SUNDAY 31TH MARCH 2024

Excitement Among Stakeholders as Air Peace Operates Full Capacity to London on Inaugural Flight

Keyamo promises to protect Nigerian carriers to sustain flights on international routes

Chinedu Eze

Aviation industry stakeholders and other Nigerians were excited yesterday as over 260 passengers travelled with Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, on its inaugural flight from Lagos to London, seven years after the last indigenous airline, Medview, operated this most lucrative international route. Air Peace, which operated a Boeing 777 for its maiden flight, held a brief ceremony at the New Terminal of the Murtala

Muhammed International Airport

Police Arrest Eight Suspects over Murder of Officers in Delta…

www.thisdaylive.com

Labour Party’s Cracks Widen as Obi Threatens to Dump Party…

In Easter Messages, Leaders, Others Sue for Peace, Love, Sacrifice, Humility

CAN urges Nigerian leaders to govern with wisdom, fairness, integrity, compassion CDS demands sacrifice, courage from Armed Forces of Nigeria

Sunday Aborisade, Folalumi

Abuja, Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt, and Francis Sardauna in Katsina

As the world celebrates Easter today

in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, former President Goodluck Jonathan; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in

2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi; state governors; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in their separate Easter messages, have urged Christians to

imbibe Jesus Christ's spirit of humility, love and sacrifice. This is coming as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has also urged Nigerian leaders to govern with wisdom and fairness.

Also, on the occasion of Easter, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has demanded sacrifice and courage from the military, saying these are at the core of their professional calling

as members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

In his Easter message released by his spokesman, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze,

Rivers Assembly Threatens to Resume Impeachment Proceedings against Fubara

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday threatened to resume the impeachment process against the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara if it becomes necessary to uphold the Constitution.

The lawmakers led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the state capital, said it would not hesitate to sack the governor if he does not change his ways.

The lawmakers in a statement signed by the speaker and 26 other members, declared that they have the mandate of the people of the state and swore an oath of allegiance to the Constitution to do the needful, including the impeachment of the governor as a last resort.

They also alleged acts of

Gov

misconduct against Governor Fubara.

Reacting to the recent briefing by the chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state led by a former Minister of Transportation, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, the speaker stated that PDP members who vehemently opposed the candidatures of President Bola Tinubu and Fubara have turned round to sing their praises for selfish interests.

The lawmakers stated that after the House of Assembly withdrew its earlier impeachment notice served on the governor based on the intervention of President Tinubu, they have not seen any change on the side of the governor as agreed at the peace meeting in Abuja.

Regretting the degeneration of the relationship between executive and legislature in the state, the

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AUGUST VISIT…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (left), and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the former president’s courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City…yesterday

Alaran in

AfDB President, Adesina, Proposes New Name for Nigeria

Segun James

President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has proposed that Nigeria should be renamed the “United States of Nigeria.”

He said this in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Industrialisation, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka. Adesina, who was awarded the 2024 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership made the suggestion in his speech

titled ‘Making a New Nigeria: Welfarist policies and peoplecentred development’. He clarified that renaming the country the “United States of Nigeria” will alter how the states and Abuja view one another, with the states

serving as the pivot and the centre as their ally rather than their overlord. He said: “We must be audacious! Instead of the Federal Government of Nigeria, we could think of the United States of Nigeria. The old would

RIVERS ASSEMBLY THREATENS TO RESUME IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST FUBARA

27 legislators said: "We begin by announcing to you that sponsored attacks on the House have failed woefully. Enemies of the people and those who cannot withstand the principles of the rule of law as well as checks and balances in our nascent democracy, in their frustration, started with the burning and later demolition of the hallowed chamber.

“Their plan is to eliminate the legislature that is pushing for the independence granted her by the Constitution since they cannot exercise undue control over her.

"We survived these attacks. Their new strategy is to use another arm of government, lobbyists, attack dogs and the mainstream and social media to bring the House to disrepute and consummate their agenda. In this regard, various individuals, groups, and media mercenaries have been recruited to actualise their objectives.

"The latest of the new groups recruited against the 10th assembly is the 'Former Rivers State PDP Presidential Campaign Council'. In a press conference on March 26, 2024, signed by Dr. Abiye Sekibo, this group inferred that the House is an illegal and unconstitutional assembly,” the legislators explained.

The lawmakers accused the PDP group of deriding the 10th assembly for joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) which incidentally is the president’s political party. They also accused the PDP chieftains of attacking the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who they claimed worked tirelessly for the victory of the president and the governor in Rivers State.

“The good people of Rivers State know who they truly are. Our constituents will not forget in

a hurry how they fought against the candidature of the current governor and Mr. President during the elections. We are not surprised that they are no longer saying all the unprintable things against the president and the governor because this is who they are.

"These new arrivals have just landed like hawks. They now want to grab what they spat on but need to be careful of their ranting and utterances against the institution of the legislature and the FCT minister as they can derail the existing peace in the state."

"It is worthy of note that the notice of impeachment of the governor was quickly withdrawn by members of the House in fulfilment of the terms of the agreement and out of immense respect for the person and Office of the President of the Federal Republic and believing that there would be a U-turn in terms of unlawful actions of the governor. The reverse is now the case as we see from day to day the activities of the state governor being conducted outside the laws of Rivers State and the Constitution.

"To this day, Rivers State remains the only state without an Appropriation Law and the governor recklessly abandons laws of the state. These new hawks in the scene and all those who are quick to refer to the governor as ‘Mr. Innocent’ will not go and advise him. They prefer to hold talk shows, organise rallies, hold press conferences, and announce that the House commenced impeachment proceedings against the governor for no just cause but fail to ask the governor if he has not been informed of the particulars of gross misconduct levelled against him or at least

read them when they were filed in Court in response to his petition.

"They must not forget that the Rivers State House of Assembly has the mandate of the people and that we swore an oath of allegiance to the Constitution to do the needful including the impeachment of the governor as a last resort. So, if it becomes a last resort, by the law, we will not hesitate to do so because no individual is bigger than Rivers State, including the governor," the lawmakers threatened.

give way to the new.

“We would change the relational mindset between the states and Abuja - the fulcrum would be the states, while the centre would support them, not lord over them.

“With good governance, better accountability systems, and zero tolerance for corruption, more economically stronger constituent states would emerge! We would unleash massive wealth across the states. A New Nigeria would arise! To do so, we will need all of us, not some of us from our forgotten rural villages to our boisterous and dynamic urban areas; from the sparks of desire in the eyes of our children to

the lingering hope in the hearts of our youths.

“From the yearnings of our women and mothers and our men and fathers for a better tomorrow, and the desires of the old that our end would be better than our past and from the hardworking street vendors and small businesses to the largest business conglomerates, we must create a movement of hope.”

He added: “The achievement of economically viable entities and the viability of the national entity requires constitutional changes to devolve more economic and fiscal powers to the states or regions. The stronger the states or regions, the stronger the federated units.”

EXCITEMENT AMONG STAKEHOLDERS AS AIR PEACE OPERATES FULL CAPACITY TO LONDON ON INAUGURAL FLIGHT

to celebrate the feat.

Speaking before he boarded the flight, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), said the goal of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is to give full support to the Nigerian carriers to operate international destinations profitably and to help them acquire aircraft on dry lease and also pay less for aircraft insurance.

Keyamo noted that the Air Peace flight to London has forced foreign airlines to bring down fares and made the cost of tickets very competitive, adding that Nigerian carriers would serve Nigerian food and ensure comfort for passengers.

Also speaking, the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, corroborated Keyamo’s revelation, saying that Air Peace flight to London has forced other international carriers to review downwards, their fares to that destination, noting that this has helped the appreciation of the naira because Air Peace sells its tickets in naira.

Keyamo said: “With this flight, you have passenger comfort. I'm going to look out to see that Nigerian foods are served on air. A Nigerian airline will not serve foreign food but Nigerian food. Beyond passengers’ comfort, we are going to have competitive prices on international routes.

We are seeing that already. Other airlines have opened up their lower fare tickets to Nigerians now because Allen has come in. This is a very bullish approach to breaking the monopoly on this route. The UK has 21 slots into our country every week. BA alone has 14 weekly slots. So, Air Peace will compete on this level.

“The most important one is that there would be no problem of trapped funds because it is a local company; so, it won’t need to repatriate money through the CBN. The airlines that come to Nigeria - what we experience is massive repatriation of funds that puts pressure on the naira because they have to seek dollars to repatriate revenues earned from the sale of tickets. So, it eases the pressure on the naira because this is a Nigerian company that deals in naira.

“We are going to pray for Air Peace and pray for Allen that he can sustain this because he is doing this at great expense even at marginal profit and loss, but it is going to get better. We as a government must ensure that local carriers that want to embark on international flights must have access to aircraft on dry leases. If they don't have it, it will be difficult to sustain international routes,” the minister said.

On his part, Onyema, assured Nigerians that the airline would

maintain international standards on the route in terms of quality of equipment, in-flight service and food.

He also noted that the Air Peace flight to London has forced other international carriers to review their fares to that destination.

“Air Peace commencement of Lagos-London flight has forced international airlines to reduce fares from over N4 million to N1.8 million to N1.9 million. This event has saved this country billions of naira in the last three weeks. It has also helped in improving the value of the naira against the dollar. These foreign airlines were charging exorbitant fares and had so much money in their hands. They took this money to go to the market to look for dollars, putting a strain on the naira. But now we are doing this flight and people are paying what they are supposed to pay and there is less demand for dollars because fewer naira now is chasing the dollar and the dollar is coming down. So, Air Peace has also contributed in bringing the naira to dollar rate down, enabled by the measures put in place by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I thank the president and his team. We are being supported.

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, went with us to the UK when they were almost frustrating us with slots. Today, he is here.

IN EASTER MESSAGES, LEADERS, OTHERS SUE FOR PEACE, LOVE, SACRIFICE, HUMILITY

former President Jonathan urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of love and sacrifice in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ and work towards the nation’s peace and prosperity.

He further encouraged Nigerians to be hopeful and tolerant of one another, adding that the nation’s challenges are not insurmountable.

“As a country, let us continue to live in faith, hope, and tolerance despite our national challenges. Let us use this period to reawaken our love for God and humanity and work toward our collective peace, unity, and prosperity,” Jonathan explained.

On his part, Akpabio said: "Just as Jesus Christ in His humility and love offered Himself for the redemption of mankind, I admonish us all to emulate Him and make sacrifices for one another.”

Also, Obi urged Christians to see the Easter victory of Jesus Christ over death as a huge motivation that a new Nigeria is possible.

Writing on his X handle, the former Anambra State governor said: "For us in Nigeria, this very significant celebration holds vital promises of victory over our present myriads of challenges, if we do not despair.”

Similarly, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said: “As a people, we may have been stretched beyond limits occasioned by the high cost of living and other economic headwinds, but we must not lose

hope. Working together in unity, we can overcome these challenges and place our country on the path of sustainable growth and development.”

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, equally extended his Easter greetings to the Christian community in the state and called for continued interfaith harmony and prayers for lasting peace in the state.

Speaking during the Easter Cantata service at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, expressed the optimism that Nigeria will emerge stronger from the current economic and security challenges.

Also, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged the people of the state to hold fast to their faith amid the present socio-economic challenges, saying that they would eventually become a thing of the past.

In his message, the Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, has sued for peace and unity in the state and across the country.

Fubara urged Christians to use the period to emulate Jesus Christ and walk in His examples by promoting peace, unity and living in love.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has also called on the Christian faithful in Nigeria and Imo State in particular, to use the period of the Easter celebration to renew their

hope for a better tomorrow.

In the party’s Easter message by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, the party also urged leaders at various levels of government to show more selflessness and empathy towards citizens.

Similarly, the FCT Minister, Wike has appealed to FCT residents to commemorate Easter by reflecting on the significance of the celebration as a time for reaffirming commitment to the values of compassion, forgiveness and empathy.

CAN Urges Nigerian Leaders to Govern with Wisdom, Fairness, Integrity, Compassion

In his Easter message, the President of the CAN, Daniel Okoh, also urged Christians to embody the virtues of love and the lessons of Easter.

He described the Easter season as “a timeless reminder of hope, renewal and redemption” while urging citizens to strive for peace and justice.

“In the midst of our daily challenges and triumphs, Easter stands as a timeless reminder of hope, renewal, and redemption. It is a season that calls us to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made for humanity and the triumph of light over darkness.

“The lessons of Easter hold

particular relevance for Nigerian society today. In a time marked by uncertainty, we are called to embody the virtues of love for one another. Just as Christ’s resurrection brought new life and hope to the world, so too can we, as a nation, rise above our differences and difficulties and work towards a brighter future.

“I urge all leaders, at every level, to heed the lessons of Easter and to govern with wisdom, fairness, and a genuine commitment to the common good. I call upon all citizens to embody the spirit of Easter in their daily lives and to practice sacrificial love towards one another,” CAN explained.

CDS Demands Sacrifice, Courage from Armed Forces

Meanwhile, the CDS, General Musa, has demanded sacrifice and courage from the military, saying these are at the core of their professional calling as members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

Musa said this in his Easter Message at the weekend in Abuja. He expressed profound gratitude to God for granting them the opportunity to come together in reflection and joy to celebrate Easter.

According to him, Easter serves as a poignant reminder of the ultimate

sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, because his selfless act underscores the importance of sacrifice, both individually and collectively.

“It is a time for us to acknowledge the immense love and care bestowed upon us by God year after year.

“In the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), sacrifice and courage are at the core of our professional calling.

“We willingly lay down our lives in service to our nation, especially during challenging times when collective support is crucial in tackling security challenges.

“In spite of the challenges we face as a nation, the message of Easter brings hope.

“Just as darkness gives way to light, we must remain steadfast in our resolve to overcome obstacles and strive for a brighter future,” he said.

The CDS urged all members of the armed forces to embody the message of hope, courage, and resilience.

He added that their dedication and unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria were commendable and deeply appreciated.

He pledged his commitment to nurturing an armed forces that honoured the sacrifices of fallen heroes. Musa also remembered those who had paid the ultimate price, which he said, included those who recently lost their lives on a peace

They have given us that support. I paid for hangar space in 2016 and eight years down the line, we haven't seen the hangar. Kuku (Mrs. Olubunmi), who is now the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) Managing Director and the minister are working tirelessly to make sure that in the next two weeks, we have our land. This is the kind of support airlines are asking for. If you don't support indigenous investments, the country will go down,” he said.

On her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, described the feat by Air Peace as the convergence of innovation, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

"Nigeria has needed a local airline flying directly to the UK for a number of years. Air Peace proudly wears the badge of Madein-Nigeria. It is a symbol of our collective effort to showcase our capabilities to the world. From the skilled hands that maintain the aircraft to the warm smiles of the cabin crew, every aspect of Air Peace reflects the spirit of our nation.

"Let us reflect on the economic impact of this flight. Air Peace’s presence in London is not merely about arrivals and departures; it

Continued on page 14

mission in Delta.

“I invite all Nigerians to join me in prayer for the souls of our fallen heroes and for strength for their grieving families.

“Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and their memories will always be cherished.

“My special appreciation goes to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu for his leadership and unwavering support, particularly during the recent tragedy and loss of our gallant officers and men in Delta State.”

Imbibe the Spirit of Love, Unity, Martins Tells Nigerians

In a similar development, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins has urged Nigerians to make more efforts to live in the spirit of brotherly love, unity, and selfless sacrifices that the Easter event presents to them, stressing that this is an imperative for peaceful co-existence.

In his 2024 Easter message signed by the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, the prelate noted that it is only by practicing the true virtues of love for one another and empathy at this critical period that Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe and faith, can live in true peace and harmony, not minding the grave economic and security challenges that they are facing.

MAKING HISTORY…

Police Arrest Eight Suspects over Murder of Officers in Delta

Raid insurgent camps in Anambra, recover arms

Kingsley Nweze in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested eight persons in connection with the gruesome murder of six of its officers in Delta State.

According to the police, the officers, who were on a fact-finding mission, were ambushed and killed in Ohoro Forest in Agadama in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State on February 23 and 26, while six others were missing.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest of the eight persons in a statement issued yesterday.

Adejobi’s disclosure came just as

the Anambra State Police Command yesterday said its operatives had destroyed some camps belonging to gunmen who recently attacked police facilities in the state.

Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police Force has made significant progress in the investigation into the tragic incident that occurred in Ughelli, Delta State on February 23, 2023, where officers on a fact-finding mission were ambushed, and 26th February 2023, where other officers on a rescue mission were also ambushed, resulting in the death of six policemen, while six others are still missing in action.”

The Force PRO said the suspects were apprehended at different

locations following investigations.

“Following intensive investigative efforts, the police have apprehended eight suspects in connection with the brutal ambush attack. Five suspects were initially arrested shortly after the incident, and an additional three suspects have been apprehended, at different locations, following the statements and cooperation of the initially arrested suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to eight,” he said.

“The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. While the Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this reprehensible act, and many

alike, are brought to justice swiftly and decisively. The Police assure that the suspects will soon have their day in court, with credible evidence, once investigations are concluded.

“The Nigeria Police is deeply saddened by the heinous act of violence against our officers who were diligently performing their duty to protect and serve the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers during this difficult time.

“We wish to reiterate that the killers of our officers in this extant case, and many others, have murdered peace, and none of them will go unpunished,” he added.

FCT’s 5% Tax on Private Schools will Kill Businesses, School Owners Cry Out

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has said the imposition of a five per cent annual tax on private schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would drive the school owners out of business.

The Department of Quality Assurance of FCT’s Education Secretariat announced the measure in January after which the association pleaded with FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike to intervene and reverse the measure.

In the tax regime, each school would be charged, according to the level of tuition fees paid by pupils

and students as well as the number of children on its register.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FCT Chairperson of NAPPS, Mrs. Rukayat Agboola, said the Education Secretariat had refused to respond to its rejection of the measure. “We made our dissatisfaction over the policy known even as we were not told about the tax in writing. “The secretariat thereafter sent a circular that its next line of action was to revert to the old dues. Some of us even owed debts on the old dues and we were advised to start clearing them.

“The secretariat did not say anything again on the 5 per cent tax; it has kept quiet on it and we also have kept quiet,’’ she said.

Agboola expressed dissatisfaction at the turn of events and argued that rather than the new tax imposition, the school owners ought to enjoy government’s grants to assist in the training of indigent students who desired education.

“Schools in rural areas where there is no government presence should enjoy the grant the most. But for those schools, children in the suburbs would not be exposed to Western education.

“The tax will also create an additional burden on parents and school owners.

“The secretariat could not even be bothered about parents’ ability to pay tuition fees. It is interested only in using school enrollment to determine payable taxes.

“If the secretariat becomes insistent on the tax, we shall continue to resist it, otherwise, many private schools will run out of business,’’ she said.

Agboola called on the FCT Administration to rescind the decision and assist private schools through the provision of adequate infrastructure and learning materials.

Gov Sani Laments Huge Debt Burden Inherited from El-Rufai

You surrounded by incompetent aides, ex-gov’s son blasts Sani

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has lamented the huge debt burden inherited from the previous administration of Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the state, saying it has taken a toll on his government.

But in a swift reaction, former Governor el-Rufai’s son, Bashir, accused Governor Sani of shying away from his responsibility by always staying away from the state and hibernating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Speaking yesterday at a town hall meeting, tagged: ‘The State of Kaduna State’, Sani said the situation is such that the government would have to borrow to be able to pay workers’ salaries.

El-Rufai, who handed over to Sani in May 2023, governed the state for eight years.

According to the governor, the debt burden includes $587million, N85 billion and N115 billion contractual liabilities, "sadly inherited from the previous administration".

The governor, however, declared that despite the financial challenges, his administration remains resolute in steering the state towards progress and sustainable development.

According to him, Kaduna State only receives N3.6 billion after deduction of N7.2 billion for debt servicing.

"What we received from the federal allocation in Kaduna this month was N3.6 billion out of over N10 billion. The sum of N7.5 billion was deducted from our allocation to service debts.

"We cannot pay salaries without borrowing. Our salary bill is N5.2 billion. We will have to borrow N2 billion to be able to pay salaries," the governor said.

Speaking further, the governor

said he had approached President Bola Tinubu for assistance.

Sani said: "I have taken our cry to the president over these deductions. The president told me that the debt of $556 million is a World Bank debt and there is nothing he can do about it.

"He, however, promised to see how he could help us. Some of my governor colleagues have also promised to approach the President to assist Kaduna. In the next three months we will be collecting N3.6 billion from the federal allocation.

Sani said: "Despite the huge debt burden of $587million, N85 billion and N115 billion contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.

"We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly.

"It gladdened my heart to inform

you that, despite the huge inherited debt, till date, we have not borrowed a single kobo.

He said the priority areas of his government include safety and security, Housing, Education, Healthcare, and Support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

However, in what looks like a pre-announcement to an epic political battle ahead in the state, Bashir ElRufai has accused Governor Sani, of shying away from his responsibility by always staying away from the state and hibernating in Abuja.

He also accused Governor Sani of surrounding himself with a retinue of incompetent aides appointed for political patronage.

Bashir said instead of admitting its incompetence, the Sani administration has resorted to deflect by raising alarm on a debt burden inherited from Governor El-Rufai administration.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has said its operatives have destroyed some camps belonging to gunmen who recently attacked police facilities in the state.

The spokesperson of the command, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, said police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies, on Friday, raided and destroyed some of the camps used by the hoodlums to launch attacks on the police facilities in the state.

Gunmen last Thursday bombed Neni Police Divisional Headquarters in Anaocha LGA of the state.

Another police facility was earlier attacked by some hoodlums in Awgbu, a community in Orumba North LGA of the state.

Ikenga, who did not mention other security agencies that took part in the joint operation, said the state Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, ordered the operation, adding that some of the camps were located in Ogbunka,

Orumba South Council Area of the state.

“The cowardly criminals fled in the face of the onslaught. Six improvised explosives devices already primed for attacks and two walkie talkies were recovered from the camps.

“Also recovered were substantial food and grocery supplies. All the camps were subsequently destroyed to deny the insurgents bases for launching attacks,” he said.

Ikenga said the operation was still ongoing with the aim of “eliminating the terrorists, rescuing abducted victims, recovering firearms and stolen vehicles” in their possession.

He said Adeoye has assured residents of the state that the police will continue to serve them “selflessly” despite the risks involved.

The police commissioner urged the residents to cooperate with the police in identifying hideouts of insurgents terrorising the state and assured the residents that their identities would be shielded to avoid being victimised.

Ahead of September 21 Election, INEC Publishes Edo Governorship Candidates’ Particulars

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday published the forms and particulars of political parties’ candidates for the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.

The particulars were displayed at the INEC office in Aduwawa in Benin City, the state capital, and in all the 18 local government offices in the state.

The Head of Voters Education and Publicity of INEC in the state, Timidi Wariowei, said the display of the particulars was in line with the electoral law, noting that parties and the public can now view the particulars of the candidates and their running mates.

He said: “In compliance with the law, today, being March 30, 2024, the INEC Edo State Office and the I8 local government area offices have pasted Form EC9, which is the personal particulars of the 17 candidates and their deputies. The form also includes the credentials of the candidates.

