THURSDAY 28TH MARCH 2024

LP BoT Ignores Outcome of National Convention, Takes over Running of Party

Abure re-elected at controversial exercise Obi, Otti, others boycott Anambra convention NLC: It's illegal, nullity

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The party said, in a statement by Chairman of the BoT, Comrade S.O.Z. Ejiofor, that the step was to avoid leadership vacuum. By that development, however,

the BoT ignored yesterday’s national convention of the party in Nnewi, Anambra State, which re-elected Julius Abure as its national chairman for a second term through unanimous affirmation by delegates. The convention was held in the absence of key members of the party, including the party's presidential candidate in the 2023 general elec-

tion, Mr Peter Obi; governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti; and senators of the party from Anambra State,

Continued on page 12

In Move to Revive Economy, Tinubu Heads 31-man Presidential Economic Coordination Council

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CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION VISITS TINUBU...

Tinubu to US Congressional Team: We're Committed to Deepening Democracy through Adherence to Rule of Law

Says he's ready to change narratives of Nigeria's past leadership crisis

Deji Elumoye

President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration was committed to deepening democracy by ensuring adherence to the rule of law and expediting the sustainable provision of good governance, justice and fairness to all Nigerian citizens.

Speaking yesterday, while playing host to a delegation from the United States Congress led by Senator Cory Booker at the State House in Abuja, the President said while democracy must be defended, it must translate into tangibles of quality healthcare, good education, food security, shelter, and overall economic prosperity for the people of Nigeria.

He said Nigeria remains a necessary partner for the sustenance of democracy in Africa and beyond, noting that as the continent's biggest economy and largest democracy, Nigeria was well-positioned to set the best continental example by delivering good governance to its people.

Tinubu, explained that the nation had in the past suffered leadership crisis pledging to change the narratives for the better.

His words: "Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, had suffered leadership elephantiasis years back. I am determined to change that. Adhering to the principles of democracy and the rule of law is very important to us.

“I wonder how democracy will survive if we do not fight for it. I fought for this democracy. I risked my life for it. Military truncation of democracy is unacceptable. The power of our citizens is and must remain supreme."

Emphasising the need for the United States to evolve a more prudent and pragmatic partnership with Africa, the President told the U.S. Congressional delegation that the United States should consider upscaling critical development programmes to strengthen ties with the continent.

According to him: "It is important for our partners to help strengthen democracy in Africa. Our developmental programmes need serious capital. We are not asking for freebies. All we are asking for is understanding. After the Second World War, Europe was impacted. America developed and executed the Marshall Plan to pull them back up. Today, Europe is standing firm and tall as a result. What about a Marshall plan for Africa?

"How can we be categorised and thrown into IMF's basket of trickle-down slices? We are blessed in Africa, but these are the same resources causing conflicts because of exploitation and a lack of alignment. The presence of the resources does not reflect in the living conditions of the people. We must not use yesterday's methods to address today's challenges. Nobody wants

to risk their life to run away from Africa.

"America needs to look at the situation in Africa critically. What is happening in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger emanates from a helpless feeling people have that they are not being helped economically. They find that their former colonial masters are not letting go and are still seeking to exploit them. We have mineral resources.

"What technology can you bring to help turn that into economic prosper-

ity? Can you put de-risking finance in place to incentivise John Deere to assist us in massively mechanising our food production processes?

“There is so much we can do in the advancement of education. See Africa as a necessary partner for the sustenance of democracy.

"We are capable and willing to lift our own people out of poverty," Tinubu affirmed.

Earlier in his speech, Senator Booker described Tinubu as a visionary leader who took tough

but necessary decisions for the good of Nigerians.

"You are a leader of particular character. You have the courage to do very difficult things, right at the beginning of your term. Something that many American leaders should look to; someone who believes so much in their people that they can make difficult decisions and know that their country is resilient and strong to endure so that it can emerge stronger on the other side," he said.

The U.S. Senator noted that

Nigeria and the United States are partners bound by shared values of democracy, rule of law, and commitment to peace and good governance.

"I share my enthusiasm about deepening partnership between Nigeria and the United States. We know in America that there is no greater or more important partner for the United States on the African continent than its biggest country, its biggest democracy, and its biggest economy.

Shettima: FG Will Provide Enabling Environment for Youths to Thrive

Launches national design, innovation competition Says Tinubu passionate about enhanced healthcare delivery

Deji Elumoye

Vice President Kashim Shettima, has lauded the pivotal role of youths and creativity in shaping the nation's future, declaring that innovation was the driving force behind the nation's manufacturing sector and its boundless potential.

Shettima, who spoke at the official launch of the National Design and Innovation Competition at the State

Institute Seeks Support of Labour Ministry to Combat Quackery

The Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN) has sought collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to promote professionalism and upscale knowledge and skills within the nation's power sector.

President of CIPEN, Israel Abraham, made the request when he led a delegation of the institute on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Labour and Employment yesterday.

The institute was established by an Act of Parliament in 2023, and is empowered to regulate and determine the standards of knowledge required for practicing power engineering in Nigeria

In a statement signed by Emameh Gabriel, Special Adviser on Media to the minister, Abraham said the institute was interested in promoting and entrenching professionalism as well as enhancing competence and capacity within Nigeria's power sector.

"We are here to solicit the cooperation and collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in promoting and entrenching professionalism to upscale knowledge and skills and enhance competence and capacity within Nigeria's power sector," he said.

Abraham said CIPEN has developed various licences for different categories of power engineering personnel, and was seeking the

ministry's support in enforcing their adoption.

The CIPEN president also requested the ministry's support for the inclusion of CIPEN's qualifications in the National Scheme of Service for the placement of power engineering personnel in the civil service.

"We are confident that a synergy between CIPEN and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment will instill a sense of sanctity, foster professionalism, eradicate mediocrity in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) necessary for driving sectoral performance, and ultimately give birth to a thriving power industry that will exceed the expectations of all Nigerians," Abraham said.

House, Abuja, emphasised that, "the future belongs to the youth and the creatives."

The National Design and Innovation Competition which aims to spur entrepreneurship and creative ventures among Nigeria's burgeoning youth population was organised by the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), Wema Bank and other related industry sector players.

According to him, Nigeria's youthful population, with an average age of just 19 years old, “is an age group that is pregnant with ideas for innovation and for the social and economic transformation of Nigeria.”

He said, "innovation drives manufacturing and Nigeria is brimming

with possibilities and opportunities."

The Vice President pledged the federal government’s support for youth aspirations and entrepreneurship, commending the financial institutions' backing of the creative sector.

He announced plans to include young innovators in the government's $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) programme.

"It's not the size that matters but it's the drive and commitment of the leadership. I want to assure you that we are going to capture you in the $617.7 million i-DICE programme. This is just the beginning of our partnership. We will continue the engagement," Shettima stated.

Addressing economic concerns,

the Vice President declared that, "the worst is over", noting that the naira would continue to stabilize in the coming weeks and months, as the President Bola Tinubu-led administration tackles issues like food security, nutrition and insecurity. He said: "President Bola Tinubu is making robust plans to see that all issues of insecurity are addressed."

Earlier in her remarks, leader of the delegation and Founder of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN), Titi Ogufere, announced plans by IDAN and the Design Innovation Hub of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to train one million youths in furniture, product and industrial design.

NNPC Denies Petrol, Diesel Price Adjustment Rumours

Emmanuel Addeh

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday denied reports that it had reviewed downwards the price of petrol and diesel at the pumps nationwide.

For more than 48 hours, the matter had been trending online that the national oil company crashed the price it was selling the products to marketers and by extension to Nigerians.

But in a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, it described the insinuations as false, noting that Nigerians should disregard the rumours.

“The company asserts that these reports are false and urges Nigerians to disregard them entirely.

“NNPC Ltd reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the current sufficiency in petroleum products supply across all its retail stations in the country,” the national oil firm stated.

“NNPC Limited wishes to clarify rumours suggesting a price adjustment for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) at its retail stations nationwide.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo

US

L-R: United States Representatives, Barbara Lee; Leader of the delegation, Senator Cory Booker and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the United States Congressional delegation's visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

FISCAL AND TAX REFORM COMMITTEE VISITS MINISTER...

2023FY: Access Holdings’ Profit Rises by

335% to N729bn, Records N26.7tn Total Assets

Kayode Tokede

Access Holding Plc, yesterday reported N729 billion profit before tax (PBT) in its financial results and accounts for the full year ended December 31, 2023, a significant increase of about 335 per cent from the N167.68 billion reported in 2022.

The group on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) declared N619.3billion profit in 2023, the last financial year in which the late Group CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe

was at the helm of affairs. This represented an increase by 307 per cent compared with the N152.2 billion reported in 2022.

The significant increase in profits was driven largely by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) unification of foreign exchange. In the 2023 financial year, the Group also reported N628.93 billion foreign exchange gain, a growth of 87.44 per cent from the N335.55 billion reported in 2022.

Access Holdings also saw growth

at both net interest incomes of N555.8 billion and net fee income of N207.7 billion revenue lines while fair value gains on non-hedging derivatives, equity investments and fixed income securities brought in a further N512.3 billion.

Its Earnings Per Share (EPS) surged to N17.23 in 2023, compared to N4.29 in 2022. Access Holdings proposed to pay a final dividend of N1.80 kobo for every ordinary share of N0.50 Kobo each, subject to appropriate withholding tax

(bringing the total dividend for 2023 Financial Year to N2.10 kobo.

However, the balance sheet position revealed that Access Holdings declared N26.7 trillion in total assets in 2023, a growth of 78 per cent from the N14.99 trillion reported in 2022.

Key drivers included N15.3 trillion deposits from customers in

Adedeji Assures FIRS Will Not Add, Increase Taxes as Guinness Resolves to Stay Put in Nigeria

James Emejo in Abuja

Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, yesterday said it will neither increase nor introduce new taxes under the current regime.

Speaking when he received the management team of Guinness Nigeria, led by its Chief Executive, Mr. Adebayo Alli, in Abuja, he said President Bola Tinubu had directed that a single digit tax regime be implemented in the country.

By implication, Adedeji said only nine forms of taxes would be operational when the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms completes its assignment.

This comes as Guinness Nigeria vowed to remain in the country, notwithstanding the current macroeconomic challenges.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, Adedeji said, "For us at FIRS, we have responded to that directive. We want to grow the pie such that even if we are taking the same percentage of the bigger pie, the result will be huge.

“By God’s grace, we will not introduce additional taxes nor increase any form of taxes. We are only determined to increase the pie.

“We have restructured our operations at FIRS in such a way that we are now effectively carrying out our duty of assessing, collecting and accounting for taxes."

He said, “We used to have functional types of taxes, but we have identified that the only customers we have are the taxpayers. We have improved the way we relate with our customers by rearranging our operations based on our customers, using their turnover as the basis to

categorise them into large, medium and small.

“We did this to actually develop expertise in what we do. Secondly, to provide you with a one-stop shop for your activities. If you are in a large tax group, you only need to go to one office to pay all forms of taxes, including audit and other activities. You don’t need to move from one office to another again.

“We are here to serve you. You taxpayers are not armed robbers or criminals that we will be chas-

ing about. FIRS is also not a law enforcement organisation. We are partners in progress.

“You are one of the trees in our vineyard. The only thing we can do is to ensure you are well watered and pruned so you can bear good fruits for us to have plenty of harvest."

Alli, however, pledged that the company would continue to do business in the country, notwithstanding macro-economic challenges being faced.

He said, “We have come to know

FIRS more and also tell you a little bit about who we are as a large taxpayer so you can understand our world, the value we add to Nigeria, despite the macroeconomic situation facing us.” He assured the FIRS chairman that Guinness would continue to invest in the country, just as he sought assurances from the tax authority in terms of the role it would play “in getting the economy back on the right path from the recovery point of view.”

Wigwe died February 9th, in a chopper accident that also took the life of his wife, Chizoba; son, Chizi and Bimbo Ogunbanjo, 61, who was a former President of the National Council of the NGX Group Plc in California, USA. The Board of Directors of Access Holdings on February 13, had announced the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following Wigwe’s tragic demise.

Pioneer Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc., Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, was recently appointed Chairman of Access Holdings. Wigwe owned 2.58 billion direct and indirect shares in Access Holdings, equivalent to 7.27per cent of the bank as at the end of 2023. Access Holdings shares closed trading at N24.00 per share, as of March 27, 2024, up 3.67per cent year-to-date, with a market capitalisation of N853 billion.

Naira Continues Gain, Closes N1,300 at Official Market, N1320/$1 at Parallel Market

Nume Ekeghe

The naira continued to appreciate against the dollar at both the official window as well as the parallel market yesterday.

On the official Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEM) window, the naira appreciated by N82.52 to close at N1,300.43/$1, compared to N1,382.95 on Tuesday.

Following suit, the naira at

the parallel market yesterday in a one-week continuous gain closed at N1,320/$1 compared to N1,350 it closed on Tuesday signifying N30 gain. Daily foreign exchange turnover also increased by 69.34 per cent to $416.10 million from $245.58 million on Tuesday.

Also, the highest spot rate yesterday was pegged at N1,460 while the lowest spot rate recorded was N1,200.

Foundation, Pharmaceutical Institute Partner to Strengthen Nigeria's Vaccine Manufacturing Capacity, Others

Ugo Aliogo

The African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (APTF) and Nigeria’s National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) would work together to revolutionise the country’s pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing industry.

The decision was announced by the two organisations following a High-Level Dialogue on Technology Gaps in Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical and Vaccine Industry’ hosted in Abuja from 18-19 March.

According to a statement, the APTF would work with countries such as Nigeria to help them achieve Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure they meet World Health Organisation standards, and to build local capacity and specific skills to strengthen domestic production of medicines.

Senior government officials and representatives of the private sector, development institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers and other stakeholders from across Africa attended the meeting.

The African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation is an independent agency established by the African Development Bank Group, that works to promote a strong and competitive pharmaceutical sector in Africa.

In his remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa, welcomed the support of the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation, adding that efforts to address technology gaps in the health sector would enable the government to accelerate medicines delivery in the country.

“With the steps taken so far, I am confident that the govern-

ment's prioritisation of local vaccine production will begin to yield the desired results in the shortest possible time and drastically reduce dependence on pharmaceutical imports,” Alausa added.

He added that the country has a national plan in place for the research, development, and local production of vaccines. The African pharmaceutical market is estimated to be worth over $47 billion, but the continent spends more than $14 billion annually importing medicines and vaccines.

Nigeria manufactures 25 per cent of its products and imports 75 per cent, while Africa imports 99 per cent of vaccines and 80-90 per cent of medicines.

The Chief Executive Officer, APTF, Prof. Padmashree Sampath, explained that its partnership with NIPRD would remove barriers to domestic manufacturing and foster

a healthcare value chain in Nigeria, adding that this in turn would drive innovation, competition, process and price transparency and access to an expanding range of high-quality life science and biomedical products.

Sampath said: "One of the things we could start thinking about in Nigeria, and we have actually talked to some people about this, is a joint Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Industrial Park.” She averred that India had just invested 800 billion rupees to build an API park to better compete with China on this front.

According to Sampath: “As an African regional agency, we work with every single country in Africa. We have all the international agencies that we work closely with, we have foreign companies and local companies that we work very closely with, and we have already been in contact with many either

foreign companies or domestic companies or we already represent them, and we are trying to see if we can make those partnerships happen.”

NIPRD’s Director General and CEO, Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe, underscored the need for accelerated action to advance drug safety and sustainable local production of vaccines in Nigeria.

He hinted that NIPRD promotes the development and commercialisation of phytomedicines, medicines, and biological products, including vaccines, from Nigeria's indigenous natural resources.

“We may need to do some technographic mapping as a next step to engage stakeholders and policymakers. The three companies attending the meeting had expressed interest in starting vaccine production within the next 24 to 36 months,” Adigwe disclosed.

L-R: Secretary, Joint Tax Board, Mr. Olusegun Adesokan; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reform, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, and Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, during the visit of the committee to the minister in Abuja... yesterday

PIA ImPlEmENtAtIoN REPoRt...

L-R: Head of Group Sustainability, Access Holdings Plc, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan; Head of Community and Government Relations, Oriental Energy Resources Limited, Dr Uwem Ite; Country Director and

Tinubu Confers National Honours on Slain Military Personnel, Scholarship to Children

Gives houses to families, says killers won’t go unpunished Urges Okuama community to fish out culprits Uzodinma, Diri, Oborevwori, Ododo, service chiefs, families of slain military personnel attend burial

Deji Elumoye and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has announced the conferment of national honours on 18 members of the Nigerian Army who were killed in Delta State on March 14.

Tinubu, who spoke at the burial of the 18 slain military personnel, also awarded scholarships, up to the university level, to all their children, including the unborn, and promised to provide a house for each of the families in any part of the country they desired.

The president warned that the killers of the servicemen will not go unpunished, and urged leaders of Okuama community to fish out killers of the military personnel.

He warned military personnel not to carry out any reprisal in Okuama or its neighbouring communities, saying, "We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuama are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them."

He also urged the military not to let the death of their compatriots discourage them.

The governors of Delta, Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states attended the burial. Others in attendance included service chiefs, ministers and families of the slain military personnel, whose remains were interred with full military honours and the traditional 21-gun salute.

Speaking at the burial ceremony at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, Tinubu also directed the payment of death benefits to the family members of the slain servicemen

within 90 days. The president posthumously conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on the Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. A.H Ali; Maj S.D Shafa (N/13976); Maj D.E Obi (N/14395); and Capt U Zakari (N/16348).

He conferred the honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974); Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274); Cpl Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853); LCpl Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844); LCpl Sola Opeyemi (17NA/760719); LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290); LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653); LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191); Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079); Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911); Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162); Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079); and Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).

Tinubu, while expressing sadness at the death of the fallen heroes, said, "It is with heavy heart that I join you today to commit to earth, the remains of our officers and men, who died in the course of duty on 14 March 2024 in Okuama community, Delta State.

"The officers and soldiers, who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men, who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats. Their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come.

"On March 14, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama community to mediate in the lingering

dispute with Okoloba community.

"They went as peace makers and peace keepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities. They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.

"Before the dastardly attack, Lt. Colonel Ali, as the Chief of Army Staff briefed me, enjoyed great operational exploits; fighting terrorists and insurgents in the North-east and North-west before his deployment to the Niger Delta."

The president said Ali kept faith with his military calling till the end.

He stated, "On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day. They will forever be remembered as heroes who answered

the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.

"Each man now belongs to the hallowed list of servicemen and women, who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians, not minding the risk to their own lives.

"They have all been awarded posthumous national honours. The four gallant officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON). The 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been awarded the Federal Republic (FRM) medal.

“I commiserate with the families of our fallen heroes and the entire armed forces. I share in the pain and grief you carry today. It is my prayer that God will comfort all, who are bereaved as a result of this tragedy.

"It is worth restating the debt

of gratitude we owe these valiant soldiers and their families."

Tinubu also affirmed, "As Commander-in-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our armed forces for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery. I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.

"While we continue to grieve for the courageous men we lost that day, let us also, on this solemn occasion, be reminded of the unfinished business of working for peace and harmony in our communities."

He maintained, "We must begin to rebuild our communities and make them into places where love, tolerance and harmony will reign. Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders

and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting.

"I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice. The elders and chiefs of Okuama also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen, who committed the barbaric crime against our men.

"I wish to also commend our armed forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal in Okuama or its neighbouring communities. We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuama are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.

Agric Commodities Association, Firm Sign MoU to Deploy Drones in Farming

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) and Greentech & Mines Limited yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the deployment of drones to boost agricultural production in the country.

FACAN promotes agricultural activities along the value chain for food security, job creation, poverty

Tinubu Congratulates Bassirou Faye on Election as Senegalese President

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday congratulated Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as President of the Republic of Senegal.

Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, noted that the president-elect comes with great promise and a sterling record, wishing him success as he takes on the important job of leading the people of Senegal. Tinubu also congratulated

President Macky Sall for overseeing an election that has been widely adjudged as peaceful and transparent. He stated that the success of the presidential election in Senegal and the successful conduct of the general election in Liberia a few months ago had affirmed his long-held conviction that the taproot of democracy is deeply established in West Africa and will only grow stronger as it is watered by good governance, justice, and fairness

to all.

As Chairman of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS), Tinubu affirmed that the successful conduct of the Senegal election was a boost to the sub-regional organisation in its efforts to promote peace and constitutional order, as well as strengthen ties among member states.

He also congratulated the people of Senegal, assuring them of Nigeria's best wishes and support.

reduction, foreign exchange earnings and increased productivity, among others.

It provides a common voice for agricultural commodity associations in the country, in the areas of policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation as well as promote high quality commodity exports among the confederating units.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, FACAN President, Sheriff Balogun, said there was the need for the association which represents the interest of all commodities producers, to modernise agriculture and move it beyond the pre-civilisation era.

He explained that the signing of the MoU would see the technical cooperation between both organisations to increase agricultural production as well as reduce labour costs, especially in irrigation.

“Production needs to move beyond the ways our forefathers used to do it in agriculture. Technology has made things easier. And we're definitely inviting that technology to drive increased production, drive efficiency and to bring down prices of services.

“The use of drones definitely has reduced the price and labour that you deploy in irrigating your farmland. And also has cut down tremendously

the time given to irrigate as well. Previously, you probably cannot irrigate 10, 30 hectares in a day if you have to deploy several numbers of people and do it effectively and efficiently.

“With drones now, you can just sit down in the comfort of an office and set the coordinates and do the work in an efficient manner. So we are optimistic in FACAN about the technology. We are happy that you are deploying services in the agri-sector.

“We welcome the development on both sides. They bring in their expertise, their efficiency, integrity and providing services that the farmer will be very happy at the end of the day,” he stated.

Describing it as a great day, Balogun noted that if implemented, it will ensure that delays in agricultural commodities production is reduced considerably.

Stressing that up to 90 per cent of the farmers in Nigeria are subsistence farmers, with just a few commercial farmers, he stressed that the new relationship between both organisations will help such smallholder farmers.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Greentech, Maxi Munachiso, explained that the technology

will ensure top-notch delivery, noting that the target was to make drones popular in agricultural production in Nigeria.

According to him, the company aims to make the product a household one among farmers in the country.

In her remarks, Victoria Tabale, President, National Association of Spices Producers, said the new collaboration will be of benefit to women, who are mostly in the spices industry.

Also, FACA General Secretary, Bello Dogondagi, said the organisation is an umbrella company of over 60 agricultural commodity associations in Nigeria, which are into production, processing, and marketing.

He explained that for instance, the technology will help to upscale the local production of sunflower in Nigeria, especially among cluster farmers.

He lauded the synergy that is about to take place and called for collaboration of smallholder farmers.

Jibrin Bukar, Sunflower Producers President, promised to key in, noting that there was the need for high-tech equipment like the drones and also highlighted the need for affordability of the technology.

CEO, Centre for Development Support Initiative (CEDSI), Dr Mina Obanga; Chief Executive CSR-in-Action, and Convener, Sustainability in the Extractive Industries Conference (SITEI) Conference, Bekeme Olowola; Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Environment, Lagos, Omotunde Adeola; Program Associate, Ford Foundation, Onyemobi Onyinye; and Research Fellow 11, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, Ibadan, Dr Omosefe Oyekanmi, during the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) Research Report launch at the 12th SITEI Conference held in Lagos... recently

Nigeria’s 364-Day Treasury Bills Oversubscribed by 1,746.7%, Subscriptions Hit N2.48 Trillion

James Emejo in Abuja and Kayode Tokede in Lagos

The 364-day Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday recorded oversubscription of 1,746.7 per cent, as subscription by investors hit N2.48 trillion as against the N142.46 billion offered by the apex bank.

