FRIDAY 23TH FEBRUARY 2024

Economy Expanded in Q4 Bouyed by 95.30% Non-oil Contribution

Oil sector accounted for 4.70%, agriculture 26.11%, manufacturing 8.23% Growth slowed to 2.74% in 2023

James Emejo in Abuja

The Nigerian economy grew by 3.46 per cent in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2023 (Q4 2023), compared to 2.54 per cent in the preceding quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.

The GDP performance under the review period was driven mainly by the services sector, which recorded a growth of 3.98 per cent and contributed 56.55 per cent to the aggregate GDP.

According to the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Report Q4 2023, released by the statistical agency, the performance was however, lower than 3.52 per cent recorded in Q4 2022. GDP also weakened to 2.74 per cent, year on year in 2023 compared to 3.10 per cent in 2022.

In the quarter under review, aggregate GDP stood at N65.91 trillion in nominal terms, higher than N56.76 trillion recorded in Q4 2022. This indicated a year-on-year nominal growth of 16.12 per cent. Real GDP was estimated at N21.77 trillion.

In Q4, the country’s average daily oil production increased

to 1.55 million barrels per day (mbpd) compared to 1.45 mbpd in the preceding quarter and also higher than 1.34mbpd recorded in Q4 2022.

Quarter on quarter, the oil sector recorded a growth rate of -3.81 per cent in Q4 2023, and grew by -2.22 per cent on annual basis compared to -19.22 per cent in 2022.

The oil sector contributed 4.70 per cent to the total real GDP in Q4 compared to 5.48 per cent in the preceding quarter and 4.34 per cent in Q4 2022.

On the other hand, the non-oil sector contributed 95.30 per cent

to GDP in Q4 compared to 94.52 per cent in Q3. The sector grew by 3.07 per cent in the review quarter, and 3.04 per cent in 2023 compared to 4.84 per cent in 2022.

The agricultural sector contributed 26.11 per cent to GDP Q4 2023, lower than 29.31 per cent in the preceding quarter and 26.46 per cent in Q4 2022.

The sector grew by 2.10 per cent in Q4 from 2.05 per cent in Q4 2022, and 1.13 per cent in 2023, down from 1.88 per cent in 2022.

The manufacturing sector’s contribution to the economy dwindled to 8.23 per cent in the

review period from 8.42 per cent

in Q3 and 8.40 per cent in Q4 2022.

The sector grew by 1.38 per cent, year-on-year in Q4, higher than 0.90 per cent in Q3 but lower than 1.46 per cent in Q4 2022. The growth rate of the sector on a quarter-on-quarter basis stood at 9.54 per cent. It grew 1.40 per cent in 2023, lower than 2.45 per cent in the preceding year.

Also, trade contributed to 15.50 per cent to economy, higher than 15.19 per cent in Q3 but lower than 15.82 per cent in Q4 2022. On an annual basis, the sector grew by 1.66 per cent in 2023, lower than 5.13 per cent in 2022.

NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC RESET: SCORES SEE NEW OPPORTUNITIES AMID PAIN

This is because with the International Oil Companies (IOCs) quitting the Niger Delta, resulting in dwindling financing of oil and gas projects, the belief is that the time to ramp up crude oil production and refining is now.

The IOCs are therefore giving new opportunities to Nigerian professionals.

Besides, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the federal government use most of Nigeria’s production to importation of fuel and subsidy to raise cash in international markets.

But with that drying up in capacity, Nigeria needs to ramp up oil production to begin to meet its original OPEC quota.

A number of oil analysts believe that with the right fiscal incentives, Nigeria can add 500,000 bpd of oil in the near term, which in turn will produce the dollars needed to stabilise the currency market.

Technology

Another area of opportunity is technology. Given Nigeria’s new tech revolution, many see opportunities in data centres, data aggregation, cloud computing, IT outsourcing, software development, networking, etc, for Nigeria’s growing tech talents, who will stay in the country to provide tech services to global players around the world and earn dollars.

So, instead of leaving the country, they have naira costs but earn revenue in dollars.

Social Media Influencing:

Social media influencing is yet another opportunity that is being leveraged heavily. A lot of young Nigerians have become influencers and are thriving in the e-commerce space on the social media. These influencers are earning dollars and

the more they drive markets, the more they earn.

Curiously, with the devaluation, many of the influencers, who earn dollars have seen their revenue quadruple and that is engaging young people to become influencers across social platforms like the Tiktok, Instagram, Snapchat and to some extent Facebook. These influencers earn big revenues. And this is growing by the day.

Security Services:

The fourth opening is in security services. With insecurity all over the country, new security companies driven by tech are springing up.

These include bodyguard services, tech services, CCTV services and so on. With the right husbanding, security will be big business, partly driven by Israeli experts, who are advising Nigerians.

ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: SANWO-OLU INTERVENES, REDUCES WORKING DAYS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS

package during a media interactive session, "Sanwo Speaks," to intimate residents on steps being taken by his administration to reduce the effects of the harsh economic realities on residents.

He announced the re-introduction of 25 per cent transport rebate and subsidy on movements in governmentowned transport system.

Part of the interventions, according to Sanwo-Olu, include: prompt payment of pensioners’ entitlements, re-introduction of Sunday Markets for subsidised goods at selected places, and subsidy on some drugs.

He also listed the suspension of certain registration requirements in public schools, like demand for tax clearance certificate, to accommodate more out-of-school children. He added that 100 trailers of rice would soon be made available to for 300,000 households.

The governor said his administration targeted to distribute combo food bags to over 3,000 households. He said the government had embarked on procurement of 100 trailers of rice and some other food items, which would be packed and distributed to the less-privileged, with adequate monitoring. He said the government had identified 42 Sunday markets for the exercise.

In the health sector, Sanwo-Olu said the 31 general hospitals across the state had been directed to take child deliveries for free. He announced that the six health districts in the state would embark on free health missions twice a week.

The governor said the reintroduction of 25 per cent reduction in all public transportation, will include: the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as well as rail and ferries. He pledged to increase transport support for teachers in public schools across the state and exempt parents from showing evidence of tax payments to encourage enrolment of more students in schools.

Sanwo-Olu stated, "This administration is working towards putting interventions in place across different sectors to reduce and

ameliorate the sufferings of Lagosians.

"We will open soup kitchens/bowls where identified caterers (mama put) at least 1,000, will be employed across local government areas to feed those who need it, once daily.

"Beneficiaries will get vouchers to be able to access the kitchens. We will also be having food purchase and redistribution to people who need it, especially as we are currently expecting about 100 trailer loads of rice and grains.

"Also, we will be having Sunday markets in 42 identified markets, where people can buy cheaply at discounted rates. Purchase will, however, be limited to N25, 000 to ensure that those who really need it benefit from the initiative.

"There will be free delivery in all general hospitals (normal and caesarean section), and a rebate on certain medications. Six health districts will be holding free health missions twice a week for the next three months."

The governor restated the commitment of his administration to achieving its THEMES plus development agenda, disclosing that the ground-breaking ceremony of the 4th Mainland Bridge and unveiling of the Redline Rail System would take place on February 29, with President Bola Tinubu expected to attend.

On electricity supply, the governor said his administration awaited the passage of the Electricity Bill before the House of Assembly. He assured that once the bill was passed and signed into law, the government would ensure that the state witnessed new investment companies and on both generation and distributions.

Sanwo-Olu assured that the proposed law would grant investors the capacity to grow on their own and bring about the "Willing buyers and willing sellers concept", where a lot more investments in alternative sources of energy would thrive.

He added, "It is for that law to be passed by the House of Assembly. Once that law comes out, you would see new investment companies and

on both generation and distribution.

"And they would also have capacity to grow on their own. So willing buyers and willing sellers concept would work, there would be a lot more investments in alternative sources of energy."

Stating that Lagos remained a strong enabler of independent power supply, Sanwo-Olu said the state currently had a running Independent Power Project (IPP). He stated that there was need to localise the law and regulations so that those investments could come in by making the environment "new entrants' friendly."

According to Sanwo-Olu, "We in Lagos State also have the IPP that we are running on our own. We are strong enablers on the independent power supply. So we know what all of the terrains are because the environment was not that new entrants' friendly, which has now been removed.

"We need to localise the law, regulations so that those investments can come in. The solution to electricity in Lagos State, we are fully aware. We are doing a lot on the deliverables, a lot of our streetlights now, we are turning them into solar, so that we can reduce consumption of diesel and the rest of it from our feeds."

The governor commended residents of the state for their support over the years, and assured that his administration would continue to put infrastructure in place in order to make life better for residents.

He said his administration was not unmindful of the economic challenges faced by the citizens, but warned that the government would not tolerate contraventions of its environmental laws.

Sanwo-Olu sued for continued peace in the state, irrespective of ethnicity, tribe or religion, even as he reiterated his administration's commitment to the integrated urban transportation system and development of all sectors in the state.

Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for residents to shun violence and work together with his administration to achieve a greater Lagos.

Agriculture:

Agriculture is equally playing big. Nigeria’s food has become very cheap and people in neighbouring countries are coming into the country to buy food.

Tackling the current hunger in the land requires massive food production to not only feed its

large population but to also feed the West African sub region and beyond. Nigeria has rich and fertile lands in abundance to scale production.

So, it is believed that this is the right time for the agriculture sector to ramp up production with massive mechanised farming, where they can produce to feed West Africa.

In addition, young people

can build greenhouse farms in-compound to grow food. With food inflation high, there’s an opportunity for production because it is the only chain that can reduce inflation, and not high interest rates.

There is however a high demand for the Nigerian food across West Africa and the only way to tackle food inflation is through massive production.

TINUBU: NO GOING BACK ON ECONOMIC REFORMS UNTIL VISION FOR NATION IS ACHIEVED

yesterday, soaring to N1,700 following major government clampdown on cryto trading platforms such as Binance and others, where manipulative tactic known as spoofing pose major threat to the value of the local currency.

This involves individuals or groups placing large buy or sell orders on the platform without intending to execute them.

This creates a false illusion of high demand or abundance, influencing others to buy or sell at manipulated prices.

The deceptive practice, often used in conjunction with pump-and-dump schemes,

But the Chief Executive, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has criticised the ongoing crackdown on Bureau de Change (BDC) operators by law enforcement agents to arrest further naira depreciation, saying it still would not provide the much-sought solution.

However, Tinubu’s response came about 72 hours after Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) advised the federal government to review its floating foreign exchange regime to save the country from monetary collapse.

Also, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) cried out over the fate of the naira, saying for Nigeria to boost its production base, priority FX allocation must be given to the sector.

Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who made the assertion Wednesday said a 60 per cent increase in customs duty in the last three weeks was unsustainable.

He revealed that less than 20 per cent of FX requirement was available in the banks, and that most manufacturers got their FX requirements from the black market.

But speaking while receiving a delegation from the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Florizelle Liser in Abuja, the president reiterated his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability, emphasising that he was not relenting until his vision for Nigeria was achieved.

Tinubu commended the recent landing of a 45,000-kilometre submarine fibre optic cable in Akwa Ibom State, which established connectivity for the entire South-south region of Nigeria with Europe, and other parts of Africa via the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlighting the significance of the feat, the President noted that with the right policies, partnerships, and determination, Nigeria could overcome long-standing development challenges that have encumbered rapid progress across sectors.

Drawing on his extensive experience in corporate governance and interactions with CCA during his tenure as the two-term governor of Lagos State, Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the corporate council’s dedication to fostering business connections between the United States of America and Africa.

"I am happy that the council is interested in various segments of Nigeria’s economy. We are right in the middle of a challenging stage of our reforms. We have headwinds, no doubt, but we are not going back.

''We are challenged, and we believe we will overcome the challenges. I have a can-do attitude that must be translated into a must-do attitude. We have a good team, and we must remain focused to get the goal accomplished," Tinubu stated.

The president reaffirmed his commitment to creating an enabling environment for business to thrive, emphasising that his administration’s focus on investing in key sectors, such as agriculture, solid minerals, energy and health was unshaken.

He also listed physical infrastructure, trade promotion, financial services, digital enterprise, and the creative economy as underpinned by the need to ensure the welfare and prosperity of citizens, as some of his priorities.

''We are going to do more on security and investing in education, as we believe that education is the greatest weapon against poverty. We welcome partners like CCA, and we will strengthen our partnership to achieve our goals,'' he said.

Earlier, Liser expressed CCA’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth through the eight priority areas outlined by Tinubu’s administration.

She invited Tinubu to consider participating in CCA's US-Africa Business Summit in May in Dallas, Texas, and urged him to see CCA as a partner in enhancing USA-Nigeria trade, business, and investment.

Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events, the the naira experienced significant gain against the US dollar in the parallel market yesterday , soaring to N1,700. This surge followed the apprehension in the parallel market operators across the country.

In contrast, the official exchange rate at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEM) depicted a different story, with the naira depreciating to N1,571.31/$1, marking a loss of N28.73 compared to its Wednesday closing rate of N1,542.58/$1.

The parallel market also saw the naira witness a substantial gain to N1,700, adding N220 in one day

compared to N1,920/$1 it exchanged on Wednesday. Notably, yesterday recorded a daily turnover of $192.25 million an increase of 11.68 per cent compared to $172.14 million recorded the previous day.

The highest spot rate recorded yesterday was N1,851 while the lowest spot rate recorded on the he day was N1,300.

Rewane: Crackdown on BDCs' Not Solution

The Chief Executive, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has criticised the ongoing crackdown on Bureau de Change (BDC) operators by law enforcement agents to arrest further Naira depreciation. Speaking on Channels Television's Business Morning show, he said, the raid would be counterproductive as government make the situation worse by the action.

"This doesn’t happen in other countries, raiding market and all. You are only making it more difficult because there is what we call illicit premium in a currency.

"You leave them do what they want, a speculator can make money and a speculator definitely will lose money."

Rewane urged the government to "Allow things settle down and the true value of the currency will emerge.

"All these is what I call misguided enthusiasm of law enforcement agents is chasing shadows and is going to be counterproductive.”

He said that the market would be brought under control when the government intervenes by supplying enough dollars into the market.

He said, “Let the market settle and when you have enough supply intervene. If the central bank wakes up today and says we are going to intervene with $500 million, all the bureau de change will run into the bush because nobody will patronise them."

He said raiding BDC operators was not the solution to the forex crisis, and wondered what offence they have committed to warrant the raid.

“What is the offence that they have committed in the first place? I heard something like naira racketeering, mutilation of notes and all that, is that the problem?

"And I heard the BDC man saying that we will ensure that the rate will come down, were they the ones that ensured the rate went up in the first place?

“Market works when the supply is in excess of demand. The value of that currency appreciates. When the demand is in excess of supply, the currency depreciates."

Wale Edun

ECOWAS JUDICIARY INSTITUTE VISITS TINUBU...

FG Mulls Stoppage of LPG Export over Escalating Gas Prices in Nigeria

Ekpo meets stakeholders to chart pathway for Nigeria’s gas resources Operators seek payment of $1.3bn legacy debt

The federal government is considering halting the export of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) also known as cooking gas, to slow down the escalating prices of the product, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, said yesterday.

Speaking on the sidelines of an internal stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, the minister assured that although the government had not been making noise about all the efforts to crash LPG prices, it was deeply concerned about the increasing rates in the market.

The internal stakeholders at the event included: the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory

Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN), among others.

Ekpo stated that serious meetings were ongoing on the matter, including the current practice of selling gas in dollars, which has impacted prices, stating that Nigerians will begin to see changes soon.

He explained that government has demonstrated the will to ensure that prices of gas which have risen by up to 50 per cent in recent months, are reduced considerably by the recent withdrawal of all taxes and levies on importation of gas-related equipment.

FG: $1.1bn Needed

Describing it as a big incentive, the minister, asked why the reduction was not reflecting in gas prices in the market, said it will take sometime for the policy to materialise.

“On the issue of LPG, we are interacting with the critical sectors to ensure that there is no exportation of LPG. All LPG produced within the country will have to be domesticated.

“And when this is done, the volume will increase and of course the price will automatically crash. I'm in contact with the regulator. Then we have meetings almost on daily basis, and then with the producers of the gas, like Mobil, Chevron and Shell. So there is the hope that things will turn

around. We don't need to make noise about it.

“And it is part of it that we are having this engagement, to know exactly what the problems are, so that we can address it once and for all,” Ekpo explained.

On excessive ‘dollarisation’ of gas prices, Ekpo equally stated that meetings were ongoing as a fallout of recommendations from the February 6 external stakeholders meeting, noting that all views were being collated for appropriate action.

On why prices were not falling despite removal of 7.5 Value Added Tax (VAT), he said: “It is not going to reflect that way. We are dealing with human beings. We have made a policy. And these

for Rehabilitation of 100-year Tincan Port , Others Almost Ready

Eromosele Abiodun

The federal government yesterday in Lagos announced that the $1.1 billion million required for the rehabilitation of the 100-year-old Tincan Island Port, Apapa Port, and other ports across the country is almost ready.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola disclosed this during the commissioning of seven patrol boats acquired by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for port security.

Oyetola said that the commissioned boats are expected to improve efficiency at Nigerian ports "I commend the management of the NPA for taking the initiative to strengthen safety in the maritime space. Security is very important and we need to give it the kind of attention it deserves.

“We cannot be talking of trying to get the full potential of the Blue Economy without strengthening the security of our ports.

"It was deliberate on the part of Mr. President to have created the Marine and Blue Economy ministry. Blue economy had always

been there, but not as structured as to generate the kind of revenue a maritime nation like Nigeria should be earning,” Oyetola said.

The minister added part of what the ministry was trying to do was to ensure maritime security as well as accelerate automation of the ports to make them more efficient.

"Again, we are modernising the ports. We want to be able to compete with any port in the world. We want to ensure that the vessel turnaround time is reduced to four days as opposed to about six to 10 days that we currently have.

"We must commend Mr. President for taking the initiative of creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and for supporting us all the way. I can tell you that the fund for the port rehabilitation is almost ready and we are going to commence rehabilitation anytime from now," he added.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko said the procurement of the seven security patrol boats was preceded by a robust needs assessment process.

He noted that this was undertaken by a highly experienced team drawn from the agency's security and marine operations divisions and the vessel management department, who were painstaking and followed through with the product output specification including necessary sea trials.

He added: "This event today is another testament to our commitment to continuous improvement in the journey towards transforming our strategic intent of becoming the maritime logistics hub for sustainable ports services in

“Enhanced maritime safety, security & compliance to global acceptable standards is one of Nigerian ports authority’s deliverables under the presidential priorities of Federal Government of Nigeria.

"What we are witnessing today is pursuant to achieving these deliverables and aligns with the presidential directives regarding performance of MDAs.”

He said the deployment of these state-of-the-art security patrol boats takes Nigeria a notch higher in

its compliance with the dictates of International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

He highlighted the distinctive features and multiple functionalities of the boats and the game changing effect they bring to bear on security preparedness and capacity to respond to emergent threats are enormous.

“I have chosen to refrain from mentioning those superlatives here because of the security implication of doing so.

“ However, I am especially delighted to say that these security patrol boats position us to achieve our set goal of driving increased vessel traffic to the Eastern Ports of Onne, Rivers, Warri and Calabar Port Complexes where four of the vessels to be commissioned today have been allocated.

"Although Onne Port has in recent witnessed increased vessel traffic, we cannot rest on our laurels. We will continue to push the advocacy and galvanise stakeholder opinion towards growing the fortunes of the Eastern Ports, “he said.

people, the investors, they want to maximise the profit that they are going to get from it.

“ But at the end of the day, we have to come in. That is why you have the regulator, we are interfacing with them to make sure they crash the price. We are meeting with them on a daily basis”.

Earlier, he said the workshop was aimed at repositioning the Nigerian gas sector for optimal performance, and to unlock Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for economic development and poverty eradication.

Ekpo said it was his expectation that having heard from the operators in the industry, policymakers, regulators and policy implementers will internalise the feedback from stakeholders and customers to proffer workable solutions to tackle the issues.

“With over 208Tcf in proven gas reserves, Nigeria has no business with energy poverty, and it is imperative for us to rise up as a people to tackle these challenges head-on,” the minister stressed.

According to him, the theme of the workshop “Harnessing Nigeria’s Proven Gas Reserves for Economic Growth and Development” was very apt and provided a platform to galvanise action and take the necessary steps to release the nation’s abundant

gas reserves.

Also giving an overview of the first meeting with external stakeholders, the Director of Gas in the ministry, Oluremi Komolafe, said during the last meeting, operators raised concerns over the non-recovery of $1.3 billion dollars owed to gas producers from gas supplied to the power sector.

In addition, she explained that the issue of inadequate infrastructure was identified as part of the problems hindering gas supply to numerous off takers, and end users nationwide.

The participants, she said, recommended the fast-tracking of the completion of key gas projects such as the OB 3 gas pipeline as well as enable the quick commencement of the Midstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MGIF) to enable the funding of critical gas infrastructure projects.

Besides, Komolafe stated that stakeholders agreed on the need to improve gas network system transparency and volume allocation as well as optimising the network code.

Specifically, she pointed out that the Oil Producers’ Trade Section (OPTS) said the continuous changes in fiscal conditions always resulted in uncertainty, fiscal instability, and negative impact on portfolio value.

Senate Confirms Cardoso, MPC Chairman

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate yesterday confirmed the nomination of Dr Olayemi Cardoso as Chairman of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Also confirmed for appointment as members of the MPC are: Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, CBN deputy governor), Bala M. Bello (CBN deputy governor), Emem Usoro (CBN deputy governor), Philip Ikeazor (CBN deputy governor), Lamido Yuguda, (DG Securities and Exchange Commission), Jafiya Lydia Shehu,

(Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance), Murtala Sabo Sagagi (CBN director) Alloycius Uche Ordu, Aku Pullen Odukemelu, Mustapha Akinwunmi and Bamidele A.G. Amoo.” President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday named the Governor of the CBN, Cardoso as Chairman and 11 others as members of the MPC. Tinubu had in his letter of nomination to the Senate, said his action was in line with the provisions of Section 12 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

L-R: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola; Minister of Justice and Antony General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar in a group photograph with member of ECOWAS Judiciary Institutes during a delegation of the institute's meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa Abuja..... yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

BANK IMPORTER-EXPORTER ENGAGEMENT FORUM…

Monthly Allocation: FAAC Shares N1.149tn to FG, States, LGs

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) yesterday shared a total sum of N1.149 trillion (N1,149.816 trillion) as January 2024 Federation Account Revenue to the three tiers of government.