“We have done this in line with the electoral law, and the public and parties can go to all the local government offices to check the list.”

The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a letter dated

Wednesday, March 27, 2024, had asked the commission in Edo State to display the particulars.

The letter read: “Following the conclusion of party primaries, 17 political parties have uploaded their candidates’ nomination forms for the Edo State governorship election by the deadline of 6 pm on March 24, 2024, when the dedicated portal automatically shut down.

“The personal particulars of the governorship candidates and their running mates will be published on Saturday, March 30, 2024, a week from the last date for the submission of nominations as provided in Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.

“The commission shall publish the personal particulars by displaying copies of Form EC9 along with all academic credentials and other documents submitted by each candidate at the state headquarters and the 18 local government offices across Edo State.

“We appeal to Nigerians to scrutinise the documents. Any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by the candidate is false can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.”

L-R: Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Ifeanyi Ubah; Chairman of Cubana Group, Mr. Obinna Iyiegbu; Wife of the Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, Mrs. Alice Onyema; and Chairman, Air Peace Airlines, Mr. Allen Onyema, on board Air Peace Airline’s inaugural flight from Lagos to London Gatwick…yesterday

Labour Party’s Cracks Widen as Obi Threatens to Dump Party

Absence of Obi, others rob party’s convention of legitimacy, Osuntokun insists

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has threatened to dump the party ahead of the 2027 election season.

He, however, reaffirmed his membership of the party, explaining that he did not attend its National Convention because its national chairman, Julius Abure did not embark on wide consultation before the exercise.

This is coming as the Director General of the ObiDatti Presidential Campaign Organisation in the 2023 elections, Akin Osuntokun yesterday said that the absence of Obi, members of the National Assembly and other strategic stakeholders of the party at the just concluded National Convention of the party at Nnewi in Anambra State was an indication of the non-acceptability of the convention.

The LP has been hit by crisis following the allegations of misappropriation of funds, tussle for leadership and calls for the resignation of the party’s chairman.

Last Wednesday, the LP conducted a controversial national convention in Anambra State, which re-elected Abure as its national chairman.

Obi and the only governor on the party’s platform, Alex Otti of Abia State did not attend the convention.

Speaking at a Spaces session on X (formerly Twitter) organised by Parallel Facts on Friday night, Obi said he is still a member of the LP, noting that he will never engage in anti-party activities.

Obi said he ignored the convention because the LP leadership under Abure failed to do wide consultations with key stakeholders of the party before embarking on the said convention.

He emphasised the need for the right thing to be done to salvage the party, adding that he is more passionate about building a new Nigeria than building a new Labour Party.

Speaking on the crisis rocking the party, the former Anambra State governor said the focus should be on building a new Nigeria.

He also called for the structuring of the ‘Obidient movement’.

“I am still a member of the Labour Party and I don’t and will never engage in anti-party activities,” Obi said.

“We will do whatever is possible. As we go along, we will see what happens. Let us remain focused on building a new Nigeria.

“We want the party to work and pursue what we set out to do and that is to change the country. We should not lose that focus and face minor issues that will distract us.

“We promised to build Nigeria, we did not promise to build a new Labour Party.

“It is the standard practice around the world where movements form themselves into blocs and are part of the political process.”

Obi explained that his primary focus, which committed members of the Obidient Movement have bought into, is all about making Nigeria work for all citizens; as such, he refuses to be distracted.

According to him, the contrived crisis in the Labour Party was part of a distractive strategy, which neither he nor his supporters were willing to fall for.

Obi said: “Our engagement is about Nigeria; they are trying to change our focus. What we want to do is not about Labour Party; it is about what the Obidients want to do about Nigeria.

“We are thinking about water, we are thinking about power, we are thinking about employment, thinking about security. That should be our focus.

“The other matter we will deal with. We were somewhere; we didn’t start with Labour.

“I’m a Christian. Jesus said, when you go into a city, try to change them, live with them, fast with them. In the end, if you can’t, come out and even wash the sand that is on your shoes.

“He didn’t say go there and die with them. I tell you, I’m making spirited efforts to change them (LP), but I’m not going to die with them.

“That will not stop what we set out to do. We will try to change them (LP), if we can’t, we will leave them; we will not die with them.”

Using the opportunity to defend the criticisms of his frequent visits to mosques and churches, Obi said visiting worship centres and handing out donations at

places he visits has always been his way of life long before he joined politics, noting that he is not campaigning.

“I am not campaigning. I have been doing things like this before I got into politics. It is bad that politics in Nigeria is transactional,” Obi said.

He also called state governors across the country to emulate Abia State where Governor Otti on March 22, signed a bill repealing the law that allowed former governors and their deputies to collect pensions.

Obi commended Otti and called on other state governors to emulate him.

“I have argued against humongous pensions for exgovernors. As governor, I did so too. My reason is simple — people are being owed all over

the country, and are being paid as little as N4,000 and N5,000 as pensions,” he said.

“When I left Anambra State, they brought the pension law to me authorising a house for me in Awka, Abuja, or Lagos, similar vehicles as the serving governor to be changed every two or three years plus security, cooks, house helps, which I turned down.

“I rejected that law and till today, Anambra has not bought me a sachet of water. The way the country is today, I urge every state to emulate Abia State,” Obi added.

Absence of Obi, Others Rob Convention of Legitimacy, Osuntokun Insists

Meanwhile, the Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation in the 2023 elections, Osuntokun has said that the absence of Obi, members of the National Assembly and other strategic stakeholders of the party at the just concluded National Convention of the party was an indication of the non-acceptability of the convention. Osuntokun also described the national convention as a kangaroo convention.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS Channel yesterday, he also described as a Greek gift, the award of the 2027 presidential ticket of the party to Obi. He said the Abure-led party was not in a position to promise anybody any ticket as due processes were not followed,

Says fiscal federalism is an unfinished business

Wale Igbintade

Former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, has tasked South-south leaders to be apostles of fiscal federalism and see it as an unfinished business.

Speaking at the 24th anniversary of the South-South Governors, Legislators and Leaders’ summit in Asaba, Delta State capital, Ibori urged South-south leaders to speak in the overriding interest of Niger Delta and the nation.

He said the theme of that first meeting: “We Must Not Fail Our People,” is very poignant today as it was yesterday.

In a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, the former governor reminded the leaders that despite the mission, which gained momentum on Friday, March 31, 2000 and all the associated gains, much remains unaccomplished while new challenges have arisen.

He said the enthronement of true fiscal federalism “is a higher calling for which South-south Governors must respond and take charge, on behalf of, and for the benefit of their people.”

He reminded them that despite

the mission, which gained momentum on March 31, 2000 and all the associated gains, much remains unaccomplished and new challenges have arisen.

Ibori congratulated the Southsouth governors, state legislators and National Assembly members on their ele

He said that 10 months after inauguration, all the rancour, bitterness and disagreements occasioned by the politics of the last election must be left behind, saying: "From where I stand, the question is what’s the trajectory of the Niger Delta Region? We must pull together to answer that question to the benefit of Niger Deltans."

He said: "Your Excellencies, South-South Governors, legislators and leaders, year 2000, the dawn of the new millennium is 24 years ago into the past. Since then, a lot of water has passed under the proverbial bridge. Many leaders of today are even unaware of the man-made challenges which faced the South-South zone then. It won the 13 per cent derivation principle war and banished the Onshore and Offshore dichotomy, whereby oil revenue from the seas was said

to belong entirely to Nigeria and with nothing going to the given littoral states.

"For acting on behalf of the South-South many Niger Delta leaders faced assorted obstacles and paid hefty prices. Four years later, Ibori organised a second summit in Asaba but the powers that be ensured that it never held; Chief A.K Dikibbo, the then National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party was assassinated on his way to the summit.

"24 years after that first SouthSouth leaders’ summit, Ibori wishes to encourage the present governors and South-South national legislators, and indeed the entire people of the area to address the salient problems; old and new. Among the old is the Land and Environmental question and a higher derivation principle percentage.

Ibori said in his 2000 address: “The land and environment are our natural patrimony. Any legislation that is aimed at taking our land rights from us should matter to us at all times at least for the sake of our children and the unborn generation. It is against this note of serious concern that I humbly draw the

stressing that the processes to win the presidential ticket are well laid out through the convocation of a presidential convention with elected delegates. “Does it mean that the purported chairman does not know the process to be followed for the election of a presidential candidate?” Osuntokun queried, adding “This is one of the problems we are complaining of."

He said Abure’s ambition to sit tight in office as the national chairman of the party is part of the problems of the Nigerian leaders, who would not leave the office when the ovation is loudest.

He explained that soon the stakeholders will hold an authentic convention that will produce the national executive members of the party.

attention of Your Excellencies and distinguished lawmakers to the Land Use Act, 1978, which vested ownership in the country in both the state and federal governments. To the unwary or uniformed, it does not take away the right of the people to use and occupy their land. But for the more informed, it is one of the instruments by which our people and states have been denied the right to their patrimony under and over land.

“This is more serious when we realise that little or no attempt is made to remedy the damage done to our environment through the massive exploitation of our underground and undersea natural resources for a ceaseless period of almost 40 years. We are witnesses to the evils of environmental degradation, impoverishment and displacement of our people from their homesteads, farmlands and fishing streams, poor industrial base, youth restiveness, communal conflicts and violence, high rate of criminal activities,

underdevelopment, mass unemployment and the associated problems of insecurity that oil and gas exploration have inflicted on our environment and people.”

ON YOUR MANDATED WE SHALL STAND…

L-R:

At Easter, Barau, Bamidele, Ndume, Other Senators, Ganduje Preach Love among Nigerians

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

As the world celebrates Easter, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, have urged Christians to imbibe Jesus Christ's spirit of love.

Other senators, including Solomon Adeola (Ogun West); Sani Musa (Niger East); Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North); Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central); Isah Jibrin (Kogi East), and the Senate Spokesperson, Adeyemi Adaramodu, have also congratulated all Christians at home and in the diaspora for successfully completing the 40 days Lent and witnessing another Easter celebration.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in his Easter message, has also urged Nigerians to be patient with the government. In his message, Barau enjoined Christians to imbibe the teachings of Jesus Christ and the lessons of Easter, which emphasise peace, love, perseverance and forgiveness. He called on all Nigerians to reflect on the state of the nation and rededicate themselves in

Adelabu Decries Shortage of Gas, Says FG Will Prioritise FX Supply to Gencos

Electricity workers call for national roundtable on sector’s challenges

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu has decried the gas shortages in the country, saying that the federal government is also working to ensure that operators in the electricity value chain in the country have priority access to foreign exchange supply for their operations.

This is coming as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), has urged the federal government to call for a national roundtable on the power sector in a bid to rescue it from the current doldrums.

Writing on his X handle on his recent visit to Egbin Power Station in Lagos, Adelabu stated that discussions were going on with the relevant ministries to ensure that the problem is sorted out as soon as possible.

Adelabu stressed that discussions were ongoing with the ministry of

petroleum resources to ameliorate the challenge, reiterating his earlier pledge to ensure the gradual payment of the over N3 trillion owed Gencos from April.

“During my recent visit to the Egbin Power Plant, I reiterated that we have conducted a thorough diagnosis of the challenges currently facing our power sector in Nigeria. These challenges range from infrastructure limitations to supply chain constraints, and we are taking urgent action to address them and enhance power supply across the country.

“To this end, the federal government is fully committed to implementing proactive measures. Starting in April, we will prioritise the settlement of outstanding debts owed to power plants like Egbin Power. By doing so, our goal is to provide incentives for the continuous operation of these crucial facilities and to enhance their overall efficiency.

“Moreover, we acknowledge the importance of ensuring that power generation companies have access to essential foreign exchange for their maintenance and operations. This access is crucial for sustaining and improving power output on a national scale.

“We are taking decisive steps to facilitate this access, recognising its critical role in the broader context of our energy infrastructure,” he stated in the write-up posted late Friday night.

He added that his ongoing discussions with the ministry of petroleum resources and gas suppliers were centred on addressing gas supply constraints and facilitating debt repayment.

According to him, through collaborative efforts with all stakeholders, the federal government is dedicated to finding solutions that will benefit the entire sector and contribute to its long-term sustainability.

The shortage of gas, he said, has posed a significant obstacle to the operation of gas-powered plants nationwide.

But he added that through close collaboration with the ministry of petroleum resources and gas suppliers, he was “working diligently” to tackle the issues and ensure a reliable gas supply for power generation.

Adelabu stated that he also commissioned two projects during the visit: The environment-friendly electric vehicles project and expansion projects on staff quarters named after President Bola Tinubu.

He also lauded the team at Egbin Power for their “unwavering commitment” to improving and maintaining infrastructure, despite facing numerous challenges, pointing out that their dedication plays a crucial role in strengthening the resilience of the power sector and ensuring its continued operation.

FG to Disburse N25bn Healthcare Enhancement Funds to States

State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; at a special prayer/thanksgiving event in commemoration of the 72nd birthday of President Bola Tinubu organised by TMM in Ikeja, Lagos…yesterday ETOP UKUTT is about trade, investment, and collaboration. By choosing Air Peace, you choose to invest in Nigeria. You choose to empower local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our economy.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has approved the disbursement of N25 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to bolster healthcare infrastructure in the states.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, made this known yesterday in Abuja at the sixth meeting of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee.

Pate said the funds were designated for direct facility financing and workforce incentives across the states.

prayers and sacrifice even as he said the country’s challenges were surmountable if the people unite, love one another and pray for the country and its leadership to move the nation forward.

On his part, Bamidele appealed to Nigerians to show greater understanding in the face of the current global challenges as it also affected Nigerians, stressing that President Bola Tinubu's administration is doing everything possible to provide necessary solutions and succour.

In his message, Ndume prayed for the success of all the reforms undertaken by the current administration in the country to make Nigeria great again.

Lawan admonishes Nigerians to keep faith and remain resilient in the face of challenges, while Musa urged Christians to remember the less fortunate by extending a helping hand to those in need.

He appealed to Nigerians to pray for peace and security in the nation, and the safety and protection of all Nigerians.

Akpoti-Uduaghan lauded the selfless love of Christ for humanity and urged Nigerians to emulate His virtues and live in peace and love.

She admonished Nigerians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace and harmony in Nigeria.

Adeola appealed to everyone to practise the Christian virtues of sacrifice, patience, love and abiding faith for a better tomorrow as exemplified in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Adaramodu appealed to Nigerians to remain hopeful and prayerful saying that he had no doubt that everybody will soon be seeing greater dividends of democracy.

Similarly, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ganduje has solicited the support of Nigerians for President Bola Tinubu in providing solutions to the current economic challenges.

The appeal was contained in a statement to felicitate with Christians to mark this year’s Easter celebration.

In the statement issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu in Abuja, the former Kano State Governor admonished Nigerians to be patient with the government, insisting that the present challenges are temporary as the government efforts are already yielding the much-desired result.

Expressing optimism for a turnaround, Ganduje maintained: “Very soon Nigeria will witness the needed development and economic prosperity like never seen in the history of the country.”

also praised him for the effort he is making to enable Nigerian carriers to lease aircraft in the long term.

He said the disbursement would be facilitated through gateways, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

“This substantial investment underscores our dedication to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and supporting our healthcare workforce.

“In addition to direct facility financing and workforce incentives, a portion of the funds will be allocated by the NHIA to provide

The minister said that the initiative was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda and commitment to improving healthcare for Nigerian women, children, and vulnerable populations.

financial protection for the poorest and most vulnerable populations, further ensuring equitable access to healthcare services,” he added.

The minister announced the establishment of a dedicated reporting mechanism for citizens to report any misuse or deviation from guidelines regarding the disbursement of the funds.

“An email address and reporting line will be made available, enabling citizens to actively participate in monitoring fund implementation.

“We are committed to ensuring that healthcare resources are utilised effectively and transparently.

“Regular monitoring and oversight will be conducted to

uphold the fiduciary integrity of healthcare systems, ensuring that Nigerians benefit from these resources,” Pate said.

Dr. Oyebanji Filani, who spoke on behalf of Commissioners for Health and Human Services, pledged that all the states would prioritise the quality of care provided to Nigerians even after leaving the hospital.

Filani highlighted their plan to strengthen public health units and ensure frontline health workers and civil servants receive the necessary support.

“We are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to good quality healthcare services.

In December 2023, the UK exported £185million goods to Nigeria and imported £154million goods, resulting in a negative trade balance of £30.8million. This is a trend we wish to change in Nigeria’s favour and an additional trade route is a major step in the right direction," she said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo who travelled with the flight, said that it was a dream come true for Air Peace and Nigerian carriers.

He commended the federal government, especially Keyamo for the efforts he made to enable British authorities to resolve final flight issues with Air Peace and

On aircraft leasing and access to forex for Nigerian carriers, Okonkwo said, "I do not see the reason why modern-day operators should suffer the sins of the old-time operators because any lessor will tell you that there have been some violations in the past. Today we are not violating any lease arrangements but we are rather victims,” he added.

Fielding questions from journalists, the acting Director General of the Nigeria Airspace Management Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, said the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, NCAA and many other Nigerians contributed to what has become a reality, noting that Air Peace is now a Nigerian project.

Deputy State Leader, The Mandate Movement, Lagos, Dr. Kolawole Peregrino; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Mudasiru Obasa; State Leader, TMM , Cardinal James Odunmbaku; and Chief of Staff to Lagos

CBN’s Circular Returns Banking Sector Activity to Front Burner

Last week’s circular issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regarding new capital requirements

Festus Akanbi

At last, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week, set the terms for the long-awaited recapitalisation of commercial banks in the country threshold for minimum capital requirement in a process which must be completed within 24 months commencing from April 1, 2024,

In the new dispensation, the apex bank pegs the minimum capital base for commercial banks with international authorisation at N500 billion, N200 billion for national authorisation, while the new requirement for those with

According to the new order, the new minimum capital for merchant banks wouldments for non-interest banks with national and regional authorisations are N20 billion

A circular signed by the Director, of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department,chant, and non-interest banks and promoters of proposed banks emphasised that all banks are required to meet the minimum capital requirement within 24 months commencing from April 1, 2024, and terminating on

Options

To enable them to meet the minimum capital requirements, the CBN urged banks to consider injecting fresh equity capital

minimum capital shall comprise paid-up that the new capital requirement shall not

“Additional Tier 1 (AT1) Capital shall not

Notwithstanding the capital increase, banks are to ensure strict compliance with the minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) requirement applicable to their license

kicking against the stringent conditions

In particular, some of them who spoke on condition of anonymity frowned at the CBN’s decision to omit retained earnings from the share capital calculation in the

had excluded retained earnings from the capital comprises only the banks’ ordinary

According to the guideline, “For existing

shall not be allowed or recognised to meet

In accounting terms, retained earnings are

considered a component of a company’s equity

Many bankers, argued that the decision to exclude retained earnings from share capital

They argue that this approach fails to acand legal treatment of a company’s capital

Some bankers also expressed the opinion that while the Central Bank prefers banks to retain most of their earnings to reinforce their capital base, it should not concurrently pre-

Critics say the CBN seems to be prioritising direct capital injections into banks rather than relying on accounting entries to satisfy that although the Central Bank has permitted mergers and acquisitions, this suggests it anticipates that some banks might struggle

It is argued that if retained earnings are accommodated almost all the banks would meet the new requirement without a freshous that the CBN is going for Cash on the the system of excess liquidity and to show

The Central Bank stated that the purpose of raising capital is to “engender the emergence of stronger, healthier and more resilient banks -

It explained that larger banks with substantial capital bases are essential, as they This capacity is deemed critical to facilitating and accelerating the growth of the national

Although the full-year 2023 reports of most by their third quarter 2023 report been in good standing to meet the new threshold without shareholders’ funds although the new rule does not accommodate shareholders’ funds and retained earnings in the calculation of

is another Tier 1 capital bank with a total -

ernor, left the system with 25 healthy banks, years after, 14 Nigerian banks made it to the top 1,000 banks in the world, and two of

Sources said already, some banks are on raise funds, while some operators are con-

Analysts warned that unless the regulators and banks learn from the pitfalls of the 2005 consolidation, where some strange bedfellows were joined together by the desperation to meet the deadline for recapitalisation, the exercise may produce delinquent banks which would in turn haunt

Another cause of concern is the current state of the economy which they argue may not be ready to support the right issues/ one of the shortest routes to attain the new -

the apex bank will continue to engender ac-

A similar exercise in 2005, which ran for -

INTERVIEW

Stephen Onaivi: mediaReach Will Continue to Create Game-Changing Narratives in Nigerian Media Industry

Managing Director, mediaReach OMD, Mr. Stephen Oluwatoyin Onaivi, in this interview with Festus Akanbi sets the agenda for prospects of the company as a big player in the media industry

MediaReachOMD recently marked its25thanniversary, anditprovidedthe companywiththe opportunitytoreviewitsoperations anditsmilestonesovertheyears.Canyou talkaboutthoseachievements?

To be honest, I think the organisation has done well in the past 25 years. When the organisation started 25 years ago, one of the key things that it approach to media planning in Nigeria. So, the company was a collaborator in ensuring that we understand the consumer better to make the right media decisions.

This led to the the introduction of platforms like mediastar and zplan that helped shape the decision-making process. What does that do for brands? Or what does that do for businesses? It enhanced accountability and it also enhanced transparency in the way you do media. So you can say so many people are watching this channel and based on that you are buying. That’s basically one of the key game-changers that people see.

Secondly, mediaReachOMD is predominantly a training ground. This is a food for thought for me, a lot of people say mediaReachOMD is the school of media planning in Nigeria because when you go through mediaReachOMD, you will come out well-grounded. I’m not surprised that when you look at the industry, there is a footprint of mediaReachOMD talent in most of the organisations within our industry.

Beyond media, some talents have gone across sectors to make impacts in what they do, across the industry locally and globally. I think that a couple of ex-omders who have gone abroad are standing tall is a testimony of what mediaReachOMD has been able to achieve.

When you think about thought leadership initiatives within the industry, mediaReachOMD is at the forefront as well and facts such as the consistent publication of mediafacts book for over 20 years are there to buttress this. In all of these, it is worthy to note that 25 years of innovation is a key success fact and we will work towards sustaining this as we look forward.

Let’sshiftattentiontoyourproducts.You hadaneventrecentlyandyoulauncheda product,doyouwanttotalkaboutthat?

You will agree with me that the world is constantly evolving. If you fail to innovate, worked tirelessly to ensure that agility and innovation are at the core of what we do. Hence we have leveraged our 25 years of experience matched with the current hunger to deliver incremental value to our client to introduce the OMD Consumer Intelligence platform to help deliver our promise of Better Decisions Faster so we can get real actional insights for incremental business results.

The platform has about 2800 panelists across key cities in Nigeria and it is in partnership with Geopoll, our selected research partner for this project. This is over two years of work and investment to ensure this platform is well-tested to deliver the expected outcome.

With this, our clients and stakeholders are even more equipped to leverage the platform to make better decisions with actionable insights for incremental business results.