The latest auction result of the CBN also revealed that the 182-day NTBs recorded total subscription of N58.18 billion against the N1.56 billion offered with allotment of N25.58 billion.

In addition, the 91-day NTBs had an offering of N17.61 billion, but recorded a subscription of N76.81 billion with the CBN’s allotment at N29.83 billion.

IN MOVE

THIISDAY’s findings showed that the total offered amount stood at N161.32 billion as investors' subscription stood at N2.62 trillion, leaving the CBN with N1.19 trillion total allotments in the final NTB auction for this March 2024.

The auction results, however, revealed that the bid range for 364-day stood at 16.2390-25.4900 per cent, as the subscription levels for the 364-day NTB was robust, reflecting heightened investor appetite amidst the current economic landscape.

Analysts had expressed that the recent auction by CBN represented a move by the apex bank to address liquidity in the financial system.

Commenting on yesterday’s auction, the Managing Director,

Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori, said the performance of the one-year bills showed that

investors had confidence in the current government and the reforms it had embarked on.

He said, “Firstly, the investors are seeking higher rates for funding due to CBN signalling further tightening due to accelerating inflation and other factors. Secondly, interest seems skewed towards the longer end of the curve which is an indication of confidence in the government and its reforms.

“Also, the massive over–subscription shows the significant system liquidity.”

For the 182-Day NTBs, the bid range was at 16.0000-22.0000 and 91-Day NTBs bids stood at 15.0000-22.0000 per cent.

This brings the stop rate on the 364-Day NTBs at 21.12 per cent.

The stop rate on the 182-day NTB works out to a yield of 17 per cent and the stop rates on the 91-day

NTBs stood at 16.24 per cent

The CBN governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso had promised investors higher rates as apex bank tackled inflation rate.

On the backdrop of rising inflation, the Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN raised interest rate or Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 200basis points to 24.75per cent from the previous 22.75per cent.

Also, with an inflation rate of 31.7per cent as of February 2024, a stop rate of 21.12per cent for the 364-day bills is indicative of a negative yield of about 10.58per cent.

However, there are also theories that the attractive returns on the bills may see Nigeria’s inflation reverse trend a bit.

TO REVIVE ECONOMY, TINUBU HEADS 31-MAN PRESIDENTIAL ECONOMIC COORDINATION COUNCIL

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, took very definite steps aimed at reviving the economy with the establishment of a comprehensive economic coordination and planning system for the country.

A statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, said three key economic committees were constituted, with the president heading a 31-man presidential economic coordination council, and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, chairing a 19-man economic management team emergency taskforce and a 14-man economic management team. Tinubu approved the constitution of the committees in a strategic move to bolster the country's economic governance framework and ensure robust and coordinated economic

planning and implementation.

Members of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) included Tinubu as Chairman; Vice President Kashim Shettima, Vice-Chairman; President of the Senate; Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.

Others were Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Minister of Labour and Employment; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Minister of Power; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Oil; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Gas; Minister of Transportation; and Minister of

Works.

PECC, which was also made up of 13 key members of the organised private sector, joining for a period not exceeding one year, subject to the president’s directive, included Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Ms. Amina Maina, Mr. Begun Ajayi-Kadir, Mrs. Funke Okpeke, and Dr. Doyin Salami.

Equally on the membership of PECC from the private sector were Mr. Patrick Okigbo, Mr. Kola Adesina, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Mr. Chidi Ajaere, Mr. Abdulkadir Aliu, and Mr. Rasheed Sarumi.

In his determination to further address immediate economic challenges and ensure the streamlined execution of economic strategies, Tinubu established the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET), with a mandate to formulate and implement a

consolidated emergency economic plan.

The taskforce comprised key government officials and industry leaders in furtherance of the president’s collaborative approach toward achieving economic resilience and growth.

EET was mandated to submit a comprehensive plan of economic interventions for 2024 to PECC, covering the next six months, for immediate implementation within two weeks of its inauguration.

Membership of EET, which would meet twice weekly, included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy (Chairman); Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of Power; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Minister of Health and Social Welfare; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Governor of the

LP BOT IGNORES OUTCOME OF NATIONAL CONVENTION, TAKES OVER RUNNING

Victor Umeh, and Tony Nwoye.

But the BoT said in consultation with major stakeholders in the party, it would soon communicate the processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention. It claimed this was in line with the March 20, 2018 Federal High Court consent judgement delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, which recognised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as the owners of LP and mandated that an all-inclusive and expansive national convention of the party be held.

The BoT stated, “The decision of the Board of Trustees is also in furtherance of the agreement signed between the former National Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Julius Abure, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on 27th June 2022, which was mediated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“While we commend members of the Labour Party, especially workers, students, youths, market women and men, Obidients, and candidates on the platform of the Labour Party, for their contributions and fidelity to the ideals of the party, the Board of Trustees promises to quickly set in motion processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention.

“Unlike the charade that took place today in Nnewi and in tandem with the principles of popular democracy, the all-inclusive national convention will start with grassroots congresses at ward, local government, state and, ultimately, at the national level.

“This process will not leave any genuine member of Labour Party out and will be held in the full view of the Independent National Electoral Commission, media, civil society, security agents and the general public.

“We commend the leader of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and key stakeholders in the Labour Party for declining to deodorise the malfeasance that took place in Nnewi with their presence.

“The BOT assures all stakeholders that we are committed to reclaiming and repositioning the Labour Party as the vehicle for the socio-political emancipation of our dear country, her working people and populace.”

Meanwhile, Abure was declared re-elected yesterday at the Nnewi convention by Chairman of the National Convention and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu.

During the convention, journalists were barred from accessing the Grand Seasons Hotel venue in Nnewi, the Anambra State capital.

There was heavy security presence at the venue, and attempts to get the spokesman of the party, Obiorah Ifoh, to identify and usher journalists into the venue were rebuffed.

About five persons branded as hoodlums were arrested at the venue and taken to the state police headquarters for questioning.

The hoodlums were said to be distributing inciting leaflets critical of the leadership of the party.

A party source said the intention of the arrested persons and their sponsors was to destabilise the convention.

A communique circulated after the convention, signed by Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, National Secretary, stated that the party had reserved its ticket for the 2027 presidential election for Obi. It called on President Bola Tinubu to tackle the rising insecurity and inflation in the country.

The communique said, regarding Obi, "Based on the antecedents of the presidential candidate before, during and after the 2023 general election, (it) recommend that the 2027 presidential ticket of the party be solely reserved for His Excellency, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, the national leader of the party.

"The national convention reviewed the state of the nation and concluded that it is not grabbing power that matters but what you do with it.

“After the 2023 general election, the security situation of the nation has not improved as there is a geometrical increase in numbers of lives

lost and the economy has worsened, as the standard and conditions of living of the Nigerian populace has continued to deteriorate.

"Inflation is sky-rocketing, unemployment rate is high, this has led to massive hunger and poverty in the land. This is a result of the continuous devaluation of the currency and increase in petroleum product prices.

"The convention-in-session, therefore, called on the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to quickly take drastic and proactive steps to save the economy from total collapse, to revive the economy and put it on the path of growth and development."

The communique assured LP members across the country of

SANWO-OLU

OF PARTY

an optimistic and bright future. It appreciated all forums, groups and others for their steadfast support in the 2023 general election and onwards.

"Now that elections are over, the convention-in-session encourages all groups to collapse their structures at the ward, local, and national levels into the already existing structure of the party," communique stated.

A list of national officers elected alongside Abure included Deputy National Chairman, Mr. Clement Ojukwu; Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olunrufemi; National Vice Chairman, North Central, Abraham Idoko; and National Vice Chairman, South-east, Ceekay Igara.

Equally elected were National Vice Chairman, South-south, Anthony C. Ezeagwu; National Secretary, Alhaji

Central Bank of Nigeria; National Security Adviser; Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum; and Governor of Anambra State.

Other members were governors of Ogun and Niger states; Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service; Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation; Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL); Director-General, Nigeria Economic Summit Group; Special Adviser to the President on Energy; Dr. Bismarck Rewane, Economist; and Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa, Economist.

Another 14-man Economic Management Team (EMT), established in October 2023, and chaired by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, would serve as the working group under PECC, playing a crucial role in the economic governance structure

Umar Farouk Ibrahim; Deputy National Secretary, Rotimi Kehinde Adekunle; and Deputy National Secretary, Innocent Okeke.

Others were National Treasurer, Mrs Ngozi Doga; National Financial Secretary, Dayo Ekong; National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ifoh Obiora; National Organising Secretary, Comrade Yahuza Ahmed; and National Legal Adviser, Kehinde Edun.

Mrs. Dudu Manuga was elected National Women Leader; Kennedy Ihanotu emerged National Youth Leader; Assistant National Youth Leader, North-west, was Abdulrahman Chindo; and Assistant National Youth Leader, South-south, Barry Auotu.

Continued on page 34

established by the president.

EMT traditionally meets monthly or as required, but would now suspend its meetings for the duration of the EET’s mandate of six months.

Membership of the EMT include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy (Chairman); Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Other members are Minister of Works; Minister of Labour and Employment; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Oil; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Gas; Minister of Power; Minister of Transportation; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

Chairman of the EMT may, as needed, call on any mnister or head of agency to brief the EMT on key programmes and developments affecting the economy.

The statement said the president's formation of the new committees was “the manifestation of a unified strategy aimed at enhancing Nigeria's economic management architecture for verifiably improved performance.

“The formation of these teams will complement existing economic governance structures, including the National Economic Council (NEC), which is chaired by the vice president.”

It said over the next six months, EET would focus on the rapid implementation, monitoring and evaluation of critical initiatives, and strengthening the federal government’s collective approach to advancing Nigeria's economic objectives.

RECEIVES DANGOTE’S RICE SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE LAGOS HOUSEHOLDS

Africa's richest man and Chairman of Aliko Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, was accompanied by his billionaire associate, Mr. Femi Otedola, and daughter, Fatimah Dangote, to fulfil the corporate social responsibility aimed at supporting the nutritional needs of residents in the fasting period and easing the prevailing hardship.

The intervention, according to a statement, was part of the Foundation’s ongoing rollout of one million bags of 10kg rice to vulnerable families across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with Lagos taking the second largest share of the largesse.

Sanwo-Olu described the gesture as “extreme act of kindness,” stating that Dangote had always stood out as a “unique breed of citizen” enamoured with love and compassion for the downtrodden.

The governor said, “For extending this gesture of love and kindness to the needy and vulnerable people in the country, Alhaji Dangote has shown that he is a Nigerian that has chosen to be different. The trait of Dangote’s humanity is not just living in

his body; he has, by this huge intervention, openly demonstrated the trait of human kindness he possesses in no small measure.

“The donation of 80,000 units of 10kg bags of rice demonstrates that philosophy of the foundation. This is extending empathy to those in need of little assistance in these difficult times.

“This direct intervention translates to compassion and goes beyond the pursuit of only profit and wealth. This is a period the government and private sector need to take joint action to ameliorate the pains being experienced by citizens due to inflation.”

Sanwo-Olu said the supplies would shore up the state-led interventions and help to alleviate the food shortage caused by inflation.

He explained that his administration had rolled out key multi-sectoral initiatives to assist Lagosians cope, including slashing of fares for public transport, reviving of health palliative, and discounted food items supplies across the state.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the state government would be

distributing 100,000 combo boxes of food items to thousands of households free of charge. He urged private organisations to emulate the foundation’s gesture and support the ongoing efforts by the State to ramp up its interventions.

He added, “We have also secured 100,000 units of combo food packs for distribution to various segments of vulnerable communities in the state. We are finalising the logistics for the delivery. This is in addition to the weekly supply of discounted food items to various community markets.

“We embark on these initiatives in order to accommodate and assist the majority of the population cope in this period. I thank Lagosians for their patience and demonstration of resilience despite the challenges we are all passing through. When we work together, we will come out of this situation better and stronger.”

Dangote said the gesture underscored Dangote Group’s commitment to exhibiting the spirit of compassion and solidarity with the vulnerable people. He stated that the foundation had

fulfilled the mission yearly over the past 30 years to support Nigerians during fasting periods.

Dangote said Lagos was the second state, after Kano, where distribution of rice was being done, stressing that Lagos has strategic importance for the success of the outreach.

According to him, “We recognise that the current circumstances where a significant number of Nigerians are experiencing hardship due to prevailing food prices inflation requires that we, the Dangote Foundation, provide succour for those affected.

“That is why we have reserved 200,000 metric tons of rice for distribution across 774 local government areas in the country.”

The foundation’s Managing Director, Ms. Zouera Youssoufou, said the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent compelled the organisation to raise the volume of food items, pointing out that the largesse was being extended to all faiths.

Youssoufou said the foundation would handle the distribution of the items, while the Lagos State government would provide the beneficiaries.

CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Burial of Officers and Soldiers Killed in Delta State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the burial of Nigerian Army personnel killed in Delta State at the Military Cemetery in Abuja... yesterday PHOTO: FELIX ONIGBINDE

LIST OF DECEASED NIGERIAN ARMY PERSONNEL AND PROPOSED NIGERIAN NATIONAL HONOURS AND AWARDS

L-R: Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau; House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; President Bola Tinubu; and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja at the burial of the slain 17 Army Officers at the Military Cemetery in Abuja

President Tinubu giving his speech at the Military Cemetery in Abuja …yesterday

Kefas: We’ll Ensure Lasting Peace Reigns in Takum

Taraba State Governor, Mr Agbu Kefas, in this interview, sheds light on

the state as well as his government’s resolve to ensure lasting peace returns to Takum town which has been without a traditional ruler for some time.

Since you became governor, you have been in the news as an active and almost revolutionary figure in the state. What is the motivation?

Well, I’m committed to good governance and democracy. My strong conviction is that good governance is only possible with the support of the people. After all, democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people. So our policies are centered on the people. Every thing we have been doing is for the citizenry. Free Education Policy for instance is to open up the space so that every child can access qualitative education that will release their potentials. We are building people and re energizing the state. Every policy comes with its own challenge but we keep improving on it with good leadership and technology.

Free Education at the lower levels is complemented with slashed tuition fee at the tertiary level. This has greatly cushioned the effect of the current economic downturn as wards and parents are really grateful. Leadership exist for this kind of things: improving the lives of people.

Some will say all these require heavy funding.

Yes but then Taraba state is not a poor state. We refuse to be on a lockdown like when COVID locked the world down. We managed to come out of that lockdown.

In Taraba state, we refused to be locked down again and will find every available means to pull out of any labeling. We reject the appellation of a poor state. We are tapping into our God given natural resources. With the type of diligent work we are doing in mineral resources and agriculture we believe we can earn more to be able to meet our commitments. Our focus is very clear: opening up the state for investment drive. And our seriousness is starting to yield fruits. Investors have seen our sincerity of purpose and are showing strong interest. It is only a matter of time we shall start seeing the dividends.

Recently, security agents in the state spoke of the support they received from you.

Yes we need to support their work. My overall goal is the peace of the state and its unity. When we came in, it was easier to start trading blames but we did not. Ours is to conceptualize an idea and begin to find creative ways to achieve it. Not a cheap way. I believe in conflict resolutions. Peace and unity is one way to achieve many things. So while we have law breakers, we also have law enforcement agents. Funding their activities and providing tools for them to work well is very key and we have been doing our best. We carry everyone along because security is a collective thing.

Why are you intervening in a matter many past administrations have largely ignored or glossed over to avoid trouble; that is the Takum local government Chieftaincy?

Well past governments, I believe, did not ignore it. I think it is safe to say they saw the problem and tried to micro manage it as best as they could. To be clear, here is a problem that has lingered on for over two decades and hindering any meaningful development of Takum. Basically since the last traditional ruler passed on, Takum local government has remained a town without a first class ruler. And traditional institutions are very important. They are the natural rulers that we go to for advice and even to pass on government policies that affect the local communities. We also partner with them for overall security in

Kefas

their domain. The current situation of Takum is there is no such ruler. Who do you hold responsible for any breach of peace? Who is the custodian of the people’s culture and heritage?

But since Takum seemed to have managed well without a paramount ruler or a first class ruler, why change the situation?

No, Takum hasn’t been fine without a well defined traditional institution. I disagree with you. Today, the people have been displaced from their homes due to banditry attacks.

I want to return IDPs to their ancestral homes. Only peace can make this happen.

If you knew Takum before all

these crisis, you will agree it was a beautiful place.

Takum was so full of life that many people flocked in there but what do you find now? Hatred and mutual suspicion. That’s at a personal level. At a general level, Takum is going through serious insecurity crisis, creating refugees everywhere. When I came on board, I started making my findings. I then noticed the cause of the problem. In fact the youths themselves helped me with an answer. They said in a press statement that the problem of Takum emanated from this Kingship issue.

That it is because the place has no paramount ruler that Takum has become a very dull place to be and scattered by insecurity. So all the crisis could be traced to this one phenomenon: empty throne.

Now solving this problem won’t be easy. The years have come and gone.

If you knew Takum before all these crisis, you will agree it was a beautiful place. Takum was so full of life that many people flocked in there but what do you find now? Hatred and mutual suspicion. That’s at a personal level. At a general level, Takum is going through serious insecurity crisis, creating refugees everywhere. When I came on board, I started making my findings. I then noticed the cause of the problem. In fact the youths themselves helped me with an answer. They said in a press statement that the problem of Takum emanated from this Kingship issue. That it is because the place has no paramount ruler that Takum has become a very dull place to be and scattered by insecurity. So all the crisis could be traced to this one phenomenon: empty throne.

And three different tribes are genuinely convinced that it is their right to ascend the first class throne. The Kuteb in particular have latched into history and records to continue to make a case that they “own” Takum. Don’t forget that the Kpazon and Chambas also made a good case.

It was then clear to me that they all could not agree and that has been the basis of this problem. Everyone has his own history to tell. Histories are great but they are basically meant to help in solving problems. We can not be stuck in history in the face of prevailing realities. So while history will guide us with relevant information, we have reality to also contend with. And the reality now is government needs to intervene to end the merry go round problem.

The Kutebs are alleging that you want to favour the other tribes over and above them.

This is no longer an issue of favoring one tribe against another. We had to find a creative solution to the crisis. The tribes themselves can not find a solution as they are all fighting each other over the issue. What to do? Decision making! First and foremost, we decided the three ethnic groups should first have a third class chief each. Then government will decide on the first class position among them on a rotational basis. We have since passed a law at our state House of Assembly on the issue. All these are geared towards finding amicable resolutions to conflicts.

But is this the best solution?

Do you have another? Only government can solve this problem and the rotational system is one that can do it. All the three contending tribes will have a third class chief and government will decide among them who to make the paramount ruler. When the King passes on, another tribe will ascend the throne. No one will be marginalized.

Often times, we have to make sacrifice to be able to solve problems. This time calls for greater sacrifice and I’m calling on everyone to be their brother’s keeper. Let’s be sacrificial.

But were the stakeholders carried along on this solution?

Very well. We have consulted widely. Like I have been saying, I owe the elders respect and the youths an explanation. But as governor, I have a problem to solve. I have been having series of meetings with them.

In all my meetings, I tell them these things. They all agreed with me that we must find a solution to the problem. And I have told them that peace and security is very central to the development of Takum. Many things are taking place in Takum. A university is coming up. An airport and a three star hotel is being planned. The Kashimbilla dam is there and many other things. The town needs peace and security.

It would be irresponsible for government to sit back and not do anything about it. We now have a solution backed by the laws and historical facts. I have been saying that let us give this solution a chance. If it doesn’t work, we can actually re do it. It is within our powers to do the right things.

Moreover, development is above all: jobs, facilities and progress. Takum local government can be revived again to be the center of peace and unity. My aim is to foster this and restore Takum to what I used to know about the place in my childhood days.

Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu Takes Over as Director Naval Information

Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that with career experience spanning command duties ashore and afloat, staff duties and training of subordinate officers that exposed him to the gamut of naval operations and administration, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu was recently appointed as the Director of Naval Information and official spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy. With this position, he is expected to sustain the grounds gained while keying into the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla

When the news filtered in that the Nigerian Navy (NN) authorities had deemed it fit to appoint Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu as the Director of Naval Information (DINFO) and official Spokesperson of the NN, the general consensus was that it was a good choice.

Although a seaman, the Navy's choice of Commodore Adams-Aliu to head the information department was succinctly captured by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral JD Akpan, who in a release to announce the appointment last week wrote "Adams-Aliu’s career experience which traverses command duties ashore and afloat, staff duties and training of subordinate officers exposed him to the gamut of naval operations and administration thus equipping him for higher responsibilities such as his recent appointment as DINFO".

In the release made available to THISDAY on Friday, March 22, 2024, Commodore Adams-Aliu took over from Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan who has been redeployed to Headquarters Naval Training Command as the Chief Staff Officer.

The release reads in part, "The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla Admiralty Medal has approved the appointment of a new Director of Naval Information and official Spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy in the person of Commodore Aiwuyor Augustine Adams-Aliu."

About Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu

Commodore Aiwuyor Augustine AdamsAliu was born on December 15, 1977 in Lagos into the family of Sir & Lady Adams Aliu. Notably, Sir Adams-Aliu is a veteran journalist who worked extensively as an editor with Daily Times of Nigeria, thus young Aiwuyor was exposed to the inner workings of the journalism profession early in life and developed a flair for public speaking and media relations.

Adams-Aliu attended Shepherd Hill Primary School and Kings College Lagos before proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1995, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry in 1999 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in the year 2000 as a member

of 47 Regular Course.

Commodore Adams-Aliu has attended several professional courses including the Captain Career Course at United States Army Infantry School, Atlanta, from 2007 to 2008.

He also attended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, for the Junior and Senior Staff Courses in 2004 and 2010 respectively. Adams-Aliu later graduated from the Naval War College Nigeria in 2018 and the United States Naval War College in 2019.

Adams-Aliu commenced his naval career, serving as Watch Keeping Officer onboard various Nigerian Navy Ships from year 2000 to 2004. He also served as a military observer in the United Nations Mission in Liberia from 2011 – 2012.

He was the Officer in Charge of Nigerian Navy Ship BENIN and Squadron Commander of SHALDAG Boat squadron

from 2013 to 2014 and between 2016 and 2018, he was the Pioneer Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship KARADUWA, the second Nigerian Navy (indigenously) built Seaward Defence Boat (SDBII).

From 2019 – 2020, he served as the Principal Staff Officer (Navy) to the then Chief of Defence Staff, General AG Olonisakin (rtd). Thereafter, from July 2020 to June 2021, he obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defence University, Washington DC, where he won the award as Most Outstanding International Fellow in the College of International Security Affairs (CISA) for year 2021.

On graduation in 2021, Adams-Aliu was deployed as a Directing Staff and Member of Faculty at the Naval War College Nigeria. In March 2023, he

assumed office as the Commanding Officer Forward Operating Base BADAGRY, and was later appointed Deputy Director Plans at Naval Headquarters in January 2024. The next month, he was elevated to the post of DINFO

His awards and decorations are Passed Staff Course, Meritorious Service Star, United Nations Medal, Nigerian Navy Command at Sea Badge, and Distinguished Fellow of the Naval War College (dagger+).

