SATURDAY 23TH MARCH 2024

Organs of slain soldiers traced, recovered Declares viral video

CDS: Military Will Establish Special Forces to Combat Insecurity in FCT

Warns Okuoma's neighbouring communities against hosting strangers Wike, Tuggar condemn killing of 17 military personnel

The Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa said the military is pondering having on standby a special security force to address insecurity in the FCT.

He stated this yesterday, in Abuja, during a courtesy call on the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Musa, noted that the special force would be established in collaboration with other security agencies that would be on alert for 24 hours.

He said a city like the FCT cannot be shorn of criminal tendencies adding, security agencies will continue to reflect on the best kind of response to the situation.

"We are looking at it holistically; to see how we can assist the police

in responding to acts of criminality. Like the incident at Kuje prison, the incident of train crash, even though not in the FCT, but within the perimeter of the FCT. What we are trying to do is to build a force that will be on standby 24/7, in case there is anything happening, we can provide additional support to the police," he said. General Musa added that the visit was also to appreciate the

minister for the support the FCT Administration was giving to security agencies.

"We came here to show appreciation for the good efforts made by the FCT Minister and his team in trying to make sure that the FCT is peaceful and calm and providing amenities for all FCT residents to be comfortable wherever they are. And since we are also FCT residents, we want to

say a big thank you to the minister.

"On the issue of security, if you have a mega city like FCT, we will have the good the bad, the ugly coming to live in it and it is my role, working with the police, to make sure that we identify those kind of people, and ensure that the FCT was peaceful and calm."

In his response, Wike assured the Chief of Defence Staff of FCT Administration’s support

in whatever form to improve the security situation in the country and maintain the territorial integrity of the nation.

“Do not hesitate to tell us whatever support you need from the FCT,” Wike said, adding that a provision was made in the budget for the procurement of drones for security agencies against all forms of insecurity, particularly in the FCT.

DHQ: TROOPS MAKE GAINS, RECOVER WEAPONS OF SLAIN SOLDIERS IN DELTA, SAYS NO HIDING PLACE FOR KILLERS OF 18 MILITARY PERSONNEL

them out.

claimed responsibility for the killing insinuating that the military personnel took sides in the conflict between two communities in the area.

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) also called on the Delta State government and the host communities to provide assistance to ensure that the culprits were fished out.

An update on the attack issued by Defence Headquarters said there was no hiding place for the perpetrators.

"Troops have continued a manhunt for the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of 18 soldiers that occurred on 14 Mar 24.

"Accordingly, clearance operations as well as cordon and search were conducted to among other things recover the weapons of the deceased soldiers", it said.

It stated that "some of the communities in which troops have operated are Akugbene, Ukuama and Okoloba Communities in Ugheli and Ugheli South of Delta State.

"Others include Ukuama Amusamo, Akwagbe, Arhavwarien, Pirigbene and Igbomatoro communities all in Delta State.

"The decomposing hearts of some of the killed soldiers were recovered during search while the manhunt continues with no significant arrest yet made".

The update issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj Gen Edward Buba, said the armed forces will continue to confront the challenge of insecurity.

"Significantly, there is a viral video of person admitting to have perpetrated the killings of the soldier in Delta State. The video among other things helps to narrow investigations to persons of interest and their cohorts.

"There can be no hiding place for perpetrators of such dastardly act against our nation. This is a clarion call to duty by members of those communities and the state government", it said.

"Accordingly, the state governments and host communities of these personalities are required to assist the ongoing investigation to flush

NAIRA SUSTAINS GAINS, NOW N1,382/$, TINUBU CANVASSES PATRONAGE OF LOCAL GOODS

to float the currency last year, in an attempt to curb currency arbitrage.

However, the President noted that the positive development around Naira’s exchange value doesn’t call for clinking of glasses yet, saying there was need for more work and efforts to sustain the gains.

He advised patriotic Nigerians to blow the whistle and expose those engaging in currency sharp practices.

Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, who handed down the President's advice to Nigerians while speaking to newsmen at the State House, Abuja, also explained that part of the reason for the administration to achieve a strong Naira is to achieve ease for the working Nigerian, especially when the new minimum wage comes to effect. He said: “I'm certain that everyone seated here and indeed Nigerians at large have witnessed the seismic shifts that have taken place within the nation's foreign exchange market over the course of the last several days and the strengthening of the Nigerian Naira against the United States Dollar.

Nigerian Naira against all other global currencies.

“One, President Bola Tinubu, wants to communicate very clearly to our people that there has never been a more important time in our history to actively agree together that we will patronise and purchase made in Nigeria products across all value chains, across all sectors.

“This is clearly the direction all of us have wanted to head and we are very sober to the fact that this is no time to rest or to clap, this is a time to deepen our efforts to dig in and to work harder, which is why His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved a series of interventions to ensure that we see a mass strengthening of the

“There is an intentionality that we must have on this issue that we want a strong currency, we want the spending power of our people to go up. We want every Naira and kobo we earn to be more valuable, not just here, but when we travel abroad, the way to achieve that is by doing just this.

“In addition to that, His Excellency Mr. President, beyond the appeal to

PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER WILL CREATE 2.3 MILLION JOBS, BOOST GDP BY $17BN, SAYS IDRIS

which currently stands at 40 per cent- higher than the global average and compressing oil and gas contracting cycle from 38 months to six months.

“It will generate a billion cubic feet per day of additional gas supply, create 2.3 million jobs, and boost GDP by $17 billion. The new tax incentives being implemented have the potential to attract up to $10 billion in new oil and gas investment,” he said.

The minister said the vision of President Bola Tinubu was to create an enabling environment where businesses could thrive through streamlining regulations, investment incentives, provision of infrastructure and robust policies aimed at fostering economic stability and prosperity.

He said through enhanced security measures across the Niger Delta Region, the country’s NLNG cargoes had increased from an average of 16 cargoes in 2023 to 21 cargoes in the first quarter of 2024, while crude oil production had risen from 1.22 million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2023 to 1.6 million barrels per day in the first quarter of 2024.

Idris, said in a deliberate effort to

boost industrialisation, the federal government had issued Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) letters of recommendation to 20 manufacturers for expansion and enhanced production capacity, as the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalisation was currently working on the framework to implement a well-structured and functioning consumer credit system in line with global best practices.

On the provision of critical infrastructure, Idris said the President was working assiduously to break the jinx in the power sector through the implementation of various policies, including the speeding up of the injection of 12,000MW of electricity into the national grid in partnership with the Siemens Energy of Germany, the release of N40 billion for Mass Metering Programme across the country, among others.

He noted that work had commenced on the development of a new 20mw on-grid solar-hydro project in Shiroro, Niger State, near the 600mw Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Plant, describing the 20mw plant as the first phase of a 300mw project.

He said the macroeconomic policies of the President had begun to bear fruits through the sustained appreciation of the Naira, stability in the economy, and the clearing of the foreign exchange backlog of $7 billion by the Central Bank.

Idris said the removal of the petrol subsidy was at the core of the President‘s economic reforms and it has started yielding positive results with the marked reduction in petrol importation to 50 percent monthly – roughly a billion litres a month – since the petrol subsidy was removed in June 2023.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Kano Business Community, Alhaji Sabiu Bako, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing some of the suggestions they made while he was on the campaign trail to Kano.

He said the Kano Business community wholeheartedly supported the removal of fuel subsidy as it only benefited the upper class and did very little to alleviate the economic burden faced by the majority of Nigerians.

Nigerians to actively and intentionally make that decision every day to patronise made-in-Nigeria products and services, across the board, he is also wanting to ensure that Nigerians fully understand that the momentum that we are now seeing, with respect to the strengthening of our currency, is not going to slow down.

“The efforts that Mr. President has put in place, in collaboration with other agencies of government, as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria, in dealing decisively with sharp practices on certain crypto-currency trading platforms, dealing decisively with sharp practices within the parallel market of the foreign exchange ecosystem, that these things are now yielding fruit.

“What we now will need to see is an active effort on the part of our people to blow the whistle wherever they see any of these sharp practices taking place, to communicate with the agencies that deal with these issues directly and understanding that this is not a government versus malign actors issue. This is a Federal Republic of Nigeria versus malign actors issue and the activities of these actors negatively impact everybody seated in this room and everybody watching this broadcast and all Nigerians, both at home and abroad.

“So all of us have to take up the mantle and agree that we will collaborate together to deal with these issues.

“He is also ensuring that we bring a sustainable strength to the currency so that when we talk about a new minimum wage, because many of our people have asked, you know government officials about when the new minimum wage is coming in, those negotiations are ongoing. But what we do not want is a situation in which the minimum wage continues to be what it has always been in the history of our country, which is a moving goalpost.”

The Presidential spokesman added: “If we do not get a firm grip on the value of our currency and it

continues to be a volatile, devaluing asset, then whatever we do with the national minimum wage is going to essentially become a moot point, nullity. And so we are focused on ensuring that yes, we arrive at a new minimum wage that states can afford, and that will deal with all of the needs of Nigerian families across the country.

“But we also want to ensure that what we peg it at is something that is sustainable over a number of years based on the long term, you know, stability that we want to bring to the Nigerian Naira with the interventions we're presently making.”

Ngelale, also explained that the federal government expects to save N5 billion quarterly from the three-month ban on all foreign trips funded by public money for ministers, heads of government agencies, and other officials which takes effect from April 1, 2024.

Tinubu had in a major cost cutting move recently imposed a strict three-month ban on all foreign trips funded by public money for ministers, heads of government agencies, and other officials.

The travel ban is aimed at reducing the rising expenses incurred by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) on international travel and ensuring that cabinet members and heads of MDAs focus on their respective mandates for effective service delivery.

Commenting on the issue, presidential spokesperson said: “So the President is doing everything he can to ensure that he steps in to ease the burden on families while also ensuring that he holds the public sector and the federal government of Nigeria accountable to prudent spending, ensuring that we cut down drastically on travel expenditures, ensuring that with the temporary ban that is being put in place from April 1 on all but unnecessary foreign travel, we're expecting to save over N5 billion per quarter.

Continuing, the statement said "the ongoing counter-insurgency and counter terrorist operation across the country is a fight for our sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. Troops would continue to put themselves in harm’s way in order protect and secure the citizens of this country.

"Consequent upon these operations, troops rescued several kidnapped hostages re-united them with their loved ones. Troops also disrupted untoward activities of terrorist, thereby preventing them from carrying out acts of terror or harming citizens".

On general operations, Buba said 106 terrorists were killed while 103 others were arrested even as 40 illegal refineries were destroyed.

"Across theatres of operation in the country. Troops during the week neutralised 106 terrorist and made 103 arrest. Troops also arrested 22 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 96 kidnapped hostages. In the South South, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N754, 149,600.00.

"Furthermore, troops recovered 171 assorted weapons and 2,452 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 47 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 18 pump action rifles, 17 locally fabricated guns, 14 Dane guns, 12 locally fabricated pistols, one fabricated revolver, one hand grenade, 81mm mortar bomb, one mortar tube and 4 bandoliers", it said.

He listed others to include 995 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 468 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 317 live cartridges, 125 rounds of 9mm ammo, 313 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 13 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 167 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammo, 45 empty shells of 7.62mm NATO, 72 empty cases of cartridges, 14 magazines, 10 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 19 mobile phones, one bicycles, 4 baofeng radios, and the sum of N112,920.00 amongst other items.

"Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 17 boats, 15 storage tanks and 4 vehicles. Other items recovered include 21 cooking ovens, three pumping machines and 40 illegal refining sites.

"Troops recovered 772,350 liters of stolen crude oil, 80,530 liters of illegally refined AGO and 1,500 liters of DPK", it said.

Olawale Ajimotokan, Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri

US Rolls Out Initiatives to Boost Nigeria’s Creative Economy

South West PDP Knocks Tinubu over State of Economy, Poor Governance

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The National Vice Chairman, South West of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Kamarudeen Ajisafe, has come hard on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, for its style of governance in the country.

Ajisafe while speaking during a media chat held at the PDP South West Party Secretariat at Bodija area of Ibadan, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using a trial and error approach in the governance of Nigeria.

According to him, it is now glaring that APC as a political party, is not prepared for governance in the country going by the present

situation in the country.

He emphasised that with the hardship in the country, Nigerians are not happy with the present situation in the country and that the party should not make Nigerians to lose interest in the nation’s democracy.

Ajisafe, stressed that there is the need for the APC led Federal government to arrest the on going high cost of food stuffs, among many challenges facing the country.

Speaking further, he said the PDP is still very much alive in the South West states and that the party is presently doing very well in Oyo and Osun states with the governors enjoying massive support of the people of their respective states.

Rivers Assembly Override

Fubara's Assent, Okays Service Commission Amendment Bill

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State House of Assembly led by Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule, yesterday, ignored Governor Siminalayi Fubara's assent and passed the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Bill into Law.

THISDAY recalled, that the House passed the Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Bill on February 15, 2024, and transmitted same to Governor Fubara for assent.

Not happy that the governor was yet to assent to the Bill after about a month it was cleared at the House, the lawmakers decided to take the law into their hands and passed it into law at the 125th legislative sitting, yesterday.

The Bill which was re-presented by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and debated by members at the floor of the House, was passed into law by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule. Amaewhule, cited Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as altered, which he said empowers the House to override the governor, where he

withholds his assent.

In approving the action by the Speaker, 24 members present at the sitting unanimously agreed to override the Governor.

Speaking further, Amaewhule described the amendment to the House of Assembly Service Commission Law as one that merely returned the power donated to the House by the Principal Law in the appointment of the Chairman and members of the Assembly Service Commission.

He stressed that the amendment was in the best interest of staff of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and wondered why the governor refused to give assent to the Bill. The Speaker reiterated the House commitment to the continuous strengthening of institutions in the State, adding that "with the passage, the Bill has now assumed the garb of law by virtue of section 100 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as altered".

Earlier, the House gave first reading to the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Hon. Lemchi Nyeche, Member representing Ikwerre Constituency.

On this year’s governorship election in Ondo State, Ajisafe disclosed that PDP is preparing for the election and that the party is determined to win the election.

Musawa, in Abuja on Thursday. Satterfield said the US government would use public diplomacy platforms, including people-topeople diplomacy, to revolutionise the growing opportunities in the music, art and literary fields.

“The Education and Cultural Affairs Bureau at the State Department plays a lead role primarily in building relationships and people-to-people diplomacy across a wide variety of sectors, education mostly, but also in cultural heritage.

“So in addition to the robust programmes we already do in the

culture space, we have announced three new initiatives. One is for television production, to bring Nigerian TV production directors to the University of Southern California to work directly with American executive producers and directors, to help them create the shows, and to be mentored and use the American network to help bolster that sector.

“Secondly, with the recording academy, we announced a music programme where the Recording Academy will find American mentors who are members of the Recording Academy to bring

Africans from the continent. I think five of the participants out of 20 will be Nigerians. And this is to bolster the music industry, not just musicians, but those who want to be in the business. It is exactly what you're talking about, wanting to be in the business so we can pair them with Americans to talk about best practices and how to go into the field of music.

“We want to really create this ecosystem in the music space with these recording academy members. Secretary Blinken announced that the program will take place in October of this year. So we are really excited.”

FRC, NGXReco Unveil Roadmap for Adoption of Sustainability Financial Reporting Standards in Nigeria

Kayode Tokeden

TThe Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) and the NGX Regulation Ltd (NGX RegCo, yesterday unveiled a roadmap for the adoption of the Sustainability Financial Reporting Standard in Nigeria.

Amid the launch of the financial reporting standards in Lagos, yesterday, Nigeria becomes the first country in Africa to launch the International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB) sustainability financial reporting standard. The IFRS Sustainability Standards are developed to enhance investorcompany dialogue. This is to enable investors

receive useful decision and globally comparable sustainability-related disclosures that meet their information needs.

The roadmap for the adoption of the reporting standard was launched at a session with the Chairman of ISSB/ IFRS Foundation, Mr Emmanuel Faber, organised by FRC and NGX RegCo in Lagos.

Giving his speech, the Chief Executive Officer, FRC, Mr. Rabiu Olowo, stated that that the launch of the roadmap asserts Nigeria leadership role in the adoption of the ISSB's sustainability standard.

Olowo, revealed that President Bola Tinubu during a visit of the ISSB's team to him in Abuja

earlier, expressed affirmation in his commitment for the adoption of ISSB's proposition and framework for the sustainability standard in Nigeria.

He explained that the unveiling of the roadmap, was in line with ISSB's launch of its two inaugural sustainability standards, namely; IFRS S1, for disclosure of sustainability related financial information and IFRS S2 for climate related disclosure in June 2023.

According to him, the FRC also issued the exposure draft on the roadmap for sustainability reporting in Nigeria on Feb.1, which period of exposure ended on March 14.

Olowo, said sustainability financial

reporting standard unlocks capital flow, improve transparency across value chains, leading to greater and healthy competitiveness for companies.

He noted that the financial reporting standard also lead to increase Foreign Direct Investments(FDIs), portfolio investment, job creation, promote economic and social resilience, in line with the economic policies of the present government.

The FRC boss stated that the visit of Faber and his team to Nigeria underscores the importance Nigeria attaches in aligning with global framework, especially as it affects corporate practices, of which sustainability has become a critical component.

Global Money Week: CBN Takes Financial Literacy Campaign to Classrooms

James Emejo in Abuja

In continuation of its weeklong activity to commemorate Global Money Week 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday took its financial literacy awareness to classrooms across the country's six geopolitical zones. Part of the objectives was to inculcate financial issues in the minds of young pupils and students at tender ages and prepare them for the opportunities and challenges of the evolving financial landscape.

Speaking at the outreach at the Government Secondary School (GSS), Gwagwa, Abuja, acting CBN Director, Consumer Protection Department (CPD), Othniel Nuhu, explained

that with this year’s theme, "Protect your Money, Secure your Future", the apex bank intended to play a catch-them-young to introduce the students to the concepts of money. He said the awareness was necessary to instill in the students, the right attitude towards money, including earning, saving, and investing early.

Addressing the students, Nuhu said, “We at CBN are interested in educating you about money even though we know you are not working yet because we want to catch you young.

“What we are doing here has to do with financial literacy. It is different from the education you are getting here because you can

be a professor and not know how to manage your money.

“We want to inculcate in you, the culture of saving; you can save from the gifts and allowances you receive from your parents and other relatives.”

He said, “We want you to begin to learn the culture of saving for the future. Your parents can open bank accounts on your behalf until you turn 18. So that by the time you become adults and start working, you will have mastered the art of saving.”

According to him, the apex bank at its 12th edition of Literacy Fair on Tuesday, emphasised the need to increase financial literacy, as this was key to creating wealth, improving

income, and enhancing living conditions of Nigerians.

Also, the Head of Consumer Education and Evaluation Division in the CPD, Mr. Gbadamosi Lanre, expressed concern about the poor level of financial literacy in the country, which he said only increased from 13 per cent to about 33 per cent over time.

Lanre attributed the low financial literacy level to inadequate awareness, poor income rates, and escalating poverty levels in the country.

He, however noted that the central bank was creating a monitoring and evaluation framework for financial literacy to offer an impartial evaluation of the CBN's financial literacy efforts.

FOOD SECURITY ON THEIR MINDS…

INEC Tasks Security Agencies on Early Preparation Ahead of Edo, Ondo Polls

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged security agencies to start security preparations very early ahead of the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the call yesterday, in Abuja at a meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

The Chairman said both Edo and Ondo States have 18 Local Government Areas each.

He said at the moment, Edo has 2,501,081 registered voters, 192 Registration Areas/Wards and 4,519 Polling Units; while Ondo State has 1,991,344 registered voters, 203 Registration Areas/ Wards and 3,933 Polling Units.

Yakubu, noted that however, the terrain differs in the two states, saying while there are a few riverine locations in Edo State,

two Local Government Areas in Ondo State (Ese Odo and Ilaje) are predominantly riverine. He said for Ondo State, political parties would commence their primaries in the next two weeks, adding that 17 out of 19 parties have indicated interest in participating in the election.

Yakubu stated: "It is important to start security preparations very early. In particular, the number of personnel and other assets to be deployed to strategic locations

CAC Secures 4-year Jail-term against Forger of Annual Return Receipts

James Emejo in Abuja

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) yesterday said it has secured the conviction of one Abubakar Sadiq Aremu for four years imprisonment for cheating and forgery of its annual return receipts.

In a statement made available to THISDAY, the commission pointed out that the convict was accused of uploading forged receipts to pay a company's annual return on the CAC portal.

Aremu, was reportedly arraigned on March 21, 2023, before Upper Area Court Mpape Abuja, and pleaded guilty to the offense and was, therefore, sentenced by the presiding judge.

Reacting to the judgment, the Registrar-General/Chief Executive, CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, described the development as a

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, has revealed plans of the Service to rejig its Border Corps Unit as part of efforts to police the country's borders effectively.

Nandap disclosed this yesterday after the inauguration of 30 operational vehicles for border surveillance and patrol at the Service headquarters in Abuja, shortly after he Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo stated that the growing insecurity in the country is a direct correlation to the nation’s porous borders, disclosing that efforts are in top gear to secure Nigeria's borders.

