Propose N444.52bn combined dividends Zenith remains most profitable bank in Nigeria Geregu first company to release Q1 2024 results, declares N14.46 billion profit banking sector and the economy, six leading banks in the country generated mouth-watering returns for their shareholders in the 2023
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The presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, doubled down on his criticism of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project yesterday, as he challenged President Bola Tinubu to disclose the full cost of the highway project. Atiku, in a statement, maintained that the Tinubu administration could not continue to keep silent on how much of public funds would be spent
on the project at a time Nigeria was
President seeks union of wills, action to build Nigeria
We’re focused on securing nation, say service chiefs, IGP orders tight security nationwide FG extends public holidays to Thursday
By our CorrespondentsPresident Bola Tinubu and other prominent Nigerian leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, and governors, have emphasised the need for unity and love among the citizens as Muslims around the world celebrate this year’s Eid-el-fitri, being the end of 30 days Ramadan fasting.
Tinubu sought union of wills and action to build Nigeria, as the service chiefs reiterated their resolve to secure the nation.
To ensure hitch-free festivities, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun ordered tight security across the country ahead of today’s Eid-el-fitri celebration. The federal government extended the public holidays for this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration to cover tomorrow, Thursday. Rejoicing with the Muslim
L-R: Head, Climate, Environment & Energy, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Muyiwa Odele; Head of UNDP Lagos, Dr. William Tsuma; UNDP Resident Representative, Nigeria; Ms. Elsie Attafuah; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Commissioners – Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem (Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment); Prof. Akin Abayomi (Health) and Mr. Ope Goerge (Economic Planning & Budget), during a courtesy visit by the UNDP team to the governor, at the Lagos House, Marina ... yesterday
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has said that the anti-graft agency recovered N30 billion in the case involving former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.
Edu was suspended following the approval of N650 million into a private account.
Following the development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ordered an investigation into the allegations and subsequently suspended her from office.
She was later invited for questioning by the EFCC and detained. She was later released on bail.
She had also denied any wrong doing.
The agency was also investigating Betta Edu's predecessor in office, Sadiya Umar-Farouk over N37.1 billion fraud as well Ms Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme, an agency under the humanitarian ministry, over alleged financial misappropriation. Shehu was arrested and questioned by the EFCC in connection with the movement of N44 billion from the NSIPA account to some suspicious private and corporate accounts within the last four days in December 2023.
But speaking in an interview with "EFCC Alert", a publication of the agency, the EFCC boss said N30 billion have so far been recovered since the commencement of investigation into the alleged fraud case involving the suspended minister.
He said the recovered funds were already in the coffers of the federal government.
"Moreover, with respect to this particular case, we have recovered over N30 billion, which is already in the coffers of the federal government", he said.
"We have laws and regulations guiding our investigations. Nigerians will also know that they are already on suspension and this is based on the investigations we have done, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proved to Nigerians that he is ready to fight corruption.
"It takes time to conclude investigations. We started this matter less than six weeks ago.
"There are cases that take years to investigate. There are so many angles to it and we need to follow through some of the discoveries that we have seen", he said.
He said the agency was investigating 50 bank accounts where stashed funds were traced.
"Nigerians should give us time on this matter; we have professionals on this case and they need to do things right. There are so many leads here and there.
"As it is now, we are investigating over 50 bank accounts that we have traced money into. That is no child's play. That's a big deal", he said. Olukoyede said recent high profile investigation conducted by the agency was proof of its commitment to contain graft in the country.
"Then you ask about my staff strength. And again, we have thousands of other cases that we are working on. Nigerians have seen the impact of what we have done so far, by way of some people being placed on suspension and by way of the recoveries that we have made. You have seen that the programme itself has been suspended.
"We are exploring so many discoveries that we have stumbled upon in our investigation. If it is about seeing people in jail, well let them wait, everything has a process to follow.
"So Nigerians should wait and give us the benefit of the doubt", he said.
Olukoyede also called for a united front in the fight against graft.
"Nobody can fight the corruption war alone. So, we want Nigerians to believe in our capacity to fight this battle. We must also come together and agree that corruption is bad, and so when we are prosecuting corrupt persons, Nigerians should believe in it.
"We expect Nigerians to also appeal to their conscience, because the negative impact of corruption
is all over for all to see", he said. He further stated that "we must agree that what is wrong is wrong. I also appeal to other stakeholders - the National Assembly, the Judiciary to support us in this mission.
"Every Nigerian must be a corruption fighter. When you see something wrong, say something. Challenge corrupt politicians in your locality. Take them up. Take your governors up on the allocations they receive and make them accountable. By so doing you will be supporting the fight against corruption", he said.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The national leadership of Labour Party (LP), yesterday, said it had proof that National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, had entered into a pact with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise the party and by extension, push Ajaero’s 2027 political aspiration. The party dismissed the caretaker committee set up by NLC to take over the party, stating that NLC does not have the constitutional mandate to do so.
LP said NLC was a body not recognised by the constitution of the party or any known laws for that matter, and could not arrogate to itself powers it did not possess.
In a statement by National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, the party said NLC claimed
to have sacked the Comrade Julius Abure- led National Working Committee of LP, “after holding an illegal assembly of a handful of aggrieved former members of the party and some social media tigers who are not known to be card carrying members of our party.”
According to Ifoh, "Ordinarily, we would have ignored the illegal act but for the need to set the records straight and to prevent genuine democracy loving Nigerians and supporters of our great party from being misled, we offer a few clarifications.
"The Political Commission of the NLC is a front for Comrade Joe Ajaero, which he has empowered for the purpose of his political ambition come 2027.
“The group is unknown to the Labour Party, as such lacks powers to convene a meeting of ‘stakehold-
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has come up with an innovative answer to Africa's challenge of energy accessibility.
The Open Energy Maps tool, released by the IEA and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), includes maps in Ghana, Senegal, and Uganda, with estimates for electricity demand and electrification stats for all identified buildings in these regions.
IEA identified that traditional
scaling methods which involve extensive field work can fall short to meet today's problems, leaving loopholes in acquiring accurate data.
Alongside researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Electricity Growth and Use In Developing Economies, IEA introduced the tool just to bridge this gap. According to the agency, this opensource model can mark buildings with or without electricity access by using satellite images and artificial
intelligence algorithms. With proven accuracy by 80 per cent of the number of buildings having electricity, and error reduction by 40 per cent when estimating electricity demand, the agency believes that if trained on a representative sample of communities, it can deliver predictions from a local context, cultures, climate, and other factors on a larger scale. The tool usually picks up on details such as whether the building is urban or rural, residential or commercial, and if the community is connected by major roads to markets.
ers’ to deliberate let alone take any decision which will have a binding effect on a legally constituted party leadership.
"The group has been mandated by Ajaero to ensure that crisis in Labour Party festers ahead of the 2027 by presenting itself as a rallying ground for dissident former members of our party who recently lost the leadership battle in the courts.” LP added, “We are also not unmindful of the political pact the leadership of the NLC has gone into with the current All Progressives Congress-led federal government to destabilise the opposition.
"This explains why in quick succession all their plots to hijack the party leadership has failed. First, it was by illegal picketing of the
party, when that failed, it attempted to introduce and inaugurate a non-existing Board of Trustees, that also failed.
“Again, the attempted plot to take over the party using a stakeholders meeting comprising former members, social media tigers and non-members, will again fail like a pack of card.
"If only the drama boys who gathered on Monday as stakeholders could open the Labour Party constitution, which guides the conducts of the party, probably they would have not wasted their time being part of the scantly attended jamboree.
“Since you cannot build something on nothing, the gathering itself lacks legitimacy and as such decisions reached remain an enterprise in futility. They are null, void and of
The vetting committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants for the forthcoming Ondo State primary election has cleared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and 15 other aspirants ahead of the April 20 governorship primary election. But the governor was cleared despite the allegation of forgery of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate levelled against him. THISDAY checks revealed that the report of the committee headed by the National Legal Adviser, Prof.
AbdulKarim Kana submitted on Monday cleared all the 16 aspirants to appear before the screening committee on Friday. The report by the committee dismissed the allegation of certificate forgery levelled against Aiyedatiwa. The report reads: “Based on the findings of the vetting process, the committee recommends that all aspirants are cleared to participate in the screening exercises. “The vetting committee is confident that the vetting process has been conducted with integrity and transparency.
“The committee’s recommendations are aimed at ensuring that only
no effect.
"It is on record that the Labour Party recently had a very successful national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, where party officials were elected and given the sacred mandate to build on the successes recorded by our party in the 2023 general elections."
Ifoh explained that there was no disputing the fact that the Abure NWC had led the party into a national brand, adding, "With the support of members and Nigerians across the length and breadth of this great nation, the party now boasts a number of senators, members of the Federal House of Representatives as well as State Assemblies. Need we talk about the pace setting Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti?”
qualified and credible aspirants are presented for the party primaries, in line with the party’s commitment to internal democracy and good governance.”
Meanwhile, the 16 aspirants would be screened after the inauguration of the screening committee and the Screening Appeal Committee by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party on Friday.
It was gathered that the sevenman Ondo State Gubernatorial Election Screening Committee would be inaugurated on Friday by 9 am at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja.
L-R: Vice-President of Risks and Control at EBID, Dr. Mory Soumahoro; Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun; Niger State Commissioner for Finance, Lawal Adamu Maikano; President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, ECOWAS Bank of Development and Investment, George Agyekum Donkor and Vice-President of Operations, Dr. Olagunju Olalekan Ashimolowo, when the Niger State government signed an MoU with EBID to finance four priority projects totaling $114 million in various socio-economic sectors... recently
The President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye, has insisted that the duties collected by the Nigeria Customs
Service (NCS) should be charged in Naira, rather than in foreign currencies. Oye stated this in his response to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive on the use of foreign currency collateral for Naira loans. Oye, who said the association was
still unclear about the fiscal policy objectives of the recent directives by the CBN, noted that while the monetary policy directives have resulted in calming the markets, the activities continue to be guided without a complementary fiscal policy direction.
“We are still unclear about the fiscal policy objectives being pursued through these monetary policy directives. This directive is one of many in the public domain and our position is to treat them equally.
“In our March 28, 2024 letter with ref No NCC/NP/ 22/23/1267 to
The impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to obtain a complaint form for a formal petition against the Chief Judge of Edo, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
Shaibu was impeached on Monday by the State House of Assembly, following the adoption of the report of a seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge of the State.
The impeachment panel had investigated allegations of misconduct and perjury levelled against the former deputy governor by the state lawmakers.
Shaibu, in a letter from the Chambers of B.I. Dakum and Co and dated April 8, 2024, which THISDAY sighted on Tuesday, applied to the CJN who doubles as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), for a leave to obtain a complaint form to file formal petition against the Chief Judge. The letter signed by Adaze Emwanta, a former commissioner for Information and Orientation to Governor Godwin Obaseki, seeks to institute a petition of abuse of office, official misconduct and desecration of oath of office by the Edo Chief Judge. Emwanta added that the letter was to formally request for a complaint form as prescribed under the judicial Discipline Regulations
Esther OlukuThe Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Olufunke Osanyintolu, has confirmed that no casualty was recorded in the Dosunmu market fire that affected 14 buildings in Lagos Island, yesterday.
Four buildings collapsed after the raging fire was put out. Ten other buildings are distressed, according to emergency authorities.
Osanyintolu disclosed this in a statement, noting that while no injury was recorded.
However, a woman collapsed at the scene and was promptly attended to by paramedics of the Lagos emergency service before being moved to the Marina General Hospital for further care.
Sources at the scene of the building collapse said the fire
started when the generator of the owner of a printing firm, identified as Uche, caught fire while he was trying to refuel it. The fire spread to other generators on a penthouse of a three-building complex and an adjoining structure.
Official sources at the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, revealed that the fire could have been aggravated by kegs of fuel, including other chemics stored around the penthouse.
A director at the fire and rescue service, Ms. Margaret Adeseye, explained that while firefighters were able to contain the fire, two buildings collapsed completely as a result of the intensity of the fire. Two other buildings "partially collapsed." Adeseye, in a statement, noted that the collaborative efforts of safety agencies led to the prompt putting out of the fire.
2017, to enable his client file his complaint against the state Chief Judge.
The letter was titled: “Notice to obtain a complaint form to file a formal complaint against Hon Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the Chief Judge of Edo State for abuse of office, official misconduct and desecrating his oath of office,”.
"We write as Solicitors to Rt
Hon. Philip Shaibu, who until this morning was Deputy Governor of Edo state.
"Rt Hon Philip Shaibu has instructed us to file a formal complaint to your Council against Hon Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the Chief Judge of Edo state for abuse of office, official misconduct
and desecration of his oath of office.
"The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to formally request for a complaint form prescribed under the Judicial Discipline Regulations 2017, to enable our client file his complaint again the subject Judge," part of the letter read. Segun James
The Lagos state government has read the riot act to those flouting extant laws regulating building in the state, saying anyone who starts construction
The statement said, “Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has successfully contained a major fire incident affecting 14 buildings, with two structures fully collapsed and two partially collapsed. The cause was traced to refuelling a generator among others, with fuel storage in kegs at the penthouse of a threebuilding complex housing a printing shop with chemical contents.
“Swift firefighting operations by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service which has now moved to damping down strategy, mitigating all threats and ensuring public safety. Enumeration of shops and goods lost are ongoing, and preventive measures will be enforced."
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Farinloye, the Lagos territorial coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the inferno seriously affected 14 other buildings.
highbrow Ikoyi area of the state.
Speaking to newsmen in the company of the General Manager of LASBCA, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, after sealing off some buildings that contravened the state building regulations, Dr. Babatunde said those embarking on construction without building approvals should stop work immediately.
He said: “The reason we came to these sites today is to carry out enforcements against people who contravened building regulations. From today on, if there is anyone in Lagos State who is building without approval or not following his or her building approval, he or she should stop. If we get there and you are working, we are going to bring it down.
the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, we drew the attention of the minister to the vacuum created by anticipated report of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax reform which is yet to be presented to the organised private sector in April 2024 (the 4th month of the year).
“As explained, most business and investment decisions are anchored upon fiscal and monetary policy expectations. For this reason, we strongly reaffirm and advocate for the timely release of the 2024 fiscal policy,” he added.
Oye said the association will not be distracted by piecemeal bulletins or press releases on monetary policy when it doesn’t have regulatory authority guidance on the critical ingredients like inflation rate target, government debt policy, currency printing (quantitative easing) target or interest rate policy.
The NACCIMA boss however
noted that the association was determined to draw attention to the issue for many reasons, including that the recent monetary policy directives have resulted in calming the markets.
“For example 24.75 per cent interest rates will not increase local investment in agriculture and manufacturing. We agree it mopped up liquidity, but what is the objective?
“We still appeal and insist that all bona fide government transactions must be in the sovereign currency of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Customs service must collect the national currency of Nigeria. NCS must stop collecting duties using the United States Dollar rate. The uncertainty has been devastating for many manufacturers and businesses.
“We respectfully urge the esteemed office of the ministry of finance and economic coordination to expedite the release of the presidential committee report,”NACCIMA said.
“We have issued authorisation to different developers that have building permits from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority. However, from today, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, we have cancelled the entire authorisation we issued. It means that every site that is under construction in the state must stop.
“All you need to do is quickly rush to either the headquarters or district office of LASBCA to have your authorisation revalidated. It doesn’t matter who you are; stop work. All authorisations are cancelled. You must go and revalidate your authorisations for you to continue construction. If there is no green sticker on your properties and you are building, we are going to bring down your structure,” he stated.
Besides, he said that anyone who goes to sites and starts construction without a revalidation would be brought to book.
Also speaking, the General Manager of LASBCA, Oki, advised developers to desist from sharp practices, saying anybody who contravenes the building regulations will be dealt with. He said: “There are laws and procedures. What we said is that before you can go to the site to start construction, you need to get
your planning permit and have authorisation. We found out that some started construction without any approval, not even ownership of the land, which is very wrong. And because of that, we decided to seal up the properties.
“The problems we have are with the developers. They don’t tell the owners of properties the exact truth. So, we have stopped construction on many sites and sealed up many places so that the owners of the property can do the right thing.
“We are looking at opportunities to work with other professionals. Other professionals are going to be involved. It is not going to be LASBCA alone because of the manpower. The professionals are going to be a form of assistance to us in the area of monitoring. We need to take the bull by the horn, and if we don’t do it, nobody is going to do it for us.”
Oki also urged people within a community to report any infractions in construction sites to government agencies for necessary actions to prevent the collapse of buildings.
During the routine inspection, which lasted for about two hours, four buildings located at 13 Oroki Street, Queen Drive, 41 and 42 Alexander Road in Ikoyi were sealed up by LASBCA officials.
L-R: Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John receiving eyo plaque from Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy call, at the Lagos House, Marina, ... yesterday
Ugo Aliogo
IDEMIA Smart Identity has renewed its commitment to Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission
(NIMC) by implementing an upgrade of the entire biometric identification system, which would accommodate 250 million records. According to a statement, the
Ugo Aliogo
The Rivers State Government is set to organise an investment summit aimed at driving meaningful change and sustainable development in the State.
According to a statement, the event which is set has been scheduled for May 23- 24, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, is themed: “Education and Technology: Empowering Leaders of Tomorrow; Educating Rivers State youth for the Digital Economy.”
The organisers said the River State Economic and Investment Summit 2024 has been planned to bring together leaders, innovators, and experts from various sectors to discuss and deliberate on key issues affecting economic growth and development in Rivers State.
The summit will among other things focus on fostering collabora-
tion, sharing insights, and exploring opportunities
The Head of the Organising committee for the summit, Mr. Chibeoso Aholu, described it as another forum to harvest input for the development of the state.
" The theme of this year's summit is Rivers EMERGE – Revealing Pathways to Economic Growth and Sustainability, and we are confident that the perspective of our panellists will contribute significantly to the collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
"There will be opportunity to address a diverse audience of industry professionals, policymakers, academics, and stakeholders. Additionally, there will be ample chance to network with other thought leaders and exchange ideas that can shape the future of our economy," he said.
project, supported by the World Bank through its ID4D initiative, would ensure that each citizen’s identity in the civil database remains unique.
IDEMIA Smart Identity and NIMC agreed to renew their longstanding collaboration and upgrade NIMC’s biometric system to become the most advanced biometric system in the world, comparable only with Aadhaar in India.
The initial system was designed to support 100 million records but has already reached around 90
million records and requires this extension to address the whole Nigerian population. NIMC is already positioned to achieve the sustainable development goals target set for 2030 by the United Nations, which calls for a legal identity for all by the year 2030. The system upgrade is going to allow NIMC to be compliant with OSIA, an open standard set of interfaces (APIs) that enables seamless connectivity between all components of the identity management ecosystem.
The Senior Vice President of Middle East and Africa at IDEMIA Smart Identity, Olivier Charlanes stated: “We are very proud to continue our long-standing collaboration with NIMC for the greater good of Nigeria’s growing population. “The new powerful system is future-proof and will ensure that all Nigerians have access to a secured, trusted identity, enabling them to exercise their rights and responsibilities as a citizen. Moreover, this contract, in the most populous country in Africa, demonstrates
IDEMIA's capability to deploy its technologies on a very large scale.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, was quoted to have said: “Taking this next step in the enhancement of our system with IDEMIA Smart Identity was a natural choice for us. We wanted to ensure that we deliver the best-in-class solution to our fellow Nigerians, and the pure power of the biometric matching we will receive ensures that the solution is future-proof for our growing population.”
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it has commenced series of measures to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the unknown killer disease in Sokoto State which has claimed four lives.
The Centre said it was working in collaboration with other stakeholders to support the state government in
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, yesterday signed the Medical Residency Training Law 2024, making it the first state in Nigeria with such beneficial law for resident doctors.
The executive bill sent to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly provides for funding support for resident doctors to specialise in specific fields.
The governor commended the House of Assembly for giving the bill accelerated hearing, considering its Heimportance. said his administration had always prioritised the welfare of its workers and will continue to provide the environment for resident doctors whose profession is threatened by brain drain.
The Bayelsa helmsman, who
expressed delight that Bayelsa was the first state with such a law, promised that every aspect of the new legislation will be implemented.
He said: “I know this is one area that our unionists have been very interested in. Every meeting they have had with me, this issue was tabled and I promised to do something about it. “I am happy that this went as an executive bill to the state assembly and the assembly expeditiously attended to it, knowing its importance.
“This government prioritises the welfare of our workers. If our workers in the medical profession see this law as something that must be attended to and we agreed with them for the benefit of the larger society, today we have put pen to paper and it is now a law.”
He appreciated the medical unions for demanding for what
would enhance the status of resident doctors and the whole of society.
In his remarks, the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Monday Obolo-Bubou, said the legislature saw the importance of the bill as a legislation that will boost the performance of health workers in the state and gave it speedy passage. He explained that the law will build the capacity of resident doctors that embark on regular training to equip the manpower for better service delivery to patients.
Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Dr. Oyinke Godbless, also told Government House correspondents that by the law, more surgeons, anaesthetists and specialist doctors would emerge as a result of the funding the state government would channel into the medical sector.
actively searching for cases and to unravel the outbreak, in spite of the security challenges affecting access to the Thecommunity.stakeholders included the Teaching hospital, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), the State Ministry of Health, various Health workers, the Sokoto State Water Board, and other MDAs.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, yesterday, Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the Centre was notified by the Sokoto State Ministry of Health on March 21, 2024, of reported cases of children presenting with symptoms which included abdominal distension due to rapid onset of fluids in the abdomen (ascites), fever, vomiting and weight loss from Isa Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
He said there was initial delays in getting diagnostic results from the laboratory tests in Sokoto which led NCDC to seek further laboratory investigations from the Teaching hospital, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).
Idris, said most of the cases were children aged four to 13 years, including some adults. The patients came from different wards and settlements across the LGA.
"The NCDC deployed a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) to work with the State Ministry of Health to further investigate and
respond to this incident.
"So far, a total of 164 suspected cases have been identified in six wards of Isa LGA Bargaja (22), Isa North (17), Isa South (98), Tozai (12), Tsabre (4), and Turba (11).
"Unfortunately four deaths have been recorded amongst the suspected cases," he said.
Idris, explained that currently, two suspected cases are currently receiving care in Uthman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto and one case discharged on account of improved symptoms.
He said four other suspected cases were also on admission at the Isa General Hospital, while about 130 cases were also receiving care either within the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) or home care in the affected LGA.
According to him, the initial clinical assessment and investigations of the cases admitted at the Teaching Hospital ruled out an infectious origin of this event, necessitating the need to search for other causes, including heavy metal testing.
He added that the results of the initial test for heavy metals for the index and first few suspected cases, revealed different blood levels of lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr).
Observed activities in the affected communities included mining, agricultural practices which involve the use of various types of chemicals and pesticides, the health-seeking behavior and practices of the communities which may be detrimental to people’s health.
NCDC said various samples of materials had also been taken and
dispatched for analyses, including blood, abdominal fluids, environmental samples like soil and water, locally grown food produce including vegetables and grains, substances and ingredients used for food and drinks, pesticides and chemicals used in local guns.
The DG recalled that a similar incident was previously documented in 2023, also without a definitive diagnosis
Idris, sympathised with the families of the deceased who have lost their loved ones to this incident.
"NCDC acknowledges the leadership of the Sokoto State Government, the State Ministry of Health, the support of the UDUTH as well as all the healthcare workers and other stakeholders who are working hard to manage the incident.
"NCDC urges all the members of the affected and nearby communities to be vigilant and report anyone presenting with the above stated symptoms to the nearest health facilities to them or call NCDC toll free line (6232).
"Healthcare workers are also urged to report any suspected cases to LGA/State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer or State Epidemiologist," he said.