Havingcomethisfar,whatwillbeyour dreamforthenext25years?

If there’s anything that drives us, it is the ability to innovate and be agile. The next 25 years

look very promising to us. We’ve got massive hope in making sure that we’re continually creating opportunities for game-changing narratives in the industry. We are even more poised to make sure that the clients that we service, get better value. The future media model is a key consideration for us and the agency.

WhatcanyoudescribethestrengthofmediaReachOMD?

Our people, Our Clients and Our Media Partners are our core pillars of strength and we will continually do the best we can to ensure the sustainability of our stakeholders. Our global network is also one of our strongest pillars of success.

TowhatextenthasthemediaReachpaidits pricefortheexodusofyoungandenterprising NigeriansinwhatispopularlycalledtheJapa syndrome?

country and to be honest. As an agency, we have built a very strong grooming culture to ensure that opportunities are available for all to grow within the organisation. Hence, we have been able to cushion the impact of the japa syndrome and ensure that our clients do not feel the impact on the quality of work that we deliver.

Sohowdoyouclosethegapcreatedbythe lossofgoodhandsintheindustry?

Constant training is key. I had mentioned that mediaReachOMD talents in most organisations within our industry. That means we have a very strong culture of training. The OMD Academy is a good example and we have strong talents to take up key roles and responsibilities within a very short period of time.

You became the managing director/chief executiveofthecompanyearlythisyear.Can youtakeusthroughyourjourneyinlife?

Growing up, I have been very active and passionate in what I do. I studied philosophy from the University of Lagos. I’m an alumnus of the Lagos Business School, I am a member of ARCON and also a member of the Advertising Association of Ghana. I am homegrown joined mediaReachOMD in 2008 and have been a planning lead and second as the Managing Director of mediaReachOMD Ghana between 2018 and 2023.

My current role as Managing Director of January 2024.

How will you describe the relationship betweenmediaReachanditsmediapartners likenewspapers,television,andothermedia platforms?

Our media partners are key stakeholders. We have a very strong relationship with our media partners as they form a set of key stakeholders to deliver value to our clients.

Howareyouadjustingtothecurrenteconomic challengesandtheattendantriseinthecost ofbusiness?

I say that Nigeria is going through a phase and I positively believe that we will get out of this phase and we can see a lot of positive opportunities in the country despite the ongoing pressures. We all know that the business ecosystem has been However, the more the challenge the more agile

that will deliver incremental business results- that is why the OMD Consumer Intelligence platform is key to our success. The platform is another step of forward-thinking to a better understanding of the consumer for business decision-making. It means you can now get actionable insights to optimise your investment, no matter how pressured this might be, for maximum return on investment.

What’smediaReach’sanswertothechangingdynamicsinthemediaespeciallywiththe growingpopularityofsocialmedia?

In simple terms, we follow the consumer. We try to understand the consumer better and make recommendations based on consumer needs for the situation, you need to understand clearly how the consumer is behaving for you to be able to make the decisions.

Manynewspapersandmagazinesarefacing isbeingdeterminedbyconsumerswhonow preferotherchannels.Doyouseenewspapers inbusinessinyearstocome?

Like every other business, innovation drives success. The consumer is always at the heart of every successful brand. The more you understand your target audience and leverage that understanding to drive innovation, the better you can be. I believe that newspapers and magazines can only remain relevant if they reinvent themselves. Today, TV is on the go unlike before. Nothing stops newspapers and magazines from reinventing themselves leveraging the understanding of the consumer. This is why the OMD Consumer Intelligence platform is key to this understanding.

Howfarhastheissueofdebtpaymentbeen resolvedintheindustry?

like AISOP and ARCON in this regard. There has been a lot of awareness regarding this and I think we all need to continually drive the support for industry stakeholders to ensure that this issue of debt payment fully becomes a thing of the past. It is very key to the growth of our industry.

Howwouldyouratetheregulatorsinthe advertisingindustryvisavisthecurrentreality oftheeconomy?

The job of the regulators as backed by law is to ensure we sanitise and improve our industry to be in line with global standards. We all need to work together and support regulators for the good of the industry. The truth about our industry is that we need to ensure that there is constant innovation, sanity, integrity, and professionalism. These are hallmarks that OMD stands for and regulators are currently doing the best they can to ensure that these expectations are met within the current economic circumstances. The key is constant engagement to ensure that all stakeholders are fully involved in any reform and I am sure the regulators are constantly doing that.

Whatisthemessageyouhaveforyourclients asyoucelebrateyour25thanniversary?

Thank you. Thank you to the country for giving us an environment to run a business. Thank you to our clients because if our clients don’t believe in us, we won’t be celebrating 25 years.

A special appreciation to them. Thank you to our leadership and our global team for all their governance and support. Thank you to all our media partners (over 1000 – former and current) for your support. Cheers to the next 25 years of mediaReachOMD.

Onaivi

ABIODUN KOMOLAFE argues the need to restructure the country as a federal state

RICHARD AKINNOLA urges the FCT minister to do what is right all the time

WIKE’S NEW SONG BUT WHAT REALLY IS NIGERIA’S PROBLEM?

When, in 1814, Europe’s leading statesman, Count Metternich, said that Italy “is only a geographical expression”, the former Deputy of the Kingdom of Italy and the Father of Modern Italy, Giuseppe Garibaldi, didn’t take it as an offence. Instead, the only question on his mind was how to create Italians.

Take the recent detention escape of one of the Binance Executives held in Nigeria for tax evasion, Nadeem Anjarwalla, as a case study! Anjarwalla’s escape from protective custody didn’t tell us anything other than the statelessness of the Nigerian state. In some countries, there would by now have been a gale of resignations. But in Nigeria, that has never happened; and may never happen! Instead, the country moves on, until the fire next time!

Apart from the run-of-the-mill criminals, a jailbreak or detention escape does not portend anything other than a weak state, that those who aided and abetted it knew what they were doing, and that nothing would happen to them ultimately. Mayer Amschel Rothschild once asked that he be given control of a nation’s money supply and he cared not who wrote the laws. That the Binance Executive who was trying to undermine the control of the Nigerian currency could escape from custody at all was a national disgrace! It’s a telltale sign of failure of intelligence and it’s sad! It’s tantamount to America informing a stunned world that Osama Bin Laden had escaped from custody. For America, it’s not possible!

The raging insecurity in Nigeria also says something about a broken-down state where lack of internal security mechanisms has become the norm. Take, for instance, Nigeria has 371,800 police officers serving a population of 213.4 million Nigerians. Regrettably however, half of them are already fanned out to political bigwigs. So, what do we expect? That’s all the more reason to devolve power to the states if Nigeria wants to stop terrorism and associated criminalities. Matter-of-factly, the vigilantes involved in the war against terrorism and banditry deserve national awards because of the risks involved in fighting with Dane guns against men with AK 47 and other sophisticated weapons and networks. Added to this is that Nigeria is currently ‘blessed’ with loads of ungoverned spaces. For example, Sambisa Forest alone is reportedly the size of Belgium. Niger State is also almost thrice the size of the Netherlands. However, while the Netherlands maintains her position as the world’s 2nd largest exporter of food and agricultural products, what’s Niger State exporting?

Nigeria is the world’s 9th largest crude petroleum exporting country. Still, she is deep in the sea of palliative miasma. Dishearteningly, that’s emblematic of a dehumanized society and lack of transparency on the part of the organizers and it’s disheartening! Nigeria’s problem isn’t a question of not producing enough food. Rather, it’s that the country does not have the infrastructure to have stable prices. The truth is that Nigeria has antediluvian agriculture. It is primitive and rain-fed! She doesn’t have Commodities Exchange and Boards and/or storage facilities. In my considered opinion, the drivers involved in the movement of goods and services from the hinterland to the cities are risking their lives. So, how much are they going to be paid to compensate for the

risks? Unfortunately, instead of building rural roads, our governors are busy building flyovers and embarking on other vanity projects.

On the whole, Nigeria’s problem is a defective constitution. If we go back to what was the cost-benefit analysis and general wellbeing under the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions, what has happened subsequently is that Nigeria now has more than 133 million Nigerians battling multidimensional poverty. Under the 1963 Constitution, that’s not possible! For those who care to know, India, Australia, Canada and Brazil have been operating under the same kind of Constitution. Look at where they are, compared to where Nigeria is hibernating!

While we cannot build a country without production, we cannot also build production on a defective constitution in which every state goes to Abuja every month, cap-inhand, for handouts. The way out is for power to be devolved to the states, including powers to raise their own finances. It should be like the 1963 revenue sharing formula, which favoured 50% to the state and 50% to the centre. How can Nigeria have more than 68 items on the Exclusive List? For God’s sake, they shouldn’t be more than eight or nine items; and they must have a revenue allocation formula that allows each state to carry out its responsibilities as a real subnational.

The key point here is that Nigeria is presently running on a very defective foundation and, until a Nigerian leader –and we hope that President Bola Tinubu would be the game-changer – is able to say what Massimo d’Azeglio said about Italy in 1861, Nigeria will remain captured. But the day a Nigerian leader possesses the interminable refinement and the presence of mind to emphasize that “we have made a geographical expression called Nigeria; now we must make Nigerians”, and he develops the capacity to do the needful, Nigeria will be free! And the only way to create Nigeria is to revisit her foundational defects, not by piecemeal constitution amendments but by writing a brand new Constitution that’s based largely on the spirit and letter of the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions and have it passed by plebiscite.

There and then, everything will change because the states can now have control over their resources

If California in the United States of America was a sovereign state, it would be the sixth largest economy in the world as of today. Apart from having a fantastic, innovative income, California is a major contributor to the federal budget.

Komolafe writes from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State

Impetuous, garrulous, selfcentered. These words succinctly encapsulate the Nyesom Wike persona. A study of the political trajectory of the FCT Minister shows that he is only loyal to himself and nobody else, irrespective of his feigned allegiance. He may kowtow he is currently doing in Abuja but once he of incoherent vituperative verbal assault, denigrating his benefactors.

I watched his recent drama on Channels where he was reeling out his achievements as Governor, he said he built a Cancer Centre and named it after “one man”. He also built a Judicial institute and named it after “one woman”. (Pejoratively referring to Dr Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili). His former political leader who he had praised to high heavens is now “one man”. How come his long- time political associates suddenly turn enemies?

-Rotimi Amaechi, Abiye Sekibo, Celestine Omehia, Austin Opara, Lee Meeba, and now, Dr Peter Odili, among others.

Almost everything that Wike had said in public have been repudiated by him. From the PDP primaries where he vowed to support whosoever emerged as candidate, to his vow not to be minister, to his scathing excoriation of the APC which he likened to a cancerous party, everything Wike supposedly stood mindedness.

Now, he is dancing around PBAT, like an urchin singing nursery rhyme, in his guttural and hoarse voice: “President Tinubu, on your mandate l shall stand”. President Tinubu, Wike is not standing on any mandate. He is standing on his opportunistic position as a minister. Remove him as minister and see if he would still be standing on your mandate. Tomorrow, before the cock crows at night, he would deny you if he is removed as minister and would start lamenting how he supposedly helped you but was used and discarded.

Here was a man who publicly said that Odili saved his political career as Chairman of Obio Akpor local government, leading to his rise in political ascendancy and he used every opportunity to praise and honour Odili and his wife. He followed this up with a public declaration where he was almost swearing thus: “I don’t know the day l would die but l know l would die one day but the truth must be told, any day that l would make Dr Odili and his family cry, may God allow me to go…I would never be alive to make you cry. I will never abandon you and your wife. Where would l have been but for you and your wife? Who am l? From where? My wife would not have been a Magistrate, talk less a Judge but for Mrs Odili. Nobody in this country

can make me abandon you and your family. Never. ...My wife and l are forever grateful to you for the roles you played in my life”.

This was shown live on CHANNELS. Today, what is Wike doing to the same Odili? Publicly dissing and ridiculing him on same CHANNELS just because Dr Odili refused to queue behind him to decapitate Governor Sim Fubara. As an elder statesman, Odili rather preferred to settle the differences between the duo, which Wike refused. That is Odili’s sin to attract Wike’s “Fatwa”.

He would do same thing to President Tinubu tomorrow if the president does not align with his interest. He doesn’t even understand the dynamics of larger politics to the fact that Odili and PBAT have a long-standing relationship being in the same class of 1999 Governors and that Odili doesn’t even have issues with PBAT. You cannot praise a man to high heavens only to start publicly disrobing him just because he refused to be led by the nose in your ill-conceived political means is that tomorrow, he’ll do same thing to president Tinubu if he doesn’t do his political bidding in Rivers State. That would amount to political selfimmolation.

So, if everyone who has assisted you in your political ascendancy are be wrong with you.

Despite his accomplishments as Governor in terms of project execution which l acknowledge, there is no doubt, Wike has a serious But trust me, despite his wealth and “power”, it’s a matter of time, this young man is on his way to political perdition. I pray he doesn’t end that way. Minister Wike, you are an achiever in terms of performance but l pray God grants you wisdom on how to navigate and relate with people who differ from you politically.

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email

THE ESSENCE OF EASTER

We need genuine love, peace and sacrifices to grow the

ommemorating the death and

adherents of the faith alone. “When the world causes us stress about the cost of living and health concerns, anxiety over safety, heartache, dissatisfaction, fear and many other crises or Army, “Jesus offers us something greater and deeper. He offers us a promise of peace.” More than at any period in our recent history, this Easter season offers a unique opportunity to identify the enduring values on which to build a new order of justice, service, peace, respect for human dignity and mutual understanding.

It is indeed remarkable that Easter comes this year at a period Muslims are observing the monthly Ramadan fast. As the rest of the world to celebrate, on things that bind us together rather than on those that divide us. We must use religion as a vehicle for deepening harmony.

country

also through simple gestures like kind words and sincere smiles. Unfortunately, that is where we fail most miserably. As we therefore rejoice in His

at a time like this, we need to erect effective bulwarks against the current impulse to violence and unbridled individualism. Those at the helms of affairs should also begin to realise that politics is essentially about rend ering service to the people.

Easter’s enduring message, which is about love, can be transmitted by sharing with the less privileged of our society not only material possessions but also through simple gestures like kind words and sincere smiles

rededicate our energy to the promotion of the common good as we seek to build a new society where the welfare of one is important to all.

steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.”

anchored on the fact that Jesus chose death because that was the penalty to which all In taking this path, Jesus was able to bring enduring message, which is about love, can be transmitted by sharing with the less privileged of our society not only material possessions but

Letters to the Editor

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be

letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com.

national issues provided they are well-written

com along with the email address and phone numbers of

Incredibly, life manages to be even cheaper. In many parts of the country, lives are being snuffed out of people with alarming regularity.

On 12th March, the red mist descended on popular Wuse Market in Abuja, when a hastily convened mobile court which tries environmental offenders found a teenage hawker liable for a couple of environmental offence. He was duly convicted and while suspicion and fear of the agents of state set in, and he scampered out of the vehicle and gave a chase before fatally shooting him.

life out of the hapless teenage hawker for whom life was already tough. It also set off

LETTERS

his whole life and ministry with the poor, the weak and the oppressed. He shared their anxieties, their hopes, and their aspirations. he healed the sick, consoled the sorrowful and wept for the dead. These are the attributes worthy of emulation by adherents we celebrate Easter. More importantly, the new wave of insecurity and spilling of blood in the country is a further invitation to all compatriots to join hands in building a new civilisation of love that eschews hatred, violence, rancour, and acrimony across the divides.

resurrection after three days in the grave

the world hope, faith and love and adherents are enjoined to always seek love. If humanity would only heed that message, this world would be a better place to live. While Easter is through faith is the essence of hope, regardless

and faith in our country while relating with others with love. May Easter awaken in each of us true joy shown in dedicated service and love for our fellow country men and women. We wish all our readers a Happy Easter!

NIGERIA: OF CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

less than 10 shops and eight cars were burnt as the market was temporarily shut down. The killing machine also made a stop in stone of festering ethnic crisis in a state where different ethnic groups are locked in a panicked competition which precludes peaceful co-existence. Also on 12th March, a bus carrying about 15 passengers from Zaki

criminals. While the driver managed to escape, the bodies of about nine of his passengers were later recovered. The abduction and consequent killing of the passengers have been chalked down to reprisals for previous clashes between Ichen and Tiv ethnic groups in the state.

market of bodies and body parts, a market marked by the conspiracy of criminals in the country, the complicity of those who aid them and the complacency of law enforcement.

stopped being a country where human life is sacred. When people are indiscriminately or systemically killed and nothing is done.

together with those who condone them. The teenage hawker in Wuse Market must have come to Abuja from his village fatal green pastures. Having learnt the hard are not paved with gold, he must have taken to hawking to avoid returning to his terrorists. This was until the mobile court came and pronounced judgment on him,

a judgment that was swiftly executed in a country where the wheels of justice grind scandalously slowly.

killing are unconstitutional, illegal, and unforgivable.

Death does not discriminate. The experience of the state has shown that many of those who remorselessly and indiscriminately dispense death are themselves afraid of death. must prey on the fears of those who dish death but not under the hand of the state.

they fear most, touching it but not exactly succumbing to it in a way that only the law can, may make them rethink their crimes.

Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com

Uba Sani: The Triumph of Tenacity

Mansur Abdulmalik

Persons familiar with the antecedents of the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, readily attest to the fact that he is hardly ever deterred by challenges or adversities, no matter how daunting. Stories abound of his daring exploits as a young civil and human rights activist when successive military juntas held sway in Nigeria.

Sani’s can-do spirit and raw courage are matched only by his crisp intellect. In the 9th Senate, where he represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District for four years, his dexterity was all-too apparent. Senator Uba Sani conceptualised and sponsored 32 bills, including three seeking constitutional amendments to allow States to establish their own Police Force and State Police Service Commissions. Even more important, his bills were ranked as the most progressive bills by the very authoritative Nigerian legislative watchdog, orderpaper.com. Indeed, Senator Sani had the singular distinction of being the only senator in the 9th National Assembly who had three of his bills assented to law by the then President Muhammadu Buhari.

Long before he won the gubernatorial election State, Senator Sani knew that the job would be challenging given that he was bound to inherit the seemingly intractable problem of insecurity in the state. Also, Kaduna State, historically, contends with ethno-religious tension. Knowing the State so well, Uba Sani was unfazed; he was thoroughly prepared for the job and committed to returning Kaduna to its long-acclaimed status as the pride and shining star of northern Nigeria.

brought relative calm to the hitherto tensed Kaduna State. In just a matter of days the state started enjoying the dividends of peace, safety and security. What was the trick? Sani mounted the saddle with a clear, and measurable mission - to the economic empowerment of overwhelming majority of the citizenry irrespective of their places of abode, ethnicity or religious persuasions. His plans were easily understood and welcomed with relieve by the populace. The people quickly keyed into his agenda, which was unambiguous – an inclusive governance that is calibrated to leave no one behind.

Working very closely and relentlessly with the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the leadership of the nation’s armed forces, the police and other security agencies, Governor Sani, very early in his administration, began deepening peace, safety and security across Kaduna State. The

The Kaduna - Abuja express way, once notorious for the nefarious activities of bandits and kidnappers, received a deserved respite and travellers, in their numbers, began plying the road regularly without fear or anxiety. The rail service between AbujaandKadunawhichwasmomentarilyhalted after a heinous attack that led to the abduction of several passengers, resumed in earnest. Previously traumatized farmers began returning to their abandoned farms. Even the worst critics (actually political opponents) of Governor Sani, place than he met the State on assumption of

For most residents of Kaduna State, the unfortunate security breaches in the state in recent days, notably, the unfortunate abduction of innocent children from their school in the Kuriga community in Chikun Local Government Area, though deeply saddening, have not blighted the great work Governor Sani has been doing observers, the latest acts of bandits in Kaduna State clearly signpost the desperation of the criminal elements whose days are clearly numbered. Given that Governor Sani has, in less than one unattractive for criminal elements operating in the very vast forest that straddle all the states in the northwest of Nigeria. These cowards in their recent dastardly incursion into Kaduna State, chose very soft targets – innocent school children and their harmless teacher.

For the 16 days that the children were in captivity, Governor Sani with the full and ceaseless

support of PresidentAhmed Bola Tinubu worked very closely with the highest levels of the nation’s military, police and other security agencies to rescue and safely return the abducted persons to their respective homes.

From the get-go, Governor Sani’s resolve to get the children back to school was resolute and unequivocal. During this very trying period, the governor doggedly, albeit quietly, the numerous meetings he summoned and chaired he repeatedly assured parents and all stakeholders that working very closely with President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Service Chief, the Inspector General of Police and heads of other security organisations, the abducted children would be speedily returned to their homes and their parents.

In the early hours of Sunday, March 24, the prayers and tenacity Governor Sani with the full

The 137 abducted Kuriga school children were released unharmed. The jubilation in Kaduna, nay, across Nigeria, was rapturous. Finally good has triumphed over evil. The people’s hope in government was rekindled, once again.

A very relieved Governor Sani announced

to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released. Our special appreciation goes to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for prioritising the safety and security of Nigerians and, particularly, ensuring that the abducted Kuriga school children are released unharmed.

ity, I spoke and met with Mr. President several times. He shared our pains, comforted us and worked round the clock with us to ensure the safe return of the children. Special mention must also be made of our dear brother, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for his exemplary leadership. I spent sleepless nights with the operations of the security agencies, which eventually resulted in this successful outcome.

commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements can be degraded and security restored in our communities. We also thank all Nigerians who prayed fervently for the safe return of the school children. This is, indeed, a day of joy. We give Almighty Allah all the glory.”

Giving further update on the rescue of the Kuriga school children, the Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj Gen Edward rescued from the bandits at Dansadau Forest in

and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation, rescued the hostages. The hostages are same persons that were abducted from the school at

have garnered from the incident to consolidate in Kaduna safer,” Governor Sani said.

Similar view was expressed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Muhammed Idris shortly after the weekly FEC President and members of the Council were happy to note that, as promised by Mr. President, these children were reunited or have been rescued from the captors and in keeping with the commitment of Mr. President, no ransom was paid,” the Information Minister said

Mr. Idris further disclosed that FEC and the President had expressed their appreciation to the NSA, the security chiefs, and others who participated in the process that led to the freedom of the captives.

President are very grateful, to especially the National SecurityAdviser, the service chiefs, and all security agents, who participated diligently in ensuring that these kidnapped children are reunited with their families.”

Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. These hostages were handed over to the Sokoto State

and track down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes.”

The released school children where eventually Army from Sokoto to Kaduna where they were handed over to an excited Governor Uba Sani at the Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna. The governor’s joy was unmistakable as he went about embracing and bantering with the school children immediately they arrived the Government House. He promptly instructed that the kids be cleaned up and given urgent medical and psychosocial attention before being handed over to their thrilled parents, who had already besieged the Government House to receive their children. Governor Sani, later in the day, hosted the now well-rested and freshened-up school children to a dinner in the Government House.