The amount shared was less that the gross statutory revenue of N1,151.808 trillion received for the month of January 2024, and also higher than the sum of N875.382 billion received in the month of December 2023 by N 276.426 billion.

Citing a communique issued at the end meeting presided over by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, a statement from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation explained that the total distributable revenue shared for the month of January comprised distributable

statutory revenue of N463.079 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N391.787 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N15.922 billion and Exchange Difference revenue of N279.028 billion.

The communique stated that from the N1,149.816 billion total distributable revenue, the federal government received a total of N407.267 billion, the state governments received N379.407 billion and the local governments received N278.041 billion.

A total sum of N85.101 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

From the N463.079 billion distributable statutory revenue, the federal government received N216.757 billion, the state governments received N109.942 billion and the local government councils received N84.761 billion.

The sum of N51.619 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

The federal government received N58.768 billion, States received N195.894 billion while the local government councils received N137.125 billion from the N391.787 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue.

The N15.922 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was shared as follows: the federal government received N2.388 billion, the State Governments received N7.961 billion and the local government councils received N5.573 billion.

The federal government received N129.354 billion from the N 279.028 billion Exchange Difference revenue.

The state governments received N65.610 billion, and the local government councils received N50.582 billion.

The sum of N33.482 billion (13 per cent mineral revenue)

was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

From the N463.079 billion distributable statutory revenue, the federal government received N216.757 billion, the state governments received N109.942 billion and the local government councils received N84.761 billion.

The sum of N51.619 billion (13 per cent mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

The federal government received N58.768 billion, the state governments received N195.894 billion and the local government councils received N137.125 billion from the N391.787 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue.

The N15.922 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was shared as follows: the federal government received N2.388 billion, states got N7.961 billion and the local government councils received N5.573 billion.

Tinubu to HoS, Perm Secs, DGs: Expedite Action on Welfare Benefits of Citizens

Demands monthly key performance indicator reports Says he won't tolerate unnecessary delay in interventions targeted at vulnerable Nigerians

Deji

The President, who met yesterday with the Head of Service, The Body of Permanent Secretaries, and some Directors-General of agencies at the State House, said policies impacting the welfare of the people and the economy must be treated with urgency, diligence, and a strong sense of duty.

President Tinubu warned that the ineffectiveness and unnecessary bureaucracy that result in the delay of interventions on the economy and with programmes targeting vulnerable citizens will not be tolerated.

He directed that a monthly briefing by The Head Of Service and submission of key performance indicator (KPI) reports should be made to his office for review, and that quarterly interactive meetings between him and The Body of Permanent Secretaries will now be scheduled.

The Head Of Service and The Body Of Permanent Secretaries have been mandated by the President to consistently measure progress in actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of

his administration.

He said: “Before the next meeting, I want to see progress in the civil service. I have been sending people to check the level of work that gets done. Service to the nation is extremely important. We are to change the narrative on Nigeria.

“You and I can change the perception about Africa, not just Nigeria. We might not get it 100 percent right, but if we are focused, I think we can totally change and reshape the trajectory of our country in the right direction".

The President asked public servants to always think and work with a generational understanding of their role in shaping national history, knowing that they serve as the engine room of the government

and that their actions will affect more than 200 million people in the country and abroad.

“Let us make our children’s dreams come true. Why are we slowing that down?

“It is not just shameful. It is unacceptable. We made a pledge to bring our people out of poverty. You should not increase their vulnerability. Help Nigerians to get out of these problems, do not compound the tough situation with unacceptable delays,’’ President Tinubu said.

Earlier in her address, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, briefed the President on the performance of the service in relation to previously established KPIs across multiple assessment streams.

Similarly, the federal government received N129.354 billion from the N 279.028 billion Exchange Difference revenue.

State governments received N65.610 billion, and the local governments received N50.582 billion.

The sum of N33.482 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

In the month of January 2024, Companies Income Tax (CIT), Import Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Oil and Gas Royalties increased significantly, while VAT), Export Duty, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and CET Levies decreased considerably.

The balance in the ECA stood at $473,754.57 as of February 22, 2024.

Senate Rejects FIRS Opposition to Tax Credit Scheme

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate Committee on Finance, yesterday rejected the suggestion of the Federal Inland Revenue Service ( FIRS), urging it to frustrate the N2.7trillion Tax Credit Fund required for specific road construction by the Federal Ministry of Works.

The Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, had at a meeting with the Committee penultimate week, kicked against fresh N2.7trillion requested for by the Ministry of Works through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPCL) for funding of roads projects under the Tax Credit Scheme .

However, the Minister of Works , Senator David Umahi faulted the argument of the FIRS before the Committee yesterday, saying the N2.7trillion was not a fresh request but funding gap incurred as at January this year.

He explained to the committee that the Tax Credit Scheme, has helped the nation to get some critical roads across the country, rehabilitated or reconstructed within the last three years .

Umahi said, "Tax Credit simply means front loading of taxes of the affected agencies involved and using it for infrastructure development .

"A very good example of it, was the Apapa-Oshodi Road, reconstructed by Dangote Plc under the scheme which not only solved the problem of congestion on the road but provided solid road that can last 50 years life span .

"It is the same road infrastructure solution the N2.59trillion Tax Credits being

offered through NNPCL is offering but not well funded yet .

"Only N650billion has been released through two batches for funding execution of the affected roads under the scheme, making the N2.7trillion funding gap very necessary .

"We need the fund for completion of roads already started under the scheme," he said.

He said that aside the scheme, the Ministry based on provisions made in the 2024 budget , has no concrete appropriations for road construction .

He said, "2024 budgetary provisions for the Federal Ministry of works which are slightly above a trillion Naira , are palliatives for road construction, the reason why the National Assembly should make substantial appropriation for road infrastructure across the country .

"In doing that, at least N4.4trillion, should be appropriated for 100kilometres road construction per each of the six geo - political zones ", he added.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Sani Musa ( APC Niger East), said "Tax Credit Policy is a welcome initiative meant for exigencies being addressed and based on submissions made by the Minister , the N2.7trillion , should be released for completion of ongoing projects under the scheme."

He however added that fresh implementation of the policy outside the N2.7trillion , should be halted for now.

WEMA

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Wema Bank,Mr. Wole Akinleye; Representative Of The Trade and Exchange Unit, Central Bank of Nigeria, Anne Ezekanagha; Regional Head,Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), South West Region,Mr. Akintunde Folorunsho; Divisional Head Operations, General Services and Business Process Re-engineering, Wema Bank, Mr. Tajudeen Bakare and Head, Central Operations and Trade Services Wema Bank, Mercy F-Olagundoye, at the Wema Bank Importer-Exporter Engagement Forum in Lagos recently ETOP UKUTT

POLITICS

IActing Group Politics Edito r DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye @thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY

As Akeredolu Goes Home Today...

Fidelis David reports that former governor of Ondo state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, will be laid to rest today in his Owo country home after a nine-day funeral rites.

t is often said that death is inevitable and is a debt everyone owes. Thus, we must all reckon with death, because someday we will all confront our own end, but along the way, we will also witness beloved friends and family pass from this life into the next.

Late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has reckoned with death. He died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 after a prolonged illness at the age of 67.

‘Aketi’, as he was fondly called by friends and admirers, died in “God’s grace and friendship” and indeed assured of eternal salvation as he’s laid to rest today.

The event is expected to be a gathering of governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, captains of industry, friends, family, political associates and other dignitaries from all walks of life.

During the COVID-19 tsunami, Nigeria saw the death of many influential and top politicians. However, since the end of the disease in Nigeria we’ve never recorded the death of a titan in such circumstances that are unexpected and shocking. This is because, it seems not believable that the former governor battled leukaemia and prostate cancer, which resulted in his death.

People in the real world always say, when something terrible happens, the sadness and loss and aching pain of the heart will lessen as time passes, but it seems not to be true in all cases, particularly, in the case of Akeredolu.

He was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and former Attorney General of Ondo State, and a two-term governor who served as the Chairman of the South West Governor’s Forum before his death.

He was elected Governor of Ondo State on the Platform of the All Progressives Congress in November 2016 and re-elected in 2020, he was also the Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997-1999 and became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1998 as well as, the President of Nigeria Bar Association from 2008 to 2010.

Arakunrin

Akeredolu who declined chieftaincy titles but officially adopted the sobriquet “Arakunrin”, the Yoruba equivalent of “Mister” was seen by many people as not just a political figure but a visionary leader and a beacon of hope.

Most people who know Akeredolu have often said he was not the conventional politician whose main preoccupation is to talk and act in ways that sway the voters and endear them to support him.

Unfortunately, he was the third Nigerian governor who died in office since the country returned to democracy on May 29, 1999.

Others are Patrick Yakubu Yakowa, who died in 2012 in a military jet crash, and Mamman Ali of Yobe state, who died in 2009 after a long battle with leukaemia.

Progressive Governance

For Akeredolu, the people of Ondo State, Nigeria and the world at large will forever remember him as the great governor, who gave it solid footing.

Development experts have often said that one of the major problems bedeviling Nigeria, apart from corruption, is the spate of abandoned projects all over the country, stemming from the tendency of drivers of successive administrations to rubbish the policies of their predecessors and start afresh for purely egoistic reasons, ultimately leading to incalculable damage to governance and economy.

Realizing this, upon assumption of office in 2027, Akeredolu came under relentless pressures from different quarters asking him to dislodge the larger than life image of his predecessor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, popularly called Iroko which loomed large in the Sunshine State landscape following his eight- year reign in the state.

Basically, Akeredolu was told that he could only carve a niche for himself through the removal of the imprimatur of Mimiko, such as revisiting programmes and projects of Mimiko for possible cancellation since the former governor also did the same for the policies and projects of the Agagu Administration.

However, Akeredolu did not budge. He continued with Mimiko’s Administration’s projects, including the Mother and Child Hospital Project, extending it to Igbokoda, Owo and Okitipupa.

Akeredolu’s Infrastructural Drive

The success of any government is measured by how well an administration has successfully and positively impacted the lives of the people it was elected to govern. During his tenure, ‘Aketi’ prioritised his people’s wellbeing, driving progress and development in all

sectors. His leadership resulted in significant improvements, particularly in infrastructure, security, and industrialization.

So, for Akeredolu, he was truly focused about where he is was taking the state to, as he within six years in office focused on infrastructural drive of the state.

This include construction of over 450 kilometres of roads across the state which encompasses; the dualization of the once bloodsucking Okealabojuto road; dualization of Emure-Owo road; dualization of Ikare Township Road; dualization of Oba Osupa road in Akure; dualization of Owo township road; construction of Iyere-Ipele road, and dualization of Nepa-Hospital Road in Akure.

Others are dualization of CBN – Bishop Court, Akure; the ongoing dualization of Oda road in Akure; construction of OAUSTECH Internal access road in Okitipupa; construction of Sabomi township road; construction of 12km Okitipupa – Igbokoda bypass road; construction of 16km Idanre – Ijoka virgin road; construction of Iwalewa – Hospital road; construction Of Abusoro-Ijoka road and Alagbaka SIB/Appeal Court road in Akure.

In addition, the construction of Gaga community road; construction of Oke-Ogba community road; reconstruction of Ijapo road; construction of Club 20 road; reconstruction of Iwaro-Oka road; reconstruction of Jubilee – Ugbe-Akoko road; Asphalt overlay of Okitipupa township road; construction of Igbara-Oke/Ibuji/Ekiti boundary road, among others.

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Akume as Stabilising Hand in Tinubu’s Govt

Emmanuel Ado writes about the need for those around President Bola Tinubu to allow the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to function effectively as the nation’s number one Chief Servant.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others - Mahatma Ghandi

These are certainly not the best of times for President Bola Tinubu. There appears to be a brewing storm between his government and the hegemonic North. And this has been further worsened by the pockets of protests against some policies of the Federal Government, due to the unbearable cost of living. The other problem is external; the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is at the verge of disintegration under his watch.

Though the protests might fizzle out with time, and the military prodigals may return eventually to ECOWAS at a future date, there seems as yet no road map for dealing with the brewing storm from the North. Accordingly, in the coming days, Tinubu will be needing a strong army of contacts in the North to help him fix things. He has a battery of them already, but for some reasons, his joker appears to be Senator George Akume. But who is George Akume, and why could he be the reliable truce maker?

Given the dimensions of geo-political interest in who gets the top job of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), under President Tinubu, the media speculations and permutations did not give Akume, a long-time political associate of Tinubu, any iota of chance.

But the President, known for his high sense of humour, and who must have thoroughly enjoyed the media-miss, had no reservations whatsoever in appointing Akume to the covetous post of SGF, the central clearing house for all Federal Government’s activities. He apparently knew more than others that Akume would be an asset to the administration. And Akume has since proved the President right by being a steady hand in positioning the government to deliver on its campaign promises.

The SGF position is a lofty and enviable one. But only few persons would admire Akume,

because Tinubu has saddled him with a job that is not for the faint-hearted. Nigeria has serious security and economic challenges, due to the failure of previous governments to implement some tough but necessary decisions like the removal of petroleum subsidy, floating of the exchange rate, and the diversification of the economy,which the Tinubu administration has boldly taken, and has made it hugely unpopular.

Akume could be said to have seen it all, in terms of occupying impactful offices and discharging onerous responsibility of governance. He was the first governor of Benue State to complete two terms in office (1999-2007), elected Senator of Benue North West Senatorial District under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and emerged as Minority Leader of the Senate, where his paths with Tinubu further crossed and deepened.

Though Akume’s bid to return to the Upper Legislative Chamber of the National Assembly was thwarted by Senator Orke Jev of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akume bounced back to reckoning when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs. All the while, he has remained down-to-earth, courteous, humble and extremely loyal.

But while there is absolutely no doubt that

Tinubu has found an asset of inestimable value in Akume, a consummate public servant, a team player, a bridge builder, an unassuming politician, and a nationalist, who is not overbearing or supercilious, the fact remains that Akume can only effectively function as the SGF if he is trusted and given the room to operate.

The recent leakage of the request for N1 billion for the Trapartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage is believed to have been by forces bent on pitching Akume against the public, as financially irresponsible and undermining his capacity to function.

A former secretary to a state government described the N1 billion as “very reasonable”. He said: “Committee assignment is one of the most expensive line items in government expenditure. I was an SSG and know this for a fact”. It’s a shame that the leakers refused to leak the supporting documents to allow Nigerians make an informed judgement.

Although the tasks of the SGF are well speltout, in time past, some administrations all but took away the functions of that office and assigned them to people from their region. This inevitably led to hiccups, distortions and even malfunctions in the system.

Although there have been no whispers of Akume having this problem, it is expected that the politically astute Tinubu will not tread that path of discordance, as his Lagos Boys hover around every available space.

There is absolutely no doubt that while Akume needs the solid support of the President, who has the final word on both domestic and foreign policies, to effectively discharge the responsibility of his office and to help him calm the North, but his effectiveness depends largely on how some key people around the president relate with him, because Akume already enjoys the confidence of the president.

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DO NOT MEDDLE WITH BREAD!

Government must go to any length to provide food for the people, writes

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

See page 21

LIVE ON, SALLY YOUNG

See page 21

O. JASON OSAI pays tribute to Daniel Iriferi, highlife musician of note EDITORIAL

There were more troubles during the week as protesters took over Ibadan streets on Monday over the rising cost of living. There had been previous ones in Minna and Kano. Mercifully, the protests of prevalent biting hunger by the people have been peaceful. Perhaps that was why Godswill Akpabio, president of the Senate, could afford to be flippant about an otherwise serious matter while addressing the Upper Chamber on Tuesday, saying the demonstrations were sponsored.

Although he has always been known to be garrulous, having mounted the exalted seat of the president of the Senate, some frivolity ought to be beyond him. The contemplation that Nigerians are incapable of thinking by themselves except negatively influenced by others is a rampant oddity among public officials, particularly politicians, which must be cured one way or the other. The good thing though, is that Akpabio and his likes are not deluded by their delusion to fail to respond to the demands of the protesting citizens upon whose mandate they live a parasitic life.

So, the spiraling street protests should be the wake-up call President Bola Tinubu needs to review the effectiveness of his administration with regards to the implementation of not just critical policies, but also his directives. Without a doubt, the government and most social analysts envisaged the adverse effects of the petrol subsidy withdrawal and singlewindow foreign exchange policies, hence the alleviation measures that were rolled out even if half-hearted. What may not have been envisaged is the poor or failure of delivery of the palliative measures.

For instance, recognising the hardships in the land, the president in a nationwide broadcast late in July last year rolled out a series of short-term measures aimed at ameliorating the pains of his economic reforms. It included releasing 200,000 MT of grains for households; 225,000 MT of fertiliser and N200 billion for farmers to cultivate maize, rice, wheat, and cassava; N75 billion for 100,000 MSMEs; N50 billion for Nano businesses; N75 billion for manufacturers; and N100 billion for 3,000 gas-powered buses. If anyone was in doubt that it was either these measures were not implemented or that they had failed to achieve their objectives, the demonstrations and deafening cries of hunger would have cleared that doubt.

The question, therefore, is what happened? Which officials and ministries were supposed to carry out the presidential directives? Did they, do it? If yes, where is the implementation report, showing who

Protest in the streets is a wake-up call for the president that the people are not getting relief, writes BOLAJI

ADEBIYI

THE FEEDBACK TINUBU NEEDS

got what, and the evidence of the impact on the targeted vulnerable people who have now taken to the streets? These queries are necessary because following the initial protests the president directed some key ministers to review the development and take remedial measures. It would be useful to let the public know what precisely stood in the way of these reliefs. Whatever it is, the president needs to take his officials to task on the need for not only efficient but also rapid delivery of policies and programmes, particularly those aimed at cushioning the negative effects of his economic reforms.

Unless the president dealt with this obvious administrative gap, his over a trillion-naira provisions targeted at impacting the people directly in the 2024 fiscal estimates would remain illusory. His N100 billion consumer credit scheme, N65 billion mortgage support facility, N100 billion agriculture fund, N100 billion school feeding, N500 billion anticipatory wage awards, and N400billion conditional cash transfers would just remain wellintended but a mirage.

The other area of concern that the president must address is the underperformance of state governors. One of the arguments for the removal of the petrol subsidy was that it would free funds for the provision of social infrastructure, including roads, education, and health. Indeed, huge funds have been saved since June last year. The Federation Account allocation for the first-month sans subsidy

swelled to N907billion from the previous month’s N786billion. The trajectory has been upwards. Twice, the three tiers of government shared over a trillion, N1.783 trillion in November and N1.13 trillion in December. In most months over 50 per cent of the funds went to the states and local councils. The rate of increment has been mammoth for some of the states like Ekiti with 94 per cent.

In addition to the humongous increase in federal allocation, the states have received palliative support from the federal government. Akpabio in his scandalous comment earlier cited revealed that the states had received around N35billion relief from the federal government. Earlier this week, Tinubu released another N2billion to each of them. It is doubtful if the people would have been on the streets if these funds were judiciously applied by the governors. What is more saddening is that not only have the governors frittered away the funds for the states most of them have also confiscated the allocations for their councils which were paid into their Joint Allocation Accounts as required by the 1999 Constitution as altered.

Meanwhile, when the demonstrators took the streets, it was on the president’s head that they heaped all the blame for their excruciating pain. Although the Constitution does not confer regulatory authority over the state governors on the president, it has become crucial, in the wake of rising public discontent, for him to exert some measure of political pressure on them to utilise the resources of their states for the benefit of their citizens. At least, let them emulate one of their own, Babajide SanwoOlu of Lagos State, who on Thursday rolled out some relief measures. Some categories of staff will now work three days a week to reduce transport costs, reinstating also, a 25 per cent subsidy for transportation. One hundred trailers of rice would be distributed to vulnerable households even as Sunday markets where some selected goods would be sold at subsidised rates would be reopened.

If more states do their bit and let their local councils to breadth the possibility exists for the lessening of tension in the polity as the pangs of hunger are likely to reduce. Of course, the substantive issue of deploying states’ resources for the benefit of the people would be the permanent cure for removing discontent among the citizens.

Adebiyi, the executive editor of Western Post, is a member of the Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers

Government must go to any length to provide food for the people, writes

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

DO NOT MEDDLE WITH BREAD!

To understand what Nigeria is fiddling with today, we’d have to travel as far back as the Roman Empire. This is not a journey to Rome as Nero fiddled as it is not a story about one man. This is a call to our attention, especially to some governors who need to be called to Abuja to see clearly what’s staring at them in their states.

From available records on the Roman Empire, certain things defined the popularity of an Emperor. Three especially stand out. If you wanted to be popular — Roman emperors placed a premium on their popularity amongst the people — winning new territories was a sure

bet. To go to war and to return with the spoils of war and an expanded empire always earned popularity for the emperor or an aspirant who desired the throne.

One emperor, desperate for such popularity, went to war with Roman soldiers, fought no one, then returned to Rome with some of those soldiers dressed as slaves, like they were spoils of war.

Julius Caesar on his part conquered Gaul, because he wanted the popularity and the power that came with it. He went on to exaggerate his exploits in his book, Commentarii de Bello Gallico, in the same way some politicians today exaggerate their roles in public office in their autobiographies or books written by their allies. However, there is no exaggerating the reward Caesar got. Becoming the Julius Caesar for starters.

There were other emperors who didn’t go to war. They played for popularity by keeping the Roman people entertained. They simply organised more festivals and gladiator games than usual, all to distract the people from political or economic issues of the day. Long into its decline, author Juvenal suggested the people of Rome were, “only anxious for two things; bread and circuses”. Emperors like Caligula used these distractions to good effect, until the intrigues of Roman politics caught up with them.

Across its history, there were popular emperors who were not given to organising circuses. There were even iconic emperors like Marcus Aurelius, who achieved popularity, yet never won new territory for the empire. Even though he fought wars to protect the realm.

I do not know of a single emperor that was popular or deemed great today that ruled a Rome that was hungry. Emperors never toyed with the grains of the Roman people. They instead offered their own allies to be killed and handed to the people for daring to get in the way of the food supplies.

Voltaire once offered a variation of the Juvenal quotation, stating that Parisians required only, “the comic opera and white bread.” 260 years before the French revolution, riots broke out in Lyon because of poor grain harvests. There was chaos, maiming, looting and the destruction

of the houses of the rich. The Grande Rebeyne (Great Rebellion) ultimately led to the spilling of grain from the storage to the streets. What happened in 1529 foreshadowed the 1789 French Revolution.