Meanwhile, regarding the incident in Kogi where a viral video showed that a student that died from disease suspected to be Lassa fever, the DG said that from preliminary investigation, the cause of death was not traced to Lassa fever.
He said further investigation was ongoing by health officials in Kogi state.
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has tasked the federal government on the need to provide special support mechanisms for strategic companies and industries like the Dangote Group and Air Peace that are playing critical roles in achieving inclusive economic growth in the country.
The Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, said yesterday in a press release titled “LCCI Statement on The Need to Support Strategic Industries” that the federal government could pave the way for a more resilient, diversified, and inclusive economy that benefits all segments of the Nigerian society by prioritising the needs of these strategic companies and taking proactive steps to address their challenges.
Almona stated that it is imperative for the government to recognise the pivotal role that certain companies are playing in driving growth, fostering innovation, and creating employment
Ummah at Eid-el-fitri, Tinubu said it was an auspicious occasion signifying the end of Ramadan; a hallowed season, which reflected total submission to God Almighty and to His command of sacrifice and service to humankind.
The president, according to a statement yesterday by his media adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, prayed that the supplications and sacrifices of Muslims this season and even after would receive fitting rewards from Almighty Allah.
The statement said, “President Tinubu appealed to all citizens to come together and rededicate themselves to the noble duty of building the nation,” stressing, "We are the sculptor, and Nigeria is the clay; we build it the way we desire."
He prayed that the lessons, blessings, and joys of the season would abide with the citizenry always, while wishing Nigerians, happy Eid-el-fitri celebrations.
Firstbank Holdings Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc and Jaiz Bank Plc have not released their audited full year 2023 results as at the time of filing this report.
Further findings revealed that the six banks generated N2.6 trillion profit after tax in 2023, a growth of 224.4 per cent from N807.65 billion reported in 2022.
Consequently, the six banks have proposed a total of N444.52 billion as dividends to their shareholders for the 2023 financial year.
Just as the banks are announcing their full year 2023 results, a major player in the power sector, Geregu Power Plc, announced its unaudited first quarter 2024 results. For Geregu, the results for the first quarter ended March 30, 2024, showed a 308 per cent growth in profit before tax (PBT) amid significant increase in revenue and effective cost management.
The power-generating company announced on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) N21.9 billion PBT in Q1 2024, representing an increase of 308 per cent from N5.37billion reported in Q1 2023.
After a N7.4 billion tax expenses, Geregu Power declared N14.46 billion profit after tax in Q1 2024, a growth of 307.56 per cent from N3.55 billion reported in Q1 2023.
Key profit drivers included: N50.43 billion revenue in Q1 2024, a growth of 254 per cent from N14.23 billion in Q1 2023 and N2.68 billion finance cost in Q1 2024, a decline of 27 per cent from N3.14 billion reported in Q1 2023.
Meanwhile, in 2023, the Nigerian banking sector was faced with a blend of economic shifts, regulatory changes and technological advancements.
These challenges stemmed from a variety of factors, including inflationary pressures, adverse
opportunities as Nigeria strives to stabilise prices, boost FOREX inflows, and attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).
She said that these strategic companies that operate in key sectors of the economy like manufacturing, agriculture, technology, aviation and infrastructure are serving as the backbone of the economy and contributing significantly to its stability and resilience.
The press release stated that “the LCCI acknowledges the significant impact that Dangote Refinery is beginning to make on Nigeria's economy, particularly in achieving national self-sufficiency in the production of diesel and aviation fuel.
“The 650,000 barrels per day refinery, a project of monumental scale, has started to fulfill its promise by addressing critical issues in the Nigerian energy sector.
“It was reported that with 100 million litres of diesel pumped into the market last week, the Dangote Refinery helped crash the price of
Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated Muslims in the country for the successful completion of the mandatory fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.
The former vice president, in a press statement by his media office, said the lessons of the Ramadan fasting should remain abiding, even when the holy month had passed.
He stated that while this year’s Ramadan fasting was observed in a season of tough economic conditions, “the forbearance with which Nigerian Muslims adopted it is a principle that the noble Prophet Muhammed (SAW) enjoins us to live by at all times.
“For many Nigerians, who observed the mandatory Ramadan fasting this year, the reality of the harsh economic environment in the country put many families and individuals under intense pressure.
“But in the face of this daunting challenge, many people pulled
global shocks, unfavorable domestic imbalances, structural rigidities, and the unintended consequences of certain corrective policy measures implemented to restore and realign domestic macroeconomic landscape.
However, Nigerian banks benefited tremendously from the foreign exchange unification policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that impacted on bottom-line results in 2023.
In the period under review, Zenith Bank sustained its positioned as most profitable bank in Nigeria, followed by UBA and Access Holdings.
Analysis of the audited results showed that while Zenith Bank generated N795.96 billion profit before tax in 2023, a growth of 179.6 per cent from N284.65 billion in 2022, UBA declared N757.68 billion profit before tax in 2023, an increase of 277.2 per cent from N200.88 billion in 2022.
On its part, Access Holdings announced N729 billion profit before tax in 2023, a growth off 334.76 per cent from N167.68 billion declared in 2022, to join Tier-1 banks with over N700 billion profit before tax threshold in 2023.
Commenting on the results, the Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna in a statement said, “As we reflect on the results of 2023, characterised by robust growth, strategic acquisitions, and expansion into key trade hubs, I am excited about the prospects for Access Bank. “Our relentless focus on customercentricity, digital innovation, and operational excellence has positioned us strongly to capitalise on emerging opportunities. “As we enter the consolidation and efficiency phase of our Africa and international expansion strategy, we remain committed to driving sustainable growth, enhancing
diesel from about N1,800 to N1,225 per litre. With another tranche of supply in the coming days, the price of diesel is expected to drop to a low of about N1,000 per litre.
“If the refinery commences the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) next month, petrol prices are also expected to dip, creating a great relief on cost of energy across all sectors of the economy.”
Furthermore, the LCCI recognised the refinery's contribution to enhancing energy security and reducing the country's reliance on imported fuel.
“The availability of locally produced diesel signifies a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency in energy production, ultimately bolstering Nigeria's economic resilience,” it said.
Speaking in the same vein, the LCCI also identified the Air Peace’s commencement of international flights to the United Kingdom as another game-changer that has become a delight to Nigerian travellers “as this has forced foreign airlines to crash
through out of seeking piety. The completion of Ramadan should cause a reflection on those in positions of authority to show more compassion to the people.”
Tajudeen Abbas
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting and the celebration of the Eid-el-fitri.
Abbas, in a Sallah message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, urged Muslims to internalise the lessons from the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Expressing confidence that the Almighty Allah had answered their prayers and supplications during the Holy Month, he said Muslims and other citizens should remain steadfast, determined, and patriotic for the nation to forge ahead.
The speaker enjoined Muslims to be their brothers’ keepers and
shareholder value, and delivering exceptional banking experiences to our customers across Africa and beyond.”
For UBA shareholders, in fulfilment of the promise made by the UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, to shareholders at the last Annual General Meeting, the Bank proposed a final dividend of N2.30 kobo for every ordinary share of 50 kobo, for the financial year ended December 31, 2023. The final dividend is subject to
still facing dire economic challenges.
However, Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday, took a swipe at Atiku, accusing him of not understanding the figures attached to the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar coastal highway before his criticism of the project.
The former vice president had through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, questioned the Tinubu administration’s decision to award the coastal road contract to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech without competitive bidding.
He had also wondered why the Tinubu administration released N1.06 trillion for the pilot phase or six per cent of the project, which begins at Eko Atlantic and was expected to terminate at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
However, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had in response said Atiku allowed himself to be led into a blind alley by his “poorly informed aides” in his desperation to make the headlines.
Onanuga said contrary to Atiku’s suggestions, the coastal road project had been praised for how it would improve the quality of life of Nigerians and the economy of the nine coastal states it will pass through, particularly in the areas of
their prices by about 60 percent in response to the cheaper rates by Air Peace.”
It added: “We need more support for local companies to play in sectors that have hitherto been monopolised by foreign companies.
“More local airlines covering more international routes means more aviation supply chain-related jobs, more foreign currency savings and earnings, and more reduction in the prices of international flight tickets in Nigeria.”
It stated that enabling optimal utilisation of all our Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) would create “a sustainable source of foreign currency savings and earnings for our country.”
The chamber pointed out that these companies deserved government’s strategic support because they are exposed to the adverse impacts of economic downturns, market uncertainties and global disruptions in spite of their strategic importance.
It also noted that the need for tar-
render a helping hand at all times, stating that one of the lessons from the Holy Month of Ramadan is that of assistance to the needy, which every Muslim should imbibe.
Abbas, while felicitating the Islamic faithful in the country, urged them to continue to pray for Nigeria even after Ramadan, stating that a peaceful and prosperous nation equally needs prayers to sustain its blessings.
Peter Obi
Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, charged Nigerian Muslims to use the window availed by Sallah to seek Allah’s intervention in Nigeria’s situation.
Obi charged the people not to allow the prevailing unprecedented hardship in the country to affect their spirit of love, brotherliness and peaceful co-existence.
He said this year’s Eid-el-fitri festivities should be used to engender the spirit of oneness, stressing that
the ratification of the shareholders during its upcoming annual general meeting (AGM).
Commenting on the results, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said: “I am very pleased with the unprecedented results achieved by our Group in FY2023. The Group made a profit before tax of N758billion, from N201 billion in the prior year. The balance sheet also grew
Continued on page 37
agriculture and tourism.
Onanuga had alleged, “Seeking to be a kill-joy, Atiku Abubakar engaged in red-herring by raising ill-thought-out allegations that only exposed his inadequacies and those of his team in getting the basic facts on an issue he badly seeks to nail the government.”
But the latest statement by Atiku read in part, “The Tinubu administration cannot continue to respond to public inquiry with insults. They must come clean on this project because Nigerians deserve to know the truth. I, therefore, present six posers to the administration.
"How much is the total cost of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway? "Why is the project being funded by the Nigerian government despite being a PPP? Why is the project taking off from Chagoury’s Eko Atlantic?
"Why is N1.06 trillion being spent on the pilot phase, which is just 47 kilometres?
"Why did the N1.06 trillion not get the approval of the National Assembly? Why wasn’t there a competitive bidding for the project?
"Finally, how did the Tinubu administration get the design as well as the right of way in just
geted interventions and support from the government for these companies has been intensified by the ongoing challenges that had been exacerbated by the rising cost of doing business and other socio-economic factors like threatening insecurity conditions.
“Therefore, we call upon the federal government to implement measures aimed at providing special support to these strategic companies.”
This support could include “concessional credit and low-interest loan facilitation, grants, or waivers to eligible companies to facilitate their operational continuity, investment in infrastructure and technological advancement.”
The chamber canvassed for the creation of “a conducive policy environment by improving policies and regulatory frameworks that incentivise innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term investment.”
It further urged the government to enhance international trade potential of Nigerian businesses “by facilitating market access and trade
citizens should re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of love, patriotism and unity for national development.
The former Anambra State governor, in a message to the Muslim faithful, stated that the two major faiths – Christianity and Islam – coming out of their fasting periods should allow the solemnness of the holy months to influence their thoughts and actions in their relationship with one another.
Obi said it was discomforting to learn about the amount of blood being shed in the country daily and asked that the situation be taken to Allah for His prompt intervention.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, rejoiced with Nigerians and residents of the state, particularly the Muslim faithful, as they celebrated this year’s Eid-el-fitri. Sanwo-Olu, in an Eid-el-fitri message issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, enjoined Muslims in Lagos State to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence, and remain tolerant of other religions in the state, saying Lagos is noted for religious harmony. The governor assured Lagos residents that the economic challenges they currently faced would soon be over because of the several intervention programmes by Lagos State and the federal government. He stated, “As we celebrate Eid-el-fitri worldwide, I want to join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria Eid Mubarak. We thank
seven months, since it claims the past administration of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari never touched the project?"
Atiku asked the Tinubu administration to, in the spirit of the Freedom of Information Act, respond to the questions line by line instead of taking the mundane route of “insulting their way out of every inquiry”.
Umahi, yesterday took a swipe at Atiku, accusing him of not understanding the figures attached to the 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway before his criticism of the project.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Uchenna Orji, Umahi said despite the skyrocketing cost of materials in the construction industry caused by the dynamics of inflation and supply chain disruptions, the current government had remained “unmatched” in prudence, cost effectiveness, speedy and quality delivery of road projects.
According to the release, Umahi made the comment during his inspection visit to the ongoing rehabilita-
opportunities both domestically and internationally, enabling companies to expand their reach and tap into new growth markets.”
It also suggested that government should encourage “funding of innovative research and development by allocating resources towards initiatives aimed at promoting product diversification and value addition across strategic sectors.”
God for sparing our lives to witness and celebrate the 2024 Eid-el-fitri.
“Ramadan is very significant to Muslims across the world as one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting during the month of Ramadan teaches us about abstinence from worldly pleasures, steadfastness in prayers, and total submission to the will of Allah in accordance with the Quranic injunctions.”
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, felicitated Muslim faithful in the state and across Nigeria on this year’s Eid-el-fitri.
Diri, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, stated that the month-long Ramadan fast, which culminated in Eid-el-fitri, was a period for Muslims to reflect on the lessons of tolerance, love and sacrifice that the celebration typified.
The governor stated that as one of the key pillars of Islam, the Ramadan was important for developing the virtues of total surrender the Allah’s will in every Muslim. He urged Muslims to pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
Diri said his administration would continue to ensure peaceful co-existence in the state as it promoted the virtues of love, religious tolerance and harmony.
To ensure a hitch-free celebration, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Alonyenu Francis Idu, directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Heads of Tactical and Operational Teams to
Continued on page 36
tion of Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway, section 4, handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC).
The minister described the analysis Atiku made on the coastal road project figures and the economic importance of the coastal highway project as gross misrepresentation of facts, and figures and a ploy to mislead Nigerians by “darkening” counsel without knowledge.
Umahi alleged regarding Atiku, "He doesn't understand figures. I am going to run figures for him to understand, and he will understand how prudent the administration of President Tinubu has been. He will understand how prudency is taking the centre stage in this administration.
“The president has once queried me on the cost of ongoing projects nationwide. I had to analyse every basic rate of construction materials to arrive at our unit rates. I showed it to Mr. President. He still thinks I should bring down the cost of projects.
“At the same time, the contractors are crying that I am oppressing them so much by reviewing the costs of their projects downwards. They
The 545th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ibadan, titled, “The World in Transition : Understanding Power in the International Political System”, was delivered recently by Professor Irene Pogoson of the Department of Political Science who analysed Nigeria’s place in current international political order. Kemi Olaitan reports.
Society expects so much from the university as those in the gown are often seen to have solution to the myriad of problems facing the town. Thus when former Head of Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan and the first female lecturer in the department, Professor Irene Pogoson, delivered the 545th Inaugural Lecture of the nation’s Premier University, it was an opportunity to share information about her research interest in International politics, Nigeria’s foreign policy and gender studies.
Pogoson in the lecture titled, “The World in Transition : Understanding Power in the International Political System”, and the 11th from her department, started with an overview of the transformation of international power relations from the dissolution of the bipolar world order to the emergence of a multipolar arrangement, analysed Nigeria’s foreign policy and regional influence as one of the dominant players in Africa and also drew important conclusions on the possible outcomes of the emerging world order and lessons for the conduct of Nigeria’s foreign policy and gender rights.
The Professor of Political Science while elucidating on power and the international system, defined global power system as consisting of numerous actors each with varying degrees of autonomy, engaging in structured interactions to exert influence on one another. According to her, their independent decisions and policies, serve as catalysts for each other, either encouraging or limiting the actions of others.
She said, “The high degree of interdependent transactions among the actors in the contemporary political, social and economic spheres means that no actor is fully autonomous. The world order, as it is today, has passed through significant temporal shifts in global power dynamics during which different countries, regions, and groups exerted varied levels of influence. These changes inevitably reconstitute power relations among proximate and distant players and forces.”
The university Don noted that the common ground in the scholarship of international relations is power, maintaining that all lasting international orders have historically relied on stable power distribution and a basic agreement among nations regarding the principles of conduct.
Pogoson who examined the trajectory of
the power shift on the global scene, declared that after the 12 years of the First and Second World Wars, Europe, particularly, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, the major world political actors lost their status politically and economically as the epicentre of international politics, leading to a power vacuum in the region that was filled by the United States of America and the Soviet Union, stating that after the war, the USA and USSR got engaged in a cold war due to economic-political polarisation.
According to her: “For four decades, the world order was unquestionably a bipolar system. The underlying rivalry of communism and capitalism became the dominant and constitutive divide in world affairs, with other countries choosing between the two camps or remaining non-aligned. By 1949, an arms race to develop the most powerful nuclear weapons further defined their relationship.
The weakened state of Europe set the stage for the liberation of African, Asian and Middle East countries from
the shackles of imperialism and colonialism.
“International relations, thus, began developing a truly global character. However, the conclusion of bipolar competition, the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War in 1991, the reunification of Germany, significant nuclear disarmament, and the decline of communism… contributed to ushering in a new era of global politics marked by American unipolarity.
The United States’ position during the two decades following the Cold War, was one of economic and military dominance. The events and trends that manifested themselves post9/11, however, demonstrated the American vulnerability just as the American economy experienced a recession that stirred pronouncements of the beginning of the end of American ‘single-superpower’ status. Furthermore, the world came to recognise the presence of nonstate actors capable of exerting significant influence on the behaviour of major state actors”.
She stressed that the global system has moved away from a bipolar system as the 21 century has indicated a shift towards a new multipolar global system, insisting that economic and political powers are becoming diffused as fast-growing nations like China, Russia, India, Brazil, Turkey
Whilst an assessment of President Tinubu’s foreign policy direction may be premature, a clearer articulation of the essentials of this doctrine, in terms of its achievable concrete policies and actions, is urgently required. Clearly, repositioning Nigeria as a global actor, and achieving the goals of the 4-D diplomacy, requires fixing Nigeria’s domestic challenges, tackling the prevalence of corruption and multidimensional poverty, safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians, guaranteeing the security of Nigeria and Nigerians and building a strong economy and currency. Moreover, it is absolutely important to silence the guns within the states as well as throughout the Gulf of Guinea, Sahel, and West Africa.
and a number of others emerge.
Her words: “Globally, a multitude of forces are reshaping the world. A plethora of new countries and actors are emerging as influential global contenders. The traditional division between the core and periphery – comprising affluent, industrialised nations and developing countries, respectively – is increasingly fading. An economic and political power shift is underway, marked by a diminishing influence of the “West” and a corresponding rise of the “East”.
“The emerging economies are ascending as regional powers and, even attaining global influence and actively reshaping the world order. Examples are the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the BRICS group. Both organisations have the potential to establish the groundwork for providing an alternative to the Western-led global system, or a new bloc capable of challenging Western influence in certain regions.”
On her assessment of the prospects of Nigeria in the current and emergent world order, Pogoson said the country has long been expected to assume a prominent role in both global and African politics as well as possessing a manifest destiny to emerge as a leading voice and actor in African and international affairs, due to her vast physical size, huge population, and abundant natural resources.
According to her, over the last 64 years, the conduct and administration of Nigeria’s foreign policy, despite the numerous external and internal challenges, has witnessed notable successes which suggest the possibility of a broader range of achievements if only lessons can be learnt and reform initiatives properly launched.
On the place of the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the international order, she said the President came into power at a momentous period of global geopolitical and geostrategic alignments and realignments, with a foreign policy agenda representing a deliberate shift towards more intentional, dynamic, and valuedriven foreign relations, termed ‘Nigeria’s 4-D Renewed Foreign Policy Doctrine’, comprising democracy, demography, development, and diaspora.
To strengthen security in the Federal Capital Territory, Precious Ugwuzor writes that Sahara Group, a leading energy, and infrastructure conglomerate, through Sahara Group Foundation, its corporate social responsibility vehicle, recently upgraded the Maitama Divisional Police Headquarters
In a demonstration of its commitment to social responsibility and community safety, Sahara Group, a leading energy, and infrastructure conglomerate, through Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social responsibility vehicle, has commissioned the newly renovated Maitama Divisional Headquarters, Maitama, in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The renovation and solar installation work carried out at the station is part of the company’s commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting the welfare of its host communities.
Addressing guests at the commissioning ceremony, the Executive Director, Sahara Group, Alex Cole stated that “We believe that a safe and secure environment is critical for the wellbeing of our communities. By supporting the improvement of police stations like Maitama, we are empowering law enforcement officers to better serve and protect residents.”
Commending the Nigerian Police Force's supportive collaboration during the renovation, Cole reiterated Sahara Group and its Foundation’s commitment to partnering with like-minded organisations to build stronger communities while improving lives and livelihoods of its residents.
The upgraded police station boasts of a series of improvements designed to enhance functionality and create a more conducive working environment for officers. These upgrades include structural repairs and aesthetical changes to the building, plumbing works and change of sanitary wares.
A new office block/building for investigative officers was also constructed, as well as the installation of solar power.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police (CP) of the FCT Command Region, CP Benneth C. Igweh Psc. Mni, commended Sahara Group and the Sahara Group Foundation for the work they have done with the Maitama divisional headquarters.
He stated that “this is a commendable project worthy of emulation, and the renovated Police Station will significantly boost the morale of the officers while supporting their aim at promoting peace and security within the Maitama district, as well as neighboring communities”.
L-R: ACP Olabisi Davies,
The Deputy Commissioner of Administration, (DCA), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the FCT Command Region, Hauwa Ibrahim, also urged the police officers to take good care of the facility and reinforced the police force commitment to maintaining peace and security in the community at large.
The Deputy Commissioner of Operations (DC Ops), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the FCT Command Region, Isyiaku Sharu thanked Sahara Group and Sahara Group Foundation for this project. He stated that “the upgrade of the police station will definitely support improved security in the host and
neighboring communities”. The Maitama Divisional Headquarters renovation project is just one out of a series of completed and ongoing renovations of police stations across the country, being implemented by the Sahara Group Foundation.
Other beneficiary Police Stations include but not limited to: Ijede police station, MMA police station, Trinity police station, Ajuwon police station, Apapa police station, Pedro police station and Ipaja police stations in Lagos state, Ologbo police station, Edo state, Omagwa police station, Rivers state, and Koko police station, Delta state.
About Sahara Group Foundation Sahara Group Foundation is Sahara Group’s vehicle for social sustainability with a focus on
promoting access to energy and sustainable environments, ultimately helping to build sustainable societies. The Sahara Group Foundation anchors its volunteering work through its Personal and Corporate Social Responsibility (PCSR) initiatives that give employees platforms to make a difference through various projects.
About Sahara Group Sahara Group is a leading international energy and infrastructure conglomerate with operations in over 42 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Sahara Group is a dynamic and transformative leader in various energy sub-sectors via its power (generation and distribution), downstream, midstream, upstream and infrastructure.
ORÍKÌ Spa, a premier luxury wellness destination, is delighted to announce the grand opening of its 10th exquisite location in the vibrant city of Ibadan, Nigeria. This remarkable milestone further emphasizes ORÍKÌ's unwavering commitment to delivering premium wellness services and top-notch services to clientele in diverse cultural landscapes. Located at Brava Hotel 59, Samonda Road Ibadan adjacent to Aerodrome GRA Estate, ORÍKÌ spa guarantees to provide a haven of peace and revitalization. Boasting a serene oasis ambience, the spa invites guests to indulge in a comprehensive range of wellness services, including massages, body treatments, waxing, facials, steam room sessions, and nail services.