The formal hand-over of the rescued Kuriga school children to Governor Sani by the nation’s military and security agencies was done by the Division of the NigerianArmy, Kaduna, Maj. Gen Mayirenso Saraso. At the brief but emotional students and a teacher were abducted from both the Government Secondary school and Local Education Authority Primary school in Kuriga (both schools share same vicinity).

were deployed under the guidance of His Excellency, PresidentAhmed Bola Tinubu, through the in Dansadau forest in Zamfara State. The 137 children were released and of this number six of them are in the hospital. But unfortunately, the teacher died in captivity. So, in all, 137 school children were abducted and the 137 children (76 females and 61 males) were rescued and are now being handed over to their parents through the Kaduna State Government,” the GOC said and thereafter handed over a list containing the names of the released school children to Governor Sani.

Governor Sani who once again showered encomiums on President Tinubu, the NSA and the nation’s military and security chiefs, was quick to caution against the politicisation of security matters, especially the release of the Kuriga school children.

and please let us be careful. Politicising issues that border on security endangers lives. People who do not mean well are cooking up all sorts of conspiracy theories. The most important job of any responsible government is the safety and security of lives and properties of citizens. That is what the Federal and Kaduna State Governments have just done in the matter of the abducted Kuriga students. It is not time for conspiracy theories. Just like any other good father, I was informed that the children have been released and I was extremely happy and I have received them with immense joy. We are all relieved that they are back and we shall build on the experiences that we

dren kidnapped was the exact number rescued, of them died or was held back by the kidnappers. these children were taken. What I can tell you is that there is no report that any of these kidnap victims either died or has been withheld. So, all those that have been taken, have been brought back in safety to their families. I can tell you

Delivering Good Governance in spite of Adversity

Interestingly, while he worked round the clock with other stakeholders to secure the safe release of the Kuriga school children, Governor Uba his targeted goals in Kaduna State. If anything, the ugly incident brought out the best in him. In an audacious move that ‘shook’ Kaduna State and reverberated across the country, Senator Uba distribution of the second batch of palliatives to Kaduna State citizens and residents worth over N11.4 billion. The highest such intervention in one fell swoop, at least in recent times, by any state government in Nigeria.

Governor Sani literally set a new national record on transparency, probity and accountability in the planning phase and the eventual distribution of the palliatives in the state. In a move that has been hailed by many as novel, prior to the distribution, the governor set up a high - powered Palliatives Distribution Committee charged with developing an implementation strategy/plan and executing the distribution of the palliatives committee include the representatives of Organized Labour (NLC and TUC), Civil Society Organizations, Persons with Disability, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), ChristianAssociation of Nigeria (CAN), Traditional Institutions, Youth and Women Organisations, the Commissioner of Police, Director of DSS, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and

underscores our determination to ensure transparency and fairness in the palliatives’ distribution monitoring of the distribution exercise to check diversion of palliatives meant for the people.

The labour/CSOs driven process will help strengthen and deepen engagement between the demand and supply sides of governance,” Governor Sani explained before astounding his people as he reeled out the long list of palliative measures to the jubilant populace.

The governor’s gestures were roundly applauded by a cross section of residents and citizens of the state. Speaking on behalf of Organised Labour in Kaduna, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Suleiman commended the governor revolving loan scheme.

Abdulkarim,

Governor Sani with one of the released schoolgirls... recently

Hope Allison-Oguru

Telling Creative Stories Through Interior Architecture

From her childhood dreams to entrepreneurial triumphs, Hope Allison-Oguru’s exploits in the world of architecture capture the power of dreams. Despite setbacks, she stayed true to her passion, creating spaces where artistry meets functionality, and dreams become reality, writes

Vanessa Obioha

Interior Designing Goes Beyond Aesthetics

On a recent Tuesday morning, Hope AllisonOguru, clad in a long striped blazer and jeans, entered a landmark hotel in Lagos State’s Maryland area. The venue held a special memory for her, not only due to it being a project of a colleague but also because it was here, at the hotel’s restaurant, that a senior colleague posed a thought-provoking question: “How many cakes can you bake to make One Billion Naira?”

She vividly recalled the scene. “It was right here,” she said, gesturing to a corner of the restaurant.

That question reignited her lifelong dream, one she had set aside when life threw her some lemons.

Allison-Oguru’s journey to entrepreneurship is marked by instructive experiences. Her creative inclinations surfaced early on, as she indulged in drawing, painting, and infusing living spaces with her unique touch. It was no surprise when she eventually found herself gravitating towards the art field. A visit to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, during her secondary school days further solidified her passion for the field. Upon her return, she excitedly informed her father of her intention to study Fine and Applied Arts. Wise counsel led her to choose a path that would marry her passion with financial stability.

“He advised that I go under an umbrella that encompasses all of my creative flair and suggested architecture. I remember we had a neighbour who was studying architecture at the university and I just thought about it. I didn’t mind studying architecture because I saw him always working on his board. I really believed I could be an architect and that was it.”

Allison-Oguru dismissed the notion that engineering and related subjects are exclusively for males, rather she stressed the importance of pursuing genuine passions, regardless of societal stereotypes.

“Back in university, there were 50 boys and only six girls in our class. But I realised that most of the ladies I graduated with were very good. So I found that when women find themselves in places where society dictates to them that they are not supposed to be or that they are doing a man’s job, they are triggered to just excel and be exceptional. In fact, the best graduating student was a girl.”

Today, Allison-Oguru is the brain behind Maison Consulting Interiors, an architectural company that specialises in interior design. Armed with two degrees in architecture and a master’s in environmental design, she is a certified architect.

Before setting up shop, AllisonOguru completed her NYSC internship with the Lagos State Government. Subsequently, she worked on several family projects before securing employment with a Chinese construction company, where she led the interior design department. Despite her competence, she was unexpectedly laid off.

“The layoff was a shock to me. The first thought was survival.”

Rather than succumbing to despair, Allison-Oguru tapped into her childhood passion for baking pastries. With the support of friends and sisters, she sold her creations, albeit temporarily setting aside her dream of owning an interior design company. It took a special conversation with a friend to reignite her aspirations.

“That somewhat became a wake-up call. I’m very thankful that I had that conversation.”

With renewed determination,

Allison-Oguru diligently saved funds and procured the necessary materials to establish her interior design company. Initially, she focused on selling luxury ornaments and wallpapers online.

“I had a goal. I wanted to create a name that reckons with a luxury brand. A brand that is going to deliver premium services, nothing mediocre.”

To bolster her business acumen, she enrolled in an enterprise management course at the Enterprise Development Centre, Lagos Business School. The course proved to be transformative as it helped her to strategise and rebrand her business, conscious of the role a business presentation plays in driving referrals and sales.

Reflecting on her layoff, the interior architect underscored the importance of gaining industry experience before venturing into entrepreneurship.

“The idea of working in the first place was to understand and gain the right knowledge on how to work in an established structure. People easily assume that when one sets up a business, they do so out of passion, but passion is different from setting up a business. You need to understand how to build a structure and know the right kind of people to hire. My plan was never to work there for a long time,” she explained.

As a registered architect, AllisonOguru explained the multifaceted nature of architecture which goes beyond mere building structures.

“Architecture is beyond the building envelope. It’s also how the layouts within the building work and how spaces lead to other spaces, and that’s where interior architecture comes in. A lot of times people will ask if I’m an interior decorator but I’m not, I’m an interior architect and designer.

“The misconceptions would be that when people immediately assume that as an architect, you are only concerned with building but there are architects who specialise in landscapes, and some in interiors like myself, and there are also architects who deal with facades in buildings. All they do is facade, evoking different emotions through their building designs.”

Elaborating on the differences between interior design and interior decoration, Allison-Oguru said “An interior designer designs, builds, fixes and decorates spaces. But interior decoration is mostly concerned with the adornment of spaces, not functionality. So you find that interior designers offer full services which is what we do in Maison Consulting Interiors. We do renovations and remodelling. We do new buildings too.”

However, she added that an architect is best suited for interior designing. Providing more insights about her work, she e xplained how she handles spaces.

“When you step into a space, you want to think about how your design will enhance the lifestyle of the person experiencing the space. You also have to think about the circulation of that space; and how people are going to move around.

I take in details of the client such as how they live, their day-today activities, if they are older or younger and perhaps have children, as well as how they want to feel when they come home. All these are taken into consideration to effectively design a space that suits their lifestyles.”

She further emphasised the emotional aspect of space design, recounting a client who, despite initial frustration over project delays, was captivated by the final

design. “But immediately he came into the space, all of the anger melted. That was the best feeling for me as an interior architect,” she said.

“I’m very particular about how people experience my spaces and I’m delighted to put my touch on it. They’ve come to me because they want my touch but they don’t understand how their briefs influenced my design. Their briefs help me to explore parts of my creativity that I didn’t realise were

even present.”

While Allison-Oguru caters to residential, commercial, and hospitality clients, she prides herself on creating timeless designs that transcend trends.

“I don’t like to box myself into the idea of keeping up with trends. I fix myself on delivering the brief of the client.”

Later this year, Allison-Oguru will celebrate the sixth anniversary of her business. For her, it is a testament to her unwavering belief in her dreams and the countless stories yet to unfold.

Allison-Oguru

HighLife

Tunji Olugbodi: Advertising Icon at 60

In the high-octane realm of Advertising and Marketing Communications, few names resonate with the clarity, depth, and influence of Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, the Executive Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Verdant Zeal Group, a multi-disciplinary marketing and communications outfit. He is someone whose happy day deserves a colourful portrait of his enduring excellence. As he celebrates the milestone age of 60, it becomes a compelling narrative to delve into the tapestry that makes up this colossal figure in African advertising.

From the inception of Verdant Zeal, Dr. Olugbodi has been the mastermind, steering the firm beyond the confines of conventional advertising into the realms of innovation and creative problemsolving. His leadership has spanned nearly two decades, shaping Verdant Zeal into a beacon of multidisciplinary excellence, where strategy, digital innovation, and experiential marketing converge to redefine boundaries.

A beacon in the tumultuous seas of marketing, Dr. Olugbodi’s eloquence and insightful discussions have illuminated many stages, advocating for customer service excellence, leadership, and strategic foresight. Beyond the podiums, his hands-on approach in high-profile campaigns and specialised operations has left indelible marks on the sands of the marketing and communications landscape.

Central to Dr. Olugbodi’s ethos is the Innovention Series – a thought leadership platform he convened, bringing together the minds of intellectuals, industry captains, and political leaders to sculpt the future of innovation and development. This platform has hosted luminaries like Nana Akuffo Addo, accentuating its prestige and impact.

Recognition has naturally followed excellence for Dr. Olugbodi. His recent accolade, the Advertising Personality of the Decade Award from Marketing Edge Magazine, underscores a career stud with milestones and achievements. His tenure in the industry, marked by transformative roles from journalism to advertising magnate, reflects a journey of relentless pursuit, innovative thought, and strategic wisdom.

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous You Will Explain, Explain, Explain: The Curious Case of Yemi Alade

Time and again, Nigerians are treated to a lazy tale in which the main character has nothing intriguing to offer, and goes through no phase of growth or development. Yemi Alade, the popular singer and activist, is not like this. Hers is a narrative of determination, growth, and success.

Her recent revelation that her refusal to grant sexual favours to highly placed individuals led to her missing out on awards sent keyboard warriors into a frenzy, exciting some and enraging others.

According to the ‘Johnny’ singer, the music industry in Nigeria has not changed much since the day these allegations were daily news. Back then, Alade reports that it seemed as if she carried an antenna on her head that attracted such individuals to her, intimating that she would not advance in her career without letting them have their way with her.

But Alade stood firm, which is the meat of the story. She neither gave in nor considered such naughty offers. Interestingly, not much

Tompolo

has changed from her perspective. Back then, it was ‘open’ to enter. Right now, it is ‘open’ to climb up.

It must be stated that Alade is not the first female celebrity to accuse leading male figures in the music industry of asking for such unreasonable favours. This is not only common in the music industry; filmmakers have also been under this heat. Once in a while, someone emerges on the stage to open the can of ugly worms.

Of course, from the perspective of some opinionated Nigerians, Alade is to blame for so many people approaching her in that sense. She dresses more provocatively than almost anybody, they claim. But that argument seems baseless.

Instead, as others have argued, Alade should just manage what she has gotten so far. After all, she is virtually world-renowned and a source of inspiration for many people.

And that is where the bus must pack. Any further and it would only show the ugly side of empowered humanity, which is exactly Alade’s reason for coming out

One Week, One Trouble: Tompolo in the News Again

“Tompolo,” continues to renew his news headline subscription. Now, he has evolved from being accused of commandeering soldiers to the dramatic but alleged seizure of a tanker carrying stolen crude oil, believed to be linked to high-profile figures.

This latest episode has set tongues wagging, particularly as it is happening against the backdrop of the Niger Delta, a region grappling with persistent challenges of corruption, insecurity, and socioeconomic disparities. Thus, the story of Tompolo seizing the tanker is all the more gripping.

in the tapestry of turmoil that seems to follow Tompolo wherever he goes. Allegations of his involvement in the tragic deaths of soldiers in the Okuama community are even more outrageous, but add a layer of complexity to an already convoluted story, with conflicting accounts and entrenched interests muddying the waters further.

often depicted as a turbulent place. This is where Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as

As accusations fly left, right, and centre, and investigations unfold, Tompolo’s name is once again splashed across headlines, drawing attention to his controversial past and present. With each new development, the narrative surrounding the former militant leader grows more complex, drawing in characters ranging from military personnel to shadowy oil moguls.

But the tanker seizure is just one thread

Underperforming Ministers Under Pressure

The tale of Nigeria’s ministerial company is a sad one. As the 48 ministers hit the six-month mark in office, President Bola Tinubu’s administration faces a critical moment of reckoning. Amidst allegations of incompetence, bias, and ministerial absenteeism, the president has hinted at a potential shake-up, with underperforming ministers possibly facing the axe.

Initially heralded as a promising array of leadership, Tinubu’s extensive ministerial appointments have not translated into effective governance. Instead, concerns have mounted over the quality of the ministerial team, with many accused of being “ghost ministers” - invisible and ineffective in their roles.

Among the few shining stars in this constellation of ministers are Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, recognised for their diligent

work. However, glaring failures, such as the power sector’s woes under Minister Adebayo Adelabu, demonstrate the urgent need for accountability and performance evaluation.

At present, critics are lamenting the lack of visibility and tangible achievements from the majority of ministers. While raising questions about their dedication and contributions to governance, these critics are interested in uncovering how even someone as allegedly corrupt as Minister Betta Edu may be considered a better option than the majority of her peers who appear to be struggling to understand their obligations.

As public discontent grows, calls for action intensify. Nigerians demand transparency and accountability from their government, urging President Tinubu to hold ministers to higher standards. The spectre of “ghost workers” looms large, with suggestions that absentee ministers should face consequences,

Yet amidst the chaos and confusion, one thing remains clear: Tompolo’s story is far from over. As the spotlight intensifies and public scrutiny reaches fever pitch, the enigmatic figure finds himself navigating treacherous waters again, grappling with the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future.

Amidst mounting pressure and heightened tensions, Tompolo’s reputation hangs in the balance, as authorities and the public alike grapple with the implications of his alleged actions. With investigations ongoing and the spectre of further unrest looming, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Tompolo, his past associations, and the complex web of allegations swirling around him.

Adelabu including salary repayments.

Beyond the financial implications, the repercussions of ministerial incompetence are dire. Policy stagnation, service delivery lapses, and economic drift threaten the nation’s progress. President Tinubu certainly knows that he must heed the calls for reform and swiftly address the ministerial malaise to restore confidence and drive meaningful change.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede Becomes the ‘New Bride’

In a pivotal moment for Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede steps back into the fold as non-executive chairman, ushering in a new era of leadership marked by both promise and poignancy. His return follows the untimely passing of Herbert Wigwe, the revered former group chief executive officer, whose legacy looms large over Access Bank and its stakeholders.

The sudden vacancy left by Wigwe’s tragic demise has cast a shadow over the institution he helped shape, underscoring the profound impact of his leadership and the void he leaves behind. As a visionary leader and trusted confidant, Wigwe played an instrumental role in Access Bank’s ascension

to prominence, guiding the institution through periods of growth and adversity with unwavering dedication and foresight.

Amidst the sombre backdrop of loss, Access Holdings seeks continuity and stability in the face of uncertainty. With Aig-Imoukhuede’s return, the company aims to honour Wigwe’s legacy while charting a course towards a future defined by resilience and innovation. As a seasoned veteran of the banking industry, Aig-Imoukhuede brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to excellence, poised to build upon the foundation laid by his late colleague.

Throughout his tenure as CEO, AigImoukhuede forged a path of growth and expansion for Access Bank, transforming it into a formidable player on the global stage. His strategic vision and

leadership prowess propelled the institution to new heights and solidified its reputation as a trailblazer in the financial sector. Now, entrusted with the role of non-executive chairman, AigImoukhuede is determined to uphold the principles of integrity, innovation, and inclusivity that defined Wigwe’s tenure.

As Access Holdings navigates the complexities of succession and mourning, AigImoukhuede’s return offers a beacon of hope and stability in an uncertain landscape. With a commitment to building upon the legacy of his late friend and partner, he stands ready to lead Access Bank into the next chapter of its storied history, ensuring that Wigwe’s vision and values endure as guiding principles for generations to come.

Nigeria’s Niger Delta is

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Governor Eno Gradually Becoming His Own Man

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Progeny is the way of natural life. One paves the path for another, eventually creating a link of stability and succession, resulting in positive and anticipated changes. This is what is currently happening in Akwa Ibom State, with Governor Pastor Umo Eno gradually emerging from the shadow of his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.

Former governor Emmanuel essentially introduced Pastor Eno to the good people of Akwa Ibom. He laid the groundwork for Eno’s eventual ascension to the gubernatorial seat. He endorsed Eno and urged the people to support him, thus setting the stage for his leadership journey.

Before now, critics perceived Eno as solely following in the footsteps of his predecessor, adhering to a familiar template of governance. But this perspective is changing. Eno has started to chart his own course, infusing his unique personality into his work. This is exemplified by Eno’s kindness and compassion, which manifested through initiatives like his free food programme.

Achieves Peerless Feats with

A governor with a heart pumping with blood is one who feels the needs of his people as closely as his own. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is one such person. Whether it is in the aspect of strengthening relations with neighbouring states or drawing fresh investments on his own, the man’s dedication to his office is no small thing. Currently, he has crossed a new bar by signing a deal with a foreign company, all to urge Oyo on the path of progress.

Media houses in Oyo are agog with the report of Governor Makinde’s latest initiative to join ranks with a Moroccan firm named Africorp Consortium. The goal of the alliance is to support Africorp in setting up a multimillion-dollar factory in Ibadan,thestatecapital.

With this plan in view, Makinde demonstrates a proactive view of economic growth and development, one that involves multiple hands coming together to formastrongdeterrenceagainstmediocrity.

Makinde’s deal with Africorp is as formal as it can be and has taken the form of many close-door

Abdulrazaq

Where the grand tapestry of Nigerian politics is spread, intellect and elegance often intersect. That is where one finds a luminary unlike any other—Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the esteemed First Lady of Kwara State and wife of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. With a demeanour as captivating as her fashion

Moroccan Firm

and open-air meetings. This shows Makinde’s intention to have the people know that he has their best interests at heart.

Africorp is likely going to make significant investments in Oyo. Currently, the business has strong interests in sectors varying from agroindustries, to mining, education, mattress, wood carpentry, and even PET recycling.

The average person in Oyo just had their fortune upgraded. After all, living under the supervision of such a governor means that a person can focus on other aspects of life other than leadership. How many other Nigerian states can boast as confidently?

Ultimately, Governor Makinde’s leadership is exemplary. It does not vaunt itself as what it is not but recognizes the power of collaboration and collective action in driving meaningful change. As the wheels of progress continue to turn, the people of Oyo State can rest assured that their governor is working, steadfastly committed to steering them towards a brighter future.

The free food programme is aimed at addressing food insecurity in Akwa Ibom. With it, the governor does not only expect poverty alleviation among vulnerable citizens of the state, but also that staple food items such as garri, rice, and beans will be provided to those in need, thus removing any possibility of any citizen ever-growing hungry again.

This programme is the latest and best evidence that Eno has stepped out of the shadow of Emmanuel and emerged as his own man. More importantly, he is now demonstrating a commitment to serving the expectant people of Akwa Ibom with sincerity and dedication, earning the trust and admiration of his constituents.

The coming years will undoubtedly be kind to Eno. As he continues to lead with integrity and compassion, his people will likely grow closer to him, loving him for who he is to them rather than who introduced him to them.

Olufolake Abdulrazaq: Fashion and Brain

sense, Olufolake seamlessly blends brains and beauty to redefine the role of a modern first lady.

Born from a lineage steeped in diplomacy, Olufolake’s journey to prominence is a testament to her unwavering dedication and intellectual acumen. From her early days in the hallowed halls of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to her illustrious tenure as a Minister Counsellor in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad, she has wielded her intellect like a bright lamp, supporting her husband’s administration with wisdom and grace.

But it is not just Olufolake’s brilliant mind that commands attention; it is her exquisite sense of style that leaves an indelible mark on all who encounter her. Like a canvas come to life, she paints the landscape of Kwara with her sartorial elegance, effortlessly blending tradition with modernity in every ensemble. From the halls of power to the streets of her beloved state, she exudes confidence and sophistication, captivating hearts with every stride.

It is easy to forget that Olufolake has three wonderful children. Amidst the glitz and

Nike Oshinowo Fades from Social Scene

Time is such a precious thing and youth more treasured the further away one seems from it. When entrepreneur, TV host and beauty pageant titleholder, Nike Oshinowo, was in her prime, one can only sigh. Those days seem so far away, and the memory grows more upsetting because she seems to have deliberately faded from the social scene.

It has been a while since Oshinowo showed up at a party. It seems that her usual coterie of friends changed abruptly when she wasn’t looking. It is even more apparent that the lady who once turned heads is no longer interested in doing so. It may be because of the controversies that trailed her in recent years, or something else.

Perhaps the harshest rumour that pitted itself against Oshinowo is that of an alleged romance between her and a top banker in Nigeria. Reportedly, Oshinowo did more than charm him,

going as far as crashing his marriage. The banker, it was alleged, did not care all that much, but instead continued to try to soften her heart with gifts.

There is almost no evidence that this rumour was true. In the beginning, it rented the internet, causing folks to point fingers at the fair lady. Bolder critics went as far as labelling Oshinowo a serial homewrecker, claiming that she did the same thing to the Soleyes, ripping Dr. Tunde from the arms of his formerly beloved wife, Funmilayo.

Whatever the source of these rumours, the fact at present is that Oshinowo has settled herself away from prying eyes. Now focused on her work and children, she has little time to throw around dismantling who said and who did not.

But it causes one to wonder: does popularity fade so quickly? Is it all because Oshinowo wanted to lead a private life or did the harsh hearsay push her out?