Commodore Adams-Aliu is an associate member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). He is also a Member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS), and the United States Naval Institute (USNI). He is happily married to Dr. Loretta and the union is blessed with three children: two girls and a boy.

Stanbic IBTC, Yellow Cowries, and Junior Achievement Promote Financial Literacy through Gamification, Brainee Competition

In a thrilling display of the power of gamification in enhancing financial knowledge and wellbeing of students from across Akwa Ibom State, participants showcased their financial literacy skills at the Yellow Cowries Financial Literacy Brainee Competition.

Organised by Yellow Cowries, in partnership with Junior Achievement Nigeria; Ministry of Education, Akwa Ibom; and, generously sponsored by Stanbic IBTC Holdings, the competition brought together enthusiastic students from 18 secondary schools across the state to battle it out for the top prize.

Held at the Uyo Tropicana Entertainment Mall, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, Nigeria, the event buzzed with excitement as students tackled the Yellow Cowries PSI (Plan-SaveInvest) learning card game designed to test their understanding of financial planning, saving, and investment.

The Yellow Cowries PSI card game’s dynamic features and its engaging sessions kept players alert and created a stimulating, competitive learning atmosphere.

"Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that empowers individuals and guides their financial future " said Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, Head, Sustainability, Risk and Capital Management at Stanbic IBTC Holdings. "We at Stanbic IBTC Holdings are proud to support this initiative by Yellow Cowries, which equips young minds with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions."

Building upon the success of the last competition held in Lagos in 2023, the 2024 edition expanded its reach to empower students in Akwa Ibom State.

"This year's event signifies Yellow Cowries’ commitment to providing a nationwide platform for young Nigerians to learn and develop crucial financial literacy skills, using the power of gamification” shared Ibeleye Paul-Otu, Head of Programs, Yellow Cowries.

"We are grateful for the support from

Stanbic IBTC Holdings and thrilled to partner with Junior Achievement Nigeria and Ministry of Education, Akwa Ibom, whose expertise in youth empowerment complements our gamified learning approach perfectly."

With the support of 40 facilitators, Yellow Cowries trained over 200 students from more than 20 secondary schools in Uyo for a period of two weeks, with financial literacy knowledge and skills, utilising the Yellow Cowries financial wellbeing

curriculum and PSI learning card games.

The Financial Literacy Brainee Competition saw the participation of top students from some of these schools; and at the conclusion of the competition, four schools emerged as the top three winn ers.

Topfaith International Secondary School, Mkpatak clinched the first prize, while Uyo High School and St.Benedict High School tied for the joint-second position. Crystal City International School secured the third position.

"This competition has been an invaluable learning experience," remarked Iwuji Joella, a student of first-place Topfaith International School. "The card game and learning club made learning about finance fun and engaging. We are grateful for this opportunity to develop our financial literacy skills, which will undoubtedly benefit us in the future." The Yellow Cowries Financial Literacy Brainee Competition serves as a testament to the power of using non-traditional learning models in fostering financial inclusion among young Nigerians.

With continued support from sponsors like Stanbic IBTC Holdings and dedicated organisations like Yellow Cowries and Junior Achievement Nigeria, this initiative has the potential to equip countless young minds with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape; and to build a brighter future.

R-L: Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu with his predecessor, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan

L-R: Ibeleye Paul-Otu, Head of Programmes at Yellow Cowries; Joella Iwuji and Peculiar Obinna from Topfaith International Secondary School, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State and Opeyemi Ogunkoya, Team Lead, Sustainability at Stanbic IBTC holdings

Commodore Adams-Aliu

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Driving Nigeria's Economic Development Through Inclusive Initiatives

Dr. Olasupo Olusi

Nigeria, the giant of Africa, is known for its vibrant energy and industrious people. Its diverse landscape stretches from Lagos' bustling megacity to the Northern Savannah's arid plains.

With a population exceeding 200 million, the nation is a cultural and economic powerhouse on the continent.

Despite its vast resources and potential, Nigeria's economic story is one of mixed progress.

The country is rich in natural resources, particularly oil, which has fueled economic activity for decades. Between 1999 and 2010, the economy grew from US$36 billion to nearly US$555 billion, catapulting the country into the global club of new lower-middle-income economies.

However, over-reliance on this single sector has led to vulnerabilities. The exportation of crude oil leaves government revenue at the mercy of fluctuating global oil prices.

Recent years have witnessed slow economic growth, with the decline in global oil prices impacting government revenue. However, this has presented a unique opportunity. About 60 million Nigerians are of working age, a human resource many other countries lack, with roughly half being women.

As the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI), it is my belief that unlocking this potential requires a multi-pronged approach. Investing in infrastructure, fostering a businessfriendly environment, and promoting development are crucial. Nigeria can step onto a sustainable and inclusive economic growth path by addressing these challenges and capitalising on its strengths.

In Nigeria's quote-unquote patriarchal society, it is important to help balance the books and have initiatives dedicated to helping wom en. These things will eventually build the economy. I firmly believe Nigeria's economic prosperity hinges on women's full and active participation, as the systemic barriers to women's active participation come at a huge economic cost.

A 2018 World Poverty Clock report stated that Nigeria has overtaken India as the country with the highest number of people living in extreme poverty. This number will worsen with Nigeria's high population growth rate.

March, designated as International Women's Month, is a timely reminder that we can only make collective progress if half of the population is making significant progress.

This year's theme, "Inspire Inclusion," perfectly resonates with BOI's unwavering commitment to making this a reality by empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering a truly inclusive economic landscape.

Nigeria's economic growth trajectory is intricately intertwined with the ingenuity of its female entrepreneurs. From bustling urban centres to remote rural communities, women-led businesses are making significant strides, breaking barriers and reshaping industries. These entrepreneurs are creating wealth, driving social change, empowering communities, and gradually paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Across the country, these women are venturing into diverse sectors, ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to technology and retail. Their enterprises, spanning micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, contribute to job creation, income generation, and poverty alleviation. By harnessing their entrepreneurial spirit, women are driving innovation, fostering resilience, and unlocking new opportunities for growth and develop-

ment. However, a significant portion of these women-led ventures fall under the category of "Nano" businesses. These are small-scale enterprises that operate at the grassroots level, often in informal sectors, with a turnover of less than N250,000 annually. Although often overlooked, these small businesses serve as the bedrock of local communities.

They comprise street vendors, artisans, petty traders, and service providers and are the backbone of local economies, serving as engines of growth and drivers of social cohesion. Despite their modest scale, Nano businesses are pivotal in driving economic activity, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

These enterprises provide essential goods and services to local populations, contribute to household incomes, and create employment opportunities, especially in areas where formal employment is limited.

The collective impact of these Nano businesses is undeniable. They contribute significantly to the informal sector, promote financial inclusion by integrating women into the financial ecosystem, and foster social stability by providing essential goods and services at the local level.

Moreover, Nano businesses are crucial in preserving traditional crafts, promoting cultural heritage, and fostering community solidarity.

Essentially, Nano businesses are the building blocks of a thriving and inclusive economy.

While these businesses are great, there's room for bigger and better things for women. Studies show that men own more formal/highlevel businesses than women.

This problem is what BOI is tackling with initiatives that help grow female-led businesses. Supporting women entrepreneurs aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women.

By creating a level playing field for women in business, there can be progress towards a more equitable society where opportunities are accessible, talents are recognised, and diversity breeds progress.

At BOI, we recognise the immense potential of female entrepreneurs and their critical role in propelling the nation forward. This understanding fuels our dedication to providing them with the necessary support to thrive. We aim to address women's specific business challenges through targeted initiatives, including access to finance, mentorship, and business development resources.

One such initiative is the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme

Nigeria's economic growth trajectory is intricately intertwined with the ingenuity of its female entrepreneurs. From bustling urban centres to remote rural communities, women-led businesses are making significant strides, breaking barriers and reshaping industries. These entrepreneurs are creating wealth, driving social change, empowering communities, and gradually paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future

(PCGS), a fifty-billion Naira grant scheme to support eligible Nano Business owners. The Grant will be disbursed to at least 1,000 beneficiaries (focusing on Women and Youths) per Local Government Area across Nigeria. The target nano businesses include traders, food vendors, ICT businesses, transporters, artisans, and creatives.

This is the grant component of the initiative, as beneficiaries are not required to pay back. To be eligible, beneficiaries must own a nano business, be willing to register a business name as their business grows and be willing to engage at least one additional staff member if the business turnover increases. This initiative provides targeted financial support and ensures more jobs are created.

Furthermore, BOI's collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative shows our commitment to advancing gender equality and economic empowerment. AFAWA aims to bridge the $42 billion financing gap facing women in Africa.

The goal is to increase access to finance for women entrepreneurs across the country, providing them with the financial resources they need to start and grow their businesses. The African guarantee fund will provide a 4.2 million dollar portfolio guarantee, up to 75% of loans made to women-owned businesses, and capacity-building programmes for women.

By leveraging innovative financing mechanisms and fostering partnerships with financial institutions, BOI is expanding access to finance for female entrepreneurs and encouraging inclusive economic growth.

Through our dedicated gender desk, BOI coordinates loans and partnerships to support and empower female entrepreneurs. We support these businesses with a significant percentage of female staff, promoting gender equality in business and hiring.

One of our beneficiaries, Lakowe Golf and Country Estate, could move from our SME desk to the large industry desk, particularly the gender desk, due to the business' huge female employee base. This move helped the business gain access to the funds that have resulted in its growth to the spectacle it is today.

The Business Resilience Assistance for Value-adding Enterprises for Women in Nigeria (BRAVE Women Nigeria) further proves our dedication to supporting female entrepreneurs. A part of a wider initiative funded by the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), it is implemented by the Islamic Development Bank and executed by BOI.

The project seeks to enable an empowering business environment for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria and strengthen their resilience. I truly believe that these BOI projects will go a long way towards ensuring women's economic empowerment.

As the world draws its curtains on the International Women's Month celebration, my hope is that we truly maintain the energy to acknowledge and celebrate the pivotal role female entrepreneurs play in driving Nigeria's economy but, most importantly, foster inclusion in the truest form by breaking the barriers and bottle necks that hinder women from accessing finance or climbing the corporate ladder.

It is my hope that we can move away from looking diverse in photo ops and actually be inclusive in our various organisations so we can collectively unlock a brighter future for our nation.

Olusi

AHAMEFULA NJOKU pays tribute to Sulaiman Aledeh, ace broadcaster, at 50

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SULAIMAN

I first met Sulaiman on the set of Channels television prime morning program Sunrise Daily in 2012 to discuss the one-year anniversary of President Goodluck Jonathan's administration. Other panelists who were to interview me were the moderator and charismatic, ever young- looking Chamberlain Usoh and the smart Sunrise Daily anchor Maupe Ogun, now Ogun-Yusuf.

braces on top of a white shirt and a tie popularised on television by Larry King on CNN, his image on television is unique.

When he is reading the Arise Television Prime News at 9pm, he is a delight to watch. At appropriate intervals, he turns witty as he cracks some jokes. Sometimes, he could be dramatic. While reading the news on the recent World Water day, he

In the interview that lasted for about 50 minutes and now available on U-Tube, I was asked a lot of questions about Jonathan's administration for the last one year, ranging from health, education to agriculture, etc. l gave him an excellent mark.

Aledeh was not impressed. His grouse mainly was that nothing had changed in the electricity sector. Much as l tried to suggest that it was ''a work in progress'' considering the decade long challenges that had existed in that industry, he still had his reservations.

The last time l met him was at the Abuja airport lounge, where we had a good laugh over the way he tried to stress me at that interview and how l refused to budge. Looking back now at how things have gotten bad in Nigeria today that interview is always a reminder that Jonathan's administration was pragmatic in addressing economic and political issues, despite a few lapses and that citizens faired better under him.

Aledeh is a newshound. From Channels Television to Television Continental (TVC) he is now one of the iconic figures on ARISE News Television.

Aledeh is one of those journalists that has a ''swag'' and members of the public like watching him. With his trade mark

paused and had a sip of water.

In the interview segment, he becomes ever more serious in his questioning of guests. Woe betide you if you try to put up a defence for non-performing politicians like governors, ministers, government officials or civil servants. He would give you a long look from his eye glasses and make it clear to you sometimes by drawing parallel examples that your views may not be correct.

Aledeh is a humanist and philanthropist. Long before the word palliative found its way into the Nigerian political and economic lexicon, he always tried to do something for the truly needy and less privileged. Every festive season like Christmas, Easter or Ramadan period, he would try to raise funds to attend to their needs.

As he clocks 50 years of age, l wish him a long life with prosperity. As one doctor recently advised at a public lecture, he should eat well, drink a lot of water, do his regular walking exercise and sleep between seven and eight hours in the night.

Njoku, a former Columnist of The Guardian Newspaper is a lawyer and author of ''The Millionaires Curriculum.''

The government is taking precautionary measures to mitigate the effects of rains, writes TAYO OGUNBIYI

LAGOS AND THE IMPENDING RAINS

of major drainage channels and canals across the state.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab disclosed this inspection tour to some parts of the state.

He noted that the redesigning and reconstruction of the system 44 drainage channel after the removal of structures on the when the rains commence.

Addressing newsmen after the tour, Wahab described the system 44 drainage, which is

and Megamond Estates. He, thus, stated that the system is being cleaned to ensure it functions

properly throughout the year.

He added that this is to ameliorate the rainy season and also save lives and properties.

The Commissioner appealed to all residents to take ownership of public infrastructure provided by the government in their communities, ensure they protect the canals and drains from refuse dumping and do away with encroaching on canals and drainage right of way.

Wahab and his team also inspected the ongoing enforcement action for the re-establishment of Collector drain, Kofo Abayomi and Aerodrome Collector drain all in Apapa.

Road, Lekki where properties that fall within the approved metres setback of the channels were issued abatement notices before the commencement of enforcement action.

"We are cleaning up our infrastructure and making them more resilient and this will be done continuously all year round, manually and mechanically across the state", he noted.

The team also visited Ilabere Drainage directed immediate cleaning of the channels and serving of abatement notices to contractors who were in the habit of illegally placing their construction materials on the road thereby

He expressed satisfaction with the recent removal of shanties on the Coastal Road, Mayegun and Jakande Area of Lekki, reminding residents that no government is out to hurt its citizens, adding that what was done public interest.

The team also visited Aunty Ayo Collector drain in Ikoyi where he expressed satisfaction

with the ongoing cleaning of the drainage channels sounding a note of warning to residents who usually engage in unwholesome acts of indiscriminate refuse dumping to desist from such acts even as the rainy season is here.

He hinted that following the expiration of relocation notices issued to all squatters occupying illegal shanties around the Lagos Coastal Road in Mayegun, Lekki area of Lagos, enforcement will commence soon. Wahab noted that the government is

on all-year-round drainage cleaning

He added that it is necessary for residents to also clean the tertiary drains that run across residences regularly, stressing that the Ministry has been consistently de-silting and working on various linkages to the secondary and primary channels to enable

calculated precautionary measures to appreciated by the discerning residents, considering Lagos’ peculiar topography. For a coastal metropolis such as Lagos, once it rains constantly for a minimum of

is brought about by a rise in the ocean level. This naturally leads to drainage obstruction and, until the water level goes down, the drainages would be unable to discharge. This is what happens in most global coastal cities, including those that have adopted the best of technological location.

It has, thus, become imperative for residents of low-lying areas that are contiguous to the Ogun River to be prepared for the possibility of their homes being

As always, the government is committed to a cleaner environment and quality public health through the implementation of community-based solid waste management, standards of home and personal hygiene, sanitation, control of environment pollution advertisement control.

Consequently, its approach to tackling dimensional. It includes dredging, massive construction and expansion of drainage channels, desilting and excavation of silts to dumpsites, regular repair, clearing and cleaning of drainages, canals and collector drains across the state.

Currently, the government is combining public enlightenment strategies to sensitize Lagosians on this development and has volume of rains being expected won’t have

Ogunbiyi is Director (Features), Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

TEDITORIAL

THE TASK BEFORE JA’AFAR ISA

he recent appointment of Lawal Ja’afar Isa as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-ofSchool Children Education by President Bola Tinubu is ordinarily a welcome development. Isa, a retired Brigadier General and former Military Administrator of Kaduna State is well respected. According to the latest statistics

Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Nigeria now has about 20 million out-of-school children. Northern Nigeria, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) data, accounts for 69 per cent of these children aged between six and 11, while solution to this education crisis is increasingly being frustrated by the escalating violence in the region.

We are delighted that the schoolchildren kidnapped from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State have regained freedom along with 18 others abducted in Sokoto State. But we are concerned about some other school children whose fate remain unknown. Since Boko Haram masterminded the abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State in 2014, schools have become theatres of fear and deaths as various non-state actors take advantage of vulnerable security infrastructure to kidnap for ransom or to make demands from the government.

Isa has his work cut out

Working with northern state governments, Jaffar Isa and his commission must devise solutions to the peculiar education crisis

The transition from establishing schools to assuring students that they would return to their parents and guardian alive was one for which many state governments seem ill-prepared, and the consequences are devastating. No parents would want to send their children to school if they are not sure of their return. That is the situation in most of the states in the Northwest and Northeast today. There are other challenges. During the failed 1976 Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme, state governments in the North attempted integration of Islamic and secular curricula to lure school-age children to acquire Western education but the experiment was hindered by inadequacy of funds and supervision by the government. It could neither inspire the proposed mass enrolments in the region nor neutralise the doctrinal aversion to Western education and norms, which has been weaponised by non-state actors like Boko Haram since the early 2000s.

Working with northern

In an April 2022 report by Amnesty International, over 1500 kids were reported kidnapped by armed groups across the country between 2020 and 2021. In Katsina State, for instance, 344 schoolchildren of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, were abducted in December 2020. Some 317 schoolgirls of Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State were abducted after a raid by bandits in February 2021. This climate of fear has not only instigated the shutting down of schools in Yobe, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Sokoto states, but has also underlined the downturns of education policies formulated or implemented by governments of the

KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU,

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

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

Isa and his commission must devise solutions to the peculiar education crisis. While there is a bill in the National Assembly seeking to criminalise parents’ refusal to educate their children, such idea is better implemented in the states. In Kaduna, the state government has serially teachers. In Kano State, 26 per cent of the 2022 budget was earmarked for education. These measures, though inspiring, require actionable and sustainable plans to take up the challenge of bridging the education gap. students from Northern states in admission processes into national institutions breeds laxity and hampers competitive spirit in the schools. What requires preferential treatments are the education budgets of respective states and the commitment of stakeholders to ensuring full implementation and sustainability of the programmes. We wish Ja’afar Isa the best in his new assignment.

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

Letters to the Editor LETTERS

BETWEEN CHIBOK AND KURIGA ABDUCTIONS

of its kind in Nigeria, that of Kuriga most recently was not. Unfortunately, Nigeria experienced several abductions under the immediate past regime of Muhammadu Buhari.

Whereas the Chibok Girls abduction was highly politicized by the then opposition particularly the All Progresfor the rescue of the pupils. The Kuriga abduction was condemned by all Nigerians.

Whereas intelligence report was reportedly given about the Chibok Girls abduction and both the Borno State government and the management of the Chibok secondary School were allegedly advised against going ahead with then ongoing examination, no such intelligence report was reportedly given in the case of the Kuriga abduction.

Whereas, the then governor of Borno State and currently the vice president Nigeria, Kashim Shettima was allegedly aloof about the abduction of the Chibok Girls, such was not

the case with the Kuriga abduction because the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, collaborated with the federal pupils. For the Chibok abduction, reports said that it took about 17 days after the abduction for the then federal govreport of the abduction instead of the governor visiting the Presidential Villa immediately after the abduction to brief the Commander-in-Chief as tradition and protocol demanded.

Whereas the Kuriga pupils abduction happened in Kaduna State which does not share any boundary with another country making the rescue or release of the pupils seemingly easier, Chibok Girls abduction happened in Borno State sharing boundaries with several countries.

Whereas a ransom payment of #40tr which was later reduced to one billion naira was demanded by the terrorists who abducted the Kuriga pupils, no such ransom payment

was demanded by the terrorists that abducted the Chibok Girls. Perhaps, if the Chibok Girls abductors had demanded for ransom payment, some of the girls may not still be in captivity 10 years after.

The Chibok Girls abduction is noticeably distinct from all the other abductions after it because it was apparently orchestrated for political gains. Where are those so-called civil society organisations and pressure groups that madeple like Obiageli Ezekwesili and her BBOG Confederates, Why have they stopped protesting even when Nigeria has -

BUSINESS WORLD

RATES AS AT MARCH 27,2024

Emma Okonji

A report by GSMA has revealed that mobile had a significant positive impact on economies, lives and livelihoods in many of the countries where the services operate, thus enhancing the growth rate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of countries surveyed across Africa and the rest of the world.

The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation, foundational to positive business environments and societal change, with a vision to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry and society can thrive.

According to the report tagged,

Emma Okonji

Experts in the payment industry have called for stricter data privacy measures in the payment ecosystem in today’s era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), while stressing the need for consumer education on data privacy and online payments.

They made the call at the maiden edition of Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 1.0), held in Lagos.

“The State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2024,” mobile money transactions accelerated regional growth, where registered global mobile money accounts reached 1.75 billion, amounting to over 12 per cent rise in 2023 and the global transaction volume reached 85 billion amounting to over 23 per cent rise in 2023. The global transaction value of mobile money reached $1.4 trillion, which amounted to over 14 percent rise year on year as at 2023. The report further said, out of these global figures, the total number of registered mobile money accounts in Africa was 856 million, amounting to over 19 per cent rise in 2023, while total volume of mobile money transactions in

Africa reached 62 billion which amounted to over 28 per cent rise in 2023. The total mobile money transaction value in Africa, reached $919 billion, which amounted to over 12 per cent rise in 2023.

Giving details of the report, the Director General, GSMA, Mats Granryd, said beyond improving financial inclusion and access to other digitally enabled services, the adoption, use and growth of mobile money are now reflected in macroeconomic indicators.

According to him, “Between 2013 and 2022, the total gross domestic product (GDP) in countries with a mobile money service was $600 billion higher than it would have been without mobile money. This is the equivalent of mobile money

increasing GDP by around 1.5 per cent over the same period. Beyond contributing to financial and digital inclusion, increasing mobile money use has led to higher GDP, particularly among countries in East and West Africa.” He attributed the positive impact and growth of mobile money to factors, which he listed to include: Higher adoption of mobile money combined with higher transaction values; An increase in ecosystem transactions, i.e. international remittances, merchant payments, and bill and bulk payments; and Stronger network effects, as more users adopt mobile money and transact with more people.

According to the report, agent networks continue to grow, driven

by increased agents in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, mobile money transaction volumes grew faster than transaction values, leading to a drop in average transaction values. Transaction values grew year-on-year by 14 per cent, lower than the 22 per cent increase seen in 2022. Similarly, transaction volumes grew at a slower rate in 2023 (23 per cent) compared to 2022 (27 per cent). However, transaction volumes grew faster than transaction values. Mobile money is now used more frequently albeit for smaller transaction sizes across almost all use cases, the report said.