Speaking about the new outlet, Founder and Managing Director, ORÍKÌ, Joycee Awosika states “Our commitment to democratizing wellness for our customers remains resolute as we expand our footprint to include more cities and states across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.”
"We are thrilled to expand our footprint with the opening of our 10th spa location in Ibadan," said Oluwatosin Opara, Head of Operations at ORÍKÌ. "Our commitment to providing exceptional wellness and relaxation is exemplified by this newly established venue,
where our esteemed clientele can indulge in an unmatched experience of self-care and rejuvenation."
In celebration of the grand opening, ORÍKÌ is pleased to offer a special promotion to its valued customers.
Throughout March, guests can enjoy a 20% discount on all services and a 10% discount on products by using the promotional code IB20. This gesture reflects ORÍKÌ's commitment to making
self-care a priority that is within reach for all individuals.
The ORÍKÌ team invites the community to experience the epitome of luxury wellness firsthand. Whether seeking solace from the stresses of daily life or simply indulging in pampering treatments, ORÍKÌ Ibadan promises an unforgettable journey towards holistic well-being.
With the inclusion of this new branch, ORÍKÌ Spa has significantly increased its footprint in
various locations across Nigeria and Kenya. These branches are strategically located in Lagos (Ikeja, Victoria Island, Oriental Hotel VI, Yacht Hotel Admiralty Road, Vintano Hotel Lekki Phase 1, Ikate), Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Delta and Nairobi in Kenya.
ORÍKÌ, Africa’s leading tech-enabled wellness, self-care, and personal grooming chain, is the first and only all-natural personal grooming brand in Nigeria to operate a luxury wellness spa chain with multiple locations coupled with its own manufactured product line which uses all-natural, clean, and potent ingredients. Through a distinctive mix of offerings via our seven subsidiaries, including the farm-toskin product range, a manufacturing division, diverse spa treatments, the ORIKI training institute for wellness professionals, and the ORIKI Franchise, each aspect of the ORÍKÌ universe speaks the language of originality and confidence, just like the brand name connotes.
Its latest innovation is UNWIND, the home service arm of ORIKI Spa. It is a mobile app for wellness on demand that provides services anytime and anywhere at your doorstep.
The ORÍKÌ spas comprise an array of services from head to toe; inclusive of massages, facials, body treatments, hammam baths, a nail studio, and more.
ORÍKÌ exists to display that we will not just remain local, we stand for international best standards and quality.
The Yobe State governor is a leading symbol of care, writes UMAR ALI KIME
BURDEN OF DISCOS ON POOR NIGERIANS
TAJUDEEN KAREEM argues the need to subsidise some strategic service providers
EDITORIAL IMBIBING THE LESSONS OF RAMADAN
See page 21
CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU contends that EFCC’s descent from chasing after economic and financial crimes to cross dressers is worrying
In January 2014, a coalition of advocates, including Femia Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); Jiti Ogunye and Tokunbo Mumuni, both senior lawyers; and I wrote to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), inviting it to “to investigate the allegations of fraud detailed by the two committees set up by President Goodluck Jonathan in the wake of the 2012 fuel subsidy crisis.” It failed to do so. 10 years later, the EFCC is now preoccupied with chasing after cross-dressers. How it got so derailed bears attention.
At the beginning of this past week, Nigerians woke up to the story that a demographic of energy users, described in the language of the industry as “Band A” and constituting roughly about 15% of the approximately 12 million official subscribers to electricity in the country, will have their energy tariffs raised by 230.8%. They claim the four other bands will be unaffected. That’s false.
Tariff regulation in the energy sector in Nigeria is the primary responsibility of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), a body created originally under the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act in 2005 which was repealed and replaced in 2023 by the Electricity Act.
For some time prior to last week, various news media had sought unsuccessfully to confirm from the NERC the veracity of information suggesting that it had reached a decision to upwardly review the electricity tariff or that it had plans to do so. When it broke the story on 2 April, Bloomberg, a private and foreign news agency, credited “people in the presidency with knowledge of the matter”, suggesting not only a decision with a long gestation period but also that one that had the active authorization of the presidency. The implication is that when it initially denied to Nigerian news sources that it had such plans, the NERC had dissembled.
The day after the Bloomberg Story, on 3 April, NERC confirmed the accuracy of the report. On the same day, it released the text of the applicable statutory instrument, dated 28 March, which designated the commencement date as 3 April.
The energy minister, Adebayo Adelabu, chimed in, explaining that the decision was because Nigerians keep their deep freezers plugged even when absent from home. This energy minister is so out of touch, he doesn’t know that deep freezers need constant electricity. But how could he when all he does is prance about in private jets?
For context, the Energy Progress Report issued jointly by the International Energy Agency, the United Nations, the World Bank and the World Health Organization, among others, in 2022, conservatively assessed over 92 million Nigerians as without access to electricity. This is at the very bottom of the global energy league. The NERC claims that one of its reasons for the secret energy tax is to “attract more investment into Nigeria’s power sector.” This is what one of my old teachers called “future speculative tense.”
For starters, the new tariffs foster undue discrimination contrary to Section 116(2)
(e) of the Electricity Act of 2023 requires the Commission in setting tariffs to “avoid undue discrimination between consumers and consumer categories.”
The principal crisis with energy consumption currently is not generation but transmission. The country is unable to evacuate anything close to what it generates. To achieve an increase in energy supplied to or enjoyed by any band, therefore, the Transmission Company will have to create energy hunger in a band somewhere in the consumption ecosystem.
So, to increase the quantity of energy supply that it guarantees to the Band A customers, NERC has ensured reduction in what is transmitted to those at the bottom end of the bands. In other words, the increase of transmission to Band A customers is achieved by eviscerating supply to the roadside vulcanizer, the neighbourhood Mama-Put restauranter, the welder, all of whom will suffer denial of energy.
This pricing strategy is also poorly reasoned. The Band A users whom it supposedly favours are mostly in a position to transfer the burdens of the higher tariffs to consumers, most of whom are in the lower bands. This hits lower band consumers with a double whammy. By imposing energy hunger on them, it threatens the livelihoods of micro, mini and informal entrepreneurs and will put many of them out of business. At the same time, it will increase their costs of consumption. Unable to pay the new prices of goods and services, they will vote with their feet, which will hit revenues, profitability and viability of industry, leading to loss of jobs, loss of tax take and ultimately burdensome social costs.
What emerges is that the new tariffs are effectively a regressive energy tax on the poor. In a country already afflicted with prohibitive insecurity, even further rise in insecurity is foreseeable.
It became clear also during the week that NERC chose to adopt this most consequential of decisions for citizens, employers and consumers in utmost secrecy. To preclude predictable public furore about it, the NERC also garlanded the decision making with a bodyguard of lies. Not satisfied with this, the release of the statutory instrument coincided with a pattern of coordinated online behaviour which clearly suggested that the Commission had actively recruited a gang of digital influencers and bloggers in order to create
maximum distraction from the measure.
One source of such distraction was the EFCC. As the NERC rolled out this prohibitive energy tax on 3 April, the EFCC procured the high profile arrest of Idris Okuneye, a transactional transvestite better known as Bobrisky, on impressive charges of “abuse of the Naira” and alleged money laundering. With unremitting alacrity, the Commission first paraded Bobrisky, a practice that has repeatedly been declared unlawful by courts in Nigeria. Thereafter, they arraigned him before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The law that establishes the EFCC defines “economic and financial crimes” to mean “nonviolent criminal and illicit activity committed with the objectives of earning wealth illegally either individually or in a group or organized manner thereby violating existing legislation governing the economic activities of government and its administration.” At the court, the EFCC dropped the two counts relating to money laundering, ultimately charging Bobrisky only with crimes connected with so-called “abuse of the Naira.”
Having dropped the only charges that could remotely fall within the purview of economic or financial crime, the EFCC forfeited any claim to acting within law or in the public interest because abuse of the Naira, whatever that means, is outside the statutory scope of crimes that it can prosecute. Yet, in a mere 48 hours, the EFCC processed Bobrisky through the entire gamut of criminal justice from arrest to conviction, setting a Nigerian record in prosecutorial diligence.
It becomes evident, therefore, that the charges against Bobrisky were an artifice for persecuting a person whose life choices are a tad unusual. The EFCC lent itself to this despite the fact that Lagos, where Bobrisky lives, decriminalized the Victorian crimes of “unnatural offences” long ago in 2011. Nor does the leadership of the EFCC remember that over half a century ago, Uzoma Odimara freely promenaded as a crossdresser and entertainer around the country under the name “Area Scatter”.
In the week in which the EFCC bungled and threw the biggest corruption case in the country in a quarter of a century, it takes unique institutional commitment to frippery to reduce its core business to chasing cross-dressers. In targeting Bobrisky as it has, the EFCC arguably sought to achieve the twin objectives of distracting Nigerians from the NERC’s steep and unlawful energy tax while at the same time pressing home a blinkered wedge advocacy.
In so doing, the leadership of the Commission clearly abused the sacred instrument of prosecutorial prerogative and showed itself as either idle or misguided, if not both. When this was brough to their attention, they descended into threats, bluster and cringe-worthy trade in mangled adjectives. One concerned citizen responded that “EFCC has gone rogue.” 10 years ago, citizens looked to them as part of the solution. Today the EFCC has become part of the problem.
A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu
With the end of the Muslim holy month of self-purification and self-denial otherwise known as Ramadan, we urge all adherents to imbibe its enduring lessons. Those lessons are not only for adherents of the faith, but indeed for all Nigerians, especially at a period like this. In his Eld-el-fitr message yesterday, President Bola Tinubu appealed to all Nigerians to come together and rededicate themselves to the noble duty of building the nation. "We are the sculptor, and Nigeria is the clay; we build it the way we desire", the president admonished.
Fasting as a spiritual exercise is advocated by all religions ostensibly with the notion that the man or woman who can make sacrifices in the bid to tame their desires would be better both for themselves and the larger society. As the Muslim faithful therefore mark the enAd of this annual spiritual exercise, it is hoped that the outcome will be of immense benefit to the nation. We must begin to build the Nigeria of our dream.
invariably place the welfare of our neighbours as important as ours. By allowing others to partake of our wealth or material possessions, we honour the One who gave us the wealth in the first place. This happens to be at the heart of all religions, and a virtue that Nigerians must begin to imbibe at this period when millions of our people are going to bed hungry. It is also important that we see the effect in our country beyond seminal pronouncements that are not backed by concrete actions from those in positions of authority.
When man can rein in the impulse for self-gratification and greedy accumulation of wealth, he is more liable to make his society a better place to live in
EDITOR SHAKA
Meanwhile, the season of fasting and prayer offered all Muslims the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with Allah. To devotees, it was a period of self-emptying without which no spiritual being can have a truly rewarding relationship with his or her maker. It also enabled those with means to share food with the poor, the needy and the less privileged. Clearly, there has never been a greater need for sharing with the less privileged and the needy of our society than exists today when millions of Nigerians can hardly make ends meet due to the economic situation in the country.
By paying attention to the plight of the poor as was amply demonstrated during Ramadan, we
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN
In the spirit of Ramadan, government officials must begin to see their assignment as a public trust while the period of self-emptying without which no spiritual being can have a truly rewarding relationship with their maker should not go to waste. For all Muslims, it was an opportunity to rededicate themselves to the teachings of the faith and the cause of mankind. As one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan was aimed at promoting both the spiritual and material wellbeing of man, it stands to reason that man is invariably better off doing the will of God than merely pleasing himself. When he can rein in the impulse for self-gratification and greedy accumulation of wealth, man is more liable to make his society a better place to live in. That for us was one of the most enduring lessons of Ramadan which we hope many would have imbibed.
All said, the nation’s leaders, political and otherwise, have much to take from the lessons of Ramadan. If only they can curtail their materialistic tendencies and pay more attention to the yearnings of the people, the country will certainly become a much happier place to live in. We therefore urge our leaders to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan.
To our numerous Muslim readers we say, Eid Mubarak. May Allah reward your sacrifice.
Last Friday, The PUNCH, provided a stark reality on the weight of debt on Osun's finances. In the report the paper shared a grim picture of the future, indicating that Osun, like three other states, may have sunk into a financial situation that will possibly make shares of the federal allocation count for little or almost nothing.
"Most of the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee funds for Osun, Ondo, Kaduna, and Cross River States will be used in servicing debts this year," The PUNCH highlighted, explaining that "This is because these states currently have a deficit of N10.94 billion, N27.72 billion, N15.83 billion, N10 billion following debt servicing deductions by the Federal Allocations Account Committee."
This looks terrifying and confusing, right? Well, take a pause and look at recent viral statistics which indicated that in February alone, a huge sum of N2.27 billion was deducted from Osun's allocation to service debt. That is nearly about 30 per cent of the gross earnings for the state in that month from the federation account.
And this trend will continue in 2024 as the budget estimate of the Osun State government indicated that it may use around N27.6 billion to service debt. In short, that amount will most certainly be deducted from Osun allocation this year, leaving the state in a quandary to meet certain obligations, which include the infrastructural needs of the people.
This is the reality faced by Governor Ademola Adeleke, which even the
mischief makers cannot dispute. While there has been a noticeable increase in the revenue that accrues to governments across the three tiers, Osun is constrained to enjoy the full benefit because of obligations to creditors.
Beyond the deductions from the source, there are other incurred debts that Governor Adeleke is left to handle. They are the 30–month half salary debt and pension liabilities, which the governor put at a princely sum of N76bn. Looking at the scenario, it is messy and difficult one to navigate.
Following the publication by the newspaper, someone asked a question that left me ruminating for several hours. Upon observing the tough financial constraint highlighted, he wondered how Governor Adeleke has been able to attend to the numerous financial commitments of the state and still execute landmark projects across the state.
The reason for his question isn't far-fetched because Governor Adeleke's predecessor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, found the indebtedness of the state as a convenient excuse to explain away the glaring inadequacies that defined his term. Yet, facing a similar condition of using a considerable part of Osun's earnings to service debts, Governor Adeleke has not only been attending to the basic needs of the people but also those considered impossible by his predecessor.
Let us not deceive ourselves, the Osun debt binge is huge and poses harsh financial constraints. Navigating it requires an unusual level of financial discipline, sacrifices, and a strong desire for the good of the people,
which Governor Adeleke has demonstrated so far. As debt servicing significantly impacts the earnings of the state from federal allocation, offsetting wage–related debt, and pension liabilities eat into whatever accrues to Osun coffer.
This is a tough condition that no state will ever wish to be in, more else a less financially buoyant state. In 2023 alone, Governor Adeleke paid four months out of the 30 months half salary debt incurred by the APC administration. In that same year, the governor expended nearly N28 billion on pension liabilities, bringing to an end years of waiting for senior citizens to get their due entitlements.
This is a reflection of the huge burden, necessitated by past financial choices, that Governor Adeleke has had to contend with. If the amount that went into paying one creditor or the other in Osun last year is holistically examined, perhaps the extent of the burden of the past debt binge will resonate better with the people.
But wait, debt is not actually a bad thing. The problem has always been the reason for borrowing and how it was utilized. When you borrow, you draw from future funds to use today, hence, exposing your future income to shredding to repay the debt. The same thing applies to incurring payment commitment, which in the case of Osun, was huge.
Sarafa Ibrahim, Iwo, Osun State
Nume Ekeghe
Nigeria’s foreign reserves have witnessed a decrease of $595 million in one month following the ongoing efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to defend the naira through injecting liquidity.
Starting from March 5, 2024, Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves was at a substantial level, standing at $33.89 billion. As the month progressed, the reserves experienced fluctuations, influenced by various economic factors and market dynamics.
By March 6, 2024, the reserves had
Data obtained from the CBN showed that as of the 5th of April, 2024, the reserves stood at $33.36 billion, a decline of $595m compared to 5th of march 2023.
slightly decreased to $33.91 billion indicating early signs of volatility, however, by March 7, 2024, there was a further decline, with the reserves dropping to $34.11 billion. This downward trend continued over the following days, with the reserves standing at $34.2 billion on March 8, 2024. Despite these fluctuations, the reserves stabilised briefly on March 11, 2024, reaching $34.3 billion However, this stability was short-lived, as the reserves once again dipped to $34.37 billion on March 12, 2024. As the month progressed, the reserves continued to fluctuate, by March 15, 2024, the reserves had decreased to $34.19 billion indicating on-going volatility. March 18, 2024, the reserves stood at $34.44 billion, showing a slight recovery
from earlier declines. However, this upward trend was short-lived, as the reserves decreased once again to $34.38 billion on March 19, 2024. Furthermore, on March 26, 2024, the reserves had further declined to $33.95 billion highlighting ongoing fluctuations. This trend continued into early April, with the reserves standing at $33.5 billion on April 3, 2024.
Finally, by April 5, 2024, Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves reached $33.36 billion. Nevertheless, in light of the forthcoming Afreximbank loan and recent increases in the monetary policy rate, which have attracted foreign portfolio investors, coupled with the surge in crude oil prices, it is anticipated that the reserves will receive a significant boost in the upcoming weeks.
James Emejo in AbujaAnalysts have expressed concerns over the possible transfer of costs that may be incurred by banks in the ongoing consolidation exercise ordered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
They also worry that the recapitalisation exercise could lead to loss of jobs.
On March 28, 2024, the apex bank announced new minimum capital requirements of N500 billion and N200 billion for commercial banks with international and national authorisation respectively, as well as a new capital base of N50 billion for banks with regional licenses.
The apex bank further pegged the new minimum capital for merchant banks at N50 billion, while non-interest banks with national and regional authorisations are mandated to raise their capital thresholds to N20 billion and N10 billion, respectively. The financial
institutions have till 2026 to comply with the new capital requirements. The recapitalisation plan was to enhance banks’ resilience, solvency, and capacity to continue supporting the growth of the Nigerian economy among others.
However, in an exclusive interview with THISDAY, President, Association of Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said it was important for the regulatory authority to ensure that the costs of recapitalisation are not transferred to bank customers.
He said banks will incur some costs in the process of recapitalisation whether through the stock market or Merger and Acquisition (M&A).
According to him, these costs would include fees paid to Issuing Houses, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Exchange, Reporting Accountants, Solicitors and other professionals associated with securities issuance,
adding that professional fees are equally required in the case of M&A.
Uwaleke explained that these transactions also have tax implications.
He told THISDAY, “Banks will be inclined to transfer these costs to their customers by way of higher charges or loan costs if the CBN does not undertake to assist in one way or the other.
“In 2005, the CBN reached an agreement with the SEC, the NSE, FIRS to ensure that these costs are reduced and not only provided technical assistance to banks in aid of consolidation but also defrayed the cost of professional services incurred by banks.”
Wealth Management and Business Development Consultant, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, however said he believed there are currently regulations in place to checkmate excessive charges from banks.
On the new capital thresholds,
he said, “I believe it is the right move by the CBN. I have always been of the opinion that despite the size of the Nigerian economy, our banks do not have the capacity to really drive the economy to exponential growth.
“This is despite the fact that they are some of the most profitable institutions on the continent and have consistently made profits during numerous economic downturns in Nigeria. However, as of December 2022 figures, no Nigerian bank features in the top 10 largest banks in Africa based on tier 1 capital.
“The Naira devaluation will likely see Nigerian banks drop even further in 2023 numbers. The implications of this are that there are certain transaction ticket sizes that are beyond the capacity of Nigerian banks to fund even with syndication.”
Shelleng said, “This is why there has been an over reliance
on DFI funding such as the African Development Bank, Afreximbank, IFC among others for infrastructural and other developmental projects.
“The Nigerian economy is vastly untapped, and without strong, well capitalised financial institutions, it will be tough to grow the economy beyond its current limitations.”
On his part, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, however, said it was unlikely that any costs would be passed over to consumers given the funding prescriptions by the central bank.
He told THISDAY, “The additional funding will come from different investors whose sources will be verified by CBN to ensure they don’t borrow to invest in equity.
“The major cost to be borne is the one to be paid to capital market asset management institutions that will help banks achieve their capital
targets.
“However, many staff of the banks will lose their jobs due to consolidation, as many functions will be duplicated. There may be conflicts arising from disagreement among different board members.” Ekechukwu said the industry was overdue for capital raise given that the depreciation of the Naira eroded the value of the capital base of Nigeria banks. He said, “The asset size of the Standard Bank Group of South Africa at $170 billion is more than the total asset size of all Nigerian Deposit Money banks at $140 billion. Again, no Nigerian bank is ranked first to 10th in size of both Assets and Capital base in Africa.
“The foregoing answers the question of whether the new capital regime of banks is justified. It will enable Nigerian banks to expand their capacity and business frontiers to grow our economy.”
Nume Ekeghe writes on the importance of widespread alternative payment options by merchants and bank customers, one of which, is the NQR payment solution powered by NIBSS. This homegrown payment option enhances convenience and accessibility for customers nationwide while driving innovation and financial inclusion in Nigeria’s digital economy.
In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries and economies, the Ounje Eko Discount Market in Lagos serves as a prime example of how innovative payment solutions are simplifying transactions and enhancing customer experiences.
The programme was initiated by the Lagos State Government to provide discounted food prices across the state. The customers at the Ounje Eko Discount Market initially encountered challenges with traditional payment methods due to the cashless policy mandated as part of the Lagos State Discount Market initiative. However, the adoption of modern payment solutions, particularly NQR has revolutionised the payment experience at the various locations.
The introduction of the NQR payment solution at the Ounje Eko discount market provided a timely and practical solution for customers. NQR played a crucial role in simplifying the payment process and reducing congestion at the payment point.
THISDAY while visiting the markets noted that customers who needed to pay for goods were able to do so seamlessly. They simply logged into their Mobile Banking APPs, navigated to a NQR menu and scanned the QR codes provided at the payment points to conclude the transaction. This eliminated the need for physical cash or relying solely on the limited number of POS terminals.
Speaking to one of the supervisors at the market, she emphasised NQR’s pivotal role in facilitating transactions and reducing congestion, thereby contributing significantly to the success
of the discount market initiative.
It was observed that some banks distinguished themselves by incorporating a receipt printing feature into their POS machines, ensuring that when customers paid with NQR, a receipt is promptly generated as proof of transaction. According to a customer who paid with NQR, this feature proved particularly beneficial at the market, as it allowed for instant confirmation on transaction status before collection of food items.
Several banks have embraced the NQR payment solution by integrating it into their mobile apps to offer customers a seamless payment experience.
Among the forward-thinking banks identified at the market locations are
Access Bank, First Bank, Stanbic
However, customers of Guaranty Trust Bank, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, Heritage Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, SunTrust Bank, Unity Bank, Opay and PalmPay on ground at the Ounje Discount Market were unable make payments with NQR as the payment option was unavailable on their Mobile App.
Providus Bank and Sterling Bank stood out as the key notable banks that facilitated this payment service at the market. These banks demonstrated their commitment to innovation by incorporating NQR into their mobile apps, providing customers and merchants with a convenient and
secure way to make and receive payments using QR codes.
Recent data from a payment forum, indicates that over 5 million registered merchants nationwide are now equipped to accept NQR payments, with an additional 100,000 onboarded within the first quarter of 2024. NQR transactions totalling N295 million (in value) were processed during this same period.
The successful implementation of innovative payment solutions like NQR at the Ounje Discount Market underscores its effectiveness in simplifying transactions and enhancing the overall customer experience. By facilitating seamless payments through QR codes, NQR played a pivotal role in reducing congestion, streamlining the payment process for both customers and collection agents, while also providing them with instant value of payments made.
While many banks have embraced NQR and integrated it into their Mobile Apps, some are yet to adopt this innovative payment solution. It is important for banks to recognise the significance of such solutions in the evolving digital landscape and prioritize its integration into their platforms. By doing so, they can enhance their service offerings, meet the changing needs of their customers, and contribute to the advancement of the digital economy in Nigeria.