The Border Corps Unit was introduced in 2014 by the federal government to tackle security challenges occasioned by the country's porous borders.

milestone achievement for the commission.

He said the victory represented a major boost to his efforts to stem the activities of criminals trying to circumvent established processes and procedures in CAC.

The CAC boss, further emphasised that the commission was ready to go after anyone trying to flout its rules to strengthen the system for the benefit of the economy.

Separately, Magaji said the commission was prepared to work with stakeholders to ensure that issues related to the regulation of entities are seamlessly implemented.

During a familiarisation session with customers/stakeholders in Abuja, he said under his watch that the commission will continuously engage with software vendors to improve areas that require urgent attention to make the Companies Registration

The CG said the newly acquired vehicles were "a tangible effort to enhance the security and integrity of our nation's borders, which is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu."

"We are going to have a border corps", she said, noting that the President was serious about securing the country's borders.

Nandap said: "We will have boots on the ground. We will train our personnel, we will equip them, and they are ready to work.”

The CG while noting that effective border surveillance and patrol play a significant role in safeguarding Nigeria's sovereignty, protecting the citizens, preserving its economic prosperity as well as facilitating regular, safe, and orderly migration, said the 30 new vehicles represent a concrete investment in providing immigration officers with the tools needed to carry

Portal (CRP) perform optimally.

He said, “This will resolve problems associated with delays in service delivery. The commission has also initiated reviewing our operational checklist to bring it up to speed with international best practices.

“This will go a long way in simplifying our processes and also reduce the time cycle for our services and product delivery.

“We are also reorganising the call center to make it a response center that will attend to customer complaints and inquiries within 24 hours.”

Magaji said, “This will also address the anxiety of resolving issues promptly and addressing the overall expectations of customers and stakeholders.

“I will be engaging and collaborating with all of you continuously to get inputs and suggestions that will ensure a good experience in service delivery as we move forward on this journey.”

out their duties.

She noted that: “With enhanced mobility, our border patrol teams will be better equipped to detect and deter illegal activities, including smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons and other transnational crimes.

"This investment in Border Security will be complemented with a rejig of our Border Corps architecture to include agile Sector Commanders to carry out consistent surveillance and patrol of our border in line with our core mandate.

She therefore charged the personnel to own the responsibility of securing the country's borders and be dogged and watchful.

The CG warned them against partaking in any acts that contravene the laws or tarnish the image of the NIS, adding: "We will not tolerate any compromise to the nation’s security."

should be determined and mobilised early enough.

"It was this proactive approach that led to the successful conduct of the last Governorship election in Edo State on 19th September 2020 and in Ondo State on 10th October 2020.

"There were no security incidents, materials were delivered promptly, logistics deployed smoothly, Polling Units opened on time, voters attended to efficiently and results collated and announced transparently.

"Let us replicate the successful conduct of the last Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. In fact, working together, we should ensure that the 2024 Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States are an improvement on the success story of 2020."

Linking NIN with Phone Number Dangerous Security Breach, Adeniyi Tells FG

Bennett Oghifo

The Jagun Oodua Adimula ll of Yorubaland, High Chief Tola Adeniyi has advised the federal government to immediately stop its policy of linking the National Identity Number (NIN) of Nigerians with their sim (Subscriber Identity/ Identification Module) cards, saying it exposes Nigerians to all sorts of criminals.

In a statement, Adeniyi urged the federal government to immediately “stop (Isa Ali Ibrahim) Patami's (former minister of Communications and Digital Economy) inimical and insidious security breach which mandated citizens to link their NIN, BVN with their telephone

Pharmacists

numbers.”

He added: “There is no place in the world where sensitive security details like NIN, otherwise known as Social Insurance Number in other countries, is placed on the open market as Patami compelled Nigerians to do.

“The origin of this politically motivated scheming was when Buhari threw the Nigerian citizenship to all manners of migrants, particularly the Fulani from all over Africa via his reckless pronouncement in Cairo, Egypt.

“A sham legislation was enacted which purportedly conferred Nigerian citizenship on any migrant who possessed a phone number attached to NIN and lived anywhere

in the country for a year or two.

“The shenanigan was meant to seriously alter the country's demographics.

“Anybody who gains access to other people's NIN, now made porous through phone numbers, can easily commit all manners of criminality with the vital information so garnered.

“The federal government is exposing Nigerians to local, national and international crooks and criminals with the continuation of this severe security breach.

“It must be stopped today. I call on Nigerian constitutional lawyers and security experts to step into this matter and quickly intervene and secure government compliance.”

Demand Removal of High Tariff on Drugs

Pharmacists, under the auspices of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Lagos Branch, have called on the federal government to grant more tax holidays to the sector as well as remove the high tariffs introduced in the last few years to reduce the high cost of drugs in the country.

Speaking at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the PSN, Lagos, recently, the Chairman, Babayemi Oyekunle, said Nigerian consumers were suffering from the consequences of the excessive tariff, pleading with the federal government for a review as well as grant tax holiday to the pharma sector.

He identified weak regulatory control by appropriate regulatory agencies due to poor funding as one of the major factors responsible for the prevailing situation.

The Diamond Lady Family Support Foundation has congratulated Dr. Adaora Umeoji on her recent appointment as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank.

In a statement yesterday, by the Foundation’s President General, Mrs. Nkiru Uzoechina, and the Secretary General, Mrs. Maria-Fidelia Ubah, it described Dr. Umeoji’s elevation to the new office as “reward for

“Government needs to grant more tax holidays as well as remove some high tariffs introduced in the last few years in the pharma sector as these costs are passed to consumers.

"This is particularly instructive with regards to NAFDAC where high cost of registration of drug products and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspection fees need to be redressed. The industry is having issues with payment as the NAPAMS generated tariff is more than the CBN rate when calculated with the dollar fees on NAFDAC tariff."

industry and excellence”.

“We felicitate with our admirable sister, Dame. Dr. Adaora UmeojiNwokoye, on the astonishing feat of becoming the first female GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank in over 30 years of the bank’s existence. Her rise to the pinnacle of her career is testament to her brilliance and excellent work ethic,” the foundation stated.

Oyekunle cited some of the fees charged by NAFDAC for its service as exorbitant and need to be redressed.

"For example, the TCA fee for NAFDAC is $672.95 and conversion to Naira using the current CBN rate of N1,593.91 to USD brings the total payment to NAFDAC to N1,072,621.73. The online NAFDAC portal is N1, 101,061.25. However, on bank portals, the exchange rate ranges from N1, 520 to N1,530 to a dollar; therefore, NAFDAC fee to industry is actually $ 724.38 USD instead of the gazetted fee of $672.95. Who pays the difference? Nigerian patients.’’

The foundation prayed for divine protection and guidance in the discharge of her new office.

The Diamond Lady Family Support Foundation is a group founded by the mother of Dr. Umeoji, Late Lady Ngozi Umeoji, to live out the philanthropic vision of helping the poor and needy, bringing joy to rural women, especially widows. It noted that “this vision is also in line with Dame Adaora's belief "that the essence of having prosperity is to share and benefit others."

L-R: Coordinating Director, Directorates of Accounting Standards (Private & Public Sectors) and Sustainability Reporting Unit, Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria, Dr. Iheanyi Anyahara; Executive Secretary/ CEO, FRC, Dr. Rabiu Olowo; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Chair, International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), IFRS Foundation, Emmanuel Faber; and Board Member, ISSB, IFRS Foundation, Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien during a courtesy visit by the FRC and ISSB team to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja…recently

While you gaze elsewhere, Peter Igho arrives suddenly at the unexpected destination. Or so it seems. Only recently Peter Igho was elected President of the Urhobo Leadership Forum Abuja. ULFA for short, is a solidarity group intended to provide advocacy support for the Urhobos of Abuja. Again in 2009, President Yar’Adua surprised many when he trawled Peter Igho and named him Director General of the National Lottery Commission. At the time, it seemed rather like a mismatch. And here is why. Peter Igho had for several years been a central figure in popular television, his Cockcrow At Dawn series, being the most revolutionary and most thematically successful production of its era. Cockcrow At Dawn along with a cluster of several other productions had created a natural niche for him in the television world.

In appointing him to the lottery space therefore, President Yar’Ádua appeared to have dragged Peter Igho out of his turf, and thrown him into unfamiliar waters. But Peter Igho surprised doubters and affirmed the optimism of those who have always acknowledged his inner resilience and strength. Igho brought a new energy into the lottery industry and transformed it from an anonymous federal department, to a robust national commission with branches all over Nigeria. Before Peter Igho’s emergence, the department was regarded with little respect, even from industry practitioners. These days however, the fear of the National Lottery Commission has become the beginning of wisdom. Success in the National Lottery Commission has enlarged Peter Igho’s reputation for delivery and capacity to thrive even in untested spaces. Even so his work on television remains his opus and tends to dominate his persona. This persona contains important northern regional features which may fool the unwary into believing that Peter Igho is not in touch with his native cultural roots. Peter Igho was born in Jos, went to school there and his first significant stray to the south, was when he attended the University of Ibadan in 1969. It was here we met and became friends. He was my first close contact with the social network of the north and its elites. Peter looked like a northerner, spoke impeccable Hausa, consumed Hausa menu and was perfectly at home in the northern milieu. Even his work in television was sometimes overtly populated by exciting visuals from the region. Nothing has popularized the visually exciting rock formations of the Plateau or that of the Oesop falls better than Cockcrow At Dawn did.

However, in spite of his deeply appreciated exposure to northern culture, Peter has remained a very expressive Urhobo. The permissive pluralism in the Igho home, enabled parents and children to speak impeccable Urhobo and excellent Hausa at the same time. In Peter’s own unique example, he speaks not only Hausa but is also fluent in Ibo, and Yoruba. The crowning glory is his mastery of the Urhobo language which he deploys with great dexterity, proverbs and all. In addition, he has over time, evinced multiple Urhobo enthusiasms. For example,

In June 2015, touched by the decrepit education infrastructure in parts of his homeland, Peter Igho, through the funding support of friends and colleagues built a block of primary school classrooms in Kokori, Ethiope East, Delta State. Many will recall that during

the handover ceremony, there was such jubilation particularly by the young lads and girls, it was evident leadership did not require to do much to earn our people’s gratitude. Peter Igho has been concerned with escalating Urhobo consciousness across the land. At great personal cost he crisscrossed the whole of Urhoboland and produced a documentary which covered all the 24 kingdoms of the jurisdiction. This brought him into close contact with the leading lights of Urhoboland and would inevitably have given him a more acute understanding of the problems and dysfunctions in his homeland.

When the royalty in Uvwie decorated Peter Igho, by investing him as the Okobaro of Uvwie , it was acknowledged that the honor had not come too soon.

PETER IGHO’S ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF THE URHOBO LEADERSHIP FORUM, IN A MANNER OF SPEAKING, PLACES THE SHOE ON THE RIGHT FOOT. HE HAS HAD SEVERAL YEARS OF PREPARATION FOR THE UNIVERSE IN WHICH HE MUST NOW PLACE HIMSELF

Peter Igho’s election as President of the Urhobo Leadership Forum, in a manner of speaking, places the shoe on the right foot. He has had several years of preparation for the universe in which he must now place himself. Into this universe, he brings the reach he has built over the years; he brings the reach of the creative world in which he exercises full sovereignty; a world in which the demand for realism imposes a delicate obligation for believability. Peter Igho also brings in an experience of the corporate world, with its imperative of balancing needs against resources. Most importantly Peter Igho also brings the universe of other ethnic nationalities and a rich understanding of how Urhobos can continue to live with other subnationals at this time in a fair balance. The mandate given to Peter Igho, like the obligations shouldered by the Urhobo leadership Forum is crucial. Before his election, Peter had engaged elites, rural dwellers as well as some traditional authorities. One of his more memorable encounters was the one he had with His Royal Majesty Air Commodore Lucky Ararile , the Orosuen of Abraka. The Abraka monarch has been a product of the best legacies of the military and traditional governance. Not surprisingly he is a man of great wisdom. From the exchange it has emerged that the monarch and Peter Igho recognise the increased radicalisation of Urhobo and Nigerian society and the raised demands placed on all leadership categories. The monarch is a board member and lends his considerable weight to the Forum. Expectations are high all around and groups like the Urhobo Leadership Forum must raise the level of play. The forum has considerable pedigree , its pioneer President being the well known Senator Fred Brume who nurtured the Delta Steel Company Aladja into maturity . Its Chairman Board of Trustee is the highly trained Ambassador Dede. Membership of the Forum, which was registered in 2012 is drawn from Urhobos resident in Abuja. Peter Igho takes over from Jonathan Esin, under whom the Forum grew in quality and strength. Peter Igho comes in amidst raised hopes in circumstances of challenge and stress. The economy is in bad shape and citizens must work out ways to eke out a living. In all this, we must live in peace with our neighbours. The Forum is one of several solidarity groups and work in full regard with the UPU. However many of these solidarity groups seem to be in recess, leaving uncovered territory for the Urhobo leadership Forum to wade into. . Under Peter Igho, it should grow the voice required to match this opportunity.

Olowu is a Veteran Journalist

Jumai Ahmadu argues that gender equality is central to good governance and economic growth

Gender equality remains the cornerstone of good governance and a strong foundation for economic growth and the importance of women’s inclusion in enhancing Africa’s political, social, and economic development.

Founded in 1946, the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), is the biggest global policy-making body dedicated exclusively to promoting gender quality and empowerment of women.

This year, this biggest gathering of gender quality advocates in the world, the annual session of the CSW convened ministers, high-level government officials and civil society representatives at the UN in New York. It was held for two weeks in March to discuss progress, identify challenges, set policies and also set global standards on gender equality and the rights of women and girls.

The gathering is dedicated to feminists and women rights activists and advocates, to move the needle on gender quality and bring to the fore the power and potential of women and girls everywhere.

The CSW is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja is also in consolidation status with Ecosoc Arm of the United Nations. This year’s parallel event is focusing on the priority theme of the Africa Women Conference 7th Edition in Addis Ababa titled “Reviewing the Economic, Social and Political Inclusion of Women and Girls in Africa’s Development Agenda” to deliberate on ways to achieve the following resolutions

made:

Build synergy and collaborations between governments to promote knowledge sharing and gender equality as a means to enhance the overall well-being of women and girls and opening up access to learning opportunities.

The necessity to challenge cultural, religious, and societal norms that limit women’s educational and economic progress, particularly in the context of advancing the women’s agenda.

Promoting Digital Technology for Gender Equality and encourage women to take online courses for economic empowerment and leadership capacity building.

The importance of women’s access to quality healthcare and family planning, as well as their position to contribute to the economy.

The NGO CSW Forum however, which runs parallel to and complements the UN CSW, and is a separate process with separate organizers, is organized by and for global civil society, non-governmental organizations, and feminists to connect them with the official UN CSW process.

Since 1996, the CSW has also played a role in monitoring the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the United Nations in 1995, which to date forms the most progressive international agenda for advancing women’s rights and gender equality.

The CSW notably focuses on the protection of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). In 2014, during its 58th

session, the Commission affirmed “to ensure the promotion and protection of the human rights of all women and their sexual and reproductive health, and reproductive rights, recognizing that human rights include the right to have control over and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality, including sexual and reproductive health, free from coercion, discrimination and violence”.

These rights include, among others, access to safe and modern methods of contraception, emergency contraception and safe abortion.

Focus 2030, which will be represented on this 68th CSW occasion, has identified several initiatives.

These game-changing issues are being addressed at the 2024 CSW session, where its 45 members and thousands of participants from around the world will be focusing on the theme “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective”.

The provisional agenda and Zero Draft conclusions of the 68th CSW call on governments to integrate a gender perspective into all development financing, notably through the adoption of gender-sensitive budgets and the equal participation of women and men in decision-making processes. The expansion of national fiscal space to favour investments aimed at eliminating poverty among girls and women is also encouraged, particularly through the reform of multilateral develop-

ment banks, the strengthening of national and international tax policies, and the fulfilment of the commitment to allocate 0.7% of the gross national income of industrialized countries to official development assistance.

Since 2018, CSW has addressed such challenges as climate change, gender-based violence, and ensuring women’s full participating in decision-making and in sustainable development strategies.

Adopting multi-year programmes of work to appraise progress and make further recommendations to accelerate the implementation of the Platform for Action, CSW sends its negotiated agreed conclusions to ECOSOC for action.

With a view to reaching all women and leaving no one behind, the Commission also contributes to the follow-up to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to accelerate the realization of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Solutions to end women’s poverty are widely recognized. From investing in policies and programmes that address gender inequalities and boosting women’s agency and leadership to closing gender gaps in employment. Doing so would lift more than 100 million women and girls out of poverty, create 300 million jobs and boost the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) by 20 per cent across all regions.

Countries must endeavour to review their electoral laws and ensure the voices of women and girls are heard.

Dr.Jumai Ahmadu, Ag. Director, FCTA, is Founder of Helpline Foundation for the Needy

Peter Igho, ace broadcaster and pioneer director general of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, is elected President of Urhobo Leadership Forum Abuja, writes DELE OLOWU

Drug Abuse, NDLEA and Governors’ Wives

The recent revelation by the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen MB Marwa (retd) ought to send shockwaves through the nation – Nigeria has a mere 163 treatment and counseling centers. This revelation took center stage during the Chairman’s address to the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum at a training organized by the agency. What makes this of the current statistics of 14.3 million drug users in the country. The ratio of 87,730 users per treatment center paints a stark picture, highlighting not just a gross disproportionality but a threat to public health.

Against this backdrop, the Chairman underscored the urgent need for the establishment of State Drug Control Committees (SDCC), to be headed by the spouses of governors. These committees are envisioned to pioneer innovative intervention programs that would complement the ongoing efforts to combat the drug menace in every corner of Nigeria. In his words, “These drugs that we are clearing out of our streets, our youths are the ones taking them and they are greatly affected. They drink it, pop it, inhale it, inject it, and even make pepper soup with it. This is greatly worrisome.”

For those unacquainted with the concept, drug intervention programs are comprehensive strategies meticulously crafted to prevent, treat, and rehabilitate individuals grappling with substance abuse. In a country like Nigeria, where the ramifications of drug-related issues permeate public health and social stability, the imperative for such programs cannot be overstated. The establishment of treatment facilities, therefore, becomes not just important but pivotal. These facilities provide a structured environment where individuals can receive the holistic care needed for their recovery.

The crux of the matter lies in the constant operation of treatment and counseling centers across states in Nigeria, which is paramount in the effective battle against drug use. These centers should offer a multifaceted approach, including treatment, counseling, therapy,

and skill development. The underlying principle is clear – by consistently running these programs, states can delve into the root causes of drug addiction, curtail relapse rates, and successfully reintegrate individuals into society as productive members. The significance of this approach extends beyond immediate health concerns, contributing to a reduction in crime rates associated with drug abuse. It also calls for heightened educational and community involvement to create awareness and foster support networks, underscoring the comprehensive nature of these intervention programs in the relentless war against drugs. The State Drug Control Committees hold immense potential in ensuring that interventions are not only strategically planned but also effectively executed at the grassroots level through local authorities. This approach is vital because the grassroots communities are often the hardest hit by drug use, being largely uninformed about the dangers associated with illicit substances.

Mahmud Isa Yola, isamahmud77@gmail.

IIn Praise of Gov AbdulRazaq

t was 4.20pm on Wednesday when the buses started snaking into the premises. About ten minutes later, it surged into a crowd. Then, the voices rose and grew louder. “Soli, sooli, sooolidarity forever...,” the patriots chorused.

I stood revelling in pride and awe of change as the organised labour unions and their affiliate bodies stormed the Kwara State Government House. They said they came to appreciate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the clearance of backlog of salary arrears, palliative for workers, and overall commitment to workers’ welfare in Kwara State. Seven years ago, they could be at the gate in a fierce struggle with hefty security men as they came to demand for payment of their dues from an unfriendly government.

Speaking for the organised labour unions at the rally, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kwara Comrade Muritala Saheed Olayinka said they were delighted that Governor AbdulRazaq has been treating their demands one by one. As he reeled out some of these demands that were recently approved including cash-backing of promotion and ongoing payment of years-long arrears of workers, the delighted

labour unionists echoed in salute “gbosa! gbosaa! gbosaaa!” for the Governor.

Wait a minute! Did I just say labour unionists came to express joy for the Governor over the ongoing payment of their arrears? Haa, were they not the workers the elements in opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said were being scammed and deceived?

Now, come along. Each of the salutary “gbosa” by the unionists shoots down the wall of falsehood. These were the people concerned. They would not be denied of their entitlements and be singing and smiling. More so, Kwara workers, like the proverbial bride, have been into two marriages and should know better now. And much did they know, going by their friendly mode of engagement with Governor AbdulRazaq, that this one is a better leader. You may say the other guy and his followers are losers who now find joy in wishing for a crack in the union. Governor AbdulRazaq, for his part, is a talk-and-do, caring, and humble leader. And I dare say this union is fruitful. Or how do we call full implementation of minimum wage; clearing backlog of promotion and arrears; prompt payment of salary, among other issues? If this were of any man and woman and not a literal alliance, our forefathers would say the house is full. Governor AbdulRazaq -- Labour unions should be delighted.

Ibraheem Abdullateef, Senior Special Assit to the Governor on Communications

Do You Want Nothing With That?

The IT system McDonald’s uses has crashed in many countries and the only way to buy a meal is by using cash. Many of the young people who visit McDonalds may not know what cash means but just ask an old person and you will be told. Since the burgers are no longer available at the moment I assume most people will go home and make a nice healthy vegetarian pasta and have a family chat around the table like families used to.

Don’t worry about the losses, McDonalds won’t go broke.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

HEPATITIS AWARENESS PROGRAMME…

L-R: Chairman/MD SEPAT Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Pat Oramah;

FG Arraigns Miyetti Allah's President, Bodejo Over Alleged Unlawful Militia Group

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The federal government yesterday arraigned the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo,

before a Federal High Court in Abuja. Bodejo was arraigned on a threecount criminal charge bordering on alleged establishment of an ethnic militia group in Tudun Wada in Kau Local

Government Area of Nasarawa State. He pleaded not guilty to the charge, following which the prosecution lawyer, M. B. Abubakar, prayed the court to order the remand of the defendant in

custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a short ruling granted the request and fixed May 27 for commencement

Otti Signs Bill Scrapping Pension for Ex-Govs, Deputies, Obasanjo Hails Abia Governor

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has signed into law the bill prohibiting former governors of the state and their deputies from receiving pensions and allowances.

of trial. Justice Ekwo had, on March 13, fixed Friday , March 22, for ruling in the defendant's motion for bail/his unconditional release from custody.

However, Justice Ekwo in the ruling held that the filing of a charge by the federal government against the defendant has overtaken the ruling and subsequently ordered the defendant to take his plea, if he was ready or the matter be adjourned to a later date for him to take his plea.

With Otti's signature appended to the Bill, the Abia State of Nigeria Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Repeal Law of 2024 has come to be.

He gave his assent late Thursday, barely 48 hours after the Bill known as HAB 11, the “Abia State Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s Pensions Law Repeal Bill 2024,” was passed by the State House of Assembly

It has, thus displaced Law No. 4 of 2001 which empowered the State government to place former Governors and Deputy Governors on pension.

Otti commended the 8th Abia Assembly for speedy passage of the Executive Bill, saying that it was never his intention to implement the pension law for former chief executives of the state.

He argued that instead of using state resources to take care of former governors and their deputies such money would better be used to offset backlog of retired Abia workers' pensions dating back to 2014.

Bodejo was arrested on January 23, in Malia, Nasarawa State and kept in custody.

"I want to make a few things clear: even before we came onboard a lot of people who had followed our views understand that we were not going to continue with the practice of paying pensions and allowances to this set of former government officials," he said.

FG Now Mandates Workers to Present Study Leave Approval

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has made it a key requirement for civil servants on study leave to now present evidence of approval obtained from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, stated this in circular addressed to all permanent secretaries and sighted

by our correspondent yesterday. She described the measure as a mechanism put in place to verify and ascertain the workers' true location.

"As part of the efforts to sustain the gains of the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System , it has become imperative to emplace a mechanism for regular physical verification of officers in the service.

“To this end, you are directed

to carry out physical verification exercise of all staff in your ministry to ascertain the location of each officer.

“Officers who may be on study leave must show evidence of the approval of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to embark on such leave. This should be indicated in the remark column.

“The report of the exercise, to be signed by the permanent secretary, should be submitted to the Office of

the Head of the Civil Service on or before 2nd April 2024,” Yemi-Esan said.

In August 2021, the federal government had raised concern about civil servants applying for study leave with admission letters obtained from fictitious foreign universities.

Also in 2022, authorities requested such workers to sign bonds in a bid to curtail the abuse of study leave by civil servants.

Nosak Group Appoints Ogunbor as Executive Director, Brands, Communications

Nosak Group's Board and Management have announced the appointment of Eki Ogunbor as Group Executive Director, Brands and Communications.

It disclosed this in a statement posted on the company's social media accounts.

It added: “We are thrilled to welcome Eki Ogunbor onboard as the new Group Executive Director of Brands and Communications at Nosak Group! Together, let’s redefine excellence and chart new horizons.”

In her new role, she would develop and implement brand communication strategies, oversee the creation of marketing materials, manage all internal and external communications, oversee social media content strategies, and ensure that all communications are consistent with the Group's brand identity, among other responsibilities. Ogunbor, is an award-winning writer, editor, and content developer with more than a decade of expertise. She has worked with significant

media outlets such as BellaNaija, where she founded the BellaNaija Style website in 2017, and Today's Woman Magazine, where she is a Contributing Editor and a member of the Advisory Board. She has also worked at Xclamations' as Head of Design.

Ogunbor is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of KISARA, a women’s wear accessories business that reflects her dedication to the thriving African design sector. She

is the brain behind FashionVerse Africa, a new media platform that highlights African creatives in fashion and entertainment. She is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Beauty in Lagos Awards, and also supports impactful non-profit groups such as The Candlelight Foundation, which runs a daily soup kitchen, and Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), which raises awareness and combats gender-based violence.

His arrest was predicated on the alleged raising up of an armed militia in detriment of the nation’s unity contrary to the Constitution of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria. According to the federal government, the suspect is being investigated for offences which constitute threat to national security under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022 ). Count one of the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/141/2024, reads:“That you Bello Bodejo, a male, 38 years old of No 2 Bodejo Street, Tundun Wada, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, sometime in January 2024 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did commit an offence to wit: you established an ethnic militia known as Kungiya Zaman Laftya in Nasarawa State without authorisation. You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.”

Enugu Commences Free Hepatitis Screening

Bennett Oghifo

The Enugu State government has begun a free Hepatitis B and C screening in collaboration with Sepat Pharmaceuticals Limited, with the aim of eliminating the diseases and controlling their spread in the state and country at large.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, launched the free screening exercise at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane, Enugu, recently.

Assuring that the state must take advantage of the free screening being conducted by Sepat Pharmaceuticals Ltd from March 19 to 24, Obi said it was not only for the early detection of the diseases, but would also serve as a means of data collection, in addition to helping in the fight against the viral diseases in the state.

The commissioner added: "What we are here to address today is a disease that can go to your liver which is the engine of every human and start destroying it silently. The spectrum of medical and healthcare involves health promotion, health prevention and treatment.

"We will put Hepatitis B and C at the front burner, and see how this

silent killer can be put in abeyance in our state.

"The governor approved that it would be nice to have a situation where beyond carrying out free testing, it would be possible for the Ministry of Health to get very useful data which is even lacking at the national level.

“We are going to collect hard data which will help in making hard and necessary decisions that will save lives and our partners have also said they will also subsidise certain aspects of the treatment for Hepatitis C patients that would be discovered within the period of the free screening.”

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Sepat Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Dr. Pat Oramah, who lamented the rising scourge of Hepatitis B and C among many Nigerians, underscored the importance of the free screening programme in the country’s health sector.

Oramah, whose Sepat sponsored the programme 100 per cent, explained that investing in the free screening exercise and encouraging the relevant promotional awareness, were not only the right things to do, but also the smart things to do, in order to save lives, because Hepatitis is a dangerous disease that kills silently.

CMD of ESUTH Park lane, Prof. Bertrand Ngwu; Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, and Director Public health and Disesse Control, Dr. Uchechukwu Okenwa, undergoing screening at the hepatitis awareness programme in Enugu…recently

INTERNATIONAL WOMAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE…

Elumelu: TEF Entrepreneurs Have Generated $1.2bn in Revenue, Created 400,000 Jobs

Kayode Tokede

The Founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Mr. Tony Elumelu, yesterday disclosed that the beneficiaries of the TEF $5,000 non-refundable entrepreneurship seed capital have generated over $1.2 billion in revenue and were responsible for the creation of over 400,000 jobs across Africa since inception.

Elumelu, who was celebrating his 61st birthday in Lagos, announced additional 1,200 entrepreneurs who have qualified for the 2024 sum of $5,000 non-refundable entrepreneurship seed capital grant.

The new beneficiaries became the 10th cohort of the 10-year-long TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.

“Today, I am plus one and for my family and I, there is no better way of celebrating my birthday than announcing the selection of 2024 TEF beneficiaries.

“Today, an additional 1, 200 entrepreneurs who are young men and women from 54 African countries will each receive a non-refundable $5,000.

“We believe in democratising luck and spreading prosperity. And we think that the easiest way to spread prosperity in Africa is by identifying our young ones, encouraging them and helping them to start their own businesses.

“This is why we have done this. We are happy with the results we are

seeing today,” he said to entrepreneurs who came across the continent.

Elumelu, who is also the Chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc, (UBA) added that the Foundation extends its vision beyond individual empowerment, as he disclosed plans to form a Grand Coalition for African Entrepreneurs. According to him, this Coalition aims to harness the collective strength of entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from around the world to drive sustainable development and economic growth.

He stressed that the objective was to empower women and men across Africa in order to catalyse economic growth, driving poverty eradication, and also ensuring job creation.

In his words, “We are trying to

imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship in the society and encourage other stakeholders that there is a better way to eradicate poverty in Africa than just aid.

“It is also a way of telling the world that our young entrepreneurs need support, mentorship and financial capital so that collectively, all of us can help Africa in a manner that is truly sustainable in the 24th century,” he added.

“The new beneficiaries will become the 10th cohort of the 10-year-long TEF Entrepreneurship Programme. With over 20,000 entrepreneurs across 54 African countries having received support totalling over $100 million over the past decade, the impact of the initiative reverberates across

Minister Seeks Special Funding to Revitalise Ailing Steel Sector

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, yesterday, sought for a special funding mechanism to drive policies and programmes to revitalise the comatose steel industry and set the country on the path to industrialisation.

He lamented that customary budget releases for the steel sector were detrimental to the sector’s development. Audu who disclosed this while

delivering his keynote address at the opening of a two-day Ministerial Management Retreat organised by the ministry to chart a course for achieving its Presidential Priorities, in Abuja, also advocated a Steel Sector Development Fund, akin to Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) which caters to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to help the ministry move at a faster pace in revamping the steel sector.

The minister, while giving an

overview of the steel industry from conceptualisation in 1958, stated that despite the ugly history of steel development in Nigeria in the past four decades, the President Bola Tinubu’s administration has shown willingness to address the protracted challenges facing the industry.

He explained that the reviewed Presidential 8-Key Priorities has the steel sector as focal point for driving the economic development of the country.

According to him, "a critical evaluation of the 8-Point Agenda suggests the critical place of the steel sector in the realisation of these goals, especially in the areas of industrialisation, manufacturing and unlocking the natural resources potentials of the country.

"And, the creation of Ministry of Steel will give direct focus to the sector for it to become the bedrock of industrialisation of the Nigeria economy."

Experts Blame Lack of Planning for Poor Access to Drinking Water

French govt, Netherlands, UNICEF highlight efforts to ensure safe drinking water in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe States

James Sowole in Abeokuta, Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt, Segun Awofadeji in Gombe and Sunday Ehigiator

The Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers (NIWE), yesterday, blamed poor planning, lack of coordination and integration among government ministries and agencies, as one of the reasons, for very low access by Nigerians to safely managed drinking water services.

This is as the French government has through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) highlighted its ongoing support for water supply initiatives in Nigeria.

The NIWE National Chairman, Dr. Adeyinka Sobowale, disclosed this while answering questions at a press conference, on 2024 World Water Day Celebration, with the theme, 'Water for Peace' held at Bolude Oyebolu Engineering Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Quoting 2021 Water, Sanitation

Hygiene, National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) report that covers 36 states of the federation, NIWE, Sobowale said up to 87 per cent or 179 million of Nigerians do not have access to safely managed drinking water services.

According to him, residents resorted to consumption of water from unhygienic sources, with resultant effects of water borne diseases.

Flanked by the National Programme Leader, Mrs. Temitope Aboyeji and NIWE Ogun State branch Chairman, Abiola Oyerinde, the chairman, specifically, said due to lack of planning, the government ended creating another problem while trying to solve one.

He said many water water pipelines constructed with loans from the World Bank, were uprooted and some damaged during road construction.

Sobowae said the two projects of water and road would have

been of high benefits to residents if planning had taken into consideration, water pipelines before road projects execution.

the continent. The applicants were subjected to scrutiny based on criteria like visibility, market opportunity, financial standing, scalability, and leadership skills,” Elumelu said.

Co-founder, TEF, Dr. Awele, Elumelu who expressed delight at the success of the programme given its impact and vast spread noted that, “From the beginning, we have had a clear vision and we are happy that as we announce the 10th Cohort, we can say that we

have had a decade of impact and fulfilled promise.”

Speaking earlier, Mr. Damilola Aloba from Ernest & Young, an auditing firm that participated in the selection progress stated the foundation received 1,485 applicants from Nigeria, 240 from Benin Republic and 825 from the Rest of Africa.

He noted that applicants went through a rigorous progress, where some criteria were set before final selecting the entrepreneurs.

Abure: NLC Protesters Stole Party's Money Meant for Workers’ Salaries

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The embattled National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, has alleged that money meant for the payment of workers’ salaries went missing, when the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) picketed the party’s secretariat.

The NLC had Wednesday picketed the secretariat of the Labour Party in Abuja, and had demanded the postponement of the party’s national convention scheduled for March 27.

The NLC had also called for the resignation of Abure as national chair of the LP.

The NLC accused Abure of “financial rascality and contempt for the leadership of NLC”, and of “unilaterally trying to hold a national convention in contravention of the constitution of the party”.

and other official purposes. This is unfortunate.

“I must state today that the leadership of NLC under Joe Ajaero is on the part of destroying the successes we have recorded in the 2023 general election.

“I had expected that as a responsible trade union centre, a responsible labour leader; he should have teamed up with Labour Party to see how we can team up together to make the country better.

“Unfortunately and ironically too, the NLC is the one that is on the path of war against LP.

“I must state clearly that Ajaero as NLC President has not been able to organise a successful strike action.

“Not even a single protest or even picketing government establishment in order to bring government to accede to the numerous requests of workers.

However, reacting to the invasion in a statement issued by Obiora Ifoh, LP National Publicity Secretary, Abure, described the NLC picketing as “a show of shame.”

"However, the roads should not take water away from people which is the case in most urban centres.

"Most of the water pipes that had already been laid by World Bank loan were removed particularly in Abeokuta for instance

"Infrastructure is planned together not in isolation of one another, which brings about collaboration between line agencies of government and ministries. Now we have the Ministry of Works constructing roads which is highly welcomed by the people and very important for socio-economic development.

“Where they besieged the office, broke the fence, destroyed the gates, unlawfully took possession of the secretariat and destroyed properties worth millions of naira,” the statement read.

“Properties stolen, including monies meant for the payment of salaries

“As we speak, there are unfair labour practices meted out to workers by several organisations in the country. I have not seen Joe Ajaero go to such organisations to picket them.”

The LP chair said the NLC cannot claim ownership of the party, adding that the issue about holding a secret convention was untrue.

“We are not employers of NLC and they don’t have the legitimate reason to picket our office,” he added.

Ganduje: It's Political Dislocation for Anambra to Remain in APGA

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdulahi Ganduje, yesterday, said the alleged marginalisation of the southeast was as a result of miscalculations by the people of the region.

According to him, it was miscalculations that has kept Anambra State in political dislocation, saying it would continue to be so until the

state dumps the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the ruling political party at the federal level. He stated this in Nnewi, during a colloquium of the APC, with the theme: ‘De-marginalisation of southeast and integration into national politics.”

The colloquium which was for the south-east was organised by the senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

Ganduje said: "We are here for the south-east colloquium, but I prefer to speak about Anambra where we are. Igbo are part of ingredients of national integration, they are the most travelled and most enterprising people in Nigeria. They are creative, innovation, competitive and this is the basis of Nigerian economy today.

"Anambra is not making the progresses needed. Anambra has had Peter Obi, Obiano and now Soludo

all from APGA as its governors and that is 25 years of political dislocation for this state.

"They need to join the ruling political party and they will be happy and better for it. Why should Anambra continue to live in isolation. If there have been superlative performances on that isolated platform it would have been a different thing. This is a vivid case if selfish politics.

L-R: Managing Director, TVC Entertainment, Morayo Afolabi-Brown; Managing Director, UConnect, Omon Odike; CEO, AT3 Resources, Tosin Adefeko; CEO Ikeja Electric, Folake Soetan; Managing Director, Dewia Interiors, Morenike Basharu and Arise News Channel’s Anchor, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, all delegates at the ongoing International Woman Leadership Conference in Dubai…yesterday

The Rise and Rise of Female Bank CEOs

No doubt, the Nigerian banking industry has recorded several exciting developments in recent times - its resilience amid domestic and global headwinds – reflected in the consistent industry profitability. But perhaps, the most intriguing trend is the unprecedented traction towards gender inclusion, in an industry where the male dominated the board and management positions, writes

It can be argued that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) efforts towards the inclusion of women in top positions in the industry are beginning to yield positive results. The bank had issued a policy that required a minimum of 30 per cent of female representation on boards and 40 per cent at the top management level in the banking spectrum

Today, the rise of female chief executives in Nigerian banks underscores the growing recognition of women’s potential and contribution to the country’s economic development, and reflects a progressive shift towards gender equality and inclusivity in corporate governance, signaling a departure from traditional patriarchal structures towards a more equitable and diverse leadership paradigm.

Today, 11 female bankers have been elevated to assume the roles of managing directors and chief executives of banks, a development deemed as positive for the sector and the country in general.

Incoming GMD/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Adaora Umeoji

Earlier this week, Zenith Bank Plc announced the appointment of Dr. Adaora Umeoji, as its Group Managing Director/Chief Executive with effect from June 1, 2024. The appointment which is however subject to approval by the CBN, makes her the first female GMD/CEO since the inception of the bank.

She takes over from Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year term expires on May 31, 2024, after a successful tenure. Umeoji’s appointment was said to be “consistent with the bank’s executive transition tradition, succession plan, and strategy of grooming leaders from within.”

Prior to the appointment, Umeoji had been the Deputy Managing Director of the bank since October 28, 2016 and has close to 30 years cognate banking experience of which 26 years has been with Zenith Bank.

She is an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School where she attended the Advanced Management Program (AMP) and an alumnus of Columbia Business School with a Certificate in the Global Banking Program. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a first-class honors in Law from Baze University, Abuja.

She holds a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar, and also has a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA.

She holds a Certificate in Economics for Business from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, USA, and has attended various management programmes in renowned Universities around the world including the strategic thinking and Management programme at Wharton Business School, USA.

Bolaji Agbede, Acting GMD/CEO, Access Holdings Plc Access Holdings Plc recently appointed Bolaji Agbede as its Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, after the unexpected passing of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe. Agbede, until the appointment, was the most senior founding Executive Director in charge of Business Support within the company. With an impressive professional background that spans nearly three decades, Agbede’s career trajectory in banking and business consultancy services equipped her with a rich blend of expertise and strategic acumen. Her journey began in 1992 at Guaranty Trust Bank where she steadily climbed the ranks to managerial positions by 2001 and eventually took on the role of Chief Executive Officer

at JKG Limited, a business consulting firm, in 2003. Her association with Access Bank Plc commenced in 2003 as an Assistant General Manager responsible for managing the bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies. Her leadership qualities and strategic insight led her to assume the position of the Bank’s Head, Group Human Resources between 2010 and 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990) and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University UK in 2002. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, was appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive of Fidelity Bank Plc in January 2021, becoming the first female staff to be so elevated in the bank’s history. Her tenure was recently extended to 2026.

She joined Fidelity Bank as an Executive Director in 2015. Onyeali-Ikpe holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from King’s College, London.

A visionary leader with a strong track record in IT and customer service, she has transformed the bank into a digital frontrunner and committed to leveraging technology to democratise access to financial services for all Nigerians.

Managing Director/CEO, FCMB, Yemisi Edun,

The Board of Directors of FCMB Group Plc announced the appointment of Yemisi Edun as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of its largest subsidiary, First City Monument Bank Limited (the Bank) effective May 1, 2021 following the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

She was the first female chief executive of the bank.

Prior to her appointment, Edun was the Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer of the bank and previously served as the acting Managing Director. With a work experience spanning nearly 35 years, Yemisi Edun holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife and a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Finance from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a Certified Financial Analyst, CFA Charter holder. She is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers; an Associate Member of the Institute of Taxation of Nigeria; a Member of Information Systems Audit and Control, U.S.A; and a Certified Information Systems Auditor.

Managing Director/CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank Miriam Olusanya

In July 2021, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) appointed Miriam Olusanya as the new Managing Director/CEO of GTBank, its banking subsidiary. Olusanya, who until her appointment was an executive director at the bank, will be the bank’s first female MD since it was established in 1990. She has over 23 years of banking experience across

James Emejo

various units, including transaction services, asset and liability management, financial markets, corporate finance and investor relations.

She joined GTbank as an executive trainee and rose to the position of general manager until she was appointed executive director in 2018.

Miriam is the first female MD in the bank’s history and holds a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), majoring in finance and accounting, from the University of Liverpool.

Managing Director/CEO, Citibank Nigeria, Ireti SamuelOgbu

In August 2020, Citigroup Inc. appointed Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Managing Director/CEO of Citibank Nigeria.

She was the first woman to be appointed to the institutions top position after 36 years of operating in the country.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance from Middlesex University, UK, and an MBA from the University of Bradford, UK.

With extensive experience in international banking, Ireti brings a global perspective to the Nigerian market. Under her leadership, Citibank is focusing on providing innovative financial solutions and leveraging technology to enhance customer experience.

Managing Director/ CEO, SunTrust Bank, Halima Buba

In January 2020, SunTrust Bank Limited announced the appointed Mrs. Halima Buba as its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer following the CBN approval.

Her appointment was premised on her years of experience as a financial expert and a seasoned banker with over 20 years of experience in both the private and public sector with recognizable and impressive strides.

Buba who hails from Adamawa is a co-founder of TAJ consortium, a group of young dynamic technocrats. She is currently sitting on the board of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) as a non-executive director and participate amongst other key stakeholders in making critical decisions to ensure that the nation’s wealth is being channeled to optimum use for the future generations of Nigerian.

Managing Director/CEO, Lotus Bank, Kafilat Araoye

Lotus Bank appointed Kafilat Araoye as Managing Director/ Chief Executive in 2022.

She holds a first degree in History from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, and an M.Sc. in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management from the University of Lagos.

With over 30 years in banking, Kafilat’s dedication to ethical banking and social responsibility is evident in her work at Lotus Bank. She champions sustainable financial practices and promotes investment in community development projects.

She started her career in 1988 at National Oil and Chemicals Marketing Company Plc (now Conoil Nigeria Plc), and moved in 1990 to Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, as the pioneer head of Human Resources. She was part of the GTBank team that went to Jordan for the implementation of its core banking application amongst other critical assignments executed for the Bank. She left with accolades in 2015 as General Manager but continued to consult for banks and other sectors through her consulting outfit until 2018 when she was appointed as the MD Designate for LOTUS Bank then in formation.

Umeoji Ume j oji

Agbede A b d

Onyeali-Ikpe Edun Ed Buba B b

Somefun S f

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Bukola Akin-Akindoju: Photography, Acting, Event Planning Have Become Integral Parts of My Life

Having trained as a public administrator at the University of Lagos, Bukola Akin-Akindoju explored her passion and built her business around empowering young people and innovations in the creative scene, such as sustainable fashion. She shares her story with Ferdinand Ekechukwu, reminiscing on her migration to the UK to bag her postgraduate degree in International Business Management, her experiences training several young Nigerians, as well as her thoughts on why she believes women should stay resilient to get ahead. Excerpts:

Take us through your entrepreneurial journey

My entrepreneurial journey began during my university years, initially focusing on creating earrings, crocheted items, and various fashion pieces. when I ventured into the world of shoemaking by childhood memories, particularly the friendly competitions with my siblings to polish our dad’s shoes, which sparked my fascination with footwear. He called it “My Special Touch Competition” As my skills evolved, I expanded my repertoire to include crafting shoes, bags, and accessories from leather and traditional fabrics. Moreover, I began infusing traditional attire into modern-day fashion, using fabric to create contemporary designs that pay homage to Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

Howdidyouhoneyourskills?

In 2012, I embarked on a multi-faceted learning journey. Initially, I apprenticed with a roadside shoemaker while balancing a job as well as university, gaining hands-on experience in the craft. Subsequently, I enrolled in formal training at Shoespeed Academy, where I delved into both the practical and business aspects of shoemaking. This experience not only equipped me with technical know-how but also allowed me to transition into a role as a freelance facilitator, where I shared my expertise with others. Furthermore, I sought additional immersing myself in the manufacturing process. To supplement my learning, I turned to online resources, watching instructional videos to deepen my understanding. Over time, this comprehensive approach enabled me to grasp the intricacies of crafting each piece, culminatwell as bag making. Throughout this journey, the guidance of mentors such as Miss Helen Emore, Obi Leather, Femi Handbags, Abiodun Folawiyo (Shoespeed) played a crucial role in shaping my development as an entrepreneur, providing invaluable insights and support.

Telluswhyyoumovedabroadandhow you’remanagingthedynamicsofyourbusiness beingawayfromNigeriaatthistime.

In pursuit of honing my skills and expanding

my business horizons, I made the decision to pursue a Master’s degree in International Business business operations continue to thrive, thanks partner. Together, we oversee the production of custom-made clothing and accessories, products like belts, wallets, and bags. Regular meetings with my partner ensure that we stay informed about the business’s performance, market trends, and necessary adjustments for growth. While managing the business remotely, I make periodic trips back to Nigeria to assess times, I remain grateful for the opportunity to expand my company’s reach internationally. and I am actively working towards establishing a standard branch here, alongside engaging in volunteer programs to contribute positively to the local community.

Whatotherskillsdoyouhaveanduse?

Aside from running a fashion business, I actively engage in various creative pursuits during my leisure time. Photography, acting, and event planning have become integral parts relaxation beyond the demands of my business. What began as casual interests gradually evolved into passions, as I found joy and satisfaction in capturing moments through the lens, expressing myself through performance, and orchestrating memorable events. Photography allows perspective, capturing the beauty and essence of self-expression, delving into diverse characters and emotions with empathy. Event planning merges organisation with heartfelt creativity, crafting experiences that resonate deeply. Together, these pursuits, alongside my fashion business, enrich my life with compassion, creativity, and meaningful connections.

What moment in your career would you saywaspivotal?

A pivotal moment in my career occurred Entrepreneurs Today’ program. Out of 12,000 applicants, I was among the 300 shortlisted for interviews and ultimately selected as one of 50 recipients for a scholarship to study

Behind the Scenes Documentary on Nollywood Debuts

Aimed at promoting inclusive growth in the industry, Nigerian music solutions provider, WeTalkSound, and Nollywood-focused news service, In Nollywood, have released a new documentary series dubbed, Sounds of Nollywood. The designers and composers who bring cinematic experiences to life but remain unsung heroes of the industry.

Premiered recently, showing on WeTalkSound YouTube page, this series takes audiences behind the scenes of the sound compositions for some of Nollywood’s biggest projects including The Black Book, Jagun Jagun, Collision Course, Battle on of the documentary is an immersive journey through the artistry and innovation of leading

The series features: Ava Momoh (Collision Course, Over the Bridge, Cake); Anu Afolayan

(The Black Book, Blood Sisters, Lionheart, Okafor’s Law, October 1); Tolu Obanro (Jagun Jagun, Gangs of Lagos, Battle on Buka Street,

Halima’s Choice, Lady Buckit & The Motley Mopsters, Fishbone).

WeTalkSound, “Sounds of Nollywood” is more than just a documentary series; it’s a celebration of creativity, passion, and innovation. “From pulse-pounding action sequences to poignant dramatic moments, our series highlights the incredible talent and dedication of the individuals who make it all possible.”

Anita Eboigbe, co-founder of “In Nollywood” notes that “by showcasing the work of talented sound designers and composers from across Nigeria, we aim to spotlight an underexplored part of Nollywood’s character – the music ofers. Through our series, we hope to foster a greater appreciation for the art of sound and its transformative power in cinema, especially in Nollywood.”

Entrepreneurial Management at the Enterprise Lagos Business School. This opportunity provided extensive training and mentorship, profoundly impacting both my personal growth and the development of my brand. Following graduation, I shared my entrepreneurial journey on Enterprise with my story of resilience and determination. Continuing on this path, I initiated the Sisi Akada project, teaching young girls aged 13 to 18 how to repurpose old denim into handbags and empowering them with valuable skills. Additionally, volunteering as a lecturer and facilitator for the Ready, Set, Work initiative by the Lagos state government allowed me to contribute to the development of future entrepreneurs, instilling essential knowledge and fostering a healthy work-life balance among been instrumental in shaping my career and fueling my passion for entrepreneurship and community empowerment.

Tellusaboutyourindigenousfashionfusion?

The concept behind my indigenous fashion fu-

TOnome’, in preparation of the premiere has got buzzing online since released. The highly anticipated thriller, Isime and Olumide Oworu in the lead, is April with fan favourite stars.

The captivating Trailer shows two devoted chronically ill daughter, Onome. With time running out and a life-saving surgery hanging depths of love, family and the extraordinary measures people take to save those they love.

With a screenplay from exciting newcomer Janobest Issac, produced by Chinaza Onuzo promises excellent displays from the cast, Jacobs, Ashionye Michelle Raccah, alongside

sion is to seamlessly blend elements of traditional African attire with contemporary fashion trends. It’s about celebrating our cultural heritage while embracing modern aesthetics. By incorporating traditional fabrics, patterns, and techniques into my designs, I strive to create unique pieces that resonate with both local and global audiences. Whether it’s infusing Ankara prints into sleek silhouettes or incorporating traditional embroidery (Aso Oke) into contemporary garments, my goal is to create fashion that pays homage to our roots while making a statement on the international stage.

Asawoman,whatinspiresyoutooperate

As a female shoemaker and fashion entrepreneur, I draw inspiration from the tangible process of creation, from stitching together the challenges of balancing studies and business management, my passion for creativity drives me to leave a lasting mark in the fashion world. Witnessing people proudly wearing

Louboutin and Channel. Moreover, initiatives women, fuel my dedication, as I aim to my craft. This commitment to making a continue pushing boundaries in the fashion industry. My reach currently spans beyond sales of our product, to education and youth business reach at 150,000 people impacted.

What is your life mantra and why?

Embrace creativity, empower others- these words resonate deeply within me, guiding every step of my journey. It’s not just a mantra; in every creative endeavour, to express my true self authentically. With each stroke of design or spark of innovation, I feel alive. But what really moves me is the profound act of empowering others. The thought of being able guidance, or create opportunities for growth, It’s in these moments of connection and support

Rex and Nasboi.

Ajibola (Shanty Town), describes it as ambitious story. “I am extremely proud of Saving Onome because it was an ambitious story that allowed me to explore strong themes of family and love whilst working in the thriller vein I am known for.”

Bukola Akin-Akindoju

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Olumide Oworu and Nancy Isime in a scene from the movie

Tayo Aina:

Understanding My Environment Helps Me Create Content that Resonates with Followers

Tayo Aina, a Nigerian YouTuber and filmmaker, showcases diverse aspects of life in his content, spanning travel, real estate, culture and daily experiences worldwide. Despite early entrepreneurial setbacks, including a failed restaurant venture and event management challenges, his resilience led him to explore ride-sharing with Uber in Lagos. Recognising the city’s untold stories, he began documenting Lagos’s authenticity, eventually transitioning to YouTube to share his narrative-driven videos. Driven by a passion for storytelling, his journey from a motorcycle shop employee to a renowned content creator reflects his unwavering commitment to creativity and resilience. With over 800,000 subscribers, Tayo’s YouTube channel serves as a platform to showcase African perspectives globally, fostering understanding and breaking stereotypes. He told Tosin Clegg about his journey, overcoming challenges, what stands him out, his creative process among others

Your work often focuses on capturingthebeautyofAfrica anditspeople.Whatdrawsyou tothesesubjectsandhowdo youapproachshowcasingtheir essencethroughyourvideos?

I’ve always been captivated by the richness of African cultures and the stories behind them. The history and traditions are incredibly inspiring to me. To showcase their essence, I immerse myself in local communities, learning about their lives, beliefs, and stories. This helps me portray their beauty, resilience, and vibrancy in my videos. Typically, I meticulously plan my destinations, mapping out the places I want to visit and the experiences I aim to capture. Before creation process. Upon arrival, I immerse myself in the surroundings, capturing the essence of the experience while sharing my unique perspective. insights, and share my emotions and observations with my audience. This connection is particularly ground in our shared experiences and perspectives.

Howdoyouengagewithyouraudienceand whatroledoesfeedbackplayinshapingyour content?

I actively engage with my audience across all platforms, responding to messages, comments, and is invaluable as it fosters a sense of community and growth. Some of my followers have been with me since the early days when I had just 1,000 subscribers, and now, with nearly 800K, we’ve formed a tight-knit family. This connection with my audience is what drives and inspires me. As a travel vlogger, how do you navigate challenges such as limited resources or unfavorable shooting conditions, especially when working in diverse locations across the world? In my work, ahead and make the best use of what’s available. Whether it’s using natural light or changing angles for better quality, I adapt to ensure I capture the best content possible. I began my journey into travel vlogging while working as a bolt driver in Lagos, Nigeria. One of my earliest inspirations came when I searched online for videos about Lagos and found that most of them were of low

how to make videos by watching tutorials on YouTube. I often watched videos from the US, and UK, featuring places like Toronto and New York. I noticed the high quality and storytelling format of these videos, created by numerous vloggers showcasing their hometowns. Feeling compelled to shed light on places like Lagos, I decided to embark on creating similar content, believing they deserved recognition.

Yourworkoftencapturescandidmoments andauthenticemotions.Howdoyouestablish rapport with your subjects to capture these genuineexpressions?

Building rapport is crucial. I approach each interaction with respect and genuine curiosity, treating each place like home. By listening attentively, showing empathy and creating a safe space, I build genuine connections that allow me the essence of the people and communities I encounter.

Whatmotivatedyourchoicetoadoptthetitle “TheAfricanDiscoveringtheWorld”andwhat factorsplayedaroleinshapingthisdecision?

When I began my journey, I had no experience in video-making; everything I knew, I learned from the internet, mainly YouTube. Using these newfound skills, I started documenting Lagos, Nigeria, highlighting its beauty and stories in high-quality formats. The positive responses encouraged me to expand my focus to other statestion online. As people began to appreciate their homeland through my videos, I realised the impact I was making. This led me to shift my focus to showcasing Africa as a whole, resonating with ventured beyond Africa, creating videos in London, Europe, and the US. This journey inspired the my identity and exploration.

Whatmemorableexperiencefromyourtravels youpersonallyorprofessionally?

One of the stories that deeply resonated with me was when I created videos about the hyena men of Nigeria, a fascinating tradition within the Hausa tribe where men tame hyenas. This experience sparked my curiosity about the rich diversity of cultures and traditions across Africa and the world. I realised the importance of highlighting these lesser-known customs, which motivated me to seek out and document similar cultural phenomena. For instance, I explored the Vodoo religion in Benin Republic, which also yielded compelling content. This journey shifted my perspective, encouraging me to challenge the status quo and remain open-minded about diverse cultural practices.

What measures do you take to balance authenticitywhileyoudesiretocreateengaging contentforyouraudience?

For me, it’s about embracing my authentic self and sharing my diverse experiences. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, working as an Uber driver, and trying and failing in various businesses have shaped my unique perspective. Through these experiences, I’ve learned resilience and had staying true to myself and sharing my stories a fresh perspective and I believe that that helps create engaging content.

Share with us the strategies for building

and maintaining a committed following in a competitiveonlinespace?

paramount to me. Whether I’m educating, entertaining, or inspiring my audience, I strive to ensure my content delivers on these fronts. Regarding ethical considerations like cultural sensitivity, environmental impact, and responsible tourism, I approach each destination with an open mind and without prejudice. I simply share my experiences and observations while also incorporating my opinions thoughtfully. It’s about maintaining a balance between sharing authentically and being mindful of the impact my content may have on the cultures and environments I explore.

What surprising encounters or occurrences haveleftalastingimpressiononyouduring

One of the key insights I’ve gained is that despite our diverse cultures and cuisines, humans across the globe share more similarities than differences. The universal desire to connect is evident everywhere, whether in Zimbabwe, Asia, or any other corner of the world. By crafting stories that evoke emotions and resonate with people, you can forge connections with almost anyone, even with strangers. It’s this shared humanity that transcends borders and brings us together. There have been times when I’ve hit creative roadblocks

and focus on being present in the moment. I’ve discovered that some of the best ideas emerge when I’m fully aware of my surroundings and immersed in the present. This approach helps me recharge and return with renewed creativity after taking a step back.

Howhasthetravelvlogginglandscapeevolved over the years, and what trends do you see emerginginthefuture?

For me, the reason behind creating content is to challenge the status quo and inspire others to pursue their passions. I believe that by encouraging people to follow what inspires them, we can collectively make a positive impact and change the world. It’s essential to me to challenge conventional thinking and empower individuals to pursue their dreams. I see this as a powerful catalyst for driving meaningful change and shaping a better future.

Anticipation Peaks for ‘Singleness is Bliss’ as Teaser Captivates Audiences

Ttitled “Singleness is Bliss” by actress-turned-producer, Fisayo Ajisola-Borokinni, has ignited a frenzy on social media, heightening anticipation for Tunde Olaoye, this eagerly awaited project, with production spanning Nigeria and the United Kingdom, delves into the pertinent theme of misogyny.

The tantalising teaser has captivated audiences with its rich cultural tapestry and captivating storyline, featuring a stellar cast including Jide

Bimbo Akintola, Sanyeri, comedian Macaroni, Rotimi Salami, and Chy Nwakanwa, among other talented stars.

that comes across it.”

The overwhelming response to the teaser underscores the excitement surrounding Fisayo’s latest endeavor. With an outpouring of positive feedback and encouragement, she is poised for continued success. The teaser, which has amassed over 2000 views on YouTube and various platforms, has garnered widespread acclaim from fans worldwide.

Ajisola-Borokinni expressed gratitude, noting her career. She also hinted at promising upcoming productions in the pipeline, underscoring her commitment to delivering compelling cinematic experiences. Expressing further she disclosed that, “It is an encompassing work full of suspense, marriage, and societal issues. It is a movie everyone will relate to as a parent, lady, man, student, and as a child. It is a movie that everyone would love. I am convinced that this production has a lot of great lessons that would help anyone Fisayo

The movie director, Tunde Olaoye, emphasised on addressing misogyny. He highlighted the importance of such themes in sparking meaningful conversations and fostering positive change within communities.

Tayo

Desmond Elliot: I am Victim of Misconceptions in Politics

Desmond Elliot is a Nigerian actor, filmmaker, and politician who gained prominence in Nollywood with his captivating performances in numerous movies. He has starred in a wide range of movies, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor. Beyond his contributions to the entertainment industry, Desmond Elliot has also made strides in Nigerian politics. In 2015, he was elected as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing the Surulere constituency. As a politician, Elliot has been involved in various initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of his constituents and advocating for positive change in governance. He has demonstrated a commitment to public service and community development throughout his political career. In this interview with Tosin Clegg, he talks about his transition to politics, his commitment to his constituents, his plans for empowerment and growth among other things. Excerpts:

You transitioned from a successful acting career to politics. What inspired this shift and how has your experience in Nollywood influenced your approach to politics?

Well, this happened way before I became an actor. I have always said this in several interviews that when MKO Abiola was trying to run for office was when my desire to be in politics came about. It was like a birth for me and this was in 1993/1994. It never died and anybody who knew me from school days did know that I had a desire to be in politics. Being in the State Assembly happened in 2004, and this was when I had started gaining limelight which gave me the opportunity to talk to a lot of Governors that I knew back then about my ambitions so it was easier for me. But I have always known that I wanted to be in politics as it was something strong in me.

How have you been able to deal with bad press as a person in line with your political career as well?

I wouldn’t say it’s been an easy ride but what has made me confident is that I know it is not true. And this has given me confidence that the people that benefit from the impact which I give to my community are okay as there was a reason I wanted to go into service. It gives me so much joy to do something and know that as a result of my intervention someone’s life got better. In terms of how to deal with it (negative press), I always ensure my family is okay in terms of being sane and they understand what’s going on. These times give me the opportunity to explain to my kids and tell them my own side of the story whenever situations come up. Incidentally it’s become part of the world we live in today and since I can’t change it, I leave it the way it is and hope as well as pray that posterity will speak in my favour and vindicate me in whatever accusations or allegations that have been made. That is on one part and the other is that no one has a perfect solution to anything and in my mind I give my best. I feel for public servants in situations that decisions are been made and the decisions affect a lot of people. But I feel there are constructive ways people can convey such. But like I said it is the situation we are in today.

How do you engage your community and what strategies do you deploy to attend to their needs?

One of the greatest things I have enjoyed in public service is the grassroots and the very divergent mindsets. You meeting extremely loving people, overly loving people, less loving people, extreme haters and just different set of people. For me it’s just a learning process and I always find myself speaking to myself to be calm. The truth is sometimes some try to push you to the wall and you are like I can’t take this but because you know it’s service you are offering, you stay calm. In my first term it was really difficult in dealing with some people whenever it came across as insulting to me. But today it is way different as I try my best to remain calm, explain to the person and another thing I have learnt with those at the grassroots is that once you are able to solve any issue you earn their respect and loyalty. Most times I have discovered that it’s not about money as they just want someone who serves in government that can give them a ray of hope that tomorrow is going to be better. We kicked off some initiatives towards the

Desmond Elliot

Desmond Elliot: Surulere Should Be Nigeria’s Entertainment Hub

end of last year with our medical program at Masha Roundabout and a lot of people came and it was in partnership with some people from the United States. This year we did a widows’ program and as we reckon that January is always tough for a lot of people we decided to reach out to about 700 of them. Although it’s little compared to the number of widows in Surulere, but as it is we were able to touch lives. We gave about seven Lagride cars to about seven people to start a taxi business and we gave out HMOs to about 700 elderly constituents. As chairman house committee on works and infrastructure we have been able to add a little bit to fixing some of the roads in my constituency. In addition, I’m currently facilitating five roads in Surulere which are under construction now to commence two more soon.

What are your priorities for your constituency and what initiatives are your deploying to bring positive change?

We are looking at the signs of times as this period, things are really difficult for people. So, basically we are looking at how we can reach out to the people letting them know things would get better, but before then let your representatives be with you. We try also to be among them to feel their impact and the youths are really not finding it easy in the area of jobs. So, we also use our links to see how we can get some of our youths jobs. I also want to continue my entrepreneurial sojourn were we take youths who wants to learn different type of skills and put them in organisations that we pay as well as give the youths stipends for like six months. For the kids we are starting a football competition but it’s not just limited to football only as we plan to go to each school in Surulere to talk to them about drug abuse, cultism, rape and sexual harassment. So these are things we would be talking about while the competition is going on so we can begin to sensitise these young stars about the society we live in and how to take good care of themselves.

Considering a good number of influential individuals who emerged from Surulere, do you have plans on ways to impact your constituents through these persons?

The football competition I talked about earlier would have some celebrities on board as I have started reaching out to some especially those from Surulere so they can come and talk to the kids. It would be more on capac-

ity building, a dancing competition as well and we plan to have musicians come also so that people would know there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. I’m also partnering with GogeAfrica as they plan on doing a carnival around August or September this year. Surulere should be seen as the entertainment hub for Nigeria seeing that a lot of entertainers settled at the beginning of their career or came out of Surulere. I’m also particular about what we do as a state which is where I’m believing we would do more programs that would be youth oriented. We are doing a few but I want us to do more so as to make it more impactful through trainings and grants for entrepreneurs

so it can boost businesses. I’m hoping that our housing schemes would accommodate a lot of young stars who can get jobs from or through Lagos State to pay for those house schemes but at the moment we are doing a lot in terms of housing. Another thing I’m looking at is the Lagos State Orientation Agency where we can speak to the times as they occur and don’t forget it isn’t the constitution or an Executive Order, but based on morals that’s why it’s called orientation. Making people understand that in today’s world you can make money through the internet or being online. This is also to sensitise the people on actives of the government not reported in any form of media.

Ite Oku is a simple story but built into a very complex and complicated plot and catapulted over the roof by the ingenious interpretation of the characters by the star-studded cast assembled by producers Zentury Pictures and Sir Folly Film International.

It is the story of a very ambitious cab driver who is very much unsatisfied with his state in life and hastily seeks a get-rich-quick ladder to climb to opulence, prosperity and the attendant reckoning in society.

He fishes out a very wealthy woman and begs for money and fortune. Consequently, the beautiful lady of high net-worth leads him to the mysterious abode of the dead where money rituals are performed and the huge wealth sought came in stupendous proportions.

Unknown to the greedy upstart, the beautiful lady belongs in the realm of the dead and she only assumes the body of the living for the sole purpose of dispensing largess to the needy as agreed upon by her husband in the grave! But with conditionality: whosoever becomes rich through her money rituals is bound by an irrevocable oath of chastity and barrenness throughout his or her life time. His or her spouse dwelling in the grave is wedded to him or her at the initiation of money rituals. Death, non-negotiable is the punishment for defaulters!

Fast forward, cab driver Aderoju acted by veteran Odunlade Adekola is courted by a bevy of ladies all over the community. These gold-digger dazzling ladies include Morenikeji

acted by Yemisi Oke [who out of desperation enlists the supernatural powers of her mystical father], Layo played by Wunmi Toriola, Folake played by Ayisat Raji and Ajibike acted by Emiola Iyiola among others.

Full of suspense, viewers would not know how Yemisi, acted by vivacious legendary Bukky Wright emerges as the wealthy lady from the abode of the Dead, ‘Ite Oku’ or how Feyisara, acted by Temitope Adeniyi became Yemisi as the Dead living in the body of Yemisi acted by Bukky Wright.

The knotty riddle becomes clearer when apprentice mechanic Femi, acted by multi-talented Murphy Afolabi is shown as the earthly fiancé

What are some of the challenges you have faced in politics and how did you navigate them?

Firstly, as legislators we represent our people and sometimes it’s very hard for corporations to understand as you try to achieve things for your people. From the corporations’ end it is seen as this Honourable is too stressful or overbearing, but that is what you are saddled with which is represent your people and I do that a lot. But it is me trying to achieve so much in so short time but it is to ensure people enjoy from the dividends of democracy. Another one is the water corporation and making sure there is adequate water flowing in Surulere. Lagos State is about opening water lines, but I’m trying to make sure Surulere benefits first. Finance and resources is also another challenge when you try to promote developmental programs in your constituency.

How do you ensure transparency and accountability as a public servant and also keep your constituents informed about activities?

Misconceptions in politics have been there for long and I am still a major victim of major misconceptions but I take it one day at a time. What is gratifying to my heart is every time these misconceptions in the wider world come to bare, God has always allowed me to get re-elected. Getting re-elected means to some extent people see what I am doing and they know that I want to address a situation. That is why today, every program I do you see on the streets I am putting up banners to let people know. I also plan to start newsletters and it would be coming out monthly for now on our activities and what we are doing in the House of Assembly and our neighborhood. That is basically to sensitise people about the things we do which is very vital. But I have discovered something: When you are doing something very well it never sells. Let me give you an example: A little while ago I had just given two cars, 25kg of rice to 700 plus people, provisions and other stuffs but nobody talked about it. The misconception would always happen as you can’t change sensational stories, but rather better to speak to your constituents on the things that matter hoping the narrative changes. So, we just let it slide and stay okay but at the end of the day what is important is the welfare of Nigerians in general. And I know by the grace of God things would be okay.

of Feyisara (Temitope Adeniyi) who lost her life as a result of enforced abortion of the pregnancy she had for Femi by her upper-class parents who stoutly disapproved her relationship with apprentice Femi. Her untimely death provoked the unnatural death of Femi (Afolabi) and both then found themselves living happily together in the land of the dead.

Femi had come by some fortune through money making rituals to counter his rejection by Feyisara’s parents. It’s this huge wealth he commands his dead fiancée Feyisara, in the body of Yemisi to go out to the land of the living and dispense to the needy where and how Aderoju falls into trap.

It is this entanglement that gives the plot its complexity and eerie weirdness and the experienced actors the opportunity to display their dexterity and super-star status in acting.

Long suffering widow, Mama Aderoju, magnificently portrayed by another legendary actor Tola Oladokun comes face-to-face with the heart-breaking realisation that her son, the only son, is a millionaire in cohort with money-making ritualists in the haven of the Dead. From that moment on, motherhood; emotional, harried, weeping, wailing and ecstatic, charges the atmosphere of the movie, garnering for Tola Oladokun the medal of the champion of the day. She is a delight.

But she is not alone. Bukky Wright, Murphy Afolabi and Yemisi Oke will not let go without creating dilemma for the viewers as to whom the ‘Victor Ludorum’ should go.

Watching Bukky Wright with the ease of her acting and delivering of her lines one is tempted to believe they are having a natural conversation

with the lady next door or a family member in a family setting. She is so natural and naturalistic.

Odunlade Adekola is a man for all seasons and acting has become so natural that he is, in reality, the character he portrays.

Murphy Afolabi couldn’t have acted a dead man in the grave better nor could Tola Oladokun be more convincing as an agonising mother in the throes of a grown son with death sentence on his head.

The costumes, the lighting, the audio, and other acoustics contribute in no little measure to the greatness of the movie Ite Oku which makes it one of the most outstanding movies in recent times.

It is entertaining, educative, and instructive while its visuals are both thrilling, captivating and alluring. Nothing was spared in making Ite Oku a movie for all time.

It was a big relief that the writer of the story, Shonde Afolabi did not insult African spiritual essence like several writers of stories in Nollywood who often times would portray the Bible or the Quran as being superior or more potent or more efficacious or more edifying than our (Africa’s) own cherished and revered traditions, cultures, beliefs and mores. Every religion is a product of people’s culture and tradition.

Tola Oladokun, Odunlade Adekola, Bukky Wright and Murphy Afolabi, you make acting a pleasure!

Adeniyi is an actor, dramatist, playwright, choreographer, producer and director and the Chairman Tola Adeniyi Foundation for Theatre and the Arts (TAFTA)

Tola Adeniyi

Desmond Elliot

Examining Challenges for Women in Tech

While women around the world celebrate the annual International Women’s Day, Ayodeji Ake writes about challenges faced by the gender in the tech industry

Since 1975, International Women’s Day (IWD), has been celebrated all over the world annually on March 8. It is meant to honour women and create awareness about oppression, inequality and discrimination against women. Women’s Day is a global event organised by United Nations (UN) women to promote gender equality and economic inclusion for women and girls.

The 2024 IWD theme, ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’, is a reflection of the event to close the huge gap of annual deficit spending on gender equality measures by 2030.

In Nigeria, the annual celebration has also been specially designed to encourage women and address challenges faced by women and advocate inclusion. Women in tech are not exempted from these challenges.

In a conversation with User Experience Designer (UX) expert, Mrs. Oyindamola Ogunsola, revealed that women have an increased urge to perform excellently in the tech sector but are given limited chances as some tech employers and organisation prefer the opposite gender. This, she stressed results to alarming gender discrimination in the sector.

According to her, while some organisations prefer employing unmarried ladies and lay them off when they are married, especially during childbearing stage, she also revealed that Nigeria has a low record of tech engineers due to the perception that women do not have the strength to handle heavy materials and may not function better than men.

“Some organisations prefer employing single ladies and later the fear of her getting married becomes a problem. They believe when a lady gets married, gets pregnant and goes on maternity leave, there will be changes.

“In most cases, some organisations prefer men because they assume even when they get married nothing changes. Even when his wife is pregnant, he is not the one carrying the child.

“In other areas of tech like the network engineers, men are mostly employed because it’s a general belief that women can’t handle heavy materials like the cables which is not true. They assume the jobs are meant for men and not women. There are still areas in tech that women face discrimination,” she said.

The UX Design expert also spoke about sexual harassment in the workplace. According to her, although both genders face sexual harassment in the workplace, it is more rampart to see women exit the industry for refusal to yield.

“Again, there are cases of sexual harassment at workplaces. The females are the ones who face this more than the males. Some employees give job offers in exchange for what they can offer and not based on their skills and experience. Sexual harassment is also in the tech industry,” she said.

In order to address the challenges, aside from policies to protect women, Ogunsola called for a change in the mindset of employers, leaders and decision-makers. She believed there should be increased

education about the values women contribute to development, which will help in changing the mindset.

She also advocated that there should be jobs that would be created for women only. This, according to her, would encourage women and also promote inclusion.

She said: “Talking about how to address these challenges, it has to start with the mindset. If leaders of organisations can change their mindset exposing it to the facts that a woman is fragile but skillful and of rich experience to get a job done, half of the problem is solved.

“Then we can start talking about education. Massive education about the importance of women in every organisation and society at large would help change their mindset. Just because we are women doesn’t mean we will do less, or that men will do better.

“Some organisations are doing so well creating rooms for women and young ladies into the industry. They are given more opportunities than men. I discovered recently that women are always scrutinised more than men during interviews. These should be residue to give women opportunities. And again, it will be fair if there are jobs designed specifically for women.

“On maternity leave and conditions, employers and organisations should understand that they are natural unavoidable situations that are attached to women. It’s not a genuine reason to choose men over women but should be about the value the women bring to the organisation and what they can deliver.

“The government too always has a role to play in policy development to support women. Policies condemning discrimination against women will be helpful. And if there are existing policies, execution and monitoring should be done to do justice to policies made.”

Furthermore, she made a call on men to be good support system for women.

“For married women, the support of the husband is essential. The husband needs to understand how much effort the woman has to put into getting results on her job. It’s simply one of the ways to encourage women. Having a supportive husband, he should understand the quantity and quality of time the wife would be on her personal computer and to get work done and should assist to make the environment relaxing and workable for her,” she said.

In conclusion, Ogunsola spoke on the need to train young girls in tech and groom them for the future as the only recipe for getting more women in tech. “One way to get more females in tech is to catch them young. Programs should be held at school to introduce young people into the field, school curriculums should adopt subjects in the field. School trips to tech festivals and talks would expose them to the available areas in the field and pick their interests,” she said.

Also lending her voice to the challenges faced by women in tech, the Founder of Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech (WEET Foundation), Mrs. Ugochi Emmanuel, highlighted the gender pay gap and under-representation of women in leadership in both the private and public sectors.

In the same vein, she also lamented gender discrimination and sexual harassment.

She said: “The International Women’s Day is an annual event. The annual event is a call to action for accelerating gender equality globally. It is also an advocacy and setting agenda to advance the lives of women. Also highlighting the changes faced by women globally.

“Gender-based discrimination is one of the problems women face globally. Women because of their gender in some communities still get denied access to education and employment opportunities.

“For example, in some Arabic communities, they still believe that women should remain at home and not be sent to school for employment. They also believe men should be given employment opportunities while women stay back at home. “Despite advancement in gender equality, there is still a huge gap when it comes to pay between men and women. Even though they are doing the same job, there is still a disparity between both genders.

“Speaking about gender-based violence, women are mostly affected by various forms of violence. Domestic violence, sexual harassment and trafficking. These are the issues that require changes and support for women. It will shock you to know that some women are still going through all of these mentioned.

“Also, it’s important that we talk about underrepresentation in leadership roles, especially in politics. Women also face the challenge of self-expression.”

Speaking on the support system for women, Emmanuel stressed that husband and organisation also have roles to play.

While husbands try to understand their wives and work together for the family, organisations should also emulate the style of establishing a creche system that would enable women drop their children in the morning and pick them up after work without having divided attention at work for maximum productivity.

“Mothers trying to strike a balance between work and family, it’s left for the woman to manage her home properly and a good husband as a support system.

“An understanding husband who shares in the big dream of his wife goes a long way to help push the woman to achieve her aim while she balances both. But when the husband is not supportive, it becomes a very difficult task for the woman.

“On the part of the organisation, every organisation must understand that childbearing requires special attention and leave should be granted to the women, and also when she resumes, she should be allowed to close early.

“Husbands and wives need to plan together to meet up expectations and demands at home. And good enough some organisations are already running creche also to assist mothers. When they get to work in the morning, they take their children to the Creche and pick them up after work, making work easier. If all organisations can emulate this style, it helps women to perform better at work instead of having divided attention,’ she advised.

According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Women’s rights are fundamental as enshrined by the United Nations for every human being on the planet.

L-R: Group Managing Director, Republicom Group; Tunji Adeyinka; Chairman, Republicom Group, Dr. Fisayo Oyedeji; Acting Director of Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Caleb University, Dr. Oluwaseun Folorunsho; and Managing Director, Redwood Consulting, Hannah Oyebanjo at Edu2Work Entrepreneurship Program themed: Realities of Entrepreneurship in the Workspace held in Lagos …. yesterday

L-R: Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd. Mr. Jide Sipe; Founder, Soto Gallery and curator +234 Art Fair, Mrs. Tola Akerele; Head, Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Austen Osokpor; and Public Relations Manager, +234 Art Fair, Maeva Sabot at the media briefing to announce the +234 Art Fair sponsored by Ecobank, Africa Finance Corporation and Soto Gallery held at Ecobank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos…. recently

L-R: Executive Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mrs. Elenda Giwa-Amu; GMD/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi; Governor, Cross Rivers State, Senator Bassey Otu; Chairman, Lafarge Africa Plc, Prince Adebode Adefioye; and Commercial Director, Lafarge Africa Plc. Gbenga Onimowo during the commissioning of the 20km Evacuation Road at Mfamosing, Calabar Cross Rivers State by Lafarge Africa Plc ...recently

L-R: Senior Media, PR and Sponsorship Manager; NB Plc. Nnamdi Eke; Brand Manager, Amstel Malta, Maire Abia-Bassey; Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa MultiChoice, Dr. Busola Tejumola; Host of the AMVCA, IK Osakioduwa; and Senior Brand Manager, Amstel Malta and Hi-Malt, Francis Obiajulu at the Multichoice Press Conference for the 10th AMVCA held in Lagos…. recently

El-Yakub’s Inelegant Disquisition on Yemi Cardoso, Mele Kyari

Tajudeen Suleiman

Bello El-Yakub, who referred to himself as a public affairs analyst based in Kaduna wrote an article where-in he attempted to dissect the performances of the Central Bank Governor (CBN), Mr. Yemi Cardoso and that of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

In the article titled: “Compare and Contrast: Yemi Cardoso and Mele Kyari,” published in a few dailies on Friday, March 22, 2024, El-Yakub tried to sell the argument that Cardoso has justified his appointment as CBN governor within six months in office while the same could not be said for Kyari at the NNPC.

The writer claimed that under Kyari’s leadership, NNPC’s crude oil production has declined, and instead of focusing on his job, he is constantly seen on President Bola Tinubu’s foreign trips. El-Yakub also claimed to be concerned about alleged “repeated inaccurate statements regarding the state of refineries and now about the public sale of NNPC shares.”

He then called on President Bola Tinubu to sack Kyari after admitting in his article that the three most difficult jobs in Nigeria as at May 29, 2023 was that of the president, governor of CBN and that of the NNPCL GCEO. But even a cursory investigation would have availed the writer with facts on which to base his comparisons if he intended a proper disquisition. But piece was not intended to be an objective, evidence-based analysis of the performances of both men. If it were, the writer would have taken more pains to get the facts for an informed opinion.

While there’s no doubt that Mr Cardoso has hit the ground running at the CBN and delivered tangible results which can be seen in the clearing of foreign exchange backlog and the steady rise of the Naira, among others, it’s a display of ignorance to compare two entities that are not similar. It’s like comparing a lion and a cat.

To start with, the CBN is the organ of the federal government of Nigeria that is focussed on monetary and fiscal policy regulation. The NNPC on the other hand , has transitioned into a company whose operations will be regulated by the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). The NNPC completed its incorporation in September 2021 weeks after the Petroleum Industry Act was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

NNPCL is the biggest state-owned oil and gas company in Africa, and is expected to be competitive and commercially oriented company. It’s the custodian of Nigeria’s oil and gas assets. Mele Kyari, as the CEO of

NNPCL, is the chief marketer of those assets and anywhere there’s an opportunity to market those assets, he has to be there.

It’s also a betrayal of El-Yakub’s lack of knowledge about government operation that he would think the CEO of NNPCL could impose himself on the presidential entourage to foreign countries. The president decides who travels with him on any foreign or domestic trip, and no government official will impose himself on the president’s trip.

El-Yakub may also be unaware that President Tinubu has deep knowledge of the Nigeria and global oil and gas industries, having worked for many years at the Exxon-Mobil- an international oil firm. As the chief marketer of the country, anywhere the president sees opportunity for Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, he will definitely want to have the NNPCL GCEO by his side.

Thus, as the man in charge of selling and remitting funds for the country’s oil assets, international trips must be part of his schedule of duties. And there is no trip Kyari has embarked upon without tangible reason and results.

It is obvious from the write up that it is a continuation of the war against Kyari by faceless forces who had fruitlessly attempted in the past to shoot him down by any means, including media blackmail. The same forces had tried their best to stop the president

from re-appointing him, but failed. But they’re obviously unwilling to give up. Tinubu, more than anyone in the government, is familiar with Kyari’s achievements as the GCEO of the NNPCL.

Nigeria needs foreign direct investments inflows to shore up the economy and the value of the Naira. Kyari and the NNPCL have been at the forefront of this drive. Kyari has been able to seal several crucial deals for Nigeria.

He has turned the NNPCL from a corporation reporting N803 billion loss in 2018 to a company posting N674 billion in 2021. The company’s profitability margins have continued to increase, with the NNPCL now currently targeting a profit increase of N2trn when the 2022 Audited Financial Statements (AFS) are released.

The NNPCL is currently involved in the entire value-chain of the oil and gas business and controls over 30 per cent of the nation’s petroleum retail market.

Kyari also deserved credit for his ambitious gas development strategy focused on unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential and establishing itself as a global supplier of clean and

The Rise and Rise of Female Bank CEOs

Managing Director/CEO, Unity Bank Plc, Oluwatomi Somefun

The CBN confirmed the appointment of Mrs. Tomi Somefun as the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc on August 10, 2015.

Her appointment followed the departure of Henry J. Semenitari, who had resigned his appointment with the Bank. Somefun is an experienced professional with a depth of experience and knowledge of the finance Industry, with over three decades of cognate experience of which 26 years were in the Banking Sector. She started her career in Accounting and Financial Consulting with Peat Marwick & Co, and subsequently Arthur Andersen & Co (now KPMG). Prior to joining Unity Bank, she had a distinguished career with United

Bank for Africa where she managed and sat on the board of several subsidiaries, including being the maiden CEO of UBA Pensions Custodian which she managed for eight years, as well supervising the South-West Region of the Bank.

Managing Director/CEO, Union Bank, Yetunde Bolanle Oni

In January 2024, Yetunde Bolanle Oni assumed the top position of Managing Director/CEO of Union Bank, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s leadership. With degrees in Economics and Business Administration, including executive training at Oxford University, her appointment is poised to shape Union Bank’s strategic direction.

Yetunde holds a degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan, Executive Training at Oxford University, and an MBA in Business Administration from Bangor University.

CEO, FSDH Merchant Bank, Bukola Smith Bukola Smith was appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive of FSDH Merchant Bank in April 2021. She brings 29 years of progressive experience in the banking industry with a track record of strategic execution and leadership.

Before her appointment as Managing Director, she was the Executive Director, Business Development at First City Monument Bank and held several other leadership positions since joining in 2006. She was responsible for the banks over 200 branches across the

affordable energy. This drive culminated in the signing of a $741 million contract between the NNPCL and Daewoo Engineering and Construction to rehabilitate the idled 110,000-barrel-per-day Kaduna Refinery.

The quick-fix maintenance contract was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2021 as part of a $1.4 billion package to repair the Kaduna and Warri refineries. The urgency stemmed from NNPC’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy security. El-Yakub’s claim of declining oil production under Kyari also fails the test of evidence and facts. Everyone familiar with the industry is well aware of the abnormal situation of oil theft and pipeline vandalism which have negatively impacted crude oil output and revenue.

But under Kyari, the NNPCL has confronted the menace headlong through government and private security measures which have yielded and are yielding results. For example, in 2022, oil production fell below one million barrels per day. But due to measures taken, production rose significantly to 1.7 million barrels per day. While we’re currently below the 2024 oil production benchmark of 1.74 million, production has continued to rise since January, and the NNPC has insisted it will reach the benchmark.

I have struggled to understand what ElYakub described as “repeated inaccurate statements” by Kyari about the state of Nigeria’s refineries. Last December, the NNPCL fulfilled its pledge to achieve the mechanical completion of rehabilitation work on Area 5 Plant of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC).

Rehabilitation work has been ongoing at the Refinery for over two years and the NNPCL. had pledged to complete Phase One of the project (mechanical completion and flare start-up) of Old Port Harcourt Refinery (Area 5) by 31st December 2023.

Kyari went on a tour of the facilities in December and was quoted in the media as saying: “In our quest to ensure that this refinery is re-streamed to continue to deliver value to Nigerians, we made a promise that we will reach a mechanical completion of phase one of the rehabilitation project by the end of December and get the other plants running in 2024. Today, we have kept those commitments.”

The Kaduna Refinery rehabilitation project is targeted for completion in 2024. We’re still in the first quarter of the year. Kyari has also promised to end fuel importation by end of this year.

Kyari has kept his earlier promises on the refineries, and we have no reason to doubt him on ending fuel importation. We have to give him the benefit of the doubt. That is the least we owe him.

Sulaiman writes from Abuja.

country, Public Sector, Business Banking, Agriculture and Transaction Banking Divisions. Under her leadership, the bank’s SME focused team in 3 years moved from 5th position in the industry to 1st position in 2019 (KPMG Customer Service Report 2020). She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accounts of Nigeria (ICAN) and Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. She holds an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester U.K, and a B.Sc. Economics from the University of Lagos. She currently sits on the board of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), the Toyin Oni Foundation (NGO for cancer awareness) and serves as mentor to several young women within and outside these networks.

Kyari

Globacom Shows Strength with Uninterrupted Services Amid Submarine Cable Cut

Oluchi Chibuzor

Telecommunication subscribers in Nigeria and some other countries in Africa were thrown into panic few days ago, following a major cut in submarine cables.

Already, reports have indicated that the disruption may persist for up to three weeks, which was expected to pose challenge to some internet users in Nigeria and some other West and South African countries due to the damage to the international underwater cables. The outage impacted banks and telecommunications organisations that depend on the impacted cables for internet services.

Major undersea cables close to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, were reportedly damaged, and this caused internet outages in West and South African nations. The West Africa Cable System (WACS), the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE), MainOne, and SAT3 were the undersea cables that have been impacted.

In fact, one of the undersea cable companies affected by the service disruptions, MainOne, disclosed in a recent statement that the situation might persist for two to three weeks for the problem to be fixed.

The company had explained that investigations revealed that the fault came from an external incident that resulted in a cut on the submarine cable system in the ocean.

MainOne said the rectification of the fault involves identifying and assigning a vessel to, “retrieve the necessary spares required for repair, and then sail to the fault location to conduct the repair work. This process might take one to two weeks for repairs while about two to three weeks of transit time may be required for the vessel to pick up the spares and travel from Europe to West Africa once the vessel is mobilised.”

However, in the midst of all the confusion, Globacom subscribers have continued to enjoy uninterrupted internet connection and other services as they were not affected by the interruption.

The development is a reflection of the strength and capacity of the telco, which has made significant investment in infrastructure.

This was made possible due to the foresight of a man who entered the telecommunications industry and became a leading light with a list of firsts - Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr, the founder and Chairman of Globacom.

Precisely, Glo-1, a submarine communications cable which is owned by Globacom, the largest provider of digital services in Nigeria, was untouched by the damage and is still running as usual.

Glo-1 powers financial institutions, internet service providers and data consumers and all organisations that are Globacom’s subscribers have continued to carry on with business as usual despite the breakdown of other telcos and internet services producers.

Industry observers were of the view that Glo-1 International Submarine Cable’s resilient construction and durability were the reasons the damage did not compromise the cable.

The telco was the only company among its peers that invested over $250 million to install its own submarine cables from Nigeria to Europe.

Glo-1 or Globacom Main 1 is a submarine fiber optic cable that rans from Nigeria to Europe.

Globacom was the first African telecom company to build an intercontinental submarine cable, the Glo 1 cable, which ran from Bude, a seaside rural town in north Cornwall, England and traversed seventeen countries, including Ghana, before terminating in Nigeria, findings showed. The 9,800-km-long cable with 169 repeaters originates from Bude in the UK and branches out at Osu landing station, Accra, Ghana, and terminates at Alpha Beach landing station, Lagos.

By going from Europe to the West Coast of Africa, the company avoided the more turbulent but cheaper to maintain Middle-East and North Africa region.

In 2010, Globacom berthed Glo1 submarine cable in Nigeria, and further improved broadband internet services across the country.

With Glo-1, internet access has become easily affordable. Anybody who has an internet-enabled phone can afford data.

In addition to boosting the provision of services to telecom end users, Globacom provided the muchneeded connectivity to critical sectors of the economy such as oil and gas, manufacturing, banking, commerce, education and health, among others.

Several multinational companies, including telecom operators and internet service providers (ISPs), are on Glo 1.

Since the launch of Glo-1, the infrastructure has metamorphosed into a leading end-to-end connectivity solutions provider across the globe.

Adenuga

The undersea cable from the United Kingdom to Nigeria has the lowest latency in the market. With nationwide terrestrial fiber coverage and presence in all data centers, it boasts a major advantage very few possess in the market. The main distinction between Glo-1 and other undersea cable operators is that the former addresses market requirements across all spectrums, that is, international cable plus national fiber, last mile fiber connectivity using multiple fiber routes for redundancy up to any major data center within Nigeria.

Glo-1 has also acted as the catalyst in propagating broadband penetration in Nigeria as well as an enabler for enterprise customers to provide world class connectivity to all their offices and factories across Nigeria. Many cloud computing companies who cater to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES) have set up shop within the Glo partnered data centers.

Indeed, it is on record that Globacom pioneered the telecommunication revolution that ensured that GSM services was not only democratised in Nigeria, but was made available and affordable to everyone in Nigeria and beyond and the company has continued to maintain its leadership positon by delivering value to Nigerians as a

The main distinction between Glo-1 and other undersea cable operators is that the former addresses market requirements across all spectrums, that is, international cable plus national fiber, last mile fiber connectivity using multiple fiber routes for redundancy up to any major data center within Nigeria

truly indigenous outfit.

Glo was the first company to launch operations on per-second billing. It pioneered the billing system in Nigeria in 2003, even when older networks said it was impossible, thereby empowering millions of Nigerians. Courtesy of Glo, telephone users in Nigeria now pay just for actual time spent on the phone. The demystification of the SIM card acquisition and introduction of the per-second billing not only led to the exponential growth of Globacom’s customer base, but the innovative moves also ensured millions of Nigerians have access to telecommunication, a move which significantly boosted Nigeria’s economy.

In its bid to empower the greatest number of Nigerians, Globacom cancelled the N50 per minute charge for calls by crashing the tariff to as low as one kobo (N0.10) per second. The company is no doubt a trailblazer in launching a slew of futuristic products and services. For instance, it also recorded another milestone as the first network in Nigeria to launch the 2.5G GPRS technology, thus enabling multimedia convergence. This made it possible for subscribers to share pictures, audio and video for the first time in Nigeria. Globacom facilitated international SMS connectivity to over 804 networks in 174 countries, BlackBerry solutions, international prepaid roaming, voice SMS, personal ringback tunes, and Magicplus––a comprehensive bouquet of SIM-based information services. The network also pioneered Blackberry services, which supported push-button email, mobile telephone and other wireless information services. It was also the first to launch the 4G/LTE technology nationwide, which boosted ultra-fast and reliable data service on the network.

In line with its pan-African vision, Glo has also extended operations to the Benin Republic and Ghana, with a footprint in other countries across the world. While it established its footprint across the African telecommunication landscape, Globacom also sought to affirm its repute as an advocate of financial inclusion on the homefront. Following its remarkable foray into the financial services sector, the company launched Globacom’s MoneyMaster PSB. This underlines its commitment to deepening financial inclusion in the country.

Prior to its financial inclusivity venture, Globacom had pioneered a lot of innovations in the Nigerian telecommunication sector, including Mobile Banking, first to launch Mobile internet service, pioneered Vehicle tracking; first to Launch Prepaid Roaming, and first to launch In-Flight Roaming.

In recent years, Globacom has played a major role in the country’s march to a digital future by introducing a range of customised and community-driven voice and data connectivity solutions that help to manage complex networking systems. Globacom also provides secured and virtualised IT solutions such as e-health, smart cognitive learning, smart energy, industrial IoT, and cloud applications.

In line with its pan-African vision, Glo has also extended operations to the Benin Republic and Ghana, with a footprint in other countries across the world. While it established its footprint across the African telecommunication landscape, Globacom also sought to affirm its repute as an advocate of financial inclusion on the homefront. Following its remarkable foray into the financial services sector, the company has emerged as the third telecoms company to throw its hat in the Payment Service Bank ring with the launch of Globacom’s MoneyMaster PSB. This underlines its commitment to deepening financial inclusion in the country.

Since it began operations in 2003, Globacom has made home-grown stars from the entertainment industry the faces (ambassadors) of its brand while making them worth their popularity in affluence and influence. At a time when entertainers were being paid peanuts for their artistry, Globacom upped the ante, dishing out millions of naira to their ambassadors and helping them to live the life they only see in the movies or on MTV.

Clearly, Globacom as a truly Nigerian company is wholly committed to the development of the country and has continued to display this with the quality of it service offerings.

Amaka Okeke-Lawal: Optiva Capital Partners Offers Global Opportunities through Grenada Citizenship

Ms. Amaka Okeke-Lawal is the Executive Director, Business Development at Optiva Capital Partners Limited, one of the largest providers of second citizenship and residency services in Africa. Sunday Ehigiator writes on the company’s commitment to support Nigerians on global investment and citizenship opportunities, and its mission to optimize wealth for clients

Ever since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the desire of entrepreneurs and affluent investors to attain international mobility and global acceptance. During this critical period, with ongoing global political and economic uncertainties, investors are confronted with the formidable task of diversifying and preserving wealth in a manner that ensures continuous growth despite the economic downturn.

Investment immigration programmes provide secure ways to guarantee global mobility and a strategic opportunity to improve the overall quality of life. Investment immigration programs across the globe enable the extremely affluent to acquire passports or visas, granting them access to certain privileges enjoyed by naturalized citizens in exchange for a substantial sum of money.

By choosing to pursue citizenship or residency through Optiva Capital Partners, the leading investment immigration firm in Africa, individuals could efficiently navigate an investment immigration program. Supported by a vast network of elite, international partners, Optiva provides a wide range of investment solutions across geographies and asset classes and has distinguished itself in the Investment Immigration Industry through superior end-to-end service delivery and customer experience.

In recent times, a greater number of high-net-worth individuals worldwide are becoming acquainted with the advantages of Investment Immigration. However, it is important to acknowledge that these individuals’ unique requirements and objectives differ, and certain schemes are more beneficial for individuals originating from specific regions, as these programs have been customised to meet their specific advantages. Nonetheless, there is one country that provides high-net-worth individuals with almost all the necessary provisions, regardless of their origin and that is Grenada.

Grenada boasts one of the most appealing and robust Citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs globally. It maintains strong diplomatic ties with the US, the UK and the EU.

Recognising the significance of its ties with the Caribbean, Canada also included Grenada in the CAN+ program.

Gaining access to the USA is not the only benefit one gets from obtaining a Grenada passport, it also gives visa-free travel to 143 countries including all countries of the European Union, United Kingdom, Singapore, Russia, and China.

Grenada stands out as the only Caribbean nation offering a citizenship program that grants its citizens the opportunity to obtain both an E-2 visa and a 10-year US tourist visa. By acquiring an E-2 visa, holders of a Grenada passport can reside in the United States indefinitely. As a citizen of Grenada, you will enjoy the benefits of the USA TREATY with Grenada, enabling you to establish a business, reside, and work in the USA alongside your family. You can also live and work in Grenada as a second home with zero hassles on global income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.

To get a Grenada passport, there are two options, invest $220,000 in a governmentapproved real estate project. The property must be held for a minimum of 5 years before it can be sold or you make a nonrefundable minimum donation of $150,000 to the National Transformation Fund.

Optiva Capital Partners, the

largest provider of second citizenship and residency services in Africa has assisted thousands of families in obtaining second citizenship and residency from Grenada and many other Caribbean countries, including the USA, Canada, Portugal, and Greece Residency by Investment options. The company has branches across the country and provides excellent investment immigration, investment advisory, and wealth management services for its esteemed clients who have trusted them with their investment immigration needs for over 13 years now.

Some of Optiva Capital’s other investment immigration opportunities it assists Nigerians to be part of include the USA EB, Residency by Investment, which not only accelerates wealth creation but also open doors to a promising future, offering the opportunity to become a green card holder; citizenship by investment programs for which acquiring a passport from any of the countries on their menu provides visa-free access to more than 143 countries, all without the need to meet any residency criteria before obtaining them. For Greece, for instance, obtaining a luxury apartment, is a gateway to obtaining the Greece golden visa which is not just an investment immigration scheme, it is also a way to diversify wealth. For Canada, a Nigerian can become a global business person by investing in Canada Federal Start-up program, migrate to Canada with a 3-year open work permit, while the person’s permanent residency is prioritized as an investor. In partnership with its reputable international affiliates the company has helped many families with their immigration and global access needs over the years and “has always done this with utmost diligence and professionalism.”

To enhance its service delivery, the Executive Director stated that the company launched Optiva Plus which is a complementary thank you service for its clients. In addition, she stated that Optiva Capital Partners goes beyond its service to do “visa resolution, student admission for our clients’ kids, and also help with passport renewals.

Then our elite global partnerships through which we help our clients with extensive, superior opportunities and options to help maximize their wealth across jurisdictions and across asset classes. We are capable and have the ability to do what we have promised.”

Additionally, Optiva Capital’s expanding points of sale aligns with its strategy to extend its edge in investment immigration through an operational process which Okeke-Lawal described as being “detailed on documentation, full disclosure, family situation, background, employment, and education.”

She enthused that, “one of the things we do very well at Optiva Capital Partners is the ability to handle that process, right from origination. We have fully developed our process, a fully dedicated process centre, which has access to 50 to 60 people at once, and we have a team that can help us talk to clients in a very holistic way.”

Today, Optiva Capital Partners prides itself as the largest provider of investments immigration services not only in Nigeria but across Africa, and also the largest employer of labour in the investment immigration subsector with over 17 branches distributed across Nigeria and over one thousand full-time employees. In partnership with its reputable international affiliates the company has helped many families with their immigration and global access needs over the years and “has always done this with utmost diligence and professionalism.”

Optiva’s philosophy is encapsulated in the following nuggets which underscore its commitment to its clients: protect wealth –to ensure clients do not lose value for what they already have; grow wealth – in accordance with client’s risk appetite and future aspirations; enhance wealth – exposes clients to the many avenues for wealth amplification; and optimize wealth – to help clients to continuously create the most value by investing in a wide range of financial products that they otherwise would not have easy access to.

Heeled in effective delivery of wealth management offerings, Optiva Capital easily stands out in investment immigration, providing professional immigration services for individuals seeking to obtain alternative citizenship or residency in any of the countries that it serves, which are numerous. In addition, the company provides investment advisory, and wealth management services.

One of Optiva Capital Partners success stories is its ability to develop partnerships with strong and well recognised reputable institutions. One of them is Stuart Financial with headquarters in Montreal, Canada, a global company with offices in many countries. They are the financial intermediaries to the Quebec government, and they are members of the investment regulatory Council of Canada. Optiva Capital Partners is also engaged with them in Greece, Portugal, and of course here in Africa, for Federal Start-up programme in Canada. There is also Green and Spiegel, which is Canada’s oldest and largest immigration law firm based in Toronto, specialising in corporate and personal immigration services. They have offices in five countries including the USA; Heng Sheng Group, which is another global group with footprints in many countries like USA, China, Singapore, and Grenada. They have the largest investment in the Caribbean right now, a $2.4B investment.

Okeke-Lawal

07052343083

Caloha’s 3-day Display of Chery at Ikeja City Mall Captivates Customers I

keja City Mall witnessed three exciting days from March 15 to 17, 2024, as customers thronged to view a rare and exclusive display of Chery’s stunning lineup of vehicles by Carloha, the national franchise dealer of Chery vehicles in Nigeria.

The three-day extravaganza captivated the future of automotive innovation.

Carloha showcased Chery’s commitment to elegance, performance, and cutting-edge technology with an array of sleek and sophisticated models on display. From sleek sedans to versatile SUVs, the display catered to the diverse needs and preferences of modern drivers, embodying Chery’s unwavering dedication to excellence.

According to the Director of Sales and Marketing for Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Omokhapue, “We are thrilled to have hosted such a remarkable showcase of Chery vehicles commitment to providing our customers with unparalleled automotive experiences, while also embracing the power of social media to connect and engage with our community.”

Throughout the weekend, attendees marveled at the craftsmanship and innovation evident the brand’s legacy of quality and reliability. From dynamic performance to state-of-the-art safety features, each model underscored Chery’s position at the forefront of automotive excellence.

The highlight of the event was the innovative social media challenge, inviting visitors to capture a moment with Chery’s captivating display and share it across their social media platforms. Participants were encouraged to

generate likes and engagement, with the chance to win luxurious gift items courtesy of Chery.

The social media challenge generated a buzz of excitement, with participants eagerly sharing their experiences and showcasing their creativity. By harnessing the power of social media, Carloha and Chery fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among attendees,

win exclusive prizes. As the event drew to a close, Carloha expressed gratitude to all who participated,paralleled automotive experiences and fostering meaningful connections with customers. With the resounding success of the Chery showcase,

Carloha looks forward to continuing to set new benchmarks for excellence in the automotive industry.a six-year warranty or 200,000 km, whichever service for all Chery vehicles,” Omokhapue said.

Toyota Nigeria Presents 9 School Children for Another Global Dream Car Art Contest

Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, TNL, has honoured nine school children that emerged as national winners of the 2024 (17th) edition of the annual Toyota Dream Car Art contest.

According to the Managing Director of TNL, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, all nine drawings created by the nine winners were sent to Japan to compete with other winning drawings across the globe.

The latest national winners were celebrated and presented with top quality laptops, corporate gifts and certificates during a grand ceremony held on Saturday, 16th March, 2024, at TNL Corporate head office in Lekki, Lagos, to the admiration of their parents, Art teachers and well wishers that attended the event.

Four of the winners are pupils of Corona School, Lagos, two from Abuja-based Loyola Jesuit College, two from Avi-Cenna International School, and one from Vivian-Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos. All the categories this year were won by female contestants.

The competition organised for school children all over the world by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Japan, in conjunction with its representatives in many countries, challenges them to draw their

dream cars with an inspirational idea.

Last year, Nigeria’s Oluwademilade Odumuboni, a 9-year-old boy, then from Corona School Gbagada, Lagos, won the coveted prize, beating other contestants from over 90 countries.

His drawing, titled WASTE CONVERTER, with the concept of helping countries, especially African communities, in food production and ensuring clean environment, was adjudged the best globally in his age category.

All the current nine winners were invited to present their drawings and the idea behind it before receiving their prizes and certificates.

The three winners in the first category; 7 years and below, are all Corona School pupils. Wuraola Aderinsola Onaolapo (1st position), Myra Oyindamola Omokunga (2nd position), and Pemisire Zara Abayomi-John (3rd position).

For the 8-11 years category, the winners are Oluwalani Tamara Oshinubi (1st position), Sochikaima Nwizu (2nd position), and Vivian Ugooma Emeh (3rd position).

And in the third category for 12-15 years, Juditha Sree Reddyvari (1st position), Jiajia Miao (2nd position), and Ayopelumi Modupe Aboderin (3rd position) were unveiled.

TNL MD, Ade-Ojo, said the company chose to identify with the competition as part of its corporate

Adebayo Tomiwa, the Managing Director of Carima, a company that facilitates car buying and selling, has said his company is a one-stop dream cars fast and hassle-free.

According to Tomiwa, “Carima started by facilitating car buying and selling, but we quickly spotted a gap in the traditional approach. Major online platforms often miss cars simply because sellers haven’t updated listings. Dealerships, bombarded with car customers seek.

“Carima solves this. We connect dealers across Africa, creating a network that locates the exact car a customer desires, even if it’s

social responsibilities by encouraging the children to develop their creativity and God-given talent.

According to him, “We are doing this for the children. It is a means of developing their creativity and reminding them that anything is possible if they can dream. When they start young, it will also be part of them.

“Though it is costing us a lot of money, we are glad we are doing it so that the creativity in them does not diminish.”

Ade-Ojo also commended the teachers and parents for their support, adding, “Without their support, participating in this event would not have been possible.”

Responding to why all the nine winners are girls, the TNL MD said, “We have judges who pick the winning drawings based on set parameters and in a very transparent manner. Pictures are presented to them, they shortlist to narrow down the number, and the best nine are eventually picked as winners.

“Coincidentally, it just happened that they are all girls this year. Last year, a boy emerged as the global winner.”

One of the parents, Mrs Opeyemi Aboderin, commended Toyota Nigeria for giving the children the opportunity to express their brilliant ideas through drawings.

not actively listed for sale. Imagine Carima as a vast marketplace where dealers act like friendly shopkeepers, searching their

“Our research shows dealers miss out on daily sales due to limited inventory and lack of search options. Carima empowers through our network.

“Our mission? To unite African car minutes away.

“Frustrated by outdated listings and limited dealer inventory? Carima is here to streamline your car buying experience in Africa. We connect car dealers across the even if it’s not actively listed for sale.”

Kia EV6 Electric now Available in Nigeria

Nigeria’s automotive enthusiasts have cause for celebration, as Kia introduces the highly anticipated Kia EV6 electric vehicle to the country.

A statement by Kia Nigeria said, “This extraordinary electric vehicle, embodying unparalleled luxury to elevate your drive to the next level is now available for booking. Discerning customers can reserve their orders, securing their chance to experience the epitome of automotive opulence. With the arrival of the Kia EV6, Nigeria’s roads are about to witness a new level of luxury and sophistication.”

The Assistant Marketing Manager of Kia Nigeria,Omolade Akinyode, expressed her excitement about the Kia EV6 availability, stating, “We are delighted to announce that the Kia EV6 is now within reach of our esteemed customers at an exclusive introductory special represents a pinnacle of luxury, sophistication, and cutting-edge technology.”

L-R: Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo; and the winner of last year’s prize, Master Oluwademilade Odumuboni

Tomiwa

Chery vehicles displayed by Carloha at Ikeja City Mall… recently

GLOBAL SOCCER

Taiwo Awoniyi

Uncertainties Dodge Career

GLOBAL SOCCER

Taiwo Awoniyi Uncertainties Dodge Career

AfterSuperEagleslacklustreperformanceatthe2022editionoftheAfricaCupofNationsinCameroon,Taiwo Awoniyi and teammates were optimistic of putting up a good show in the last edition in Cote d’Ivoire, injury however knocked out the Nottingham Forest striker from the 2023 party.WithTrickyTrees battling relegation in the Premier League,the former Union Berlin forward has been incapacitated by injury again,and might not be in a position to save his club from sinking.To compound the Nigeria international’s woe,he might have to be sacrificed by the City Ground egg heads to avoid another breach of financial rules by the club after an initial four-point deduction had been handed them

Just when Taiwo Awoniyi was hoping to show soccer loving Nigerians what they missed by his absence at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire with the Super Eagles friendlies against Ghana and Mali, injury struck again.

Nottingham Forest manager, Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed that Awoniyi will miss Nigeria’s friendlies against Ghana and Mali due to injury after he picked up the knock a few days before Nottingham Forest’s Premier League fixture against Luton .

The extent of the injury was disclosed, but Espirito Santo called it a “big blow” for the club, indicating that the Nigerian striker might be out for a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines.

This is another setback for Awoniyi, who only recently recovered from a groin injury that forced him to miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His last appearance for Nigeria came on November 16, 2023, during a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

To compound his situation, the former Union Berlin man, might also be sacrificed by the egg heads of Tricky Trees in the club’s quest to avoid another breach of the Premier League’s financial rules.

On Tuesday, Nottingham Forest were handed a four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules after the club admitted to breaching PSR by £34.5m above their permitted threshold of £61m.

Meanwhile, the club is at risk of breaching financial rules again next season if they don’t sell one of their top stars and Awoniyi may have been pencilled as one of the top players that the club could be forced to sell in the summer.

Meanwhile, former Nottingham Forest defender, Kelvin Wilson, has heaped pressure on Awoniyi amid relegation battle.

The Reds have flirted with the bottom half of the Premier League for some time now and currently occupy the 17th position, just three points above the relegation zone.

Despite replacing Steve Cooper with Nuno Espirito Santo in the managerial dugout last December, results on the pitch are yet to improve.

Forest have won just two of their last 11 matches in all competitions, while in the Premier League, they are winless in their last three games. The club has also badly struggled in front of goal, having failed to find the back of the net in each of their last three outings.

Wilson however said time is running out for Awoniyi to bail Forest out.

When Forest ignited a late rally to survive relegation last season, Awoniyi played a huge part by scoring some crucial goals in that run.

However, the Nigeria international has lacked consistency this season after being hampered by a groin injury that caused him to miss nearly three months of action, including the Africa Cup of

Nations (AFCON 2024) in Ivory Coast.

Awoniyi’s numbers are still decent, though, with the striker accounting for six goals and three assists in the 17 games he’s played in the Premier League this season despite still working his way to full fitness.

However, Wilson, who had two spells with Forest from 2007 to 2011 and from 2013 to 2016 – believes time is running out for Awoniyi to step up and bail the club out of its current struggles. The 38-year-old Englishman said Forest do not have the luxury of waiting for the Nigerian to fully recover before rediscovering his form.

“Have we got time to be patient? Time is running out but we need him to start firing now. I know he’s been injured but the pressure is on and we need him to perform,” Wilson said on the Forest Focus podcast.

“Ideally, we’d be mid-table and we could keep bringing him on for the last 20 minutes to get his fitness up. We don’t have the luxury to give him time, we need him to be scoring goals.”

Forest’s limping form in the Premier League has seen them drop into the relegation battle. Although Espirito

Santo’s side are currently outside the drop zone, only three points separate them and 18th-placed Luton Town.

It is increasingly looking like Sheffield United and Burnley – both of whom have a paltry 14 points after 28 rounds of matches – would fill up the bottom two positions.

The battle for who is likely to join the aforementioned duo to the Championship is, however, far from decided, with only five points between Luton and 14th-placed Crystal Palace.

Forest would, therefore, need Awoniyi and every other player on the roster to step up in the final 10 league games to stand any chance of survival. The Reds were in a similar situation last season when they were rooted in the relegation zone as of April 2023, but they turned things around with a strong finish to the campaign, impressively garnering 11 points from their last six matches to maintain their topflight status.

Meanwhile, Taiwo Awoniyi made his 50th appearance for Forest in last weekend’s Premier League defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. The 26-year-old joined the English side from Union Berlin for a £17 million fee in the summer of 2022

and has quickly established himself as a key figure at the City Ground.

In his debut season, Awoniyi netted 10 times in the Premier League and is on his way to matching, or even bettering that return in the current campaign after scoring six times already.

In the same vein, Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney has advised the Super Eagles striker to work on his positioning so he will get better chances to score.

Rooney, who made his legend at Manchester United and scored 208 Premier League in his playing days, has advised Awoniyi on how he can get more goals.

“As a forward, if you put yourself in the middle of the goal, you will get chances,” he said, per Nottingham Post.

“He needs to take a little bit more care and perhaps make the extra pass, but he will get better opportunities. He has to be ready when those chances come. If he progresses to a bigger club, he will have to be taking those chances.”

It was around this time that Awoniyi started scoring goals aplenty last season and the Nigerian striker could yet again replicate that form and help the Tricky Trees finish the season well.

Taiwo Awoniyi unsung against Manchester United

Rangers Title Quest Gets Heartland Test in Aba

Seven-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions,Enugu Rangers’bid to win the league title for the first time since 2016 would be put to test tomorrow at the Enyimba International Stadium,Aba when the FlyingAntelopes take a short trip to Aba as guest to Heartland in an Oriental derby

The Enyimba Stadium in the commercial city of Aba, Abia State will take center stage in a match day 27, NPFL 2023/2024 fixture as Rangers International F.C look to unsettle neighbours, Heartland F.C for the maximum points at stake in an Oriental Derby as the Naze Millionaires opted to take the encounter away from Awka after a late approval from the league organisers.

The encounter billed to kick off by 4:00 pm tomorrow, will see the coach Fidelis Ilechukwu tutored side looking to keep their unbeaten run since the start of the second stanza of the season that has seen the Coal City side go eight matches without blemish, winning six and ending two in a draw while conceding only two goals.

With the likes of Isaac Saviour, Kalu Nweke, and Kingsley Maduforo returning from injuries to join forces with such players as Godwin Obaje, Kazeem Ogunleye, Chiedozie Okorie,

ORIENTAL DERBY

and Aniji Ifeanyichukwu, there are high expectations for a good result against Heartland F.C that seem to have woken up from their slumber, since the engagement of Mike Idoko, that has seen them move out of the basement of the 20-team log.

In the reverse fixture at the Awka City Stadium, which once served as the adopted home ground for the Coal City side, it ended 2-0 for the seven-time league champions with the duo of Kazeem Ogunleye and Kenneth Igboke scoring the goals.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu said, “We respect Heartland for the quality that they bring to the table especially when it’s in a game involving teams from the east. However, we have our job cut out and we have our game plans for the match and I am positive going into the match. There is no room for underrating the Owerri side as football is what it is and we shall take the encounter with all the seriousness it deserves.”

Also speaking, former skipper of the Owerri side who is now leading the Flying Antelopes as they push for a good finish to the season, Chukwudi Nwaodu, said, “Anytime, any day, encounters between the two teams have never been easy but I am optimistic that we shall get a good result in Aba. This tie will be more interesting as we have close to five of our former teammates who started the season with us now appearing for the Owerri side. They will be coming to prove one or two points but as I said earlier, we shall approach the match with all due respect and work out a good result to keep us in the hunt for a good finish to the season.”

Going into this encounter which will be the 28th top-flight action between both sides the Flying Antelopes are enjoying 15 wins against 11 for the home side while two have ended in a draw. The last time Heartland engaged Rangers in a home fixture in the 2020/2021 season, the Salisu Yusuf tutored Rangers ran away with a 3-0 victory inside Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

NPFL Docks Gombe Three Points, Fined N3m over Fans’ Assault of Match Officials

The board of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has slammed Gombe United with points deduction after the club fans assaulted match officials during a game against Akwa United.

In a statement on Thursday, the league body said all four officials of the NPFL matchday 26 fixture were physically attacked by the home fans at the Pantanmi Stadium in Gombe.

The assaulted match officials are Bright Nwosu, the centre Referee; Abdullahi Indabawa, assistant referee 1; Friday Abu Emeje, assistant referee 2; and Musa Hussainy Talle, the fourth official.

NPFL charged Gombe United with “failure to provide adequate and effective security leading to access to unauthorised

persons to restricted areas, throwing of objects by their supporters to match officials and the visiting team and assault on match officials at the end of the game”.

Three points and three goals would also be docked from the cumulative Gombe’s performance this season as punishment.

Gombe was fined N3 million, which includes N1 million to be paid as compensation to the assaulted match officials.

The NPFL also issued an order closing the Pantami Stadium to fans of Gombe United for the next three home games.

Earlier this season, Gombe United were docked three points and three goals, while Mohammed Baba Ganaru, the club’s head coach, was suspended for three games for inciting violence on match officials.

Rangers, Heartland slugging it out during the reverse fixture in Awka

GLOBAL SOCCER

Action during the Super Eagles versus Black Star’s friendly match in Marrakech, Morocco

NFF Charges Falconets to Focus on World Cup after African Games’ Gold Medal Loss Super Eagles Humble Black Stars 2-1 under Finidi’s First Game

The Super Eagles defeated fiercest rival, Ghana 2-1 in an international friendly played at the Stade de Marrakech, Morrocco yesterday evening

Kelechi Iheanacho came close to opening scoring in the 9th minute, forcing the Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to a save with a curling shot from his left boot.

The Super Eagles got another chance to change the scoreline in the 14th minute when a long pass found his way into the path of Cyriel Dessers but the striker couldn’t find the target.

In the 17th minute, Nigeria got a penalty call ignored by the referee after the ball had touched the arms of one of the Ghanaian defenders.

At the half-hour mark, Iheanacho tried to set up Dessers from a free-kick but the Rangers striker couldn’t get the required touch on the ball.

The Belgian-born forward eventually opened the scoring in the 37th minute, from the penalty spot, putting the ball in the bottom right corner

and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo had the chance to restore parity for the Black Stars, having found himself one-on-one against Stanley Nwabali, but failed to hit the target.

Dessers’ strike from the penalty spot would be the difference between both sides at the end of the first half.

Iheanacho came close to giving Nigeria a two-goal cushion in the 52nd minute, cutting easily through Ghana’s defence but his shot drifted wide.

Two minutes later, Jordan Ayew forced Nwabali to his first save of the second half with a header from a cross into the penalty area.

Four minutes before the hour mark, Ghana were reduced to 10 men after the referee gave Jerome Opoku his marching orders.

Bruno Onyemeachi delivered

a perfect into the feet of Dessers in the 61st minute but the latter couldn’t bury the ball from close range.

Nwabali quickly came off his line to deny Semenyo a clear goalscoring opportunity in the 70th minute as the Black Stars kept searching for the equaliser.

Ten minutes before the end of the normal regulation time, Alidu Seidu forced Nwabali to another save from a shot from outside the penalty area.

The Super Eagles put the game behind the reach of Ghana with Ademola Lookman roofing the ball into the net after a beautiful combination of play from Alex Iwobi and Iheanacho in the 84th minute

Nwabali showed utmost desperation to keep a clean sheet denying the Black Stars from changing the scoreline with a brilliant save in the 89th minute.

His effort was wasted as Ayew pulled one back for the Black Stars from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of the stoppage time.

Okolie Vows to Become Two-time World Champion

Lawrence Okolie returns to the ring for the first time since his defeat to Chris BillamSmith as he moves up from cruiserweight to fight Lukasz Rozanski for the WBC World Bridgerweight world title in the champion’s native Poland on May 24.

Okolie says he is more motivated than ever as he looks to respond to his first career defeat to Chris Billam-Smith by beating Lukasz Rozanski and becoming a two-weight world champion.

Okolie was knocked down

three times as he surrendered his WBO cruiserweight world title to Billam-Smith in a majority decision defeat in Bournemouth last May.

He returns to action in May when he challenges Rozanski for the WBC Bridgerweight championship that the Pole clinched thanks to a first-round knockout win over Alen Babic.

“At this point it would mean everything,” Okolie told Sky Sports. “Winning and losing a world title, I can see the difference so I want it and I want it bad.

“I would say (he’s more motivated than ever). If I’m going to be brutally honest then definitely.

“I’ve got to prove a lot of people wrong, not that it’s my main motivation but it does give you a chip on your shoulder.”

Defeat to Billam-Smith saw Okolie drop to 19-1 and bring up the first blemish of the Olympian’s professional career, which saw him become world champion with a sixth-round stoppage win over Krzysztof Głowacki in 2021.

Leicester Start Legal Proceedings over Alleged Spending Breaches

Leicester City have started “urgent” legal proceedings against the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) after being charged with allegedly breaking spending rules.

The Championship club said they were “compelled” to act after being charged with breaching profit and sustainability rules (PSR) on Thursday. If found guilty, the Foxes could face a points deduction.

The club have also been placed under a transfer embargo by the EFL.

Leicester have been referred to an independent commission by the Premier League for the alleged breach of PSR rules

for their last three seasons in the top flight and for failing to submit audited finances.

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has implored players and officials of the U20 girls, Falconets to put behind them the loss of the African Games women’s football event gold medal to Ghana and work assiduously towards making a huge impression at this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

Gusau spoke against the background of the Falconets’ 1-2 extra-time defeat by the Black Princesses of Ghana in the final match of the 13th African Games women’s football event played in Cape Coast on Thursday night.

“You played well and showed good skills and team work all the way to the final, but your best was not good enough to retain the gold medal. There is

no need and there will never be any gain crying over spilt milk. The onus is now on you and the coaches to focus on the FIFA World Cup finals coming up later this year.

“In truth, the NFF and Nigerians expected you to retain the gold medal, having scored eight goals and conceded none until the final match. That is gone now and the World Cup beckons. Your collective objective should be to win the World Cup trophy for the first time. The NFF will give you all the support to prepare adequately and face the world’s best in Colombia,” Gusau toldthenff.com.

The Falconets have participated in every edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since the competition was launched as an

U19 tournament in Canada in 2002. They have now qualified for this year’s championship after overpowering the U20 girls of Tanzania and Burundi in the African qualifying series.

“In 2010 and 2014, though they lost on both occasions to Germany. They were in the semi-finals in Japan in 2012, and at the last edition in Costa Rica, they reached the quarter-finals.

“There has been some consistency in our performance over the years and it is time to take the step up and claim the title. That can only be done by hard work, focus and self-belief. The hard work must start right now.”

This year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals will take place 31st – 22nd September in Colombia.

Nigeria, 63 Others Set for Homeless World Cup in Seoul

With less than six months to go until the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup, 64 teams including Nigeria from 49 Homeless World Cup Member Countries have been invited to the South Korean capital to take part in the tournament, which is taking place at Hanyang University from 21st – 28th September.

The 19th edition of the tournament will be the first time the Homeless World Cup has been held in Asia since the tournament was introduced in 2003.

The coordinator of the programme in Nigeria, Yomi Kuku

said that there will be nearly 50 countries represented at the tournament and 500 players will compete across 8-days in the world-class sporting spectacle.

“64 teams have been invited to participate from 49 Homeless World Cup Member Countries, 44 teams in the Men’s Homeless World Cup and 20 teams have been invited to play in the Women’s Homeless World Cup.

“The Homeless World Cup is a world-class sporting spectacle which has the power to change the lives of participants and shape attitudes towards the

global issue of homelessness, using the universal language of football,” he explained.

Nigeria is listed among the countries participating in the male event while only Egypt and Zambia are listed for the female edition in Africa.

Countries listed in the female teams are Austria, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and Zambia.

Team Nigeria Claims Three Medals in Sambo at African Games

The four-man contingent of Team Nigeria to the sambo event of the 13th African Games claimed one gold, one silver and one bronze medals for their efforts at the championships.

Jonah Kajido narrowly missed out from the podium in the men’s 79kg, after losing to his Moroccan counterpart.

However, Charity Jatau was flawless in all her fights that she claimed the first gold medal for Nigeria after winning her fight bout against her Egyptian opponent in the women’s 59kg but her compatriot - Fatima Ogbonyomi had to settle for silver in the women’s 65kg.

“We came with four athletes, and we are returning with three medals, and this goes to show that there is more potential in the sport if we continue to promote and grow the sport. These medals would motivate us to work harder to grow the sport and we believe this set of athletes would inspire others to embrace the sport. We are excited and we hope Sambo will officially be recognised by the organisers of the African Games in subsequent editions while the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will consider the sport for future Olympic Games,” Hammed said. INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

They are also subject to a separate financial probe by the EFL.

In a statement, Leicester said that they would seek to ensure that the proceedings were overseen “by an appropriate and fully independent legal panel”. “The club is committed to ensure that any charges against it are properly and proportionately determined, in accordance with the applicable rules, by the right bodies, and at the right time,” the statement said.

“While LCFC would prefer the proceedings to be in public, so its supporters and the

wider world can be informed about the important issues of football governance that will be considered, the relevant rules require that these proceedings are conducted confidentially, and LCFC will therefore not be able to comment further about them at this stage.

“We reaffirm the club’s position that we will continue to fight for the right of Leicester City and all clubs to pursue their ambitions, particularly where these have been reasonably and fairly established through sustained sporting achievement.”

Leicester added that the EFL’s decision to impose a transfer embargo was “both restrictive and premature”.

Sambo, which is one of the seven demonstration sports among the 30-sports discipline listed for the games had Nigeria competing against teams from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic (CAR), Cameroon, Congo DR, Egypt, Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Niger Republic, Togo and host – Ghana.

It was James Chegwam that first earned a bronze medal for Nigeria in the men’s (58kg) while

A delighted Vice President of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, Sheriff Hammed described the performance of the athletes as a pointer to the potential that Nigeria possessed in the sport.

St Saviours’ Brace up for 2024 COBIS Games in Kenya

Multiple champions of the annual Council of British International Schools (COBIS) Games, St Saviour’s School, Lagos, will be heading to Kenya for this year’s tournament with the sole aim of reclaiming the title they last won in 2019.

For the first time, the 2024 COBIS Primary Games will be taking place in Africa and will be hosted by Braeburn Mombasa International School in Kenya from March 25 to 27, with schools across

the globe expected to compete in athletics, swimming and football.

As five-time COBIS Primary School Games Champions and triple World School Games champions, St Saviour’s had claimed the overall titles at 2014 Abu Dhabi, 2015 Athens, 2016 Kazakhstan, 2017 UK and 2019 Bangkok.

For this year’s edition, the school team is set to reclaim the title with a formidable team just the head of sport, Sadiq Momodu said that

the students are poised to make Nigeria proud in Kenya.

“We are going there as a formidable team and I know all eyes will be on us as champions in previous editions and the only schools to have won the tournament than any other team and we hope and believe we can do it again. The students have been training and they are eager to practicalise what they have been taught when they get to Kenya,” he said.

Super Falconets

Flurry of Activity, Not ‘Activities’

WE kick off this way today: “Christians and Muslims have been killing each other (one another) over series (a series) of attacks by the Islamic militants, Boko Haram.”

The Views Page of the above medium collects the baton in perpetuation of solecisms: “Our level of humanity and development should be measured by our strict adherent (adherence) to the spirit and letters of democracy (sic).”

Existential humanism: the spirit of the law or the letter of the law (democracy in this application).”

“…states that didn’t have universities now have ones.” Yank away the last word in the extract.

“…but violence arising there from (sic) never lasted more than few (a few) hours.”

“A desperate decease (disease) requires a desperate cure.”

“In its absent (absence), the state is a failed one.”

Even the Editorial of the paper under review consolidated the front page infraction: “…the latest in series (a series) of coups that have punctuated modern Thai history.”

“IATA urges governments, operators to tackle passengers (passengers’) excesses”

“FG tasks Nigerians on climate change induced (change-induced) activities”

“FCT minister’s wife distributes items to destitutes” Community Mirror: the destitute (noun and plural).

Finally from the Back Page of the medium under focus which withheld some etymological facts: “…the former GMD of Zenith Bank resumed (assumed) office as the new governor of CBN….” I cannot understand this elementary goof! If Emefiele had returned it would have been ‘resumption’—not the instant case.

“The flurry of activities (activity) that day prompted the acting governor….”

“Associated to (with) this is the….”

“It will specifically serve to identify those transacting business with Automated Teller Machines (ATM) (ATMs) and Point of Sales (Sale) (PoS) machines.”

“…that has potentials (potential or potentialities) to rev up the economy and create jobs.”

“In the next 10 days or thereabout….” Voice of the people: thereabouts

“Reps passes 2024 budget (sic)” Get it right: House of Reps passes or Reps pass 2024 Budget”

“PDP picks hole (holes) in passed 2024 budget (sic)”

“…etched his name on marble on (in) many thorny cases, both constitutional and in various other areas of the profession.”

“World Bank cat and mouse game with Nigeria” Get it right adjectivally: cat-and-mouse game

“…flattering the country’s potentials” Again, ‘potential’ is non-count, unlike ‘potentiality’.

“NOSDRA boss commends JTF over (for/on) arrest of oil thieves”

“Not surprisingly (Unsurprisingly), when it comes to Nigeria’s recent and not so recent (not-so-recent) history….”

“The Ministry of Youth and Development created by the federal government only concentrates on the high profile overaged Nigerian youths….” Not a challenge: overage Nigerian youths.

“Like a bad dream, the sore issue of fuel scarcity has refused to go away, posing serious (a serious) challenge to commuters and motorists.”

“20-year-old man remanded in prison for raping a minor” A rewrite: 20-year-old man remanded for raping minor

“…it is scandalous to learn that the Federal Government plans to import electricity into Nigeria from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a much smaller and less endowed African country.” (EDITORIAL) Please delete ‘into Nigeria’ to avoid lexical shame!

“…lead to a blind ally (alley).” (Source: as above)

“A progressive who believed in the good of majority (the majority) over the opulence of minority (the minority).” Additionally, this is a hanging sentence!

“…has not hidden her grouse on (about) the role played by America and the West in the disintegration of the former Russian federation.”

“…it is admittedly near impossible for anyone of voting age not to hold an opinion one way or the other (one way or another).”

“Owing to lack of support funding, the centre could not survive after few (a few) years.”

“Death for jobs latest” Abuja Metro: Deathfor-jobs latest

The March online edition of POLITICAL ECONOMIST spread a few slip-ups: “The sight of a man, probably in his early fifties, raging at a staff (an employee/a worker) of a bank right inside the banking hall….”

“…all may not be well with the use of ATM afterall (after all).”

“Customs raises alarm (the alarm) over fake auction papers syndicate”

“Gates said he will (would) closely advise new Microsoft Chief Executive….”

Lastly from the monthly publication: “…who only see their appointments as a money making (money-making) venture.”

“…there is the additional tradition of ferrying loots abroad.” ‘Loot’ is uncountable.

“…said it uncovered late (the late) Gen. Sani Abacha’s loot of….”

“I was also given a ring and an handkerchief among other things I cannot mention here.” Life & Living: a handkerchief, a hotel, a European…. “I love seeing smile on people’s face.” Style Cover: people’s faces

“Kiddies world” (Logo) Get it right: Kiddies’ World

Wrong: Last but not the least; right: last but not least

“ICPC boss laments high rate of ‘sex for grades’

Notorious Missteps of Cardoso’s CBN

When you want unvarnished truth, served with profound elan, brutal elucidation, and delivered with missile-guided robustness, the man you need is Marcel Okeke. He comes heavily credentialed with loads of experience and expertise in the world of economic theories, practice and reporting - in well over 30 years. From 1987, and many years in the 90s, Okeke was the Business Reporter or Editor for some of Nigeria’s biggest newspapers - The Guardian, The Punch, Business Concord and Champion.

He served the Zenith Bank group diligently for 13 years (2004 - 2017) in various capacities: Chief Economist, Chief Sustainability Officer and Divisional Head of Research & Economic Intelligence Group (REIG); Coordinator of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) portfolios; while he entered as the first and only Senior Economic Strategist.

Thus, when we need to see clear daylight in our understanding of the numerous economic actions and policies of the Nigerian state, we would invite Okeke to our issues-based weekend programme on TopRadio 90.9 FM called ‘The Vintage Talkshow…with the FAJ’. One of such few occasions happened last Saturday, 16 March, 2024 when Okeke was invited to speak on the topic: ‘Status Update - Post MPC Meet: Where is the CBN Going?’. And the man delivered, with his usual brutal clarity and frank disposition.

The first question is paraphrased thus: After the flurry of actions and directives coming out of the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of 26 February, 2024 - are we likely to see light at the end of the tunnel? In a layman’s term, are we making progress?

Okeke’s response: “Unfortunately, we are not making progress. If you look at

the indicators, the MPC came up with the monetary policy rate (MPR) of 22.75(%)… for the very first time in living memory, we raised the MP by 400 basic points… from 18.75 to 22.75! They say it’s in an effort to tame inflationary rate…that is soaring away. What that means…because MPR is called an indicative rate… It is indicative to the commercial banks that they can now go up with their own rate.

It means that if you want to borrow money from any of the banks now, the interest rate must be in the region of 30 or 33% …because the CBN has moved its own indicative rate to 22.75(%). So, the banks will add their own margin, their costs and all that, you can call it 30-something percent. So you can now ask yourself, which kind of business will survive, taking a loan of 30-33% interest rate? You have to be criminals…who are doing all kinds of underground illegal business that can make it at that rate. And let me even say, assuming a genuine business, a manufacturer, for example, takes that kind of loan…whatever they manufacture, they are going to factor the cost of money into their cost of production. That means the price they are going to sell to you and I will now go up! And that again is the inflation the CBN say they want to fight. That is called cost-push inflation. So the cost would be built into the activities of whoever manages to borrow at that rate; and now be selling to you and I… that means cost-push inflation would be at work. Many companies that would not be able to borrow at that rate are now crowded out. So, it’s either they reduce their capacity, or they fold up… because of lack of funds or because of the high cost of funds.

And then the other one that is called CRR - Cash Reserve Ratio - they moved it from 32.5 to 45%... What that means is that if you deposit ₦1,000 in the bank, for example, the bank has to take ₦450 of it to keep at CBN (vaults); and the bank will

(sex-for-grades) in schools”

“Despite the huge money expended in (on) these periodic maintenance exercises, the nation’s refineries have remained unproductive, forcing the country to depend so much on imported petroleum products at exorbitant rates.”

Daily Independent Online of March 2 backs the floodgate of goofs this week: “The result is that many under-aged (sic) children are routinely subjected to abuse….” All the facts, all the sides: overage and underage (not ‘overaged’ or ‘underaged’) children.

The politics page of the above medium raises the tone with four slip-ups: “The Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference recently kick started (kick-started) its sitting in Akure….”

“These facts have contributed greatly in (to) the level of congestion in the courts.”

“…enjoy their loots and still aspire for (to) higher offices.” Again, ‘loot’ is uncountable—and you aspire to, not for!

Repeat by popular demand: In order to address the divergent views on the plurality of ‘machinery’, I visited Wiktionary, an online portal on Google platform and here is the result: ‘Machinery (countable and uncountable, plural machinery) (1.) The machines constituting a production apparatus, in a plant etc., collectively. (2) The working parts of a machine as a group. (3) The collective parts of something which allow it to function. (4) (Figuratively): The literary devices used in a work, notably for dramatic effect.’ ‘Machinery’ is an assemblage of machines or mechanical apparatuses. If you must use a plural form for ‘machine’, use the word ‘machines’, not ‘machineries’ to avoid needless morphological controversies. The machinery, not ‘machineries’, of government.

be left with ₦550. In other words, it deliberately tries to constrain the ability of the banks to create credit…to lend money to the public. All in the wrong impression that there is so much money chasing a few goods in the system. So the CBN wants to drain the banks of cash...and the banks are now handicapped in terms of credit creation…. These are the implications of what they are doing. So, at the end of the day, it’ll be causing more problems than solving any.

Let me now tell you, FAJ… after doing that, they now rushed to what is called OMO - Open Market Operation - through selling Treasury Bills. They contacted what is called Foreign Portfolio Investors…after the Monetary Policy meeting, they met with prospective Foreign Portfolio Investors, and discussed with them to patronize the government Treasury they were about to sell in order to mop liquidity from the system, and also use it to bring in foreign exchange. After that transaction - auction - the Foreign Portfolio Investors took 79% of the bills. FAJ, what that means is that the $530 million they brought in… it’s called Hot Money… Portfolio investment is not what Nigeria needs now. They are getting that as a temporary phenomenon, because of the high interest rate they are offering the investors from outside. At 20-something percent of that auction, you cannot get it in any other environment, so the foreign portfolio investors can be attracted with just that interest rate…but it’s a very temporary phenomenon…it’s called Hot Money…because such money keeps jumping around from one domain to another…from one jurisdiction to

another…looking for where to make the highest profits.

But the challenge we have been having is that many companies…many portfolio investors cannot even cash out because of our dollar scarcity.

What this economy needs is foreign direct investment, not foreign portfolio investment. It is in foreign direct investment that money comes in to stay; to engage in productive activities. This one - portfolio investment - is money that is floating globally, if you like… that’s called Hot Money…because it stays for a short while and goes out… and the CBN knows that the economy is in serious crisis, they are ready to offer any kind of conditions in order to get that. But the more they get that, the more they expose our economy to all kinds of headwinds... So, the economy remains terribly challenged.

And if I must mention, part of the things the current leadership of the CBN condemned seriously has been interventions of the Central Bank in agriculture… industries…with CBN itself doling out so-so money in this and that. But we just heard a few days ago that the current CBN took ₦100 billion and handed it over to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for the procurement of fertilisers for farmers. Where do you place that one? And you say it is an effort to fight inflation…because of food inflation. How do you explain that? Is it money you’ve just printed? Or produced from where? That kind of investment is under what? Where is it captured in the budget? Really, I pity them…I don’t know what to say.”

(To Continue)

“I know the arithmetic of the budget and the numbers that I brought to the National Assembly, and I know what numbers came back. I appreciate all of you for the expeditious handling of the budget. Those who are talking about malicious embellishment in the budget; they did not understand the arithmetic and did not refer to the baseline of what I brought” –President Bola Tinubu reacting to allegation of budget padding by Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi State Tinubu to Ningi

OKEY IKECHUKWU

EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Good One Mr. President, Allex Otti

The two striking, and commendable, developments for our consideration today are:

(1) The Presidential Directive inflicting a temporary foreign travel ban on public officers, covering Ministers and heads of MDAs, and (2) The signing into law of a bill by the Abia state governor, Alex Otti, stripping all former governors and deputy governors of the state of pensions and other perks. The two interventions are significant policy investments in responsible management of public resources.

It is now left for the legislative arm of government, the biggest and probably the most shameless drainpipe of our democracy, to take notice and do and take similar measures – if it ever will. There are genuine concerns that the National Assembly is carrying on as if its profligacy is something to show off with.

The directive banning all public-funded foreign trips for Federal Government officials from April 1, 2024, is obviously intended to compel a conscious commitment to reducing the overall cost of public administration. More than that, it is designed to curb avoidable forex outflows. In addition, the overall effect will induce what can best be described as greater backward integration, if it is strictly monitored and well managed.

Many of our MDAs are ever so ready to prance off to foreign lands for training and capacity building programmes that are available here in Nigeria. Meanwhile, over 90% of the trainings that are choreographed outside the country are not only available locally, but are actually carried out by Nigerian consultants. So, there may be uproar, as the DTA and other perks go up in smoke for the next three months. There will be media drivel about why a blanket ban is wrong and how ministers must travel out to make things happen for us and for Nigeria. But no matter. This is a three-month suspension, after which I imagine there would be a review to determine the impact, gains and lessons learnt.

So, it is time for greater realism on the part of those who operate as public functionaries without paying attention to the economic realities around them! Since it is the president that must approve every outward movement of ministers and similar ranking public officers, the new development imposes on the presidency the task of being more careful in its assessment of the reasons behind every request for foreign trips. It is also expected that the new presidential directive will not affect critical trips, certified to be so, in the national interest.

Coming less than two months after the president cut back on his own local travel costs and that of government functionaries, this is both commendable and instructive. Commendable because it spread the notion that the presidency is sensitive to feedback from its operating environment. It is instructive because, coming after the public outrage that greeted the massive entourage to Lagos last December, it suggested a new resolve to better manage state protocol and security officials.

The January cutback on the presidential entourage for domestic and local trips, to no more than 25 persons for foreign trips and no more than 20 persons for local trips made a lot of sense. And then this clincher: Presidential local security is to be managed by agents at his destination, instead of him ferrying people from Abuja for capacities that exist everywhere all the time. Now, to Otti’s wise move.

Otti’s Intelligent Totality

The Abia State House of Assembly passed into

law a Bill for a ‘Law to Repeal the Abia State Governors & Deputy Governors Pensions Law No 4 of 2001 and for other Matters Connected Therewith.’ The state governor, Alex Otti, signed the “Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions (Repeal) Law, 2024” into law 48 hours later. With his signature on the document, the payment of pensions to former Governors and their Deputies in Abia State was scrapped for good.

Hear Alex Otti on the matter: “Even before this new law came into place, a lot of people who have followed our views in national discourse understand that we were not going to continue the practice of paying pensions and allowances to this set of former government officials. So, it’s all about governance, it’s all about stewardship of our people and I believe that a leader who believes that leadership is business has lost his way. If you want to take up all the resources that belong to the people you are leading, I am not sure that is morally correct. We all know that it is not the best for the country, for this state and for workers who are hitherto owed for months; for pensioners who are still struggling to defray several months and years of arrears from 2014”.

In reaction, former governors of the state, including Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu, have since announced that they had so far not benefitted from the law. Some of them have even described the new law repealing the pension provisions as unnecessary, since the law itself was not being implemented.

But here they err. Otti did the right thing in repealing a law anyone can easily invoke in future to declare that he is being owed a backlog of arrears as a former governor, or former deputy governor. A naghi ama ama!

In this connection, let us consider the case of Yari a former governor of Zamfaara State Government.

On October 17, 2019 he wrote his successor on: “Grant of Pension and Other Allowances for Former Governor, Former Deputy Governor, Former Speaker and Former Deputy Speaker of Zamfara”. The

letter said: “I wish to humbly draw your attention to the provision of the law on the above subject matter, which was amended and assented to on the 23rd of March 2019. Yari’s complaint was that he was paid the monthly upkeep allowance of N10 million and a pension, equivalent to the salary he was receiving while in office, for only two months.

He wanted his arrears; and went out of his way to educate his successor; that the law (which he, the former governor, hurriedly made before leaving office) did not see the pension and upkeep allowances as privileges that could not be paid, hence, the need to request him to kindly direct the settlement of the total backlog of the pension and upkeep as provided by the law.”

Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar wrote his successor, Bello Matawalle, because of the law and also because he believed that he was within his rights. The entitlements were his priority, warranting an angry letter, in a state where he left no commendable legacies and where he did not perform any miracles in the payment of the paltry entitlements of pensioners while he was governor. So, Alex Otti’s law has vitiated the possibility of any former governor, or deputy governor, from Abia state trying to do an Abubakar Yari on the state in future.

Just so that we see the extent of the folly that now passes for sanity in elite political circles, the letter from Yari came from the “Office of the Former Governor.” Is there such an “office”, recognized by law? Is this office, if it exists, a creation of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? Is the office of the former governor an elective, appointive, or presumptive one? What are the duties of a fomer governor, since he has a letterheaded paper to that effect. Is the action of the former governor, of a private citizen putting the national Coat of Arms on his private stationery, and using same as the crest for his private correspondence, not a criminal act?

It is easy for us to see Yari’s letter as an attempt by a private citizen to secure personal advantages for himself under false pretenses. But it is not easy

to know what was on the man’s mind as he signed his letter in the red ink colour of officialdom. This singular fact is a more serious matter than what the former governor said in his letter to the state government, demanding his presumed entitlements.

Beyond Zamfara state, several other state governments have similar post-service legislation for governors and their deputies. Jigawa lawmakers said that the huge severance packages provided for their former office holders was a way of discouraging them from corrupt self-enrichment while in office.

Akwa Ibom State, under governor Godswill Akpabio, provided N200 million annual pay for ex-governors. This was in addition to life pension, a new official car and utility-vehicle every four years, one personal aide, adequate security, a cook, chauffeurs and security guards at a sum not exceeding N5m per month. The governor and spouse are also entitled to free medical services for a sum totaling N100m per annum, as well as a five-bedroom mansion in Abuja and Akwa Ibom.

Gombe State offered a N300 million executive pension benefits to its ex-governors. Kwara State included 300% of salary as furniture allowance, as well as two cars and a security car replaceable every three years. That is in addition to a well-furnished five-bedroom duplex, five personal staff, three State Security Services personnel, free medical care and much more.

For Edo state, the “Pension Rights of the Governor and Deputy Governor Law of 2007”, gave a former governor a 200-million-naira house, plus 100% of the salary of the incumbent governor for life. This is in addition to an officer not above Salary grade level 12 as Special Assistant, a personal secretary not below grade level 10 who shall be selected by the former governor from the public service of the State.

Former governors and former deputy governors of Osun State have their pension at the rate equivalent to the earning of the respective incumbent office holders. Lagos State, under its Lagos Pension Law, gives a former governor two houses (one in Lagos and another in Abuja), estimated to cost between N500m and N700m, respectively. It also gives him six brand new cars every three years, furniture allowance of 300% of annual salary every two years, among other frills.

While Rivers offers 100% percent of annual basic salaries for ex-governors, one house anywhere of his choice in Nigeria, three cars every four years, 300 per cent of annual basic salary every four years for furniture and 10 percent of annual basic salary for house maintenance, among other frills. Kano State provides 100% of annual basic salaries for a former governor, a furnished and equipped office, a 6-bedroom residential house, free medical treatment within and outside Nigeria where necessary, two drivers and a provision for a 30- day vacation within and outside Nigeria. We say nothing about other states. We also say nothing about the entitlements of deputy governors and principal officers of the state houses of assembly.

Alex Otti’s move is a wise preemptive strike at the lovers of plunder. Why would he not get rid of a law offering perks to people for whom the revenue mobilization and fiscal allocations commission already made adequate provisions?

Let the other tiers of government follow the president’s example on travel costs, even as we look forward to a further downward review of the current national budget. Let other states of the federation follow Otti’s example of weeding out looting opportunities - for a better Nigeria.

Tinubu