THURSDAY 21TH MARCH 2024

We Have Settled All Valid Forex Backlogs

Declares all encumbrances to market confidence, Nigeria’s ability to meet its obligations now totally behind us Naira makes significant gains, reaching N1,490/$1 at parallel market, NAFEM closes at N1,496 Abdullahi reiterates apex bank's plan to recapitalise banks Says FX volatility moderated

UK Group Says Nigeria Lost $113bn to

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The International Organisation for Peace Building & Social Justice (PSJ) has disclosed that research undertaken on the economic cost of conflicts in Nigeria has shown that between 2008 and 2021, a period of 13 years, the total cost hit between $90 billion to $113 billion.

It further noted that Nigeria holds about 15 per cent of the global population of out-of-school children’s population due to growing insecurity.

PSJ, a non-profit organisation based in the UK, seeks to promote peace building, social justice and sustainable development in Nigeria and other parts of the world and acts as a voice for marginalised communities.

In a new report titled: “Insecurity And Education in Nigeria, Context And Challenges”, carried out with support from IA Foundation, UK, the group listed the main drivers of insecurity in Nigeria as ethnic and religious tension, with at least 2,811 incidences between 1999 and 2021 and 18,132 fatalities .

In addition, within the period, it stressed that there had been 3,703 religious conflicts, with 29,957 fatalities as well as 117 incidences of ethno-religious conflicts, which led to 2,420 deaths.

Also, it stated that socioeconomic inequality, insurgency and terrorism as well as proliferation of arms and

weak governance and corruption were driving insecurity in the country.

However, the group stated that the disruption of economic activities is not limited to monetary losses as the crisis has led to severe disruptions in agricultural activities, undermining food production and birthing a separate crisis of food insecurity and malnutrition.

It stated that one of the social consequences is that it has led to a large number of internally displaced people.

According to PSJ, as of 2022, there were an estimated 3.6 million internally displaced people and in a four-year window period between 2020-2023, a total of 14,437 abductions and 16,558 deaths recorded across the whole of Nigeria.

“The current security crisis in Nigeria has also had profound implications on the education sector both directly and indirectly. Prior to the rise of insecurity, the sector was already grappling with its own fair share of challenges from inadequate funding to poor infrastructure and access between urban and rural areas.

“ The crisis in recent years has however caused a rapid deterioration of an already ailing sector...schools are reportedly seen as soft targets by insurgent groups... are seen to have weaker security with fewer or no fences and poorly trained security guards.

“ This is especially true in govern-

ment run schools. Insurgents also take advantage of the fact that mass abductions of children gain more local and international media coverage, making it more likely that demands will be met in exchange for the release of those abducted,” it noted.

Due to the increasing incidences of insecurity, the report stated that a large proportion of students are now found to be out of school, leading to the closure of 11,536 schools since December 2022.

“Between January and September 2021, another 20 attacks on schools

in Nigeria were reported, where over 1,400 children were abducted, 16 killed and over 200 still reported missing.

“ In March 2024, gunmen were reported to have carried out an attack on a primary school in Kaduna state, abducting a total of 227 students alongside several teachers and the head teacher,” it added.

According to the group, the education sector in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including limited access to quality education, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers.

It argued that the consequences of insecurity in Nigeria are far-reaching, affecting social cohesion, economic development, and political stability.

“In particular, insecurity exacerbates the already precarious state of the education sector, disrupting learning environments, displacing students and teachers, and hindering educational attainment.

“Nationwide, many schools are being shut down as a result of repeated attacks which has subsequently led to a substantial proportion of children out of school.

“ Nigeria is presently host to one

of the largest proportions of out of school children accounting for 15 per cent of the total global population. In the Northeast alone, the number of out of school children currently stands at 1.6 million,” it stressed.

Despite efforts by national and international actors to address both insecurity and education challenges, progress, it said has been limited.

“If these issues are not urgently addressed, Nigeria will find itself in a place where a generation of adults will be unable to compete in the job market both at home and at the global level.

House Approves N2.177tn Supplementary Budget Extension

Adedayo Akinwale and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives yesterday, approved the extension of the N2.177 trillion Supplementary Act, 2023, from December 31, 2023, to June 30, 2024, following President Bola Tinubu’s request. The budget revealed that the sum of N967,486,010,536 was for Statutory Transfers; N6,557,597,611,797 was for Debt Service; N8,329,370,195,637 was for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure while the sum of N5,972,734,929,421 was for contribution to the Develop-

ment Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending 31st day of December 2023.

Also, N165 billion was for National Judicial Council (NJC); N119,939,603,660 was for Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC); while the sum of N103,288,086,976 was for Universal Basic Education (UBE); Public Complaints Commission got N10.690 billion; the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) got N173,635,157,400; National Human Right Commission got N4.5 billion; North East Development Commission got N59,038,929,318; Basic Health

Niger Domesticates Electricity Act, Creates Electricity Regulatory Commission

Laleye Dipo in Minna and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

Niger State government yesterday, announced that it has domesticated the Electricity Act leading to the creation of an Electricity Regulatory Commission.

This comes just as the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the Niger State Government also disclosed that they have initiated a special project aimed at improving electricity supply to residents and businesses in the northern state.

Governor Umaru Bago, who

disclosed this in Minna, during a meeting with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Agency Mr. Chijioke Okwuokenye at the Government House, Minna, said the necessary documentations for the Regulatory Commission would soon be completed for it to start generating and distributing its own power in the state.

Bago, noted that the step taken by the administration was because of the realisation that power supply was key to development especially now that the State was moving into an industrialisation and processing age.

However, before the takeoff of the Commission, Bago has entered into an initiative that would improve the electricity supply to residents of Niger State.

The Chief Operating Officer of AEDC, Mr Chijioke Okwuokenye explained that the, "Light Up Niger" project when commenced will pave way for greater things to come as the whole scope is to come up with the best measures that will improve and sustain electricity supply to Niger State.”

He commended the support of the Bago-led administration

Care Fund got N51,644,043,487 while National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) got N51,644,043,487.

The House further approved the sum of N30,173,520,592 for Severance/Inauguration of Outgoing and Incoming 9th and 10th Assembly (Legislators and Legislative Aides); N30,492,518,529 for National Assembly Office; N33,267,001,807 for Senate; N51,994,511,954 is for House of Representatives; N10,555,809,322 for National Assembly Service Commission; N16,520,653,763 for Legislative Aides; N118,970,215 for PAC – Senate; N142,764,258 for PAC – House of Representatives; N11,307,475,470 for General Services; N7,411,813,596 for National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS); N671,335,001 for Service Wide Vote; N1,059,121,701 for Office of Retired Clerks and Permanent Secretaries.

Also, N125,000,000 was budgeted for Appropriation Committee Department – Senate; N165,000,000 was for House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation; N4.250 billion was for ongoing National Assembly Library Building; N127,500,000 was for hosting of Conference of Speakers of African Parliament (COSAP); N8.500 billion was for NASS liabilities; N255,000,000 was for NASS E-Library; N118,150,000 was for NASS Dashboard; N850,000,000 was for Constitution Review; N7.500 billion was for completion of NASS Library Complex; N2.500 billion was for completion of NILDS Headquarters; while N10 billion was for Construction of NASC building; N6,557,597,611,797

was approved for debt service/ sinking fund while the sum of N8,329,370,195,637 is for Recurrent (non-debt) Expenditure."

Furthermore, capital expenditure got N5,927,734,929,421; aggregate expenditure got N21,827,188,747,391; Surplus/ Deficit got N10,782,078,435,531 while debt financing got N8,804,491,636,509.

Additionally, the lawmakers approved the sum of N546,209,099,671 for the Ministry of Defence; N50 billion for Police Formations and Commands; N50 billion for Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA); and N49,046,831,697 for Department of State Services (DSS), respectively.

However, the House has adjourned plenary and Committee activities till April 16, 2024, for the Easter and Sallah celebrations.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has passed into law an Act to prescribe the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judicial office holders in the country.

This monthly package includes their basic salaries and all regular allowances which include motor vehicle fueling and maintenance, along service allowances.

The House also approved other job regular allowances not embedded in the total monthly package to include leave allowances estacode per night of $2,000 when applicable, duty tour allowances when applicable, severance gratuity of N80, 775,707.70, after the successful completion of tenure as well as an option motor vehicle loan to be repaid before expiration of tenure.

Uwaje Begho; Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi,

Yewande Senbore; Chairperson, ASCON Allied industries Plc, Mrs. Yemisi Ayeni;

Society For

Nigeria,

Partner, Verraki Partners,

Emerging Africa Group, Dr. Toyin Sanni;

Heritage Bank Plc, Mrs. Osepiribo

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In Coming Months, We'll Reap Bountiful Economic Harvests, Vice-President Promises

Charges ministers, others to rally round Tinubu

Deji elumoye in Abuja

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has assured Nigerians that the economy has begun to show prospects, saying in the coming months, the country would reap bountiful harvests. He also charged all the ministers and other appointees of the administration to rally round the president in his determination to salvage the ship of state, saying Tinubu meant well for the nation, even as the reminded them that leadership required commitment.

Shettima, spoke Tuesday night during Iftar (the fast-breaking evening meal for Muslims during Ramadan), organised by President Bola Tinubu for members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and services chiefs at the State House, Abuja. He reminded ministers and the other top government officials at the event that President Tinubu did not subscribe to buck-passing, for which reason he said posterity would be kind to him.

According to him, “Ramadan is

a season of forgiveness. It’s a season of generosity, which incidentally coincides with the lent season, which goes to buttress the fact that what binds us together, exceeds whatever divides us.

“This is time for all of us to rally round our leader because leadership requires sacrifice, leadership requires tenacity of purpose, leadership requires commitment.

“Honourable ministers, service chiefs, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we have crossed the rubicon and the nation is on the

IPPG Galvanises Nigerian Petroleum Producers' Forum for Sustainable Future, Says Isa

sunday okobi

The Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) has stated that it is setting the path to chart a sustainable future for independent petroleum producers as it leads the dialogue on Nigerian Energy Landscape at the just concluded Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2024).

In his keynote address, the Chairman of IPPG, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, at the Nigerian Petroleum Producers Forum panel session during the NIES 2024, highlighted the indispensable role of Nigerian independence in shaping the country's energy future amid global and domestic shifts.

According to him, "Innovation, collaboration, and resilience are the pillars upon which Nigerian independent producers stand to shape our country's energy destiny. As we navigate through global shifts and domestic aspirations, it is imperative for us to unite, innovate, and collaborate tirelessly.”

Under the sub-theme: ‘Innovation, Collaboration, and Resilience: Empowering Independent Producers in the Dynamic Energy Era’, Isa further emphasised the urgent need to reverse production declines and strive towards national production goals of 4 million barrels of oil per day (bpd) and 13 billion cubic feet (BCF) of gas per day.

He underscored the significance of recent International Oil Company (IOC) divestments by ExxonMobil, ENI, and Shell, identifying these transactions as pivotal opportunities for Nigeria's oil and gas industry

transformation.

Furthermore, the IPPG chief articulated a compelling vision for Nigerian independent producers to reclaim pre-2006 production levels, particularly in onshore and shallow water areas, through robust growth initiatives, emphasising the imperative of expediting IOC divestment transactions to maximise national interests and optimize value.

“It's time to empower Nigerian independent producers, fortify the industry, and chart a sustainable energy future for Nigeria," the IPPG chairman said.

The panel session, curated to explore strategies empowering Nigerian Independents amid industry complexities aimed to identify policy interventions fostering sustainable growth. Key areas of focus included sustainable financing frameworks for IOC divestments, enhanced security to mitigate disruptions, technology transfer facilitation, and ensuring asset integrity.

While acknowledging the expertise of the panelists and anticipating robust contributions to addressing critical industry challenges, Isa further urged active participation in the session to collectively chart a path forward, empowering Nigerian Independents, fortifying the industry, and contributing to Nigeria's sustainable energy future.

Members of the panel included Dr. Ainojie Alex Irune, executive director Oando Plc/ COO Oando Energy Resources; Mr. Shane Harris, CEO, Exxonmobil Nigeria; Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Vice President (E & P), NNPC

path to sustained growth. Some nations have gone through some worse phases in the annals of their history than us.

“The President means well for the nation, he has a good heart for the nation and we have the moral imperative to support him in whatever way we can to salvage the ship of the state. “He doesn’t subscribe to the

in nation's

idea of apportioning blames, the buck stops on his desk and he has not shied away from facing some gargantuan challenges facing us. Rest assured that in the fullness of time, posterity will be very kind to him.

“Let’s keep this in prayers, let’s pray for the restoration of peace and stability in the country. Luckily, the economy is turning the corner, by the grace of God, in the coming months

interest

we shall have a bountiful harvest season and we shall all smile once again,” The vice-president stated.

Speaking on behalf of other FEC members, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, thanked the president for providing them with the Iftar and prayed for him, asking God to answer his prayers in earnest.

Russian Firm, Rosatom Commences Exploration of Lithium in Edo State

Obaseki breaks Ramadan fast with Otaru of Auchi

One of Europe’s largest nuclear energy companies, Rosatom, has commenced exploration of lithium in Edo and has got the state government’s approval to build a lithium processing plant.

The Commissioner of Mining and Energy, Enaholo Ojiefoh, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Benin City, noted that staff of the company had been resident in the State since October 2023, and are advancing on exploration activities.

“We have allocated land for the company to build a lithium processing plant and it will soon commence production of lithium batteries in the State,” he said.

He added that not less than three multinational companies are constructing processing plants

in the State, which is an indication that the state’s solid mineral market is attaining maturity. The commissioner noted that a number of States have come to study the Edo model and the State has been sharing its master plan to these states so as to expand the sector for greater competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed appreciation to the Otaru of Auchi, Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, for his support, prayers and valuable advice, which has helped the governor in the discharge of his duties in the last seven and half years.

Obaseki said this at the palace of the traditional ruler when he led other government functionaries to break the Ramadan fast with the

Fan Milk PLC, Obasanjo Farms Announce Strategic Partnership

Fan Milk PLC, has announced a strategic partnership with a farm operated by Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, aimed at advancing dairy farming expansion and promoting local sourcing in Nigeria.

The farm, situated in Iseyin, Oyo State, is expected to produce 300 heifers within the first year of project and it is expected that the farm would double that figure by end of December 2026 while Fan Milk will be importing 100 pregnant heifers from Egypt.

Fan Milk Plc would off-take the fresh milk produced according to the terms of the five-year partnership agreement and would also provide training and technical capacity building for the personnel.

The collaboration is expected to

lead to the creation of employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas. Both companies are committed to engaging with local communities to foster positive relationships, address social concerns, and promote responsible corporate citizenship.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chairman of Obasanjo Farms Limited expressed excitement over the partnership.

“We are excited to partner with Fan Milk PLC to drive forward dairy farm expansion and local sourcing initiatives. By investing in training and capacity-building programmes for local farmers, we will empower communities, enhance productivity, and contribute to the development of Nigeria's agricultural sector,” he said.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in Fan Milk PLC's commitment to backward integration, following the successful launch of its model dairy farm in Odeda Ogun state and training for local dairy farmers in the Odeda Dairy Training Institute in 2022.

“ It also aligns with some of the current government administration's 8-point agenda, including ensuring food security, promoting economic growth and job creation, and ending poverty,” the company stated.

Speaking on the Partnership, the Project Lead for Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, Dr. Olusegun Ariyo, stated: “We are very pleased to be partnering with Fan Milk PLC (A Danone Company) on this remarkable journey.

Otaru and some other traditional leaders from Edo North Senatorial District of the State.

The governor said it is not coincidental for Ramadan, Lent, Easter and Sallah to occur in the same period, noting that it is remarkable as God doesn't make mistakes.

“It has become our tradition to come and break the fast with you during the annual Ramadan fast. We have done this since I became governor in 2017. Thank God Almighty for giving us good health and a long life to be here again. We have come to felicitate and pray with you during this year’s Ramadan again.

“We have done every year except during COVID-19. This is particularly significant for me as this is the last time that I will be coming here to break the Ramadan fast with you as a “Thisgovernor. is significant because we are celebrating Ramadan and Lent seasons at the same time. Coincidentally, we would celebrate Easter and Sallah at the same time. It is remarkable as God doesn’t make mistakes.

“ There must be a reason for this. The God we serve will continue to have mercy upon us and protect us in these difficult times. We pray that he hears our prayers as a people and a country,” he said.

On the Otaru’s support for good governance, the governor said: "We can't appreciate you enough for the support you have shown us in government in the last 8 years. The stability we have enjoyed and the frank advice you give us every time has been valuable.”

The Otaru thanked the governor and his entourage for coming to celebrate with him, noting that the governor has been sincere with his intentions.

ObAsEki brEAks rAmADAN FAst with OtAru OF Auchi....

Economic Hardship: Tinubu Places Temporary Ban on Foreign Trips for FG Officials

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed a temporary ban on foreign travels by public officials under the employment of the federal government, starting from April 1, this year.

In an official communication with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, sighted by THISDAY last night, the president noted that the decision was as a result of the current economic realities in the country.

Besides, the president stated that there was the need to ensure that all public officials in leadership positions focus on their core mandates for effective service delivery instead of getting distracted by such movements.

Tagged: “Presidential Directive to Suspend Public Funded Foreign Trips By Government Officials,“ the memo noted that henceforth , any such publicly funded trips are put on hold for three months, in the first instance.

“The above subject matter refers: Mr. President has concerns about the rising cost of travel expenses borne by Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government as well as the growing need for cabinet

members and heads of MDAs to focus on their respective mandates for effective service delivery.

“Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr. President's directive to place a temporary ban on all public funded international trips for all federal government officials at all levels, for an initial period of three months from April 1, 2024,” part of the letter stated.

The official communication is coming days after there was public outrage over the execution of a plan by the Accountant General of the Federation, commissioners of finance of the 36 states of the federation and other government officials, to jet out of the country to hold a workshop in the United Kingdom.

The Office held the workshop on Public Financial Management and International Public Sector Accounting Standards in London, UK at Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, from March 4 to March 9, 2024.

Nigeria is currently grappling with economic challenges occasioned by persistent rise in prices as well as foreign exchange shortages, which are worsening the constraints faced by businesses, especially manufacturers.

This crisis has been further made worse by the government’s decisions

to remove petrol subsidies and allow the naira to float, which have formed part of a larger reform agenda by the Tinubu-led administration.

But as part of the new cost-cutting measures, the president had also recently reduced the size of his entourage and encouraged his team to do the same.

However, in the latest instance, the president explained that the government intends to save money by the new strategy, maintaining that any government official who must embark on any overseas travel must first seek presidential nod.

“This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in gover-

nance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions.

“All government officials who intend to go on any public funded international trip, must seek and obtain presidential approval at least two weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed

absolutely necessary.

“Considering the above, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is kindly requested to circulate this directive to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government. Please accept the assurances of my highest regards,” part of the memo read.

Access Bank Seals Deal with KCB Group for Acquisition of National Bank of Kenya

Nume Ekeghe and Dike Onwuamaeze

Access Bank Plc has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100 per cent shareholding in National Bank of Kenya Limited (NBK) from KCB Group Plc.

The agreement was signed yesterday, between the Access Bank Plc and the KCB Group Plc. However, “the successful completion of the transaction would be subject to conditions that are customary for transactions of this nature, including regulatory approvals from, amongst others, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the COMESA

Competition Commission (CCC) and notifications to other relevant regulators,” a statement added.

Access Bank explained that the move underscored its commitment to bolster its presence in Kenya and the broader East African region.

Commenting on the transaction, Managing Director/Chief Executive of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, was quoted to have said: “The transaction represents an important milestone for the bank as it moves us closer to the achievement of our five-year strategic plan through increased scale in the Kenyan market.

“We are building a strong and sustainable franchise to support

LCCI Expresses Concern over Rising Inflationary Pressures, Lauds CBN’s Fertilizer Access to Farmers

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed grave concern about the persistent rise in inflationary pressures in the Nigerian economy, which it described as, “disturbing to the business community.”

The LCCI also stated that the inflationary surge, particularly in food prices, posed a significant challenge to the economic well-being of Nigerians and exacerbate the already precarious living conditions for millions of Nigerians.

A statement issued yesterday by the Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, stated that the recent data released by NBS indicated a worrying trend as the headline inflation rate reached 31.70 per cent in February 2024, which was a significant increase from the previous month's rate of

29.90 per cent.

Almona, also stated that, “the seemingly ineffective interventions by the government in curbing the rising trend of headline inflation are disturbing to the business community.

“The unabated inflationary pressures have continued to distort the workings of the economy and making business and investment planning a huge challenge.

“The inflationary surge, particularly in food prices, poses a significant challenge to the economic well-being of Nigerians. In February 2024, food inflation soared to 37.92 per cent year-on-year, driven notably by increases in prices of essential commodities such as bread, cereals, potatoes, yam, fish, oil, meat, fruits, coffee, tea, and cocoa.

“Such inflationary pressures exacerbate the already precarious living conditions for millions of

Nigerians, amplifying social and economic vulnerabilities.”

The LCCI, however, lauded the step taken by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regarding fertilizer access to farmers across the country through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to reduce the burden of high cost of fertilizers on farmers.

It also suggested that, “more direct and targeted interventions should be focused on agricultural mechanisation, the adoption of lower import duty exchange rates used for the import of agricultural input, and the establishment of more agro-industrial hubs across the country.”

The LCCI also recommended strategies that could address the rising inflationary trend and foster economic stability, which included the prioritisation of “smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups,

including women and youth, for targeted assistance.”

It stated: “There should be strong collaboration between the CBN, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, State Ministries of Agriculture, agricultural extension services, research institutions, and farmer cooperatives.”

The chamber also urged government to, “allocate resources for agricultural extension services to provide technical assistance and training to farmers through their cooperatives on optimal fertilizer application techniques and to promote the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance resilience to environmental challenges.

“Promote the integration of fertilizer distribution with other agricultural value chain interventions, such as improved seeds, irrigation, and post-harvest management.

economic prosperity, encourage Africa trade, and advance financial inclusion thereby empowering many to achieve their financial dreams.”

Ogbonna said, “trade flows in East Africa revolve around key trade corridors, with Kenya being a key player in the region.

“With the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, these corridors will continue to expand and by deploying our best-in-class financial solutions, we are strategically positioned to deliver sustainable value for our stakeholders.

“The consolidation in Kenya will support the realisation of our aspiration to be Africa’s payment gateway to the world.”

He added that, “subsequent to the completion of the transaction, NBK would be combined with Access Bank Kenya Plc to create an enlarged franchise in the pursuit of our strategic objective for the Kenyan and East African markets.”

Speaking in the same vein, KCB Group CEO, Mr. Paul Russo, said, “this transaction represents what we believe is a great opportunity to maximise value for our shareholders while strengthening the competitive position for the Group.

“The past four years have been defining for NBK as a KCB Group subsidiary and this step marks the opening of new opportunities.

“During the period, we have made progressive investments in the Bank, and we believe that this is in the best interest of the Group and its sustainability.

“Our growth strategy is premised on both organic and inorganic plans, and we shall continue to seek opportunities that increase our shareholder’s value.”

The parties involved in the transaction would be working together in the coming months to fulfill the conditions precedent relating to the

proposed acquisition, which included the regulatory approvals of the CBN and CBK while Access Bank would continue to provide a full range of banking services and continuity for its stakeholders, including employees and customers in Kenya.

“In the meantime, NBK customers would continue to access seamless services across various touch points, including through the branch network and mobile banking platforms.

“Upon conclusion, stakeholders would benefit from an enlarged franchise, with best-in-class customer service and governance structures committed to empowering the communities wherein the bank operates.

“Moreover, the combined entity would leverage Access Bank's dedication to economic development by extending financial services to the unbanked, thereby deepening financial inclusion across the region,” it added.

Furthermore, Access Bank stated that the acquisition would build on its growing operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, as well as its impending acquisitions of a majority stake in Uganda’s Finance Trust Bank Limited, the acquisition of majority equity stake in African Banking Corporation (Tanzania) Limited (BancABC Tanzania) and Standard Chartered Bank’s Consumer, Private & Business Banking business in Tanzania.

In recent months, Access Bank has embarked on a strategic expansion drive, marked by significant acquisitions.

In January, the Access Bank completed its acquisition of Atlas Mara Zambia, thereby becoming one of Zambia’s top five banks by revenue with prospects to be in the top three by 2027.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), with the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, during the breaking of Ramadan fast with the Otaru and some other traditional leaders from Edo North Senatorial District of the State, at the Palace of the Otaru, in Auchi, on Tuesday

Verheijen: FG Will Close Metering Gap, Address Illiquidity in Power Sector

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government yesterday pledged to close Nigeria’s power sector metering gap as well as address the financial liquidity challenges besetting it.

The Special Adviser on Energy to President Bola Tinubu, Olu Verheijen, gave the assurance during a session at the 2024 edition of CERAWeek by S&P Global holding in Houston, the United States.

The session with themed: “Energising Tomorrow: Charting a Successful Path for Africa’s Energy Transition,”

and was moderated by the Research and Analysis Executive Director, S&P Global, Paul McConnell.

Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people has for decades been unable to significantly ramp up power supply, only depending on about 4,000mw daily for the numerous homes and businesses in the country.

But speaking at the session, Verheijen said the federal government was working on a number of initiatives to decentralise transmission and make sure that it is closer to the markets in which there's demand for electricity.

Besides, on the distribution side, she explained that there were different technologies that the government was using to make sure there is more supply of electricity, especially to high consuming customers.

The Presidential Adviser explained that a lot of creative initiatives were being implemented to de-risk the power sector in Nigeria, given the fact that the government is currently faced with fiscal constraints.

She said that while the International Energy Agency (IEA) had estimated an investment gap of $190 billion, the government may not be able to

cbn : w e H Ave Se TT le D All vA l ID fO rex bA cklOGS

James Emejo and Nume Ekeghe in Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday, announced that all valid Foreign Exchange (FX) backlogs owed various sectors of the economy had been settled.

The FX settlement fulfilled a key pledge of the CBN governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, to process an inherited backlog of $7 billion in outstanding liabilities.

That was as the naira, yesterday, continued to appreciate both at the official and parallel markets, posting significant one-day gains.

The local currency gained N1, 490/$1 at the parallel market, compared to N1, 590 recorded on Tuesday, indicating a N100- gain in one day.

Similarly, at the official Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) the naira closed yesterday at N1, 492.61 to the dollar, representing a N67.96 gain compared to N1, 560.57 on Tuesday.

CBN acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama

Sidi Ali, disclosed that the bank had defrayed all FX indebtedness, in a statement made available to THISDAY.

Ali said the apex bank recently concluded the payment of $1.5 billion to settle obligations to bank customers, effectively offsetting the residual balance of the FX backlog. She disclosed that independent auditors from Deloitte Consulting meticulously assessed these transactions to ensure that only legitimate claims were honoured.

Ali added that any invalid transactions were promptly referred to the relevant authorities for further scrutiny.

Cardoso had recently reassured investors, “We made clearing the FX backlog a priority to restore credibility and confidence in the Nigerian economy.