Embracing NQR is not just about staying competitive but also about driving innovation and fostering financial inclusion in the country’s burgeoning digital ecosystem.
Artificial Intelligence (Al), one of the disruptive innovations trending among many business sectors has been endorsed by insurance sector operators as game changer and a technology that could improve their service delivery, enhance customer experience and productivity as well as improve their profitability.
Given these inherent advantages in the technology, leaders in insurance sector believe the future of the sector lies in the full adoption of the technology.
The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Sunday Olorundare Thomas, said he has seen AI as key to the future of insurance business in Nigeria.
He urged insurance operators to adopt the technology.
Experts described Al as a technology that enables a computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with human beings—such as the ability to have human-like conversations, reason, discover meaning, generalise or learn from past experience.
The Al technology has gained so much popularity in businesses that analysts put global business value earned through artificial intelligence at $3.9 trillion in 2022, from $1.2 trillion in 2018.
With lack of awareness problem of insurance and Nigerians’ alienation to insurance services, the technology is believed to be capable of bridging the gap between the masses and insurers, help in bringing insurance very close to the people.
In trying to define AI, research firms view it as technology that appears to emulate human performance typically by learning, coming to its own conclusions, appearing to understand complex content, engaging in natural dialogs with people, enhancing human cognitive performance or replacing people on execution of non routine tasks.
According to them its applications range from autonomous vehicles to automatic speech recognition, as well as detecting novel concepts and abstractions, which they noted would be useful for detecting potential new risks and aiding humans to quickly understand very large bodies of ever-changing information.
On how Al could change insurance and enhance performance in various aspects of insurance, global insurance giant, Allianz, through its risk and technology experts spoke of its experience
in the usage of the technology.
It said the insurance industry was believed to be among those with the highest potential value from AI technologies, which could add a potential $1.1trn annually.
It said AI technologies would allow insurers to draw on larger datasets to improve their processes, from automating customer support to honing risk modeling and predictions.
Payment wise, Allianz experts said Data-driven assets and AI could transform claims management, including prevention, notification, settlements, and fraud detection.
Considering these advantages Thomas, speaking at a forum in Lagos recently urged insurance operators to increase adoption of AI, insisting that it improves service and enhances profitability.
He said insurance consumers would experience another dimension in quick service delivery and claims payment if operators could adopt the technology.
According to him AI was captured as part of the 10-year roadmap of the insurance industry, as he said that NAICOM, as a regulator, would continue to evolve policies that would engender the growth of the industry, increase penetration and contribution to nation’s GDP.
The Chairman NEM Insurance Plc, Tope Smart, described AI as a game changer in an industry that still bestrides the low rungs of financial necessity across Africa.
He said with AI adoption, insurers could achieve a lot and intervene in several
areas which would include customer satisfaction, engagement, risk management and assessment and, in pension.
“There will be upgrades in the service of retirement benefits, life expectancy and an avalanche of areas.” Smart said.
He concluded by saying that AI intervention was needed in all areas of operations.
Pushing for unabated penetration, Smart said low enforcement was a snag adding that this has made compulsory insurances a far cry from what it should be. He therefore charged all stakeholders to be united to realise the objectives of AI penetration.
“It is quite saddening that out of a population of 200 million, only about 3 million people are actually insured. Lack of enforcement is a challenge but the industry is working round the clock to increase enforcement through the regulatory and enforcement bodies”; Smart said.
The president, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria(CIIN), Mr. Edwin Igbiti, said growing insurance industry would require that the nation’s economy be DE risked, while seeking partnership with government and other stakeholders to deepen insurance penetration.
He was of the view that AI would increase insurance premium, enhances service delivery and ensures insurance sector contributes more to the nation’s gross domestic product(GDP)
On its application on claims settlement
Allianz experts said in transforming claims
management AI and data-driven assets are being implemented at Allianz to prevent loss and improve the claims journey.
They said inbuilt weather alert tool predicts the location, timing, and impact of extreme weather events, with 96 percent of customers saying they take steps to prevent damage as a result of an alert. The tool has 1.9 million registered customers.
Allianz experts said another AI tool detects motor accidents in real time using an app and tag on windshields, or via sensors in connected cars or smartphones. With 40,000 active users, it provides simple and digital first notification of loss, allowing Allianz to initiate contact with the client.
Claims assessments and settlements: Allianz experts said AI assets enable immediate coverage checks, more efficient claims assessments and solutions, such as automated preassessments in motor insurance and an extensive repair shop network, and faster assessments of low claims for efficient settlements.
Detecting fraud: They said AI-based tools efficiently utilise available data to check for fraudulent activity, including deceptive language, inconsistencies, or unusual behaviors; manipulated images or video evidence; predicting the likelihood of fraud based on historical data; and social network analysis to uncover fraudsters among claimants, insured persons and witnesses.
On its overall impact on insurance value chain, Allianz experts said the new technology means insurers would be able to draw on larger datasets to improve their processes, from automating customer support and manual tasks to honing risk modeling and predictions.
Furthermore they said it would also facilitate data entry, data cleansing and the classification of data.
They said a wider range of risk data would enable underwriters to offer more targeted, bespoke insurance solutions and smarter pricing. GenAI will also automate underwriting tasks, including data extraction and wording comparison.
But despite these positive side , the experts said AI has some negative sides that could be detrimental to both individual and corporate bodies .
Ebere Nwoji
The National Insurance
Commission (NAICOM), has said that it is collaborating with the
leadership of the Road Transport Directorate, FCTA in fighting against fakers of
Motor Third Party Insurance certificate and motorists who underpay the standard motor
insurance premium rate.
Lasaco Assurance Plc, and the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) have met to discuss how best to collaborate with brokers to service her customers better amidst the current economic realities.
The insurance giant hosted the NCRIB President, Babatunde Oguntade, and his executive committee members on a courtesy visit, where a highly elated Lasaco Managing Director, Razzaq Abiodun, was full of hope that the continuous collaboration would be of much benefit to insurance customers.
Abiodun, who believed that the current economic situation in the
country posed a big challenge for the growth of insurance businesses, challenged insurance providers to be very proactive in coming up with creative strategies that could make their customers survive the hardship with relative ease. He explained that Lasaco Assurance plc hosted the council members to service the brokerage subsector more efficiently. He believes that for insurance businesses to grow in the country, practitioners should always evolve ways of protecting the interests of their customers by seeking improved productivity and customer satisfaction through collaboration and the exchange of ideas that could enable
them operate optimally and give consumers the needed satisfaction.
Through a strengthened relationship with NCRIB, he said, Lasaco assurance plc would be able to enhance the skills of its employees through local and international training. The company would also become an active participant in events surrounding the NCRIB as well as gain much awareness and visibility through the NCRIB platforms.
Speaking on behalf of his team, NCRIB president, Mr. Babatunde Oguntade, said his organisation chose to visit Lasaco Assurance plc because of the company’s strong commitment to customer
satisfaction and continuous support for the council.
He expressed the hope that the strengthened relationship would translate to more payment of valid claims for Lasaco assurance’s customers, who, he said, were the primary target of the scheme.
In his words, the CEO and executive secretary of the council, Mr. Tope Adaramola, expressed his profound gratitude to Lasaco Assurance plc for taking the time to meet with the executives and promised a stronger relationship, collaboration, and partnership for better service delivery and affiliation.
Pioneer private sector natural gas distribution and power development company, Axxela Limited, has announced the successful recertification of its Integrated Management System (IMS) comprising ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018 for Portfolio Development of Gas and Power Projects by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). The IMS recertification reaffirms Axxela’s adherence to global best standards in managing its
operations across the entire value chain. By integrating quality, environmental management, and occupational health and safety into a unified system, Axxela continues to demonstrate its dedication to continuous improvement in the areas of environmental, social and governance practices.
Speaking on the achievement, Axxela’s Chief Operating Officer, Kehinde Alabi, remarked, “Obtaining a recertification of our Integrated Management System (IMS) following a comprehensive audit carried out by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
is a testament to our relentless pursuit of operational excellence and commitment to building a world-class organisation, setting the pace for others within our sector.
“At Axxela, we have effectively integrated quality, environmental and occupational health and safety management systems into various parts of our operations. Over the years, we have successfully continued to leverage and build on these ESG-focused principles to enhance our operational efficiency while delivering innovative energy solutions to our customers,” he added.
According to John Okoro, Head of EHSQ at Axxela, ‘’The successful outcome of this recertification audit is a further affirmation of the sheer dedication of Axxela’s executive leadership to operational integrity, robust management systems, proactive risk mitigation and compliance approach’’.
Axxela is the first company in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to achieve a trifecta Integrated Management System certification of ISO 9001:2015; ISO 14001: 2015; ISO 45001:2018.
The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Sunday Olorundare Thomas, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Director Road Transport Service, FCTA Dr. Bello Abdul-Lateef.
During the visit, Thomas informed Bello of the enhanced third-party Motor Insurance which became effective 2nd January, 2023 and which has seen the increase in premium payable on Motor Third Party insurance from N5,000 to N15,000 and also its benefits increased from N1,000,000 to N3,000,000.
Thomas informed Bello that effective collaboration between
NAICOM and DRTS would help reduce the incidences of Motor Third-Party insurance irregularity by enhancing active policing to ensure adequate insurance management system.
In his response, Bello noted that many motorists who renew their vehicle particulars were not getting value for the insurance premium being paid as they did not validate the insurance policies after purchase even though they might have paid N15,000; whereas the cover they were actually given cost was N4,000 because they might have engaged unauthorised persons to help process their request.
Nume Ekeghe
FBNQuest, the investment banking and asset management subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, recently held its financial literacy and enlightenment session to commemorate the 2024 Global Money Week, and as part of the organisation’s Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CR&S) activities.
This year’s Global Money Week was themed, “Protect Your Money, Secure Your Future,” to raise awareness among younger generations about savings culture, investment, and financial discipline.
To promote financial literacy, FBNQuest employees volunteered to teach and interact with pupils, providing
insights and techniques on the importance of developing a savings culture from the money given to them by their parents, guardians, and family members.
In a statement, the Chief Financial Officer at FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Olamide Adeosun, emphasised that planning for the future requires self-discipline, commitment, and deliberate effort to achieve desired outcomes.
“As young adults,it is imperative to have a sound knowledge of savings and investments to raise consciousness on how to grow their money in a safe and sustainable manner to meet their future financial needs, “she said.
The Supreme Court has advised the Lagos State Government and the Shangisha landlords to resolve their land dispute amicably, stating that it has no power to interpret the judgement it gave 12 years ago that ordered the government to allocate 549 plots of land to the landlords. The judgement, the court said, was unambiguous.
This means that the agelong land dispute between the Lagos State Government and the Shangisha Landlords Association is far from over, as the Supreme Court has again thrown out the State’s Application for the interpretation of its 12-year old judgment which
compelled it to allocate 549 plots of land to the landlords within Magodo Estate as a matter of first priority.
Amidst the crisis that erupted in Magodo area two years ago when the Landlords, led by Chief Adeyiga (Judgement Creditors), attempted to enforce the 12-year old Appex Court’s Judgement, the Lagos State Government, in February 2022, ran to the Supreme Court to seek, among others, the relief and order to vary or review its judgement of February, 10, 2012 in Suit No SC 1/2/2002 between Military Government of Lagos State and Four others versus Chief Adebayo Adeyiga and six others.
The 5-man panel, led by
Justice Iyang Okoro of the Supreme Court, recently, told Aare Muyiwa Akinboro, SAN, leading other Lawyers for Lagos State and Olumide Sofowora, SAN, and Deji Fasusi for Shangisha landlords that the Court had no power to do what it was being asked to do and pointedly told both parties in the matter to accept their fate as earlier decided by the Supreme Court. The court therefore advised all parties in the land dispute to go back and resolve the matter amicably. It was the view of the Justices of the Supreme Court that the judgement was unambiguous and that they were no longer in a position to
determine any right or request of any party, prompting the Lagos State Government to withdraw its application before it was struck out by the court.
The legal dispute over Magodo land started about 38 years ago when the Lagos State Government acquired the land in the area and demolished structures, stating that it needed the expanse of land for public use.
But soon after the acquisition and displacement of the original occupants, the land was allocated to individuals for the development of their private homes, prompting the displaced owners, Chief Adebayo and others, to approach the Lagos High Court on behalf
of the entire Landlords whose list was attached then in their suit against the government.
The high court thereafter issued allottees an order asking the state government and its agents to stop doing anything on the disputed land until the final determination of the suit, but this order was disobeyed by the government and its allottees, as they continue to sell and develop the area.
The Landlords later defeated the government which was asked to as a matter of first priority allocate 549 plots of land to the Association and its members as contained in the list.
But not satisfied with the judgement, the Lagos State
Bennett Oghifo
President of the African Development Bank Group Dr Akinwumi Adesina and the leadership of the Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM) say equipping Africa’s youth with quality education and the skills needed to meet the challenges of the future is critical to ensure the development of the continent and the world.
“We are not doing well enough for Africa’s 477 million youths. We are not harnessing their skills, talent and creativity,” Dr Adesina told members of the university’s Board who called on him at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Launched in 2020 in Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos as a not-for-profit academic institution, the university is building a strong brand with world class standards to produce technology and management leaders. By 2050, one in every four people in the world will be African and therefore, “the quality of young Africans will be key to the development of Africa and the world,” said Dr Omobola Johnson, Dean, NUTM Scholars Program and Governing Board Member, who was accompanied by the president of the University Dr Babs Omotowa and Board member Demola Adeyemi Bero.
“We are making progress
building a great institution in Africa, to solve Africa’s problems” said Dr Babs Omotowa, the president of the University.
“We must become the workforce of the world,” Adesina said, pledging more cooperation with NUTM and other African learning institutions. “We have a lot of work to do making sure they (Africa’s youth) have the right skills in the new world trajectory.”
The meeting was also attended by among others, Vice President for Agriculture, human and social development Dr Beth Dunford, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialisation Solomon Quaynor.
government took the matter to the appeal court where the lower court’s judgement was upheld.
The matter eventually got to the Supreme Court where the judgement was upheld again against the State Government, compelling it to allocate 549 Plots of Land to the aggrieved Landlords in the area.
Two years ago when the landlords seized the entire Magodo Estate in a bid to enforce the Supreme Court’s judgement, the Lagos State Government was able to stop that action by approaching the Supreme Court again with an application for a review and interpretation of its 12-year old judgement.
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Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Afriland Properties Plc, Uzo Oshogwe, has advocated for urgent and strategic steps to address the barriers and disparities hindering women’s participation in the real estate sector for the sector to witness significant growth.
Speaking at a programme organized by Female Lawyers in Real Estate (FELIREP) on promoting women’s inclusion in the sector, Oshogwe outlined
actionable strategies aimed at breaking down barriers and empowering female professionals.
She cited facilitating access to finance, capacity building, mentorship programs, and policy reforms among key initiatives that will drive transformative change and foster inclusion in the sector. She stated, “Finance plays a major role in propelling entrepreneurial endeavors forward. Government and financial institutions should explore establishing special
loan programs and grants tailored specifically for women real estate entrepreneurs. This will facilitate capital acquisition for property acquisition, development, and investment, thereby leveling the playing field and opening doors to opportunities.”
Oshogwe emphasized the importance of mentorship and capacity building in nurturing the next generation of female leaders in real estate, citing Afriland Properties Plc as an organization actively promoting
inclusion within its ranks. “At Afriland Properties Plc, our governing board is made up of 50% women, our executive management team comprises 44% females, and our staff has 38% women making an impact in the workplace. We know there is still a lot of work to be done, but I am proud to say that Afriland is an equal-opportunity employer and every woman who has grown her career in our organization has done so through hard work and diligence.”
In conclusion, the Afriland Chief Executive Officer reiterated that promoting women’s inclusion in the Nigerian real estate market is not only a matter of social justice but also a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development and economic growth. By implementing these strategies, the industry can unlock the full potential of women’s talents and contributions, driving positive change across all levels of society.
Afriland Properties Plc is a
premier property management, investment, and development firm providing comprehensive solutions across the real estate spectrum, from property management to strategic joint ventures.
Leveraging a portfolio exceeding N12 billion and boasting one of Nigeria’s largest land holdings, Afriland is at the forefront of harnessing the potential of an institutionalized approach to real estate, catering to specialized markets across Africa.
Hammed Shittu in ilorin
The Alumni Association of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin and other stakeholders of the institution at the weekend vowed to resist any attempt from any quarters to grab or encroach on the institution’s acquired land.
They said that the state government has legally acquired the land and compensation paid to the original land owners over 50 years ago.
Rising from an emergency meeting of the stakeholders on the purported encroachment on
the polytechnic’s land held in Ilorin, the stakeholders however urged every property owner or private developer on the institution’s land that have genuine documents to contact the state Geographic Information Science (GIS) to ascertain the status of their property.
The meeting was well attended by the management of the polytechnic, traditional institution, Kwara State Geographic Information Science, Students Union Government (SUG), media executives and the host, the alumni association of the institution.
In a communique, issued in Ilorin after the meeting, signed by the Chairman, communique drafting committee, Mr. James Ogunlakin, they said, “if the record of any property owner was not with the Kwara State GIS, it means they do not have any property on the land.”
The stakeholders said, “We will not allow any inch of the land to be grabbed by any land speculators or private individuals in the state, adding that all the compensations have been duly paid to the owners when the government acquired the land over 50 years ago.”
They also called for a peaceful resolution of the matter, saying that peaceful approach to the matter could not be overemphasized.
The communique also said that no piece of the polytechnic land is available for sale between the polytechnic land and Dangiwa community in Oke Ose area.
The communique also said that:
“All ongoing private construction works on the polytechnic land should be put to a stop henceforth”.
Earlier, the protem president
of the Kwara State Polytechnic Worldwide Alumni, Engineer Abu Salami, said, “A look at the two different definitions of encroachment and land grabbing have showed that the groups pitching tent against our alma-mata (Kwara State Polytechnic) has graduated from land encroachment to land grabbing.
“At this point, we are of the view that they are ready to use all means including threat, terrorism, sponsored court cases and blackmailing to snatch the land they do not own.
“At this point, we challenge
any of the claimants to provide any document authorising the building of any of the structures on the land in dispute for which the Kwara State Government had already paid compensation to the original owners and we are ready to show proof.
“We, the alumni and the students of this peace loving and prestigious citadel of learning who have been quiet and patiently watching the unfolding scenario between these bandits and our Polytechnic management are now up to say enough is enough as far as this daylight robbery is concern”.
Learned friends on the Bench, and at the Bar, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to the 2023 Law dinner and awards ceremony of the prestigious NBA Gwagwalada branch. It is an honour to deliver this keynote address today on the critical role of law as an instrument of justice and the legal profession as a catalyst for national development.
Thomas Hobbes, the prominent 17th-century philosopher, in his seminal work “Leviathan,” contemplated the state of society without the guiding hand of the law. As you would expect, it was not a palatable scenario, he therefore submitted that in the absence of a structured legal framework, human life would be characterized by chaos. As individuals in their natural state, would be in a constant state of conflict and competition, singularly guided by selfish interests. So to enable peace and societal development, he advocated for the establishment of a sovereign authority to maintain law and order. An understanding of Hobbes’s theoretical foundation is essential to appreciating the stabilizing influence of the law in any society. In the context of Nigeria, the uniqueness of the judiciary is in its ability to uphold the rule of law, foster harmony, protect citizens’ rights, and act as a unifying branch of government, that reinforces public faith in the system.
Arguably, this is the philosophical origin of the common phrase “the judiciary is the last hope of the common man”. Nigeria’s laws, as designed, set the foundation for the principles of fairness, equity, and justice for all. The exemplary and comprehensive provisions of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution1 of Nigeria (as amended) have been the subject of constant litigation, to which the judiciary has continued to rise to the defence of the common man.
In the landmark cases of Onyibor Anekwe v Maria Nweke 2 and Ukeje v Ukeje 3 the Supreme Court of Nigeria in upholding the fundamental rights from discrimination protected by Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, held that a custom that denied women’s right to inheritance is repugnant to natural justice. Ogunbiyi J.S.C in the Anekwe case clearly stated that “a custom of this nature in the 21st-century societal setting will only tend to depict the absence of the realities of human civilization.”4
Since the delivery of these landmark judgments, a host of discriminatory customary practices in Nigeria have been subjected to scrutiny, thereby emphasizing the societal context and human impact of legal decisions. It is therefore evident that the transformational role of the law in the advancement
of any society cannot be understated. Without a doubt, the responsibility of the legal community extends far beyond the courtroom. It encompasses advocacy for legal reforms, promotion of public awareness, and the upholding of ethical standards that underpin the pillars of justice.
Lord Denning, the erudite jurist and most influential judicial figure in recent history, who incidentally was referred to as the ‘People’s Judge’, once remarked that “justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done.”
This further encapsulates the essence of public trust in the legal system, a trust that must be earned and maintained through the ethical and impartial conduct of legal practitioners. But can we of the legal profession truly say that our legal compass has been guided by these principles?
The legal profession, as stewards of the law, bears a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness, and justice. They are
the intermediaries between law and society, thus translating legal principles into practical outcomes that impact the lives of Nigerians from all and sundry. The American Federalist Papers, a collection of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, provide a valuable lens through which we can examine whether we of the legal profession in Nigeria can truly assert that we uphold high ethical standards and uphold the law in the way that promotes the greater good of society.
For example, in Federalist Paper No.78, particularly written by Alexander Hamilton – he argues eloquently that an independent judiciary is essential for ensuring the impartial application of the law and the protection of individual rights. Therefore, in the Nigerian context, the legal profession has not only the moral imperative but the existential potential to play a key role in national development.
It can do so by advocating for legal reforms
that address pressing social and economic challenges, educating the public about their legal rights, and continuously upholding ethical standards without ceasing. There are however significant challenges that continue to hinder the legal profession from fulfilling its transformational potential to promote national development in Nigeria.
One key challenge is the people’s lack of access to justice. Many Nigerians lack the financial resources or even the knowledge to access the legal system. This is not surprising considering Nigeria’s multigenerational fight against poverty. This state of lack and want hinders the ability of a lot of Nigerians to seek redress for grievances and protect their rights.
Another significant challenge is inefficiency and the encroachment into the institutional independence of the judiciary by the other respective branches of government, be it at the state level or the federal level. This can delay justice, undermine the public trust in the judiciary, and stifle the ability of the judiciary to dispense justice expansively. An underreported challenge is the lack of diversity in the legal profession. As a champion of gender equality, gender inclusion, and gender equity, this is dear to me. The underrepresentation of women legal practitioners in some geopolitical zones in the country continues to limit the perspectives and experiences that are important regarding salient legal issues in the country.
To address these challenges, we must work together to strengthen the legal system, promote access to justice, deploy technology to optimize processes in the judiciary, promote gender inclusion in the legal profession, and uphold ethical standards. The pursuit of justice must go beyond courtroom victories. It demands that we must be guided by the principles of fairness, equity, and access to justice, ensuring that the law serves as a tool for positive transformation in our society.
In conclusion, law is not merely a set of rules; it is a tool for creating a just and fair society. Therefore, as legal practitioners, we must embrace our collective role of elevating justice and serve as catalysts of national development. Thank you.
Footnotes:
1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999)
2. Anekwe & Anor v Nweke (2014) LPELR-22697 (SC)
3. Ukeje v Ukeje (2014) 11 NWLR (PT 1418) 384
4. Anekwe & Anor v Nweke, p. 36 para.
•Keynote Address by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu at the NBA Gwagwalada 2023 Law
The Port Harcourt in which we grew up, was a Garden City. The garden seeded a close circle of families who largely knew one another. This community was made up of mainly professionals: decent folks who lived simple, contented lives. This was the Port Harcourt of Herbert’s childhood.