Focusing on mobile money’s role in driving financial inclusion in

Nigeria, the report said: “Mobile money growth in Nigeria has been driven by both Mobile Network Operator (MNO-led and non-MNOled) providers, both of which are subject to different types of licences. The licences allow some similar activities, but the difference in what each type of licence holder can offer may influence their impact on financial inclusion. Overall, as more mobile money providers have emerged, digital payment use has grown in Nigeria. In 2018, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced the Payments Service Bank (PSB) licence, allowing MNOs to offer financial services.”

The Chairman, Committee of Chief Information Security Officers of Nigerian Financial Institutions (CCISONFI), Mr. Festus Amede, identified Data Minimisation Principles, User Consent and Control, as well as Compliance with Data Privacy Regulations as important elements in protecting privacy in payments.

Amede who was represented by an executive member of CCISONFI,

Mr. Olusola Odediran, who is the Chief Information Security Officer, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), spoke during his keynote presentation at the forum. His presentation titled: “Payments: Trust, Security and Privacy in the AI Era,” explored the critical aspects of trust, security, and privacy in payments, and provided insights into the challenges, solutions, and future trends in safeguarding transactions in the digital landscape.

The CCISONFI chairman stated that although the payment industry enjoyed such regulatory oversights arising from the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) and Data protection laws, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and the compliance requirements for businesses, the industry has balanced security and convenience, while relying

on user experience in payment security, seamless authentication methods, and biometric and tokenised payments.

On how emerging technologies will impact the payment industry, he disclosed that while Blockchain would be deployed to ensure secure transactions, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (ML) would be used in fraud prevention even as privacy-preserving computing

impact cannot be underestimated. Amede called on players in the payment industry to continue to educate consumers by providing them with tips on how to secure online payments, how to recognise phishing attempts, and the importance of keeping software updated.

and International Sales and Marketing (MIS)- Africa

Zone Raises $8.5m in Seed Funding to Scale Payment Infrastructure

Stories By Emma Okonji

Zone, Africa’s fast-growing payment infrastructure company has said it raised $8.5 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round led by reputable VC firms Flourish Ventures and TLcom Capital.

According to Zone, the new funding will enable it to further expand the coverage of its network domestically and connect more banks and financial services companies. A significant portion of the proceeds will also be allocated to conducting a comprehensive pilot programme to test the company’s cross- border capabilities, scheduled for 2025. A key priority of the company is to ensure that it is well- prepared to extend its footprint across Africa in order to support Intra-African and international payments, which

will bring the company closer to its vision of becoming a global payment network.

UK-based TLcom Capital will provide essential local credibility and understanding of the African tech space while leveraging its existing relationships with key decision-makers In Nigeria to establish a strong foundation for Zone within its home market.

Commenting on the funding

round, CEO and co-Founder of Zone, Obi Emetarom, said: “The participation of high-quality investors despite the funding drought and the fact that we had more interested investors than we needed, is a sign of trust in the Zone brand and investor excitement about the opportunity to redefine payment infrastructure in Africa.

As we step into this new phase at Zone, we are re-energised and

Ramadan: Big Bull Gold Champions Sahur, Iftar Nourishment

Gilbert Ekwugbe

Navigating through the lively streets of Nigeria as the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, one can feel the excitement as preparations go on. The bright showcase of community and tradition that defines this sacred season becomes so immersive.

Amidst the palpable sense of spirituality and devotion, one can’t help but notice the economic challenges that many families face, juxtaposed with their steadfast dedication to upholding cherished Ramadan traditions. Making way through the crowded marketplace, one encounters families diligently selecting their provisions for Sahur and Iftar. Despite the economic challenges that loom over many households, there was one constant presence amidst the activity - Big Bull Rice. It wasn’t just another commodity on the shelves, it was a symbol of affordability and practicality, offering families a

Lifi.net, a fast-growing internet service provider, has attained internet speed that is many times faster than the documented average internet speed in Nigeria as at January 2024.

LIfi.net disclosed this in a recent statement, where it said the company delivered up to 500 megabits per seconds (mbps) internet speed in unlimited services provided to homes and offices, which is higher than the country’s average internet speed of 26.74mbps.

As internet subscriber base increases in Nigeria and hits 161.68

dependable source of sustenance and nourishment from a premium brand during these trying times.

Big Bull Rice has lessened this burden by providing pocket size specific products, that is, for every pocket size there is a Big Bull Rice. Big Bull Gold packs cater to diverse needs, ensuring that every household either large or small can partake in value driven purchases all through Ramadan. The wide range of pack offerings from Big Bull Rice are pillars of dietary stability and value during this Ramadan Season. Every pack, from the stable of Big Bull Rice ranging from N200 pack to the 50kg pack, is designed to make Ramadan more enjoyable by offering nourishment and enjoyment. The available pack options are perfect for smaller households and large families and best for community kitchens and charities.

Renowned for its premium quality and non-sticky texture, Big Bull Rice makes every meal

million in January, the quality of internet service provided by operators to their users still constitutes concerns as 2G network, which has limited speed that dominates the space by covering 57.78 per cent.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed through its latest data that while 3G is responsible for 9.36 per cent of internet users in the country, 4G covers 31.75 per cent of internet access and 5G internet only serves 1.11 per cent of internet users in the country.

The combination explains why

The Group Managing Director/ CEO of Unified Payments Limited, Dr. Agada Apochi, is billed to deliver the keynote at The Nigeria Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2024 scheduled for Friday, April 26, 2024 at Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The theme of the Roundtable is: The Impact of Fintech & Financial Inclusion in Citizen Empowerment and Economic Growth. Aside being the CEO of United Payments Limited, Apochi is also the Founder/ Director of Hope PSBank, and Payattitude Global Limited, a payment scheme and financial technology company, and the Chairman of the software company, TM30. Apochi is an Organisational Psychologist and Change

a satisfying experience. With its nourishing qualities and excellent swelling capacity, it provides the sustenance needed to get through the long days of fasting and prayer.

As people gather whether it is for intimate family meals or community gatherings to break their fast, Big Bull Rice stands as a symbol of togetherness and abundance. The aroma of steaming rice fills the air, symbolizing nourishment, sustenance, and the spirit of sharing. Whether it’s in the form of delicious jollof rice, comforting white rice, or richly flavored coconut rice, Big Bull Rice serves as a considerate option

With Big Bull Rice by your side, may each grain, from Sahur to Iftar, bring you closer to the blessings of this holy season.

Commenting, Group Executive Director, TGI Group, Deepanjan Roy, said, “The season of Ramadan is a significant one for the Nigerian community and we are excited to be a part of it. As a brand deeply

Nigeria ranked 93rd on the global mobile internet speed test out of 144 countries tested by Ookla, a US-based internet speed analysis firm, in January, putting the country’s median internet speed at 26.74 megabits per second (mbps).

However, Lifi.net is among few Internet service providers (ISPs) that deliver fastest internet speed in Nigeria with up 350mbps for homes and 2500mbps for offices while assisting new ISPs with speeds over 5000mbps at the data centre and delivering the capacity to their various hubs at

ingrained in nourishing consumers over the years, we understand the importance of providing wholesome and nourishing food options that cater to the needs of consumers observing Ramadan and we take pride in our role in enhancing the Ramadan experience.”

Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya, said, “We recognize and understand the current economic reality and are dedicated to enriching the lives of families across the nation. Ramadan is a time of unity and generosity, and we are honored to play a part in facilitating the spirit of togetherness and abundance through our product offerings from Big Bull Rice. As families gather to break their fast and share in the blessings of the season, we hope that Big Bull Rice continues to serve as a symbol of nourishment, sustenance, and the enduring traditions that bind us all together.”

no extra cost

Giving details about the speed of its internet service delivery, the Chief Operating Officer of Lifi.net, Abraham Oluwambe, said: “For over five years Lifi. net has been a leading network company, providing quality internet solutions at the speed of light and at affordable rates. We have highly technical and hard-working personnel and partners. We are very skilled at managing Cisco and Mikrotik Routers’ deployment, configurations, and integrations, fibre laying, and splicing.”

Leadership Specialist and also a Practitioner-scholar in Diffusion of Innovation and Digital Financial Services. He has over 30 years of professional experience in banking and financial technology. He attained Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with specialisation in diffusion of innovation and digital financial services as well as Master’s Degree in Applied Business Research from the Swiss Business School in Switzerland; Master’s Degree (MA) in Organisational Psychology with specialisation in Change Leadership from Columbia University in New York; Master’s Degree in Law (LL.M.) from Rivers State University; Barrister at Law (BL) from the Nigerian Law School; and Bachelor Degree in Law (LL.B.) from the University of Jos.

our commitment to transforming Africa’s payment infrastructure is renewed. Our new investors and existing shareholders including CCA, Lateral Capital, Constant Ventures and V8 bring more than just financial backing as their global scope and deep expertise make them invaluable partners for us.” Partner at Flourish Ventures,

Ameya Upadhyay, said: “For the first time in Africa, Zone’s technology enables direct communication between participants in the payment ecosystem. We believe this is a fundamental leap that will allow customers to experience a completely new standard of reliability, speed and cost efficiency at the ATM, at POS machines and online.”

At the Africa Gaming Expo in Lagos, leading Africa-focused Fintech platform PalmPay, has called for the promotion of responsible gaming by stakeholders in the gaming industry to protect sports pundits from potential risks native to the industry.

The event, which took place in Lagos between March 12 - March 15 2024, was a melting pot for gaming enthusiasts, regulatory bodies and digital payment platforms from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Botswana and other African countries to promote responsible gaming across the continent.

A lineup of distinguished panelists from around the continent, including PalmPay’s Head of Biller Business Development, Wayne Ruppel, offered insights into the latest trends, innovations and challenges facing

the gaming industry in Africa, with a focus on the need to promote responsible gaming among gamers on the continent.

Speaking on the theme: ‘The Role of Payment Providers in Facilitating Secured Transactions in the Gaming Industry’, Ruppel explained what PalmPay was doing to raise awareness and protect gamers from potential fraud risks in the gaming industry.

According to Ruppel, “At PalmPay, our wallet is secure and has multi-factor security authentication features, including device-binding. This means there must be confirmation before a user logs into your account. When someone illegally tries to log into a user’s account, they’ll be required to identify themselves, including facial recognition.”

Raheem Akingbolu

As part of its corporate social responsibility, Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, has joined forces with the Kokun Foundation Food Bank, a nongovernmental organisation to bring relief and joy to the vulnerable by providing free cartons of Indomie Noodles to thousands of Nigerians.

During a distribution event held recently at the Ojodu area of Lagos State, Indomie generously contributed cartons of noodles to individuals in the community worst hit by the current economic hardship in the country. The donation, made in conjunction with the Foundation, underscored the collaborative effort to combat hunger in the region.

Speaking on behalf of Indomie Noodles, Group Corporate Communications and Events

Manager, Temitope Ashiwaju, emphasised the brand’s commitment to the well-being of the underprivileged in Nigeria. He reiterated Indomie’s dedication to ensuring that vulnerable individuals in the society have access to at least one meal a day and said that the collaboration is a vital component of the brand’s broader initiative to feed over one million disadvantaged Nigerians across the nation.

Moved by the gesture, the beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards Indomie and the Kokun Foundation, thanking them for their care and compassion.

For one beneficiary, Mrs. Doris, a mother of triplet from the Ojodu community, the gesture couldn’t have come at a better time, as she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the organisations for the assistance.

L-R: International Sales and Marketing, Middle East and Africa, Country Manager, Nigeria, Mindray Medical International Limited, Mr. Tyson Zhang; Service Engineer, Francis Oloche; Business Development Executive; Healthshare Procurement Limited, Mr. Salleh Abubakar; Chief Medical Director, Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr. (Mrs.) Atinuke Uwaje; Chief Operating Officer, Healthshare Procurement Limited, Mrs. Damola DohertyOsundele

(English Region); Mindray Medical International Limited, Mr. Joseph Xing at the unveiling of Atlantic Pediatric Hospital in Lagos… recently

Mgbechikwel: Innovation Plays Pivotal Role in Transforming Financial Services Landscape in Africa

Head of Innovations and Product Development at Coronation Registrars Limited, Ekene Mgbechikwel,

in this interview with Kayode Tokede

, said innovation plays a pivotal role in transforming the financial services landscape in Africa, how innovation is the key to unlocking access to financial services for the millions who have been underserved or excluded by traditional banking systems. Excerpts

How do you see the role of innovation in shaping the future of financial services, particularly in the African context?

Innovation plays a pivotal role in transforming the financial services landscape in Africa. By embracing technology and innovative solutions, we can overcome traditional barriers to financial inclusion, drive economic growth, and empower individuals and businesses across the continent to achieve their financial goals. Innovation is the cornerstone of progress, and nowhere is its potential more transformative than in the realm of financial services, especially within the dynamic landscape of Africa. Here, innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the driving force propelling economies forward, empowering individuals, and reshaping the very fabric of society.

Picture this: a continent brimming with untapped potential, where traditional barriers are being dismantled by the power of innovation. In Africa, financial inclusion isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. And innovation is the key to unlocking access to financial services for the millions who have been underserved or excluded by traditional banking systems. Look at what we at Coronation Registrars is doing with our Capital management solutions.

From mobile money revolutionizing payments to blockchain technology transforming remittances and dividend payments, the African financial services sector is a hotbed of ingenuity and disruption. But innovation isn’t just about flashy technologies; it’s about solving real problems and meeting the unique needs of diverse communities.

In this context, the role of innovation is multifaceted. It’s about creating inclusive financial ecosystems that cater to the unbanked and underbanked, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. It’s about leveraging data analytics and AI to drive financial literacy and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their money. It’s about fostering partnerships and collaboration across sectors to drive innovation at scale and amplify impact.

How do these digital solutions align with Coronation Registrars’ broader strategic goals and vision for the future?

Imagine Coronation Registrars as a ship charting its course through the vast seas of innovation and opportunity. At the helm of this journey, our digital solutions serve as the compass, guiding us towards our destination of unparalleled success.

Our broader strategic goals and vision for the future are anchored in our commitment to delivering excellence, driving efficiency, and enhancing the customer experience. Now, let’s set sail into how our digital solutions align perfectly with these aspirations:

Our digital solutions streamline processes, automate tasks, and eliminate inefficiencies, ensuring smooth sailing on our journey towards operational excellence. By digitizing workflows and harnessing the power of automation, we navigate through tasks with speed and precision, freeing up valuable resources to focus on strategic initiatives.

At the heart of our vision lies the desire to provide unparalleled service to our clients. Our digital solutions empower us to better understand and anticipate their needs, delivering personalized experiences that set us apart in the industry. Through intuitive platforms and seamless interactions, we strengthen relationships and build trust, laying the foundation for lasting partnerships.

Innovation is the wind in our sails, propelling us towards new horizons of possibility. Our digital solutions serve as the vessel through which we explore uncharted waters, pioneering new technologies and approaches that redefine industry standards. Whether it’s leveraging blockchain for secure transactions or harnessing AI for predictive analytics, we embrace innovation as a means to shape the future of registrar services.

In a world of constant change, agility is our compass. Our digital solutions are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing us to navigate through shifting currents and emerging trends with ease. Whether it’s scaling our operations to meet growing demand or swiftly adapting to regulatory changes, we remain agile in our approach, always ready to chart a new course towards success.

Ultimately, our digital solutions are not just tools; they are the harbors where success finds its anchor. By aligning with our broader strategic goals and vision for the future, they become integral to our journey, guiding us towards prosperity and growth.

Can you provide an overview of the innovative digital solutions developed by Coronation Registrars and their impact on investor relations?

Certainly. At Coronation Registrars, we have introduced innovative solutions such as ShareholderLive, which is a platform built to service our shareholders where they

can view their portfolio value and valuations among other services. We have IssuerLive, which is an analytics platform tailored to help our issuing companies manage their shareholders and shareholding reports. We have Coronation eMeetings solution, which is an all-inclusive meetings management solution that can help a group or organization host their virtual, hybrid and in-room meetings. We have our Capitalization table solution, CapTable by Coronation which a platform that help company founders track and manage their equity and finally our Equity-Based Crowdfunding platform which connects startup companies with investors with the aim of raising funds for their business. These digital tools have revolutionized investor relations by providing seamless communication channels, enhancing shareholder engagement, breaking into the startup market, and fostering transparency in corporate interactions.

As a female leader in the tech industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them to drive innovation within Coronation Registrars?

As a female leader in the tech industry, I’ve encountered a variety of challenges on my journey, but each hurdle has only fueled my determination to drive innovation within my organization.

One of the most prevalent challenges I’ve faced is breaking through the glass ceiling in a predominantly male-dominated field. Early in my career, I often found myself underestimated or overlooked simply because of my gender. However, I refused to let stereotypes define my capabilities. Instead, I embraced every opportunity to showcase my expertise, competence, and leadership skills. Through perseverance and unwavering confidence in my abilities, I gradually earned the respect and recognition of my peers and superiors.

One of the key challenges I’ve faced is navigating the gender dynamics prevalent in the tech world. Despite tremendous strides, the industry still grapples with gender bias and stereotypes. As a result, gaining credibility and earning respect as a female leader can sometimes be an uphill battle. Additionally, balancing the demands of a high-pressure career with the responsibilities of marriage and family life presents its own set of challenges, requiring careful prioritization and time management. I’ve had to juggle competing priorities and overcome the guilt of not always being present in every aspect of my life. I have also been able to allow myself some grace and also to understand that I cannot be successful at all at the same time. The truth is there is no such thing as balance. That is being a woman. If you are a working woman, you are often not there as much as you’d like to be. So if I spend all day (and sometimes night) brainstorming with my team, I am ultimately missing date night with my partner; If I spend all my time on video calls to my family then I am missing an important board meeting deliverable. That’s

what happens. Those are the trade-offs. You must com to terms with the fact that you’re going to miss one thing and be good at another. I’ve always said if I’m winning at one thing, I’m failing at another. And a lot of people say, ‘failure?’ And I say, ‘yes!’ I like to call it failure because it makes me feel better. However, I’ve come to realize that being a role model and paving the way for future generations of women in tech is a powerful motivator.

Another obstacle I’ve encountered is navigating the subtle biases and microaggressions that can undermine women’s authority and credibility in the workplace. Whether it’s being interrupted in meetings or having my ideas dismissed, I’ve learned to assert myself assertively and unapologetically. By speaking up and advocating for myself and other women in the industry, I’m actively working to dismantle the barriers that hinder diversity and inclusion.

Ultimately, overcoming challenges as a female leader and wife has reinforced my commitment to driving innovation and positive change within my organization. By embracing adversity as an opportunity for growth and leading with authenticity, empathy, and resilience, I’m paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in the tech industry.

Can you share any success stories or case studies that highlight the impact of Coronation Registrars’ digital solutions on clients and stakeholders?

Absolutely! Let me take you on a journey through the digital transformation successes of Coronation Registrars, where innovation meets impact. Imagine a seamless virtual platform where shareholders from across the globe convene effortlessly, making decisions with just a few clicks. With Coronation Registrars’ eMeetings solution, this vision became a reality for one of our esteemed clients. By

transitioning their shareholder meetings to a digital format, we not only enhanced accessibility but also improved engagement levels. The result? A significant increase in participation rates, smoother decision-making processes, and reduced carbon footprint through paperless proceedings. Our eMeetings solution isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about fostering connectivity and collaboration in the digital age.

Picture a dynamic dashboard that empowers CEOs and finance teams to manage capital with precision and foresight. That’s exactly what our CapTable By Coronation solution delivers. By harnessing the power of real-time data analytics and predictive modeling, we’ve enabled our clients to optimize their capital allocation strategies, minimize risk, and maximize returns. From strategic investments to liquidity management, our innovative approach has unlocked new levels of financial agility and resilience, driving sustainable growth and value creation for stakeholders.

Step into the world of democratized finance, where every investor—big or small—has the opportunity to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship. Coronation Registrars’ crowdfunding platform has revolutionized the fundraising landscape, empowering startups and SMEs to access capital in ways never before imagined. Through our secure and user-friendly platform, entrepreneurs can showcase their vision, attract backers, and bring their dreams to life. Whether it’s launching a new product, expanding operations, or driving social impact, our crowdfunding solution is leveling the playing field and catalyzing economic growth one campaign at a time.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Mgbechikwel

Chappell: AI Will Augment Human Intelligence

Global Head of AI and Advanced Analytics at AVEVA, Mr. Jim Chappell, speaks to Emma Okonji on the power of Artificial Intelligence in supporting human intelligence, without replacing it, especially as large language models evolve and make their way into the workplace. He also speaks about the need for employee up-skilling to gain competitive advantage. Excerpts:

People are skeptical about the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), insinuating that it will take away jobs meant for human. What do you make of this?

Those who are insinuating that AI will take away human jobs, have a wrong perception about AI. You may ask how AI can help you do your job better. I have been working with AI for more than 30 years now. Generative AI has been around for 60 years, but the technology is finally coming into its own with public access to massive Large Language Models (LLMs) from the likes of OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Microsoft and many others.

AI applications can now recognise facial features, help pass exams, produce text, video and images, as well as helping to speed up scientific discoveries. These tools are disrupting many industries, and they will continue to do so.

Recent forecasts by Morgan Stanley indicate that the technology could impact 44 per cent of jobs over the next few years as the scope of business processes that can be automated expands.

So how will you describe the power of AI in creating new jobs?

AI will augment human intelligence and not replace it, but at the same time, as AI takes care of the grunt work and just as Excel replaced manual arithmetic, it’s time to raise the bar for human beings. We have the information at our fingertips now, but how can we apply it, defend it and critique it?

Perhaps paradoxically, AI can also help people improve their skills and stay employable at a time when job roles are evolving faster than ever.

Experience is the best teacher, as the old adage goes.

Just start using generative AI today. Hands-on experience with AI is the best way to open doors to new opportunities.

As AI makes greater inroads into the workplace, those who are already familiar with it, or are willing to learn how to use it, are the most likely to excel and progress.

Current generative AI tools can help make sense of large knowledge sets quickly. They can serve as a creative partner, quickly mocking up asset design options based on specific parameters. In some cases, AI-powered simulations provide the opportunity for operators and mechanics to familiarise themselves and virtually engage with complex systems, experiment with different scenarios and

troubleshoot.

At a broader level, AI tools can support employers in bridging the skills gap. As of August last year, there were only six people unemployed for every ten jobs in the US, according to Bureau of Labour statistics.

As with individuals, employers can use immersive training simulations for teams, deploying them at scale so that staff can onboard new skills and problem-solving abilities in risk-free environments and sometimes, even from the comfort of their homes. Then, generative AI can be used to create engaging learning material such as videos quickly and on demand. A third application may be as a personal tutor, where technical educational materials can be tailored to individual learning patterns and strengths, so each engineer or operator can follow a proceed at their own pace.

All of these examples are just scratching the surface of what generative AI can or will soon be able to do.

From an expert point of view, is it right to be concerned about the rise of AI?

AI applications are a fair distance away from being able to replicate the kind of creative thinking, contextual

“Experience is the best teacher, as the old adage goes. Just start using generative AI today. Handson experience with AI is the best way to open doors to new opportunities. As AI makes greater inroads into the workplace, those who are already familiar with it, or are willing to learn how to use it, are the most likely to excel and progress.”

understanding, interpersonal skills and ethical values that are so unique to human intellect.

There’s a lot we don’t know about how the human brain works, so it remains difficult, if not impossible to recreate this most complex of computers.