Bread was not the (only) cause of the revolution. Often presented to be that simple and straightforward, the issues that led to the revolution were layered and a lot more complicated than bread. However, the shortage of bread helped to spark the anger directed at the monarchy. There had been the Flour War of hundreds of riots within a month. Riots that were sparked by food scarcity and the high cost of food. The riots spread from the inner cities to Paris.

To emphasise the place of food in the kingdom, the monarch oversaw the supply of food to the people. This earned the king a nickname, “The First Baker of the Kingdom”. Turgot, an aide of Louis XVI advised the king in clear terms, “Ne vous mêlez pas du pain”. Do not meddle with bread.

Bread, it would seem, gave empires and kingdoms their life. You cannot write about great civilisations like that of Egypt and Babylon, without telling the story of grains/bread. When Jesus said, “man shall not live by bread alone,” it was a statement that emphasised the essence of bread. Contrary to perception, the statement didn’t diminish bread. Else, “alone” wouldn’t have been necessary.

History, dynamic as it is, exists to reflect who we are as humans. There is no us without those who came before us. Whatever elevated them can lift us, just as we are not above the temptations they battled against.

Nigerians are probably some of the most resilient people in history. They get pushed to the wall, they hardly bounce back, they dissolve through it instead. Nigerians found their way around the scarcity of Naira, we navigate the worst of petrol scarcities, we celebrate a few hours of light as we found comfort in the norm of darkness. We may shout and complain about these things, but we always just find a way around them. We somehow never pursue solutions; we just find a way. Higher fences and burglary against armed robbers, SUVs against bad roads, foreign schools — even if na for Togo and Lesotho – against ASUU strikes, generators, inverters, roadside fuel sellers, lawmakers engaging in construction, etc., these are all Nigerian answers to problems we refuse to fix.

These things are different from food. There is no design to bypass the scarcity of food. Only the availability of food can solve that problem. And to the hungry, whether the food comes from a Nigerian soil or a Dutch one, people just want to feed. Open the borders, let people feed. Only the living can compute the balance of trade.

At times, those Roman emperors — at least in Rome — ruled over people fewer than the population of some of our states. Today, we have some governors who need to be prodded by Abuja to get down to doing what they were elected to do. Ki la o je l’agba, ohun l’agba ki la o se. That’s King Sunny Ade saying, “what are we going to eat?” is more important than “what are we going to do?” Do not meddle with food! People are hungry.

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

O. JASON OSAI pays tribute to Daniel Iriferi, highlife musician of note

ON, SALLY YOUNG

reports that the legendary Urhobo musician, Chief Daniel Iriferi, (aka Sally Young) is dead; he died at the age of 91. A native of Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Young reportedly died on Sunday, February 11, 2024, after a brief the reign of Sally Young to “the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s” during which he released such hit songs as ‘Oko Oko’, ‘Weji Vwe Vwo’ and many others, my recollection of the exploits of the music maestro predates the 70s.

In the sixties, Sally Young released the super hit single “We must Live”, which he rendered in the mixed linguistic grill of his native tongue Urhobo and pidgin English.

which was in vogue at the time for the and commercial success in the multilingual chats in the 1960s with “We must live”, which is, doubtlessly, an evergreen of the

“We must live” is a song of strong resolve, dedicated determination and passionate supplication to Oghene (God) for protection assertion “take our name to Jericho…take our name to native doctor, we must live”.

Generally delivered in Urhobo language tinge of English language, the intensity of the vocals of “We must live” demonstrated the requisite resolve, strength and force in the expression of the supplicatory essence of the song. By mentioning the names of members and associates of the band in the song, Sally Young exhibited the camaraderie musicianship of that epoch in the song.

In the delivery of the song, the guitarist displayed mastery of the art of playing in the core while providing the musical pivot around which the song revolved. With obvious contentment, he laced the song with complimented the essence and motif of the vocals; one wonders what might have been if he was given space for a solo. Incidentally,

he demonstrated artistic similarity with the guitarist in Rex Lawson’s “Akaso Inyingi” and the contentment of Gregg Rollie’s simple and supportive organ, yet playing a supremely important role in “Song of the Wind”, taken from the 1972 album, Caravanserai, by Santana Band.

In a seeming combative yet obviously bassist consistently expressed his and melodiously complimenting the guitar in furthering the beauty and consistent tempo of the song. Like the guitarist, he demonstrated a mastery of his instrument. Also contended with being at the background, the drummer consistently maintained the tempo while promptly cuing in the singer and every other instrumentalist to maintain the

captured the lamentation mood of the song in the interlude during which he displayed expressive similarities with Franco Oviebo, Rex Lawson’s legendary altoist. In the exit segment, the trumpeter, with his muted wind instrument, reminded the listener of the handiwork of bandleaders of old in the mold of Bill Friday, Eddy Okonta, Zeal Onyia, Victor Olaiya, Rex Lawson, etc., as they led the happy pack to the melodious and victorious end of each track.

resolve to survive and succeed, Sally Midwest State (which included his native Delta State and Edo State) singing that “one with God is perfect”; here, he expressed absolute belief and faith in the protective propensities of God thus the song.

The delivery and masterly engineering of “We Must Live” make it a timeless masterpiece even in its brevity. In all, Sally Young and the Busy Bees came across as a tight-knit band of exquisite instrumentalists all demonstrating obvious mastery of their instruments. their individual capacity did not yield the desired result; God bless their souls whoever they are and wherever they may be for bequeathing on humanity such a splendid song.

The artistic contributions of Chief Daniel Iriferi (aka Sally Young) to the music and sociocultural identity of the Urhobo people during his life time of nine decades added profound depth and meaning to the sociocultural heritage of the Urhobo ethnic nationality of Delta State. This clearly established him as musical landscape.

Live on, Sally Young.

Professor Osai, PhD, DSSRS, writes from Rivers State University, Port Harcourt

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email

peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

FEDITORIAL

ENDING THE CULTURE OF OFFICIAL BEGGING

Those caught in the act should be severely sanctioned

or decades, either on the road or in most of the important desks at practically all levels of government in Nigeria, ‘anything for your boys’ has almost become the From airports to supermarkets to hotels to banks and the major highways across the country, this pervasive and shameful conduct not only dehumanises the perpetrators but also makes our country vulnerable since unscrupulous elements

new ethos that places emphasis on self-respect and practice, as it has been going on for several years, the situation seems to have worsened course, the economic downturn in the country could be a convenient malaise runs far deeper as the culture of begging

news programme ‘60 Minutes’, secretly recorded international gateway, the Murtala Muhammed major scandal that had serious dent on our image as

caught in a viral video demanding money from a female biker who was on tour of Nigeria from someone at the higher end of political authority with a sense of national pride intervene to stop this racketeering that gives our country a bad name and makes us vulnerable to

When people are put in uniform by the state to serve the public, they are meant to exhibit a certain standard of behavior that ought to mirror the highest code of conduct for society

situation that compromises both our national image noteworthy is that in several of the critical places

where the cameras do work, there is hardly anyone to keep track of what's happening and where there are, they are mostly watching Nollywood movies or sport channels on cable television! Even at that, there seems to be some form of complicity in which nobody is ever punished for what has now become Nigerians will recall the ugly incident in 1994

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

need to take a closer look at the sociology of is a possibility that dire economic conditions have lowered the self-esteem of most Nigerians who ordinarily would feel too proud to be found begging or it could just be a popularisation of an unfortunate also be the product of an underlying psychology of income redistribution in a society that has islands may be the cause, it is something that must be dealt

gainfully employed people makes it a matter of segment is in uniform makes it even more state to serve the public, they are meant to exhibit a certain standard of behavior that ought to mirror since this matter touches at the very ethical roots of our society, we urge critical stakeholders to work towards putting an end to what has become another

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Letters to the Editor LETTERS

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN JAMA'ARE

by which the citizenry can utilize in deciding on matters of the -

their way, in representative democracy, the minority will have system of government, political stability is ensured given that-

cy when they elect competent and patriotic politicians into the the main reasons why Nigeria as a nation is facing plethora of problems is the fact that many of the elected legislators, both at state and national levels, are either incompetent or are not patriin the few constituencies that have very active representatives in the legislature, life is made better both through legislative -

consistent in making sure that his constituents get the dividends

set up to look into the problems in their sectors and provide to 70 people, sponsored hernia surgery for 20 others, fumigated

More so, Mairakumi moved a motion for the establishment

facilitate in enhancing collaboration and coordination between public importance, Mairakumi was quick to call on the attention of the state government to intervene when there was outbreak last year, of deptheria in Jama'are and elsewhere across

expended N3 million on scholarships and supported Corps members with transport fare to their states of postings withuted books, biscuits and sweets to primary schools pupils in the Mukhtar Jarmajo, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja

RATES AS AT FEBRUARY 22,2024

Chinedu Eze and Ebere Nwoji

Nigerian airlines have called for the suspension of local content in aircraft insurance, which premium is projected to reach $2 billion annually, insisting that they are forced to undertake double insurance for their aircraft because lessors want their aircraft to be insured overseas.

But the Nigeria Insurance Association (NIA) is insisting that Nigerian insurers can handle as much as $2 billion aviation insurance annually, since insurance is about collective risks.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Osita Okonkwo, airlines are made to insure aircraft with local insurers, which most of the lessors do not recognise, a development that compels airlines to insure their aircraft with international insurers in

Nume Ekeghe

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Nigeria experienced a rise in total capital importation, reaching $1.09 billion, reflecting a growth of 2.62 per cent over $1.06 billion recorded in the same period of 2022.

Also, the growth is a significant uptick of 66.27 per cent from the preceding quarter, where capital importation stood at $654.65

compliance with leasing conditions of lessors.

“There is no capacity internally to do big aircraft insurance in Nigeria. So many lessors are not operating in Nigeria because of insurance. It is killing business because even though you want to do indigenisation, you cannot do that with another person’s assets. Even if you buy an aircraft today, it is a requirement that you have to insure it even if you pay with your money to Boeing, Embraer or whatever. The insurance must cover Boeing even though they have sold it to you, they must be party insured in that transaction. So you can’t escape the international requirements of the business and limiting it locally will not help lessors,” Okonkwo said.

Throwing more light on this, the Managing Director and CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado

Sanusi, told THISDAY that airlines were made to undertake 110 per cent to 140 per cent insurance cover on one aircraft because airlines pay minimum of local content cover of 30 per cent and also fully insure the aircraft 100 per cent with Lloyds, for example, which means paying for 130 per cent on insurance for one aircraft.

Ideally, airlines are expected to share the insurance of their aircraft, 30 per cent local and 70 per cent international, but some lessors and aircraft manufacturer would insist on 90 per cent international or even 100 per cent and in order to abide by the regulation of the National Insurance Commission (NICON), airlines also undertake the 30 per cent insurance cover locally for the same aircraft, Sanusi said.

However, Sanusi said that airline can undertake 100 per

cent local coverage of an aircraft if the aircraft is owned by the airline and knows the value of the aircraft because size of aircraft, year of manufacture determine the value and the insurance premium; whereby local insurers cannot cover the value they will need international partners. “The choice of where to insure your aircraft depends on who owns the aircraft. We at Aero Contractors do local insurance because we know the local market can absorb it. We see the value of Boeing 737 Classics. If it is outside the country it won’t be the same. It boils down to how the lessor can get his money out of the country. The owner of the aircraft determines where the aircraft is insured. Local market is good. If we do not insure locally how can we advance? We must start from one point. So, I totally

support local component.

“Local component can be 30 per cent and you insure 70 per cent outside but some aircraft owners don’t agree; so, they insist you insure outside 100 per cent and you will have local content 30 per cent, which is 130 per cent insurance cover; some also agree on 110 per cent and 140 per cent. We should urge the Federal Government to talk to lessors to allow aircraft to be insured locally. We must develop our local insurance market. Insurance companies can even own aircraft and lease them to airlines. Some insurance companies do that overseas,” Sanusi further said.

But the Director, Nigeria Insurance Association (NIA), the umbrella body of Insurance underwriters in Nigeria, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, said Nigerian insurers could handle $2 billion

aviation insurance, adding that insurance is a pull of risks and that no single insurance firm sits on a pull of risk alone. She noted that local content law was already in place in the country and must be open to everyone, including airlines operators in Nigeria.

Ilori who was former Managing Director AXA Mansard insurance, said insurers engage in risk sharing through consortia and so can undertake any insurance cover because they have capacity.

“The answer to your question whether Nigerian Insurers can handle up to $2bn aviation insurance is yes because insurance is a pull of risks and no single insurance firm sits on a pull of risk alone.

million in Q3 2023.

According to recent data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Other Investments emerged as the top contributor, constituting 54.64 per cent, $594.74 million of total capital importation in Q4 2023. Portfolio Investment accounted for 28.46 per cent, $309.76 million, followed by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) with 16.90 per cent, $183.97 million.

The production/manufacturing sector attracted the highest inflow of capital, with $450.11 million, representing 41.35 per cent of total capital imported in Q4 2023.

This was followed by the banking sector, which received $283.30 million, 26.03 per cent, and financing with $135.59 million, 12.46 per cent.

Capital importation during the period originated predominantly from the United Kingdom,

contributing $267.24 million and accounting for a 24.55 per cent share.

Mauritius followed closely with $226.18 million, 20.78 per cent, while the Netherlands recorded $149.93 million, 13.77 per cent.

In terms of destination, Lagos state retained its position as the top recipient of capital importation in Q4 2023, attracting $771.68 million, which constituted 65.38 per cent of the total capital

imported. Abuja (FCT) followed with $370.80 million, 34.07 per cent, and Rivers state received $6.00 million 0.55 per cent.

Among financial institutions, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc emerged as the recipient of the highest capital importation into Nigeria during the quarter, receiving $499.45 million 45.88 per cent. Citibank Nigeria Limited followed with $229.06 million 21.04 per cent, and Rand Merchant Bank Plc recorded $85.85

million 7.89 per cent.

Experts believe the increase in capital importation, particularly in the production/manufacturing sector, indicates growing investor confidence and interest in Nigeria’s economic prospects.

“With the influx of capital from various sources and sectors, the country aims to foster sustainable economic growth and development in the coming quarters, “said a market watcher.

Airbus Earned €65.4bn in 2023, with 735 Commercial Aircraft Deliveries

Stories By Chinedu Eze

The world’s biggest commercial airplane manufac¬turer, Airbus, has said that it recorded €65.4 billion in the fiscal year 2023, as contained in its an¬nual report.

The financial report also stat¬ed that the airline supplied 735 commercial airplanes during the fiscal year under review.

In 2023, Airbus adjusted Earn¬ings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) was €5.8 billion.

Airbus’s Chief Executive Offi¬cer, Guillaume Faury, stat¬ed that the airline received solid orders across all of its sectors in 2023 and met its commitments.

Faury described this as a note¬worthy success given the airline’s difficult operating

environment.

“We will continue to invest in our global industrial system while progressing on our trans¬formation and decarbonisation journey. Our dividend propos¬als are a reflection of the strong 2023 financials, our growth pros¬pects in 2024, and balance sheet strength,” Faury added.

The financial report indicated that gross commercial aircraft or¬ders totaled 2,319, up from 1,078 in 2022, with net orders of 2,094 air¬craft after cancellations and 820 in 2022.

According to the airline, the order backlog by the end of 2023 totaled 8,598 commercial aircraft, while Airbus Helicopters had 393 net orders and 362 units in 2022.

These, according to Faury, were evenly distributed among

programmes and amounted to a book-to-bill ratio of more than one in both units and value.

Airbus Defence and Space’s order intake by value climbed by 15% to €15.7 billion in the fiscal year 2023, from €13.7 billion in 2022.

Consolidated order intake by value climbed to €186.5 billion in 2023 from €82.5 billion in 2022, with the consolidated order book worth €554 billion by the end of 2023 and €449 billion in 20922.

The increase in consolidated backlog value is primarily due to the company’s overall book-to-bill ratio of well above one, which has been partially offset by the US dol¬lar’s weakness.

Consolidated revenues rose 11 per cent year on year to €65.4 billion and €58.8 billion in 2022.

Wema Bank Rewards Customers

Wema Bank has delivered Valentine’s gifts to its customers across the country, rewarding them with a N9,000,000 cash prize in the 7th monthly draw of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 3, which was held in Enugu on State.

The Valentine’s Day draw gave one million naira each to Enugu resident, Okoye Solomon and Omowunmi Abimbola, from Abeokuta.

Eighty customers won N25,000 each, 30 N100,000 each, four Domiciliary Account holders got N250,000 each and for the first time, four Joint Account holders got N250,000 each.

Executive Director of Retail and Digital Business, Tunde Mabawonku, noted the bank’s commitment to

providing a rewarding and fulfilling experience to customers

He affirms the strategic alignment of the 5 for 5 Promo Valentine draw with Wema’s Season of Love Campaign.

He said: “We decided to be our customers’ Val during Valentine’s Day, and we extended that opportunity into the 5 for 5 Promo. From awarding the singles, the married, the searching and non-searching, we went a step further to reward those who had translated their love into financial terms by opening a Wema Bank Joint Account—our ‘Lovebirds Account’—and actively transacting with it. “There’s so much to win for everyone in every part of Nigeria,

from our Season of Love Campaign to the 5 for 5 Promo and more. The requirements for each may vary but the fundamental requirement is, to have a Wema Bank/ALAT account and transact with it. Your loyalty will never go unrewarded and you can rest assured, you won’t regret banking with us”, he added.

Receiving his N1m cheque, Solomon expressed gratitude to Wema Bank for the opportunity presented to him through the cash prize reward.

“I was actually on my way from work when I received the call that I had won, I was so happy! I didn’t doubt it because I knew Wema Bank had been rewarding customers before now. All I can say is Thank You Wema Bank.”

Dana Air Introduces Exclusive Rewards for Club Members

In response to the escalating costs of air travel, Dana Air has introduced an array of additional rewards for its frequent flier club members.

This initiative aims to express gratitude to loyal customers and ensure that they continue to enjoy seamless travel experiences despite the current challenges in the industry.

Speaking on the new initiative for Dana Miles Club members, the Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Ememobong Ettete, said: ‘’Dana Air recognizes the dedication and loyalty of its frequent flier club members and understands the impact of increasing fares on their travel plans. In light of this, we are pleased to announce exclusive benefits tailored to reward and retain our cherished customers.’’

‘’At the moment, Dana Miles members enjoy discount on their booking using miles, priority check-in and boarding, members-only rewards, discount at partner outlets and lots

more and having considered the current state of the industry and the economy, it is only fair to excite customers who remain loyal to us in good and in challenging times.”

‘’We wish to reaffirm our commitment to delivering exceptional

service and acknowledge the importance of customer loyalty. We encourage more travelers to join Dana Miles to enjoy exclusive and unparalleled benefits with a commitment to making every journey memorable,” Ettete added.

AIR WATCH

FG Urged to Replace Presidential Jet over Cost of Maintenance

Chinedu Eze

Industry experts conversant with the operations of the presidential jet, Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), which is Nigeria’s Air Force 1, acquired by President Olusegun Obasanjo, 22 years ago, are of the view that the federal government should change the aircraft because of the high cost of maintenance.

Obviously, as aircraft gets older, it costs more to maintain in order to keep it airworthy and for presidential jet, extra care is taken to sustain its safety status.

The Managing Director and CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY that the presidential jet belong to the Boeing 737 New Generation 800 variant (B737-800 NG), which production has been stopped by Boeing and the production line has been replaced by Boeing 737 MAX. Although Boeing is still producing the spares and that of Boeing Classics, B737-200 and others, but the spares are costlier and cost of maintenance is higher.

steel, composites…); scope of the maintenance (cabin, specific operator programme, modifications); maintenance program (check interval: block concept, semi or fully equalized).”

The study stated that the purposes of technical, economic and financial aging technical, economic and financial aging have different purposes. Technical and economic aging are used to estimate the aging effect on the aircraft itself. The purpose of financial aging is to plan the budget and build provisions for future expenses (although very difficult to predict).

“Understanding aircraft aging is critical for the fleet management to decide when an aircraft needs to be replaced. This decision process has to be performed with a global approach, considering: the aircraft direct operating costs, with a focus onthe maintenance event cost cash flow (economic aging), in particular the engine fleet maintenance policy of the fuel costs or other costs (training, inventory/spares, tooling, leasing/financing, etc.”

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising)

Correspondents

Emmanuel Addeh (Energy)

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporters

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Ugo Aliogo (Development)

IATA, Weather Company Collaborate on

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is expanding the transmission of its Turbulence Aware data for use within industry-leading aviation solutions.

IATA is in collaboration with The Weather Company, which serves majority of North American commercial airlines and many others globally. With this enhancement, participating airlines ncan now access Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) turbulence data directly through Fusion and Pilotbrief tools by The Weather Company.

IATA Turbulence Aware will be enabled as an additional data layer within these tools, allowing pilots, dispatchers and flight planners to have needed turbulence observations integrated directly into their mission critical applications in one place rather than relying on multiple screens.

Turbulence can impact crew and passenger safety, route planning, arrival and departure

Data Solutions

times, customer satisfaction, equipment maintenance and more. Combining IATA Turbulence Aware observations with forecasts from The Weather Company, the world’s most accurate forecaster, aims to better mitigate the impacts of weather and turbulence for contributing airlines globally. Accessing real-time, accurate turbulence information enables pilots and dispatchers to choose optimal flight paths, avoid turbulence and fly at optimum levels to maximize fuel efficiency and thereby reduce CO2 emissions. IATA Turbulence Aware was launched in 2018 to help airlines mitigate the impact of turbulence, which is a leading cause of passenger and crew injuries and higher fuel costs each year. The platform pools anonymized EDR turbulence data from thousands of flights operated by participating airlines. EDR is the official ICAO and WMO atmospheric turbulence intensity metric.

He noted that currently there is high demand of these spares because those who own Boeing classics and NGs are holding on to them until issues concerning Boeing 737 MAX are sorted out, hence the high demand for spares of these aircraft types until they are eventually replaced with MAX.

Sanusi also disclosed that there is shortage of Boeing 737 NG engines because during COVID-19, attention was directed at producing health related equipment and some factories that hitherto produced engines diverted to producing medical equipment and now that there is demand for aircraft engine the supply is not meeting the demand.

Sanusi added that because of the engine of these aircraft types have been flown for a long time, most of the engines need performance restoration and most of the shops that can undertake this overhaul are already full.