The majority of our families lived in their own homes in different areas of the Garden City.
The Wigwes lived in Rumuibekwe Housing Estate, situated opposite the SHELL Residential Area, as did the Kalangos, the Wilcoxes, the Oruenes, the Fubaras, the Fiberisimas. Recalling their childhood, Sowari Wilcox, tells of how the boys in the neighbourhood thought riding their Chopper, Tomahawk and Grifter bicycles was the ultimate sport until Herbert introduced them to a faster and more exciting one; rolling tyres at high speed. They soon abandoned their bikes and aligned with him, for the thrill of this new adventure.
Herbert and most of his siblings attended Port Harcourt Primary School as did myself, Rayam (my husband), and many of our friends. Founded in 1960, PHPS was the city’s flagship, international school whose multi-racial staff and student community, was a reflection of the population of Nigeria’s oil-rich city in those days. Our uniform elicited attention wherever we turned up, perhaps because of the notable 56 Pounds termly school
fees, in the early ‘70s. In primary school, Herbert was a boisterous lad and almost 50 years later, Amie Georgewill (nee Ateli) still remembers her playground altercations with him. Herbert often got into trouble, along with Michael Halliday and Furo Pepple. But even when the school wanted to take serious disciplinary action against them, Herbert’s constant presence on the class merit list, spared the trio. In primary six, Herbert was voted deputy class prefect, assisting Edward Diete-Koki. He eventually rose to become class prefect.
Port Harcourt Club was a stone’s throw from Port Harcourt Primary School. Here, we would go, after school, for the weekly Tuesday children’s cinema. Founded in 1928, Port Harcourt Club had its affiliate Golf Course, servicing the leisure needs of the city. Some unforgettable moment for us was the annual end-of-year party when Father Christmas would land in a SHELL helicopter on the lawn of the club, bearing bags of assorted gifts for the happy bunch of children, eagerly awaiting his arrival.
In planning Herbert’s farewell ceremonies, the Port Harcourt City One Love community aptly chose to include these two landmarks; it organized a 3- kilometre walk, taking off from Port Harcourt Club, with a stop at Port Harcourt Primary School before proceeding to Herbert’s Port Harcourt residence, all in the old G.R.A.
Even if Herbert went on to secondary school and university outside Port Harcourt and settled as a professional in Lagos, he always kept close to his roots, investing in his State, identifying with what was going on back home, and being a part of the city’s groups. Most prominent amongst these was
the Port Harcourt City One Love community, led by his dear friend, Ambassador Idaere Ogan. In December 2023, Herbert recorded a video message to the One Love family, encouraging members to bond to move the city forward, primarily through education and health interventions. Herbert did not just talk, he put his money where his mouth was. Through his HOW (Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe) Foundation, he pledged to build primary health centres across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State and he set up the Wigwe University, in his home town of Isiokpo. The Rivers State Government honoured him with the Grand Star Service Award.
On January 20th 2024, Herbert and his wife, Chizoba, were present at a fair organized by the Wigwe University, in Port Harcourt. My eldest sister, Eka Wokoma, a professor at the University of Port Harcourt, was in attendance. After the conference, she mentioned that Herbert and Chizoba were most unassuming, apparent from their disposition and his remarks on the day.
Indeed, Herbert had a heart for education. In the course of our work at the Rainbow Book Club, I reached out to him. Impressed by our ambitious plans to Get Nigeria Reading, beginning from Port Harcourt, he supported us and sent the ACCESS bank CSR team to partner with us to set up book clubs in schools. We did our best to keep him informed as we made progress, particularly when Port Harcourt was named UNESCO World Book Capital 2014.
Even if Herbert was a success story (co-founding ACCESS Bank with his friend Aigboje Aig-Imokuede,
serving as CEO of the bank and then as CEO of ACCESS Corporation), he was humble and humane. But this would not come as a surprise if you knew his parents, Pastors Shyngle and Stella Wigwe, as well as his siblings, Joyce, Emeka, Peggy, Stella, even late Osita.
The last footprint of Herbert I witnessed was on a whatsapp group that had been set up for the funeral of another Port Harcourt boy – Ikwunga Wonodi, who was Herbert’s classmate in Port Harcourt Primary School. Herbert’s generous contribution to the purse for Ikwunga’s funeral came in on his last day on earth, Friday 9th February. That was Herbert for you – giving till the end.
Herbert, his wife Chizoba, and their son Chizi, died in an helicopter crash in the USA on their way from California to Nevada to attend the Super Bowl LVIII. He has left behind four children.
The weeklong funeral programme we began in Lagos, culminated in Isiokpo, Rivers State, where Herbert, Chizoba and Chizi were laid to rest on the grounds of the Wigwe University, ahead of its opening in September 2024.
The world has lost a good man.
Africa has lost a visionary leader.
Nigeria has lost a pacesetting patriot. Rivers State has lost a shining star.
Farewell Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, the fearless Port Harcourt Boy.
•Koko Kalango is the founder of the Rainbow Book Club and Director, Port Harcourt UNESCO World Book Capital 2014. She writes from Lagos
In today’s world, where poverty and insecurity are constantly widening the education gap and increasing inequality in society, Primegate International Academy, Abuja, has emphasised harnessing the transformative power of education in shaping responsible, empathetic citizens who actively contribute to societal well-being. Uchechukwu Nnaike reports
Primegate International Academy, Abuja, was established in 2014 with the vision and mission of becoming an internationally acclaimed school that educates and moulds children in every aspect of child development—making learning a practical experience by using modern technology and preparing children for the 21stcentury workplace.
As the institution turns 10, the Head of School, Ms. Chisom Uzoigwe, expressed satisfaction with the school’s achievements so far.
Describing the school as a place where excellence meets compassion, she said what began as a vision to provide quality education has flourished into a thriving institution with two branches at Kubwa and Lokogoma, Abuja, with the potential of further expansion.
“Our roots are embedded in a commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering holistic development. We started with a modest number of learners, driven by a passion to create an educational haven that transcends conventional boundaries,” said Uzoigwe. “Today, our halls echo with the vibrant energy of hundreds of curious learners, each a testament to the transformative power of education.”
According to her, the school has built a community that values diversity, inclusivity, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
She added, “We are known for our carefully designed curriculum, which values critical thinking, creativity and a sincere love of learning. Our teaching methodology combines the best elements of Nigerian and British educational systems to provide students with a well-rounded education that is applicable globally.
“Our devoted instructors and other staff members are committed to fostering intellectual development and inspiring students to investigate, challenge assumptions, and come up with new ideas. We adopt a dynamic, interactive approach that goes beyond traditional teaching methods to pique students’ curiosity and prepare them for success in a world that is ever-changing.”
She stated that the school’s commitment to providing an unparalleled educational experience is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities.
Uzoigwe explained that “our modern classrooms create” an optimal learning environment,
complemented by well-equipped science labs that inspire hands-on exploration.
“Embracing cutting-edge technology, we ensure students are prepared for the future. The expansive sports facilities not only promote physical well-being but also foster teamwork and sportsmanship,” she stressed. “Our well-stocked library is a hub for intellectual growth, offering a diverse range of resources.”
Uzoigwe added that the school’s state-ofthe-art ICT centres provide learners access to the latest technology, ensuring they are well-versed in digital skills essential for the 21st century. These centres serve as hubs for exploration, collaboration, and hands-on learning, reinforcing “our commitment” to preparing learners for success in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Uzoigwe stated that the school’s commitment to cultivating a global mindset is evident through its robust proposed international exchange programmes, immersive multicultural events, and a curriculum inspired by global best practices.
“We believe in preparing students for
success in an interconnected world, emphasising cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and adaptability. From innovative teaching methods to a diverse and inclusive learning environment, we strive to equip learners with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in a globalized society,” stated Uzoigwe.
Emphasising its commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, Uzoigwe highlighted the school’s belief that every student deserves an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative space to thrive.
The school takes pride in cultivating “a nurturing atmosphere where diversity is celebrated, and students are encouraged to embrace their unique identities and perspectives.”
She said the school also believes in the transformative power of parental involvement in a child’s education, with a commitment to fostering strong partnerships with parents at the core of our educational philosophy.
Uzoigwe said, “We prioritise a collaborative approach, recognising that when parents and teachers work together, learners thrive. Our school actively encourages and facilitates regular parent-teacher communication channels, ensuring a transparent and supportive environment.
“Parents are integral partners in the educational journey, with various involvement opportunities provided, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. We understand that a united front between home and school is key to unlocking each student’s full potential, creating a rich and fulfilling educational experience.”
She said in addition to its dedication to community engagement, the school goes the extra mile to provide learners with valuable hands-on experiences through internship programmes.
Uzoigwe believes that practical exposure is an integral part of a holistic education, and our carefully curated internship opportunities allow our students to apply their knowledge in realworld settings, fostering a deeper understanding of their chosen fields.
She said the school recognises the importance of addressing educational disparities in the broader community, organising book donation campaigns to public schools, and ensuring that underprivileged learners have access to essential learning resources. Similarly, through
the Primegate Foundation, the school provides scholarships to indigent students committed to academic excellence.
“By combining internship and scholarship initiatives with our commitment to educational equality, we aim to create a well-rounded educational environment that not only benefits our learners but also contributes positively to the local community. This multi-faceted approach reflects our belief in the transformative power of education in shaping responsible, empathetic citizens who actively contribute to societal wellbeing,” she said.
Sharing the school’s success story, Uzoigwe said Primegate was rated top-four at the Zenith Bank Competitions’ True Contest in 2022 and emerged champions at the Bank’s Competitions’ Super Speller Quiz for schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa and Niger in 2023. She said the school also qualified for the Nigerian Spelling Bee regional stage in 2021.
“One of our learners demonstrated exceptional writing skills by qualifying as top-150 in the Fidelity Bank R2L Essay Competition 2024. The school has also maintained steady progress in its external examinations- West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) from 70 per cent pass rate in 2020 to 89 per cent in 2023. We hope to achieve 99 per cent in 2024 with the extra dedication by the management, teachers and the learners,” Uzoigwe disclosed.
She said the school secured gold medals in the 400m (boys and girls) at the Golden Good Shepherd School inter-house sports competition in 2023 and 2024. Also, the FCT Department of Quality Assurance nominated three teachers in 2022, highlighting the school’s commitment to academic excellence and teaching quality.
“We take immense pride in the remarkable success stories that define our legacy. Our alumni stand as symbols of excellence, flourishing in diverse fields globally. From entrepreneurs to esteemed professionals and accomplished scholars, their journeys began with the solid foundation laid at Primegate. Witness the impact of our holistic education through testimonials that speak of resilience, leadership, and academic prowess,” Uzoigwe stated.
The Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra, Prof Theresa Okoli, has stressed the need to enhance the competence of teaching staff in tertiary institutions through ICT knowledge.
She stated this recently while distributing new HP laptops to the institution’s chief and principal lecturers to aid their research and academic work.
The laptop distribution is part of the Revitalisation
Programme, a negotiated agreement between the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) and the federal government to improve the working conditions of teaching staff in colleges of education.
The distribution exercise was held at the Council Chambers on the main campus.
Okoli said the revitalization programme resulted from fruitful negotiations by unions with the federal government to
improve their welfare and working conditions. She explained that the college’s non-teaching staff also benefitted from the exercise, which was tailored to empower their members for higher productivity.
The provost said the college complied strictly with the agreement reached with the unions during the negotiation stage. According to her, the sharing of the laptops started with COEASU executives, followed
by chief lectures and later principal lecturers to underscore the need for seniority in service.
She promised that subsequent batches would include younger lecturers of the college, saying that no staff would be left behind.
She urged the beneficiaries to use the laptops as work tools in their respective offices and increase their productivity to promote their professional development and the overall
growth of the college.
Okoli also commended the federal government for the revitalisation programme and expressed faith that it would retool the benefitting staff for better performance in their duties. She stressed the need for worker motivation, describing such packages as incentives for productivity.
She also emphasised the importance of requisite ICT knowledge among college staff
As part of its continued efforts to help its students harness their potential, Deeper Life High School (DLHS) recently organised the seventh edition of ‘Activate’ at its campus in Mowe, Ogun State.
The theme for the Activate 7.0 was ‘Endless Possibilities For Great Minds’.
The event, which featured former Governor Donald Duke as the guest speaker, virtually brought together over 8,000
school students from 22 other locations across the country.
Duke noted that everyone was born with distinction and urged the students to focus on their inborn passion to become great. He said the world is looking for those with what it takes to turn things around.
While noting that education is good, Duke said those with identifiable and developed skills rule the world.
“If a man develops his talents,
he will have no business with mediocre,” he said.
He applauded the management of DLHS for organising Activate, which, among others, is meant to challenge the students to see beyond education and develop their potential for a greater future.
He, therefore, charged the students to rise to the challenge of fulfilling the purpose of their existence. To do that, he said educators need to aid the students
in discovering their God-given skills, adding that people with definite skills are taking over leadership positions.
Duke noted that the world is dynamic and that God has given every student the responsibility to discover, develop and distinguish himself.
He warned against social vices that can hinder anyone from fulfilling their destiny, saying that nothing comes easy.
“Never think that God puts
you here for nothing. No! Listen to your intuitive voice and go ahead to achieve it. Identify where your passion lies, go for it. Be the best you can be in whatever you want to be.
Prepare yourself for the future and do all the needful to be different in your calling and embrace technology with good intention,” Duke said.
The DLHS Education Secretary, Mrs. Thelma Malaka, said the programme, which is usually held
and expressed hope that laptops would encourage e-learning and boost research work among teaching staff.
While presenting the laptops to his colleagues, the COEASU National Vice-President of the Research and Documentation/ South-East Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Churchill Okonkwo, commended the union and the federal government for successfully implementing the programme.
at the end of the second term, enables students to showcase their skills, foster togetherness and inspire one another positively.
The ES, who highlighted some of DLHS’s achievements since its inception, appreciated Duke’s charge and presented him with a plaque.
DLHS National Administrator, Pastor Rufus Ogundare, who urged the students to imbibe excellent disposition, said nothing can hinder their attainment in life.
Experts in the education sector have called for more financing of edtech solutions to increase adoption and boost the quality of education in Nigeria.
This was the takeout at the March edition of Edtech Mondays, organised by the Co-Creation Hub (CCHUB) in partnership with Mastercard Foundation’s Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning in ICT.
The engagement session themed ‘Accelerating Edtech Financing for Equity and Access in Nigeria’, was moderated by the Programme Associate, Education, CCHUB, Abigail Anaza-Mark.
Speaking during the panel session, the Chief Executive Officer/co-founder of Edupoint, Oscar Obiorah, said there was no doubt that private investment has contributed a lot in amplifying the reach of ed-tech solutions and consequently improving the quality of education in Nigeria.
“Beyond that, education has become more accessible and affordable with financing for edtech solutions. Also, we are beginning to see ed-tech start-ups delve into R&D to improve the learning outcome of students,” he said.
While restating the significance of public-private partnerships in the success of ed-tech financing, he urged the government to be more involved in achieving the desired results.
Asked what should be done to improve access to ed-tech solutions, especially for underserved communities, he explained that ed-tech founders must begin to devise innovations that will accommodate everyone regardless of class or status.
“If you have a lot of start-
ups who are now plugging into several already existing platforms, and if you have startups who are also building solutions without any need for internet connectivity. We will begin to see that we’re heading somewhere compared to where we were 30 years ago,” he said.
The Executive Director of LEAP Africa, Kehinde Ayeni, noted that many resources and funds had been mobilised to develop and adopt edtech solutions globally, both before and after COVID-19.
While acknowledging challenges associated with accessing funds for ed-tech solutions in Nigeria, Ayeni attributed the challenges to factors such as duplicity of efforts among edtech innovators, lack of scalability to work, and inadequate research to guarantee monitoring and evaluation outcomes reflect the sustainability of their business model.
He urged the government to incentivize the use of technology in its policy framework as this will go a long way in making the policy more practicable.
Another expert, Gbenga Agoye, explained that there had been growing interest in edtech solutions as many investors now invest their funds in them. He identified the solutions’ scalability, market potentials, efficacy, and infrastructure as critical factors investors consider in determining viability.
While urging the need for a proper handshake between the government and the founders of tech solutions to guarantee winwin situations for both parties, Agoye explained that with the enabling environment as well as the provision of adequate infrastructure by the government, he is confident that the challenges of access and equity on ed-tech financing will be addressed.
Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado-Ekiti
The former Minister of Health and Social Science, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, has advocated for creating the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti.
Adelusi-Adeluyi said this after being conferred with honorary Doctor of Laws by the university at the grand finale of its 28th convocation ceremony.
“It feels somehow when I read through the brochure, and I didn’t see Faculty of Pharmacy,” said AdelusiAdeluyi. “I will meet with relevant stakeholders in the university to see how the faculty will be created.”
Earlier, the newly appointed university chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, announced the commencement of a N1 billion innovation fund to boost the operation of agricultural
Funmi Ogundare
The immediate past ViceChancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, has expressed optimism that with strong political will, national pride and belief, Nigeria can ride over its challenges and explore them to make lives more meaningful for people across strata.
Fagbohun, a Professor of Environmental Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, shared these perspectives recently at the 21st annual public lecture and luncheon, organised by the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA), Lagos Chapter.
He stated that the country can achieve a true rebirth and become a force to be reckoned with again in the global space, despite the current humongous socio-economic challenges which Nigerians are grappling with.
“Nigeria’s problems are
more systemic and attitudinal of people in charge of resources, especially in political governance over the years than the muchtouted scarce resources.
He said it is disheartening that many countries, which at one time or the other, equally experienced similar or worse scenarios in their political and socio-economic lives, ranging from colonialism, military incursion, poor educational policies, high unemployment, poor infrastructure, and even economic recession like Nigeria and endowed with less human and material resources had since been able to wriggle out of their crises, while the country sinks deeper in its own mess.
He cited countries such as Dubai, Singapore, South Korea, and China, saying those countries were once enmeshed in a serious economic crisis, but today, they are ranked high in the global economy.
This yeat’s lecture held in honour of two prominent
alumni of the university, Justice Habeeb Abiru and Prof. Yusuf Ali, and had many other high profile alumni of the institution including the Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Mrs. Kafilat Araoye, and UNIFEMGA’s Board Chairman, Mr. Abdul Rafiu Ebiti, in attendance.
Speaking on a theme: ‘Harnessing Opportunities for a new Nigeria’, the don highlighted six fundamental issues that Nigeria would need to effectively work on to bring about the desirable change in its narrative.
They include deficient federalism, weak judicial system, insecurity, non effective educational system, poor electricity and lack of transparency and accountability, particularly by the political leaders.
He recommended that Nigeria should, among other things, leverage aggressively on some areas of economic activities where it has a comparative advantage and can also tap into some others.
In his remarks, the Chairman of UNIFEMGA, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Saheed Bashiru, said the association has the objectives of advancing the socio- economic interests of members, and promoting the development of their alma mater, quality education and national development.
“The public lecture has been adopted as a flagship programme by the Lagos Chapter of the association to bring together people across walks of life to discuss topical and pressing issues that can help move the country and its people forward.
He thanked Prof. Fagbogun, who is also an alumnus of the university, for accepting to perform the role, while calling for the support of the association particularly in the area of its scholarship scheme to enable it to reach more deserving students.
“The testimonies from the past beneficiaries of the scheme are not only tremendous but also encouraging,” Bashiru stated.
The Federal College of Education (Technical) staff recently took education to the streets to tutor the host community members on hygienic food production and modern farming techniques.
technology already in place in the university. The chancellor noted that the innovation fund is geared towards agro-tech companies founded by university graduates and students, stressing that Agriculture remains Nigeria’s pillar.
“Agriculture stands as the backbone of the nation and is the greatest potential for innovation and economic prosperity for us in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large. I am proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking initiative, a 1 billion innovation fund designed for agro-tech companies founded by graduates and students of the Ekiti State University,” he said At the grand finale, 155 College of Postgraduate Studies students graduated, comprising 73 PhD students, 81 masters students and one Postgraduate Diploma student.
The one-day sensitization programme was held for women farmers in the Ezira Community in Orumba South LGA, Anambra, by the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP).
The Provost, Prof. Theresa Okoli, who flagged off the training, expressed optimism that the extension programme would equip the participants with relevant knowledge for hygienic food processing and reduce the incidence of high mortality from consumption of poisonous food in rural communities.
She said the exercise was part of the college’s corporate social responsibility to the host community and aimed to empower them with practical knowledge of modern farming to boost food production and address food insecurity threatening the
country.
Okoli, a professor of Vocational Agricultural Education, described farming as the main source of livelihood for families in rural areas and urged agrarian communities to take advantage of this year’s farming season to boost their farming activities. She informed the community of the benefits of cassava production, saying that poverty and unemployment would be reduced drastically if farmers adopted modern farming techniques for higher crop yield.
The provost noted that the exercise targeted women farmers in the rural community to sharpen their skills and educate them on new farming methods.
She commended the Agricultural Department for the innovative idea, observing that the programme would educate the women in healthy garri processing, organic farming, the use of improved varieties of crops, pest control, and best storage practices, among other things.
Okoli bemoaned society’s increasing death rate and warned against eating contaminated
food or cassava high in cyanide. She identified fermentation, drying, and cooking as some of the processes of removing harmful substances from garri. She noted with dismay that some people cook and eat their local ‘abacha’ delicacy the same day it was processed without the necessary fermentation.
She advised participants to spread the knowledge gained from the programme to local farmers to improve the life expectancy among rural dwellers.
The Dean of the School of Agriculture and Home Economics, Dr M.C Nwike, said the programme was meant to educate rural farmers on modern ways of food processing to enhance farm production and healthy living of the final consumers.
He said the programme targeted farmers residing in and around the host community of Umunze and its environs to combat some of the cancerous diseases caused by eating unprocessed and non-fermented cassava.
Nwike defined the exercise’s mandate as teaching and learn-
ing, research, and agricultural extension. He said the students, with the help of staff used for the training exercise, were mandated to go into rural communities and impart the knowledge they acquired.
According to him, every department student was required to perform such community service as a practical agricultural extension, which is supposed to be a criterion for graduation.
Nwike said that the Agric Department was able to reach the farmers with the help of ADP, which has direct contact with farmers in rural areas. He applauded ADP, Anambra State, for its efforts and cooperation in making the programme successful.
Speaking on ‘steps in the production of high-quality garri’ and ‘dangers in cooking foi foi with polythene material, Oscar Ezulike Victor, a student of the department, said polythene, which some foi foi sellers use to wrap foi foi while cooking is made from petroleum waste, and it contains cyanide poison which can cause cancer, kidney failure, bad vision and some other deadly diseases.
David-Chyddy Eleke reports that Arrows of God Orphanage is battling to redeem its name after allegation of sales of babies kept in its care
Last year, the Lagos and Anambra State governments closed down Arrows of God Orphanage Homes in both states. Investigative Reporter, 'Fisayo Soyombo had disguised himself, together with a lady he hired, and they presented themselves as a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Runsewe, who needed a baby for adoption.
When the story eventually broke, the home was accused of sales of babies and was subsequently closed, while its proprietor, Rev Chinwe D. Ogo, a clergy woman, was later arrested by authorities of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Since the incident happened, Rev Ogo, who is presently standing trial, has insisted that she is totally free of allegations of sales of baby or child trafficking, stating that her orphanage remained one among those approved both in Anambra and Lagos State.
She also decried the level of media trial she has had to pass through, stating that Soyombo, who posed as Mr Runsewe was made to meet all the requirements needed to adopt the child, while appealing to NAPTIP to unseal its orphanage and save children from the home, who she referred to as Arrows Children, from trauma. She said since the ordeal in August last year, the children been scattered in diverse homes.