What we have been able to do is create new kinds of applications that perform better than human beings in relatively narrow areas. This is artificial narrow intelligence (ANI), which performs functional tasks very well. We see its applications in predictive analytics, AI-driven scheduling, and even computer chess.

The multinational consultancy firm, McKinsey, believes generative AI has the potential to deliver a business dividend of between $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion across 16 business functions. To understand that number in context, the UK’s entire gross domestic product was $3.1 trillion in 2021.

The biggest impact of AI in business, which is about 80 per cent of the occupational transitions between now and 2030, will be felt across four areas, according to McKinsey. These include customer operations, sales and marketing, software engineering, and research and development.

What must be done to convince people to believe in the power of AI and start working with AI?

AI can improve the quality and effectiveness of industrial functions. It can help make industrial processes more efficient, reduce costs and resource use, and even support sustainability outcomes.

For instance, AI-infused analytics can tell a plant manager what her operation will look like in a month’s

Just as we have jobs today that didn’t exist when the internet was invented, AI will transform career profiles. I believe we will ultimately see a net increase in overall jobs from AI technologies, including generative AI, but taking advantage of those opportunities requires each of us to adapt and grow. Hands-on learning is the best way

to do so.”

time. Similarly, it can deliver almost accurate predictions about the remaining useful life of an asset.

But human insight will still be essential to conceptual and strategic decisions.

Such judgments may involve questions of inequality, bias, safety and security – but also determining where limited resources are best deployed.

For example, does a dataset accurately represent the real-world production process? Or could a change be made to operating procedures that can improve maintenance and greenhouse gas emissions?

AI optioneering will provide the best possible way to carry out each scenario, but the final decision often necessitates human input. Large language models can suggest the best strategy, but human experts will need to action them.

How does AI represent a profound shift in all aspects of business?

The technology has often been likened to the introduction of the internet. The comparison couldn’t be more apt. Some 5.3 billion people or about 66 per cent of the global population now has online access, about 30 years after its applications went mainstream, according to the ITU.

Globally, AI and automation technologies could boost productivity growth of up to 3.3 per cent through to 2040, according to McKinsey. That’s if people keep up with new developments, and there’s no reason not to. Some 12 million people will likely require up-skilling by 2030 in the US alone.

Just as we have jobs today that didn’t exist when the internet was invented, AI will transform career profiles. I believe we will ultimately see a net increase in overall jobs from AI technologies, including generative AI, but taking advantage of those opportunities requires each of us to adapt and grow. Hands-on learning is the best way to do so.

Chappell

As the Rains Fall on Herbert’s Tomb

By Moses Jolayemi

One thing that may be more mournful than the death of Herbert Wigwe, in my own opinion, is missing the significance of his life and death especially among his so-called billionaire friends and billionaire business partners, colleagues, among others. That was what rummaged through my head as I sat at one of the funeral events at Eko Hotel, marking the final journey of Herbert, the man who inexplicably stood strong as a pillar of support to many structures- literally and figuratively.

The hall was drenched with eulogies and panegyrics as stentorian voices boomed across the room with a flood of dirges. As these went on, Herbert laid still on his back, somewhere. Unable to utter a word to anyone in the same world he once controlled with his mere fingers.

World leaders namely Presidents Bola Tinubu, Emmanuel Macron of France, former United States Bill Clinton, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, serving and former governors, ministers and practically all controllers of the nation’s economy paid shining tributes to a man who drove a relatively unknown Access Bank to become the largest bank in Nigeria by asset and the largest in Africa by customer base following a merger with Diamond Bank, less than five years ago in April 2019.

How Herbert was present in so many lives and situations in different continents of the world remains indecipherable. Herbert was not an uncommon specie; the type nature drops on you once in a century.

In all the tributes I heard that night and the tons of others I have read, no one has been able to explain who Herbert truly was or how he managed to do all that he did. Even Tochi, his eldest surviving child, could not hazard a clue to it. She admitted, in her tribute, that she did not fully realise the daughter

of who she was until his death.

The only person who gave what I considered the most breviloquent explanation was Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, Herbert’s living doppelganger and closest professional and business partner. He described Herbert as a man on a mission who probably knew there was not much time on his side. That goes to say that Herbert’s unprecedented achievements, his rocketing rise in banking and his larger than life impacts on people’s lives were simply superterrestrial.

I looked round the large Eko Hotel hall where prominent members of our society’s upper crust gathered with tearful eyes and asked silently if anyone of them had given a thought to what the world would think or say about them when the final, inescapable bell tolls.

Millions of Nigerians knew little about who Herbert was and how huge his impacts were, not only in Nigeria until his tragic end, via an helicopter crash alongside his more -than -a -woman wife, Doreen Chizoba and his young, promising son, Chizy.

Perhaps more confounding is the fact that his wife, Chizoba, was no less a successful human institution. On her own terms. She was not your regular wife of a successful man who made a career of shopping around major cities, pursuing vanities and inanities.

Though she wore the physiognomy of a woman, beautiful by every standard of definition, inside her was a masculine engine. She founded Craneburg Construction Company, building highways, airports, bridges and toll plazas across Nigeria. She was also into real estate and hospitality. Despite what you can call her privileged background, she worked so hard on returning to Nigeria after her overseas studies and became a mega success in every business she ventured in.

Notwithstanding her own monumental success, Chizoba could be described as a model wife and mother. She provided all the support her husband needed to succeed and gave the love and care any

child could ever require for a beautiful life. That is for all to see in Tochi, her well educated daughter, David and Hannah.

Also in that ill-fated flight was Chizzy Wigwe, another rising star who had started creating sensation as an Investment Professional at Africa Finance Corporation. Only God knows what that young man would have been in another 5-10 years.

Beyond banking, Herbert was a humanist of unusual category. Despite running the affairs of one of the biggest and most successful organizations in Africa, Herbert had time to attend to little matters and those you would classify as less successful.

Unfortunately, this cannot be said of several others, many of who are far less rich in assets and accounts balance. Not even his subordinates and those acting big men who were privileged to have risen through his altruistic benevolence.

That brings to mind my encounter with Herbert a couple or so years ago. I was introduced to him by Dr. Alex Otti, another uncommon individual who was GMD/CEO of Diamond Bank. Now the governor of Abia state, Otti’s governance and leadership style is putting him on a path that could make him the prayer point for residents of every state in the country in the foreseeable future.

Otti’s recently launched Geometric Integrated Power Project is unique as it is the only electricity project in Nigeria that is fully vertically integrated with embedded generation and distribution capabilities. It has the capacity to supply power directly to its immediate community, prioritising local needs and distributing surplus power to Nigeria’s national power grid.

But, Otti’s is a story for another day as he is not the subject for today.

Back to my encounter with Herbert. Otti had asked me to brief Herbert on a certain lingering issue with the former Diamond Bank acquired by Access Bank. He confidently told me that Herbert would sort it out, adding that he had a listening ear.

From there on, we started talking and he gave me an appointment to see him in his Victoria Island office. At that meeting, he handed me over to one Abdul Imoyo, who headed media relations of the bank. Unfortunately, Imoyo could not pull through with the assignment before he died January this year. Herbert’s major quality was his readiness to be of service to different classes of humans.

That is probably one of the reasons his death has sorely affected a very large spectrum of the society, from different backgrounds and interests.

It is on record that Herbert helped realise many dreams, raising young entrepreneurs across virtually all the regions of the country.

His death therefore, could also mean an end to many of the dreams attached to his dynamic work style and humane disposition to all that came his way.

The only major consolation here is that the Access Holdings, the parent company for Access Bank and other concerns cannot possibly suffer any setback by Herbert’s death.

Reason being that his siamesed brother, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede born a month apart, same year, from a different mother, has stepped back in. In any case, Aigboje, records show, laid the solid foundation for Access Bank when he was the Chief Executive between 2002 and 2013, after which Herbert took over. The bank, in the 11 years Herbert held sway, experienced a volcanic success.

Just few days ago, Access Bank acquired the entire share capital of National Bank of Kenya from the KCB Bank Ltd, Kenya’s largest commercial bank.

Aigboje and Herbert over the years shared almost exactly the same philosophies and thought process that you would almost think they shared the same brains. Both have a way of looking far beyond what their contemporaries see.

For instance, the two extraordinary spirits had a preponderant belief that family assets and values should not die with their progenitors but endure in practical perpetuity.

For that purpose, Aigboje and Herbert founded an organisation solely to build and protect wealth for its clients, to ensure that their legacies are protected and preserved from generation to generation.

One of the tools for achieving that generational wealth, according to them, is providing education and training for every generation of the family, to prepare them for making prudent leadership, financial and lifestyle decisions. Think of the several rich and famous names that now exist only in our memories.

So, for the Access Bank family, it’s only a change of hands, from a pilot to co-pilot of the same navigational expertise, experience, goals and aspirations.

In fact, I have no doubt the bank will even grow stronger for the simple reason that Aigboje, in trying to maintain his friend’s standard and speed may end up surpassing him.

In all of this, I believe it would serve the memory of Herbert better if his friends and associates can emulate his life of service, realising that death is a necessary end. No one, however highly placed, can determine how or where that end will come or when it will come.

For Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, it may be the end of an era but his legacy evidently will occupy a very large space in history beyond the next ten generations.

I only hope his death, for which “time stood still” as Aigboje succinctly, put it, will not lose its essence on us.

When the Police Dangles its Carrot PERSPECTIVE

Banji Ojewale

Achild stands before a disciplinarian parent he has wronged. There’s considerably safe distance between them. The child could flee if a whip magically leaps into the hands of the offended. But there’s no cane at the moment with the man who is never seen without the opa, (baton). The young fellow sees something else with the man staring at him: a basket of assorted fruits and sweets. He’s inviting him to come closer to take his pick: fresh fruits or sweets? No cane on offer. The lad is surveying the surroundings. Something isn’t adding up. A rod hidden somewhere? Is the basket a Trojan horse? The older man breaks the ice. He throws his arms wide open, and swings around 360 degrees to assure the calculating boy he has no malevolent agenda. This is fair and transparent, the boy concludes. So, he moves gingerly into the free hands of the man he has always known as the unforgiving rod man. What follows is a feast, a dialogue and the creation of a new world to banish the cat-and-mouse relationship between them. This skit is the fictional rendition of what the Ogun State Police Command under Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha did the other day to elicit the support of the community in the war on insecurity in the land. Commissioner of Police Mustapha and his management team brought together more than 1000 artisans, largely woodworkers and furniture makers, hosting them to a seminar at the Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA Hall, Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta. It was the maiden edition of a non-kinetic initiative to usher the citizens of Ogun into a strategic PoliceCommunity partnership against insecurity. The seminar,

with the collaboration of the Police Public Relations Department headed by Omololu Odutola, had the theme, Strengthening and Fostering Security in Ogun State. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Alamutu ‘’invited (the artisans) to collaborate with them as a means of grassroots policing…(with a view to) knowing and working closely with them.’’

The Ogun CP said he was impressed with the large turnout of the artisans, interpreting it as a significant demonstration of their love for the Police in the state. He extolled their stand on the dignity of labour and commended them for shunning crime and antisocial activities to earn a living legitimately. Alamutu advised the young apprentices to stick to ‘’integrity and dignity’’. Applying their educational and vocational skills, he counselled, is more valuable than going into criminality

and cult related tendencies. Besides, he said, insecurity in society is held at bay if its teeming youngsters are engaged in productive callings that make them inaccessible to crime godfathers and unpatriotic politicians.

The Police boss was joined by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s aides who offered security tips and admonition on being upright and satisfied with one’s rightly earned income.

This move of assembling the youngsters for a pep talk on attitudinal change must be the way forward to getting a vibrant section of the community involved in rescuing our crime-wracked land. It must be the cornerstone in the emerging conversation about community policing, away from the orthodox approach of battling insecurity only with guns and bullets. To a large extent, we’ve remained in the same spot over the decades wielding kinetic tools to tame crime, which, on its own, hasn’t remained the same, but has taken on frighteningly monstrous shapes from age to age.

The Police, with the entire paraphernalia of state authority, needs to bond with the neighbourhood content of society to secure the people. Our security personnel must engage the grassroots in strategic synergy over the final goal of returning us all to the path of sanity, peace and law and order. As it is, the answer to the crisis is no longer exclusively in the conventional confines and abodes of our compatriots in uniform. These gallant men and women and officers need the input of the larger society. They’re being overrun by the sheer numbers of criminals exploiting socioeconomic challenges and our weak and leaky political fabric to unleash havoc on us.

It’s clear that we can’t afford to have the ranks of these social adversaries grow. They must not only be depopulated; we must also work hard to prevent others from joining them. The authorities may go ahead with plans to recruit more Police personnel and kit them

with sophisticated weapons needed to outmatch those of the miscreants. We can lean on the limitless prospects proffered by AI, even as we rely heavily on confidential info on suspicious movements. But the bedrock of the new order should be creating a nexus between the law and community, the bottom strata of society: market women, traders, artisans, students, workers, drivers, the unemployed etc. The Community Policing we’re talking about as an urgent necessity is going to be built around them. They know the ecosystem of crime more than the authorities. It’s clear to me that was the point the Police in Ogun made in meeting those 1000+ artisans for a strategic relationship in the war on crime.

Subsequently, it’s going to be easy for the Police to work with them in areas of intelligence-gathering to deal with communal infractions. Trust with confidentiality, long lacked between them, will be in place to disallow suspicious body language and acts. On the part of the authorities, they must reform the Police operatives to truly portray themselves as the friends of the citizens. Genuine friends don’t exploit; they don’t dehumanise; they don’t compromise to undermine the law they’re meant to underpin; they don’t make merchandise of ignorant motorists and pedestrians, when a caring word of enlightenment could settle the issues instead of the usual threat of arrests and demand for financial gratification; nor do they enter into deals with felons to defraud or destroy the state, its institutions and its people.

Let’s hit the vulnerable underbelly of insecurity by engaging in serious community-based policing. We can’t achieve results otherwise. We never did when we stuck to the one-sided kinetic approach all these years. It’s certain we’d be experiencing the same old fruitlessness if we continue in that same old barren road.

The late Herbert Wigwe

Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha

NBC Denounces Illegal Production, Counterfeiting of Eva Water in Port Harcourt

Gilbert Ekwugbe

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has condemn the alleged illegal production and counterfeiting of its product, Eva Premium Table Water (75cl & 1.5L) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In a statement signed by its Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director, Oluwasoromidayo George, NBC said counterfeiting can endanger the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

“Our attention has been drawn to the discovery made by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regarding the adulteration of Eva Premium Table Water (75cl & 1.5L) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. As the bottling partner

for The Coca-Cola Company in Nigeria, we strongly denounce and condemn any illegal production and counterfeiting activity that can endanger the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

“The sanctity of our brand is non-negotiable, and we remain resolute in our commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality, excellence, and authenticity. As such, we follow stringent protocols and adhere to all regulatory requirements to ensure that our consumers receive products of the highest quality,” NBC said.

It added, “To assist consumers in identifying authentic Coca-Cola products and avoiding counterfeit ones, we would like to share the following tips: Distinct product

design and labels: All CocaCola products have distinct bottle designs and labels with clear inscriptions, including the nutritional values, net content, and certification marks and numbers clearly printed.

Certification: All our products are duly certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Consumers should look out for NAFDAC and MANCAP registration numbers on the labels/packaging on all our products.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any instance of tampering with Eva premium table water or suspicious counterfeiting activity to the relevant authorities.”

WACT Commissions Four Lane In-gate Facility at Onne Port

West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) has marked a significant step forward with the official commissioning of its brand new four-lane in-gate facility at Onne port, Rivers State.

The investment in the new facility, which is coming on the heels of the recent commissioning of its new Container Freight Station, brings WACT closer towards its strategic vision of becoming the ‘gateway to Eastern Nigeria and beyond,’ offering a comprehensive suite of logistics solutions to empower Nigerian businesses and further boost operational efficiency, improve security, access, and expedite cargo movement within the port.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the commissioning of the new in-gate in Onne Port, Rivers State on Wednesday, the Managing Director of WACT,

Jeethu Jose, said the new ingate is part of the terminal’s $115 million investment in the terminal upgrade project.

“This investment is a further testament of the trust and confidence APM Terminals has in Nigeria economy and part of the Group’s drive to improve lives for all while lifting global trade.

“This inauguration is also a great example of our strong public-private partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Just yesterday, the NPA launched the Road D stretch within the port. Today, WACT is complimenting NPA’s commitment to improve infrastructure within the port with the present in-gate commissioning. This is the result of the strong collaboration between WACT and NPA. The goal is to

make the Onne Port and WACT the traders’ choice for both local and international players and this goal we shall pursue to the last,” he said.

Jose highlighted the benefits of the new in-gate to customers and stated that it will improve efficiency and ease trade in WACT.

Also speaking, the Port Manager, Onne Port, Prince GC Zhattau, who was represented at the event by the Traffic Manager, Abolade Surajudeen, alongside the Chief Port Engineer, Engr. Uzo Akwarandu, while highlighting the contributions of WACT, commended the terminal operator for collaborating with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to enhance infrastructure and traffic operations within the port.

Wema Bank Wraps Up Women Month with Cash Rewards

Wema Bank has fastened a magnificent bow on the women’s month by rewarding 113 women across Nigeria with millions of Naira in the recently concluded 8th monthly draw of its renowned 5 for 5 Promo Season 3, which held in Benin on March 24, 2024, at the Naija Brand Chick Tradefair, powered by Wema Bank.

The Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo is a reward programme designed to support Nigerians across the country with monetary rewards for their personal and business use. The 3rd Season, which launched in July 2023, set out to disburse a total of N9,000,000 monthly to 120 active and transacting

customers in monthly draws spanning a 10-month period. In alignment with the ongoing Women’s Month, Wema Bank went steps further from hosting the biggest International Women’s Day Event in Nigeria to allocating N7,250,000—a whopping 95% of the N9,000,000 cash prize stipulated for the 8th draw, to Nigerian women across the world; all within this month.

Wema Bank’s Divisional Head of Retail and SME, Ayodele Olojede, disclosed the bank’s motive for streamlining the wins in the 8th draw to skew more towards the women.

“We cannot overemphasise

our deep-rooted commitment to being a support system for women so we naturally went above and beyond this women’s month. Through a plethora of solutions championed especially through our female-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, we have created an unforgettable experience for our women, crowning it with the 5 for 5 Promo Women’s Special. We’ve consistently empowered women with transformative experiences and resources all through this month and as Nigeria’s most innovative bank, it’s only fitting that we wrap up the Women’s month on a financial note,” she said.

Jobberman Set to ElevateVocational Training for Women

Bennett Oghifo

Leading recruitment and HR solutions provider in SubSaharan Africa, Jobberman has launched its latest gender responsiveness campaign focused on elevating entrepreneurship and vocational training for young women in Kaduna, Kano, Adamawa, Ondo, Katsina, Bauchi, Delta, Ogun, Benue, Edo, Lagos, and Oyo states.

The campaign, tagged ‘She’s More’ and launched at a press conference in Lagos, is a female-focused social

awareness initiative created to elevate vocational skill training among women and empower them in fields such as soap making, perfume production, beads crafts, Insecticide production and more.

According to Jobberman, the goal of the campaign is to train over 558,000 young women in business management, vocational skills, soft skills, and financial literacy and to support about 204,000 of them to start their businesses and help them become employers of labour.

“International Women’s Month is a strategic period for us to launch this initiative. It is a testament to our commitment to not only invest in women but to accelerate the economic independence and advancement of women in Nigeria. Our focus of vocational training is to fill the business structure and skills knowledge gap in that sector of the economy,” says Samantha Ifezulike, Head of HR Jobberman Nigeria and Lead Advisor, She’s More Initiative.

L-R: Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Haulage District Eastern Ports Command, Comrade Adolphus Ugwu; Onne Port Traffic Manager, Abolade Surajudeen; Managing Director, West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Jeethu Jose; Chief Port Engineer, Onne Port, Uzo Akwarandu and WACT Head of Operations, Fanick Atchia at the commissioning of WACT’s new in-gate facility at Onne Port, Rivers State… recently

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

The

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

Food Security: LCFE Tasks FG on Utilisation of Commodities Exchanges

Kayode Tokede

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), Mr Akin Akeredolu -Ale, yesterday urged the federal government to utilise the commodities exchange ecosystem as a strategy to boost food security, create job opportunities and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to

earn foreign exchange.

Akeredolu-Ale in a media interactive session with commodities correspondents in Lagos commended the efforts of the federal government in addressing the issue of food security but explained that the government could achieve better if commodities exchanges were involved in the processes

He said, “Commodities exchanges connect smallholder

farmers in rural areas to large markets. This increases earning income capacity, a key aspect of household food security. They facilitate food storage through their warehouses. Through warehouse receipts smallholder farmers can access imput loans to purchase fertilisers and other materials. Commodities exchanges reduce default risks in trading and encourage investment in food

systems and they manage price risks in food system by offering future trading. They have capacity to promote competition, reduce transaction cost and make food available amongst others.

“The Nigerian economy is experiencing a food crisis with the fast-rising food costs, cost of transportation, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and foreign exchange instability. All these

have affected the ability of commodity stakeholders to successfully produce food and transport it to where it’s needed. Therefore, its commendable to note that Mr President, his administration and the executive governors of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago and the Executive Governor of Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have taken strong decisive steps

to securing our Nation’s food supply chain.

“In Lagos State, the launch of the Lagos Rice Mill, the largest rice mill in Africa and the third largest rice mill in the world commenced operations in 2023 and has produced over 100,000 bags of rice in 2023. The mill’s products rival any global rice brand being imported into the country with their quality, taste and color

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MARCH /27/24

Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG |

The astute businessman emerges Following his retirement in 2011, whispers emerged of Ronaldo Nazario de Lima’s keen business acumen. Beyond his illustrious football career, he had quietly and shrewdly invested in ventures outside

the realm of sports, laying the groundwork for a formidable financial portfolio. In 2014, the world watched with intrigue as Ronaldo made a surprising leap into the realm of club ownership, acquiring a majority stake in the Spanish club Real Valladolid. At the time, the club languished in the

Reinvention of Ronaldo: From Phenomenon to Powerhouse

lower leagues, facing financial challenges and struggling for relevance. For Ronaldo, Real Valladolid became more than just a football club; it became his proving ground, a canvas upon which he could demonstrate his astute business strategies and leadership prowess. Under his stewardship, the club underwent

Ronaldo Nazario de Lima, the “Fenomeno”, two time World Best Footballer of the Year and Balon d’Or Winner who terrorised defences in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has traded Nike mercurials and his iconic number 9 T-shirts for suits and briefcases. Today, in 2024, his influence stretches far beyond the pitch. Davidson Abraham delves into the unlikely path that took him from iconic striker to sports betting ambassador and shrewd club owner.

a transformation on and off the pitch as Ronaldo infused it with his vision, passion, and unwavering determination. Through calculated investments, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, Ronaldo not only elevated Real Valladolid’s standing in the footballing world but

also solidified his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur and visionary leader.

Ronaldo the rejuvenator

Affectionately known as R9 among football aficionados, he curated a team of astute analysts and prioritised nurturing young talents. Harnessing cutting-edge technology, scouting, and player development evolved into a streamlined, contemporary approach. The outcome was nothing short of remarkable.

In 2018, Valladolid’s ascent to La Liga was a testament to defying odds and surpassing all expectations, marking a triumphant journey propelled by strategic foresight and dedication to excellence.