Overall, he noted that maintaining this aircraft costs more because of the age and the fact that it is no more in production and there is high demand for the spares, which drives up the cost.

“So, they ought to upgrade the aircraft. It is good to modernize your equipment. The challenge really is that the aircraft may not have operated many hours like the commercial aircraft on service, but even with low utilization, if you keep them they will look new but the fact is that they are outdated. So, what is done is either you advance the existing aircraft or you replace it. There is a limit in which you can advance existing aircraft because it has flown many hours. Currently there is better technology which quickly makes existing ones outmoded; so, the best is to replace the presidential jet,” he said.

According to a study carried out by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), technical aging is the inherent effect of age on the aircraft over time.

“Materials degrade with time, and each aircraft sub-assembly ages at its own rate depending on calendar time and flight hours and cycles. The total aircraft’s aging is found by the combination of the aging of all its individual components. Technical aging is influenced by the following factors, which define the operator’s context: aircraft design, technology and material (aluminum, titanium,

THISDAY learnt that one month to the expiration of the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the aircraft was sent for a comprehensive maintenance ahead of the inauguration of Tinubu’s government.

But since Tinubu took over and inherited the aircraft, it has been sent for other rounds of scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance.

THISDAY also learnt that the aircraft had amassed over $5 million in maintenance bills, constituting nearly half of the over $10 million liabilities inherited at the presidential fleet.

“Due to the age of the aircraft, maintenance cost has increased in recent times, and the amount of money spent on maintenance is huge. I am wondering how long it would take to continue to spend this much on maintenance when it could have been disposed of and a new one purchased,” an informed source told THISDAY.

The General Secretary, Society of Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (SLAMEN), Sheri Kyari, suggested that purchasing a new aircraft would be better to reduce the maintenance cost.

“It is better for the government to buy a new one. How much is a brand new aircraft? They should be able to get something much better from Boeing. For me, Boeing is still the way to go,” he said.

The challenge in aircraft maintenance is that Nigeria does not have advanced maintenance facility where major overhaul can be carried out on some aircraft types like Boeing Business Jet; so, the maintenance must be conducted overseas at huge cost. Line maintenance like A and B checks could be done in Nigeria but C checks have to be done overseas at huge cost.

The IATA study noted that the first reason for the increase in maintenance cost due to age is linked to the routine maintenance, which include the number of routine tasks to maintain the aircraft which increases with age. The other is aircraft utilisation, as the aircraft ages, and there are additional tasks to perform, it will demand more checks to be carried out.

As the aircraft continues to operate under the presidential jet fleet, no doubt, more money will be needed to acquire more spares and more money will be needed to ferry it overseas to conduct higher maintenance checks.

Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olugbode: Charting Course as Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy, NHS President

Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode doubles as the Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy as well as the President, Nigerian Hydrographic Society, NHS. With double Bachelor of Science degrees in Physics and Hydrography and double Masters in Hydrography and Strategic Studies, the senior officer also boasts of key skills in strategic leadership, digital transformation and change management. Upon assumption of office in June 2023, THISDAY checks by Chiemelie Ezeobi reveal that he has been improving Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity for improved maritime safety and security towards enhancing Nigeria’s national economic growth and prosperity

Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode is the Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy (NN) as well as the President, Nigerian Hydrographic Society (NHS).

Since assumption of office as the Hydrographer of the NN from July 8, 2023 till date, a position he took over from Rear Admiral Emeka Okafor (Rtd.), the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO) has remained fully committed to the conduct and coordination of hydrographic operations in Nigeria, as well as collaboration with other maritime stakeholders in support of navigational safety, maritime security and sustainable economic development of Nigeria.

Under his watch too, the NHS has gone beyond working underground to being visible with a view to become more proactive in hydrographic advocacy in Nigeria and within the wider Gulf of Guinea (GoG) sub-Region.

Just recently, it was revealed that the NNHO has contributed 85,385 km2 of bathymetric data to the Nippon Foundation - GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project as part of its commitment to the global endeavour to achieve a complete map of the ocean floor. This data submission is the first from an African country and covers an area in the GoG G nearly the size of Jordan.

Passion for Hydrography

Beyond his passion for Hydrography, the senior officer has backed this up with the requisite knowledge. With a combination of experiences as a Seaman, hydrographic surveyor, strategic studies researcher, oceans laws and policy Rhodes scholar, this has come to bear in his day-to-day activities charting the course of Hydrography not just for the Nigerian Navy but the nation at large.

The Hydrospatial Advocate, who has been a Member, International Hydrographic Organisation, Capacity Building Sub-Committee from January 2009 till date, has conducted several Hydrography surveys and they include the Bathymetric Survey on Plymouth Sound, UK and Bathymetric/ Oceanography Survey on Tamar River, both as UK Undergraduate Studies.

He also did the Bathymetric Survey of Bonny River; Commander Pool - Lagos Harbour Entrance; Geophysical and Bathymetric Survey of Landfall for pipeline - Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos.

To his credit too, he is professionally affiliated as Member to the Royal Institute of Navigation, International Federation of Hydrographic Societies, and Nigerian Hydrographic Society.

Optimising Marine, Blue Economy

As one of the firm believers in Blue Economy, Rear Admiral Olugbode has backed words with action. Just last year, the NNHO actively participated at the Roundtable on Advancing Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy hosted by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

During the retreat, he presented the National Charting Scheme for Nigeria and highlighted other activities of NNHO geared towards the advancement of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Not done, he has often clamoured for optimisation of Nigeria’s blue economy potentials. This he reiterated while conferring with members of the society in a seminal gathering aimed at advancing the hydrography profession in the country, in September last year.

Part of the interactions were centered on ways and means to deepen multidimensional collaboration within hydrography professional clusters and cohorts towards enabling the full optimisation of the blue economy potentials of the country.

In another gathering last year, which was the maiden dinner organised by Nigeria Alumni of World Maritime University (WMU), in Lagos, the senior officer opined that to harness the Blue Economy, maritime experts and policymakers need to set up a think-tank forum as they have huge roles to play in policy direction for the government in exploring the untapped resources in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

In November 2023, Rear Admiral Olugbode with Rear Admiral AA Mustapha visited the Italian Navy Hydrography Institute (IIM) at Genoa, Italy in fulfilment of the Italian and Nigerian Armed Forces Bilateral Cooperation Plan signed in Rome on November 9, 2023, which was in tandem with NN’s commitment to fully operationalise the Nigerian Hydrographic Agency as well as Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations.

Strengthening Collaborations

One of his strategic guidance has been on the import of collaborations. One of such advancements was strengthening the hydrographic ties pertaining to capacity building, as well as Research and Development (R&D) with University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Also, in November 2023, the senior officer and team hosted a delegation from Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN) at the NNHO.

In furtherance of the NNHO’s commitment to ocean science and capacity-building, NNHO recently held talks with Professor Kanna Rajan of RAND Corporation and Dr Ngozi Oguguah, the Chief Research Officer at the National Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research in January 2024 to involve a team of distinguished international scientists and researchers to conduct oceanographic surveys in the Gulf of Guinea and develop capacity of West African ocean scientists.

The research surveys aim to address ocean data shortage in the Gulf of Guinea and improve understanding of oceanographic phenomena such as upwelling and marine heat wave as well as the scientific impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity.

This January, the NNHO hosted a delegation from Starfix Geosolutions led by its Managing Director of Starfix Geosolutions, Mr Bankole Falaye to discuss collaboration to deliver advanced hydrographic training to industry practitioners so as to address the address the acute shortage of qualified and competent professionals in the Nigerian hydrographic industry.

Also in January, the NNHO led by Rear Admiral Olugbode, paid a courtesy visit to West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO) Limited to engage on key areas

of collaboration including data sharing and operational synergy in ensuring the entire length of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) and its Pipeline Protection Zone (PPZ) are accurately depicted on NNHO navigational products.

With an avid interest in fishing, the senior officer through the NHS sponsored the Hydrographer’s Fishing Competition last November, which was organised by the Apapa Boat Club to promote aqua tourism/aqua culture and raise awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing to coastal livelihood, recreation and the economy.

Education and Qualifications

Taking a trip down memory lane to what makes him tick. It was gathered that the senior officer had in 1993 obtained a B.Sc, Physics from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and in 2005, took it further with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hydrography from University of Plymouth, UK.

In 2010, he obtained a Diploma in Oceans Law and Policy from Rhodes Ocean Scholar, University of Virginia School of Law, USA. In 2015, he bagged a Masters Degree in Hydrography from the University of Plymouth, UK and in 2018, he topped it up with another Masters in Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Career Laurels

Laurel wise, Rear Admiral Olugbode has bagged several commendations and awards including the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Commendation letter as Chairman of draft National Maritime Security Strategy (NMSS 2023), Brazilian Government Prize for Best

Research Paper in Science and Technology in 2017 at National Defence College, Nigeria.

Also to his credit is the Robert Maine Award for Best Undergraduate Ex Seafarer (2005), University of Plymouth, UK; and Third in Order of Merit Graduating Student, Junior Division Course (2002)Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Nigeria.

Professional Development

As one who strongly believes in professional development, Rear Admiral Olugbode has obtained several certificates in that regard.

In 1995, he obtained the Sub-Technical Course, QUORRA, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria and in 2002, was the Junior Staff Course, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, Nigeria while in 2007, it was the Senior Staff Course, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, Nigeria.

In 2013, Defence Attaché Module, Geneva Center for Security Policy, Geneva, Switzerland as well as the Joint Management & Intelligence Attache Course (JMAC)-Defense Intelligence College, Karu, Abuja, Nigeria was added to his professional development.

In 2016 and 2017, he bagged the Senior Executive Course, National & International Security, Harvard Kennedy School, USA and the Fellow Higher Defence and Strategic Studies Course, National Defence College, Abuja, Nigeria, respectively.

While in 2020 it was the Senior Executive Course, Strategic Leadership in a Dynamic World, Harvard Kennedy School, USA, 2021 saw him attaining the Company Direction Course II - Building Effective Boards (CDC II), Institute of Directors, Nigeria; and Company Direction Course 1 - Building Effective Directors (CDC I), Institute of Directors, Nigeria.

In 2022, he was in Senior Managers in Government, Harvard Kennedy School, USA; Independent Directors Masterclass (IDM), Institute of Directors, Nigeria, as well as Company Direction Course III- Building Future Ready Boards (CDC III), Institute of Directors, Nigeria.

In 2023, he was in the Senior Executives Programme - Africa 2023 - Harvard Business School, Harvard University, USA; Oxford Executive Leadership Programme 2023 - Saïd Business SchoolUniversity of Oxford, UK; and 2023-Negotiation Strategies: Building Agreement Across Boundaries, Harvard Kennedy School, USA. Also in 2023, he was in Leading through the Changing Media Landscape, Harvard Kennedy School, USA.

Appointments

As expected, the senior officer has occupied various positions in his meritorious career trajectory. He was once the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Admiralty Maritime Services Limited (AMSL) Nigeria; Deputy Commandant, Naval War College Nigeria; and Director of Academic Research and Analytical Support (DARAS), National Defence College, Nigeria.

He was also the Director of Curriculum and Programmes Development (DCPD), National Defence College Nigeria; Directing Staff (Faculty Member), National Defence College Nigeria. Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria; and Assistant Director Transformation (Civil Military Relations), Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.

Others include Nigerian Defence Adviser to India with concurrent accreditation to Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore and South Korea (2013-2016); Assistant Director Policy, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria; Executive Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship OBULA; Head of Hydrographic Survey Services, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency; and Staff Officer II and I (Hydrography), Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office.

He was once an Instructor - Tides, Geodesy and Afloat Survey and Chief Instructor, both in the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He was also on Watch Keeping Duties, Nigerian Navy Ship ARADU; Staff Officer III (Operations), Naval Headquarters; Aide-deCamp, Military Administrator, Bayelsa State; Watch Keeping Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship AYAM; and Watch Keeping Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship SIRI.

With the unflinching support of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, who is also enthused with Hydrography, Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode is not just passionate about improving Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity for improved maritime safety and security, but has also set in motion several measures towards enhancing Nigeria’s national economic growth and prosperity through the riches and abundance of the oceans.

Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode

Rear Admiral Olugbode at the Italian Navy Hydrography Institute (IIM) at Genoa, Italy

Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG |

WEEK

gamingweek1117@gmail.com

| Tel: 08114495324

How Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 Loss Shook African Sports Betting Arena

Counting on strong favouritism shown towards Nigeria by pre-match predictions and algorithms, many believed their bet on the Super Eagles was safe, but they were in the bewildered company of those who lost money, writes Davidson Abraham

Though the AFCON 2023 held in Ivory Coast might have been concluded, its impact is felt continentwide and beyond for a ‘not so sporting reason’ as its final on February 11, 2024, was a dramatic affair, with underdogs ‘the Elephants’ of Ivory Coast defying the odds to defeat the ‘Super Eagles’ of Nigeria 2-1. This unexpected outcome sent

shockwaves through the African sports betting arena, causing significant financial losses for many stakeholders.

Nigeria’s defeat hit individual bettors and punters hard, with many collectively losing hundreds of millions of dollars across the continent and beyond. This was due to the strong favouritism shown towards Nigeria by pre-

match predictions and algorithms, leading many to believe it was a safe bet. Even Ivorian fans, who might have logically followed these expert opinions, found themselves in the bewildered company of those who lost money through betting on African football’s showpiece event.

SPORTS BETTING COMPANIES FEEL THE

PINCH

African sports betting companies were not spared either. Many had placed bets in foreign currencies with larger international firms, and Nigeria’s loss also resulted in substantial financial losses for them. This highlights the global sports betting industry’s interconnectedness and susceptibility to major upsets.

WERE THERE WINNERS?

While the majority of stakeholders experienced financial losses, a smaller group profited from Nigeria’s defeat. Ivory Coast supporters or neutral ‘irrational fans’ who placed wagers on Ivory Coast’s victory likely celebrated significant wins. Additionally, sports betting companies that offered higher odds on Ivory Coast’s win would have seen a financial boost from

Where to Find National Lottery Trust Fund Good Causes Projects

Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that some health institutions across the six geo-political zones recently benefited from interventions initiated and funded through proceeds raised from lottery and the gaming sector

At the recent official commissioning of vital medical equipment funded by the National Lottery Trust Fund, the agency was able to communicate to key stakeholders, the general public and consumers of responsible lottery products how good causes are served in the most innovative way by helping to promote socially inclusive interventions.

Speaking at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Dr. Bello Maigari, said the event marked yet another significant milestone in the history of the national lottery in Nigeria while celebrating beneficiaries of these vital facilities that have been carefully selected through a comprehensive needs assessment survey and consultations with stakeholders.

These projects were initiated and funded through lottery and gaming sector proceeds. They are domiciled in different medical centres spread across the six geopolitical zones in the country. In

the South-East, we have Omaku Community Hospital, Abia and General Hospital Umuezeoka, Ezea North, Ebonyi.

The North-Central has four health institutions, including General Hospital, Gboko, Benue, Primary Health Centre, Ikoyi-Ijumu, Kogi, St. John’s Hospital, Gboko, Benue and Cottage Hospital, Iyah Gbede, Kogi. Only one health facility made the list in the

South-West: Ijebu Jesa General Hospital, Osun.

In the South-South, we have two health institutions: Amadi-Ama Community Health Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers and General Hospital, Oto-Odu, Delta. The North-East has Kumo General Hospital, Gombe, General Hospital Garkida-Gombi, Adamawa, General Hospital, Hong, Adamawa and General Hospital Dukku, Gombe.

Completing the list with one health institution is General Hospital, Gwandu, Kebbi State in the North-West.

Worthy of note is the State House Clinic, which received a brand new, well-equipped ambulance from the agency dedicated to use in the presidential fleet.

According to Maigari, this equipment includes digital X-ray machines, colour ultrasound

machines, suction machines, kidney dialysis machines, hydraulic beds, wheelchairs, blood banks, ultra-modern mortuary and other high-tech facilities. The NLTF executive secretary reiterated that the approach aligned with its vision of promoting socially inclusive projects among all Nigerians in a balanced, transparent and cost-effective way.

Nigeria’s loss to the Hosts.

BEYOND FINANCES: THE IMPACT ON CONFIDENCE AND TRUST

The AFCON final’s outcome has broader implications beyond just financial losses. The surprise result has shaken the confidence of many bettors who rely on predictions and algorithms. It serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly safe bets can go wrong, and upsets are inherent to the nature of sports. This could lead to a shift in betting behaviour, with punters becoming more cautious or seeking alternative information sources before placing their wagers. In conclusion, Nigeria’s AFCON final loss significantly impacted the African sports betting arena. While the majority of stakeholders experienced financial losses, there were also some winners. The event has also shaken the confidence of many bettors and raised questions about the reliability of predictions and algorithms. As the dust settles, it will be interesting to see how this unexpected outcome and experience impacts African sports betting on an individual level.

+971 56 744 6013

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mrs. Ibiene Roberts handing over instrument of ownership of vital medical equipment to the representative from Rivers State Dr. Bello Maigari, Executive Secretary, National Lottery Trust Fund

Afreximbank to Launch CurrencyTrading Platform to Bridge $50bn Intra-AfricaTrade Gap

Gilbert Ekugbe

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced plans to launch its currency trading platform in a bid to bridge the Intra-African trade financing gap estimated at over $50 billion annually.

The President and Chairman of Board of Directors, Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah disclosed this at the 8th Goddy Jidenma Foundation (GJF) biennial public lecture tagged, “The trade route to poverty reduction in Africa in a de-globalising world.”

He said plans are ongoing to launch the platform in May, 2024, stating the urgent need to aggressively fill the intraAfrican trade gap.

Afreximbank, he said, operates an intra-African Trade Division that has disbursed over $40 billion since 2016, with an amount of about $11 billion outstanding, equivalent to about 28 per cent of Afreximbank’s loan portfolio.

According to him, “The Currency Trading Platform will also be launched under

the auspices of Pan-African payment and settlement system (PAPSS). It is now becoming possible for a small farmer in Malawi to use his cell phone to purchase a Nollywood streaming movie and pay in the Malawian Kwacha while the seller in Nigeria receives Naira. We are nearing the stage when an Egyptian can buy shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange paying in Egyptian Pounds.”

The Afreximbank boss said access to trade and investment information is key, “as lack of access is perhaps the greatest impediment to intra-regional trade.”

To address this challenge, He said Afreximbank offers an Artificial Intelligence-enabled Trade Information Platform under the brand name Tradar Intelligence.

“It is for the same reason that Afreximbank collaborates with the African Union Commission (AUC), the AfCFTA Secretariat, and others to host a biennial intra-African trade Fair. The three editions so far held since 2018 attracted an aggregate of over 70,000

visitors, 4,000 exhibitors and about 120 billion US dollars in deals,” he said.

On the status of implementation, he said the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Secretariat is operational in Accra, Ghana where 54 countries have signed the Agreement, and 47 have ratified it.

“While much progress has been made, a lot is still required to ensure that trading under the Agreement is boosted. For example, to avoid its falling victim to the discontent that negatively impacted globalisation, the AfCFTA must be complimented by the Free movement of Africans across the continent, with the right to work. Although 32 countries have signed the Treaty, only four countries ratified it, falling short of the required 15 ratifications for the Free Movement Protocol to enter into force. We must continue to make aggressive push for countries to ratify the Treaty so as to get the requisite ratifications for it to come into force,” he urged.

InfraCredit’s Guarantee Mobilises Third Green Debt Issue for Solar infrastructure Project

InfraCredit, a ‘AAA’-rated specialised infrastructure credit guarantee institution has announced the credit enhancement of ACOB Lighting Technology Limited, a renewable energy company’s debt issue. The facility came under a co-financing arrangement with the Climate Finance Blending Facility with £10 million seed funding from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It was the third transaction under the Climate Facility.

The InfraCredit’s Clean Energy Funding Programme (“CEFP” or the “Programme”) seeks to aggregate, de-risk and unlock domestic institutional investments to support eligible clean energy projects in Nigeria to contribute towards meeting the country’s universal electrification goal by 2030 and the SDG 7 target of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, whilst putting the country on a path to achieve net zero emissions by 2060.

Speaking on the transaction, the Chief Executive Officer of ACOB Lighting Technology Limited Mr Alexander Obiechina stated: “This funding presents a significant opportunity for ACOB

to actualise its vision of bridging the huge energy poverty gap that exists in the country using decentralised renewable energy technologies.

The local currency blended finance is no doubt a catalyst that unlocks the patient capital our sector has been yearning for over the years. ACOB is particularly grateful to InfraCredit and all the stakeholders that enabled this transaction including FCDO, the REA and the Nigeria Electrification Project, and is well-positioned to harness more opportunities like this, particularly innovative blended financing that addresses the Productive Use of Energy to stimulate demand and boost economic growth as we scale mini-grid deployment.”

The CEO of InfraCredit, Chinua Azubike, said: “We are pleased to have supported another indigenous Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) company with the vision of increasing energy access in Nigeria through off-grid solar mini-grid infrastructure to access long term affordable local currency financing. The Nigerian domestic institutional investors continue to demonstrate their appetite to invest in climate-

aligned infrastructure that enables more inclusive access to essential services such as energy. The success of this transaction would not have been possible without the use of the catalytic first-loss capital from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), and Technical Assistance Facility from FSD Africa. Both support mechanisms, working together, have been instrumental in mobilising private sector and domestic institutional investors to invest in off-grid distributed renewable energy infrastructure with the potential impacts to create jobs, reduce GHG emissions and increase energy access for households and productive use.”

The UK Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter said: “We are pleased that the UK-funded climate finance blended facility, managed by InfraCredit, continues to support green-certified local currency debt issue for off-grid solar in Nigeria. Distributed Renewable Energy is an essential solution to drive multiple goals of increasing reliable and efficient energy access in unserved and underserved areas in Nigeria, supporting Nigeria’s energy transition plan and net zero targets.”

Leatherback Set For International Growth As Efcc Drops All Fraud Allegations

Kayode Tokede

Leatherback has stated that the company is set for international growth as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dropped all allegations of fraud and misconduct.

In November 2023, EFCC announced that it had been made aware of the possibility of fraudulent activities on the Leatherback platform, leading to an investigation into the company’s operations to establish the facts.

Cooperating fully with EFCC and working transparently with the organisation’s officials to

provide a forensic view of its operations, Leatherback was able to unequivocally prove its innocence, leading the EFCC to drop all allegations and take down all previous communications on its website and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) around the matter.

