offers solutions designed to promote healthy hair and beard growth. The brand’s formulations are rooted in sustainability, featuring ethically sourced ingredients that are free from harsh chemicals.

Nigeria: A Market Poised for Growth

With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria represents an immense opportunity for growth in the personal care industry. As Africa’s largest economy, the country is home to a vibrant and diverse population with unique grooming needs shaped by various hair types, textures, and cultural practices.

In particular, beard care has emerged as a prominent trend in Nigerian culture. What was once considered primarily a traditional or religious practice has evolved into a mainstream fashion statement. Today, well-maintained beards symbolise style, identity, and confidence for men across all age groups.

The rise of social media influencers, innovative barbershops, and global grooming brands has further propelled this trend. Nigerian men are investing heavily in premium beard care products, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards self-expression and sophistication.

Organic Hairoids is uniquely positioned to cater to this demand with its premium, natural products, filling a gap in the market

for effective, chemical-free grooming solutions.

A Revolution in Grooming Culture

The burgeoning demand for grooming products in Nigeria is not just a passing trend—it signifies a cultural shift. Beards, once reserved for religious or traditional statements, are now a fashion accessory that signifies individuality, confidence, and sophistication. From Lagos to Port Harcourt, barbershops have become creative hubs where men sculpt their facial hair into works of art.

This growing emphasis on personal grooming reflects the changing attitudes of young Nigerians, who see their appearance as an extension of their identity. For a brand like Organic Hairoids, which prioritises sustainability and authenticity, this is a golden opportunity to align with the values of a new generation of consumers.

“Nigerian men have embraced grooming as a form of self-expression,” Okwuosa notes. “They are looking for products that not only deliver results but also align with their commitment to quality and natural living. That’s exactly what Organic Hairoids stands for.”

Creating Local Opportunities

One of the most exciting aspects of Organic Hairoids’ expansion into Nigeria is its potential to drive economic empowerment. The company is taking a holistic approach to its entry into the Nigerian market, focusing

not just on product distribution but also on creating opportunities for young Nigerians. Through partnerships with local distributors, retailers, and e-commerce platforms, Organic Hairoids aims to establish a nationwide presence. Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt have been identified as the initial launch cities, with plans to expand further into other regions.

But the company’s vision goes beyond simply selling products. It is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and youth empowerment by offering young Nigerians opportunities to become independent distributors. This initiative is designed to provide financial independence and equip participants with essential business and leadership skills.

“We want to do more than just sell grooming products,” Okwuosa explains. “Our goal is to inspire confidence, empower communities, and give back to the country that shaped me. By creating opportunities for young people to thrive, we can make a meaningful impact on Nigeria’s economy.”

Training for Success

As part of its commitment to youth empowerment, Organic Hairoids plans to offer training programmes in customer service, product knowledge, and digital marketing. These programmes are designed to prepare participants for long-term success, ensuring they have the skills needed to excel in the competitive grooming industry.

This approach reflects Okwuosa’s belief in the transformative power of education and skill development. “We’re not just building a brand; we’re building a community,” he says. “By equipping young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed, we’re laying the foundation for a brighter future.”

Our entry into Nigeria is just the beginning. We envision a future where Organic Hairoids is a household name across Africa, known for delivering premium grooming solutions that empower individuals and communities

Sustainability at the Core Organic Hairoids’ commitment to sustainability is another key aspect of its expansion strategy. The company’s products are made from ethically sourced organic ingredients, aligning with the global shift towards environmentally conscious living.

In a world where consumers are increasingly prioritising sustainability, Organic Hairoids stands out as a brand that truly walks the talk. From its packaging to its formulations, every aspect of the company’s operations reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact.

“Nigeria is ready for a brand like Organic Hairoids,” Okwuosa says. “Consumers here are increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, and they’re looking for products that reflect their values. We’re proud to bring a solution that meets their needs while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

A Vision for Africa

While Nigeria is the first African market for Organic Hairoids, it is by no means the last. The company has ambitious plans to establish a strong presence across the continent, creating a network of organic grooming enthusiasts who share its vision for quality and sustainability.

“Our entry into Nigeria is just the beginning,” Okwuosa reveals. “We envision a future where Organic Hairoids is a household name across Africa, known for delivering premium grooming solutions that empower individuals and communities.”

The company’s expansion into Africa marks a significant chapter in its journey, highlighting its commitment to making a meaningful impact in the regions it serves. For Okwuosa, this is more than just a business venture—it is a chance to give back to his homeland and contribute to its development.

A Brighter Future for Nigerian Grooming

As Organic Hairoids prepares to launch in Nigeria, it brings with it the promise of transformation. From revolutionising the grooming industry to creating opportunities for youth empowerment, the company is poised to make a lasting impact.

For Okwuosa, this is the culmination of years of hard work and a deep connection to his roots. “This expansion is about more than just business,” he says. “It’s about creating something that matters—a brand that inspires confidence, promotes sustainability, and empowers people to achieve their full potential.”

In a country where grooming is rapidly evolving into a cultural phenomenon, Organic Hairoids is setting the stage for a new era of natural, sustainable care. With its innovative products and commitment to community development, the brand is well on its way to becoming a trusted name in Nigeria and beyond.

As the company embarks on this exciting journey, one thing is clear: Organic Hairoids is not just entering a market—it is creating a movement. A movement that celebrates individuality, embraces sustainability, and empowers the next generation to take control of their futures.

With its sights set on Nigeria and the broader African continent, Organic Hairoids is proving that grooming is about more than just appearances—it is about confidence, culture, and connection. And under the visionary leadership of Henry Okwuosa, the future looks bright indeed.

Henry Okwuosa, CEO Organic Haroids

As the mindless theft and vandalism of power infrastructure continue in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has reminded receivers of stolen electricity assets in Nigeria that they face at least 14 years in jail.

In a note yesterday, NERC reeled out other severe penalties as contained in the new Electricity Act (EA), noting that a fine of at least N2 million or a prison term of up to six years, or both, also await any person who obstructs, harasses, or injures persons lawfully carrying out duties on behalf of a licensee, franchisee, or permit holder.

Aside from the intermittent attacks on electricity infrastructure owned by

Distribution Companies (Discos) and Generation Companies (Gencos), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had recently faced massive destruction and stealing of its assets, throwing the nation into darkness.

Due to the enormity of the danger they pose to the sector, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had recently proposed the death sentence for persons who willfully attack and destroy these assets which further stunt the growth of the beleaguered industry.

Beyond leaving communities without power, the actions of the vandals often lead to financial losses for power distribution companies, affecting their ability to invest in infrastructure upgrades, while damaged power infrastructure requires costly repairs.

In just five days this January alone, over 18 transmission towers belonging to the TCN were vandalised between January 9 and 14, 2025, across Rivers and two other states, with the surge in attacks prompting TCN to seek military support.

“A 14-year jail term (awaits) persons who receive stolen electrical property or a fine of not more than three times the value of the stolen property or both jail term and fine,” NERC said in its explanatory note.

Any unauthorised connection or reconnection or altering of any meter, it said, attracts a jail term of up to three years or fine not exceeding N500,000 with an additional fine of N10,000 for every continuing day of the offence.

Besides, physically attacking a

staff of a licensee or permit holder in the course of discharging his lawful duties, NERC said, is punishable with a fine of up to N1 million or imprisonment of up to six months or both.

NERC further warned Nigerians that unauthorised ownership or engagement in electricity business remains an offence punishable with a fine of at least 10 times the application and license fees for the contravened license or a jail term of up to five years, or both as well as an order for permanent forfeiture of the undertaking to NERC.

Any person who impersonates an employee of a licensee, franchisee, or permit holder, it said, is liable to a fine of N300,000 or a prison term of at least seven years, or both, NERC warned.

It added: A daily penalty not exceeding N20 million (is the penalty) for non-compliance by a licensee with an order of the commission. Any person who intentionally cuts off any electric supply line with intent to cut off the supply of electricity commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than N300,000.

“Any person who aids, counsels or abets the commission of an offence also commits an offence under the Act and is liable on conviction to the fine or imprisonment prescribed for the offence. Where an offence is committed by a company every principal officer responsible for the conduct of the business at that time and the company itself shall be liable.

“Acts of non-compliance or contravention of any provisions of

the Act or any regulatory instrument attract a jail term of not more than three months or a fine of N500,000 and an additional daily penalty of not more than N100,000 for a continuing offence,” NERC added. According to NERC, N300,000 is applicable to anyone who damages any electricity supply material, while the damaged material or line must also be restored.