Global betting ambassador

Ronaldo’s business savvy did not stop at club ownership. Recognising the booming sports betting industry, he became a global brand ambassador for Betfair International in 2019. His iconic status and charisma resonated with fans, making him a powerful marketing tool for the platform. The partnership helped Betfair International reach a wider audience and solidify its brand in key markets.

The phenom’s legacy expands

Today, Ronaldo is a titan in the football world, but his influence extends far beyond the pitch. He’s revitalised a struggling club, revolutionised its approach, and become a respected figure in sports management. While controversial in some circles, his association with Betfair International has undeniably made him a global brand ambassador in the sports betting industry.

Ronaldo’s journey is an unfolding saga ripe with potential and possibility. With Valladolid as a launching pad, speculation swirls around whether he’ll set his sights on acquiring a more prominent club, potentially etching his name deeper into football’s annals. Moreover, his foray into sports media looms large; could he leverage his iconic status to build an empire, shaping the discourse and coverage of the game? Amidst these uncertainties, one certainty prevails: Ronaldo, the ‘Phenomeno’, remains a force of reinvention, continually defying norms and expectations, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of sports and beyond.

“Ronaldo’s business savvy did not stop at club ownership. Recognising the booming sports betting industry, he became a global brand ambassador for Betfair International in 2019. His iconic status and charisma resonated with fans, making him a powerful marketing tool for the platform.

National Lottery Trust Fund’s Impact by the Numbers

Iyke Bede   writes that that National Lottery Trust Fund’s excellent track record, earned high marks of  86.05  from  the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Commission’s (ICPC) Ethics and Transparency Index Report of 2023

Since its inception in 2005, the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), created under section 35 of the National Lottery Act of 2005, has continued to play a pivotal role in national development through ‘Good Cause’ projects.

Sustained by a certain percentage of funds generated from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), the agency’s project scope has expanded to include education, sports, healthcare, and the provision of other social amenities, such as water, to communities.

So far, the NLTF has generated over N22 billion within 17 years. This figure is expected to increase considerably in the coming years, partly due to the growing sector that has yet to attain its peak. Many industry experts describe the sector as being in its nascent years, conditioned by growing infrastructure, inflexible regulatory frameworks, and the increasing number of punters.

During the pandemic’s challenging times, NLTF swiftly stepped in to bolster healthcare infrastructure across the nation. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, it extended support to 13 hospitals by supplying vital test kits and establishing one dedicated ICU facility for patients. It has also helped revamp 48 primary healthcare centres, equipping them with essential medical supplies and ambulances.

The NLTF’s commitment to education is evident through its widespread impact. Over 3,000 primary schools nationwide have benefited from distributing essential educational materials, ensuring students have access to quality learning resources. Furthermore, its investment in sports equipment has reached 13 federal universities, promoting physical activities and fostering talent development. Notably, NLTF’s sponsorship of the Paralympic Powerlifting World Cup emphasises its dedication to inclusivity and empowerment.

Additionally, it has extended support to 347 secondary schools by providing essential first-aid intervention kits, prioritising the safety and well-being of students and staff alike.

The agency’s reach extends beyond healthcare and education, as it concerns itself with community development initiatives to enhance residents’ quality of life. In Benue State, it has installed

solar-powered boreholes in 15 communities, ensuring access to clean and sustainable water sources. Furthermore, upcoming projects in Rivers and Benue States aim to address the water needs of 14 communities by installing solar-powered boreholes, furthering NLTF’s commitment to sustainable development.

With its excellent track record, it is no wonder the agency lands atop the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Commission’s (ICPC) Ethics and Transparency Index Report of 2023, securing a score of 86.05

Indeed, the ‘Good Cause’ initiative

“The FG might be looking at it from the point of revenue generation. This is why there is this back and forth between the federal authorities and the states: because the focus has always been revenue generation. The FG should look beyond revenue generation to the implication of licencing these operators remotely. How do you hope to ensure compliance since these companies do not have a physical presence in Nigeria? What benefit is it to local operators to have competitors who are not dealing with issues of double taxation? Double taxation is a major problem for local operators. It is a major source of profit drain. There is the issue of repatriation of funds for foreign operators who are locally licensed here. Local operators are generating employment. Why would the FG allow some people outside Nigeria who are not generating employment to cash in on the industry? Apart from generating employment for Nigerians the locally licensed operators are paying gaming taxes. Besides direct employment there are other types of employment generated. These people have vendors.”

– Bimpe Akingba, Regional Manager Africa, Business Development and Regulatory - Mchezo Limited and immediate Past Executive Secretary of Association of Nigeria Bookmakers

is a testament to collective action’s transformative power. By harnessing the proceeds from lottery revenues, NLTF continues to make meaningful strides in uplifting communities and fostering progress.

BetKing, Carven Gaming Partner on ‘Play with Heart’ Campaign

Gaming platform BetKing and leading entertainment platform Carven Gaming have announced an exciting brand partnership. The BetKing Gamers Series campaign, with its tagline “Play with Heart,” is set to introduce an extraordinary fusion of state-of-the-art technology and thrilling gameplay, surpassing conventional gaming experiences. This innovative initiative aims to reshape the gaming landscape for enthusiasts in Nigeria.

The BetKing Gamers Series caters to a diverse audience, including adult gamers seeking immersive experiences, professional players, aspiring gamers striving for mastery, enthusiastic spectators, and tech-savvy consumers interested in the latest gaming trends.

The first in this sequence of the BetKing Gamers Series, themed ‘Beyond the Podiums’, will feature a double-elimination tournament culminating in a grand finale themed ‘The Clash of Consoles’. Highlights of the tournament include a console Clash Royale, where PS5 and Xbox players will go head-to-head to play FIFA and NBA 2K. Side games like Mario Kart and G7 will offer additional excitement and challenges.

Speaking about the launch, Oludare Kafar, Head of BTL Marketing of BetKing Nigeria, said, “The BetKing Gamers Series symbolises our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. We are not just transforming the gaming landscape. We are instilling a culture of passion and dedication that aligns with our core values.”

Kafar added that their “foremost goal is to curate an exceptional experience” that prioritises the safety and well-being of all participants and promotes responsible gaming practices.

“By setting this new benchmark in the gaming industry, we are not just redefining the gaming experience; we are shaping its future,” he stressed.

Also, commenting on the deal, Head of Partnerships Damilola Pedro stated that partnering BetKing for the gamer series epitomises Carven’s commitment to elevating both gaming and lifestyle experiences by blending innovation with a dedication to responsible gaming.

Pedro also mentioned that “we are crafting an unparalleled platform that redefines the esports landscape. Empowering players to thrive in a safe and exhilarating environment.”

To kick off the BetKing Gamers Series, an esports boot camp was held online on March 22nd, 2024. The boot camp was an interactive workshop where professional gamers were featured in Q&A sessions and live-streamed gameplay sessions to provide participants with valuable insights and guidance on improving their gaming performance.

As a core value at BetKing, responsible gaming is integral to the BetKing Gamers Series. BetKing has spearheaded campaigns such as ‘Kings Know When to Stop’ and partnered with organisations like Gamble Alert to promote responsible gambling practices. Through initiatives such as these, BetKing remains committed to ensuring that participants enjoy the tournament in a safe and responsible manner.

The Clash of Consoles tournament will take place later this month. Gamers and spectators are invited to be a part of this unforgettable gaming experience powered by BetKing.

GAMING WEEK TEAM

Nseobong Okon-Ekong gamingweek1117@gmail.com | 08114495324

Iyke Bede

ikennabede@gmail.com | 0703 044 7714

Akeem Lasisi

lasaisai@yahoo.com | 08023687884

Vanessa Obioha vaysylver@gmail.com | 08069838305

Davidson Abraham davisiano.adm@gmail.com | +971 56 744 6013

Bello Maigari, NLTF, Executive Secretary

FIRST IFTAR HELD BY OGUN STATE GOV IN ABEOKUTA...

L-R: The Chief Imam of Remoland, Sheikh Taofeek Junaid; Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Sa'adallah Alade Bamgbola; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, at the first Iftar, held at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta.

Eko Disco: How Board Politics, Power Play Consumed CEO, 11 Others

NERC recognises Disco, WPG’s power to redeploy staff

Peter Uzoho

Tuesday’s leadership change at Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Marina, Lagos, might have taken many by surprise, but beneath the official reason given by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of EKEDC, Dere Otubu, were said to be the high wire politics and power play that might linger in the weeks and months ahead.

Already, there has been some

pushback by supporters of the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Tinuade Sanda, who has openly challenged her removal and dismissed it as unacceptable.

As such, the last may not have been heard of the corporate crisis, even as the company’s board has remained resolute in its decision to oust her.

While the company had given its reasons for the action, a few weeks

after it already cleared some senior staff of allegations of fraud and maladministration, THISDAY checks also revealed a cocktail of other issues that might have culminated in her departure along with 11 other senior staff from EKEDC.

The crisis in EKEDC started a while back, when some senior members of staff, wrote to the board and accused some of their colleagues of fraud and making payments to ghost workers.

Lagos Calls for Consumers' Rights Protection in Deployment of AI

Bennett Oghifo

The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem yesterday warned that the advent of Artificial Intelligence in online and digital market must not be at the expense of the citizens' rights and wellbeing.

Ambrose-Medebem stated this at a conference and exhibition event organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) to commemorate 2024 World Consumer Rights Day on Friday, said a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs, LASCOPA, Toyin Oni.

"It is imperative that as we navigate through technological advancements in the way and manner we conduct businesses and carry out our business transactions, that we maintain a balanced approach that champions fairness, transparency, and responsibility," the commissioner said.

While addressing producers and consumers at the event, the commissioner assured the participants that the state government would continue to create an environment where technology thrives, and consumers rights are protected.

She said the conference with the theme: "Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers" advocates innovation and consumer rights while ensuring that the advancements in AI, and technology at large serve to enhance the lives of citizens, not complicate them.

Ambrose-Medebem reiterated that the administration was committed to ensuring that AI serves as a tool for societal good, enhancing consumer experiences while

upholding the highest standards of fairness and ethics.

Also corroborating the need for responsible AI in business transactions, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr Afolabi Solebo, said organisations must prioritise ethical considerations in ensuring that it benefits the society as a whole.

According to him, consumers deserve to know how their data is being used and have the right to understand the decisions made by AI systems.

"The importance of AI cannot be overstated as it has revolutionised the way businesses engage with their clientele. Consumers are surrounded by AI-driven technologies, from personalised recommendations to automated decision-making processes.

"In the rapidly advancing landscape of technology, the integration of AI has become an integral part of our daily lives. Today, we will be addressing the importance of fair and responsible AI for all consumers," Solebo stated.

Also the Group Executive Director of Dangote Group of Companies in charge of Commercial Operations, Fatima Aliko-Dangote, while giving a goodwill message at the event, said that every organisation must see consumers as kings and treat them as such.

She averred that the rights of consumers to choose from a variety of valuable, safe and non-hazardous products; right to information and education adequate for taking consumption decisions, and right to seek redress and be heard should not be undermined.

Aliko-Dangote, however, called for collective actions from government in the area of regulatory

framework and other relevant stakeholders to address some challenges that come with the deployment of AI.

March 15 every year is the World Consumer Rights Day where various consumer interest groups organise programmes and events to highlight pressing issues being faced daily by consumers globally.

As part of the event, two different panel sessions were held where experts in consumer affairs explored different topics of interest as it affects consumers, producers and all relevant stakeholders in the value chain.

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A former acting Principal Manager of Community Relations/CSR of the company, Peter Ayiwe, brought the crisis to the open when he petitioned the board, alleging an “avalanche of maladministration and miscarriage of justice in EKEDC”.

The development soon escalated, when the workers’ union at the company staged a protest and demanded that the accused members of staff, the trio of Wola Joseph-Condotti, Chief Legal Officer (CLO) of EKEDC, Sheri Adegbenro, Chief Auditor of EKEDC, and Aik Alenkhe, Chief Human Relations Officer of EKEDC, be investigated and sanctioned.

The trio were alleged to have been complicit in siphoning funds and paying ghost workers through a legal brief given to an external law firm to secure and recover the physical assets (lands and property) of EKEDC over a three-year period. The brief was awarded to the law firm under a retainership when the former MD and CEO of EKEDC and Sanda’s predecessor in office, Mr. Adeoye Fadeyibi, was still at the company.

THISDAY gathered that in the three years of the retainership, the law firm was paid about N60 million to ensure that EKEDC did not lose its assets, which were widespread over its franchise area in Lagos and in Agbara, Ogun State, but that some senior personnel in the company had used this as an avenue to siphon funds and pay non-existent workers

of the Sourcescompany. also informed THISDAY that there were also concerns raised over the padding of operating costs, which if left unchecked could be transferred to EKEDC’s consumers, who would have to pay higher electricity tariffs.

According to a source, “When a Disco is inefficient and has high or padded personnel and operating expenditure, this will be reflected in its tariffs which will be borne by consumers.”

The union was also said to be unhappy that 12 senior personnel of EKEDC, holding C-suite and general manager positions in the company were not staff of the utility.

They had been seconded to the Disco from its parent company, West Power and Gas (WPG) Limited, paid much higher salaries, and had different conditions of service from the staff employed directly by EKEDC.

Interestingly, Sanda, the company’s CEO, was among the 12 senior staff of WPG, who had been seconded to EKEDC.

In any case, when the union’s protest persisted, the board set up a panel to investigate the charges against the three senior staff.

Although the board was said to be divided over the matter, it eventually handed a two-week suspension to the CLO, and wrote warning letters to the Heads of Audit and HR, thus preventing the union from further acting.

This, however, did not prevent

Sanda and other interests from still pushing further on the matter and writing petitions to the Bureau of Public Enterprises and industry regulator, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The matter, THISDAY further learnt, got to a head when Sanda appointed a new Chief Compliance Officer, in what was alleged to have been an attempt to downgrade the relevance of the CLO.

The new Chief Compliance Officer was also said to have been a subordinate of the CLO before the promotion.

With the crisis refusing to abate, NERC eventually stepped in to mediate in the matter, following which it issued a directive last week instructing that all staff working for the utility must be employed directly by the utility, must be bound by applicable service conditions that are applicable to the employees of the utility, and paid through the utility’s payroll.

NERC also gave EKEDC till yesterday, Wednesday, March 27th 2024, to implement its directive.

It was on this basis that the Disco’s Board of Directors met and relieved Sanda and 11 others seconded from WPG of their positions and asked them to return to the parent company as instructed by NERC.

In the letter addressed to Sanda and signed by Otubu, dated March 25, 2024, titled: “Implementation of

Continued on page 35

Journalist, Adegboyega Set to Launch Book in Memory of Wigwe

Wale Igbintade

An award winning author, Adegboyega Johnson, is to launch a book in memory of the late Chief Executive of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, who died recently in the ill-fated chopper crash in America alongside his wife and son.

The book is scheduled for launch in May 2024 at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.

Adegboyega in a statement said: "It was a big shock hearing the news of the passing of a resourceful, hardworking and highly Innovative banker like Herbert Wigwe. I didn't imagine it in another 20 years.

“ But as the Bible says that ‘God giveth and taketh’, the only

way I can contribute to keep his memory alive is to launch the book in Wigwe's honour for his exemplary performances as a banker in taking Access Bank to the height it is today".

Adegboyega, who authored the book, ‘Corporate Wizards’, which is a compendium of high fliers in the corporate world described late Wigwe as the most outstanding, most innovative and resourceful banker in Nigeria. He added: "Corporate Wizards is a compendium of high-flying and numero unos in the corporate world in its entirety and this is my first book as an author. In the course of making this compilation, concise details and facts concerning the listed gurus and titans featured in the book.

“They were put into immeasurable determination viz educational qualifications, cognate experience, corporate social responsibilities, managerial abilities, human resource potential, general business acumen, intrinsic personal values and other innate virtues hitherto unknown about the respective big business player that qualified for mentioning in this all-embracing book but not without exceptional qualities.

"Corporate Wizards will surely serve as a referential material for the younger business potential who are hoping to rise to the same level and pedestal which these rare business moguls, titans and aficionados.”

However, the book, Corporate Wizards, he said, hasn't changed

from its original concept which is to unveil and celebrate top corporate personalities in Nigeria. The author started his journalistic journey with the defunct Hearts Magazine as an editorial executive, before he was made the editor-inchief of same magazine seven months later.

Adegboyega left Hearts for Global Excellence where he rose to become Society Editor. He joined Fame Magazine and First Weekly Magazine afterwards. He had a stint with National Mirror as a correspondent. He started Metropolix Magazine and its online version in 2018, and its sister publications Ekiti Metropolix, Soul Magazine in 2022.

INAUGURATION OF APC ZONAL COORDINATORS...

FG Declares Friday, Monday Public Holidays for Easter Celebration

FRSC deploys 743 vehicles, 144 motorbikes for enhanced patrol logistics

Michael Olugbode Kasim

Sumaina

The federal government has declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1, 2024, as public holidays to mark the 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on Wednesday on behalf of the federal government, urged Christians and all Nigerians in general to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man.

He said Easter, beyond religious significance, promoted values of love, forgiveness and compassion which were essential for social cohesion and harmony.

He called on Christians to imbibe these virtues as they were capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development in Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.

The minster further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them. This, he said, was in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president.

Tunji-Ojo, while wishing

Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, called on Nigerians to join hands with the Tinubu administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity to all.

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has deployed over 743 patrol vehicles, 184 administrative vehicles, 92 ambulances, 23 tow trucks and 144 motorbikes as part of the patrol logistics to mark the 2024 Easter celebrations.

The Oyo State Government has said that its first international tourism summit 2024 tagged #ITSOyoState2024 is geared towards unveiling the tourism potential of the state to local and foreign investors for investment opportunities.

It noted that the summit will equally showcase the state’s tourism endowments and potential to the world.

Addressing a pre-event press conference held at the Press Briefing Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and chairperson of the International Tourism Summit Planning Committee, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, said the summit aligned with the vision

This, Biu said, was in line with the operational guidelines of this year's Easter special patrol scheduled to commence from 29 March to 2 April, 2024.

Biu, in a statement in Abuja by the Assistant Corps Marshal, Corps Public Education Officer, Jonas Agwu, said "As contained in the

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC), Dauda Ali Biu, has therefore tasked Commanding Officers to ensure full deployment of staff for maximum visibility, prompt removal of obstructions and ease of movement on all highways across the country.

Operation Order, the objectives of the special operations are reduction in Road Traffic Crashes, Road Traffic Fatalities and Road Traffic Injuries; prompt response to road traffic crash victims; unhindered engagement in purposeful public education and speedy removal of obstructions from the highways, amongst others." He assured members of the public that in achieving the objectives of the special operations, the Corps would combine the engagement of the motoring public through purposeful and impactful public education programmes, strengthening of surveillance activities to regulate unprofessional excesses, sustained effective patrol operations as well as adequate monitoring on the highways.

Govt Unveils Plan to Partner with Investors on Oyo Tourism Summit

of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde to incorporate tourism as one of the planks for expanding the economy of the state.

Olatubosun said that the two-day international summit will hold between April 17 and 18, 2024 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

He added that the summit will equally bring together local and international tourism stakeholders to see the opportunities in the state with a view to investing in the state.

He noted that the international tourism summit, which is the first of its kind, would feature talks, symposiums, panel discussions and various presentations that will showcase the opportunities that govern-

ment is ready to partner with investors and also recognise individuals and organisations that have contributed to tourism in Oyo State.

He said: "Now, we have Omituntun 2.0, and it is time for sustainable development. In his vision of continued prosperity for Oyo State, His Excellency has expanded the means through which it will grow its economy. One of the new sectors added is tourism.

"You will recall that in October last year, His Excellency issued Executive Order No 2 of 2023, through which he decoupled the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and created the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. That was the first signal that he was prepared to take tourism in Oyo State to the next level.

“And now, His Excellency has approved that we host the first

International Tourism Summit 2024 tagged #ITSOyoState2024. This event will be held here in Ibadan on Wednesday, 17, and Thursday, April 18, 2024.

“This first-of-its-kind event will bring together local and international tourism stakeholders to come and see the tourism opportunities in Oyo State with a view to investing in the State."

The Commissioner also enjoined interested members of the public to access the programme and register on the website through https://tourism. oyostate.gov.ng/itsoyostate2024/.

Also speaking, Head of Content Marketing, Slvr Wlf Digitale Limited, Ms Abigail Anaba, said the tourism summit would have exhibition for micro, small and large investors, local artisans, beauticians, architects and technicians, among others. She added that the event is

also meant to attract investors who will develop the state’s tourist sites to international standards.

In their separate remarks, the Director General, Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency, Mr Tilewa Folami and Special Adviser on Socio-Economic Matters, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, said the tourism summit would create more employment opportunities and provide jobs for the teeming youths and the general public as well add more value and impact to the economy of the state.

Other members of the committee are the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinola Ojo; Executive Adviser on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, Dr Debo Akande and the Special Adviser on Media/Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Festivities: MultiChoice Opens Africa Magic Showcase to GOtv Customers Tinubu Extends Tenure of FCTA Head of Service

Starting April 1, Africa Magic Showcase will be available on GOtv as part of MultiChoice

“

"This

on the Supa+ package will gain access to Africa Magic Showcase, featuring Premium Africa Magic originals and the latest Nollywood

releases. This exclusive window will remain open until April 30th."

“During the period, customers on the Supa+ package will have the opportunity to explore new Africa Magic series premiering in April, such as ‘Sin’, ‘Dust’ and ‘Glass House’ among others,” it stated.

To maximise the benefits of the special window, customers, it said, are encouraged to upgrade their GOtv package using the MyGOtv app or by dialling *288# to renew or upgrade their subscription.

Olawale Ajimotokan

President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the tenure of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, Samuel Atang for a period of six months.

The approval was conveyed in a memo FCT/MO/COS/101/1, which was dated March 26, 2024 and addressed to Atang by Hon. Chidi Amadi, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“I am directed to refer to the above subject matter and to inform you that His Excellency, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has graciously approved the extension of your service for a period of six months with effect from March, 27, 2024 when you would have attained the mandatory age of 60 years.

“The extension of your service is premised on the need

to stabilise and consolidate the ongoing processes to reposition the administrative structure of the FCT Administration occasioned by the recent inauguration of the FCT Civil Service Commission,” the memo said.

Tinubu had on March 12 approved the appointment of Atang, the most senior director in FCTA as Head of Service, sequel to his approval of the establishment of the civil service commission of the FCT.

L-R: Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak and their Kaduna State counterpart, Senator Uba Sani; during the inauguration of APC Zonal Coordinators in charge of the SIX geo-political zones at the party's national secretariat in Abuja...yesterday

PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

AT THE 17 SLAIN OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FUNERAL...

Food Crisis: Obi Movement Says Terror, Bandits’ Effect Worrisome

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A movement of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has warned that hunger and famine awaited Nigeria if farmers were denied access to farms by bandits and terrorists.

Reacting to publications and the international agency's warning on the matter, the movement said the alarm should be given adequate attention.

In a statement by the spokesman of the Peter Obi Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, he said, "I just read on the dailies this morning, about the concerns being expressed by stakeholders in our agriculture sector over the worsening food insecurity in Nigeria.

"I have remained consistent in public voicing out my worries over

this growing food crisis, which has even continued to claim the lives of our fellow citizens. I do believe that the urgency required to address these issues cannot be over-emphasised.