Leatherback supported the EFCC investigation by making over 5,000 printed documents available to officials to enable as much clarity as possible.

Leatherback also filed Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in the UK and Nigeria.

The CEO , Leatherback, Mr.

Toyeeb Ibitade in a statement said, “I am relieved to see the end of this arduous episode, but I am even more delighted to see that myself and Leatherback, as an organisation, have been completely cleared of all wrongdoing.

“With this episode firmly behind us, we are poised to accelerate our mission to provide a single access point that empowers individuals and businesses to be truly global, delivering best-in-class financial, payment, and commerce solutions that remove barriers to global growth and mobility for all citizens of the world.”

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $81.30 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $79.70 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

L-R: Executive Director Engineering & Technical Services, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ibrahim Abba Umar; Executive Director Marine & Operations, NPA, Olalekan Badmus; Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko and Executive Director Finance & Admin, NPA, Ms Vivian Richard Edet during the commissioning of the Newly Acquired Security Patrol Boats by NPA in Lagos yesterday

NGX RegCo, ICAN Equip Audit Committee on Enhancing Corporate Governance

Kayode Tokede

NGX Regulation Limited (NGX RegCo) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) have equipped audit committee members of listed companies on enhancing of their corporate governance best practices.

At the workshop held at the Exchange in Lagos recently, investors and other stakeholders gathered to learn more about

the role of the audit committee, expectations from a regulatory standpoint and more.

In her opening remarks, Tinuade Awe, Chief Executive Officer, NGX RegCo ably represented by Head, Broker Dealers Regulation, Olufemi Shobanjo NGX RegCo, said “This training is in line with NGX RegCo’s quest to uphold the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of the Nigerian capital market. Engagement between NGX RegCo and Issuers is a fundamental component

in achieving the overarching goals of a well-functioning capital market.

“NGX RegCo and ICAN organized this program to train shareholder representatives of Audit Committee Members of Listed Companies on their expected roles in ensuring that corporate governance best practices are enshrined in their companies.”

Shobanjo stated further, “Today’s training is geared towards equipping Audit Committee members with the requisite knowledge to

make positive contributions at Committee Meetings and to enhance their regulatory duties as Audit Committee members of Listed Companies”.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinating Director, Inspection & Monitoring and Corporate Governance Directorates of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), Nigeria, Mr. Titus Osawe, FCA, pointed out that board committees play a crucial role in the corporate governance structure

of a company. He said, “Directors play a crucial role in strengthening corporate governance practices within an organization as they are poised to ensure that the appropriate system of rules, practices, and processes are in place in the entity they serve as Board members. Their role in fostering a culture of good corporate governance is pivotal in companies and Board committees are one avenue through which

this is seamlessly achieved.

“The Committee responsible for Audit (Audit Committee and in some instances, Audit and Risk Management committee), provides ready support to the Board in fulfilling its governance and oversight responsibilities as it relates to financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, internal and external audit functions and ethical accountability. This lays credence to the importance of Audit Committee.”

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF FEBRUARY /22/24

NEC Outlines Initiatives to Ensure Food Security, Affordability

To make fertilizers available to farmers Establishes agro-rangers to address insecurity in farms Shettima: With collective effort, we’ll overcome our challenges

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The National Economic Council (NEC) rose from its 139th monthly meeting held virtually in Abuja, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima with a decision to ensure food security.

The initiative was also put an end to the economic challenges confronting the nation, including making fertilizer available to farmers and the establishment of Agro-Rangers to tackle insecurity in farms.

This was as the Vice President has said with collective efforts in developing a clear and actionable roadmap through short-term, medium, and long-term strategies, Nigeria would overcome its economic challenges in the country.

Following a presentation by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on food security in the country, Shettima directed a meeting of the federal government with major fertilizer

producers in the country, including Indorama, Dangote and Notore.

NEC, made up of the 36 governors, Finance and FCT ministers, CBN governor, among others, noted that fertiliser was a major ingredient of agricultural productivity which the government was striving to attain.

He, therefore, urged the governors to embrace modern agricultural practices to increase productivity.

Council also considered the establishment of agro-rangers in the short-term and the possible creation of state police in the long-term to address security threats on farmers. This was after a presentation by the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Geidam.

The government has also concluded plans to release 42,000 metric tonnes of food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve to address rising prices.

Minister of Agriculture called for action against the dollarisation

FG to Address Grievances of Beverage Workers, Says Pate

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Coordinating Minister Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has assured that the ministry would endeavour to address the grievances by the members of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association.

The minister stated this while addressing members of the association who were at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on a peaceful protest on the ban of sachet and pet bottled alcoholic beverages.

The minister who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Kachallom Daju, promised to look into their complaints to chart a way forward.

In a statement signed by the Director (Information) at the ministry, Deworitshe Patricia, the Minister said: “What l am saying now is that we have heard your grievances, this is a listening government and we are going to discuss with partners, Trade Union Congress

and other members on the way forward”.

Earlier in his speech, the National President, Food, Beverage & Tobacco Senior Staff Association, Jomoh Oyibo, expressed the association’s dissatisfaction with the ban imposed on the manufacturing, sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC).

He explained that NAFDAC had recently banned and sealed over 25 companies producing sachet and pet bottled alcoholic drinks with the reason of curbing alcoholic abuse which has affected the entrepreneurs, dependants and the workforce negatively.

He asserted that considering the present economic dynamics in Nigeria, that the timing for the ban is not right.

He therefore appealed to the ministry for timely intervention to abate the harsh condition they are currently undergoing.

of locally produced commodities like urea, which was impacting negatively on fertilizer prices and agricultural productivity.

Meanwhile, the Vice President has called for sound economic decisions that would reverberate with the expectations of Nigerians.

He expressed hope that with collective efforts in developing a clear and actionable roadmap through short-term, medium, and long-term strategies, Nigeria would overcome its current economic challenges.

Shettima regretted that Nigeria had been a victim of strong averseness to evolving and keeping up with the changing global economic order,

leading to a situation where making difficult decisions to maximize its potential has become inevitable.

He said: “We must either redirect the economy towards a place of boom and competitiveness or brace for an impact we are unlikely to survive.

“So, beyond the heritage of our financial and monetary fiascos, we must compare notes to understand the interconnectedness of the dysfunctions in each sector of the economy."

In his speech titled: “It’s Time to Speed Up Our Prosperity Quest,” Shettima told the council members that it was President Bola Tinubu’s desire that they all stood together to collectively proffer solutions to

safeguard the nation’s economy from imminent implosion.

He observed that while the wealth of every nation was in the belly of its citizens, the government had a long distance to cover in its interventions to enhance “food availability and affordability.

“The call to secure and liberate areas under threat from violence, most of which are arable lands owned by our farming communities, is not just a matter of security but a strategic move to revive the economic lifeblood of our nation,” he added.

Noting that the citizens are only keen about tangible results, Shettima stated: “Your Excellencies,

distinguished ladies and gentlemen, while economic experts foresaw this transitional phase on our journey to a flourishing future, it is crucial to recognise that the ordinary citizen on the street is not concerned with any economic theory. Their daily concerns are anchored in the tangible.

“They are more invested in the price of maize than the predictions of GDP. So, as we deliberate on intricate economic strategies today, let us remain attuned to the heartbeat of the nation. We must ensure that our decisions resonate with the aspirations of the common man and woman who entrust us with their hopes and dreams.”

Governor hails Ahmed Raji for renovating Iseyin Central Mosque

The Oyo State governor and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that there is no truth in the claim by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, that states of the federation got additional N30 billion each outside of their statutory revenue allocations, to address food insecurity in their states.

The governor stated this yesterday at Iseyin, where he commissioned the newly-renovated multi-billion Naira Iseyin Central Mosque facilitated by legal icon, Ahmed Raji (SAN), hailing the religious harmony in Oyo state as being exemplary.

He noted that Oyo state had not got any N30 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or the federal government, adding that his government had been and will always be open and transparent to the people of the state.

Makinde stressed that he had been doing everything to cushion the effect of the economic hardship on the people, warning that leaders should instil confidence and hope in the citizenry in this trying time, rather than playing the blame game.

He added that apart from Oyo state not getting N30 billion from any agency or department of the

federal government, he could say the same for his colleague-governors as vice chairman of the NGF.

Makinde decried Akpabio’s reliance on unverified reports, clarifying that it was impossible for states to get funds from FIRS, since all revenues go into the Federation Account and belongs to the federal government, states and the local governments.

According to Makinde, the only fund that Oyo State got from the federal government outside of statutory allocation was N2 billion out of the N5 billion promised to all states in the wake of the removal of fuel subsidy.

He added that the federal government had even been asking for the refund of the N2 billion.

Makinde added that his government has been doing its best to mitigate the hardship on residents of the state, having been first to announce and implement measures to cushion the effect of the hardship through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SafER).

He said: "This is a very difficult period in our nation's history because all of us are aware of what we are going through economically. But for us as an administration, I can say we are the first in Nigeria to announce

and implement measures on the 9th of June 2023, to cushion the effect of this policy through SAfER.

"We have been doing our bit. And the reason I came here is for us to talk to ourselves and intensify prayers. So, this is one of the edifices through which we can reach God, though we have done our bit.

“We have health insurance for our own people, we gave farm inputs to our farmers but, at this stage, we need to cry to God.

"For the workers, we have been paying a wage award; N25,000 for workers and N15,000 for pensioners, and we have paid for close to six months. Only last week, I announced an extension for another six months so that we can have the time to conclude the discussion on minimum wage.

"We know there is much to be done and we will continue to do everything within our power to support our people through this hard time.

"This is not the time to play politics, as we have real issues that deserve real solutions. But yesterday, I saw the video and read in the news where the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, made a statement, though he said it was

unverified report.”

According to him, it is not time to play politics , but one to be true to the people who elected politicians at all levels.

"Please, listen to me loud and clear. I can speak for Oyo State and can also speak for any of my colleagues. This is because, as the vice chairman of NGF, I know when things are happening.

"If I want to play politics, I will keep quiet and let this slide, but I am not going to let this slide. FIRS cannot give money to any state. It is not possible. All revenues accruing to the country go into the federation account and it is distributed to all tiers of government.

“Federal government does not give states money. The money in the federation belongs to all of us; it does not only belong to the federal government.

"So, if the Senate President, who is the number three citizen in this country, could be quoting an unverified report, people are looking at us as leaders. This is the period that we are supposed to give confidence to our people. It is not the period to start playing politics or to start looking for scapegoats,” he added.

Innovation, Bosun Tijani; Head Emerging Business Access Bank Chioma Ogwu; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija; Director General Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace; with Senior Special Assistant to the president on Job Creation and MSME, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson; during the Inaugural Job Creation and MSME Quarterly Communications Forum in Abuja...yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

TRAINING FOR PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT ACADEMY FOR AFRICA...

Customs Begins Nationwide Sale of Seized Items, Auctions Bag of Rice for N10,000

Ugo Aliogo

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the sale of the seized food items to Nigerians nationwide, with a 25 kilogramme bag of rice going for as low as N10,000.

Speaking at a media briefing to flag off the sale of the food items yesterday in Lagos, the Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, said the initiative was part of the service’s ongoing

commitment to safeguarding food security and ensuring the availability of essential food items in the country.

He stated that the NCS had secured approval from the government to dispose of the seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices, with the target groups to include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other Nigerians.

Adeniyi noted that one of

Wike: Intelligence Report Behind Heavy Security at Nigerian Law School

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has identified intelligence gathered by security agencies at the Bwari Area Council where the Abuja Campus of the Nigerian Law School is domiciled, as the reason for the deployment of heavy security in the area.

He echoed this yesterday when the delegation of the Nigerian Law School, led by its Director General, Prof. Isa Chiroma, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The minister noted that the security cordon was necessary as any breach at the school would constitute a setback for country and the FCT.

“As far as I am concerned, when I heard about the opening of the section, I was told I had to send security, without even talking to you, because we did not want to take any chances at all, knowing full well that period, the information we were getting and the intelligence we were getting.

“So, that is why it does appear there was so much security within Bwari. We did not want to take chances, because if anything happens there, of course it is a setback to the entire country and then to the FCT,” Wike said.

He, however, promised to consider the request of the institution for the construction of a staff quarters and provision of vehicles for the school, noting he had directed the General Counsel of the FCT Administration

to liaise with the school for the construction of the staff quarters to be added to the budget.

“As far as we are concerned, we are here to make institutions, agencies of government that carry out business in the FCT, to give them every necessary support.

“You made two requests which are very germane: the staff quarters and vehicles. So, the General Counsel will liaise with you so that before we submit our budget to Mr. President to convey to the National Assembly.

“ If it will be necessary, between now and Monday, we will see if you have the designs, so that we will be able to know what it will cost us and then see whether we can include it in the budget.

“And then the vehicles we talked about, we don’t know the type of vehicles, but I believe they are not SUVs. Maybe you are looking for buses and Hilux. So, we will look at the number we have and then be able to make that available to you,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Chiroma said the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the minister on his appointment and to inform notify him that he was also one of the recipients of an award at the Nigerian Law School’s 60th Anniversary.

“On behalf of our colleagues who are here, and those who are not here, on behalf of the council management, and staff as well of the Nigerian Law School, we welcome you to Abuja.

the criteria to benefit from the initiative is to have a verifiable National Identification Number (NIN).

He remarked that to ensure the security and integrity of the initiative, then NCS had put in place comprehensive measures to encompass robust security protocols throughout the process.

"In recent months, the government has been addressing the challenges faced within our economy, particularly the lagged effects of insecurity and the current exchange rate issues.

“These challenges have exacerbated concerns about food security, leading to a concerning trend where food items are moving out massively to neighbouring countries.

“Some of the items include: Over 20,000 bags of assorted

grains (rice, beans, maize, guinea corn, millet, soya beans, 2,500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish. Others include: Dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, maggi, macaroni, salt, sugar, garri. This trend is not sustainable as it puts pressure on our productive capacity and threatens our food security.

“One concerning trend noticed is the outflow of food items in huge quantities, posing a threat to our food security. It should be noted that the condition for the export of any item is only met upon fulfilling sufficiency internally.

“In this regard, food items deemed not to fulfil these conditions are showing up in our interceptions made at the borders,” he stated. Adeniyi maintained that

the customs officers would closely monitor the entire supply chain to prevent any misuse or diversion of the food items, adding that the service has established strict guidelines and eligibility criteria to ensure that the items are distributed only to those in genuine need.

He hinted that the service would also be working closely with relevant agencies to ensure compliance with the terms of this programme.

Adeniyi revealed that the intention is to reach out directly to members through the organised structures to ensure the maximum impact of this exercise.

The customs boss warned that the items are not to be resold as the service takes a strong stance against any form

of profiteering or exploitation of the initiative.

He appealed to Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorised resale of the seized food items, as the NCS is fully committed to transparency and accountability in the process.

He added that the NCS would not hesitate to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the terms of the programme.

Continuing, he added: “The NCS has remained responsive in carrying out its mandate to protect our borders from the inflow and outflow of restricted goods. One concerning trend noticed is the outflow of food items in huge quantities, posing a threat to our food security.”

FG, TUC Differ on Implementation of Agreement on Palliatives

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government and the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have disagreed on the level of progress so far attained with regard to the implementation of the October, 2023 agreement reached with organised labour on fuel subsidy removal palliatives.

While the government said it had achieved 50 per cent implementation, TUC disagreed saying that some of the items have not been fully implemented from their own assessment.

At a meeting held with the union in Abuja yesterday to review agreements, the Minister of Labour and Employment Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said that substantial progress had been made in all the agreements reached between government and labour unions.

She also said that a joint inspection visit was carried out Thursday to the Port-Harcourt refinery by the organised labour and the federal government.

A statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, said the minister

read the progress made on each item on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the meeting. He listed some of them as the payment of four out of six months on wage award, the inauguration of the committee on minimum wage review, payment of outstanding salaries and wages of lecturers of in the tertiary education workers in federal owned educational institutions.

She also said that government had suspended Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel and implemented payment of N25,000 conditional cash transfer to 3,140,819 households, including the pensioners.

In addition, Onyejeocha said government had made huge financial commitment on the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and conversion kits.

She also explained that procurement process was slowing down the launch, but that measures were already in place to fast-track the process.

The minister explained that government had commenced series of engagements with relevant stakeholders on tax incentives.

Other areas of progress, according

to the minister are: Subsidised distribution of fertilisers to farmers across the country, government's engagement with various state governments and the private sector on the issue of the implementation of wage award for their workers, and plans to encourage small businesses in the country to create jobs and boost the economy.

Speaking on the inspection visit to the Port-Harcourt refinery by TUC and federal government delegation, the minister said reports by organised labour and government established that the Port-Harcourt refinery is 80 per cent completed.

She explained that the old plant would begin with 54,000 barrels per day, which will produce 2 million litres of petrol and 2.2 million litres of diesel per day, while the new plant which is currently going through its last phase of completion would also begin production before the end of the year.

The combined capacity of the two plants, when fully on stream, she said, would be 10 million litres of petrol per day.

The minister reiterated government's commitment to

social dialogue with the organised labour and other stakeholders towards achieving industrial peace and harmony, while prioritising workers welfare.

She further appealed to union leaders to see strike as the last option, adding that issuing of constant strike threats could send wrong signals to potential investors. “This is not healthy for our business environment,” she said.

On it's part, TUC commended the government for the progress recorded so far in implementing a substantial part of the agreement, but differed with the government on some of the items.

They said, for instance, that while the issue of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) had been resolved, that of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) was still pending.

"If the issue of president of the union has not been resolved, it suggests that the issue of NURTW has not been resolved.

"You have carefully done justice to the items, and we commend you and the federal government, but we expect fulfilment of all the agreements", said Nuhu Toro of the TUC

L-R: Chief Economist/Vice President Economic Governance and Knowledge Management, African Development Bank (AFDB), Professor Kevin Urama and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, during a training for Public Finance Management Academy for Africa in Abuja recently ENOCK REUBEN

INAUGURATION OF ISEYIN CENTRAL MOSQUE…

Ighodalo Emerges Edo PDP Candidate

Court refused to stop exercise

Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin

Frontline governorship aspirant in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo has emerged candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the September 21 gubernatorial election in the state.

But a parallel exercise, by a faction of the party held, yesterday, produced the Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, as its candidate for the governorship election.

This was as Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, turned down request to stop the PDP from proceeding with its primary election.

Ighodalo was elected at the delegate election of the party, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal was

chairman of the election committee and Chief Returning Officer of the election, while the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori was co-chairman.

The exercise, which threw up the former chairman of Sterling Bank and Nigeria Brewery PlC, was no less a coronation of his candidacy, as he scored a total of 577 votes to beat Shaibu, who scored 1 vote while other candidates scored zero vote.

A total of 10 aspirants had contested for the ticket. Some of the aspirants, which included Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, former member, representing Oredo federal constituency, and Omosede Igbinedion had earlier withdrawn their participation in the election.

Other aspirants were Arthur Esele, Anselm Ojezua, Osaro Onaiwu, Martins Uhomoibhi, Hadizat Umoru, and Felix Akhabue

While Ogbeide-Ihama blamed

Suspended Census: Court Orders NPC to Account for N200bn

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday ordered the National Population Commission, (NPC) to give account of how it spent N200 billion out of the funds allocated to the commission for the conduct of the 2023 national census.

Justice Ekwo made the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed against the population commission by an Abuja based lawyer, Mr Victor Opatola.

The lawyer had dragged the NPC to court for refusing to provide detailed information on how it spent the sum of N200 billion on preparations for the postponed 2023 population and housing census.

Amongst reliefs sought from the court include an order of mandamus directing the defendant "to furnish the plaintiff with comprehensive and detailed information concerning information on the funds received so far by the commission towards the conduct of 2023 Census by the plaintiff's application within 7 days".

Delivering judgment in the suit, Ekwo held that the refusal by the NPC to release the information or records of spending on the aborted census as requested by the lawyer on March 30, 2023 was wrongful,

illegal and unconstitutional.

Citing Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, (FOI), the judge held that the refusal of the commission to provide the plaintiff with information on the companies that provided due diligence report on the technology to be deployed for the ill-fated census was a gross violation of the right of the plaintiff as enshrined in Section 4 of the FOI Act.

Ekwo rejected the claim by the defendant that bureaucracy and the absence of its executive chairman at the time was responsible for the refusal to make the requested records available to the plaintiff, adding that the claim was untenable.

The judge also dismissed the claim by the NPC that some of the requested information was classified which prompted the refusal to make the records available to the plaintiff, adding that from the definition of classified information, there was nothing secret on the issue of population census.

Ekwo also said that the position of the commission that the record sought by the plaintiff was already in the public domain was not tenable because the request of the plaintiff was on record at the disposal of the NPC and not the one in the public domain.

irregularities and corrupted process by the national working committee (NWC) of the party for his withdrawal from the race, Omosede Igbinedion stepped down for Ighodalo.

Shaibu, however, stayed away from the exercise, having declared self as winner at a parallel primary organised by him at his official residence, where he purportedly emerged candidate with 300 votes.

However, in his acceptance speech, Ighodalo, thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki and the entire people of Edo State for their love and support.

He noted that Obaseki has laid the foundation for him to build upon if he was eventually elected governor, and promised to assemble young men and women in his government to turn the state around.

Meanwhile, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of the exercise witnessed heavy presence of police operatives and other security agencies.

Motorists were not allowed to access the stadium road as men of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency checked and stopped vehicles intending to use the road to gain entrance into the stadium.

Several police officers were stationed along the road, while many others were at the entrance of the stadium, ensuring that only those with business at the venue were allowed in.

The primary election was however feasible after Justice Ekwo turned down request to stop it.

Instead, he ordered that the PDP be put on notice and appear before the court to explain why the request of the plaintiffs/ applicants should not be granted.

The judge made the order while delivering ruling in two separate exparte applications brought by some aggrieved members of the PDP.

While the first suit marked: FHC /ABJ /CS/ 195/2024, was

filed by Adizetu Hadizat Audrey Abosede Adunni Umoru, the second marked: FHC /ABJ / CS/ 196/2024, was filed by Moses Adomokha Alabi and Christopher Ebode Oboarere. Respondents in the two suits were Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP, Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, Setonji Koshoedo, PDP's NWC and NEC.

The two plaintiffs/applicants in their separate applications dated and filed February 19, specifically sought an interim order of the court restraining the defendants from using the list of ward congresses held on February 4, for the purpose of conducting the PDP's primary in Edo State, slated for February 22 or any other date pending the hearing and determination of the main suit.

Mr Magaji Ibrahim, SAN, who moved the two separate motions pointed out that the primary election would amount

to a nullity if allowed to hold, on the grounds that the process which produced the delegates was defective.

In his ruling, Justice Ekwo, who observed that the motions of the applicants seeking to arrest the conduct of the primary, but declined to grant the application.

The judge rather ordered the applicants to put the defendants on notice to enable them appear before the court and show cause why the request against them should not be granted.

They are to appear before the court on February 28, the next adjourned date for hearing.

Meanwhile, the court also gave the applicants two days to serve the court's order and other processes regarding the suits on the defendants.

The court in addition ordered service of the court's documents on the 2,3 and 5 defendants through substituted service by pasting same on the headquarters of the PDP.

Nigerian Architects Lament Rising Prices of Building Materials, Express Fear of Dangerous Consequences

Sunday Okobi

Nigerian architects under the auspices of Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) yesterday lamented the dangerous effect of rising prices of building materials, expressing anxiety that the anomaly will lead to usage and patronage of quacks and fake materials in the construction industry thereby jeopardising the lives and property of many Nigerians.

The organisation, therefore, implored the government to intervene speedily in stabilising the market prices, by giving incentives like tax reduction to building material manufacturers, provision of dedicated electricity supply to industrial hubs as well as stemming the spate of insecurity nationwide to help reduce cost of production.

At its press conference held at the national headquarters of the NIA in Abuja, the President of the Institute, Mrs. Mobolaji A. Adeniyi, stated that despite the intervention of the government, Nigeria is currently undergoing

very difficult times and most of its citizens are experiencing real hardship in their daily lives.

According to her, “We recognise that this is a global phenomenon, the challenges are everywhere ranging from high cost of transportation, which is a direct consequence of the new price of petroleum products, a galloping inflation rate which rose from 28.92 percent in December 2023, to 29.90 percent in January 2024, within a space of only one month.

“Of these challenges, the one that mostly concerns us in the construction industry is the current rapid increase in the prices of building materials, typified by the astronomical rise in the price of Portland Cement and other materials in high demand.

“Within a period of three weeks, the price of a bag of cement has risen from N4,500 to N13,000 in some locations across our country, and in some locations, even as much as N15,000.

“This notwithstanding the fact that much of the cement used in Nigeria are actually produced

locally. Reinforcement has risen to above N1 million per ton. Add this to other regular inflationary rises in other building materials and we can safely predict a definite slow-down in construction activities within the next few months. This can further lead to malpractices by unscrupulous contractors and developers, leading to more incidents of building collapse if statutory and professional oversight is not beefed up.”

The NIA chief, Adeniyi, disclosed that they engaged the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, recently where “we emphasised the need to complete the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill in order to ensure cost reduction, availability of reinforcement and other steel products across Nigeria as well as maintaining standards. It is demoralizing to note that even nails and other accessories for building construction are not manufactured in Nigeria.

“Lives of Nigerians will face increased risk due to the increased cost of building materials. Moreover, with reduced construction activities,

there may be a sharp rise in crime occasioned by an anticipated high rate of job losses across the country, especially in the unskilled labour sector.

“This is in view of the fact that the construction industry employs over 40 percent of labour. It is also worth noting that this is coming against the background of a very robust plan by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to develop over 100,000 housing units across the country this year.

The plan even includes the establishment of building materials manufacturing hubs across Nigeria, forming part of the actionable strategies to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

She added: “The Nigerian Institute of Architects believes that this is a perfect time for deep examination of our cultural, economic, and social lifestyles. Beyond the need for price stability and improved manufacturing, we must also look inwards for the solutions that we seek.

L-R: Barr Ahmed Raji SAN; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa'ad Abubakar; and Aseyin of Is eyinland, Oba Sefiu Oyebola, during the commissioning of Iseyin Central Mosque

Obi Decries ‘Rude, Discourteous Manner’ Police Arrested LP Chairman, Julius Abure

Other stakeholders furious at development

Chuks Okocha, Juliet Akoje in Abuja and Gideon Arinze in Enugu

The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has decried “the rude and discourteous manner” men of the Nigeria Police arrested the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, on Wednesday in Benin City, Edo State. Obi stated that there should have been a better way to handle the arrest to “show we are civilised and in a democracy”.

Other stakeholders in the party, including the House of Representatives caucus, also frowned on the mode of arrest, calling it an abuse of democratic ethos.

Writing on his X handle, Obi said, “Like many Nigerians, I observed the distasteful national television news reports detailing the humiliating arrest of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure, earlier today in Benin City, Edo State.

“Throughout my roles as a private individual, public figure, governor, and

FG Approves 2 New Private Varsities, Total Number Hits 149

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The federal government has approved the establishment of two new universities, bringing the number of private universities to 149 and the total number of universities in the country to 274.

The new universities are Lighthouse University, Evbuobanosa, Edo state and the African School of Economics, Abuja.

Speaking at the presentation of provisional licences to the two universities in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said the new universities were approved by President Bola Tinubu at the December 13, 2023 Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Mamman charged the proprietors of the universities to capture skills and entrepreneurship which align with the current thinking of the government.

He said that a substantive licence would be issued to the universities three years after the probation only if they meet the requirements of quality assurance.

He, therefore, warned that the provision of the licences may be withdrawn after three years probation if they fail to meet the full requirements.

"As you are probably aware, Nigeria currently has the largest economy in Africa with great potential. The country’s population is forecast to increase up to 400 million by the year 2050. This should therefore evoke a

sense of urgency in preparation to cater for the needs of this anticipated population.

"Government being well aware that education holds the key to the preparation we speak of, will continue to welcome partnership with the private sector, especially in the area of university education.

"As long as the gap of access to university education continues to widen and the enrolment of students in excess of the standard carrying capacity of the Nigerian university system persists, government will continue to welcome proposals for the funding and infrastructural development," he said.

On quality assurance, Mamman urged the universities to maintain the highest standards in the adoption of best practices.

He advised that upon commencement of academic activities, the universities should sustain funding towards improving infrastructure, equipment for teaching and learning, as well as human resources up to a level that would earn them full accreditation.

On certificate racketeering, he warned that the ministry would go after anyone with fake universities certificates with the wrath of the law.

Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, said private universities bring certain uniqueness to the Nigerian university landscape.

presidential candidate, I consistently advocated the paramount importance of upholding the rule of law in any sane society.

“I firmly believe that, as citizens, we are all duty-bound, irrespective of our status in society, to respond to invitations from properly constituted authority.

“My stance on this matter remains unwavering but does not explain watching the distressing image of our National Chairman lying on the ground in the name of arrest.

“This act is undesirable and unequivocally intolerable and must be condemned by any decent and civilised mind within the context of our present civic landscape in Nigeria.

“These deplorable actions epitomise the pinnacle of rascality and serve to egregiously tarnish the already delicate perception of our nation as one plagued by lawlessness.

“Such behaviour must be not only be denounced but also actively

addressed to uphold the principles of justice and respect within our society.”

On the circumstances surrounding Abure’s arrest, Obi said, “It is crucial to emphasise that while constitutional authorities must be allowed to execute their statutory functions, officers must adhere to due process and established arrest procedures, embody civility, decorum, respect for the dignity and rights of citizens, and, above all, the presumption of innocence.

“It is crucial to emphasise that as a leader within the Labour Party, Mr. Abure represents, both personally and statutorily, as the incumbent Chairman of the LP, the face of political opposition in Nigeria.

“It is imperative to reiterate that no pretext or subterfuge should be employed to stifle Nigeria’s political opposition. Therefore, I urge that he should be granted bail based on his status while the investigation continues."

The LP caucus in the House of

Representatives queried the timing and intentions for Abure’s arrest.

According to a statement by the leader of the group, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, the lawmakers described the arrest as cruel, dehumanising, and an abuse of democratic ethos.

The statement said, "The timing of the arrest, on the eve of LP's primary election for the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, which the Barrister Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) is overseeing, exposes the ugly development as a crudely scripted political charade that offends the sensibility of every true democrat and puts to question the integrity of the police in issues that involve the political class." The lawmakers called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the arrest, which had portrayed the police in bad light by "Once again soiling the institution in the mud of desperate tussle for

political powers by those who see politics as a do or die affair.

"There is no excuse for the manner the police conducted the ill-timed and misleading arrest of LP National Chairman. If there was any need for the police to take Barrister Abure in, a simple invitation would have sufficed.

“The inexplicable dehumanisation and brutalisation of Chief Abure was uncalled for. Democracy ought to refine our security agents and bring out the best in them, rather than enhance their biases and prejudices in the society."

Similarly, the LP candidate in the 2023 governorship election in Enugu State, Chijioke Edeoga, condemned Abure’s arrest.

Edeoga said the action of the police amounted to an abuse of rights and could be interpreted to suggest there were attempts to diminish the fortunes of the party in the forthcoming governorship contest in Edo State.

Naira’s Free Fall: It’s Time to Control

the Markets, Says Olawepo-Hashim

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A former presidential candidate and a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has counselled that the time has come for the federal government to dump the free float of the Naira in exchange to other currencies.

He advised that the country should opt for the “Nigerian traditional managed float and allocate Nigeria's forex and domestic resource for nation's economic and national priorities.”

For some time now, especially since the “floating” of the exchange rate by the current regime, the jet speed with which the nation’s currency has been depreciating has migrated to a worrisome lightening speed, pushing the rate to about N1,900 to one United States

Dollar today, he said.

In a statement released by his media office in Abuja on yesterday, Olawepo-Hashim explained that it would be delusional to manage Nigeria's foreign exchange regime with the expectation that the market would correct itself when the Nigeria market is controlled by different criminal gangs.

“It is also time for real Central Bankers to assume control of the Central Bank rather than commercial bankers and even elements at the fringes of commercial banking who have hijacked the management of our monetary policies in the past two decades,” he noted.

According to him, not a few Nigerians have been alarmed at the sudden emergence of the banks and their chief executives as foreign exchange speculators. He added that allegations

are rife that most of the banks have perfected the acts of warehousing large volumes of foreign currencies with a view to trading with them at higher rates.

Olawepo-Hashim therefore argued that “no serious nation in the world would continue to manage its affairs on the basis of failed recommendations by officials of Bretton Woods institutions who have consistently misadvised Nigeria to continuously devalue its currency for about 38 years.”

He said: “My generation stoutly resisted these package in the great anti-SAP revolts of 1989. The present variant of the market allocation is the most extreme ever experienced which is seeing naira exchange at N1,900 to a dollar compared to N8 to a dollar which we resisted fiercely in 1989.”

He also maintained that having removed subsidy on petroleum products with all the very hard consequences, it is bad economic planning to allow naira to go on the free fall.

He argued that devaluation would continuously erode any fiscal gain of subsidy removal necessitating another round of subsidy and subsidy removal which the economy at 32 per cent inflation cannot absorb.

Olawepo-Hashim also emphasised that the much sought after investors, whether local or foreign would be hard to find in a season of currency volatility and high inflation eroding purchasing power of consumers.

He therefore called for an urgent need to stabilise the economy and tame volatility through “common sense economics.”

LAUNCH OF EMERALD GARDEN ESTATES AT ORUDU TOWN, IBEJU LEKKI...

L-R: Managing Director, Wainet Realtor Group, Humprey Odie; Director of Finance, Esso Properties Limited, Amaka Uzodigwe; Manag ing Director/CEO, Esso Properties, Dr. Smith Ezenagu; Pastor Sunny Akingbade; Managing Director, The General Realtor Group, George Benjamin; Managing Director, Tony Connected Realtor Group, Tony Connected and Chief Marketing Officer, Esso Properties, Finbarr Onuoha; at the launch of Emerald Garden Estates at Orudu Town, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State...recently.

OGUN STAKEHOLDERS' ENGAGEMENT ON PALLIATIVES DISTRIBUTION...

L-R: Representative of the Awujale of Ijebuland and Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba

Tinubu to ECOWAS Judges: Only Judiciary Can Protect Our Democracy

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment as the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to advancing judicial reforms with determined support, emphasizing that only integrous and accountable judicial systems would strengthen democracy across West Africa.

The president, who spoke at a meeting with a delegation from the ECOWAS Judicial Council led by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Council, at the State House, Abuja, yesterday, said, ''We are committed to transformative democracy because we believe the judiciary can protect democracy.

''We are ready to support you as learned minds who have the requisite experience and institutional memory to comprehensively reform our institutions.

“I assure you as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government that the judiciary is one of the pillars to protect our democracy and it is only in this regard that we can make a difference on the continent."

Tinubu congratulated judges from member-states who participated in the two-day council meeting in Abuja, applauding the successful

conclusion of their deliberations.

He assured them that their recommendations would receive utmost consideration by the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

“We will work with you to ensure that your expertise is employed to promote justice in our democratic experiences on the continent and in the region. You are truly the last hope of the common man across our sub-region,'' the president added.

Earlier, and on behalf of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, Ariwoola emphasised the Council’s commitment to facilitating the effective functioning of the ECOWAS judicial system.

He said the council, at the end of its meeting in Abuja, agreed to establish two sub-committees to address pertinent judiciaryrelated issues in the region.

According to him, the first sub-committee would look into the rules of procedure of the Council itself, which were found to be inadequate.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria explained that members from Benin Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone had been tasked to work on the rules of procedure on the Judicial Council.

Ariwoola further explained that the Council of Ministers had tasked the Judicial Council,

in collaboration with the Commission and the Community Court, to address the enforcement of judgments issued by the community court.

''The court under the guidance of its president has

made presentations which have adequately informed the Judicial Council on the issues and challenges encountered in the enforcement of the judgments.

“The Judicial Council was of the opinion that a second

committee was required to tackle the issue because of the complexity of the matter. The members of this second subcommittee are Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cabo Verde, and Togo,'' he added.

Ariwoola stated that both subcommittees would present their findings to the Judicial Council, which would subsequently make recommendations to the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

... Appoints Alade As AMCON MD/ CEO, 3 Other Executive Directors

Reconstitutes management teams In 3 communications & digital economy agencies NCC, NIGCOMSAT, Galaxy Backbone get new MD, executive directors, commissioners

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new four-man management team for the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

The appointees , according to a release issued on Thursday by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, include Gbenga Alade — Managing Director/ CEO; Aminu Ismail — Executive Director; Adeshola Lamidi — Executive Director and Lucky Adaghe — Executive Director.

The President expects unflagging dedication,

professionalism, and dutifulness from the new appointees so as to ensure that the operations of AMCON are more efficient, transparent, and in consonance with his determination to sanitize the nation's financial system to maximize value and enhance investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.

President Tinubu also on Thursday approved the appointment of qualified Nigerians to serve in three agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

In another release issued by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the new appointees include Abraham Oshadami

— Executive Commissioner, Technical Services; Rimini Makama — Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management and Opeyemi Dele-Ajayi — President/CEO, Digital Bridge Institute for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited has Abiodun Attah as Executive Director, Technical Services; Aisha Abdullahi, Executive Director, Finance & Administration and Jaiyeola

Awokoya, Executive Director, Marketing & Business Development.

New appointees for Galaxy Backbone (BB) Limited include

Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO ; Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, Executive Director, Finance & Corporate Services; Olusegun Olulade, Executive Director, Customer Centricity & Marketing and Olumbe Akinkugbe, Executive Director, Digital Exploration & Technical Services.

With the reconstitution of the management teams in the aforementioned agencies, President Tinubu expressed hope that the seasoned professionals will deliver excellent service to elevate the impact of the digital economy sector on the socio-economic development of the nation.

Edo Guber: Uzodimma Was Neither Sacked or Dropped, Says APC

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) had said that the governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodimma was never dropped nor sacked as the Chairman of the Edo state governorship election primary.

The ruling party had on Wednesday sacked Uzodimma as

the chairman of Edo Governorship Primary Election Chairman after the rancorous primary election conducted last Saturday by Uzodimma saw the emergence of three different aspirants as the winners.

The party had in his place appointed the Governor of Cross River state, Senator Bassey Otu to

oversee the rerun election scheduled for Thursday (yesterday).

However, the National Publicity Secretary, of the party, Felix Morka in a statement issued yesterday said Uzodimma was unavoidably absent, hence its decision to replace him.

Morka said: "The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to reports

in sections of the media suggesting that the Governor of Imo State, and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, was sacked or dropped as the Chairman of the Edo Gubernatorial Primary Election Committee, and replaced with the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Bassey Otu.

"We wish to clarify that Governor Uzodimma was neither “sacked” nor “dropped”, as has been erroneously reported, but was unavoidably unavailable to lead the completion of the party’s Edo State Gubernatorial Primary Election Process due to his prior scheduled attendance of, and presentation of a report, to the National Economic

Council meeting today February 22, 2024.

"As a result, His Excellency Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross Rivers State, who was the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, graciously accepted to serve as Chairman, and to complete the Edo State Gubernatorial Primary Election Process."

Lawrence Adebajo; the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Micheal Adedotun Gbadebo with the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun during a stakeholders' engagement on palliatives distribution at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta

Shelter Afrique Set to Build on Its $220m Housing Investment in Nigeria

FMBN seeks help to complete abandoned estates

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) yesterday said it was ready to collaborate with Shelter Afrique Development Bank, a housing and real estate pan-African finance institution, to build on the bank’s $220 million investment in Nigeria since its establishment.

Speaking when he received the delegation from the continental bank, the Managing Director of FMBN, Mr Shehu Osidi, said areas of partnership will include construction financing, genderrelated housing, Islamic non-interest housing , among others.

Osidi noted that in the area of abandoned housing units in the

country, the bank also intends to work with Shelter Afrique to ensure their completion.

Shelter Afrique's current shareholders include 44 member countries, plus the African Development Bank (AfDB) and African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re). Nigeria has over 15 per cent equity in the bank.

“We will be happy to have the opportunity to access construction funding from Shelter Afrique for projects for which we can provide optimal guarantee,” Osidi said.

Under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme, for which FMBN is providing the offtake guarantee for the delivery of 100,000 units across the country, Osidi said

Nigeria Records 72 Deaths from Lassa Fever, Says NCDC

Army loses three medical personnel to outbreak in Kaduna

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that Lassa Fever has claimed the lives of 72 persons in the country.

According to its latest report on Lassa Fever situation in Nigeria, as of 11th February 2024, Nigeria has recorded a total of 411 confirmed cases and 72 deaths from Lassa fever.

The Centre said that confirmed cases were reported in 21 states and 78 local government areas across the country.

It said that Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi accounted for 65 percent of all the confirmed cases, with Ondo reporting 24 percent, Edo 23 percent, and Bauchi 18 percent. The remaining 35 percent of cases were reported in 17 other states.

The NCDC said that the most affected age group by Lassa fever is 21-30 years, and two new health workers were affected during the reporting week.

In response to the Lassa fever outbreak, the agency noted that the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated.

The system according to NCDC aims to coordinate response efforts at all levels through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army Headquarters, yesterday, confirmed

the death of three medical personnel following the outbreak of lassa fever at the Accident and Emergency unit of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna. A statement by the Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, stated that a suspected index patient was managed but subsequently died two weeks ago in the hospital.

"Sadly, three medical staff of the hospital that had direct contact with the suspected index case have also died within the past 48 hours," it said.

The statement said in response to the suspected outbreak, "directives have been passed that Prevention Control (IPC) measures in and around all military health care facilities in Kaduna be stepped up as part of measures to curtail further spread and loss of lives.

"In this wise, all medical staff of the hospital, their family members and other patients on the contact tracing list have commenced appropriate management and so far nothing of concern has been observed."

It noted that, "the entire hospital facility has been disinfected, while immediate closure and evacuation of the Accident and Emergency ward of the 44 NARHK has been ordered to allow for thorough fumigation, decontamination and emplacement of other measures of Infection Prevention Control (IPC).

"As a responsive and responsible

organisation, the Nigerian Army has also escalated the development to other relevant national and state agencies.

"As of the time of this statement, samples have been taken from suspected contacts and the deceased and sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory in Kano for analysis.

"Similarly, the Kaduna State Epidemiologists have been invited to help in unraveling the unfolding development."

The statement noted that the Nigerian Army, as part of its civilmilitary relations welfare scheme,

offered medical services to civilians in its host communities.

"Thus, about 500 civilians receive medical attention weekly at 44NARHK. This unfortunate development is only a setback in our efforts to give back to the society and will not stop the Nigerian Army from continuing this moral obligation to the host communities.

"As of now, all Nigerian Army medical facilities in Kaduna and environs have been put at alert on the need to emplace necessary IPC measures and closely monitor patients, staff and family members," it said.

that both organisations can also look for areas to work together.

“We also have abandoned estates spread all across the country in different locations. In 26 states of the federation, we have different projects at different stages, abandoned for one reason or the other.

“One of the main reasons is that we had entered into partnerships with state governments, where they undertook to provide infrastructure, whereas FMBN was to provide construction finance for those houses.

“ While in most of those cases the bank was able to deliver on the houses, the state governments have reneged on providing infrastructure, so we are stuck,” the FMBN boss added.

According to him, another area both banks can explore is in the diaspora mortgage space, where Nigerians remit as much as $25 billion home every year.

“We have about $25 billion annually, and that is more than the budget of some countries in Africa,” he stressed.

Also speaking, the Representative of the Minister of Housing, Dr Akinola Olakunle, said the delegation is in Nigeria for one week to meet critical governmental leaders towards deepening its capacity housing development plan in the country.

“They have about 54 housing

finance loans made to this country, totalling about $220.5 million. Out of this, about 26 of the projects have been completed, amounting to about $117.6 million,” he stressed.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the board of Shelter Afrique, Chika Akporji, said the team was in Nigeria to identify areas of collaboration, stressing that the housing bank had engaged with the Nigerian market for a very long time.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive of Shelter Afrique, Thierno-Habib Hann, disclosed that since he arrived he had met with the Nigerian vice president, the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), minister of housing, and many others, in a bid to support Nigeria’s housing sector.

“We saw from the highest level of the country the commitment to address the housing and urban sector as a priority, because they actually do realise the importance of the sector, in terms of driving economic growth, job creation as well and revenue generation for the population,” he stated.

Hann pointed out that Nigeria remains important to the organisation beyond its shareholding, noting that the bank recently revised its 40 years old statutes to reflect best practices in the development finance institutions.

Rivers Police Recover Serial Kidnapper 2Baba's Body from Ahoada Forest

Chiemelie Ezeobi

Days after Gift Okpara, a serial kidnapper otherwise known as 2Baba, was reportedly killed by a joint security operation in Rivers State, THISDAY can authoritatively report that his missing body has been found and recovered.

Last year, Governor Siminalayi Fubara had placed a N100 million bounty on the suspected kidnapper and his gang for the murder of DPO Bako Angbashim, a superintendent of police and for

the resurgence of violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism. Impeccable sources told THISDAY exclusively that the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, CP Olatunji Disu and security forces had been silently mining intelligence on the case.

On February 17 at about noon, 2baba and gang had attacked Okogbe Town and Odiokwu community, destroying several pipelines and in response, the security forces had raided their

camp and despite a fierce gun battle, the gang escaped but with injuries. While information had filtered in that 2baba couldn't survive the gunshot wounds he sustained, there was nothing concrete to back that up until his body was recovered last night.

THISDAY exclusively gathered that on Thursday night, the intelligence had paid off as the CP alongside his crack squad dared to brave the horrors of E-brass in Ahoada West Local Government

Area in the State.

Due to the extreme difficult terrain with strategically positioned informants to monitor any entrance into the forest, it was gathered that it took the squad about two hours before they could access the forest and recover the body. Attempts to reach the CP for more details proved abortive as he did not take his calls, however, the source told THISDAY that the police would address a press briefing today at the state command headquarters.

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna

'SANWO-OLU SPEAKS'...

L-R: Programme Presenter/Producer, Channels TV, Mr. Geoffrey Uzono; Dr. Reuben Abati of Arise TV; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; General Manager, Lagos Television (LTV), Sola Kosoko and Controller, Current Affairs, Television Continental (TVC), Mr. Babajide Otitoju, shortly after a media chat with the governor tagged 'Sanwo-Olu Speaks', at the Lagos House, Marina... yesterday

WELL DESERVED AWARD …

L-R: Representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr. Bassey Abia; Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt. Chris Najomo; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, and the organiser of the Nigeria Aviation Award (NiGAV) Mr. Fortune Idu, at the annual awards and dinner of NiGAV in Lagos…yesterday–

Says establishment of state police necessary for effective policing Abbas: 400,000 Policemen Insufficient to Secure Nigeria’s Huge Population

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said the number of policemen which is placed at about 400,000 is not sufficient to provide security for over 200

million Nigerians. Speaking during a courtesy call on him by the association of Clerks of State Houses of Assembly yesterday, Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu, said it

is necessary to establish state police and that state policing will increase internal security because the operators are already familiar with the terrain they are to police.

Abbas said the establishment of state police is similar to the amendments made to issues of railway, power among others by the ninth National Assembly to

enable the states enjoy some constitutional rights under the concurrent list to delve into those issues.

According to Abbas, “On other

key nationally important matters like state police, for example, the House recognizes the diverse perspectives and needs across different states.”

Police Arrest 54-year-old Woman with 175 Live Cartridges in Delta Ondo 2024: I Will Usher State into Radiant Future, Says Jimoh Ibrahim

SundayOkobi

Business magnate and Senator representing Ondo South senatorial district, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, has promised a radiant future for the state.

He made the promise during his visits to the 10 wards of Ondo East Local Government Area last Wednesday.

A statement issued by his campaign organisation said he was received by elated party leaders and members in the various wards.

Ibrahim, who is seeking to clinch the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the

November governorship election, took his campaign to the wards, accompanied by former Minister, Tayo Alasoadura, and the chairman of Aseyori Organisation, the body driving the campaign.

Others on Ibrahim’s entourage were former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun; eight erstwhile members of the Assembly, five former commissioners and 18 former chairmen of local government areas.

Addressing party faithful at every stop, Ibrahim said: “With unwavering spirit, l stand before you bearing tidings of good hope.

RMB Nigeria Board Appoints Bayo Ajayi as Acting CEO

Nume Ekeghe

The Board of Directors of Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Nigeria has announced the appointment of Mr. Bayo Ajayi as acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RMB.

The bank, in a statement, noted that this new appointment has received approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Speaking on this development, CEO RMB and Chairman of the RMB Nigeria Board, Emrie Brown, stated: “On behalf of the board of directors at RMB Nigeria, I welcome Bayo

Ajayi as the acting CEO, and I am confident that under his leadership, we will continue to effectively partner our clients, grow the business and positively contribute to Nigeria’s economy.”

Responding to the news of his appointment, Ajayi said: “I am humbled by the opportunity to take up this role at such a critical time for Nigeria. We will continue to partner with our clients as they navigate through the headwinds.”

Ajayi, prior to his new role, was an executive director on the RMB Nigeria Board and Chief Finance Officer at RMB Nigeria.

Bauchi Press Crew Holds Retreat

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

In an effort to ensure professionalism in propagating policies and programmes of the Bauchi State Government, members of the state Government House Press Crew have undergone a three-day retreat on the emerging trends in media practice.

The retreat with the theme: ‘Press Crew Members and Tasks of Effective Coverage of Government Policies and Programmes in the Emerging Challenges of 21st Century Journalism’, was informed by the

state government’s determination to improve capacity of the press crew.

Declaring the retreat open in Jos, the Plateau State capital, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said fostering a better collaboration between the government and the media in the state remains the commitment of his administration.

Mohammed, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Danturaki, expressed commitment not only to the welfare of working journalists but encouraging productivity.

Sylvester Idowu inWarri

The operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a 54-year-old woman, identified as Ms. Efe David, with 175 live cartridges.

The suspect was arrested last

Sunday during a routine patrol along Asaba/Ibusa Road by operatives of the Eagle-Net Social Squad.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, made the disclosure yesterday when he reeled out statistics of

arrests made since he assumed office.

He said that on the February 17, 2024, at about 14:20 hours, operatives of Eagle-Net Special Squad while on routine patrol along Asaba/Ibusa Road, flagged down a commercial Sienna vehicle

coming from Onitsha and that during search of the vehicle and passengers one Efe David ‘f’ 54yrs of Oria Abraka Ethiope East LGA, Delta State, was arrested with 175 live cartridges, adding that the suspect is in custody and investigation is ongoing.

Pauperisation of Lecturers ‘ll Exacerbate Brain Drain in Varsities, ASUU Warns

Kemi Olaitan inIbadan

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday warned that the deliberate pauperisation of the intelligentsia by the federal and state governments will continue to upscale the brain drain syndrome in the university system

with newly appointed lecturers resigning for greener pastures.

ASUU also called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop being insensitive rather address the central demands of public university lecturers for better welfare and improved conditions of service, stating that

governments must stop acting as slave owners.

Prof. Oyebamiji Oyegoke, the Ibadan Zonal Coordinator of the union comprising the University of Ibadan, Ibadan; University of Ilorin, Ilorin; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso; Kwara State University, Malete and Osun

State University, Osogbo, while addressing journalists in Ibadan, yesterday said despite the good intentions of ASUU members to make Nigerian universities globally competitive, government at all levels have continued to unleash hardship on the lecturers as it is doing to other sectors of the Nigerian state.

House Committee Lauds NSCDC on Protection of Nigeria’s Critical Infrastructure

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The House of Representatives member and Chairman of the Special Ad hoc Committee on Oil Theft, Hon. Ado Doguwa, has commended the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil

Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, for providing veritable leadership to the Corps, noting that under Audi-led administration, there has been innumerable achievements in combating oil theft through arrests of suspects for illegally oil

dealings, pipeline vandalism, destruction of illegal local refineries among others.

Representing the committee chairman, his Deputy, Hon. Sasi Oluwaseun Whingan, said the commitment of the CG in delivering on the Corps mandate despite his enormous

tasks is worthy of note. He further hinted that crude oil theft has become a worrisome challenge, hence all stakeholders must work assiduously to eradicate the menace, which has negatively affected the country’s economy.

Two Dead, LASEMA Rescues 15 Others as Boat Capsize in Lagos

Sunday Ehigiator

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has revealed that two persons lost their lives while it rescued 15 other victims involved in a boat accident incident which happened at Powerline, Ikoyi link-bridge, in

Ikoyi area of the state yesterday.

In a statement, the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, revealed that “The agency responded to distress calls and upon arrival at the incident scene, discovered that a boat conveying 17 passengers from Sandfil heading to Ikorodu

had capsized at the location mentioned above.

“Further investigation gathered from the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) officials showed that the boat driver rammed into a high-tension pole flooded by water, leading to the accident.

“Unfortunately, two adults

lost their lives (a male and a female) and other (15) passengers were unharmed.

“The body of an adult female was retrieved from the water and subsequently transported from the incident scene to LASWA head office at Falomo before being confirmed dead by the LRU paramedics.

Hardship: Residents, CSOs Stage Peaceful Protest in Osogbo

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Residents of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, yesterday staged a protest against the economic hardship ravaging the country.

The protest tagged: ‘Osogbo Enough Is Enough, President Bola Tinubu let the poor breathe’, was organised by the

Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) over high cost of living and economic hardship in the country.

However, security personnel were present at the scenes of the protest to maintain peace and order, and to avert any public disturbance or violence.

The protesters moved from

Nelson Mandela Freedom Park venue to Oke-Fia roundabouts and ended at the popular Olaiya-Overhead bridge in Osogbo.

Fielding questions from journalists on the sideline of the protest, the Chairman, OCSC, Waheed Lawal, condemned the Trade Union Congress (TUC)

decision to back out of the proposed two-day nationwide protest over the economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.

Lawal said the last minute plan by the TUC to back out of the proposed protest, which both labour unions agreed upon, was worrisome.

Isoko Professionals Group Rejects Removal of Mgt Courses from Delta Varsity

The Isoko Professionals Association (IPA), a non-partisan group consisting of Isoko sons from Delta State, has rejected the removal of management courses from the Delta State University of Science and

Technology (DSUST) in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area Delta State. Reports emanated last week that eight courses under the Faculty of Administration and Management have been signed

out by the Governing Council of the University and moved to Orerokpe, to be known as Delta State University of Science and Technology, Orerokpe Campus.

The courses as contained in the report to be moved

are Business Administration, Accountancy, Banking & Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Office Information & Management, Transport & Marine Technology and Public Administration.

Gunmen Kill Policeman in Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Police Command yesterday confirmed the killing of its personnel by hoodlums in Port Harcourt. The spokesperson of the police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident yesterday, disclosed that the police victim was killed during a gun battle with the hoodlums who attacked him and colleagues while on a stop and search operation along Eliozu Flyover.

Iringe-Koko said: “We are deeply saddened to announce a

heinous incident that occurred on February 21, 2024, involving an attack on policemen attached to Operation Sting of the Rivers State Police Command.

“At approximately 9:45 p.m. while conducting routine stop and search at Eliozu Flyover, the officers were ambushed by unidentified hoodlums operating in a carton-colored Sienna bus, with fully tinted glasses. The registration number of the vehicle remains unknown at this time.”

The police spokesperson continued that “the assailants drove in from the

Rumuodumaya axis, opened fire on the police team, resulting in the tragic loss of one inspector who valiantly gave his life in the line of duty undeterred.

“The police team responded with bravery, engaging the attackers and managing to neutralise one of them with mask on his face, while the others managed to escape, potentially sustaining gunshot wounds.”

Iringe-Koko also informed that the command has launched a thorough investigation into the crime and has already identified the group responsible.

National Assembly Passes South-East Development Commission Bill

Sunday Aborisade inAbuja

The National Assembly yesterday passed the bill seeking the establishment of South-east Development Commission (SEDC).

The commission will be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage funds from allocation of the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damage suffered by the region as a result of the

effect of the civil war.

The bill became the National Assembly document after the Senate in plenary concurred with the House of Representatives version.

The red chamber took the decision after it considered the bill’s clauses at its Committee of the Whole chaired by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The House of Representatives had on December 21, 2023, at its Committee of the Whole chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon.

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

The 6 Kalimas: Pillars of Faith and Unity in Islam

VergeTeams/IslamiCity

The Six Kalimas are not merely words; they represent a profound commitment to the fundamental tenets of the Islamic faith. As individuals recite and reflect upon these Kalimas, they strengthen their connection with Allah, foster a deeper understanding of their faith, and strive to embody these principles in their actions and interactions. Explore the profound significance of the 6 Kalimas, the pillars of our faith that encapsulate the essence of Islamic belief.

1. First Kalima: Tayyab (Purity)

Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who is also the sponsor of the bill, unanimously passed it for third reading and sent it to the Senate for concurrence.

The Senate approved the long title of the bill as recommended, clause 2 as amended, clause 3 to 5 as recommended, clause 6 as amended, clauses 7 to 29 as recommended, interpretation clause 30 as recommended, short title clause 31 as recommended, schedules 1 and explanatory memorandum as recommended.

‘Ogunbanjo’s Demise Reverberates across Legal Business Community’

KayodeTokede

Chris Ogunbanjo and Co.

yesterday stated that the demise of Otunba Abimbola Ogunbanjo has reverberated not only in its firm but across the legal and business community in Nigeria, his law firm has said.

Ogunbanjo died alongside the Group Managing Director of Access

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OYINKANSOLA OLAJUMOKE OGUNDELE now wish to be known and addressed as OYINKANSOLA OLAJUMOKE OSISANYA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGEDEGBE OMOFUAH ADENIKE now wish to be known and addressed as OGEDEGBE OMONOFUAH ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IKEH CHIAMAKA BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as NWIZU CHIAMAKA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. University of Lagos and general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS FREDRICK OGHENEVWARHE PRINCESS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWUMA PRINCESS OGHENEVWARHE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OMOROGIEVA CYNTHIA now wish to be known and addressed as IWU CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLUCHUKWU PAMELA ANYA. now wish to be known and addressed as OLUCHUKWU PAMELA ONWURAH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ABUDULLAH SANUSI MODINAT. now wish to be known and addressed as KAREEM SANUSI MODINAT. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Holdings Plc, Mr. Hubert Wigwe, wife, and son on February 9 in California, United States.

Ogunbanjo was the Managing Partner at Chris Ogunbanjo and Co. and the pioneer Group Chairman of NGX Group Plc. The law firm in an announcement said: “In this time of mourning, we find solace in the enduring principles he embodied- which included professionalism, diligence, innovation, integrity, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Otunba modelled the firm upon the timeless ideals of our Founder, the late Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, whose vision continues to guide us forward. “As we reflect on Otunba’s

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OMOROGIEVA CYNTHIA now wish to be known and addressed as IWU CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as DEBORAH UFORO-ABASI TOMPIUS, now wish to be known and addressed as DEBORAH UFOROABASI ISHAKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS SOREMI ENITAN OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BUKOLA ENITAN OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ORJI ROBINSON OZRLUONYE now wish to be known and addressed as OKONKWO-RAPHAEL ROBINSON OZULUONYE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS OMOYE EVELYN OPUTA now wish to be known and addressed as OMOYE EVELYN OKOEKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public (everyone on planet earth) should take note.

This is to notify the general public that I, USIFOR EHIJELE ANDY date of birth, was wrongly written as 11th February 1979 while enrolling for NIN, instead of 11th February 1980. Henceforth, my correct date of birth is 11th February 1980. All former documents remain valid.

remarkable contributions, we are resolved to honour his memory by rededicating ourselves to the pursuit of excellence which he was known for. It is our solemn commitment to uphold his legacy and advance the ideals which he represented.

“As we navigate this period of transition, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and understanding. Together, we honour the memory of Otunba Abimbola Ogunbanjo by carrying forward his vision with unwavering determination and resilience. Adieu Bamofin.”

MoneyMaster PSB Grows Customer Base with Array of Services

A major licensed payment service bank, MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank (MMPSB) has continued to record growth in its customer base in the country.

MMPSB is promoted and backed by Globacom, Nigeria’s leading total telecommunications solutions provider.

MoneyMaster is focused mainly on the unbanked and under-banked in order to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria.

Since launching its commercial operations in May 2022, the bank’s client base has been growing exponentially with hundreds of potential customers leveraging its digital channels such as USSD, mobile app and internet banking to open accounts, buy airtime and data, pay utility bills and more.

The bank attributed its positive growth to several innovations and services it introduced in the past few months for the benefit of its customers across the country.

According to industry sources, more Nigerians are joining the bank to enjoy the wide array of services on offer and conduct their financial transactions with ease and with assurance of security of their transactions.

The sources disclosed that there are currently over 4,000 billers on the MMPSB platform and that the number is growing on a daily basis.

Lah ilaha illah Lahu Muhammadu Rasuululah English Translation: There is no God but Allah Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.

2. Second Kalima: Shahadat (Testimony)

Ash’adu an Lah Ilaha illah Lahu, Wa-hdau Lah Sharika Lahu, Wa -Ash’adu Annah Muhammadan Ab’duhu wa-Rasuuluhu

English Translation: I bear witness that no-one is worthy of worship but Allah, the One alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

3. Third Kalima: Tamjeed (Glorification)

Subhaana Lahi, Wal-Amdu Lilahi, Wa-Lahilaha Illah Lahu, Wa-Lahu Akbar, Wa-Lah Aola Wa-Lah Kuwwata, Illah Bilahi li-Aliyyi li-Azeem

English Translation: Glory be to Allah and Praise to Allah, and there is no God but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. And there is no Might or Power except with Allah.

4. Fourth Kalima: Tauheed (Unity)

Lahilaha Illah Lahu, Wa-hdau Lah Sharika Lahu, Lahu li-Mulku, Wal-Lahu li-Amdu, Yu’hyih waYumiitu, Wa-Huwa Hayyu Lah Yamuutu, Abadan Abadan, Zul Jalaali Wal-Ikraam, bi-Yadihil-Khaeru, Wa-Huwa Allah Kulli Shayhin Qodiirun

English Translation: (There is) none worthy of worship except Allah. He is only One. (There is) no partners for Him. For Him (is) the kingdom. And for Through Him (is) the Praise. He gives life and causes death. And He (is) Alive. He will not die, never, ever. Possessor of Majesty and Reverence. In His hand (is) the goodness. And He (is) the goodness. And He (is) on everything powerful.

5. Fifth Kalima: Astaghfar (Penitence) Astagfiru Laha, Rabbi min-Kulli Zambi, An-nabtuhu Amdan Ao-Khatohan, Sirran AoAlaaniyatan; wa-Atuubu Ilayhi minna Zambi; Al-ladhi Ah’lamu, Wa-minna Zambi; Al-ladhi Lah Ah’lamu; Innaka Anta Alaamu li-Ghuyuubi; wa-Sataaru li-Uyyubi, Wa-Ghafaaru li-Zunuubi; Wa-Lah aola WaLah Quwwata Illah BiLahi li-Aliyyu li-Azeem

English Translation: I seek forgiveness from Allah, my lord, from every sin I committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly, and I turn towards Him from the sin that I know and from the sin that I do not know. Certainly You, You (are) the knower of the hidden things and the Concealer (of) the mistakes and the Forgiver (of) the sins. And (there is) no power and no strength except from Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.

6. Sixth Kalima: Radde Kufr (Rejecting Disbelief)

Allahumo Innih Auzubika min An Ush’rika Bika Shayhan; Wa-Anah Ah’lamu bihii; WaAstagfiruka Limoh Lah Ah’lamu bihii Tubtu an’hu; Wa-Tabara’htu minna li-Kufri Wa-Shar’ku, WalKizbi, Wal-Ghiibati, Wal-Bid’hati, Wa-Namiimoti, Wal-Fawaa’ishi, Wal-Buh’taani, Wal-Muhaasiyyi, Kulliha; Wa-Aslamtu Wa-Akuulu Lahilaha Illah Lahu, Muhammadun Rasuululahi.

English Translation: O Allah! Certainly, I seek protection with You from, that I associate partner with You anything and I know it. And I seek forgiveness from You for that I do not know it. I repented from it and I made myself free from disbelief and polytheism and the falsehood and the back-biting and the innovation and the tell-tales and the bad deeds and the blame and the disobedience, all of them. And I submit and I say (there is) none worthy of worship except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

As we reflect on the meanings behind each Kalima, let us carry this newfound knowledge into our daily lives. May the principles embedded in these affirmations resonate in our actions, fostering a spirit of compassion, gratitude, and unity within the Muslim Ummah and beyond.

Advantages of Reciting the 6 Kalmas Guides towards spiritual illumination and personal development.

reinforcing faith in the singular and supreme nature of Allah.

and gratitude.

Contributes to greater success in life.

Best Times to Recite the 6 Kalmas

Incorporating the teachings of the six Kalmas into our daily routine is crucial for unlocking their genuine advantages. It is advisable to cultivate a habit of reciting these Kalmas consistently, especially after each prayer:

1. Kalma Tayyab: Strengthen your faith by reciting this Kalma after every prayer.

2. Kalma Shahadat: Increase your faith and secure a faithful departure by reciting this Kalma daily; it is also recited to express acceptance of Islam.

3. recite this Kalma for the fulfillment of prayers, wealth increase, defeating enemies, and seeking entry into Jannah in the Hereafter.

4. Kalma Tauheed: Safeguard yourself from shirk and external threats to your faith by reciting this Kalma daily after prayers.

5. Kalma Astaghfaar: Seek forgiveness for both major and minor sins by reciting this Kalma, either as a Tasbih or after obligatory prayers.

6. Kalma Radd-e-Kufr: Maintain protection from disobedience, adultery, shirk, and external threats to your faith by daily recitation; it is also recited for the forgiveness of sins.

In practicing the 6 Kalimas, we find not only a source of solace but a roadmap for navigating the complexities of life with a steadfast heart. Let us embrace these pillars of faith as a constant reminder of our commitment to Islam and strive to live our lives in accordance with the wisdom they impart. May the essence of the 6 Kalimas continue to illuminate our spiritual journey and deepen our connection with the Almighty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the 6 Kalimas:

Q: What are the 6 Kalimas?

The 6 Kalimas are declarations of faith and phrases affirming the oneness and greatness of Allah in Islam.

Q: Why are the 6 Kalimas important in Islam?

The Kalimas serve as fundamental tenets of belief, reinforcing the principles of monotheism and guiding Muslims in their daily lives.

Q: When should I recite the 6 Kalimas?

It is recommended to recite the 6 Kalimas regularly, especially after daily prayers, to reinforce faith and seek various spiritual benefits.

Q: What is the significance of each Kalima?

Each Kalima holds distinct significance. For example, Kalima Tayyab strengthens faith, Kalima Shahadat affirms belief and acceptance of Islam, Kalima Tamjeed is recited for various blessings, Kalima Tauheed safeguards against shirk, Kalima Astaghfaar seeks forgiveness, and Kalima Radd-e-Kufr protects against disobedience and external threats.

Q: Can I recite the 6 Kalimas in any language?

While Arabic is the recommended language for recitation, you can also recite the meanings of the Kalimas in your preferred language to understand and internalize their significance.

Q: Is there a specific order in which the 6 Kalimas should be recited?

The order is not strictly defined, and you can recite them in any order. However, many people follow the traditional sequence: Kalima Tayyab, Kalima Shahadat, Kalima Tamjeed, Kalima Tauheed, Kalima Astaghfaar, and Kalima Radd-e-Kufr.

Q: How do the 6 Kalimas contribute to spiritual growth?

Reciting the 6 Kalimas helps in spiritual enlightenment, internal growth, and the development of a strong connection with Allah. They are a means of seeking forgiveness, strengthening faith, and maintaining a righteous path in life.

Q: Can I recite the 6 Kalimas for specific purposes, such as seeking forgiveness or protection?

Yes, each Kalima has specific benefits, and Muslims often recite them for various purposes, including seeking forgiveness, protection from sins, and asking for Allah’s blessings in different aspects of life.

Defence Chief: Those Calling for Coup are Evil People, Do Not Mean Well for Nigeria

Warns arm of law will catch up with instigators Reaffirms military’s pledge to protect nation Urges patience with Tinubu’s government

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, yesterday, said those calling for military intervention as a result of the current economic hardship in the country were evil and did not mean well Nigeria.

Musa, who warned that the arm of the law would catch up with instigators, however, advised them to desist from doing so as the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained prepared to defend democratic rule at all times.

The defence chief, who spoke when he visited Headquarters of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part his

routine operational visit to the Niger Delta region, however, pleaded with the people to exercise some patience with the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“Whoever is making that call (coup) does not love Nigeria. We want to make it very clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are here to protect democracy.

“We all want democracy and we do better under democracy. We will continue to support democracy and any of those ones who are calling for anything other than democracy are evil people and I think they don’t mean well for Nigeria.

“They should be very careful because the law will come after them. We can see that with democracy

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

life. Governor Akeredolu loved singing mostly Christian hymns. He made very impactful contributions to the work of the Christian mission. He built Churches and his commitment to the work of God led to his being appointed as the Chancellor of Owo Diocese of Anglican Communion, a position he occupied till his departure.

Aketi was a thoroughbred legal practitioner, with the sharpness of mind, and dexterity of arguments throwing him up as a cerebral mind with an indomitable resilience for human emancipation. In league with other silks, he made deliberate contributions to improve the legal profession, with insightful initiatives that birthed sweeping reforms, and enhanced professional practice. His onerous contributions to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as a barrister and President, earned him the recognition and decision of the association to name its secretariat in Abuja after Akeredolu in 2012.

Not satisfied with the use of the instrumentality of the legal profession to impact life, and driven by unquenchable quest for improved humanity, he went into politics, made necessary sacrifices, and got elected by the good people of Ondo State as the governor in 2016. Aketi’s entrance into the Nigeria political space was not only positively disruptive but reformative, as he brought to bear in his public life uncommon honesty of purpose, predictable courage, innovative vision and sacrificial truthfulness. He did not just defend his people against marauders, Oluwarotimi emboldened them and generated national discourses that pointed to the direction of a new constitutional order, that would enhance better Nigeria nationhood. It is on record today that his one-time lonely vociferous voice for true federalism and creation of state police has received resounding acclamation, with the recent unanimity between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors on the latter.

In his time as the Governor of Ondo, a pattern of his love for the people and humanity reflected in several land mark projects that he initiated and completed. A few examples will suffice. One of the greatest challenges facing South West Nigeria when he became Governor was the incursion into farmlands by herders and their cattle, a development which often led to bloody and fatal farmersherders clashes. To an agrarian state like Ondo, this was no doubt an existential challenge. There were also the problems of kidnapping and incipient banditry. Governor Akeredolu played leadership role to other Governors of the South West in coming up with the formation of the Amotekun security outfit, to address these security challenges. Even the greatest critics of his regime would concede to the remarkable contribution of the Amotekun Corps in warding off attacks by marauders, kidnappers and terrorists in Ondo State and the South West of Nigeria. When in spite of all best efforts, the terrorists struck in Owo at the St Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Sunday 5th June 2022, Governor Akeredolu was at the forefront of efforts aimed at bringing succor to the Catholic community in Owo

a lot of things are happening in Nigeria. Yes, we are going through trying periods, I mean in life nothing is hundred per cent,” he said.

General Musa said the federal government was focused on addressing the current economic challenges in the country and therefore appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience.

“Everybody goes through a trying period in life and it is what you do with them. You can see the government putting efforts to ensure that we come out better.

“It is when you go through difficulties and come out better you will really appreciate what it is to build a nation. We are going through our trying period, but I can assure Nigerians that it

will get better,” he said.

The CDS, who also noted that a lot needed to be done, added that, “We must stop criminals from criminalities; they are commiting against the economy.”

He, however, added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria under his watch had a mandate to provide security as well as ensure improvement in oil production as directed by President Tinubu. He urged troops to ensure that in carrying out their responsibilties, they also respect the tradition, culture, and religion of the people. He thanked troops for the good job they were doing but warned that no form of complacency would be tolerated

and Owo people in general. He also led all efforts at bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly act to justice. He raised fund for the support of the victims of the Owo Massacre and the Church. He organised and supervised the conduct of befitting burials for the brethren who fell during the Owo massacre.

Two others of the many people-oriented projects of Governor Akeredolu are worth mentioning. The first is the construction of overhead bridge and interchange at the intersection of the Shagamu-Benin expressway and the Ondo-Ore highway at Ore in Odigbo Local Government of Ondo State. Prior to his intervention, the intersection was a black spot in which many precious lives of passengers trying to cross the road had been lost. There was also the bringing down of the Oke Alabojuto in Ikare. Oke Alabojuto was the steep hill on which the old road that served as the only entry point from the south to Ikare city was constructed. That road on the hill had wrecked a lot of havoc in the past in which many lives were lost. Governor Akeredolu confronted the Alabojuto mountain, brought it down and built a new road that has made entry into Ikare easy and accident free. The list of several other people-oriented and life-

changing projects implemented by Aketi in Ondo State is inexhaustible. I do sincerely hope that government’s chroniclers would not miss any one of them out.

Governor Akeredolu was a hero. He left behind a great name. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. His was a life well spent. As is often said, a life-well-lived is like a powerful work of art; beautifully created and remembered by all. In the words of Benjamin Disraeli, the legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. Governor Akeredolu was forthright, truthful, fearless and courageous. He was a fierce defender of the oppressed. He spoke truth to power not minding the consequence, took side with the poor, the underdog and the oppressed. He was the voice for the voiceless.

We take solace in the recognition that the vibrancy of a well-lived life never fades. The goal in life is not to live forever. Nobody will. The goal is to create something that will. Our departed friend, colleague and leader, Governor Akeredolu created many fond memories and legacies in his professional and political careers that will live forever. As Thomas Campbell puts it, to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Dear Oluwarotimi, this valedictory forbids mourning, not because we are not pained,

but because your life was a remarkable page in the affairs of humankind. We shall continue to remember: our toiling in the legal profession while you were here; our quest for better humanity and your uncommon virtuous personality, as that would afford us the opportunity to sustain your good memories. This is more so as it has been anonymously said that “when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure”. It may be time to say goodbye, but our memories will forever fit like a key in a lock. The hours and minutes tick by slowly, and it is finally time to say goodbye. Like ocean waves crashing against the shore, the memories remain long after this goodbye. The Body of Senior Advocates and all legal practitioners say goodbye to you, Aketi.

Adieu Your Excellency, Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN. •Text of eulogy delivered by Chief Olusola Alex Oke, SAN, on behalf of the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) on the occasion of the special court session held at High Court 1, High Court of Ondo State, akure judicial division, as part of the events for the burial of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, CON, SAN

Late Akeredolu

Nigeria, Argentina Friendly Confirmed for March 26 in Los Angeles

Duro Ikhazuagbe

The much-awaited international friendly between Argentina and Nigeria’s Super Eagles has been confirmed to hold on March 26, 2024 at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, USA.

It will be the first international clash between Victor Osimhen and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

While Nigeria will use the Grade A friendly to prepare ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, the South Americans will use the game to hone their skills ahead the defence of their 2021 Copa America

title which they won against Brazil.

Messi will have the League Cup, the CONCACAF Champions' Cup as well as the Paris Olympic Games men’s football schedules for the Inter Miami star in the summer.

Although Super Eagles defeated South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the semi final of the recently concluded AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire, the leadership of the Nigerian federation appears not taking chances after Ghana’s Black Stars derailed the three-time continental champions from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

According to an Argentine Football Association (AFA) press statement

released yesterday, the Albiceleste will first take on El Salvador at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on March 22 before the clash with

the Super Eagles. "First, Lionel Scaloni's team will face El Salvador at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia (March

22), while the second match will be against Nigeria at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles (March 26),” the AFA statement published

by Spanish Marca hinted.

This tour of USA appears much convenient for Messi who created a scene not featuring in Inter Miami’s preseason games in Hong Kong.

The American therapist, Eric Lira, who supplied Blessing Okagbare the performance enhancing substances that led to her being dumped out of track and field for the next decade, has himself been jailed for three months.

Texas-based Lira admitted supplying performance-enhancing substances to athletes, including Okagbare, who has been banned for 11 years by the Athletics Integrity Unit.

Lira was sentenced to three months in prison, one year of supervised release and forfeiture of $16,410 (€15,113).

The sentence was handed down on Wednesday night after Lira himself pleaded guilty to supplying drugs to enhance the performance of Olympic athletes, including the suspended Nigerian athlete Okagbare, according to reports by the US authorities and the AFP

news agency.

Lira has now become the first person to be convicted under a US law introduced in the wake of Russia’s state-sponsored Olympic doping scandals.

The 2020 Act is named after Russian whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov. It allows US authorities to prosecute individuals involved in international doping fraud conspiracies.

Lira admitted supplying Okagbare with drugs in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Nigerian athlete was pulled out of the women’s 100m semi-finals shortly before the Games after it emerged she had tested positive for human growth hormone in an outof-competition test in Slovakia before the Games. She was subsequently banned from sport for 10 years. An additional one year was slammed on the former Africa sprint queen.

Ocheho Salutes Credibility of Sportsville Awards organisers

Handball Federation President, Samuel Ocheho, has commended the credibility and integrity of the organisers of the annual Sportsville Recognition Awards, describing it as ‘unbelievable.’

Ocheho is one of the administrators nominated for the sports federation category of the prestigious awards.

The venue of the event slated for

Friday March 1st, 2024is the EKO CLUB, Bode Thomas, Surulere, with many top dignitaries on the cards to grace the occasion. The handball boss said he was aware of the Sportsville Awards and over the years, the status of the organisers has been a big standout point.

“People talk about the integrity of the organizing body and the organization itself, Sporsville, with Frank Ilaboya and other guys. I commend them all. I have been in the sports scene for a long time and I interact with my other colleagues, they all have huge respect for Frank and other members of the team.

Rivers

“And so it was easy for me to accept the nomination and I will be at the event live by the grace of God.”

Ocheho expressed delight about his nomination which he said would push him to work harder for the growth of handball in the country.

“This is a challenge to me. While many of us believe no one is seeing what we are doing in other sports except football, this nomination is a big boost for me to do much more for the game,” he said.

Before Ocheho became the HFN President in 2017, the game was dead in Nigeria. There was no viable league and developmental programmes to discover players. The national teams were nowhere as they missed competitions for many years.

Today, handball is back with sponsors working with the federation as age grade and senior national teams are alive again while the league in both male and female cadres are back.

AC MILAN SLUMP AT RENNAIS, THROUGH TO LAST 16...

Samuel Chukwueze was a 62nd minute substitute last night as AC Milan lost 3-2 to Stade Rennais yet pulled through to the Europa League last 16. The first leg 3-0 win at San Siro earlier proved sufficient for Milan to qualify. Luka Jovic and Rafael Leao fired the two goals in the Rossoneri away defeat in France.

This new tour will be much more accessible for Messi's match load since he will not need to travel so many miles to play these matches, after the MLS league tournament started on Wednesday, February 21 and the competition runs until December.

Argentina, the defending world and South American champion, will open the Copa America defence against Canada or Trinidad and Tobago on June 20 at Atlanta, then play Chile five days later at East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Peru on June 29 at Miami Gardens, Florida.

AC Milan Slump at Rennais, Through to Last 16

Samuel Chukwueze was a 62nd minute substitute last night as AC Milan lost 3-2 to Stade Rennais yet pulled through to the Europa League last 16. The first leg 3-0 win at San Siro earlier proved sufficient for Milan to qualify. Luka Jovic and Rafael Leao fired the two goals in the Rossoneri away defeat in France.

Falcons, Lionesses in Fierce Paris 2024 Olympic Ticket Battle

Giants of African women football, Nigeria and Cameroon will be taking no prisoners when they clash in Douala this evening for a place in the final round of the African qualifying series for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

The Super Falcons, rated top in Africa and still walking with springs in their steps after reaching the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Down Under, exiting the finals without losing a match in regulation time, will remember

at kick-off that the Indomitable Lionesses stopped their march to the London 2012 Olympics.

On their part, the Lionesses have grouses of their own, having been bumped by Nigeria in several major events including being denied the Women Africa Cup of Nations title in front of their own fans in 2016, and being shoved out at the quarter-finals of the last Women AFCON tournament in Morocco.

Coach Randy Waldrum has recalled fabulous defender Ashley Plumptre, now based in Saudi

Arabia, and Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne and Christy Ucheibe will get to play together in the middle again after a stirring outing at the World Cup in Australia. There’s also the talented youngster Deborah Abiodun. Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is one of the most respected safe hands globally, and in forwards Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday and Esther Okoronkwo, the Super Falcons boast one of the most stellar attacking ensemble

in women’s football.

Captain Ajibade scored two of the five goals that eliminated Ethiopia in the second round of the qualifiers, with Oshoala also scoring, and Okoronkwo and Kanu were on fire as Cape Verde were put to the sword in the final round of qualifiers for this year’s Women AFCON championship.

Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale is peerless on her day, and younger stallions Tosin Demehin and Rofiat Imuran have grown to become true fighters whenever the occasion called for such.

Cameroon, who edged Uganda 3-2 on aggregate in the second round, will be missing star player Ajara Njoya Nchout. Yet, it will be dangerous to underestimate what the Lionesses can come up with right in their own den.

Both teams will join the same flight to Nigeria’s administrative capital, Abuja for Monday’s return leg at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will take on Tanzania the same weekend, with the winner over two legs to clash with the winner of Nigeria/Cameroon for one of the African tickets to Paris in July.

Tunisia clash with Morocco in an all-North African affair while Ghana host Zambia in Kumasi. Winners will face off for the second African ticket to Paris.

Utd, Remo Stars to Rekindle Rivalry in NPFL Youth League

The five teams that emerged from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) U17 Youth League zonal qualifiers held in Lafia,

The five

the championship in the first fixture that starts at 2pm. The second fixture of the day will be between Plateau United and Katsina United at 4pm.

It looks to be a carryover of the rivalry in the senior cadre when

Rivers United, winner of the South South zone takes on the Ikenne Billionaires, Remo Stars.

Adams Jesse Odoba-Yacham has keenly followed the competition from the zonal stages and watched all the games in Lafia, host city of the North Central zone.

He reckons that for Rivers United, a solid defence block led by Paul Jr Paul would have to contend

with the strike force of Remo Stars spearheaded by Aribo Faith, the captain. Fans would sit back from 4pmto watch Katsina United, the Northwest/Northeast zonal winners in the Kaduna zone file out against the North Central champions, Plateau United.

Again, Odoba-Yacham thinks Coach Sunday Boyi would build

his assault against Katsina United around the trio of Dayong Elisha, Pede Ezekiel and the inspirational captain Abdul Musa.

Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the NPFL, while inaugurating the Organising Committee headed by Pastor Emeka Inyama, explained that the idea was consistent with FIFA's developmental football plans which requires every

club in the elite cadre of leagues in member Federations to have junior teams.

While the NPFL has been organising in partnership with LaLiga, the U-15 League, a closer examination reveals that majority of the clubs in the country’s topflight are yet to properly set up teams as part of their Youth development programme.

Super Falcons and their handler s plotting how to cage Cameroon’s Lionesses today In Douala

Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Ado Ekiti will kickoff the Championship finals starting from Saturday, February 24at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

teams, namely Plateau United, Katsina United, Rangers

International, Remo Stars and Rivers United will do battle to determine the team with the best youth squad. Rivers United and Remo Stars junior teams will open

Quarantine Service to Food Hoarders

“By strengthening our borders and clamping down on the smuggling of hoarded agricultural commodities...will not only help to stabilise food prices but also promote transparency and fairness in the agricultural supply chain. To combat the illegal smuggling and hoarding...NAQS is enhancing its surveillance and control measures at all entry and exit points” –Acting Comptroller General, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr. Godwin Sunday Audu, on a nationwide crackdown on the food saboteurs.

YAKUBUGOWON

GUEST COLUMNIST

Open Letter to All Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS Member States

Ihave noted with deep concern and sadness, the past and recent developments unfolding in the West African sub-region, particularly the pronouncement by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger of their intention to exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

As one of the founders of our regional economic community, it is incumbent upon me to speak on behalf of the 14 Heads of State and Government who joined me in Lagos, on 27th May, 1975, to establish ECOWAS. Since its inception, the regional bloc has made a number of major accomplishments, including trade liberalisation, right of West Africans to live legitimately in any country within the Community, as well as successful peacekeeping operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone. ECOWAS, despite its shortcomings, has become an example of regional integration for the wider continent.

Having achieved all of the above, it saddens me to learn that ECOWAS is threatened with

Member States of their intention to leave the Community. The impact of such a decision will have far-reaching implications for the ordinary citizens who have been the major beneficiaries of regional integration.

Therefore, on behalf of all the founding fathers of the Community and myself, I urge ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, including the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, to put aside their differences and reunite for the peace, stability and prosperity of our sub-region. I call on all West Africar. leaders to immediately consider the implementation of the following:

1. Lifting of all sanctions that have been imposed on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger;

2. Withdrawal by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger of their notices to leave ECOWAS; and

3. Participation of all 15 ECOWAS Heads of State in a Summit to discuss the future of the community, regional security and stability, as well as the role of the international community given the current geopolitical context.

OLUSOLA ALEX OKE

GUEST COLUMNIST

II wish to once more reiterate to regional leaders that ECOWAS is more than a coalition of States, it is a community established for the good of our peoples, based on shared history, culture and tradition. Neither my generation, nor present or future generations will understand or forgive the breakup of our Community.

I thank you all for giving due consideration to this appeal, which has been made with sincerity and a deep sense of moral responsibility. I urge all other elders in the subregion to join me in this campaign to immediately restore unity and shared purpose within ECOWAS. Let me assure all parties that I am ready for further engagements to ensure that our Community remains united.

Long live ECOWAS and God Bless the Citizens of the Community!

•General Dr. Yakubu Gowon GCFR

Former Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Surviving Founding Leader of ECOWAS

Forever in Our Hearts

stand here today to read this tribute, for and on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), in this solemn special court session organised as part of the series of events lined up for the burial of our departed colleague, patriot and leader, His Excellency Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, CON, SAN. The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and the entire body of lawyers have lost one of the most consequential personages in the legal profession in Nigeria and indeed the Commonwealth of nations. The passing of Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN (aka Aketi) is comparable to the removal of a big Iroko tree from a treasured forest.

Governor Akeredolu’s impactful public life began at his time as a student at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife). Those who were his contemporaries in his Ife days between 1975 and 1977 have, in many occasions, testified to the vibrancy he exhibited in Students’ Unionism and campus social life. He was famous among students of his time in Ife such that when he contested for the position of Vice-President of the Students’ Union, he

was returned elected with overwhelming majority of the votes cast. His tenure as the Vice-President of the Students’ Union was very remarkable. He was a priest in the campus Kegite Club. To use the words of Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN, our departed leader’s life-long friend and partner, he was: “An expressive and effervescent personality. Aketi was everywhere on the campus. Active and gregarious, he was involved in some renown student clubs, most notably the Kegite. He looked admirable as he on many occasions led the distinctive renditions of the Kegite Club on their occasional parades round the campus. He discharged himself creditably in that office. Vibrant and robust in outlook, he waded through the convulsive terrain of student politics without any blemish.”

Governor Akeredolu studied law between 1975 and 1977 at the University of Ife, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree with honours. He successfully completed his Law School training programme in 1978 and was called to the Bar. He later enrolled as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

After a successful pupillage, Governor Akeredolu set up his own legal practice

in 1983. He later went on to establish a law practice partnership with Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN. Theirs is one of the most admirable and enduring law partnership in Nigeria. The partnership indeed endured up till when our departed leader breathed his last breath.

Governor Akeredolu was a vibrant legal practitioner, who practised law with the highest ethical standards. He was an admirable courtroom advocate, although he could, occasionally, be very combative. But even in combative advocacy, he stood for the truth and justice. In his drive to infuse ethical standards to the law profession, he got involved in the politics of the Nigerian Bar Association. In 1988, he won election as Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Bar Association at the Annual General Meeting of the NBA held in Kaduna. His tenure as the PRO of the NBA was very remarkable and eventful. He completed his tenure as the NBA PRO creditably.

In 1996, he was appointed as the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State by Navy Captain Anthony Ibe Onyearugbulem, the then Military Administrator of Ondo State. He served

in that position with great focus and commitment. In 1998, he was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a rank of the highest distinction in the legal profession in Nigeria, in recognition of his exemplary law career, contributions to the development of the law and the legal profession in Nigeria.

In 2008, Governor Akeredolu contested for the position of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and was returned unopposed. He served out his tenure as NBA President with iconic landmarks. Indeed, his tenure as the President of the NBA is reputed to be one of the most consequential in the history of the association.

Governor Akeredolu was a devout Christian and a good family man. As the son of an Anglican priest, that should not be surprising. He was a believer of the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He was a man of great faith. He served in the choir of his Church, a position that was to have lasting impact in his entire

Continued on page 38

Tinubu

disunity following the announcement by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, 3 important