“It was important that we go through an independent and credible process that would determine the authenticity of those obligations, and, at this point, I can tell you that we have now cleared all genuine, verifiable transactions.

"This encumbrance to market confidence in the country’s ability to meet its obligations is now totally behind us."

The central bank also reinforced its determination to push through ongoing plans to recapitalise Nigerian banks, and said the last exercise was conducted in 2005.

In a presentation yesterday at the CITI- CEEMA Macro Conference in London, CBN Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, explained that the move was part of measures to ensure banking system stability.

Abdullahi said the planned consolidation sought to support the proposed targeted $I trillioneconomy to align with current dynamics, support monetary policy transmission, enforce riskbased supervision to ensure that Nigerian banks remained safe and sound, as well as ensure dynamic macroeconomic and banking industry stress testing to assess system vulnerabilities and risk in the banking system.

raise such funding considering the tight fiscal environment currently.

However, she explains that despite the constraints, a lot of initiatives were being implemented to unlock the potential in the sector.

“So, if you look at this scale of investments that are required, you know, some entities like IEA have estimated about $190bn a year, but we don't have the fiscal space for that.

“So, what are we trying to do is to make sure we are able to scale faster? We are making sure that we actually creatively target certain aspects that we think are catalytic to the rest of

Abdullahi also said exchange rate volatility had moderated, and the spread narrowed to N222.24/$, from N662.59/$ post interventions. He added that FX rates depreciated by 10.32 per cent on March 8, 2024, where it closed at N/$1,625.23 compared with N/$1,473.26 on February 13, 2024.

FX rates appreciated marginally by 0.33 per cent on March 8, 2024 where it closed at N1, 625.23/$, compared to N1, 630.66/$ on Feb 27, 2024.

Clearance of FX transactions backlog remained part of the overall strategy detailed in February's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting to stabilise the exchange rate and curb imported inflation, as well as spur confidence in the banking system and the economy.

Cardoso used the meeting and a subsequent conference call with foreign portfolio investors to set expectations for sustained increases in Nigeria’s foreign currency reserves and improved liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

The CBN followed, this month,

TInubu: SlAIn ArmY OffIcerS, SOlDIerS wIll be GIven befITTInG burIAl, nATIOnAl HOnOurS

The president also used the forum to appeal to members of the National Assembly to exercise restraint in summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) before legislative committees.

The president’s comments came as Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, yesterday, said the killers of the military men must be smoked out and treated as criminals.

Diri called for concerted effort and support for the military and other security agencies to enable them bring the killers to justice.

The governor condemned the killings and expressed his deep condolences and that of the Bayelsa State government to the families of the slain military personnel, the armed forces, and the army, in particular. He stressed that no effort should be spared to bring the perpetrators to book.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed that the army was yet to grant the police access to Okuama. Abaniwonda said the area was still volatile and deserted.

Relatedly, the Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force told the military authorities not to harass or punish innocent citizens as they went after murderers of the officers.

In a similar vein, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) said Tinubu should investigate and ascertain the veracity of the allegations of military reprisal attacks on communities by Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).

IYC had alleged ongoing military operations in Igbomo¬toru 2 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, saying no fewer than 40 people have been killed since the early hours of Sunday.

However, commenting on the death of the military men on national duty, Tinubu said, "In responding to distress calls, they met the end of their lives in a savage manner. Let us work to sympathise and symbolise the fact that they are worth the sacrifices they have made for Nigeria.

“We salute all our men and women in uniform, and we sympathise with them. I will soon make further pronouncements, but they must

have a befitting burial and national honours."

Advising members of the National Assembly on the rate of invitations to heads of MDAs, Tinubu said while oversight was essential to ensure transparency and accountability in governance, excessive summoning of officials could disrupt operations and hinder service delivery to citizens.

He urged lawmakers to show discretion in the exercise of their oversight functions.

The president stated, ''I have been watching various committees summoning ministers and heads of agencies. I have complained to the speaker to let the poor breathe. Let these people do the job. We are not saying that you are not influential. We are not saying you cannot do your oversight.

“But consider the primary duty of each agency, its personnel, or the responsibilities of the governor of the central bank or the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to you and the entire nation.

“If they are distracted or disturbed, maybe we will shift parliamentary sitting all through the night. We must find a way to accommodate one another. This is an appeal to you. See if you can accept representatives in some instances or even documentations."

The president, however, expressed confidence in the ability of the National Assembly to uphold good governance, and lauded the existing cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature. He said the harmonious working relationship had resulted in the expeditious passage of several bills to improve the welfare of Nigerians.

Tinubu urged the legislators not to forget their constituencies, saying they should take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to show compassion and support the less privileged in society.

He told the legislators, “We are making sacrifices for the country, and we are assuring citizens that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel. We must have faith and, please, do not forget your constituencies and remember what they are going through.

“I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing, but it is for our

country. There is nothing personal about this. It is for Nigeria, and we have no other country but Nigeria.”

Earlier, in his remarks, Abbas emphasised the importance of forgiveness, generosity, and prayers during Ramadan and called for unity in the country and support for Tinubu.

“I want to urge us to use this month to increase our good deeds and minimise our bad deeds,” he said.

Reflecting on the 10 months of the present administration, the speaker noted that the executive and legislature had continued to work in synergy for the progress of the country.

He said, “So far, so good, the

PIA, adding that at maturity, some of the national oil company's shares would be divested.

Fielding questions bordering on the changes in NNPC and the company's strategic position in Nigeria, during a fireside chat at the event, Kyari said NNPC had experienced transformation owing to the reform process triggered by the PIA.

He said NNPC has moved away from a government-owned corporation to a limited liability company that is now commercial and profit-making company

He explained that in the past, the company was a corporation clearly owned by government but wasn't a commercial company and that the organisation needed to move away from that situation to a reform process that converted it to a full limited liability company.

Kyari explained: "Today, the shareholders are largely the overall population of the country, very understandable, but it's transiting to a situation where you can have other people owning interest in the company. What we did was to create a company that must pay taxes, pay royalties and also at the end, is able to provide dividends to its shareholders.

"This is clearly not a money-losing business, and the oil and gas industry in Nigeria has matured to the extent that any company operating, not just us, can actually break even and

the entire value chain.

“So, we launched a presidential initiative recently. What are we using that to do? We say we need about $10 billion to double our transmission capacity, we don't have that, but maybe we have a fraction of that.

“We can actually then make sure we procure meters, convert all of the 6 million customers that we currently have into paying customers with digital technology and smart meters and make sure we grow revenue that way.

“If we grow that revenue, then we're able to make sure that we

by reporting a significant increase in external reserves, rising by $993 million to $34.11 billion as of March 7, 2024, the highest level in eight months.

The month-on-month increase was driven by a marked advance in remittance payments by Nigerians overseas, as well as higher purchases of local assets, including government debt securities, by foreign investors.

Speaking in a recent exclusive interview with Arise Television, the broadcast arm of THISDAY, Cardoso revealed that about $2.4 billion out of the claimed $7 billion outstanding foreign exchange liabilities of the federal government were not valid for settlement.

He said the bank had settled verified FX requests, which amounted to $2.3 billion at the time, and added that current total outstanding FX obligations remained $2.2 billion.

Cardoso indicated that part of the headline $7 billion outstanding FX claims were not valid, citing the outcome of a forensic audit by Deloitte Management Consultant, which was commissioned by the apex bank.

House has been very supportive of the president and his policies, and we shall continue to ensure that we work together.”

Diri: Killers of Military Personnel Must Be Seen, Treated as Criminals

Bayelsa State Governor Duoye

Diri, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, stated that Bayelsa State, being a proud host to the headquarters of the joint services, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS),

Continued on page 36

make benefits.

"Therefore, what really happened today is that you have a national oil company that is commercial, which has progressed from a loss-making company to now a profit-making company that is not just providing dividends to its shareholders.

“It is creating value to its stakeholders and its partners, including some international oil companies and some local oil companies in a manner that is beneficial.“

He insisted that the law had made NNPC to become a "fully commercial company that can migrate to a quoted company because it is clearly in the law establishing this company."

The GCEO further explained that the reform process backed by law, which is the PIA, provided a pathway to getting NNPC quoted so that others can buy shares.

"So, it does create that opportunity. It never existed in the past, and therefore, ultimately, at maturity, this company's shares will be owned by others," he said.

On the exact date to get NNPC quoted, Kyari said: "The law anticipates three years of incorporation of the company. You can start the process and therefore, it is within sight".

He said NNPC, which is the largest oil and gas company in Africa as well as the largest corporate entity in the continent is very critical to Nigeria's resource management and

Verheijen

improve the financial viability of this public utilities and attract capital. So, that's an example of how we're being extremely strategic about the level of interventions that we have within our limited fiscal space.

investor community to achieve its monetary policy objectives. He said Nigeria remained an attractive destination for emerging market investors, adding that current reforms are targeted at fostering an enabling business environment. The CBN deputy governor told investors that the central bank was confident that the new CBN monetary policy initiatives would positively impact the Nigerian economy. He said going forward, the central bank would be committed to addressing existing monetary policy trade-offs, price stability versus output growth, and balancing monetary policy credibility with flexibility.

Abdullahi also reiterated the apex bank’s determination to deepen financial markets and improve liquidity in the FX market. He said the bank would also commit to fostering more visibility in the remittance environment and monitoring transactions in digital assets.

The central bank governor further expressed confidence that the outstanding FX liabilities would shortly be addressed. He maintained that CBN would not pay for FX requests that were not validly constituted. He said the bank had written to authorised dealers to explain the disparities identified.

Meanwhile, daily turnover recorded yesterday stood at $268.29 million, indicating a 37.52 per cent increase from $195.13 million, quoted on Tuesday.

Likewise, the highest spot rate was pegged at N1620, while the lowest spot rate recorded was N1, 350.

Abdullahi said the apex bank would continue to build confidence and strategic partnership with the

resource funding.

Kyari said because of NNPC's strategic importance in the country, everything done in Nigeria has a lot of connection with what happens in the company.

Meanwhile, the NNPC yesterday reiterated its commitment towards utilising Nigeria’s abundant gas resources to trigger Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic development.

NNPC Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed this during a panel session at the ongoing 2024 CERAWeek Conference in Houston, the United States.

The NNPC in a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, quoted Eyesan as saying that the company is vigorously opening avenues for infrastructural gas development through various gas projects spread across the country.

Eyesan, whose session addressed the theme: “What are the Choices for Upstream Strategies?” said Nigeria is a predominantly gas-rich country which boasts of over 200TCF of gas that can be leveraged for the country’s industrialisation and economic development.

She noted that NNPC plans to deepen gas utilisation domestically for industrialisation and ensuring that the entire country feels and optimises the use of the resource.

“Our focus is how do we move

Abdullahi restated the apex bank’s commitment to ensuring price stability conducive for output growth. He promised continuous refinement of instruments of monetary policy to ensure that the bank met its objectives, adding, “We are committed to improving our communication channels in order to effectively anchor the expectation of economic agents.”

Ultimately, the CBN deputy governor said the current leadership of the central bank would ensure that the financial system remained safe, sound and resilient, adding that its efforts would be complemented with continuous engagement with relevant stakeholders.

He said the bank was working towards achieving and maintaining positive real interest rate as well as sequencing the transition to IT framework.

from predominantly oil player to gas player and not just for gas for the sake of it, but gas for power generation and for industrialisation, "she stated.

Eyesan observed that the NNPC is also focused on emission reduction and gas flare-out.

“We want to capture all gas flared, utilise it and for domestic use and ultimately, increase our energy transition footprints.

“NNPC is keying into the government agenda of using gas as a transition fuel and for us, we want to ensure not only the domestic gas market, but we also expand that to the region and internationally,” she said.

While calling on African countries to collaborate with one another in order to ensure even distribution of energy resources, Eyesan said collaboration was key as not all countries within the sub-region are endowed with equal proportion of energy resources.

“For us to ensure that we continue to subsist within the sub-region, we must be willing to work collaboratively and ensure that there is even distribution of energy resources we have across the sub-region,” she added.

On energy transition, Eyesan stated that the subject had evolved over the years, adding that for Sub-Saharan Africa, the narrative has been on how to address the energy poverty issue while for Nigeria.

NEPC: STREAMLINING TRADE FACILITATION...

Senate Passes Students Loan Act Amendment Bill

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate yesterday passed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and ReEnactment) Bill, 2024.

The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND that considered the Bill.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Muntari Dandutse (APCKatsina South) presented the report during plenary.

President Bola Tinubu had last week transmitted the Bill to the National Assembly for its consideration and passage.

The Senate had given the bill accelerated hearing by suspending relevant sections of its standing rules and referred the Bill to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

After debate on the bill, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the proposed legislation to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND for further legislative work and to report back in one week.

The bill seeks to provide easy access to higher education for indigent Nigerians through interest free loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund established in the Act with a view to providing education for

all Nigerians.

Some amendments sought to the Act by President Bola Tinubu, according to an explanatory memorandum made available to reporters include, “the establishment of the the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a body corporate that that can sue and be sued in its name and has the power to acquire, hold, and dispose of movable and immovable property for the purpose of its functions.

“This ensures that the Fund can legally enter contracts, including loan agreements and may also initiate action to ensure repayment by beneficiaries.

“It also empowers the Fund to

provide loans to qualified Nigerians for tuition, fees, charges, and upkeep during their studies in approved tertiary education institutions and vocational and skills acquisition institutions in Nigeria. “It empowers the Fund to build, operate, and maintain a diversified pool of funds to provide loans to qualified applicants and ensure access to higher education, vocational training, and skills acquisition.”

These changes, it indicated, would “ensure that students can apply for and receive loans to cover tuition, institutional charges and some upkeep costs.

“It also separates the Governance functions from the management

Nurses Sue Health Minister, AGF, Others Over New Compulsory Verification Rule

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Some aggrieved nurses have dragged the Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate; the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi; the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to court over the implementation of a new certificate verification guidelines.

The Nurses and Midwifery Council had published a circular on February 7, 2024, updating the procedures for obtaining certification verification for midwives and nurses.

Under the new regulation, candidates who want their certifications from international nursing boards and councils verified must have two years post-qualification experience from the day the permanent practice licence was issued.

The revised regulations came into effect on March 1, 2024. However, in the suit marked NICN/ABJ/ 76/2024 before the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja, the plaintiffs, Kelvin Ossai; Catherine Olatunji-Kuyoro; Desmond Aigbe; Tamunoibi Berry; Olumide Olurankinse, Osemwengie Osagie; Idowu Olabode and Abiola Olaniyan, urged the court to prevent the defendants or their representatives from enforcing the NMCN circular.

In addition, the nurses sought for an injunction to stop the implementation of the new standards pending the adjudication of the suit.

Among the reliefs sought by

the nurses was for the Court to grant, "An interlocutory order restraining the Council from the implementation of the "Revised Guidelines for Verification of Certificate(s) as planned on March 7, 2024, and as indicated on the 2nd Defendant's circular dated February 7, 2024 pending the hearing and determination of the Claimants/ Applicants Originating Summons in this suit.”

When the suit came up for hearing yesterday, the plaintiffs' lawyer, Ode Evans, informed the court that he had only received the first and second defendants' preliminary objections.

He, therefore, pleaded with the judge to adjourn the case so he could respond to their requests.

The Judge, Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, granted the plea and adjourned the case till May 20 for a hearing.

Obaseki-Osaghae ordered that the AGF and the Federal Ministry of Health, not represented by counsel in Court, be notified of the hearing.

Speaking to reporters shortly after the adjournment of the case, the Plaintiff's lawyer, Ode, said the nurses were in court because they were uncomfortable with the new verification guidelines.

"We told the court that we wanted to look at those applications because we had been served in court, so the court adjourned this matter to May 20 to enable us to react to those issues raised," he stated.

According to Ode, the nurses are

seeking the complete withdrawal of the guidelines because they considered it a violation of their rights.

Also speaking at the court premises, a representative of the nurses, Fawole Isreal, described the policy as flawed and an infringement of the fundamental human rights of professional nurses.

"We are asking the court to, by default, return the verification process to the status code so that nurses

in Nigeria can seek opportunities, especially to expand the scope of practice," Israel stated.

The nurses had earlier protested in Abuja and Lagos against the Midwifery Council's new verification certification guidelines.

The Abuja protest, which took place at the headquarters of NMCN's office, was against the new verification guidelines released by the Council.

operations of the NELFUND by establishing a Board of Directors with a Chairman and Secretary. “The board's members are drawn from the relevant ministries, regulatory bodies, and participating agencies, including the Federal Ministries of Finance and Education, the FIRS, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, and NCCE, as well as representatives of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, students of tertiary institutions, and the organised private sector.

“It also properly defines the resource structure of the Fund by, amongst other things, establishing the General Reserve Fund into which shall be paid one per cent of all taxes, levies and duties collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service and accruing to the benefit of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“It indicated that this is from which the Fund shall pay amounts payable as loans to qualified applicants for tuition, fees, charges, and upkeep, as well as the Fund's operational expenses and such expenditures necessary to attaining the Fund's objectives and functions.”

On changes to Eligibility Criteria for Applicants, the new bill removed the family income threshold to enable Nigerian students to apply for loans and accept responsibility for repayment according to the Fund's guidelines.

It also removed the guarantor requirement so that students can

apply for and receive loans subject to application and identity verification guidelines as provided by the Fund.

Besides, Student applicants can no longer be disqualified based on their parent's loan history. It established a justice and fairness provision mandating the Board to ensure a minimum national spread of loans approved and disbursed in each financial year. Applicants to the Fund may apply for loans to cover tuition and other fees payable to the school and maintenance allowance payable to the student.

On repayment of loans, the bill indicated that beneficiaries of the Fund shall begin as soon as the beneficiary becomes employed in any capacity.

According to the brief, the Fund shall not initiate loan recovery efforts until two years after the completion of the National Youth Service Corps programme.

It stated that a beneficiary may request an extension of enforcement action by the Fund by providing a sworn affidavit indicating that he is not employed in any capacity and is not receiving any income.

It pointed out that any person who provides a false statement to the Fund under this section would be guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years.

It also makes provision for loan forgiveness in the event of death or acts of God causing inability to repay.

Otti Pushes for Completion of 1,074MW Alaoji IPP to Facilitate Stable Power Supply in Abia

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has taken steps to ensure that Umuahia, the capital city and every part of the state attained stable power supply in no distant time.

He believes this goal could be achieved through the completion of the Alaoji Power Plant, a 1,074MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT), which was initiated during the administration of Goodluck Jonathan under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP).

Otti's optimism of stable power supply for the entire Abia was fired up yesterday, when he visited the Alaoji Power Station with the Chair-

man of Crome Group, Chief Emeka Offor, whose firm was handling the project.

Recently the Geometric Power Group's integrated power project was inaugurated to provide electricity exclusively for the Aba Ring-fenced area comprising nine out of Abia's 17 local governments.

Otti said he was encouraged by the development to seek for stable power supply for Umuahia and the remaining local governments not covered by Geometric hence his visit to Alaoji IPP. The Alaoji Power plant located in Ugwunagbo Local Government, close to Aba was being developed in multiple phases is fitted with four GE Frame 9E Gas Turbines of 126MW,

each, and two GE Steam Turbines of 286MW, each.

In the first phase of the power plant, four gas-powered Turbines, were completed and inaugurated in 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The rest of the project is now being developed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), owned by the Chrome Group. Work is ongoing on the additional two Steam Turbines, which will bring the plant's total capacity to 1,074MW.

Otti, who was impressed with the prospect of uninterrupted power supply for Abia with the generating capacity of the Alaoji IPP, promised that his administration was committed to facilitating the completion of

the project. "At the moment, my understanding is that the plant is not generating any power because of gas issues, which I believe would be solved shortly, but I think the more fundamental issue is that the capacity is very low.

"From what I gathered from the consortium clearly, the capacity could be expanded from anywhere between 45 megawatts to 1,072 megawatts," he said. "We will do everything possible to ensure that this happens," Otti vowed.

The Abia governor said he had been assured that within a timeline of between 18 and 24 months that maximum capacity would be achieved.

L-R: The Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, receiving a souvenir from the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi shortly after a meeting with the Nigerian Customs Service (NSC) on streamlining trade facilitation in Abuja ... yesterday.

PHOTO: AYO AJAYI.

INAUGURATION OF NAT. COUNCIL ON SKILLS...

Shettima Urges NCS to Build Skilled National Workforce for Nigeria

Inaugurates reconstituted Council Senate passes NYSC trust fund bill to empower corps members

Deji Elumoye and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged members of the reconstituted National Council on Skills (NCS) to focus more on building a skilled workforce in Nigeria.

The charge by the Vice President came just as a bill which seeks to establish the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund was passed on the floor of the Senate yesterday.

Speaking yesterday, when he inaugurated the Council at the State House, Abuja, Shettima urged the council members to actively engage in discussions and collaborate to develop a comprehensive action plan.

According to him: "We must establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track our progress. May our deliberations be fruitful, and may we emerge stronger and more united in our resolve to uplift the skills landscape of our beloved nation".

The Vice President outlined the administration’s key strategies for a skilled workforce, including harmonising skills development policies, fast-tracking the National Skills Qualification Framework, establishing funding mechanisms and advocating for professional certification.

“A skilled nation is one that has paved its road to the future,” he stated, adding that the administration was aware of the realities the nation faces and recognises the monumental tasks that lied ahead for the NCS.

Shettima, also highlighted the

NCS's role as a driving force for skills development in Nigeria, saying, "since its inception in 2019, the National Council on Skills has emerged as a pivotal force in providing policy direction for our skills ecosystem."

He further announced the addition of two new members to the council – the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education and the Chairman of the Committee of Sector Skill Councils in Nigeria.

"This underscores our commitment to addressing challenges head-on," Shettima explained, noting that the Tinubu administration was dedicated to supporting all stakeholders in the skills ecosystem.

Pledging to address the lack of standardisation and regulation currently hindering the sector's full potential, the Vice President said, "Central to this commitment is the recognition of the informal sector's substantial contribution to our nation's GDP. Our aim is to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of contributing to both national and international endeavors."

Shettima also emphasised the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as the fourth pillar in the administration's action plan.

Earlier in his presentation at the third meeting of the Council, the Minister of Education and first Vice Chairman of the body, Prof. Tahir Mamman, briefed the meeting on the activities of the Council and important issues of note, especially the proposed establishment of Skills

Centres across the country and the planned National Policy on Vocational Skills Development, among others.

Also speaking, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, stressed the need for synergising efforts, ideas and resources in fast tracking skills training for artisans in the construction and related industry.

In his presentation to Council, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, highlighted the significance of the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) Bill and noted other salient issues

such as the harmonisation of skills development efforts in the country and exploring partnership arrangements to fund skills development in Nigeria. He noted that stakeholders in the sector must begin to see skills development as low-hanging fruits for the government to attain its objectives of creating opportunities for many youths and diversifying the economy through industrialisation.

Also present at the meeting were the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju KennedyOhanenye; representative of Alhaji Aliko Dangote who is the second Vice Chairman of the Council; the Director

General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Abdullahi Mustapha; Chairman of the Committee of Sector Skills Council, and representatives of the British Council and Embassy of Morocco.

Skills Acquisition: Senate Passes NYSC Trust Fund

Bill to Empower Corps Members

Meanwhile, a bill which seeks to establish the NYSC Trust Fund was passed on the floor of the Senate yesterday.

It was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and

Public Affairs, who is representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Yemi Adaramodu.

The bill, among others, seeks to provide a sustainable source of funds for the NYSC, skill acquisition, training and empowerment of Corps members, training and retraining of the personnel of the scheme, development of camps and NYSC formations and facilities.

Adaramodu, while presenting lead debate on the proposed legislation, declared that it would help make graduates acquire skills under the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programmes.

Continues online

IG Asks Court to Transfer Alleged $5.6m Fraud Case against Akintoye Akindele to Lagos

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Inspector General (IG) of Police has asked Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja, to order the transfer of the trial of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Duport Midstream Company Limited, Mr. Akintoye Akindele, to the Lagos division of the Federal High Court.

Akindele, and his company are standing trial on a four-count criminal charge bordering on alleged diversion of the sum of $5,636,397.01,

and N73,543,763.25, belonging to Summit Oil International Ltd.

The two defendants, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/570/2023, were said to have committed the act between 2017 and 2021, when they allegedly converted the said sum received from Shell into personal use.

While the defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges, Akindele was granted bail in the sum of N750 million.

At the last sitting, trial judge, Justice Omotosho had ordered Akindele's remand at the Kuje Correctional Center, Abuja, pending

TETFund to Construct Hostels in 36 Campuses

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) yesterday announced that it had concluded plans to initiate hostel construction projects on 36 campuses across the country this year. Executive secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, who disclosed this when the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja o, said the initiative is aimed at addressing the pressing issue of student accommodation in the country.

Echono also noted that the Fund is working on providing free internet for students in both public and private tertiary institutions across

the country. He appreciated NANS for the level of support and maturity they have shown in advancing the interest of Nigerian students through constructive engagements. He added that while there are misconceptions that the focus of TETfund is on schools, infrastructure and lecturers, the students are the real focus.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to support NANS, we will partner with NANS because there is no doubt that any policy or project that you want to do in the education sector, students must be at the centre of it.

“I can tell you that Mr. President, immediately I assumed office last year, also gave us a charge that we

should begin to focus also on the students in not just words but in deed and I’m going to speak on only two specific programmes that we are starting this year to demonstrate that.

“The first is the physical infrastructure side. As I speak, this year, we shall be providing hostels for students in 36 tertiary institutions across the country because we realise that part of the places where our students live are so deplorable and only about 15 percent of our students are staying on campus,” he said.

Echono who lamented that many of the students are outside the campus, stated that the Fund will work to ensure that 50 to 60 percent of the students are provided with well-built hostels to stay in.

“Many of them are living outside campus, climbing okada many times during the rain. Some of them can’t even come back for evening lectures because when you look at the cost and the trouble of walking all the way and coming back, then you don’t know about the security situation in the areas where they are forced to live.

“So, we have a programme and policy to ensure that as much as possible we will put a minimum of 50-60 per cent of our students to live on the campuses and provide those hostels and those hostels will not be all those matchboxes and shanties, they will be solid buildings that can even attract students of anywhere in the world,” he said.

the confirmation of the perfection of his bail. Besides, the court had also fixed March 20, for hearing in the application for transfer of the case to the Lagos division of the Federal High Court.

Justice Omotosho had declined an oral application by police counsel, Mr. Simon Lough, on the grounds that such applications must be through affidavit evidence and that the defendants be also served and respond accordingly.

When the matter came up yesterday, Lough informed the court that the application dated and filed March 18, was seeking an order directing transfer of the charge pending before the court to the Federal High Court in Lagos.

He said the request was predicated on the grounds that the evidence of the charge occurred in Lagos and that the witnesses are in Lagos.

The senior lawyer who stated that the motion was supported by a 10-paragraph affidavit said the plaintiff was relying on the case of Belgore versus the Federal Republic of Nigeria, wherein the apex court in its judgment set aside the conviction of the appellant on grounds of territorial jurisdiction.