"The report this morning reads, in part, ‘The number of food-insecure Nigerians increased significantly, from 66.2 million in Q1 2023 to 100 million in Q1 2024 (WFP, 2024), with 18.6 million facing acute hunger and 43.7 million Nigerians showing crisis-level or above crisis-level hunger-coping strategies as of March 2024.

"While the above report gives an understanding of the present and impending food crisis looming large on the nation, the present realities show that we are already in a worse situation than is presented in the report.

"An earlier similar report by

Cadre Harmonise stated that about 31.5 million Nigerians are projected to face acute hunger by the June-August of this year.

"What is now very worrisome is that many Nigerians have lost their lives in their quest to find food, reflecting a very acute level of hunger not yet captured in the media.

“We are gradually descending to the level of the survival of the fittest, where driven by hunger and a quest for survival, one loses every sense of order to do the unthinkable.

"With the recurrent bandits and terror attacks on farmers, many of them have abandoned

their farms. It is reported that in a state like Sokoto, farmers have paid an accumulated sum of N3 billion in ransom to bandits, others pay as high as N100,000 to bandits to gain access to their farmlands. About 165 farmers have reportedly lost their lives to insecurity this year alone.

"It is, therefore, a matter of urgency, for the government to solve the problems of insecurity in the country. This will in turn reduce the problems of food insecurity when farmers safely return to their farms. A New and hunger-free Nigeria is Possible," the movement stated.

FG to Support Ginger Farmers in 3 States with N1.6bn Input Packages

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The federal government is to support ginger farmers in three states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with input packages

worth N1.6 billion from the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim disclosed this yesterday at the launch of “Ginger

IYC Condemns Military Invasion of Clark’s Residence

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The umbrella body of the Ijaw youth worldwide, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has condemned and described as reckless, disrespectful and great insult to the Ijaw nation, the invasion on the Kiagbodo country home residence of Pa. Edwin Clark in Delta State by Nigerian soldiers on Saturday.

The IYC, in a strongly-worded statement, vowed to hold the Nigerian Military responsible if anything happens to the 97 years old Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

It reminded the military that Nigeria was not a Banana Republic, where people did things the way they wanted but must obey democratic

principles and operate within the ambit of the law.

A statement signed by its spokesman, Binebia Princewill, tasked the military to work strictly with intelligence and not to go out of the rules of engagements.

"We are in a democratic era and not a purely military regime. The invasion and destruction of properties at Pa Clark's House in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday is a great insult on the Ijaw people and is highly condemnable.

“While the Ijaw Youth Council has been patriotic to the Nigerian Military, the federal government by condemning the attack that resulted to the unfortunate killing of 17 soldiers

at Okuama, an Urhobo community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday 14th of March 2024, on the other hand the Ijaw nation is now thrown into deep mourning as over 70 persons have been killed under the guise of tracking those said to have carried out the dastardly act.

“That the over 70 persons killed so far are all connected to the Okuama attack is what no one can verify at the moment. We don't want to believe that the Nigerian military is embarking on ethnic cleansing of the Ijaws in Nigeria.

“The military must not forget that during the attack that resulted to the killing of 17 soldiers at Okuama, an Ijaw son who was with the military

on the peace mission was also killed even though his death has been underreported. In essence, the Ijaw nation has been on the losing end on this ugly development that have plagued the Niger Delta region in the last few weeks.

"On account of the ambush, Igbomotoro and Peremabiri communities in Bayelsa State, have been invaded and people have been killed and roasted in large numbers like chickens.

"We are yet to know the offence he has committed against the Nigerian government and military that will lead to this kind of attack on his house. This is not only embarrassing to the personality of Pa Clark but the highest level of disrespect to the elderly.”

Niger Assembly Passes Confidence Vote on Bago

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Nine months into his administration, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, has received a pass mark for his handling of state affairs from the 27-man House of Assembly.

The vote of confidence passed on the governor at a special sitting of the house cut across party lines.

One after the other, the lawmakers showered praises on the governor for his untiring efforts to reposition the state and lead it among the best developed states in the country.

They also acknowledged what

they described as Bagos' visionary leadership style. The motion for the passage of the vote of confidence on the governor was moved by the member representing Tafa constituency, Mohammed Idris, and seconded by the member representing Bida 2, Haruna Mohammed Dokodza.

At the plenary, presided by the deputy speaker and member representing Gurara Constituency, Mrs Afiniki Eunice Dauda, said the special session was to underscore, highlight and commend the nine months old administration.

Dauda described Bago as "a dogged and dedicated leader who has shown exemplary leadership style" before praising him for including women in his government.

Other legislators, who spoke praised the his vision and foresight in leveraging on the state’s abundant potential in agriculture by the plan to provide lasting solutions to the state’s infrastructure needs, grants, wage awards, and other social interventions to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on the people.

They also noted the remodeling of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu

International Airport, Minna, the 3-Arms Zone project, the Bida Ring Road, the recently announced plans to revive and create a new Rail System within the state and the one that connects to Abuja.

They also spoke about the conversion of the old Shiroro Hotel into IBBUL Teaching Hospital, as some of the landmark achievements of the governor within the short period of being in office. They unanimously agreed that they would continue to lend legislative support to Bago for him to take the state to the "promised land."

Blight Epidemic Control Taskforce Support Initiative” in Kaduna.

Ibrahim said 15,000 ginger farmers from Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the FCT were affected by the recent ginger blight epidemic in the country.

He added that the input support is under the Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment (GRATE).

He noted reports of the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS) indicating that revenue from ginger export increased by 17 per cent to N10 billion in the second quarter of 2023 compared to N4.6 billion over the same period in 2022.

The NADF executive secretary, explained that it was in response to the epidemic crisis that the task force was set up.

“At the first instance, the federal government, through the NADF is providing support valued at N1.6 billion, starting out with 1 ha input packs appropriately named

the GRATE package.

"The recent ginger blight epidemic, while affecting an estimated 15,000 farmers across Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa States, and the FCT, came at a time our country had started to see considerable growth in ginger exports,” he said.

According to him, the support package to be given to the farmers include, high-yield seed variety, NPK fertiliser, Urea fertiliser, fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and post-emergence herbicides.

Ibrahim said the team was eager to see ginger being grated in rural communities again in the immediate term.

Also in her remarks at the event, the Technical Assistant on Agriculture, Office of the Vice President, Maryam Mo, said the presidency was taking the issue of agriculture and ginger farming very seriously as part of the renewed agenda programme of the government.

LP BOT IGNORES OUTCOME OF NATIONAL CONVENTION, TAKES OVER RUNNING OF PARTY

Three positions were, however, left unfilled. They were Deputy National Chairman (NLC), Deputy National Chairman (TUC), and Deputy National Chairman. The party said, "The conventionin-session empowers the National Working Committee (NWC) to fill existing vacancies in the NWC and NEC."

NLC: Convention is Illegal, Nullity

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), however, described as illegal and a nullity, yesterday’s national convention of LP.

Head of Information at the NLC, Comrade Benson Upah, said, "It's an illegality, a nullity. The whole exercise was a charade! Nothing can

legitimise such brazen impunity." The Alhaji Lamidi Apapa faction of the party also boasted that the convention would not stand. Anambra State factional chairman of the party, who heads the Apapa faction in the state, Mr Peter Okoye, dismissed the convention as sham. Okoye, who spoke to journalists in Anambra, said, "This is not a convention. We are on top of the matter. It's purely illegal.

“There was no ward congress, no local government congress, no state congress, and now who and who elected the delegates that are electing the NWC members?

"The NLC is not there, TUC is not there, the owners of the party and members of the NEC and BOT members are not there, too, so who is holding the convention?"

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, laying the wreath during the funeral of the 17 slain officers and soldiers at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja ... yesterday

JIMOH IBRAHIM VISITS OKONJO IWEALA IN GENEVA...

APC NWC Appoints Six Govs to Coordinate Activities in Zones, Reconcile Members

Adedayo Akinwale

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed six governors to coordinate the party activities in all the geo-political zones and to also reconcile aggrieved party members.

National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje, while inaugurating the committee yesterday in Abuja, said Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State would head the South-west zone, while Senator Hope Uzodinma of Imo State takes charge of the South-east.

Governor of Cross Rivers State, Bassey Otu will be in charge of South-south, whereas the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, takes charge of North-Central, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State is the coordinator for North-east and Uba Sani of Kaduna State will coordinate the North-west. Ganduje noted that the terms of references for coordinating governors included coordinating the governors of the zones to always identify and participate more on the activities of the Party.

Also, to initiate periodic interface between the governors and the leadership of the party and liaise with the party to commence immediate process for genuine reconciliation of aggrieved party members in

the Zones.

Ganduje added: "Mobilise Governors of the zones to effectively and physically participate in party activities within and outside the zone.

"Consult with governors of

the zones on issues that will further enhance the progress and unity of the Party within the zone. Assist the party on resource mobilisation within the zones. Participate in any other activity that may be assigned

by the party."

Responding on behalf of the governors, Uzodinma said the NWC has taken the right decision and assured them that they would not fail the party in the assignment given to them.

Suswam: External Forces Undermining PDP

Chuks Okocha

Former Benue State governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was being undermined by external forces, which had rendered it ineffective as a

EKO DISCO: HOW BOARD POLITICS, POWER PLAY CONSUMED CEO, 11 OTHERS

NERC Directive on Seconded Staff,” the board directed Sanda to leave her position, as she was also seconded from WPG.

Alongside Sanda, others affected by the directive, were the Chief Legal Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Auditor and Chief Compliance Officer and others on secondment to the Disco. They were asked to hand over their handover notes to their subordinates.

Although the company’s board created an opening for the recalled WPG staff to return by reapplying, insiders said it was a ruse to douse tension at the company as the leadership change was a fait accompli and there was no going back on the decision.

Tracing the genesis of the crisis further, THISDAY has unearthed some of the issues that might have contributed to the sudden leadership change at EKEDC.

Ghost Worker Controversy

For a while, the management of Eko Disco had been battling allegations of ghost workers, fraud and maladministration. The situation got to the point that the workers’ union stepped in and started making demands.

Interestingly, there are truths and untruths in the allegations. But the whole issue of ghost workers, sources claimed, was blown out of proportion.

The story goes thus: there were some two people on the payroll of the company, who had never been seen physically at the office. However, when staff were being considered for promotion, they were asked to show up physically for vetting.

When their names were allegedly sent to Sanda, she queried it, insisting that she didn’t know who

the duo were and demanded to see them in person. In the meantime, she sent their names to the audit department for proper vetting but yielded nothing. It was at this point that she decided to get to the root of a matter that was later dubbed “the ghost worker debacle” at Eko Disco.

In the course of her findings, it was discovered that it was her predecessor, who knew about the employment of the controversial duo and had engaged them during the Covid-19 pandemic. The had supposedly worked from home and was the reason they were hardly seen at work.

The company chairman, sources said, felt since the matter had been cleared up and someone had taken responsibility, the company should move on from it. But some other interests wanted someone punished for it and so, the matter didn’t end there.

This allegedly resulted in bickering amongst senior staff of the company, especially between the Sanda and Joseph-Condotti. And when it was almost obvious that the matter was not going away, the former CLO formally wrote to the company to recuse herself by working from home to enable the company carry out an investigation into the allegations.

However, Sanda insisted on the CLO’s suspension and got the board to back her on this, while the Heads of Audit and HR were issued warning letters.

Union Protests

Two weeks after, Joseph-Condotti returned to her desk. But hardly had she settled in than the workers’ union began a protest and picketing the company. The union accused the CLO of fraud and insisted she must go.

This development elicited concerns among some board members, who suspected that someone high up

in the company was instigating the union against the CLO and undermining the company as a corporate entity.

In order to get to the bottom of the crisis, the board asked the CLO to go back home to enable it investigate what was going on. After the investigation, she returned to her desk, satisfied that she had done no wrong.

But immediately she stepped foot at work, the union resumed its protest, resulting in the closure of Eko Disco’s head office at Marina, Lagos. At this point, a majority of the board members were almost unanimous and had an inkling as to where the problem might have come from.

The board then engaged the union members, showed them a copy of their latest findings, which cleared the CLO and the others accused of corruption, and subsequently issued a statement clearing them.

On this basis, the union seemed convinced and stopped further harassment of the CLO and the others.

In a statement by its chairman titled: “Eko Disco Management Cleared in ‘Ghost Worker Investigation,” the board said the investigation into the ‘ghost workers’allegations had been concluded and findings indicated that the allegations of fraud, negligence, or conspiracy against some members of staff were unfounded.

Boardroom Shenanigans

Sanda’s disposition to the board, especially her approach to the allegations against her colleagues in the company, including her predecessor, was believed to have incensed the board members, who were said to have resolved to clip her wings before she became untamable.

They were resolved that bringing her to heel was the only way to end

the crisis at EKEDC. For instance, not only was Sanda believed to be the person that instigated the union to protest each time they did, the leaking of the internal memos on leadership changes had also raised serious concerns.

THISDAY gathered that whereas Sanda was the principal target of the changes, her 11 colleagues were collateral damage. That was what was allegedly responsible for the clause in the letter, asking them to reapply, if they so wanted to.

Given all that’s played out since the latest developments, it became obvious there was an ongoing power play as board members tried to assert themselves in the equation, with the board already divided.

This explained why a NonExecutive Director of Eko Disco, who serves as the Chairman of the Legal and Regulatory Committee of the Board, Babor Egeregor, issued a statement, dismissing the decision of the of the board.

He described the NERC order as unambiguous, incapable of, and unyielding to plural interpretations, and concluded that the order did not instruct the removal or sack of staff seconded to the company.

But two paragraphs in his statement were believed to have given Sanda away as the person who engineered the union crisis. According to him, “Mr. Dere Otubu’s letter, therefore, was done in bad faith and in vengeful revenge against the MD/CEO for escalating the alleged fraud and issuing queries against one of his protégés, whom he has desperately swore to protect by all means.

“As a matter of fact, the Ag DG of the BPE, representing the Government on the Board of EKEDC, vehemently rejected the attempt to cover up the alleged crime and insisted on compliance with the punishment prescribed in the Conditions of Service.”

viable alternative opposition. He called for an overhaul of the party leadership as a way to reactivate the PDP to play

Unsurprisingly, his statement prompted several media reports yesterday, suggesting there was confusion at Eko Disco and that Sanda might be coming back. But the board immediately issued an unambiguous press release, affirming its earlier position.

Titled: “Recent Management Changes at Eko Disco,” the statement read: “We wish to inform the general public that Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh has today 26th March, 2024 assumed the role of Acting CEO of Eko Disco. This follows the redeployment of our erstwhile MD/ CEO Mrs Tinuade Sanda back to WPG Ltd, the core investor who seconded her to Eko Disco.

“Mrs Momoh has been in the power sector for more than 31 meritorious years. She has risen through the ranks in the power sector from the days of NEPA, PHCN and now Eko Disco, receiving several excellence awards, commendations and medals along the way.

“We have great confidence in her ability to perform this role effectively and take the company to greater heights.”

Meanwhile, NERC, last night, recognised the powers of EKEDP and WPG’s board of directors, saying, “ In closing, the Commission recognises the powers of West and Gas Ltd and the EKEDP Board of Directors on the deployment and redeployment of staff, including changes to the management of the utility at any point based on a credible corporate governance framework and in furtherance of the fiduciary responsibility of directors.

“This letter only seeks to provide clarification on the commission’s earlier communication on this subject to avoid varied interpretations and further to the overriding public interest,” the statement by the NERC Chairman, Sanusi Garba, stated in parts.

a viable alternative.

He lamented that the party had since after the 2023 general election failed to live up to expectations of Nigerians as a viable opposition. Suswam disclosed this in an interview on a television programme, where he blamed the current leadership of the party for failing to call a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party.

Suswam, who blamed the current PDP leadership for the ineffective state of the largest opposition party in the country, said unless there was an overhaul of its leadership, the party would “go nowhere” because the current leadership has lost focus.

“I think there are subterranean forces inferring in the party and they are determining what is going on in the party. And the leadership is acquiescing to it.

“Subterranean suggests that people are trying to control the party from the outside. They are controlling the party from the outside and they are keeping the party in a comatose state,” he said. The Benue senator added that the party has refused to call a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which would have helped resolve some of the issues arising in the party.

He regretted the inability of the party to resolve the fallout of the 2022 presidential primary election, which saw a group of five governors work against the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election.

He added that the inability of the Iliya Damagum-led leadership to discipline erring party members worsened the situation.

Suswam said it was wrong for the party not to have sanctioned the G-5 governors and their allies, who openly declared that they would remain in the party and work against its interest.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Temporary Presiding President of 148 IPU United Nations General Assembly, (R) during a courtesy visit to the DG of WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to discuss issues concerning Nigeria … recently

INAUGURATION

OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF ESUT...

Science and

ESUT,

the inauguration of the Governing Council at the Government House, Enugu. ... yesterday

Hajj Fare Increase: Kano Pays over N1.4bn Subsidy to 2,906 Intending 2024 Pilgrims

Ndume urges government to subsidise fees

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Kano State Government has paid the sum of N1,453,000,000 subsidy for the 2,906 intending pilgrims of the state, as part of its effort to alleviate their financial burden following the increase of the Hajj fares by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Speaking at a press conference, the Director General, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Laminu Rabi’u Danbappa, said the subsidy was meant for those, who have already registered and paid the initial deposit to the Board.

He said the state government paid the sum of N500,000 for each of the 2,906 intending pilgrims, which

means the intending pilgrims, who had already paid N4.9 million initial fare, were to pay N1.4 million balance.

Danbappa added that the Kano State Government decided concerning the recent increase of the Hajj fares by NAHCON due to instability in foreign exchange as the main reason.

According to him, the governor’s gesture came after considering the current economic hardship faced by Nigerians, which made it difficult for the Kano intending pilgrims to balance the increased N1.9 million.

“We consider the current economic hardship people are facing and the increase of Hajj Fares is a great challenge to many intending pilgrims, that is why we have come up with this intervention to support our prospective pilgrims,” he said.

He, however, urged all intending pilgrims to ensure payment of the remaining N1.4 million balance before tomorrow, March 28 as directed by NAHCON.

The DG also called on NAHCON to ask for a deadline extension from Saudi Arabia to enable intending pilgrims to pay their Hajj fare balance on time.

Meanwhile, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, yesterday, decried the arbitrary increase in the rate for the 2024 Hajj by NAHCON.

He described it as unfair and a deliberate plan to deny Nigerian Muslims, especially first-timers the opportunity to participate in the exercise.

NAHCON had on Sunday, announced the new rate adjustment

Ododo Lauds Security Agents for Rescuing 43 Bus Passengers

Says Kogi unsafe for criminals

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has lauded security agencies in the state for their efforts in the rescue of 43 bus passengers, who were abducted outside state but rescued from criminal elements by security agencies in the state.

In a press statement by his Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, the governor warned that the state remained unsafe for criminals.

Ododo welcomes the news

of the release of the abducted bus passengers in Okehi Local Government Area of the state and called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities to improve intelligence gathering and prevent crime and criminality in all parts of the state.

He commended the caretaker chairman of the council area, Mr Amoka Eneji, the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Professional Hunters, Ebira Local Hunters Group and other security agencies for their intervention that led to the rescue

of the 43 bus passengers who were abducted outside the state.

The governor also commended the response of security agencies to the robbery incidence in the Felele area of Lokoja and called for more urgency in addressing cases of insecurity in any part of the state.

He reassured the people of the state that his administration would not relent in his efforts to deploy maximum resources to ensure that all communities in the state remain unsafe from criminal elements.

for

first timers

contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the commission, Fatima Sanda-Usara.

Explaining the reason for the hike, the commission stated that the current rate of N1,474.00 to a dollar made it imperative to make the adjustment.

Ndume, in a statement, said pilgrims who had earlier paid the old fees could not be compelled to cough out almost N2 million, barely one week to the end of the registration.

The senator, who listed the five pillars of Islam to include, Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj, said, the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime.

He called on President Bola Tinubu, to approve the payment of the extra cost as subsidy to enable first timers attend this year’s Hajj to the Holy Land. He also called on the respective State Governments to foot the additional cost for intending pilgrims who cannot pay the new fee set by NAHCON.

Host Community Barricades Port Harcourt Airport over Alleged Neglect

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The host community of Port Harcourt International Airport in Ikwerre local government area of Rivers, yesterday disrupted activities at the airport over alleged years of neglect by the airport authority.

The protesters who were mostly women of Ipo community with their various placards appeared in mourning attires, insisting that activities will not go on in the airport if the issues were not sorted.

The situation THISDAY observed caused a gridlock from the Omagwa junction down to the airport road and stretched into link roads within the facility as many motorists and travellers were stranded for hours.

The protesting women said they were facing the challenge of noise pollution coming from the airport, yet they lack basic amenities including power supply, as well as absence of telecommunications network, despite hosting the federal government facility.

Melaye: Budget Padding is New Phase in Executive, Legislative Corruption Network

Dino Melaye, has slammed the padding of the 2024 appropriation as a new phase of corruption between the executive and the legislature.

Melaye also called on the Senate to save the nation from massive corruption bedevilling the economy. In a statement in Abuja, Melaye said, “This will be the highest-ever budgetary allocation to the National Assembly, whose initial allocation in the 2024 budget proposal was pegged at N197.93bn.

“On an x-ray of some of the budget, it appears that they have no national significance but an avenue to syphon public funds.”

Melaye recalled that, “Some years ago, I called the attention of well-meaning Nigerians to the most unfortunate and poignant situation we Nigerians have found ourselves in, where our collective wealth has been consistently looted under the guise of budget padding.

The women also decried the absence of markets and good schools, saying they send their children to other communities because of the lack of good schools in the community.

One of the protesters said: “We are going back home but we don’t have joy. We only obey and respect out father Chief Awuse who spoke to us. But we will come back to this Airport and we will sleep here.

“Imagine that the airport is just stone throw to our community, no light, no school, we have been suffering. Please they should do something and come to our aid.”

One of the leaders of the protest who gave her name as Emmanuella, decried lack of employment and empowerment for youths of the community by the Airport Authority, saying the women had written several letters to the Airport Authorities but were yet to get any response. She stated, “The Airport is making use of our land for several years and they are not even seeing us. Some of our children are graduates. Many mothers sold their land, wrappers and other things to train their children in the University.

“After we have trained them they will not give them good employment at the Airport. When they give them jobs, it is only cleaners and security.

Rulers, Sergeant Chidi Awuse, intervened and addressed the protesters who immediately obeyed and opened up the barricades they had mounted.

The women said they will resume the protest at a later date if the Airport Authority fails to accede to their demands.

Reacting on the development, the Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Dr Samuel Nwanosike, said the action of the protesters was illegal and condemnable.

He said: “The Local Government is not aware of such protest. So we consider the protest illegal because I spoke to the councillor of the ward when it was brought to my notice and the councillor said there was no decision taken by the Ipo community.

“The Community Development Committee as we speak has also said they are not part of such decision. They are in a meeting right now including the elders and chiefs are in a meeting with the Councillor of the Ward. No such decision was taken.

“What happened was that some individuals hiding under the cover of Ipo landlord association took the laws into their hands to carry out that illegal action. Before you carry out any protest the laws of Nigeria requires you to inform the relevant security agencies".

“With Nigeria’s annual budgets laced with fake items running into billions, budget fraud would be nothing but the real foundation of all corrupt practices in Nigeria.”