“Purposeful destruction of public streetlights attracts a fine of up to N200,000. Any false declaration made under the Electricity Act attracts a fine of not more than 100,000 or a jail term of not more than six months or both fine and jail term,” it noted.

Despite Campaign against Fossil Fuels, 2025 Set to Witness $54bn in EPC Contracting

The hydrocarbons industry is expected to witness Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracting activities valued at over $54 billion across the offshore oil and gas landscape, despite the campaign to cut back on global emissions. These jobs, according to a research conducted by Westwood Global Energy, an energy market research and consultancy firm, will revolve around subsea equipment, offshore platforms, floating

production units, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) equipment and facilities.

Global appetite for energy has continued to grow as governments try to balance the energy security, affordability, and sustainability scales of their citizenry, a development that has pitted the fossil fuels lobby and the renewables club against each other.

But Nigeria, an oil and gas-rich nation has vowed to continue to take advantage of its natural resources to develop the economy, despite the pressure from the

developed world. The country has over 37 billion barrels of oil reserves and 209 trillion cubic feet of gas.

Westwood recalled that the EPC contracting activities related to offshore oil and gas field development and carbon sequestration projects remained resilient in 2024, with the EPC award value for associated subsea equipment and offshore platforms totaling approximately $52 billion. This was an 18 per cent uptick year-on-year, despite a 33 per cent drop in the annual number

of Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) recorded.

Research Director, SubseaLogix & PlatformLogix, Mark Adeosun, said the difference between the FID count and EPC award value trend between 2023 and 2024 stemmed from the award of large ticket items.

Westwood predicted that the 2025 offshore oil and gas-related EPC contract award value will experience a marginal 1 per cent YoY boost, totaling $54 billion, underpinned by 53 greenfield and brownfield field FIDs.

While contemplating the regional

deviations in the EPC opportunities, Westwood spotlighted that Africa and the Americas will drive offshore EPC contracting activity in 2025, accounting for 26 per cent and 25 per cent respectively, with the Middle East accounting for 24 per cent of forecast EPC award value.

Key awards to watch in Africa include Eni’s Coral Norte offshore Mozambique and its Baleine Ph.3 project offshore Ivory Coast as well as ExxonMobil’s Owowo project, Erha North-Ph.3 development, TotalEnergies’ Preowei field offshore and infill drilling activities

at Chevron’s Agbami development offshore Nigeria. Woodside said its projected EPC contracting activities over the 202629 period are underpinned by “a relatively stable oil demand” from China, which should support oil prices to average over $70 per barrel and “a softening of supply chain inflationary pressures,” which will be favorable for project economics. If these scenarios hold, the annual oil and gas-related EPC award valueit said, is forecast to average $50 billion over the 2026-29 period.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Tanker Explosion: NUPENG Mourns,

Tasks FG on Repair of Roads

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has sent condolences to families of victims of last Saturday’s petrol tanker explosion in Suleja, Niger State, urging the government to ensure speedy rehabilitation of the roads.

In a statement jointly signed by Williams Akporeha and Olawale Afolabi, President and General Secretary, respectively of

NUPENG, the union tasked the federal government to mandate its relevant agencies to begin sensitising Nigerians on the danger of scooping fuel from scenes of petrol tanker accidents.

“The union takes this opportunity to urgently appeal to the federal government to repair bad roads to prevent such incidents and to intensify efforts in sensitising the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from accidental situations of petroleum trucks on highways.

AfDB Advocate Lower Food Prices, Increased Production in Nigeria

Arthur Eriye

The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has called on Nigeria to intensify efforts to increase food production, reduce dependence on imports, and lower food prices. The speaking during the inauguration of a soybean plant and refinery by CSS Global Integrated Farms in Gora, Nasarawa State, Adesina highlighted the urgency of tackling hunger exacerbated by rising food costs.

The AfDB helmsman pointed to the potential of local farmers to meet the country’s food needs. Reflecting on his tenure as Minister of Agriculture under former President Goodluck Jonathan, he noted: He said, “The price of rice at the time was N8,000 per bag. Today, it is over N100,000 per bag. Nigeria needs bold programs and policy support for its farmers to reverse this trend.”

He emphasized the importance of

supporting agribusinesses across the entire agricultural value chain, from production to processing, packaging, and market supply.

Adesina lauded CSS Farms for its contribution to food security and agricultural business development, particularly among Nigerian youth.

The newly commissioned refinery, which can produce 10,000 liters of soybean oil daily, marks a significant achievement.

“The refinery is a milestone for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. It will help reduce the country’s crude soybean oil imports, which amounted to $62.2 million in 2023,” he said.

Adesina also highlighted the AfDB’s role in transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through the development of Special AgroIndustrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).

He revealed that the bank and its partners are implementing a $538 million program in seven states, including Cross River, Imo, Oyo, Ogun, Kaduna, Kano, and Kwara, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

“A second phase is planned to cover the remaining 28 states, with a financing target of $1 billion, involving the AfDB, Arab Bank for African Economic Development, and the private sector,” Adesina stated.

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Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Asst. Editor, Energy

Addeh

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

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KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporter

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

At the recent Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco, the AfDB mobilized $2.2 billion in investment interest for the SAPZ program, he added.

The founder of CSS Farms, Prof. John Okpara, detailed the farm’s growth from a one-hectare plot to 1,750 hectares in six years, employing over 1,450 workers. The farm produces soybeans, maize, cassava, rice, and other crops while processing them into various value-added products.

Okpara shared plans to establish an agricultural university aimed at empowering students to launch agrorelated businesses. “Every student who passes through the university will be equipped to create their own agricultural enterprise,” he said.

“As a responsible organisation, NUPENG collaborates annually with relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the police, and state traffic management agencies, to train our drivers on road safety.

“The union is committed to continuously training and retraining our members on best driving and safety practices. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and the entire Dikko community in

Niger State. We commend the emergency responders who bravely extinguished the fire and rescued many injured victims,” the organisation added. It urged all relevant authorities to provide the necessary support

and medical care to those injured and to take measures to prevent future tragedies. “May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to bear these irreparable losses,” it added.

NMDPRA: Why We Issued Import Licences Despite Local Refining by Dangote

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has defended its decision to issue import licences to oil marketers despite local refining by the Dangote refinery, stressing that it was due to a shortfall in local refining.

A NAN report said the downstream regulator said this in response to a suit brought before Justice Inyang Ekwo by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals company, marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/1324/2024, against it and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) on September 6, 2024.

Dangote refinery had requested a federal high court in Abuja to nullify the import licences issued to NNPC, Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, and four other oil companies.

The company asked the court to rule that NMDPRA violated Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by granting

licences for petroleum product importation.

But in an application dated and filed on December 13, 2024, NMDPRA said the current production of Dangote refinery was yet to meet the national daily petroleum products sufficiency requirement. The counter affidavit was deposed to by Idris Musa, a senior regulatory officer in NMDPRA.

“Consequently, and in compliance with Section 317 [9] of the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), the 1st defendant (NMDPRA) issued licences to import petroleum products to bridge product shortfalls to companies with good track records of international products trading,” NMDPRA argued.

The regulatory authority said it actively monitors developments to determine when locally refined products will meet Nigeria’s daily petroleum products needs, adding that the agency ensures competition, prevents abuse of dominant positions, and stops monopolies in Nigeria’s

oil and gas sector.

“The Import volume to be allocated between participants (that is licensed importers) by the 1st defendant is based on the criteria to be setout taking into account the respective refining output in the preceding quarter of the year, the share of active wholesale customers, competitive pricing and prudent supply, storage and distribution track records,” NMDPRA said.

According to the NAN report, NMDPRA maintained that it could not depend on the Dangote refinery’s claims on diesel and jet oil production capacity because it lacked scientific evidence.

Due to this, NMDPRA said it decided against giving Dangote refinery the sole right to cater for the Nigerian market.

It noted that after considering the current state of affairs and oil production output at the preceding quarter before the filing of the suit, the regulator felt it would be premature and to suspend the

importation of petroleum products for other entities.

It pointed out that the present market structure of local refining would result in a monopoly with its pricing implications and put the nation’s energy security at risk, stressing that Nigeria’s energy security is assured only through multiple supply sources. Besides, NMDPRA addressed Dangote refinery’s argument against a 0.5 per cent levy, insisting that it aligns with Sections 47(2)(c) and 52(7) of the PIA, and that the levy must be paid at wholesale points by customers, not producers, sometimes it said Dangote refinery was aware of.

“The plaintiff (Dangote) cannot claim not to be bound by local laws due to its being in a free zone, whilst seeking to take the benefits of the same local laws. The plaintiff is to remit such levies to the 1st defendant not later than 21 days following the month of the sale,” he said.