He informed the judge that the judgment of the trial court which found the defendant guilty of money laundering was upheld by the Court of Appeal, but on getting to the apex court, the appellant raised the issue of jurisdiction, which was upheld and the apex court nullified his conviction.

He, therefore, urged the court

to grant the application and order the transfer of the case to Lagos because, "the prove of evidence, the six witnesses are in Lagos, all the companies and banks involved are in Lagos."

But, the defendants through their lead counsel, Chief James Onoja, disagreed, pointing out that the alleged offences in the charge occurred in Benin and not in Lagos.

Onoja, in urging the court to dismiss the application said the defendants were willing to waive their rights and have the matter tried in Abuja. He observed that the first defendant has already spent much money to secure his bail and transferring the case to Lagos would mean starting the case all over again, with the defendants' arraignment and application for bail amongst others.

While noting that the investiga- tion of the defendants was done in Abuja, with all the Investigation Police Officers (IPOs) residing in Abuja, the senior lawyer submitted that there was nothing stopping the court from entertaining the suit.

"We would have taken the matter at the last adjourned date, the witnesses were in court," he said.

After listening to all parties, Justice Omotosho subsequently fixed April 29, for ruling.

Meanwhile, the judge who promised to look into the file of the first defendant, held that Akindele would be released from custody if it was established that he has perfected the bail.

L-R: Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffery Nnaji; Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamma and Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the Inaugural meeting of the National Council on Skills held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja….yesterday

GODWIN OMOIGUI.

Macaulay: There’s Need to Decentralise Nation’s Security Architecture

Former Secretary to the delta state Government, Chief Ovuzuorie Macaulay

Segun James, speaks on salient national issues including the need to decentralise the security architecture of the country for better results.

You are a big player in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State but all of a sudden you left for the All Progressives Congress (APC), why this sudden move?

Ordinarily, I don’t like talking about that aspect of why I left PDP for APC because PDP was like a baby to me and you cannot write the history of PDP in Delta State without my name. I made significant contributions to the growth and development of PDP both at the party level and in government. But you see, life is first about yourself and if you cannot be who you are then you cannot help other persons.

And to be who you are you need your peace. It got to a level where what the PDP used to be and what it is supposed to be turned out to be the opposite in recent times and knowing my background as an activist and also as a journalist, there are certain things other people can tolerate but we can’t tolerate. I cannot see what is black and I will tell you it is white because I’m hungry.

I think people know me for that and I will tell you that is one of the reasons why I couldn’t continue as a member of PDP because the level at which PDP where beginning to come down, my person could no longer accommodate it and I needed my peace.

When rumour takes over the ground when leaders react based on rumour and when people are beginning to be intimidated or people you brought up and mentored are now beginning to be placed on top of you not because you lack what it takes to continue with your position but because somebody wants to bring you down.

Ordinarily, I would have said let me quit politics but then I still believe that my people still need leadership and guidance and some things still need to be done. So, just getting angry that I’m okay and satisfied, of course, today I can live my life but if I live my life will I live the life of my community, nationality and dependants across the state?

So that is why I found a peaceful ground in the APC and since I went there I have my peace. I can sleep with my two eyes closed.

Before the 2023 general election, many thought that as leader of the party you would contest for the senatorial position, why didn’t you contest?

As I said, it is not just about myself. I have told them even in APC that I’m not there to drag leadership but the good thing is that they accord me the respect that I’m entitled to and I’m satisfied with that. I didn’t go there to destabilise what was on the ground or to begin to drag positions.

Senate is not the only place where you can contribute to the development of your state or the nation. There are other grounds and even as I am today I can still contribute through consultation and selling ideas but the important thing is that you are recognised where you are. Being a Senator does not make you a leader in the first place because that is part of what is destroying Nigerian politics and indeed Delta State politics.

Once you pick somebody and make him a councillor, the next day he comes to you and says he is your leader. You pick somebody and sponsor him into the House of Assembly with your popularity and your means, the next day he says he is your leader.

So, being elected into office does not automatically make you a leader. Leadership is what you work for over the years and the people choose you to be their leader not elect you. People must recognise you as a leader; you don’t tell people I’m your leader.

After all, people brought you out to be elected and that doesn’t make you a leader.

With the outcome of the 2023 election in Delta State, do you see APC coming out stronger in the state in the 2027 poll?

Sure. The 2023 election was the first time they gave a very good fight and I don’t want

to go into the issues but even the PDP knew that there was a fight. They know they dealt with people who can fight and it was no longer the usual thing of just running them over. So, I believe that if the APC can come together more seriously than it is now, we need to be united and come closer to the people and with that PDP will see a good fight in 2027.

Warri has always been regarded as the economic heartland of Delta but right now there is no business going on in the area, especially the oil and gas business, what has been your effort in trying to bring back business in Warri?

I won’t blame you for asking this question but you remember that when I came into government in 2003, there

was almost no Warri. Warri was a shadow of itself because there was no life, not even business as a result of the fight between the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo, and Warri was grounded.

The curfew in Warri then was 5 pm to 6 am and nothing was working in Warri. All the ports were closed down. All the jetties were closed down. Of course, nightlife was completely out of it and that was why I think in his consideration, my former boss, James Ibori picked me to become the Commissioner for Inter Ethnic Relations and Conflict Resolution. The oil companies and the international oil companies (IOCs) were not operating in the Warri area and all the offshore were closed.

And by the grace of God and the cooperation of the man who appointed me, within a year, I got the conflict resolved and we signed a different Memorandum of Understanding.

For the first time, the IOCs went back to work and it was all through the subject of negotiation

I have always advocated state police. The centre is too far from the locals. In my community today, if we are serious as a community we should be able to know the families that have the thieves. That is the truth because it is in every community. We know the families where these bad boys come from. So, if you send me to Nasarawa State as a policeman where I know nothing, how am I going to police the place? But if you take me to my area or even Delta State today, I know one or two boys I can call and they know the bad boys. That is how to manage security. There is every reason to decentralise the security architecture of this country. Either you call it State Police or local government police, after all, they don’t have one centralised policing system overseas.

and I midwived that negotiation.

So if you say what am I doing if there is anybody who has put his life on the line to bring economic life back to Warri and the environment and indeed this country, is me because the records are there.

Seven years before I came in, the military and the civil government that came in tried everything in 1999 to see how they could resolve the crisis that lingered on for about eight years and they couldn’t resolve it.

Until James Ibori in his wisdom said come and help me manage the Warri crisis. I remembered that was the only brief I got, come and help me manage the Warri crisis.

It was one sentence, a short one for that matter and that was how I relocated to Warri. And in six months, we removed the curfew.

It was like an experiment because I remembered in the Security Council, apart from Dr Uduaghan every other person was against lifting curfew. We did mean to lift the curfew generally but because Christians were never having their crossover night. They do crossover night from 3 pm to 5 pm instead of 10 pm to 12 midnight that is what it was for years.

But that year, I proposed and I stood by that let the Christians observe their night and that nothing will happen. And it was like I had to write an undertaking that this is my decision or opinion and I remembered Dr Uduaghan saying let it be so. It was meant to be for just a few days and that is how we never returned to the curfew till today. That was how the curfew was lifted and the Christians for the first time in almost a decade had what is called the crossover night.

Before then, I remembered when we signed the first MoU between the Ijaw and Itsekiri because Ijaws never crossed into the Itsekiri side and Itsekiris never crossed into the Ijaw side and that day it was a free-for-all all because people who have not seen their loved ones for years, they came together. That is why I said I won’t blame you for asking this question because I know I have put my life on the line for this struggle and I have done everything expected of me.

If I came from some part of this country, I would not be where I am today because I have resolved a crisis which the Obasanjo administration and the military couldn’t resolve. And that is why I believe in the power of negotiation and mediation especially when people are carrying arms because you don’t use arms to fight arms.

You must go through mediation and that worked for us. I freed all the Itsekiri properties and paid compensation and relocated Ijaws who were occupying those properties and paid them. Then the oil companies also negotiated their way back to Warri. This Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) you are hearing today that is where it started and I was the first person to preside over it. The community sits down with the IOCs and the government mediating on what should go to the community and how the IOCs should operate. And that was how they had their peace and they went back to start production and the country’s economy started improving. So, if you say what have I done, I have done everything humanly possible.

Just that over the years most of these oil companies especially the service companies left the Warri area and now the oil companies themselves have left. With people like your area, why is the situation the way it is right now?

Again, government is like an elephant and the elephant has so many parts. You can only operate within the arm the owner allows you to operate. Like I’m here today, if I were from some part of the country, I would be a consultant on so many issues, especially community and conflict issues.

Macaulay

Access Bank’s Commitment to Bridging Sustainable SME Gaps

Despite the crucial and transformative role small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play as the lifeblood of economies, they are faced with the challenge of limited access to financing and resources. Recognising these significant gaps and challenges, Access Bank has been at the forefront of implementing strategic projects to empower and support these businesses, Precious Ugwuzor reports

In an era defined by unprecedented environmental challenges, sustainability has taken centrestage in global discourse. From the looming threat of climate change to the depletion of natural resources, it has become clear that businesses worldwide must prioritise sustainability as a core aspect of their operations.

While large corporations have made strides in this direction, it is the often-overlooked small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that hold the key to transformative change.

On a global scale, SMEs are the lifeblood of economies. They represent most businesses in both developed and developing nations, contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth. Particularly relevant is the fact that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) represent about 90 percent of businesses and more than 50 percent of employment worldwide.

In Nigeria, SMEs are responsible for creating approximately two-thirds of the net new jobs and generate about half of the non-oil private Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Their sheer number and adaptability provide a unique opportunity to drive sustainability action. Moreover, their operations are typically rooted in local communities, making them well-positioned to address specific environmental and social issues on the ground.

SMEs are more agile and could adapt to changing market dynamics faster than large corporations. This inherent flexibility enables them to swiftly embrace sustainable practices and develop innovative solutions that are relevant to their local contexts.

Whether it is implementing energyefficient processes, reducing waste, or adopting environmentally friendly sourcing, SMEs could lead the charge in the global sustainability movement.

Turning our attention to Africa, the significance of SMEs in the context of sustainability cannot be overemphasised.

Africa, with its rich natural resources and diverse ecosystems, faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to sustainability. While its rich biodiversity and fertile landscapes promise opportunities for responsible resource management and eco-friendly development, they also expose the continent to the ravages of habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change.

The challenge lies in conserving the unique flora and fauna that reside within these ecosystems while simultaneously addressing the profound needs of its burgeoning population. Africa's vulnerability to climate change and the resulting impact on agriculture, water resources, and food security necessitate robust adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Furthermore, harnessing its vast potential for renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and embracing green technologies can chart a path towards economic growth and environmental preservation.

This is why we must start to think about widescale behavioural change in our quest to implement lasting solutions to these issues, and in the process, pay closer attention to SMEs as an answer to grassroots penetration.

SMEs play a pivotal role in addressing Africa's unique sustainability challenges

by virtue of their local relevance, agility, resource efficiency, job creation, inclusivity, and innovative financing models. Their direct ties to communities and ecosystems enable tailored and contextually relevant sustainability initiatives, while their nimbleness makes them adept at adopting and promoting eco-friendly practices.

SMEs contribute not only to environmental preservation, but also to poverty alleviation, social equity, and the development of green jobs, making their impact more holistic and inclusive. Their active engagement in ecosystem stewardship and advocacy for sustainability further underscores their significance as key players in Africa's sustainability journey, often surpassing the contributions of large corporations.

Despite the potentially crucial contributions of these enterprises to

the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they also face a number of challenges that hinder their full potential. One primary challenge is limited access to financing and resources.

Many SMEs, particularly in developing regions, struggle to secure the necessary capital to invest in sustainable practices, research and development, or technology upgrades required to align with the SDGs.

Solutions to this challenge include enhancing access to microfinancing, fostering publicprivate partnerships, and creating incentives for banks and financial institutions to offer affordable loans to SMEs focusing on sustainable projects.

Another significant hurdle is the lack of awareness and capacity in

As stakeholders across the continent continue to work collaboratively towards achieving the SDGs, SMEs can be the agents of change. However, to unlock their potential, policymakers, investors, and international organisations must provide support and incentives.This includes access to funding, training, and technology, as well as the creation of an enabling regulatory environment

many SMEs regarding the SDGs and sustainable business practices. Education and awareness campaigns are needed to inform SMEs about the SDGs and equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to integrate sustainability into their operations.

This could involve government-led training programmes, collaboration with non-governmental organisations, and industry associations to build awareness and provide practical guidance on sustainable practices. Furthermore, regulatory and policy frameworks need to be streamlined and simplified to facilitate compliance with sustainability goals.

Governments can play a role in reducing bureaucratic red tape, offering tax incentives, and providing regulatory clarity to create a more conducive environment for SMEs to adopt sustainable practices. Overall, addressing these challenges through a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, businesses, civil society, and international organisations, is essential to unlock the full potential of SMEs in advancing the SDGs.

Access Bank, recognising the significant gaps and challenges facing SMEs, has been at the forefront of implementing strategic projects to empower and support these businesses. Among its recent initiatives, the Smallholder Farmer Project, executed in partnership with the ACT Foundation, stands out. This project has been instrumental in equipping smallholder farmers and rural households in North-east Nigeria with the tools and resources they need to enhance their livelihoods and build resilience in the face of multiple challenges, including conflict, environmental issues, economic shocks, and social stressors.

The remarkable results of this project include reaching 24,162 direct beneficiaries, with a strong focus on gender inclusivity, empowering 16,913 females and 7,249 males from vulnerable rural farming households. By providing the necessary support, Access Bank has made substantial strides in improving the economic and social well-being of these communities, fostering stability and prosperity.

Another notable project undertaken by Access Bank is Somo Kijani, which aims at empowering youth entrepreneurs in low-income urban communities in Kenya. This initiative focuses on imparting valuable skills, providing essential resources, and offering business support to these young entrepreneurs. The Bank’s objective is to address not only economic challenges, but also environmental and social issues within their communities, primarily by establishing green businesses related to food production, waste management, and environmental enhancement.

Through this project, Access Bank has empowered 162 young green entrepreneurs, offering training and mentorship in entrepreneurship and innovation. This support not only fosters entrepreneurship but also ensures these businesses are environmentally sustainable.

As stakeholders across the continent continue to work collaboratively towards achieving the SDGs, SMEs can be the agents of change. However, to unlock their potential, policymakers, investors, and international organisations must provide support and incentives. This includes access to funding, training, and technology, as well as the creation of an enabling regulatory environment.

Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan Head, Group Sustainability, Access Holdings PLC

www.thisdaylive.com

THAT SENATE PROBE OF THE N30TRN BUDGET

A comprehensive review will afford us the opportunity to learn from the past, correct the present and ensure that lapses do not recur, argues CHARLES IYORE

REMEMBERING HERBERT, CHIZOBA AND THEIR BELOVED CHIZI CHIDI ANYA pays tribute to Herbert Wigwe, former chief executive of Access Bank

EDITORIAL

THE DANGER OF RISING FOOD INFLATION

opinion@thisdaylive.com

MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE writes that the fugitive killer gang must be apprehended by all means

THE TROOPS TRAGEDY IN DELTA STATE

]One-minute silence for these worthy, exceptional human beings, Nigerians and soldiers: Lt Col AH Ali, Maj SD Shafa, Maj DE Obi, Capt U Zakari, SSgt Yahaya Saidu, Cpl Yahaya Danbaba, Cpl Kabiru Bashir, LCpl Bulus Haruna, LCpl Sole Opeyemi, LCpl Bello Anas, LCpl Hamman Peter, LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi, Pte Alhaji Isah, Pte Clement Francis, Pte Abubakar Ali, Pte Ibrahim Adamu, and Pte Adamu Ibrahim. All 17 gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army who were killed and dismembered last week in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State by yet to be identified youths under controversial circumstances. Anything short of focusing on humanity or the lack of it in that unfortunate incident would push the country further down the path of collapsed societal values and the diminution of our shared existence.

Let’s take off from the known. Those fallen members of the Nigerian Army were on a peace mission to Okuama to diffuse the tension created by a land tussle with Okoloba in Bomadi Local Government Area of the state. But in a twist the veracity of which can only be revealed through thorough investigations, the men were murdered and, by many accounts, their bodies mutilated and butchered for organ harvesting. Not to mention the deliberate recording and eventual uploading of the gory details on the social media by depraved individuals. Even condemned criminals don’t deserve the barbaric treatments and exposures. Such actions belonged to the era of brutes when animal instincts ran riot and people often failed to tame their predatory and carnivorous energies.

Since that tragic event, military authorities and some Nigerians have been appealing to the internet mob whose appetite for forwarding offensive and inappropriate materials has no boundaries. These unhinged agents of social disorder and peddlers of rumours and conspiracy theories can complicate the urgent assignments of fishing out and dealing with the real culprits, healing the broken-hearted, bringing some closure to this despicable experience, galvanising the process of instituting wholesale tranquillity in the affected areas, and, hopefully, injecting sanity into a traumatised national psyche.

President Bola Tinubu’s reaction to the bloodletting was prompt and truly presidential: “The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished. The incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in line of duty. I salute their heroism, courage and uncommon grit and passion… The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.” Can’t be better put, in my view, by someone whose office is required in these precarious times to retain the confidence of his troops while protecting innocent citizens who might get caught up in the crossfire. Anyone who doesn’t expect the generality of the military establishment to wish to take a pound of flesh on

behalf of their dead colleagues lives in the skies. That they haven’t reacted in proportion to the controlled rage and agony must be a function of professional fortitude.

Curiously, but not unexpectedly, less than 24 hours after those cannibalistic displays in Okuama, narratives that border on retaliation from locals who couldn’t take the “excesses” of the soldiers any more surfaced in both the conventional and social media. But how such allegations of brutality by the men in uniform managed to stay away from the public before the so-called reprisals by the unknown assailants should be interesting to the investigators. At any rate, efforts to “add salt to injury” by introducing obstructive elements to this most troubling disaster should be stopped in their tracks. Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, has already raised that alarm. According to him, “the community complicit in this dastardly act has resorted to media propaganda and shenanigans, rather than engage in a positive effort to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime….

“The falsehood being peddled by these criminals and their cohorts to whip up sentiments and sway the public to coverup, endorse or support the outrageous criminal acts of their armed youth gang should be disregarded in its entirety. It is only a ridiculous attempt at justifying their crime, rather than turn in themselves to security agencies. While law-abiding citizens are assured that there will be no reprisal on the part of the troops, we enjoin all to go about their normal activities, even as ongoing efforts are scaled up to positively identify and isolate the criminals to account for their atrocious deeds.”

True. No sensibilities, whether individual or collective, can come close to the depth of wounds

While Okuama, especially, and Okoloba have a genuine and legitimate reason to be worried about their fate, that shouldn’t eclipse an equally justifiable hunt for the instruments of this horror. Impunity in various aspects of our national life has brought us to the brink of failure. We mustn’t inch forward towards deeper ruin.

inflicted on the Nigerian state, represented by the slain heroes. It’s indeed in the overall interest of the bickering communities to support every move to smoke out the public enemies who either lived in their midst or used their domains as platforms to cut down those lives and careers abruptly and also pump the population of widows and the fatherless. While Okuama, especially, and Okoloba have a genuine and legitimate reason to be worried about their fate, that shouldn’t eclipse an equally justifiable hunt for the instruments of this horror. Pronouncements and attitudes that do not advance the cause of justice should be nipped. Impunity in various aspects of our national life has brought us to the brink of failure. We mustn’t inch forward towards deeper ruin.

Luckily, elsewhere, the Defence Headquarters has assured Nigerians that “there would be measured responses and injurious consequences for the perpetrators of these dastardly acts… the armed forces, being a disciplined force that complies with rules of engagement, laws of armed conflict and the respect for human rights, would be tempered by these provisions. We would not be led by emotions, but by the rule of law.” Fair enough. Some commentators have quarrelled with “injurious consequences”, understandably. Images of what have come to be known as the Odi massacre of November 1999 and Zaki Biam massacre of October 2001 are still fresh in the minds of many Nigerians.

In both instances, the army moved there to sort out those who had the gut to slay officers of the law. By the time they left, casualties mostly of innocent people ran into dozens and the towns were literally levelled. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was in power then still can’t say, over two decades after, how he could have handled those dicey situations differently. It’s now Tinubu’s turn to preside over this attempt at redressing a major breach against the morale of the Nigerian armed forces. When soldiers are killed in combat with groups like Boko Haram and other terrorists, it’s understandable. Regular occupational hazards. But being ambushed by nameless gangs and summarily decimated in a civilian environment is completely different.

Many condemnations have come from various quarters but more pointed ones should proceed from the highly vocal leaders of the Niger Delta. The statement by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, suggesting that the murderers might be mercenaries was hasty and regrettable. Such rhetoric is unhelpful and self-defeating. As head of the federal legislature and the highest ranked government official from the affected geopolitical zone, he ought to have done better than that.

By now, it should baffle those who think that Nigeria must break up along regional lines that neighbours like Urhobos in Okuama and Ijaws in Okoloba who have lived together and intermarried for centuries still have lifethreatening land disputes in the 21th Century.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

See page 21

See page 21

A comprehensive review will afford us the opportunity to learn from the past, correct the present and ensure that lapses do not recur, argues CHARLES IYORE

THAT SENATE PROBE OF THE N30TRN BUDGET

The Senate’s review of the N30 trillion ways and means passage by legislative action or executive order, highlights the gaps in the inner workings of the realms of state.

It highlights the weakness of the treasury, the cloud over the treasury select committee of the legislature, and the captive state of the mint. The system seems to have been left to the whims and caprices of the executive (even perhaps the unelected inner pretenders in their courts). A clear carryover of the command and control mind-set of the military.

The probe therefore should not be just about the related circumstances for now,

the other utilities (common services) well enough, for economic growth.

Going by President Obasanjo’s account, he was also taken captive whilst in office. If the realms of State are taking each other captive, who is fooling who?

Only those in denial of the truth will blame the unending waves of incidents of graft of public funds on individual character flaws –corruption, when clearly what we have is a systemic failure.

In a brilliant article by Tatalo Alamu, published in “The Nation” on Sunday March 17, 2024, -Haiti and the future of the Black Person, the writer describes the failure of

but a comprehensive review of the past, the present and the future.

This approach will afford us the opportunity to learn from the past, correct the present and ensure that these lapses do not recur in the future.

This probe coming on the heels of the Senate plenary, debating Senator Ningi’s statement on budget padding, might actually offer our political elite an opportunity to press the reset button of the political system.

For that to happen, there needs to be an elite consensus, starting from the legislature, with a focus on defending the common good, rather than the continuous protection of narrow private/group interests. Turning-off the microphone as Senator Agom Jarigbe queried the constituency project budget allocations, created the wrong impression of selective transparency, which should not be.

That act of “off the mic” could be seen as validation of former President Obasanjo video, now gone viral, of how constituency projects are inserted in the budget and executed.

Despite the individual foibles evident during the plenary, the refusal of senators to be overly drawn into their comfort zones, of tongue tribe and creed, saw the first progressive sparks in our political history of issues debate and like the gospel choir will sing, “this little light of ours must be fanned into a flame, to shine and lift us all out of this overhanging veil of darkness. Congrats to the Senate!

Against the background of treasury, legislature (treasury select committee) and mint (CBN), painted earlier, it is clear that our sovereigns, over time, have neither had a grip of the currency nor been able to manage

the State in the Haiti nation as perhaps, “the absence of bureaucratic knowledge, philosophical wherewithal, and the scientific nous, to run a modern government and its state apparatus”.

I wonder how many black nations would fit into that same description. The broad sweep of Tatalo Alamu’s description, is that statecraft is not the foray of single subject exponents no matter how brilliant they are, but a careful assembly of exponents, able to work together to deliver a bureaucracy, driven by the right philosophy and planning with the available technology, to deliver national development.

When the system seems to be all over the place, think-tanks could be useful in creating the kernels around which purposeful administration can be built.

Tatalo Alamo writer, could be at the centre of one such think-tanks. The idea of a thinktank is not necessarily a bunch of egg-heads, but those able to bring the bright ideas coming out of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to a cohesive framework. Many of the operatives in the bureaucracy who have over long periods been without coordinated supervision from central planners, often have a narrow view of governance. They are driven by revenue targets without appropriate planning for capacity building, (a key prerequisite for sustainable growth). Their desire to deploy academic case study scenarios to local challenges, but with a poor understanding of the initial and boundary conditions, often compounds the challenges they are trying to resolve.

We must not be afraid to think our way out of the quagmire.

dioncta@aol.com

CHIDI ANYA pays tribute to Herbert Wigwe, former chief executive of

REMEMBERING HERBERT, CHIZOBA AND THEIR BELOVED CHIZI

In hopes deferred is our faith renewed, with these words my father mourned the abrupt departure of a dear family friend in a homily preached at her funeral some 40 years ago. These words served as an encouragement then and even now. I find some comfort or solace. It has now been a few weeks since the earth-shattering news of the transition of these dear people from mortality to immortality in a twinkling of an eye. We have moaned, we have groaned yet nothing seems to make any sense. It appeared to us on this side of time that there was so much more work yet to be done. There was yet so much promise!

I had in the previous days been unable to put down any words to paper but with the finality of the interment of their earthly remains at Isiokpo on 9th March, 2024, there is a bit of relief, in the sense that painful as it is, I am able to share a few words in their honour. Indeed, much has been said by

many since their untimely departure in the view of us mere mortals. One common thread in all tributes was that their lives were impactful and they ran their earthly race with tenacity, grace and fortitude.

I would start with my first meeting with Herbert in October 1984 in his room at Ojukwu hostel at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, better known by the acronym UNEC. His parents Uncle Shyngle and Auntie Afiong were well known to my parents. Auntie Afiong grew up with my mother in Calabar. Uncle Shyngle’s relationship with my father started I believe in Port Harcourt during the pre-independence years. My introduction to Herbert was made by Uche Omo. In my first year at UNEC, I had the privilege of being assigned to a room right next to the lavatory. It was not a particularly welcoming place. I thus became an additional “roommate” to Herbert, who seemed to understand my predicament and welcomed my intrusion into his room with warmth and grace.

He always appeared calm and unperturbed by events around him, nothing seemed to faze him. He seemed determined and focused; he became an encourager in chief in those seemingly turbulent early moments. Even then, one could count on him through thick and thin! He was one Lagos boy in Enugu who did not brag about himself, but sought to put people at ease in his company. He was as introverted as he could be extroverted.

He cared! All who met him claimed him as their very own and there always seemed enough of him to go round even in those early years. He played, but his attitude seemed to be that first and foremost, I must not let down my Father, going to the library every day seemed natural to him.

Little wonder that the two times Uncle Shyngle came to visit Herbert during that session, Herbert was in the library. It was no fluke. He seemed to understand pretty early, that to embark on his chosen career path it was either excellence or nothing. Little wonder that while we were walking, thinking we had time, Herbert ran and indeed outpaced us! He had little or no patience for those who seemed to lack focus or and seemed not to understand their purpose. To Hebert, the investment by our Parents was one not to be squandered. He was in many ways devoted to his friends.