Jim Ovia’s Latest Moves

Nigeria’s finance corridor is a dynamic place. Around here, Jim Ovia, the visionary founder of Zenith Bank, continues to make waves with his latest corporate manoeuvre, further solidifying his reputation as a champion and genius among his peers. Leading by example, Ovia has spearheaded Zenith Bank’s strategic collaboration and investment in Niteon Inc., marking a significant step in reshaping Africa’s export scene.

glamour, she remains grounded in her commitment to family and community. Still modelling the caring mother and wife, she is a tireless advocate for progress, balancing duties with grace and humility, and earning the admiration of all who have the privilege of knowing her

In Nigeria’s maze of politics and public service where substance often takes a backseat to style, Olufolake stands as a shining example of both. With each impeccably tailored outfit and every diplomatic triumph, she proves that intelligence and elegance are not mutually exclusive but rather intertwined in the fabric of her being.

As she continues to grace the corridors of power with her presence, Olufolake remains a pillar of hope and inspiration for women across the nation. With her brilliant mind and impeccable style, she paves the way for a new generation of leaders, proving that true greatness knows no bounds.

With Zenith Bank’s backing, Niteon Inc. aims to emerge as Africa’s third-largest digital export infrastructure provider, leveraging advanced technology and innovative approaches to simplify export procedures for African manufacturers and exporters. This strategic partnership reinforces Zenith Bank’s commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation across the continent, amplifying Niteon’s reach and influence globally.

However, Ovia’s ambitions extend beyond Africa, as evidenced by Zenith Bank’s recent expansion into France. This move, announced before the collaboration with Niteon, reflects Ovia’s forward-thinking approach and his recognition of the importance of diversification in today’s global financial landscape. By establishing a presence in France, Zenith Bank aims to tap into new markets and opportunities for growth on an international scale.

Ovia’s strategic vision and leadership have propelled Zenith Bank to prominence, not only in Nigeria but also in Anglophone West Africa and beyond. With operations spanning multiple countries, including the Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, UAE, China, and now France, Zenith Bank continues to deliver value to its shareholders and stakeholders under Ovia’s guidance.

As Zenith Bank expands its global reach and solidifies its position as a leading player in the international banking arena, Ovia’s legacy as a pioneer in the industry continues to grow. His foresight, determination, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs, leaving an indelible mark on the world of finance.

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ABU SULEIMAN: BREAKING TABLE

The only thing I can tell this young and very good-looking Managing Director of Sterling Bank Plc is that if he continues like this, his colleagues will soon beat him. I swear. If that statement credited to him is really true, then there is no way that his colleagues will not send someone to knock him out or even look for his nudes to release.

Kai, the man reportedly said that, if you perform within the rules of the games, there is no way you can be a billionaire as a banker. Kai, this kind of statement is blinding, especially now that the banker billionaires are all over social media, flaunting their wealth.

Today, we have more billionaires in the banking field than in any other sector in an economy where all major players in the real sector are declaring monumental losses, and here is one of them who happens to wear only one shoe and trekking to meetings saying what is openly the truth.

Abu has always been a rebel of sorts. All you have to do is listen to him speak, and one thing I like about him is the way he protects his job by not being afraid to lose it. The man is fulfilled and has enough capacity and unlike most of his colleagues, really does not give a rat’s ass – pardon my French – about keeping a job if it does not provide for him a vehicle to

Dere Otubu: A Man in White

I have always wanted to write something about this gentleman. What a lot of people do not know about him is his rich pedigree. By rich I do not mean money oooo. The man comes from a line of very strong people who have contributed significantly to this country. His father was a retired Permanent Secretary with the Ministry of Defence and was the pioneer Chairman of Zenith Bank. Dere on his own has done a lot, especially in insurance, banking and now power. He is the Chairman of one of the biggest power distribution companies and during the week, the place ran into stormy waters. One moment, they were sacking their managing director, the ever so beautiful Dr. Sanda who happens to be one of my most precious friends, and the next moment another circular emerged saying that – no oooo ignore that first one o, she is still the managing director.

achieve his goals for society. This thing that Abu has said will continue to gnaw at the conscience of those who have become Forbes billionaires in a sector that was designed to be noble and to serve. My brother, well done my brother. God bless you.

THE WOMAN IN BOBRISKY

Major wahala o. A popular crossdresser was recently announced as the best dressed female at a gathering and all hell broke loose. You can imagine how women in the gathering would have felt that after the usual hours of preparation, it is now a man/ woman that was announced best dressed.

As expected, social media went into a frenzy with beautiful actress Dayo Amusa leading the push and fellow ‘mad’ man, Portable even composing a song. Bobrisky, not one to run away from controversy, chimed in: “The sisterhood must accept me…” he reportedly said.

Now for me, this throws up very serious issues that we must confront as a society. Yes, there is the law against same-sex relations and all that and we remain a society that largely has refused to catch on with the rest of the world in this matter. Bobrisky, however, throws up an entirely different challenge on the spectrum.

Now boardroom squalls are a part of Corporate Nigeria. But they are usually very turbulent, risking jobs and impacting society very negatively. So, when this erupted, I feared because apart from any other thing, I have very good friends on either side of the table.

So, I first reached out to Dr Sanda who did not take my calls and then I reached out to Dere who I last saw at Amaju’s house and he explained to me very carefully the issue.

Well, he spoke very eloquently and since the wahala is still unfolding, I am afraid to divulge here because by the time you read this on Sunday, other things go don happen and you people will start calling me “olofofo.”

So let me just state it in Queen’s English that gleaning from my very instructive discussions with the Chairman of

The man says he has gone through a sex change, that he is now a full woman with all the physical accoutrements of a woman. He even goes as far as flaunting some of these things on the media for us to see.

I have met her before and hugged her and I must say she feels and touches like a woman. In fact, she looks more like a woman than some of these our women sef. So legally, is he entitled to be seen, called and rated as a man? Do our laws accommodate a sex change the way we can change our nationality? How does the law engage someone like this who has had a sex change and technically, if he goes into bed with a man, is that truly a same-sex relationship?

These are the real questions we need to answer both at the level of authority and as a society. Bobrisky’s case from what I have learnt has moved away from the normal crossdresser which is a man dressing like a woman to a man who says he is now a woman

Me thinks that the federal government should set up a panel to look into this matter very seriously and give it its recommendations on how to go about it because you see 11 female bank MDs. Me sef dey consider this sex change thing o. Being a man don dey tire me. Kai.

EKEDC at 6am that morning, every decision taken prior to my discussions was in line with the NERC which is their regulator’s guidelines. Furthermore, I also learnt that a replacement from within the system was immediately appointed to avoid a vacuum and that “discussions at the Board level were still being held to ensure that an amicable resolution is”.

Kai, chief press secretary work is hungering me o, see as I just craft this statement within minutes and I have not even eaten o. Well, whatever the case is, I have tremendous confidence in Mr. Otubu and his ability to steer the ship of this EKEDC aright. You may be wondering what is concerning me in this matter. Well, me don see opportunity to reduce my power bill na. Do you think after all this support, I will be paying the kind of bill una dey pay? Siddon there. Kai.

BINANCE OFFICIAL’S ESCAPE

You know I first thought it was fake news. Abi how can someone in detention in Abuja escape? If you know Abuja very well, you will know the distance between where they would have kept him at the airport and how long it will take to check in, board, go through customs, immigration and the usual flight routine – telling you where to jump out from in case of a landing on the sea and all that.

My people, there was enough time to catch the “oyibo” who very unlike me would not have known the terrain to run and hide. His trajectory from his detention point to take-off would have been straighter than a dove’s flight. But our people as usual do their normal incompetence and allow the man to run just like that o. If you see how this thing is paining me, you will not be laughing at me.

It’s just good that I am not President Tinubu because if I were ehn. Nothing is stopping me from driving straight to that guardroom and slapping people. I will even slap that NSA, I tell you o. I will line him up and call all the TV stations and media and slap him in front of them all. And if any media house no get fuel to come, I will send them the recording. Kai.

What kind of bumbling rubbish is this na? Even the Binance now have the temerity to issue a statement that it is

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the safety of their staff that they are after.

You see, the Binance people lost my support when the Naira started strengthening immediately after they were captured. That was it for me and I supported the federal government fully on their arrest. I was even about to ask that they arrest everybody in their company including the tea girls. How can that their yeye company come and undermine our economy, throwing people into hardship and in some cases, untimely deaths all because some t-shirt, ugly-looking nerds are playing games on their system.

Please Mr. NSA I don forget your name again, abi Nuhu Ribadu, try and catch those people back o. Do everything within your powers to catch them o and that one that is remaining, guard him well o. The one that I will not forgive you is if by now you have not gotten their passwords o. If you have not, please come and carry Duchess because she is an expert in bursting passwords. Let her also come and contribute her own quota to national development, it is not only my phone that she will be bursting my password. She can also deploy her skills and burst their passwords o.

Mr. Ribadu better go and catch those people o or else… Thank you.

PROPHET ODUMEJE: KINDLY ACCEPT OUR APPRECIATION

I think Mr Cardoso needs to quickly send a letter of gratitude to this very great prophet. Taking the credit for the recent strengthening of the naira when it was actually the Prophet who released just one of his many powers to decimate the dollar is just so fraudulent.

I have never known Mr. Cardoso not to be a man of integrity. So, it was the prophet that did it, and look at Mr. Cardoso, preening in front of the cameras as if he even knew anything about the dollar decimation.

It was prophet o. His followers had complained to him that their contributions were dwindling because of the economic hardship that was occasioned by the forex crises. So, the prophet decided to do something about it.

We all know that the prophet has so many powers. He has the one that can give someone’s wife bele from a distance. I swear if your wife is in the diaspora and cannot take in, he will just release “sempatrime” and that’s it. So, he decided to release just one –Abushakar. This one is a very violent one and this one attacked the dollar, and that was it.

Now instead of Cardoso to go and thank him, so that he can continue the good works, he now went on TV to claim glory. You see why I don’t like this Cardoso again.

What if the prophet vexes now and makes the naira fall to N5,000 to one dollar, will Cardoso even be able to afford the suit he is wearing all over the place?

Please, my dear prophet, do not mind all these suit-wearing people, we Nigerians truly know the role you played in the issue and we truly really do say thank you. We are making arrangements to send one virgin from each state to you in full appreciation, and while you are still at it sir, can you please help us with one power for fuel price and also for corruption? I swear if you do this ehn...

LENO ADESANYA: A NEW TURN

Please, come and hear new one o. In papers said to be tendered in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, we have been shown text messages said to

TUNDUN ABIOLA: A STORY WORTH TELLING

Let me tell this story. I was a big fan of hers on ARISE TV and suddenly she disappeared from the screens. So, I forgot about her even though once in a while, she would cross my mind and I wondered what happened to her. Anyway, so I started doing a play on her father, the irrepressible and super iconic Chief MKO Abiola and then reached out to my brother, Rufai Oseni, to see if he could give me a lead. He said: “Let me ask her o.” He came back and said “I can give you her number but choose your words o. Tundun na very principled woman o, no carry your wahala go her side o.”

I said, Rufai? You wey they yab people for TV and wey make Fayose almost cry dey fear Tundun? My people, I respect myself and go my way o. Then last week I published my encounter with my oga who yabbed Abiola, and the chat came. Wow! It was Tundun in all her glory. Let me paraphrase it small… “Someone sent me your article. You appear to be extremely generous in your description of your nameless, faceless friend who asked the imbecilic question.”

Aghhh, Tundun don yari oooooo. My people, I run call my oga. Tundun has finished you o. Oga said send it to me. He read and said, please don’t call my name o. I said oga send me money first let me buy afang because this is looking like something that will scatter me o. So if I am going to defend you, I must be in good shape.

Tundun continued “…. what

sustainable developments did he leave for the country? Only 25 years of unbroken democracy which he laid his life to secure.” She continued: “…he could have ran; he could have bargained but he did none of that and gave up his creative comforts…”

By this time, I was close to betraying my oga and saying please my sister, it wasn’t me. But it was Palm Sunday and I didn’t want to do another Judas Iscariot, so I kept quiet and she continued: “…he rejected all offers and conditional release, for that he lost his life and paid the ultimate price.”

By this time, I was almost in tears as I could feel her pain. Nigeria had taken the love of an obviously very loving father from her and she remained very bitter. Then she dropped the clinger: “Now what did your oafish friend and his entire lineage contribute to match that? I wish I was spared such inanities on a Palm Sunday. It is why I am more restrained than I typically choose to be...”

My people, I called my oga and we went into an oath swearing session.

“Edgar, I still stand by my position. She is all emotional and it is expected as a daughter who lost her father but…”

I will not say that one again o, before we enter another trouble. All I will say at this point is that I have held my testicles to swear that I will not mention the oga’s name and you all know how I don’t joke with that part of my body.

How are you, my sister?

be between Mr. Adesanya and the then minister - I have forgotten his name too - allegedly trying to induce him with not only money but with women.

Women? Kai. You see why I cannot be a minister or president sef. Imagine me, the Duke of Shomolu as Minister of Power and they send me pictures of women that I should choose one or even two and sign contracts. I will first charge my phone very well, dismiss all my staff, lock the door well and settle down and say, “oga do you have the big ones, light-skinned with gap tooth? Send like six. Let me choose two first.” Then he will send like 12 and I will now choose one and now say kai, you have weakened me o….

Na wa o. You cannot blame me o. Even Samson in the bible na woman kill am. The only man wey resist woman na Joseph who resisted Potiphar’s wife and turned to big mumu in my books o.

If this story is true, then Mr. Adesanya and his type should not come near me o as I am moving towards the Senate and possibly Senate Presidency – if Akpabio no go let them blacklist Akwa Ibom people from the seat, the way he is going. If our detractors will be sending me these kinds of pictures especially if they send nude -arghhh, I will just sign a padded budget without reading o.

You people can be laughing at me, na your business. It is good for a man to know his weakness and be very open with it so that people will know how to get him.

Mbok, my weakness, let me state it openly now and you don’t have to wait for me to be minister or senator to start tempting me, please start now. My weakness is voluptuous women, preferably light-skinned, with big eyes and of any height. They don’t need to know how to cook, we will buy food. They should just know what to do in the other room.

My people, if you send to me, the Mambilla power plant can go to Cameroon for all I care, mbok, start sending pictures o. Kai.

KOLA

ADESHINA: A MAN OF ALL TIMES

Well, the President has just announced a new Economic Team and of all the names, one name stood out for me. Kola Adeshina has been a major force in very strategic sectors of the economy – power, oil and gas, insurance and all. It is to his great achievement that he has been nominated to this very distinguished gathering where we hope deliberations will lead to finding lasting solutions to our economic problems in Nigeria. Kola more than deserves a seat on the table because of his more than clear understanding of our challenges and also his practical experience in running structures under the hardships that entrepreneurs and industrialists all face.

If you listen to him speak on the challenges of the power sector, you will understand why he is on that committee. His elocution, diction and pure understanding of what needs to be done cannot be in any doubt So, I will not wish him congratulations because na war we dey face now. My advice to him is to go there and continue to be that bold and principled person who speaks truth to power, and please tell your colleagues that it is not photo ops that we sent them to go and do o. We don’t want to see any pictures on social media or anywhere, just maintain focus and do the job. Thank you and God bless.

Tinuade Sanda’s Heartache

As a female professional, Dr. Tinuade Sanda, the MD/CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has built a long and well-established career in corporate finance and administration. But when she took over the affairs of the energy distribution company last year, some pessimists were not comfortable and wondered what she would bring to the table.

It was undoubtedly a huge responsibility for her though, but in one year, Sanda has proved many of the naysayers wrong. She has put into play her brilliance and ingenuity.

In just 12 months under her leadership, EKEDC recorded its highest levels of power distribution to its customers, its highest collection ever, and its lowest ever ATC&C losses. EKEDC also recorded a substantial reduction in work-related accidents and a marked increase in staff retention. It also distributed over 50,000 meters to its customers through its Mobile MAP Initiative, while also taking delivery of 150 brand new transformers meant for communities with shortages.

Gorgeous-looking Sanda set out to reorganise the electric distribution company’s operational and team structure for optimum performance.

Notably, she has improved on the following: team remuneration and performance incentives, realigning customer and community engagement strategies for better brand positioning and service delivery and developing an inclusive, impactful and sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility plan.

All these are part of her innovationbased integrated reform plan. A flurry of activities followed, and the results were peerless.

However, as it is known, no leadership without challenges, Sanda’s leadership has been put to the test.

It all began when some unscrupulous elements were accused of cover-up as a top-level officer is linked to ghost employee fraud. The matter shook the distribution company to its very foundation. Though the woman was not directly linked to the infractions, her leadership value was badly blotted.

While many thought the matter had been swept under the carpet, the big hammer was slayed on her by the Board of Directors of EKEDC as she was allegedly relieved of her position and got consumed in a power play and high-wired conspiracies.

Temitope Adebutu’s Heart of Gratitude at 40

According to Denis Waitley, “Happiness cannot be travelled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude’’

That Temitope Adebutu-Obasanjo, daughter to the billionaire Lotto King, Sir Kessington Adebutu, has imbibed the culture of making herself happy is never in doubt. The beautiful lady lives every minute of her life with pure happiness.

Even though she has been buffeted at different times in the past with the blustering winds of vicissitude, the former magistrate with the Ogun State judiciary remains a happy and pleasant soul, refusing to be browbeaten.

The hardworking lady is presently in a very good, joyous and happy mood in gratitude to God, and she has every reason to be. Last Tuesday the brown-skinned lady had more than one reason to be joyous, apart from the grace to survive the mysteries of the days and nights in the past year.

Her heart was filled with gratitude to God for the grace to mark another birthday in sound

health as she glided gracefully into 40.

Even though it was a big moment for the daughter of the billionaire businessman, she refused to roll out the drums for the big day, instead choosing to praise and thank her Creator for His abundant blessings in her life.

Another reason she stayed away from any fanfare, according to a source, was because she missed her mum who died three years ago, dearly.

“Temitope would have loved her mother to be with her on days like this. She misses her greatly, hence the reason she wouldn’t want to throw a lavish party,’’ our source disclosed.

Nonetheless, Society Watch gathered that a barrage of tributes was sent to her by her siblings who published paid birthday adverts for her in the pages of newspapers. In one of the adverts by her siblings, they penned a beautiful accolade for her.

“It seems unbelievable, like a flash our beloved daughter and sister, Tope, you are already clocking 40 years. We give God all the glory and thanks,” they wrote.

“We see you daily a budding lady, coming

Rita Mbah: Breath of Fresh Air in

The popular saying, “Courage is the most important of all virtues, without it you can’t practice any virtue. You definitely cannot do anything consistently without courage” aptly explains the reason the enterprising and very formidable amazon, Hon. Rita Mbah, the Executive Chairman, Enugu State Tourism Board, stands tall at all times.

Since the upwardly mobile Mbah took over the reign of leadership at the state tourism board last year, she has been breaking grounds with innovations and re-invention, relentless in her unwavering effort to take the state tourism to an enviable height.

Theamazonsymbolisespurposeful, passionate and peerless leadership. Her one-year record in the saddle as Executive Chairman of the Tourism Board has been nothing short of phenomenal.

The woman, who was earlier a commissioner for tourism in the administration

Feyisola Adeyemi Gives Hubby, Prince Doyin, a Classy 50th Birthday Bash

A wife of noble character, the Bible says, is her husband’s crown. Feyisola Adeyemi of LuxuryByFeyi firm is not just a wife of noble character, but a trusted and reliable support system. Feyisola showed her supportive side some weeks ago when she organised an All In Black-themed birthday bash in Luton, United Kingdom for her doting husband’s milestone trip around the sun.

The lavish birthday dinner at the prestigious Luton Hoo Hotel, The Mansion House, Luton, had in attendance high-flying guests from all sectors of the Nigerian diaspora high society, including an assortment of Nigeria’s leading corporate titans, business leaders, top fashion designers and socialites.

Expectedly, the celebrant, Adedoyin Adeyemi, fondly called Prince Doyin, was visibly excited and appreciative of the deep

affection and display of goodwill in honour of his golden jubilee. Described as a serial entrepreneur, Prince Doyin is a top accountant based in the UK.

With over two decades of valuable experience in accounting, Prince Doyin is on top of his game when it comes to accounting, auditing and creating plans of action for improved financial well-being. Prince Doyin is also a household name in the corporate world, corporate finance, debt and mergers and acquisitions. At 50, Prince Doyin mingled in high-profile circles. To say that he has done well for himself is simply stating the obvious.

The colourful birthday bash, which was planned by Yannishevents, shook Luton to its roots. Apart from the lovely decor and settings, the fashion statements on display added extra glamour to the exciting night of fun and celebration.

Trust Feyisola, the brain behind the grand

elegantly as a chip off the old block, a replica of your dear mum of blessed memory.

On your 40th birthday anniversary, we thank God for keeping you strong, much as we beseech Him to bless your new age with your heart’s desire in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Have a remarkable birthday and rejoice in the Lord’s faithfulness,’’

of the former governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has proved many times that she is indeed a rare combination of brain, brawn and beauty. She is continually and successfully pulling all these together, albeit silently, to launch Enugu State on the global map with its tourism potential.

As a woman grounded in the tourism sector with years of experience, many were eager to see what the reputed change-maker would add to the sector. It is undoubtedly a huge responsibility. On the evidence of her one-year record, it is now abundantly clear that she has provided an adequate response to all the curious minds.

For instance, during last year’s Yuletide season, she dragged traffic to the state’s firstever “Christmas in the Park.” The spectacular event, as gathered, allowed lots of fun-seekers to have a relaxing time at the park. This, as revealed, also generated revenue for the government.

Adeyemi

birthday dinner, not to do things in half measures. Apart from looking chic in her outfit; she was practically everywhere ensuring that all her guests had a great evening. Food and vintage drinks were in abundant supply. And all the guests had more than enough to eat and drink on the special occasion.

Oluyinka Adewoye’s Unusual

Foundation, Mrs. Oluyinka Adewoye is called for the latter.

The beautiful woman is a strong adherent of the holy book of the Bible. She follows and obeys its injunctions to the letter. Apart from this, Adewoye was born with milk of kindness flowing in her veins. Her support for the widows has been described by many as highly commendable and unprecedented.

Society Watch gathered that in her usual gestures, she has once again extended her milk of kindness to over 200 widows of the Makoko community in Lagos.

The well-attended event, tagged ‘Day Out With Makoko Women’, was designed to cushion the effect of the economic hardship among the less-privileged and also bring smiles to the faces of the dejected within the community.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Oluyinka Adewoye said that it was a thing of joy and happiness to identify with the deprived whose source of livelihood had been hindered due to one factor or the other.

“Today is a special day to celebrate with and put smiles on the faces of over 200 widows in the Makoko community. This is one of our quarterly events for widows. Today’s event would feature free medical consultation and medications, free empowerment training, free health talk, and gifts of food items to help alleviate the food shortage and put smiles on the faces of the widows. And this is coming at this season of Easter as we celebrate.”

LawrenceGrace Foundation is founded primarily on touching lives positively, reaching out to widows and indigent school children in less privileged societies by providing healthcare, free medications, empowerment programmes and gifts to support them in their livelihood.

The convener, however, thanked every individual who went out of their way to make sure those who are deprived have cause to be part of the Easter celebration in their own little way.