The office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) has held a conference of Zonal Directors and Chief Resident Surveyors, urging them to expect rapid changes in the way the sector operates.

The programme was themed: “The Future of Work: Adapting to Changes in the Geospatial Ecosystem and the Public Service” and took place at SURCON

chambers in Abuja, a statement by the Head, Information and Public Relations, Henry David, stated.

Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF) Abuduganiy Adebomehin, in his welcome address, charged the surveyors to go for further studies in order for them to be able to take advantage of the advancement in technology.

”We are taking a detour from

the way we used to do things before now. We have equipment now that predetermines our locations and our position. All that we are saying is that you use your job as a surveyor to impact humanity,” he advised.

Earlier, the Director (Infrastructure Surveys) in the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF), Onyekwere Nwogu in his opening

remarks, said the office was doing everything to revamp the zonal headquarters and field offices. He urged the Zonal Directors and the Chief Resident Surveyors to see the conference as a catalyst for a positive transformation. Also, a Director in OSGOF, Sylvester Okafor enjoined the Chief Resident Surveyors to be good ambassadors of the profession.

Mary Nnah

CREDICORP, in partnership with Fewchore Finance, has launched a consumer credit fund for personnel of the Nigerian armed forces.

The programme aims to benefit 20,000 armed forces personnel in its first phase, marking a significant milestone in the effort to improve the welfare of Nigerian soldiers who protect and serve the nation.

The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to extend consumer credit

access to over 50% of working Nigerians by 2030. This ambitious goal seeks to harness the power of consumer credit to drive economic growth, improve living standards, and enhance the overall well-being of Nigerian citizens. Through affordable consumer credit, members of the armed forces can acquire life-enhancing household assets, such as furniture, electronics, and appliances, and meet immediate financial challenges. The program offers

even better terms for locally manufactured goods, promoting the growth of Nigerian industries and supporting the country’s economic development.

“This program shows Mr. President’s commitment to supporting those who protect and serve our nation. By making credit accessible to armed forces personnel, we not only honor their service but also advance the President’s goal of using consumer credit for better lives,” Managing Director/CEO of

CREDICORP,Uzoma Nwagba, noted in a statement, Managing Director/CEO of Fewchore Finance, Sunkanmi Balogun, added, “We are proud to support the courageous men and women of the armed forces. At Fewchore Finance, we have a long-standing relationship with the armed forces and remain committed to creating solutions that address real needs. This partnership with CREDICORP is a testament to our dedication to improving the lives of our servicemen and women.”

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 17 January-2025, unless otherwise stated.

Expert Calls for New Strategy to Build Insurance Sector

Ebere Nwoji

Marketing Communication Expert and Convener of Insurance Meets Tech (IMT) conferences, Odion Aleobua, has called for a new and more effective strategy that would help the insurance industry build awareness and launder its image rather than establishing a single isolated radio station .

Aleobua, speaking against a recent report by Statista. com, which showed that radio penetration in Nigeria is just 65 per cent compared to 80 per cent penetration of mobile phones and internet, said Nigerian insurance industry does not need a single, isolated radio station to build awareness and sustain its image.

According to him, the industry needs a comprehensive, compelling, data-driven integrated marketing communications

(IMC) campaign that addresses the heterogeneous audience’s needs, leveraging the full spectrum of traditional and new media platforms.

He noted that the radio medium, though an impactful mass media platform, has inherent limitations.

In his reasoning, urban youth, one of the key demographics for increasing insurance penetration are migrating towards digital and social media platforms for usable information and peerless entertainment.

According to him, while a dedicated radio station might address a niche audience, it cannot match the reach and versatility of a well-executed IMC campaign that combines radio, television, print, out-of-home, digital media, and experiential marketing.

“A contemporary IMC campaign would empower the industry to meet its audience

where they are listening to the radio in their cars, watching TV in their living rooms, browsing social media on the go, engaging in local communities, or accessing content and relatable narratives on their smartphones, would do the magic,” he stated.

He said the essence of successful communication is convincing a heterogeneous target audience with intentional messaging, brand positioning and call to action”, Aleobua stated.

“Instead of fragmenting our efforts, we must build campaigns that integrate various platforms, amplify consistent messages, and create emotional connections with the audience and risk management education. This is how we can shift the perception of insurance from a complex product to a necessary tool for wealth creation and financial security,” he stated.

Nigeria, China Move to Deepen Economic Co-operation, Sustainable Development

The Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr Joseph Tegbe, is currently visiting China to bolster China-Nigeria relations and to foster economic and sustainable development between both countries,in line with the renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Partnership DG, with the Nigerian delegation, on Monday were at the headquarters of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the People’s Republic of China where they were received by the NDRC Deputy Chairman, Mr.

Zhao Chenxin, and other top officials, as well as the Nigerian diplomatic community and the Chinese Business Community. Tegbe is expected to cement strategic agreements in line President Tinubu’s vision, with China for national growth and in vital sectors of the economy such as agriculture, to boost food security, alternative energy for developing renewable energy sources, healthcare, mining for harnessing of Nigeria’s mineral resources to drive economic growth, education to strengthen Nigeria institutions and promote

cultural exchange. Other areas include technology, to foster innovation and advancement, and the support initiative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The visit of the NCSP ‘s DG underscores the federal government’s commitment to establishing strong bilateral relations and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification plans, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and job creation to foster mutually beneficial collaboration between the two nations.

USTDA Partners Communications Ministry to Advance Internet Access

Arthur Eriye

The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has announced the award of a grant to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) for a feasibility study to support internet access for 12 million people through the deployment of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across the country.

The ministry, it stated has selected Washington-D.C.-based HIP Consult Inc. to conduct the study.

“As Nigeria and the United States deepen our cooperation in the technology sector, USTDA is proud to partner with FMCIDE to deliver concrete action in support our shared digital infrastructure goals,” said USTDA’s Director, Enoh T. Ebong. “This project will help expand connectivity to Nigeria’s urban and rural communities while

opening opportunities for trusted U.S. technologies to advance the country’s digital priorities.”

Ebong signed the grant agreement with the Minister of communication, Dr. Bosun Tijani at the Inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue, held at the U.S. Department of State.

Tijani said: “I am pleased to receive this grant from USTDA to fund this feasibility study which is a critical component of our plan to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across Nigeria. This is further testament to our long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in technology infrastructure development..

“This partnership exemplifies the strong and growing relationship between Nigeria and the United States in the technology sector,” said Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, who opened the

Kuda Launches 2024 Spending Report

Kuda Microfinance Bank has unveiled its much-anticipated 2024 annual spending report called ‘My Year on Kuda’, giving customers an in-depth analysis of their financial activities over the past year. This report, it said in a statement, is designed to help Nigerians make smarter financial decisions by providing personalised insights into their spending, saving, and investment habits.

‘My Year on Kuda’ offers

a detailed breakdown of key financial data, including the total amount spent throughout the year, peak spending periods, comparative analysis with the previous year’s expenses, most frequent beneficiaries, top bill payments, and the number of times payments were made using Kuda cards. It also highlights how much money customers added to their accounts, their saving frequency, and their usage of Kuda’s popular overdraft

inaugural technology dialogue.

“By working together on this critical infrastructure project, we are not only enhancing internet access for millions of Nigerians but also creating opportunities for U.S. businesses to contribute their expertise and innovative solutions. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth and digital inclusion in Nigeria.”

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria

Richard M. Mills, Jr. said: “The launch of the Fiber Forward Project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with Nigeria. By enhancing connectivity, we are not only bridging the digital divide but also creating inclusive economic opportunities for all Nigerians. This project will empower communities, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth across the nation.”

feature.

In a statement announcing the launch, Kuda’s Vice President of Product and Innovation, Nosa Oyegun, said, “Financial planning is key to achieving financial freedom. ‘My Year on Kuda’ helps our customers reflect on their financial habits and make adjustments where necessary. It’s more than just a report, it’s a tool that gives Kuda customers control of their finances.”

Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Buy Interest in Oando, 31 Others Lift Stock Market by 0.02%

KayodeTokede

The Nigerian stock market yesterday commenced the new week trading on a positive note gaining 0.02 per cent on investors demand for Oando Plc and 31 others.

As a result, the benchmark Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) improved by 16.68 basis points or 0.02 per cent to close at 102,370.36 basis points, with the

Year-to-Date return at -0.5per cent. Consequently, the overall market capitalisation value up by N10 billion to close at N62.861 trillion.