In the subsequent years in Lagos, as his professional career really took off he did not forget any of his friends and indeed we were plenty, a tribe, he remembered us all. I remember bumping into him at Atlanta. He had gone to spend some time with Chizoba, Chizi and Tochi who were all in the US at the time. His words at this chance meeting, “Chidi, my brother why are you being a stranger? Are you afraid hanging out with me?” Abeg when we get into Lagos we must link up oh!” He was warm, cordial and graceful. Indeed, I had cause to link up to plead for his assistance resolving some matters on behalf of my Father-in-law, Dr A.O Ajayi. I called him, he immediately set up a meeting and the matter resolved and the title documents handed over to me. The promptness of his action was appreciated by my Father-in-law. He was ever so proud of Herbert and Aig’ s professionalism ... “those boys would go places” were his words.

Chizoba was so generous. I remember on the eve of my engagement to my darling wife, Titilola, in August 2001, Chizoba went to Mile 12 to buy some of the biggest tubers of yam I have ever seen in my life as a gift and contribution on behalf of her Auntie, our Auntie Pat Echebiri. The share size of these 42 tubers of yam seemed to show my would-be new parents that we did not come to play. From all I know and heard Chizoba’s generosity knew no bounds. She did nothing in half measures! “Ọ na-aha agba chippings”. This was certainly before her foray into construction.

Chizoba and Herbert seemed to complement each other and did support each others’ ambition.

Then came Chizi who seemed a perfect blend of both parents taking on the very best parts of his parents. With him, their legacy in the future seemed secure but what do we know? The transition came calling and in a twinkling of an eye they all answered. As I told our Uncle Shyngle, we know that our God can deliver and save even in fire as the recorded testimony of the three Hebrew boys shows, but alas this was not to be as they departed much like rapture. We mourn and then celebrate the privilege of having them all in our lives, painful as their exit may be.

It is our prayer that light perpetual will shine on them as they now dwell in the presence of our Almighty Father.

Anya writes from Lagos

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE DANGER OF RISING FOOD INFLATION

In what has been adjudged the highest inflation rate in 26 years, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and commodities, increased by 1.80 per cent to 31.70 per cent in February compared to 29.90 per cent in the preceding month. We understand that the CPI by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is for February which was at the height of dollar upward gyration, and high prices of goods and services. Therefore, the figures for headline inflation and food inflation are not surprising. Even if there had been immediate intervention, figures for the month would still have been high. But the latest figure should nonetheless be another wake-up call for the administration of President Bola Tinubu. It is dangerous for prices of food to keep rising.

More worrisome is that food inflation rose to 37.92 per cent, year –on- year, representing an increase of 13.57 per cent when compared to 24.35 per cent in February last year. Month-on-month food inflation increased to 3.79 per cent, representing 0.58 per cent rise over 3.21 per cent in January. The rise in the food index on an annual basis was attributable to increases in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, fish, oil and fat, meat, fruit, coffee, tea, and cocoa.

revealed that the average Nigerian household spends about 60 per cent of its income on food, the highest in the world.

It is important to arrest soaring prices going forward, with immediate, medium- and longterm measures. That Nigerians are yet to see the direction of the administration on the issue accounts for the concerns. There have been proposals for government to remove or slash tariffs for a brief period on a few food items that we still import, but the approach has been to share grains for free and go after food hoarders. We hope they see things differently and act more swiftly.

The impact of recent policy decisions has left Nigerians reeling from soaring prices of basic foodstuffs with hunger now a common staple in many homes

To be sure, hunger has been a daunting challenge in Nigeria for years. The United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) has warned repeatedly that millions of Nigerians are at the risk of hunger as prices of foodstuff skyrocket. The situation is compounded by the unending security challenge in most of the areas regarded as the nation’s food belt. As of December 2023, a World Bank report showed that Nigeria’s poverty level had taken a notch higher. Recent data compiled by an international e-commerce organisation also

UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

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

It is noteworthy that more than a month ago, President Bola Tinubu directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release 42,000 metric tonnes of maize, millet, and other grains in its strategic reserve. The grains, according to the Minister, Abubakar Kyari, will be released to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Today, vulnerable Nigerians are still waiting for a fulfilment of the promise, and raises questions about the capacity of the administration to deal with the challenge at hand. Meanwhile, the impact of recent policy decisions has left Nigerians reeling from soaring prices of basic foodstuffs with hunger now a common staple in many homes.

Driving down the prices of some staple foods should be a major priority of the government now. With angry citizens expressing their frustrations about the daily hikes of foodstuffs, transportation costs, school fees, house rent and other inescapable expenses that are becoming increasingly impossible to finance, the federal government and authorities in the 36 states must wake up to the reality of the daily struggles of a vast majority of the people.

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FROM OKUOMA WITH ANGER

Ever since the end of the fratricidal war in 1970, Nigeria has not lost trained military personnel in one swoop, in a local civil fracas like we had in Okuoma, Ughelli South local government of Delta State last week Thursday. And this is highly condemnable.

Sixteen soldiers, including three officers and the Commanding officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army, ran into an ambush and were killed on their way back from a peace mission in a community crisis between the Urhobo of Ukuoma and their Ijaw neighbors. No matter the provocation, the killing of peacekeepers, moreso soldiers, who lay down their lives for the safety of all, is most unwarranted and condemnable. Those who are responsible for this dastardly act must be fished out to face the full wrought of the law.

However, even as condemnable as the action of these restive Ukuoma youth are, caution must be taken on the part of the military command not to repeat the ugly history of the past when over 395 people and properties worth millions of Naira was lost and the entire community of Udi, in Bayelsa state was leveled in a reprisal attack by the

military hierarchy.

To do that is to say we have learned nothing from our ignoble past, and that jungle justice is tolerable in the eye of the Nigerian state and her supposedly peace-loving people. The rule of engagement must be applied in fishing out the culprits and care and tact must be taken in order not to escalate the crisis and make life unbearable for the innocent women and children living in these coastal communities.

Because of the insinuations, accusations, denials and counter-accusations from all parties, an urgent official inquiry which will involve all parties to the crisis, should be set up by the government to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the crisis.

Questions must be asked about the possibility of the involvement of an outsider force, who probably, must have taken advantage of the crisis to unleash mayhem on our peace-loving soldiers.

Again, the so-called proclaimed and widely acclaimed success of the Amnesty program in the Niger-Delta must be reviewed in earnest. Why do we still have so much

arms and ammunition in the hands of the wrong persons within the Niger-Delta, despite the presidential amnesty program which presupposes a laying down of arms by militant groups within the Niger-Delta region?

It is high time the leadership at subnational level, began to take responsibility and therefore, be responsive to threats to life and property such as communal skirmishes by way of nipping them in the bud.

Who could have thought that a seemingly harmless scuffle for a piece of land by two belligerent communities could escalate to the scale of a national tragedy that we have in our hands today? Yet this could easily have been nipped in the bud by a sensitive and proactive government at the state level.

Despite the anger in our hearts, we must go into the root cause of the problem, taking cautionary measures to avoid more wastage of lives and properties. Let us all follow the rules of engagement.

Austen Akhagbeme, Abuja

RATES AS AT M AR ch 20,2024

Emma Okonji

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency that is driving global connectivity has stressed the importance of universal internet connectivity and sustainable digital transformation as part of its strategic goals that will enhance global digital lives.

Secretary-General of the ITU, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said this in her opening remarks at the UNOG conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

According to her, “We have two big strategic goals. The first is universal connectivity, and the second is sustainable digital transformation. The goals are ambitious and bold, but we are

firmly committed and dedicated to delivery on those goals to enhance digital lives globally.”

Since I took office 14 months ago, I have been very busy. those two goals of universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation have been my number one priority, Bogdan-Martin further said.

Making reference to international women’s day celebration that took place last week, she explained that she had seen women who can’t afford smartphones, especially women in countries where entrylevel handsets can exceed 70 per cent of the average household’s monthly income.

“Women still account for a disproportionate and growing share of the global offline population,

outnumbering men by some 20 per cent. In least developed countries, only 30 per cent of women have access to the internet. I’ve met with refugees, I’ve met with migrants, with displaced persons, who rely on internet connectivity for their education, for their healthcare and for their livelihoods.

“And I’ve experienced in my time as ITU Secretary-General, two worlds. I would say one: in highincome countries, where almost 90 per cent of the population is covered by a 5G network − and a much bigger and also poorer world, where service is nearly absent, and when available, it’s not affordable,” Bogdan-Martin said.

Giving more details about global internet connectivity, she explained

that the bottom line showed that 2.6 billion people today are not connected, “and have never ever been connected to the internet.”

This, according to her, is really one of the biggest challenges of our generation, and it comes at a time of both hope, and uncertainty.

She however said hope would continue to play out in the world, given the recent announcement made by ITU at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, about its new commitment to spend $ 9 billion for accessible and affordable network connectivity through its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.

“That new commitment, in addition to previous commitments, brings the total to $46 billion, from

a target of $100 billion. I think that the new commitment really sends a message of hope to millions of people that are in need, and the hope takes different forms,” she said.

Addressing the issue of emerging technologies, Bogdan-Martin said the same technologies that can harm us, could also help us solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help mitigate 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. I think that’s quite exciting. The SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda, that we launched a couple of months ago together with our partner, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), shows that

digital solutions like AI can help to boost progress on things like climate change, education, poverty, healthcare, and frankly all of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

“I think that’s why digital is such an important part of the conversations that are taking place in Geneva − from the Human Rights Council, to discussions right now happening at ILO (International Labour Organization), in WHO (World Health Organization) and WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization). I won’t name them all, but pretty much every organisation in Geneva, and elsewhere, is focusing on digital in order to enhance global digital lives,” Bogdan-Martin further said.

Emma Okonji

Six civil society organisations (CSOs) have commended the federal government for the recent amendment of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, which hitherto had loopholes that the government used to restrict freedom of expression and freedom of the press. The coalition has however called

on the federal government, to as a matter of necessity, further consider the amendment of the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 in order to fully safeguard freedom of expression, adding that the recent amendment, does not provide complete freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

The coalition includes: Anvarie Tech, FollowTaxes, Gatefield, Paradigm Initiative, ResearcherNG

and North-East Humanitarian Hub.

The Cybercrimes Act of 2015 is a landmark legislation enacted to be a framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of online crimes in Nigeria, however due to its vague provisions it has become a tool used to restrict freedom of the press and expression, undermining the guarantees of Section 39 of the 1999 constitution.

The coalition, in a joint statement signed by all six, said: “We call on the federal government to take decisive action in further amending the Act to address the identified challenges and enact legislation and policy that are rights-respecting with particular interest in Sections 24, 38, 40, and others. We also call for safeguards against possible abuse by more explicitly requiring judicial oversight.”

They noted that the Cybercrimes

Act of 2015 criminalised online speech with “the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to another or causes such a message to be sent.”

Section 24 of the Act, they added, had been used to unlawfully arrest journalists among others for their speech online. One such victim is Chioma Okoli, a young and vibrant

mother who faced unjust arrest and persecution for innocently sharing her opinion and experience with a tomato brand on social media.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court further declared Section 24 of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act vague, arbitrary, and unlawful.

Yunusa: It’s Cheaper to Drive Digital Innovation in Financial Sector

Director, Digital Business and Innovations, The Alternative Bank, Mohammed Yunusa, speaks on how the bank’s tech solutions are driving digital innovations in the banking sector and how the bank was able to manage customers’ transactions during last week’s national service disruptions occasioned by multiple submarine cable cuts, among others. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

You are instrumental to the creation of disruptive and innovative digital business models and solutions in the banking industry. What inspires you into all of these?

Ilike looking at things from the position we find ourselves as a country. The truth is that there is not so much innovation in the world that we cannot replicate in Nigeria.

Since we can replicate those innovations, we have the opportunity to jump the learning curve. For me, I have an inner drive that tells me we can do things better and even more secured, and again, digital transformation has brought a lot of opportunities for people to leverage on and create business models that work effectively and efficiently, that will enable us grow much faster. It also means that by leveraging the opportunities that digital transformation brings, our businesses will become resilient and scalable. My inspiration and key driver is about getting the finished line to be more efficient and more secured and better than anyone else has done.

Your background is in Accounting. How did you get involved in using technology for financial service disruption?

I have always been a curious person and my curiosity is always leading me to do things differently and better. Part of my research shows that we as a nation can actually do a lot better by leveraging technology. Understanding all the opportunities that technology brings is almost impossible to do because we have seen that technology is fast driving development across the globe and people are building billion dollar businesses out of technology. People are solving crisis with technology solutions and people are virtually doing everything to make money, using technology. We need the human knowledge to understand how technology works, and when you understand how technology works, you can implement it in any sector where you find yourselves. My background is in Accounting like you rightly said, but because I understand technology, I am applying it in the financial sector, where I found myself. I am happy that I am using technology to solve challenges in the banking sector. It is a good thing that we have technology and we are able to adopt it to address identified challenges. It is my prayer that whatever comes after technology, that is more efficient than technology, we should be able to adopt it and utilise it maximally.

Last week, financial institutions had downtime and customers could not carry out successful transactions as a result of the cut in the submarine fibre optic cable in the Atlantic Ocean around Senegal and Cote d’ Ivoire. How was your bank able to address the situation and still helped customers to transact amid the downtime?

It is quite unfortunate that submarine cable operators had multiple cuts on their submarine cables last week, which disrupted internet services and banking operations, but we were able to manage the situation for our customers because we have made huge investments in our backup system that enabled our customers to still transact, except for the first few hours on the first day of the submarine cable cut. What we did was to switch our customers to our backup and since then the backup has been up and running, allowing customers to carry out successful financial transactions without any downtime experience. This is the kind of promise that The Alternative Bank has given to all its customers, to always ensure that customers’ finances are protected and the various channels of transactions are also protected at all times.

How is your bank leveraging emerging technologies to create jobs for Nigerians, especially at this time when unemployment rate is on the rise?

Before now, there were insinuations that technology will take away jobs and create unemployment for majority of people, but the truth s that technology will create more jobs that are digitally inclined and phase out analogue jobs that are at variance with digital transformation. Big conglomerates have been created by the advent of digital technology and more companies will continue to spring, both big and small,

Yunusa

with the advent of digital technology, and all the new companies will create job opportunities for people. Again, new technologies will continue to spring up and what that means is that new business models will spring up and new jobs will be created for people. It is a clear fact that technology will make some businesses and jobs obsolete, but the truth is that the same technology will create new jobs to replace the obsolete jobs and businesses. The new businesses that will be created by digital technology, needs human beings to manage them. So there are huge job opportunities that will be created from digital technology. Today, digital technology is helping people to create new jobs that did not exist few years ago and the job opportunities continue to grow. Technology is about solving challenges and making life a lot easier for people and in solving such challenges, new jobs are created. What we need do is to direct our efforts towards digital technology and do the right thing that will enable us create more jobs.

What are the likely implications of the situation where Nigeria and the rest of African countries do not have sufficient digital infrastructure required to drive digital transformation for job creation?

It is true that Nigeria and the rest of African countries do not have the required digital infrastructure to drive digital transformation and job creation, but Nigeria and the rest of African countries have the population and businesses are springing up and people are thinking of new ways of doing business in line with the digital transformation that is sweeping across the globe. So businesses in Nigeria and Africa are leveraging international infrastructure to build solutions that work in Nigeria and Africa.

Yes, there are implications for not having the required digital infrastructure in place but the challenge cannot continue to linger for life, because both governments and private organisations are making efforts to build digital infrastructure. That we have deficit in digital infrastructure today does not mean it will be there tomorrow. This is where the private sector comes in, to support more businesses to grow.

You pioneered the launch of Alternative Bank in Nigeria. What has been the success story since its launch and how has the bank impacted its customers?

Alternative Bank was launched in Nigeria

October 2023, and since then we have moved from one success story to another. One key success story for us as a digital bank, is about how we have positioned our service offering to the public. We launched with two key ideas that have to do with transparency in handling complaints and in our billing accounts system.. The second key idea is our interest free banking services. The more the customer banks with us, the more we understand the financial needs of the customer and we address them by making money available to such customer. We also offer other essential banking services to our customers.

How will you describe the financing model of Alternative Bank, and what makes the model unique from the model of the traditional banks?

Our financing model comes from the noninterest model, which is a model that is built around transparency. Other banks charge interest rate for loans but it is our financing model to make interest loan free of charge. Anyone that genuinely needs money is taking the money to put into a business or an asset or to address a problem. When we give money, we follow up on how the money is deployed because our banking model is built around the real sector, hence we give money that will benefit the real sector and the economy in general. All we do is to add value to the real sector growth and to the growth of the economy.

Your job, no doubt, connects you with other tech experts of like minds to work as a team. What are some of the prospects and challenges working as a team?

One of the key challenges working as a team is getting the right persons in the team that are committed, willing and understand the team’s goals. If that is not achieved, it means you work with what is available to produce results, which might be tasking if the right set of people is not in the team. As a financial institution that drives the future of the banking industry, we have since realised that we can’t depend on bankers alone to achieve better results. So we went out of our way as The Alternative Bank to recruit people without financial background, but who are experts in their different fields like e-commerce, health, engineering among others. All these formed the different teams that we work with. What we did was to share our common goal with

MAX Moves to Minimise Carbon Emission in Lagos

In support of the global move to achieve carbon zero emission and to reduce the high cost of maintaining internal combustion engine vehicles, the management of MAX has donated low-emission MAX Motorcycles to the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA).

The donation is part of its efforts to support the distribution of registration cards across the state, while maintaining lowcarbon emission on Lagos roads.

MAX, which was founded in 2015, is on a journey to building Africa’s largest mobility-tech platform. Since inception, the company has provided mobility entrepreneurs solutions that ensure they are able to do their important work safely, affordably and in a way that minimises carbon emissions.

In line with global initiative to achieve carbon zero emission, organisations in Nigeria are already seeking new collaboration that will enable

them build Electric Vehicles (EVs), in order to reduce carbon emission.

MAX on its part, is already bridging the credit gap by empowering transport operators to access income-generating assets, develop a verifiable digital credit profile and gain future growth opportunities.

MAX is offering comprehensive vehicle subscription packages, and has two products: MAX Drive and MAX Advantage. While MAXdrive is a subscription-to-

own service that provides access to finance and ownership for two, three, and four wheelers (Keke, Okada and Cars); MAX has also launched MAXe, which offers electric vehicles (EVs) designed to fit perfectly into Africa’s unique transportation ecosystem while providing a more sustainable means of transportation.

During the handover ceremony of the low-emission motorcycles to LASRRA, which took place this month, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at

them and make them to understand our vision and mission and that was how we came together to form a formidable team to work with.

Your bank allows customers up to 10 per cent access of their monthly income as interest free credit line. What is the strategy behind such offering and how does the bank cope with it?

So we give such offer to customers that bank with us and we allow them to build up to get up to 10 per cent, from the scratch, and the strategy is simple. We live in a world where customers are increasingly becoming knowledgeable about how their money is being managed. So we are there for our customers to help them grow their finances and we lend to them interest free loan that will make them financially balanced at all times. The strategy is to give to customers, rather than collecting from customers. It’s about helping customers to be in touch with the human side of our financial business.

How robust is your banking app and what are the embedded features that can protect customers from hackers gaining unauthorised access, especially in today’s digital era, where cybercrime is on the rise?

We have made a lot of investments in building our app in order to provide maximum protection to our customers and our business. Our app is so robust that we do not just have the regular banking services, but the app comes with additional features like our unique billing system, interest free loan feature, and several products that are embedded to a hub in the app.

How do you factor in less tech-savvy customers like market women and petty businessmen when developing banking app for financial transactions?

Our app is structured to be extremely user friendly for all categories of users. The app is self explanatory and we deliberately refused to put the sophisticated banking transaction features of the new products on the first page of the app, because we understand that some customers just want to do the basic banking transactions. So if a customer wants to do more of the sophisticated banking transactions, such customer who is already tech-savvy, can log on to our various hubs in the app to carry out such transactions.

Nigeria is perceived as a heavy cash-based nation, despite the different transaction channels put in place to drive financial inclusion. How can Nigeria’s narrative be reversed to a cashless economy?

The challenge with cash handling in every society is that some people still have cash trust issues. Some people will not want to put all their finances online because of their understanding about the security implications around financial service offerings. At The Alternative Bank, we are digital-focused but we still have our traditional banking system with our physical branches for people to get cash. When such customers come to us, we give them cash, but we also talk to them on the need to transact online, because it is cheaper and safer for both the customer and the bank.

The rise in online theft across the globe has dissuaded some bank customers from going online and transacting online. As a digital bank, how will you reverse the narrative?

We are Alternative Bank and we are digital-focused but we still have traditional footprint that enables us to have physical branch network where customers can go and do their financial transactions. To address the fears about online transactions, customers need to know that although online fraud exists, but the banks have them covered. The Alternative Bank has invested so much in network security to address those key issues that are beyond the customers’ control when it comes to safety in online transactions. Customers should know that it is safer to have their money saved in the bank, while they transact online.

MAX, Tolulope Thomas, spoke about the commitment of MAX to supporting government efforts as a way of giving back to the community in which it operates. She said as a socially responsible company, MAX would always seek opportunities to partner with the government towards of the good of citizens, and would ensure that Lagos achieves carbon zero emission across Lagos roads.

Also present at the handover ceremony was the General

Manager of LASRRA, Mrs. Adebiyi-Abiola Bilikiss, who expressed her excitement about the donation and how it will greatly facilitate the distribution of the cards.

Head, Government Relations at MAX, Deji Sobowale, expressed his pleasure stating that such gestures are important for an organisation in building the communities in which it operates, as well as fostering an amicable relationship between both organisations.

Sustaining Ekiti Heritage through Youth Empowerment

Ekiti State is changing the narrative as a prominent empowerment destination with a fresh initiative, through Adire Ekiti Hub, from the state’s First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, writes Gbenga Sodeinde

Having succeeded with her major pet project, Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH), which is already making waves in the grassroots, the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, switched her economic empowerment bid for the people of the state to a higher gear with the launch of the Adire Ekiti Hub.

The Adire Ekiti Hub is an initiative of the first lady that is aimed at empowering many unemployed youths including young widows, and create a vibrant local fabrics market and turn Ekiti into a destination of choice for Adire business.

Oyebanji and her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who are the sponsors of the project, were united in their desire to use Adire Ekiti to make a statement that the shared prosperity mantra of the administration is not a mere slogan, but a realistic dream of reducing poverty, generating employment and contributing to the growth of the local economy.

The couple reached out to a renowned arts and culture icon, Chief Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Foundation for a partnership to train the beneficiaries on Adire fabrics making. Out of the first batch of trainees would emerge trainers who are expected to train more trainees for the scheme in the future.

The challenge of the venue to be used for the hub was promptly solved with the donation of a facility by the former lawmaker for Ekiti Central in the national Assembly, Senator Babafemi Ojudu. He donated what used to be Raliat Ojudu Women Development Centre (ROWDEC) and its adjoining workshop which was given a facelift and remodelled to suit the purpose it was meant for.

A day before the official unveiling of the hub, on March, 3, the wife of the governor and Ojudu inspected the facility. The inspection gave the first lady opportunity to meet the training team from the Nike Art Foundation led by Mr. Femi Ologe, and on March 4, the hub was officially launched. The Adire Ekiti Hub which has the main building and workshop was inaugerated by the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Aderonke Ogunwusi.

BEnEficiariES

A total of 200 beneficiaries drawn from Ekiti Central Senatorial District began the training, which lasted for one week. Two batches of 200 participants each drawn from Ekiti North and Ekiti South senatorial districts have commenced training which brought the total number of beneficiaries across the three senatorial

districts to 600. The First Lady noted that the Adire Ekiti would benefit the state in the areas of provision of sustainable livelihoods, promotion of entrepreneurship, creation of opportunities for economic empowerment and preservation of cultural heritage in the Land of Honour.

She revealed that her vision to make the state “a community of skilled artisans, vibrant entrepreneurs and a thriving Adire industry that contributes to the growth and prosperity of Ekiti State.”

She remarked that the opening of the Adire Ekiti Hub marked the beginning of a new chapter for the people of the state which holds the promise of long-term benefits for the beneficiaries, local economy and building a brighter future for the coming generations.

According to her, “The Adire Ekiti Hub represents a platform for creativity, skill development, and collaboration. It is a symbol of our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation and building a brighter future for the people of Ekiti State.

“Through this initiative, we envision a community of skilled artisans, vibrant entrepreneurs, and a thriving Adire industry that contributes to the growth and prosperity of our state.”

StatE GovErnor’S commitmEnt

On his part, the State Governor who charged the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunity offered by the Adire Ekiti scheme which include self sustenance, productivity and becoming job creators rather than job seekers explained that provision of palliatives cannot solve Nigeria’s problems.

He expressed assurance that the administration would support the beneficiaries to stand on their own, give them opportunities to access soft loans and market, while urging anyone among them who saw the scheme as another opportunity for free money to perish the thought as they would be strictly monitored to follow the terms of the scheme.

Continuing, the governor noted: “Government cannot give everybody employment; it is good to be educated, your education will prepare you to do better in whatever area of life you find yourself so, don’t see this as a share of the national cake. The challenges we have with programmes like

this will be put behind you to ensure that you overcome them.

“We came on the mantra of continuity and shared prosperity and it was not an accident. I have no doubt in my mind that prosperity is possible in Ekiti and it can be shared to everybody. But good things don’t come cheep, what is packing in Ekiti is platform and access to opportunities.

“Those are the things that have kept us down, we have no platform, nobody to promote us. We are educated but we are poor. When people are educated, they shouldn’t be poor; education should be a licence to prosperity. What we are doing today is that we are providing access and opportunities and those are the two things you need to succeed. So, when you have those two things, the sky is your limit.

“We are going to hand-hold you, to train you and not to leave you alone because that is the problem of many government interventions. We are going to monitor you to the level that you will become independent and become employers of labour. If we do 200 per senatorial district, that is 600 (across the state) and you can now know the multiplier effects. A time is coming when all of you will not be able to meet up with the demands (for your product), that is what I want to see. By the time we are doing one year anniversary of this project, we will call you back to tell your success stories,” the governor said. impact

On part, Ojudu who commended the governor and his wife for their commitment to empowering ordinary citizens explained that the wealth of the nation lies in the skills of its people.

The former National Assembly member hinted that his appointment by the Governor as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Olowe of Ise Foundation which also has Mrs. Okundaye as member contributed in no small measure to the establishment of the Adire Ekiti Hub.

He revealed that it was during the dinner in honour of the Board that Okundaye offered to train Ekiti youths and women the art of tie and dye (Adire) which he followed up with the donation of the facility to serve as the operational base of the Adire Ekiti Hub.

He added: “Everyone who is trained here should see it as a good opportunity for personal

development; having a skill and making use of it as an incredible path to escape poverty. Empowering a woman is the easiest way to train her children to make a great contribution to societal development. I want to charge you all the beneficiaries that you should make the best use of what you will learn because you cannot tell how far you will go.”