Adebutu

Mbah

Sanda

Adewoye

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS & REVIEW

With a Stunning Debut, +234 Art Fair Promotes Emerging Talents

A recently launched art fair in Lagos seems intent to on giving its precursors a run for their money. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

Adash of extra creative zest to the already effervescent Lagos contemporary art scene is not only essential but invigorating. Indeed, despite the recent surge of art events in the littoral commercial capital city, the +234 Art Fair—as the most recent and inspiring addition to the yearly visual arts calendar—stands out as a beacon in the annual artistic landscape, thus embodying the concept of “the more, censure for hopping on the bandwagon, which tauntingly trails it like a phantom. And with a unique selling point that bears all the hallmarks of sustainability, it also dispels fears of potentially saturating the art scene with a promise of enriching rather than overwhelming it. In any case, the continually evolving art community can only benefit from this injection of new perspectives and the fostering of artistic dialogue.

Still, this meticulously orchestrated art event, which officially opened to the public on March 22 and ends today (March 31), transcends the notion of the mere proliferation of art fairs. Granted that it hopes to enrich the local cultural tapestry, it sets its sights on championing budding artists while nurturing partnerships with established ones. It also breathes vitality into the art economy by fostering collaborations and boosting art patronage. As for its core mission of connecting artists and collectors, it not only elevates Nigeria’s contemporary art scene but also cultivates a vibrant local artistic network that resonates on both national and global stages.

However, organising an art event of this magnitude, particularly one that might have been conceived to surpass its forerunners, could not have been an easy task. It must have taken a great deal of preparation in advance. Kudos, therefore, to Soto Gallery, its principal sponsor, Ecobank, and all the other sponsors and partners—among many others, the Federal Ministry of Culture, Leadway Insurance, and Africa Finance Corporation—for what turned out to be an incredibly successful, one-of-a-kind visual extravaganza.

Then, there is also the fact that it is being held in a purpose-built 3,800-square-metre state-of-the-art venue at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre, which adjoins the Ecobank creek-front headquarters building on Victoria Island. This venue boasts not only a large exhibition space capable of showing 1000 art works—a reason it exhibition Nigeria has seen”—but also a restaurant, a VIP lounge, a seminar room, a waterfront view, and 300 parking spaces.

Rallying under the theme Nigeria: A Newgasbord of artworks that explore historical themes related to Nigeria, whether real

or imagined. The exhibition, orchestrated by a team of six curators, each assigned perspectives. Among these curators are Ugochukwu Emebiriodo, handling Olowoporoku, leading the sculpture exhibits. With their distinct expertise, the and immersive experience at the fair.

Understandably, being innovative and unique carries a burden of expectations along with it. Therefore, it is not hard with the calibre of Florence Lynch as the keynote speaker on Saturday, March 23, mattered a lot, as it would have done a lot to assuage the high expectations of many. Talking about Lynch, she is a New York-based art dealer and a senior director at the art gallery Marc Straus. With over 20 years of art world experience, she has worked as an independent curator, critic, and lecturer. She was, among other things, a Director of Sales and Public Relations at Elizabeth Dee, New York. She also coowned LYNCH THAM, a contemporary a’t gallery formerly on New York’s Lower East Side, which was established in 2013, and founded Florence Lynch G allery, a contemporary art gallery of international standing previously located in New York’s Chelsea gallery district.

Subsequent days of the +234 Art Fair, following the exclusive VIP soirée on Thursday, March 21—an event during which a vibrant band played timeless melodies and a silent auction took place—seemed to be bursting at the seams with a medley of activities. Daily attendees were able to participate in enriching workshops, insightful masterclasses, and stimulating panel discussions, ensuring that the energetic atmosphere maintained its momentum beyond the grand opening. The varied activities and engagements kept the spirit of creativity alive throughout the post-opening days, making each day a vibrant and intellectually stimulating experience for all involved.

Then, close up on the exhibition. It lived up to its billing as a platform for a vibrant mix of emerging artists sourced from the rich reservoir of talent within the country, which ought to have impressed potential buyers. It also helps that the exhibi ted works are categorised into distinct sections, such as fine art, sculptures, photography, and digital art, so that attendees can effortlessly navigate and explore their interests. While some paintings’ vacuously eclectic nature might raise eyebrows about thematic coherence, the majority of visual masterpieces on display at the art fair present a compelling and enriching experience, highlighting the wonderful diversity of artistic expression in contemporary times.

A view of the reception area

Humour, Love, Death…Action!

Segun Ade-Martins

woman, Amara (Sha-

and demeanour charm the store owner, John quest.as a Showmax exclusive.

What didn’t work

that with a self-harm theme is a mismatch.

MOVIE

to pacing issues.

movie could feel tighter. and the plot revealed. The content of numerous

more in a scene.

Therefore, start a scene as late as possible and end enough.

than John.

obstacles to overcome, although he develops bigger obstacles that tie in with a huge tonal shift.

spirit and poor behavioural traits.

Repetitive dialogue and scenes

The next scene is her father telling Amara to go from Amara.

need to get it a second or third time.

The repetition of details continues further in the movie with other pivotal plot elements.

The Takeaway -

suicide.

The ending also teaches us that being rich is the ultimate, based on how characters react in the end. important consideration?

What worked

member leave feeling more hopeful.

Subversion of Outcomes

little more time setting it up and revealing twists

Unusual stories can be more interesting. better stories. Summary some magical moments. However, some elements were underdeveloped into context. Although the mismatched tone is a huge problem, However, if subverting expectations is something Ade-MartinswritesfromAbuja

Celebrating Francophonie: Alliance Française Lagos Hosts Free Cinema Day

Yinka Olatunbosun

The Alliance Française in Lagos, in collaboration with France, Canada, and Switzerland, treated Nigerian French stuof free cinema screening. The event was aimed at showcasing cinema while promoting French language and Francophone cultures to the Nigerian public. The cinema screening featured three captivating

subtitles provided, attendees were immersed in the cinematic experience.

in Lagos, shared insights into Nigeria's growing interest in French language learning, revealing with 15,000 teachers across schools and institutes.

ing artist residencies, scholarships for Nigerian students to pursue higher education in France, Such initiatives help to nurture talent and foster connections between Nigerian and French counterparts, enriching both countries' cultural landscapes.

COMMEMORATION

have to meet their counterparts in France to attend summits and festivals. To develop talents and

and the Canadian High Commissioner, James emphasised the power of collaboration in drivingtributions of both Anglophone and Francophone

both the Anglophone and Francophone African

Let's do it together.”

L-R: French Consul General, Laurent Favier, Swiss Consul General, Frank Eggmann, Kunle Afolayan; Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff and another guest, at the event

A scene from the movie

Editor

IN THE ARENA

SMS: 08066066268

Pension Laws for Ex-Govs: The Abia Example

Alex Enumah writes that other states in Nigeria need to follow Abia State’s lead by repealing laws that grant pensions to former governors and their deputies to reduce the cost of governance and redirect resources towards development

The Abia State House of Assembly recently set an example of good governance when it passed a bill to stop pensions for former governors and their deputies in the state. The assembly, which said the move was to ensure that “the outrageous cost of governance” is reduced for resources to be available for the development of the state, added that the pensions law in the state needed to be repealed given the current realities in the country.

It was in 2001 that the then Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, who served from 1999 to 2007, signed the ‘Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions Law No 4 of 2001.’ The law allowed former governors of the state and their deputies to collect pensions for life.

The law stipulated that the former governors and their deputies were entitled to 100 per cent of the annual basic salaries of the incumbent governor and deputy, while their cooks, stewards, drivers, and gardeners were to be paid by the state.

Under the law, former governors were entitled to two vehicles worth N20 million each for every four years. They were also entitled to three police officers and two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The implication is that all former governors of the state and their deputies, including Kalu, Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu, will no longer be entitled to the humongous pensions the law allowed them to be getting from the state government for life.

As soon as the bill was passed, Governor Alex Otti signed it into law, saying that it would promote good governance and stewardship in the state, emphasizing that leadership should not be an avenue to embezzle public funds.

The governor described the new law as a step in the right direction, noting that prioritising public welfare over individual benefits ought to be given key consideration in policy-making. He also said he was aware that he would have benefitted if the law continued to exist but it was best to use the funds to improve the lives of citizens. In his view, pensioners were the people who needed the funds the most and not former officeholders.

He further expressed displeasure over the practice of allocating 80 per cent of the state’s budget to recurrent expenditure and 20 per cent to capital expenditure by past administrations, saying that the changed policy was part of the efforts made by the present administration to reduce the cost of governance.

Over the years, there have been a lot of controversies concerning the outrageous life pension and other enviable benefits being paid to the governors and their deputies.

Not everyone sees the rationale for former governors and their deputies to be entitled to humongous pensions after four and eight years in office even when it is evident that many of them misappropriated money. It is quite shocking that former governors are entitled to pensions after leaving office when career civil servants who served between 20 and

Governor AbdulaRasaq

35 years are not paid their entitlements.

Many Nigerians who thought the 2019 judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal describing the payment of severance allowances to elected or appointed public office holders as morally wrong would help checkmate the anomaly were shocked when state governors ignored them, insisting that the payments of pensions in their states were backed by state laws.

For instance, after the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) sued the federal government and the 36 state governments over the pension laws in the states, Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo of the Federal High Court in Lagos in 2019 said emoluments for former governors were unacceptable, unconstitutional and illegal.

She consequently granted an order of mandamus compelling the Attorney General of the Federation to identify former governors and their deputies collecting pensions from their states and seek full recovery of public funds from those involved. The judge also gave an order directing the AGF to institute appropriate legal actions to challenge the legality of states’ laws per-

POLITICAL NOTES

mitting former governors to enjoy life pensions. As usual, the judgment and order were never obeyed.

Additionally, the Court of Appeal in a judgment on an appeal marked CA/A/810/2017 and filed by the Kogi State Government against seeking pensions and severance packages in the state, held that the fact that elected public office holders and political appointees were paid huge amounts of money as monthly salaries and other forms of allowances while in office makes it morally wrong for them to demand pensions, gratuities or severance allowances for holding such an office for four to eight years as the case may be.

The three-man panel of the appellate court which had Justice Emmanuel Agim, Justice Abubakar Datti Yahaya and Justice Tinuade Akomolafe-Wilson, submitted that it amounted to gross social injustice, and unjustified in the context of the nation’s present social realities.

The lead judgment, which was delivered by Justice Agim (now JSC), said it was wicked and morally wrong for political office holders and political appointees, who helped themselves to public funds while in office, to claim entitlement to pension and severance allowances.

He submitted that it was wrong for political appointees and elected public office holders, who do not work as long and as hard as career civil servants to quickly get paid huge severance allowances upon leaving office in addition to the huge wealth they acquired while holding such offices and without having been subjected to any contributory pension schemes.

First to commend Otti for his “courage” in repealing the law was former President Olusegun Obasanjo who called on other state governors that pay pensions to former governors to emulate Abia State. He described the payment of pensions to former state governors and their deputies as outrageous and “a daylight robbery.”

Obasanjo added: “It’s like trouble because it allowed them to have a house in Abuja and elsewhere, and it allowed them to cart away with whatever they can, yet the pensions of ordinary people from 2014 are unpaid. What sort of leadership? You came and said there would be an end to that rascality. I congratulate you, and I say to you, I hope that your colleagues will follow in your footsteps.”

Also, SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to emulate Governor Otti by immediately obeying the judgment ordering the federal government to recover pensions collected by former governors, and to challenge the legality of states’ pension laws permitting those involved to collect such “outrageous pensions.”

In a letter dated March 23, 2024, and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged Tinubu to emulate the Abia governor “by urgently obeying the 2019 Federal High Court judgment, something which former president Muhammadu Buhari blatantly failed to do.”

Even when Governor Otti knows that he would benefit from law after leaving office, he still went ahead to repeal it.

This is why other states should emulate him if indeed elected officials want to truly serve the people.

The Embarrassing Escape of Binance Official in Abuja

The recent escape of Binance official, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of the crypto currency organisation, from lawful custody in Nigeria, was a great embarrassment to the Nigerian government.

It also exposed the lack of respect the government has for Nigerians.

Anjarwalla, not only escaped, he and his co-accused, Tigran Gambaryan, have sued the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged violation of their fundamental rights.

The preferential treatment given to Anjarwalla, which aided his escape, showed

that the Nigerian government places no value on the welfare of the citizens of this country.

The federal government had been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform.

Binance had pleaded guilty to flouting antimoney laundering laws in the United States in late 2023, settling for a plea bargain that cost the company $4.3 billion.

Anjarwalla, who held British and Kenyan nationalities, was scheduled to appear before the court again on April 4, 2024. But in what was viewed as an international embarrassment to Nigeria, the suspect escaped on Friday, March 22 when his guards on duty

escorted him from the guesthouse where he was held to a nearby mosque for prayers. He was detained at a guesthouse where he was allowed to go to the mosque simply because he holds a British passport.

However, Nigerians facing allegations for similar or less offences do not enjoy the luxury of a guesthouse where they could worship at a church or mosque but are incarcerated by the DSS or EFCC.

A former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele was in the DSS custody longer than is allowed by the Nigerian laws before he was transferred to the EFCC.

Also, the Editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji, whose offence was not known, was abducted from his home in Lagos State on Friday, March 15, 2024 by soldiers.

Anjarwalla

Palliatives and Avoidable Deaths from Stampedes

Having impoverished many Nigerians with bad governance and turned others to beggars who depend on palliatives for survival, governments at various levels have also used the same corruption to turn the venues for the distribution of these free food items to killing fields where precious lives are lost to stampedes caused by lack of transparency in the sharing of these items, Ejiofor

Withthelevelofcorruptionandmaladministration that bedeviled Nigeria since Independence, it is not surprising that poverty has become a scourge threatening the survival of a country that is blessed with abundant human and material resources.

Since her independence, Nigeria has been struggling to find the right leadership as political and military actors in successive administrations continued to loot the public treasury, leaving poverty and corruption on their trail. When former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration created the Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP) in 2000 in an attempt to arrest this scourge, little did Nigerians know that real poverty was still decades ahead.

In 2001, PAP was replaced with the National Poverty Alleviation Programme (NAPEP).

With Nigeria still enjoying enormous crude oil revenue, which prevented acute poverty and hardship from escalating, NAPEP was not in the national limelight for several years.

But with dwindling crude oil revenue, and increasing corruption and bad governance, it was not surprising that Nigeria became the poverty capital of the world.

Nigeria assumed this infamous title of ‘World Poverty Capital’ in 2016, according to the World Bank’s data, which showed that four in every 10 Nigerians lived below the poverty line of $1.9 per day.

Nigeria’s position was validated in 2018, with 87 million people in extreme poverty, according to World Poverty Clock (WPC), an online tool that monitors the progress against poverty globally and regionally, and provides real-time poverty data across countries.

According to its data, extremely poor people are those living on less than $2 per day.

As the country assumed the status of poverty capital of the world, the administration of former President Muhamadu Buhari created the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development on August 21, 2019, to tackle poverty by offering free foods and cash to poor Nigerians.

The creation of the ministry was a welcome development given the fact that Germany, Austria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Ghana, and a few other countries were giving out financial incentives to households in the form of cost-of-living allowance, unemployment benefits, an adjustment in wages and salaries, and roll-out of public transport measures to reduce the impact of inflation.

However, corruption and bad governance, which plunged Nigeria into poverty, and also made many Nigerians to become beggars, who are dependent on government’s palliatives for survival, could not allow this multi-dimensional approach designed to tackle poverty and hardship to succeed.

Massive corruption scandals rocked the ministry

Tinubu

as the cash meant for the poor were diverted to the pockets of the officials of the ministry, leaving poor Nigerians to be further impoverished.

The pioneer minister in charge of the ministry, Mrs Sadiya Umar-Farouq, was detained in January by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning over allegations of corruption in the handling of N37.1 billion social intervention funds during her tenure.

After President Bola Tinubu took over in May 2023, the name of the ministry was changed to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation but the ministry continued to be enmeshed in corruption scandals.

In January, President Tinubu suspended Umar-Farouq’s successor, Dr. Betta Edu, following widespread anger over an alleged

N585 million scandal.

A week earlier, President Tinubu had suspended the National Coordinator and chief executive of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Mrs. Halima Shehu over multibillion naira fraud.

Shehu worked as the National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme.

The former banker had worked at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, from 2017 to 2022.

With massive corruption scandals rocking the programmes designed to tackle the self-inflicted poverty unleashed on Nigerians by the ruling class, the country has continued to host the world’s poorest people.

Even the distribution of free food items and other palliatives has also been bogged down in many cities by corruption and lack of fairness, which have led to stampede in the distribution venues and loss of lives.

NOTES FOR FILE

Alike reports

On February 23, 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) embarked on the distribution of 25kg bags of rice to indigent Nigerian citizens in the Lagos Area at its Zonal Headquarters, in Yaba, Lagos State

The exercise, which was part of government’s intervention in the current economic hardship and hunger, was however, marred by a stampede, which claimed the lives of seven persons.

Two students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi also died penultimate week, and 17 others, mostly females, were injured while scrambling to collect 7.5 kilogrammes of rice donated to them as palliatives by the state government.

It was gathered that a paltry sum of N5,000 for each student also accompanied the items.

For students to die because of N5,000 and 7.5 kilogrammes of rice showed the level of poverty and hardship inflicted on Nigerians by the country’s ruling political class.

Reacting to the Nasarawa incident, human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana attributed the death of the students to official negligence.

He faulted the position of the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Suleiman Bala, who had blamed the tragedy on the victims.

While the Universal President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Lucky Emonefe, had called for a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible for the mishandling of the distribution of the palliatives are held accountable, Bala had blamed the stampede on the impatience of the students.

On his part, Governor Abdullahi Sule said the stampede occurred because some students thought that their names were being replaced by the Students’ Union Government of the institution, and this showed that the distribution lacked transparency.

No fewer than four people were also reportedly trampled to death last Sunday while struggling for free food meant for the less-privileged in an almsgiving exercise at Shafa Holdings Company Plc on Jos Road in Bauchi, Bauchi State.

In another sad incident, a ward chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Olumide Awolumate, had also manhandled the then state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Juliana Osadahun, in September 2023 during the distribution of palliatives to the Akoko North-West Local Government Area of the state.

Though no life was lost, the commissioner was allegedly injured in the head, which led to the suspension of the ward chairman by the party.

With the venues for the distribution of palliatives becoming killing fields due to corruption and mismanagement, there is no respite for the victims of poverty, which was created by Nigeria’s ruling class.

Are Nigerian Security Agencies Only for the Rich?

It is really sad that despite the level of insecurity in the country, the Department State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) still have the time for trivial matters instead of concentrating their efforts on how to provide intelligence and arrest those who have vowed to torment Nigerians.

WhiletheDSShasinvitedOlawaleRasheed, the spokesperson of Governor of Osun State, AdemolaAdeleke,overanallegedstoryagainst thesonofMinisterofMarineandBlueEconomy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the police are currently prosecutingoneChiomaEgodioveramereonline commentaryonEriscoFoodsLimited’stomato paste. InRasheed’scase,hewasinvitedbytheDSS forallegedlysponsoringfakenewsagainstFemi, son of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

An Abuja-based blogger reportedly published a news report, claiming that Femi is extortingDirectorsoftheMinistryofMarine. Foracasethatshouldatbestberegardedas civilmatter,beinglibel,thebloggerwasswiftly arrested by operatives of DSS. The blogger reportedly alleged that Rasheed sponsored the report.

But Rasheed, in a swift statement, denied giving any report to an online publisher on Oyetola’s son, noting that he will meet investigators this weekend.

The governor’s spokesman also filed an originating summons for the enforcement of his rights before a Federal High Court, Osogbo, against DSS and Femi Oyetola. Adeleke’s spokesman, in the suit number FHC/OS/C5/89/2024, sought for three reliefs including restraining order on DSS

from inviting, arresting or detaining him.

In Egodi’s case, the police are alleging that her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste violates the Cybercrime Act of 2015.

Many had expected the management of the company to issue a statement debunking the claim Egodi made on her Facebook post on September 17, 2023, instead of involving the police through a petition to the Inspector General of Police.

ShewaspromptlyarrestedinLagosandflowntoAbuja where she was detained.

Many are shocked that the DSS and the police could deployenormousenergytotacklecivilmatterswherethey demonstrate force and power against unarmed civilians whileviolentcriminalsareabductingNigeriansforransom, and killing soldiers, police and other security agents.

Bytheiractions,thepoliceandtheDSSareembarrassing the country by portraying themselves as agencies established to protect only the rich and the powerful.

Bichi

Academy of International Affairs and Nigeria’s Foreign Policy of 4-Ds:Objective, Agenda, or Framework?

Foreign policy is variously defined in international relations, especially because the margin between foreign and domestic policy remains an issue and still remains, at best, very thin. Some scholars posit that foreign policy is an extension of domestic policy. True enough.

For me, foreign policy is simply an instrument of self-projection, for moderating the attitudinal disposition of other Member States of the international community, and more importantly, for promoting national development. Unfortunately, while the great powers use foreign policy to export and promote their industry and national development, Nigeria is yet to evolve such a culture. In Nigeria, it is frequently argued that, without firstly fixing the domestic problems, there is very little that can be achieved at the foreign policy level. The case of the Concert of Medium Powers (CMP), initiated by Professor Akinwande Bolaji Akinyemi, refers.

The CMP was conceived in 1987 to initially serve as a consultation forum on global questions and enable the relevance of Nigeria in the conduct and management of international affairs. 16 countries, including Argentina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Switzerland, Sweden, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, as well as Algeria and Senegal in Africa, were identified as regional influential and medium powers and were therefore invited to Lagos. But for various considerations of force majeure, the name was changed to Lagos Forum.

Additionally, the unnecessary arguments predicated on the need to first survive domestically before active engagement in role playing in international affairs prompted the premature discontinuation of the CMP project. Whereas, the great powers continue to use foreign policy in different ways as a desideratum to advance their culture. France, for instance, insisted on the adoption of democracy as a conditionality for the grant of development aid to African countries at the 1990 La Baule Franco-African Summit. Again, when many African countries abstained or voted against the United Nations resolution seeking to sanction Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden made it clear that any country that votes against any US foreign policy interest will henceforth be sanctioned. It is against this background that we now discuss the birth of an Academy of International Affairs and foreign policy of 4-Ds.

Academy of International Affairs (AIA)

The purpose of the Academy of International Affairs (AIA) is not, lato sensu, different from the objective of the Concert of Medium Powers (CMP). As clearly and rightly explained by Dr Femi Aribisala, the then Special Adviser to Professor Akinyemi, ‘the general purpose of the Concert was to enable its membership to exert greater collective influence in world affairs. So doing, it would ensure that questions of international peace and security would no longer be the exclusive preserve of the superpowers and their respective alliance systems. This would attenuate the level of distrust and suspicion in inter-state relations.’ And perhaps, more importantly, he said that the CMP was intended ‘to strengthen the faith in multilateral cooperation by addressing global problems in the enhancement of international peace and security.’ He could not have been more correct.