Analyzing by sectors, the NGX Insurance index (+2.1per cent), NGX Industrial Goods index (+0.2 per cent) and NGX Banking index (+0.1 per cent), while the NGX Consumer Goods index (-0.5per cent) and Oil & Gas per cent (-0.1per cent) posted losses.

Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth closed positive as 32 stocks advanced while 26 declined. Caverton Offshore Support Group recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N2.42, while Wapic Insurance followed with a gain of 9.91 per cent to close at N2.44, per share.

SCOA Nigeria appreciated by 9.68 per cent to close at N2.72, while UPDC and Universal Insurance rose by 9.52 per cent

each to close at N1.84 and 69 kobo respectively, per share. On the other hand, Eunisell Interlinked led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N14.06, per share. John Holt followed with a decline of 9.63 per cent to close at N9.20, while Secure Electronic Technology shed 8.99 per cent to close at 81 kobo, per share.

Honeywell Flour Mills declined by 7.58 per cent to close at N9.15, while PZ Cussons Nigeria shed

6.00 per cent to close at N23.50, per share. Also, the total volume of trade increased by 304.48 per cent to 1.326 billion units, valued at N17.667 billion, and exchanged in 13,891 deals.

Transactions in the shares of Wema Bank topped the activity chart with 980.038 million shares valued at N9.801 billion. Universal Insurance followed with 31.318 million shares worth N21.201 million, while AIICO Insurance traded 22.147 million shares

while Zenith Bank transacted 19.704 million shares worth N925.983 million.

On this week’s trading activities, analysts at United Capital Plc said “we expect mixed sentiments in the market for risk-asset classes, as the expected primary market auction will look to divert a considerable amount of investors’ interest.

COURTESY VISIT TO EKITI STATE GOVERNOR...

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji (right) presenting a plaque to the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman Governing Council, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), during the visit of the FUOYE Governing Council members to the governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti...yesterday

Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede, Orders Troops to Take Fight to Terrorists, Bandits' Enclaves

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered troops of the 402 Special Forces (SF) Brigade, to take the counterterrorism fight and anti-banditry operations to the door steps of the criminal syndicates terrorising residents within their operational area of responsibility.

Oluyede gave this order during his operational visit to the 402 SF Brigade Headquarters, Kaduna, in the early hours yesterday.

A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the COAS also applauded the troops for their laudable performance in ensuring the safety of the KadunaAbuja road and rail corridor.

He said Oluyede, who was welcomed with a well-turned-out Quarter Guard in his honour received a detailed brief on the operational activities and challenges of the brigade.

The COAS acknowledged the challenges confronting the troops and pledged to resolve them expeditiously.

He reaffirmed his commitment to improving troops' welfare by

Addressing the troops, the COAS charged them to confidently project offensives against all terrorists, insurgents, and criminal elements within their Area of Operational Responsibility.

Dangote's Fuel Import Suit Stalled over Service of Court Processes

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Hearing in the suit by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company was yesterday, stalled at the Federal High Court, Abuja, due to a delay in the service of court's documents on the respondents.

Dangote by the suit was seeking to stop the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) from issuing licence for the importation of fuel to six oil marketing companies.

While NMDPRA is the 1st defendant, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited are second to seventh defendants respectively in the originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024 dated September 6, 2024.

Dangote Refinery through its lawyer, Dr. Ogwu Onoja, SAN, prayed the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products.

The plaintiff is also praying the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products, since such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

It equally sought N100 billion in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the five companies for importing petroleum products, among other reliefs.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, Mr. George Ibrahim, SAN, who appeared for the Dangote Refinery informed the court that the matter

was fixed for report of settlement or report of service.

Ibrahim, however, said they had been unable to take step to effect service of the processes and that issues of reconciliation had also not been looked into because of a motion filed to amend their originating summons due to the error discovered in the earlier application.

He said the application was dated November 25, 2024 and filed November 28, 2024.

Counsel to NMDPRA, Mathew Bukar, SAN; lawyer to the 3rd, 4th, and 7th defendants (AYM Shafa, A.A. Rano Limited and Matrix Limited), Ahmed Raji, SAN, and that of 5th and 6th defendants (T. Time Petroleum and 2015 Petroleum Limited), Divine Oguru, told the court that they were yet to be served with the plaintiff's application.

But Ademola Abimbola, who appeared for NNPCL (2nd defendant), said he was only served with the application at about 9am in the morning before the court began sitting.

Abimbola said Dangote Refinery served them with the amended originating summons because they raised objection that the 2nd defendant should not have been a party in the suit since its registered name was not what it was sued with.

The lawyer, who said the plaintiff amended the suit because it was already in the media, said the application would be studied for appropriate response.

The trial Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo told lawyer to Dangote that, he, "have not been able to position this matter to be heard and that is the cause of the adjournment."

The judge, who advised a counsel representing the party seeking to be joined, Olanrewaju Oshinaike, to wait until the processes were regularised, adjourned the matter

till January 30 for mention.

NMDPRA, in its counter affidavit deposed to by Idris Musa, a Senior Regulatory Officer in the office, prayed the court to dismiss the suit as it was misconceived, unmeritorious and incompetent.

Musa argued that Dangote Refinery was not entitled to any of the reliefs sought.

The official, in the application filed December 13, 2024, said the current production of Dangote Refinery was yet to meet the national daily petroleum products sufficiency requirement.

He said, based on this and in compliance with Section 317 [9] of the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), NMDPRA issued licences to import petroleum products to bridge product shortfalls to companies with good track records of international products trading.

Besides, he said the agency

was also mandated to promote competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions and unhealthy monopoly in the oil and gas sector.

He denied the allegation that NMDPRA was partaking in any purported “grand conspiracy and concerted efforts” against the refinery, describing it as “an allegation for which the plaintiff has provided no facts or evidence in support.”

The NNPCL, in its preliminary objection filed on November 15, 2024, also prayed the court to strike out the case for being incompetent.

Also, the oil marketers, in a joint counter affidavit filed on November 5, 2024, told the court that granting Dangote’s application would spell doom for the country’s oil sector.

According to them, the plan to monopolise the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country.

ensuring that every Nigerian soldier was well-catered toand properly accommodated.

The army chief charged the officers of the brigade to be exemplary by courageously leading their troops to surmount the security challenges in their area of operational responsibility.

He commended the troops of the Brigade for the operational successes so far recorded and charged them to sustain the momentum, adding, that the fact that every unit and formation needed the services of the SF Brigade was a testament to their exceptional performance. Nwachukwu said the visit was in furtherance of the COAS' commitment to boosting the morale of troops and ensuring their effectiveness in combating security challenges in defence of the country.

At Ivoirien Parliament, Akpabio Harps on Collaboration, African Unity

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, at the National Assembly of Cote D'Ivoire, yesterday, stressed the importance of parliamentary collaboration and unity among African nations.

He stated this at the opening session of the 2025 first Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan.

A statement by his Media office explained that Akpabio also called for strengthening of bilateral ties between Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire.

The Senate President’s letter was titled: "Strengthening Ties, Building the Future Together"

He told the Ivoirien lawmakers that Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria were not merely neighbours but partners in the grand endeavour of African progress.

"The future of west Africa rests upon us. Therefore, let us not be complacent. The challenges before us are vast – youth unemployment, human trafficking and security threats.

"Yet, so too are the opportunities. Parliamentary cooperation should lead the way to deeper executive collaboration and unity. We must set the tone for African parliamentary engagements and cooperation.

“The colonialists may have cut Africa into geopolitical chunks, but we must unite and stitch the torn fabrics of our heritage and teach the world that blood is still thicker than water.

"Let us envision of a region where borders are bridges of unity, not walls of division, where trade flourishes, cultures blend and progress becomes the right of every citizen.”

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, yesterday, said the agency was strengthening its audit systems in a bid to tackle corruption in the procurement system in the country.

Adedokun, made this known when he appeared before the Committee on Public Procurement to defend the Bureau’s 2024 budget performance and 2025 proposal.

He raised concern over the budgetary ceiling placed on the agency which he feared could hamper the objective among other strategies it plans to adopt to improve the system.

"The course of budget planning

and preparation, the Bureau proposed the total sum of N72, 775, 250, 713. However, the Budget Office allocated a ceiling of N3, 283, 021, 838. This sum, he noted, was in exclusion of personnel budget of N649, 558, 451.59."

On the 2024 budget performance, he said a total sum of 2, 234, 785, 641 was allocated out of which N2, 110, 061, 164 was utilised.

"The capital allocation of N289, 418, 688 for the year was inadequate to achieving any meaningful reforms and addressing the core mandates that will realise effective contract administration. Only the sum of N184, 024, 690 of the sum for capital expenditure has so far been released.

"The agency's 2025 budget primar-

ily focuses on addressing its office accommodation challenge, address monitoring and evaluation of projects throughout the nation, deliver an electronic procurement system to the country as well as build capacity."

While expressing gratitude to the Committee for the support it had shown the Bureau, he decried the paucity of funds and sought its assistance to get more money.

“We also realise that we need to intensify our audit exercise. It is better to prevent than to prosecute. Under our watch our strategy is to ensure we prevent misuse of funds through real time IT tools in procurement audit.

“We want to go digital in terms of our workflow, which means even if DG is not on seat, certification can

be done anywhere in the country. We also provided for an upgrade of our national database of contractors and service providers.

“Under the 2025 budget, it would no longer be business as usual. We will be categorising contractors, meaning that contractors of equal competence must bid for projects within their funding capacity.

“I want to assure you that we have the capacity to transform the procurement space within the shortest possible time. We will do more if empowered financially.

“If we use procurement as a tool for good governance, it would reduce corruption and poverty and increase employment and industry if this appeal is given due consideration.

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Linus Aleke in Abuja

INSPECTION OF WORK DONE ON 3.25KM ALAGBOLE-AJUWON-AKUTE ROAD...

L-R: Member, representing Ifo State Constituency 2 in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Fola Salami; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye; and Chairman, Ifo Local Government, Hon. Olalekan Kushimo, during the inspection of work done on the 3.25km Alagbole-Ajuwon-Akute road in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State... yesterday

Tax Bills: Afenifere Commends Govs, FG, Other Stakeholders for Simplifying Debate

Kano governor prioritises state-specific solutions

A pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has commended all those who worked to remove the stalemate that characterised the efforts at passing the four tax bills proposed by the federal government into law.

The Bills are Nigerian Tax Bill, Nigerian Tax Administration Bill, Nigerian Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, said Afenifere applauded the federal government for initiating the tax reform bills because of the inherent benefits.

“The way the matter was resolved has a lot for us to learn from. First is for our leaders to be visionary in taking initiatives that are people-oriented as demonstrated by President Tinubu on the tax bills.

“Second is the need by the society to express their feelings on issues of public concern. Third is the need by the leaders to be sensitive to concerns raised by members of the public.

“Fourth is the need to subject issues to consultations with open minds and submit to a superior idea that would be in the best interest of the majority as demonstrated by the parties involved in the Tax Bills controversy.”

Afenifere noted that all the above played out in the resolution of the tax bill brouhaha.

“With the consensus so achieved, it is expected that the bills will be passed soonest with the result that Nigerians, especially those on the lower rung as well as businesses,

will derive immense benefits from the implementation of the bills as soon as they become Acts,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has convened a two-day Expert Dialogue focusing on crafting solutions tailored towards the state’s unique economic landscape.

The event, which started yesterday through today, at Northwest University, Kano, gathered specialists from the

academia, the business community, and legal practitioners to dissect the controversial reforms and their potential impacts on states.

Speaking at the opening session, the Deputy Governor of the State, Comrade Aminu Gwarzo, highlighted the need for state-focused approaches to the proposed reforms.

According to him, while the bill aimed to streamline taxation at the

national level, some provisions, have not favoured states with less industrial activity compared to economic powerhouses like Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt.

“As a commercial hub, Kano has specific economic priorities that must be protected. This dialogue is vital to ensuring that our state’s interests are well-articulated and represented in national discussions,” he said.

The deputy governor emphasised that recommendations from the dialogue would provide valuable insights for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to present at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and, subsequently, the National Assembly.

“This platform should focus on ensuring Kano’s economic stability while addressing lapses in the bill that may have been overlooked by the NGF,” he said.

Northwest University ViceChancellor, Prof. Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa praised the state’s initiative in prioritising dialogue.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Technical Committee on the Tax Reform Bill Dialogue, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago, stressed importance of leveraging local expertise to identify gaps in the proposed reforms.

Your Constant Rhetoric Won’t Affect Nigeria, Presidency Tells Kemi Badenoch

Chuks Okocha

Presidential spokesman, Daniel Bwala, has said the constant comments by UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, against Nigeria would not have any effect on the country.

Badenoch recently renewed her onslaught against Nigeria.

While delivering her first speech of the year at an event organised by Onward, a British think tank producing research on economic and social issues, the Nigerian-born politician said she did not want Britain to be like Nigeria where she claimed the government had failed.

However, speaking during an appearance on television programme, Bwala said the UK Conservative Party leader’s comment was to gain the favour of her party.

“The only problem we have with Kemi, I think, is the rhetoric because Kemi belongs to the right

Ogidigben

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The federal government has received commitment from a Chinese firm, China National Chemical Engineering International Corporation Ltd (CNCEC), to support the development of the $20 billion Ogidigben Gas Project, in partnership with Nigerian stakeholders in a restructured funding partnership.

The commitment was given to the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, who is presently leading a team to China to market Nigeria and its opportunities for investment.

A press statement on Monday read that Tegbe held strategic ses-

sions with renowned economist and former World Bank Director, Prof. Justin Lin Yifu, who pledged support for the NCSP office in areas of policy implementation, reforms, and attraction of Chinese investments.

The Director General of the delegation was also hosted by China National Chemical Engineering International Corporation Ltd (CNCEC), whose President Li Zhenyi, expressed his company's commitment to contributing to Nigeria's economic growth through construction and industrialization, specifically their strong desire to support the development of the $20 billion Ogidigben Gas Project in partnership with other Nigerian

base in the United Kingdom, which is what you see in this populism around the world that you can deepen on your support system if you can feed off of the anger of the people.

“And so she’s building a rhetoric of denigrating Nigeria, demarketing in Nigeria, so she can probably win the acceptance or acceptation of the rights in her party. And that to me is counterproductive because if you look at Rishi Sunak, he is also of Indian origin. There has been this issue of gang rape in India.

“He has never used that as a weapon to promote what he believed to be a departure from what is likely to be believed as hereditary or history of the Indian people, but she has always denigrated Nigeria.”

Bwala dismissed fears that Badenoch’s remarks about Nigeria would affect the country’s efforts to bring investors.

He said, “I don’t think it would

have an effect because she’s not the government in power. Usually, these international relationships or collaborations are dealings between

governments. Because she’s not the government in power, it will not have any effect.

“Secondly, because she’s a

Nigerian, investors will be smart enough to access what she’s saying, whether it is born out of rhetoric,” he said.

PDP, Obi Mourn Victims of Niger Tanker Explosion, Calls for Inquest

FG transfers 20 victims to Gwagwalada specialist hospital

Chuks Okocha and Olawale

Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday mourned and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the2023 general election, Peter Obi, yesterday, mourned the tragic petrol tanker explosion that claimed over 85 Nigerians with many injured at Dikko Junction

along Dikko-Maje Minna Road in Niger State on Saturday.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said, ''This recent disaster adds to the ugly wave of tragic oc- currences that have befallen our dear nation due to the deplorable state of infrastructure and disorienting economic hardship occasioned by the gross neglect of the wellbeing of the citizens since the inception of the APC in government.

''It is indeed disheartening that Nigerians especially our youths and bread winners of homes continue to die on the highways and bear ugly scars as victims of the unspeakable misgovernance of the APC.''

that over 70 lives were lost, while more than 50 people were injured in the incident.

"These accidents, which have sadly become increasingly recurrent in recent times, highlight the urgent need for the implementation of stricter safety measures to address the dangers of tanker explosions and similar incidents, which often result in colossal disasters.”

Meanwhile, the federal government has transferred 20 victims of the tanker explosion to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja for better medical attention which was ordered by President Bola Tinubu.

stakeholders in a restructured funding partnership.

The Director-General acknowledged CNCEC's technical capabilities and their previous accomplishments and also reiterated the bold and audacious support of President Bola Tinubu on the major developmental projects across Nigeria as national priority to fast-track the nation’s industrialization.

Tegbe’s visit to China was as part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) projects coordination, and investment drive, and he has continued to have strategic engagement with key Chinese stakeholders to deepen the bilateral cooperation.

The visit aimed to review priority FOCAC projects, explore innovative

funding options, and attract major Chinese investments into Nigeria.

In Beijing, the Director-General met with representatives from China EXIM Bank and China Development Bank to discuss accelerated delivery of priority projects.