Ogunwusi posited that Adire Ekiti is a platform for capacity development, skills acquisition, job creation and wealth creation in addition to being a major part of the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

She described herself as one of the gatekeepers of Adire and other African fabrics, adding that Adire commands respect in the global market with patronage from all parts of the world.

commEndationS

The Chief Executive Officer, Nike Art Foundation, Chief Nike Okundaye, described Adire Ekiti as the next big thing that would happen in creative economy, while expressing her readiness to assist in ensuring growth of the hub to prominence and a springboard for empowerment in local craft.

Okundaye, who was represented by Mrs. Nneka Moses of Goge Africa, urged the stakeholders to support the governor and wife whom she described as a visionary leader that is on the path of rewriting a new chapter in the Ekiti story for the world to see.

The Nike Art Foundation CEO, who applauded the Governor for bringing her on board, pledged the full support of the Foundation in ensuring that the beneficiaries get the best of training in preparation for their foray into the market and to also train others in the art of Adire making.

According to her, “I want the beneficiaries of this Adire Ekiti scheme to know that they are being given an opportunity many don’t have. When some people receive grants, they take it as a national cake. Don’t take this as a national cake; this is a legacy project, thanks to the first lady for putting this together. You are the next big thing that will happen and you cannot afford to fail. Goge Africa will tell the world of what you are doing. We will collaborate with the Governor and his wife to make this project stand very well. Thank you for bringing us on board. Ekiti State is Nigeria’s best kept secret.”

The

iWd: Guinness nigeria calls for Gender Equality at Workplaces

Raheem Akingbolu

Guinness Nigeria Plc has advocated for inclusion and gender equality for women in Nigeria, especially at workplaces.

The foremost total beverage alcohol company known for its diverse portfolio of iconic brands spanning spirits, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and society at large.

Under the theme: ‘Inspire Inclusion’, the 2024 International Women’s Day campaign echoes the significance of diversity and empowerment across all sectors.

In a recent statement by the company, it was stated that

through its Spirited Women’s Network, Guinness Nigeria Plc spearheads initiatives aimed at uplifting and empowering female employees.

Since its inception in 2018, the programme has provided vital support and mentorship opportunities, nurturing a conducive environment for growth and development.

To date, the Spirited Women’s Network has impacted hundreds of female employees, with a 30% increase in female representation in leadership roles.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day event hosted at the Guinness Nigeria headquarters in Lagos, Managing Director of

Guinness Nigeria, Adebayo Alli, reiterated the company’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.

“In addition, we have implemented training programs aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of our female employees, resulting in a 25 per cent increase in women in leadership positions over the past three years,” Alli further said.

He highlighted the transformative impact of the Spirited Women’s Network and emphasised the importance of creating an environment where every individual can thrive.

“Our commitment to inclusivity is not just rhetoric; it’s a fundamental aspect of our organisational culture,” remarked Alli.

“From lactation rooms to progressive benefits like paid pregnancy loss leave and fully paid six months’ maternity leave, we strive to support our female workforce at every step of their journey.

The federal government has announced the official inauguration of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project Ecosystem Steering Committee. The inauguration of the steering Committee held at the conference room of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) Abuja, was carried out by

toriola, 12 others confirmed fellows of naE

CEO, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Karl Toriola, has been conferred the title of Fellow by the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), alongside 12 other distinguished engineers.

The announcement was made by the NAE Council on March 7th, 2024.

Established in 1997, the NAE serves as a national hub for engineering and technology expertise, offering guidance through research and influencing developmental policies. Its Fellows are esteemed

Nigerian engineering professionals, both locally and internationally recognised, who have excelled in various fields including business, academia and government.

Toriola holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and a Master of Science degree in Communication Systems from the University of Wales, Swansea, UK. His career journey includes

significant roles in prominent organisations within Nigeria before assuming leadership at MTN Nigeria in 2006 as Chief Technical Officer. He subsequently held CEO positions at MTN Congo Brazzaville and MTN Cameroun before serving as Vice President of MTN Group’s WECA (West and Central Africa) for five years, eventually being appointed CEO of MTN Nigeria in October 2020.

Expressing gratitude for the acknowledgment, Toriola said, “The

Nigerian Academy of Engineering has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s engineering and technological landscape. Therefore, this recognition not only honours me but underscores a commitment to national service. It acknowledges the collective efforts of MTN Nigeria, under my leadership, alongside a talented team of engineers and other professionals, towards advancing digital and technological infrastructure in Nigeria.”

the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, which signifies a pivotal step in Nigeria’s commitment to achieving digital transformation and fostering inclusive development across the nation.

According to a statement released by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and signed by its Corporate Communications’ Head, Mr. Kayode Adegoke, the Steering Committee is poised to guide the strategic direction of the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project. The project’s vision is to establish a secure and verifiable digital identity for every Nigerian, thereby enhancing service delivery, governance, and creating opportunities for growth in the digital economy.

Akume, in his inaugural speech, underscores the immense potential of the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project to revolutionize identification and access to services. He emphasises the need to address challenges related to data privacy, accessibility, and citizen engagement to ensure the project’s success. The Nigeria Digital ID4D project holds immense promise in revolutionising identification and access to services’, he said.

The DG/CEO NIMC, Abisoye

Coker-Odusote, in her welcome address, highlighted the importance of digital identity in driving socio-economic development and empowering the citizens. She expresses confidence in the project’s transformative impact and looking forward to the Steering Committee’s collective efforts.

Coker said: “The Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Program represents a bold and ambitious initiative aimed at leveraging digital technologies to enhance service delivery, improve governance, and unlock opportunities for our citizens.”

The Steering Committee’s mandate extends beyond policy formulation to fostering a collaborative governance structure that will oversee the project’s implementation. The Committee is tasked with ensuring that the project aligns with international best practices and respects the privacy and rights of all Nigerians.

Coker-Odusote appreciated all stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment to the national endeavour. She said the commission would look forward to working closely with the Steering Committee and all partners to realize the vision of a digitally empowered Nigeria.

Adressing Marine, Aviation Insurance Underwriting Deficiencies

Problems associated with Marine and Aviation insurance underwriting in Nigeria recently attracted the attention of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London, which collaborated with risk analyst consultants to stage a two-day summit to address the problems. ebere nwoji captures the details of the summit

The important nature of marine and aviation insurance as well as their peculiar nature in guaranteeing safety of both marine and aviation cargoes and their passengers has created the need for insurance practitioners to be well grounded in underwriting of marine and aviation insurance risks.

Marine insurance covers the loss or damage of ships, cargo, terminals, and any transport by which the property is transferred, acquired, or held between the points of origin and the final destination.

Aviation insurance on the other hand provides cover for insureds such as airlines, aircraft manufacturers, airports, service providers like refuellers, caterers, security screeners and the like against loss, damage and liability, in return for premiums.

The Nigerian maritime insurance market, like the global market is inundated with a lot of challenges. Prominent among these challenges is activities of fake operators hawking fake certificates, causing the industry to lose huge premiums, as well as tarnishing the image of the industry. Ths is because when importers and other stakeholders in the marine business incurred losses while holding the fake certificates, the fake insurers will be no where to be found to pay their claims. This then falls back on the image of the insurance industry as a whole.

Similarly, the global marine insurance market is facing huge losses as a result of catastrophe events and terrorist attacks.

One of the major challenges of the aviation insurance, according to insurance experts like the former Chairman Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA), Eddie Efekoha, is high risk exposure of airline operators in Nigeria which made aviation insurance premium in Nigeria to be higher than those of other countries.

Similar to this problem is the double premium burden on airline operators due to local content law. These have created the need for thoroughbred professionals to handle both the underwriting of aviation and marine insurance in Nigeria.

The need to fill this gap prompted the Chartered Insurance Institute of London in Collaboration with Risk Analyst Consultants (UK) Limited, to organise flagship seminar on Marine and aviation risk insurance in Nigeria.

The seminar took place at the insurance house Saka Tinumb Lagos. According to the organisers, marine and aviation risk insurance is a specialised sector within the insurance industry, dedicated to managing the unique risks of maritime and aviation activities. These vital industries, each with its distinct and complex challenges, rely on insurance to ensure the continuity of their operations.

knowleDge gAp AMong

professIonAls

Managing Consultant Risk Analyst

Consultants (UK) Limited, Dr. (Mrs) Funmi Babington-Ashaye, said the Summit, which was first of its kind in Nigeria, was imperative due to the knowledge gap among professionals in insurance industry especially in the aviation insurance space, where rates are still being determined by the foreign reinsurers. She submitted that the determination of aviation rate by foreign reinsurers, had resulted in high premiums for aviation clients.

“This summit presents a pivotal opportunity to bridge this knowledge gap and foster the development of domestic expertise, enabling Nigerian professionals to accurately assess risks, understand the basis of premium computation and have the ability to provide customised insurance solutions for local businesses operating in these two sectors,” she posited.

In his keynote address, President Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Edwin Igbiti, said to enhance the resilience of marine and aviation insurance in Nigeria, practitioners must delve into the intricacies of risk assessment, embrace innovative technological solutions, engage in robust dialogue with regulatory bodies and strengthen their commitments to training and development within their industry.

He noted that the seas and skies form the arteries of the global economy, stressing that it was upon these vast expanses that the lifeblood of international trade flows freely, connecting continents and providing the channels through which

economic prosperity is pursued, achieved, and sustained.

He remarked that with great opportunity comes significant risk, a variety that those involved in marine and aviation insurance knew all too well.

“Here in Nigeria, we stand in a unique position. Our country, graced with expansive coastlines and a strategic position in African aviation, is poised at the heart of an evolving narrative – one that speaks of growth alongside challenges, I believe you will attest to this during your tour to some of our airlines and seaport. The question then is not whether we will face these challenges, but how we will respond to them when they arise,” he questioned.

CoMplexItIes

He maintained that the marine and aviation sectors were fraught with complexities – from the volatile nature of the sea and air to the intricate legal and regulatory frameworks that govern these industries, adding that professionals in this field needed a deep understanding of these industries.

“These insurance policies are not only essential for financial protection but also contribute significantly to the safety and sustainability of these global sectors,” he added.

He maintained that in the marine insurance realm, operators have witnessed the ripple effects of global events on their local markets, stressing that the shifting

tides of international trade agreements, piracy concerns off coasts and the ever-present threat of environmental calamities were but a few of the realities insured against daily.

“On the aviation front, our skies are busier than ever. As the demand for air transport rises hand in hand with technological advancements, the onus lies on us to develop insurance products that not only meet the needs of today but also anticipate the demands of tomorrow, “he added.

responsIbIlIty of InsUrers

He noted that the responsibility of insurers is philosophical, as they serve as the safeguard against the unpredictable, the shield in times of turmoil and the providers of peace of mind in an inherently uncertain world.

“Each vessel that embarks upon the waters, each aircraft that takes to the skies, carries with it the aspirations of Nigeria. They carry our people, our goods, our hopes – and with each journey, they carry the trust that we, as insurers, have done our utmost to protect those aspirations from harm.

“At this summit, it is incumbent upon us to fortify this trust – to discuss, debate, and determine how we can enhance the resilience of marine and aviation insurance in Nigeria. We must delve into the intricacies of risk assessment, embrace innovative technological solutions, engage in robust dialogue with regulatory bodies, and strengthen our commitment to training and development within our industry,” he submitted.

wIoCC explains strategic role in Addressing subsea Cable outages

Stories by Emma Okonji

WIOCC, Africa’s digital backbone and the parent company of Open Access Data Centres (OADC), has explained its role in addressing the internet disruptions caused by the cut in the subsea cable last week.

The disruptions caused by the subsea cable cut, affected the West African

Cable System (WACS), African Coast to Europe (ACE), MainOne and SAT3 subsea systems on Africa’s western seaboard.

According to Group CEO of WIOCC, Chris Wood, “Immediately the four subsea cables were severed off the coast of Cote d‘Ivoire, our engineering, operations and field teams swung into action. They have

been working tirelessly for the last 48 hours with our strategic network partners and equipment suppliers and will, within the next 24 hours, have activated an unprecedented additional 2 Terabits per second (Tbps) of capacity across the unaffected cables in our network to support the capacity needs of other network operators

and hyperscalers. Our clients connected directly at Open Access Data Centres (OADC), data centres in South Africa and Nigeria are already protected from the impact of the subsea outages due to the unique levels of redundancy and scale of the WIOCC core backbone.

In Lagos, the Equiano cable, in which WIOCC owns a fibre pair, has

not been affected by the incident off Cote d‘Ivoire. WIOCC lands the cable directly into the OADC data centre, establishing the most resilient digital ecosystem hub in Lagos and offering the most direct connectivity to Europe and South Africa. As a result, OADC’s data centres and WIOCC’s hyperscale network are playing a key role in restoring services to other facilities and operators currently suffering outages in Lagos and elsewhere on the continent.”

Group Chief Operating Officer at WIOCC, Ryan Sher, said: “Our priority is to ensure minimal disruption and maximum resilience for our clients.

We have invested heavily in deploying diverse, highly-scalable national and international connectivity to support the uptime requirements of our wholesale client base. Investing at scale means that we consistently carry extra capacity, ensuring we are able to rapidly turn up or re-route capacity to address unexpected network disruptions. It also enables us to deploy shortterm restoration solutions for other operators on a case-by-case basis. Any service provider affected by these outages, whether an existing WIOCC client or not, is encouraged to contact us to explore options.”

Sahara Group Foundation’s Commitment to Fostering Sustainable Healthy Societies

Precious Ugwuzor writes that as part of its commitment to fostering sustainable societies, Sahara Group Foundation recently donated state-of-the-art medical equipment to hospitals in Abuja

Sahara Group Foundation, the Personal and Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Sahara Group, has once again demonstrated its dedication to fostering sustainable societies. In a recent initiative, the Foundation donated state-of-the-art medical equipment to the National Hospital, Garki; Federal Medical Centre, Jabi; and Maitama District Hospital, Maitama, Abuja.

This significant contribution aligns with the Foundation’s strategic commitment to sustainability, aiming to enhance the quality of life in its host communities and beyond.

Following the decommissioning of the THISDAY Dome Covid-19 Isolation and Treatment Centre in FCT-Abuja—an initiative led by a consortium of private sector organisations, spearheaded by the Sahara Group, the foundation made a decision to reallocate essential medical equipment originally procured for the facility to various health centers across the nation. This effort was complemented by the procurement of new essential medical items, a positive step towards improving healthcare access and treatments nationwide.

The donated equipment encompasses a range of crucial medical devices, including Dialysis Machines, Ventilators, Automatic Dialysis Chairs, Oxygen Tanks, ICU Medical Beds, Suction Units, Monitors, Medical Beds, ICU Medical Beds, Drip stands, among others.

During the official handover ceremonies held across the three hospitals, Ejiro Gray, Director of Sahara Group Foundation, underscored the Foundation’s commitment to creating sustainable impact. .

She expressed, “The foundation’s mission is to continuously impact lives and communities positively, and the donation of these medical equipment is yet another expression of its transformative drive.”

Ejiro Gray encouraged the recipients to effectively manage the donated items, while reinforcing Sahara Group Foundation’s dedication to promoting a healthier and more resilient society.

Also speaking at the event was the Executive Director of Sahara Group, Mr. Alex Cole, who emphasised the significance of community engagement and strategic partnerships between Sahara Group and institutions dedicated to improving lives. He further added that “Health is a fundamental human right, and through this donation, Sahara Group is contributing to improved access to quality healthcare services for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director, National Hospital, Garki, Muhammad Raji Mahmud, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Sahara Group and Sahara Group Foundation for the laudable gesture. He stated, “The donated items will significantly enhance our hospital’s capacity to deliver exceptional healthcare services, reinforcing our commitment to providing cuttingedge medical care for our patients.”

The Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Professor Saad Ahmed who also spoke at the event, stressed the importance of this generous gesture. He said, ‘The equipment will not only strengthen the Hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to its community, but also significantly elevate our capacity to meet the healthcare needs of our patients.”

In his own address, Dr. Igbinovia Imuetinyan, Medical Director, Maitama District Hospital, commended the Sahara Group Foundation for being an exemplary socially responsible organisation. He stated, ‘’The donated items will contribute significantly to our healthcare mission, making a lasting impact on the well-being of our patients.”

The Sahara Group Foundation’s commit-

ment to building sustainable societies is unwavering, and initiatives like this showcase the organization as an exemplary leader in the social development sector.

So far, Sahara Group Foundation has donated essential medical equipment to four hospitals, including the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State; the National Hospital, Garki; the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi; and the Maitama District Hospital, Abuja. This sustainable drive is ongoing, with additional hospitals in Lagos and Rivers States, Nigeria, scheduled to receive the next batch of donations.

About Sahara Group Foundation

Sahara Group Foundation is Sahara

Group’s vehicle for social sustainability with a focus on promoting access to energy and sustainable environments, ultimately helping to build sustainable societies. The Sahara Group Foundation anchors its volunteering work through its Personal and Corporate Social Responsibility (PCSR) initiatives that give employees platforms to make a difference through various projects.

About Sahara Group

Sahara Group is a leading international energy and infrastructure conglomerate with operations in over 42 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Sahara Group is a dynamic and transformative leader in various energy sub-sectors via its power (generation and distribution), downstream, midstream, upstream and infrastructure.

Duchess Hospital Celebrates Successful Landmark Open-Heart Surgery Procedures in Children

Mary Nnah

Duchess International Hospital, Ikeja, has recorded a successful landmark open-heart surgery procedures in children. The hospital has continued to record landmark clinical procedures and treatments in a variety of medical and surgical specialties since it opened its doors to patients in October 2021.

On the 2nd of November 2023, a combined team of cardiac surgeons, cardiac anaesthetists, specialised theatre nurses, perfusionists and intensive care specialists led by Dr Onyekwelu Nzewi and Professor Bode Falase successfully performed an aortic root replacement for an unusually large (8cm) aneurysm (dilatation) of the ascending aorta in Precious Kolajo, a young girl aged 12 years old.

Precious is the youngest person ever to have an aortic root replacement successfully done in Nigeria.

Similarly, a 5-month-old

(twin) infant (“Baby M”) was successfully operated upon to close a large congenital ventricular septal defect (a “hole in the heart”) on the 27th of February 2024.

Baby M, who weighed just 3.4kg at the time of surgery has gained an additional 11kg since the operation was performed three weeks ago.

This extremely delicate surgical operation was also performed by Dr Michael Sanusi, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and his team at the Duchess International Hospital.

Both Precious and Baby M were physically present with their parents at the special press briefing held at the Duchess International hospital on last Friday. Precious has since returned to full time school. Baby M has also been discharged home with his parents, having made full recovery from the open-heart surgery operation.

The hospital, which com-

menced its cardiac (“openheart”) surgery programme in earnest in the middle of 2023 with a total of 31 open-heart surgery procedures in the course of the year, convened a special press briefing to announce the successful completion of two complex paediatric surgery operations in children aged 12 years and 5 months old respectively.

Commenting on this landmark achievement, the Chief Executive Officer of the Duchess International Hospital, Dr Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey said, “Today, we are redefining the meaning of success. It is not enough simply to conduct these operations. It is vitally important that the patients actually survive. Here before us are two patients who have survived complex surgical procedures and are able to return to their normal lives, a fitting testament to the excellent facilities and skilled personnel we have at the Duchess International

Hospital and our commitment to deliver safe and affordable access to world-class healthcare to all Nigerians”.

He further remarked, “We will continue to push the boundaries of specialised emergency and complex medical care to reverse the trend of medical tourism abroad and deliver the fastest, most convenient access to the best medical expertise available anywhere in the world”.

Speaking on the two successful surgical operations, Dr Sanusi said he was pleased to work with a team of highly accomplished specialist professionals to give the hope of a normal life to both children and their parents. He commended the cutting-edge technology and medical facilities provided at the Duchess International Hospital, a significant and enabling factor in ensuring the medical team achieve a consistent and high rate of success. Mr Felix Kolajo, father

of 12-year-old Precious, said he was “absolutely elated” to see his daughter who at the height of her illness was fainting regularly and unable to walk fast or do domestic chores, bounce back to life. He said, “We almost lost her. The burden has now been lifted and despondency has given way to a hope of living a fulfilling life unencumbered by any form of infirmity”.

Mr Jamal Olalere, father of 5-month-old Baby M said, “My wife and I brought our baby to Duchess Hospital on the recommendation of Dr Adebola Adegunwa, Chairman of Rites Foods Limited. He commended the team at Duchess International Hospital for their professionalism and excellent care, which he said helped to save his twin boy’s life. Both sets of parents expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Duchess International Hospital for giving their children “a new lease of life”.

Duchess Hospital, Ikeja is a 100-bed state-of-the-art multispecialist hospital located in the heart of Ikeja GRA.

The 5th floor of the hospital is equipped with a dedicated Cardiac Centre and highly specialised facilities for cardiac catheterisation and angioplasty, dedicated cardiac theatre for open-heart surgery and a wide range of specialised services and equipment for advanced cardiac investigations and non-invasive diagnostics and treatment.

Duchess International Hospital officially opened its doors on the 22nd of October 2021. Since its opening, the hospital has successfully conducted several complex surgical procedures in a variety of clinical specialties. In July 2022, former Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo successfully underwent surgery to his right femur at the Duchess International Hospital.

L-R: Mr. Alex Cole, Executive Director, Sahara Group; Dr. Igbinovia Imuetinyan, Medical Director, Maitama District Hospital, Abuja, and Ejiro Gray, Director, Sahara Group Foundation at the donation of medical equipment to Maitama District Hospital, Abuja, by Sahara Group Foundation, recently

Hello Perfect Abuja Beauty Brunch Celebrates, Skincare, Wellness

Mary Nnah

In the heart of the Capital City, Abuja FCT, beauty and skincare enthusiasts recently gathered at LiquidHub for an extraordinary event called Hello Perfect Abuja Beauty Brunch.

The event was hosted by Elizabeth Osho, Founder of SoMe Solutions, and was attended by top industry insiders and influencers such as Miss Ima, The Kama Twins, Sakan D. Philip, Alma Ngur, Arafa Ukonga, Jeffery Okpaleke (owner of Beard and Butter), Itodo Abbah, and many others.

Hello Perfect Aesthetics and Laser Clinic is a renowned Medical Aesthetics and Laser Clinic that offers a wide range of advanced aesthetic treatments to rejuvenate the skin and enhance natural beauty. Its services include medical skincare treatments for acne and hyperpigmentation, laser treatments, anti-ageing solutions such as fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, PDO threads, and more.

The event was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. It kicked off with the arrival of guests, each greeted with warmth and anticipation for what promised to be an exceptional day ahead.

The host, Osho, took the stage to extend her heartfelt greetings and commenced the event.

A member of the Hello Perfect team welcomed the guests and highlighted the organisation’s commitment to empowering individuals to look and feel their best. But it was the introduction from the visionary behind Hello Perfect, Onyeka Michael Ugwu, that truly captivated the audience

She shared her journey and the inspiring story behind the Hello Perfect brand, illuminating the room with her passion and dedication to redefining beauty standards.

The event had two-panel sessions. The first panel session, titled, “Beauty Redefined: Motherhood”, delved into the profound influence of motherhood on perceptions of beauty and wellness. Moderated by the charismatic host, the panelists, including Sakana D Philip, Arafa Ukonga, Jennifer OjiuduOkeke, and Onyeka Ugwu shared candid insights and personal lessons, addressing societal pressures and offering invaluable insight for balancing self-care amidst the demands of motherhood.

The second-panel ses -

L-R: Host and Founder, SoMe

Onyeka

self-care practices to the impact of mental health on beauty, the discussion shed light on the holistic approach to achieving inner and outer radiance.

The event was not just about intellectual discussions. It also featured a sumptuous lunch and trivia questions on skincare, making it a fun and exciting event that further enhanced

the sense of community. Ugwu delivered a heartfelt closing remark to close off the event, expressing gratitude to all attendees for their participation and support. With a renewed sense of inspiration and empowerment, guests embraced the opportunity to network and make meaningful connections.

The Hello Perfect

From the importance of

Verve Card Commemorates Mother’s Day, Distributes Free Food Items to Customers

Verve, Africa’s leading payment card and digital token brand, recently celebrated women by rewarding Verve card holders with free bags of rice and vegetable oil. The event, held in Lagos, Nigeria, provided a wonderful opportunity for the brand to express appreciation to women and Verve cardholders.

In line with this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, the event embraced the theme - “Inspire Inclusion,” - emphasizing the importance of motivating others to understand, value, and prioritize the inclusion of women in all aspects of life. Attendees enjoyed exciting activities like a dance competition and tictac-toe game, adding to the

festive atmosphere of the event. Among the lucky cardholders selected as winners of the free bags of rice and vegetable oil were Chike Precious, Shittu Abosede, Rita Showunmi, and Uzodimma Richard.

Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing, and Corporate Communications, Interswitch Group, expressed her passion for the initiative, stating that at Verve, they believe in empowering and celebrating women every day.” In recognition of the prevailing economic challenges in Nigeria, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, Verve has taken a proactive step to address the needs of its community.”

“Acknowledging the pivotal role that women play as primary caregivers and providers in their households, particularly

Event Manager, AfriLabs, Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu, after a panel session at Hello Perfect Abuja’s Beauty Brunch on Sunday at LiquidHub, Abuja sion was called “Perfect Wellness: The Connection Between Beauty and Well-Being”. Esteemed panellists including Celina Kama, Anto Lecky, Jeffery Okpaleke, and Itodo, alongside Onyeka Michael Ugwu, explored the intricate relationship between physical appearance and overall wellness.

during these trying times, Verve has chosen to offer tangible support. With women often bearing the responsibility of ensuring food security for their families, the gesture of providing essential items like bags of rice and vegetable oil serves as a meaningful form of assistance. Furthermore, by aligning this initiative with a month dedicated to honoring women, Verve aims to not only alleviate immediate burdens but also to celebrate the resilience, strength, and invaluable contributions of women across Nigeria”, Eromosele added.

The event allowed Verve to express its appreciation to the incredible women and Verve cardholders who contribute to society. It also served as a reminder of Verve’s commitment to enriching the lives of its loyal cardholders.

The gesture of providing free bags of rice and vegetable oil was a way of saying thank you and recognizing the significant contributions of women to society.

In addition to providing safe and secure payment solutions, Verve remains dedicated to enabling cardholders to live the good life. By celebrating Mother’s Day in such a meaningful way, the brand reaffirmed its position as a leading brand that values and supports women.

Mother’s Day, observed worldwide, is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and emphasize the importance of gender balance and inclusion. Verve proudly stood with women and honored them on this special day, reinforcing their commitment to gender equality.

Abuja Beauty Brunch was an extraordinary event that united beauty and wellness enthusiasts.

Hello Perfect’s commitment to professionalism, exceptional customer service, personalised treatment plans, and fostering strong aesthetician-client relationships will undoubtedly continue to make them a trusted leader in the medical aesthetics industry.

LUTH Performs Surgery on 13-day Old to Free Oesophagus

Doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, have successfully performed a Thoracoscopic Primary Repair of Oesophageal Atresia with tracheosophageal Fistula on a 13-day old baby. The Chief Medical Director at LUTH, Prof Wasiu Adeyemo said the surgery through the oesophagus of the neonate entailed minimal access surgery on the baby, the first of its kind in any public tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

“Babies with such conditions are unable to feed, they choke when fed because the tube that carries food to the stomach is blocked. So, they regurgitate, the breast milk comes from their nose and their mouth; they can take it into their chest and it now becomes a problem to them. So that’s first thing and you see them bringing out saliva and it is foaming. Once you see those symptoms, most likely that child has a blockage.