A closer examination of the objective as explained, reveals four main interests: the need to exert greater influence, acting together; stop the character of exclusiveness of the power of the more developed countries in the management of global peace and security; reduce, if not totally eliminate, the distrust and suspicion in international relations; and strengthen the faith in multilateralism. What is particularly noteworthy about the objectives is the untold rationale for, and creation of, a platform to enable the discussion of the objectives. The platform served as an opportunity, not only to share ideas, but more interestingly to enable Nigeria to sustain her leadership as a regional influential. And true enough again, Nigeria served as a leader by convening the Lagos Forum. This leadership role was not inhibited by the

Bola A. Akinterinwa

challenges of the domestic environment. Put differently, the major concern of Professor Akinyemi was basically that there could not be any limitation to what is doable in and by Nigeria, at the domestic or international level because of the very dynamic human resources in Nigeria.

As noted earlier, the objective of the CMP is not different from that of the Academy of International Affairs (AIA). Professor Bolaji Akinyemi does not believe that the narratives of international questions should always be given by the developed academic centres. Western perspectives should also be reconciled withAfrican perspectives and not ignored. The truth is that the teaching and learning of international relations in Africa is mostly done from the perspectives of the western world, which, more often than not, ignore and distort the truths about Africa. The narratives about Nigeria’s roles in the anti-apartheid struggle are another case in point. The AIA was established in 2022 to respond to this challenge and enhance the understanding of international relations from an African perspective, with emphasis on the African environmental conditionings. In doing this, the AIA underscores the need for capacity building and re-strategy in the conduct and management of foreign relations and diplomacy.

The AIA, as explicated by its founder, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, is not simply an independent think tank, but one that is also seeking

In terms of quo vadis, the first and immediate challenge for the AIA is to help articulate the Doctrine of 4-Ds: should we be talking about doctrine or diplomacy of 4-Ds? Are they really an agenda or techniques of diplomacy? If considered as agenda, agenda for what purpose and for who? To what extent are they consistent with Nigeria’s foreign policy of concentricism, non-alignment, Africa as centrepiece or Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s globalist centrepiece?

What about Chief Obasanjo’s policy of ‘Four Calabashes’ adopted within the context of the Conference on Security, Stability, Development, and Cooperation in Africa, proposed in 1991 at the OAU but revived and adopted in 2000 by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo? Has the principle of subsidiarity also been factored into the 4-Ds? Are the 4-Ds a replacement of the existing principles or an addendum? More important, how does the government intend to implement the 4-Ds as an agenda? Without any shadow of doubt, the 4-Ds are good elements for nationbuilding: strengthening democracy, involving Nigerians in the Diaspora, educating and controlling the population for manpower needs, etc. As such, the 4-Ds will be constituents of a new Nigeria in the making, as foreign policy requires the use of international environment to assist in the formulation and implementation of domestic policies. Consequently, the 4-Ds are more of techniques of diplomacy than foreign policy agenda setting. They are not objectives

engagement in ‘research-based policy planning and strategic analysis, high-level dialogue, conferences and publication of policy briefs and position papers, to support the articulation of national interest, as well as strategies on international relations and national and international security.’ More important, the AIA wants to ‘conduct regular studies on global economic and financial developments, new trends in technological advances, as well as new and evolving challenges in the national and international environments including emerging themes as climate change, terrorism and international organised crimes.’ And perhaps most significantly, the AIA commits itself to promoting ‘the continued growth of Nigeria’s capacity for effective negotiation through developing sound research outputs on the major global thematic issues and helping to provide mentorship to concerned government officials.’

Without any whiff of doubt, the AIA had engaged in several academic activities for two years before its official inauguration and investiture ceremony of Fellows on Monday, 25th March, 2024 at the Rotunda of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It also offered several opinions and advice on many foreign policy challenges before the official induction of the AIA Fellows, who are all men and women of professional integrity. Many of them are recipients of national honours, and many of them have reached the crescendo of their career. For instance, the first set of Honorary Fellows are recipients of CON. They include Chief Izoma Phillip Asiodu, former Federal Permanent Secretary and former Minister of Petroleum; Ambassador Abdullahi Atta, one of the founders of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency; Ambassador Sefi Judith Atta, a Playwright and Award Winner of Wole Soyinka for Literature in Africa; as well as Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, who is Professor of International Trade and Finance and President of the Afreximbank.

More interestingly too, among the AIA Fellows are recipients of higher national honour. The AIAfounder, Professor Akinyemi, and General (Rtd) Martin L. Agwai are recipients of the CFR. Professor Tijjani Mohammed-Bande holds the GCON, which is the second highest honour in Nigeria’s Order of Precedence. Apart from Henry Odein Ajumogobia, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who is also a CON holder, there are the Fellows without national honour but whose name and influence go beyond the shores of Nigeria. They include Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, a former Nigerian plenipotentiary to Germany and Professor Akin Oyebode, a former Vice chancellor.

In fact, the records of Ambassador Segun Apata, a former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations,Ambassador (Dr) Jaiyeola Lewu, and Ambassador Hadiza Mustapha speak volumes in terms of achievements and demonstration of patriotism. What aboutAmbassador Brownson N. Dede, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union. Grosso modo, the AIA cannot but be also proud of having Professors Jide Owoeye, Professor of International Relations and Pro-Chancellor of the Lead City University, Professor Hassan A. Saliu, the President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, Major-General Obidan Tahau Ethan (Rtd), the Pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, Professor Eghosa Osaghie, Professor of Economics and former Vice-Chancellor. They all constitute invaluable assets to the Academy. With the rich experiences of Ambassador Jibrin Chinade, a former Ambassador to Russia and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of foreign Affairs, and Mrs Joy Ogwu, Professor of International Affairs, former NIIA Director General, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, as well as Professor Noble Lady Viola Onwuliri, a former supervising Minister and Minister and Minister of State 1 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the AIA cannot complain about the wealth of diplomatic and academic experiences waiting to be tapped.

And more interestingly, with the many academic diplomats and diplomatic academics inducted as Fellows, and particularly with the considerable intellectual resources of the Associate Fellows, Dr Akin Akinyemi and Professor J. Adewunmi Falode, Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at the Lagos State University, as well as induction of Ambassadors Joe Keshi and Martin Uhomoibhi, both of them recipients of the OON and OFR respectively and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the AIA cannot but accept the challenge of joining others to assist Government in articulating a new leeway for Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Foreign Policy of 4-Ds in Context

What Nigeria currently needs is a foreign policy grandeur, a grand strategy that needs to go beyond a foreign policy doctrine of 4-Ds. In this regard, the Academy is more of a platform for critical thinking than politics playing and this is what makes it quite distinct from all other think tanks in the public and private sectors. It is against this background that the explication of the doctrine of 4-Ds should be explicated.

The inauguration of the AIA and the investiture ceremony of the Fellows at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja, provided a unique opportunity for Nigeria’s Minister of foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to reassert that the 4-Ds doctrine is not about ‘objectives’ but essentially about ‘agenda.’

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Tuggar

sometime in 1998 — two years after Kaltho had gone missing — was that Kaltho had died while trying to plant a bomb at Durbar Hotel, Kaduna. Kaltho was cast as an agent of NADECO who died from mishandling that bomb. All our follow-up questions went unanswered or ignored.

When the Durbar incident happened on January 18, 1996, the then Kaduna deputy commissioner of police, Alhaji Umaru Suleiman, had said the “bomber” was burnt beyond recognition. “Anyone who tells you that the body can be identified is lying,” he said emphatically. However, a picture of Kaltho’s corpse that was shown to us by Biu two years later was highly recognisable: no burns on his face. The late Mr. Young Arabamen, then police PRO, dismissed our questions with contempt: “There is no contradiction… Suleiman’s statement was on-the-spot assessment while what Biu told the country is a full-scale investigation which himself and his team carried out… you don’t wallow in speculation.”

Before Abacha, Nigerian journalists lived through the dictatorships of Gen Muhammadu Buhari and Gen Ibrahim Babangida. For instance, in 1984, The Guardian reported an exclusive story on ambassadorial postings. Mr Nduka Irabor and Mr Tunde Thompson, who authored the story, were arrested. While cooling their feet in detention, the Buhari government quickly enacted Decree No 4 (Protection of Public Officers Against False Accusations) and jailed them. Although Babangida abolished Decree No 4 when he came to power in 1985, no government closed down more media houses than his own “liberal” government — but

BACK TO SCHOOL

The 137 schoolchildren abducted in Kuriga, Kaduna state, were freed last week after 18 days in captivity. Governor Uba Sani, who had been under intense pressure since the abductions, can now breathe easy. The Uba Sani Foundation has promised the children scholarships up to university level and pledged to renovate their schools. There was controversy over the actual figure of those kidnapped — initial reports said 287 — and there are conspiracy theories here and there, as there were when the Chibok schoolgirls were abducted 10 years ago. My own interest is always to rejoice with the parents and guardians who were more than glad to be reunited with their wards. Cheers!

Abacha surpassed him in attacks and killings.

The military era was when those who disagreed with government policies were classified as “radicals”. Dr Patrick Wilmot, a Jamaican academic who taught sociology at the ABU, Zaria, was deported for his political views. Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the legendary social crusader, was arrested and detained times without number. He was once arrested in Lagos at night, taken by road to Gashua (Yobe state), and detained in the nation’s oldest and hottest prison cell. By the way, Gashua by road was a 24-hour trip. Defenceless Nigerians were mowed down on the streets for protesting over harsh economic conditions. Maybe we need to be reminded of these military evils every now and then.

Whenever I hear some Nigerians canvass for a return to military rule, I pinch myself to be sure I am awake. Some people are eternally bitter over the 2023 presidential election and think the solution to their problem is a coup. “If I won’t have it, let no one else do!” The coup campaign was so loud that the military hierarchy had to deny plotting one. I would not have cared about the coup baiters if it was just the social media generation who were high on the initial smoke emanating from Niger Republic, but I became alarmed when my contemporaries and those far older than I am started entertaining the thought. God is so kind that he doesn’t allow us to retain memories of pain forever.

What I have recounted today, triggered by the unlawful arrest and detention of Olatunji, are the events pertaining mostly to the media under military rule. I can write a whole book on how activists

were tortured, how protesters were massacred with evidence of dead bodies riddled with bullets, and how the general populace was subjected to perpetual fear, anxiety and humiliation by the jackboots. If we retain memories of pain, no right-thinking person will seek a return to military rule, not even as a joke. They are not in power and are still assaulting our rights so brutally. If they can do this under democracy, imagine what they will do if they are fully in charge and their word is law.

Someone said if the military were in power, we would have conquered Boko Haram, banditry and oil theft long ago. Not so fast. Mali has been under military rule since 2021 and Burkina Faso since 2022. Militants are still operating massively over there. Niger Republic recently lost dozens of soldiers. One of the many justifications for the coups in these countries was that the civilian governments could not contain insecurity, in addition to harsh economic conditions. But are their citizens safer, richer and freer today? More so, who is fighting insurgents and bandits in Nigeria? Is it not the military? What would they do differently if they were in power? Level up communities with nuclear bombs?

I often hear a barbaric statement made by many otherwise respected Nigerians that we need a “Jerry Rawlings” to come and kill all Nigerian leaders, past and present. In 1979, Rawlings, an air force officer, seized power in Ghana and executed eight military officers and three former heads of state for corruption. Some say, unabashedly, that this is what Nigeria needs to do to be able to fight corruption — as if the Nigerian coup leaders will

And Four Other Things…

EXCLUSION ZONE

I was fascinated by the decision of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to shut down a KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for discriminating against a passenger on wheelchair. Mr Debola Daniel was denied entry by a member of KFC staff who told him blatantly that wheelchairs were not allowed. Daniel was disgracefully treated. I am glad this high-profile experience has mainstreamed the issue of inclusion. However, I don’t think shutting down the business is the right response, although Nigerians love knee-jerk sanctions. A fine and a demand for apology would be okay, followed by a compulsory training on inclusion to educate businesses. Civil.

FELICITATING FAYE

It always feels special whenever a young African ascends to power. I am happy for Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the president-elect of Senegal. He is just 44. This should offer African youths hope that they can end the era of gerontocrats on the continent. Also, Senegal has proved yet again that a well-organised African opposition can defeat the ruling party without whingeing. But when the euphoria dies down, Faye will have to face the task ahead: tackling poverty, disease and unemployment. It is not just about cutting ties with France — as some of his emergency supporters are goading him to do — but improving the quality of life of his people. This will require a bit more tact and thinking. Focus.

SENEGAL AND THE DEMOCRACY PROJECT IN AFRICA

civilian coup.

The recent and disturbing spate of democratic reversals on the continent, especially in the Sahel region and among France’s former colonies, provided a dark backdrop to the political drama in Senegal. This heightened anxieties about Senegal. Since 2020, seven successful military coups have taken place in West and Central Africa: Mali, in August 2020 and May 2021; Chad, April 2021; Guinea, September 2021; Burkina Faso, January 2022; Niger, July 2023; and Gabon, August 2023. There are worries about the expanding coup belt and a coup contagion in the Sahel. Given the dangerous dance in Dakar, and the strong anti-France sentiments, there was a real worry for the survival of democracy in Senegal. Thankfully, Senegal pulled back.

The constitutional court overruled Sall, and insisted the election must go on. Though Sall did not cover himself in glory in most of the three years to the election, but he didn’t stand in the way of the decision of the court. He released both Sonko and Faye ten days to the rescheduled election. He didn’t pull the stops to swing the election for his preferred candidate, Amadou Ba, a former prime minister. Both Ba and Sall accepted the outcome of the election and congratulated Faye even before the results were officially announced. Sall has also received Faye and Sonko at the presidential villa ahead of transfer of power on April 2nd. The point here is that democratic resilience will always be tested. What will make the difference is how well the democratic culture has settled in.

Since the outcome of Senegal’s elections, I have read a lot of analysis about the value of strong democratic institutions. This is a good point. But institutions are manned by people. One of my takeaways will be to paraphrase late Claude Ake: you cannot have enduring democracy without having people who have fully imbibed the culture and spirit of democracy. Sall and Ba could have dug in or played the bad losers and set their country on a different path. They and the other political actors, including those who triumphed, decided to play by the rules, even if grudgingly.

Faye will become Senegal’s youngest president on Tuesday largely by luck. His victory was driven in the main by the support for Sonko, which itself issued from a widespread dissatisfaction with the establishment and sympathy for his perceived

persecution. Sonko, 49, projects himself as antiestablishment and anti-imperialist (read France). A former tax inspector like Faye, Sonko resonates with Senegal’s youth in a country where the average age is 22. Sonko was banned form contesting because of a conviction.

Faye, who was still under trial but not convicted yet, threw his hat into the ring from prison, and ran as an independent because their party, PASTEL, was also banned. Apart from being a vote for Sonko, Faye’s victory was also a vote against Sall and his party. Faye’s chances further brightened when two major opposition parties endorsed him (one of them was the party of the former president, Abdoulaye Wade, whose son, Karim Wade, was banned for not renouncing his French citizenship). Clearly, the opposition united against the ruling party. This point has been well made, even underscored by Nigeria’s experience in 2015: in the African context, a united opposition stands a better chance of dislodging an incumbent party or candidate.

Olusegun Adeniyi has done extensive work on how opposition parties can defeat the incumbent on the continent. The overriding lesson is that there is a path to power for the opposition through the ballot box but the opposition leaders and those dissatisfied with the status quo need to team and organise better. Also, they should not give up easily or embrace anti-democratic forces because they are yet to achieve their goal. The Sonko that came a distant third in 2019 became the dominant force in Senegal’s politics in 2024.

The other point worth emphasising is that economic stress and growing inequality will always put the democracy project to test. This is playing out across the world. Reports by Freedom House, Pew Research Centre and Afrobarometer have documented the regression of democracy across the world, including in countries considered the bastions of democracy. The only antidote to this setback is good governance and meaningful improvement in the lives of the generality of the populace. This is the best way that democracy can be guaranteed. The intrinsic value of democracy is without doubt. But for democracy to endure, it must also have what Amartya Sen and others call an instrumental value or what we call democracy dividends.

There is a key lesson here for Faye, the politician of the moment in Senegal and the rest of continent.

be saints. You would be forced to think corruption has ended in Ghana or that Ghana has become Singapore because of the mass executions. This warped street logic has curtailed the ability of otherwise intelligent Nigerians to think rationally.

There is no doubt that our democracy has not delivered the desired dividends to the majority of Nigerians since the return to civil rule in 1999. We are still soaked in poverty and disease. We are struggling daily to get a few hours of power supply. We are clearly in the grip of insecurity, north and south. Public infrastructure is still in a dire state everywhere. Frauds and scams in government are getting bigger by the day. All these problems and challenges are enough to frustrate Nigerians. I myself am frustrated. But before 1999, the military ruled Nigeria for 29 out of 39 post-Independence years and the country was not exactly El Dorado, neither was the system free of corruption.

This is my message to the coup baiters: the military can never be the solution to our problems, no matter the fantasy in your heads. We have been ruled by them before. Countries currently being ruled by the military have not become better than Nigeria. Our first instinct should be to protect and promote our democracy. It has a self-cleansing mechanism which we must engage with in our quest for a better Nigeria. We should never seek a return to the era when our civil liberties were trampled upon, and when we had no right to seek redress. Our democracy, despite its failings and ailments, still gives us a voice. We don’t have to lose it before we value it. Thank God, Olatunji returned alive.

NO COMMENT

If I were Mr Peter Obi, the man who popularised the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, I would be borrowing from the Tinubu playbook by now. In 2006, Tinubu, then governor of Lagos state, got his associates to quietly register the Action Congress (AC) on sensing that his opponents had infiltrated the Alliance for Democracy (AD). AC later co-founded the All Progressives Congress (APC). The LP has entered into a prolonged crisis, culminating in an open war between its leadership and that of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which founded the party in 2002. When NLC’s foot soldiers picketed LP’s secretariat recently, they were accused of stealing staff salaries. Wonderful.

Public adulation can be fickle. In fact, it can be a burden. The dreamy-eyed youths of Senegal expect Faye to come in, wave a magic wand and create an Eldorado. Honeymoon period vanishes quickly, Faye would soon realise. The fact that Faye has never held any leadership or executive position in government may be a handicap. As Boubacar Boris Diop, a Senegalese novelist and journalist, captured in a 21st March essay for The New York Times, the election was not fought on rigorous interrogation of the policies and plans of the candidates. It is difficult to know if Faye is actually prepared for the office.

This doesn’t mean he should be written off. Just to say that how he goes about compensating for this perceived weakness will make a lot of difference. Faye may soon find out that while someone can win an election by luck, more than luck will be needed to govern well and to discharge the burden of expectations. Another key issue to watch will be Faye’s relationship with Sonko on whose back he rode to power. In his acceptance speech on Tuesday, Faye addressed Sonko as President Ousmane Sonko. He went with Sonko to visit Sall at the presidential palace, and Sonko was actually making his way to the owner’s corner of the car sent to pick them until an officer gently nudged him to the other side. Post-inaguration on April 2nd, it will be interesting to see if this will be a sole presidency by Faye or a joint presidency between Faye (mentee and elected president) and Sonko (mentor and non-elected ‘president’) and to see if how their relationship pans out will get in the way of governance.

In the meantime, congrats and best wishes to Senegal.

More Sensitivity to Disability

A justifiable outrage followed the ill-treatment of Mr. Adebola Daniel, a Nigerian with disability, at an eatery at the international airport in Lagos last week. The airport authority swiftly investigated and sanctioned the outlet, which in turn has apologised to Mr. Daniel and pledged to conduct disability sensitivity training for its staff. But it is important to use this episode to rethink and change how Nigeria as a society relates to and provides for citizens with disabilities. What transpired in that outlet is not an isolated case. It is

replicated thousand times daily, in different forms, all over the country. It is a society-wide thing.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 29 million Nigerians suffered from one form of disability or the other as at 2018. That is about 15% of our population. But even an insignificant percentage does not justify treating fellow citizens as if they are less than human simply because of their physical conditions.

Produced the with support of the MacArthur Foundation, a 2022 report by Agora Policy provides grim statistics about the fate of People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria: only 1% of PWDs are employed in the formal sector; only 2% of PWDs have access to education; 92% of PWDs are in dire need of rehabilitation services; 96% of PWDs have no access to assistive devices; and 98.5% of public buildings are not accessible to PWDs. Nigeria is a tough place to have disabilities. In some parts of the country, physical disability is seen not just as a source of shame but also as a curse. Many things need to change.

Some progress has been made, but work needs to be done. Nigeria has a national law disability: the “Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act”. It was signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2019. The bill became law after more than a decade of persistent advocacy by activists. The law, which has been adopted in only 19 states, gave a five-year moratorium period for some of its provisions to take effect. That window expired last year, meaning all the provisions of the law should be in full force from January 2024. We also have a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. But many Nigerians are not even aware of the law or the commission. Enforcement will be key, including adequate provisioning.

We need to change how we design and operate public spaces, including public buildings, public transportation and other public infrastructure. Most importantly, we need attitudinal and behavioural change in the way we treat PWDs, beyond the token of having sign-interpreters at public events. We need to adopt the John Rawls ‘Veil of Ignorance’ approach to design and achieve a more inclusive society. No one invites disability on themselves, and the person that is physically whole today, may not be tomorrow. We are all vulnerable. It is thus in our enlightened self-interest to create a society that works for all.

National Assembly Committees on Works Urge Tinubu to Declare Emergency on Infrastructure

Segun James

The committees on Works of both chambers of the National Assembly have urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the country’s infrastructure.

According to the Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi and the Hon. Akin Alabi, respectively, the state of emergency declaration becomes imperative given the enormity of the challenges.

While noting that the situation of the nation’s infrastructure calls for thinking outside the box, the lawmakers pointed out that the financial requirements needed to fix the nation’s infrastructure are well beyond the capacity of

annual appropriations.

However, the lawmakers who were in the entourage of the Minister of Works, David Umahi during an inspection tour of the Third Mainland, Eko and Carter bridges linking Lagos mainland with Victoria Island yesterday, assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would do everything possible within the limits of the law to help fund the projects given their importance in the scheme of things in the nation’s commercial nerve centre.

minister and his entourage also inspected the ongoing rehabilitation works on the first section of the Third Mainland Bridge, where he declared that the rehabilitation work on Carter would soon commence, having mobilised the contractor handling the project with N7billion a couple of days ago.

Barring any last minute change in plans, the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, which has been partially closed to traffic in the last seven weeks, will be re-opened on April 4, 2024.

Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, confirmed the re-opening yesterday in a statement.

Osiyemi said: “Dear Lagos Residents, We’re pleased to share that the

Third Mainland Bridge will resume full operations on April 4th, 2024, following extensive repairs.

“We sincerely thank you for your patience and cooperation, and we look forward to even smoother travels ahead.”

The state government had on January 5, 2024, announced that the bridge would be partially closed from Tuesday, January 9, for repairs.