The delegation also visited the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Headquarters, where they toured a 2.5 million eggs-per-day production poultry farm, a visit to the firm aimed at assessing the feasibility of replicating similar projects in Nigeria using innovative funding models, such as the part contractor-financed, BOT, among others as recently adopted in other China-financed projects.

The PDP called on the federal government not to stop only at investigating the remote and immediate causes of this and similar incidents in the recent time but, most importantly take immediate steps to address the situation that led to the sad occurrences.

Obi, in his reaction, called for stricter safety measures to avert the persisting accident.

Writing on X, Obi condoled the bereaved families and prayed for quick recovery of the injured.

"The tragic petrol tanker explosion that occurred along Dikko-Maje Road in the Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State yesterday is truly heartbreaking. Reports indicate

A statement yesterday by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, said two additional patients had been transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

It added that the patients were accompanied by a nurse and family members to the designated referral centres to ensure seamless care.

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates to Nigerians.

In a related development, the Niger State Government has expressed gratitude to the federal government for its prompt and effective response to this unfortunate incident.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

in Abuja

Edo Guber: Tribunal Adjourns Ighodalo, PDP Petition Due to Delay in Serving Respondents Witness List

Adibe Emenyonu inBeninCity

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal (EPT) yesterday adjourned hearing in the petition filed by candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his party following delay in serving respondents the list of witness schedule.

During resumption of sitting yesterday, when the petition was called, counsels to the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC), Governor Monday Okpebholo, and All Progressives Congress (APC), Kanu Agabi, SAN, Onyeche Ikpeazu, SAN, and Emmanuel Ukala SAN, in their oral applications objected to the petitioners’ quest to go ahead to field witnesses in the proceeding.

The three counsels informed the tribunal that counsels to the petitioners only served them the witness schedule list few minutes to the commencement of proceedings, claiming that the development denied them the time to adequately

prepare for the cross examination of the proposed witnesses.

In his argument, Ukala said: “In view of the Tribunal directives on Saturday and agreement reached by parties in the petition that list of witness schedule should be exchanged by parties at least 24 hours before witness are call for each day.

“We expected that the schedule should be served on us yesterday (Sunday) through electronically or other means but counsel to the petitioners failed to do so.

Abiodun: Work to Commence on 17-km Sango-Ijoko Road Immediately

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that the construction of the 17-kilometre Sango-Ijoko road would commence immediately, saying that the road would be divided into two sections to allow for its quick completion.

The governor also added that the 3.25 kilometers AlagboleAjuwon-Akute road in Ifo Local Government Area of the state

would be ready for inauguration by the end of February 2025.

The governor made these known during the inspection of several roads under construction in Ifo 2 state constituency.

He said: “About four months ago, we were here in response to the fact that our attention was drawn to the state of roads in Ifo 2, particularly Alagbole-Ajuwon, Denro-Ishashi-Akute, Ajuwon-

Akite, Ijoko-Sango, and Lambe. I came here and promised that within a few months I would be back to commission all those roads that were in deplorable condition.

“Today, we are here; AlagboleAkute is completed and 100 per cent ready for inauguration, Ajuwon-Akute is ongoing, it is about 3.25 kilometers, and by God’s grace, by the end of February, it will be totally completed.

FG to HireYouths for the Building of 8,800 New Primary Health Facilities

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in abuja

Federal government has unveiled plans to recruit young Nigerians that will help to supervise the proposed construction of 8,800 new healthcare centres to be located across the 774 local government areas of the country.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, said there would be mass recruitment exercise for young Nigerians across all local government areas of Nigeria under the Presidential Health Fellows Programme recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Pate urged all eligible Nigerian youths to submit their completed application forms on www. healthfellows.ng on or before January 27, 2025,. The minister said that there will be a state-level, multi-screening exercise in each local government area of the federation to select those to be engaged.

Electoral College Nigeria, Others Conduct Successful SUG Politeracy Training

Sunday Okobi

In an effort to deepen political literacy and foster informed leadership, the Electoral College Nigeria, in partnership with the CJID and the University of Jos Students’ Union Government (SUG) recently concluded the highly anticipated SUG Politeracy Cohort training for the 2024/25 SUG executives and other key student leaders at the university.

The two-day training programme brought together a diverse group of student leaders, including the SUG 2024/25 executives, principal parliamentary officers, serving faculty presidents, SUG senators, and hostel governors. The organisers said it

was designed to enhance political understanding, as the sessions offered participants an in-depth exploration of key governance topics such as the dynamics of political communication, the functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and the importance of well-crafted declarations and manifestos.

APC Failures: Gombe Governor’s Campaign Secretary Dumps Party

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Adamu Modibbo, who is also a former secretary of the campaign organisation of the state Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has resigned from the party. Moddibo, who announced his resignation while speaking with journalists yesterday in his residence, expressed dissatisfaction with the policies of the current APC-led government in the nation.

According to him, at its inception, “the APC aimed to rescue Nigeria from its problems,” lamenting that instead of doing so, it allegedly led the country into chaos at the moment.

Buttressing his points further, he cited the removal of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira as some of the poorly implemented economic decisions by the party’s led administration. Moddibo criticised President Bola Tinubu for inflicting hardship on the citizens via his policies and for his alleged nepotism in appointments.

Minister Mourns Niger Tanker Explosion Victims

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has expressed his heart-felt condolences to the Niger State Government and families of the over 80 persons who lost their lives when a fallen fuel tanker exploded last Saturday at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

While wishing speedy recovery to more than 50 persons who suffered varying degrees of injuries, including burns, Abdullahi, however, praised the efforts of various emergency responders in evacuating the injured and de-escalating the spread of the inferno. The minister of state expressed deep sadness over

the recurrent incidents of fuel tanker crashes on highways with the resultant human casualties, severe injuries, and destruction of adjoining propertt. He recalled that barely four months ago, in September 2024, a fatal fuel tanker crash claimed several lives on Agaie-Lapai Road, also in Niger State.

Family Protests as Suspected Land Grabbers Destroy Farm in Ondo

Fidelis David in akure

The family of Pa Gabriel Oyinlola Modupe of Aponmu community in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State has protested the alleged destruction of both their food and cash crops worth millions of naira on their land by suspected land grabbers.

The protesters, who besieged the office of the AIG, Zone 17 and the governor’s office in Akure yesterday, carried placards with various inscriptions such as: ‘Our patience is being exhausted’; ‘Our farmland is being destroyed by Deji of Akure’; ‘Please, we don’t want war in our community’; ‘Please Stop them from our property’; and ‘Please save us from the hand of Deji of Akure’, among others. Speaking on behalf of the family, the Chief Sasere of Aponmu, Modupe Odunayo, expressed his displeasure over the destruction of cash crops like cocoa, palm trees, cashew, kola nut among others on the land.

Historic Win for Nigeria against New Zealand at U19 Cricket World Cup

Nigeria’s women's U-19 cricket team, the Junior Women’s YellowGreens, provided the first shock

of the ongoing 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia, defeating test-playing

Pamodzi Backs Chelle Ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Femi Solaja

Pamodzi Sports Marketing, a leader in sports marketing, sponsorship, hospitality and rights acquisition business with operations in Nigeria, has called on Nigerians to support the Super Eagles and the technical crew led by new Head Coach Eric Chelle ahead of the resumption of the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in March.

Chelle was appointed as the head coach of the Super Eagles this month, and Pamodzi believes what the Malian needs now is our prayers and support rather than dwelling on his suitability or capability.

“The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) made the decision to hire Chelle and we at Pamodzi share in the sentiments expressed by Ibrahim Gusau, the NFF presi- dent that the coach can and will deliver the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket,” said Mike Itemuagbor, the Chief Executive Officer of Pamodzi Sports Marketing.

Itemuagbor expressed his delight with the promise made by Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, to give the NFF the necessary support to get the Super Eagles to return to the FIFA World Cup after missing out the last time.

“Nigerians should queue behind what Dikko said and give the new man in charge of the Super Eagles all the support and motivation he needs. Chelle's success will be our success and a return to the World Cup and a good outing at

this year's Africa Cup of Nations will help a great deal in opening up businesses for a lot of people.

“Major football tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, are sporting events that capture the attention of millions of fans around the globe. They not only provide spectacular moments and entertainment but also have a profound economic impact especially on not only the host nation but also the countries taking part.

“One of such impacts is brand sponsorships which plays a massive role in the economics of football as companies invest heavily in associating their brands with prestigious tournaments and the senior national team, leveraging the visibility to boost sales,' added Itemuagbor who also harped on its social and political benefits.

“Football is the greatest unifying factor in Nigeria and has become a large employer of labour. When the Super Eagles succeed, Nigerians are happy and attracts more investments in the sector.”

The Super Eagles will resume their campaign in March with two games against Rwanda away at the Amahoro stadium in Kigali and Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo.

The Nigerians are fifth on the group table with three points, four adrift of leaders Rwanda, South Africa and Republic of Benin after drawing three and lost one of the four games they have played.

nation New Zealand by two runs in their first-ever World Cup game at the Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak, Malaysia early hours of Monday.

Having seen their first game, which was supposed to be against Samoa washed out on Saturday, Nigeria’s buzzing stars finally got a taste of the actions against New Zealand but it wasn’t without a delay too as the game started two hours behind schedule due to a wet playing surface.

There was no denying the eager Nigerian ladies their shine this time with New Zealand winning the toss and electing to field first in

a reduced 13-over match.

After an early peck on the woods, captain Lucky Piety led the charge scoring Nigeria’s first World Cup six, but New Zealand hit back, applying the squeeze and claiming two wickets to see Nigeria slip to 28 for three after theLilianpowerplay.

Ude added 19 runs before a four off the final ball from Omosigho Eguakun saw Nigeria set up New Zealand to chase 66 runs for the loss of six wickets in 13 overs.

Knowing they had to come to the party with their bowling in the second innings, the Junior Yellow-

Greens hit the gears gradually and took their first World Cup wicket off their first ball by Peace Usen as Kate Irwin was run out without facing before her opening partner Emma McLeod was dismissed for three.

Eve Wolland and Anika Todd scored patiently to steady New Zealand’s innings but their dismissals by Piety and Shola Adekunle gave Nigeria renewed hope to win the match.

Ude bowled a perfect final over, conceding only six runs with a run out on the final ball as Nigeria claimed a special and historic win.

For her game-changing perfor-

mance which saw her knock of 18 runs off 22 balls and a sharp bowling spell of one wicket for just eight runs in three overs, the captain, Piety, was awarded the Player of The Match award. Nigeria’s Yellow-Greens are now second in Group C with three points, one point adrift of leaders South Africa who brushed aside Samoa by 10 wickets for their second win of the tournament. Both Nigeria and South Africa are in good positions to advance into the Super 6 stage of the tournament but they will face off Wednesday to decide who finished on top of the group.

Leaders Liverpool on Verge of Sealing Last 16 as Lille Visit Anfield

Ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash between hosts Liverpool and French side Lille at Anfield, the Reds’ Head Coach, Arne Slot, is very much aware that he needs just four points from this game and the next one away at PSV to guarantee them top spot of the new format league.

Liverpool will secure their place in the last 16 if they avoid defeat at Anfield tonight. Slot's side are the only team with a 100% record from the opening six games in the new-look league phase.

Liverpool are three points clear at the top of the 36-team Champions League table and with those four points, it means that they will be seeded for the last 16 in March and

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

face one of the sides that progress through the two-legged play-offs in February.

However, with the new format seeing 15-time European winners Real Madrid, Premier League champions Manchester City and French champions Paris St-Germain struggling and likely to qualify through the play-offs at best, Slot believes finishing top may not be much of an advantage.

"With this strange new format, I'm not thinking (about) the league table in a way that if you finish number one you get the easiest team," he said.

"Paris St-Germain is low down but has faced maybe the hardest team in each of their games. Maybe if you end number one you can face them,” stressed Slot ahead of tonight’s big game at Anfield. Liverpool are six points clear at the top of the Premier League, into the semi-finals of the EFL Cup and FA Cup fourth round.

However, against Lille that have history of struggling against English sides as they have won just one of their last 10 UCL games against them (D2, 7), and losing the last six in successions, Slot is not taking anything for granted.

NPFL Unveils Prostar Sports as Official Match Ball

Matches of the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) would be played with the official match balls produced by Prostar Sports.

This followed the delivery of the first batch of the match balls from Prostar Sports to the NPFL earlier this week.

Speaking on the development, NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, noted that negotiations for the partnership dragged

beyond the first stanza because both parties, including the NPFL investment partners, GTI Assets Management wanted to ensure a thorough understanding of obligations of all parties.

"Ideally, the official match balls would have been introduced at the start of the season but we wanted to ensure that we got a ball that is of very high standard.

"There was an issue of ensuring that the balls met international

football competition standards so our players wont get used to playing sub-standard balls.

"So, we had lots of going back and forth until we were satisfied with what they were bringing to the table", Elegbeleye clarified yesterday.

Paul Maduakor, the CEO of Prostar Sports expressed delight at finally getting the deal over the line, describing the negotiation process as very meticulous.

"It is a major breakthrough for us at Prostar Sports, a proudly Nigerian brand keying into President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda to produce and supply sporting equipment of international standard for the NPFL, the biggest league in Africa", declared Maduakor. Maduakor added that "doing business with the NPFL allows us to contribute to the growth of local talent and elevate the

professional football experience in the country".

A brand literature of the ball describes it as the pinnacle of Prostar Sports International dedication to quality, innovation, andTheperformance. size 5 ball is crafted with diamond-pattern soft-touch thermal bonded PU leather, ensuring exceptional durability, control, and a premium feel for players.

TODAY

Atalanta v S’Graz

Monaco v Aston Villa

Atletico v Leverkusen

Benfica v Barcelona

Bologna v Dortmund

C’Brugge v Juventus

C’Zvezda v PSV

Liverpool v Lille

Sl’Bratislava v Stuttgart

Why not? Manager Bruno Genesio wont be paying much attention to statistics. He has completely transformed his side as they currently boast an almighty 21-game unbeaten run dating back to September 2024. That included undefeated in their last five Champions League since losing to Sporting CP on Match-day 1 which has catapulted them into contention to finish within the top eight!

With Liverpool’s duo of Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez out for a "weeks rather than months" through injury, coach Slot should be happier with the return of Alexis Mac Allister from Champions League suspension. Allister’s last four Liverpool goals have been home openers.

Liverpool players at training in Anfield ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash with French side Lille

Lucky Piety...was voted Player of the Match during the Nigeria versus New Zealand at the ongoing U19 Women’s Cricket T20 World Cup in Malaysia early hours of Monday

TUESDAY

abati1990@gmail.com

Anyanwu to Ikedi Ohakim

“No one could write Abacha or his government and it became Nigeria’s greatest secret. Where was this letter written; when was it written, by whom and to whom was it given? And how did it happen that it was only Ikedi Ohakim that had access to it? And by the way, where was Ikedi Ohakim 30 years ago, in the ‘days of terror’ when people were fighting, dying, escaping and suffering for Democracy? Was he helping the oppressors?” --Ex-Lawmaker, Senator Chris Anyanwu, fires back at the former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim.

WITH REUBEN ABATI

The Second Coming Of Donald Trump

The most important global event yesterday, January 20, 2025, was the inauguration of Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States, now as the 47th President of the United States in what has been correctly described as his second coming. Trump’s second coming should be taken in this literal sense, the United States allowing for a possible two terms in office as the limit for any President, in line with the 22nd Amendment (1951) in the United States Constitution. With his landslide victory in the Nov. 5, 2024 election, in which he defeated Democratic late-comer to the race, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump was assuredly on his way to serving his second and final term as President and that process reached its climax yesterday. The only President that served more than two terms was Franklin D. Roosevelt who ran for the Presidency and won four times (1933-1945), before Americans embraced the wisdom of George Washington (US founding father and first President) that any President serving more than two terms was likely to become a king or an emperor. Trump’s return to the White House is reminiscent of the example of Grover Cleveland who served a term like Trump (1885 -1889) as 22nd President, lost re-election like Trump and then won re-election four years later: (1893 – 1897) to become 24th President. History turned full circle and repeated itself yesterday more than a century later with Trump being the second President in American history to be elected for two non-consecutive terms. History was also made with Trump at 78 years, 220 days becoming the oldest President ever inaugurated, over 100 days older than President Joe Biden was when he became President in January 2021. By the time he completes his term four years from now, Trump will be 82. He is also the first convicted felon to occupy the White House having been found guilty of 34 counts of felony in the Stormy Daniel, hush money, record-falsification case. Curiously, Grover Cleveland, the first democrat elected after the civil war, was also embroiled in allegations of sexual assault and violence from a woman named Maria Halpin. It would be quite a long shot to assume that Trump is a reincarnate of Grover Cleveland, in the same manner as students of soul evolution have tried to establish similarities and connections between Abraham Lincoln and J.F. Kennedy. Nor can the phrase “the second coming of Trump” be interpreted in a Christian eschatological sense.

With all his right-wing, hardline conservative rhetoric, however, Trump is not the messianic figure who will bring about a new heaven, a new earth and a new Jerusalem that his supporters and fans envision him to be. “Donald Trump’s Disruption is Back…He’s Back” says the Time Magazine, with an illustration showing President Biden’s aviator sunglasses being swiped off the Resolute Desk. Nothing could be more apt, again very much like the official portrait of the 47th President, unsmiling – the smile in the 2016 official portrait has been wiped off and replaced with a gangster-style, fiendish look, with a scowl. The portrait looks like a mug shot and one body language expert has observed that the simple language of the Picture is that Trump is on a revenge mission. He is back to take a pound of flesh. Trump is not the messiah; he is Nietzsche’s change agent: the Super Man who revels in his own sense of importance. Trump has promised that he will “make heads spin on his first day back in office”, and really heads started spinning long before he made his improbable comeback now a reality. Last Sunday, he posted memes on Truth Social including one that says: “Not elected to be nice. Elected to get results.” This process of getting results began over the

weekend with President Trump relocating to Washington DC, in preparation for his inauguration on Monday, January 20. On Saturday, he held a party at his golf club in Sterling, Virginia, featuring an Elvis Presley impersonator and fireworks display. Saturday night, he slept at the Blair House, the President’s official guest residence on Pennsylvania Avenue, across the street from the White House. On Sunday, he held a rally ahead of the inauguration to remind everyone obviously that he was back in town and he was going to plant the Republican and the Trumpian flag in Washington DC, again. Trump was not new to the symbolism nor the imagism but he needed to drive home the point. The glorious moment eventually came yesterday and it was quite an impressive ceremony. The inauguration of the 47th President was held indoors due to freezing temperatures outdoors. The weather yesterday was – 5 Celsius in the same city, on the same grounds. In 1961, President John Kennedy was inaugurated amid -22 Celsius, but the weather can be cruel, and climate change has been the cruellest of all things over the years, after all the poets, not one, not two but about four are of the view that “winter is the cruellest month”. I have no objections to the Trump inauguration being held indoors, with about 750 persons in attendance. It was however most ironic that the ceremony was held in the same high sandstone hall at the Capitol’s Centre where Trump’s supporters broke in and rioted on January 6, 2021 in an attempt to overturn America’s democracy. In 2021, the same Trump supporters held America hostage. Their man, who threatened to hold America by the jugular, returned yesterday. “Oh! America.”

This was much clear when Senator Amy Klobucher (D-Minnesota), chairwoman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural ceremonies, in declaring the ceremonies open and welcoming everyone, talked again and again about “peaceful transfer of power at the heart of our democracy”, our enduring democracy, and how the “Capitol is the people’s home”, and the responsibility of citizenship not to seek malice. Yesterday. Americans celebrated 250 years of democracy and the 60th Presidential inauguration ceremony but I could not miss the additional point made by Senator Deb Fisher (R- Nebraska) about “the prominence of a people through change”. Again, it was all about the American people, putting

back to power, a man whose supporters in the same space desecrated the people’s yearning for change. Senators Klobuchar and Fisher may have been passing a message or a set of subliminal messages across, but the point is that democracy is what it is: it provides the people an opportunity to make a choice and even if they make a wrong choice, it is up to the people to either defend or reject their own choice, not for anyone to dictate to them. President Trump was applauded again and again after being sworn in as President, and there was a crowd of enthusiastic cheer leaders at the Capitol Arena hailing the new Chief. It was a symbolic, impressive moment but it was also a prayerful moment as well from the invocations by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York to Rev. Franklin Graham, President and CEO, Samaritan’s Place who delivered the opening prayers. And the Benedictions by Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman of the Yeshiva University, Rev. Lorenzo Sevell, Senior Pastor of 180 Church, West Detroit, and Rev. Frank Mann of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, New York. Rev. Sevell from West Detroit made quite an impression. Trump’s inauguration coincided with Martin Luther King’s week. King was a champion of freedom, justice and equality. Brother Sevell understood the assignment. He spoke about freedom and equality and evoked memories of Black America’s struggle for freedom. This was clearly in line with the tone that was further echoed in Donald J. Trump’s second inaugural speech, and perhaps the bigger poignant moment at the main event for me was the rendition of “America, the beautiful”, by Carrie Underwood, after what looked like a brief impasse of awkwardness in an otherwise beautifully organized, well-choreographed event. But of course, the main moment anyway was President Donald Trump’s speech. Well crafted. Well delivered. Good nuance. A fiery speech. It was a combination of sharp, cruel jabs at the outgoing administration and a promise that America will do better under Trump. He accused the democrats of a horrible betrayal of our people. “All of this will change starting today.”, he bellowed. He threatened to change the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and take back the Panama Canal which he called “a foolish gift” to Panama. He declared that he would be “a peacemaker and a unifier”, and that under his watch, America will be the most respected nation in the world. He wants to build a society that is colour-blind and marriage based. “There are only two genders – male and female, and that will be US state policy, and those who rejected COVID mandate will be reinstated with full back pay.” He wants to overhaul America’s trade system and impose tariffs and taxes to “enrich our country” by setting up an External Tariff Service. His words as I heard them: Confidence. Effectiveness. Exceptionalism. He wants America to be a manufacturing country again, the largest oil and gas nation, that will build automobiles. He will announce a national emergency to drill. Drug Cartels will be classified as terrorist organizations. All illegal entries will be halted. “And we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.” Those coming from Mexico must remain in Mexico, as all foreign gangs will immediately be eliminated. On inflation, President Trump said he will “direct all members of my cabinet… to defeat what was record inflation”. He lied in that regard though. US inflation was not record-inflation under President Biden. I watched President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris’s body language as the delivery progressed. The only time I saw them standing up and applauding was when Trump touched on the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East. In any case, Trump promised what he called “the revolution of common sense”.

In terms of optics, the ceremony did not disappoint. Trump, a friend of rich America did not disappoint in particular as some of the world’s richest persons got the best sitting positions: Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk, with the room reeking of capital, wealth, power, and influence. The CEOs of the tech giants had reportedly donated as much as a minimum of a million dollar each to support the inauguration. Musk, the world’s richest man was so excited he told the audience at the Capital One Arena, where there was a more elaborate parade, that Trump’s win is “no ordinary win, this was a fork in the road of human civilization” and that “the future of civilization is assured”. He echoed Trump’s sentiment that now is the time “to plant the Stripes and Stars on the planet Mars.” Trump’s tone was in turns dark, staid, and aggressive. He insisted in a second speech that he won the election in 2020. As he spoke, members of his far-right Proud Boys group, the J6 gang, paraded around the streets of Washington. They expect him to pardon their members who have been convicted for the January assault on the Capitol. And he has promised he will. He was confident that he would save America. “From this moment on, the decline of America is over… I return to the Presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success. A tide of change is sweeping the country. Sunlight is pouring over the entire world. And America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before”. WE should ask: is sunlight pouring all over the world with Trump 2.0? While American exceptionalism may sound like good music to the ears of most Americans, particularly fans of Trump’s agenda, it sounds ominous to the rest of the world, as Trump’s speech was underscored by threats of possible and likely American expansionism, casting America’s superior power as a threat to the global order. For Nigerians who think that a public profession of faith means something, President Trump for their information refused to place his hands on any Bible: his mother’s Bible and the 1861 Lincoln Bible, held by his wife, Melania, while he took his oath of office. President Jose Raul Mulino of Panama says he must “comprehensively reject the words of President Donald Trump “because “the canal is and will remain Panama’s.” Beyond Panama, it is the entire world that is panicking, from Greenland to Russia, to Ukraine, to Canada which Trump has boasted will be turned into the 51st state of the United States, to Africa, the European Union and Asia. Trump may be determined to make America great again, but it would be a sad development if the world were to become a smaller place under his influence. America gets a new President; the world is quaking. It is a poor foreboding. No one is even sure of what the future holds for America within its own borders. In the last moments of his Presidency, Joe Biden had to grant unprecedented, preemptive, pardons to persons that he thinks may be targeted by the second coming of a man on a revenge mission. Those pardoned are essentially prominent critics of Donald Trump including Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease for more than a decade who defended COVID protections, former Representative Liz Cheney who condemned Trump, members of Congress who served on the committee that investigated the Jan 6, 2021 insurrection, as well as close members of the Biden family and their spouses that could be targeted by Trump. The mere fact that a group of persons needed to be shielded, even when they have not been held liable for any specific crime, ahead of the inauguration of a new administration in the United States is a loud, sub-textual comment on the status of American democracy and its immediate future.

US President Donald Trump