“This surgery would usually have been done as open thoracotomy with ligation of fistula and end-to-end anastomosis of oesophagus. This will leave the neonate with a large chest wound and turbulent post-operative recovery period. But recent advances in the developed nations utilize minimal access surgery (Thoracoscopic repair) which has the advantage of minimal tissue injury and therefore reduced metabolic response to trauma and ultimately reduced surgery associated morbidity and better outcome. The baby recovery after surgery was uneventful. The baby will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow,” he explained.

LUTH is one of the two public hospitals in Nigeria with solely dedicated paediatric laparoscopic towers and laparoscopic instruments. This is made possible due to increase in funding by the Federal Government.

“The management of LUTH expresses our appreciation to the team of surgeons, anaesthetists, nurse and other supporting staff

that made this feat possible. Our appreciation also goes to Dr Igwe of EverCare Specialist Hospital for his readiness to share his knowledge and expertise with us in this particular case. LUTH is poised to continue to partner with all Nigerians (home and abroad) with expertise in all specialties of medicine for the benefits of all Nigerians,” said Prof Adeyemo.

Lead surgeon, Dr. Felix Alakaloko said babies who require this kind of surgery cannot eat because their oesophagus, which is the pipe that carries food to the stomach, is blocked at birth.

“Something must be done to reconnect that blocked tube so that they can eat. And now that is where we come in and they come to us and we have to operate them. Now operating them is very difficult. Because you remember this tube that carries food is in the chest, that means you are going to work on the chest of a new born child to go and reconnect the tube.

“The space is very small. So, when you have to cut open, you endanger the patient as well as trying to help the patient because we are going to make the patient go through a lot of trauma. Sometimes the patient cannot be helped immediately, so you have to divert the pipe and then find a way to feed them using tubes which is very, very demanding.

“But with the increased funding for the teaching hospital, we have the equipment and facilities that are cutting edge which are the same as obtained in the international community in America and Canada and even in the UK. The equipment and the human resources are available. And we are able to treat this patient under minimal access. They don’t have so much trauma on them,” said Dr Alakaloko, a paediatric surgeon. The specialised surgery which costs about N10 million abroad and N6 million at private hospi-

Esther Oluku

Solutions, Elizabeth Osho; Founder Cho and Zen Beauty, Sakana Dikko Philip; Founder/CEO Hello Perfect,

Michael Ugwu; Digital Creator and Lifestyle Influencer, Alma Ngur; Senior Ecosystems

L-R: (2nd left) Folayemi Akinfenwa, Growth Marketing Manager, Interswitch; (4th left) Toyosi Ajai-Ajagbe, Digital Marketing Executive, Interswitch; Nwabuzor Vivian, Prisca Ibuodimma and Ihioma Azubam, winners of rice and vegetable oil at the Verve event held to celebrate Mother’s Day in Lagos

LAPO MfB Partners ‘TEDxLagos’ to Drive Financial Inclusivity

Sunday Ehigiator

In commemoration of International Women’s Day usually celebrated on March 8 of every year, and in its drive to continuously empower women, and drive financial inclusion, LAPO Microfinance Bank (MfB), has announced its sponsorship of the ‘TEDxLagos’ Women’s event, with the theme, “Forward.”

The bank in a statement said, “TEDxLagos is an annual event recognized for its intellectually stimulating presentations and dialogues designed to stimulate discussions and encourage constructive transformation within the community. The endorsement from LAPO MfB emphasizes its commitment to promoting empowerment, especially among women and driving financial inclusivity in Nigeria. “This year’s TEDxLagos Women event is themed, “Forward,”. It aligns closely

with the mission and values of LAPO MfB. In commemoration of International Women’s Day, observed on March 8th, LAPO MfB reiterates its dedication to championing efforts that empower women and enhance their socio-economic engagement.”

The Chief Executive Officer of LAPO Microfinance Bank, Mrs Cynthia Ikponmwosa, conveyed her excitement regarding the collaboration.

She emphasised that at “LAPO MfB, we recognize the transformative influence of women in effecting positive societal changes. By supporting TEDxLagos and embracing its theme, we aspire to magnify women’s voices and advocate for their pivotal contribution to fostering a more inclusive and prosperous tomorrow.

“Through our diverse array of programs and initiatives, LAPO MfB has emerged as a leader in advancing financial

literacy and enhancing financial inclusion for women in Nigeria. By equipping women with the necessary knowledge and resources, LAPO MfB aims to dismantle barriers and foster economic growth and development opportunities.”

Speaking on the partnership, the Convener and Curator of TEDxLagos, Mercy Akamo noted, “At TEDxLagos, we are excited to partner with LAPO Microfinance Bank for our first-ever TEDxLagos Women.

“We are celebrating the power of women to be creators, trailblazers and changemakers. We are not just celebrating women’s accomplishments but also emphasizing the potential for future progress.”

The statement further revealed that LAPO MfB will engage in presentations and panel discussions centred on women’s empowerment and financial inclusion as a sponsor of TEDxLagos.

Tijani Joins Ethnos, OneIdentity/Quest for High-impact Cybersecurity

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, renowned for his contributions in the field of cybersecurity, is set to join forces with Ethnos and OneIdentity/Quest for the launch of the Ethnos Cybersecurity Erudition Series.

This ground breaking initiative aims to bolster Cybersecurity awareness and expertise among key stakeholders in Abuja, particularly within the public sector.

In an age where digital governance is becoming increasingly prevalent, cybersecurity emerges as a critical concern

for governments worldwide, including Nigeria.

The integration of modern technologies has undoubtedly improved efficiency in governmental operations, but it has also introduced new vulnerabilities such as Identity Theft and Phishing. Hence, there is an urgent need for comprehensive Cybersecurity education and readiness.

The Ethnos Cybersecurity Erudition Series seeks to address these pressing issues by providing a platform for security experts and publicsector stakeholders to engage in informative discussions and

knowledge sharing.

With the theme “Navigating Cybersecurity Risks: Strategies for Securing Your Digital Perimeters,” the event emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding against evolving cyber threats.

Notable highlights of the event include a special message from Dr. Bosun Tijani, along with a keynote address by technology evangelist and investor Yemi Keri. Additionally, Identity Security expert Bradley Dupreez from South Africa will lead a technology session

Terra Gold Cube Unveils ‘One Cube, Endless Possibilities’ Campaign

Building upon the success of its launch, Terra Gold Cube has unveiled its new “One Cube, Endless Possibilities” campaign to redefine the way consumers approach seasoning and flavouring their dishes. With a focus on quality, versatility, value for money, and natural flavours, the campaign invites consumers to unlock the limitless potential of Terra Gold Cube, one delicious meal at a time.

Through this campaign, the brand invites all consumers to embark on a voyage of taste, emotion, and discovery— providing a superior taste to their meals without going through the pain of choosing varieties of cubes, thereby unlocking a world of endless possibilities.

Terra Gold has a rich consistent taste that everyone craves

for. Be it hearty vegetable stew, delicious soup, or the aromatic richness of Jollof rice, Terra Gold amplifies the natural flavours of your ingredients, accentuating their essence with finesse and precision.

As an experienced homemaker and fervent advocate for the art of flavorful cooking, Jane Benson shares her thoughts on the Terra Gold Cube’s campaign, “One Cube, Endless Possibilities.”

“As someone who spends a considerable amount of time in the kitchen, I have encountered my fair share of challenges when it comes to using seasoning cubes. The pain points have been the lack of versatility, quality, and of course, the value for money”.

Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya expressed confidence about Terra

Gold having the potential to be the gold standard in seasoning cubes, that redefines the art of seasoning, one delicious dish at a time.

“With Terra Gold Cube, we are not just offering a seasoning option; we want to assure consumers that there is now no need to worry about making the right choice of seasoning cubes. Terra Gold is the definitive gold standard in seasoning cubes for providing that special taste across various Nigerian dishes and cuisines. As we look ahead, I am eager to see how Terra Gold becomes an integral part of kitchens around the country, inspiring individuals to experiment, innovate, and savour the endless possibilities that each Gold cube brings.” He said.

Edvoy’s AI to Ease Student’s Admission in 750 institutions

Kayode Tokede

Edvoy, an educational technology platform supporting and enabling international study abroad, has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the aim to assist student’s admission in 750 institutions across the World.

Speaking to journalists at the company ‘2024 Excellence Award’ in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Edvoy, Sadiq Basha stated that the launch of the com-

pany’s AI, Best Fit Algorithms, would take students’ academic and financial requirements and matches them with the right university and cost requirements.

He noted with the AI, students can find the right course that suits them so that they do not get upset or rejected.

He added that the institution has been promoting compliance as it only takes on transparent partners. “But we want to make

sure the agents who are part of this ecosystem are compliant and will look out for the students who don’t do the things they shouldn’t be doing. That’s why we’re building the whole technology ecosystem, which helps the agents in turn help the students,” Basha said.

He noted that Envoy has partnered with Nigerian and African agents to foster compliance with best practices in the recruitment of students.

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

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

L-R: Chairman of Board, Samuel Egube; Chief Executive Officer,Simon Adozi, and Chairman of the Governance and Strategy Committee, Lekan Ogunbanwo at the boarding meeting of Adozillion Homes and Realty in Lagos...recently

Investors Lose N468.4bn in Three-days as Profit-taking Persist

Kayode Tokede

Investors trading on the stock market segment of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) lost an estimated N468.4 billion of their investment in three-day as profit-taking persisted in fundamental stocks.

As profit-taking persisted, the overall market capitalisation closed yesterday at

N58.948 trillion, representing a decline of N468.4 billion or 0.8 per cent from N59.416 trillion the stock market opened for trading this week.

Opening trading this week, the market capitalisation dipped by N238 billion to close at N59.178 trillion and shed N62 billion the following day to close at N59.116 trillion. As of closing yesterday, the market capitalisation dipped

by N168 billion to close at N58.948 trillion.

Consequently, the NGX All-Share Index dropped to 104,256.81basis points yesterday from 105,085.25basis points the stock market opened for this week, representing a decline of 828.44 basis points or 0.8per cent. Analysts at Afrinvest Limited said “tomorrow, we anticipate an extended bearish performance as the market

remains short of positive trigger.”

Trading activities yesterday revealed that investors sentiment, as measured by market breadth closed positive as 29 stocks advanced, while 24 declined.

NEM Insurance and CWG emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent each to close at N8.80 and NN6.05 respectively while Juli followed

with a gain of 9.98 per cent to close at N6.50, per share.

International Energy Insurance rose by 9.85 per cent to close at N1.45, while Thomas Wyatt Nigeria appreciated by 9.55 per cent to close at N2.18, per share. On the other side, Secure Electronic Technology and The Initiates Plc (TIP) led others on the losers’ chart with 10 per cent each to close at 54 kobo and N2.16 respectively,

while FBNH followed with a decline of 9.90 per cent to close at N39.60, per share.

Vitafoam Nigeria lost 9.88 per cent to close at N19.15, while Berger Paints depreciated by 9.80 per cent to close at N15.65, per share.

The total volume traded decreased marginally by 2.73 per cent to 298.652 million units, valued at N6.841 billion, and exchanged in 8,248 deals.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MARCH /20/24

Gamin G Week

Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com

Lagos Hosts Historic Gaming Expo to Drive Economic Growth

The gaming sector has persistently bolstered the gross domestic product of numerous countries across the world, demonstrating its significance as a lucrative and influential industry. Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Iyke Bede write that Lagos hopes to get a 30 per cent share of the African gaming market. Plans for this lofty dream were unveiled at a recent four-day expo hosted by Governor Babajide

Sanwo-Olu

Undoubtedly, the entire gaming sector contributes more revenue than most sectors. Shawn

Kayden, a former chairman at Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studio in a recent chat with CNBC noted that the video game industry alone is a $200 billion industry.

“It is bigger than music. It’s bigger than movies on a revenue basis. The largest entertainment sector in the world,” he asserted.

Since 2020, the gaming industry has witnessed unprecedented growth, partly attributed to increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic as people sought entertainment and social connection while staying home. The growth trajectory has maintained a steady pace since then, propelled by the penetration of tech to underserved regions and governments providing more flexible regulatory frameworks for stakeholders to coexist.

According to Vantage Market Research, the video game sector of

the gaming ecosystem is expected to have a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.6 per cent between 2023 and 2030 to hit $682 billion in revenue. The 2022 revenue was recorded as 245.9 billion. On the other hand, the sports betting sector, which includes all games of chance and those that require some level of skill (poker), boasted a revenue of $83.65 billion in 2022, according to Grand View Research. The sector is projected to experience a CAGR of 10 per cent to reach $182.12 billion in 2030.

With the Asia Pacific regions accounting for most growth in all gaming sectors, the African market, albeit plagued by infrastructural and regulatory issues, has remained promising. Its top three markets—South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya—average a market value of $1.97 billion in the sports betting segment. Meanwhile, Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria have a combined valuation of $2 billion in the video gaming sector.

Noting these growth trends in revenue generation by the sector,

the Lagos State Government in collaboration with the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture hosted the maiden edition of the Africa Gaming Expo (AGE), which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, attracting regulatory bodies, regional and global gaming operators, and stakeholders from adjacent industries to discuss existing problems with an outlook to deliberate and proffer sustainable solutions.

Lagos’ targeted income generation strategy has led to a substantial dedication to bolstering the creative industry, with the gaming sector now receiving comparable support under the aegis of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“For us as a government, as a subnational, as a state, we are an emerging city, the biggest city in Africa. We see this theme as extremely important to us, which is ‘Entertainment, Gaming and Tourism: A Nexus for Economic Growth.’ This title ties everything together,” Sanwo-Olu noted. “We believe the gaming sector could be a real engine of growth that can propel social order and economic development and redefine wealth within our various communities. In my view, it will appear more germane to speak to an integral part of the state’s economic agenda and its own priority.”

Citing the state’s support for the entertainment sector and the resulting investment returns, the governor affirmed his trust in the gaming sector’s potential for success, particularly with the backing of 60 million daily punters.

The governor described Lagos as a movie, music and fashion centre of Africa.

“No doubt, we are indeed in the right place. Convening the African Gaming Expo in Lagos could not have come at a better time as it portends to strategically reinforce the State Government’s Development Agenda as encapsulated in T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, specifically the sixth pillar - Entertainment and Tourism,” said Sanwo-Olu.

He added, “Today, Lagos state is one of the top 10 fastest growing cities in the World, ranks sixth in GDP in Africa and contributes over 25 per cent of the GDP in Nigeria. However, Lagos State still needs more support in terms of investment in the entertainment and tourism sector.

“The state has one of the best protocols for ease of doing business. This expo would provide our partners insight into the investment

opportunities waiting to be explored in our entertainment, gaming and tourism industry in the state.”

The Lagos governor called for collaboration among stakeholders to develop new ideas and strategies that will fully realise the socioeconomic potential of the gaming, entertainment, and tourism industry in Africa.

He pointed out that these initiatives aimed at increasing “our share of the African gaming market to at least 25 to 30 per cent,” with Lagos as a key player in a rapidly growing industry, propelled through a public-private partnership.

The chief executive officer of Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Mr. Bashir Are, commended Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its unwavering commitment to revolutionising the gaming industry through effective regulation, leveraging modern technological innovation and global best practices. He said the expo was to exchange ideas and share valuable insights that would change the face of gaming while harmonising the standards and regulations in Africa.

In his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Gaming Expo Limited, Dr. Charles Ekundayo, said, “The aim of organising the expo is rooted in promoting the Africa Gaming Market while fostering collaboration among industry professionals and addressing the challenges faced in the industry.”

Over 35 speakers in the industry and hundreds of delegates from different countries in Africa and outside the continent at the inaugural Africa Gaming Expo attracts over 35. The gaming summit attracted important dignitaries, including the Director-General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila; Managing Director of GSA Europe/President, IGSA, Mark Pace; Chief Executive Officer, Gambling Authority Botswana, Peter Kesitilwe; and Director, Stakeholder Engagement, Greo, Lindsay Kalbfleisch and Are.

As the four-day conference drew to a close, experts meticulously dissected an array of crucial topics, including responsible gambling, internet infrastructure, regulations, data protection, and anti-money laundering. Through insightful comparisons of the diverse gaming landscapes across Africa, bespoke solutions and recommendations were crafted, marking a significant step forward in addressing the industry’s challenges.

Governor babajide sanwo-olu in a handshake with mark Pace; bashir are (left) bimpe akingba (m) flanked by elizabeth Lusk (l) and Lindsay kalbfleisch of Greo

Iyke Bede

According to reports, Bruno Mars, renowned singer and performer, is allegedly grappling with a staggering $50 million gambling debt owed to the MGM Grand, his longtime employer.

Sources close to the situation revealed to NewsNation that Mars, who inked a lucrative multi-year residency deal with the MGM conglomerate in 2016, has amassed substantial debts through his gambling pursuits at the renowned Las Vegas casino.

Despite a flourishing career and an estimated annual income of $90 million from his partnership with MGM, Mars is purportedly struggling to settle his hefty gambling obligations, with his debts reportedly soaring to $50 million.

The intricate financial dynamics behind Mars’ arrangement with MGM come to light, as insiders divulge that although he commands an impressive $90 million annually from the deal, his net income after taxes amounts to approximately $60 million.

This significant sum, however, is substantially diminished as Mars grapples with the weight of his considerable gambling debts.

MGM’s president expressed optimism about the long-term collaboration with Mars upon the initial announcement of their partnership in 2016. However, recent developments suggest a different narrative, with Mars allegedly burdened by the weight of his mounting financial obligations to the casino.

Reflecting on his earlier

experiences, Mars shared insights into his relationship with gambling in a candid interview with GQ in 2013. Recalling his humble beginnings as a poker player and the allure of the casino at a tender age, Mars offered a glimpse into the challenges he faced and the lessons learned along the way.

As the situation unfolds, speculation mounts about the future of Mars’ partnership with MGM and the impact of his reported gambling debts on his illustrious career.

How NLRC Plans to Regulate Gaming for Transparency Through Central Monitoring System

Iyke Bede underscores why the National Lottery Regulatory Commission is clamouring for a Central Monitoring System as the next technological step the gaming industry should take to ensure data verification processes, strengthen regulatory oversight and encourage collaboration for consistent reporting practices

Accurately gathering data from the sports betting and lottery sector has proven to be a continual challenge. Auditing firms based in Nigeria and elsewhere employ different methodologies in their calculations and frequently present varying sets of facts.

The inconsistencies in the data provided make it almost impossible to establish reliable benchmarks in the industry. The growth trajectory remains speculative, susceptible to triggering unsustainable trends fueled by misinformation and misinterpretation. Most crucially, it has the potential to mislead investors in the sector, thereby hindering any prospects of long-term growth.

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission, the federal platform vested with the authority to oversee all gaming activities in all states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is proposing a Central Monitoring System (CMS) that will enhance the efficiency and transparency of the regulatory processes, ensuring a more streamlined and secure monitoring of gaming activities across the nation.

Led by the Director-General, Lanre Gbajabiamila, the proposed amendment in the National Lottery Act to create a universal CMS to address and resolve the issue of standardised data reporting and enhance transparency in data collection will showcase the Commission’s dedication to modernising operations.

If and when achieved, this feat will mark a milestone in the industry, much like previous interventions in developing a system that enables operators to exercise audit control over their agents, blocking many loopholes.

“The industry is growing technology-wise. When I was in Lagos, the technology wasn’t that advanced in lottery and gaming. The operations were within each state. When we advanced a bit into the bill, we said that all their internal transactions should have a system in place so that our government can always come in and audit it to check the integrity of that system.

At the time, they started using POS that was integrated with their system, which they were not using before,” Gbajabiamila explained.

He added, “They were using paper coupons, and that’s what they presented. So, there wasn’t transparency or accountability for the operator

“Sports betting companies have to show the regulatory body their backend. At the end of the month, they also know how much you’ve made, and based on that, you will pay what they call ‘good causes’ to the government. The government uses that to provide amenities to the people. Unfortunately, people are not aware of that. Even in Lagos State, they use it to provide fire fighting equipment, fire vehicles, and a lot of things… to renovate schools. They do all that through good causes.”

–Yomi Oketope, Managing Director, Sax Innovative Network Limited, owners of the 9Jackpot casino brand and President, Association of Casino Owners and Gaming Operators.

and the agent. The operators were losing because of what the agents declared to them, but once everything went online with the POS, they were able to see what they were actually making. Who played with which particular agent? It was a plus to them. That’s why when the change came, they were not too sure, but with time, I got a call and letters of appreciation for that initiative that we took because a lot of companies were able to see the point in technology at that time.”

The CMS is positioned as the industry’s next technological step. It will ensure that data verification processes are implemented, strengthen regulatory oversight of data accuracy, and encourage collaboration for consistent reporting practices.

Gbajabiamila stated the need for a central monitoring system, stressing that with it, “we’re able to monitor all the operators’ activities, not only for financial transactions, which is very important, but also the pattern of the players, and also to determine which states are contributing more to the federation.”

When Will the Supreme Court Hearing Begin?

Three months ago, a seven-person panel of justices of the Supreme Court court led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun fixed March 13, 2024, to hear a suit filed in 2008 by the Attorney General of Lagos against the Federal Government regarding who controls and regulates the gaming and lottery sector. That date passed quietly without any statement from all the parties involved.

He added, “At the end of the day, we’re all Nigerians, it is not just not just about the state. We’re able to check for responsible gaming as a regulator without relying on the operator. We’re able to enforce on the operators that are operating and are not compliant, because it is by the tip of your system, you shut them down.”

Despite not being enacted, the CMS has faced significant delays in progressing to its current stage. Nevertheless, Gbajabiamila remains optimistic that the bill will achieve a favourable outcome.

“The government delayed the bill last year,” he told GAMING WEEK in an exclusive interview. “But I believe that the government of President Bola Tinubu, with his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, and with his reputation from Lagos as a revenue-generating governor, and what he has done building Lagos on the technical platform that all the other governors have been using to date, we will be able to get this one done this time around.”

Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director General NLRC

Bruno Mars

focus

As Nigerian Women Break Grounds in Banking

Nigerian women are leaving an indelible mark on the banking sector, showcasing leadership, innovation, and resilience, and redefining the industry’s norms. As Nigeria joins other members of international community to celebrate women this month, Festus Akanbi, in this report, focuses on how women chief executives have lifted the profiles and performances of frontline banks including Fidelity Bank Plc, GTB, a subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, and First City Monument Bank Plc

Like many other sectors of the economy, the Nigerian banking landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades, helping to position many of the industry players for the global market.

It was a period that witnessed two recapitalisation exercises, attracted significant interest and investments from foreign investors, experienced rapid expansion, and invested heavily in technology to digitise operations and take advantage of global opportunities.

But perhaps the more profound transformation the sector has witnessed is in its human capital recalibration which opened up more opportunities for female bankers to lead the sector as chief executives of banks and be fully ingrained in the decision-making process in the industry.

In the early to mid-1990s, a female bank chief executive was an unheard-of development. For instance, of the over 100 banks in operation at the time, none had a female CEO.

In the late 1990s, however, Oceanic Bank bucked the trend when it appointed Cecilia Ibru as its CEO. Years later, the likes of Funke Osibodu of Union Bank, Sola David-Borha of Stanbic IBTC, and Bola Adesola of Chartered Standard Bank, among others followed in Ibru’s footsteps to the top of their respective banks.

However, credit must be given to the central bank for introducing the National Gender Policy target of 35% affirmative action for women in the banking sector.

Breaking the Glass-ceiling

Today, 10 of the leading banks in the country are run by women, including the largest bank by assets, Access Bank, which recently named Bolaji Agbede as interim CEO of Access Corporation. Others are Yemisi Edun of FCMB; Miriam Olusanya of GT Bank; Halima Buba of SunTrust Bank; Ireti Samuel-Ogbu of Citibank Nigeria; Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank; Tomi Somefun of Unity Bank; Kafilat Araoye of Lotus Bank; Bukola Smith of

FSDH Merchant Bank; Yetunde Oni of Union Bank. The women have more than held their own and have shown strong leadership qualities as they drive some of the most outstanding financial performances in the banking industry.

A new report on Africa’s top women CEOs published by African Business, an online news journal, showed that “The share prices of African companies run by women outperformed the continent’s leading stock exchanges in 2022.”

The report showed that the top four performing stocks were in the financial services industry.

As we celebrate women globally this month, we take a look at three banks in the country run by women and examine their performance vis-à-vis the banks’ balance sheet and liquidity positions and their profitability.

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (Fidelity Bank)

Appointed in 2021 to oversee the next growth phase for Fidelity Bank, Onyeali-Ikpe, a lawyer turned banker, has shown strong leadership to continue to steer the mid-tier bank to unimaginable heights.

Under her leadership, Fidelity has maintained high asset quality and a healthy balance sheet, with its regulatory ratios well above the minimum regulatory thresholds

For two consecutive years, the bank has emerged as the company with the highest earnings per share on the NGX, based on half-year financial figures.

The bank continues to garner positive credit ratings from leading rating agencies such as S&P Global Ratings, Fitch Ratings, and Agusto, among others, to affirm its financial strength and stability.

Fidelity Bank’s recently released condensed unaudited financial statement for 2023 was very impressive. PBT grew by 128% to N122.15 billion from N53.68 billion in 2022. Top-line earnings grew by 64% to N552.77 billion from N337.05 in 2022.

Its net interest income was 82% higher than the 2022 figure. Its total assets grew by over 56% to N6.23 trillion.

The bank expressed its desire to play in the international market. Most notably, in 2023, it acquired the United Kingdom subsidiary of Union Bank to show its intent even as it reiterated plans for further acquisitions on the continent. “The strategy is for us to move our footprint outside Nigeria and compete favourably with our peers. In the next three years, we should be able to be in six countries by doing at least two yearly,” Onyeali-Ikpe told Bloomberg.

This consistently strong financial performance has endeared the bank to capital market investors as reflected in the sustained interest in its shares on the NGX.

Yemisi Edun (FCMB)

Like her Fidelity Bank counterpart, Yemisi Edun was given the nod to lead FCMB Group in 2021. She duly rewarded the faith in her by delivering a 72% growth in the bank’s profit before tax in 2022.

The bank continues to be strong in lending to enterprises. For the 2023 financial year, the group achieved gross earnings of N516.8 billion, representing an 82.6% growth over the full year 2022, as seen in the unaudited financial results released. It achieved a net interest income of N177.42 billion in 2023, a 45.4% growth year-on-year.

FCMB recorded a 206.9% growth in net income for the year to N95.52 billion as against the N31.13 billion recorded in 2022.

Total assets grew by over 48% to N4.41 trillion from N2.98 trillion. Edun has consolidated the bank’s liquidity position and continued to exploit growth opportunities.