According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Information, Ben Goong, the

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunication companies to extend the disconnection of telephone lines not linked to National Identification Numbers from April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024. A reliable source within the telecommunication sector disclosed this information to

He emphasised that the successful completion of rehabilitation works on phase one of the Third Mainland Bridge is a clear indication that the Tinubu’s administration is on course not only to rehabilitate the Third Mainland Bridge but

Sunday PUNCH on Saturday. This decision communicated via a letter to telcos came after a careful consideration of various challenges and requests for extensions. The source said, “So, this particular extension from 15th April to 31st July is for those who have four SIMs linked to just one

also to carry out comprehensive repairs on Eko and Carter bridges in Lagos, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government.

Umahi described the aesthetics of markings and solar lights on the Oworonshoki end of the bridge as beautiful, while pointing out that the underwater aspects of the project remain the most complicated and critical, adding that the underwater structural damage to the three bridges calls for concern.

He, however, expressed optimism that Tinubu’s administration is equal to

phone line.”

The disconnection process, which began in February, was rolled out in three phases. The first occurred on February 28, 2024, followed by the second phase on Friday, March 29, 2024.

Originally scheduled for April 15, 2024, the third phase has now been

the task and will confront the challenges head-on.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, OI Kesha, while conducting the minister around different sections of the Third Mainland Bridge, the Carter and EKO Bridges, informed the minister that the underwater damage to the three Bridges is far more colossal than imagined.

The Controller also took the minister’s entourage to several sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and some sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway among other federal projects in Lagos State.

rescheduled to commence on July 31, 2024.

During the initial deadline on February 28, 2024, the industry regulator said about 40 million lines not linked to NINs were barred.

Telecom operators are expected to prioritize the verification of existing subscribers over new ones during this extended period.

AGN President Thanks Tinubu for Supporting Zack Orji’s Recovery

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated an accomplished journalist, Tunde Olusunle on his birthday.

The President, in a statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, wished Olusunle many more prosperous years in his endeavours.

Olusunle joined the Daily Times conglomerate in Lagos in 1990 and rose to the membership of the Editorial Board of the media organisation.

The veteran journalist has published three successful poetry volumes: Fingermarks (1996); Rhythm Of The Mortar (2001), and A Medley Of Echoes (2022), as well as many essays.

He holds a doctorate degree in Media Arts and is a fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors.

The president wished Olusunle many more prosperous years in his endeavours.

He did stints in the Kogi State public service between 1992 and 1997 and was, at various times, information, public affairs, and media director to three chief executives of the state.

The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, has thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support towards the recovery of veteran actor, Zack Orji, who has travelled to the United Kingdom for post-surgery assessment.

Rollas disclosed this in a statement by the Guild’s Senior Special Adviser Media/Press Secretary, Femi Durojaiye, shared on his Instagram page yesterday.

The statement read: “On behalf of the Actors Guild

of Nigeria, the National President, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his fatherly intervention on the health of the former President of the Guild, Mr. Zack Orji, who has departed to the United Kingdom for post-surgery assessment.

“Dr. Rollas also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her motherly care towards the veteran actor as well as the son of the President, Seyi

Tinubu, for his unflinching support.”

The statement also recognised the support of the Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy, and Orji’s longtime friend, Ahmed Bala, respectively, for their “relentless efforts in ensuring Zack Orji gets back on his feet hale” and “for standing by him all through the period.”

Rollas further thanked Tinubu for his efforts to uplift the creative industry.

The statement added:

“We have witnessed the unprecedented support that President Tinubu is giving to the creative industry which has clearly shown his determination to uplift the sector to be more relevant and beneficial to both the practitioners and the national economy and we find it necessary to appreciate him.”

The AGN president had last week disclosed that Orji underwent two successful brain surgeries and refuted rumours of the death of the Nollywood actor.

Wema Bank’s Skills Acquisition Programme

Impacts Youth Development and SMEs Growth

Moses Adeyemi

With the permeation of innovation and technological advancement, the world is constantly evolving, prompting individuals, businesses,institutionsandnationstoadapt, evolve and stay abreast with the rapid rate of development or risk being left behind. The simple idea behind innovation is to conceive and implement new ideas, methods or solutions. A popular misconception is that innovation is limited to creating new products or services. In truth, innovation could be as simple as creating solutions to old problems or developing new and improved features on old products. The point is, the world is rapidly evolving and as time goes by, status quos become outdated and the need arises for us to evolve with the times and either adopt new methodologies or tweak old ones to capture these evolving needs. This codependency between change and adaptation is why the digital evolution and innovation go hand in hand.

Thedigitalevolutionhasplacedtheworldinaspotwherethesuccess of individuals, businesses and nations depends on their ability to adapt and leverage innovation to stay ahead of the curve. One could even argue that the foolproof solution to mitigating discrepancies in countries’ economic performance and achieving national development, is digital empowerment. Let’s adopt Nigeria as a case study.The most prevalent gaps in Nigeria’s economic landscape are low Foreign Deposit Investment (FDI), high unemployment and underemployment rates, limited foreign exchange capacity, low export to import ratio and high poverty rates. What impact could digital empowerment have on these economic indicators? You’d be surprised.

Imagine a world where Nigerian youth were empowered with advanced and highly demanded or sought after digital skills. These youthwouldnotonlyunlockthesecretsofrisingaboveunemployment and contributing to reduced employment, underemployment and poverty rates in Nigeria, but also gain a competitive edge on the global scene. Bridging these prevalent economic gaps means boosting the economyandathrivingeconomyattractsForeignInvestment,promotes increased FX capacity and high export potential; essentially solving these identified economic and national development impediments throughdigitalempowerment.ThisistheprofoundimpactthatNigeria’s most innovative bank, Wema Bank Plc, is generating through the FGN-ALATDigital Skillnovation Programme and empowering youth for national development is just the tip of this iceberg.

In today’s fast-evolving world, the potential of MSMEs remains one of the greatest assets that Nigeria possesses. The country is essentiallyburstingwithhumanresources,however,limitednon-human resources and opportunities weaken the strength and productivity of this diverse and gifted population.To bridge the gap between people and resources, all hands must be on deck to not only provide more resources for individual growth but to also empower these individuals to in turn, provide opportunities for others. This method of driving sustainable empowerment guarantees that each person who is empowered becomes an investment in the nation, one that will in due course, provide returns in form of opportunities and resources that will impact other Nigerians both on individual and national levels. This is where brands like Wema Bank come in; nurturing this intrinsic potential that MSMEs possess to generate the economic growth and national development that Nigeria seeks to achieve.

WemaBankhasbuiltanadmirablereputationforitself,evolvingfrom Nigeria’s oldest and most resilient bank to Nigeria’s most innovative bank, pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, and partner of choice for all.The most prevalent areas of its impact are in the MSME Sector, Women Empowerment, Sustainability, Technology, Digital Penetration/Adoption, Innovation and Financial Inclusion.These key areas stand exceptionally significant not just to promoting economic growth and national development but ultimately, to boosting Nigeria’s position on the global landscape.

Through a plethora of products, programmes, partnerships and solutions, Wema Bank has empowered youth and businesses with cutting-edge solutions, resources and tailored support for growth; from its newly launched its SME Business School which has served to strengthen the technical knowhow of MSMEs to its Export Trade Academy designed to empower more Nigerians for effective export trade, Wema Bank’s female-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, through which the bank has created unique solutions designed to help Nigerian women thrive in their personal and professional lives, Hackaholics, the bank’s youth-focused tech competition designed to empoweryouthtowardsbuildingsuccessfultech-relatedstartups,and even the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo through which the bank rewards customers with millions of Naira monthly for their personal and business needs; these are all excluding the MSME forums, trainings and Tradefairs that the bank has sponsored over the years. It is no surprise that Wema Bank has become a beacon of hope to all Nigerians.

However, Wema Bank’s uniqueness lies not only in its commitment to constantly innovating for increased MSME impact but more importantly, in its strategy of championing that intersectoral synergy between the public sector and the private sector to achieve the shared goal of empowering youth and MSMEs.The NYSC-ALAT Accelerator Programme championed by the bank in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Microsoft to help graduates transition seamlessly into the labour market is one of these collaborative efforts championed by the bank. Perharps the most prominent of such partnerships championed by Wema Bank to promote its mission of Empowering Lives Through Innovation

and solidify its commitment to supporting MSMEs, is the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme.

Wema Bank, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria (Through the office of theVice President), launched the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on September 29, 2023, with the goal of training and equipping two million youths and one million MSMEs across Nigeria with advanced, relevant, highly demanded and sought-after digital skills for accelerated business performance and career success in the digital driven world that exists today.

With the advent of emerging technologies, it is clear that the digital evolution is here to stay and beyond its effect on individuals, this digitisation has put businesses in a tight spot with only two options—adapt or perish. We see this in the hundreds of brands that dominated the world less than three (3) decades ago but are now extinct, which makes one wonder how Wema Bank did it. Being the oldest Indigenous Bank in Nigeria and simultaneously Nigeria’s most innovative bank seems somewhat paradoxical but on deeper analysis, the answer is clear: Wema Bank’s drive for constant innovation is what has helped it thrive for over seven (7) decades and for other businesses to remain relevant, they must adapt to the evolving needs of the digital economy.

One thing is certain; digital skills will be in demand for a long time. Cybersecurity, data analysis, artificial intelligence and many others, are skills that cut across diverse fields and businesses and as such, will remain relevant for decades to come. It is therefore safe to say that acquiring such digital skills is essentially investing in the gift that keeps giving and this is exactly what Wema Bank is partnering with the Nigerian government to achieve—empowering more young Nigerians and businesses with the gifts that will keep giving on individual, business, national and even global levels through this groundbreaking digital empowerment programme.

The FGN-ALATDigital Skillnovation Programme Curriculum empower participants with key digital skills to help the business sector including software engineering, product management, business analysis, cloud computing and product design, among others. By choosing to focus on increasing the digital expertise of Nigerians across these key areas, Wema Bank is ensuring that Nigerian businesses remain competitive on the global landscape and that Nigeria as a nation, is not left out as the world moves towards full digitisation.

As is second nature for the prestigious financial institution, WemaBankhastailoredthisprogrammetosuittheneedsofboth entrepreneurially inclined and professionally inclined Nigerians. Entrepreneurial minded participants will gain in-demand skills forefficientbusinessmanagementwhileprofessionallyminded participants will acquire highly sought-after digital skills for optimum employability; all essential to promoting increased value addition in Nigeria’s workforce and giving more Nigerians a competitive edge in the international market, enabling them to become unequivocal assets to a diverse range of industries in Nigeria and across the world. This unique programme is not just arming SMEs for more efficient business management and growth, it is also arming the workforce for increased productivity. The ripple effect of the strategic design of the FGN-ALATDigital Skillnovation Programme is one that will not only reduce Nigeria’s unemployment and underemployment rates significantly, but also drive economic growth and national

development, boosting the country’s position on the global landscape.

Since the launch of the FGN-ALATDigital Skillnovation Programme inthelastquarterof2023,over300,000NigerianYouthandBusiness Owners have leveraged the platform as a launchpad for their business and professional success; and this was all just in the just concluded Virtual Learning Phase. Participants from the thirty-six (36) states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have undergone basic trainings under self-paced learning conditions, allowing them to fully internalise the course content at their own speed. As reported by participants, this Virtual Training phase was a huge success, with many referring to the programme as an eye-opener, and this is just in its preliminary phase. As the first quarter of 2024 wraps up, the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme is set to begin its next phase—physical training.

In truth, different people have different preferences in terms of learning methods.While some are able to assimilate excellently from virtual sessions, many others require a physical learning experience for maximum retention; hence the virtual-physical dynamic of the FGN-ALATDigital Skillnovation Programme. However, it is common knowledge that virtual learning bridges the gap in access to learning based on geographical restrictions, so this Physical Training agenda of this programme naturally begs the question, “How can Nigerians across the different parts of Nigeria access this programme?”. The answer is quite incredible—the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme will run across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and here’s how.

The FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme will be executed via FGN-ALATDigital Hubs, which will be set up in the different states acrossthesixgeopoliticalzonesinNigeriatoensurethateveryNigerian can access the full benefits of the programme regardless of their location.These hubs will be equipped with cutting-edge training and incubationfacilitiesidealforadvancedandultra-moderndigital-driven learning, giving participants the opportunity to acquire marketable and transferrable digital skills in a state-of-the-art learning space within their reach, and gain a competitive edge in the global digital ecosystem. The FGN-ALAT Digital Hubs will be set up in phases and trainings will commence accordingly, starting with two states in April 2024: Borno State and Anambra State.

In addition to these virtual sessions and the physical training to follow, Wema Bank has organised several workshops across different states, allowing participants to ask questions concerning the programme, their professional journeys, etc., additionally providing small-scale trainings for them. It is also worthy to note that the FGNALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme is also creating increased access to viable opportunities for women across the different parts of Nigeria. In states like Anambra and Imo State, the male to female ratio in participants’ gender segmentation was skewed to the right, with women in the lead. It is commendable that this programme is serving to promote inclusion for women and bridge the gap in gender equality in Nigeria.

Beyond the trainings,Wema Bank is going a step further to provide financial support tailored to the unique needs of these businesses. Over the course of the programme, participants will receive millions of Nairainequitycapital,softloansandgrants,toenablethemtoputtheir learnings to practice and build substantial and sustainable streams of income that could potentially make them employers in the nearest future. With the combination of financial and intellectual resources to supplement the opportunities being created, the commitment to providing round-the-clock support for participants throughout the programme and the provision of financial resources beyond the scope of the programme,Wema Bank is living out its promise of being “With You, All The Way” for young Nigerians and business owners.

Inanutshell,WemaBankis,throughtheFGN-ALATDigitalSkillnovation Programme, joining forces with the Nigerian government not just to tick the box of private-public sector collaboration, but to truly alleviate Nigeria’s economic conditions by empowering youth and MSMEs with digital skills and providing resources for the economy to thrive. This programme is simultaneously bridging the gaps in unemployment and underemployment, reducing poverty rates, creating more export potential and boosting the Nigerian economy.

The math is simple: A thriving economy attracts investors and increased exports, strengthens foreign exchange capacity and potentially, limits inflation. With this programme, Wema Bank is creating sustainable solutions to the earlier identified gaps in Nigeria’s economic landscape which are low Foreign Deposit Investment (FDI), high unemployment and underemployment rates, limited foreign exchange capacity, low export to import ratio and high poverty rates. Imagine what Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators would reflect in few years to come if there were more of “Wema Bank” in Nigeria; organisations taking the initiative to forge strategic intra and intersectoral partnerships and making intentional moves to boost Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.

Wema Bank has flawlessly reset industry standards for societal impact and set the pace for institutional contributions towards accelerating economic growth and National development. Nigeria clearly needs more quadruple threat organisations like Wema Bank, creatingmoresustainableopportunitiesforyouthandMSMEgrowth, empowering both to reducing poverty, unemployment and underemployment rates, boosting the Nigerian economy on a large scale and promoting national development to propel the African Giant to the peak of the global playing field.

Adeyemi writes from Lagos.

Oseni

Bashir el-Rufai to Governor Sani

“One would think that from all the FAAC allocations these unserious clowns have changed to dollars, debt would be the least of their problems” – Former Governor el-Rufai’s son, Bashir, blasting Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani for claiming that he inherited a huge debt burden from his father.

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com,

Remembering the Dark Days of Military Rule

Two weeks ago, armed men invaded the Lagos home of Mr Segun Olatunji, editor of FirstNews, grabbed him, loaded him onto a vehicle and sped off. There was no warrant of arrest, as you would expect in a democracy, or a word to his family on what his offence was. There was no information on where he was being taken. The newspaper issued press release upon press release raising the alarm, but there was no response from any quarters: the military, the police, the DSS, or even Boys Brigade. Sadly, only sections of the mainstream media gave prominent coverage to this disturbing development — after all, Olatunji is only a journalist, not a politician or billionaire. The irony!

The military authorities played dumb for long. It took a dogged move by the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, under the leadership of Mr Musikilu Mojeed, the editor-in-chief of Premium Times, to uncover the fact that Olatunji was seized by men of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). If Olatunji, reportedly asthmatic, had suffered a medical crisis on the way and died, his body could have been fed to alligators and we would be here asking “Where is Segun Olatunji?” until the world comes to an end. The military would never claim responsibility. In a country where kidnapping is two for one kobo, how can you pick up someone without disclosing who you are and what you want?

I hope criminals will not imitate this method and

Olatunji

leave us guessing if it is the military authorities at it again. If journalists who have voice and institutions behind them can be treated like this, imagine what will happen to an average Joe. This dangerous

WAZIRI ADIO

POSTSCRIPT

development must be thoroughly investigated. Whoever is culpable must be brought to book. It is extremely dangerous for the security agencies to be picking up people in a Gestapo manner. This must not become the norm. If a journalist has committed an infraction, due process must be followed in terms of invitation, arrest and trial. Journalists are not above the law, but they should also not be treated without respect for the law.

Olatunji is lucky to be alive. He was lucky that the military finally admitted that he was in their custody and released him thereafter. When Nigeria was under military rule, the story might have been completely different. Mr Chinedu Offoaro, a reporter with The Guardian, disappeared one weekend in May 1996 and never returned. No dead body has been found till this day. I remember attending a prayer meeting organised by The Guardian seeking his safe return. Till today, we know nothing about his fate. We presume he is dead because that is the only sane thing to do under the circumstance. But how can you ever heal and come to closure when all you have is presumption?

In the heyday of His Royal Madness, Gen Sani Abacha, media houses were shut down or bombed with glee. I still tease my wife that she would never have agreed to marry me if we had met under military rule. Journalists and activists were routinely harassed, arrested, tortured or killed. Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of Bashorun MKO Abiola, was killed by Abacha’s goons in daylight. Her killers were

reportedly asked to rape her first (they allegedly got a pittance of N50,000 for not following the order to the letter). Pa Alfred Rewane, a 79-year-old businessman, was assassinated on the suspicion that he was funding the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the leading pro-democracy group.

In 1995, Abacha said there was a coup plot against him, led by Col Lawan Gwadabe. Abacha rounded up dozens of suspects and set up the special investigation panel (SIP), led by Gen Patrick Aziza, for preliminary interrogations. TheNews magazine reported that the suspects had been exonerated by the panel. Thereafter, soldiers invaded the magazine’s office at Omole, Lagos, in search of Mr Bayo Onanuga (now presidential adviser) and Mr Dapo Olorunyomi (now publisher of Premium Times). They were not around. Mr Kunle Ajibade, the most senior editor around, instantly became unfortunate. He was arrested, charged with coup plotting and sentenced to life imprisonment.

I will never forget the tragic case of Bagauda Kaltho, a journalist at TheNews at the time of the phantom coup. He disappeared in 1996. We suspected that it might have to do with the cover story on the Aziza Panel as he was one of those who contributed to the report. Kaltho’s friends and family lived in suspense for years. The next thing we heard from Mr Zakari Biu, head of Abacha’s anti-terror squad,

Senegal and the Democracy Project in Africa

As humans, we are wired to love stories of magical transformations. And the top spot in that genre at the moment must go to the story of the president-elect of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

On 13th March 2024, Faye was still languishing in jail. Eleven days after, he was elected the president of his country. So, he literally walked from the prison to the presidency of his country. How more enchanting can it get!

To be sure, other African leaders had walked that unbeaten path, notably Nelson Mandela and Olusegun Obasanjo. But both had more lead time between coming out of prison and clinching the highest office in the land. Also, both had a storied antecedent and a name recognition that had travelled far beyond their countries. (Who in the world didn’t—or still doesn’t—know about Mandela spending 27 years in jail?) But most Senegalese—not to talk of non-Senegalese—had a scant idea of who the 44-year-old Faye was. Faye got on the ballot only because his mentor, co-detainee and the current leading opposition politician in Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, was banned from running for office.

After their release, Sonko did the campaign rounds with Faye, under the slogan: ‘Diomaye is Ousmane’. And according to a report in The New York Times, some voters actually said they were voting for Sonko in the presidential election. But

for me, this is the real magic of Faye’s enchanting story: in 2022, Faye had run to be the mayor of Ndiaganiao, his remote and rustic village, and he lost; two years after, he ran for the highest office in his country, and won at the first ballot, even when most pundits had predicted the election would go into a runoff. Simply amazing!

There are a few things to unpack in this bright and exciting story, including how this fairytale victory came about and the potential problem with a proxy presidency. But for now, we need to celebrate what the outcome of the March 24th election in that West African country signifies for the democracy project not just in Senegal but in Africa, a continent where democracy has been in rapid retreat of late.

Senegal has for long been an oasis of stability and a relatively safe place for democracy in the subregion and on the continent. Remarkably, the country has never experienced a military coup since it gained independence from France in 1960. Even during a period when military rule and one-party dictatorship were the norm on the continent, Senegal managed to, positively, buck the trend.

Senegal’s first president, Leopold Sedar Senghor (the charismatic poet, nationalist and one of the leaders of the Negritude Movement) was in office for a little over 20 years. But he stayed in power through mandates renewed thrice at the polls, and at 74, he stepped down voluntarily mid-way into

his last term in office. Senegal has also achieved renown as a country of peaceful transfer (alternation even) of power among parties since March 2000 when Abdoulaye Wade, the country’s long-standing opposition figure, eventually won the presidency. (Wade himself was defeated by Sall when the former tried to run for a third term in 2012.)

However, Senegal started emitting worrying signs about the durability of its hard-won status about three years ago. Macky Sall, who came into power as an opposition figure and started out as a reformer, led the backsliding. Sall got into office in 2012 via a runoff after coming second to Wade on the first ballot. Sall had won the runoff by a wide margin after rallying a coalition of opposition parties to his side. True to his promise, he spearheaded the amendment of the constitution to reduce the presidential tenure from seven years to five years. This took effect from his second term in 2019, which he won easily. However, there was an air of uncertainty over whether the 2016 amendment gave Sall the leeway to contest for a third term, the way an earlier amendment gave Wade the leeway to run for a third term. But there was clear opposition to this. In July 2023, Sall had to categorically state that he was not going to run. Some believe he did this grudgingly.

country. The growing army of the disenchanted found a rallying point in Ousmane Sonko, a former tax inspector and whistleblower turned opposition politician, who secured about 16% of the votes cast in the 2019 presidential poll. Some Senegalese regard Sonko as a rabble rouser and a divisive figure, but most of his supporters see him as a champion of the masses. The Sall government prosecuted Sonko for a series of crimes, including rape, defamation and incitement. But that only made him more popular. Faye was arrested and jailed for a Facebook post defending Sonko and for allegedly defaming judges. The Sall government was also cracking down on protests, resulting in the imprisonment and deaths of protesters, and the hardening of opposition to the government.

Protests were not particularly new in Senegal. Protests were common anytime the country went through bouts of economic downturn. Repression of protesters and opposition figures was not new either. However, many had cause to worry for democracy in Senegal because of the overreach by Macky Sall, especially his decision to postpone the presidential election indefinitely over allegation of corruption in how the candidates emerged This fed into the narrative that Sall didn’t want to leave office in the first instance. His action, which drew national and global outrage, was described as a

Before then, the country had been roiled by protests, led by youths and urban dwellers who feel left behind by recent economic growth in the Continued on page 61