“I also recalled stating that more than 60% of corruption issues in Nigeria are built into and legalised in the budget. It’s impossible to argue the veracity when, out of 115 countries globally, Nigeria is ranked 90th on budget transparency, according to the Open Budget Index (OBI).

“Again we don’t have good network from this communication company, we don’t have light (electricity) and hospitals. We don’t have access to the Airport, but they allow cows to go in and destroy our farms that are on the other side.”

After hours of protest, an elder statesman and the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional

Nwanosike argued that the protesters were supposed to inform the local government authority before on such action.

“You are supposed to inform the security agencies, the Area Commander, the Commissioner of Police, having in mind that the facility you are going to barricade is a federal government facility and a lot of activities are going on there,” he said.

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Enugu State University of

Technology,

Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie; Member of ESUT Governing Council, Prof. Ikenna Chukwu; Member, Engr. James Ifeanyi; Member, Dr. Eric Oluedo; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Chairman of Council, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa; Member, Hon. Chinedu Onu; Member, Mrs. Gladys Okoro; and Member, Dr. Innocent Akuvue, during

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kogi State and former Senator representating Kogi West,

TOUR OF CAVERTON MARINE BOATYARD…

L-R: General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel; Technical Assistant to Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Fadekemi lmmanuel; Chief Executive Officer, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola;Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Mr. Seun Osiyemi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Lagos State, Mr. Olawale Musa, and Factory Manager, Caverton Marine Boats Plc, Mohammed lbrahim, during a facility tour of Caverton Marine Boatyard in Lagos…yesterday

Police Dislodge Bandits, Kidnappers in Benue

George Okoh in Makurdi

Operatives of the Benue Police command have dislodge bandits and kidnappers in the Katrina Ala axis of the state.

This followed information gathered about regrouping of bandits at Mba-Mtsar village, Kastina-Ala Local Government Area for their nefarious activities.

According to the Police PPRO

DSP Sewuese Anene,a team of operation Zenda JTF was deployed for an operation in the area. Upon arrival at the scene, on 27/3/2024 at about 0515hrs, the bandits engaged the police in a gun duel but a superior fire power from the operatives dislodged them.

Consequently, two of the bandits sustained gunshot injuries and were confirmed dead at the

Ondo Guber: Jimoh Ibrahim Picks Nomination Form

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a frontline contender in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday purchased his Expression of Interest and nomination forms to contest the governorship primary election in the state

Ibrahim, who is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, on national assignment, was represented by the leadership of his governorship campaign committee.

Obtaining the N50 million governorship nomination form at the National Secretariat of his party in Abuja, the Senator currently representing Ondo South

declared that with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the people of Ondo State have nothing to do with poverty.

Speaking from Geneva, Ibrahim said: “Today I have obtained the Expression of Interest and nomination forms of our party, APC.

“This is signal that I am indeed ready to change the face of Ondo State in connection with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I will turn around the state.

“Let me state clearly that with connect with the renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu, Ondo State has nothing to do with poverty.

Aiyedatiwa Nominates 12

New Commissioners

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has forwarded to the House of Assembly the names of 12 new commissioner-nominees for confirmation.

A letter containing the list of the nominees was yesterday addressed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi.

The nominees are: Segun Ayerin; Olaolu Akindolire; Alhaji Hamidu Takuro; Dr. Banji Ajaka; Boye Ologbese; Sunday Akinwalere; Lola Fagbemi; Saka Yusuf Ogunleye; Rasheed Badmus; Olayato Aribo; Adewale Akinlosotu and Barr. Gbenga

Olaniyi.

The governor urged the House of Assembly to give expedited consideration to the confirmation of the nominees.

Meanwhile, the new development comes 27 days after the governor swore in six newly appointed commissioners and eight special advisers.

The commissioners included: Mr. Emmanuel Igbasan; Engr Razaq Obe; Mrs. Omowumi Isaac; Olukayode Ajulo (SAN); Mr. Akinwumi Sowore and Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni while the Special Advisers are: Olugbenga Omole; Olamide Falana; Alabi Johnson; Summy Francis; Dr Olawunmi Ilawole; Babalola Ayoade; Abdulganiy Muhammed, and Prof. Simidele Odimayo.

First Bank Inaugurates Banana Island Digital Xperience Centre

Ugo Aliogo

The First Bank of Nigeria Limited has assured its customers of opportunities to experience world-class innovative banking services through the bank’s Digital Xperience centres. The Managing Director of

the bank, Adesola Adeduntan, disclosed this at the inauguration of the bank’s Digital Xperience centre on Banana Island, Ikoyi in Lagos, last week.

He remarked that the centre would be the fourth fully automated branch to give customers the desired banking experience.

hospital, one was arrested while others escaped with wounds and are been trailed by the operatives. Exhibits recovered from the scene include: one Type 06 rifle,

three AK-47 magazines loaded with 7.6mm ammunition, eighty (80) other ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted phones. The Commissioner of

Police, Benue State command, Emmanuel Adesina, who commended the team for bravery urged them to keep up the good work as taking

the war to criminals is a better approach to fight crime. He calls the good people of the state to support the police with useful and timely information.

A’Ibom Pensioners Threaten Demonstration, to Block Governor’s Lodge over Neglect

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Akwa Ibom State council have threatened to embark on mass demonstration in Uyo, the state capital and block the entrance to the state Government House to press home their demand.

The pensioners lamented that efforts to get government’s attention to ameliorate their worsening plight failed hence their decision to take to the streets for the world to know their predicament.

Addressing journalists in Uyo yesterday, the state Chairman of the union, Obong Ekpeyong Ekpo and State Secretary, Obong Cosmos Essien, explained that the worsening condition of members of the Union should be a source of concern to government and public spirited Nigerians .

“The sad plight of our members is that those who retired in the 1980s with salaries of N1,000, N1,500 or N2,000 are still collecting such funds as pension till date in the State.

“Whenever you retire, what is worked out for you remain static, until the 1999 constitution in section 173 (3) (2) (10) said explicitly that pension will be reviewed every five years along whatever increase giving to workers. Government here bluntly refused to implement the review.

CSO Accuses FG of Adopting Brute Force in Fighting Insecurity in South-east

Gideon Arinze In Enugu

A civil society organisation, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) yesterday accused the federal government of adopting counterproductive approach in its fight against insecurity in the South-east region. The organisation also launched a report on insecurity and widespread human rights violations by security forces in the Southeast region titled “unveiling the Roots of Insecurity, Healing the Wounds of Human Rights Violations in Southeast Nigeria: A Path Towards Peace, Open Democratic Space and a Prosperous Future.”

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) indigenous contractors’ forum has commended the commitment of Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, for meeting his campaign promises to invest in critical infrastructures

Speaking with journalists in Warri, the chairman of the forum, Mr. Ogie Samson, described the governor’s moves so far as a deliberate and aggressive effort to catalyse investment across the state and build new infrastructure that would attract more investors.

Speaking during the unveiling of the report produced in partnership with Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said that the report was intended to drive the true narrative about the nature, roots, patterns, dimensions and the effects of current government’s approach to tackling insecurity in the Southeast.

He noted that one of the additional factors fueling the cycle of violence, as documented in the report, is the federal government’s single-minded brute force and counterproductive approach to fighting insecurity in the zone.

Contractors Laud Delta Gov over Investments in Infrastructure

Samson stressed that despite the challenges facing businesses and investments in the country, Governor Oborevwori’s administration has been serving as an enabler for them to remain in business.

He noted that the governor’s “MORE Agenda” is gradually becoming a reality with several infrastructural projects ongoing and others slated for takeoff.

“Looking at the government activities in the state and relationship between indigenous contractors’ forum and DESOPADEC’S board then we need to appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for positive efforts so far for indigenes who are contractors.

NICA Urges Professionals to Establish Credit Awareness Desks

Oluchi Chibuzor

The National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA) has called on employers of credit professionals across Nigeria to create credit awareness desks within their organisations.

This initiative aims to educate both existing and potential credit customers about the essential requirements for creditworthiness and effective strategies to address repayment challenges.

BlessingIbungeinPortHarcourt

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has reassured residents of the state of protection of lives and property.

Governor Fubara told the people that they should not panic and be rest

As the statutory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the credit management profession in

In a statement, the Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer, NICA, Prof. Chris Onalo, said this will further help to bridge the gap between the credit grantors/ providers and their customers to whom they have granted credit lines and those whose applications are on cue.

Nigeria, NICA emphasised the importance of enhancing credit literacy among businesses and consumers. By establishing dedicated credit awareness desks, companies can play a proactive role in promoting responsible credit practices and financial stability.

Fubara Reassures Rivers Residents of Protection of Life, Property

assured of the determination of his administration to protect them while improving the collective aspirations of the people.

The governor gave the assurance yesterday while addressing members of the Family Support Group, who were on solidarity visit to the

Government House in Port Harcourt, to declare their unalloyed support to his administration.

Family Support Group is an assemblage of well-meaning Rivers youths, women and men drawn from the three senatorial districts and 23 local government areas in the state, with the

core aim of protecting, promoting and defending the interests of Rivers State. Represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, the governor said his government is for the youths, women, men and every well-meaning Nigerian who wish the state well.

Terror Attack: Olawepo-Hashim Canvasses Stronger Global Peace

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Concerned about last weekend’s terror attack in Russia, a former presidential candidate and chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Gbenga OlawepoHashim, has called for stronger peace among the countries of the world.

This was contained in a letter written by Olawepo-Hashim to convey his sympathy to President Vladimir Putin, the Great People of Russia, and the wounded and the families of those killed in the terrorist attack of the Music Hall in Moscow on Friday, 22nd March 2024.

In the letter dated Monday, March 25, 2024 and sent through the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Abuja, the APC chieftain maintained that the attack not only remained “a fiendish assault on live culture and civilization,” the “horrific act which reportedly claimed 137 lives (and still climbing) and .many injured, must be condemned by all peace loving people all over the world and people of good conscience.” He said: “The attack further underscores the ubiquitous nature of terror which no nation is immune against as long as there exist ample number of fertile minds for evil sometimes not always possible to completely track.

RE: CRISIS IN EKO ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANYNERC PROVIDES FIRM CLARIFICATION

We refer to various misleading publications made in relation to the above in certain news publications dated 26 and 27 March, 2024 and the subsequent clarification issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission dated 27 March 2024 (Appendix 1).

We therefore wish to inform all stakeholders involved in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) as well as the general public that on March 27th, 2024, NERC issued a letter clarifying a previous directive issued on 21 March 2024 (appendix 2) which was misunderstood and unilaterally acted upon by the Chairman of the Board without recourse to the Board or the appropriate committees of the Board saddled with the responsibility for such oversight. This erroneous and unilateral action caused the Chairman of the Board to release a press statement recalling the MD/CEO Dr. Tinuade Sanda and other management staff to the parent company, WPG Limited without due process and against the dictates of the NERC correspondence. Thankfully, NERC has clarified their position on this matter.

According to NERC’s latest clarification, “The Commission has noted the strong public interest generated by the current event at EKEDP and the various interpretations of the resolutions conveyed vide the said letter, particularly, with respect to paragraphs (4b) and 4(c). We therefore hereby provide further clarifications as follows:

1.Paragraph 4b: All staff of EKEDP, irrespective of their form of engagement, will be subject to the Conditions of Service of EKEDP. The Commission deemed it necessary to pass this resolution based on the submission of EKEDP, at the meeting of 20 March 2024, that the Condition of Service (“CoS”) of EKEDP was not applicable to Seconded personnel from third party providers”.

EKEDP RESPONSE: The Board is resolved to align with the dictates of the regulator, going from our resolutions at the last board meeting held in March 2024.

2. Paragraph 4c – “EKEDP Board is expected to conclude its review of its investigation into the allegation of Ghost workers to identify all personnel involved in causing loss of revenues to EKEDP no later than 27th March 2024. In a case where the indicted parties are seconded from third party providers and since they are reportedly NOT subject to the EKEDP CoS, they are to be recalled to their parent companies to avoid the risk of further losses to EKEDP”.

EKEDP RESPONSE: This suggestion by the regulator is welcome as it strengthens corporate governance within EKEDP as an institution.

OUR STAND

We appreciate the proactive action of the Commission and the clarifications, which unambiguously indicate that:

(A) all contracts of employment of anyone working for EKEDP, whether of WPG, EKEDP, or otherwise, must be subject to and regulated by the Condition of Service of EKEDP.

(B) The legal fulcrum and basis for the purported recall of the seconded staff has been vitiated and now non-existent since the basis

of the recall of the seconded staff was the initial misinterpretation of the previous NERC Resolution/Orders

(C) The express recall and termination of the contract of employment of staffers/employees whose actions led to a loss of revenue to EKEDP. The staff in question, Wola Joseph-Condotti, Sheri Adegbenro and Aik Alenkhe, had been subjected to Disciplinary Committee proceedings - the outcome of which has been contested by some Board members. It must be noted that the board of EKEDP also includes The Bureau of Public Enterprises as a representative of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the Board -

Consequently, the seconded Management staff of WPG Limited, whose recalls were done in “error” are hereby mandated and required to return to their respective management positions, duties, and offices EXCEPT those named in (C) above, who have already been identified and subjected to Disciplinary Committee proceedings over the allegations of fraud and negligent actions through ghost workers and exited staff, which occasioned financial losses to the Company.

As a responsible corporate entity, EKEDP shall be providing full co-operation with the appropriate law enforcement agencies including the Nigerian Police, the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the leadership of the Nigerian Body of Benchers and relevant members of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for further actions on the alleged fraud perpetuated by the afore-mentioned persons.

We once again thank our Regulator, NERC, for providing this clarification, the NESI stakeholders, and the public for their kind concerns, as well as the employees of EKEDP and WPG Limited for their patience through all of this.

We therefore ask all stakeholders to discountenance all initial orders or actions unilaterally and erroneously taken by the office of the Chairman of the Board without recourse to the board. The purported removal of the Managing Director/Chief Executive in a clear breach of the code of corporate governance is hereby reversed, null and void.

Signed:

Babor Egregor Chairman

Legal and Regulatory Committee, Board of Directors

Eko Electricity Distribution Company 27March2024

Cc:

Honourable Minister of Power

Federal Ministry of Power

Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Inspector General of Police

Ministry of Finance Incorporated WPG Ltd

Dino Melaye to Presidency/National Assembly

“The complicity is jaw-dropping, with the Executive now defending the actions of National Assembly. No wonder, at the presentation of the budget, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared: ‘Our old boys are running the executive’…The National Assembly has turned a blind eye to a huge sum of money budgeted for imaginary projects. Both now work in partnership to perpetrate this miasma. It has become the case of chop-make-I-chop. Things have fallen apart.”—AformersenatorfromKogiState,X-rayingseveralanomaliesinthe2024budget.

The Stampede for Food to Eat

My Muslim friends know how much I enjoy Ramadan Iftar—the sumptuous meal with which they break their fast in the evening. I am therefore regularly invited to their homes to feast. There are even places where I have a ‘permanent seat’ at the table. Over the years, Hajiya Kulu Abba Kyari, Princess Hassana Onoyiveta and Hajiya Zulahatu Adamu Waziri have also made it part of their annual Ramadan agenda to send Kunu, Kose (Akara) and other delicacies to my family. But I had an Iftar with a difference on Tuesday at the Al-Habibiyyah Mosque in Guzape, Abuja where I joined in serving packs of jollof rice and eggs to more than 2,000 underprivileged young men. It was done in a seamless manner that did not take away their dignity, thanks to the visionary leadership of Imam Fuad Adeyemi. But I don’t want to get ahead of myself.

In 2024, according to a 29 January publication of the World Bank, “food security is likely to remain one of the critical challenges for the world to face.” Anticipating this problem, putting in place the necessary structures and identifying sufficient resources, the World Bank added, are “essential for effective policymaking and developing responsive plans.” Unfortunately, there are no indications that Nigerian policymakers anticipated the current challenge of hunger, which has been worsened by government’s reforms on foreign exchange rates and petrol subsidy removal. Even if we assume the government anticipated the dire situation, it is doubtful that it has put in place serious measures to tackle the challenge. Today, we live in a country where desperate citizens are now needlessly dying in the process of trying to find something to eat.

Last Sunday in the Bauchi State capital, no fewer than four people, including women, lost their lives along with scores of others who were injured in a stampede during food distribution at Shafa Holdings Company Plc. Ahmed Wakil, the Bauchi State Police Command spokesperson, who explained that the tragedy occurred when hundreds of young men and women scampered for the food being distributed, also confirmed that of the five people rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital Bauchi following the stampede, “four were confirmed dead by medical doctors.”

Less than 48 hours before the Bauchi tragedy, two female students at the Nasarawa State University in Keffi also died while 17 other students were injured following a stampede inside a hall on the campus where bags of rice were kept. At the instance of Governor Abdullahi Sule, students of tertiary institutions in the state were to receive two 7.5kg bags of rice and NGN5,000 each as ‘palliatives’ to cushion the effect of the difficult times in the country. The explanation provided by the National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, Yunusa Yusuf Baduku, on last Friday’s stampede, depicts a high level of desperation. “After our arrangement for the distribution of palliatives to the students that was to be held at the university’s convocation square, they (students) suddenly arrived at the venue in their numbers and overpowered security,” Baduku told reporters. “They (the students) broke through the gate into the hall where the bags of rice were to be shared. Unfortunately, most of our female students sustained injuries. We rushed several students to the school clinic and Federal Medical Centre Keffi. I learned that two female students died from suffocation.”

This same desperation accounted for the death of seven people in Lagos State on 23 February during the distribution of 25kg bags of rice at a discounted price of N10,000 by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Three days earlier, the NCS had announced that it would facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the federal government at NCS’s zonal headquarters in Yaba. That was what attracted the crowd.

“Unforeseen challenges arose when we ran out of stock and announced the continuation of the exercise the following day, leading to a regrettable outcome,” spokesperson for the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, explained. “The crowd became desperate and charged through our barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers. In the stampede that ensued, some fatalities and injuries were regrettably recorded.”

Before I continue, it is important to stress that food insecurity is a global challenge. For instance, statistics from the 2022 Household Food Security in the United States released by the Department of Agriculture reveals that 44 million American people are food insecure while 49 million turned to food programmes in 2022. But we must accept the reality of our dire situation as a nation. In part because of recent economic reform policies, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) , which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and commodities, increased to 31.70 per cent in February compared to 29.90 per cent in the preceding month. Perhaps more troubling, going by the figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is that food inflation rose to 37.92 per cent in

February 2024 up from 35.41 per cent in the preceding month and from 24.35 per cent in February last year. In a country where citizens, on the average, spend about 60 per cent of their incomes on food and where more than 40 per cent live below the income poverty line, the continuous spike in food inflation should be concerning to policy makers and the rest of us.

Ordinarily, one would expect a sense of urgency, especially from the federal government, but nothing seems to have changed in Abuja. According to a report by The Cable, an online newspaper, as many as 40 of the 63 government-owned enterprises have allocations for ‘welfare packages’ in their 2024 budgets. The sums so allocated by ten of these agencies collectively amount to N83,495,293,002. Here is the breakdown according to the newspaper: Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), N50,426,691,710.60; Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), N13,617,615,408; National Agency For Food And Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC), N6,673,059,750; Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), N5,319,679,087.60; Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), N2,512,603,454; Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), N1,224,697,757; Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), N953,729,000; Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), N950,000,000; Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), N925,976,298; Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), N891,240,537. These welfare packages are mostly to augment the already hefty remunerations of just a few thousand staff members of these agencies and should not be confused with their salaries, allowances, pension and health insurance benefits. What this shows is that government can find the money within its present budget to provide succour to the increasing number of our citizens reeling under the pangs of hunger. If properly structured, the N83 billion welfare packages for a few staff of the ten agencies can make a world of difference to millions of people who would otherwise go to bed hungry. That much I learnt from the Al-Habibiyyah Mosque in Abuja on Tuesday.

Based on the reports I had read about the ‘Al-Habibiyyah Society Food Programme’ and how organised they are, I decided to visit last Tuesday without notice. I arrived at exactly 6.15PM and mingled with the crowd within the mosque’s premises. Shortly before 7PM, I sought to see the Imam, Fuad Adeyemi, who I was meeting for the first time. He was most gracious to me. I was surprised to learn that the money with which they feed thousands of people daily for 30 days come from donations by individuals, including in some instances nonMuslims. But there are now three challenges. One, due to the economic situation in the country, the number of their donors (as well

With the Maghrib prayer (to mark the end of the day’s fasting) concluded Tuesday evening, one of the volunteers (a prominent man who had identified me), asked whether I would like to join in serving the food. I didn’t hesitate. The mosque has seven doors. Six were used as serving points. I led the group that served in one.

as quantum of donations) has reduced. Two, the number of people who come for the free meals (and since nobody is asked any question it stands to reason that beneficiaries cannot all be Muslims) has increased. Three, according to the Imam, the prices of foodstuffs have also dramatically increased. That was how they moved from chicken and beef to egg as the protein component for the jollof rice.

With the Maghrib prayer (to mark the end of the day’s fasting) concluded Tuesday evening, one of the volunteers (a prominent man who had identified me), asked whether I would like to join in serving the food. I didn’t hesitate. The mosque has seven doors. Six were used as serving points. I led the group that served in one. All the people to be served sat in rows and filed in a single line when it was their turn. Distributing the food packs was seamless and efficient. It took just 18 minutes from the beginning to the end to serve about 2,200 people. At the end, there were two other lines by the mosque’s main entrance door. That was for the ‘Oliver Twists’ who desired a second ration from whatever remained after everybody had been served.

Although the food bank has been on for the past 20 years, it wasn’t part of Adeyemi’s original plan. He had set out to teach mostly well-heeled Muslims and others how to read the Quran in Arabic within four months. The informal academy later expanded into regular Friday prayers, then reflections and teachings during Ramadan. The idea of the food bank started marinating in 2003 after a group of women said they needed food to feed their families. Members of the society taxed themselves to support the women. The Imam then set up a committee on how to formalise providing food for the needy during Ramadan, headed by Kunmi Olayiwola, (a former senior colleague at Concord newspaper now an insurance broker.) In 2005, the Imam (who graduated with a master’s degree from the Nigerian Defence Academy) was able to clarify the plan while participating in the American State Department International Visitors’ Leadership Program in Washington DC. After he encountered a Santiago-based Catholic Reverend Father offering a food bank to the needy. Back home, during the Ramadan of that year, the Al-Habibiyyah Food Bank became formalised. From a few hundreds, the beneficiaries have expanded to thousands who are served hot meals daily for the 29 or 30 days of Ramadan.

I commend Imam Adeyemi for what he is doing and call on public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations to support his efforts so he can expand their food programme beyond the Ramadan period. More importantly, relevant authorities should learn a lesson in food distribution logistics at the Mosque. You don’t have to dehumanise people or put their lives at risk just because you want to give them food - whether raw or already cooked.

I hope the authorities in Abuja and the 36 states are paying attention to developments around us. The United Nations World Food Programme has projected that no fewer than 26.5 million Nigerians will “face acute hunger in the June-August 2024 lean season.” It is described as “a staggering increase from the 18.6 million people food insecure at the end of 2023” even as “rising inflation, high food prices and food shortages across the country have left millions of people in Nigeria struggling to feed themselves.”

Enough said!

Imam Fuad Adeyemi