Miriam Olusanya (GTB)

In July 2021, for the first time in the institution’s history, Guaranty Trust Bank appointed a female to direct the affairs of one of the most loved banks in the country. Olusanya wasted no time in getting to work, showcasing her leadership qualities as she expertly directed the bank, tapping into growth opportunities.

Her adroit management continues to show in the financial performance of the bank. Its available results, Q3 2023, GT Bank posted some remarkable financial performances. The GT Group, with a dual listing on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE), reported a 155.2% profit before taxation of N433.2 billion compared with N169.7 billion in the comparable period of 2022.

The Group’s balance sheet remained healthy with total assets and shareholders’ funds at N8.6 trillion and N1.3 trillion for the period under review. The GT Group has some of the best metrics in the industry, with positive pre-tax return on equity (ROAE), Capital Adequacy Ratio, and pre-tax return on assets.

Nigerian banks have continued to reap the benefits of tapping into the latent human capital available to them, regardless of their gender.

Banks today run an inclusive operation with equal opportunity given to both males and females to grow and attain whatever height their talents, experience, and dedication can take them in the banks.

Women have significantly revolutionised the banking sector in Nigeria, playing pivotal roles across various levels of leadership and innovation. From breaking traditional gender barriers to introducing novel financial products tailored to women’s needs, their influence has been profound.

Women executives have spearheaded strategic initiatives, driving growth and fostering inclusivity within the industry.

Moreover, female entrepreneurs have been instrumental in shaping microfinance and fintech sectors, empowering communities, and driving economic development.

Through their resilience, vision, and expertise, women have brought about transformative changes, redefining the landscape of banking in Nigeria.

And as Nigeria joins other members of the international community to celebrate this year’s Women’s Month, we must acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the female gender to nation-building in Nigeria.

FCMB MD,Yemisi Edun

Fidelity Bank MD, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe

GTB MD, Miriam Olusanya

INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE VALUE4DAIRY PROJECT...

L-R: Executive Director Corporate Affairs, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, Ore Famurewa; Commissioner of Agriculture, Oyo State, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye; Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, Roger Adou; Director, Animal Husbandry Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Winnie Lai-Solarin; and Manufacturing Director, FrieslandCampina Sub-Saharan Africa, Adekola Lamidi, during the inauguration ceremony of the Value4Dairy Project in Three Dairy Zones, held in Ibadan…yesterday

NLC Storms Labour Party’s Headquarters, Demands Sack of National Chair, Abure

It's an unlawful

Chuks Okocha, Onyebuchi Ezeigbo in Abuja and James Sowole in Abeokuta

Hundreds of workers under the auspices of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), yesterday, stormed the national headquarters of the opposition Labour Party (LP) in Abuja to protest the continued stay in office of the national chairman, Mr. Julius Abure.

The workers, led by leaders of NLC, drove to LP office at 9.30am, chanting anti-Abure slogans.

But in a reaction, the party described the development as an unlawful break-in and entry, while accusing the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, of being possessed and driven by greed.

The protesters said it was time for the embattled national chairman to quit office, alleging that he has

break, criminal, party reacts Says labour

committed several illegalities.

Abure was accused of planning to hold an illegal national convention, where he hoped to stage a comeback to the chairmanship position after the expiration of his tenure.

NLC also accused the Abure-led executive of perfecting plans to sell party positions to the highest bidders by charging a whooping N30 million for nomination forms.

There were initial skirmishes between the workers and policemen deployed to maintain order at the party headquarters, when the protesters moved to pull down the entrance gate. But it was later resolved and the protesters were restrained by their leaders.

Some of the protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, such as, "Abure Must Go", “Away with corrupt leaders in Labour Party”,

“INEC, Stop this illegality now".

Addressing the protesters, Deputy Chairman of NLC’s Political Commission, Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, said the labour movement had come to the place to express their displeasure at the actions of the LP leadership.

Ndubuaku stated, "We agreed that the party should go and hold an inclusive convention, but what we now saw was a plan to hold a national convention we don't even know who are going to attend.

“When elected members at the National Assembly tried to call him to order, he insulted them. NLC also raised concern and he told Ajaero to resign and come and contest.

"The NLC Political Commission invited Abure in writing twice for dialogue, but without reasons, he declined attendance. All we are saying at this stage is for Abure to

Senate to Name Committee Room After Late Olubadan

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, resolved to name one of its committee rooms after the late Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba Lekan Balogun, being a former senator.

Oba Balogun died on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, at age 81, after a brief illness, two years after ascending the throne on March 11, 2022.

Senate's resolution on immortalising the late monarch was sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Ali (APC Oyo South).

Ali, in his motion, informed the Senate that the late Olubadan was a leader per excellence and, community developer and servicedriven politician, which culminated in his election as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1999 to 2003.

"The late Olubadan was a man of peace and custodian of culture and values of the Yoruba people," he added.

The two other Senators from Oyo State, Yinus Akintunde (Central) and Addulfai Buhari (North), also contributed to debate on the motion by informing the Senate on how the late monarch impacted positively on the lives of those who came across him while alive.

Senator Buhari said the book

written by the late monarch, titled: "Arrogance of Power", given to him in 2003, when he won election into the House of Representatives, has helped him a lot, not to get disconnected from people, who elected him into National Assembly over the years.

The Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP Benue South), also eulogised the virtues of the late monarch in his contribution to the motion.

The Senate, after the debates on the motion, adopted all the prayers sought as resolutions, one of which was to immortalise the late monarch by naming one of the Senate committee rooms after him.

It also held a minute silence in honour of the deceased.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, urged Senator Abdulfatai Buhari to make available copies of "Arrogance of Power", authored by the deceased to all senators in guiding them aright at all times.

Meanwhile, the Senate, yesterday, resolved to tackle the problem of the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria and the menacing vices of the situation in the country.

This was as the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, stressed that out-of-school children were willing tools for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the society.

Consequently, the apex legislative Assembly mandated its Committees on Education (Basic & Secondary) to engage the Federal Ministry of Education, to pay special attention to the issue of out-of-school children, with the ultimate objective of drastically reducing the number.

The Senate made the resolution, following a motion by Senator Adebule, Idiat Oluranti (APC, Lagos West), titled: "compelling need to tackle the challenge of out of school children in Nigeria."

leadership politicised, lost direction leave our party alone. “Let him go and establish his own party if he so wishes.”

Ndubuaku accused Abure of ignoring major stakeholders of the party, including NLC, by scheduling a convention without their knowledge.

NLC said Abure was acting as a sole proprietorship by seeking to single-handedly organise a national convention without the consent and input of other key stakeholders. It accused Julius Abure of deploying all manner of subterfuge to undermine the efforts of NLC to reposition LP as the number one political party in Nigeria, including shunning invitations to meet with the NLC Political Commission.

The labour union alleged that Abure had in April 2023 tried to unilaterally extend his tenure in office by two years. It said Abure’s action was in contravention of the consent judgement delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court on March 20, 2018 as part of the resolution of the crisis that bedevilled the party.

However, reacting, the leadership of LP said the unlawful break and entry into its national headquarters by NLC and the destruction of its property was a criminal act, a misplacement of priority, and an action in bad fate.

The party alleged that Ajaero's greed and inordinate ambition had pushed him into losing every sense of discretion and decency in his recent conducts, be it in his affairs with the workers or even the government.

In a statement by National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, the party wondered how Ajaero would lead a band of lawless persons, known

to have partisan interests in other major political parties, such as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), against a recognised independent political party.

The statement said, "Ajaero's continuous claim that NLC owns the Labour Party is not in any way supported by either the Electoral Act or the Constitution. For his information, a political party is owned by those who are card carrying or financial members of the party.

“We are aware that more than 90 per cent of the members of the NLC have not met this condition and, therefore, cannot claim to be the owners of the party.

"The constitution also provides that no organisation can own any other organisation. The NLC, as an organisation, can, therefore, not claim the ownership of the Labour Party.

"Today, Nigeria is witnessing the worst economic strangulation ever in the history of Nigeria. Issues, such as poor workers' wages, high inflation and insecurity, with Nigeria turning to a Hobbesian state, yet after a year of his assumption of office, Ajaero has chosen to ignore all these national challenges.

"It would interest you to know that Ajaero's NLC is yet to successfully picket any federal government establishment. His attempt to extend his rascality to Imo State was met with a higher and brutal force.

“Unfortunately for us in Labour Party, we do not command any force, unlike the NLC that is now encouraging militancy within its ranks.”

LP also stated, "By its own constitution, the NLC cannot even call for a

picketing of any establishment without a directive of its NEC, but what we saw was a political committee acting out an illegal script by Ajaero.

“The committee has no legal right to call an action in the nature of picketing or breaking and entering into a political party, which most of them are not even members.”

The statement added, "The present NLC leadership is politicised. It has left its primary responsibilities of defending Nigerian workers and has delved deeply into partisan politics and this is a bad omen for the working community.

“We have earlier advised Ajaero to emulate leadership of Ayuba Waba, Olaleye Quadri, and Festus Osifo, who had or currently passing through similar route and still maintains working relationship with the party.

"We are, however, reviewing today's criminal actions and disruption of activities in our national headquarters with our legal department for further actions.

“What we saw today appears to be a personal vendetta against the national chairman, Julius Abure, who they called several unprintable names, including labelling him a thief. We are certainly going to take a legal action on matters bothering on libel."

Factional National Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Abayomi Arabambi, also condemned the invasion of LP’s secretariat by the NLC leadership.

Speaking at a news conference, Arabambi said, "The leadership of Labour Party is worried by the recent developments going on in the party following the announcement of the date for the National Convention of the party.

First Lady Stresses Need for Everyone to Get Involved in Agriculture Production

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated the need for Nigerians to get more involved in agricultural production. She made the call yesterday while receiving the Deputy SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, in her office at the State House, Abuja. Mrs. Tinubu noted that the various interventions of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), especially in the areas of Agriculture, Empowerment, Education, Health and Social

Welfare were to complement the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“The President has made the right decisions. These decisions will help us build a Nigeria that is more respected. We should be more accountable as a people as regards our resources,” she said.

According to her, there was a need to inspire the youth to think appropriately about the nation, saying, “We have to inspire them to think Nigeria first before any state.”

She explained that this encouraged her, through the Renewed Hope

Initiative, to organise the #ONE NIGERIA/Unity Fabric. “Youth between 15 years to 25 years will design the fabric depicting Nigeria and not just their state or tribe. The prize money is huge,” she said.

On the issue of IDP’s, the First Lady said the RHI has commenced the monthly Food Outreach Programme to the IDP’s and persons with disabilities, adding, “I am not being deterred. I will continue to do all I can for the people.”

Earlier, Mohammed explained that the organisation was looking

forward to Nigeria committing more funds to Youth, Women and Girls.

"We need your voice to what the UN is doing with women empowerment, girls, poverty alleviation, education and the rest,” she said.

She, however, expressed the readiness of the United Nations to partner the renewed Hope Initiative, in those areas, knowing that she was passionate about the areas.

The visit was also an opportunity to introduce the new Resident Coordinator of the UN in Nigeria, Mohamed Moustapha, Malik Fall, to the first lady.

Commemoration of World Hearing day 2024...

L-R: Marketing and Communications Manager, Evercare Hospital Lekki, Chioma Enwereji-Ogbonda; Audiologist, Evercare Hospital Lekki, Dr. Promise Okonkwo; Chief Business Officer, Evercare Hospital Lekki, Kehinde Oyesiku; Principal, Wesley School 1 for the Hearing Impaired, Mrs. Popoola Elizabeth Oluwayemisi; Vice-Principal, Mrs. Omolara Olorunda; and Business Development Manager, Evercare Hospital Lekki,

Sani Meets Security Stakeholders, Seeks Decisive Action against Informants in State

Says abducted school children will be rescued soon

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has asked community and traditional leaders to deal decisively with the menace of informants undermining security of their localities.

In a statement shared on his X handle, after an emergency security meeting yesterday with stakeholders from the seven local government areas worst hit by insecurity, the governor said evil people must be identified and dealt with decisively.

The seven LGAs ravaged by insecurity included Chikun, Kajuru, Birnin-Gwari, Kachia, Kagarko, Igabi and Giwa.

“One of the key issues the emergency meeting addressed is the issue of informants at the local level. We must identify them and deal with them decisively.

“Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Local Government Chairmen and other key stakeholders have a

key role to play in assisting security agencies with intelligence. All hands must be on deck to root out the evil elements in our communities.

“As the governor, I will lead this battle from the front. Our extraordinary situation now demands extraordinary sacrifice, cooperation and commitment,” he said.

Earlier, at the meeting which held at the Government House, Sani assured the people that the security agencies and President Bola Tinubu were on top of the situation to ensure the safe return of 287 school children abducted by bandits in Kuriga community, Chikun Local Government Area of the state about two weeks ago.

In the last two weeks, over 400 people have been abducted in Chikun and Kajuru LGAs. The meeting, which lasted several hours at the Government House, Kaduna, was attended by heads of security agencies in the state, community leaders, traditional rulers,

council chairmen of the seven affected LGAs including members of the state Assembly from the affected areas.

The governor said the essence of the meeting was to explore how communities could collaborate with security agencies on intelligence sharing in tackling insecurity in the seven LGAs.

Sani charged traditional rulers to report strange movements and incidents of attacks by terrorists without delay to enable security operatives move in to save the situation whenever it happens.

The governor reassured the people that the abducted school children would soon return home safely.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the efforts we are making with relevant security agencies and Mr. President has been doing everything possible to ensure that our children return back home safely.

“I can say it here that Mr. President is determined. I have had a series of

discussions with him, the National Security Adviser, and service chiefs.

“A lot of progress has been made so far. We will not disclose them here, but we are on top of the matter, and by the grace of God, our children will return home safely.

"We are here this afternoon to have a very important meeting, which should be more of an interactive meeting between Kaduna State Government and head of security agencies in Kaduna as well as members of the state Assembly from the seven local government areas that were affected by an unfortunate incident of insecurity in the last few weeks.

"The essence of this meeting is to look at our efforts towards intelligence sharing and gathering, because we believe that security issue is everyone’s concern particularly those at the grassroots levels and here we have traditional rulers, who are representing our people at the grassroots level,” he said.

Aig-Imoukhuede Seeks to Inspire 3,000 Public Leaders in Bid to Strengthen Governance in Africa

emmanuel addeh in Abuja

Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr Aigboje AigImoukhuede, yesterday disclosed that the organisation was targeting to inspire about 3,000 public servants in its bid to strengthen governance in Nigeria and the African continent.

Speaking at the closing of the AIG Public Leaders Programme Class of 2023 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Aig-Imoukhuede, argued that Africa can extricate itself from the depths of underdevelopment with capable and empowered public servants.

“As we gather here today for the closing ceremony of the AIG Public Leaders Programme Class of 2023, I am deeply honoured to welcome each of you to this momentous occasion.

“Our journey together underscores a fundamental belief – that at the root of Nigeria's myriad challenges lies a public sector in dire need of men and women who can lead the required reform and transformation.

“Indeed, we must recognise that Africa can extricate itself from the depths of underdevelopment with capable and empowered public servants. This understanding drives the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation's unwavering commitment to partnering with the public service to effect lasting change,” he stated.

The recently-appointed chair-

man of Access Bank stressed that the partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford also holds personal significance.

According to him, it represents a conviction that Nigeria can catalyse a positive economic turnaround across the African continent by empowering its public sector leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in their roles.

Through initiatives like the AIG Public Leaders Programme, Aig-Imoukhuede explained that the foundation aims to challenge the status quo and cultivate a new generation of African public servants who are proficient and principled leaders.

He stressed that these leaders, equipped with the skills honed through the best education delivered by a faculty of world class professors are poised to drive transformative change within their organisations and communities.

The banker added that last year, graduates of the foundation included Zukiswa Mqolomba from South Africa, its first international participant, expressing delight to announce that this year's graduating class also includes a candidate from Kenya, further exemplifying the programme's reach and impact across the continent.

“Furthermore, our commitment extends beyond capacity building to actively support the civil service reform agenda. Through collaborative initiatives with the federal government, we are driving digitalisation, performance management, and cultural change projects to foster a more efficient and accountable public sector.

“The journey has been both challenging and fulfilling, but as each AIG PLP cohort graduates we edge closer to our vision of building a community of 3,000 AIG public sector leaders, occupying the most senior public sector positions in Nigeria and beyond. This is how the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation inspires, connects and transforms Africa,” he said.

As the celebration of the graduating class of 2023 continues, Aig-Imoukhuede emphasised that the foundation was one step closer to realising the vision. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the “Courageous Cohort 3” as they named themselves, noting that he was blown away by feedback he had been receiving of the impact they are already making as a result of what they learnt from the programme.

“ Your commitment to excellence and dedication to service inspire us all. Please carry forth the knowledge and insights gained from this programme

as you embark on your respective journeys to transform Nigeria and Africa,” he exhorted.

Earlier, Aig-Imoukhuede took a moment to pay tribute to the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, a very close friend and business associate of his.

“Herbert was a member of the AigImoukhuede Foundation leadership council, my business partner, and a lifelong friend. His unwavering dedication to transforming our nation and continent will forever be remembered, and his absence today weighs heavily on our hearts.

“Herbert was a stalwart supporter of our Foundation who actively participated in the work we do. Last year he was present on this very stage at the graduation ceremony for our AIG PLP cohort 2 graduates.

“ On that day, Herbert served on the panel judges who selected the best five capstone projects out of the XYZ projects embarked upon by Cohort 2 members, demonstrating just how deeply invested he was in our mission to empower Africa's public sector leaders.

“Today, I am reminded of the profound impact that individuals like Dr Wigwe have had on shaping our shared vision for a better Africa. May his legacy inspire us as we forge ahead with our Foundation’s mission to transform the African continent,” he stressed.

TInubu: SlAIn ArmY OffIcerS,

Central Naval Command, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Mobility Command, and Nigerian Army 16 Brigade, was outraged by the attack on the military personnel considered members of the communities and the state.

Diri said the government would continue to support the military and other law enforcement institutions in their mission in the state.

He directed all the commanders of security agencies in the state as well as the coordinator of the Bayelsa Community Safety Corps, Brig-General Eric Angaye (rtd), to scale up surveillance and patrol of the state’s borders and waterways.

The statement said, “The killing of our soldiers is barbaric, satanic and outright criminal. And anyone involved should be seen and treated as a criminal under our laws.”

The governor urged the people of the state, particularly residents of Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, to remain calm, as the government would ensure that law-abiding citizens were protected and safe at all times.

Delta CP: Police Not Allowed into Okuama

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, revealed that the army was yet to grant his men access into Okuama. Abaniwonda said the area was currently volatile and deserted.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, yesterday, Abaniwonda said, “The situation in the Okuoma general area, not just the community, is calm for now. Most of the places are deserted.

“I will not like to say more than that because, like I said, it is an ongoing military operation and I think when these things are ongoing, things shouldn't be said that might aggravate or pass information to those who are looking for it.

“You would recall that the Okuama and Okoloba communities had been having what I call a perennial land dispute over fishing rights. The unfortunate incident happened when military officers, who had gone on a peacekeeping operation, were ambushed and killed.

“When that incident happened, it became what I call a military operation zone. What I want us to do is to be careful of what we do with social media reports. Some of the reports are not very accurate. We have not been able to move into this community.

“Yes, it is our responsibility as a primary line in defence of community security, but when you have another

sister agency conducting an operation, the reasonable thing to do is to wait for them to finish.

“We have not been allowed to get into Okuama because of the volatile nature of what is presently ongoing in the environment.

“When these things are ongoing, you must be collaborating. You must understand that technology has made some of these things easier and accessible and at the same time, made it difficult to be able to answer those questions appropriately.

“But I can assure you that very soon, we will be able to get in. We were in Bomadi. For us to get to Okoloba and Okuoma, you will need to get clearance.” Abaniwonda, however, stated that the force had intelligence officers available on the ground in the community.

According to him, “The Nigeria Police are the grassroots security agency. In any of these communities, we have an outpost of a divisional station manned properly by our personnel, who continuously give us informational updates on what is happening.

“When this incident happened, as is usually the case, the main perpetrators have disappeared into the creeks and the neighbouring states. You would understand that Delta State shares the same boundary with several states. These individuals who have been brought in have been questioned.

“The message that we gave to the communities is that for those who have nothing to hide, their security is guaranteed but I think it is too early to start telling you what they are saying. The manhunt is on

“These people mingle with the community, they disappear into the creeks. Everything is being done intelligence-wise. We are looking for these individuals to ensure that the directive of the Commander-in-Chief to bring them to book and bring them to justice is carried out. It is a collaborative responsibility and engagement.”

Senate to Military: Don't Harass, Punish Innocent Nigerians in Niger Delta

The Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force, yesterday, told the military authorities not to harass or punish innocent citizens as they went after murderers of the officers and men in Delta State.

The committee had already begun to probe the recent killing of troops in Okuama community.

Toyib Olatunji, during a visit to Wesley School 1 for the Hearing Impaired in commemoration of World Hearing Day 2024 in Lagos…. recently

SOlDIerS wIll be GIven befITTInG burIAl, nATIOnAl HOnOurS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

Former

of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

of Enugu State, Dr.

We Are Working Towards Food Sufficiency, Export of Cash Crops, Says Zulum

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has said his state is working towards attaining food sufficiency and the export of cash crops and other farm products such as maize and cassava, among others.

The governor stated this at the Koiri irrigation farm, one of the pilot drip irrigation schemes of

his administration.

Koiri scheme, covering about 20 hectares of land, is aimed to produce 364 tons of maize and sesame in one crop cycle. With three cycles per year, the Koiri scheme is targeted to cultivate over 1,092 tons of maize and other crops annually.

Zulum noted that his administration will focus on investing in irrigation agriculture to maximise

food production in the state.

He said: "We will subsequently change focus and invest our resources in irrigation farming or, rather, food production. I assure you that we will provide the political will needed to achieve food sufficiency.”

He however ordered the expansion of the scheme to 300 hectares, with 100 hectares to be cultivated in each of the three senatorial zones.

Fubara Assures P’Harcourt Ring Road Will be Completed in 36 Months

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday assured that the Port Harcourt Ring Road will be delivered within 36 months, explaining that the contract for the Port Harcourt Ring Road was the first of such agreements that he signed.

The governor spoke, when he visited the site of the project, yesterday, to assess the extent of work that has been achieved.

The inspection tour saw the governor traverse three local government areas of the state; Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City.

Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Fubara said that so much money had been expended on the project, with the driving objective of making sure that it is delivered to Rivers people.

"I think that we are good, considering the understanding that we had with Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. We signed off that in 36 months, this project will be done and delivered, and with what we are seeing, we are meeting up that target.

"I think that we have a few issues; the price rate of things at that time we signed the contract and what subsist presently is no longer the same. But whatever it is, I have assured them that we are going to provide the necessary support to make sure that we deliver this project.

"You know this project is very important to us. It is one of the first things that I signed off when I came in as the governor of this state.

"It is a signature infrastructure project for me, whichever way anybody wants to look at it. We

signed on for it. We are paying dearly for it, and it's one of the objectives of this administration to make sure that we deliver it to our people," he added.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Lars Richter, who conducted the governor round the project site, said work had advanced after piling and laying of beams on the first flyover, which started on January 15, 2024, and accomplished two months after.

Richter, who explained that while they have intensified work on the second flyover with beams ready to be laid, said significant strides had been achieved in laying out the road and the drains for accelerated construction.

He assured that the project will be delivered on schedule, and within specifications.

NGO Set to Renovate, Equip Skills Acquisition Centre in Yola Prison

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF) is set to commence the renovation and equipping of the skills acquisition centre at the New Yola Correctional Centre in Yola, Adamawa State capital.

Ahead of the project, the Foundation has donated some skill acquisition kits for certain category of inmates in the correctional centre.

LGCF Executive Director Mrs. Kanayo Olisa-Metuh who made this known during a working visit to the Yola New Correction Centre said that her foundation has taken it

as a point of duty to renovate and equip the skill acquisition centre. She said this is part of its commitment towards providing inmates with necessary skills and tools to enhance their lives and be productive after reintegration into the society. The executive director, who was represented by the Foundation’s Public Relations and Communications Officer, Mr. Promise Okah, emphasised that beyond learning a trade or mastering a craft, skill acquisition further entails empowerment which have transformative effects on individuals' sense of self-worth and dignity.

“In our society today, individuals

who have been incarcerated often face numerous challenges upon their release. From stigma and discrimination to lack of opportunities, the barriers to successful reintegration into the society can seem insurmountable. However, it is precisely in the face of these challenges that the importance of skill acquisition becomes apparent.

“LGCF has taken this as a point of duty and responsibility to equip inmates with the necessary knowledge and tools needed to develop/ enhance their livelihood skills to rebuild their lives and chart a new course for themselves to reintegrate into society as productive and lawabiding citizens.

The governor added: “We need to expand our scope. We should identify bigger land; we can expand with another 100 hectares each in Borno Central, South and North. “My predecessor had procured

about 10,000 hectares of drip irrigation kits. After this year's rainy season, we hope the state will be able to cultivate at least 1000 hectares." Zulum was accompanied by the Secretary to the State

Government, Hon. Bukar Tijjani, Commissioners for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bawu Musami, Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, and members of the Agric transformation team.

Peter Mbah Congratulates Ugwuanyi at 60

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State yesterday joined other friends, supporters, and well-wishers of the immediate past Governor of the State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to congratulate him on his 60th birthday.

In a birthday message to Ugwuanyi, Mbah commended the former governor's service to humanity and his role in the development of the state.

He pointed out that Ugwuanyi attaining 60 years of age "had earned

a place in the club of illustrious statesmen", adding that the former governor "worked tirelessly for peace and justice in Enugu State."

The governor said: "As you celebrate the Diamond Age, I offer my warmest felicitations to you on behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State.

"At 60, you have clearly distinguished yourself as an eminent member of the illustrious club of statesmen. You have also acquitted yourself very creditably in our state's

journey to greatness and in selfless service to humanity.

"Your remarkable work ethics, unassuming dispositions, and tireless commitment to peace, justice, and a better life for Ndi Enugu will always remain inspirational and perpetually engraved in the sands of time.

"Therefore, on your special day, I celebrate your service to Ndi Enugu and humanity and pray God to grant you long life, good health, and the grace to continue on the path of excellence."

Funmi Ogundare

The Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, yesterday appealed to the media to help create awareness around health insurance scheme, saying it should be seen as a social responsibility as this would enhance accessibility to health care.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Olusola Akande made this appeal at a two-day media dialogue held in collaboration with the agency and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) themed: 'Changing the Narrative on Child Mortality Through Health Insurance,’ in Ibadan, Oyo State, Akande stated that despite the fact that it is mandatory in the country, health insurance coverage is still very poor. He described Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a leveller, saying that the aim is to get everyone on insurance irrespective of their status in the society.

"What we are pursuing on UHC is to get as many people as possible on insurance; the poor, rich, rural and urban dwellers . We want to get them into the health insurance basket .

“ The moment you are able to get these categories of people into the basket, they become equal and they come into the same premium

which is N13,500 as obtainable in Oyo state.

"That is what the poor or vulnerable and the rich should pay . Even if someone is paying for it , the N13,500 is buying a specific package which could be anti-natal, caesarean section, among others,” he said.

