WEDNESDAY 13TH MARCH 2024

Tinubu Meets Akpabio, Jibrin After Senate Suspends Ningi over Budget Padding Allegation

Jarigbe, spokesperson disagree over alleged N500m largesse to lawmakers

Senate Leader claims some senators planning to impeach Akpabio before June

Embattled senator resigns as NSF chair

L-R: Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Oyelola Ashiru; Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume; Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe discussing after Senator Abdul Ningi’s suspension at the Senate Chamber, Abuja … yesterday

TINUBU VISITS ABDULSALAMI...

MAN, LCCI Hail FG’s Suspension of Expatriate Employment Levy

CSO urges FG to implement policy in national interest

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) yesterday, commended the federal government for halting the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL).

This comes just as the National Convener of Labour & Civil Society Coalition (LASCO), Tony Erha, stressed the importance of retaining the EEL in spite of the mounting pressure for its cancellation by some vested interest groups.

The federal government had announced $15,000 and $10,000 levies per expatriate director and staff respectively employed by any Nigerian company but later suspended its implementation last Friday, to enable wider consultations.

Reacting to the suspension of the EEL, Director General/Chief Executive Officer of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, stated, “MAN deeply appreciates the swift intervention of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

“We acknowledge the important role of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. We equally recognise the support of the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal

Policy and Tax Reform.” He added: “Quite importantly, we commend the Minister of Interior for doing the needful in the interest of domestic and foreign private sector investors in Nigeria.

“There is no doubt that the anxiety that enveloped the business community following the introduction of the levy has abated.

“Also, the international business community, particularly those with whom we have signed trade agreements, would also be reassured of our commitment to the creation of a congenial business environment.”

He said MAN had earlier made a representation to Mr. President and copied the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment as well as the Minister of Interior, to discontinue the enforcement of the levy and followed up with the aforementioned ministers.

Speaking in the same vein, the Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, commended the recent decision by the federal government to suspend the controversial EEL.

Almona said: “This move demonstrates a proactive stance by the government in responding to the concerns of the business community and fostering conducive environment

for economic growth and development, which the chamber advocates for vigorously.

“The chamber views the suspension as a positive response to the grave concerns of the private sector as highlighted by the chamber and other private sector advocacy institutions last week.”

She added that the suspension would, “promotes cordial relationship between government and the business community towards a better business environment.

“We urge the government at all levels to remain sensitive to the concerns of the private sector to enhance the profitability and sustainability of businesses in Nigeria.”

She argued that by suspending the EEL, “the Federal Government of

Nigeria has demonstrated a willingness to engage with the business community and adapt policies to better align with economic realities.”

The LCCI, therefore, extended its appreciation to the federal government for its decision to suspend the EEL and, “looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing the interests of the Nigerian business community.”

CSO to FG: Implement Expatriate Employment Levy in National Interest

Meanwhile, the National Convener of LASCO, Tony Erha, has stressed the importance of retaining the EEL.

LASCO, stated that the federal

government, more than ever, needed to prioritise policies that advance the interests of our nation and its people, stressing that the EEL was a cornerstone of such policies and should be upheld for the greater good of Nigeria.

Erha, particularly advised the federal government not to capitulate to demand for its cancellation, adding that there were significant advantages the EEL brings to Nigeria’s economic landscape, stressing that those criticising it were doing so only for selfish reasons

A statement issued in Abuja, yesterday, against the backdrop of the federal government’s decision to temporarily suspend the implementation of the EEL to allow for more stakeholders’ engagement, Erha

pleaded for the retention of the levy. The LASCO National Convener underscored the manifold benefits of the levy, emphasising its pivotal role in income generation, employment provision for the nation’s youth, and the promotion of local content development. According to Erha; “Income generation is vital for the sustenance of any economy. The expatriate employment levy serves as a crucial source of revenue for the government, contributing to national development initiatives and infrastructure projects.”

Erha, particularly underscored the role of the levy in addressing the issue of unemployment among Nigerian youth, saying that unemployment remains a pressing concern in our country, particularly among the youth.

NCDMB: Tinubu's Executive Orders Reinforced Implementation of Oil Industry Content Act, Incentivising Investments

Peter Uzoho

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Felix Ogbe, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for announcing three Presidential Executive Orders

Shops, Offices Set Ablaze at Wuse Market after Death of Suspect

UK mission issues advisory on disorder

Commotion ensued yesterday at the popular Wuse market, in Abuja Zone 4, resulting in several shops, offices and being razed after a policeman attached to the FCTA Mobile Court, killed a suspect, for trying to escape arraignment before the court.

The death instantly triggered the anger of some hoodlums and traders, who went berserk, setting the market on fire and destroying anything in sight.

The Public Relations Officer of Abuja Markets Management Limited

(AMML), the manager of the market, Innocent Amaechina, confirmed the incident.

He said their office and other shops as well as some cars were burnt.

He also disclosed that he had not been able to access the market to determine the extent of damages to the market, as Police had condoned the place, to allow fire fighters take control of the situation.

The incident also prompted an alert to be issued by the UK mission, asking their citizens residing in Abuja, to avoid the hotspot due to the civil disorder.

The alert determined the situation as high risk and warned that hoodlums and miscreants were taking advantage to loot food items at the mentioned location as well as vandalise passerby valuables and property.

"Report has it that vehicles are currently being vandalised, phones forcefully taken away from innocent passersby.

"Staff are advised to avoid the mentioned locations considered hotspots as a precaution. Maintain a low profile, and stay low-key. Avoid the display of valuable items," the advisory warned.

directed at incentivising the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Ogbe, added that the three Presidential Executive Orders were also targeted at encouraging new investments in the sector, reducing contracting costs, timelines and promoting cost efficiency in local content requirements.

The Executive Secretary stated this yesterday at the Nigerian Content Tower, headquarters of NCDMB in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, according to a statement by the agency's corporate communications department.

The Executive Orders are the Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, ETC) Order 2024; Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements, 2024 (EO 41); and Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines, 2024 (EO 42).

Ogbe, stated that the presidential policy directives reinforced the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and codified the Service Level Agreements (SLA), which the NCDMB first introduced in May 2017, to fast-track approvals for the Nigeria LNG Limited Train 7 project.

The Executive Secretary stated that the NCDMB later expanded the SLA

to the entire oil and gas industry after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Limited (NNPCL) and five international oil-producing companies in September 2023.

Ogbe, clarified that the Presidential Executive Orders did not whittle down the powers of the NCDMB nor did it abrogate the schedule of the NOGICD Act.

Instead, according to him, the Executive Order 41 mandates the Board to ensure the patronage of local companies with domiciled proven capacities and capabilities to achieve cost competitiveness and project delivery within schedule.

He equally pointed out that the Executive Order 42 re-emphasised NCDMB’s obligation to fast-track approval processes as required by the SLA and Section 23 of the NOGICD Act, which mandates the Board to review projects’ documentation within 10 days and advise the concerned operating company.

He assured that the Board would comply with the terms of the Presidential Executive Orders, insisting that the Board had always been pragmatic with its implementation of the NOGICD Act and mindful of the cost competitiveness of projects and schedules.

He maintained that the objectives of the Executive Orders and the SLAs were directed to shorten the oil industry’s contracting cycle to six months or less, engender speedy development of new projects, contribute to increased oil production, and improve the national economy.

Furthermore, he expressed delight that Tinubu had put his stamp of authority on the noble objectives of the SLAs, just as he commended the president for acknowledging the giant strides recorded in Nigerian Content development, particularly the impressive capacities built by local oil and gas service companies in key areas of the industry and the substantial benefits that had accrued to the Nigerian economy and her citizens through local content implementation.

The NCDMB boss assured that the agency would continue to serve as a business enabler and maintain the recognition conferred by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which awarded the Board the most efficient agency amongst all federal government’s ministries, departments and Agencies (MDAs) in 2022 and the Platinum rating by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms in recognition of the self-imposed reforms of the Board’s processes.

Olawale Ajimotokan and Kingsley

Nwezeh in Abuja

Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar ( L) received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who paid a courtesy visit to his residence in Minna, Niger State on Monday evening PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

CELEBRATING WOMEN...

FG Presses Binance to Divulge User Data Amid Naira Speculation Probe

James Emejo in Abuja

The federal government has asked Binance for information on its top 100 users in the country including transaction history for the past six months as investigations into currency speculation allegations continue for the third week.

THISDAY gathered that the request to reveal the individuals involved in its trading activities was central to ongoing negotiations

between the federal government and the exchange. Binance is at the center of investigations over its involvement in speculative attacks against the Naira which had witnessed unprecedented volatility against major currencies particularly the Dollar in recent times amid a currency devaluation.

The Financial Times reported that the Office of the National Security Adviser is further demanding that the exchange defray any outstanding

tax liabilities to the federal government during its operations in the country.

Nigeria has focused its attention on Binance and other cryptocurrency websites as it seeks to head off its worst economic crisis in three decades and restore its citizens' faith in its battered currency.

Amid the currency manipulations row, security agencies in collaboration with officials from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well

Sanwo-Olu: We're Committed

as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) blocked web access to cryptocurrency exchanges and detained two Binance executives who had flown to Abuja to discuss the crackdown. Binance has removed the naira for trading from its website following the dispute.

Reports alleged that the two Binance executives under detention are being held at a guest house in Abuja adjacent to the national security adviser's office, with their

to Positioning

Lagos as Africa’s Premier Digital Hub

Performs groundbreaking of NXTRA by Airtel Data Centre

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, said his government was committed to positioning Lagos as a premier digital hub in Africa.

Sanwo-Olu, spoke at the ground-breaking ceremony of NXTRA by Airtel Data Centre, held at the Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos.

A statement quoted the governor to have said the event was not merely the construction of a facility, but the dawn of a new era in data control, security, and preservation throughout Africa.

The governor said the data centre, anticipated to commence operations by the third quarter of 2025, would not only symbolise Nigeria's progress but also serve as a crucial pillar in realising digital aspirations.

He said: "This initiative resonates with my administration’s goal of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, and I welcome this collaboration between Airtel Africa and the Lagos State government towards achieving a transformative digital leap for Nigeria.

"This Data Centre, with its substantial capacity, will unlock vast potential across various sectors – from nurturing innovation in tech startups to enhancing government service efficiency. It will generate employment, attract investments, and position Lagos as a premier digital hub in Africa.

"Today's groundbreaking ceremony marks not just the commencement of construction but the initiation of a new narrative. It is a narrative propelled

by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to a prosperous digital future."

Sanwo-Olu, while appreciating Airtel for building the Data Centre in Lagos, said: "Airtel Africa, through NXTRA, has emerged as a trailblazer in constructing cutting-edge data center facilities across the continent.

“Their commitment to the highest standards in data management, technological innovation, and extensive network infrastructure is truly commendable.

"With a total capacity of 180 MW distributed across 13 major Data Centres and over 48 Edge Data Centers, NXTRA is poised to redefine data storage and accessibility in Africa.

"This Data Centre aims to establish a secure control hub for data storage and management within Africa, meet the escalating demand for cloud services and data consumption in Nigeria and beyond while contributing to the digital economy by providing scalable infrastructure for businesses and government services.

"I commend Airtel Africa and NXTRA for their dedication to Nigeria and Africa. The Lagos State Government stands steadfastly behind this project, offering unwavering support to ensure its successful realisation."

Sanwo-Olu, also congratulated the outgoing Group CEO, Airtel Africa, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, for his immeasurable contributions to the growth of Airtel’s digital infrastructure in Africa.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said

the President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to using technology to deepen productivity in key sectors.

Tijani, who noted that the data centre was important for the future, said the federal government would continue to support the tech industry.

Also speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Ogunsanya, said he was proud of the excellent work Sanwo-Olu was doing in

Lagos State.

Ogunsanya said the data centre during construction will provide 1,000 jobs in 24 months and 250,000 jobs when completed.

He said the groundbreaking of the NXTRA by Airtel Data Center marks the commencement of the construction of Nigeria's largest data centre, symbolising a stride forward in enhancing data control, security, and preservation across Africa.

phones and passports seized upon their detention.

Binance was unable to contact them until March 5, 2024, a week after their detention, and they have not been charged in court.

The federal government had secured a permit to detain both Binance executives for 14 days, a period that ended on Tuesday, the Financial Times further stated.

The crackdown on Biancee followed ongoing investigations into the country’s foreign exchange market which had reportedly endured years of distortions, manipulations, and speculations, leading to the continuous weakening of the Naira against major currencies particularly the US dollar in recent times.

Speaking at the just concluded meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, justified the central bank’s recent clampdown on cryptocurrency platforms, particularly Binance which he said, allowed its platform for speculative activities against the Naira.

He explained that unidentified users accessed $26 billion on the platform in 2023 with all the attendant implications for monetary policy, especially the tendency to stoke inflation and make the naira further vulnerable.

Cardoso said there were also

indications of illicit inflows and suspicious transactions adding that the CBN had the responsibility to protect Nigerians from the disruptive activities of such crypto platforms.

He said the apex bank was collaborating with the different agencies including the EFCC, police, and the Office of the NSA to crack down on the alleged economic saboteurs.

He said, “We are concerned that certain practices go on that indicate illicit flows going through a number of these entities and suspicious flows.

“In the case of Binance, in the last year alone, $26 billion has passed through Binance Nigeria from sources and users who we cannot adequately identify.

“There is a lot that is going on now as a result of collaboration between the different agencies which includes the EFCC and the police, and of course, the Office of the NSA and in due course, as we progress and have more information to share, we will certainly share but suffice to say that we are determined to do everything it takes to ensure that we take charge of our market and do not allow others to manipulate our markets in a way that ends up distortionary.

“We will not accept it. And we will do everything possible to prevent any of these kinds of infractions from taking place.”

House Urges CBN to Direct Banks on Prompt Reversal of Failed Transactions

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to direct banks to work on their systems so as to mitigate failed transactions as well as immediately reverse failed transactions without the customers’ prompting.

The Green Chamber also urged the apex bank to direct banks to reverse customers' funds within the stipulated periods whether or not the customers lodge complaints.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the need to restrain commercial banks from holding funds reversal beyond the date prescribed by the CBN, which was moved at plenary yesterday, by Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong–Udo.

Presenting the motion, Ukpong–Udo said according to the Nigeria

Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc, over 135, 500,000 Nigerians use banks.

He added that the CBN released a press release on June 8, 2020, revising timelines for reversals and resolution of refund complaints.

Additionally, he stressed that one of the CBN’s resolutions was on failed “On-Us" ATM transactions (when customers use their cards on their bank's ATMs) shall be instantly reversed from the current timeline of three days, and where instant reversal fails due to any technical issue or system glitch, the timeline for manual reversal shall not exceed 24 hours;

The lawmaker said the CBN also resolved that refunds for failed "Not-on-US" ATM transactions (where customers use their cards on other banks' ATM) shall not exceed four hours from the current three to five days.

Ukpong–Udo added that the CBN further resolved that resolution of disputed/failed POS or Web transactions shall be concluded within 72 hours from the current five days.

He noted that the CBN also resolved that all banks were directed to resolve the backlog of all ATM, POS, and Web customer refunds within two weeks starting June 8, 2020.

The lawmaker expressed worry that Nigeria's financial sector was facing serious concerns due to persistent complaints of failed customer transactions, with over 69 per cent of complaints in July 2023, made up of failed transactions.

Ukpong–Udo, pointed out that the rapid increase in numbers of failed banks and the magnitude of the problem had reached an unprecedented level.

He expressed worry that the

high rate of failed bank transactions was causing a decrease in business investments and lending across the country.

The House resolved: "Urge the Central Bank of Nigeria to direct banks to work on their systems in mitigating failed transactions and immediately reverse failed transactions without the customer's prompting; "Also urge the Central Bank of Nigeria to direct banks to reverse customers' funds within the stipulated periods whether or not the customers lodge complaints."

The House also mandated the Committees on Banking Regulations, Banking and other Ancillary Institutions, and Digital and Electronic Banking to liaise with the apex bank and Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) to look into the issues and provide solutions.

L-R: Group Executive Director, Brands & Communications, Nosak Group, Eki Ogunbor; COO/Executive Producer, Brandworld Media & Founder/COO, My Beautiful Africa, Clara Chinwe Okoro; Group Managing Director, Nosak Group, Thomas Oloriegbe and Group Executive Director, Treasury & Asset Management, Nosak Group, Iyobo Innih during the in-house event to mark the 2024 International Women's Day in Lagos... recently

LAunch of WTo WorLd BAnk And ITc SupporT progrAmmES

for nIgErIA...

L-R: Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (ES/CEO), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and Managing Director, Bank of Industry, BOI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, during the Launch of WTO World Bank and ITC Support Programmes for Nigeria, held in Abuja ... yesterday PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Okonjo-Iweala Tasks FG to Ensure Return of Abducted School Children, Teachers in Kaduna, Sokoto

Unveils $1.2

million initiative to stem agro-export rejections, build capacity of farmers, small businesses, others, says Nigeria’s future lies in digital trade FG to

James Emejo in Abuja

Director General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, yesterday expressed dismay over the recent abductions of pupils and teachers in Kaduna and Sokoto States, calling on security authorities to rise to the occasion and ensure their immediate recovery.

Okonjo-Iweala, who said the abductions were saddening, particularly urged the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to do everything possible to ensure the safe return of all the missing persons.

Speaking in Abuja at the launch of the 2024 Technical Assistance and Trade Support programmes for Nigeria, which was an initiative of the WTO, World Bank, and International Trade Center (ITC), she said the abductions were particularly worrisome realising that education remained key to creating economic opportunities for the people.

She said, “It's always wonderful to be back home in Nigeria. But I must confess that while I am happy, I am also sad. I am sad because I am here at a time when once more hundreds of our school children and teachers have been abducted, as a mother, grandmother, educator and someone for whom education is paramount for creating economic opportunity, I am very sad and with the representative of my brother, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu here, I hope he can be able to recover them very soon in Kaduna and Sokoto.”

Nonetheless, she said the WTO’s latest interventions would assist the

quest to bring benefits directly to the people by supporting the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, the federal government, and the states to pursue the country’s objectives of diversifying the economy.

She said the country’s agricultural sector has the potential to be a major driver of export diversification and job creation, adding that too much of the potential remained unrealised, due to a variety of barriers.

She said, “We all know the story about Nigeria being a significant exporter of palm kernel, groundnuts, palm oil, cotton, and cocoa in the past– but again we all know, the country has since become a net importer of many of those goods.

“Nigeria has not only lost out in agricultural export markets, it is a net food importer spending about billions a year for goods, many of which we can also produce here.

“A World Bank paper put it, and I quote ‘Nigeria… used to be a formidable agricultural exporter.

Up to the mid-1960s, the country’s share of world agricultural exports was more than 1 percent… However, agricultural exports collapsed as the economy shifted towards petroleum exploitation, and by the mid-1980s Nigeria’s world market share for agricultural products had dwindled to less than 0.1 per cent.’”

Okonjo-Iwealal pointed out that some of Nigeria’s unrealised potential had to do with trade-related problems on the supply side – adding “and that is what this project is seeking to rectify”.

She said Nigeria remained

the world's largest producer and consumer of cowpeas adding that sesame is primarily an export crop, with Nigeria being the world's fourth leading producer, exporting to the EU, Turkey, Japan, South Korea and other Asian markets.

The WTO boss, however, pointed out that the country’s cowpea and sesame exports have increasingly faced rejections in several destination markets due to non-compliance with international Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) requirements.

She said, “For example, Nigeria accounts for over a third of Japan's sesame imports – but health and safety inspections during the past few years have found instances where

launch National Trade Intelligence Unit

pesticide residue levels were nearly double the maximum residue limits permissible from 2019 to 2021.”

To tackle these problems, OkonjoIweala said the new programme seeks to develop the “capacities of stakeholders across the sesame and cowpeas value chains to better understand market access requirements, to improve agricultural practices such as pesticide application, hygiene techniques, harvest and post-harvest methods, and food safety.”

She said the project – which will kick off with an initial $1.2 million – of which nearly a million comes from STDF – will also be used to train local food safety advisers.

She explained, “This type of project

is one I term a low expenditure, high impact project. The WTO is not a financing agency like the World Bank or IMF but it has a wonderful secret that I find very attractive. It spends small sums of money to make a big impact. You cannot imagine how a million-dollar intervention can earn Nigeria hundreds of millions of dollars if not billions in increased agricultural exports, supporting improved incomes for farmers, exporters, businesses and others once agriculture producers and exporters follow the correct sanitary and phytosanitary standards.”

She stated, “However, to succeed fully, we also need partnership. One of the big gaps in the sesame and

cowpeas value chains is the lack of quality post-harvest storage and transport infrastructure – that is, things like modified atmosphere and airtight storage, or the use of triple-layered bags.

“Some producers may be applying pesticides during storage and transport to compensate for storage and transport conditions that are conducive to pests.”

She, however, pointed out that the “STDF project on its own cannot solve all these issues – we would like to partner with other organizations or with states, to improve the storage and transport infrastructure.

Agora Policy Lists Ways to Ensure Effective Implementation of Oronsaye Report

Seeks audit of assets of impacted organisations

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

To ensure that the planned implementation of some parts of the Oronsaye report does not cause more problems than it tries to address, Agora Policy, a Nigerian think-tank based in Abuja, has called for an audit of assets and human resources of government agencies to be affected by the planned mergers.

It urged government to realise that mergers are complex endeavours that

require time, expertise, planning and resources and which cost money to implement, advising that there was the need to provide a budget for the exercise.

In addition to the 10-member committee announced by the government, Agora said it would be important to set up merger committees for each agency that is to be merged.

In addition, the Waziri Adio-led organisation stated that there was the need to sensitise the public about

what is realistically achievable in the 12 weeks that the 10-member committee has been given.

“It would be prudent to allow a minimum of six months if things are to be done properly. There should be an immediate independent audit of assets, as well as staff audits, of all the agencies affected.

like the Joda, Ayida and Oronsaye reports and ensure that they are posted online for ease of access,” the group said.

Agora policy said the announcement by the federal government that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had decided to implement aspects of the Oronsaye Report was welcome.

However, it explained that there is a need to ensure that things are done properly so that the “effect of the medicine does not end up being worse than the ailment.”

Borno, Nasarawa to Provide Land for FG’s Estates, Dangiwa

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Seeks PPP to Reduce

Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule and his Borno counterpart, Prof. Babagana Zulum have pledged to make land available in their respective states for the ‘Renewed Hope Cities and Estates’ programme of the federal government to ensure their citizens benefit from the affordable housing scheme.

They gave the assurance to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa during the commissioning of the first phase and flag-off of the second phase of the Nasarawa Technology Village in Karu Local Government

Area. A statement from the Special Adviser to the minister, Mark Chieshe, quoted Sule as saying that the Technology Village, which is expected to have around 1,962 housing units, is a combination of affordable shelter and other features.

“Let me assure you that we already have land waiting for you here in Nasarawa state. We are ready to become one of the pilot states for the project because we know how important housing is to the welfare of our people and the economic development of our dear state, and the country at large,” he said. Aside being a place for affordable

Housing Deficit

housing, the governor stated that the village will have technology hub, in the form of Silicon Valley in the USA with offices for local and international IT companies.

He added that it will also have training facilities for over 2,000 students annually as software engineers, and a framework to connect them to global ICT jobs, so as to bring about sustainable development in the state.

On his part, Zulum noted that the state government had already concluded on the issue of land for the Renewed Hope housing project in Borno state.

He stated that the ministry had

“The

“There should be a review of mandates, management arrangements and organisational structures to ensure that the new organisations that emerge are appropriately sized and fit-for-purpose, ” the think-tank said.

Highlighting the need to rationalise staffing, it advised that this should be done sequentially, starting with redeploying people to other parts of the public service where their skills may be needed.

However, it stated that it would be better to be upfront with the public and the trade unions that some people would have to go, while efforts should be made to offer enhanced packages for people to go, first on voluntary basis.

“The process for subsuming agencies under other agencies, relocating them to new ministries or abolishing them should use the same principles, including audit of assets, staff audits and rationalisation of staff.

“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation should improve on its record keeping, particularly for important reports

It stated that to merge agencies, government would need to repeal the laws of the agencies being merged and enact new laws, while there may even be a need for constitutional amendment, which is a much difficult undertaking.

Although the government has announced a 10-member implementation committee for this initiative, it stated that that body can only look at things superficially.

“If any progress at all is to be made in the 12 weeks that the committee has been allotted for its assignment, it will be important to put in place a merger committee for each agency that is to be merged.

“That merger committee will develop a plan for the merger, with a realistic timeframe and budget for implementation. It will be able to get into the details of what is required and then report to the 10-member committee for policy decisions.

FG Meets with Abuja, Ibadan Discos as Power Distributors Promise Improvement in Weeks

Adelabu seeks collaboration, wants short-term issues fixed immediately Power distributors blame poor generation

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Following the incessant power cuts nationwide in recent times, the federal government yesterday met with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to seek their collaboration in the planned ramp up of supply to Nigerians.

Speaking with representatives of both Discos in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said that although ramping up supply takes time, the power distributors can in the short term remove immediate obstacles and increase supply.

He admitted that the problem with the power sector is not what government can just throw money at and get result immediately and sought the commitment of the operators beyond pursuing profits.

“Since I was drafted here in the ministry, unlike past administrations, we want to focus on bottom-up solutions. In the past, they have focused on top-down, looking at ramping up generation capacity with very little attention paid to the medium of transportation and delivery of power, which is transmission and

Nonetheless, Tinubu’s meeting with the presiding officers of the senate, which held at State House, Abuja, came as the senate faced yet another accusation of malfeasance.

The senator for Cross River North, Agom Jarigbe, alleged that some ranking senators recently got N500 million intervention from the executive while others, including himself, got nothing.

However, Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, while briefing journalists after plenary, quickly denied Jarigbe’s claim, saying no senator got N500 million as palliative.

Similarly, while contributing to the debate at plenary, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, alleged that Ningi was acting the script of some people, whom he said were working towards impeachment of the senate president before June.

Ningi, yesterday, resigned his position as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF)

distribution.

”We were carrying out just a little improvement or enhancement of our transmission capacity, while Discos have been left with no investment in infrastructure improvements? Even if you are able to generate this power, how do you get it to the consumer?

“What we are doing at the generation and transmission level is wasteful if you cannot get it to the consumers. Which is why we said we are to start from distribution.

“Let us look at the issues, how we can correct these issues and create the kind of market that we desire. Let's start looking at what is the metering gap? What are the distribution infrastructure that need upgrade? What is our tariff policy? How do we reduce loss at the distribution level?

“How do we improve our collections? How do we get a lot of consumers that have been off the grid? How do we get them back to the grid and create the required demand? And that is what will dictate transmission improvements and generation output enhancements,” he added.

Adelabu stated that as a minister, his job resolves around policy formulation and policy execution, since he

following the controversy generated by his allegation against the senate.

However, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, described as coordinated cover-up the suspension slammed on Ningi by Akpabio’s senate without investigating his claims.

The two presiding officers of the senate met with Tinubu about 5.15pm at State House, Abuja. The agenda of the meeting could not be ascertained as at press time. But all indications point to the fact that the meeting might not be unconnected with Ningi’s suspension over the comment credited to him that Tinubu was implementing a different 2024 budget from what was presented to the National Assembly.

Sources close the meeting said the president was properly briefed by Akpabio on what transpired at yesterday’s rowdy senate session, which culminated in Ningi’s suspension.

Although Ningi had since denied the claim attributed to him, he

doesn’t own a power generator company, transmission company or a distribution firm.

“For those with generators, petrol and diesel are not affordable. So, you expect that the complaints will be escalated. You are our foot soldiers and I have instruction from high up there, whatever we need to do to correct this ugly situation, we must do it.

“ I will not wait here to get the situation worse and I am asked to leave my job, I will not leave, I will not wait to be asked to go, I will do everything possible to ensure we change the situation. But before then a lot of people would have lost their jobs, that's just it,” he stressed.

In his remarks after a closed-door meeting with the minister, the Managing Director of AEDC, Mr Victor Ojelabi (AEDC), said during the meeting with Adelabu, the Discos were able to explain to the minister what is responsible for the sudden drop in supply.

“There’s generally low generation, which necessitated low allocation to both of us, AEDC and IBEDC. We gave statistics. For instance, for AEDC, my 2024, MYTO allocation is 611mw. In January, I got 561mw, that is a

did not escape the wrath of the majority of his colleagues, including his northern colleagues. The lawmakers insisted his allegation in an interview granted the BBC Hausa Service portrayed the senate in bad light.

Neither Akpabio nor Jibrin spoke to newsmen after the meeting with the president.

But the senate, which suspended Ningi for three months, gave a proviso that he would be recalled only if he wrote a letter of apology to the senate.

The decision to suspend the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator for Bauchi Central Senatorial District, followed a motion by Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola.

Adeola, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senator for Ogun West Senatorial District, said Ningi breached his privilege when he accused the senate of padding the 2024 national budget with over N3 trillion.

deficit of 50mw.

“But this was worsened in February. I got 464mw, which gave a shortfall of 147mw. So that is not available for our customer.

“And there are other issues with our brothers, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). We’ve highlighted all of them, and the minister was concerned. What is most cheering is that TCN is already working on some of those transmission limitations that we listed.

“And the minister gave a marching order that we should work together. We should show passion, we should show commitment, both Discos and TCN, to make sure that all these transmission limitations are resolved.

“He also let us know what the federal government through the ministry is planning on metering, to cover the metering gap within a short time. There’s also the plan by the federal government that each Disco should identify vulnerable areas where we need government to intervene so that they can provide transformer free of charge to the Discos on behalf of the citizens.

“What we have seen is that this minister is ready to work. Maybe

of N1.2 trillion.

He said the increase, which was assented to by the president, came from the upward adjustment of the benchmark of exchange rate from N750 -$1 to N800-$1 and increase in the Government Owned Enterprises' revenue.

The increase, Adeola added, was allocated to some critical sectors based on requests from the executive and the judiciary. He added that there was no way the 2024 budget could have been padded by the N3 trillion.

He said Ningi apparently gave wrong and incomplete information to their “consultants” for them to arrive at a national budget of N25 trillion, instead of the passed N28.77 trillion budget.

led by what the president has done, that each minister has signed a performance bond.

“He wants to see the system work. It’s not a blame game, and he wants it to work. And he wants all of us to work together to make it happen. And we are ready to work together.

On the Discos’ side, we will address any issue that comes up.

“Generation will be increased to 6,000mw within a short period.

So TCN is ready to receive it. The Discos are ready to evacuate it and put smiles on our customers. Very soon, the narrative will change. We are ready to work together,” he added.

Also, the Managing Director of Ibadan Disco, Kingsley Achife, said extensive discussions were had with the minister, describing it as a candid discussion

“One way to solve it is to work together in partnership with our TCN partner. So we've looked at areas where there's been issues, and the kind of problems it causes our customers,” he noted. He noted that there were efforts to take advantage of the low-hanging fruits in all the franchises and to work cooperatively to ensure that

N28.77 trillion.

"So, the executive is implementing the 2024 Appropriation Act as passed by the National Assembly and not dual budgets that Senator Ningi is leading Nigerian public to believe.

"The budget as passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, including the northern senators, is being implemented as passed and any claim to the contrary is in the imagination of those who want to create national division for some ulterior motives yet to be ascertained."

He, therefore, gave the details to include the make-up of the N3.32 trillion as provided below:

there's a seamless flow of power to the customers in those areas.

Also, the Director of Distribution at the Power Ministry, Baba Mustapha, said with the marching order to improve power supply, there was hope of ramping up supply in Abuja in a couple of weeks.

“We have been given a marching order. And those problems that jeopardise the supply of power in Abuja or reduce the supply in Abuja are being identified and it will be addressed in the next couple of weeks. And people will see improvement.

“As my other colleagues have said, the minister is committed to seeing that there is a power improvement in the country. Going by his signing of agreement with Mr. President to deliver, we have key performance indicators that he has to perform.

“And one of them is to supply a stable, gradual, improved power supply to Nigerians which we will realise in the shortest possible time,” he added.

the suspension of Ningi for one year. The prayer was amended to three months and it was passed by the senate.

Akpabio ruled on it and Ningi was walked out of the chamber by the sergeant-at-arms.

Earlier, all attempts by some ranking senators to prevail on Ningi to apologise did not succeed. Some ranking senators clashed over whether Ningi should apologise or not, with Senator Ndume leading those urging him to do so.

rAI l: fg Secure S $1.3bn for c o M ple TI on of kA no- kATSI n A -J I b IYA -M A r ADI p ro J ec T trade, community development, and cultural exchange, aligning with the administration's unwavering commitment to national development and a more interconnected African continent," it stated.

The statement made available by Special Assistant (Public Affairs) to the Minister, Jamilu Ja’afaru added: "The recent visit by Mr. Tang Zhigang, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation, and his delegation, has further bolstered optimism for the rail project's potential to lay the groundwork for future prosperity between the two nations.

"The Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi rail line is a testament to our shared history and ambition for economic advancement. It will create a lasting legacy of wealth and opportunities for Nigeria and the Niger Republic.

"As the project advances, the Nigerian Government remains dedicated to realising a vision of progress and unity. The Ministry of Transportation will continue to provide updates on this transformative venture, marking each achievement as we journey towards a brighter and more connected future."

Similarly, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, and Senior Director with the African Development Bank (AfDB), Alh. Muhammad Abdulrazak, both endorsed the project, describing it as a catalyst for positive change,

fostering economic growth and regional cooperation.

Speaking at the interactive section, the Senior Vice President, Africa Finance Cooperation, Mohammed Abdul-Razaq, disclosed that the consortium of banks consisting of the Africa Development Bank, Africa Export-Import Bank (Afrexim), Development Bank of Southern Africa, African Finance Bank, Rand Merchant Bank and the China Construction Bank have indicated interest in providing the funds that will facilitate completion of the project within the proposed timeline.

He explained that the team as part of the due diligence process, had embarked on a series of interactive engagements with the Ministers of Finance, Environment, Mines and Steel Development and only just came back to Abuja after visitation to the site locations of the project to corroborate received reports.

According to Abdul-Razaq, "for them to be able to provide funds, they need to do due diligence and at the end of the mission, return to their respective offices, write credit reports and seek approvals."

He equally noted that the Ministry before commencement with the physical aspect of the project had through the Federal Ministry of Environment carried out an environmental social impact assessment and the ministry has been given the report and approval before work commenced.

He also said the embattled senator claimed in the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that projects in the 2024 national budget were skewed in favour of the southern part of Nigeria.

Adeola, in his motion, drew the attention of his colleagues to Ningi's claims that a team of financial experts hired by the NSF had discovered that N3.7 trillion in the budget could not be traced to any project neither was the location indicated.

Based on the instructions of the senate president, the Ogun West senator read the transcribed English version of the interview granted by Ningi in Hausa Language and notorised at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The appropriation committee chairman then gave details of the N3 trillion that Ningi claimed was padded. He explained that the amount represented statutory transfers to some arms and agencies of government as first line charge, which did not require details.

Adeola, who said his motion was of Urgent National Importance, stressed the need to address the allegations against the senate and the Presidency on the 2024 Appropriation Act by Ningi.

He gave a breakdown of the N3.77 trillion contained in the statutory transfers.

Adeola said the 2024 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly by Tinubu was N27.55 trillion and the National Assembly eventually passed an Appropriation Act of N28.77 trillion, an increase

Adeola stated, "If there were no ulterior motives by Ningi and some aggrieved senators targeted at derailing the APC administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and creating bickering between the executive and the legislature, he would have sought clarifications on the discrepancies noted by their consultants for more enlightenment on budgeting and parliamentary processes before rushing to the press with misinformation.”

Adeola also said it was apparent that a ranking senator of Ningi’s standing that should be conversant with the budgetary processes and nuances of the National Assembly, having served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate as a parliamentarian, was completely ignorant of the process.

According to him, "For the records, the N25 trillion Senator Ningi and his ‘consultants’ presented as the budget (N25.45 trillion approximately) being implemented by the Executive is the details of the budgets of all MDAs.

"It is unfortunate and regrettable that Senator Ningi and his consultants did not take into account that the budgets of some bodies are not captured in the details but in the summary of the Appropriation Act as passed.

"All appropriations for Statutory Transfers, Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) and TETFUND are only in the summary of the Act and not in the details.

"The total sums of these appropriations captured in the summary and not in details as it is constitutional and in line with our budgetary process is N3.32 trillion.

"A simple arithmetic by Senator Ningi and his ‘consultants’ of the MDAs details and the figures of Statutory Transfers, GOEs and TETFUND in the summary would amount to exactly the figures of the passed 2024 Appropriation of

National Judicial Council (N341,625,739,236); National Assembly N344,852,880,669; Public Complaints Commission (N14,460,000,000); Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) N40,000,000,000; Government-Owned Enterprises (Recurrent) N1,059,617,780,421; TETFUND (Recurrent) N35,000,000,000 Government-Owned Enterprises (Capital) N820,908,398,828; TETFUND (Capital) N665,000,000,000.

Total is N3, 321,464,799,154.

Adeola, accordingly, prayed that pursuant to Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Order 2023 (as Amended), the Senate should allow immediate deliberation on the matter and take appropriate action deemed fit in the overriding public interest and as a matter of urgent public importance to prevent break down of law and order.

He also prayed that further necessary steps should be taken to correct the wrong impression in public domain of 2024 budget created by the BBC interview and other national media houses and social media platforms by Ningi and amplified by Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu, through his Facebook account and other social media platforms.

Adeola urged the senate to take any further decision as it deemed fit and proper to safeguard the integrity of the 2024 budget, which is pivotal to the revamping of our economy. His motion was seconded by Senator Joel Thomas.

When Ningi was called upon to speak, he maintained his position that the N3 trillion was missing. He also justified his decision to grant the BBC interview.

There were series of altercations among the senators, causing an uproar, before the senate president calmed the situation by threatening to sanction any member, who spoke without being recognised by him.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim came up with an additional prayer, seeking

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, alleged that Ningi was acting the script of some people, whom he claimed were working towards the impeachment of the senate president before June this year. An obviously enraged Bamidele said, "We must never accept any apology from Senator Ningi. It is ridiculous to do so. He lied deliberately. Mr Senate President, you're occupying that seat 40 years after a South-south person occupied it.

"The last time a southerner was there was during Obasanjo and they were being changed every time. It was only stable when it returned to the north. David Mark spent eight years, Saraki completed his four years, Lawan spent his four years.

"Don't be deceived, the losers of June 2023 senate president election are still angry. Some have accepted but a few haven't.”

Bamidele told Akpabio, “They have plotted to remove you before June 2024. That is why you must not allow this deliberate mischief by Ningi to go away. He did it on purpose.

"He knew he was lying. He set the public against you, he will do it again. We must apply our sanction."

Tempers further rose, when the senator for Cross River North, Jarigbe, while contributing to the debate, said some ranking senators recently got N500 million intervention while some, including him, got nothing.

He alleged, “All of us are culpable. Some so-called senior senators here got 500 million each from the 2024 budget. I am a ranking senator, I didn’t get anything. No senator has a right to accuse Senator Ningi.” But Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, told journalists that no senator got N500 million as palliative.

Adaramodu said, "There is no N500 million largesse anywhere. The senator who raised it had since recanted, claiming that somebody told him somewhere."

Meanwhile, Ningi, who also

Chief Adebayo Adelabu

Courtesy Call on Mr Governor...

Shettima Supports Tinubu’s Agric Revolution, Launches Empowerment Scheme in Kaduna

Pledges to cultivate 500 hectares of land

Deji elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has flagged off an empowerment scheme to assist farmers in the country to support the food security and agriculture mechanisation drive of the President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The scheme, Kashim Shettima Foundation's Agricultural Empowerment Programme, launched in Kaduna State, heralds the commencement of distribution of tractors, seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, and other essential farming inputs

to beneficiary farmers for the 2024 farming season.

Shettima, described farmers in the country as, “the underappreciated heroes who till the soil, sow the seeds, and nourish our nation, to whom we owe a mountain of appreciation for putting the county first, come rain or shine,” noting that it was their unwavering commitment that sustains the country.

Speaking during the launch of the empowerment programme in Kaduna, the Vice President said the gesture was in honour of the nation’s resilient farmers, assuring

Benefitting farmers get tractors, fertilizers, seeds, other inputs for 2024 farming season

that the Tinubu administration would take action to unlock the nation's agricultural potential and provide essential support to farmers.

He emphasised the crucial role of agriculture in Nigeria's economy, highlighting its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and its significance as the primary employer for millions of citizens.

According to him: "Agriculture has always been a strong pillar of Nigeria's economy, contributing one out of every five US Dollars to our GDP and providing livelihoods and sustenance for 36 per cent of the

labour force."

Shettima, outlined the challenges facing the agricultural sector, including input shortages, lack of access to finance, conflicts, and outdated practices leading to low productivity.

Despite these hurdles, the Vice President however recognised Kaduna State's agricultural potential, emphasising the need for intervention to boost productivity and empower farmers.

He explained that the Kashim Shettima Foundation’s Agricultural Empowerment Programme aims to support farmers in Kaduna by

ECOWAS Appoints Gambari to Lead 120 Observers to Senegal’s Presidential Election

Regional body takes steps to remove bottlenecks in W’Africa palm oil industry

Michael olugbode in Abuja

The Chief of Staff (COS) during President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, has been appointed to lead a 120-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Senegal’s presidential election rescheduled to hold on March 24, 2024.

Gambari, was also at a time Nigeria’s former Foreign Minister, and United Nations Under-SecretaryGeneral.

According to a statement yesterday, by ECOWAS Commission, the Mission includes 14 Long-Term Observers (LTOs), who are experts in various fields, such as constitutional and electoral laws, election operations, conflict management and prevention, political analysis, gender and inclusivity, and the media.

The statement stated they would be deployed this week and would be joined by 106 of their Short-Term colleagues from March 18, ahead of the crucial election featuring 19 presidential candidates, including one woman.

The short-term observers were drawn from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Electoral Commissions of the ECOWAS Member States, the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, the ECOWAS Parliament and Community Court of Justice, and Civil Society organisations in the region.

The statement further read that the EOM, which would support and monitor the electoral process

to ensure that best practices would be supported by an ECOWAS Technical Team led by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and Mr. Serigne Ka, acting Head of the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division (EAD).

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, according to the statement, approved the deployment of the EOM to Senegal in line with Articles 12 to 14 of the regional Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance on support for member States holding elections.

Under Article 13 of the Supplementary Protocol, the Commission President had also deployed a pre-election fact-finding mission to Senegal from 26th November to 3rd December 2023. That Mission met with political stakeholders, including government officials, political parties, the National Electoral Commission, CENA, and non-state actors.

There are 7,033,854 registered voters from the country’s estimated population of 18,032,473, (49.4% females and 50.6% Males), slightly higher than the 6.7 million in the 2019 presidential election, which recorded about 66 per cent voter turn-out when the outgoing President Macky Sall won re-election with 58 per cent of the votes.

Sall is not on the ballot for the 2024 election initially scheduled for the 25th of February 2024.

Senegal was among the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to hold multi-party presidential elections

in 1978 before the wave of democratic transition in the 1990s. For this year’s election, some 338,040 Senegalese were registered in the diaspora.

The country has continued to hold presidential and legislative elections, sometimes marked by political tensions, but without significant threats to the stability of the country’s institutions.

Electioneering started on Sunday, the 9th of March. Voting officially opens from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., in 15,633 polling units of the 6,341 polling centers spread across the country’s 14 regions, including the capital Dakar.

The 19 presidential candidates cleared by the Constitutional Council include Amadou Ba, former Prime Minister, veteran opposition leader Idrissa Seck, and former Dakar Mayor Khalifa Sall.

The only female candidate is entrepreneur Anta Babacar Ngom. The second, a gynecologist Rose Wardini withdrew from the race before the 24 March 2024 date was announced following allegations that she also has dual citizenship.

If none of the 19 candidates obtains an absolute majority of votes, there would be a run-off vote between the two frontrunners 15 days after the official declaration of the final results of the first round.

ECOWAS Takes Steps to Remove Bottlenecks in Palm Oil Industry in West Africa

Meanwhile, ECOWAS has taken a

step to boost the production of palm oil and its sales in the sub-region with a convocation of the meeting of stakeholders to evolve strategies to end the bottlenecks of the industry.

Palm oil which is referred to as red gold is indigenous to West Africa but various bottlenecks have made the subregion’s prominence to have dwindled and oftentimes depended on importation to even meet its need though there was no question about its capacity to mass produce.

Continues online

providing farming inputs, technical guidance, and financial empowerment.

Shettima, pledged to cultivate 500 hectares of land through the programme and provide financial support to beneficiaries and farmer cooperatives to establish commercial farms.

His words: “Through this initiative, I commit to supporting the cultivation of 500 hectares of land in Kaduna through the provision of farming inputs which are seed-applied, soilapplied and foliar applied alongside technical direction, extension and good agronomic practices support to beneficiaries of this initiative.

“Financial empowerment will also be provided to the tune of N100,000 per month to each of the 50 beneficiaries for four months which covers the planting period, after which farmer cooperatives (comprising 50 farmers) will be given startup funds of up to N30 million to establish full-fledged commercial farms."

He also restated the federal government's commitment to improving agriculture in Nigeria through various policies and programmes aimed at enhancing food security and economic growth like the, “recent directives to release 42,000 metric tons of grains from strategic reserves and reduce the cost of agricultural inputs by 93 per cent through subsidies, to improve food security.”

The Vice President commended efforts of the Kaduna State Government and private sector partners in

driving targeted policy formulation and implementation across the agricultural value chain.

Earlier in his speech, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State declared his administration's support to the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Vice President for honouring the state to pilot the project.

Represented by the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sabuwa Balarabe, Sani, emphasised that Kaduna State identified with the initiative and would do all it could to support its implementation. He said: "You have demonstrated that you are not just our leader but you are a friend of Kaduna. You have been extending a hand of friendship, whether during difficult times or at times like this, and we are indeed very grateful."

On his part, Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Malam Murtala Dabo, said the scheme was a beacon of hope for the youths, a catalyst for economic growth, and part of a solution to the multifaceted challenges facing the agricultural sector.

Also, Chairman of Kashim Shettima Foundation, Baba Kachallah, explained that the initiative would take off with the provision of 10 tractors, adding that 50 farmers per state would be trained to become full-fledged agropreneurs and that they will be provided with land, fertilizer, sprayers, planters, pesticides, herbicides, seeds and working capital ahead of the beginning of the rainy season.

Tinubu Appoints Mobereola as NIMASA DG, Approves Appointment of FCTA HoS, Others

Deji elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Dayo Mobereola as Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for a renewable term of four years.

The appointment, according to a release issued yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, was sequel to the exit of former DG, Mr. Bashir Jamoh, whose tenure expired recently.

“The president expects the new Director-General to bring his vast experience to bear in his new role and to achieve the mandate of NIMASA in providing world-leading standards of maritime safety administration,

maritime labour regulation, marine pollution prevention and control, search and rescue, cabotage enforcement, shipping development and ship registration.

“This will be in accordance with the policies and programmes of the Renewed Hope Agenda for the sector as ably guided by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,” he said.

Mobereola holds a Ph.D, and an M.Sc in Transport Economics from the University of Wales, United Kingdom. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport, England, and a fellow of the same institute in Nigeria.

He was the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport

Authority (LAMATA) from 2003 to 2015 and was also the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State from 2015 to 2016.

In the private sector, he was Deputy Managing Director and Project Development Director at AFM Consulting Plc, London. He was also Senior Economist at British Petroleum Shipping Limited, London.

Also, Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Chairman and Commissioners of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

The Director Press to the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye said in a statement yesterday that the appointments were with immediate effect, while the appointees would be sworn in on Monday 18, March, 2024.

L-R: Board Director, Lekki Port, Alhaji Bode Oyedele; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Du Ruogang receiving a State plaque from Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Executive Director, Adesuwa Ladoja during a courtesy call to the Governor at the Lagos House, Marina, ... yesterday

LAunCh Of pOdCAst sErIEs On thE stAtE Of thE ECOnOMy...

R-L: Former Information Minister and Managing Partner of Bruit Costaud, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and the Communications Manager of Bruit Costaud, Mr. Nnamdi Atupulazi at the launch of a podcast series on the state of the economy hosted by Bruit Costaud in collaboration with Ballard Partners of USA in Abuja...yesterday

Wigwe's Funeral: PDP Declares Akpabio Enemy of Rivers People

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State chapter has described the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio as an enemy of Rivers people, over his attack on Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the funeral service of Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, late Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son.

Akpabio, had during the funeral ceremony held last weekend, tackled Fubara on his comments on how political class struggles not minding that death could come at any time.

However, responding in a statement signed by the state PDP Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Sydney Gbara, said the, "Senate President derided the Governor, despite the pains of the funeral of the Wigwes, by asking him to quit politics than call Politicians to operate with moderation and fear of God.”

The PDP viewed Akpabio’s comments as insensitive and derogatory to the soul of the Wigwes and the office of the Government of Rivers State.

Gbara, expressed worry that, "Akpabio has consistently shown disdain and unimaginable level of hatred for Rivers State as shown in his utterances and actions against the state and its people."

The PDP recalled that, "In 2021 when Youths of Niger Delta blocked the Akpajo -Onne section of the East/west road following its dilapidated nature, Senator Godswill Akpabio, then Minister of Niger Delta affairs, out of sheer hatred for Rivers people deceived the youths and indeed Niger Deltans by hiring some road construction equipment, moved them to the road, raising the false impression that the contractors had moved to site but not long after the youth withdrew from the road, Senator

PDP Govs Seek FG, Masses’ Support for Mutfwang in Plateau Crisis

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have urged the federal government, Plateau State people and all Nigerians, to support Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the state in his quest to address external and internal forces working against the peace and security of the state.

The PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) made the appeal in a congratulatory message to Mutfwang, who clocked 59 years yesterday.

In the message signed by the Director-General of the Forum, Hon CID Maduabum, the PDP governors prayed God to grant Mutfwang the wisdom needed to succeed in restoring peace in Plateau State.

They assured him of their unalloyed support at all times for him to deliver democratic dividends to the people of the State.

“The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), under the Chairmanship of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State, on behalf of all member-Governors, heartily felicitates H.E. Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State, as he turns 59.

“On this joyous occasion, we join

his family, friends, and indeed, all the people of Plateau State, to give all gratitude to the Almighty God for the grace to attain another milestone in sound mind and body.

“We are proud to have him as one of the pillars in the Forum as we journey together to better the lives of Nigerians in our individual States and Nigeria in general.

‘”The Forum delightfully celebrates his remarkable bond with the people of Plateau State and rejoice that it was preserved with the January 12, 2024 Supreme Court victory, which consolidated the people’s popular mandate for a four (4) year term of quality service delivery.

“We proudly note his immediate inroads on assumption of office as Governor of Plateau State in projects covering education, infrastructure, security and safety provision, local government service repositioning, improved civil service an workers’ welfare, Healthcare service delivery, poverty reduction schemes, SME funding, amongst others.

“As a man of his words, the manifestation of his promises is evident in ongoing road construction and rehabilitation spanning across many Local Government Areas, urban renewal projects, as well as in youth and women empowerment.

Akpabio moved the equipment from the road.

"This is the same road he uses while traveling to his state of Akwa Ibom. Another instance of callous display of obvious hatred for Rivers people by Senator Akpabio was the harassment and attempted abduction of an illustrious daughter of the State, Joy Nunieh during her appointment as NDDC Acting Managing Director.

"Recently, at a ceremony in Tai local government area, the same Akpabio had made a vexatious,

sarcastic and ridiculous remark regarding 2027 Governorship election in Rivers State". With the above instances, the PDP spokesperson accused Akpabio of desiring to cause a situation of crisis in the state.

Gbara added, "it is indeed sad that Senator Akpabio has become a willing tool by enemy forces and agents of darkness to fan the embers of disunity and destabilisation, through reckless and provocative comments each time he visited

Rivers State, something he dared not try in his home state of Akwa Ibom, also a PDP controlled State.”

The PDP therefore, advised the Senate President, "to refrain from verbal attacks and unguarded statements against the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara as the people of the State would no longer take suchlike reckless and irresponsible comments from a man who has taken the path of dishonour to join forces with enemies to destroy the

state.

"We therefore enjoin Rivers people to continue to have faith in the present administration as it is poised to delivering democratic dividends to the good people of the State."

The party leadership further urged Rivers people to rise up against petty actions and utterances capable of derailing the direction of the focused administration by joining forces with PDP in its bid to declare enemies of the state including persona non grata.

Aba Power Project: Namadi Sambo Denies Vested Interest on Interstate Electrics' Acquisition of Enugu Disco

Ejiofor Alike

Former Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo has denied the allegation that he unduly favoured Interstate Electrics Limited in the acquisition of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (Enugu Disco), during the privatisation of the power sector that took place when he served as the Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP).

A statement issued yesterday

by the Principal Private Secretary to the former Vice President, Mr Yinka Ibrahim, described the allegation as frivolous, irresponsible and mischievously orchestrated to discredit his hard-earned reputation.

"For the records, in the almost five decades of his public service career, Sambo served diligently to the best of his ability and never used his capacity or office for personal gains or for the benefit of his friends and associates.

"Under his leadership, the

National Council on Privatisation followed due process in selling government enterprises to successful bidders," the statement explained.

The statement also added that: “The former Vice President had no vested interest in Interstate Electrics or any other privatised entity by the National Council on Privatisation under his watch."

The statement insisted that the entire process of the privatisation was conducted in accordance with the Nigerian laws.

ActionAid Faults Appointment

"For the avoidance of doubt, all records of privatisation process are available for verification.

“Interestingly, Prof. Barth Nnaji, the owner of Geometric and the promoter of the Aba Power Project, was the Minister of Power and member of the privatisation council during the period under review.

“Prof Barth was not only part of the decision-making process but led the implementation of all decisions as related to the power sector," the statement added.

of Former Government Officials into MTN’s Board

Michael Olugbode in Abuja ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has condemned MTN Nigeria’s board appointments, which showed the inclusion of former top government officials.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday, the Country Director of AAN, Andrew Mamedu, called on ICPC and the federal government to investigate the board appointments.

Mamedu stated that: “The appointments of former government officials which includes Ernest Ndukwe, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, former Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Omobola Johnson, Nigeria’s former Minister of Communication Technology and Mr. MK. Ahmad, the pioneer Director-General and Chief

Executive Officer of the National Pension Commission, raise serious concerns about corporate governance, regulatory capture, and conflicts of interest.”

He added that: “It is unacceptable that MTN Nigeria, a company entrusted with providing essential telecommunications services to millions of Nigerians, would choose to stack its board with individuals who have a history of regulatory oversight, pensions, and taxation authorities.

“This move raises serious concerns about the potential for backdoor negotiations and conflicts of interest, as well as the impact on the Nigerian community.

“By allowing former government officials who were supposed to regulate MTN Nigeria to occupy top positions on its board, there is a risk of regulatory capture and undue influence over regulatory decisions.

“This not only undermines the integrity of our institutions, but also jeopardises the interests of consumers, investors, and shareholders.

“ActionAid Nigeria demands that MTN Nigeria must immediately reconsider its board appointments and ensure that future appointments are made in a transparent and accountable manner, with due consideration given to the principles of diversity, independence, and expertise.

“Furthermore, we urge the NCC and the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate these appointments and take appropriate action to hold MTN Nigeria accountable for any breaches of regulatory standards or corporate governance norms.’’ It further demanded that: “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) launch an investigation into

the circumstances surrounding MTN Nigeria's board appointments to determine whether there have been any acts of corruption, regulatory capture, or abuse of power.

“This investigation must include examining the selection process, evaluating potential conflicts of interest, and scrutinising any undue influence exerted by former government officials.

“The federal government must also launch an independent investigation into MTN Nigeria's board appointments to determine the extent of regulatory capture and conflicts of interest; strengthen regulatory oversight of the telecommunications sector to prevent the undue influence of corporate interests on regulatory agencies; and impose penalties or sanctions on MTN Nigeria if it is found to have violated regulatory standards or corporate governance norms.”

Nkwocha: Nigeria’s Security Challenges Surmountable with Time Under Tinubu

Senior Special assistant on Media and Communications to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, in this interview with Deji Elumoye, speaks in defence of the President Bola Tinubu administration by shedding more light on government’s economic policies, approach to security challenges, commitment to inclusivity and welfare of the citizens, among other pressing national issues.

It has been about six months since President Bola Tinubu appointed you as his Senior Special Assistant, Media and Communications, (Office of The Vice President). How has it been?

First of all, I consider it a great honour to have been appointed by His Excellency, President Tinubu as a presidential aide under the Renewed Hope administration. The President and my boss, His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, have taken it upon themselves to set Nigeria on the path of economic prosperity and restore the nation to its past glory as the giant of Africa. And so, to answer your question directly, I would say it has been somewhat tasking on one hand, and of course very educating.

I was part of the campaigns and saw firsthand the process leading to the visions of the President. To now be part of the team saddled with the task of implementing those visions is a privilege you cannot pull off the shelf.

I am sure you have seen for yourself that Vice President Shettima is justifying the trust Mr President has always had in him. He is a workaholic and once his mind is fixed on getting a task done, be rest assured that that task must be accomplished at all cost and in good time at that. There is no excuse whatsoever, especially when the business at hand is ensuring President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is actualized and executed to the letter. Working with such a leader as your boss entails that you too must have to be on your toes, especially as the focus at hand is on the need to pull Nigeria out of the economic challenges created by years of misgovernance, misappropriation and ineptitude of some previous administrations.

The President’s quest for a prosperous Nigeria where the citizens can rebuild their confidence in government and its policies, I would confidently say, is non-negotiable.

By and large, however, the experience has been not only educating but also inspiring, as I believe in the vision of the President.

The present economic challenges facing the country under this administration are bed-rocked on the announcement of fuel subsidy removal by President Tinubu. Was that not a step in the wrong direction?

It will not be right to say that the economic challenges popped up under this administration. What people must realise is that what you term economic challenges precedes the Tinubu administration. The immediate past administration spent a huge amount of funds tackling these challenges. For instance, it was the Buhari-led government that initiated the social investment programmes we have today.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation was created under the immediate past administration to address the plight of vulnerable Nigerians.

Granted; fuel subsidy removal came with its peculiar challenges which will soon fizzle out in a couple of months, but it is unfair and amounts to killing a fly with a sledgehammer to situate the economic challenges under the renewed hope administration. I expected you to frame the question around the present economic challenges the Tinubu administration inherited and what it is doing to salvage the situation.

Now, on the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, I would be surprised if you try to feign ignorance of the economic wreck the subsidy regime turned Nigeria into.

Before the Tinubu administration, the debate as to whether subsidy should go or remain had reached a crescendo, and the consensus had been that subsidy was a scam ab initio. Previous administrations had made frail attempts to end the subsidy but were unable to summon the political will to do so.

Former President Jonathan tried it in 2012 but was overwhelmed by the backlash. Former President Muhammadu Buhari pondered the

idea of subsidy removal and when it was time for his administration to pack up, it attempted a partial removal of subsidy, announcing on several occasions that it will stop the payment of fuel subsidy by the end of June 2023.

Again, the most conspicuous is that there was no provision for petroleum subsidy in the 2023 budget. On May 29, 2023, when President Tinubu declared an end to the era of subsidy, he expressly stated that there was no longer any provision for fuel subsidy in the nation’s budget. Majority of the citizens welcomed the idea, saying it was long overdue and the congruence of opinion was understandable.

The President’s pronouncement came immediately after the 2023 campaign in which presidential candidates of the opposition parties all agreed that it was right for subsidy to go.

So, it is quite pathetic to see the opposition claiming President Tinubu has caused Nigerians untold hardship with subsidy removal as if it were deliberate. This is one issue the same opposition elements were in one accord in chorusing - that fuel subsidy must go.

I think President Tinubu should be given due regard for taking the bold step to end the subsidy regime rather than degradation.

The benefits of the fuel subsidy removal are enormous. Apart from robbing the country of its abundant resources, our economy was on the verge of being crippled, and the cumulative

The President’s commitment to ensuring peace, stability and development in the country is not in doubt. For the very first time in the history of this country, we have a President who is devoting a whooping N1.6 trillion to the Ministry of Defence in the 2024 budget. This has never happened before. This is the highest allocation for security so far and it speaks to his commitment, belief, devotion and focus. These funds will help in inter-agency collaboration in the fight against insecurity in the nation and very soon, we will start getting the results. Again State Police is also on the table and I think with time it will be embraced by the sub-nationals for deeper collaborations. And I personally think it will be a defining point. Again, for me, it shows the political will of the President to confront head-on, the issue of insecurity.

effects are what you just referred to as economic challenges under Tinubu. Besides, petroleum subsidies are responsible for the inefficiencies that characterised the Energy Security for donkeys of years now, making it difficult and impossible to invest in critical areas of energy security.

Now, what are we witnessing in post-subsidy in Nigeria? We are now seeing some level of transparency and accountability in the energy sector. Also, funds that were previously allocated to subsidizing petroleum products are now rechanneled into developing and upgrading the nation’s energy and other critical infrastructure.

The Tinubu administration is gradually restoring energy security, with Energy Transition as one of its primes. This is so because, in less than one year in office, the administration has succeeded in getting the private sector to participate in the energy industry, with the potential of attracting more local and international investors, fostering innovation and competition that will drive down costs and improve the overall efficiency of our energy sector.

We are in a new era where traditional energy sources are being complemented and replaced by cleaner and more sustainable alternatives. Apart from ensuring a healthy environment, energy transition is also creating economic opportunities by leveraging innovation and collaboration to ensure a smooth and just transition that will leave no one behind.

Besides, the latest data reveals that fuel subsidy removal has led to the reduction of fuel imports by 50 per cent. Don’t forget that a few months before President Tinubu ended the subsidy regime, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, had lamented that Nigeria was consuming about 66 million litres of PMS daily. He decried the over N400 billion spent monthly to subsidise PMS at the time, stressing that it was having adverse impacts on the cash flow of NNPCL. Today, with petrol importation dropping by 50 per cent, the volume of imports into Nigeria has reduced by about 33 million litres daily, based on NNPCL’s figures in February.

This implies that the importation of petroleum products has dropped by about 990 million litres in one month. What does this imply to you? It is a clear testimony that the Tinubu administration is working very hard to recover lost production and provide the right fiscal environment to attract investments.

We are already reaping the benefits of the reforms being spearheaded by President Tinubu. Statistics showed recently that Nigeria’s gross domestic product grew by 3.46 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2023, as against 2.54 per cent recorded in the third quarter of 2023.

So, whenever you choose to talk about economic challenges facing Nigeria, try to be fair. The benefits of fuel subsidy removal are far more than the challenges the oppositions are fixated on and are capitalizing on to show the Tinubu renewed hope administration in a bad light.

Your principal heads the National Economic Council (NEC). What has been the impact of that body and what is his agenda?

Established by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended in section 153(1) and paragraphs 18 and 19 of Part I of the Third Schedule, the Council chaired by Vice President Shettima has the governors of the 36 states of the federation as members.

It has the mandate to advise President Tinubu on matters pertaining to the nation’s economy, especially on measures necessary for the coordination of economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the federal government.

Nkwocha

Kola Oshalusi: Our Culture, Lifestyle Can Become a Global Revenue-generating Export

Kola Oshalusi is a creative photographer based in Lagos with a keen eye for detail and capturing moments. Currently the Director of Creative at Insigna Media, a leading photography and content creation company that aims to add value and build Africa's largest content creation company, Oshalusi is also the convener of the Business of Photography Conference, BOP, West Africa's largest photography conference. Committed to human capital development and providing educational and knowledgesharing opportunities for creatives, his work which spans events, portraits, fashion, lifestyle, and advertising photography, has been published widely across three continents. In an interview with Mary Nnah, Oshalusi reveals that the 2024 edition of the BOP conference, which will be held on March 20th at The Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos, will improve the nation's economy through the pursuit of timeless ideas and imagery that constantly evoke thoughts and emotions

The upcoming Business of Photography Conference (BOP) is a topic we should discuss. Could you tell me what inspired the conference, how long it has been running, and what makes this year's event different?

The BOP Networks (Business of Photography) Project was borne out of the desire to increase financial capacity in the Creative space with a bias for visual creative works which includes still and motion photography, the conference is just a core part of it, but it also includes a resource magazine website for creatives to learn and identify new tricks, trends and opportunities in the Creative industry, smaller conversations that goes around to isolate, identify, discuss and proffer solutions to Creative business challenges across the country. It's in its 6th year running and this is 5th Edition, the COVID year created a gap year in the conference, but we have consistently continued to drive the conversation. This year is unique because of the Theme: Culture Exchange – The Art of Business. We will be focusing on the opportunities and challenges that are currently prevalent globally with a focus on Nigeria and Africa and will be discussing how we can shift focus to identify the inexhaustible wealth that we have left untapped which is our Culture and Lifestyle (our soft power) which can become a global revenue generating export

How has the annual conference impacted the nation's economic growth, specifically in the field of photography?

Oh in a quantum leap, the industry (Photography “still and motion”) before the conference globally was estimated to be about $78billion with projected year-on-year growth of about 6.1 per cent anticipating growth in technological advancement and Europe and America, with the industry in Nigeria was hovering around $1.3Billion being the second largest in Africa based on investment and revenue, but Covid year acceleration of technological advancement in Blockchain, NFTs, Metaverse, Artificial intelligence and social media has pushed the industry to almost double its value, with the global value hovering over $150 Billion based on unforeseen rise in the Asia, South America and most importantly the African market. It is currently valued at over 2 Trillion in Nigeria depending on the exchange metrics you are using to compute. So yes it has improved, we have more photographers, lots more people in the value chain, a lot more employment opportunities and a lot more businesses have been created.

I'm interested in learning about your experience as a photographer. How did you first get started?

That’s a whole long story, but I would say I have been working actively in this sector for nearly two decades, my forte is Event photography, but I also work in other disciplines of photography, I have serviced quite several local and global brands across three continents and I have

been lucky to have worked and still work on some of the biggest projects in the country and the continent. And yes I have been blessed with amazing clients and super-productive team members.

Before you became a photographer, what did you do? I studied science, so was a scientist, worked in medical science for a while as well as Computing and data science. I have a degree in Computing.

Did you always want to be a photographer growing up? If not, what other profession would you have pursued?

Not at all, wanted to be a Pilot as a little child, guess I just wanted to see the world, but now I see the world through my lenses and

my imagination.

Who were your mentors or role models when you were growing up?

How have they influenced who you are today?

Quite a number of them both within my industry and outside my industry and yes they have and are still shaping me, some have ended up becoming my mentors and I am learning quite a lot under their tutelage. They have helped shape and guide my dreams and perspective on life and my art.

What sets you apart as a photographer, and what kind of impact have you had on the industry so far?

My willingness to bring ideas to life, my attention to detail and my desire to try something new. I love to teach, share and transfer knowledge as well as collaborate, all our projects have been a

We have focused on training and knowledge transfer and at the same time built structures around our business to ensure sustainability, productivity and profitability. We have also ensured to stay ahead in evolution and technological adoption to improve our workflow to meet present-day business demands

product of collective efforts. The Conference itself has only succeeded because it has been industry-focused, knowledge and growth-driven. That way we can say we have directly and indirectly impacted over 30,000 creatives in the last 6 years

Your company, Insigna Media, is aiming to become Africa's largest content creation company. What steps have you taken to achieve this goal?

Quite a lot, we have built human and service capacity in the creative space in the last few years and have spearheaded lots of empowerment projects, we have focused on training and knowledge transfer and at the same time built structures around our business to ensure sustainability, productivity and profitability. We have also ensured to stay ahead in evolution and technological adoption to improve our workflow to meet present-day business demands. But our biggest asset has been our people and they are the ones driving all that we do. While we want to build the largest content creation and management company, we have not forgotten the importance of people in building. This is why we believe in the saying ” To go fast you go alone, but to go far, you need people”, Because we understand that success is a journey and not a destination.

Could you share your most memorable moment as a photographer?

I am lucky to have quite a lot of them over the years but I think one that resonates with me was coordinating photography for the first edition of the One African Music Festival, having to source and manage a team of photographers in another continent for such a huge project, the first time an African will headline a sold-out concert at the 19,000 capacity Barclays Centre in New York.

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer and content creator?

Can’t think of anyone as being the biggest, all major challenges have become opportunities to be better and stepping stones to greater opportunities.

How do you mentor young people who are interested in pursuing photography, and what strategies have you found to be effective?

Share my journey with them and let them know they are limitless in what they can achieve and become, stories inspire and also help people find their part. Beyond the craft are narratives that can inspire. I also let them know there’s nothing wrong in failing or making mistakes, the challenge is not learning at every turn.

What are the prospects for photography in Nigeria?

Huge. It has the potential to employ millions of our population both directly and indirectly, also it has the potential to define how we are perceived globally. It can serve as a tool and a means. So I will say the prospect is limitless.

Oshalusi

www.thisdaylive.com

opinion@thisdaylive.com

RUMBLINGS OVER DEACTIVATED SIM CARDS

The deactivation of millions of subscribers has impacted on Nigeria’s teledensity, writes

SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

See page 21

CHINEDU EZEKWESILI AT 70 OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

pays tribute to the founding Pastor of The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP), Abuja of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

See page 21

EDITORIAL A RASH OF DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS

ALIYU ABUBAKAR commends Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila for acts of charity

PUBLIC LIFE FOR PUBLIC GOOD

He is currently the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. He has seen his political life course from the Legislature to the Executive. It’s not clear if Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila ever dreamt of this fortune as he stepped on the canvas of politics at the turn of this Fourth Republic.

By every yardstick, it’s fair to say that he has had his path paved with golden confetti. A path of distinguished public service. And at every turn, Providence has placed him in a position others wished they were.

Elected for a record six times by the people of Surulere 1 Constituency of Lagos to represent them in the House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila is a man fated to political longevity. And he has represented his people creditably. In the House, he had a voice. He was respected. Neither dumb nor dimwitted, he showed mastery of legislative sagacity; displayed candour and intelligence. Functioned in committees with distinction. Never static or decorative, he showed pomp, panache and depth. While in the House, the lawyer in him manifested in full plume. He showed people skills, networking dexterity and was easily relatable. No airs, sided with the weak and was always smart to connect with his constituents in Lagos. This made him popular both in his Surulere base and among his peers in the Green Chamber. In Surulere, for instance, his constituents would gleefully give an arm to defend him. He was welfarist as a lawmaker as he was empathetic. To his constituents, it’s Gbaja (they love to address him that way) or no one else.

Gbaja carries grace. He brought it to the House where he rose to become Minority Leader in the Seventh Assembly and later the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Ninth Assembly: Primus inter Pares (First among equals). As Speaker, he brought stability to the House, managing the high and low tides of boisterous men and women with organized stratagem.

He did not quit the House on account of court verdict, neither was he not returned by his constituents. He resigned voluntarily to assume office as Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, a higher calling. Even this speaks to his relevance and political capital in the eyes of Tinubu, himself a political grandmaster. Emerging Chief of Staff indexes his trust equity and how much the President trusts him. Chief of Staff means he is the one who organizes the office of the President, determines who sees him and acts as clearing house (Secretariat) of the President himself. It’s a position only reserved for trusted friends of the President, not just any jobber or political appointee. Gbaja is trusted and trustworthy. Even the President attests

to that. Tinubu is an intelligent political godfather who knows the place of loyalty in the political matrix. Every party in partisan politics places premium of fidelity of members to the creed and mores of the party. Gbaja, a student of Tinubu School of Political Leadership, has been faithful to Tinubu and his ideals. His collateral is his unrelenting loyalty and undiluted willingness to abide by the tenets of his party. Gbaja is neither treacherous nor lecherous. Some politicians mutate from one party to another in open show of political harlotry. Not so, Gbaja. He played the opposition with polished dignity, snubbed every bait to turncoat; was steadfast to his party and his leader, Tinubu. That is character.

Tinubu, a man who does not hold back to reward loyalty saw all this and has rewarded him with one of the most powerful offices in the Presidency.

But this article is not about Gbaja’s fruitful political odyssey. An eventful public life, no doubt. This is about what Gbaja has done with his public life, not how he wielded power. Early this year, Nigerians were greeted with a developmental news. An imposing architectural masterpiece, a 484-bed hall of residence was donated to the University of Lagos by Gbajabiamila. It was a fitting gift from a grateful heart to his alma mater. Gbaja is a law graduate of UniLag, proudly a Great Akokite!

he hostel gift is just what the university needs now. Nigerian tertiary institutions are challenged in the area of providing decent accommodation for their teeming students. In the case of UniLag, Gbaja scored a bull’s eye. The university which prides itself as the university of first choice has been unable, like most universities, to provide on-campus accommodation for students. Many students have had to live off-campus where they are exposed to the horror of cultism and cultists, robbers and other drug-addled crooks lurking in off-campus neighbourhoods.

There have been several cases across the country where off-campus students were

abducted and killed by unknown assailants; in some cases, robbed and other times became victims of gruesome murder. This is why the Gbaja gesture should be seen in the context of what it is: using public life to do public good.

Gbaja also built and donated to the Lagos State University (LASU), a state-of-the-art conference centre that not only adds grandeur to the LASU infrastructural landscape but also fills a critical void in the university’s event management routine. LASU, ranked as one of the best public universities in Law, has been growing in geometric leap. At the recent matriculation ceremony for 2023/2024 students, the Gbajabiamila hall was put to good use as the traditional hall for such event could not take all the students.

Without any shred of doubt, public office has been fair to Gbaja. But he’s not the only one whom public service has showered benevolence on. Some Nigerian public office holders, past and present, have reduced themselves into receptacles; always collecting, never giving back. Not Gbaja. He has been giving back to society. He has impacted his constituents and by implication the larger Nigerian society in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and direct empowerment of the frail and the poor.

The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, was exultant at the inauguration ceremony. She said the facility is a critical infrastructural intervention especially at this time when the need for conducive spaces to carry out administrative and social engagements have become imperative.

She described the centre, inaugurated by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as a beautiful edifice and a unique architectural monument that has enhanced the aesthetic landscape of the university.

By these two stand-out acts of kindness to humanity, Gbaja has pointed the way for all persons of goodwill, especially those fate thrust into the public service arena. Your service is not to self or family. To think or act so is wickedness. Your service is to the larger community. Use your public life to do public good. Nothing can be more honorable or nobler than this. For long after you’re gone, humanity will not remember that you owned the choicest automobiles, but they will remember the impact you had on the rest of the people. Good deeds are never forgotten, neither are those who do them. The place of Gbaja in the boulders of history is already etched in gold: Indelible, in our hearts.

Abubakar, a policy analyst, writes from Abuja

The deactivation of millions of subscribers has impacted on Nigeria’s teledensity, writes

SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

RUMBLINGS OVER DEACTIVATED SIM CARDS

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regulations on inactive Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card stipulates that any SIM card that has not had any form of economic activity within 180 days should be deactivated and reassigned by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

And this may have foreclosed any form of grumblings if we understood what the regulations meant. We should ordinarily absolve the commission from any harm or errors of the deactivation of 42 million subscribers by this understanding.

However some Nigerians think the NCC may have erred in its judgment and so must be liable.

Some even think the commission should unbar the cards with apologies to the beleaguered subscribers. But did the NCC actually over step its bounds or contradict itself when it says its mandate is to protect all consumers yet deactivated 42 million subscribers?

A former Kaduna State Senator Shehu Sani has his observations about the NCC action especially as he compared the Commission’s position vis a vis those on bandits whose lines still ring despite NCC,s manifest deactivation of SIM cards not linked to National Identity Numbers(NIN).

The outspoken Senator tweeted recently “the NCC and the Telecom operators know how to quickly block SIM cards; the ones they are yet to know how to quickly block are those ones used by Bandits to collect ransom.”

Some weeks ago, despite the presence of military personnel and police patrols, two teenage sisters, aged 14 and 16, were kidnapped by gunmen in the Guita community of Chikakore, located in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and N30 million was required for the safe return of the girls.

And the Senator thinks the NCC should go beyond deactivating SIM cards of millios of ‘innocent Nigerians ‘.

Senator Sani is not alone.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Dr. Aminu Maida, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission “to immediately revoke the apparently unlawful directive to network providers to bar the phone lines of millions of Nigerians who have linked their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NINs).”

SERAP also urged him to “restore the phone lines of these Nigerians, and to urgently establish a mechanism for effective consultation to provide Nigerians who are yet to link their SIM cards to their NINs with the appropriate support and infrastructure and adequate time and opportunity to do so.”

The Commission had recently ordered telecommunications companies to bar the phone lines of millions of citizens including those who allegedly “did not submit a good NIN or didn’t get a cleared or verified NIN by February 28.”

SERAP said, “No agency has the right to strip the citizens of their basic constitutional rights under the guise of failing to properly link their SIM cards

with their NINs or failing to do so timeously.”

SERAP said, “No agency has the right to strip the citizens of their basic constitutional rights under the guise of failing to properly link their SIM cards with their NINs or failing to do so timeously.”

SERAP, in a letter it wrote to the NCC stated that “the blocking of phone lines of Nigerians must only be a last resort measure, and strictly in line with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], international human rights and due process safeguards.”

The NCC guidelines, titled, ‘Quality of Service Business Rules’, stipulate the minimum quality and standards of service, associated measurements, and key performance indicators for measuring the quality of service.

Per the guidelines, if a subscriber remains inactive for an additional six months, there is a possibility of losing their number, unless there is a network-related issue preventing the activation of the Registered Glove Enclave (RGE).

“A subscriber’s line may be deactivated if it has not been used, within six months, for a Revenue Generating Event (RGE), and if the situation persists for another six months, the subscriber may lose their number, except for a network-related fault inhibiting an RGE,” the guidelines stipulated.

While this remains a big subject as it relates to inactive phone numbers in Nigeria, following the arrest of one Anthony Okolie, a Delta Statebased trader, by the Department of State Services (DSS), for using a SIM previously owned by Hanan Buhari, former president’s daughter, the NCC has said there was nothing wrong in recycling SIM cards already deactivated

“Based on the new guidelines, the NCC said that telcos have the authority to reassign dormant SIM cards without recourse to the previous owners, as long as the inactivity falls within the stipulated period of six months.

SERAP thinks “the arbitrary directive and the barring of the phone lines are extreme measures which must meet the strict legal requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.”

“The NCC has also apparently failed to conduct an impact assessment of these extreme measures in order to avoid their arbitrary or excessive effects. These extreme measures go against the regulatory objectives of the Nigerian Communications Act and violate Nigerians’ fundamental human rights.”

Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has stated that the group will seek redress in court soon if the SIM card blockade deadline is not extended.

Ogunbanjo also confirmed ALTON’s position on the increased number of deactivated telephone numbers, saying the number of barred subscribers was so large that millions of subscribers are now in limbo. Urging the NCC to consider the plight of telecoms consumers, and grant a 31-day extension for the exercise, he stated: “We have appealed to the Nigerian Communications Commission to extend the deadline till March 31.

“But if this is not done, we will observe the situation for the next three days, that is Monday to Wednesday, and if this is not granted, we will have to file a case in court on Thursday.”

Ogunbanjo further said: “We have, and still appealing that this deadline be extended. We understand their position concerning security issues but a 31-day extension would not harm anyone and that is why we didn’t ask for three months.´

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI pays tribute to the founding Pastor of The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP), Abuja of the

CHINEDU EZEKWESILI AT 70

Pastor Chinedu Theodore Ezekwesili is 70 today. Heartfelt tributes abound ahead of Friday’s ’70 minutes of extravagant praise’ at Glory Tabernacle Parish and Saturday’s thanksgiving service at The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP) of the Redeemed Christians Church of God (RCCG) in Abuja for the celebrations. I have been privileged to read them due to the assignment handed me by my brother, Frank Nweke Junior, who chairs the birthday committee. The common theme of these tributes, which I can also attest to, is that the Pastor Chinedu behind the pulpit is the same man you encounter in everyday life: humble, compassionate, selfless and generous. Pastor Chinedu is an authentic man of God who practices what he preaches and is there for everyone, even at the expense of his own convenience. So, it is little wonder that he has built a vast

network of meaningful relationships that far exceed even his own imagination.

Pastor Chinedu’s 70th birthday also coincides with the 30th anniversary of RCCG in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Considering the role he has played, especially in the past 24 years, this seems fortuitous. Having relocated to Abuja in October 2000, Pastor Chinedu has often told the story of how TEAP started with ‘two-and-a-half families’ in their living room. He and his wife, Oby Ezekwesili (who had been assigned back home from the Harvard University Centre for International Development before taking full appointment with President Olusegun Obasanjo) being the first family. The second family was that of Pastor Ugo Ikpeazu (currently, founder and Lead Pastor of The Triumphant Church International Abuja). The remaining ‘half’ in the story is Dr Ngozi Azodoh who retired recently as a director in the Federal Ministry of Health and had relocated to Abuja with the children, at the turn of the millennium. Incidentally, the ‘other half’, Evaristus Azodoh, a consultant urologist who was then a serving officer in the Nigerian Army resident in Lagos, is now the Pastor at TEAP!

That Pastor Chinedu would take the parish name from Deuteronomy 33: 27: "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" is also instructive. As he once explained in a chat for a TEAP publication I coordinated, the Vision of God for the parish was simple: It is, "to empower us to work with God as He builds us up to

become a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-national community Church with a focus on loving the Lord Jesus and loving one another." To fulfill that mandate, “TEAP has strived through its focus on people as individual and part of groups; to ensure that each individual was grounded in the word of God, live a life of holiness with an eye to eternal life while maximising their God given talent in their vocation.”

Twenty four years later, what began as a mustard seed of ‘two and half families’ has blossomed into ‘RCCG TEAP Zone’, comprising dozens of parishes with a strong family of people spread across several countries of the world yet glued together because we all are carried in His Everlasting Arms, thanks to the visionary leadership of Pastor Chinedu. On a personal note, given how nature has been kind to him, as I wrote when he was 60 a decade ago, most people would probably believe Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili is in his forties. A decade later, nothing seems to have changed. And one can also look at that in many ways. It doesn’t matter where you come from or your social status, Pastor Chinedu will treat you the same way. Because for him, the clerical work is a calling and those of us close enough to the family know the sacrifices he has had to make over the years for that choice.

As he marks his 70th birthday, Pastor Chinedu should be fulfilled that he has a large following of people who believe not only in the Gospel he preaches but also in his person. Thanks to Pastor Chinedu, ‘the unusual people’ not only know their God, but when the chips are down, they are also infused with the attributes of ‘David’s Mighty Men’ on matters concerning their beloved ‘Oluso Aguntan’. And that will be demonstrated this weekend.

“When a congregation has found a shared vision through the leadership of a pastor/leader whom they trust,” according to an article in ‘The Journal of Applied Christian Leadership’ of Andrews University, a private Seventhday Adventist institution in Michigan, United States, founded in 1874, “they will make tremendous personal sacrifices to support him/her in making the vision a reality.” Meanwhile, I know Pastor Chinedu enough to understand that all the fuss being made about his 70th birthday could embarrass, even annoy, him. But he has no say in this matter: Many of us have resolved to celebrate him this weekend whether he likes it or not!

Without doubt, Pastor Chinedu Theodore Ezekwesili is a wonderful man who many of us have been blessed to be associated with. I can only wish him happy birthday, long life, and good health. Adeniyi is Chairman, THISDAY Editorial Board

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

A RASH OF DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS

Does the creation of bureaucracies for the regions necessarily attract development?

After years of agitation, the Senate has once again passed the South East Development Commission Bill. It was initially passed by the Eighth Senate but former President Muhammadu Buhari declined assent. Reintroduced last year by lawmakers from the Southeast, the SEDC bill will be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent. “It’s a very important bill passed by this 10th Senate,” noted Senate President Godswill Akpabio. “This bill addresses all the fears of our brothers and sisters from the Southeast.”

When fully operational, the regional interventionist agency is expected to quicken development of infrastructure mostly crippled during the three-year civil war that ended more than 50 years ago. The commission will among other things manage funds from the Federation Account allocation to execute projects such as the construction and rehabilitation of roads. The areas of intervention will also include health, education, employment, agriculture, industrialisation, housing and urban development, water supply, electricity and telecommunications. Other functions include tackling ecological and environmental problems that arise from the extraction and mining of solid mineral, and exploration of oil mineral in the Southeast states.

commission but the use to which it is put. Over the years so many interventionist agencies have been established across the nation with little or nothing to show for it. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) established since 2000 to oversee the physical and socioeconomic development of the region, arising from years of oil exploration and exploitation, for instance, has become a byword for corruption. After more than N15 trillion poured in, there is little to show as few persons succeeded in cornering the wealth of the region.

For the Igbos the ghost of the civil war seems to be still hovering all over the place. Indeed, over the years, many believe the Southeast

has suffered from deliberate neglect

Every separatist movement in today's Nigeria is fuelled apparently by gross inequities and brazen injustices created and sustained by the current structure. in the country. For the Igbos the ghost of the civil war seems to be still hovering all over the place. Indeed, over the years, many believe the Southeast has suffered from deliberate neglect. The situation was not helped by the disposition of the immediate past administration. It is therefore our hope that when this commission come on stream it will serve as a means of giving the Southeast people their dues by addressing their genuine grievances.

The real issue is not the establishment of the

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

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

This is partly why we are worried that the passing of the SEDC has triggered in the National Assembly a new wave of regional demands for development commissions. The South West Development Commission bill, came barely a week after, about the same time Senator Abba Moro proposed North Central Development Commission to address the gap in the “infrastructural development of the region and related matters.” A bill seeking the establishment of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has also passed first reading at the Senate. If passed and signed into law all this will bring to six the number of regional interventionist agencies, every region to its own. The sixth, North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has been operational since 2019 with responsibility to rebuild infrastructure and institutions destroyed by the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency in northeast.

So, the questions arise: Why must we deploy the functions of government to interventionist agencies? At a time of serious economic distress, when the government is thinking of pruning down offices and personnel, why should we duplicate functions and create additional cost centres? Does the creation of bureaucracies for the regions necessarily attract development?

While we urge President Tinubu to sign the SEDC bill into law, it is important for all relevant stakeholders to understand that these commissions offer no practical solution to the challenge of national development.

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

Letters to the Editor LETTERS

RETURN OF MASS ABDUCTION IN THE NORTH

Insecurity continues to be one of the major problems plaguing Nigeria.

In recent times, there has been an increase in kidnapping and banditry, posing a grievous threat to national security and economic development. Not only has this adversely affected our national image but has also eaten deep into every fabric of the nation. Badly affected is Northern Nigeria which has become the epicenter of banditry and kidnapping for ransoms.

The spate of abduction of school children is worrying. Mass kidnappings of school girls and boys at schools in the North-East and NorthWest Nigeria began several years ago and have become a frequent phenomenon, carried out by rapacious bandits who have turned this menace into money-making ventures. This form of brazen terrorism has unfortunately not been met with the level of aggression that is needed to address the crime. Since 2014, according to several news reports, there have been over a thousand student kidnappings. These crimes have been targeted at underage school children who are often made vulnerable by poor security infrastructure and negligence on the part of the state and federal governments. In recent times, the public has begun

to recall the Chibok incident in north-eastern Borno state where 276 girls were kidnapped in April 2014. About 100 of them are still missing. In Kaduna, 39 students went missing after gunmen stormed the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization on March 11, 2021.

One can count series of abduction in the north. Last week, the bandits invaded Kuriga primary and secondary school, in Chikun local government and abducted 287 students. The abduction came barely one week after similar attack was carried out in Borno State, by Boko Haram and 200 innocent women kidnapped. In Katsina and Zamfara States, mass abduction by bandits has become a recurring dismal. Those states have been experiencing attacks by bandits, leading to the closure of schools. The motive behind the abduction is to discourage acquiring western education in the north. The authorities cannot continue to play to the tune of these culprits by rewarding them with ransoms. State governments and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must step up measures to stem the growing criminality.

Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State

NO UFO ALIENS

The latest Pentagon report released Friday looking at UFOs or more correctly looking for aliens in those UFOs hasn't found any.

I know I can trust government organisations and the government itself, even if it is just a bunch of politicians, so I don't have anything to worry about. Or do I?

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Kayode Tokede

Following soaring inflation rate and exchange rate volatility, Dangote Cement Plc and 10 other companies spent a whooping N4.1 trillion on production cost in 2023 financial year, analysis of their results have revealed.

The N4.1 trillion cost of production is 37.5 per cent higher than the N2.99 trillion reported by the 11 companies in 2022 financial year.

Other companies investigated by THISDAY are: Geregu Power Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc (NB), Lafarge Africa Plc, BUA Cement Plc, BUA Foods Plc, MTN Nigeria Communication Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Nascon Allied Industries Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc and Seplat Energy Plc.

In the period under review, inflation rate in Nigeria increased to 28.92 per cent Year-on-Year from 21.34 per cent December 2022, while

the value of Naira at the official rate depreciated to N899.39 against the dollar in 2023 from N448.55 against the dollar December 2022.

Inflation rate reached over 15-year high in Nigeria amid foreign exchange policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), insecurity in food producing states, among other factors.

The surging costs of doing business by these listed firms on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) underlined the country’s biting inflation, the deterioration of the Naira, and the failure of the ease of doing business campaign of both the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the federal government.

Amid challenges, six of the companies reported cost of production much higher than the 28.92 per cent inflation rate in 2023.

Specifically, Geregu Power declared 64 per cent cost of

Nume Ekeghe

Nigeria continues to battle economic headwinds, it has emerged that the federal government spent $560 million servicing the country’s external debt in January 2024.

Analysis of the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Weekly International Payments showed that the amount spent in January was 339 per cent higher when compared to $112 million spent on debt service in January of 2023.

In 2023, Nigeria spent $3.5 billion to service its external

production to N40.25 billion in 2023 from N24.48 billion reported in 2022, while Dangote Cement reported N1.01 trillion cost of production, representing an increase of 51.8 per cent from N662.89 billion reported in 2022.

Other companies with cost of production above inflation rate include: BUA Cement with 39 per cent cost of production to N276.04 billion in 2023 from N198.38 billion in 2022; MTN Nigeria Communication declared 43 per cent growth in cost of production to N650.5 billion in 2023 from N456.75 billion in 2022 and Seplat Energy declared 68 per cent growth in cost of production to N347.53 billion in 2023 from N206.7 billion reported in 2022.

According to THISDAY analysis, the 11 companies’ profit after tax dropped to N402.26 billion in 2023 from N1.15 trillion in 2022 with Nigerian Breweries, MTN Nigeria Communication, Dangote Sugar

Refinery, and Nestle Nigeria reporting losses over hike in cost of production, foreign exchange losses, among other expenses.

A breakdown showed that NB reported N106 billion loss in 2023 from N13.19billion in 2022, MTN Nigeria announced N137.02 billion loss in 2023 from N348.73 billion in 2022; Dangote Sugar Refinery posted N73.76 billion in 2023 from N54.74 billion in 2022 and Nestle Nigeria announced N79.477 billion in 2023 from N48.43 billion in 2022. Analysts believe the hike in cost of production is a reflection global economic unrest following the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, stressing that companies operating in Nigeria and in Africa are not operating in isolation.

Speaking with THISDAY, the Vice President, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori stated that the growth in cost of production reported by these companies have negative impact

on profit and dividend payout to shareholders.

According to him, “The world is currently facing high inflation rate and Nigeria, Africa at large are not exempted from this experience, with countries on the continent witnessing record high inflation rate. The surge in inflation rate is following the rally in crude oil prices, amidst the face-off between Russia/Ukraine.”

The World Bank in a report stated that following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, trade-related policies imposed by countries have surged.

The global food crisis has been partially made worse by the growing number of food trade restrictions put in place by countries with a goal of increasing domestic supply and reducing prices. As of February 26, 2024, 16 countries have implemented 23 food export bans, and 8 have implemented 15 export-limiting

measures,” the report disclosed.

On heightened inflationary environment, the Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement, Arvind Pathak, stated that the company had implemented new and innovative business strategies that helped to drive up revenues, contain costs, and protect margins.

“These initiatives included fuel mix optimisation, propelling the use of alternative fuels to replace more expensive fossil fuels. We also began the phased transition from diesel power trucks to full Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks,” he said.

Speaking the CEO, Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf explained to THISDAY that inflationary pressures remain a key concern in the Nigerian economy, both for businesses and the citizens.

debt, which was a significant increase from the $2.4 billion spent in 2021.

The month-to-month breakdown of Nigeria’s debt servicing in 2023 reveals dynamic trends, shedding light on the country’s economic landscape. The year commenced with debt

servicing at $112 million. A substantial leap occurs in February, reaching $288 million. The momentum continues into March, with debt servicing escalating to $400 million. April experiences a dip, recording $93 million Debt servicing rebounds in May, totalling $221 million.

June reflects a noticeable adjustment at $54 million however, July stands out as a peak month, hitting $641 million. A significant decline occurs in August, plummeting to $310 million while September sees an increase climbing to $439 million.

October records $509 million followed by a decrease in November to $368 million. The year 2023 concludes with a notable decrease in December, reaching $65 million Year-end adjustments before it notably peaked again at $560 million in January 2024.

Examining FirstBank’s Winning Strategy

nume Ekeghe writes on the continuous stream of accolades bestowed upon FirstBank Nigeria, commending the exceptional manner in which the institution manages its corporate clients, facilitating smoother business operations for its customers

In the dynamic realm of corporate finance, success is an intricate tapestry woven with threads of trust, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Against this backdrop, FirstBank, Nigeria has not only weathered the test of time but has emerged triumphant, securing the esteemed title of Best Corporate Bank at the recent Euromoney Awards for Excellence, Nigeria 2023. This achievement echoes loudly, reflecting FirstBank’s remarkable journey spanning 130 years marked by resilience, adaptation, and an enduring dedication to its customers.

A LEgACy oF ExCELLEnCE

FirstBank’s victory at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence is no stroke of luck but rather the culmination of a relentless pursuit of excellence. At its core lies a deep-seated commitment to enabling corporate success through tailored financial solutions. The Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, acknowledges, “We are thrilled to announce that we have been recognised as the Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023.” This statement goes beyond a mere announcement it is a testament to FirstBank’s enduring commitment to its customers and their journey towards success.

TEChnoLogICAL InnovATIon: FIrSTDIrECT 2.0

Integral to this success is FirstBank’s continuous investment in technology, exemplified by the development of its cutting-edge transaction banking platform, FirstDirect2.0. This smart and interactive platform serves as a one-stop-shop online banking solution for corporates, offering best-in-class capabilities such as Payments, Collections, and Account Services. The Executive Director, Corporate Banking, FirstBank, Mr. Tosin Adewuyi in a recent radio interview said: “We put a lot of resources into our systems and we have a transaction banking system First Direct 2.0.

First Direct is pretty transformative and we’ve received lots and lots of accolades in terms of customer experience and customer onboarding. And today, I believe that I checked the numbers last week because I knew I was coming to your show, we have 4200 Already onboarded. 5 million transactions come through that system. So that is to make in our clients business and lives as simple as possible and seamless transaction execution. So really, it’s all about the customer and I can’t stress that enough, we are focused on the customer and it is clearly showing in the feedback that we getting.”

CorporATE BAnkIng rEDEFInED

FirstBank’s Corporate Banking model is not just about delivering services; it’s about

As Insurers Celebrate Female Counterparts

The International Women’s day is a global event that holds March 8 every year. In this year’s edition, insurers rolled out drums to celebrate their female counterparts, writes Ebere nwoji

The establishment of the Professional Insurance Ladles Association (PILA) by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria(CIIN) in 1973 as the first female professional body in Nigeria is a demonstration of spirit of inclusiveness and gender positiveness among leaders and drivers of the Nigeria insurance sector.

Added to this is the good number of female insurance chief executives and board members the industry has produced in recent times. All these attest to the fact that the industry cherishes and celebrates women’s positive contributions towards growth and development of the insurance sector and the economy in general.

A peep into the structure of insurance sector workforce shows that today, the industry sits on pillar of Amazons such as Joyce Ojemudia as Managing Director African Alliance Insurance Plc having taken over leadership baton of the life insurance specialist from another Amazon Funmi Omo the erstwhile Managing Director who is now the Managing Director Enterprise Life Assurance.

Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu is another big fish produced by the industry who is the Managing Director, Premier Royal Exchange Assurance Plc. Adetola Adegbayi who just stepped aside as Executive Director, Technical, Leadway Assurance is another gem among the female leaders in the insurance sector. Not to be forgotten are Funmi Babington Ashaye, former President Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, Yetunde Ilori, Director General Nigeria Insurers Association and Adebola Odukale formerly of Capital Express Assurance just to mention but few.

This spirit of recognition of women’s efforts and willingness to encourage and empower them for more contributions was recently demonstrated by the industry operators as management of various insurance firms rolled out their drums to celebrate their female employees at this year’s international Women’s day celebrated on March 8th 2024.

Indeed management of various insurance firms showed solidarity in praising their female workers as special breed among all God’s creatures.

InSurAnCE FIrmS CELEBrATIng

Insurance firms at the forefront of the celebration include Sunu Assurance, which joined force with female journalists covering insurance and pension to make this year’s edition of International Women’s Day a joyous occasion for women in the two professions.

Felicitating the female staff of Sunu Assurance and female members of National Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) during this year’s celebration, Sunu Assurance Managing Director, Mr Samuel Ogbodu, said Sunu group as an international firm has over 50 percent of the Managing Directors and Deputy Managing Directors as female.

He said this year’s theme: “Inspire Inclusion,” perfectly aligns with the core values and aspirations the company holds.

“International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable achievements of women throughout history and the ongoing journey towards gender equality. It is a day to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in every sphere of life”, he said.

According to him, Inspire Inclusion calls upon us to reflect on the importance and value of inclusivity in our workplaces, communities, and beyond. It challenges us to break down barriers and create environments where everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background, feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

He said in our respective roles in the organisation and society at large, we have a responsibility to champion inclusion in all aspects of our work.

He said at SUNU Group, the management was committed to promoting a culture of inclusion where it was not just celebrated but embraced as a source of strength and innovation.

“We recognise the importance of creating supportive and equitable environment where every employee. regardless of gender, feels empowered to reach their full potential. On this International Women’s Day. let us reaffirm our commitment to inspire inclusion all that we do. Let us pledge to create workplaces and communities where inclusion is not only valued but celebrated, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive,” he advised.

He said together insurance firms could inspire inclusion, break down barriers, and pave the way for a more equitable, and inclusive future for all

Throwing light into the structure of Sunu ‘s workforce he said at the board level, the company has seven members out of which four were men and three women .

ensuring consistent quality across the bank’s geographical locations. The Global Account Management (GAM) Framework plays a pivotal role in enhancing cross-relationship management, providing tailored solutions to customers with a Pan African footprint. This strategic approach not only fosters trust but positions FirstBank as a reliable partner in the corporate ecosystem.

Adewuyi said: “In essence, we make sure that we’re focused on making the client’s activities a lot easier. So, if I use an example, how we leverage technology, you know, how we transform digitally, corporates clearly are focused on their payments, they are focused on their collections, their liquidity, how they manage the accounts, supply chain financing for the vendors, and also the buyers, the trade finance, how the imports how they run through the cash cycles

CuSTomEr-CEnTrIC EThoS

Beyond technological prowess, FirstBank’s success story is rooted in a customer-centric ethos that permeates every aspect of its operations. The dedication to diversity and inclusion is exemplified by the bank’s initiatives, such as the FirstBank Women Network and its membership in UN Women, aligning with broader goals of inclusive growth and empowerment.

Adewuyi added: “Best corporate bank in Nigeria for 2023 essentially is a validation of what we’ve been working on for a number of years.” This validation, received from a prestigious award like Euromoney, serves as a testament to FirstBank’s unique methodology, positioning the institution as more than just bankers but as systemic advisers to the businesses they cover. “Our methodology is quite unique in the marketplace. And, you know, we, everyone calls us bankers, yes, we are bankers, but we are rarely transactional. So it’s really about being a systemic adviser to the businesses that we cover. We call it a way of doing business for us which means we’re always putting the client first. And we’ve taken that to its extent, in terms of how we cover the clients, how we meet their needs, how we understand the business that they do, and making sure that every point we

are relevant, and we are seen more than a bank but we are seen actually as an advisor. That brings us into the whole ecosystem, allows us to do well, and also allows the clients to feel good about how we cover them what we do, and how we do it.”

EvoLuTIon AnD ADApTABILITy

FirstBank’s journey since its establishment in 1894 is not just a tale of accolades; it’s a narrative of resilience, evolution, and staying ahead of the curve. As Mr. Adewuyi points out, “We have been around since 1894. That longevity speaks to how we evolve, reinvent ourselves, how we innovate.”

This adaptability, he said, coupled with a relentless focus on customer needs, has been the cornerstone of FirstBank’s success.

“So, it’s really about making sure that we continue to reinvent ourselves. And essentially, that’s the way we stayed in business. So next month, I believe, will be 130 years of First Bank in existence. And that is a major, major feat. We continue to make sure that we don’t get complacent, we stay relevant as their business is evolving, our business is evolving alongside and together we cover the entire ecosystem,” he added.

guIDIng prInCIpLES For ThE FuTurE

FirstBank’s success story is not just about accolades; it’s about resilience, evolution, and staying ahead of the curve. As Mr. Tosin Adewuyi, Executive Director of Corporate Banking at FirstBank, highlighted, the bank’s longevity since 1894 speaks volumes about its ability to reinvent itself and stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. This adaptability, coupled with a relentless focus on customer needs, has been the cornerstone of FirstBank’s success, enabling it to navigate challenges and emerge stronger.

In essence, FirstBank’s triumph at the 2023 Euromoney Awards for Excellence is a testament to its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation, and excellence. As the bank continues to chart new territories and redefine corporate banking, one thing remains certain: its customers will always come first. In a world driven by change, FirstBank stands as a beacon of stability, reliability, and trust, guiding corporate clients towards success in every step of their journey.

Adeduntan

FG Tasks Oil Palm Stakeholders On Expansion Agenda

Gilbert Ekwugbe

The Federal Ministry Of Industry Trade & Investment has challenged Oil Palm Stakeholders to take advantage of technology and innovations as part of measures to optimise yields, reduce waste and boost growth in the industry.

Speaking at an interactive meeting with stakeholders in Benin City, Edo State, the Permanent Secretary, Nuru

Abba Rimi urged stakeholders to adopt sustainable best agricultural methods, invest in conservation efforts and ensure that operations are in harmony with the delicate eco system surrounding plantations.

Represented by the Chief Commercial Officer, Gambo Garba Magaji, he advised stakeholders to recognise that challenges lie ahead and collectively work towards a vision that “ensure the continued success of our oil Palm Industry “.

The meeting scheduled for six states and put together by the commodities And Export Department of the Federal Ministry of Trade & Investment in collaboration with National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria form part of on-the-spot assessment of the Oil Palm Industry.

The states are Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Imo, Edo and Ondo States.

Explaining further, Rimi said: “We must recognised the importance of

collaboration and knowledge sharing. By fostering partnership with research institutions, industry experts and international organisation, we can tap into a wealth of expertise and stay at the forefront of advancement in Oil Palm cultivation.“

Also speaking at the event, National President, (NPPAN), Alphonsus Iyang advised the government to establish Palm cities across producing states.

Represented by Vice President

Oil palm stak E h O ld E rs…

L-R: Executive Director, Nigerian Institute For Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Dr Isona Gold; Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry Of Business Trade and Cooperatives, Mrs Bose Joy Igbinobaro; Vice President (South), National Palm Produce Association Of Nigeria (NPPAN), Harrison Okpamen; Edo State Commissioner For Agricultre and Food Security, Steve Ideheenre; Chief Commercial Officer, Federal Ministry of Trade & Investment, Gambo Garba Magaji; Chief Operations Officer, Presco Plc, Reinout Impens and Industrial Coordinator, Okomu Oil Palm Plc, Leonit Shaji at oil palm stakeholders meeting held in Benin City, Edo State… recently

FESAN: Nigerian Ship Owners Reject Female Seafarers

As the world prepares to celebrate the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD), Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN) has decried the prevalence of a huge bias against female seafarers by Nigerian ship owners.

The President of FESAN, Koni Duniya, made the appeal while speaking at a special edition of Live Conversations on Maritime TV Africa in commemoration of IWD 2024 on Monday, stressing that only 5 percent growth in female seafaring

At the virtual live broadcast themed, “Female Inclusion in Seafaring: The Nigerian Case Study,” Duniya, observed that at the lower-end of cadetship FESAN’s record lists 100 junior cadets while only 3 are currently in the senior cadre of the seafaring career.

Her words: “We have several female seafarers whose licenses have expired and they can’t renew it because they can’t land jobs. The situation is bad because manning agencies are directly telling females that ship owners don’t want them.”

“Many females remain at the

bottom because of the gender bias in the maritime industry. Some others can’t progress to the senior level because they can’t afford the necessary trainings. For those whose parents were able to send them to school for the basic training, they can’t proceed further because of the high costs. Nevertheless, if they had been able to go onboard ships, they would could utilize their stipends to augment their fees to upgrade their certificates.”

Emphasising the importance of data of the nation’s seafarers, Duniya lamented that if everybody in the

(South), Harrison Okpamen , Iyang explained that oil palm cities will cluster small holder farmers, adding that they will be using common facilities and “basic social amenities will be provided for them.“

The Chief Operations Officer (COO), Presco Plc, Reinout Impens, also used the opportunity to brief the audience on the operations of Presco Plc.

According to the COO, within this year, Presco Plc has already produced 20,000t of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) from 85,000t of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB).

He said Presco Plc is equally in the process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a new palm oil mill of 80tph to be commissioned in

2025 as part of measures to further boost CPO output and process the increased production coming from its estates.

Reinout explained that In line with its corporate commitments, the proposed mill will leverage technical innovations to achieve minimal environmental footprint by integrating effluent treatment and renewable energy generation into the design. He said: “Through a nearly completed 20-year collaboration with international oil palm breeders and seed producers to field test the next generation of elite planting material is specifically adapted to the African environment and growing conditions.

shipping industry in 2019 made commitment to foster inclusivity of women in the industry there would have been no place to find the female seafarers.

The leading financial sector rating agency, Global Credit Rating (GCR), has confirmed that Nigeria’s foremost real estate investment company, Lekki Gardens Estates Limited, has completed the repayment of her N3.5 billion Series 1: 3-Year Bond on its maturity date in January 2024. This confirmation was contained in an announcement published on the agency website recently.

The N3.5Billion 3-Year Series 12.00% Bond was the company’s debut in the Nigerian debt capital market in January 2021. A N25,000,000,000.00 Commercial Paper programme followed this in June 2022. The company successfully redeemed and repaid the subscribers

of the N4,180,000,000.00 Series 1 (Tranches A & B) issuances under the Commercial Paper programme in April and June 2023, respectively. The Global Credit Rating (GCR) just recently also affirmed Lekki Gardens’ national scale long-term and short-term issuer ratings of BBB+ and A2, respectively, with a stable outlook. According to GCR, “the rating affirmation reflects Lekki Gardens’ modest leverage metrics and wellmanaged liquidity, which have supported the ongoing operations and sustained its competitive position within the Nigerian property development sector.

L-R: Hero Apprenticeship Graduate, Onyedika Odubuisi; Marketing Manager, Hero Lager, Dubem Orji; Director-General, Onitsha Business School, Professor Olusegun Sogbesan; Director, UNN Business School, Professor Josaphat Onwumere; and Coordinator, Consultancies, Research and Training, University of Nigeria Nsuka (UNN) Business School, Professor Chuka Uzoma Ifediora, during the convocation ceremony of Hero Apprentices at the University of Nigeria Nsuka, Enugu…recently

L-R: Regional Overseer (Europe), Christ Healing Evangelical Church, Pastor Adegboyega Talabi; United States of America-based Pastor, Olusegun Falekulo; wife of the late founder of the church, Evangelist Beatrice Bamidele; wife of the Europe Regional Overseer, Mrs. Talabi; and wife of the resident pastor, Christ Healing Evangelical Church, Ireland, Mrs. Damilola Ogo Bamidele, during the 2024 Global Convention of the church held at the Church Camp Ground in Loburo Village, Mowe, Ogun State...recently

L-R: Chief Commercial Officer, United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), Mr. Raphael Uchegbu; Chief Operating Officer, UNA, Mazi Osita Okonkwo; General Manager, Ground Operation, UNA, Mr. Hamzat Bukar; and Station Manager, Lagos, Mrs. Amauche Orakwe, during the press conference by UNA for the forthcoming third anniversary celebration of the UNA in Lagos...recently

PHOTO: KOLaWOLe aLLi

L-R: The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, presenting a souvenir to the Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed, during Ahmed’s visit to the GOC in his office in Enugu...recently

Chief Executive Officer, Global Process and Pipeline Services Limited (GPPSL), Obi Uzu, receiving the Nigeria Petroleum Industry ‘Oil Service Company of the Year 2023’ award from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, at the Gala Dinner/Award Night of the 7th edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2024) held in Abuja...recently

L-R: Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, welcoming the Chairman, First Tricon Construction Services Limited, Mr. Remi Olumuyiwa; and Director, Mr. Ayodeji Adeyinka, during their formal presentation on public-private partnership infrastructural project in Osun State by Tricon Construction Services at the Governor’s Office, Osogbo...recently

L-R: Pastor of Princess of The Chapel of God International Worship Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mrs. Eunice Georgewill; beneficiary, Mrs. Bridget Okoro; Assistant Coordinator of Programmes, O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation and beneficiary, Mrs. Princess Ahana; and a guest, Mama Basoene Walter, during the foundation’s visit to old people home in Abonnema, Rivers State…recently

Education

Buni: Making Yobe’s Education Enviable

Yobe has been wearing an unenviable medal of the worst state in literacy in Nigeria for so long, but recent evidence shows things may change for the better with interventions from the present administration of Mai Mala Buni, reports Michael

Olugbode

Arecent National Bureau of Statistics report showed Yobe with the lowest literacy level of 7.23 per cent, Zamfara 19.16 per cent, Katsina 10.36 per cent and Sokoto 15.01 per cent, indicating that Yobe had the unenviable medal of worst state literacy in the country.

There is an inferred correlation between the Boko Haram crisis and education, though many may want this restricted to Western education for the leaders of the insurgency claimed to be well-schooled in Islamic education, even as many would want to agree that it is skewed Islamic education. If the level of education in Boko Haram-affected Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states is not enough proof of the level of education directly correlated to violence and religious extremism, the growing insurgency or violence in the Northwest showed that the level of education shows prominently in the argument.

It is a known fact that education has the power to change life. Learning changes thinking capabilities and perception. Due to teaching and learning, one tends to break preconceived notions. This difference in learning helps in interaction with others without prejudice and expands horizons. The function of education is to think better and critically and help develop a perspective and opinions about life. It can help one gain respect from others and sharpen the mind.

Education helps to change society for the better. Society consists of various kinds of people with different mindsets. A person with a plethora of ideas can discuss and dabble in various topics such as society, politics, and the environment. Knowledge gained through education is powerful in helping one make the right decision and walk the right path.

Education helps in solving issues: Problems always come with solutions, but solving them can always be confusing and tedious, which is where education helps. An educated person can answer questions like why, what, and how to every problem. The problem-solving attitude will place him above the rest.

Education helps eradicate poverty: Due to poverty, people sometimes stop their education as they cannot complete it. But if you have completed your studies, it increases your earnings, eradicating poverty.

Education gives one the strength to fight against injustice: If something is wrong or injustice is committed, a truly educated person will fight against the wrongdoings and will not hesitate to stand up against injustice.

Education helps impart knowledge: We must be aware of our surroundings and society so that some improvements can be made. Knowledge of the world is essential so that you are well aware of what is happening around you and can make a change. Education not only provides us with information but also imparts knowledge.

Education helps in solving problems: Whatever the problem, whether it is societal, economic,

political, or medical, learned people always find a way out. In fact, education makes one a better person and helps develop one’s overall personality. It enhances one’s personality and helps one make better rational decisions.

Yobe has had its fair share of the Boko Haram insurgency security challenge in which many lives were lost, others maimed for life, properties worth billions of Naira destroyed, and the lucky survivors lost their means of livelihood. This forced millions out of their ancestral homes to take refuge with relations and in schools that were converted to serve as IDP camps. The displaced persons relied on government and non-governmental organisations for humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter, clothing and other basic needs.

Sadly, many children and youths who were victims of the displacement dropped out of school while the schools in the relatively safer zones became overcrowded and overstretched with the surging number of displaced persons in the communities.

One may need to ask the people, nay the government of Yobe, the cause of massive and adverse illiteracy. The answer would definitely be, no wonder on assumption of office on May 29, 2019, as governor of Yobe, Mai Mala Buni declared a state of emergency in basic and secondary education

IWD: Women in Energy Oil, Gas Task Students on STEM Studies

The Chapter Secretary of the International Forum for Women in Energy Oil and Gas (WEOG LAGOS), Mrs. Lucy Onoriode Okeke, has advised parents, teachers and students to embrace STEM discipline.

She gave the advice in a message to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day at Victoria Island Secondary School Lagos, where the group presented some gift items to the students.

She noted that the theme of this year’s celebration represents the true essence of the push for gender equality which is hinged on inspiring inclusion, as well as the captivating slogan ‘Investing in Women, Accelerate Progress’.

Okeke, who was accompanied by other members of the organisation, Joy Sotunde and Nonye Nwakire, stressed the need for female students to embrace STEM education, which she said goes beyond school subjects. “It gives a skill set that governs the way we think and behave. Merging science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM education helps us to solve the challenges the world faces today.

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, STEM play a crucial role in shaping our society’s future.

STEM education provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a world driven by technology and

innovation,” she stated.

The secretary added that the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the strides made as an organisation committed to ensure the participation and success of women in the oil and gas industry in all spheres of their endeavour and the journey that lies ahead in empowering women and girls in STEM.

‘’To the bright minds seated before me, you are the architects of the future, the catalysts for change, and the embodiment of limitless potential. As we commemorate this day, let us acknowledge the pivotal role each one of you plays in shaping a world where equality and opportunity know no bounds.

with a clear mandate of rejuvenating the sector to give a sound foundation to education in the state.

And barely one month in office, the Buni administration convened the first-ever education summit in the state. Renowned educationists, versatile education administrators, accomplished academicians, teachers, serving and retired headteachers with unquestionable experience and parents, among others, converged at the summit. After this, a committee was constituted under the leadership of the renowned education administrator and two-time vice-chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, and now the Vice-Chancellor of Yobe State University, Prof Mala Daura.

After visiting schools across the state, the committee made short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations to revive education in Yobe effectively.

With a strong political will and commitment, Buni religiously adhered to the recommendations in the face of very scarce resources occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic recession, in addition to the poor revenue base of Yobe.

Not to be deterred by these challenges, the Buni administration reconstructed over 250 public schools destroyed by the insurgency and established 15 new Mega and Model schools to provide a conducive atmosphere for learning and teaching. This is backed by the procurement of furniture, books, and laboratory equipment worth billions

of naira distributed to schools across Yobe.

To address the dearth of teachers in the schools, over 3,000 qualified teachers were initially recruited, while those on the ground were trained and retrained to ensure that they were all adequately qualified to impart knowledge in the schools.

These interventions have remained a work in progress for the administration as it continues to work on the structures, employ more teachers, and supply more instructional materials needed in the schools.

Investments in this sector have increasingly been yielding excellent results. Students’ performance in external examinations like WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB has greatly improved. Today, the students proudly post their results on social media platforms to display their performances.

This is also verified by the growing number of students gaining admission from the state into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, the college of nursing and midwifery, and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the overseas. The state quota is now fully filled with students from Yobe.

Findings showed that in Yobe State today, parents and guardians are withdrawing their wards from privately owned schools and taking them to public schools, especially the model mega schools established by the government, due to the improvement in the quality of education obtained in the public schools, as shown in their performances in external examinations.

Dr. Abubakar Kagu, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe Scholarship Board, said 38,183 students in 67 tertiary institutions pursuing first, second, and third degrees are on government scholarships.

Yobe has one of the largest numbers of state-sponsored students in foreign countries. It proudly has 371 across 16 countries, including Egypt, India, the UK, China, Turkey, Malaysia, Russia, and others. The scholarship beneficiaries pursue a wide range of academic disciplines at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

He said, “The Mai Mala Buni administration had in the last four years sponsored over 400 law graduates for their professional course at the Nigeria Law School. This benevolence by the Buni administration is equally extended to graduates of other professional courses like accountancy, Medical sciences, and linguistics, among others.”

Two hundred and twenty-one law graduates from the state have been admitted into the Nigeria Law School. The Yobe government provided them with a scholarship of N475,000 and a laptop computer each to support them in a seamless study of their professional certificates. Similarly, accountants enjoy government support in acquiring ANAN or ICAN certificates and becoming chartered accountants, just like those in the medical sciences.

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

T4 Education, HP Announce Third Africa Education Medal

T4 Education, in partnership with Hewlett-Packard, HP has announced the third edition of the Africa Education Medal, an initiative set up to celebrate education changemakers in Africa.

The Africa Education Medal is the continent’s foremost recognition in education. It aims to inspire positive outcomes by recognising players who have lit the spark of change and encouraging others to take up the torch.

Calling on qualified persons in Nigeria and Africa to apply, JA Africa CEO Simi Nwogugu said it is important that they share their positive stories via the platform to inspire

others.

Nwogugu, who won the medal in 2023, stated, “Winning the Africa Education Medal 2023 was a tremendous honour that has drawn significant attention to the important work we do at JA Africa, equipping young Africans across the continent for employment and financial independence.”

HP’s Senior Education Business Leader, Mayank Dhingra, decried persisting learning gaps despite United Nations efforts, noting that COVID-19 had only exacerbated the situation.

“But there is hope if leaders from across the continent

come together, with everyone sharing their expertise to help build a continent in which every child receives a quality education. HP has a bold goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030.”

Vikas Pota, founder and CEO of T4 Education, said a good education “is not only the key to unlocking the potential of Africa’s next generation, it’s a right,” adding that one of the most important things “we can do to improve education in Nigeria and around the world is to solve the teacher recruitment and retention crisis.”

Buni

Crime&Punishment

Man Arraigned for Allegedly Raping Teenager, Shaving Her Pubic Hair

stories by Funke Olaode

Aman, Lukman Alade, has been arraigned before the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for raping an 18-year-old girl.

Alade is standing trial on a twocount charge of rape and sexual

assault by penetration.

DSP Morayo Ogunsokan, the investigative police officer, told the court how Alade allegedly made incisions on the girl’s private parts.

Ogunsokan told Justice Rahman Oshodi while being led in evidence by the state counsel, Ms Bukola Okeowo, that she received a report of alleged rape on September 12,

2022 at about 4:30 p.m. from the teenager.

According to the cop, the alleged victim said the defendant allegedly raped her on September 11, 2022, about 4:40 p.m. after she rejected his advances.

“The survivor told me that she was on her way to collect her phone when she was accosted

Residents Association of Pearl Gardens, in which CMB applied by way of originating summons for a consequential order to take over as the sole management of Pearl Gardens, Justice Olubukola Aigbokhaevbo said the issue was the manner of management.

The court also dismissed the residents’ association’s counter-claims. It held that the association’s counteraffidavit was not properly filed and that there was no application to regularise it.

It also dismissed Oyetubo

Jokotade Estate Resources Limited’s counter-argument that the matter could not be resolved by originating summons.

The judge agreed with CMB’s counsel’s argument that an originating summons could resolve the matter because the claimant was seeking a consequential order based on the judgment delivered by the court presided over by Justice Olokooba on December 1, 2021.

CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company Limited had, by way of an originating summons, approached the court to give a consequential order to the judgment in favour of CMB on December 1, 2021, by Justice Olokoba in the suit instituted by the Residents Association in 2015 (LD/064GCMW/2015).

The association and Oyetubo Jokotade Estates Resource Limited

filed a counter-affidavit to the originating summons through their respective lawyers.

At the hearing of the originating summons, CMB’s counsel objected to the counter-affidavit on the grounds that it was not properly filed and that there was no application to regularise it.

The court agreed with the CMB’s counsel and struck out the counteraffidavit.

The Oyetubo Jokotade Estate raised the issue that the originating summons could not resolve the suit.

However, the claimant’s counsel argued that the suit was one for the court to make a consequential order based on Justice Olokoba’s judgment; as such, the court is to restrict itself to the judgment before it.

The court agreed with the claimant’s counsel that the matter should be resolved by originating

by the defendant, and he made sexual advances towards her, but she rebuffed him. She said she later found herself in the room of the defendant with her pants removed, her pubic hair shaved, and the defendant had put incisions on her vagina and legs,” the officer told the court.

The teenager added that the

defendant put a ring on his finger, inserted it into her vagina and raped her, according to the IPO’s testimony.

“She said it was when her phone rang that she became conscious of what was going on, and she asked the defendant what she was doing in his house,” said Ogunsokan. In her testimony, the policewoman told the court that Alade gave the teenager the shaved pubic hair upon her request. Afterwards, the girl told her parents about the incident.

Subsequently, Alade was arrested by the police after being prompted by a vigilance group in the area.

summons owing to the claimant’s seeking the instant court to make a consequential order based on the judgement that was delivered in favour of CMB in 2021 against the association.

On the main issue before the court, which is for the court to make a consequential order, the court held that the consequential order has to flow from the relief sought in a matter or incidental to the relief sought.

The court further held that the relief being prayed for by CMB, which is the right to the sole management of Pearl Gardens Estate, was not an issue before Justice Olokoba in the suit filed by the association.

According to the court, the issue before Justice Olokoba was for payment of reticulation fees unilaterally imposed by CMB.

The IPO told the court that the defendant confessed to removing the girl’s pants, shaving her pubic hair and putting incisions on her vagina and legs.

“Based on what was reported and what the defendant said, he accepted shaving the pubic hair, giving her incisions, and the lady said he slept with her. I am not a medical practitioner, that was why I sent her to Mirabel Medical Centre for examination,” said the policewoman. “After the result at Mirabel, the defendant was charged to court based on the allegation against him.”

The state counsel asked the court for an adjournment so that the witness could conclude her examination in chief, submitting that the original case file was not with the prosecution.

There was no objection from the defence counsel, Mr Lekan Egberongbe.

The Ikeja Division of the Lagos High Court on Tuesday fixed May 2 for the hearing of committal to prison against the Federal Housing Authority. The FHA counsel, Chris Ekemezie, had prayed to the court at the resumption of the trial for the court to strike out forms 48 and 49 filed against his client to give room for hearing of the main application. However, Justice Akintunde Savage, the presiding judge, disagreed

with the prayer. In his ruling, the judge said there was essential evidence before the court, noting that the evidence was not manufactured by the complainant. Savage ordered the complainant’s counsel to file his brief.

At the last adjourned date, the FHA denied breaching a court order restricting it from demolishing 600 houses at 6th Avenue, Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

The claimants’ counsel, Adetayo Bello, told the court that he had obtained an injunction against the defendants (FHA and LSBCA).

The motion with suit number ID/7396GCM/2023, dated September 7, 2023, was brought before Justice O. J. Awope of the Ikeja Division of the Lagos High Court (sitting as a vacation judge at the time) on September 11, 2023.

Accordingly, the judge gave

the order after a 40-page affidavit dated Sept. 7, deposed by the fourth defendant, Alhaji R.A. Balogun and Thaddeus Idenyi, for the claimants.

Awope had ordered a preemptive injunction restraining the first defendant, whether acting by itself or through its agents, from demolishing and removing any building or property erected in 6th Avenue Festac Town or any other part of Festac Town.

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court yesterday sentenced Emmanuel Victor, a 100-level computer science part-time student, to 18 months’ imprisonment for an online dating scam.

The convict was, however, given an option of N4 million fine.

Victor, aged 23, had benefitted $7,000 from an online dating scam before his arrest.

The convict pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

EFCC prosecuting counsel Abubakar Dambua, who reviewed the facts of the case, told the court that on September 15, 2023, an intelligence report about the fraudulent activities of the convict and others was received.

He said a raid was carried out, and the convict was arrested.

Dambua listed an iPhone 13, a Samsung phone, an ATM card, a manager’s cheque, and fraudulent documents among items recovered from the convict.

Dambua thereafter sought to tender all items recovered from the convict as evidence before the court.

The defence counsel, E.A. Ukpai,

did not object to the admissibility of items recovered from the convict.

When the trial judge asked Victor how he committed the fraud, Victor told the court that he created a false Facebook account in the name of ‘Agent Fred Smith’.

“I then asked the unsuspecting victims to apply for Social Economic Grant Programme and I asked them to pay processing and delivery,” said the convict.

Victor told the court he used the $7,000 to assist his family, “We used to stay in a plank house, and l used the money to provide better accommodation and pay for my school fees.”

In her allocutus, Ukpai said the defendant had realised his mistake, become remorseful, and that he was a first-time offender. She pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy and grant him a non-custodial sentence, saying that his mother was not well.

Delivering judgment in the matter, Justice Oshodi said he did not believe that the convict committed the offence out of necessity.

The convict forfeited all items recovered from him to the federal government.

Inspiring Inclusion: The Vital Contribution of Families to a Diverse, Equitable World

Mobo Akpene

As we commemorate another International Women’s Day, I find myself reflecting on the strides we’ve collectively taken as a society as it pertains to gender inclusion. Undeniably, we have a lot to cheer as a society, particularly as it relates to increased awareness surrounding this issue. It gladdens my heart to witness a growing number of people who are now well-informed about the challenges women face in various societies, as it concerns inclusion.

Particularly encouraging is the momentum this cause is gaining, especially among the younger generations. They are not just aware of the issue but are genuinely committed to making a lasting difference in the pursuit of gender inclusivity.

For me, 'Inspire Inclusion' is a call to action, urging us to go beyond awareness and delve into the heart of inequalities that persist, particularly among those facing socioeconomic challenges. It compels us to ask not just what inclusion means in our individual lives but to empathetically ponder the implications for those who are marginalised in grassroots and minority settings.

Being an African woman, I have had to navigate obstacles rooted in the pervasive lack of inclusion in various aspects of my life.

Fortunately for me, I was raised by parents who empowered me and instilled in me the values of resilience, education, and self-empowerment. They encouraged me to embrace my cultural heritage and to take pride in my identity as an African woman.

This foundational support fortified my confidence, allowing me to navigate professional spaces with authenticity and pride in who I am. Their teachings became a guiding light, empowering me to challenge stereotypes and advocate for inclusivity in spaces where diversity was often lacking.

And so, as we commemorate this year’s International Women's Day, I would like to shed light on the importance and transformative power of Family support in inspiring inclusivity. The role of family cannot be overemphasised as we advocate for inclusiveness. The Family serves as a foundation for character building and when families actively promote inclusivity by empowering all members irrespective of their genders, it generates a positive influence that extends beyond the household.

Children raised in such environments are more likely to carry these values into their interactions with the world, leading to a movement of confident advocates who would not only confront equality biases but inspire a diverse and inclusive world. But we need to consistently educate our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles; those whose responsibility it is to nurture families. By igniting conversations that challenge ingrained biases we open up these minds to the possibilities that exist.

Workshops, community forums, and storytelling sessions can provide a platform for sharing experiences and dispelling misconceptions, fostering a collective understanding of the importance of breaking free from restrictive cultural notions. Also, by highlighting success stories within our communities, we can bridge generational gaps and demonstrate the tangible benefits of inclusivity.

The journey to a diverse and inclusive world begins within our homes, and by empowering those who shape family dynamics, we pave the way for a brighter, and more harmonious future.

At this juncture, allow me to briefly highlight some ways in which families can contribute to promoting equality and diversity within both their nuclear and extended structures:

Lead by Example

Parents and other family members should model behaviors that promote inclusion. By demonstrating shared responsibilities and equal participation in household chores, decision-making,

caregiving, they are breaking away from stereotypical gender roles, thus setting a powerful example for the younger generation.

Access to Education

Prioritising access to education for all is a powerful example of inclusion. Parents who ensure that both boys and girls have equal opportunities to attend school are helping to break traditional gender barriers. When we choose to invest in our daughter's education, we challenge the prevailing norms and contribute to changing societal perspectives on women's roles. This form of commitment also helps to set the stage for younger generations to value learning as a universal right.

Promoting Equal Opportunities Families can actively promote

The family unit stands as a source of strength, a safety net for many. We can leverage this support to inspire generations of women, allowing them the freedom to express their true selves without being compelled to conform to predefined societal or cultural roles and expectations.... until this is achieved, we must individually and collectively continue to champion diversity, dismantle barriers, and cultivate understanding so that one day we can all declare that we live in a world where inclusiveness pulsates at its core

equal opportunities by treating all members with fairness and ensuring that each individual has the chance to pursue their interests and goals. This can include encouraging both boys and girls to engage in a variety of activities, from sports to arts and academics. This practice instills the belief that everyone deserves a level playing field, fostering a commitment to justice and equity.

Open Dialogues

Families must aim to foster open and honest conversations about diversity, race, and cultural differences. By encouraging children to ask questions, share experiences, and celebrate differences, families become a miniature version of the real-world, where differences exist. This helps to create confident and understanding members of society appreciative of diversity.

Expose Children to Diverse Role Models and Inspiring Educational Materials

Introduce children to diverse role models who challenge gender norms. Share stories of individuals who have succeeded in unconventional fields. Leverage educational resources such as books, documentaries, etc. to highlight and discuss the contributions of individuals who have broken barriers related to gender. This exposure broadens children's perspectives and helps them understand that capabilities and ambitions are not confined by gender.

Celebrate Differences

Families who embrace and celebrate the unique qualities and strengths of each family member contribute significantly to promoting diversity. By fostering an environment where everyone feels accepted and valued, we are creating an inclusive and supportive setting for everyone to thrive confidently.

When we empower the girl child and all women irrespective of their race, age, cultural background, or status, we are giving a resounding nod to equality and inclusiveness. The influence of family support in fostering inclusivity cannot be overstated, as it serves as the initial point of resemblance to the broader world, shaping individuals with the values and mindset crucial for creating an inclusive society.

Therefore, let the International Women’s Day serve as a reminder for us to consistently devise and implement more targeted awareness campaigns that emphasise the long-term impact of fostering inclusivity within families, as this has the potential to significantly accelerate our progress towards a future characterised by diversity and inclusiveness.

The family unit stands as a source of strength, a safety net for many. We can leverage this support to inspire generations of women, allowing them the freedom to express their true selves without being compelled to conform to predefined societal or cultural roles and expectations.

And until this is achieved, we must individually and collectively continue to champion diversity, dismantle barriers, and cultivate understanding so that one day we can all declare that we live in a world where inclusiveness pulsates at its core.

-Akpene writes from Lagos.

Akpene

NOVA Merchant Bank Attracted $65.12m Foreign Direct Investment in 2023

Kayode Tokede

NOVA Merchant Bank has announced that it has achieved a remarkable 76.1 per cent increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the year 2023.

Surpassing market expectations, the achievement positions NOVA as a key player in attracting international capital, showcasing its prowess in navigating global financial markets.

In a recent report by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), NOVA not only secured a coveted spot in the top 10 list of banks attracting foreign investment but also demonstrated a substantial surge in FDI from $36 million in 2022 to an impressive $65.12 million in 2023.

This significant growth underscores the bank’s ability to foster global confidence and highlights its strategic vision in capitalizing on opportunities in the ever-evolving financial

landscape.

The analysis showed that while Stanbic IBTC led banks with the highest capital inflow, recording $99.4 million; NOVA Bank secured its position as one of the top 10 banks, with a substantial inflow of $33.5 million - 8.2 percent below Access Bank and ahead of Standard Chartered and Union Bank, which each recorded $14.4 million and $10 million respectively within the top 10 list.

Corroborating this, a report by the Bureau of Statistics showed that NOVA not only secured a place among the top 10 list of banks attracting foreign investment but also recorded a remarkable 76.1% increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) year on year. This surge is evident, with FDI inflow catapulting from $36 million in 2022 to an impressive $65.12 million in 2023. With half a decade in operation, NOVA has proven

to be a force in the Nigerian banking scene.

Interestingly, since its inception in 2018, NOVA has consistently posted profits, reflecting its sound financial strategies and operational efficiency. Moreover, the Bank’s non-performing loan ratio consistently maintains an enviable 0.2%, a remarkable achievement by industry standards. This low ratio speaks volumes about NOVA’s prudent lending practices. Such meticulous attention to asset quality underscores the Bank’s best-in-class governance and management discipline, setting a benchmark for industry peers.

It is also noteworthy that NOVA remains in the forefront of foreign investment attraction given its relatively young presence in the banking industry, spanning just over five years and solidifying its position as a leading financial institution both domestically and globally.

Heirs Holdings Launches Heirs Technologies

Heirs Holdings has announced the launch of its new subsidiary, Heirs Technologies Limited, with an ambition to empower Africa’s digital transformation through innovative and locally tailored solutions.

Heirs Technologies endeavours to provide value added services that capitalise on top-tier expertise while guaranteeing accessibility locally. The company’s range of offerings include IT consulting, which encompasses advisory services, business transformation, system integration, licencing, and partnerships. Additionally, Heirs Technologies will offer

various managed services covering IT operations and business process outsourcing.

Heirs Holdings’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Nnorom expressed his excitement about the launch while reiterating the company’s mission, “We are embarking on a journey fueled by innovation and driven by purpose.

“Our mission isn’t solely about creating products; it’s about shaping the future of technology, one ground breaking solution at a time. The launch of Heirs Technologies reaffirms Heirs Holdings’ steadfast commitment to

invest in sectors that provide long-term returns and have the ability to transform Africa’s economy.

Founder & Group Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu in a statement said, “The introduction of Heirs Technologies marks a significant milestone in our journey towards accelerating progress for future generations across Africa.

“Technology has the power to catalyse development, and we are committed to harnessing this potential to unlock new innovations that will improve lives and transform our continent.”

DealMakers AFRICA Celebrates Top M&A Achievements with Awards Event

DealMakers AFRICA has said it plans to host the Mergers & Acquisition Awards for 2023 in Lagos to celebrate the achievements of the advisory firms in West and East Africa.

The Managing Director of CE Gleason Publications (Pty) Limited, and Editor-In-Chief of DealMakers AFRICA, Marylou Greig, stated this in a statement.

According to Marylou, DealMakers AFRICA was first launched in 2008 and records mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance activities such as equity raising, list-

ings, debt financing, and private equity transactions across Africa (excluding South Africa). Transactions are recorded quarterly and, where possible, list as many, if not all, the firms involved advising parties on those transactions. Advisory firms are ranked by deal value and flow, and transactions recorded are country-specific.

The DealMakers AFRICA Annual Awards was launched as a standalone event in Nairobi in March 2019, sponsored by Ansarada and Brunswick. In addition to recognizing

both regions’ top Financial and Legal Advisers, the top Deal of the Year and Private Equity Deal of the Year are awarded for West and East Africa.

The Managing Director of TSM Network, UK and Nigeria, Mr Dominic Ajayi, who is a strategic partner for the DealMakers Africa Awards, noted that the top special of honour guests to expect at the event is not limited to the following: Gleason Publications (Pty) Ltd team, Mary Louise Greig and Vanessa Ann Aitken.

German Embassy, SustyVibes Highlight Need for Youth in Biodiversity

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Abuja, and SustyVibes, recently hosted the Bioverse NG National Conference in Abuja as part of the programs to conclude the seven-monthlong Bioverse NG project.

The Bioverse project, funded by the German Embassy in Nigeria, is an initiative aimed at connecting young Nigerians to nature via a double-pronged approach to climate action and biodiversity

protection.

The conference, themed,

“The Indispensable Role of Youth in Nigeria’s Biodiversity,” allowed Nigerian youth, government, and global stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s biodiversity challenges.

Delivering his opening speech, Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Johannes Lehne stated that Nigeria’s diverse

biodiversity has come under significant threat over the past few decades. According to him, hundreds of animal species and thousands of plant species are currently at risk of extinction, with wild animals losing their habitat as a result of people cutting down almost all the trees in the forest.

Johannes also noted that educating Nigerian youth on the subject can positively impact the country’s biodiversity.

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

The

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, Ms. Amaka Okeke-Lawal and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jane Kimemia, both of Optiva Capital Partners, at a party to celebrate its female employees, to mark International Women’s Day…recently

Stock Market Gains N837bn to Sustain Positive Momentum

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market yesterday sustained its positive momentum with a gain of N837 billion, aided by investors renewed interest in MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN) Plc and 34 others.

As a result, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) gained 1,479.60 basis points or 1.45 per cent to close at 103,524.44

basis points. Also, market capitalisation rose by N837 billion to close at N58.533 trillion.

Consequently, the NGX ASI Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns rose to +3.5per cent and +38.5 per cent, respectively.

From a sectoral perspective, the NGX Banking added 5.4per cent, NGX Insurance rose by 1.2per cent, and NGX Oil & Gas appreciated by 0.1per cent,

while the NGX Consumer Goods dropped by 0.5per cent. The NGX Industrial Goods index was unchanged. As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 35 stocks gained relative to 14 losers. UBA emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent to close at N25.30, per share. MTNN followed with a gain of 9.98 per cent to close at N243.50, while Julius Berger rose by

9.71 per cent to close at N61.00, per share.

Access Holdings increased by 9.51 per cent to close at N22.45, while Veritas Kapital Assurance added 9.38 per cent to close at 70 kobo, per share. On the other side, Tantalizer led others on the losers’ chart with 7.89 per cent to close at 35 kobo, per share. NASCON Allied Industries followed with a decline of 6.77 per cent to close at N53.70, while Morison

Industries shed 6.62 per cent to close at N1.41, per share.

C&I Leasing lost 6.45 per cent to close at N3.48, while Cutix depreciated by 6.30 per cent to close at N2.53, per share. The total volume traded increased by 29.50 per cent to 565.788 million units, valued at N14.234 billion, and exchanged in 11,519 deals. Transactions in the shares of Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) led the

activity with 170.718 million shares worth N3.135 billion.

Access Holdings followed with account of 48.572 million shares valued at N1.059 billion, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) traded 39.035 million shares valued at N1.658 billion.

Jaiz Bank traded 36.784 million shares worth N72.514 million, while UBA traded 31.957 million shares worth N796.236 million.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MARCH /11/24

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Thisday Afrinvest Index up 2.5%

Thisday Afrinvest 40 index gained 2.5% to print at 4,417.58 index points on the back of price uptick in MTNN (+10.0%), GTCO (+2.6%), and ZENITH (+5.5%). Cumulatively, these stocks account for 21.8% of the index.

Equities Extend Bullish Streak... ASI up 1.5%

Yesterday, the local bourse extended its seven day bullish run as the ASI gained 1.5% to close at 103,524.44 points, aided by price appreciation in MTNN (+10.0%), UBA (+10.0%), and FBNH (+6.3%). Consequently, YTD return rose to 38.5% (previously 36.5%), while market capitalisation increased 1.5% to ₦58.5tn. Meanwhile, activity level was mixed as volume traded gained 29.5% to 565.8m units, while value traded declined 16.8% to ₦14.2bn.

Positive Sector Performance

Performance across sectors within our purview was bullish as four indices gained, one lost while the Industrial Goods index closed flat. Leading the gainers, the Banking and AFR ICT indices advanced 5.4% and 3.5% respectively, following buying interest in UBA (+10.0%), FBNH (+6.3%), ACCESSCO (+9.5%), and MTNN (+10.0%). Meanwhile, the Insurance and Oil & Gas indices rose 1.2% and 0.1% respectively due to price uptick in VERITASK (+9.4%), AIICO (+2.0%), ETERNA (+3.8%), and OANDO (+0.4%). Elsewhere, losses on DANGSUGAR ( 5.2%) and NASCON ( 6.8%) dragged the Consumer Goods index lower by 0.5%.

Outlook

Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth, improved to 0.28x (from 0.25x in the prior session) as 35 stocks advanced, 14 declined, while 74 closed flat. Today, we expect the bullish momentum to persist on the back of improved investors’ sentiment.

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

FAE 50TH ANNIVERSARY PRESS CONFERENCE...

L-R:

Operating

House Directs NSA to Galvanise Intelligence Network to Restore Security Across Nigeria

SGF: Tinubu has deployed security to Benue IG vows to rescue abducted students

Kingsley Nwezeh, Adedayo

Akinwale in Abuja, John Shiklam in Kaduna, George Okoh in Makurdi and Ugo Aliogo in Lagos

The House of Representatives has directed the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA), to coordinate and galvanise all security and intelligence networks to develop and execute proactive master plan that would restore securityacross the nation.

This was as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has hinted thatPresident Bola Tinubu had deployed enough security personnel to Benue State to put an end to the killings in the state.

Also, following the abduction of students in Kaduna State, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday,

vowed to rescue the victims and subsequentlyordered the deployment of a mobile police unit to Kuriga, the community, where the abduction took place.

At the same time, a group, Plan International, has expressed outrage over the mass abduction of school children in northwest Nigeria, even as dare-devil bandits invadedanother Kaduna community, Buda Hausa, in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state, abducting 61 people.

However, the resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at the plenary on Tuesday by Hon. Ahmed Munir.

Moving the motion, the lawmaker recalled that on March 7th 2024, gunmen stormed Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School and Government Secondary School in Kuriga Community where over 200 students and teachers have been

forcibly abducted and moved to the forest unchallenged.

He further recalled that two months ago, the menace occurred in the same community, where a school principal, Malam Abu Sufyan, was killed days earlier and his wife and baby abducted.

The lawmaker said the wife and baby were later rescued in a successful joint security operation on 3rd February 2024.

Munir noted that on Friday 8th March 2024, gunmen attacked worshippers in a mosque at Angwar Makera, Kwasakwasa Community in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, with two persons declared dead.

He lamented that the worrisome trend of violence was slipping into other parts of the state affecting persons of all religious and ethnic backgrounds.

The lawmaker expressed concern that despite the N3.25 trillion allocated to the defence and security sector on drones and other military equipment that could track, locate and rescue victims, represented 11.8 percent of the national budget in 2024, yet, there has been no respite as bulk of the actions by security personnel are reactionary rather than proactive.

As a result, the House "Mandated ONSA to coordinate and galvanise all security and intelligence networks to develop and execute a proactive master plan to restore security with defined plans on coordinating with neighbouring countries.”

It stated that the plan must include “boots on ground land and aerial sweep of locations that include but not limited to Kuyambana Forest in Zamfara, Kamuka Forest in Kaduna, Falgore

At Ramadan Tafsir, Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Pray for Nation's Peace, Stability

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, joined the Muslim faithful at the State House mosque, Abuja, for the Ramadan Tafsir (explanation of the Holy Qur’an) with a passionate appeal to Nigerians to pray for the peace and stability of the country.

Declaring open the annual Tafsir, the president advised the Muslim faithful to demonstrate kindness to one another and their neighbours while also supporting the less-privileged in society.

"We thank Almighty Allah for sparing us to see another holy month of Ramadan. We thank Allah for sparing us through the elections and giving us the opportunity to be Nigerians. ''Yes, things are tough, but Allah has ordained us to make sacrifices, to discipline ourselves, help others, and be kind to ourselves.

“May Almighty God, that gave us this opportunity, strengthen our resolve; help us change our country, and extend our love to our neighbours.

''We face challenges of kidnapping, banditry, and others. May Allah show mercy on all of us, the dead, and accept our good deeds.

''May Almighty Allah give us strength and good life to see the month of Ramadan through and to continue in good faith to worship him. I advise all of us to continue to pray for our country."

President Tinubu told the Ulamas that God has given them the wisdom, knowledge, and the heart to teach others, emphasising the importance of teaching forgiveness, patience, and

endurance to the faithful, as well as sharing their blessings with others.

''It is in our hearts to make sacrifices and share whatever little we have with our brothers and sisters. Be kind and humble enough. The sacrifice that this period teaches us is enough.

''May Almighty Allah grant us the privilege and the strength; not the strength of hunger but the strength of character and attitude to love our country and make Nigeria great. As-Salaam-Alaikum," the president prayed.

Forest in Kano, Borgu and Zugurma Forests in Niger State.

"Urges the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), to revisit and optimise fully the Acts passed for the National Counter Terrorism Centre as well as The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and ensure that they fully serve the purpose of their establishment.

"Urges the federal government to absolve the Military and Security establishment from the restrictive envelope budget system, allowing them to develop a robust budget that is based on need assessments that reflects security peculiarities and reality on ground." The House also mandated the Committee on Finance to investigate the utilisation and effectiveness of the Safe School Initiative Fund and report back to the House within four weeks.

It further directed the Joint Military Security Task Force stationed in Benue State to initiate full and coordinated security operations, with aerial surveillance and other necessary combat mission plans to flush out the bandits around Mbaikyor and other banditry camps in Benue State.

SGF: Tinubu Has Deployed Security to Benue

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)Senator George Akume, has said President Bola Tinubu had deployed enough security personnel to Benue to put an end to killings in the state.

The SGF said this at the burial of former All Progressives Congress (APC) Woman Leader, late Mrs. Msoo Tar in Ushongo Local Government Area of the state. Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah, the SGF said, “President Tinubu has great love for Benue State and that is why he is drawing Benue people closer to power.”

He noted that the distribution of fertilizers to Benue farmers during the last farming season was another show of love and concern by President Tinubu for Benue people.

The SGF reassured Benue youths and women of hisreadiness to carry them along, saying he has made the upliftment of youths and women in the society his priority “because they are the people who have been the pillar behind his political success since 1999.”

IG Vows to Rescue Kidnapped Students

Following the abduction of students in Kaduna, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, vowed to rescue the victims and immediately ordered the deployment of a mobile police unit to Kuriga, the community where the abduction took place.

The IG was accompanied during the visit by the DIG in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, Habu Sani, DIG Department of Operations, Ede Ayuba Ekpeji, AIG Police Mobile Force, Yekini Adio Ayoku, and other senior officers.

He, however, advised Governor Hyacinth Alia to make use of the security architecture available to him to end insecurity in the state. Continues online

Osoba, Clark Pledge Support for House's Bill on Parliamentary System of Govt

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and leader of the South-south and Pan Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, have pledged support for the proposed bill seeking to return the country to the parliamentary system of government.

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, while speaking during the meeting with Clark at his residence, noted that the lawmakers were under pressure to bring the needed changes to governance.

He claimed that the current presidential system of government was too cumbersome with little or

no value to the country, considering its diversity and background.

Chinda stated that, “We need an homegrown structure that would put into consideration our background and craft our laws, hence collectively resolved that the present style of presidential system that we are running in Nigeria is too cumbersome for our country, for our background, for our experience and cannot in any way be repaired as we stand today" He maintained that the country needed to change her structure slightly and come up with a structure that soothes her setting and environment.

He noted that with the extant laws, "a governor, a President can

run the state or the country for four years without talking to Nigerians, there's no offence, he has committed no offence against our laws.

“That is why you will hear the likes of Garba Shehu, Ngelale, talking to Nigerians instead of the number one citizen of the country

"No offence is committed, during COVID all of us were here, other countries were having briefing weekly by their president, our president did not do it, then we have committees that were talking to Nigerians, and when they goofed, then he will come up to say it was not from us.

“So, we must have a system where Public office holders including ourselves that you have elected will

be more accountable to you, the people. A system where public office holders will be hands-on, it's not to administer the people by proxy. And all that we have put together."

Speaking after a closed door meeting with the Parliamentarians, former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba said Parliamentary system of government is "most economical, and goes after devolution of power.

“The centre is too loaded. I gave them the example of primary education, primary education is cultural and then you start with your own language.

"How can somebody in Abuja stays here and want to control the

primary education in Kanuri, in Sokoto, in Bayelsa, in Ogun State, we are different culture. In the Middle Belt, it is not possible.

“Take for example, security. Security is very local. When people kidnap, if you meet security local, people who know their terrain will easily know where these terrorists are hiding. We have to devolve power.

Clark in his remarks, while applauding the Parliamentarians' initiative, maintained that, "the restructuring of Nigeria can no longer wait, otherwise there will be no Nigeria.

"The Constitution drawn in London rejected by Nigerians who after the country became a Republic in 1963, collectively ‘decided to have

an homegrown Constitution in 1963.

Today, in your own country, the president is all-in-all.

“President can approve the appointment of Mr. B as messenger, President can appoint so so so, everything President in federal government's name as if he's the only person, the emperor of this country."

On his campaign for restructuring, Clark who is will turn 96 on tomorrow, Thursday, presented a book titled: 'Brutally Frank' to the Minority Leader, in which he devoted a whole chapter on restructuring of Nigeria, adding that "the restructuring of Nigeria can no longer wait, otherwise there will be no Nigeria.”

Chief

Officer, FAE Ltd. Mr. Adeleke Adeleye; Director, FAE Ltd. Otunba Biodun Okeowo; Managing Director/CEO, FAE Ltd. Princess Funlayo Bakare-Okeowo; and Managing Director, Finsbury and Branley, Mr. Gbenga Adebija at the 50th Anniversary of FAE Press Conference, held in Lagos…. yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

CDK IntEgrAtED InDuStrIES StAtE of Art fACIlIty tour...

L-R: Business Development Manager, CDK Integrated Industries, Edmund Okwuasaba; Chairman, Association of Tilers Nigeria (ATN) Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Ashade Abraham; Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, CDK Integrated Industries, Bernard Longe; National President, Association of Tilers, Nigeria (ATN), Mr. Olanrewaju Hassan; Brands and Marketing Manager, CDK Integrated Industries, Abimbola Onagbade, and Chairman, Association of Tilers Nigeria (ATN) Lagos State chapter, Mr. Ishaq Adediran Badmus during the CDK Integrated Industries state-of-the-art facility tour in Sagamu, Ogun State...recently

Deliberately Manipulated Fault-lines Meant to Divide Nigerians, Says Vice-President

Declares those undermining Tinubu know he’s a political phenomenon

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed the need for Nigerians to discard all forms of acrimony and embrace togetherness as a people, saying the nation’s fault-lines were being deliberately manipulated to divide the nation.

He, therefore, implored Nigerians to uphold truth and integrity in the face of misinformation and falsehood threatening the fabric of the society.

Shettima spoke yesterday in Abuja during the presentation of

resigned his position as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, dropped his resignation letter shortly after he was suspended from the red chamber for three months.

The letter was addressed to the Secretary of the NSF, Sadiq Sulaiman (APC, Kwara North).

The letter read, in part, "I will like to resign my position as the Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum. This is, of course, necessitated by unfolding events in the National Assembly, the north and the nation at large."

HURIWA: Suspending Ningi

Without Investigating Claims

Amounts

to Cover Up

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) described as a cover-up the suspension slammed on Senator Abdul Ningi by the Godswill Akpabio-led senate over his allegation that the 2024 budget was padded with over N3 trillion by the senate.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the suspension was hasty and would inevitably be interpreted as a negative sign that the National Assembly that ought to be the bastion of civil democracy is being turned into a secret society. It said this was because the senators failed to conduct a publicly advertised probe of the damaging allegations made by HURIWANingi.condemned the senators for behaving like political thugs and for being indecorous during the session leading to the suspension of Ningi.

The statement said, "The senate ought to have set up a committee to investigate the allegations and allow the members of the Nigerian public to follow up the process so as to get to the very roots of it with a view to ascertaining the veracity or otherwise of such an extensively

a book titled: "Beating All Odds: Diaries and Essays on How Bola Tinubu Became President", authored by Sam Omatseye.

He lamented what he described as the "deliberately manipulated" fault-lines, which had conspired to divide the people during the run-up to the 2023 election that eventually produced President Tinubu.

"The last election certainly was the most divisive in the history of this country. All the ethno-religious fault-lines that divide this nation were deliberately manipulated for political ends.

damaging allegations.

"But, instead, the senate used legislative blackmail, sledgehammer and threats to shut up Senator Abdul Ningi and we, the people of Nigeria, think that this is an attempt to hide the truth from us. This is unconstitutional and undemocratic."

Ningi’s Suspension for 3 Months Flies in the Face of Precedent

Yesterday’s suspension of Ningi for three months by the senate ran contrary of extant legal precedent.

In the case of Akinribido v Ondo State House of Assembly, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the State High Court, which nullified the indefinite suspension of Akinribido by the Assembly leadership.

The lower court presided over by Justice Ademola Bola had ruled that the Ondo State House of Assembly acted arbitrarily by exceeding its power and could only suspend for one day’s plenary sitting.

The court held that in spite of the powers to sanction, the suspension could not be more than one legislative day and that the House of Assembly lacked the power to suspend a member indefinitely.

The decision of the lower court was also upheld by the Court of Appeal in Akure. The appellate court, in its verdict, dismissed the stay of execution suit filed by the Ondo State House of Assembly against the judgement of the High Court nullifying the suspension of four lawmakers by the leadership of the Assembly.

Presiding appeal court justice, Folayemi Omoleye, while delivering the ruling, chided the appellants for bringing a “frivolous” suit before the court.

He, consequently, directed the Ondo State House of Assembly to urgently obey the order reinstating the lawmakers.

"But it is interesting to note that the most Christian of northern states is Benue State. A Nigerian candidate defeated a religious candidate in Benue State."

Continuing, the Vice President noted that, "the most northern of northern states is Sokoto, a Nigerian candidate lost to the regional candidate by mere 5000 votes and the APC went on to win two senate seats, and the majority of House of Representatives seat. “And the most Christian of the south south state is Rivers.

A Nigerian candidate defeated a religious candidate in Rivers.”

Nonetheless, Shettima declared that, "There is cause for celebration. One thing I believe is that what binds us together supercedes whatever divides us."

Reflecting on the significance of Omatseye's work, Shettima said, "Mr. Sam Omatseye stands as a courageous sentinel for our history. “He transcends the omission of those who shy away from truth in the most uncomfortable places and in the scariest of circumstances."

He described Omatseye as "both a hero of the people and an intellectual I am excited to celebrate today."

Earlier, Chairman of the event and former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, said the book provided an excellent insight into the vision, character, methods, and strategies of an unusual politician (Tinubu).

"As a book written by an enterprising journalist and an influential columnist, this is another feather to the decorated hat of Sam Omatseye, the four-time winner of

the Informed Commentary prize of the Diamond Awards for Media and four-time winner of Nigerian Media Merit Award, including reporter of the year.

The veteran journalist said, "The versatile writer, who makes words sing and dance into the reader’s consciousness."

According to Osoba, "a journalist who becomes an author deserves to be appreciated. A journalist, who has become an author several times like Sam Omatseye deserves to be celebrated."

Bala Mohammed: I’m Embarrassed 'Kill Mrs. Tinubu Comment' was Made By Cleric from Bauchi

Apologises, says life of president’s wife more important than his I'm too old to be afraid of death, first lady declares

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohammed, has apologised to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over comments by an Islamic cleric, who charged his followers to kill her for being an 'infidel'.

Mohammed who described it as a national embarrassment, said he was disappointed and frustrated that the death threats came from someone from Bauchi State.

The governor, who was speaking at the palace of the Emir of Bauchi during a one-day official visit of the first lady to Bauchi, reiterated that it was a national embarrassment that someone from his state would threaten the wife of the president.

“Your Excellency, you have distinguished yourself not only as a distinguished Senator but

as a politician that has opened the new frontier of politics and politicking. Your renewed hope is being given as hope because you have set aside all the differences of politics and partisanship.

“And, of course, I am aware of some of the challenges and threats to your life and person by somebody from this state. I was so disappointed and frustrated, but you made my day as a courageous mother, you decided to come to Bauchi.

“Your Royal Highness, this distinguished lady has shown that Nigeria is really working and that Nigeria is one and nobody can play politics with our lives. We are very grateful, your life is more important to us than our own lives. Nothing will happen to you.

"That renegade, we will deal with him and Allah deal with him,

by the grace of God. On behalf of their Royal Highnesses and the people of Bauchi, we apologise for that national embarrassment. It will not happen again.”

Speaking, the first lady said she was not afraid of death, noting that after reaching the age of 60 years, she was no longer afraid to die.

"I want to thank His Excellency (Bauchi Governor), he keeps assuring me that I am safe but I want to say that I am too old to be afraid. If God has granted me over 60 years on earth, I shouldn’t be afraid of death.

“I thank God that you encouraged me to come. Nigeria belongs to all of us and this is the time for us to unite more than ever before.”

On his part, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwan Adamu, dispelled insinuations that Bauchi was not a peaceful State, describing her visit as a powerful symbol of the

peace and progress of Bauchi State.

“I will like to use this opportunity to dispel any misconception about insecurity in Bauchi State. Our State is and has always been a State of peace and harmony.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Tinubu as the National Chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative, inaugurated some ICT and education facilities in the Bauchi State capital.

The projects included a community IT Center constructed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) at Yandoka Road and Alternative High School For Girls supported by Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) located at Federal low-cost

At the inauguration ceremony, the First Lady expressed commitment to ensuring women and girls have better access to ICT facilities to improve their digital skills.

APC to Fubara: Resign Now for Rivers Peace

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resign if he thought such action would bring peace to the state.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in the state, Mr Tony Okocha, gave the advice during a media briefing at the party secretariat, in Port Harcourt, while reacting to a

recent comment credited to Fubara, over his sacrifice to ensure peace and stability in the state.

Okocha alleged that the governor was incompetent to continue in the seat of governance, stressing that about 10 months after inauguration he was yet to commence visible development in the state.

According to the APC chairman, Fubara has not displayed his theories and policies in achieving a good governance, adding that the governor

allegedly organised supporters, who praised his government even when there were nothing to point at as what has achieved so far in the past months.

Responding to questions from journalists at the briefing, Okocha said, "Your question just reminded me of what I listened to the governor say, that if resigning his position as governor of Rivers State will bring about peace in the state, that he will resign.

“And as APC, today, we are telling the governor to remove if, let him not make it conditional, but resign for incompetence. Is Rivers state in war? So the opposite of peace is war, it means that the governor is beating himself.

“For us, we have given you the rundown of his indiscretions and this should culminate in demanding that the governor should resign for incompetency. He is not worth the service of Rivers State at this time."

TInubu MeeTS AkpAbIo, JIbrIn AfTer SenATe SuSpenDS nIngI over buDgeT pADDIng AllegATIon

A chEquE of N20 MillioN to thE wiDow of slAiN iNspEctor...

Edo Guber: Shaibu Drags PDP, Ighodalo, Others to Court over Party Primaries

Deputy governor wasn't served impeachment notice,

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Edo Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, has dragged the party’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the party’s primary held on February 22, 2024.

Shaibu who s currently embattled following the impeachment threat

from the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), is seeking an order of the court nullifying PDP’s declaration of Ighodalo as candidate of the party in the governorship primary election.

The deputy governor through his counsel, Doyin Awoyale (SAN) is also seeking an order of the court directing PDP to withdraw forthwith the certificate of return issued to Ighodalo, having, according to him, emerged from an invalid and unlaw-

ful governorship primary election.

He is further seeking an order of injunction restraining Ighodalo from parading himself as the duly nominated governorship candidate of the PDP in the forthcoming Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.

The originating summons is seeking : "An order of injunction restraining the 1st defendant (INEC) from accepting and/or recognising the name of the 4th Defendant as

the governorship candidate of the 2nd Defendant in the 2024 Edo State governorship election scheduled to be conducted by the 1st Defendant (INEC) on the 21 of September 2024.

"An order of this Honourable Court restraining the all the Defendants by themselves and/agents, representatives, organs chapters, etc from tampering with and/or discarding the delegates lists that emerged from the 2nd Defendant's congresses of 4th February 2024 and

House of Reps Passes Nigerian Mining Development Bank Bill for Second Reading

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives yesterday passed for second reading a bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Mining Development Bank (NMDB).

Leading the debate on the bill at the resumed plenary, the sponsor, Hon. Uchanna Okonkwo, said the bill was aimed at providing financial support, promoting investment, and fostering sustainable development in the mining sector.

He explained that the establishment of the bank could have several important implications and benefits for the country’s mining sector.

The lawmaker said that one of the primary challenges facing the mining sector in Nigeria was lack of access to finance for mining projects.

He noted that a dedicated mining development bank could provide tailored financial products and services to support the growth and development of the sector.

Okonkwo stressed that the mining sector often involves high risks, including geological, operational, and market risks, adding that a specialised bank could help mitigate these risks by providing financial instruments such as guarantees, insurance, and risk-sharing mechanisms.

Tinubu: Nigeria Remains Committed to Enhancing Maritime Security in Gulf of Guinea

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea.

Receiving at the State House, Abuja, the Equatorial Guinea's Special Presidential Envoy and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, Tinubu reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral ties between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, describing the relations as strong and brotherly.

He recalled his previous meeting with President Obiang Mbasogo, during which they discussed strategies for enhancing economic relations, particularly in the context of ocean and marine economy,

and collaborating to address the challenges posed by climate change.

The president expressed confidence that the formal meetings between the two nations would lead to further strengthening of their relationship.

He said: "Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are brotherly nations, and we enjoy very longstanding mutual relations. I am sure when next we meet formally; the relationship between our countries will grow from strength to strength".

The envoy emphasised the need to revitalise the Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea Joint Commission and stressed the importance of fostering greater cooperation in various sectors, including oil and gas as well as trade.

The lawmaker further explained that the bank could also support the development of mining projects by providing funding for exploration, feasibility studies, infrastructure development and other critical stages of project development.

Okonkwo said by promoting local participation in the mining sector, the bank could help enhance local content development, create employment opportunities, and foster economic empowerment in mining communities.

He pointed out that the bank

could play a crucial role in promoting environmentally and socially sustainable mining practices by providing funding for projects that adhere to best practices in environmental management, community engagement, and social responsibility.

The lawmaker was of the opinion that the bank could be a strategic move to unlock the potential of the country’s mining sector, drive sustainable development, and contribute to economic diversification and growth.

says

aide

10th February, 2024 conducted by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the 2nd Defendant.

"An Order of this Honourable Court mandating the 2nd Defendant to conduct a fresh governorship primary election for the nomination of the governorship candidate for the 2nd Defendant in the 2024 Edo.”

Meanwhile, the office of the Edo State deputy governor, Shaibu has denied receipt of an impeachment notice on him.

Last Wednesday, the Edo State House of Assembly, commenced impeachment proceedings against Shaibu accusing him of perjury and leaking the government’s secrets.

However, in a letter, dated March 12, to the House of Assembly, on the issue, the Personal Assistant to the deputy governor, Charles Olubayo, chided the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, for saying that the deputy governor refused to acknowledge the impeachment notice.

The letter read: "The Office of the Deputy Governor, Edo State wishes draw your attention to the inaccuracies and misleading information that emanated from the plenary session of Monday, March 11, 2024, wherein Mr. Speaker directed that the impeachment notice be served on the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu through newspaper publications, The Nigeria Observer and other national dailies, sequel to the refusal of the

deputy governor to acknowledge the impeachment notice.

"Mr. Speaker was quoted to have also stated at the said plenary that the action became necessary because the deputy governor refused to acknowledge an earlier impeachment notice sent to him through the Clerk of the House.

"We wish to state categorically that no impeachment notice was ever served on the deputy governor, let alone refusing to acknowledge the impeachment notice.

"The deputy governor has since March 3, 2024 travelled out of Benin to Abuja and has not returned to Benin since the said March 3, 2024. The Clerk never saw the deputy governor whether in the office, at home or anywhere for that matter since the said date; hence the surprise that the House resolved to publish the impeachment notice in the Observer and other National dailies.

“One therefore wonders where the Clerk or his appointee served him the impeachment notice and he refused to acknowledge it. Neither the Clerk nor any person sent impeachment notice to the deputy governor which he refused to acknowledge.

"It is therefore our prayer that Mr. Speaker corrects the impression created in the public as the outcome of Monday's plenary to avoid misrepresentation in this all-important matter," Olubayo added.

Multichoice Sets Date for 10th AMVCA, Odugbemi Named Head Judge

Mary Nnah

MultiChoice in partnership with Africa Magic has officially announced the date for the 10th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), with Femi Odugbemi as the head judge for the awards.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the African film industry to showcase its finest talent and for audiences to experience the best of African cinema as talented individuals will be recognised for their hard work and creativity.

“The upcoming 10th edition of the AMVCA is an annual event that celebrates and recognises outstanding achievements in the African film and television industry,” a statement from the organisation said.

The event is scheduled to take

place from May 10-11, 2024 and Odugbemi, an ace filmmaker, director, producer and pioneer Academy Director of the MultiChoice Talent Factory, has been unveiled as the head judge of the awards to oversee the judging process.

This milestone edition is expected to be a remarkable celebration of the best of African entertainment, and MultiChoice is committed to delivering a memorable event for all stakeholders, it said.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the 10th anniversary of the prestigious event, yesterday, the Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, Dr Busola Tejumola, welcomed everyone to the 10th AMVCA, describing it as a celebration to mark a decade of brilliance, innovation, and the sheer magic of African storytelling on screen.

The AMVCA, Tejumola said, has established itself as the benchmark for excellence in the African film industry.

Tejumola revealed that the entries received this year have tasked the jury and head judge as they have received a pool of quality entries to review.

“For this edition, we received entries from films and talent across Africa. Shortlisting has begun, and we will now move to the judging phases. For this special edition, we are making changes to the award categories.

“The Best Actor and Best Actress, as well as Best Supporting Actor and Actress categories, will now be determined by the jury. We are also delighted to announce ace filmmaker, director and producer, Femi Odugbemi, as the Head Judge for the 10th AMVCA”, she noted.

The 10th AMVCA’s two-day celebration kicks off on May 10 with the Young Filmmakers and Content Creators event in the morning, followed by the Cultural Day and Opening Night celebration in the evening and the Main Awards Ceremony the night of May 11.

Commenting on the task before the award jury, Odugbemi said: “This prestigious award is celebrated for its unwavering dedication to excellence, and the jury remains steadfast in ensuring only the most outstanding works earn a spot on the nomination list.

“Having served as the head judge in previous editions, I can unequivocally state that evaluating the remarkable submissions by talent across Africa is an extremely challenging task. I assure everyone that the final selection will truly represent the best in the field.”

L-R: Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo; wife of the slain Inspector Monday Isah, Mrs Ruth Isah and daughter, at the State Police Command headquarters, when the state government presented a cheque of N20 million to the widow, on Monday.

CARING FOR GIRLS…

L-R: Legal/Compliance Officer, Lukefield Finance Company Limited, Chimezu Arogundade; Executive Coach and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Advisory, Bola Matel-Okoh; Founder, Safety For Every Girl, Chioma Nwigwe; Reality TV Star and Multi-Brand Influencer, Beauty Tukura; Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Pan African Towers, Chisom Ndukwe, and movie actor and producer, Eku Edewor, at the world’s first Period Summit hosted by Safety For Every Girl, in Lagos...recently

COAS Charges Commanding Officers to Uphold Discipline, High Standards

Onuminya InnocentinSokoto

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has charged Commanding Officers of the Nigerian Army to be disciplined and ensure that the traditions, customs and ethics of the military are continuously upheld.

The Army Chief gave the charge in Sokoto where he declared open

the 1st Commanding Officers Workshop 2024.

The event will provide an opportunity for commanding officers to brainstorm and interact on how they could contribute meaningfully towards achieving an ‘Equipped and Highly Motivated Nigerian Army’.

He added that the workshop is aimed at enhancing the professional

Jigawa ReducesWorking Hours for Civil Servants

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has reduced the official working hours for civil servants in the state by two hours during the 2024 Ramadan fast.

This was contained in a statement signed by the state Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammad Dagaceri, and made available to journalists yesterday in Dutse, the state capital.

According to the statement, civil servants in the state would now report to the office at 9a.m. and close by 3p.m. between Monday

and Thursday instead of 5p.m, that: “Furthermore, workers would report to work on Fridays by 9 a.m. and close by 1p.m. as usual.”

Dagaceri explained that the gesture is aimed at providing more opportunities to civil servants to prepare for their Ramadan break and also to have more time to observe spiritual activities of the holy month.

The Head of Service stated that “it is hope that civil servants in the state would use the Ramadan period to pray for God’s guidance and blessings for the state.

Soludo Commended for Free Maternal Services in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in awka

The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has been commended for his free maternal services initiative in Anambra State.

The commendation was given by a renowned gynecologist and the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, when he delivered at the All for Women Initiative Nigeria (A-WIN) summit in the state to commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD).

Ikechebelu described the free antenatal and post natal services

for women in all government facilities, which was initiated in 2023 by Soludo as the type of empowerment women should be given in a 21st century society.

He said: “I urge women to take advantage of this unique opportunity to deliver freely, and also access good healthcare.

“As a professor of gynecology, I can also tell you that time has passed where women can be chased out of their homes for not delivering children.

“If you are a woman who has such problem, technology has made it simple, and you can have your own baby, even at 60 years

FBN Holdings Win International Finance Awards

Kayode Tokede

The FBNHoldings Plc has won two awards: Best Stakeholders’ Communication – Finance - Nigeria 2023 and Best Holding Group CFO –Mr. Samson OyewaleAriyibi – Nigeria 2023.

The awards were given by International Finance, a global media outfit renowned for its comprehensive coverage and analysis of the global financial services industry, international business, oil and gas, fintech, real estate, sovereign wealth funds and the global economy at large.

The Stakeholders’ Communication award was won as a result of the

company’s effective, robust engagement and management of relationship practice, while the CFO’s award was based on the demonstration of exemplary leadership, prompt information dissemination and analysis of the company’s results coupled with using the globally accepted metrics in the computation and analysis of its various presentations.

Commenting on the awards, Group Managing Director of FBNHoldings, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, said that “the Stakeholders’ Communication award demonstrates the effectiveness of our communication strategy, and the recognition of our CFO is a testament to quality leadership.

and operational competence of tactical commanders to effectively confront contemporary security challenges bedeviling the country.

Represented by the Chief of Training, Maj-Gen Sani Gambo Muhammad, Lagbaja noted that the theme of the training:

‘Enhancing Tactical Level Command and Leadership within a Joint Environment’, is apt and timely in view of the security challenges

facing the country, which require urgent and pragmatic solutions if they are to be eradicated or brought to the lowest ebb.

Police Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recovers Berreta Pistols in Delta

Sylvester Idowu in warri

Crack special squads from the Delta State Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers at Orerokpe in Okpe Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects, Mr. Peter Idogor (24) and Master Emmanuel

Sunday (19), were arrested after the kidnap of a man (name withheld) and collected an undisclosed amount as ransom.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Edafe Bright, said in a statement yesterday that the suspects were part of three armed men that abducted their victim on October

31, last year. He disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Orerokpe, CSP. Paul Oboware, had received a distress call at about 10.17 p.m. on the said date about the kidnap and demand for N5 million after the suspects contacted the victim’s relatives.

Bright said upon receipt of the report, the DPO swiftly mobilised and led detectives to the scene of the incident, combed all adjoining streets and bushes in search of the hoodlums, and to possibly rescue the victim but to no avail, adding that the victim was later released after an undisclosed ransom was paid.

FG Urges Commonwealth Nations to Prioritise Education for All

Kuni Tyessi in abuja

The federal government has called on Commonwealth nations to prioritise investment in quality education for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity or socio-economic background.

The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, made

the call yesterday in Abuja on occasion to commemorate the 2024 Commonwealth Day.

Mamman said: “Education stands at the heart of our collective aspirations for a better future.

“It is the foundation of empowerment, drives social mobility, promotes innovation and nurtures the leaders of tomorrow.

“Therefore, investing in quality education for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic background, must remain a top priority for all Commonwealth nations. “In the education sector, we must recommit ourselves to the ideals of the Commonwealth - unity in diversity, and shared prosperity.

“Together, we have the power to shape a future where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our common wealth.’’

He also called for the promotion of innovation in teaching methods, curriculum design, prioritisation of teachers’ training and encouragement of lifelong learning initiatives.

PremiumTrust Bank Celebrates Women with Empowerment Programme

Sunday Okobi

PremiumTrust Bank has celebrated Nigerian women on the International Women’s Day by hosting an empowerment programme with the theme: ‘Inspire Her: Inspiring Women for Growth and Inclusion’, which

aligns with the global theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion’. The bank stated that the empowering programme, which held recently was a testament to its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that champions the growth and empowerment of women across

various sectors. At the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, in his speech emphasised the critical role women play in corporate decision-making and the broader economy.

He affirmed that: “Women

possess immense potential that when harnessed in decision-making roles, can lead to unparalleled growth and innovation as is the case with PremiumTrust Bank, hence, solidifying PremiumTrust Bank’s dedication to women’s advancement.”

Kano Disco Laments Poor Supply after Fire Outbreak at Dan’agundi Power Station

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Barely four days after fire outbreak at the Dan’agundi Power Station where two high-performance capacity transformers got burnt, the management of Kano Electricity Distribution

Company (KEDCO) has lamented poor supply of electricity to its customers, especially during the Ramadan fast.

The Managing Director of KEDCO, Mr. Abubakar Yusuf, made the complaint during a news conference at the

headquarters of the company on Tuesday in Kano.

Yusuf expressed serious concern over the poor power supply being received by the company from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), especially during the Ramadan period.

“The fire outbreak at Dan’agundi Transmission Station on Sunday seriously affected the company’s operation as the transformers that got burnt beyond repairs were high-performance capacity transformers while the other one has to be repaired.”

Emerging Africa, Titan, Fleur Capital Partner to Establish AAA Impact Fund

Ayodeji Ake

The Emerging Africa Group (EAG), a leading pan- African investment bank and fund manager, has entered into a partnership with two leading Asian financial institutions to establish the Africa Asia Arabia (AAA) Impact

Ighodalo,

Fund for investments across the continents.

The two leading Asian financial institutions are Titan Financial Services Limited of Hongkong and China and Fleur Capital of Singapore.

According to them, the AAA Impact Fund has been conceived

with the innovative goal of linking Africa, Asia and Arabia through impact investments in sustainable projects, technology companies and funds, including but not limited to the Emerging Africa Technology Fund. Emerging Africa Group, with a successful track record of over $1

billion raised, will be the domain expert for the African market.

At the signing ceremony in Singapore recently, Emerging Africa was represented by its Founder & Executive Vice-Chair Mrs. Toyin Sanni and Head, Corporate Finance & Venture Capital,Toni Sanni.

Ajose-Adeogun, Nkor Make List of 100 Leading Women in Nigeria

Famed furniture maker and interior decorator, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, the Managing Partner, Africa for Teasoo Consulting Limited and immediate past Special Adviser, Strategy, Policy, Projects and Performance Management to Edo State Government, Sarah Ajose-Adeogun, and Principal

Consultant/CEO of HNC Professional Services Ltd and the immediate past Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN), Mrs. Hilda Nkor, have been listed in Nigeria Women Annual: 100 Leading Women, 2024. They join other accomplished

women including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Bolaji Agbede, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, among others.

“Nigeria Women Annual: 100 Leading Women in Nigeria”, is Nigeria’s most qualitative compendium that profiles outstanding women across different frontiers and they include innovators, barrier-breakers, activists, top bureaucrats, captains of industry, and celebrities.

Osimhen, Teammates Miss €10m Bonus After Napoli Defeat at Barcelona

Arsenal beat Porto in shootouts to reach first q' final since 2010

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Victor Osimhen failed to recreate his first leg Round of 16 form last night as Barcelona defeated Napoli 3-1 ( 4-2 aggregate) to cruise into the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2020.

It was a deserved win for the Catalan giants on a night they played better than their visitors from Naples.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The defeat denied Osimhen and his teammates a €10million win bonus from club owner, Aurelio’s De Laurentiis, if they had succeeded in knocking out Barcelona.

Speaking to TV cameras ahead of the kick-off, De Laurentiis was asked about reports in Italy which claimed he had promised his players a bonus of €10m (just over £8.5m)

Sports Stakeholders Fault Concession Process of National Stadium in Lagos

Duro Ikhazuagbe

The ongoing concession plans for the 52-year-old National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, is creating uproar in sports circles in the country with most informed stakeholders insisting that the process lacks transparency.

The now dilapidated edifice was built by the General Yakubu Gowon administration in 1972 to host the 2nd All Africa Games a year later.

The Sports-city as the facility was called was Green Eagles (later Super Eagles) fortress dreaded by several African teams. It also hosted the two AFCON finals hosted by Nigeria in 1980 and 2000.

However, it lost its allure following years of lack of maintenance and subsequently abandoned.

Attempts by the last Sports Minister Sunday Dare to revive the facility through getting Premier Lotto entrepreneur, Chief Adebutu Kessington, to adopt it was limited only to resurfacing the playing turf. Its dilapidated terraces and filthy surroundings made it impossible for any meaningful sporting activities to return to the place.

But officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and those appointed by the Federal Government for a Public-Private Partnership initiative, have been accused of not going about the task with transparency. There are talks of racketeering in high places.

Now, genuine stakeholders in the country’s football are calling on the Federal Government to renovate the facility and put it back into good use again.

An aggrieved former Super Eagles player told THISDAY that he was shocked to learn that the bidding process has been concluded with their preferred candidate without public knowledge

“Where is such thing done anywhere in civilized world?”

queried the ex international.

“When Late last year officials of the Sports Ministry went about taking inventory, we knew something was fishing. Now, they are about to announce their preferred bidder to take over the facility. Why for God’s sake the Tinubu Administration cannot revive this National Stadium as a legacy for teeming sports men and women in Lagos and the rest of the country to use?”

These stakeholders decry the piecemeal decimating of the facilities to different business operators, with some of them currently operating while others have been shunned with low patronage.

According to a former Chairman of Lagos SWAN, Fred Edoreh, “In as much as we say that the FG has shown lack of capacity to manage the facility, can we just ride on that justification to have them do the concession in a very secretive manner, in a manner that is not transparent and the people involved unknown?

“We want to bring in new private investors, but some have been there before and have been keeping the place alive, yet they are not part of your concession. If they are not part of it, what happens to them?

This calls for serious probe, where are we going, what is the objective?

“Everything is going on so secretively and the new (sports) minister says he has come to carry on from where the old minister stopped. What exactly did they do, where did they do it and who are those involved? Do they have the capacity to manage the stadium?

Have they done this before? These are very relevant questions because I think the public should know, it’s our asset. Power is good, yes they are in power, but at least they are reporting to the people. We are at a loss at what’s happening?” concludes the former chief of sports journalists in Lagos State.

Ikoyi Club Hosts Asiodu At 90 Golf Tournament

The Chairman of the famous Ikoyi Club 1938, Alhaji Tafa Zibiri-Aliu, is set to lead other dignitaries to a golf tournament at the Club to celebrate the former Permanent Secretary and Secretary of Petroleum, Chief Philip Asiodu (CON, CFR), who turned 90 years recently.

The Golf Kitty which is an invitational, scheduled to hold on Thursday 14th March 2024, at the Golf Section of the Club, will have in attendance the Captain of the section, Mr. Tade Adekunle and other distinguished members playing.

Dr. Austin Irabor, a member of the Club who spoke on behalf of the organisers, pointed out that it promises to be a true celebration of excellence at the Ikoyi Club 1938

golf course. He further disclosed that members, veterans, captains of industries and leaders in government and business amongst others, will gather at the club's golf course for the 90th birthday celebration golf kitty in honour of Chief Asiodu, who was also a Chief Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo. The Golf kitty Is scheduled to hold on the 14th of March 2024 as part of the activities for the celebration of Chief Asiodu's 90th birthday. Chief Asiodu is the Patriarch of the Asiodu family of Nnikwu village, Umuaji, Asaba, Delta State and a distinguished senior member, a veteran of the Ikoyi Club, and the Golf section for many decades

if they won. And he said: "You are very well informed. It's more than €10 million, in fact..." As it transpired, though, he'll get to keep his money.

Although with scores at 2-1, (3-2 aggregate) Osimhen was denied a penalty that if scored, would have changed the course of the game.

Osimhen ran into the box and went down when Barcelona central defender Pau Cubarsi seemed to

mistime the challenge and tread on the Nigerian international’s toes. The referee waved play on and VAR very quickly agreed, without taking very long reviewing of the available footage.

Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo put Barca on their way, but the hosts were made to work hard by the Italians who pulled one back through Amir Rrahmani.

A back-and-forth encounter was eventually settled by Robert

Lewandowski's close-range finish with seven minutes of normal time remaining.

Following a brisk opening, Barcelona landed a mighty one-two punch on Napoli with two goals in three minutes.

First, 20 year-old midfielder Lopez took his chance to impress on the big stage as he stroked home a side-footed finish on 15 minutes after Lewandowski dummied Raphinha's low cross.

Former Leeds winger Raphinha was also at the centre of Barcelona's second, leading a counter-attack and curling a shot off the post before Manchester City loanee Cancelo scored from the rebound.

Barcelona however ceded momentum, and Napoli pulled one back on the half hour when Kosovan centre-back Rrahmani ventured forward to slot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen following a cutback from the right.

Napoli pushed hard for an equaliser, and missed their best chance with 10 minutes remaining as Jesper Lindstrom sent a free header wide from seven yards.

In the other Round of 16 second leg game last night, Arsenal qualified for the quarter finals for the first time since 2010 after penalty shootouts.

The London Gunners won the second leg 1-0 to cancel out the lone goal deficit from the first leg in Porto. There was no goal in the extra time for the game to drag into penalty shootouts. It ended 4-2 in favour of the English team as Porto missed two of their spot kicks.

RESULTS

Barcelona 3-1 Napoli (4-2 agg)

Arsenal 1-0 FC Porto (1-1 agg. Pen. 4-2)

TODAY

Atletico v Inter

Dortmund v PSV

NPFL (MIDwEEk)

Plateau v Gombe Doma v Shooting

Akwa Utd v Insurance

Heartland v Abia war Pillars v Rangers

Lobi v Rivers Utd

Tornadoes v Sporting Remo Stars v Enyimba

Sunshine v katsina

CONFED CUP: Rivers Utd to Face Champions USM Algers in Q’finals

Femi Solaja

Nigeria’s last Team in continental campaign this season, Rivers United, were on Tuesday in Cairo Egypt drawn against defending champions, Algeria’s USM Alger in the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup. The Algerian side are not just CAF Confederation Cup champions, they also

hold the CAF Super Cup after they defeated Al Ahly of Egypt, the winners of the Champions League.

However, the Port Harcourt side are no strangers to North African opponents in the competition. As Dolphins, before merging with Sharks to form Rivers United, they were finalists in 2005 when they lost to Morocco’s Forces Armées Royales (FAR).

But the most intriguing pairing is the Egyptian derby of Zamalek and Future FC.

In the draw conducted on Tuesday, all four competition champions (USM Alger, RS Berkane, Stade Malien, Zamalek) avoided each other in the quarter-finals.

One of the quarter-finals pitches Libya’s Abu Salem against two-time champions, RS Berkane of Morocco

Top Professionals Sign up for Acropolis Launch in Anambra

Nigeria’s current number-one ranked professional golfer, Francis Epe, will lead top players to feature at the launch of Acropolis Golf Club starting on April 5, 2024, in Anambra State.

Acting Manager of The Acropolis Resort, Obioma Ogakwu, said the design and the expertise that was interpreted on the golf course, have been impressive, and a lot of golfers have been yearning to have a feel of it, including the top-rated players.

“It is interesting to see the amount of interest that the Acropolis Golf Course has gener-

ated among the golfing community.

The Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria has also shown some interest. And that has resulted in some of the best-ranked players in the country to be part of the launch,” she said.

Other players expected include; Sunday Olapade, former, Nigeria number one and recent winner of Libreville Open (in Gabon) and the 2023 winner of Goldfield Championship in Ghana. Gift Willy, 2023 CIO Open Winner, Oche Odoh, the most decorated Nigerian professional golfer, and Femi Olagbenro most respected

professional golf administrator in Nigeria.

Ogakwu said the calibre of the players showing up for the inaugural event have been carefully selected and their presence and game will add value to the overall objective of The Acropolis Resort.

“These are the best in their business, and Acropolis Golf Course is designed with that same value, to attract the best and also groom players to be the best. Sometime in the future, we are expecting that some of the best players in the country would have been groomed from here,” Ogakwu stressed.

who are in search of a third continental title since their 2020 and 2022 triumphs.

Champions in the 2009 edition, Stade Malien are back in the knockout stages of the competition and are aiming for a second title when they face Ghana’s Dreams FC who will be looking at causing an upset against their more fancied opponent.

Quarter-Final Draw:

29 – 31 March 2024:

QF 1 | Modern Future (EGY) vs Zamalek (EGY)

QF 2 | Abu Salem (LBY) vs RS Berkane (MAR)

QF 3 | Rivers United (NGR) vs USM Alger (ALG)

QF 4 | Stade Malien (MLI) vs Dreams FC (GHA)

05 – 07 April 2024:

QF 1 | Zamalek (EGY) vs Modern Future (EGY)

QF 2 | RS Berkane (MAR) vs Abu Salem (LBY)

QF 3 | USM Alger (ALG) vs Rivers United (NGR)

QF 4 | Dreams FC (GHA) vs Stade Malien (MLI)

Semi-Final Draw Outcome:

QF 3 Winner vs QF 2 Winner

QF 1 Winner vs QF 4 Winner

Semi-Finals Dates to be communicated in due course.

Barcelona players celebrating after their 3-1 defeat of Napoli last night to reach the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League

W H o El SE Bu T N WAB u E z E ?

hometown of my favourite musician, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe(March 17, 1936- May 11, 2007).

In 2004, I was in Atani when my friend, Chief Chris Nwabueze Ngige (71) from Alor in Idemili South Local Government of Anambra state, was the Governor of Anambra state. A very quiet town.

Professor Ben Nwabueze was later made the chairman of the sub-committee on National Objectives and Public Accountability of the Constitution Drafting Committee. Other members of the committee were Kanmi Ishola Osobu and Professor Emmanuel Uwamagbuhunmwun Emovon (February 24, 1929 – February 20, 2020) from Benin city, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, who later became the Minister of Science and Technology under General Ibrahim Babangida GCFR. The rest members were Dr. A.Y. Aliyu, lecturer Public Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Chief Paul Wanteregh Unongo (September 26, 1937 to November 29, 2022) from Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue state, who later became Minister of Power and Steel under President Shehu Shagari GCFR and Alhaji Ibrahim Imam (1916 – April 1980) a Kanuri politician from Borno, who was the secretary of the Northern People’s Congress and later became a patron of the Borno Youth Movement. He was elected into the Northern House of Assembly in 1961, representing a Tiv district. Prior to his election in 1961, he had represented his district of Yerwa in 1951 after supporting a strike of Native Administration workers.

It was in this subcommittee that Professor Nwabueze served his country best. His footprints are all over in the 1979 Constitution.

Professor Nwabueze subcommittee’s main objectives were (1) to consider and make recommendations on the desirability of embodying National Objectives and Directive Principles in the Nigerian Constitution (2) to suggest what such principles and objectives should be (3) to consider and make recommendations regarding constitutional arrangements to ensure observance of and conformity to such principles and objectives including the procedure to amend this part of the Constitution and (4) to examine and make recommendations on institutional and other arrangements to prevent corruption and abuse of power on the part of all persons holding public offices or exercising power (be it executive, legislative or judicial).

The committee’s recommendations were that the Federal Republic of Nigeria is one, indivisible and indissoluble, sovereign state based on the principles of democracy and social justice and accordingly, (a) Sovereignty belongs to the people from whom government, through this constitution derives all its powers and authorities; (b) the welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government; (c) Government shall be responsible and accountable to the people; (d) participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this constitution; (e) the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this constitution and to ensure and facilitate the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people; (f) the state shall not adopt any religion as the state religion but the freedom of every individual to preach, to teach and to practice the religion of his choice shall be respected and protected.

It was Professor Nwabueze’s subcommittee that recommended the fifteen codes which a public officer must adhere to. If those codes had been enforced, I am sure this country would have been a better place. The codes were “a leader shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his responsibilities as a leader, or which enables him to explore others; without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, a leader shall not (a) hold more one public office (b) engage in any private, trade or profession (c) receive any remuneration, gain or

profit other than the emolument payable to him in respect of the specified office held by him. 4. A leader shall not, after his retirement from public service and while receiving pension from public funds, accept a remunerative position as chairman, director or employee of a public company or receive any other remuneration from public funds in addition to his pension.

Notwithstanding anything in paragraphs 3 and 4, a leader shall entitled to earn, in addition to his emoluments as a leader--- (a) interest on money deposited in a bank, building society or other financial institutions; (b) dividends or other profits from stocks or shares held by him in any registered company; (c) interest on Government stock; (d) gains or advantage derived through personal labour on land owned or occupied by him. 6. No person shall own or occupy more than one plot of State land throughout the country. Any person who at the coming into force of this Code owns or occupies more than one plot of State land shall sell the excess over one plot to the State. The price---(a) as regards the ground shall be at a rate at which allocations of State land in the area in which the plot is located are made by the Government at the time of sale; (b) as regards any building erected on the plot, shall be such as may be agreed or determined by the court in default of agreement.

A leader shall not ask for nor accept any property or benefit of any kind for himself or any other person on account of anything done, to be done or omitted to be done by him in the discharge of his duties, nor accept gifts of whatever nature other than from relatives and personal friends.

A leader who holds a position as President or Vice-President of the Republic, minister, permanent secretary or head of any public corporation, university, or other parastatal organization shall not accept. (a) a loan except from a bank, building society or other financial institution; (b) any benefit of whatever nature from any company, contractor, business or their nominee or agent.

No person shall offer to leader any property, gift or benefit of any kind as an inducement or bribe for the granting of any favour or the discharge in his favour of the leader’s duties; a leader shall not do or direct to be done in abusive of his office, any arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of any other person; a leader shall not put to his personal advantage or to the advantage of any other person materially or otherwise any information acquired by him during his term of office as a leader; a leader shall not be a member of, belong to, or take part in the organization or management of the Ogboni or owegbe societies or any other secret society of a similar nature.

Every leader shall, (a) within three months after the coming into force of the code or after taking office, as the case may be, (b) at the end of each year (c) at the end of his term of office, submit to the Code of Conduct Bureau of the Government which employs him, a written declaration of all property or assets owned by, or liabilities owed to, him, his spouse or unmarried children under the age of twenty-one; any false information in such declarations shall be deemed to be breached of this code; any property or asset acquired by a leader after the initial declaration required by paragraph 13 (1) (a) above and which is not fairly attributable to income, gift, or loan approved in this Code shall be deemed to have been acquired in breach of this Code unless the contrary is proved.

An allegation that a leader has committed a breach of or has not complied with the provisions of this Code shall be made to the Code of Conduct Bureau, which shall, unless the person concerned makes a written admission of such breach or non-compliance, cause the matter to be heard and determined by the tribunal referred to in Article of the Constitution.

A leader who does any act prohibited by his Code through a nominee, trustee, or other agent shall be

H E r BE r T IS Go NE , l o NG lI v E H E r BE r T creatives, and supported the youth. Herbert lived the saying we subscribe to, that “those with the skills to move mountains do not need the faith that moves mountains”. Put simply, his banking and business careers were a story of moving mountains.

It was on account of these alignments that Access Bank became a very strong partner of Afreximbank, with Afreximbank supporting Access Bank’s African expansion strategy in various ways while developing a Joint Venture with Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) for a foray into the Caribbean.

In Nigeria, among many other things, we worked closely to sort out the challenges that constrained Geometric Power and delivered it. And just before his death, we were working on a scheme that we believed, and I still believe, would bring a massive infrastructure and industrial uplift across Nigeria. With the possibility of Afreximbank delivering a Naira equivalent of about US$2 billion, a percentage of which would be matched by Access Bank, we agreed to select high-impact projects across 10 to 15 States of the Federation to be funded under a scheme we would supervise to guarantee timely and quality delivery. Herbert and his team, as well as ours at Afreximbank, had commenced developing project profiles and deal structures. We were scheduled to take stock at a meeting in London on February 13, alas, that was not to be.

The difference the death of Herbert would make to Africa derives from his unique banking skills and approach to banking. Herbert was a commercial banker with a strong developmental mindset. Crucially, he proved that it was possible – even preferable – to pursue commercial banking while delivering development. Herbert’s approach, perhaps his doctrine, was the mirror image of Afreximbank’s orientation, which is hinged on delivering development using commercial approaches. And because he was outstanding in

Late Herbert Wigwe

proving this, so successful in delivering value to his shareholders and society, his tragic death offers the opportunity to unleash a new type of banking that Africa needs acutely at this time if it hopes to take itself out of poverty. He proved that those commercial bankers who exclude certain activities because they are deemed developmental may, in fact, be destroying shareholder value. His unique approach, which I would like to refer

deemed ipso facto to have committed a breach of this Code”.

By virtue of his being the Chairman of the subcommittee, Professor Nwabueze automatically became a member of the Constituent Assembly. Other chairmen of subcommittees that became automatic members of the Constituent Assembly were Alhaji A.G.F. Abdul-Rasaq (sub-committee on the executive and the legislature, Alhaji Nuhu Bamali (sub-committee on the judicial system), Dr. Pius Okigbo (sub-committee on economy, finance and division of powers), Alhaji Aminu Kano (sub-committee on citizenship, citizenship rights, fundamental rights, political parties and electoral laws, Dr. Obi Wali (sub-committee on the public service including the Armed Forces and the Police) and Chief F.R.A. Williams (Legal Drafting sub-committee).

On November 1, 1977, Professor Nwabueze was appointed the chairman of the business of the Constituent Assembly. Other members of the business committee were Alhaji Abdul Razak, Dr. Pius Okigbo, Chief Olu Awotesu, Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe, Chief Samuel O. Mbakwe, Mr. D.G. Vembeh, Chief Frank N. Inok, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Alhaji Shehu Malami, Dr, Iya Abubakar, Dr. Mudiaga Odje and Dr. F.O. Nwator.

From October 6, 1977, when the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, inaugurated the Constituent Assembly, till the assembly adjourned sine die in March 1978, Professor Nwabueze sat next to Chief Rotimi Williams. The two were inseparable. Inspite of his later years pronouncements on political issues, Professor Nwabueze, should be judged on the preamble of the report of the sub-committee on National Objectives and Public Accountability of the Constitutional Drafting Committee which he co-authored in 1975. That preamble was his legacy. The preamble defined Professor Nwabueze.

In the preamble, he wrote “Government in Nigeria, as indeed in other developing countries, has tended to be pre-occupied with power and its material perquisites. Given the country’s conditions of under-development, power offers the opportunity of a lifetime to rise above the general poverty and squalor that pervades the entire society. It provides a rare opportunity to acquire wealth and prestige, to be able to distribute benefits in the form of jobs, contracts, scholarships and gifts of money and so on to ones’s relatives, and political allies. Such is the pre-occupation with power and its material benefits that political ideologies as to how society can be organized and ruled to the best advantage of all hardly enter into the calculation.

Perhaps the Constitution is in part to blame for this. The Constitution in Commonwealth Africa speaks only in terms of power and of rights, but never of duties. The latter are taken for granted. The Constitution assumes that those who wield the power of the state will be conscious of, and responsive to, its obligations and responsibilities. And so it says nothing of the duties of the government towards its subjects. Our experiences have shown this to be a wrong approach to constitution-making. As a charter of government and the fundamental law of the land, the Constitution should make it clear that powers are bestowed upon the organs and institutions of government, not for the personal aggrandizement of those who wield them from time to time, but for the welfare and advancement of the society as a whole. It should therefore cast on the State definite duties towards its subjects A constitution should indeed do more. It should proclaim the principle on which the State is organized and spell out the ideals and objectives of the social order. Every Constitution is set and operates in the context of certain organizing ideas but these are often left unexpressed. Again this approach to constitutionmaking is out-dated. A Constitution should not be simply a code of justiciable rules and regulations; it is a charter of government, a government involves relations and concepts that are not amenable to the

to as “Developmental Commercial Banking”, presents an opportunity for Africa to mobilise its scarce capital towards development work by crowding-in commercial banking resources and brain power. I define Development Commercial Banking as a careful blend of investment banking and commercial banking aimed at delivering three outcomes, namely positive socioeconomic impact to society, as well as solid financial returns and goodwill to the bank.

The outpouring of emotions around the world about this tragic event would probably not have happened if Access Bank was the largest and most profitable bank in Africa but had nothing to show in terms of its contributions to society. But today, the youth, women, entrepreneurs, governments, students, farmers, industrialists, traders, artists, and many others, see an organisation in Access Bank that answers to their needs. At the same time, Access Bank shareholders smile to their banks because of the immense goodwill and financial returns Access Bank delivers.

It is this new thinking, this new way of being, that I believe Herbert’s untimely death will inject in the long run. It may be the key that unlocks the scarce capital that Africa needs to develop. During the Annual Meeting of Afreximbank in 2019, I spoke about the essential elements of the struggle for economic independence that Africa must wage. I said: A revolution is sweeping across the African continent without bloodshed or conflict. It is peaceful and will fundamentally alter our world, shatter old assumptions, and reshape our lives. It is easy to underestimate as it is not accompanied by banners or fanfare. The revolutionaries are of a different breed. Instead of being trained in military camps, the freedom fighters for this new battle are being trained in technical schools and universities; instead of fighting in trenches, this battle will be fought in factory floors and tech incubation centres; instead of guns, the battle will be fought with ideas, hard

test of justiciability. The objectives may be in the nature of immediate, specific policy goals or of long-term ideals. The former are not likely to excite controversy; they are the things Nigerians except their government to secure for them—food, clothing, water, medical facilities, education, etc. Spelling them out in the Constitution provides a yardstick for judging the performance of any government. It invests them with the quality of a constitutional directive to the organs of the state to inform and guide their actions by reference to the declared principles. It would also serve as reminder to government functionaries that their position is one of trust involving powers as well as duties.

The latter imply ideology. Ideology arouses a certain mysticism and suspicion amongst us. Yet every new nation has a special need of a nationally accepted ideology. For unless the goals and the fundamental attitudes and values that should inform the behavior of its members and institutions are clearly stated and accepted, a new nation is likely to find itself rudderless, with no sense of purpose and direction. By defining the goals of society and prescribing the institutional forms and procedures for pursuing them, ideology seeks to direct and concert the efforts of actions of the people towards the achievement of those goals. In this way it seeks to unite the society into one nation bound together by common attitudes and values, common institutions and procedures, and above all an acceptance of common social objectives and destiny.

The need for an ideology in Nigeria is all the greater because of the heterogeneity of the society, the increasing gap between the rich and the poor, the growing cleavage between the social groupings, all of which combine to confuse the nation and bedevil the concerted march to orderly progress. Only an explicit ideology which clearly sets the parameters of government and informs its policies and actions can generate a spirit of co-operation, peace and unity.

If the national ideology is enshrined in the Constitution, then this may make it appear less of a political slogan, investing it with the quality of a constitutional, albeit non-justiciable norm, and thereby making it easier for political leaders, and even judges, to establish and show the desired identification with it.

It may be argued that the aspirations, goals and values of a society are not unchanging for all times; they may not even be a true reflection of current values but only what the present generation of leaders believe them to be or think they should be; to enshrine them in the Constitution would therefore be an imposition, and would create a false and unwarranted image of popular acceptance. These sentiments might equally serve as argument for not having a Constitution at all. Whilst unquestionably values are relative to time and place, every society should attempt to formulate the values that are relevant to its time and place; their embodiment in the Constitution does not entitle them to any more immutability than the frame of government instituted in the Constitution. The important thing is that the values and objectives declared should be the really fundamental ones widely shared in the community, and not the sectional objectives and goals of particular social and economic policies of a ruling party.

It cannot be disputed that the ideology that is most relevant to our society today and one that is accepted by most Nigerians is that of socialism operating within the framework of a participatory democracy and the ideals of liberty, equality and justice. It is the only effective answer to the conditions of under-development, inequality and exploitation that exist in the country. The long-term objectives of socialism in Nigeria should be to place in the hands of the State and people the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution”.

•Professor Obiefuna Benjamin Nwabueze served his country the best way he could.

work, and investments. While bravery was required for the political struggle, courage was a necessity for the economic liberation struggle. Tech, and not armed guerrillas, ideas and not brute force, will represent the potent force for victory in this new struggle. …

As I framed this new struggle, I did not give it a motivating force, the “General” that the “fighters” must look up to. With Herbert’s death, his spirit has emerged as that immortal General around which this epic struggle must coalesce. We all now need to do what is necessary to move Developmental Commercial Banking to the mainstream. At Afreximbank, we aim to work with Access Bank and the Wigwe family to curate and exhibit in our corporate museum (the Museum of African Trade”) the subject matter of Developmental Commercial Banking, drawing from Herbert’s and related works. This will make it possible for visitors to our museum to be inspired. We also look forward to our Afreximbank Academy (AFRACAD) working with Wigwe University and perhaps the Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) in Harare and others to develop a course content and programme that would enable the introduction of Developmental Commercial Banking in African Universities. I believe that a widespread adoption of Developmental commercial banking practices across Africa will enable the continent to move away from the colonial legacy of commercial banking practice that emphasises short-termism and consumption, instead of, investment financing. It is only fools who will sit on their palms and allow the message conveyed by such a tragic event to go to waste.

So, as we say bye to Herbert, we must quickly say “Long Live” the Future his sad death will reveal. Like the Egyptian bird, Phoenix, that died, got burnt and rose from its ashes, Herbert will rise again, for the good of mankind.

•Benedict Oramah is the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank

MISSILE

AFAN to Federal Govt

“The government cannot say they are not privy to ransom payments being made to armed bandits by local farmers as the association had written series of letters to government and security services and nothing is being done to protect farmers willing to go to the farms to harvest crops for sales and feed Nigerians from the hands of these armed bandits” --NationalPresident,AllFarmersAssociationofNigeria(AFAN), KabirIbrahim,urgesFGtotackletheinsecurityhamperingfarmersinthecountry.

Benedict OkeyORAMAH

G u EST COL um NIST

Herbert is Gone, Long Live Herbert

Ever since February 10, 2024, when I learnt of the tragic death of Herbert, his dear wife, Chizoba; his son, Chizi; and our mutual friend, Bimbo, I have been wanting to write to pay tribute to Herbert, eulogise and mourn him. Each time I picked up a pen to write, I found the journey from pen to paper too tortuous and arduous … until today! Just a few hours ago, Herbert was interred along with Chizoba and Chizi. A few days earlier, Bimbo was interred. My prayers are for a peaceful repose of their souls.

Since that tragic incident in the US during the night of February 9, 2024, many have written and spoken about Herbert: his life, business, and philanthropy. Many more have extolled his virtues and values— his fearlessness, courage, his love for family, compassion, entrepreneurial spirit, and professionalism. I am certain that, as a people’s man, there are certainly many who know him better than I do and have done justice to those sterling qualities that made him a darling of all those who knew him. Bearing this in mind, I have avoided delving much into those matters.

Accordingly, this article’s point of departure is the argument that Herbert’s death was a MOMENTOUS event, an event that has the potential of shaping the future of banking in Africa. While we must mourn and weep, we can pay Herbert no better tribute than to contemplate the message the tragedy intended to

send to the world. The gravity, nature, and scope of the tragedy were intended to send a strong message to the world, and the World heard! I cannot recall any death of a banker that has evoked such a massive spontaneous outpouring of pain, heartbreak, and regrets

e ric Te NIOLA

from every corner of the world.

We ignore the import of this story’s prominence to our peril. Other tragedies in history led to outcomes that have shaped our world today. The mass murder committed by Al Qaeda terrorists in the US on September 11, 2001, drastically changed the way we travel; the senseless assassination of Martin Luther King Jnr accelerated de-segregation and raised racial consciousness around the world; and the untimely death of Bob Marley helped move reggae music from the periphery to the mainstream. The purpose of this article is, therefore, not to mourn but to call attention to the immortality of Herbert.

What will Herbert’s tragic death unleash? To venture into that territory, I need to establish my credentials as they relate to Herbert. Herbert and I met as young bankers and became friends around the late 1990s. He was at Guaranty Trust Bank in Lagos and I, at Afreximbank in Cairo. Herbert made frequent visits to Cairo with clients in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was as outgoing as I was, so we did what young ambitious bankers, with our profiles, would do, whenever they visited. We duelled during the day in meeting rooms and argued about deal structures, collaterals, and pricing. In the night, we would first dine at my home and then head to the African Diplomats Club for drinks and entertainment. I would bring him back to his hotel just in time to prepare for the next meeting

in the morning or for him to catch his early morning flight, usually with British Airways.

As we grew in our respective careers and became executives, the relationship endured and even flourished, such that whenever business took him to Cairo, Herbert – until his death –, and his friend and partner, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, would make it a point of coming a day earlier to spend the evening with me at home prior to our formal meeting and their departure the following day. Through those years, we built trust and confidence, which enabled us to make compromises on thorny issues that would have otherwise constituted “deal breakers”.

And along that journey, and through our different experiences, we arrived at a convergence of views on many things that mattered. Herbert believed that as Africans, we must take our destinies into our own hands and was convinced that the colonial legacy which had so fragmented Africa into atomistic, weak states must be overcome in any way possible, especially through AfCFTA implementation, just as we did. Like us, Herbert was a champion of the concept of a “Global Africa” that aimed to integrate the Diaspora into the big picture; like us, his approach was entrepreneurial and there were no boundaries to imagining the future. He also had immense courage, loved the arts and the

Who Else But Nwabueze?

In 1975 Brigadier General Murtala Mohammed, who was at that time a brigadier, approached Chief Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams SAN to be the chairman of the 50-man Constitutional Drafting Committee. Chief Williams told Brigadier Murtala Mohammed that he would accept the job on two conditions, among which is that Professor Benjamin Obi Nwabueze from Atani in Anambra state must be a member of the committee.

Chief Williams told me this story himself when I covered proceedings of the committee which were usually held in his residence in Ilupeju, Lagos. I asked why he insisted on his friend, Professor Nwabueze to be a member of the committee; his reply was “who else but Ben”.

Eventually, Professor Ben Nwabueze was appointed a member of the 50 man committee. The committee was inaugurated on October 18, 1975 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, then headed by Professor Bolaji Akinyemi(82), from Ilesha, Osun state, who later became the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister under General Ibrahim Babangida GCFR. The committee was inaugurated before Brigadier General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated on February 13, 1976. The Secretary of the committee was Alhaji Gidado Idris, who was then the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture in Kaduna state. He later became secretary to the Constituent Assembly and later Secretary to the Government of the Federation under General Sani Abacha GCFR (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998).

At the Constitution Drafting committee, Alhaji Gidado Idris was assisted by Mr. R.C. O. Nwokedi, Senior Assistant Secretary, Cabinet Office, Lagos, Mrs O.O. Onajide, then Head of News and Current Affairs Mid-West Television, Mr. A. Obilade, Lecturer in Law,

University of Lagos and Dr. O.A. Obozuwa, former Lecturer in Law, Lagos State University and a Commissioner, Public Service Commission, Bendel State.

Other supporting staff of the committee by then were Mr. E. Omofuma, Mr. O. Ogunade, Mr. J.O. Oyefeso, Mrs A. T. Kole, Mrs M.M. Wuraola, Mr. J.E. Ikebude, Mr. R.O. Akpabio, Mrs J.O. Adeyemi-Wilson, Mrs V.O. Odunuga, Mrs M.M. Albert, Mrs P.C. Adiele, Mr. A.

O. Iyiola, Mr. E.O. Ajiboye, Mrs. J.T. Okechukwu, Mr. E.I. Ojogwu, Miss A.E. Anwana, Mr. J. A. Adesanwo, Mr. Ben Enahoro, Mr. N. Orekan and Mr. P. Nwajei.

After the inauguration of the committee, Professor Nwabueze was made a member of the Legal Drafting subcommittee headed by Chief Rotimi Williams. Other members of the subcommittee at that time were Chief Richard Osuolale Abimbola Akinjide SAN(4 November 1930- 21 April 2020), who later became the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation in 1979, Alhaji Olufemi Lateeef Okunnu(90), former Minister of Works, Dr. Tajudeen Olawale Ayinla Idris(June 6, 1940- August 30, 2018), who later became Commissioner for Education under Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande and Chief James Ajibola Idowu Ige, SAN(13 September, 1930 – 23 December, 2001) who was elected the governor of Oyo state, 1979-1983 and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, 2000-2001.

The rest members of the committee were Justice Muhammadu Buba Ardo(1930- October 5, 1991) from Fufore, Yola in Adamawa state, former Chief Justice of North Eastern state (175-1976), Justice of the Supreme Court(1978-1979), Mr. S.M. Liberty, Attorney General of Borno state and Mr. Kanmi Ishola Osobu from Ilesha in Osun state.

Mr Osobu was educated at the famous Ilesha Grammar School before proceeding to University of London. Before his death in 1995, he had a flourishing bar practice in Lagos of which many lawyers including Wole Obayomi, currently a partner and Head of Tax, Regulatory and Peoples’ Service (TRPS) Practice of KPMG and Mr. Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika SAN, passed through. Till he died in Ibadan, myself, Toye Akiyode, Yinka Guedon, Gboyega Amoboye (THE GOVERNOR), Femi Ogunleye(now the Towulade of Akinale in Ogun state), Labake Adebiyi alias

EVERYTHING LABAKUS, Jimi Aderinokun, Dapo Aderinola, Tunde Fagbenle and other journalists were associated with him. Egbon Kanmi Ishola Osobu alias PEOPLE’S LAWYER, a human right activist was also closely associated with Fela Anikulapo-Kuti

The last member of the subcommittee was Alhaji Abdulganiyu Folorunsho Abdulrazak (November 13, 1927 – July 25, 2020) from Ilorin. He was the first lawyer from the northern Nigeria and the father to the present governor of Kwara state, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Professor Nwabueze married in December 1961, Rose Achike, with three sons and three daughters. He had his education at the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, England, 1956-1961, lecturer, later senior lecturer, University of Lagos, 1962-1965, senior lecturer, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 1965-1967, acting dean, University of Nigeria, Usukka,1967-1970, Professor, School of Law, University of Zambia, 1970-1976, also dean, School of Law, 1971-1976, joined United Bank for Africa, Lagos and awarded Nigerian National Merit Award in 1980.

In January 1993, under the Transitional Council, then headed by Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan GCFR (9 May 1936 – 11 January 2022), he was Secretary (Minister) of Education and Youth Development). In October 2013, Professor Nwabueze was appointed into the National Conference Advisory committee but withdrew on health grounds. He was replaced by Mr. Solomon Asemota, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Christian Social Movement of Nigeria as well as Coordinator of the Ethnic Nationalities Movement (ENM).

Atani, his hometown, is the headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government in Anambra state. Atani is also the

Continued on page 39

Late Herbert Wigwe

Professor Ben Nwabueze