A petition by Ogo to the Director General of NAPTIP, which was obtained by THISDAY, and dated 15th February, 2024 read in part: "During the month of August 2023, we saw on Television and read on Social Media News platforms, with shock, disbelief and amazement news sponsored by one Fisayo Soyombo alias Mr Runsewe who claimed to be an Agent of NAPTIP accusing Arrows of God Orphanage of selling babies.
"This unwarranted attack on the good reputation of Arrows of God Orphanage and Children's Home, employing false pretences, forgery, lies and misrepresentation of facts has resulted in; Subjecting myself and seven members of staff of Arrows to humiliation, trauma, shame and detention by NAPTIP officials, resulting in untold hardship, suffering, loss and waste, trauma, not only for me, staff and family, but also for Arrows Children.
"This has also led to hunger, confusion and disorientation for many Arrows Children who are still scattered in various places inside Lagos and many as far as we know are still out of School, defeating the purpose of providing a home and a happy, progressive life for the children.
"May we also inform that NAPTIP is aware that Arrows of God Orphanage is one of the three government appointed and approved shelters for social expectant mothers in Anambra State.
"Arrows of God Orphanage and children's home has never bought or sold a baby or child. We have submitted all relevant documentation on Arrows of God Orphanage Registration, Licences, Operational Guidelines as obtained from Supervising Ministries in Anambra and Lagos States to your office in Awka. We have complied with all known Regulations and forwarded our monthly reports to the Supervising Ministries, DSS and SIB."
The baby who Soyombo, posing as Mr Runsewe had sought to adopt was said to be named Baby Oriade. THISDAY gathered that Oriade was the child of a teenage girl, Miss Odenigbo delivered in 2019, but later handed over to Arrows of God Orphanage for caregiving.
Documents sighted by THISDAY showed that both the Enugu State government where the teenage mother hailed from, and its Anambra counterparts where the teenage mother lived, and where Arrows of God Orphanage is located had consented that the baby be kept in the orphanage.
Ogo insisted that her adoption documents
were duly forwarded to Anambra Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, complying with normal procedures of adoption, and that there is a court order issued with regard to the approval of the adoption of the baby.
Ogo said there was nothing to show that the documents provided by Mr Runsewe were forged. This reporter also sighted most of the documents provided by Runsewe to be able to meet up the standard for adoption of the baby. The documents included: Letter of introduction from Patrick and Rebecca Runsewe, both parents of Mr Paul Runsewe (Soyombo), duly stamped by Ogun State government, a letter of adoption by Paul Runsewe and his supposed wife; Chidinma Runsewe, letter of introduction by their village head, another by the pastor of their church, Faith Apostolic Gospel Ministry and a certificate of fitness among others.
Ogo claimed the document on face value looked real, and that Runsewe met the condition to adopt a baby. She said: "It is not the responsibility of Arrows of God to determine whether documents are genuine or forged, we interview and deal with facts presented by adoptive parents. We are generally busy caring for the children, we do not function as a security agency.
"We forwarded and presented documents received to the Supervising Ministry. However, on the discovery that those documents were forged, another court order has been issued nullifying the adoption and has also ordered the return of Baby Oriade to Arrows of God Orphanage.
"We are well known, and our books and records are available for inspection.
This unwarranted anguish on the children, staff and our family has lasted six months and we request you,mo kindly use your good office to ask the commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development to: unseal Arrows of God Orphanage branches in Aja and Obadore, Lagos, which were sealed on the 11th and 15th of August 2023 respectively, return the children forcefully removed from the branches of the orphanage on same day and comply with attached court order nullifying the adoption of Baby Oriade who was adopted under false pretences by the fake Mr Runsewe.
"The Court has ordered Baby Oriade's return to Arrows Of God; Release with immediate effect the 3-year old son of Arrows of God cook, who was whisked away with Arrows Children. NAPTIP Awka branch has investigated this matter and has noted that Arrows complies with known guidelines, procedures, regulations and legal requirements as directed by the supervising ministries. We plead with you and your office as a kind, fair and just law enforcement agency to take immediate action to ensure restitution."
Pedigree of Arrows of God
Rev Ogo insisted that Arrows of God has had an untainted reputation as a Christian Orphanage for years until Soyombo came under false pretense to adopt one of its children.
"We have successfully raised over 1,200 persons as university graduates, professionals, men and women with families etc, we would have been happy for NAPTIP to conduct a pre-invasion investigation into the activities of our home, and not a post invasion investigation, because of the unlucky incident of deceit by Soyombo."
Reaction from Anambra government
Meanwhile, claims by Ogo that she had been absolved of blames by the Anambra Government
We have successfully raised over 1,200 persons as university graduates, professionals, men and women with families etc, we would have been happy for NAPTIP to conduct a pre-invasion investigation into the activities of our home, and not a post invasion investigation, because of the unlucky incident of deceit by Soyombo
could not be confirmed as efforts to reach the state commissioner for women and children's Affairs, Hon Ify Obinabo proved abortive.
Rev Ogo had in the wake of the breaking of the story been summoned to the office of the commissioner for Women Affairs, where the commissioner, Obinabo had disagreed with her on the procedures she went through to give out the child.
Adoption Legal
In a previous interview with THISDAY, Obinabo had taken steps to explain the processes that every legal adoption must pass through. She had said: "First is that you must come to this ministry and apply that you want to adopt a child. When I get the application, I will now minute it to the head of the child unit.
" From there, we now start documentation when we see a child for you. Also, it is only here in this office that anyone is permitted to be handed over children that are legally adopted. The homes from where the children are to be adopted will bring them here after proper documentation.
"After that, we will send our officials for inspection. We must go to the home of the person where the child would be taken to, so that we make sure that the place is conducive, and also ensure that the reasons you gave for wanting to adopt a child are true.
"Those are the investigations we do. In the case of the proprietor of Arrow of God Orphanage, she did not do any of these things. By the way, the woman is not supposed to handle anything like adoption.
"For any adoption to be authentic, my signature and the signature of the permanent secretary of this ministry must be in the adoption document. Also the signature of the magistrate of our special court must also be on the adoption paper.
" You know Mr Governor opened a special court for us for speedy trial of matters relating to child issues. The signature of the magistrate has to be there. These three signatures must be there and if any of them is missing, then it is illegal.
"In the case of the Arrow of God Orphanage, my signature wasn’t there, that of the permanent secretary was not there, they did not go to our special court to obtain the consent of the magistrate, they also failed to bring the baby here, which is the only place that handing over children is done. She did everything by herself, and no inspection was done."
The critical importance of diversity and inclusion in the governance of the Nigeria Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was brought to the fore in this interaction with Bekeme Olowola, Chief Executive of CSR-in-Action, and Convener of Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference. Olowola posits that embracing diversity enhances governance effectiveness and fosters resilience and social cohesion in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. She opined that advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the governance of the Nigeria Petroleum Industry Act aligns with the imperative of promoting equitable and sustainable development in the nation’s energy landscape.
Olowola is a highly accomplished professional and academic with an interdisciplinary focus on international business, leadership, networking and sustainability, who has been recognised for her contributions to development, including being awarded ‘Women Role Model in Mining and Geosciences’ by the Institute of Mining and Geosciences, ‘Sustainability Professional of the Year 2019’ and one of ‘50 Most Inspiring Nigerian Women’ by Business Day Women Hub. Bayo Akinloye brings you excerpts:
What policies has the new government introduced, and what are their implications for sustainability within the extractive industries?
Two key policies stand out: the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP). The PIA was a long-awaited legislation that was finally enacted in 2021, overhauling the oil and gas sector’s legal and regulatory frameworks. Its aim is two-pronged: attracting investment and ensuring communities benefit from resource extraction. While praised for boosting transparency and efficiency, some aspects, like host community share allocation and environmental standards, require further scrutiny.
Also, the FG launched NGEP in 2020 to focus on unlocking Nigeria’s vast gas potential. By promoting domestic gas use in power generation, transportation, and other sectors, it aims to create jobs, lower emissions, and enhance energy security. The NGEP’s strategic value for economic diversification is widely recognised.
CSR-in-Action launched the PIA Research Report during the recently concluded SITEI Conference. Can you provide further insights into the report?
The PIA research endeavours to furnish crucial perspectives on its advancement, possibilities, and hurdles in execution, with a particular focus on its impact on women, a pivotal stakeholder demographic. The researchers, including leading professors and academics in Nigeria and the US, proffer suggestions on how this act can serve as a catalyst for uniform, fair, and resilient progress.
Since it was signed into law in 2021, the PIA has been a significant document addressing challenges in Nigeria’s oil sector. It aims to spread the benefits more evenly and overcome regulatory bottlenecks, and sensible institutions in the space are scrambling to comply with the directives in all of its five chapters. While there is no provision addressing women specifically, their issues are covered under the First Commission, which emphasises environmental aspects. The research assesses the extent of PIA implementation within communities, awareness levels for the Act, the government’s support of the process, and the intentional inclusion of the community in general, and women in particular, in decision-making.
How significant is the information presented in the PIA research report for individuals, organisations, and Nigeria’s development?
This research report holds significant value for a variety of stakeholders. As a first-of-its-kind study, it establishes a vital baseline for future evaluations of the PIA’s impact on governance. By highlighting the current situation, it empowers individuals and
organisations to make informed decisions and hold relevant parties accountable.
For organisations operating within the extractive industries, the report provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of their engagement with host communities. This knowledge allows them to identify
areas for improvement and ensure that their practices align with the principles of the PIA. Individuals in these communities, particularly women, are now equipped with a greater understanding of the act and its potential benefits for their lives. This newfound awareness empowers them to advocate for their rights and ensure their voices are heard.
While the PIA’s current wording lacks explicit provisions for gender inclusion, the research report underscores the importance of addressing this gap. By raising awareness of this issue and its potential impact on the success of the act, the report catalyses further dialogue and policy development. Ultimately, a truly inclusive implementation of the PIA is critical for unlocking the full potential of the extractive industry and fostering sustainable development across Nigeria.
Considering the research findings, what specific actions would you propose to enhance women’s inclusion in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector?
Firstly, raising awareness of the existing systematic exclusion of diverse groups of community persons is imperative for instigating change. This awareness is crucial for any transformative initiative. The petroleum industry plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development, affecting the livelihoods
of millions of people across the country. An inclusive governance approach ensures that the voices and interests of all stakeholders, including local communities, especially women, youth, and minority groups, are considered in policy formulation and implementation. This not only promotes social justice but also mitigates the risk of marginalisation and conflict in resource-rich regions.
Education also plays a pivotal role; there is a need to encourage women and girls to venture into STEM fields to acquire technical expertise. The legislature should still consider updating the PIA to explicitly incorporate gender considerations. Moreover, older and professional women in these communities should actively advocate for inclusion in community affairs. Offering the girl child more opportunities for growth and development and fostering skills such as management, communication, and negotiation is crucial, ensuring they are well-equipped for participation in significant decision-making forums.
How has SITEI evolved since its inception in 2012?
SITEI started as a one-off workshop that brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss issues related to sustainability in the extractive industries (oil, gas and mining), following a short conversation with the then deputy high commissioner of Canada at the 17th Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja. Over the years, SITEI has evolved into a major annual conference in the extractive sector, offering a platform for influential stakeholders, captains of industries, and community representatives to gather, share insights, and join forces in crafting strategies for the preservation of both a thriving environment and a sustainable industry.
It has also birthed other transformational projects and tools, such as SITEI-Woman, our Earth Women Documentary, ‘Things Dey Happen’ radio play (in Hausa and English), the Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Awards Africa, and the Community Engagement Standards (CES); all available for public consumption.
By prioritising diversity and inclusion in the governance of the Nigeria Petroleum Industry Act, policymakers can ensure that the industry operates in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders. This, in turn, contributes to the long-term stability, resilience, and prosperity of Nigeria’s petroleum sector and the broader economy.
What is SITEI’s current status in terms of its vision and mission?
SITEI is still committed to its vision of being the leading platform for promoting good environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices in the petroleum, gas and mining industries in Nigeria. Its mission is to facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and innovation among key groups to address the critical challenges and opportunities facing the extractive sector.
Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and the leadership of Anambra Muslim Community, when the governor hosted them at the Anambra Governor's Lodge for breaking of Ramadan fast...last Monday
Dike Onwuamaeze
Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has described Chief Ayo Adebanjo as the epitome and personification of its principles of equity and justice, upon which Afenifere was founded in 1951 by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
That was contained in a tribute on Adebanjo by members of Afenifere to commemorate his 96th birthday.
The statement was signed by Deputy Leader and National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Oba Oládipo Oláìtán, and Mr. Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, respectively.
Titled, “The Leader of Leaders,
The Àrólé Awólowo, Chief Ayo Adebanjo at 96,” the statement lavished adulation on Adebanjo as “the Titan, the last of the Mohicans, the last of the original cast of 1951” that founded the Afenifere.
Afenifere added, “That we of the Afenifere have decided to do our Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, this definitive rectitude to put forward his varied but rich, vivid, yet factual experiences, garnered like trophies along the path of life, even into his 96th very exemplary years of service to humanity!
“And that is also the reason, the elders are wont to proffer always, that the hunter's son cherishes the hunter's gourd, likewise the son of
the wood hewer would have serious interest in gathering wood splinters...
“In essence, that is just what this testimonial is about – to appreciate our brilliant leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, on his birthday. To the leader of men, the institution by
which the progressives all over the country are defined; “Death will not claim the bee, so that we shall forever relish in the abundance of honey. Death will not claim the banana tree, such that the beauty of the riverbed will continue
to delight. “When our outstanding leaders do not leave us to mourn, we become indeed the generation of the fortunate ones. May the Almighty bless you and bless all your efforts.”
Afenifere said the life of Adebanjo
had become the embodiment of all of the empirical, critical and imaginable successes, and “the ante and standard for aspiring leaders in Afenifere, in other groups, in our climate and beyond to espy, study, aspire and project unto their own.”
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reinstated Alhaji Yusuf Shuaibu Imam, to serve in his previous capacity as Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, months after
he was removed for threatening tribunal judges. Imam, popularly known as Ogan Boye, was relieved of his appointment a few months after he was accused of issuing threats to election petition Tribunal Judges,
The Deputy National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Nze Duru, has called on the federal government to review the concession agreement with the electricity providers in the country over what he described as their monumental failure.
Duru, while reacting to the recent electricity tariff hike during a media briefing in Abuja, said the inability of the service providers to improve their services in the past 15 years indicated their unworthiness and continued exploitation of Nigerians.
He said the fact Nigerians still buy their transformers, cables, poles and other electrical materials for the service providers was a confirmation that they have not lived up to expectations.
Duru stated: "If they look at the terms of the contract the government signed with the operators and if there is sufficient reason the government should take over the agencies, DisCos and GenCos.
“It should, because none of them have delivered on the duties imposed on that contract. Otherwise, why is it that Nigerians are still buying their transformers, cables, providing electricity for themselves, still generating power through other sources and still consuming diesel at inappropriate levels.
“Those selling generators are selling more than before and the volume of kilowatts of power available in the
country continues to hover around 2000 to 6000 and never go beyond that. Was that not a reflection that there is not enough investment in that industry and a reflection that those operators don't understand the business?
“It is an indication that what they are there to do is to impose hardship on the average Nigerian and there are sufficient grounds to do that.
"It is a pity that this is happening at the time the government is working
very hard to tackle inflation, provide basic amenities to Nigerians, yet an agency of government can impose such inordinate charges and bills without base and background on the people of these country.
"They did it without the requisite checks and balances of what is needed to be done in the first place. It doesn't work on the sense of logic that this should even happen in the first place," Duru added.
The APC chieftain pointed out that
if the regulators, like the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) were doing their work, they would have brought to book the operators in the power sector. According to him, the assets were sold to people with little or no experience, “our national patrimony was handed over to them and rather than invest in the sector, they rather see the sector as an avenue not only to make money but also to undermine the country and citizens of Nigeria.”
which raised dust at the time. Ogan Boye was number four on the list of the nine new appointees according to a statement from the governor's office.
Spokesperson to the governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said, the appointment was part of the governor's effort to bring more capable hands on board in the bid to move the state to greater heights.
"Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointments of additional Special Advisers and other heads of government agencies."
The statement listed those appointed to include Prof. Ibrahim Magaji Barde, Special Adviser, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); Dr. Abdulhamid Danladi, Special Adviser on Diaspora II and, Engr. Bello Muhammad Kiru, Special Adviser on Water Resources.
Yusuf has however reappointed Yusuf Shuaibu Imam (Ogan Boye),
as Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, while Dr. Nura Jafar Shanono, who was moved from Special Adviser Water Resources to Managing Director, of Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA).
"Hon. Baba Abubakar Umar is also moved from Special Adviser to Executive Secretary, Private and Voluntary Institutions Management Board, Hon. Nasir Mansur Muhammad, was appointed Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs).
Among the new appointees were Aminu Hamidu Bako Kofar Na'isa, to serve as Deputy Managing Director (DMD), Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), and, Mukhtar Yusuf, Deputy Managing Director (DMD), Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA).
The statement said, all the new appointments would take effect immediately.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DAS Energy Services Limited, Udu, near Warri, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has described the federal government’s initiative to introduce three National identity cards for citizens as nothing but a waste of resources of the people. The federal government it was gathered plans to launch three new national identity cards in May this year, and has a target of providing them to about 104 million citizens across the country.
The three new national identity cards planned by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) include a bank-enabled National ID card, a social intervention card, and an optional ECOWAS
National Biometric Identity Card. Technical Adviser, Media, and Communications to the DirectorGeneral of NIMC, Ayodele Babalola, who disclosed this in an interview last Sunday, had said Nigerians would start getting the three national ID cards within one or two months of the launch.
But reacting to the statement, Onuesoke described the planned NIMC initiative as a big joke that would tantamount to the waste of the depleted national funds, taxpayers’ money and waste of time of the masses.
The former Delta State Governorship Aspirant on the platform of People's Democratic Party (PDP) said it was amazing that Nigerian leaders were always avoiding the main problems needed to be resolved
in the country, but go after duplicated ones that may end up creating more problems for Nigerians.
He argued that it was better and probably more efficient to have one identity database that covers all Nigerians rather than multiple sectoral identity databases that may be a source of confusion or even a loophole for fraud.
Onuesoke, maintained that the government could just, as well, have focused on getting Nigerians to obtain the NIN means of identity just as he described the exercise of obtaining other identities as a waste of funds, time, human resources and misplacement of priorities.
“This country is a huge joke. Always avoiding the main problems that needed to be solved but rather going after artificial issues. We
already have the BVN, NIN, PVC, driver’s license and international passport. Why do we need three national identity cards? What is really wrong with our leaders?
“At every slightest opportunity, they want to cash out by duplicating projects and subjecting the masses to another round of torture by going to queue for this arrant nonsense,” he lamented.
Onuesoke, advised the government to rescind the decision to create three identity cards, adding that they should create one identity with other features activated upon request.
“Why creating all this stress? Why not provide a card with the data in your database that will fit into all these three categories? Are we not in the digital age? Right now, Nigerians do not have the time to
start queuing for one identity card or the other.
“One ID card is enough if the country is a sane country. The US has a Social Security Number and it covers everything. In a country with almost nothing to offer, we have too many IDs that serve no beneficial purpose to the people.
“What is the essence of multiple identifications for the same purpose in Nigeria? This is wasteful. You don’t even need an ID in the United Kingdom. Your name is already there. Just tell them your name and address.
“Even African countries like Togo, South Africa, and Ivory Coast use their ID card to vote. For Nigeria to work, we need a single working ID card and NIN will be better for that purpose.” Onuesoke insisted.
President Bola Tinubu (R) with Executive Director Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Honourable Stella Okotete, during her visit to the President in Abuja ....recently
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The crisis over the installation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland took a new dimension yesterday as the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abimbola Ajibola, said the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was still ill and as such, not physically fit to rule at the moment. Ajibola, who is the second in command to the
Olubadan-designate on the Balogun line, stated this while addressing journalists at his Sanyo private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He said the Olubadan-designate should be given time to get well before being pronounced the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ajibola stated, “What is in need of a hurry? Someone (Olakulehin) we have not seen. He has not spoken
NRC: Police Escort
Wale Igbintade
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has disclosed that the policeman on escort duty who died onboard Kaduna-Abuja train on April 5 received adequate medical attention onboard.
In a statement it issued yesterday, it said it has well-trained medical personnel and equipped medical cubicle to attend to any health emergency of passengers riding their train.
The statement added that contrary to the news making the rounds that there was no medical personnel on board, the medical personnel on duty was Mariam Abdulai who was assisted by a good Samaritan medical practitioner that happens to be on board to revive the ailing cop but was in futility.
Recalled that a police escort attached to the Abuja-Kaduna train reportedly died aboard the train while conveying passengers from Kaduna to Abuja on Thursday
The a statement read: "NRC management’s attention has been drawn to publication on various social and mainstream media on the non-availability of medical personnel on our passenger train which allegedly led to the inadequate attention leading to the late police officer’s death onboard Abuja-Kaduna passenger train.
"NRC management wishes to emphatically inform the general public that we have well trained medical personnel and equipped medical cubicle to attend to any emergency health challenges of our esteem passengers.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the medical personnel on duty was Mariam Abdulai who was
assisted by a good Samaritan medical practitioner that happens to be our passenger on board to revive the ailing cop but was in futility.
"The management of the NRC express its heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family of the late police inspector, Nambut Selbol who was escort on duty in Abuja-Kaduna train service on that fateful day."
with us. He has not spoken with Ibadan people. "I am his second in command, I’m his lieutenant. He has not called me to say, ‘My Otun, I’m back. So, tell your people. And when are you seeing me? They are just forcing
him because of their own selfish interest.”
He also spoke on the meeting held at the private residence of the Asiwaju of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Amoo, at his Agodi Government Reserved Area residence in Ibadan,
on Monday. Ajibola said, “They said we called a meeting and we have endorsed him (Olakulehin). I am not part of that. I have told them my mind that I won’t be part of that illegality. We know Baba Olakulehin is the next
Olubadan, but let us allow him to get well. “Has anybody seen him since last Friday? Those who went there after Friday were unable to see him. They are forcing this man. We should allow him to get well.”
The founder and Chairman of the Lee Engineering Group and Allied Companies Limited, Chief Leemon Ikpea, has appealed to Nigerians to come together and rededicate themselves to the noble duty of building the nation as he felicitates the Muslim faithful.
Ikpea, the billionaire mogul and nationalists made the appeal in his message to the Muslim ummah on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations observed on Wednesday.
The Lee Engineering CEO felicitated the Muslim ummah and prayed that their supplica-
tions and sacrifices receive God's blessings.
While congratulating the Muslims on successful completion of the Ramadan fasting, Ikpea urged Nigerians of all faith to extend their trust in God to the administration of President Bola Tinubu as his administration continues making efforts to make the country economically stable and prosperous.
"I am using this great occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters well and to pray that their good wishes for the country come to pass," said Ikpea. The philanthropist called on
Muslims to offer special prayers for unity, peace and progress of the nation as they mark the end of the Ramadan fast.
"More important, I urge my Muslim brothers and sisters to use this auspicious occasion to beseech Allah the Almighty God to bless Nigeria and its citizens, to grant us peace and prosperity.
"As you re-dedicate yourselves to doing the will of God, may we all be steadfast in promoting unity and brotherliness," Ikpea said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful that the nation will soon
turn the corners and reap the benefits of Tinubu's policies despite the initial challenges.
"I see light at the end of the tunnel. The president means well for Nigeria and Nigerians. We will all smile again, both Christians and Muslims, including the adherents of other faiths," said Ikpea. He assured that the current administration would do its best to make Nigeria great again, asking Nigerians to throw their weight behind the Tinubu administration. Ikpea also pledged to continue doing his part to foster unity and progress.
The Bauchi state Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has flagged-off aerial spray to control the devastating effect of Quelea birds on farmlands in Toro, Bauchi, Jama'are, Misau, Kirfi and Alkaleri local government areas of the state.
Mohammed while performing the flag-off ceremony at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International airport Bauchi yesterday, stated that the sum of N45 million had been released for the procurement of Agrochemicals and other equipment.
He said this was in response to a recent outbreak of insects and pests in farmlands in Kirfi, Alkaleri and some local government areas of the state, explaining that it was to ensure timely and effective control of the outbreak due to its emergency need. Represented by the state Commissioner of Agriculture, Prof. Madugu Yalams, the governor described agriculture as the backbone of
Bauchi economy, saying that the sector employs over 75 per cent population of the State.
According to him, in that regard, his government has since inception, made a lot of efforts towards transforming the agricultural sector from being a way of life of the people to a business that will enhance the earning power of the teeming farming families.
The governor added that the transformation had been carried out in order to attract investors, donor agencies and development partners both within and outside the country.
He said that the various agricultural intervention programmes in the state were meant to restructure the sector for the betterment of farmers and the entire citizens as well as create an enabling environment for investors.
The governor added that the agricultural transformation policies of the federal government had made positive impact in the sector, leading
to increased yield and production, especially grains.
Mohammed further explained that the yield increase has attracted Quelea birds and other pests in the 12 frontline States of Northern Nigeria, including Bauchi State. He said the bird is one of the most dangerous agricultural pests devastating crop production, threatening food security not only in Nigeria but Africa in General. He noted that Scientists have estimated the number of Quelea birds at around 100 million, thus, a flock of 2 million Quelea birds can destroy 20 tonnes of grains in just one day.
The governor revealed that the flocks of Quelea birds attack and destroy millions of hectares of agricultural farms and fields annually, leading to substantial grain deficiency in the country.
"These birds are migratory in nature, therefore, the only method of controlling these destructive pests is by aerial spray of chemicals as well as ground control by the State
Ministry of Agriculture fumigation team," the governor emphasised. The government while informing the affected communities where the aerial spray will take place, with the plane flying at a lower altitude not to panic, also warned them against eating any of the dead birds because they are highly poisonous.
The communities where the aerial spray will take place are Gobirawa, Mai-Ari, Garin Na Allah, Kotarko in Alkaleri local government area area as well as Kogin Sallah A, Toro 1 and Kogin Sallah B and others within Toro Local Government. He said communities in Kirfi which include Kworin Lariski, Bala Lakawa as well as Gadau and Banja in Itas-Gadau LG are part of the aerial spray.
The commissioner further informed that communities in Jama'are LG as well as Maladumba Dam, Kari bridge among others in Misau local government area including wire Dam in Bauchi LG, Galala Dam and Dugurna communities have
been affected by the Quelea birds.
Meanwhile, as part efforts to boost the internally generated revenue of the state, the Bauchi State Government has tasked the new members of the board of Internally Generated Revenue Service to work hard in meeting the expectations of the people of the state in terms of more revenue generation.
The State Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Dr Yakubu Adamu who inaugurated members of the board on behalf of the state government in Bauchi yesterday said that members of the board were carefully selected by the governor based on their expertise, competence, knowledge and contribution to the development of the state.
He told the new board members to see their selection as a privilege to serve the state, pointing out that they should put in their best in the new task ahead of them and see it as means of paying their dues to the state.
In a statement by the command's spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police Musa Mohammed, Idu tasked the officers to ensure absolute dominance of their respective security areas, and prevent any security breaches during and after the celebration.
Godwin Obaseki
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, felicitated Muslims in the state on the celebration of Eid-el-fitri after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
In his Eid-el-fitri message, Obaseki urged Muslim faithful not to relent but intensify prayers for the country to overcome its current challenges.
The governor stated, “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I extend my warmest congratulations to you as we commemorate the Eid-el-fitri after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
“As you celebrate this joyous occasion, I urge you to sustain the lessons of sacrifice and love learnt during the Ramadan fast. We are in very difficult times, and it would take a great deal of selflessness and love to be our brothers' keeper.
“So, I urge you to go the extra mile in extending a hand of support to friends, relatives and acquaintances as we press on.”
Dapo Abiodun
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun advised Nigerians to have hope for a better country with prayers from both Christians and Muslims.
Abiodun commended the peaceful co-existence among the various religious bodies in the state, which had paved the way for seamless governance in the Gateway State.
Abiodun, in a statement to mark Eid-el-fitri, assured the people that with the various interventions by both the federal and state governments, Nigerians would soon come out of their current woes.
The governor recalled the various interventions his administration had made since the economic challenges began, including the latest distribution of food palliatives and the Educash, which, he said, were aimed at lessening the burden on the citizens of the state.
Abiodun acknowledged the support of religious groups to his administration, and preached love, understanding, unity and peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.
Seyi Makinde
Oyo State Governor 'Seyi Makinde felicitated Muslim Ummah in the state on the completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Eidel-fitri celebration.
Makinde congratulated the Muslim faithful for witnessing the first day of the month of Shawwal. He prayed to Allah to accept the worship of the Muslim Ummah as
an act of Ibadah, just as he called on them to use the opportunity of the season to make more supplications to Allah over the situation of the state and the country.
The governor equally charged residents of the state to be securityconscious before, during and after the Eid-el-fitri celebrations and report any suspicion to the security agencies through the State Emergency Number, 615.
Makinde stated, "I congratulate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State on witnessing the first day of the Shawwal and the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting. It is my prayer that God accepts their worship as Ibadah and grants answers to all their prayers.”
Mohammed Bago
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, disclosed that some people displaced as a result of bandits and terrorist attacks in parts of the state had started returning to their ancestral homes following the restoration of peace in their localities. Bago stated this in a Sallah message to the people of the state, though he did not specify the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) that had returned or the communities they went back to.
In the message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago restated the determination of his administration to bring life to normal in all parts of the state so that the people could carry out their legitimate businesses without molestation from bandits and terrorists.
Bago declared, "This administration would not leave anything to chance in securing lives and property of our people even as some of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are safely returning to their ancestral homes."
He congratulated Muslims for the completion of this year's Ramadan and challenged them to keep the spirit even after the fasting period.
Meanwhile, Niger State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ebenezer Danmammam, directed the deployment of over 2,500 personnel, with operational assets to provide adequate security throughout the state during the Sallah celebration.
Peter Mbah
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, congratulated the Muslim community in the state and the country on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. Mbah urged them to continue to exhibit the lessons of Ramadan, including the virtues of love, tolerance, and perseverance, to move the state and Nigeria forward.
The governor made the assertions in his Eid-el-fitri goodwill message to the Muslim Ummah in the state. He reminded Nigerians of the need to be their brothers’ keepers.
While appreciating the Muslim community in the state for the support accorded his administration so
far, Mbah pledged to be governor to all. He restated his resolve to continue to work with every segment of Enugu society to build the state into a preferred place for investment, business, tourism and residence.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Kwara State Governor and Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, enjoined the Muslim faithful to make the noble activities of the Holy month of Ramadan integral features of their daily lives.
AbdulRazaq said such activities were alms giving, abstinence from negativities, and good conduct.
In a statement to mark the Eid-elfitri by the governor’s spokesman, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, AbdulRazaq rejoiced with the Muslim community on the occasion of the Eid-el-fitri, which marked the end of the Ramadan fast.
The governor also congratulated the leader of the faithful in Kwara, Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the successful completion of the fasting period.
AbdulRazaq urged the Muslim community to unite upon goodness and avoid anything that might eat away the rewards of their fast or question their sincerity as devotees.
Sheriff Oborevwori
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, felicitated Muslims in the state, Nigeria and all over the world, on the occasion of 2024 Eid-el-fitri.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Oborevwori tasked every follower of Islam with incorporating the spiritual lessons of love, peace, and justice from Ramadan into their everyday lives in order to promote national harmony, peace, and progress.
The governor said, "I felicitate with all Deltans and Nigerians, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, on the auspicious occasion of this year’s Eid-el-fitri celebrations.
"I extend my congratulations to every one of our compatriots who has completed the cleansing fast of Ramadan.
"I hope and pray that the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and the teachings of the Holy Prophet—piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful coexistence with others, tolerance, honesty, and dedication to duty –will stick with us all as we celebrate Eid-el-fitri, for the greater good of our beloved country."
Federal Executive Council
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) rejoiced with the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the 2024 Ramadan fast.
In a statement yesterday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on behalf of FEC, urged the Muslim faithful to continue to reflect on the lessons of the fasting, which included love, sacrifice, endurance, obedience and
compassion.
He urged Nigerians to be optimistic in their support for President Bola Tinubu as well as continue to promote national unity, peaceful co-existence for stability, development and growth of the country.
Lanre Issa-Onilu
Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, urged Nigerians to pray for the peace of Nigeria and imbibe the virtues of selflessness, patriotism, sacrifice and good neighbourliness towards all.
Onilu made the call in an Eidel-fitri felicitation message to the Muslim faithful at the end of the month of Ramadan, stressing that the lessons of the holy month, if imbibed, would ensure peaceful coexistence, patriotism and national development in Nigeria.
He said Eid-el-fitri was an opportunity to demonstrate and entrench the virtues of patience, self-control, and sobriety taught by Ramadan, stressing, “Ramadan is a month-long religious obligation with far longer social and national benefits.”
All Progressives Congress
All Progressives Congress (APC) called on Muslims to continue to lead lives that exemplified humility, love, kindness, charity and forgiveness. National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, in a statement yesterday, rejoiced with Muslims on the occasion of Eid el-fitri.
He stated, "Eid el-fitri is the breaking of the month-long fasting, marking the official end of Ramadan, which recalls the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
"The sunrise-to-sunset fast leading to this celebration is usually characterised by repentance, supplications, piety, charity, spiritual upliftment and total devotion to Allah.
"As we celebrate, we urge our Muslim faithful to continue to lead lives that exemplify such timeless virtues as self-denial, more prayers for humility, love, kindness, charity and forgiveness. We call for prayers for the nation's unity, security and progress.”
Acting National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, felicitated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-fitri.
Damagun, in his congratulatory statement, signed by his senior special assistant, Hon. Yusuf Dingyadi, enjoined Muslims to reflect the Ramadan fasting lessons of virtues, sympathy, and brotherhood in their lives, as well as continue prayers for national growth and stability.
Advising the faithful to discourage all forms of criminal activities and other social vices in society, Damagun appealed to parents and guardians to continue to discharge their God-given responsibilities to their children and wards
According to him, “Ramadan is a holy month, which is a period that teaches pity for the less fortunate and devotion to Almighty God for guidance, forgiveness, and blessings. It is practised for 30 days through fasting and prayers.”
Christian Association of Nigeria
President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, called for unity and peace among the citizens, in the spirit of the season.
Okoh made the call in a statement he personally signed, titled, “Eid-el-fitri: Let's Stand United in Peace.”
Okoh said in the midst of diverse challenges facing the country, the Eid-el-fitri celebration held significant importance of unity and understanding across religious lines. He emphasised the shared values of compassion and humility for national progress.
The CAN president called on Nigeria leaders to prioritise integrity and accountability, and champion ethical governance for sustainable development and national unity.
“As the Muslim community marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal, we join in recognising the significance of this day and express our solidarity,” Okoh stated.
Solomon Adeola
Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, congratulated Muslims on the successful conclusion of the tasking and spiritually purifying religious exercise.
Adeola, who is senator for Ogun West on the platform of APC, sent his message in a statement by his media adviser, Chief Kayode Odunaro.
In the message to his Muslim constituents and other Nigerians, Adeola prayed that Almighty Allah would answer the supplication of adherents as presented in the month of Ramadan.
He appealed to Nigerians to continue in the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and the injunctions of Holy Prophets on self-denial, love, peaceful co-existence, fairness and justice in their daily lives and relations with people.
We’re Focused on Securing Nigeria, Say Service Chiefs, IGP Orders Tight Security
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, yesterday, called on the Armed Forces of Nigeria to remain committed to the security of the country.
That was as Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, declared that securing the nation against all forms of threats, internal and external, remained a duty the armed forces was bound to perform and service "we must render to our fatherland".
They spoke as the Inspector-
General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, ordered tight security nationwide as Muslims across the country celebrated Eid-el-fitri.
The Department of State Services (DSS) called on the citizenry to be security conscious as well as report suspicious activities to the security and law enforcement organisations.
A statement personally signed by the defence chief called on troops deployed across all theatres of operation to remain disciplined, resilient, patriotic, and courageous in their service to our great nation.
Musa stated, "I call upon our troops deployed across all theatres of operation to remain disciplined, resilient, patriotic, and courageous in their service to our great nation.
"Your sacrifices and unwavering dedication to safeguarding Nigeria are deeply appreciated. We recognise the sacrifices you make, sometimes at great personal cost, to ensure the peace and security of our nation."
Lagbaja, said, "For our colleagues who, due to operational commitments, are unable to join their family members and loved ones to celebrate this year's Eid-el-fitri, be assured that the nation appreciates your sacrifice and service and I salute your sense of duty and dedication.”
Egbetokun ordered tight security nationwide as Muslims across the country celebrated Eid-el-fitri. He said the directive was in a bid to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
The police statement said, "The IGP reaffirms ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety nationwide as Commissioners of Police (CPs) and tactical commanders across all states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), along with their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), were tasked to intensify security measures in anticipation of the Eid-el-fitri festivities."
The IGP directed supervisory AIGs and their respective CPs to ensure the thorough deployment of officers and resources to critical locations, particularly Eid prayer grounds and recreational centres, in order to instil confidence among citizens and fun seekers alike.
Equally, Bauchi Police Command said it had deployed personnel and other things required for watertight security across the state before, during and after the Eid-el-fitri celebration in the state. The command said it was committed to providing adequate security at praying environments across the state to ensure crime-free festivities, stressing that the protection of lives and property is of utmost priority to the police.
The police gave the assurance via a press statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, Anipr, and made available to journalists in Bauchi.
NSCDC, FRSC Deploy 4, 470 Personnel
About 3,500 personnel of the
L-R:
Odunayo
sustained peace in the state was because he drew strength from God to resist insults thrown
This, he said, included other
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have arrested five suspects with solid minerals identified as lithium loaded in two trucks in Abuja.
A press statement yesterday by the spokesman of NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, said that acting on the Commandant General's marching order, the NSCDC marshals took the bull by the horns, thereby increasing their intelligence apparatus in the protection of all critical national assets and infrastructure across the federation.
The spokesman stated that the Commander CG's Mining Marshal is poised to identify various mining sites and ascertain the correct loading point of trucks and the status of buying centres being supplied.
“The need to wage war against the menace of illegal mining activities leading to economic sabotage in the nation has become very impera-
tive as illegal mining in no doubt constitutes one of the greatest threats to the nation's economy and security.
“We have arrested five suspects for conspiring to sabotage the nation's economy, illegal mining activities and other miscellaneous offences.
"At the point of the arrest they were in the conveyance of solid minerals identified as lithium loaded in two trucks which were impounded along Airport Road and Kuje area of Abuja respectively," he said.
He revealed that the names of the suspects arrested are: Okechukwu Udoka, Chimaucheya Nwakwo, Lukeman Mohammed, Rabiu Umar and Surajo Isah.
He said: “During our preliminary investigation, the suspects volunteered their statements and admitted to illegal possession and conveyance of lithium, adding that they have been in the business of transporting lithium to needed companies while beating various security checkpoints without verification of any certification or documents".
lamented that what they were getting before, they were no longer getting it now. They cried out.
“But when I run the figures, Nigerians will see what this present administration is doing. So, I'm not here to run the figures now. I will do that in a press conference on my visit to Lagos from April 10, 2024 to April 12, 2024.”
On the economic importance of the coastal highway, Umahi stated. that the coastal road ‘is tying the entire country together’, and not just South-south and South- west”.
The minister explained that the federal government was starting a project from Badagry to Sokoto, and had a spur on the coastal route to the planned route and to the African Trans Sahara Road that is passing from Enugu to Abakaliki to Ogoja to Cameroon which has a spur to the North.
“The former vice president may not know that the third section of the project is starting in Calabar by July 2024,” he added.
Umahi also visited the construction of a 23-span flyover bridge project at Eke-Obinagu Junction (NNPC Depot), along Enugu Abakaliki Road, Enugu State, handled by Reinforced Global Resources Limited as well as the rehabilitation work at the collapsed
bridge site at the New Artisan Bridge near NNPC mega fillings station by CCECC.
Also toured were the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway Section 3, Enugu- Lokpanta handled by CGC and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway section 2 (Umuahia Tower-Aba Township Rail/ Road) in Abia State, handled by Arab Contractors. He also visited the reconstruction of the dualised 15km section of the East-West road section III: (Eleme Junction- Onne Port in Rivers State being executed on reinforced concrete pavement like the coastal road) handled by RCC.
The minister said the administration of Tinubu was committed to a diversified and sustainable economic future of Nigeria, and this he was doing in the works sector through aggressive infrastructure development.
He added that this would provide access to trade, tourism, industrialisation and safety, especially along the local economic corridors. He commended the pace and quality of work on the projects he visited but harped on the need for the contractors to stick to the project delivery timelines.
frustrating attempts by disgruntled persons who sought to destroy his government by plunging the state into unending crisis.
He spoke yesterday when he received a delegation of members of the Bishops and Gospel Ministers' Association International Incorporated, Rivers State Chapter, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Fubara said because he has anchored his government on promoting peace, the enabling atmosphere has been provided for investments and sustainable development to flourish.
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State have been deployed to various strategic locations in the state for the Eid-el-fitri celebrations.
In a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ayoola Michael Sola, the civil defence corps said, "The deployment will spread across every corner of the state, with special attention to areas at high risk of criminal activities, such as black spots, flash points, vulnerable targets, and places known for frequent criminal activities."
It said the personnel had been assigned the critical duties of preserving peace, averting disturbances, and swiftly addressing any security issues that might emerge before, during, and after the Sallah festivities.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Bethrand
Represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, Fubara said while most people took his meekness for weakness, his stance on peace has enhanced harmonious atmosphere as residents slept with their two
Onuoha, assured the people of Kogi State of adequate security of lives and property before, during and after the Eid-el-fitri celebrations. This was contained in a press statement by the Command's Police Public Relations officer, William Aya.
The Commissioner of Police ordered water-tight security across the state before, during, and after the celebrations.
He further charged all the Divisional Police Officers as well as their Supervisory Area Commanders, Tactical and Operational Commanders to beef up security within their Area of Responsibilities
Kogi State Command of NSCDC disclosed the deployment of a total of 1,700 officers and men of the state command to provide security during this year’s Eid-el-fitri celebration across the state.
The State Commandant, Paul Igwebuike, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DSC Abdullahi Aliyu, said the deployment was in line with the Commandant General,
DeSPITe eConomIC CHAllengeS, ZenITH
to N20.7trillion from N10.8trillion in the previous year.
He said, “The Group’s shareholder’s funds crossed N2trillion from N922bn in 2022, whilst total assets crossed the N20 trillion mark (90.2% YoY growth). The Group is well positioned for further business expansion in FY2024 having closed FY2023 with Capital Adequacy Ratio of 32.6%.”
He added that the bank’s diversified business model (Pan-African and International strategy) is justified by the contribution of its Ex-Nigeria business to the Group’s results and reinforces its resolve to expand our market share of customers, funding, digital and transaction banking businesses across Africa.
“Driven by our customer service and execution-led delivery model, we will continue to expand our market share and create value for our shareholders and meet the expectations of our various stakeholders,” the GMD stated.
UBA’s Executive Director, Finance & Risk Management, Ugo Nwaghodoh, said the 2023 full year was a particularly eventful year, with galloping inflation and currency depreciation ravaging key markets,
amidst pockets of regional conflicts and security challenges.
On the expectation for the 2024 financial year, he said, “The Group remains fervently committed to sustainable growth and maintaining its strong compliance and risk management practices culture even as we drive our business through the next phase of growth."
For GTCO, it announced N609.31 billion profit before tax in 2023, an increase of 184.5 per cent from N214.15billiion reported in 2022.
The Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO, Mr. Segun Agbaje, in a statement said: “The challenging operating environment of 2023 truly tested the business model we put in place for the Holding Company, for both our banking and non-banking business verticals.
“Harnessing the Group’s synergies yielded a strong performance, allowing us to strengthen our foothold in banking whilst also building viable and resilient businesses of HabariPay, Guaranty Trust Fund Managers, and Guaranty Trust Pension Managers. “Also important to our success is our relentless obsession with innovation and offering great customer experiences as demonstrated by the
eyes closed, and investors and shareholders happy with the returns on investment.
"Before, what they hear of Rivers State is that they are fighting, and some genuine investors will not come. Some people even ask you: How are you coping in Rivers State?
"But now the governor has brought about a lot of changes in the state. One of the most important things is that he has changed the
Ahmed Abubakar Audi’s directive to ensure a hitch-free celebration across the country.
Taraba ALGON
Taraba State chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), enjoined the Muslim faithful across the country to extend the goodwill and brotherliness they exhibited during the period of fasting beyond Ramadan.
Chairman of ALGON in the state, Alhaji. Dr Aminu Hassan, who made the appeal in a statement, also urged Muslms to recommit themselves to peaceful coexistence with adherents of other religious faiths. Hassan, who is also National Welfare Officer of ALGON, stated that Ramadan was a period of selfreflection, devotion and renewal of faith and a time when they exhibited acts of charity to fellow humans.
FG Extends Public Holidays to Thursday
successful redesign and upgrade of our mobile banking application, GTWorld.”
Agbaje added: “In a landscape characterised by evolving regulatory reforms, global uncertainties, and heightened competition, we have continued to leverage our inherent strengths and capabilities to unlock significant value, creating more opportunities for the businesses and individuals we serve.
“As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, we are confident that our robust underpinnings and focus on flawless execution will continue to drive sustainable growth across all our operations and deliver long-term value for our stakeholders.”
In addition, Stanbic IBTC closed 2023 with N172.91 billion profit before tax, a growth of 72 per cent from N100.27 billion in n2022, while Wema Bank declared to investing public N43.66 billion profit before tax in 2023, an increase of 193.4 per cent from N14.88 billion in 2022.
The Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC, Dr Demola Sogunle stated, “Our strategic theme for 2023 was “Accelerating Growth,” and notwithstanding the trends in the
negative narrative. It is no longer Rivers of blood. It is now Rivers of peace. "We are enjoying our lives here. Why? Because there is a change in the narrative. We have peace. The governor is, as much as possible, absorbing any level of insult at him only for one purpose: that Rivers State may have peace; that we may grow; that this state will experience genuine development."
The federal government extended the public holidays for this year’s Eid-el-fitri celebration to cover tomorrow, Thursday.
It had earlier declared Tuesday and Wednesday public holidays for the celebration, but added Thursday, making it three days declared for the end of Ramadan celebration.
That was disclosed in a press statement by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, yesterday.
The statement read, “The federal government has approved Thursday 11, April, 2024 as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year's Eid -el-fitri.
“The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the month of spiritual rejuvenation, reiterated President Bola Tinubu's firm commitment to providing a safe and prosperous Nigeria for all to thrive.”
Nigerian operating environment, we were able to record remarkable progress in our key focus areas.
“We recorded increase in profitability, growth in assets under management (AuM) while our loans and advances and customer deposits also grew during the year, showing growth in clients franchise and our ability to support our customers in meeting their financial needs.
“The group’s profitability increased by 74 per cent to N140.62 billion, which can be attributed to the rise in net interest income and growth in noninterest revenue. The 55 per cent YoY increase in net interest income is on the back of improvement in the volume and average yield on cumulative risk assets while growing our loan book.”
When contacted, capital market analysts stressed that banks operating in Nigeria are resilient and sound amid challenges.
Vice President, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori, said the banking sector recapitalisation directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was a major threat, assuring however, that Nigerian banks would raise the needed capital and expand their operations.
Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed (right), making a presentation to the registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, during a visit to NYSC boss in Abuja…recently
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city
Members of All Progressives
Congress (APC), Etsako West chapter, Edo State, yesterday protested against the alleged planned re-admittance of the impeached Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, to APC.
Shaibu, who has a running battle with his former principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, was impeached last Monday by the state House of Assembly.
The protesters, who came from the 12 Wards in the council area, marched to the party secretariat to submit their petition against the alleged proposed re-admittance of Philip Shaibu to APC.
Ebonyi Government on Tuesday said it had barred a total of 29 contractors from executing jobs in the state.
Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday.
Okpor said the banned contractors were those handling the ongoing housing estate at Izzo and Amaeze autonomous communities in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.
Presenting a communique on behalf of the APC stakeholders in Etsako West LGA, Mr. Yakubu Musa said Philip Shaibu exit from APC in 2020
brought peace and tranquility to the party.
According to him, “His re-admittance into APC would further bring rancour and disunity
in the party.
“We are protesting over an attempt by the impeached Shaibu to jump boat and defect back to the APC he left in 2020.
“The attempt is viewed seriously by members of APC as a calculated plan by Shaibu to bring rancour, disharmony and unprecedented crisis into APC.”
Chinedu Eze
High airfares occasioned by depreciating naira and closed lower inventories due to revenues of foreign airlines trapped in Nigeria, brought flight ticket sales down by 40 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2023.
This was disclosed by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), which compared ticket sales at the period with the same period in 2022.
President of NANTA, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, explained that issues
‘The council approved the blacklisting of 29 contractors for unsatisfactory performance, and barred them from executing further jobs in the state,” the Commissioner said. On Effium and Ezza Effium communal crisis in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Okpor said that the council had set up a Peace Committee, to bring peace back to the area.
“The council considered the report on the performance of different contractors, handling jobs in the ongoing estates for the resettlement of Izzo and Amaeze autonomous communities.
Ibrahim Oyewale in lokoja
No fewer than 1,000 residents of Iyara community in Kogi State have been displaced by rainstorm that rocked the community, the headquarter of Ijumu Local Government Area.
Eye witness account told journalists that the rainstorm affected over one hundred houses as the roofs were taken off by the night rainstorm which occurred last Monday night. The traditional ruler of the town, Eleta Oluyara of Iyara, Oba Jacob Meduten, who spoke shortly after the disaster, called
on the government, well-to-do individuals and corporate bodies to assist the victims to ameliorate their sufferings.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has appealed to the people of the state to take precautions as the rainy season is fast approaching.
The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mouktar Atimah, while confirming the incident in Iyara, said: “We got the information that a natural disasters happened in Iyara and immediately the office deployed men for an on-the-spot assessment.
Ibrahim Oyewale in lokoja
The Kogi State Government has debunked any outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, while reacting to a viral video on social media of an alleged Lassa fever outbreak in the state, noted that the suspected case of a deceased student who was admitted to the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja did not die of Lassa fever.
According to the commissioner, the social media had reported that
the student died of hemorrhagic fever and that people who came in contact with him had been isolated. The commissioner explained that the deceased student, who was admitted at the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, presented complaints of fever and bleeding from the gum.
He added that the patient was being investigated and managed, while samples were taken and sent to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC) Abuja, but unfortunately, before the result was released, he lost his life.
surrounding the trapped funds controversy, the rate of foreign exchange, scarcity of dollars as well as restrictions of the lower inventories to the travel agencies from Nigeria by airlines were factors that led to the drop in ticket sales for last quarter of 2023.
She further explained that although in the Nigerian international passenger traffic record, there was drop in ticket sales, but a lot of Nigerians travelled but they bought their tickets from outside Nigeria’s jurisdiction like the neighboring countries.
The Niger State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, to finance four priority projects totaling $114 million in various socio-economic sectors. At the occasion of the ECOWAS Investment Forum (EIF) that took place between April 4 and 5, 2024, in Lome, Togo, the Niger State Government signed the MoU with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development.
The projects to be financed include the construction of the Madalla-Suleja -Maje dual carriage road ($30m), the construction of Madalla Green Economic Market ($11m), the construction/conversion of the
former secretariat into School of Medical and Health Sciences(S40 m) and the construction of eight International truck-trailer parks in Makwa, Tapa, Lambatta, Bida, Makera, Dikko, Tagina and Kontagora ($43m). The Niger State Government was represented by the state Commissioner for Finance, Lawal Adamu Maikano, and Sammy Adigun, chairman of Niger Foods. Representing ECOWAS Bank of Development and Investment were Dr. Olagunju M. Olalekan Ashimolowo Vice-President of Operations; George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Dr. Mory Soumahoro, Vice-President of Risks and Control at EBID.
Alex Enumahinabuja
The Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, has described as complete falsehood the claim by a federal lawmaker, Hon Philip Agbese, that some persons had attempted to take his life in the state.
Ogenyi, who dismissed the assassination claim yesterday in Abuja, accused the federal lawmaker of attempt to put a dent on her name. Agbese, who represents Ado/ Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency at the House of Representatives, had raised the alarm of assassination attempt on
his life last week, when he went to Igumale to share Easter packages for his constituents.
Based on the claim, the police had arrested eight persons, who were last Monday arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Makurdi.
Those arraigned and subsequently remanded in prison custody
include Peter Gilbert, Pius Aboh, Awuru Sunday, Gabriel Ojoko, Paul Ochigbo, Yusuf Ajibo, Cyril Egwu and Daniel Odoh. Agbese had accused the deputy speaker of complicity in the assassination attempt on the grounds that her official vehicle was found with one of the culprits arrested by the police.
Ugo Aliogo and Lawal Kehinde
The President of TriAfrica Empowerment Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, has called on leaders to provide exemplary leadership in the positions they occupy and show genuine concern for one another.
He revealed that such gesture can foster justice, unity, sustainable development and transparency in society and the political landscape.
Ighodalo, who is also the Senior Pastor of Trinity House, also encouraged the citizens to strive for orderliness, obedience, justice and active participation in the political sphere.
The man of God made the call at the fifth edition of the food distribution programme organised by the Africa Leadership Group, a subsidiary of TriAfrica Empowerment Foundation, held last weekend at the Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Lagos.
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
A university teacher, Dr. Ajayi Ayodeji Olusola, has called on the government to prioritise the establishment of environmentally sustainable cities.
His impassioned plea was a respond to the pressing need for improved living standards and enhanced well-being, aligning with the global endeavour to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
the pivotal role of architects and urban planners in reshaping urban landscapes.
Amid concerted global efforts to realise SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Ajayi emphasises
He underscored the importance of integrating eco-friendly practices, green spaces, and advanced technology to mitigate air pollution, improve air quality, and foster physical and mental health.
According to him “I firmly believe that sustainable planning and construction of cities in developing nations are imperative due to the rapid proliferation of slum settlements in urban areas, driven by rural-to-urban migration fueled by disproportionate resource distribution favoring urban centres.
Hammed Shittu in ilorin
An Ilorin-based legal luminary, Mallam Yusuf Ola Olu-Ali (SAN), has attributed attitudinal deficit of Nigerians as responsible for arbitrary inflation of foods stuff and other essential commodities
in the country.
Speaking in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, last Monday shortly after hosting journalists from various media houses to Iftar (breaking of fasting) at his residence, the legal expert also attributed the plethora of
challenges plaguing the country to lack sacrifice of citizens.
He said: “It is high time
Nigerians emulated citizens of United Arab Emirate and United States of America that usually ensure fifty percent reduction in prices of food,
good and services, particularly during festivities, to demonstrate solidarity to their fellow compatriots.” He said such gesture has continued to improve the socio economic wellbeing of the people of the two countries.
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Nigeria’s Super Falcons ended their 16 years wait to make appearance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after playing out a goalless draw with South Africa’s Banyana Banyana inside the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday evening.
The 1-0 slim edge the earned on Friday evening in Abuja was enough to see the nine-time African champions through to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on 1-0 aggregate.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was called upon to save from a deep-flying corner as early as the third minute, but in a back-and-forth theme that characterised the entire game, Nigeria was on the front foot immediately after, with Chinwendu Ihezuo seeing her headed ball caught by Kaylin Swart after a cross by captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
Ihezuo failed to connect with a header to Osinachi Ohale’s dipping free-kick in the 27th minute, but then Nigeria breathed better when Thembi Kgatlana made a hash of an opportunity as the Banyana broke forward.
In the second half, Linda Motlhalo, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Nomvula Kgoale proved a
handful for The Pride of Africa,as they seized the midfield and got a couple of good passes to their danger-lady, Kgatlana. But at all times, Ohale, Chidinma Okeke, Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Nnadozie were alert and unruffled. Nnadozie, who plays for Paris
FC in France, further enhanced her reputation and market value with great saves in the 70th and 86th minutes. In-between, Ihezuo’s flicked header to an Ajibade in-swinger went narrowly away.
The one-goal win on aggregate means the Falcons will participate
in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time since 2008, and will join Brazil, Spain and Japan in a potentially-explosive Group C in July.
“We did it! We did it! We are finally going to play in the Olympics,” Ajibade said excitedly
at the final whistle.
Speaking also after winning the ticket for Nigeria, Super Falcons Coach, Randy Waldrum, called on sports authorities in the country to ensure proper preparation for the team to excel at the Olympic Games.
“I am happy that we have shamed a sports journalist who was very critical of our team. Now that we have qualified for the Olympics, it is time to ensure proper preparation for the team to do well in France.” Concludes the American gaffer.
Veteran footballer, Rabiu Ali, of Kano Pillars FC emerged the winner of the Maltina Club Player of the Match Award of the Sai Masu Gida versus Enyimba NPFL Match Day 29 fixture last weekend.
Ali who remains the longestserving player of the hugely supported northern team that has dominated the domestic football landscape, with occasional forays into the continent, was meant to deliver on the day but the People’s Elephant outrightly overwhelmed the hosts.
He didn’t win the match for Kano Pillars but won their Maltina Club Player of the Match Award that comes with a N100,000 cash prize. The Maltina MVP Award forms part of the element in the Match Day Partnership Relationship between Kano Pillars and major non-alcoholic Brands – Maltina
and Zagg energy drinks. The Presentation to former Super Eagles Star, Rabiu Ali was made by the Club’s Chairman, Alhaji Umar Babangida Little, at the post-match in the glare of eminent personalities, sporting media and teeming fans.
Fundamentally, the Maltina/ Zagg, Kano Pillars FC Partnership centres on fan engagement and mobilisation to their home matches.
Kano Pillars Club Chairman, Umar Babangida Little acknowledges and hopes to sustain the partnership.
“We are off to a great start in this mutually beneficial relationship, which could evolve into the more elaborate and expansive package, beyond the Ticketing, Replica Jerseys, and MVP arrangement”, Umar Babangida said. The Maltina, Zagg Club Partnership runs through the season to add value to the NPFL.
Athletes representing various companies participating in the 19th Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG 2024) have heightened preparations as various teams currently in camps at different locations in the country are putting finishing touches and perfecting their plans ahead of the games kicking off on April 21 through 27th at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Teams representing NNPC, SHELL, TOTAL ENERGIES, NCDMB, NMDPRA, NUPRC, ARADEL, OANDO, SEPLAT, NLNG, CHEVRON, PTI and EXXONMOBIL will vie for honours in 13 sports including Athletics, Golf, Chess, Football, Table Tennis and Tennis.
Other sports to feature in the week-long event include Squash,
Badminton, Swimming, Basketball, Volleyball, 8-Ball Pool and Scrabble.
The highpoints of the final day's activities will be the finals of the male and female 100m and 200m races, the 4×100 metres relay and the final football match between NCDMB and NLNG.
The preliminaries of the football event took place at the Shell Residential Area, Port Harcourt in March.
NCDMB defeated NNPC 1-0 in a highly contested semi final duel while NLNG defeated NMDPRA 1-0 in the other semi final.
One of the stars to feature in the Table Tennis event for Team NCDMB, Joe Adebayor has since relocated to Lagos, training for long hours daily at the Knock-up hall of the National Stadium in Surulere.
Harry Kane returned to north London with a goal as Arsenal's Champions League hopes hang in the balance after they fought out a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the quarter-final first leg at Emirates Stadium last night.
Kane, Tottenham's record goalscorer, received a predictably hostile reception from Arsenal's supporters, who saw the Gunners make the perfect start when Bukayo Saka's low finish put them ahead after only 12 minutes.
Bayern belied their poor form in the Bundesliga to turn the game around before the break as former Arsenal forward Serge Gnabry swept home the equaliser six minutes later.
Kane's moment arrived when William Saliba tripped Leroy Sane at the end of a blistering run after 32 minutes. The England captain stepped forward for the resulting penalty and silenced the taunts with his 15th goal in 20 appearances against Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta's side were not at their fluent best but substitute Leandro Trossard was the beneficiary of outstanding work by Gabriel Jesus to equalise.
Arsenal felt they should have had a penalty in the final seconds of stoppage time but the referee waved away their appeals when Saka went down as he was challenged
by keeper Manuel Neuer.
The second leg in Munich is on Wednesday, 17 April.
Elsewhere, holders Manchester City and Real Madrid shared six
goals in a 3-3 thriller to leave their Champions League quarter-final evenly poised after the first leg at the Bernabeu.
Pep Guardiola's side took the lead in the second minute when Bernardo Silva cleverly snuck a 25-yard free-kick round the wall
Stadium in London on Tuesday night
and past Andriy Lunin.
Two deflected strikes brought 14time European Cup winners Madrid level. First Eduardo Camavinga's long-range effort hit Ruben Dias and spun into the far corner of Stefan Ortega's goal, before Rodrygo got in behind the City defence and poked home via Manuel Akanji's heel. City were dominant in possession throughout but lacked quality in the final third - until Phil Foden stepped up.
The England midfielder had been on the edge of the game but found space just outside the area to turn and fire into the top corner to pull City level.
Security will be "considerably reinforced" at tonight's Champions League match in the French capital between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona after a "threat" from the Islamic State group, the interior minister said.
Gerald Darmanin said the jihadist group had threatened all the quarterfinal matches yesterday and today, not just PSG's first leg clash with Barcelona at the Parc des Princes.
Darmanin said there had been "a clear threat publicly expressed by the Islamic State".
"The police, whom I spoke to very early this morning, have considerably reinforced the security measures," the minister told reporters.
A source close to the issue told AFP: "IS has threatened the Champions League quarterfinals, not specifically in France, through one of its communication outlets."
In the matches yesterday, Arsenal
played Bayern Munich in London and Real Madrid played host to reigning European champions Manchester City.
In tonight’s other game, Atletico Madrid face Borussia Dortmund in the Spanish capital.
European football's governing body UEFA said all the matches would go ahead despite the threat.
"UEFA is aware of alleged terrorist threats made towards this week's UEFA Champions League matches
and is closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues," the statement said.
"All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place."
PSG coach Luis Enrique said in his pre-match news conference:
"Who is not worried or concerned by terrorist threats?
"I hope it is a thing we can control and that they are just threats and that nothing will happen."
“We are lucky that the Naira is firming up, apart from insecurity, there is also a challenge of inputs, most of the herbicides and insecticides are imported, but we believe with Naira firming up, it will help in reducing the cost of production. The President assured the nation that his government is doing a lot to curb inflation...” --NationalPresident,AllFarmersAssociationofNigeria(AFAN),KabirIbrahim,tasks thegovernmenttodomore,toreducefoodinflationinthecountry.
In the last few weeks, the labour movement has lost two of its cherished leaders – Comrades Ali Chiroma and Jonathan Ihonde. Chiroma, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), died in Maiduguri at 91 last Tuesday while Ihonde, a former vice president of the same congress, died about a month ago in Benin at 82.
The deaths of these labour veterans expectedly have awakened great memories of past struggles of the working people for social justice, freedom and genuine democracy.
In their respective ways, Chiroma and Ihonde made enormous sacrifices in the course of the struggles and showed commitment when it mattered.
A remarkably humble comrade, Chiroma emerged the NLC president in 1984 to succeed the first president of then six-old congress, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu. His union of medical and health workers is one of the affiliates of NLC. With his calm and cautious mien, Chiroma would rather be assumed by a stranger to be a diplomat instead of a rugged trade unionist. He often wore his trademark smile no matter how tense the situation. Rather than bang the table or raise his voice, Chiroma would draw from his repertoire of Kanuri proverbs to lighten an otherwise anxious mood.
Under Chiroma’s leadership the NLC struggled for socio-economic justice for workers. The congress fought for freedom and common good in the larger society. Snippets of these struggles have been evident in the well-deserved tributes paid to the memory of Chiroma since his demise.
Chiroma wasn’t your archetypal militant trade unionist; but he was highly receptive to progressive ideas about how the struggles of labour should be prosecuted.
The publications of the NLC at the period he was president embodied the ideas behind labour’s approach to the socio-economic and political issues of the moment. These included “Nigeria:NotforSale;” “TowardsNational Recovery: Nigeria Labour Congress Alternative and TowardsaViableand GenuinelyDemocraticPolitical Future: Nigerian Working Class Position.” The first document was a polemic against the privatisation agenda and other components of the Washington
Consensus presented by the military government as solutions to Nigeria’s economic problems. The second publication was put together by the congress with the inputs of radical economists as an alternative strategy of development. Labour didn’t only make an informed critique of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP); it also offered a more socially responsible alternative to solve the economic crisis. The third position was submitted by labour to the 17-man political bureau appointed by the military government of President Ibrahim Babangida to prepare a political transition programme for the country.
Beyond the regular collective bargaining for wages and working conditions taking placing in the public and private sectors of the economy, the NLC had a broader view of things in its engagement with government.
Notably, Chiroma’s NLC was the pillar of what the military government mistakenly regarded as “the triumvirate of revolution” – workers, students and progressive intellectuals - in the land at a time when political parties were banned and not many civil society organisations existed. The tripartite alliance was put to practical tests on a number of occasions beyond making statements. And the military government was
determined not to “tolerate undue radicalism.”
For instance, in May 1986, some students were killed at the Ahamadu Bello University, Zaria, following a clash with security men. In reaction to the tragedy, a day of protest against extra-judicial killings was fixed for June 4.
The protest was to be led by NLC. Mobilisation was afoot by students, workers and the progressive intellectuals.
The national mood was clearly expectant of a show-down between the military government and popular-democratic forces.
Now, in the Africa of the 1980s, the date June 4 was a highly sensitive one. It was on that day in 1979 that Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings emerged the leader of a “revolution” in Ghana. So the spectre of the June 4 Revolution haunted West Africa. The military government swiftly moved on the eve of the June 4 date to pre-empt the protest by arresting and detaining labour leaders and students across the country. For instance, the late Comrade Chima Ubani led students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to join the protest to the chagrin of the authorities. The student leaders were to later to face an ordeal. The story of that ordeal
would be suitable for another tribute to the memory of Comrade Ubani another day.
Chiroma and a host of other labour leaders were detained for some days by the military regime. On such occasions, Chiroma demonstrated courage and leadership.
Unfortunately, the polarisation within the congress in the build-up to the ill-fated 1988 delegates conference denied Chiroma of a second term. The leadership of the congress was dissolved and the military government appointed a sole administrator to manage the affairs of the congress pending the election of new officers.
Not a few labour activists were disappointed at Chiroma when six years later he accepted to serve as the sole administrator of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) when the military regime of General Sanni Abacha dissolved the union’s executive for its role in the struggle to revalidate the results June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Bashorun Moshood Abiola.
Ihonde was a deep leftist ideologue. As Comrade Owei Lakemfa aptly described him in a most fitting tribute, Comrade Ihonde was “influential” and “invisible” at once in the labour movement. He was modest and unobtrusive in his approach to issues. He was an exemplar of leaders working from the background to make things work.
Ihonde served the radio, television and theatre workers’ union with his full energy. Widely remembered as the creator of the television series, “Hotel De Jordan,” a satirical rendition of class contradictions in the Nigerian society, Ihonde was an accomplished broadcast journalist. A resolute partisan of the cause of human progress, Ihonde also devoted his time and energy to the building of viable organisations of the left and nurturing cadres for the movement. Ihonde’s conviction remained unshakable to the end about the possibility a humane social order. And he was far being naïve as to imagine that this could be achieved without the appropriate strategy of struggle. It is important to reflect on the lives and times of the Chiromas and Ihondes of the labour movement because of the huge lessons to be learnt from their great efforts and few errors.
May their tribe increase.
Today is Ramadan Kareem. Nigerian Muslims join millions of Muslims across the world to celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohammed. Last week was Easter. Nigerian Christians joined their fellows across the world to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Nigerian government typically declares public holidays to respect the religious sensibilities of its citizens who are adherents of the two historic religions. Many countries in the world will in diverse manners acknowledge the importance of these religious celebrations in, perhaps veiled, acknowledgement of the important of religion to national development. This piece is inspired by these sacred and inspiring moments. The question is how much religion contributes to economic and social development. The point I want to argue is that the two aspects of religion that matter for development are belief and morality. Of the three major religions in the world, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, two are dominant in Nigeria. All these religions
are called ‘Abrahamic Faith’ because they all trace their origins from Abraham. The Christians are followers of Jesus Christ, who is a son of Abraham. Muslims are followers of Prophet Mohammed who is traced to Ismeal, while Jews are descendants of Abraham through Isaac. One can argue that the 10 Commandant or a variant of its define the three religions. These are moral codes that stipulate the right social morality for the society.
A moral code, like the ones articulated by both the Old Testament and the Koran, shapes how people behave and underlines both the purpose and character of social institutions that define economic and social transactions. These moral codes are part of institutions. As Professor Douglas North puts it, institutions are humanly designed constrains to human activities. They could be both formal and informal. Informal institutions include religious beliefs and practices. Those practices can determine how the society manage the various opportunities and constraints it faces. The real effect of these moral codes is to establish a righteous society, a
society that embodies what Aristotle called the virtues. He identified 12 such virtues that define a good society. They include courage, temperance, magnanimity and friendship.
The title of this essay is ‘Righteousness Exalts a Nation”. This is taken from a passage in Proverb, a book in the Old Testament. A subtitle could have been ‘Examining the theological insights in the political economy of development’. The question is whether we can construct an explanation about the success and failure of nations from their religious character. Many scholars have inquired into the cause of the success and failure of nations. Some trace it to geography. The argument is that somehow the people in particular geography of the world lack development because of the effect of geography. Jeffery Sachs is famous for offering this explanation for the lack of development in Africa and the rest of the left-behind continents. There has also been arguments about the negative effect of resources. Countries who have the misfortune of being abundant
in natural resources at some point in their history are doomed to be poor as the effect of ‘Dutch Disease’ undermines the development of inclusive institutions.
But the examples of Norway and other resourceendowed countries in the west negates the resources argument. Being rich in natural resources does not predispose to poverty. It actually offers an opportunity to match towards wealth creation. The more persuasive insights arising from the work that institutional economists have done is to locate the divergent outcomes of resource endowment in Nigeria and Norway is the quality of institutions that moderate the use or misuse of resources. Those countries that have evolved differently from extractive institutions to inclusive productive institutions are unaffected by the resources curse. I argue that one of the major causes of this divergent evolution is the nature of religious sentiments and practices in the countries.