He expressed concern that even the elites don't have a proper grasp of what health insurance is, saying that everyone is supposed to contribute to the scheme of their state.

In his presentation titled: ' Scorecard on Social Insurance Scheme: The Situation in Nigeria ', the executive secretary explained that health insurance is not meant to make the poor get poorer, but ensure that they have access to healthcare when they want it.

He listed some of the challenges to health insurance to include: Nonmandatory status, lack of political will, bias for formal sector, poor awareness, insecurity in some states disrupting service delivery and enrolment drive, high cost of medicines and medical consumables .

The executive secretary stressed the need to ameliorate security challenges in the country, improved political commitment of sub-national government, ensuring the provision of healthcare fund, saying these would go a long way in scaling up health

insurance in Nigeria.

In her remarks, the Communication Officer, UNICEF, Ms Blessing Ejiofor explained that advocacy and awareness must be stepped up for everyone, particularly the state governments, to attain UHC, adding that it is also important to ensure that every child in Nigeria survive and fulfil their potentials.

Addressing participants on the topic: “Access to Health Insurance: A Gateway to Achieve Universal Health Coverage for All in Nigeria’, a Health Specialist with UNICEF, Dr. Ijeoma Agbo stated that the percentage of the population covered by health insurance has been steadily increasing over the years, but significant gaps still exist, with a substantial portion of the population, especially the vulnerable, remaining uninsured.

“UHC is achieved when everyone has access to high-quality essential services they need without facing financial hardship, particularly at the time of service delivery.

“Several states in Nigeria have introduced their own health insurance schemes to complement the NHIS and extend coverage to residents. These state-level schemes vary in scope, coverage, and implementation effectiveness and impact in terms of overall progress towards UHC,” he said.

governor

(left) and Governor

Peter Mbah, when the latter paid his predecessor a congratulatory visit on his 60th birthday... yesterday.

COURTEsy VisiT TO THE GOVERNOR…

Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Benin

Police Reunite Rescued Chinese National with Family in Kwara

Hammed shittu in Ilorin

The Kwara State Police Command yesterday announced that a Chinese national, PengChao Zhang, who was recently kidnapped by six armed men, had been rescued and reunited with his family unharmed.

Zhang was recently abducted by six suspected gunmen in,

Ilorin, Kwara State’s capital. Since then, operatives of the state command have swung into action so as to rescue the Chinese national.

The efforts, however, paved way on Tuesday night when the operatives of the state police command rescued the Chinese without any attack and handed him over to his family in Ilorin.

A statement issued by the

Drug Trafficker Jailed 15 Years

Wale igbintade

A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday convicted and sentenced one Mrs. Odeyemi Omolara to 15 years imprisonment for drug trafficking.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu handed down the sentence on Omolara, a co-defendant with a Lagos-based business woman and socialite, Mrs. Funmilayo Ariket Ogbuanya (aka Ariket) in a drug case pending before the court.

Omolara, who is currently serving a 25 years jail term slammed on her in June 2017 by Justice Hadiza Shagari after confessing to have committed some counts as alleged in the charge, last week

decided to confess to the remaining counts relating to her in the charge, consequent upon which the new trail Judge found her guilty and sentenced her accordingly.

However, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu said the 15 years jail term shall run concurrently with the ongoing 25 years sentence handed down on the convict since June 2017.

It would be recalled that Justice Dipeolu last week fixed yesterday for the conviction and sentence after Omolara, who is the first defendant in a four-count charge changed her plea from not guilty to guilty, and counsel to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Abu Ibrahim reviewed the facts of the case.

NDDC Presents Mobility Aids to PLWDs in N’Delta

Blessing ibunge inPortharcourt

Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in the Niger Delta region yesterday received mobility and hearing aids worth millions of naira from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Presenting the items, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, assured the PLWDs of the commission’s commitment to their well-being and development.

The items presented during the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Disability Praise Festival in Port Harcourt included wheelchairs, sensor-guide canes, hearing aids and crutches.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Assistant Director, Education,

Health and Social Services, Dr. Asela Agala, remarked that some physically challenged persons were very talented and gifted, stating that what such people need are opportunities and support to live meaningful and sustainable lives.

He declared: “The NDDC has a robust welfare package for youths, women and persons living with disability, and we have over the years rolled out programmes to address their challenges.”

The NDDC chief executive officer re-affirmed the commitment of the commission to assist people living with disabilities to give them sustainable livelihoods, noting that NDDC was devoted to the overall development of persons living with disability.

MoneyMaster PSB Celebrates Global Money Week

Nigeria’s leading payment service bank, MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank Limited (MMPSB), has joined corporate entities and multinational companies across the world to celebrate the 2024 edition of Global Money Week scheduled for March 18 to 24, 2024.

Global Money Week is an annual global awareness-raising campaign on the importance of ensuring that young people, from an early age, are financially aware, and are gradually acquiring the

knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviour necessary to make sound financial decisions and ultimately achieve financial well-being.

The 2024 edition with the theme: ‘Protect your money, secure your future’, is focused on safe money management. It highlights the importance of adopting a responsible and informed approach to personal finance, by being aware of potential risks in the financial sector and protecting one’s hardearned money.

state police command on the development and signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP. Toun Ejire-Adeyemi,

stressed that the operation was a major breakthrough for the command’s fight against kidnapping in the state under the leadership of Kwara State

Commissioner of Police, CP. Victor Olaiya.

Ejire-Adeyemi noted that “six armed men forcefully abducted the Chinese national

who lodged at Cherish Guest House, Eyenkorin, Ilorin on March 10, 2024, sparking concerns and fear within the community.

NSCDC Smashes Local Gun-producing Group in Abuja

NMA nabs fake medical doctor in Plateau

Michael Olugbode in abuja and seriki adinoyi in Jos

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have smashed the production of local rifles and pistols by some unscrupulous elements in the Federal Capital

Territory (FCT).

In another development, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Plateau State has arrested a fake medical doctor operating in the state.

In a statement issued yesterday, the NSCDC National Public Relations

Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the criminal attempt was foiled through a tip-off and the NSCDC Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation which were under Surveillance and Monitoring (DII-SM), and swung into action to apprehend the suspects.

He said: Acting on a top off that, a group of individuals were manufacturing semi-automatic rifles and pistols at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium area in Abuja, while the DII-SM acted based on credible intelligence and the seven suspects were caught in the act.”

Alake: Lack of Reliable Data, Bane of Funding Mining Business

seriki adinoyi inJos

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, has expressed frustration over the lack of reliable data provided by mining companies to data banks, saying it is hindering efforts to secure funding for mining businesses. He made these remarks at the

59th Annual Internal Conference and Exhibition of the Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) with the theme: ‘Emerging Global Perspectives, Trends, and Sustainable Development of Minerals and Energy Resources’, held in Jos, Plateau State.

The minister, who was represented by the Director-General, Nigeria

Mining Cadastre, Simon Nkom, tasked the engineers and geologists to always send their new findings to the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency to update its intelligence on rocks, adding that rock formation is a dynamic process that occurs slowly based on various factors, internal and external. He said: “Every cut into the

ground is an opportunity to learn about the geological and hydrological events taking place. Each time you keep this intelligence to yourself, you are undermining our collective repository of data. Many investors who approach the NGSA do so with the conviction that they will get the most up-to-date information on the area that their licence covers.

Goods, Buildings Worth Millions of Naira Destroyed as Fire Guts Buildings in Lagos Market

sundayEhigiator

Goods and building worth millions of naira have been destroyed in a fire outbreak that consumed a four-storey building and another building in Dosumu Market in Idumota area of Lagos State yesterday.

Confirming the incident on X, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service

said the fire affected two-storey buildings and another three-storey building. It also stated that firefighters have been deployed to the scene to salvage the situation.

According to the Service, “The fire stations at Ebute Elefun, Ilupeju, and Alausa have deployed resources to mitigate the situation effectively as firefighting operations are ongoing.

We urge residents to cooperate with emergency personnel and avoid the area for their safety.

”Tragically, house number 49 has collapsed due to the fire’s intensity and the proximity of buildings. Additionally, the fire has spread to house number 53. Emergency response teams continue to work tirelessly to contain the spread of

the fire and protect the surroundings.” Additional information from traders who pleaded anonymity revealed that the fire began from the four-storey building used as a residential building and shop for the sale of fabrics at about 7:01 a.m. yesterday before it escalated to four buildings at No. 45, No. 47, No. 49A, and No. 49B in Dosunmu Street on the Lagos Island.

Group Accuses Adeleke, Legislative Arms of Grand Conspiracy to Collapse Public Service

yinka KolawoleinOsogbo

Following the extension of service year of the Head of Service, Mr. Samuel Ayanleye Aina, and Accountant-General, Mr. Rasheed Olalere Alabi, in Osun State, a human rights organisation, the Committee for the Defence of

Human Rights (CDHR), has accused both the executive and legislative arms of government in the state of a grand conspiracy to collapse the public service.

The state Chairman of the group, Emmanuel Olowu, while addressing a press conference at the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel

yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, alleged that both arms of government conspired in the bid to continue looting the state treasury.

Olowu noted that the state governor does not have the constitutional power to elongate the tenure of any civil servant,

saying the idea of extending the service year of retiring public officers is a stampede of the Public Service Rule 020810.

He said extending the service year would encourage corrupt practices, promoting nepotism and increase in unemployment among the people of the state.

Expert Highlights Key Metrics for Sustainable Energy Devt in Africa

sunday Okobi

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Global Process and Pipeline Services Limited (GPPSL), Obi Uzu, has underscored the critical role of innovation in capacity building and sustainable

development within the energy industry in Nigeria and Africa.

He highlighted GPPSL’s commitment to investing in competency development programs, evidenced by sending 27 Nigerian professionals to prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Cambridge

Universities. “This strategic investment not only builds expertise in-house but also ensures long-term loyalty and sustainability within the organization,” Uzu said.

Speaking during a session with the sub-theme: ‘Sustainability and the Future of Content Development in

Africa’s Energy Sector’, at the recently concluded Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2024, Uzu said: “Innovation is not just about staying ahead; it is about transforming challenges into opportunities and leading the way towards a more sustainable energy future for Africa.”

Ododo’s Wife Lauds Oluremi Tinubu for Promoting Access to Education

ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The First Lady of Kogi State, Mrs. Sefinat Usman Ododo, has commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for promoting access to education for Nigerian children under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

Ododo, who is the

Coordinator of RHI in Kogi State, made the commendation during the flag off of the distribution of exercise books to students and pupils of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) International Children School in Abuja by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She noted that Senator

Oluremi Tinubu has demonstrated her commitment as a true mother of the nation by ensuring that students and pupils are encouraged to enroll and stay in schools with the distribution of exercise books to them under her RHI, adding that the initiative would enhance learning in schools and

reduce the menace of out of school children, especially among female children in Nigeria.

Ododo highlighted the remarkable impact of outreaches by Senator Oluremi Tinubu such as the Alternative School Programme and donation of exercise books to school pupils.

Branch, Nosa Francis Edo-Osagie(left) and Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, at a parley attended by the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and other legal stakeholders in Benin, Edo State…recently

Amusan Retains 100m Hurdles Title, Anchors

Nigeria’s Sprint Relay to Another Gold

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Oluwatobi Amusan survived a false start yesterday to claim her third African Games 100m hurdles gold medal in Accra, Ghana. She won it in 2015 (Congo Brazzaville) and 2019 in Morocco.

The petit Nigerian hurdler who is world record holder at 12.12secs in the event scorched to 12.89s (-2.1) ahead of Sidonie Fiadanantsoa of Madagascar who picked the silver in 13.19secs. Ashley Tinashe of Zimbabwe clocked 13.59secs to win the consolation bronze while the second Nigerian in the final, Faith Osamuyi (13.77secs) missed out on podium, finishing in the fourth place.

Amusan who could not match the new Games record of 12.68secs she set at the last edition in Rabat, Morocco, created a huge scare for some Nigerian officials inside the University of Ghana Sports Stadium not familiar with the new false-start rule.

The new World Athletics rule that came into effect January 2023 replaced the previous false-start that automatically disqualifies any athlete that beats the gun. That rule knocked out former Jamaican track legend, Usain Bolt, from the finals of the 2011 World Athletics Championship in Daegu, South Korea.

The new rule now allows one false-start before red card for any subsequent athlete that beats the starter’s gun. This explains the yellow card that fans saw waved at Amusan before the

real or imagined threat from any of the other finalists. She led from start to finish.

Few minutes later, the Nigerian speedster, returned to anchor

Finidi: There is Nothing Friendly in the Clash with Ghana Tomorrow

2000 and 2002 AFCON tournaments. His first AFCON encounter against Ghana was on 23rd January 1992, in a semi-final encounter that the Black Stars won 2-1.

match in Bamako in 2002.

Speaking

“They

Finidi

Afterwards, the pacy winger was involved when both teams played out a barren draw in a friendly in Lagos in March 1994; a 0-0 draw in Accra in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier; a 3-0 win for Nigeria in Port Harcourt that sent Nigeria through to Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup and; a 1-0 win for Nigeria in an AFCON quarter-final

“We will be missing four players who have pulled out due to injury but I have confidence in the team that we have here that they will wear the green-white-green with pride and with patriotic fervour.”

As of Wednesday morning, only Turkey-based defender Bright Osayi-Samuel was being expected in the Adam Park Hotel of the Eagles in Marrakech, with 21 players having settled in.

They include; Kenneth Omeruo, Dessers Cyriel, Nathan Tella, Simon

Moses, Nwabali Stanley, Fisayo Bashiru, Basey Calvin, Iwobi Alex, Semi Ajayi and Jamilu Collins. Others include; Bruno Onyemaechi, Olorunleke Ojo, Raphael Onyedika, Benjamin Tanimu, Alhassan Yusuf, Sadiq Umar, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Francis Uzoho, Chidozie Awaziem, and Frank Onyeka.

Those who will miss this friendly in Morocco through injuries are; Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tyronne Ebuehi and Gabriel Osho.

Nigeria’s 4x100m women’s squad of Justina Eyakpobeyan, Olajide Olayinka and Ololade Moforehan to win the sprint relay gold medal.

Interestingly, Nigeria’s men sprint relay quartet of Sunday Israel Okon, Consider Ekanem, Alaba Akintola and Usheoritse Itsekiri also emulated their ladies. They stormed to the gold in 38.41secs, leaving hosts Ghana (38.43) and Liberia (38.73) to pick the silver and bronze medals respectively. It was a sweet revenge for the coach of the Nigerian team, Deji Aliu who won the 100m but lost the sprint relay gold to the Ghanaians when Nigeria hosted the 8th edition in Abuja in 2003. The first relay gold medal of the day came from Nigeria’s 4x400m Mixed relay team. The anchor of that team, Omolara Omotosho who just returned to athletics after five years break to have her two kids, ran the race of her life to come from behind to make the gold possible for Nigeria. The other members of the mixed relay quartet include; Ifeanyi Ojeli, Patience Okon-George

NPFL

In another step to ensure a successful conclusion of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season that has neared the last stretch, the league organisers have again issued two practice directives to guard against disruptive conducts. In two separate memos to clubs signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, attention was drawn to protocols guiding sitting on the technical bench and proper conduct of Ball Boys.

Frowning against observed deviation from the established protocol on the use of the technical bench, the memo noted, "We would want to remind all clubs of the proper usage of the technical bench as regards those that are permitted to sit on it during matches.

"The Technical Bench is a reserved area strictly designated for substitute players, coaches and backroom staff

and Siliru Adeyemi.

It was a day of bountiful harvest of gold medals from the track and field for Team Nigerian athletes. Also yesterday, Chidi Okezie made history as he stormed to Nigeria’s first African Games quarter mile gold in 37 years! Okezie raced home to the gold of the men’s 400m in 45.06secs. He emulated the feat of Innocent Egbunike who clocked 44.23secs to take the gold at the African Games in Nairobi, Kenya in 1987. Ever since, the best medal that Nigerian quarter-milers have fetched are all silver. The late Sunday Bada, Clement Chukwu and Tobiloba Ogunmola all won silver medals in the 400m. The gold medal was an upgrade for Okezie who won silver at the last edition in Morocco.

In the women’s 400m final, surprise package, Esther Joseph ran yet another lifetime best, stopping the clock at 51.61 but it was not enough to stop Mary Moraa from becoming the first Kenyan woman in African Games history to win the 400m gold.

with defined roles to play in the course of a match".

The memo warned that Clubs Chairmen and General Managers must refrain from sitting in the technical bench during matches. On untoward behaviour of Ball Boys to disrupt the flow of matches, the NPFL called for a halt to this growing trend.

"Such actions, including withholding balls, delayed return of balls to the field and other related disruptions are completely unacceptable.

"We must emphasise that these actions not only go against the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, but also constitute a clear breach of Rules 1.1 of the Frameworks and Rules".

Clubs were reminded that in accordance with the rules, a fine of N1m would be imposed an erring clubs.

Bans Club Administrators from Technical Bench Registration Still Ongoing for 10th Okpekpe Road Race

Registration for the 10th edition of the World Athletics gold label Okpekpe international 10km Road Race is still open to all willing and eligible runners, according to Race Director, Zack Amodu. Amodu revealed that the Registration portal was opened late February and the response has been impressive.

“Registration is still open to athletes and non athletes who wish to participate in our historic race scheduled to hold on May 25, 2024 in Okpekpe in Edo State,” said Amodu.

“All intending runners can register either online or physically. For those who want to register online, they should visit the race's website, www.okpekperoadrace. com while those intending to register physically can either download the registration form on our website or go to Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos to

pick up one.

“The form in PDF format can be scanned and submitted online via register@okpekperoadrace.com.”

Amodu revealed all participants must agree to World Athletics rules and regulations governing the organisation of road races.

”The official entry form must be completed fully by each intending participant. Completion of the entry form represents acceptance of the terms and conditions for participating in the historic race.”

He also revealed the race is not just for professional athletes who want to run for the prize monies on offer but also those who want to run for fun, to keep fit or for charity.

The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race is the first world-class running event in Nigeria and the first to be granted a label status. It is also the first to be granted a gold label status in Nigeria.

restart of the race. Amusan then calmly flew out of the blocks to take charge of the 100m hurdles race with no

Tobi Amusan...feeling cool shortly after winning her third Africa Games 100m hurdles gold medal in Accra, Ghana yesterday.

PHOTO: Courtesy Making of Champions

Finidi George (right) addressing Super Eagles after training in Marrakech, Morocco...yesterday

Kayode Fayemi to Afe Babalola

“Age is supposed to imbue one with a level of circumspection in what one says but not this old man who believes he owns Ekiti and any governor who chooses not to grovel before him with sycophantic adulation of the Almighty Afe Babalola must be brought down. Unfortunately, I will not grovel before any human being. Only God is Almighty in my books”—formerEkitiStateGovernoronwhythelegalluminary(Babalola,SAN) keepsattackinghim(Fayemi)withoutanyprovocation.

The Army and the Okuama Killings

Come Wednesday, I will be in Asaba, Delta State as one of the faculties at the Nigerian Army Quarterly Media dialogue. With the theme, ‘The imperatives of military-media partnership for the attainment of national security’, it is part of their efforts to secure the buy-in of critical stakeholders as they tackle the challenge of insecurity in Nigeria. Incidentally, 12 years ago in the same Asaba, I was one of the speakers at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference under Lt General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd).

Unfortunately, the mood will be different this time considering what happened last Thursday when some criminal gangs in Ughelli South Local Government ambushed troops of the 181 Amphibious Battalion after which the commanding officer, a Lt Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers were gruesomely murdered.

I join millions of Nigerians in commiserating with the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Army. As President Bola Tinubu rightly noted while granting full authority to the military high command to apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for the “unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people”, the unfortunate tragedy “demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the line of duty.”

I also agree with the president that “As a nation, we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our nation safe, strong, and united.”

From available reports, the CO and his troops did not die in a gun duel with the criminal gangs. They were ambushed and executed after which their bodies were cannibalised. No army in the world would allow such audacious barbarism against its officers and men to go unpunished. Meanwhile, I have read several posts either to excuse the bestiality as a ‘mistake’ because victims were taken for fake soldiers or provide justification on the pretext that the military had taken sides in the communal conflicts. For me, there is no defence for what happened. More worrisome is the recurrence of these killings of military troops by communal warlords in a nation where people who have lived together for centuries are now up in arms against one another.

Exactly three years ago (in March 2021 to be specific), a Captain and 11 soldiers were mowed down while trying to keep peace between the Bonta people of Konshisha local government and their neighbours, the Ukpute people of Oju local government in Benue State. As I explained at the time, both the Bontas (who are Tiv speaking) and the Ukputes (Igede speaking) are predominantly peasant farmers. The two groups have also cross settled in several villages along their boundary and even in some cases intermarried. Following a violent crisis at the time over the ownership of a parcel of land, troops were sent in to restore order only to run into an ambush orchestrated by one of the parties in the dispute. According to a statement by the army, not only were the soldiers brutally massacred, “the bandits proceeded to burn all the eleven soldiers and their officers beyond recognition while their weapons and ammunition were carted away.”

That the circumstances of the Delta killings bear similarities to what happened in Benue State three years ago is why the authorities must do more than perfunctory knee-jerk reactions. Between January 2018 and August 2022, according to a report by the National Boundary Commission, no fewer than 676 persons were killed in various communal land disputes across the country. In 2021, Patrick Okigbo’s ‘Nextier SPD’, a development research firm, also revealed that communal clashes accounted for 14 out of the 890 conflict incidents and 80 out of the 3,787 casualties that year. From north to the south, but mostly in the latter, many contiguous communities that have lived together for decades are at war over lands that are not put to any productive use. And it is the poor of our society, expendable ‘youths’ that do the fighting while those supplying the AK-47 and other deadly weapons are secure in the knowledge that they, and members of their immediate families, are far away from the theatres of war. And that nobody would ever try to fish them out for punishment.

In a January 2018 column, ‘When a Nation Becomes Funeral Home’, I used the chilling December 2023 report released by the United States-based Human Rights Watch, ‘Leave Everything to God: Accountability for InterCommunal Violence in Plateau and Kaduna States, Nigeria’ to illustrate this point. In that report, authorities were indicted for “taking no meaningful steps to address underlying grievances” or bring to justice those responsible for “tit-for-tat killings” with victims targeted for extermination, “often in horrific circumstances”. What this has created is a serious national security challenge.

Ordinarily, restoring law and order is the primary responsibility of the Police. Not the Army. But in most communities across the country today, belligerents no

longer fear the police. No incident perhaps demonstrated that better than what happened on 7th May 2013 in Nasarawa State. On that tragic day, 63 police officers and 10 state security service (SSS) operatives sent to restore law and order were gruesomely murdered. Today, in most theatres across the country, this recurring mayhem over land disputes is hardly ever quelled until military troops are drafted in. That is the genesis to the tragedy in Okuama.

However, even in this moment of anger and pain, the military should be methodical in their approach. Two things should happen. One, they need to investigate the circumstances under which the troops were in the area and get all the details as to what transpired. Two, they must fish out all the culprits and bring them to justice, however long it takes. In doing that, they should avoid anything that suggests applying collective punishment, especially on residents of Okuama community. On that score, those who trivialise the bestial killings by peddling dangerous narratives are not helping matters.

The most thoughtful intervention on this tragedy has been from elder statesman and leader of the Ijaw Nation, Edwin Clark, who knows the slain officers personally and admitted speaking to them on an unrelated issue shortly before their death. Describing what happened as “very shocking, very barbaric and wicked,” Clarke called for a collaboration between the military and the communities to fish out the culprits. “I was so sad when I heard that Lt Col. Ali was involved because on Thursday, 14 March (same day the troops were killed), I spoke to him about my younger brother, Col Bernard Clark (rtd), who died recently and was to be buried on (last) Friday,” said Clarke who

Ddefended the action of the military in the aftermath while at the same time appealing for restraint. “I had to contact him (the deceased CO). And he told me he was in a vehicle and that he would speak to me later, only to hear that he was among them. At that time, he was speaking to me from Agbor in Delta State.”

I am aware of the anger within the military and justifiably so too, given the barbaric manner the lives of their officers and men were terminated. But the application of Odi or Zaki Biam principle would be unhelpful in the circumstance. Both in international law and the laws of war, collective punishment is prohibited, based on the fact the actions of one or a few individuals should not attract punishment for innocent people. A cornerstone of justice systems worldwide, as one writer puts it, “is the presumption of innocence (while) collective punishment flips this principle on its head, presuming guilt by association.”

Let me make myself clear once again. The criminals who killed our soldiers deserve no sympathy. But I am also aware that those who committed such a heinous crime would have left the scene, knowing the gravity of their deed and what would follow. So, apprehending them (and their collaborators) would require intelligence gathering and painstaking efforts. Under an atmosphere of collective punishment that often reduces sense of remorse and heightens perceived grievances, the military will not get the requisite information they need. Besides, it could exacerbate the initial problem they were trying to solve, especially now that the two sides in the dispute are on the propaganda offensive in a bid to profit from the tragedy. The military should not fall for their tricks.

the Lekki Free Zone

uring a recent encounter with Mr Haresh Vaswani, who I was meeting for the first time, a mutual friend said jocularly that he was sure I would have at least two of his (Aswani’s) company’s products in our house. I expressed my doubt. When the friend identified the company as Tolaram Group, a Singaporean family business to which I wasn’t familiar, I became even more curious. Until he mentioned Indomie Instant Noodles as one of their products. Indomie is without doubt one of the biggest brands not only of Noodles but also of any products in the country today.

Incidentally, Aswani, who chairs Tolaram Group in Africa has been in Nigeria for more than three decades and is also the Honorary Consul-General of Singapore in our country. As I would learn, Indomie is just one of the many premium household products either being manufactured by the Tolaram Group or in which they are the main distributor. Dano Milk, Colgate toothpaste, Power Oil, Hypo cleaner, Kellogg’s, Pringles, Coco Pops are some of the others. But what Aswani focused on that day is the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), a project he described as Nigeria’s first privately owned free zone with a fully integrated deep-sea port, covering an area of 830 hectares. In Lagos a few weeks ago, I

visited the LFZ. Fully equipped with worldclass infrastructure, a single clearance window for ease of doing business, and integrated with the Lekki deep seaport spanning 90 hectares, I was dazed by what I saw.

Built in partnership with China Habouring Engineering Company (CHEC), the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), construction of the Lekki Port was commenced in 2012 when Babatunde Fashola was governor and is to date the single largest private infrastructure investment in the country. That such a significant investment of about $2.5 billion would be committed along the Lekki Corridor is an indication of the potential of that axis for the development of both Lagos and our country. The Lekki Corridor stretches from Victoria Island along the Peninsula to Epe with the Expressway serving as its primary artery. In my chat with the LFZ Managing Director, Dinesh Rathi who took me on a tour of completed facilities, what they are trying to create within the economic zone which entices businesses with tax breaks and simplified procedures, “is a ‘city within a city’ that integrates industries, residences, and commercial spaces, all functioning seamlessly together.”

NOTE: Piece concluded online

Maj T.A. Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff