FRIDAY 21TH APRIL 2023

NUPRC: Nigeria’s Oil Reserves Fell by 0.22%, Gas Pool Rose 0.10% in 2022

energy transition & carbon monetisation unit

Buhari Orders Immediate Suspension of Adamawa REC

Directs IG Police to prosecute embattled officer if found liable, seeks investigation of DSS, NSCDC officials Falana: Binani is culpable, should be investigated Insists her acceptance speech confirmed she was party to illegal announcement Urges NBC to sanction NTA for airing her acceptance speech

...President in Sallah Message Says 2023 Polls So Transparent His Party Lost Ground in Many States

Tinubu,Atiku,Obi,Saraki,Gbajabiamila, Governors, others greet Muslims Preach peace, love, unity, social injustice at Eidel-fitri Police, NSCDC, FRSC gear up for eventualities during celebrations

Emefiele: How Nigeria Curbed Rice Importation, Funded Smallholder Farmers to Boost Yields

James Emejo in Abuja

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday said the country no longer imports rice, adding that a ban had already been put in place while all avenues through which the commodity could be brought in had been blocked.

Speaking at the Kingdom of the Netherlands during the Business and Investment Forum 2023 with the theme, “The Land is Green: Exploring Business and Investment Opportunities in Nigeria,” the CBN governor said prior to the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2015, the country was the largest importer of rice in the world.

However, he explained that

the introduction of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) by the central bank helped to revolutionise local rice production, helping achieve self-sustenance.

Emefiele said the CBN, through the ABP was able to support the smallholder farmers (SHF) through credit extension as well as the provision of fertilisers to them.

According to him, the CBN’s intervention helped to boost rice production from about 1.5 metric tons per hectare to about 8 metric tons per hectare through the provision of high-yield seeds to farmers.

The CBN governor, who was at the event to among other things assuage the concerns of prospective investors on the issues of foreign exchange and remittances, also spoke on the

BUHARI ORDERS IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION

Ari, pending the completion of investigation by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, on the conduct/actions of the embattled REC during the supplementary election in Adamawa State held on Saturday.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, disclosed this in a statement.

This was just as human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, yesterday said the police inquest into the governorship supplementary debacle in Adamawa state should be extended to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru.

In a related development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday

Nigeria retains its position as Africa’s number two country with the hugest oil reserve and highest producer of the commodity on the continent.

Speaking on the last day of the 6th Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, organised by Brevity Anderson, the NUPRC Chief Executive, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, stated however, that the commission’s efforts had begun to manifest in the gas sector, with the increase of gas reserves to 208.83 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF).

“Our efforts are beginning to manifest in our gas reserves position, and we expect similar manifestation in oil reserves in the very short term. It is, therefore, my pleasure to declare the national hydrocarbon reserves position as at January 1, 2023 at this important forum.

“Nigeria’s oil and condensate reserves as at January 1, 2023 stands at 31.060 billion barrels for oil and 5.906 billion barrels for condensate, making a total of 36.966 billion barrels for oil and condensate while the associated gas reserves is 102.32 trillion cubic feet, non-associated gas reserves is 106.51 trillion cubic feet, making the total of 208.83 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves.

“The oil and condensate reserves decline of about 0.22 per cent compared to January 01, 2022, figures is attributable to low exploration activities and reserves revision arising from subsurface studies in year 2022.

“On the other hand, the slight increase of 0.10 per cent in gas reserves over January 1, 2022 reserves position is primarily attributed to the revisions arising from additional information from new wells, and field development studies,” the NUPRC chief executive said.

His keynote address was titled: “Pivoting Upstream Petroleum

monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government.

Emefiele said, “When the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari came on board, we were importing rice. Nigeria was the largest rice-importing nation in the world.

“And just about four years after we started the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme in 2015, Nigeria today is producing rice to sustain itself.

“We are not importing rice; we’ve placed a ban on rice importation. We blocked all avenues through which you could import rice into the country. “

He said, “And we gave support through credit to our smallholder farmers. Yield for rice production increased from 1.5 metric tons per hectare between 6.5 to 8 metric

OF ADAMAWA REC

denied allegations of partisanship in the recently conducted Adamawa Supplementary Elections.

In a rather depressing point of electoral rascality widely seen as more disappointing than any situation in the past, Ari, INEC’s REC for Adamawa State, had in the early hours of last Sunday, declared Binani as winner of the state governorship election, when collation had not been concluded.

But INEC reversed the purported declaration few hours later.

The Commission had said the action of the REC was a move to usurp the power of the Returning Officer and had declared the declaration null, void and of no effect.

Regulations & Investments”, while the NIES event was themed: “Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future”.

Although crude oil contributes over 85 per cent to Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he said, is about 6.33 per cent, while Algeria’s is 10.2 per cent, Angola's is 30 per cent and Libya is at over 50 per cent.

But aside the catalogued hydrocarbon potential, Komolafe stated that Nigeria was blessed with potential for blue energy, solar, wind, biomass as well as other sources of renewable energy to leverage for right energy mix in the energy transition regime.

In the years preceding the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), he pointed out that investments in the Nigerian oil and gas industry declined due to regulatory uncertainty in addition to de-funding of fossil fuel development occasioned by energy transition and COVID-19.

“Most of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) deprioritised Nigeria in their portfolios leading to the redirection of capex to other countries and the attendant dwindling investment in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

“For instance, the Nigeria’s total annual upstream capital expenditure decreased by 74 per cent from $27 billion in the year 2014 to less than $6 billion in 2022. More so, increasing competition from regional peers has led to decrease in the proportion of the overall upstream investment attracted by Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the underinvestment was also reflected in the country’s rig count whereas on the average, Nigeria had 17 active oil rigs in 2019 representing one of the highest counts on the African continent as at then.

But he stated that Nigeria’s

tons per hectare because we made sure we gave high-yield seeds to farmers.

“We made sure we gave fertilisers to farmers during the era when people were importing sand and ashes as fertilisers into Nigeria.

“We made sure we gave support to companies that can produce urea which is the base raw material you need to produce fertiliser.”

The CBN’s successes in the ABP were recently corroborated by the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN) which said the Nigerian rice industry had enjoyed considerable support from the current administration.

The Director-General of the association, Mr. Andy Ekwelem, at a media briefing said, “Before the current administration,

Nigeria officially allowed imported rice into the country.

As at the last quarter of 2014, official Rice import into Nigeria from Thailand was about 1.24 million tons of rice; by the end of 2015, these imports had dropped to about 644,131MT, and by the end of 2016, it dropped to 58,260MT. In 2017, the imports further dropped to 23,192MT but by 2022, it dropped to an all-time minimal of 438MT.”

He added, “Of course, the reason for the drops – which to us at RIPAN, is a very positive development - is nothing more than Mr. President’s hard stand approach against food importation. Recall that President Buhari is a strong advocate of ‘grow what you eat and eat what you can grow,’ and to ensure that he walked his talk, Mr.

President through the Central Bank of Nigeria, launched various programmes that encouraged local production and processing of rice.

“Programme such as the ABP, the Paddy Aggregation Scheme, the Private Sector-Led Accelerated Agriculture Development Scheme, the Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF), etc where deliberate strategies that encouraged indigenous and foreign business concerns to invest massively in the rice value chain.”

Ekwelem said, “Today, Nigeria boosts over 100 largescale integrated rice processing facilities scattered across the country. This is more than 700 per cent increase from the mere 13 numbers of large integrated mills operating in the country between 2010-2014.”

Ahmadu Finitiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was later declared the winner of the election.

Binani also dismissed reports that she had offered the sum of N2 billion as bribe to an official to be declared winner of the election.

Afterwards, INEC had written to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba Alkali to investigate Ari for possible prosecution and Alkali on his part had ordered for the replacement of the Commissioner of Police on election duty in Adamawa State, Mohammed Barde.

However, the statement announcing the suspension of Ari, was signed by the Director, Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Willie Bassey.

average rig count declined to 11 in 2020, seven in 2021, 10 in 2022, but had recently begun to grow, a positive signal of new investments trickling into the country.

“This is also a reflection of investors’ acceptance of effective implementation of the PIA by the regulator,” he added.

Komolafe posited that following two years of high energy prices, the global oil & gas industry is experiencing a boom that could be directed to capital investment in upstream, with the projected outlook over the next few years seen as positive.

On new energy sources, he stated that from 2021 to 2022, the annual global investments in clean energy sources and technology specifically relevant to the energy transition increased by 31 per cent representing the largest annual investment increase since 2010.

“Governments are supporting major R&D and demonstration projects in key areas such as low emission hydrogen-based energy, lithium-ion and lithium-free batteries for electric vehicles, CCUS and other critical energy technologies. For instance, Egypt plans to invest more than $7 billion in hydrogen projects,” he added.

With a total of over 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, he noted that Africa is poised to develop cleaner fossil fuel to offset the deficits in the world energy supply but requires the right legislative framework.

“Accordingly, the commission has risen to the occasion by establishing a new department of Energy Transition & Carbon Monetisation, saddled with the regulation of the oil and gas carbon market,” he pointed out.

Within 20 months of its existence, he said that the commission successfully gazetted five regulations, developed 13 fresh ones while six are at

It further alluded that the President has directed the immediate investigation and prosecution, of Ari by the Inspector General of Police if found liable.

In addition, the statement also said Buhari also directed the investigation by the Inspector General of Police, the DirectorGeneral of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), of the role of their officers in aiding and abetting the conduct/actions of Ari.

He directed that appropriate disciplinary actions be meted out to them if found culpable, On his part, Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria said the police

consultative stages with industry stakeholders.

Also speaking, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, represented by the Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage & Retailing Infrastructure, Ogbugo Ukoha, stated that the agency has been emboldened by the clear provisions of the PIA to promote investment environments in Nigeria.

He added that the NMDPRA was also strengthening the domestic gas markets for enhanced performance through emplacement of new regulatory regimes for wholesale gas supply and domestic gas market aggregation.

Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) who doubles as Managing Director of Chevron, Nigeria, Rick Kennedy, in his remarks, stated that investment and funding remain major issues in the sector.

He explained that it was crucial that Africa unlocks its potential to meet the continent’s energy needs as well as to take advantage of global energy supply opportunities.

“To unlock this potential, investment and funding are needed to be secured for oil and gas projects in Africa,” he noted.

He listed other challenges as cost and carbon competitiveness of the African oil and gas industry, stressing that it was important to maintain focus on delivering cost effective means for Nigeria to sustainably harness its abundant oil and gas resources.

Kennedy also highlighted the role of technology and innovation, which he said remain key differentiators for competitiveness and business growth in the energy sector.

inquest into the matter should be to Binani.

He explained that the mere fact that she went on to deliver an acceptance speech confirmed that she was in on the illegal declaration and therefore culpable.

Falana also called on the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission to sanction the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) for airing the fake declaration.

The human right lawyer who spoke on a television programme monitored in Abuja said, "With respect to the acceptance speech, it already confirmed that she was party to the charade. She has to be brought in by the police and investigated."

He stated further, “How did you prepare a speech if you did not know that you were going to be declared the winner because, at that stage, the collation had not been concluded?

“The last point is the role of the NTA. The NTA televised the acceptance speech. I expect the NBC to move in speedily and sanction the NTA because, at that time, collation was still ongoing.”

Meanwhile, INEC has denied allegations of partisanship in the recently conducted Adamawa Supplementary Elections. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye in a statement issued yesterday, said there was no discreet nocturnal meeting between its officials and any governorship candidate.

He said: "The attention of the Commission has been drawn to a press statement by a candidate in the recently concluded Adamawa State Governorship election in which officials deployed for legitimate duty in the State were alleged to have undermined the electoral process after a discreet "nocturnal" visit to the Government House and ostensibly met with one of the candidates in the election who gave them a list of "collation and returning officers" deployed for the election."

Okoye stressed that ordinarily, the Commission does not join issues with partisan actors, particularly where no evidence has been provided, but stated categorically that there was no such meeting

He added: "To set the record straight, no such visit or meeting took place let alone the compilation of any purported list of collation and returning officers. Such a meeting would have been contrary to the oath of neutrality that we all swore to."

The National Commissioner noted that every conscientious observer would have noticed that the Commission appointed and

retained only one Returning Officer for the Governorship election who also doubled as the State Collation Officer for the Presidential Election (SCOPE).

He explained that like all Returning Officers nationwide, he was issued with a letter of appointment by the Commission and the REC in Adamawa State was duly informed.

Okoye added that the list of Collation Officers was also forwarded to the state with every page of the list personally endorsed by the Chairman of the Commission well ahead of the arrival of the National Commissioners.

He emphasised that the same press statement created the impression that the national headquarters of the Commission specifically targeted Adamawa State in its deployment of National Commissioners and other officials with the sole intention of influencing the outcome of the supplementary election held on Saturday 25th April, 2023 and sidelining the REC, saying nothing could be further from the truth.

Okoye said for the record, it has been the standard policy and practice of the Commission to deploy National Commissioners, RECs and other staff from the headquarters or neighbouring States for supplementary or off-cycle elections where doing so was considered necessary.

He stressed that in the case of Adamawa State where supplementary governorship election was held in 69 polling units, two National Commissioners were deployed, while for Kebbi State involving 142 polling units, three National Commissioners were deployed.

Okoye noted: "Similarly, one National Commissioner each was deployed to Sokoto, Zamfara, Imo, Rivers, Ekiti and Ogun States. This has been the standard practice of the Commission of which all RECs are informed in advance.

"Therefore, Adamawa State was not specifically targeted. In all other States, the RECs worked cooperatively with the National Commissioners except in Adamawa State for reasons that are now obvious to all."

The commission advised the public to discountenance the insinuations as nothing more than a claptrap.

The electoral body also advised those behind the mischief to desist forthwith as such fabrications have endangered the lives of its officials – both ad hoc and regular engaged in legitimate election duties.

The commission said its expected well-meaning citizens to act within the bounds of propriety and decency.

NUPRC: NIGERIA’S OIL RESERVES FELL BY 0.22%, GAS POOL ROSE 0.10% IN 2022

NIGERIA INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS VISITS OSINBAJO...

Oboh looks on during a courtesy visit on the vice president by the Nigeria Institute

...PRESIDENT IN SALLAH MESSAGE SAYS 2023 POLLS SO TRANSPARENT HIS PARTY LOST GROUND IN MANY STATES

the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), lost ground in many states.

Buhari’s message came as many prominent Nigerian leaders, including the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, yesterday, congratulated Muslims across the world, especially their Nigerian compatriots, ahead of today’s Eid-el-fitri celebrations, marking the end of a successful month-long fasting period.

The leaders, who also included former Vice President and presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, preached love, peace, unity and social justice as the country began another democratic journey with the inauguration of a new government next month.

Other leaders, who sent words to Muslims in the country and around the world, were Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; governors; as well as senators, among others.

The Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other agencies of government said had set plans in motion to tame any eventualities that might occur today as the Muslims celebrated.

Buhari, in a release last night by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, declared that the peaceful outcome of the 2023 general election in the country "will go down on record as one of the proudest achievements of my administration, in addition to our neutrality in the conduct of the elections."

Insisting, "The outcomes of the elections were in line with my pledge to leave a legacy of free and fair elections,” the president said, “I'm proud that I have created a level playing field for all contestants, regardless of party affiliation, in order to produce a fair outcome for all."

According to the president, “Free and fair elections are the only principles that give credibility to our democracy, because the subversion of the will of the people undermines democracy itself. The elections were so transparent that even members of my own party were routed and unseated. At no point did I interfere with the process in order to give unfair advantage to anyone."

Commenting on the Ramadan fast, Buhari congratulated Muslims on successfully completing this

demanding spiritual obligation.

While praying to Allah to reward the Muslims for their sacrifices during the fasting season, he advised, "We shouldn't forget the important lessons of the Ramadan, which includes improving our bond with the underprivileged and poor members of society."

The president added, "Abstention from food and drinks during the fasting period had made it possible for us to appreciate the situation of those who go without eating every day."

Tinubu reiterated his commitment to serve Nigeria with honour and dignity by striving to build a more prosperous country. He thanked the Almighty Allah for the grace to witness this year's Eid-el-fitri celebration after the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The president-elect, in his Sallah message to Nigerians, said for Muslims in the country and all over the world, Ramadan was a sacred spiritual obligation, as one of the five pillars of Islam.

Tinubu stated, “With the help of Almighty Allah, we have gone through a period of abstinence, self-discipline, self-reflection, self-purification in gratitude and total submission to the will of Allah. We have engaged in fervent prayers and supplications to Allah.

"We are at the dawn of a Renewed Hope for a better, greater and a more prosperous Nigeria and I stand ready to walk with all Nigerians, young and old, male and female, with this opportunity to serve you in honour and dignity. This is a commitment that I have made and one in which we cannot afford to fail."

The president-elect noted that beyond the self-abnegation and pious living that the fasting period imposed on everyone, the just concluded spiritual exercise had also helped the faithful to improve on moral character and refine their minds in pursuit of higher ideals for which there should be no turning back.

Tinubu stated, "At the heart of our faith and a major demand on all faithful is the requirement to commit ourselves to wholesome living. This entails love for one another, love for fellow humans, regardless of creed, region and ethnicity, love for our communities and love for country.

“To love one another, have compassion, empathy and love our beloved country means we must become better citizens in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammed."

He said Nigerians must constantly seek to become a better version of themselves in patriotism, dedication to duty, and honesty.

Atiku: Let’s Join Forces to Build More United Nigeria

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of PDP in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, called on fellow Muslims to join efforts towards building a more united Nigeria. Atiku stated this in the light of recent bitter divisions caused by national politics.

The former vice president, in his goodwill Sallah message, said, "Let me join other leaders in congratulating my fellow Muslims for successfully witnessing the end of this year's Ramadan fasting period, a period that came with tough spiritual challenges that were designed to strengthen our Iman and Tawheed.

"During this period of self-discipline, we had seen the importance of the abstention from all sinful acts that are in the overall interest of our spiritual life and happiness. God teaches us to eschew evils, because it's for our own ultimate good.

“One of the greatest blessings of Ramadan is that it helps us to get closer to our Creator, strengthen our faith, and promote charity or the spirit of giving to the weak and poor. It is important that we continue to live with the spirit of love, peace and harmony, which Ramadan requires.

“It is equally important that we remember our country as we pray at our respective Eid prayer grounds. We must pray for God to enlarge His mercies and blessings upon the country. Nigeria needs peace and harmony and we, as citizens, must ensure that we live our lives according to the pleasings of God. We must make justice and fairness the hallmark of our nation.

"Let's not pretend that all is well. Our country is deeply divided. The outcome of the 2023 presidential election has made this division worse. I'm sincerely worried about this appalling reality.

"Nigeria is so important to us that we shouldn't abandon its fate to divisive and demagogic politicians. We are all stakeholders in a united Nigeria. We must be part of the efforts to achieve interfaith dialogue with a view to achieving peaceful coexistence and a clime of love and religious tolerance."

Obi: We Must Hold On to Our Values of Peace, Social Justice

Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, urged Nigerians to hold on to the values of social justice, peace, and human progress, and to continue to observe deep respect for the country's constitution and rule of law.

Obi, who said this in his Eid-elfitri message to Muslims, described those values as very important for societal progress and development. He noted that the Holy Month of Ramadan was a great opportunity for all to practise restraint, decorum and humility.

The LP candidate enjoined the Muslim faithful and, by extension, Nigerians, to be fair and just in all their dealings, as well as help the needy, heal the ailing, and promote mutual understanding and peace within communities.

He observed that the flaws in the recent Nigerian general election had continued to create negative ripples that manifested in various forms of uncertainty throughout the country.

Obi stated "Our dear country, Nigeria, the only nation we have, is going through uncertainties related to our recent flawed elections and the activities of fringe elements, who do not respect the rule of law, our constitution or the wish of our people. They have deployed impunity and exploited weak national institutions to subvert the will of the people."

Obi regretted that he and his running mate, Senator Datti BabaAhmed, had continued to come under various forms of attack from the opposition, which he described as unfair.

He, however, maintained that they would remain law-abiding in the journey to reclaim their mandate. He said, "It is now common knowledge that perpetrators of state capture and their acolytes continue to attack Datti and I, and, indeed, the Labour Party and the Obidient Family, for seeking redress in the court of law to recover our stolen electoral mandate. Efforts to dissuade us from pursuing rightful judicial recourse have included the deployment of fake doctored audio, identity theft, impersonation, trolls and fighting words.

"Many other untoward activities have also been directed at our people and nation, but we remain resolute in

reclaiming our mandate through all peaceful and legal options under our laws and constitution. We continue to implore all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We equally remain in prayers that these challenges will be overcome without adverse shock to the economy, nation and national interest.

"In the true spirit of Ramadan, I call on all Nigerians to remain focused on peace and the rule of law. I also wish to assure Nigerians and the Obidients that our struggle to reclaim our mandate is in good stead, and on course. A new Nigeria, that is safe, secure, fair and prosperous for all Nigerians is, indeed, Possible!"

Gbajabiamila

Felicitates

Muslims, Calls for Unity

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, rejoiced with Muslims across the country on the occasion of this year's Eid-el-Fitr and called for unity among the people.

Reflecting on the significance of the just concluded Ramadan fasting, Gbajabiamila said Muslims should internalise the lessons and good habits that came with the religious practice. He urged Muslims across Nigeria to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to pray for the country.

Gbajabiamila noted that periods like this called for sober reflection and unity from all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs. He said, "Nigeria is the only country we can call ours, hence the citizens, especially Muslims at this time, must work together and pray assiduously for continuous peaceful coexistence among the people."

Saraki: Let’s Transfer Ramadan’s Values to Our Daily Lives

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, urged Nigerian Muslims not to drop the values imbibed during the just-ended fasting period, but adopt them as part of their daily lives and in the performance of duties and obligations as citizens.

Saraki, in a statement from his Media Office in Abuja, congratulated Muslims across the world for the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting for the Hijra 1444. He noted that the values of self-denial, empathy with the less privileged, helping the weak, living a decent life, exhibiting discipline in the use of all the

senses and devoting more time to supplications before the almighty Allah should be continued even after the fasting period.

The former senate president stated, “If we can all continue to be good Muslims and good citizens, irrespective of whether we are in Ramadan, then our communities will be a better place for all of us to live and we will enjoy the peace of Almighty Allah.

“This year’s Ramadan has come and gone and while we pray that all of us should witness the next one in good health, we need to consciously work on becoming better Muslims, better citizens, and better individuals who are working to give a good account to Almighty Allah on the Day of Judgement.

“That is why we have to find a way to sustain the values of piety, tolerance, humility, good neighbourliness, honesty, and patriotism in our daily lives. As Muslims, we must reflect on the teachings of Islam and the lessons we have learned from the various recommended activities during Ramadan in our activities as citizens of this great country. It is the only way we can save our country.

“We must not cease praying for our country. This is a great country that Almighty Allah has blessed with all the necessary materials for her greatness. We have to do our part for the manifest destiny of our country to be realised.”

Yahaya: Let’s Sustain Our Prayers for Peace, Development of Nigeria

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, enjoined the Ummah in the state to sustain the momentum of supplication, devotion and prayers for the peace, development and prosperity of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Yahaya made the call in his Sallah goodwill message, signed by DirectorGeneral, Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli.

The governor described Eid-el-Fitr as a period of sober reflection, and charged the Muslim faithful to replicate in their daily lives the lessons learnt in the holy month of Ramadan.

He said, “As we celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr festival, I wish to admonish us to learn from the good lessons of Ramadan, which connotes piety, obedience, and selflessness. We must

Continued on page 45

L – R: Grand Patron of Parkland Golf Resort Club, Muftau Bello present the Nigeria Road Map to National Development to the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, while President, Nigeria Institute of Architects, Enyi - Ben

of Architects at the Presidential Villa in Abuja... yesterday

GODWIN OMOIGUI

COURTESY VISIT OF UBA’S MANAGEMENT TO MR GOVERNOR...

Access Holdings Post N15tn Total Assets, Gross Earnings Hit N1.4tn

Kayode Tokede

Access Holdings Plc yesterday announced N15 trillion in total assets for the full year ended December 31, 2022, to outshine its peers in the league of tier-one banks.

According to the results presented on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the Pan-African bank reported N15 trillion in total assets, representing an increase of 28 per cent from N11.73 trillion reported in the corresponding period of 2021.

According to its audited results released on the Exchange, the Group’s gross earnings rose by 43 per cent to hit N1.388 trillion, as against the N971.9 billion it recorded the previous year, while interest income was up by 19 per cent to N359.4 billion from N301.5 billion recorded in 2021.

Additionally, deposits from its customers increased to N9.25 trillion, higher than N6.955 trillion in 2021, while loans and advances to customers also went up to N5.557 trillion, from N4.446 trillion as at full year, 2021.

The management, however, proposed a final dividend of N46.21 billion, representing N1.30 per share to its shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2022.

However, the Group’s profit before tax declined by 5.1 per cent from N176.8 billion in 2021 to N167.7 billion in 2022.

Access Holdings in the statement stated that its financial results showed strong growth across revenue lines, despite the strong macroeconomic headwinds locally and internationally.

“We registered a record revenue of N1.4 trillion a 43 per

cent year-on-year growth as we begin to see the dividends of organic and inorganic activities across the ecosystem,” it added.

The Holding company explained that the decline in the profit before tax was as a result of the huge write downs from the Ghana sovereign debt crisis, saying, “overall, interest income grew 37 per cent to N827 billion, driven by a strong loan book growth despite the high inflationary environment.”

Net loans and advances to customers grew by 25 per cent across the Banking group, with a deliberate focus on credit disbursement to critical segments and growth sectors of the economy.

“We also saw good growth across the subsidiaries, in particular the UK, up 36 per cent to N1.1 trillion in 2022,” it stated.

“Access Holdings ended the year with over 58 million customers across the extensive network of subsidiaries and business verticals. The company’s asset base grew to N15 trillion and customer deposits to N9.25 trillion, with CASA mix up by five per cent to 63 per cent as a result of leveraging innovation, digital technology and financial inclusion to mobilise sustainable low-cost deposits.”

It added that, in the second half of 2022, Access Holdings completed the divestment from Pensions Custodian business and acquired significant shareholding in First Guarantee Pensions Limited and Sigma Pensions Limited to form Access Pensions Limited.

“This combination, it stressed, resulted in the creation of the fourth largest PFA in Nigeria, with Asset under Management

W’Bank Urged to Adopt Digitally Validated Addresses, Identifications in Sharing $800m Post-subsidy Removal Palliative

Dike Onwuamaeze

An advocacy organisation in Nigeria, Grassroots Addressing and Identity Management Systems (G-AIMS) has urged the World Bank to make the adoption of Addressing and Identity Technology (AIT), a pre-condition for the implementation of the $800m facility it recently approved as palliative to be shared among vulnerable Nigerians, to cushion the effects of the planned removal of petrol subsidy.

In a letter addressed to the World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, by the Chairman/Founder of Grassroots Addressing and Identity Network Limited (GAIN), Mr. Bisi Adegbuyi, it noted that it was imperative, that the implementation process be driven by a

bespoke Addressing and Identity Technology to ensure transparency and confidence building.

According to him, “one of the conditions precedents for the process to be transparent is that beneficiaries should be assigned duly validated digital addresses and means of identification. This will also engender a real-time feedback mechanism for transparency and accountability.”

Adegbuyi, a public administrator and a former Postmaster General of Nigeria/ CEO of Nigerian Postal Service, noted that one of the major criticisms of Nigeria’s Social Intervention Programme (NSIP), enabled by World Bank’s $500 million International Development Association grant in 2016, was the alleged opaqueness of the National

Social Register on poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

“Nigeria’s First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, raised an alarm in May 2019, alleging that the NSIP had failed “woefully” because the intervention did not reach the intended beneficiaries.

“There are many other credible criticisms all deriving from lack of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the scheme,” Adegbuyi said.

While welcoming news of the World Bank’s grant of $800 million under what is now known as subsidy removal palliatives aimed at cushioning the impact of petrol subsidy removal among vulnerable Nigerians, the GAIN Chairman explained that the organisation had developed and patented a state-of-the-art, ultra-specific digital addressing and identity

management systems with a cutting edge technology comparable to any world-class addressing and identity solution.

“Our Digital Addressing and Identity Verification systems software, which won the recognition of World Summit on Information Society (WSIS), an affiliate of International Telecommunications Union, a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) in 2018, can help to provide an end-to-end monitoring tool for the scheme, thereby enhancing its transparency and accountability,” he stressed.

Adegbuyi, who represented Ogun State at the 2014 National Conference, therefore urged the World Bank to make the adoption of this technology as a pre-condition for the implementation of the $800 million grant.

of N0.9 trillion, putting the company clearly in the league of strategic players in the pensions industry.

“Our payment business went live with the switching business in Q3, 2022, while the other areas of the business will become fully operational from

Q2, 2023. The overall business outlook for 2023 remains strong as we begin our new 5-year strategic journey, which aims to make us one of the top five financial services organization in Africa by 2027,” Holdings added in a statement obtained by THISDAY.

UNICEF: 30% Nigerian Children Missed Out on Immunisation

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised the alarm that 2.2 million Nigerian children, representing 30 per cent of the entire children population in the country are missing out on immunisation.

The UNICEF Nigeria Chief of Health, Dr. Eduardo Celades, who revealed this at a media briefing on the state of the world children (SOWC) report in Abuja, yesterday, said it was sad that Nigeria has such large size of children missing out on all forms of vaccination.

He said: “2.2 million children in Nigeria missed out on immunisation, representing 30 per cent.”

He further revealed that some of the factors responsible for this included non-availability of adequate human resources, accessibility to a large expanse of land, insisting that quality leadership was key to getting the challenges solved.

He said despite the challenges, many children have continued to be immunised in the country, noting that over 15,000 additional community health workers have been trained in recent times.

Celades also disclosed that over 1,700 Primary Health Care facilities (out of 3,476) in 14 States meet PHC minimum standards, adding that 25 health facilities have functional level 2 newborn units.

He said there exist several state-level and national capacities built to prepare

and respond to public health emergencies.

He said over the past five years, one major accomplishment has been the increase in Penta-3 vaccinations, administered to children under one year to protect them from five lifethreatening diseases.

He disclosed that Penta-3 coverage rose from 33 per cent to 57 per cent, reaching 7.9 million children. He noted that another major success was the 84 per cent decrease in cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 in 2022, stating that despite an outbreak of the disease, the number of children vaccinated against polio tripled to 58 million thanks to joint efforts with partners.

He said in keeping with UNICEF’s global nutrition strategy, the emphasis had shifted from the treatment of malnutrition to its prevention, explaining that Vitamin A supplementation was one key preventive intervention that promotes child development and lowers the risk of cognitive delays and child mortality due to malnutrition.

He disclosed that for the first time in five years, two rounds of Vitamin A supplementation were successfully completed in Nigeria in 2022, noting that 35 million children received one dose and 23 million children received two doses of Vitamin A, constituting a massive increase from the 9.8 million reached with one round of Vitamin A supplementation in 2021.

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, (SDGs&I), Mrs. Solape Hammond; Deputy Managing Director, United Bank for Africa, (UBA), Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi; Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, during the courtesy visit of the UBA’s management to the Governor at the State House, Marina, Lagos ... yesterday

POLITICS

2023 Presidential Poll: Nigeria Drawing Back the Hands of the Clock?

The day February 25, 2023 has marked yet another turn on Nigeria’s journey to self-destruction, backwardness and the perpetual self-immolation.

For some unexplainable reasons, the country has transformed into one with informed expertise in drawing back the hands of the clock and standing down its quest for greatness to the indifference and applause of its suffering masses.

Having started on a highly promising note in the early post-independence years, observers and analysts, who expected the emergence of an African ‘Switzerland’ in Nigeria, have helplessly watched the disintegration and collapse of this dream as the years progressed.

How the regular five-year-development plans of the Gowon era steadily morphed into inability to pay salaries and wages in government establishments, is a major feature in the country’s daylight display of hopelessness and a bleak future.

Today, ironically, it boasts a catalog of conscious retrogression that is, regrettably, openly celebrated as progress, by the very victims of the system that are caught in crossfire.

While military governance, in all its dictatorial and sometimes, brutish manifestation, produced a large chunk of the, now dilapidating, infrastructure that Nigeria still falls back upon today, citizens and structure have been convincingly sold the dummy by foreign powers, that democracy holds the only key to the country’s problems.

Funnily and ironically, the embrace of constitutional democracy seems to have, arguably, hardly brought up forward movement to Nigeria and even stands out as the first major step in retrogression.

In fact, my book “Lost in Democracy” worked on this subject in all possible ramifications.The first civilian government of the 1999 constitution ended with three crucial ‘highs’ that have remained insurmountable till the present day.

This goes without prejudice to other ‘lows’.

This too, has been detailed and dissected in my very first book “Nigeria’s Journalistic Militantism”. The government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo succeeded in paying off a huge chunk of Nigeria’s foreign debt to the Paris Club and placed the country on a ‘reset’ path.

It launched a formidable structure to usher in a system of stable power supply, contrary to disinformation advanced by vested interests.

The National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) produced six new power stations that only waited to be fired by turbines to boost the overall grid (see “Nigeria’s Journalistic Militantism” for more details).

Unfortunately, the successor government ignored the project and the turbines supplied and wasted time and resources pouring recriminations on fictional investment figures in a populist disinformation drive.

Many progressive policies of the predecessor were reversed without replacement, much to the applause of the hate-filled intelligentsia, who hid behind media collaboration but should have known better.

Today, foreign and domestic debts have mounted again to uncontrolled heights in a toxic future for upcoming generations. The power project has long fallen behind all progressive indices in human record when the government exited in 2007.

The hands of the clock were deliberately drawn back at the time, in the face of regional rivalry seeing the northern region baiting for blood in a quest to assert perpetual, irreversible dominance. Finally, it created institutions to fight graft in the country, that were not built upon by successive governments.This was quickly followed by the declining health conditions of the President and the attendant concept of medi-

cal tourism that cropped up in its aftermath.

Rulership by proxy and surrogate Presidency was born in its infancy until the President died. Regional rivalry and the battle for

supremacy was blown open for the very first time. The North sought to invoke its turn to rule in the spirit of the gentleman’s agreement on the federal character and sought the

resignation of the Vice President, to enable the North nominate another President. The constitution, on the contrary, mandated the Vice President to take the saddle of the Presidency on the demise of the incumbent. Intervention by foreign forces ushered in the Doctrine of Necessity and the Vice President was allowed to succeed the President.

We thought we had made progress.Then the new President served out his term and insisted on doing a second term against all wise counsels.

A coalition of odd bedfellows emerged to stop the regime of President Goodluck Jonathan, under whom free-for-all indecency became the norm. Hope was, then, seen in a retired military General, whose short dictatorial reign in the past stood out for the positive rigidity of his No. 2 man in a war against indiscipline, who has long died. We gave Muhammadu Buhari the credit all the same and ascribed ‘integrity’ to him.

We saw a Messiah that was on a rescue mission. The election was won and lost and the losing incumbent President called the victorious ex-General and congratulated him in a very rare display of the decency that his corrupt regime did not show.

Nigerians were elated and we thought we had made immense progress.When ex-General Muhammadu Buhari took the reins of power, however, Nigeria, shockingly, transgressed from the proverbial frying pan to raw fire.

-Larr writes from Abuja

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Needless Propaganda of Frustrated Elements in Ogun

The ongoing vituperation and smear campaign by opposition elements and their cohorts against the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is clearly understandable, though pitiable.

It is patently a function of frustrated minds and their hopeless situation. Genuinely, we sympathize with them.

The most laughable of the recent junk of less cognitive strength is the one authored by a scavenger in the media space, who is in desperate need of means of survival amid marital trauma of fragmented home called for Prince Dapo Abiodun’s probe for anti-party activities among many visibly trumped up charges.

I was seriously amused by his reference to ‘friends and colleagues in the media’. This is an unpardonable product of imaginary error. Who are his colleagues, and from which media platforms?

However, because this response is originally conceived to kill the dangerous virus the dirty mind ignorantly sold to some unsuspecting members of the public about the governor of Ogun State and his administration, I will not dignify this element by dwelling much on his personality and rough antecedents, but quickly go straight to puncture some of his lies I consider necessary for the sake of the good people of the State, as majority of those lies are too intelligible with obvious absence of logic to elicit any response.

First, we understand why these political jobbers are raising the issue of ecological funds and imaginary disappearance of $9m from the state coffers. It is a matter of messy background and history of monumental corruption that characterized the eightyear administration of their gang leader,

in which every fund meant for ecological intervention was criminally siphoned by the governor and his cronies, they thought it is going to be the same style of governance this time around.

They were also hallucinating on the kleptomaniac way in which their leader swindled the State for eight years and depleted the state’s treasury with impunity, they now maliciously concluded that the stealing spree which was the order of those days would continue under PDA, moreso, when all their entreaties to join the new administration and continue their criminal activities was cleverly blocked by the governor, who knows his onus and also understands their psyches.

Putting the record straight, Governor Dapo Abiodun has been open and transparent with the management of all funds accruing to the State’s purse with high level of prudence and financial intelligence, in which ecological funds is not an exception. As a matter of fact, the governor, more than any of his predecessors, has judiciously utilized the funds as a result of his consciousness towards a safe and clean environment.

At no time did Governor Dapo Abiodun ask any chairman of any local government to sign for ecological funds without corresponding disbursement in the same breath for the purpose it meant for. Again, the purveyors of this jaundiced narrative are former beneficiaries of callous gang-raping of ecological funds during their time. They are certified criminals.

Speaking on the Mikano cars made available to the Chairmen of local governments and issues surrounding it, obviously, the scenario was blown out of proportion by the enemies of the Governor and the State. They got it wrong.

There is no any animosity between the governor and the chairmen. As a result of inclusive governance of the present administration in the State, every state functionary is fully aware of the economic status of the State and always ready to sacrifice whatever that is needed to ensure its stability and functionality, so, the impression these elements are trying to create around this issue was a mere ploy to set the governors against chief executives of councils, which has become dead on arrival indeed.

It is clearly instructive that Governor Dapo Abiodun, has been a rallying point in the administration and management of the ruling party, the APC, in the State, without unnecessary interference and with high degree of loyalty and decorum, even in the face of shameless betrayal of his supposed ally and predecessor, who stooped so low to have been manipulated by money to embark on anti-party activities during the last gubernatorial and house of assembly elections, for which he will be appropriately sanctioned for that ignoble and shameful act.

-Adedamola writes from Abeokuta

Frisky Larr revisits the recently concluded presidential election in the country and submits that the outcome of the poll leaves much to be desired.

Bisi Adedamola writes that Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has been prudent with the resources of the Gateway state.

Fox News, Lies, Defamation and Trump

Chido Nwangwu writes about the whopping $787.5m the megaphone of the Republican Party in the United States, Fox News Channel, recently agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems for defamatory broadcasts and distortion of facts.

most watched cable news network in America.

Dominion CEO, John Poulos amplified the settlement by stating that “Fox has admitted to telling lies about Dominion that caused enormous damage to my company, our employees, and the customers that we serve. Nothing can ever make up for that.”

Akpabio as a Right Choice for 10th Senate Presidency

For the consequence of its gross distortion of events and defamatory broadcasts against a corporate organization, the Republicans’ favorite and most influential megaphone, Fox News channel, settled the law suit and agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems a whooping $787.5 million!

It is the largest publicly disclosed settlement for a defamation lawsuit in US history.

On Tuesday, April 18, 2023, Dominion Voting Systems’ lead attorney, Justin Nelson, said the settlement represents vindication for Dominion and accountability for Fox News.

“People across the political spectrum can and should disagree on issues even of the most profound importance…. For our democracy to endure for another 250 years and hopefully much longer, we must share a commitment to facts.”

The fact is that while Fox News has expanded the coverage of events, it has also done some of the worst distortions of events and mangling of facts in the contemporary TV and political history of the United States.

No doubt, it has given opportunities to several minority and Blackthemed shows and made millions from those shows.

Regardless, it’s also the tv news/ opinion home to the some of the most racially polarizing broadcasts of toxic opinion and fearmongering features in the United States. The mix of right wing and conservative audiences and groups who consume its brew of intoxicating propaganda and swear by it. The Republican activists and viewers insist that Fox News “the much needed balance” — especially with the number of staunchly proliberal, Democratic party leaning media corporations and internet platforms across America!

Fox News was created and launched on October 7, 1996, by the equally controversial AustralianAmerican media mogul, Rupert Murdoch.

Fox News grew rapidly, knew how to speak and spin the language of partisan debates. All combined to make it the most influential and

Very revealing and telling about the water they drink at, Fox News, their reaction to a settlement which characterizes them as willful and irresponsible liars said it was “pleased to have reached a settlement…. This settlement reflects FOX’s continued commitment to the highest journalistic standards….”

The unrepentant spin ideologues did not and will never show remorse until more serious action and sanctions are taken by the courts.

It is adjudicated by a judge rather than an agency of the ruling party and government such as in Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

After Dominion’s case, Fox News has to contend with a lawsuit filed by Smartmatic which is seeking $2.7 billion in damages.

Here’s the strategy, according to Smartmatic attorney J. Erik Connolly: “Dominion’s litigation exposed some of the misconduct and damage caused by Fox’s disinformation campaign. Smartmatic will expose the rest…. Smartmatic remains committed to clearing its name, recouping the significant damage done to the company, and holding Fox accountable for undermining democracy.”

Fox News channel’s foxtrot and combustible propaganda and lies contributed to the destruction and attacks of January 6, 2021 on the United States Capitol.

As I wrote on USAfricaonline. com, a few days after the attack, January 6, 2021 has become the Donald Trump mob day of infamy.

It is the day that the United States and the world witnessed the explosion of the megalomanaical and selfish impulses of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.

On that day, Trump and his supporters diminished the collective dignity of America as a beacon of democracy. The mob invasion and thrashing of the U.S Capitol building, location of the Senate and House of Representatives, left millions wondering: is this really happening in America?

Why should Trump’s personal, naked ambition violently assault the temples of American Democracy?

-Dr. Nwangwu, is Founder of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline.com, and established USAfrica in 1992 in Houston.

Follow him on Twitter @ Chido247

Of all the Senators campaigning to be elected President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio towers above all in leadership qualities and political acumen.

Akpabio commands immense influence among his colleagues, has a national appeal, understands the workings of the legislature and is fiercely loyal to the Presidentelect and the country.

I recall that it was the stepping down of Akpabio for Tinubu in the last APC Presidential Primary at Eagles Square, Abuja, last year, that set the stage for the withdrawal of other aspirants from the race, thus facilitating Tinubu’s victory.

Given Akpabio’s deep experience in governance and politics, I trust that he will also give President Tinubu the required support and help to stabilize the polity if he is elected Senate president.

Akpabio has the full backing of the people of Akwa Ibom State and indeed the whole of the SouthSouth region, unlike the other contender to the position, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

A few weeks ago, Ohaneze Nd’Igbo, the socio-cultural organization of South East people, has asked Senator Kalu to drop out of the race because he is not fit for the job.

“Igbos cannot present somebody with an EFCC case; Igbos can’t

present somebody as Senate President with EFCC case that could be disgraced tomorrow; Igbos can’t present someone facing trial with EFCC’’, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary General of the organization said in response to Kalu’s aspiration.

Unlike Kalu, Akpabio has never been arrested or imprisoned. He served Akwa Ibom people creditably well as their governor between 2007 and 2015. He was elected Senator in 2015, soon after he left office as governor, and was unanimously elected Senate Minority Leader as soon as he got into the Senate, despite the fact that he was a junior Senator.

Such principal positions are usually reserved for ranking Senators, but because of the confidence his colleagues had in him, the requirement was waived for him.

Akpabio is also an asset to the APC. He worked with other APC leaders to secure 27% of the votes cast in the last Presidential election in his home state of Akwa Ibom for Tinubu.

In Abia State, where Senator Kalu is from, Tinubu performed very poorly.

In all, I urge the President-elect, the APC as a whole and all the other 108 senators of the 10 Senate to support the emergence of Senator Akpabio as the next Senate President.

-Etim writes from Lagos.

Etim Etim writes that ranking Senator Godswill Akpabio possesses the required qualities to serve as President of the 10th Senate.

OPPOSITION

UNUSUAL: AN EXPENSIVE DISTRACTION

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA urges the incoming government to set up a selfcorrecting measure to ensure its agenda is on track

REFLECTION ON TINUBU’S DIFFICULT VICTORY

For many practical politicians, politics is a serious business, from which only involves painstaking strategic calculations backed by cold tactical manoeuvres to

See page 25

ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT AND A THRIVING ECONOMY Entrepreneurial initiatives improve the economic health of a country, argues LEILA ABU

Many years ago, the great sage, Obafemi Awolowo, scorned his political opponents who had accused him of intellectual and him, he lectured his critics, was that while he burnt the candle at his work table day and night, his opponents were constantly in the company of women of distance between his policy output and Awolowo’s savvy political hard work may not have taken him to the prime but none, including his traducers, failed to acknowledge his indelible footprints least, his dexterity won him a place in the leadership of the Western Region, where he recorded monumental achievements

timelessness is the generation of citizens that claim today to be worthy inheritors of

political turf are essentially louts who have little or no regard for the rigours required to achieve a successful electoral outcome and talk less of delivering on the basic assignment of meeting the most than apprehend their laziness and sheer lack of capacity for their electoral failure they accuse every other person under the

See page 25

EDITORIAL

NIGERIAN AUTHORS AND COPYRIGHT DAY

But a few of them are up and doing president-elect, who repelled all mischiefs on his path to coast home to victory in the 25 February 2023 presidential poll on the

same political family birthed by Shehu Yar’Adua, a former military general and strategist, who later became a political organiser of men and women across the

From their output, it is clear that both learnt useful lessons on party formation and intra-organisational deftness in conspiratorial manoeuvre from their political master who departed for the great outfoxed legions of conspirators within their separate enclaves to emerge with natural occurrence of human endeavours,

one of the two students is bound to be

Marked for destruction since he exhibited the capacity to midwife the from even the most formidable political seven years plus he maintained a critical balance between the hostility of the men in power and the patience required not to rock the boat so that he could achieve his personal ambition of taking the mantle of

With power safely secured, he was of a share of power, having no nominee in the emergent cabinet; next, the party machinery was retrieved from him as his ally, Adams Oshiomhole, the combative former governor of Edo State, was relieved Following that move the entire party

but he knew he should not be angry, at very low while building the necessary network across regions that would come was the conspiracy against him that his party establishment did not intend to hold

As everyone would remember, the APC presidential primaries that were held in early June last year had no printed ballot papers even when ballot boxes were placed on the tables at the nomination edge him out through a consensus voice vote failed, delegates were simply asked to write the aspirant of their choice on a piece

Setting up a campaign team was a

herculean task, so much so that Abdullahi Adamu, the national chairman, in a leaked letter, protested the list of campaign Funding by the party and its leading lights became a serious challenge with the candidate relying heavily on his savings and long-standing friends to bankroll the formed by his party began the implementation of some public policies that were bound to attract the ire of the kilometres of queues; then there was the naira redesign that took even the most basic of cash away from the rich and the massive damage that they were doing to

strategic but practical management of the very powerful internal opposition forces arrayed against him that saw him through the shadow of death, and helped him to pick the top price both at the party and

Atiku was apparently less strategic and tactical despite his many years of hard work and the wide-ranging intellectual to subdue the internal opposition at the party’s primaries in May last year, he was, however, unable to formulate the strategy necessary to form the united front required to win a general election two major aspirants, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, abandon the party, two governors of high voting states of Rivers and Oyo, as well as three others, Benue, Ebonyi and Enugu, remained but worked

A cursory analysis of the results of the presidential poll would show clearly that Atiku’s loss arose from his inability to manage the internal quarrels as the votes from the dissident states gave victory to alone, the APC candidate got close to a

were votes that should have gone to the But could Atiku have done a better job would remain a debatable question for a Adebiyi, the managing editor of THISDAY Newspapers, writes from bolaji.adebiyi@ thisdaylive.com

BOLAJI ADEBIYI ex-rays the factors that aided the presidentelect’s victory

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA urges the incoming government to set up a self-correcting measure to ensure its agenda is on track

OPPOSITION

UNUSUAL: AN EXPENSIVE DISTRACTION

disposition that is being deployed during give way to clean and rational conversations those who understand the place and essence evolve a new response mechanism to the

Opposition as it used to be may not be dead but it will not be the prevailing order in the always there to disagree on policies and politics, in comes a new one that will centre like pull on attention in a way that any

mechanism helping to centre the goose chase, engaging and being dragged into controversies that have little or no should be no underrating that this could it will become evident that this approach

motivation to sustain the mob because

Entrepreneurial initiatives improve the economic health of a country, argues LEILA ABU

ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT AND A THRIVING ECONOMY

youth populations globally and the

that things will suddenly return to normal the opposition because the conventional opposition that primarily disagrees based on but the world that Donald Trump helped to alternate reality whilst trusting that its tech reality and then repeat it well enough, it will where those who would otherwise disagree have gone about their post-election agitation and legal business the usual way, that way an interim government and anything that would upset the transition as designed by to something even worse is credit to the

unusual opposition will always do its with the responsibility to deliver the goods

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Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

NIGERIAN AUTHORS AND COPYRIGHT DAY

Piracy kills creativity. It should be stemmed

As stakeholders mark the 2023 World Book and Copyright Day on Sunday, it is important to advance the protection of intellectual property in a country where the creative and knowledge industries are increasingly undervalued. In Nigeria today, the publishing industry other copyright abuses but the return on investment

Understandably, the threats posed by the digital environment would easily overwhelm a copyright system that was designed for an analogue world. Hence the need for a total overhaul of the regulatory and administrative framework of our copyright system in line with global best practices and the country’s international obligations under the relevant treaties.

For us to develop as a the scourge of piracy that has become a serious epidemic in the country.

Authors, publishers, producers and artistes spend a lot of time, money and a few hours, and with relatively cheap electronic equipment, the pirate, working from the comfort of their house, can make thousands of copies of such painstaking works. These unscrupulous characters thereafter sell the pirated works for a fraction of the price pegged by the authentic producer or author. owners of these intellectual properties, nothing kills creativity as fast as piracy.

artistic works have brought Nigeria. Our country has produced the late Professor Chinua Achebe (the author of the globally acclaimed ‘Things Fall to win a Nobel prize in Literature as far back as 1986), and award-winning writers like Ben Okri and Chimamanda Adichie, among others. These literary giants have helped to put Nigeria on the global map.

T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

Who knows how many Achebes and Soyinkas have been forced to quit writing on account of the activities celebrated writers and artistes living in penury as pirates ride piggy-back on their intellectual works to fortune.

More disturbing is that huge intellectual theft goes on daily in full public glare. Most of the people behind the crime are also known to the authorities. But they continue because there is no serious commitment to edge technology, the pirates appear to be one step

Commission (NCC) should be better funded to be ahead of the pirates. Above all, the people also need more enlightenment on what damage they do to creativity when they patronise pirated works. Meanwhile, the enforcement of rights must not be left to government agencies alone. Industry practice and internal mechanisms must be recalibrated while co-operations across all the subsectors should be encouraged. Working with other stakeholders, the NCC should intensify its public awareness and education programmes and assist in building a more functional and responsive copyright ecosystem.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world on Sunday, Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has underscored the essence of the World Book and Copyright Day as one meant to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. “It is a time to celebrate the importance of reading, foster children’s growth as readers, and promote a lifelong love of literature and integration into the world of work,” UNESCO charges. “Through reading and the celebration of World Book and Copyright Day, 23 April, we can open ourselves to others despite the distance, and we can travel thanks to the imagination.”

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

LETTERS

CHIBOK SCHOOL GIRLS AND SDGs IN NIGERIA

Nine years ago, some 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped from their dormitories at the Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, Borno State. These girls were preExamination but unfortunately, they did not write the much-anticipated exams that would launch them to actualizing their career paths. Some were lucky to escape. But the political and media drama after the kidnap was depressing as local, regional and global media platforms kept reporting about the issue while the government in our opinion did not swiftly act in the girls’ best interest in putting in the best security apparatus to ensure the safety and rescue of the girls. The #BringBackOurGirls campaign was formed by civil society organizations’ to bring global attention to the plight of the girls but unfortunately this also became an opportunistic movement for some persons to bring attention to themselves thereby gaining political favors with a few members subsequently being appointed into political

kidnapping of the girls, many more girls have been kidnapped in schools notably Leah Sharibu and other unknown names. A few others have also been kidnapped and killed by insurgents just for trying to get an education. Heartily, a few Chibok school girls were rescued years after their kidnap by the military but sadly they were no more girls but mothers of children they were ill-prepared to cater for and compelled wives to insurgirl-child education as an essential necessity for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, education and gender equality, many more girls in Nigeria still feel unsafe at school in spite of the fact that girl-child education is vital for the development of any nation. An educated girl has the immense capabilities to lift her family out of impoverishment and also ensure

safe scho ol’s declaration, which is aimed at protecting students, teachers, schools, and universities from attack has been done to enable girls to learn without fear. The federal government must prioritize student safety in addition to education in order to meet the SDGs, thereby making the country a force to be reckoned with in the League of Nations.

While I join the people of Chibok in praying for the safe return of their children, it is our fervent hope that the administration of President Buhari and the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu would give all it takes to ensure that the remaining Chibok schoolgirls and other kidnapped girls arrive back home in one piece to the warm embrace of their loved ones.

Oluwatoyin Olabisi, Executive Director Women & Girls Capabilities & Empowerment Organisation

It is a time to celebrate the importance of reading, foster children’s growth as readers, and promote a lifelong love of literature and integration into the world of work

RATES AS AT APRIL 20,2023

FG Pushes for Implementation of SAATM to Benefit from 155,000 New Jobs, $1.3bn Annual GDP

Chinedu Eze

The federal government has said it is determined to give full support to the implementation of Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in order to maximise the benefit therein.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, who stated that the air transport market in sub-Saharan Africa would always present a strong dichotomy in Southern and Eastern Africa wherein the market is growing, with few major African carriers dominating international and domestic markets, which are becoming increasingly concentrated.

Sirika’s declaration is coming

Eromosele Abiodun

The Norwegian Government has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) for her leading role in ensuring safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea and declared her readiness to deepen relationship with Nigeria.

The Royal Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt made her country’s

on the back of the claim by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), that SAATM would open up Africa’s skies and promote the value of aviation throughout the continent and explained that open air arrangements would boost traffic, drive economies and create jobs.

The global body said its survey suggests that if just 12 key Africa countries open their markets and increase connectivity, extra 155,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in annual GDP would be created in those countries.

The Minister acknowledged the significant progress and achievements of States and Institutions in this region, particularly the Africa Civil

Aviation Commission (AFCAC) for its efforts in the promotion of the implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization’s International Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for Civil Aviation Safety Oversight in the region as well as being the driver and promoter of Yamoussoukro Declaration (YD) and the SAATM.

Speaking, the Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, said SAATM would enhance intra-African connections and make movement of passengers and cargo smooth with minimum transit points at competitive prices.

Nuhu, however, solicited

collective resolve not only to implement SAATM but also to make conscious efforts to address the issues of non-physical barriers including the high cost of travel within the region.

Secretary General of AFCAC, Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi, disclosed that the immediate goal of AFCAC working with all the stakeholders, with support from technical and financial partners, is to improve the 5th Freedom Traffic penetration in Africa from the current level of 14.5 per cent to 30 per cent by 2025.

She noted that as more 5th freedom traffic rights are granted through liberalization, airlines can manage to connect more city-pairs in Africa, which would in turn

lead to the full maximization of the benefits associated with the direct and indirect gains from a competitive environment.

The objective of SAATM is to deregulate and harmonise African airspace, to allow flights to fly freely between AU member states, which are signatories to the initiative.

Experts said much could be gained from a deregulated single African air market because it would enhance interconnectivity, reduce costs and make it easier to integrate the region’s economies, trade and tourism.

According to IATA, SAATM is a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, an initiative of the African Union to create

a single unified air transport market in Africa to advance the liberalization of civil aviation in Africa and act as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda.

“SAATM will ensure aviation plays a major role in connecting Africa, promoting its social, economic and political integration and boosting intra-Africa trade and tourism as a result. The SAATM was created to expedite the full implementation Yamoussoukro Decision, which objective was to open African airspace for African airlines without immigration barriers.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

position known shortly after a working visit to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

During the visit, her team toured the Marine Environment Management Laboratory and the Command, Control, Computer, Communication and Information Center, otherwise known as the C4i Center of the Deep Blue Project, both located at the Agency’s operational office at

Kirikiri, Lagos. Huitfeldt, whose delegation from Norway included Shipowners from the Scandinavian country and the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Lein Knut, said the Gulf of Guinea is key to global shipping, noting that the Norwegian government welcomes the improved safety and security in the region as experienced in recent years. She added that her country is

prepared to deepen relationship with Nigeria in the maritime sector with particular reference to capacity development.

In her words, “the Norwegian Government is happy to be in collaboration with NIMASA and Nigeria as a whole, with regards to the maritime sector today. The safety and security of vessels and Seafarers particularly in the Gulf of Guinea is highly prioritized

by the Norwegian government. Therefore, Nigeria is a very important partner for Norway. We came here with shipowners from Norway to explore ways of collaboration to deepen the relationship between both countries, particularly in the area of capacity development.

NIMASA has progressed very well in achieving her vision of being the leading Maritime Administration in Africa.”

On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, assured the Norwegian delegation that the Agency in collaboration with other organs of government particularly the Nigerian and Navy would deepen regional collaboration to sustain the momentum of improved security in the region.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Sirika Directed to Halt Demolition of Aviation Agencies’ Offices

Chinedu Eze

The National Assembly joint committee on Aviation, headed by Senator Christine Olujumi and Honourable Nnolim Nnaji has directed the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika to halt the planned demolition of the offices of the aviation agencies in Lagos. The directive followed the twoday warning strike embarked by aviation workers’ unions, which crippled flight operations across the country on Monday and Tuesday this week.

In a letter jointly signed by the clerks of the committee and dated April 18, 2023, the two chairmen of the aviation committees expressed concerns over the frequency of industrial actions and the attendant disruption of flight operations in the country.

The joint committee noted

that most of the issues causing the agitations were not new and wondered why they had continued to linger, stressing that some of them have been in contention for years.

The letter also directed the Minister to furnish the committees with all the documents pertaining to the sundry issues raised by the workers, which include: non implementation of the consequential adjustment to national minimum wage by some of the agencies as agreed in February 2022; non release of reviewed condition of service by the relevant government agencies for about a decade and continuous threats of outright demolition of the aviation agencies, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, (NAMA) headquarters without alternative provisions for their regional offices.

According to the letter, “In order to prevent further escalation of the crisis as envisaged by the failure of the federal Ministry of Aviation to address the issues within this warning strike period , we are directed to request that you furnish the committees with the following information: comprehensive details of all issues under contention; actions taken by the Ministry and its agencies to address the grievances of the workers; challenges in implementing the various agreements reached with unions and any other documents that are germane to the subject matter.”

Meanwhile, the chairmen of the committees of both Chambers have also implored the unions to shelve any more actions that would further prevent smooth running of the sector, promising that their grievances will be duly addressed soonest.

BASL Commends United Nigeria Airline over IOSA Certification

The management of United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited has been commended for achieving the International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), two years after it commenced operations.

Commending the airline in a letter addressed to its Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MM2) in Lagos, said it was proud to be associated with United Nigeria Airlines, which it described as ‘a distinguished airline’.

In the letter signed by the duo of Oluwatosin Onalaja and Oluremi Jibodu, Head, Corporate Communications and Head,

Aeronautical and Cargo Services respectively, Bi-Courtney said the IOSA certification was a remarkable achievement by United Nigeria Airlines.

Bi-Courtney further said: “We are proud to have such a distinguished airline operating within our terminal and we are thrilled to see your hard work and dedication being acknowledged in such a meaningful way.”

According to the MM2 Operator, “Being recognised in this way is a testament to United Nigeria Airlines’ commitment to safety, service and excellence” adding that “it is truly an honour to work alongside such a respected and accomplished organization.”

AIR WATCH

Stakeholders Set to Address Aviation Sector Challenges

Chinedu Eze

Stakeholders in the aviation industry are set to address the challenges in the sector at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conferences (FNAC), which is billed to hold May 15-18, 2023 at the International Conference Center Abuja with the theme: Sustainability of the Nigeria Aviation Industry.

Some of the challenges to be addressed at the conference include: high foreign exchange, high insurance premium, increasing inflation, high cost of aviation fuel and high cost of aircraft maintenance, among others challenges.

The terminal operator also lauded United Nigeria Airlines for ‘the contributions you make to the success of the Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal 2”, noting that “your dedication to providing top-notch services to your passengers is evident in our interactions with your team, and we are grateful for the positive impact you have on our passengers’ travel experiences”. Wishing Unite Nigeria Airlines continued success, Bi-Courtney said it “looks forward to continued partnership” with the airline.

It would be recalled that IATA had on March 13, 2023 certified United Nigeria Airlines as IOSA compliant after a thorough and rigorous operational audit.

Olateru Lauds FG for Boosting Safety in Aviation Sector

The Director General of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Akin Olateru, has commended the federal government for boosting aviation safety in the country with the recent procurement of fire tenders for airports.

Giving this commendation recently in Abuja while receiving the executive members of the Nigeria Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) in his office, the NSIB boss said this was in line with the safety recommendation made in the past by NSIB, which was formerly known as Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

According to Olateru, by this gesture, the federal government, through the Ministry of Aviation, has demonstrated her commitment to

air safety and underlined the critical place of fire fighters in the safety of air travelers.

He recalled the Sosoliso crash of 2005 in which passengers, including school children, died in a most tragic manner and commended the Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika, for taking the bull by the horn to correct the error in the system.

Olateru said: “Sosoliso crash is an occurrence, which nobody prays to experience again because it was not just that the aircraft crashed, not just that people were burnt to death but that parents watched while their children were burnt to death. They were helpless. That memory will be with any parent for life.”

Earlier in his remark, the

President of NAFSA, Comrade Sunday Ugbeikwu, commended NSIB and its leadership for the wonderful work of promoting aviation safety in Nigeria.

While underscoring the importance of fire fighters as first responders during occurrences, the NAFSA president sought collaboration between NAFSA and NSIB to further boost aviation safety in the country.

The NSIB boss commended the critical role of the aviation fire fighters in air safety and urged them to assist NSIB in preserving the evidence at the crash sites.

The two organisations agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding as soon as possible to strengthen the relationship.

Oti Wins One Whole Bitcoin in Yellow Card Global Campaign

Nosa Alekhuogie

Julian Oti, a young Nigerian, has been rewarded with one whole Bitcoin, currently valued at over $30,000, for emerging winner in the just concluded Yellow Card global campaign.

Leading Pan-African Fintech , Yellow Card, announced the winner of its “A Whole in Your Wallet” global campaign at a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday. The campaign, which ran from February to April 2023, was designed to give Yellow Card users a soft landing following a rollercoaster in 2022 and a prolonged bear market in 2023. It also sought to empower

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts and facilitate their journey to financial freedom through smart trading choices and money moves.

Commenting on his journey with cryptocurrency and his emergence as the winner, Oti said: “I started trading cryptocurrency in 2016, but got on the Yellow Card App last year. I was attracted to the platform’s trading rates and its user friendliness. Last month after getting a message from Yellow Card about the ‘Whole in Your Wallet campaign’, I decided to participate in the competition. I increased the frequency of my transactions on the platform and to my surprise I was announced the winner at

Stakeholders are of the view that the aviation industry needs urgent turnaround to meet the set goals and objectives of the federal government, the international aviation community and the travelling public, hence the need for the conference.

According to stakeholders, government will want to optimize the benefits of air travel as a diplomatic tool to grow the country’s GDP and also create jobs, as industry operatives believe that the industry could provide additional 500, 000 jobs if the airline sub-sector is maximized and aerotropolis fully implemented.

FAAN said the conference would seek collaboration with state governments and potential investors to explore the huge investment in the states through the airports. It is believed that this would open up new air routes with corresponding increase in passenger and cargo traffic.

With no fewer than 6,974 participants that will attend the conference physically and virtually, the maiden Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conferences (FNAC) in 2022 provided avenues for frank discussions regarding the direction of aviation in Nigeria and is set to continue in the same trajectory in 2023.

Last year’s conference opened up many challenges that have been partly tackled and some are still in the radar of finding solutions to them. This has also led to some critical decisions and actions that have been taken in the sector.

The conference gave opportunities for domestic players in the industry, airlines, regulators, airport operators, and other service providers to vent and get to the causal factors of some of the challenges faced and solutions were proffered.

It was equally a catalyst for hastening some critical projects that have been completed, with others on-going, which include the installation of Airfield Lighting at the 2.7 km, Runway 18L/36R at the Murtala Muhammed Airport abandoned for 14 years and the completion of the Taxiway Bravo.

until conflicts in the regulatory framework are resolved.

However, some salient issues discussed are still begging for solutions with the staggering cost of Jet Fuel unaddressed, the lack of foreign exchange to be consistent in the business since aviation is a dollar denominated, capital intensive business and a host of others.

Like the maiden conference, FNAC is expected to bring together captains of industries, top government functionaries, seasoned aviation experts and key stakeholders like the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, state governors and chief executives of all Aviation industry, diplomatic missions and embassies as well as development partners and International Organisations.

Although there will be presentations, the FNAC is focused on solutions to existing issues and importantly an investment forum, which will focus on attracting local and international investors in order to keep them abreast of opportunities in the industry.

There will be speakers that will provide context to the three-day event with topics like: Sustainability of The Aviation Industry in Nigeria: The Regulators’ Perspective, Sustainability of The Aviation Industry in Nigeria: The Economics’ Perspective as well as Sustainability of The Aviation Industry in Nigeria: The Airport Operators’ Perspective.

the end of the campaign.”

Giving details about his plans, Oti explained that he would utilise part of the prize money to take care of personal needs, while he will re-invest the rest in trading digital assets.

The campaign encouraged users to carry out $10 worth of transactions daily on the exchange platform in order to stand a chance to win the grand prize of one whole Bitcoin at the end of the campaign, or $250 worth of cryptocurrency every week. The winner was selected via a transparent lucky draw format, witnessed and audited by an independent legal partner, Legalese, on April 4th, 2023.

The former (Runway 18L) had become an albatross to both airlines and government and was among major challenges domestic airlines had brought up, as it affected their ability to use their equipment to its full potential, limiting their operations by several hours daily during the long taxiing of aircraft from the international runway to the domestic terminals. The challenge has become a thing of the past with the completion of the state-ofthe-art runway lights at the domestic terminal. Currently, comprehensive rehabilitation of the international runway, known as Runway 18R is on-going and at the cusp of completion.

Within same time frame, the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, accented Aviation parastatal Bills into Law and one of the key points was turning the one time Accident Investigation Bureau ( AIB) into a multimodal transportation investigation agency, the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

The FNAC event in 2022 was able to identify the multiple regulations between FAAN and Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) as one of the major factors slowing down the growth of free trade zones in the country and suspended the issuance of licences to applicants on the FTZs at the nation’s airports

The meeting will also deliberate on repositioning cargo operations through Development of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Nigeria and a Lithuana Group Presentation on Mitigating the Impact of Braindrain in the Aviation Industry in Nigeria as well as Aviation Facilities/Equipment Leasing and financing with The Aviation Industry as a Stimulant for Economic Development.

As it was last year, this year is expected to feature an investment forum to attract Foreign Direct investment (FDI) for the country, especially with avenues for investments like cargo and passenger airports springing up in various states and providing mouth-watering opportunities.

States and even FAAN will have the space to market their assets towards achieving commercially viable airports (especially the secondary airports), tap from innovative and smart ideas to better run facilities as well as create diversification for revenue generation at Nigeria airports beyond aeronautical funding.

It is also expected that investors, business organisation will use the conference as opportunity for interface to harness opportunities in the aviation industry, which include advertisement, tourism and land development.

This year, the conference promises to be bigger and better, according to the organizers, as it will cover investments and national economic development, address the future of Nigerian airports with respect to safety, security, innovations, financing, leasing, sustainability and growth.

Addressing Insecurity at Nigerian Airports

Few days ago, news report indicated that a stowaway was discovered in the wheel-well of KLM Boeing B777 aircraft flight that originated from Lagos, Nigeria. According to the report, “A deceased stowaway was discovered in the wheel-well of a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 777 (registered PH-BQM). The aircraft originated from Lagos, Nigeria. It’s currently unknown how and when the man was able to climb into the aircraft, but an investigation has been launched.”

Analysing the report, a spokesperson of the Royal Dutch Marechaussee said: “The extra passenger is believed to have died from hypothermia. Occasionally, stowaways are discovered in wheel-wells of aircraft. ‘Sometimes they survive, but most of the time it goes wrong given the sharp drop in temperature. On longer flights, temperature can go down to minus fifty degrees, impossible to survive.” Although there have been arguments that the body found might not have entered the wheel-well of the aircraft in Nigeria, but the desperation of Nigerians to leave the country and the fact that there have been past records of Nigerians stealing away and dying in that part of the aircraft, weakened that argument, as the truth would be known when a comprehensive investigation is conducted.

SECURITY SYSTEM

Aviation security experts who spoke to THISDAY in relation to the incident, felt disappointed that stowaway has become recurring image-damaging problem of Nigeria and emphasised that it is only a committed security system with necessary structures and proper supervision that can stop the illegal access to the sterile areas of the airport where aircraft are parked. Stakeholders are also of the view that a compromised security apparatus can never effectively serve its purpose no matter the equipment deployed and the skilled personnel engaged, positing that in the airport system where security personnel accept bribes, solicit for money or extort money from travellers among others, the security system in that airport will remain

weak. They also averred that such corrupt system enables inside threat, suggesting that if terrorists come calling, they could induce security operatives with money and have their way and do maximum damage to the airport.

Industry observers have over the years identified infrastru ctural deficits at the airport, which enhance security breach and these include lack of security fencing, inadequate perimeter fencing, lack of effective monitoring of sterile areas or airside of the airport. For Lagos airport, THISDAY investigations revealed that the airport does not have comprehensive perimeter fencing, no complete security fencing, as unwanted persons access the airport premises through many sides around the airport, where the fences have broken down or such people build lose scaffolds to gain entrance to the airport premises.

SECURITY LAYERS

Aviation security expert and the CEO of Centurion Security and Safety Consult, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), said that attention must be paid to every sequence of security system at the airports and security operatives must be profiled on regular basis.

“There are about eight identifiable aviation security manned/defence layers outside the National Intelligence: one, Airline Pre-Passenger Screening; two, Counter-Checking Screening; three, Airport Access Control; four, Airport Checkpoint Screening; five, Airline Passengers Secondary Screening for Boarding; six, On-Board Screening; seven, Carry-on luggage Screening and Checked in Baggage Screening” he said.

Ojikutu, who is also the SecretaryGeneral of Aviation Round Table (ART), stated that there is airport security fence where the airport perimeter fence is not enhanced to secure the airport operational areas, noting that if anyone of these is neglected, not manned or compromised by unskilled or incompetent or corruptible staff, the airport is opened to any form of threats internal or external.

“What is necessary is having regular

checks, inspections and periodic audits from the oversight and regulations enforcement authorities internal and external. All I have said are clearly stated in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Security Programmes but do we have the adequate manpower as security operatives and inspectors in required or sufficient numbers? The NCAA (Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority) should be the one to answer that from its annual audits on the operators, airport, airlines and the allied services,” he said.

Ojikutu observed that cargo screening is also very important especially for those meant to be carried into passengers’ flight, noting that any stowaway is an insider threat or assisted by a mole as an insider’s threat. Insider threat is when airport worker uses the stamp of authority because of his recogised office or position to compromise security by facilitating illicit access to the airport, aircraft or any forbidden areas of the airport. Most terror attacks at the airport were facilitated by insiders in cahoots with terrorists.

He itemised ways incidents of stowaways can be minimized, “Was the dead body that of a passenger or stowaway? If it is a passenger, hold the airline responsible: if stowaway, hold the airport security operatives or authority at the operating/security restricted area, responsible. If a stowaway, he must have been an airport/airline staff or former staff who has worked closely with aircraft or must have been a mole ‘working’ in the airport, or could have been aided by someone (insiders threat) working in the airport restricted area. It tells me that the airport security programmes do not include patrol nor internal surveillance of the flight maneuvering/grounds areas. MMA is one major airport in the country that is within the urban development area of four most populated LGAs of Lagos and complicated road networks.

“We had similar experiences with a boy of about 10 years on KLM flight from Lagos to Amsterdam returned to Lagos alive, I received him: another

(dead) on Egypt Air Accra to Lagos and yet another on BA from Lagos to London and to New York but was identified as a Nigerian because of the Naira found on his dead body. No matter the sophistication of the security equipment in our airport if the operatives and supervising authorities are not skilled or dedicated, the equipment is as good as nothing. Secondly, not many of our airports have Security Fences (ICAO Annex17): they are laid more of perimeter fences (ICAO Annex17 14) which are not security enhanced nor complied with the National Civil Aviation Security Programme and you wonder how they get certified by the NCAA and sometimes too by ICAO. We have had so many incursions at MMA and other airports, including Kaduna, Maiduguri, Calabar, etc. What has been the outcome of the investigations if ever there was any? I rest my case,” Ojikutu who was former Commandant of Lagos airport, said.

INVESTIGATION

Another aviation security expert and Chief Executive Officer of Selective Security International Limited, Nigeria, Ayo Obilana, told THISDAY that to ascertain if the stowaway actually entered the aircraft wheel-well in Lagos, concerned authorities must carry out thorough investigation to know how the stowaway entered the aircraft as extra unwarranted passenger. After the investigation which ought to obtain a video clip where the person was entering the wheel-well of the aircraft, if the aircraft location was covered by CCTV.

“Armed with information from the investigation, security authorities at the airport must look at the areas that are potentially porous and put measures that can enhance security to cover these areas where security could be compromised. The gaps must be closed around the airport to ensure adequate security coverage of the airport premises. Stowaway is not peculiar to Nigeria. It happens even in advanced countries,” he said.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Intricacies of Maternal Mortality Rate

Nigeria’s Maternal Mortality ratio is 1,047/100,000 live-births, representing the highest number of maternal deaths with approximately 82 000 deaths, and accounts for more than a quarter (28.5 per cent) of all estimated global maternal deaths in 2020, writes Ugo Aliogo

Every two minutes, one woman dies globally during pregnancy or childbirth, according to recent report by United Nations (UN) agencies.

The report titled: “Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000 to 2020,” which was unveiled recently by the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Bank Group and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) /Population Division, reveals alarming setbacks for women’s health in recent years.

The report said maternal deaths either increased or stagnated in nearly all regions of the world.

Commenting on the report, the WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “While pregnancy should be a time of immense hope and a positive experience for all women, it is tragically still a shockingly dangerous experience for millions around the world who lack access to high quality, respectful health care. These new statistics reveal the urgent need to ensure every woman and girl has access to critical health services before, during and after childbirth, and that they can fully exercise their reproductive rights.”

The report, which tracks maternal deaths nationally, regionally and globally from 2000 to 2020, showed that there were an estimated 287 000 maternal deaths worldwide in 2020, indicating only a slight decrease from 309, 000 in 2016 when the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) came into effect.

While the report presents some significant progress in reducing maternal deaths between 2000 and 2015, gains largely stalled, or in some cases even reversed,

after this point.

THE UNICEF REPORT

The report said the current total for children under the age of five stands at nearly 31 million while each year at least seven million babies are born. It added that while a little over one in three of Nigeria’s population live below the poverty line among children, the proportion surges to 75 per cent.

According to the report, “Nigeria’s 40 million women of childbearing age (between 15 and 49 years of age) suffer a disproportionally high level of health issues surrounding birth. While the country represents 2.4 per cent of the world’s population, it currently contributes 10 per cent of global deaths for pregnant mothers. Latest figures show a maternal mortality rate of 576 per 100,000 live births, the fourth highest on Earth. Each year approximately 262,000 babies die at birth, the world’s second highest national total.

Infant mortality currently stands at 69 per 1,000 live births while for under-fives it rises to 128 per 1,000 live births. More than half of the under-five deaths 64 per cent result from malaria, pneumonia or diarrhoea. Investment in this sector has been high in recent years although the proportion of patients able to access appropriate treatment remains low.”

UNFPA’S POSITION

The Country Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ms Ulla Mueller,

said according to the UN Agencies report, Nigeria’s MMR ratio is 1,047/100,000 live births, representing the highest number of maternal deaths with approximately 82 000 deaths, and accounts for more than a quarter (28.5 per cent) of all estimated global maternal deaths in 2020.

She explained that the figures were slightly lower when compared to 1,148/100,000 in 2000 and 1,113/100,000 live births in 2015, indicating a 0.7 per cent annual rate of reduction, noting that these could be attributed to the impact of various interventions such as improved MPDSR coordination and reporting; the increased investments in midwifery education and regulation; reduction in HIV/AIDs related maternal deaths; and increased access to SRH/FP/MH services facilitated by the UHC initiative.

MATERNAL DEATH

Mueller remarked that the main causes of maternal deaths in Nigeria remain haemorrhage especially post-partum, pre-eclampsia and hypertensive disorders, sepsis and infections, and abortion complications.

She also averred that the underlying factors are socio-cultural and harmful gender norms against women and girls, dysfunctional health systems in relation to availability, acceptability, affordability and quality of SRHR services, and the preference for home delivery with traditional birth attendants.

According to her, “In the last two years,

UNFPA efforts in addressing the maternal mortality in Nigeria include: strengthened capacity for coordination and implementation of Maternal, Perinatal and Child Death Surveillance and Response.

“Yes, the federal government is committed to tackling malnutrition in Nigeria and various ongoing interventions, for example, the UNFPA Iron-Folic Acid supplementation initiative addressing maternal nutrition and anaemia, a leading cause of maternal death in Nigeria.”

EXPERT OPINION

Experts believe the maternal mortality rate in Nigeria is at an alarming rate due to myriad factors.

Programme Manager, Hacey Health Initiative, Chioma Osakwe, said the deductions from available data shows that for every 100,000 births in Nigeria, 557 mothers have been lost to maternal health complications. She added that the data could get worse when it narrowed down to pregnant young/ adolescent girls.

She said: “The problems faced by pregnant women in accessing healthcare services contribute significantly to maternal mortality; however, in other not to dwell so much on the problems as unnecessary as they may seem, as an organization, we have engaged with a partner and relevant stakeholders at various levels with the aim of proffering solutions to the challenges faced by pregnant women, especially young moms.”

For several years there have been incidents of Nigerians hiding in the wheel-well or other parts of aircraft to escape from the country. The continuous record of these incidents is an indication that the security system at the airports is weak and porous, writes Chinedu Eze

AAAN @ 50: The Gains, the Pains

Before and after Nigeria’s independence in 1960, a few Nigerians who by design or accident ventured into the business of advertising struggled hard for recognition but their voice was not heard. Of course, the challenges had since been attributed to various factors, including the nebulous origin of the profession, foreign dominance and nonchalant attitude of the government. But in 1973, the Major-General Yakubu Gowon administration’s indigenisation Policy became the opportunity the few practitioners were waiting for to put their feet on the ground and assert authority.

Thus, the decree encouraged those in the business of advertising to form a body then called Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria (AAPN), which has since changed its name to Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN). Looking back into the last 50 years, Nigeria’s advertising business has witnessed tremendous growth especially in recent times. Seen from the view point of agency billings, proliferation of advertising agencies and contribution to brand building, the industry is indeed experiencing the best of times.

Obviously, there is no brand in Nigeria that is worth its salt, either local or international brand, that has not worked with at least one member of this association. Such was its importance and relevance to the business and practice of advertising and the whole gamut of brand building and nurturing.

Unfortunately, the consistent appeal made to help in managing the ‘project Nigeria’ brand hasn’t been given the expected approval by the federal government. Another noticeable flaw on the part of the government is poor recognition and patronage for the industry. In

2013, when the association was celebrating its 40th anniversary, the then president, Mrs Bunmi Oke, promised that by 2023 advertising agencies should be the ones working on various federal government campaigns through the ministries and parastatals.

“Vision is that at the federal government level, the president and his ministers whenever they want to do a campaign, the first thing they will have in mind is the fact that “which agency are we using. Just the same way they will ask of the accountants and lawyers, I want it to get to a point where they will realise and recognise the importance of putting think-tanks together to always work on those projects,” she recalled Speaking further, she said this should also extend to foreign missions in the country.

Adding, “I would like a situation whereby when foreign embassies in Nigeria are doing things, they would look for agencies to work with and promote things in Nigeria, that day, I will know we’ve really come of age as professionals.”

ENGAGING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

As at today, advertising agencies have not been able to work on 50% of federal government briefs. On the part of agency owners, it is time they increase the rate at which they engage both federal and governments for advertising briefs.

Perhaps, agency heads need to intensify their efforts in lobbying governments for advertising jobs and more advertising

professionals need to jostle to occupy more public offices so as to facilitate advertising businesses and above all, Nigeria advertising professionals should market their services.

Apart from working to have more government briefs, experts have urged advertising professionals to strive and meet the expectations of present sophisticated and technologically savvy customers that easily use multiple devices to talk to themselves.

In terms of combining creative copy writing or brand content creation and publishing to form advertising storytelling to face the emergence of different audiences in the present day digital world, few agencies appear to have gotten there while some are still struggling to find their feet.

However, to many experts, it has been established that whether the creative industry likes it or not, there is still a need to establish proper advertising vocational schools to train and retrain prospective and potential advertising practitioners in order to make them capable of facing and solving the present and future advertising challenges

The recent unveiling of the 50th anniversary logo of AAAN in Lagos, no doubt, signaled the commencement of a year-long celebration of the golden jubilee of this group, comprising agencies and individuals, whose contributions to the nation’s advertising space, have remained undimmed by time.

NEW LOGO UNVEILED

But, besides the logo unveil witnessed

by the crème de la crème of the industry, including some past presidents of the association, the event also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to walk down memory lane, and relive how the association had been able to shape the cause of advertising in Nigeria in the past five decades.

Interestingly, the exploits were not in short supply, and, of huge significance was the revelation of the association’s role in bringing forth the apex regulatory body in the industry, the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), now Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON ).

Speaking on the history of advertising in Nigeria, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, AAAN, Sir Steve Omojafor noted that advertising practice had evolved, since making its debut, in 1928, in Nigeria, through the West African Publicity Ltd, set up by the UAC to serve its interests and those of other companies in some English-Speaking West African cou ntries.

Of note, also, is the advent of Lintas, and the agency’s take-over of the West African Publicity role, after the latter had left the scene, thereby becoming the first agency to play in the nation’s a dvertising space. Omojafor was also quick to remind the audience that the first set of advertising then was at its crudest form, carried out by town-criers; with products physically taken from one community to the other.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

The decision made five decades ago by a few vibrant and forward-looking professionals in the then evolving Nigeria’s Marketing space to harness the opportunities provided by the indigenisation policy of the federal government, through formulation of an organised professional body, could be said to have yielded bountiful success but not without some drawbacks. Raheem Akingbolu reports.

IKENNA OBIDIKE: Reshaping Real Estate Industry in Nigeria

Mr Ikenna Obidike, the CEO of Gold Point and Arrow Properties Limited, a leading real estate company, operating mainly in Lagos and the South-east part of the country, is on the road to his zenith. From being a registered shipping company dealing in clearing and forwarding in 1999, his inspiring career trajectory metamorphosed into a multimillion realtor in Lagos State. REBECCA EJIFOMA reports that the real estate enthusiast is bent on reshaping the industry

Ikenna Obidike is the CEO of Gold Point and Arrow Properties Limited. And over the years, the company has delivered quality projects. The CEO attributes this sterling achievement to hard work, resilience, intentional effort and consistency from bottom to top.

When 30 years ago, Obidike hit the road for Lagos from the far East in Ichi, Anambra State, like a wise man seeking greener pastures, little did he know that things would fall effortlessly into pleasant places for him. “I moved in with my elder brother living in Lagos. It was an eight by eight size apartment in a face me-I face you compound in Festac Town,” he recounted gleefully.

“The room had only four by four ceilings. It was that tiny, and it was the last room before the toilet and bathroom. “At that time, our walls usually got drenched. I wasn’t enjoying the place, but I had no option. When you woke up, you would see children pooping in front of your room. You would be helpless because you must avoid being attacked by furious parents.

“When I started making money, I moved to the Island, and because of my experience in my former compound, the first thing that came to my mind was to acquire property. I started buying landed property. I have friends that are into real estate. When I saw what they were doing, I told myself I was getting there,” he added.

According to the property developer, he had two plots of land where he lived at Osapa London in the Lekki area of Lagos. First, he developed the one at the back, sold it, and dwelt effortlessly in a rented apartment with his nuclear family. “I later moved out of my home to a rented apartment because I soon realised that the real estate business is capital-intensive,” he admitted.

The only words he could resonate with were generating capital. “I needed capital to go into it, and the only way to raise money was by selling my house in Osapa London. I had other landed property. I had to demolish my duplex to build three homes. That was how I raised the capital to begin the real estate business fully.

“I lived in a rented house with my wife and children for years. It was not an easy decision, but because I knew where I was going, I continued. My motivation is to give people a decent home. I want to see people live in good homes. I have built three houses for people without

roofs over their heads as gifts. So every time I remember where I am coming from, I want to help and ensure that Nigerians live in better homes with clean and pleasing environment.”

For Obidike, passion lured him into real estate. “The need to end the housing problems in Nigeria compelled me into this industry,” he told THISDAY at his Lekki office. “When I left my home in Ichi, I had no intention of joining the real estate business. I delved into the Clearing and Forwarding business and registered my company in 1999.

“If you look at the company’s logo of Gold Point. That arrow is the anchor of the ship. It is still valid today. We are still into clearing. We registered the company in 1999. It has been in operation since then. We joined the real estate business in 2017. We have been doing well since then. We have built many houses. We started in Osapa London before we started spreading to Chevy View. We have built several houses there as well.”

Gold Point’s Uniqueness

On what stands Gold Point

out from other developers, the developer insisted that quality is their benchmark. “When you visit our properties, and you see the finishing – the quality of material we use – you won’t need anybody to tell you this is different,” he chuckled. We believe in quality, and it has been helping us. When we build, we don’t waste time selling.

Need for Government to Synergise with Citizens

While the people are willing to make their bids, there is a need for the government to give them a pat on the back or just a handshake, Obidike opined. He decried that despite the tremendous successes recorded since he ventured into real estate, the lack of government support in providing the necessary infrastructure has not encouraged the business.

The government, according to Obidike, needs to start building infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water. Even if it means paying N2 million as a development fee, the developers can now come in and start building. “But what we are witnessing as developers is you buying land, sand-fill it, fix the roads, buy transformers, provide water and fix the drainages.

“Once the government provides some necessary infrastructure, he continued, it becomes easier for developers to come in, build and sell at a more affordable rate to citizens.”

As a fast-rising real estate company in Nigeria, Obidike is confident that in the next five years, Gold Point and Arrow Properties Limited will grow in leaps and bounds in the country and in Africa. “We will be one of the most talked about real estate companies in the country,” he said.

CSRs, Donation of Homes to Homeless

For Obidike, while others chose real estate as their calling, real estate chose him. Hence, he continues to impact lives through corporate social responsibilities and giveaways.

According to Obidike, “We have constructed roads in Osapa London. I am one of the people that built most of the roads in Osapa London. Currently, we are doing another one because when I have a project somewhere, and there is water on the road disturbing them, I will bring in stones to fix the environment and make it look clean for people to come and live.

My motivation is to give people a decent home. I want to see people live in good homes. I have built three houses for people without roofs over their heads as gifts. So every time I remember where I am coming from, I want to help and ensure that Nigerians live in better homes with clean and pleasing environment

Obidike

Humanising Energy not a Project but a Mindset – PCTS Chairman

The chairman, Petroleum Contractors Trade Section (PCTS) of the Lagos chamber of commerce and industry, Mr Tayo Akinkunmi, has called on stakeholders of the energy sector to adopt environmentalfriendly processes in their quest towards actualising energy sustainability.

He emphasised that humanising energy is not a project but a mindset that takes into cognisance, the fact that though humans need energy, the process of making the energy available and of consuming it has an impact on the environment we live in.

Adding that, this also recognises that societies have to leverage their natural resources as a means of eliminating poverty. It is therefore a paradigm shift that demands accountability and balance in our energy systems.

Akinkunmi who made the call while speaking at the Emerging Leaders Forum on the Future of Energy at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, reiterated the role of technology in solving the energy trilemma of getting a balance between Energy Security, Affordability and Sustainability and its impact on everyday life.

Akinkunmi

“The human race has always looked towards technology to surmount challenges and the energy industry has had a significant share of such advancement.

“ In order to make energy reliably available, the industry needs to continue to leverage on advancements to diversify and improve energy sources;

improve storage technologies; and improve off-grid solutions for stranded communities,” he stated.

The advocacy group’s chief noted further that by deploying technologies such as vendor-led solutions of member companies of PCTS, would significantly improve energy projects and cut down delivery time, es-

INGENIUM CONCEPTS, NCSA TO TRAIN 4 MILLION AFRICANS ANNUALLY ON CUSTOMER SERVICE

In a bid to equip Africans with the core skills of excellent customer service as well as train them in the act of customer relationship, a business advisory firm, Ingenium Concepts Limited in partnership with the United States -based National Customer Service Association (NCSA), has embarked on a mission to train 4 million people annually across Africa.

The training sessions which hold virtually in cohorts throughout the year had their first cohort for 2023 recently.

Speaking at the opening of the training, globally certified Customer Service Expert and Principal CEO of Ingenium Concepts Limited, Jennifer Orode, said, “We are in partnership with NCSA to use this programme to train 4 million people annually across Africa.

“It is not just West Africa; we will run it in South, East, and Central Africa. It is going to run for a minimum of five years. This is because we want Africa’s economy and general business landscape to be better, and we are contributing our quota through these training cohorts.”

Orode explained further that the training programme initiative is aimed at equipping participants with the core skills of excellent customer service to help reduce the gap in whatever industry and grow the economy in terms of Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

“The training is targeted at the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and other organisations across all sectors. SMEs can do better and help grow our economy. The customer service representatives can be an exception at service”, she noted.

sentially ensuring energy is available to consumers.

On sustainability, Mr Akinkunmi stated that, “member companies of PCTS have solutions that are geared towards helping their stakeholders reduce emissions associated with operations and capturing emission for storage or re-purposing.”

Janettotty Launches in Nigeria Golden Terra Soya Oil Unveils Mega-Fill Pack

Stories by Mary Nnah

Having significantly made some giant strides in the European market in the last 12 years, Janettotty, a makeup range designed to serve women of colour, has entered into the Nigerian market with two products - a 2-in-1 foundation and power.

The brand was launched in Lagos recently amidst several celebrities in attendance.

Janet Totty is a Nigerian lady, proud of her heritage and unwilling to compromise on her true identity. According to her, “Over the years, I have learned that true beauty comes from loving and expressing ourselves as we are, and not from struggling towards perfection. Confidence is where true beauty starts.

After 12 years of intensive research in the cosmetic industry in Germany, I was inspired to create an inclusive makeup line that remedies fundamental inadequacies for people who look like me; this is why I decided,

through Janettotty, to make quality products available that would suit similar skin tones and be easily accessible across Europe and Africa.”

Janet Totty further stated that

“I deeply believe that all people of color should be able to find the right makeup that matches her skin tone and projects her style, without having to compromise, sacrifice quality, lose time mixing and matching, or break the bank.

Janettotty’s makeup line is designed to accentuate your natural beauty, not conceal it; and I am committed to helping all people of color feel confident and beautiful. I will forever stand by those values no matter what, “she added. Speaking on the products, Brand Manager Janettotty Nigeria, Kachi Agaechetasaid,“Perfectcomplexion

2-in1 foundation is a lightweight, soft matte, silky touch, medium to full coverage, and a long-lasting magic foundation that improves the complexion. This is available in 4 shades adding that “All actives provide intense hydration and a youthful glow.

Golden Terra Soya Oil has announced the launch of its 1 Litre Mega-Fill packs across key marketsinNigeria.ThenewGolden TerraSoyaOilMega-Fillpackcomes in the form of a tamper-proof refill pouch making it easy to use for chefs, caterers, and homemakers that desire quality, healthy, convenientandaffordablesoyaoilfortheir everyday meals.

The launch of the new Mega-Fill packisparticularlyimportantforthe brand as it is guaranteed to cater to theneedsofconsumerswhosought a more convenient family pack size. The Mega-Fill pack adequately fits into the family’s weekly purchase requirements for an all-purpose healthy cooking oil that enhances the natural taste and aroma of food and fries. Fortified with Vitamin A, Golden Terra Soya Oil is a good source of Omega 3 & 6 and contains zero cholesterol and zero Trans Fat to help promote good heart health. It also possesses low oil retention for crispy meals and a neutral taste that can fit seamlessly into nearly any recipe that calls for cooking oil. Its high smoke point also makes

it suitable for deep fryings and high-heat cooking methods like stir-frying, baking and roasting. The introduction of the Golden Terra Mega-Fill pack is in keeping with the current trends of consumers who are becoming more conscious of their spending, based on limited purchasing power and understanding of the consumer desires for an affordable healthy oil in a refill pack that meets their needs. Deepanjan Roy, Group Executive Director - TGI says the launch of Golden Terra Soya Oil in 1 Litre Mega–Fill pack was generally designed to meet the needs of consumers who sought a more convenient family pack size.

“We are more than happy to provide consumers with this affordable refill pack that fits into their weekly purchases without compromising on quality and value. Now Consumers can be assured of the same healthy cooking oil and benefits that Golden Terra Soya Oil is renowned for in a new and more convenient pouch,” he says.

Unlimint Expands Reach to Nigeria, Offering Cutting-edge Payment Technology

Leading global fintech brand, Unlimint, is set to launch its operations in Nigeria, after receiving its Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) License from the CBN. This milestone development authorizes Unlimint to operate as a recognised payment service provider in the region, enabling the delivery of a wide range of payment services and methods that will help local businesses expand their reach to a local

and global audience. Headquartered in London, and with a presence in over four continents including Asia, Europe and South America, Unlimint’s entry into Nigeria comes at a critical time when the country is experiencing an increasing demand for faster and more secure payment solutions.

Over the last few years, the fintech industry has experienced consistent growth, prompting companies to

recognise the significance of providing diverse payment solutions to their clients.

Unlimint is poised to leverage its expertise and experience in the global payments industry to deliver tailor-made solutions that meet the unique needs of the Nigerian market.

Commenting on this remarkable accomplishment, Trevor Goott, Director for Africa & India, expressed immense satisfaction with the expansion, citing the organization’s

vision to be a key player in the region, and riding on the wave of the digital and technological innovations sweeping across the financial technology and payments sector within the African continent.

He said: ‘‘The African technology and payments sector has witnessed an exciting transformation over the past few years, with Nigeria being at the forefront of the African payments revolution.

OgbeSharePractical Tips to Leverage New Media at Awosika’s Int’l Woman Leadership Conference Dubai

Sunday Okobi

One of the highlights of the second edition of the Ibukun Awosika International Woman Leadership Conference (TIWLC) held recently at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City in the United Arab Emirates, was the plenary on

‘Leveraging New Media for Effective Communication and Influence.’

The organisers of the conference said the session was held on the last day of the conference and anchored by two prominent new media experts, J J Omojuwa and Omawumi Ogbe.

The conference, with the theme: ‘Against All Odds’, was a gathering of women

professionals, entrepreneurs and political leaders from various industries across the globe.

It is an annual event designed to empower women leaders in various industries across the globe to occupy leadership positions with excellence, integrity, and purpose.

Meanwhile, one of the anchors of the programme, Ogbe, is a PR consultant and the

The initiative, themed, ”Be That Exceptional Customer Service Representative”; seeks to empower one million customer care agents across Africa in each quarter of the year.

The first cohort, held on March 31, 2023, was a hybrid event, offering onsite components in Lagos, Nigeria and a virtual training room where participants joined from wherever they were.

Orode expressed that, “Despite the pacey growth of the African economy engendered by thriving SMEs on the continent, there still exists a significant gap of skilled labour, especially in customer service”.

She noted that in a highly competitive world, businesses that will be profitable and sustainable must devise means to consistently guarantee access to their customers’ resources, noting therefore that the initiative is her firm’s response to that gap.”

She said, “It will not be a wishy-washy event that will scratch the surface of customer service delivery. Instead, it will deliver on the intricacies of customer dynamics and behavior in the modern world to the benefit of all stakeholders in the world of business, customers, customer care representatives, and businesses alike”.

“Many SMEs out there don’t know how to service their customers and that is why we see horrible service that affects them. Customer services affect the business cultures and the training is not only for customer service staff but for the Human Resources, HR, Accountant, and even the security guards at the gate. Every employee needs this training”, she added. To enable them to deliver this laudable initiative and reach a vast audience; Ingenium Concepts revealed further that the firm will work in partnership with organisations across Africa that demonstrate their commitment to improving customer service on the continent and are making a positive impact on the communities they serve.

NKOLI NWA NSUKKA’S MEGA CARNIVAL TO EMPOWER LESS PRIVILEGED IN ENUGU

Rebecca Ejifoma

Widows and children in Nsukka Enugu state are all warming up for the 7th edition of the Mega Carnival with Nkoli Nwa Nsukka slated for April 23rd in Nsukka, Enugu state. The event is powered by Nollywood star actress and philanthropist Rachael Okonkwo, known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka.

Mega Carnival with Nkoli Nwa Nsukka is a charity act touching lives and putting smiles on people’s faces. For this edition, “We will empower over 5,000 children and families among others in need”.

Although the previous six editions have been held in Enugu and Anambra states, respectively, Nkoli is confident that the 7th edition will sweep residents and beneficiaries off their feet.

Highlighting her aim to reach out to the less advantaged persons and widows in society, Nkoli says making each year’s carnival bigger, better, and more excitement-packed is her benchmark.

“I expect to host over 5,000 kids and families. This is our way of giving back to society to improve the world,” she emphasised. This year, Nkoli will roll out stationery and leisure items to kids while widows will receive foodstuff.

She added: “We will equip the youth with empowerment tools to significantly reduce the unemployment rate and allow them to showcase their talent.”

managing partner of GLG Communications, a Lagos-based PR and reputation management agency, while Omojuwa is the founder and lead strategist at The Alpha Reach, one of Nigeria’s foremost Digital Media companies. He is the author of ‘Digital Wealth’ book, who has over a decade of experience in enhancing media relations and conducting research.

While catering to those in need, Nkoli is not letting raw talents slip through her fingertips. She is creating an ambiance for youths to display their skills.

She affirmed: “The Mega Carnival with Nkoli Nwa Nsukka will allow youth to showcase their innate gifts,” which will be harnessed for a more productive outcome.

The actress, best known for her humanitarian activities and role in blockbuster movies, regretted that the carnival suffered setbacks in 2020 and 2021 occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. “That is why this year’s gathering will make up for the two years we laid low,” she hinted.

Celebrating 100 Years of Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe

PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors, a foremost law firm in Nigeria, is set to commemorate the centenary of its Founding Partner, Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe OFR, CON. To mark this significant milestone, the firm has designed a comprehensive year-long events aimed at giving back to the society, honoring the accomplishments of its founding partner, and celebrating the firm’s growth.

Honourable Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe OFR, CON, was a distinguished Nigerian jurist who practiced law all over West Africa from Warri from 1947 to 1961 and served as a judge in the then Eastern Region of Nigeria High Court and Chief Justice of Midwest Region of Nigeria rising to the position of Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Formative Years

He was born on August 12, 1923, at Kaduna, Nigeria, the fourth (and only surviving) child of Alexander Ahudinma and wife, Madam Christiana Idigbe.

Chike, as he was fondly called, began his education at St. Mary’s Catholic Mission, Port Harcourt, at the age of six. He later gained admission to Christ the King College, Onitsha, in 1937.

Foray into Law

In 1943, he passed the Cambridge examination in Division One and obtained an exemption from the London Matriculation Examination. He had planned to study engineering in London but suddenly and in an interesting manner changed his mind to study law and was admitted to study law at King’s College, University of Cambridge. He finished brilliantly from King’s College, obtaining a Second-Class Upper Division Grade in his LLB in 1946 and winning the much-coveted Forster-Campbell Prize in Criminal Law. He was also one of the first four Nigerians to pass the Cambridge University Law examination with honours- the others being Dr. T.O. Elias (former Attorney General of the Federation and Chief Justice of Nigeria), Dr. G.B.A. Coker, and Gabriel Onyuike QC, SAN.

Being the first lawyer in the Asaba Division and the then Benin Province, in 1947, upon his return to Nigeria, he was welcomed in grandeur. He was admitted to the Nigerian Bar later that year. He settled in Warri, where he established his law office PUNUKA Chambers (named after his great-great-grandfather Obi Idigbe, who was married to one ‘Onye Punuka’) with the famous Sierra-Leonean lawyer Nelson Williams. In 1961, he was appointed a Judge of the Eastern Nigeria High Court, and in 1964, he was elevated to the position of Justice of the Supreme Court. From 1964-1967, he served concurrently as the Chief Justice of the newly created Mid-Western region before he ceased to be a Nigerian judge as a result of the Civil War.

In 1972, he joined Irving and Bonnar, the oldest law firm in Nigeria as a partner, and three years later in 1975, he was re-appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He shared the Supreme Court bench with notable Justices such as: Hon. Justice William Algernon Holwell Duffus, Hon. Justice Edger Ignatius G. Unsworth, Hon. Justice John Idowu Conrad Taylor, Hon. Justice Vahe Robert Bairamian, Hon. Justice Eugene O. Adeyinka Morgan, Hon. Justice Louis Nwachukwu Mbanefo, Hon. Justice Michael Oguejiofo Ajegbo, Hon. Justice George Baptist A. Coker, Hon. Justice Charles Dadi Onyeama, and Hon. Justice Ian Lewis. Others include Hon. Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams

(CJN), Hon. Justice Udo Udoma, Hon. Justice Taslim Olawale Elias (CJN), Hon. Justice George Sodeinde Sowemimo (CJN), Hon. Justice Dan Ibekwe, Hon. Justice Darnley Arthur R. Alexander (CJN), Hon. Justice Mahman Nasir, Hon. Justice Muhammed Bello (CJN), Hon. Justice Charles Olusoji Madarikan, Hon. Justice Andrew Otutu Obaseki, Hon. Justice Anthony Nnaemezie Aniagolu, Hon. Justice Buba Ardo, Hon. Justice Kayode Eso, Hon. Justice Augustine Nnamani, and Hon. Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais (CJN).

During his tenure on the Bench, he delivered the lead judgements in several landmark cases amongst which are: Bucknor-Maclean & Anor v Inlaks Limited, Shitta-Bey v Federal Public Service Commission, Arase v Arase, Balogun v National Bank, Usoro v Shell Petroleum Development Co., Atiti Gold v Beatrice Osaseren, Mutual Aids Society v Akerele amongst others. He also served as chairman of the land use committee set up to review the land tenure system in Nigeria.

National/ Traditional Honours

He was the recipient of two national honours: Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) and Commander of the Niger (CON). He was also a traditional Chief (Olinzele) of Asaba and held the highly coveted title of Izoma of Asaba as a man of the people. Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe was happily married and blessed with children, amongst whom are: Mr. Victor Idigbe, Mr. Jude Obioha Idigbe Esq, Mrs. Uche Idigbe, Chief

(Dr) Anthony Ikemefuna Idigbe, SAN, Mr. Amaechi Felix Idigbe, Mr. Ifeanyi Paul Idigbe (late). He passed away on July 31, 1983, at the Cromwell Hospital in London, just a few days short of his 60th birthday and anticipated appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. He was a remarkable jurist and a trailblazer in his field, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations of legal practitioners in Nigeria and beyond.

Plans for Centenary Celebration

According to Mr. Nnamdi Oragwu, Partner and Head of Litigation, PUNUKA Attorneys and Solicitors and Chairman of the 100 Years of Justice Idigbe Planning Committee, “PUNUKA Attorneys and Solicitors is proud to announce the 100th anniversary of our founder Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe OFR, CON. Justice Idigbe. Our Late Founder also served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1975 to 1985, and is remembered as a distinguished jurist, a fearless advocate for justice, and a champion of the rule of law.

“He was renowned for his landmark judgements, which continue to shape the legal landscape of Nigeria to this day.

“Hon. Justice Idigbe epitomises the gold standard of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, several of his decisions remain a major point of reference in present day cases.”

“We will be celebrating his life and legacy with a year-long celebration comprising of six major events, including:

The Commissioning of Justice Idigbe Faculty

of Law in Veritas University by the Chief Justice of Nigeria- May 3, 2023 (Abuja);

“The Justice Idigbe Symposium, which will feature front burner discussions on landmark judgements of Justice Idigbe- May 4, 2023 (Abuja); The Commissioning of Punuka Childcare Centre by Punuka Foundation- July 30, 2023 (Lagos);

“ Public Lecture, Valedictory Court Session, Commissioning of Justice Idigbe NBA ICT -August 11, 2023 (Asaba); Thanksgiving Mass, Visit to Asaba; commissioning of Justice Idigbe Museum, Library and Youth Centre- August 12, 2023 (Asaba); and the Commissioning of PUNUKA Attorneys and Solicitors New Head Office- December 7, 2023 (Lagos).

The firm disclosed that these events were designed to celebrate and immortalise the contributions of Late Honourable Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe to the development of the legal profession in Nigeria, and to inspire the next generation of legal professionals.

“This is a time of celebration and reflection. Whilst we honor and edify the heritage he left us, we must reflect on whether our lives and practice of the law are in step with his values of excellence, thoroughness, knowledge, diligence and justice which were things that made him one of the greatest legal minds Nigeria has ever seen”, said Ms. Isioma Idigbe, Partner and Head of Media, Entertainment, Intellectual Property and technology Law, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors”.

They went further to divulge that for any information about the year-long celebration of Late Honourable Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe, it could be accessed on their social media pages (@punukaattorneys) or have an email sent to info@ punuka.com.

Advertising Practitioner, Buchi Johnson, Applauds New ARCON Law

Mary Nnah

The new advertising regulation law, which transformed the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) into the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has been applauded by some practitioners in the country as one of the best initiatives by the government for the advertising industry in Nigeria.

One of the leading practitioners in the industry and chief executive officer of Lilvera Group, Mr. Buchi Johnson in a recent chat with the media stated that the new law setting up ARCON has prevented a capital flight to the tune of N120 billion.

According to him, “The law provides that, with effect from January 1, 2023, advertisers must use a cumulative 75 per cent of local content in all ads and marketing directed at the Nigerian market. This is exciting because the country has been losing about 120 billion annually due to capital flight in the sector where ads targeted at Nigerians were produced externally creating jobs in other economies but not in the targeted economy, Nigeria.”

Johnson said this law is expected to create

over 500,000 jobs annually. So, this will lead to more multinational brands using Nigerian talents, agencies, and producers in commercials targeted

at the Nigerian market.

“On a personal note, I look forward to Lilvera playing a key part in ensuring that the quality that these multinational brands get from local agencies is at par if not even higher than the quality they would get elsewhere,” he said.

Speaking on Lilvera’s audacious moves to make a giant stride in the industry, the CEO of Lilvera mentioned that the agency has designed an effective tool to aid its execution and implementation of clients’ briefs. The tool is tagged 5Rs which simply represents responsiveness, relevance, receptivity, recognition, and relationship.

On the potency of this tool, Mr. Johnson said “Our focus is to continue to deliver on the 5Rs that drive Integrated Marketing Communications such as Responsiveness: ensuring rapid and high-quality response to clients’ needs, Relevance: keeping our client communications highly targeted and relevant, and Receptivity: maintaining open communication lines with clients”.

He further stated that “Recognition is about prioritising brand building and distinction to keep Lilvera the preferred brand for integrated marketing communication in the Nigerian market for multinational and local businesses and Relationship: we are nothing without the key

relationships we have with our team, vendors, and clients so this is a vital area of focus for us in 2023 and beyond.”

Highlighting some landmark accomplishments of the agency, he said perfection eludes humankind yet we strive for it and will accept nothing less than the perfection that is within our reach at Lilvera. “So, we deploy every resource within our capacity to ensure the very best outcomes for our clients and our business. Our achievements in the last year are a testament to the hard work and creativity of our team, the trust of our clients, and, of course, God’s grace and favour. We acknowledge Him as our helper and source for everything, even the inspiration that we receive to deliver a great experience to clients.”

He stated that “One area where we need to keep growing is customer relationship management. We have built great client relationships in the past years of our business that we must continue to deepen, and we look forward to building new relationships that we will nurture, grow, and blossom.

Our clients are at the heart of our business so we will continue to focus on this area to ensure the very best experience for them as they continue to choose us for their integrated marketing communication projects,” he added.

This is a time of celebration and reflection. Whilst we honor and edify the heritage he left us, we must reflect on whether our lives and practice of the law are in step with his values of excellence, thoroughness, knowledge, diligence and justice which were things that made him one of the greatest legal minds Nigeria has ever seen

Chukwunweike Idigbe

Precious Ugwuzo

Advertising Practitioner and Chief Executive Officer, Lilvera Group, Buchi Johnson

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; and Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Deji Ajayi, at the inauguration of the State Publicity Committee/Logistics and Security Committee for the 2023 National Population and Housing Census, at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti…recently

Chief Executive Officer and Special Representative of the United Nation Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi (left), and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley (right), during a courtesy visit by Ogunbiyi to the prime minister in Barbados regarding the Barbados Energy Transition Plan...recently

L-R: Registrar, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Dr. Lanre Olasunkanmi; Principal Partner, Mazars Consulting, Dr. Sanni Adeyemi; President, CITN, Mr. Adesina Adedayo; Founder/CEO, Courteville Business Solutions Plc, Dr. Adebola Akindele; and Vice Chairman, 25th Annual Tax Conference Committee, Dr. Odunayo Ani, during the courtesy visit by the management team of the Institute to the CEO of Courteville to intimate him of the forthcoming Annual Tax Conference in Lagos....recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed (right), discussing with the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Capital Express Assurance Limited, Mrs. Odukale Adebola (left), during her visit to the NYSC National Directorate headquarters in Maitama, Abuja…recently

Members of the Whistleblowers Network during a recent protest at the National Assembly to ask members of the Ad-hoc Committee of the House of Representatives to stop their investigation on oil theft in the Niger Delta, as the matter was already in court

L-R: Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja; Director, Internal Assurance, Airtel Nigeria, Ngozi Akamelu; acting Head Brands and Advertising, Airtel Nigeria, Omobolanle Osotule; and Director of Marketing, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina, during the launch of VoLTE at the Airtel headquarters in Lagos…recently

BUSINESS/ MONEYGUIDE

Lekki Gardens Redeems N3.48bn Series 1 of N25bn Commercial Paper Programme

Kayode Tokede

Lekki Gardens has announced the successful redemption and repayment to all subscribers of its N3.48 billion Series 1 (Tranche A)

Commercial Paper issuance under the N25 billion Commercial Paper Programme approved by FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited in June 2022.

The company in a statement said it is grateful to the market for the support and confidence reposed in her brand and operations.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Gardens, Dr. Richard Nyong while speaking on the successful CP redemption stated, “We very

much appreciate the support and confidence of the market and are happy to have fully redeemed and repaid all subscribers to our first Commercial Paper issuance.

“This redemption is another testament to the strength and resilience of our business despite the very challenging operating environment. The past year was characterized by major headwinds, which included the sustained increases in construction material prices, unprecedented rise in energy costs, further weakening of the local currency, rising inflation and interest rates among other factors. But we continue to take all necessary measures to remain focused and adaptable to sustain the brand’s consistent growth and

performance over the years.”

“The company’s debut into the local Debt Capital Market was in 2021 when she raised N3.5 billion in 3-year tenured Private Notes under the Private Corporate Bond (PCB) window of the FMDQ. The company has to date successfully met all coupon payments in line with the terms of the notes.

“Lekki Gardens intends to pursue further capital-raise opportunities in the domestic capital market to support its growth strategy. The company remains committed to delivering value to its various stakeholders and is confident in its capacity and ability to continue to blaze the trail in her sector, “he added.

SEC Approves Lancelot’s Fund Management Operations

Kayode Tokede

The Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC) has approved and issued a license to Lancelot Fund and Portfolio Ma nagement Limited to commence full operations as a fund manager in the country.

Lancelot Fund and Portfolio Management Limited is a subsidiary of Lancelot Group who recently announced plans to grow its assets to N10 trillion in the next 30 years.

The SEC approval came following due regi stration process and thorough examination of the company’s management, corporate governance structure, minimum

capital requirement as well as processes.

Reacting on this development, the managing director of the company, Ms Adedoyin Adelakun said: “Lancelot Fund and Portfolio Management Limited is a wholly owned Nigerian Asset Management Company located in Victoria Island, Lagos. We offer bespoke investment products to our clients who want to grow their portfolio while also offering discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management services to its high net-worth clients and institutions.”

The company, she said, is uniquely qualified to succeed because it understands its target customer needs, its

industry and its business model offers exceptional value to customers.

To her, “we also have a team of experts with requisite industry experience and achievements to drive the success of our company and deliver value to our customers.”

Earlier, the Group executive chairman of Lancelot Group, Mr Adebayo Adeleke, had stated that, the group, as part of realising its N10trillion assets growth target in the next 10 years, currently has six subsidiaries and two associate companies, is into capital market operations (fund/portfolio management and registrars), agricultural sector, leasing, real estate and publishing.

Jägermeister’s Ice Kühl Lounge Launched in Lagos

The secret is out! And it’s Ice Kühl... Lagos came alive on Saturday, April 15th, 2023, with an atmosphere of pure delight and excitement at subzero temperatures. Lovers of premium liqueur were treated to an unforgettable experience by renowned liqueur brand Jägermeister, as it reinstates its commitment to creating experiences worth only The Best Nights. The immersive event was a thrilling opportunity for enthusiasts and connoisseurs to come together and indulge in their passion for the drink.

The first-ever Ice Kühl Lounge in Nigeria was launched in collaboration with Drinks.NG. The event was a celebration of Jägermeister’s commitment to excellence and mastery, and the unique blend of boldness and

sophistication that sets the brand apart. With the Ice Kühl Lounge, Jägermeister has created a space where consumers can chill out and enjoy the perfect drinking experience.

The launch of the Ice Kühl Lounge by Jägermeister was a star-studded affair, with prominent celebrities and industry titans in attendance. The event was graced by Beverly Osu, Kayvee, Yhemo Lee, and international musical artists, The Compozers, who added to the excitement and made the occasion even more memorable. Guests were entertained throughout the night by spectacular performances from DJ Casper Sandra and hype man Big Bimi, while enjoying #IceKühl shots of Jägermeister.

Jägermeister believes in

MARKET INDICATORS

empowering consumers to take control of their lives and become masters of their own destinies. Their mantra, “Do what you do masterfully, and you can live by your own rules”, resonates with those who value independence and excellence. This philosophy is also reflected in the brand’s name, which blends mastery and boldness to create a unique identity that stands out from the crowd. The concept of “Ice Kühl” further reinforces this philosophy, representing the brand’s commitment to providing a perfectly chilled and invigorating drinking experience. With a recommended serving temperature of -18 degrees Celsius, Jägermeister is the ultimate choice for those who want to live life on their own terms and savour every moment of it.

Accelerex Honoured for Excellence in Commerce Enablement

Ugo Aliogo

Accelerex has clinched the prestigious Excellence in Commerce Enablement Award at the Africa Fintech Summit 2023, which held on the 12th of April, 2023 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC, United States.

The group in a statement said the Excellence in Commerce Enablement Award celebrates companies that have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the fintech business landscape in Africa.

The statement also stated that Accelerex emerged the winner based on its revolutionary payment products and solutions that have improved commerce,

simplified the payment processes for businesses and enhanced the retail experience of customers.

Reacting to the accolade, the Managing Director of Accelerex, Mr. Olukayode Ariyo, expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the Africa Fintech Summit for the recognition.

He further noted that, “The award is a testament to the hard work and creativity of the entire Accelerex team in the provision of world-class payment and innovative products to businesses across Africa. We are in the vanguard of commerce enablement and simplified electronic payment solutions. We are also passionate about deepening financial inclusion and providing financial services to the underserved and

underbanked.”

Speaking on the selection process, the Lead Organiser of the summit, Mr. Andrew Barden, said: “Accelerex emerged as the winner in the Commerce Enablement category after an extensive and in-depth analysis of its role in the retail and trade markets across Africa and was elected this year’s category winner by a public poll that witnessed over two thousand voting industry stakeholders from across the globe.”

The statement hinted that Accelerex has been at the forefront of digital payment revolution in Africa, providing different categories of businesses with the tools and resources they require to succeed.

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 8 MARCH, 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $84.37 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $84.59 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

L-R: Director, Product Management, Yellow Card Financial, Ogochukwu Umeokafor; Winner of the Yellow Card “A Whole in Your Wallet” Campaign, Julian Oti; Regional Marketing Manager, West Africa, Yellow Card Financial, Rachael Akalia and Director, Special Projects, Yellow Card Financial, Babatunde Oparinde, at a press briefing in Lagos…recently

Union Bank Reports 47% Increase in PBT to N30.2bn

Kayode Tokede

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has announced N30.2billion profit before tax in 2022 audited financial year, an increase of 47 per cent from N20.5billion reported in 2021 financial year.

One of the oldest financial institutions in Nigeria on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), yesterday disclosed that its gross earnings

was up by 19per cent to N208.2 billion in 2022 from N175 billion in 2021), driven by strong growth in Net Interest Income.

Union Bank said its gross loans hits N1trillion in 2022, an increase of 11 per cent from N899.1billion in 2021, as it expanded lending to vital economic sectors of opportunity.

Also, customer deposits was up by nine per cent to N1.48 trillion in 2022 FY from N1.36

trillion in 2021FY as the management expand its product base and digital channels.

Commenting on the results, MD/CEO, Mudassir Amray, in a statement said, “Despite the macroeconomic headwinds of 2022, we recorded strong performance across key financial and operational indicators. We were focused on our strategy of deepening our core business segments whilst enhancing our

digital channels and service propositions to customers.

“On the back of this, we are increasing our customer acquisition and engagement, translating into higher revenues across our regions.

The Bank’s gross earnings grew by 19per cent to N208.1 billion from N175 billion in 2021. Whilst non-interest income declined marginally by one per cent. Net interest

income after impairment grew 26.1per cent to N55.8 billion from N44.2 billion in 2021 on the back of increasing responsible risk assets. Profit before tax closed at N30.2 billion, representing a growth of 47.1per cent from N20.5 billion recorded in 2021.

“In 2023, we will remain focused on executing our strategic initiatives, which are centred on pursuing

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF 20/04/23

additional opportunities to diversify our revenue sources while strengthening our core business. We also look forward to completing the merger of Union Bank of Nigeria and Titan Trust Bank, which began in 2022. The transition has gone smoothly, and I am confident that the combination will make us more formidable and well-positioned to capitalise on market opportunities.

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 19Apr-2023, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF.

Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

Ebenezer Onyeagwu: Steering Zenith Bank to Stronger Profitability Amid Economic Headwinds

Dike Onwuamaeze

Financial stability risks have increased rapidly across the world as the resilience of the global financial system has been tested by higher inflation and other macroeconomic challenges.

The concerns of emerging headwinds in the global banking industry was heightened by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, prompting regulators to strengthen their supervisory roles in order to guard against failures of financial institutions in their jurisdictions.

Even in Nigeria, the banking sector regulator has taken measures to improve its supervisory roles in order to forestall any run on financial institutions in the country.

However, despite the harsh operating and regulatory headwinds hurting the profits of lenders across the globe, financial institutions such as Zenith Bank Plc with strong fundamentals have continued to churn out positive results.

Its recently released full year 2022 financial results released recently reflected the leadership direction Zenith Bank has been enjoying under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Ebenezer Onyeagwu.

Specifically, in its audited results for the year ending December 31, 2022, Zenith Bank achieved an impressive double-digit growth of 24 per cent in gross earnings, from N765.6 billion reported in the previous year to N945.5 billion in 2022.

This was despite the persistent challenging macroeconomic environment and headwinds. According to the audited financial results for the 2022 financial year presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the double-digit growth in gross earnings was driven by a 26 per cent yearon-year (YoY) growth in interest income from N427.6 billion to N540.2 billion and a 23 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in non-interest income from N309 billion to N381 billion.

Profit before tax also grew by two per cent from N280.4 billion to N284.7 billion in the current year. The increase in profit before tax was due to the significant growth in all the income lines.

It also showed that impairments grew by 107 per cent from N59.9 billion to N124.2 billion, while interest expense grew 63 per cent year-on-year from N106.8 billion to N173.5 billion, respectively.

The bank explained that the impairment growth, which also resulted in an increase in the cost of risk (from 1.9% in 2021 to 3.3 per cent in the current year), was due to the impact of Ghana’s sovereign debt restructuring programme.

The growth in interest expense increased the cost of funds from 1.5 per cent in 2021, to 1.9 per cent in 2022, due to hikes in interest rates globally.

Zenith Bank’s customer deposits increased by 39 per cent, growing from N6.47 trillion in the previous year to N8.98 trillion in the current year.

The growth in customer deposits came from all products and deposit segments (corporate and retail), thus consolidating the bank’s market leadership and indicating customers’ trust.

The continued elevated yield environment positively impacted the bank’s Net-InterestMargin (NIM), which grew from 6.7 per cent to 7.2 per cent due to an effective repricing of interest-bearing assets.

Its operating expenses grew by 17 per cent year-on-year, but growth remains below the inflation rate. Its total assets increased by 30 per cent, growing from N9.45 trillion in 2021 to N12.29 trillion, mainly driven by growth in customer deposits.

With the steady and continued recovery in economic activities, the Group prudently

grew its gross loans by 20 per cent, from N3.5 trillion in 2021 to N4.1 trillion in 2022, which increased its non-performing loan (NPL) ratio modestly from 4.2 per cent to 4.3 per cent year-on-year.

The capital adequacy ratio decreased from 21 per cent to 19 per cent, while the liquidity ratio improved from 71.2 per cent to 75 per cent. Both prudential ratios are well above regulatory thresholds.

“In 2023, the Group intends to expand its frontiers as it also reorganises into a holding company structure, adding new verticals to its businesses and growing in all its chosen markets, both locally and internationally.

“As a testament to its commitment to shareholders, the bank has announced a proposed final dividend payout of N2.90 per share, bringing the total dividend to N3.20 per share,” the bank revealed.

In recognition of its track record of excellent performances under Onyeagwu, Zenith Bank had been recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 13th consecutive year, in the 2022 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best Bank in Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria 2021 and 2022 in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022;

Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, by the Ethical Boardroom; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, and Retail Bank of the year, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Similarly, Zenith Bank was named as Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Most Innovative Bank of the Year 2019 by Tribune Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2020 by Independent Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.

In recognition of his sterling contribution towards ensuring the stability of Zenith Bank, Onyeagwu was recently conferred with a doctorate by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Inspiring in silence and action, Onyeagwu is a sure-footed leader of men with a sense of corporate clairvoyance. He makes today’s Zenith Bank thick, illustrated by the bank’s agile organisation, enduring conducive corporate culture and cordial stakeholders’ relations.

Futuristic in thought and approach,

Onyeagwu, as a transformational leader, is committed to Zenith Bank’s vision that promotes re-engineering and innovation.

Since assuming the Zenith Bank’s mantle of leader on June 1, 2019, Onyeagwu’s myriad exploits have solidified his sterling leadership qualities.

The award, which was in recognition of his immense achievements as the GMD and CEO of Zenith Bank and his contributions to the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria and the African continent, was conferred on him during the 50th convocation ceremony of the university.

Speaking during the ceremony, the UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Igwe, had congratulated Onyeagwu for distinguishing himself in his career and for his service to humanity, which made him worthy to receive the prestigious Doctorate Degree from Nigeria’s first indigenous university.

In his acceptance speech, Onyeagwu expressed his gratitude to UNN for finding him a worthy recipient of the honorary doctoral degree in Business Administration of one of the leading universities in Nigeria, considering the rigorous selection process of awardees by the institution.

Noting that the award represented a validation of the outstanding corporate governance, ethical leadership, and overall outstanding performance that Zenith Bank was recording, Onyeagwu dedicated the award to the board and management of Zenith, especially the founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, “who has remained a mentor, a leader and a source of inspiration to everyone at the bank and beyond; the staff, for being the shoulder and proverbial base of the pyramid upon which his achievements and success as CEO of the leading financial institution in Nigeria rest; the bank’s customers for their unflinching loyalty to the brand; and to his family for their unceasing love and support.”

Onyeagwu is an alumnus of Auchi Polytechnic, the University of Oxford, England and Salford Business School, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom, Delta State University, Abraka.

Also, he is an alumnus of Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School of Columbia University, and the Harvard Business School of Harvard University in the United States.

In 2023, the Zenith Bank Group intends to expand its frontiers as it also reorganises into a holding company structure, adding new verticals to its businesses and growing in all its chosen markets, both locally and internationally. In order to realise this, the bank recently received approvalin-principle from the Central Bank of Nigeria to convert its present operational structure to a holding company. Once substantive authorisation is received, the bank would get a licence to transit into other businesses within financial services including pensions, insurance, asset management and fintech.

“The CBN approved Mr. Jim Ovia as the chairman of Zenith Holdco Plc (information) and for Mr. Jim Ovia to also continue as the chairman of Zenith Bank Plc until the commencement of Zenith Holdco Plc,” the lender explained.

Zenith Holdco will run in a nonoperating capacity only overseeing the subsidiaries under it without getting actively involved in their everyday operations.

Clearly, with Onyeagwu still on the driving seat, it is expected that Zenith Bank will maintain its industry leadership position while also remaining as one of the healthiest financial institution in the continent.

Olusegun Oni

BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT FORUM IN NETHERLAND...

Malami Bows to Pressure, to Appear Before Committee on Alleged Sale of 48 Billion Barrels of Crude

Pledges to furnish lawmakers with required information

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami yesterday expressed readiness to provide relevant information on the alleged sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil amounting to over $2.4 billion and crude oil export to global destinations from 2014 to date.

The Minister stated this through a letter sent to the Ad-hoc Committee chaired by Hon. Mark Gbillah, during the resumed investigative hearing.

Gbillah, while acknowledging the receipt of the letter said:

"Today we are in receipt of a letter from the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice who is averring his determination to respect the doctrine of separation of powers and to support our

extant laws.

“And he has indicated the fact that they are trying to put together the comprehensive response that we have raised.

"While we appreciate the Attorney General's response we would like to indicate that it came later than we expected and it came without the response that we referred to. So, we will appreciate if the Attorney General and Minister provides these responses and to also appear before the Committee next Thursday. So, let's give him the window to appear before the Committee."

He, however, noted that, "unfortunately the Minister of Finance has still been evasive.”

“The Committee has not received any submission or response from the Minister of Finance. The Accountant General sent a response and

has not responded to our follow up because we asked further questions to what he provided us information about.

“But we want to call on the Minister of Finance, like the Attorney General to show regards and respect for the separation of powers as enshrined in our constitution, and respond promptly to the request of the Committee so that we can get to the bottom of our investigation.

“Like I already said, we are giving her the benefits of doubt; we are not unmindful of the other powers we have and we are not afraid to exert them and we will do so if the leeway we have provided is still neglected and not recognised by the Minister of Finance."

Consequently, the lawmakers quizzed management staff of some oil companies involved

in the lifting and sales of crude oil to global destinations in furtherance of the investigation into alleged sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil amounting to over $2.4 billion and crude oil export to global destinations from 2014 to date.

Some of the companies who appeared before the Ad-hoc Committee uncovered unsigned and unstamped documents submitted by Equinor Nigeria Energy Company. Other companies included: Millennium Oil and Gas Company, SAPETRO, PANAMA, Moni Pulo and some banks operating in the country. including Union Bank and Ecobank Nigeria Limited.

Speaking during the investigative hearing into the activities of Equinor with respect to the OML 129, the Committee frowned at the inability of the

In New Twist, FG Withdraws Immigration Case against Seplat’s CEO, Others

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Barely two weeks after it instituted a legal action against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Roger Brown, as well as the oil firm for allegedly breaching the extant provisions of the Immigration Act, 2015, the federal government yesterday withdrew the suit.

In a corporate notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited, Seplat stated that it had become aware of the notice of discontinuance of the legal action.

The Notice of Withdrawal/ Discontinuance of the suit was issued by the Director Legal Services of the Nigeria Immigration Service and stated in part that “the Claimant hereby discontinues all the proceedings in this charge against the abovenamed Defendants.”

Seplat said it would, “continue to engage with the Ministry of Interior to bring closure to the false allegations presented to the Ministry as a result of which the residency status of its Chief Executive Officer was withdrawn.”

The federal government had on April 6, dragged the CEO alongside the Board Chairman, Mr. Basil Omiyi, the Independent Non-Executive Directors (INED) Dr. Charles Okeahalam, Mrs. Bashirat Odunewu, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, Mr. Rabiu Bello, Ms Emma Fitzgerald, and Company Secretary/Legal Counsel, Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa to court for allowing Mr. Brown to accept employment as the CEO of Seplat Energy PLC without the statutory approval of the Controller-General of Immigration.

The defendants in the suit marked: FHC/AB/CR/149/2023 were in addition accused of conspiring among themselves to allow Brown take over business as CEO of Seplat Energy Plc without the consent of the Minister of Interior, allowing Mr. Roger Brown, a non-Nigerian to accept employment as CEO of Seplat after withdrawal of his visa, resident, and work permits, and for refusing to apply for the Comptroller-General of Immigration’s approval before employing Mr. Brown both as

Chief Finance Officer and CEO, contrary to the provisions of the Immigration 2015.

Count one of the charge had read: “That you on or before March 9, 2023 at Seplat Energy PLC Head Office 16 A Temple Road Ikoyi Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, did conspire among yourselves to allow Mr Roger Brown accept employment as CEO at Seplat Energy PLC without the consent of the Comptroller General of Immigration, contrary to Section 36 (1)(a) and 71 of the Immigration Act 2015 and punishable under Section 36 (2) and Section 71 (a) of the Immigration Act 2015.

The federal government had on March 3, revoked the visa, Resident Permit, and Work Permit of Seplat’s CEO, Roger Brown, over alleged racist practices, discrimination against Nigerian employees at Seplat, favouring of expatriate workers, and breach of good governance codes.

The letter to Seplat entitled “Withdrawal of Work Permit, CERPAC, Visa/Residence Permit

of Mr. Roger Thompson Brown – CEO, SEPLAT Energy PLC” also read in part: “Investigation and records in the Ministry also revealed that Mr. Roger Brown was in possession of CERPAC that was not based on validly issued Expatriate Quota approved by the Ministry of Interior resulting to the violation of relevant Immigration Laws and Regulations.

“As a result of these, the Honourable Minister has determined that Mr. Brown’s continued stay in Nigeria is contrary to national interest.

“Consequently, the Ministry has withdrawn the Work Permit CERPAC, Visa, Residence Permit and all relevant documents that authorised Mr. Roger Thomson Brown’s entry or stay in Nigeria”.

However, in a swift reaction, Seplat Energy, in a statement signed by the Board Chairman, Mr. Basil Omiyi had stated: “On March 8, 2023, the Board of Seplat Energy unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Mr. Brown, who continues to discharge his duties and responsibilities as CEO from the Seplat UK office.”

company to effectively operate the asset as well as breach of extant laws, thereby resulting into loss of revenue to the Federation.

However, Equinor’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Charles Nwoko, said the company was looking at the most commercially viable way to bring value to the Nigerian government.

Furthermore, Nwoko, who affirmed that the oil company is owned by the Norwegian Government, said, “we’ve been

instrumental to the development of oil and gas in Nigeria as well as capacity development. We’ve had extensive relationship with NPD – Norwegian Petroleum Directorate and DPR and of course in building capacity.

“So, it is something that we are mindful of and we have concern about this. So, it’s not that we have been sitting on our arms and not doing anything. We are working tenaciously on this."

WEF Report: Artificial Intelligence Can Close Gender Gap Within 10 Years

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the capability to close the gender gap by handling more domestic chores, thereby allowing women more time for work and leisure, a new research report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) has said.

The WEF research revealed that AI overtaking domestic chores could close the gender gap, noting that about 40 per cent of time spent on domestic chores could be automated within a decade.

The WEF's conclusion stemmed from the research showing that advancements in automation and AI would allow robots to take over a significant proportion of domestic chores over the next decade.

Specifically, a panel of AI experts estimated that, based on a list of 17 common domestic tasks, an average of 39 per cent of the time spent per task could be automated within 10 years.

The findings were published in PLOS One, a peer-review journal.

The new study could have a major societal impact for women, according to the WEF, which noted that the overwhelming majority of housework in Europe and other parts of the world is still done by women.

"Working-age adults spend similar amounts of time on this unpaid domestic work as they do on paid work.

"But household chores are also disproportionately carried out by women. Therefore,

automation of these tasks could lead to significant social and economic consequences. More time – particularly that of women – could be freed up for social, leisure and paid work.This is particularly relevant," an article on the WEF's website stated.

The WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report 2022 also stated that, "at our current rate of progress, it will be another 132 years before there is parity between men and women."

The WEF's 2022 report examined "gender parity" across four areas – economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment – finding that Europe and North America are the nearest to closing the gap at six decades away. South Asia was the farthest away at 197 years.

In the latest WEF study, the panel of AI experts found that traditional housework, such as cooking and cleaning, is more easily automated than care tasks, such as caring for children or the elderly.

Indeed, the most easily automated task, according to the findings, was likely to be grocery shopping, which could be 59 per cent automated within 10 years, while the least easy to automate is likely physical child care at 21 per cent.

Service robots for domestic and household tasks, mainly robotic vacuum cleaners and mops, are becoming the most widely sold robots globally.

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, (fourth from left) flanked by Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry, Otunba Niyi Adebayo (third from right) and other participants at the Business and Investment Forum 2023 organized by the Embassy of Nigeria in Hague, Netherland...yesterday

UNVEILING ELIZABETHAN HUMANITARIAN LIFE H&H FOUNDATION...

Director General/CEO National Institute for

Ortom Fires Back at Presidency, Alleges Benue Killings Has Endorsement of Buhari’s Administration

SOKAPU blames FG, state govt for persistent killings, kidnappings in Southern Kaduna Diri orders prosecution of herders for breaching anti-grazing law

Samuel in Yenagoa

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has once again accused President Muhammadu Buhari of complicity in the killings in the state.

Similarly, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) yesterday accused the federal and the Kaduna state government for allegedly refusing to arrest and prosecute bandits terrorising communities in the southern part of Kaduna state.

Relatedly, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, yesterday directed security agencies to clamp down on violators of the state’s anti-open grazing law.

Ortom made the allegation in a statement in response to a previous statement by spokesman of the President, Mr. Garba Shehu, who had accused the Benue State Governor of thwarting efforts of the federal government in addressing the killings in the state.

According to Ortom, the statement from Shehu was a betrayal to Benue people.

Ortom, in the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur said: "Shehu Garba’s infantile statement on the security situation in Benue State has once again confirmed our position that the killings and mass murder in Benue by the Fulani militia has the full endorsement of

the Buhari government.

“It also goes to confirm that the presidential spokesman does not only speak for Buhari, but for some terrorist Fulani groups too.

“Indeed, the presidential spokesman’s futile attempts to twist events and history in Benue State is unfortunate and reprehensible. It shows how much he and others in that league have misled the government and Nigerian people in the last inglorious eight years."

The statement further read: "It is common knowledge that as the Commander-in-Chief, Buhari has empowered and emboldened the Fulani pastoralists in their expansionist agenda including killings.

“It is equally a known fact that President Buhari has failed woefully in securing Nigeria, and Benue state in particular.

"It is on record that Governor Samuel Ortom has repeatedly pleaded with the Buhari government to intervene in the incessant invasion of Benue State by Fulani militias. The president sadly chooses to endorse the invasion and merely asks our people to learn to accommodate their neighbours who derive pleasure in killing and dispossessing them of their ancestral lands."

Ortom further alleged that, “what the Buhari administration has done to our people through the Fulani militants as confirmed

by Shehu Garba is to spit on the graves of our compatriots mowed down needlessly by Fulani militia. We shall not forget these atrocities.

“Besides unleashing Fulani killers on our people, the Buhari government denied Benue State any meaningful project in the last eight years, including the repair of federal government roads in the state which are now death traps.

“We have tried in vain to find out the offense of Benue people, but we found none, except that our people are responsible, law abiding citizens.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Samuel Ortom was elected in 2015, and re-elected in 2019, to defend the interest of the people of Benue and never to be a lackey in the hands of expansionists using every means to perpetrate evil against the Benue citizens.”

According to Ortom, through Shehu’s latest statement, the presidency clearly demonstrated that he was right when he consistently accused the APC-led federal government of complicity in the killings orchestrated against Benue people by the Fulani herdsmen as allegedly represented by Miyetti Allah Kautal, Fulani Nationality Movement, FUNAM and other Fulani socio cultural groups.

“If the Presidency can find it convenient to lay the blame of the massive killings that the Fulani have continued to perpetrate in Benue on

Governor Ortom, what can it say of the massacre and kidnappings in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto and President Buhari’s home state of Katsina among other states where the killing of innocent citizens has continued unchallenged?

“The Presidency has shown in this recent public statement that they have placed cows above human lives and made the animals to urinate on the graves of those they massacred in Benue and elsewhere across the country. If not, they wouldn’t have gone to town to mock the slain in their graves.

“It is an insult on Benue people, including those killed and butchered children, the maimed, raped and abused women and the over two million people living under squalid conditions in Nigeria’s largest Internally Displaced Camps in the state.

“The Presidency’s statement is a reckless stab by agents of genocide against the Benue people by blaming the victims.

“Let Garba Shehu and occupants of the current presidential villa be informed that the ongoing pogrom in Benue State is a designed plot by the Fulani against the Benue people to disposses them of their lands and these atrocities are well documented. The perpetrators are also well known to local and international authorities. By this recent posturing, everyone is now aware that the perpetrators

We’re Ready for Induction, Inauguration of Elected Lawmakers, NASS Mgt, NILDS Declare

Udora Orizu in Abuja

Following the conclusion of the National Assembly elections, and the formal release of authentic list of elected Senators and House of Representatives members by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the management of the National Assembly, in conjunction with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) have said they are ready of the 10th Assembly.

In a statement signed by Secretary, Research & Information, and Chairman, Sub-Committee on Media and Publicity Ali Barde

Umoru, explained that the induction programme, which will be held in two batches, has been scheduled to

commence from 7th to 13th of May 2023 with Batch A, while Batch ‘’B’’ would hold from May 14th to May 20th , 2023.

He explained that the objectives of the exercise was to expose Members-Elect to the functions of the National Assembly, its Practices and Procedures as well as the services available to them.

The statement read, "As part of the efforts to ensure a very successful Induction/ Inauguration exercise, the Management led by the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Alh.Sani Magaji Tambawal has constituted a Central Planning Committee (CPC) made up of all the Secretaries in the National Assembly Service. Membership was also drawn from the National Assembly Service

Commission (NASC) and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

"The CPC, which is at the helm of the planning and implementation of the induction programme as well as the formal inauguration of the 10th Assembly, has the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly (DCNA), Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana as Chairman. The CPC is divided into eleven specialized sub-committees to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, monitoring and coordination.”

It stated that the Sub-committees include Programme Planning, Finance, Protocol and Ceremonials, Records and Documentation, Media and Publicity, Transport and Logistics, as well as Venue and Accommodation.

Others are

April 20, 2023. Security and Accreditation, Health and Medical Services, Civil Society Organisations/ Development Partners and the Rapporteurs Team.

"The Sub-committees, which report at weekly intervals to the CPC have since swung into action, holding strategy sessions and perfecting plans for a successful induction exercise. In fact, the Sub-committees are presently crossing the T’s and dotting the I's and rearing to go.

“It would be recalled that during the Inauguration of the CPC, the CNA Alhaji Tambawal who promised to deliver seamless Induction and Inauguration programmes, charged the members to put in their best and work as a united team towards the achievement of the desired objectives."

have the backing and sympathy of the federal government.

“The Presidency’s attempt to mock Governor Ortom over the loss of his senatorial seat and the PDP in the governorship has furthermore strengthened our belief that the massive deployment of security personnel for the elections in the state was planned and hatched in the presidential villa and supervised by agents of the APC.

“But let the Presidential spokesman remember that Governor Ortom is extremely grateful to the people of the state for always giving him the opportunity to serve them. “As he has often quoted Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” The Governor stands for justice, equity and fairness and no amount of blackmail and

impunity as orchestrated by the Buhari administration can make him to change his advocacy against injustice and oppression.

“In fact, before the elections, Governor Ortom had publicly stated that he was ready to sacrifice his senatorial ambition for the sake of the survival of democracy where the likes of Garba Shehu and their collaborators would rather want it truncated. It is public knowledge that the 2023 elections were heavily rigged using some security operatives, money, federal might and electronic means. “Governor Ortom’s decision not to challenge the result of the Benue North West Senatorial election in court again points to the fact that he is not a selfish and desperate politician.

Continued online

Poultry Farmers Appeal to FG, CBN to Save Their Business from Collapse

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Poultry farmers in the Southwest under the aegis of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), yesterday raised the alarm over their plight, calling on the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to save their business from total collapse.

This was just as they lamented that the naira redesign policy by the federal government brought untold hardship on them and their investments across the nation, particularly in the south-west.

The South-west Chairman of PAN, Gideon Oluleye, while speaking in Ibadan, yesterday, during a press conference, said though they were not against the policy, its timing and implementation have devastated their business.

He stated that the losses incurred by farmers were heavy because many farms had already collapsed with others running at half capacity while many may soon close down if the government fails to intervene.

He noted that to save the poultry subsector of the economy which generates about six per cent of the GDP from total collapse, the federal government, CBN and other agencies of government must intervene.

Oluleye who was flanked by PAN Chairmen from Oyo, Omidokun Oyekunle, Iyiola Mojeed (Lagos),

Alonge Oluwasetemi (Ekiti) Fadipe Olawande (Ondo), Idowu Asenuga (Ogun) and Alaba Towoju (Osun) and other leaders of the association, explained that polices such as increment in interest rate affected the industry negatively.

He lamented that the current security challenges across the country has also affected the industry negatively.

He enjoined the federal government to re-introduce the school feeding programme so as to absolve some of the eggs and chicken meat from the farmers, while also urging the federal government to intervene in subsidising major inputs particularly maize and soya much more than they have been doing before.

According to him, "In order to save the poultry subsector of the economy, generating about six per cent of the GDP from total collapse, the federal and state governments, the CBN and all other agencies of government concerned, must rise up and intervene in this subsector of the economy. The intervention should come in the following areas; "Mopping up of about 15 – 20 million crates of eggs and chicken unsold in the economy right now to ameliorate the losses of the farmers.

George Okoh in Makurdi, John Shiklam in Kaduna and Olusegun

L-R:

Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Babatunde Lawal-Salako; Grand Patron, Elizabethan Humanitarian Life H&H Foundation, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo; Founder, Mrs. Oyinade Samuel-Eluwole and Convener, The Nigeria Agenda, Ahmad Sajoh, at the unveiling of Elizabethan Humanitarian Life H&H Foundation, in Lagos… yesterday

EKSU CONVOCATION ...

DHQ: Armed Forces Ready to Contain Any Threat to May 29

Says military, intelligence agencies working round the clock Calls on intelligence agencies to unravel terror sponsors Zelenskyy congratulates Tinubu on victory, invites him to Ukraine

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The military high command, yesterday, declared that the Armed Forces of Nigerian (AFN) was ready to contain any threat to a successful handover of power on May 29.

It said the military and the intelligence agencies were working round the clock to ensure a smooth hand over even as it recorded some arrests of suspected arms smugglers.

It also deplored the alarm raised by the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, that terror attacks might threaten the May 29

presidential inauguration.

This is as the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has congratulated the President-elect, Bola Tinubu on his election victory, and also invited him to Ukraine on official visit at a time convenient for him, saying he was confident that Tinubu's visit would strengthen the dialogue between both countries.

The military, however, said the alarm by the Kaduna State chief executive was "unnecessary".

The governor, had through his Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan,

Judge, BOSAN Decry Govt’s Refusal to Obey Court Judgements, Poor Working Condition

Wale Igbintade

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, (BOSAN), and a retired Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, yesterday decried the poor salary structure of Nigerian Judges, saying that the condition of serving judicial officers was appalling.

The Body of Senior Advocates stated this in Lagos, at the valedictory court session in honour of Justice Oguntoyinbo, who retired from Bench of the Federal High Court.

Specifically, BOSAN speaking through, Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, said the present remuneration of judges in Nigeria cannot attract the best of hands into the judiciary. He cited the example of the Western Region, stressing that government of the Western States paid judges salaries higher than that of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN).

This according to Babalakin was done to attract the best of brains into the judiciary and impacted positively on the judicial system of the region at the time.

His words "Let me say categorically that only the lawyers and Judges in active practice can consciously save the judiciary. If we rely on those who are temporarily in government to positively enhance the judiciary we will have to wait for a very long time.

"It's time we come together and fight for ourselves. Let us get together and save the judiciary. As a son of a Judge, of the old

Western States, I am alarmed, and disappointed about the condition of service of the Judiciary.

"I am unable to relate with it. I am unable to compare it with the Judiciary I knew in my childhood. We have witnessed the deterioration of the judiciary while we fold our arms, and watch as things go down.

"I'm calling on the Senior Advocates who are making tons of money through this system to know that we have to protect and enhance the judiciary.

"I can give you a hint, in 1964 the salary of a high court judge of the old Western States was higher than the salary of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. That was because the Western States consciously decided to attract the best to the Bench, and make them very comfortable and ensure they lacked nothing. We must fight for our profession," Babalakin added.

In his welcome address, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Justice John Tsoho commended Justice Oguntoyinbo for having served the court and the nation for 10 meritorious years with her health and integrity unscathed.

Tsoho said, “It is a great achievement for a judge to serve especially this country and retire without blemish.

"Justice Oguntoyinbo could be profiled as peaceful, very firm, friendly, humane, honest, generous, incorruptible, and hard working. She is very dogged in the pursuit of her rights and entitlements."

while presenting a security report at the Government House, stated that terrorists could take advantage of the transition period in May 29 to launch bloody attacks in the country, and warned against the activities of the terrorists during the transition period.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj Gen Musa Danmadami, recalled security advisories issued by the United States and the United Kingdom and wondered why critical stakeholders had continued to make the Nigerian populace more apprehensive, insisting that the military remained at alert and already to neutralise any threat.

“Just like the general election have come and gone, winners have been announced, people are just being apprehensive by insinuating the security situations that are not there. You will recall that there was a US advisory warnings but up till now, there is nothing to show that, and we are still waiting for the consequences. People have been predicting that this country would finish but nothing has happened.

“Members of the armed forces like I always tell you, will continue to be on standby, we are not resting on our oars to ensure that peace and security of this country is sustained. I can equally assure you that the intelligence community too are working round the clock

just like the armed forces are also working round the clock to ensure that there is peace and tranquility,” he said.

He disclosed that there were a lot of follow-up operations on a daily basis after the just-concluded general election and people moving ammunition from one point to another to commit havoc were arrested.

“I can assure you that there are a lot of follow-up operations going on every day. People are being arrested, people who are on the verge of trying to commit crime are being arrested, people who are moving ammunition from one point to the other to go and commit havoc are being arrested everyday as it was reflected in the brief for today.

“We are working round the clock, both the intelligence community and the Nigeria’s Armed Forces of Nigeria are working round the clock to make sure we nip these things in the bud and if it happens, we respond to it appropriately. So, there should be no fear, people should not be afraid that when they hand over there is going to be calamity all over the place. I can assure you that we are ready to address whatever calamity that wants to come up, we are ready for that.

“People should just go about their normal duties and forget about all this apprehension people are

creating unnecessarily. There is no cause for alarm, everything is under control. On the long holiday, as usual, there was no problem, Easter came and went, the same thing, Sallah will come and go, and definitely there won’t be any problem. There may be one or two isolated cases but they will definitely be addressed," he assured the people.

He however, called on the intelligence agencies to quickly expose those funding militant groups and by extension terrorism.

“Funding of militant groups, there are a lot of schools of thought as per who is funding terrorism in Nigeria. I’ll allow the intelligence community to do that, that is not my job to do,” he said.

On the latest attacks in Benue State that claimed hundreds of lives, he denied that the military was not up to its responsibility in containing the attacks.

"Anybody telling you that story is telling lies. The army will not see people coming to attack a location and sit back. In most our briefings we tell you, most times we get information and we respond, most at times before we get to that location unfortunately the people have committed their mayhem and then will disappear.

"Sometimes, we follow them up in a pursuit operations and have an encounter with them and in the process some of them are

eliminated while some people are arrested. You may find out that it is possible that those people came in uniforms, not everybody, people are carrying AK-47 all over the place," he said.

Meanwhile, in a statement by the Office of the President-elect and signed by Tunde Rahman, said the Ukrainian leader, in a congratulatory letter he personally signed, expressed his gladness at the peaceful conduct of Nigeria's just-concluded general election, adding that his country was determined to further strengthen cooperation with Nigeria.

Zelenskyy used the opportunity of the goodwill message to extend his invitation to the President-elect to visit Ukraine as soon as he settles down in office after inauguration on May 29, 2023.

"Please accept my sincere congratulations on your election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Despite extremely difficult testing times, caused by the full-scale armed aggression of Russia against our State, Ukraine is determined to further strengthen cooperation with Nigeria at the bilateral level and within the framework of international organizations.

"We are grateful for your country's support of the Resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations Organization ‘Principles of the UN Charter underlying a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine’.

Osun APC Cautions Frank over Allegation of Monetary Inducement of Supreme Court Justices

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned Mr. Timi Frank, who is a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party and an ally of the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to desist from taking an undue advantage of the judiciary by blackmailing it on the pending state election petition between former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and Governor Ademola Adeleke.

According to a statement yesterday, Frank had badmouthed and frivolously alleged that some desperate politicians were planning to make use of “monetary inducement, coercion and intimidation using state security agencies to influence the judgement of the Supreme Court,”

in a publication that went viral.

He had also alleged that “monetary inducement of $2 million per Judge of the Supreme Court is the offer inherent as well as coercion and intimidation using state security agencies to greatly influence the judgement of the Supreme Court is in top gear and underway.”

However, in response, Osun State Acting Chairman of the APC, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, in a statement issued by the party's Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, in Osogbo, the state capital noted that Frank’s allegation against the Justices of the Supreme Court over the Osun State governorship tango was not only frivolous, false and spurious but borne out of desperation on the part of Frank and his sponsors.

Lawal disclosed that the monetary inducement allegation against the Justices was only designed by Frank and his sponsors to blackmail the judiciary after Frank's sponsors failed in their bid to blackmail Oyetola from going to the Supreme Court. He further said Frank and his sponsors were deliberately blackmailing the revered highest judicial officers of the Supreme Court, “since the rules of their practice outlaws them from joining any issue with any rabble-rouser who might have woken up from the wrong side of his bed to be spewing mere conjectures.”

The state acting chairman of the APC noted that, “it was wrong for the political rebel in the person of Frank to have deliberately opted for the dragging of the judiciary in the

mud because of his own political interest, saying that Frank should stop judging the Osun APC leaders by the standard of his sponsors.”

Lawal demanded from Frank, “when it has become a norm for a character like the loquacious and irritant former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC to be dictating professional pace for the judiciary?”

While describing Frank as a meddlesome interloper, Lawal opined that, “in a saner clime, he should be the guest of the security agencies by now so that he could tell the world what he knows about his reckless, cooked-up and fabricated allegation of monetary inducement against the Justices of the Supreme Court in order to create avoidable tension in the society.”

L-R: Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof Akin Oyebode; Ekiti State Governor/University Visitor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; and Vice Chancellor, Prof Edward Olanipekun; at the 27th Convocation of EKSU in Ado-Ekiti…on Thursday

MY TIME HERE WAS GREAT...

Air Peace Commences Direct Flights to Israel

Tel Aviv route will deepen bilateral ties, says Israeli Ambassador Umahi, Sirika commend airline

Chinedu

Ezeh

Air Peace has made another history as the first ever Nigerian airline to fly direct, non-stop to Israel.

The airline commenced scheduled operations into Tel Aviv, from Abuja and Lagos, yesterday.

At the well-attended inaugural flight ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Chairman of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, said history

has been made in the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel through the commencement of direct, non-stop flights from Lagos and Abuja to the city of Tel Aviv.

He asserted: "This is undoubtedly a big milestone as for the first time, a Nigerian airline is connecting both countries directly through scheduled commercial flights."

Onyema said the airline was delighted particularly because the

NSCDC Bursts Illegal Oil Refilling Site, Arrests Six Suspects in Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested six suspects for allegedly dealing in illegal petroleum products.

Four of the suspects were arrested yesterday, after operatives of the NSCDC on a credible information, stormed the illegal oil refilling site, behind LUMCO filling station along Iwofe Road, Rumuepirikom community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The NSCDC Commandant, Michael Ogar, who led the operation told journalists at the scene of crime, that Anti-vandal land patrol team of the Command effected the arrest and recovered about seven drums of Petroleum products suspected to be counterfeited and adulterated engine oil.

Four of the suspects arrested for the illegal oil refilling included Uche Udeh (42), Simon Nwigwe (52), Ifeanyi Ndeme (54) and Ikechuckwu Ejefobi (43).

According to Ogar "The suspects were arrested for illegal dealings in petroleum products and the following items were recovered as exhibits at the point of arrest: Seven drums of petroleum products suspected to be adulterated engine oil, 6 buckets of substandard grease, an Ash coloured Volkswagen Van with registration number RIVERS BNY 709 XY, wooden templates for designing suspected fake labels,

18 empty kegs of 25litres each, 50, 25 and 10 litres of counterfeited chemicals".

The NSCDC also explained that "preliminary investigation report shows that the suspects carved out stencils with Total and Mobil Oil emblems which are used as stickers on the packaged products before distribution to would be buyers."

He hinted that the empty drums meant for conveyance of the products were 300 while other drums with adulterated contents were 33.

Ogar who expressed worries that the crime was being perpetrated behind a filling station, said both the illegal site and the station would be sealed.

"As you can see that this illegal site is located right at the back of LUMCO Filling Station in Iwofe area; the filling station would be sealed with immediate effect while the owner would be invited for questioning; I can assure you that after the conclusion of thorough investigation, all persons indicted or found culpable would be charged to Court of competent jurisdiction.

"We are going to ask the court to forfeit this filling station and the premises to the federal government."

In another development the antivandal squad of the Command, also arrested two other suspects involved in illegal dealings in petroleum products in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

new route would provide huge respite to Nigerian travellers who henceforth do not have to travel to Israel through other countries, spending over 20 hours in stopovers whereas a direct flight would be less than six hours.

"Our entry into Israel today will open up more layers of opportunities and possibilities socially and economically and advance the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and Israel.

“The connectivity will boost 'religious tourism', especially factoring the numerous Nigerians

who embark on pilgrimage trips to Israel," the Air Peace Chairman stated.

He stressed that the airline was familiar with the Israeli airspace as it operated evacuation flights to the country in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Onyema expressed gratitude to the Israeli government, especially its Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Freeman, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and other stakeholders whose efforts made this launch possible.

On his part, Freeman expressed joy over the new connectivity, stressing that it would help deepen bilateral ties between both countries and promote mutually beneficial economic engagements.

Also speaking, Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, commended Onyema for his strides in aviation.

He added that the growth of Air Peace had shown that a Nigerian could make sustainable global inroads in aviation as Air Peace was solidly representing Nigeria in the international aviation community.

He emphasised the socioeconomic impact of the new route, especially in 'religious tourism'. Sirika, represented by Mr. Hassan Ejibunu, Director of Air Transport Management, Ministry of Aviation, reiterated the support of the government to indigenous airlines and promised government's continued assistance to Air Peace in its route expansion drive. The airline now has five international destinations, including the recently launched Mumbai, 20 domestic (with Maiduguri launching on April 21, 2023) and seven regional routes.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The federal government has expressed its readiness to prevent flooding across the country as was recorded in 2022.

Managing Director of Nigeria Inland Waterways (NIWA), George Moghalu, gave this assurance on Thursday while speaking with newsmen shortly after paying a private visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.

He assured that NIWA was working hard to prevent a repeat of the calamitous flooding that ravaged the country last year.

Moghalu, who said the agency was working hard to ensure that the nation's waterways were navigable all year round, acknowledged that there were challenges.

According to him: "So what we started doing proactively was first of all to start aspects of sensitisation, getting people to understand because we have a department in our office that monitors flood flow, looking at the floodplain and gives us a report on a monthly basis or bi-weekly basis, to my office and then the department that is responsible will now develop the data, which we’ll now use to sensitise the people, keep them informed of the possible flood-prone areas so that people will

have to leave those locations.

"While at the same time also, like you may be aware, we have 23 area offices across the country. So what we are doing, in terms of opening of blocked channels, is using the area offices across the country, identifying those areas where we have blocked channels and then within the limits of our own resources and capabilities, we start opening them up so that they have free flow of water."

He added further that the agency has since commenced the clearance of blocked water channels hyacinth and wrecks within the limit of its resources.

Speaking on the removal of wrecks along the waterways, Moghalu said, "wrecks, even floating debris are all being removed at various locations across the entire country. As we identify them, we do the basic survey and once we identify them, we set the process in motion to remove them.

"We're doing some now as we keep identifying them, and you know these things like aqua hyacinth, like wrecks, like floating debris, are not fixed items that you will say ‘I will remove now and it won’t be there again'. You can remove a wreck tomorrow and by next tomorrow, another wreck will come.

"What are these wrecks? Broken down vessels that are condemned,

logs and what have you. So, as we identify them, using survey, identify the coordinates, the next thing we do is to set in motion the process of removing them.

"As we speak, procurement processes have been concluded and some are being removed while as we identify, we set in motion the process of removing. We see them as a challenge and we are attacking them."

Commenting on enhancing functionality of some additional inland waterway facilities in the country, Moghalu said the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State would soon be hosting big cargoes.

According to him, discussions were ongoing for the concession of Baro port and as well as the Oguta and Lokoja ports that are still under construction in order to reduce pressure from the government.

His words: "For Onitsha river port, we have successfully concessioned and handed over to universal Elysium, it is a company that is partnering with Port of Antwerp for the next 30 years.

"Now, because of limited resources and to reduce pressure on government, we opened up discussion with other interested organisations, unsolicited proposals have come for the concessioning of Baro, for the concessioning of

Oguta and Lokoja though still under construction.

"So, we are discussing with them. The advantage here is that it will reduce pressure from government, these people own this port, complete the port, put the port to use and pay royalty to government. So, it has a lot of advantage. And we're working conscientiously on that.

"Before I came to office, Oguta River Port was not on the budget for quite a while, but we eventually brought it back to the budget.

"As we speak, we have finished fencing of the Oguta river port. And we're doing little by little, depending on resources available to put in place some basic infrastructure that is required for a port to operate.

"Same is applicable to Lokoja. So we're taking it from two perspectives. Completing the building by government and concession or concession it so that the new concessionaire can complete the ports and put it to effective use", he said.

Asked when big ships are expected to berth on Onitsha port, the NIWA boss said, "Very soon. "What I did before the concession was that I was able to do a test run, move cargo between Onne and Onitsha and now we are concluding movement of cargo from Lagos to Onitsha and that will be a clincher as far as I'm concerned."

Outgoing Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Nigeria, Mr. Luong Quoc Thinh (L) being received by President Muhammadu Buhari during his Farewell Visit to Presidential Villa Abuja...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

Says NIWA needs adequate resources for capital dredging Pledges Onitsha Port will start hosting bigger cargoes soon

Moghalu: FG Poised to Prevent Flooding This Year

SIGNING OF AGREEMENT ...

L-R: Secretary, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange, Mrs Fatimoh Lawal; Managing Director, Commodities Trade Net Ltd, Mr. Adeyemi Oba; Managing Director, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange, Mr Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola and Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Olatokunbo Emokpae, during Signing of Agreement between Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange on aggregation of paddy and distribution of sales of finished rice in Lagos…yesterday

Tinubu Replies Presidential Transition Council, Submits 13 Names to Inauguration Sub-C’ttees

Council to announce nominees after Eid-el-fitri

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has replied to a letter by the Presidential Transition Committee (PTC), headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, asking for nominations into the 13 sub-committees under the Inauguration Committee of the council.

A source in the council, who confirmed the story to THISDAY, said contrary to some reports doing the rounds, none of the

nominees had been assigned any specific beat, and that such would not be done until their names had been announced next week after the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.

According to the source, who is in the thick of the planning and preparations for the May 29 handover ceremony, the council had written to Tinubu requesting for nominations into the 13 sub-committees under the inauguration committee, also headed by the SGF.

“So, he responded to our

Insecurity: Be Decisive, Economic Expert Urges President-elect

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

An economic expert, Mr Opeyemi Agbaje, yesterday called on the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, to be decisive in dealing with security challenges confronting the nation.

He said if the challenge of insecurity was not frontally tackled, it may have cascading effects on the socio-economic development of the nation.

Delivering a paper, titled, "Crime and Insecurity: Understanding Nigeria’s Socio-economic Crisis," the guest lecturer at a media parley, organised by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in Abuja, stressed that if the security challenges were not tackled, they would have cascading effects on socio-economic development of the nation.

He observed that available data indicated that Nigeria was engulfed in an economic crisis, and thus, needs a capable leadership to bail it out.

Agbaje observed that the subsisting security architecture was potent and only needed the political will to drive the entire process.

He stated that as long as there was a dysfunctional economy with weak leadership, crime

rate would continue to increase.

He noted that unemployment, poverty among other were contributing to high crime rates and such crime as internet fraud also known as yahoo-yahoo, thuggery etcetera.

He maintained that the latest global terrorism index also showed that food insecurity was also growing while the quality of life of the Nigerian citizen has stagnated.

"All sectors have been negative.

We have established that we have economic crisis

"On the privatisation govt did not keep faith with what it promised," he said.

The guest lecturer added that to address the current economic quagmire, a mix of market and social policy were needed to move the country forward.

He, therefore, harped on the need to develop multiple centers of growth in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, the Vice President, Corporate Affairs of the bank, Diran Olojo, submitted that an informed media would aid the nation’s growth and better the society.

He charged reporters to sustain responsible journalism for good of the citizenry and image of their brands.

letter and submitted the 13 names. It is true he has sent in the names, and while I won’t confirm the names sent yet, I can, however, tell you that the committees assigned to them in the various reports are not correct. Besides, they are just members of the various subcommittees, all of which already have chairmen,” he said.

Tinubu had earlier submitted the names of the Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, and a former Commissioner for

Finance in Lagos State, when the president-elect was governor, Wale Edun, to the council in preparation for the May 29 handover ceremony.

However, the Presidential Transition Council is further divided into three committees, and they are the Inauguration Committee, headed by the SGF; the Transition Document Committee, headed by the Head of Service, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan and the Facility/ Security/Intelligence Committee,

headed by the National Security Adviser, Babagana Mohammed Monguno.

But because of the importance of the 13 sub-committees of the Inauguration committee, the council wrote to Tinubu, the source reiterated, requesting nominations for active participation and prompt briefing of their activities. It was the letter that Tinubu eventually responded to.

According to the THISDAY source, the council, which meets

every Tuesday, also had the chairmen of the sub-committee meet with Mustapha yesterday to submit their reports, which would in turn help shape the report Mustapha would present at the Tuesday meeting of the council after the Eid-el-Fitri. The source, however, maintained that none of the 13 nominees, whose names he declined to divulge, has been assigned any committee until next week, when they would be formally announced.

VC Lists SUMAS as One of Ugwuanyi’s Greatest Achievements in Eight Years

Mbah to attend varsity’s maiden matriculation

The Vice Chancellor of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, Prof. James Chukwuma Ogbonna has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his foresight and wise counsel in establishing the medical university in the state, describing the university as one of the greatest achievements of the governor.

Ogbonna, was quoted in a statement to have said this ahead of the maiden matriculation ceremony of SUMAS billed to hold this Saturday, at the university arena.

He said the future generation would continue to remember Ugwuanyi for the establishment of the university aimed at increasing access to quality medical university education for the teeming youths.

SUMAS was also established to provide accessible, quality and affordable healthcare service delivery to the people of Enugu State and beyond, develop the rural areas, create job opportunities, and ensure economic empowerment.

The Vice Chancellor who explained that SUMAS is a specialised university focusing mainly on medical and applied sciences, disclosed that Ugwuanyi and the governor-elect of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, would attend the matriculation ceremony.

He hinted that the academic session had commenced following the unveiling of the university by Ugwuanyi in February, adding that the first set of 778 students were currently admitted and will participate in the matriculation ceremony.

Ogbonna said Ugwuanyi’s administration followed due process in the establishment and licensing of SUMAS by the National Universities Commission (NUC), stating that the pioneer Principal Officers of the university upon their appointments ensured that the NUC resource verification exercise was carried out “and because of what Governor Ugwuanyi has done in terms of infrastructure, all the 23 programmes we presented scaled through and then we have 23 programmmes that are running

now.

“Following the resource verification, we now had to apply for admission which again was granted and we started the admission process. Currently we have 778 students already admitted and they are in the campus.

“After the unveiling exercise lectures started in full spirit. So the students are there taking their lectures and comfortably accommodated in the students’ hostels, and we are very happy for that.”

Stressing that Ugwuanyi had committed so much resources in infrastructural development in the university, the Vice Chancellor maintained that “the laboratories and the classrooms are well equipped with a smart interactive boards, among other facilities”.

He further explained that, “the beautiful thing about the smart interactive board is that when the lecturer is teaching, the lectures are being recorded and then the lectures are uploaded on the internet so that the students who missed the lectures can easily go

and listen to the lecture again.

“And it also serves as a kind of quality assurance because when a lecturer knows that his or her lecture is being recorded he or she will be careful and also prepare for the lecture.”

Ogbonna, equally spoke about other facilities in the university such as the students’ hostels, the solar powered light, the medical centre, the borehole and electrification projects, the helipad for landing of aircraft, the road network, the internet facilities housed in a well-equipped data centre, as the biometric lecture attendant device (which is being test-run currently), among others.

He pointed out that the 120bed medical centre originally designed as a specialist hospital provides tertiary health services such as pediatrics, gynecology, medicine and surgery, pending the completion of the SUMAS Teaching Hospital project, stating that consultants from ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu do consult and provide medical services in the hospital

SUNDAY ADIGUN

UNVEILING OF THE ORAIMO FLAGSHIP STORE...

Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria Gets New President

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), has elected Prof. Abubakar Zubair as its president, at the organisation’s extraordinary council meeting.

A statement by the Head of Public Relations, COREN, Haruna Ojonugwa, said Zubair, took over from Ali Rabiu, who served as

president of COREN from April 2019 to April 2023. COREN, formerly known as Council for the Registration of Engineers in Nigeria, is the regulatory body that governs the practice of engineering in Nigeria.

The statement said that Zubair who was born 61 years ago is a graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, where he

obtained a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Agric & Bio-Resources Engineering in 1987, an MSc in Agric & Bio-Resources Engineering in 1992 and a PhD in Agric & Bio-Resources Engineering in 2002. In a bid to enhance his capabilities in teaching, research, and professional services, the statement added that Zubair attended several academic and professional courses

locally and internationally, including in Israel, France, India, Japan, USA, UK and Brazil.

He joined the service of ABU, Zaria in 1988 and rose to the rank of professor in 2006 and has supervised and mentored several postgraduate and undergraduate students and assessed candidates for professional positions in Agricultural and Bio-Resource

Engineering across many universities, the statement said.

According to COREN, during his 34-year academic career and still counting, Zubair has held several critical positions including his appointment as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri in early 2015 as well as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Capital City

University, Kano in January 2022 where he is currently serving.

“He has to his credit 199 publications including journals, edited books, book chapters, edited proceedings, conference papers, extension bulletins, extension guides, training workshop papers, research/ technical reports and edited training manuals,” part of the statement stressed.

...PRESIDENT IN SALLAH MESSAGE SAYS 2023 POLLS SO TRANSPARENT HIS PARTY LOST GROUND IN MANY STATES

all imbibe the tenets of Islam which promote peace, tolerance, modesty and love.”

Yahaya advised citizens not to lose faith in the face of current socioeconomic challenges in the country, but remain resolute and prayerful. He said with faith, the country's trying moments will be over and Nigeria will emerge stronger and more united.

He urged residents to continue to cherish the relative peace and harmony enjoyed in the state, and called on clerics and traditional rulers to continue to preach the gospel of unity and tolerance among the diverse people for peace and growth of Gombe State and the country at large, describing peace as a catalyst for socio-economic development of any society.

Buni: Sallah Celebration, a Period of Sacrifice, Generosity

Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai

Mala Buni, called on Allah to reward all Muslim Ummah across the country for their fasting during the Ramadan. Buni prayed for forgiven for all shortcomings, saying Sallah celebration is a period of sacrifice and generosity.

The governor, in his goodwill message, signed by his spokesman, Mamman Mohammed, felicitated the Muslim Ummah and the people of Yobe State on the Eid-el-fitr celebration.

While praying for reward to everyone for the Ramadan fasting and forgiveness for their shortcomings, Buni urged the Muslim faithful to pray for lasting peace and prosperity in Yobe State and Nigeria.

He said, “Giving out measures of foodstuff to the poor and needy among us as stipulated by Islam is an act of worship that strengthens bond of unity and promotes happiness, mercy and love.

"Let us also be reminded that the Sallah celebration is also a period of sacrifice and generosity. We should continue to be generous to our neighbours to make life more meaningful to others.

"I wish to express my utmost

gratitude to Almighty Allah for the relative peace enjoyed across the state. We should not lose faith by the sad and unfortunate killing of some people around Buni Gari in Gujba Local Government Area.”

Abiodun: Let’s Sustain

Values, Tenets of Ramadan

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, congratulated Muslims in the state for witnessing another Eid-el-Fitri, and counselled them on the need to sustain the values, morals and tenets they observed and imbibed during Ramadan.

Abiodun, in a statement by his spokesperson, Kunle Somorin, noted that though fasting was over, Muslims should strive to continue with the total devotion to the Almighty Allah, good deeds, and constant remembrance as well as reverence for God.

The governor pointed out that as Ramadan symbolised holiness, dedication to the worship of Allah, and charity, Muslims in the state should stick to these pious activities, even as the holy month came to an end.

He urged the adherents of Islam to use the period of Eid-el-Fitri to supplicate to God and pray for peace, unity, progress and development of Nigeria, in general, and Ogun State, in particular.

The governor urged Muslims to celebrate the festival in a moderate manner, as Allah frowned on flamboyancy. He said Muslims should extend love and give to the less privileged, in the spirit of Ramadan.

Ugwuanyi Harps on Peace,

Love, Unity, Progress

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, called on Nigerians to see the celebration as a morale booster in the country's quest for peace, unity and progress.

Ugwuanyi, in his Sallah message, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan, adding that the inherent benefits from the spiritual rebirth offered by the

fast are enormous and compelling.

The governor stressed the need for all Nigerians to be prayerful and continue to live in peace and harmony, love and cherish one another, as people of one nation under God bound in freedom, peace and unity.

He wished Nigerians a pleasant celebration, urging Muslims to remain committed to the core values of peace, love, unity, patience, tolerance, perseverance and sacrifice as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

Ayade: Let’s Build a Greater Nigeria

Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the 29-day Ramadan fast and urged them to pray for peace and unity in the country with a view to building a greater Nigeria.

In his Eid-El-Fitr message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, the Governor, called on all Nigerians to join hands to build a greater and peaceful Nigeria, irrespective of religion, tribe, ethnic and political affiliation.

He stated, "I heartily congratulate the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. I also felicitate with them on the celebration of Eid-el Fitri to mark the end of the fast.

"Ramadan is an important and reinvigorating spiritual exercise, and I, therefore, call on Muslims, particularly in our dear state, Cross River, to, at all times, imbibe the lessons of Ramadan, which resolve round love, sacrifice, peace and unity.

"All our country needs at this time is peace and unity and I urge you to make these two items the focal point of your supplications to the Almighty Allah as you celebrate Eid-el Fitri.

"I am optimistic that prayers, abstinence and sacrifices made during the holy month will continuously reflect in the daily life of the Muslim Ummah in Cross River State, in particular, and Nigeria, in general."

Edo Governor, Obaseki,

Preaches Hope, Tolerance

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, felicitated with Muslims in the state on the celebration of Eid-El Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

In his Eid-El Fitr message, Obaseki charged the Muslim faithful and other Edo residents not to lose faith in the country but to intensify prayers and renew their hope that the nation would overcome its current challenges.

He governor stated in the message to Muslims, “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I extend my warmest congratulations to you as you celebrate Eid-el-Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

“As you celebrate this joyous occasion, I urge you to sustain the lessons of sacrifice, selflessness, tolerance, discipline and love learnt during the period of Ramadan. These virtues are necessary in achieving peace, unity and sustainable socioeconomic development in our state and country.

“I encourage you to continue to show love, care and compassion to one another, as taught by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W), especially at this time when majority of our citizens are experiencing hardship arising from the nation’s harsh economic realities.”

The governor noted, “I urge you all not to lose hope in the country, despite its many socioeconomic challenges, but continue to pray for our dear state and country, Nigeria, and work towards the progress and development of our state and nation.”

Bello Counsels on Peaceful Coexistence, National Integration

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, counselled Nigerians on the need for peaceful coexistence, national integration and adhering strictly to the lessons of Ramadan, which he said proffered solutions to some of the problems facing the country today.

While congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of Ramadan, Bello urged them to continue pray for the unity of the

country.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Onogwu, the governor urged all Muslims to ensure that the lessons they had learnt during the Ramadan season and their act of devotion remained a consistent way of life even after the 29 days exercise.

Bello noted that Ramadan was a season of several teachings that cantered on humanity, kindness, peace and love, stressing that if those lessons are imbibed, many of the problems in the country would reduce. He also extended his felicitation to all Muslims all over the world, particularly in Kogi State, on the successful completion of the 2023 Ramadan fast, and expressed gratitude to God Almighty for keeping everyone, who had witnessed the end of the Islamic holy month in strength and health.

Jibrin: Let’s Be Just, Fair, Equitable at All Times

Frontline aspirant for the presidency of the 10th Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, called on the Muslim faithful in the country to emulate the attributes of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) as symbolised by his humility and love towards all men.

In a statement, Jibrin, who represents Kano North senatorial district on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said Eid al-Fitr festival marking the conclusion of the Ramadan fast should serve as a guiding light to all Muslims in the country to always do what is just, fair, equitable and good towards all men, no matter the differences.

Jibrin stated, "I hereby felicitate with all Muslims on the occasion of this year's Eid al-Fitr. It is an occasion for us to thank Allah for his mercies to us as a people and on our country, Nigeria. We should, therefore, live by the teachings of the Almighty God in all our endeavours thereby building an enviable society."

He also prayed for peace in the country, while also calling on Allah to continue to direct both the current and incoming leadership of the country aright.

DSS Arrests Arms Smugglers, IGP Orders AIGs, CPs to Beef Up Security Nationwide

The Department of State Services (DSS), yesterday, arrested two gunmen in Kano State, who were on a mission to launch attacks in one of the northern states.

The arrests came as InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, charged Commissioners of Police (CPs) and tactical commanders in all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and their supervisory Assistant InspectorsGeneral of Police (AIGs), to beef-up security ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP directed that supervisory AIGs and their respective CPs should ensure adequate deployment of officers and assets to critical locations, most especially eid prayer grounds and recreation centres, to build confidence among the citizens and fun seekers.

A separate statement issued by the spokesman of the DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya, said the agency arrested two gunmen in Kano, who were in transit to deliver arms for a planned attack in one of the states in northern Nigeria.

Items seized from the duo included two AK-47 assault rifles, two empty AK47 magazines, a red boxer motorcycle, and a sack of yams in which the guns were concealed.

DSS stated, "This development underscores the need for citizens to be extra vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious movements, persons or acts to the security agencies nearest to them.

"Operators and patrons of fun, hospitality and tourism centres are enjoined to be cautious during the festive periods. They should scale up measures to ensure safety of their facilities.

L-R: Founder/Chairman, Rifugio Communications, Dr. Kayode Thomas; Vice President, Oraimo, Guoli Liu; General Manager, Transsion Holdings Nigeria, Chidi Okonkwo; and Oraimo West Africa Manager, Hardy Fu at the unveiling and grand opening of the Oraimo Flagship Store at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos.... yesterday

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION…

L-R: Former President, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and member, FIFA Council, Amaju Pinnick; immediate past President, Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata; Vice-Chancellor,University of Benin, Professor Lilian Imuetiyan Salami, and an alumnus of the university, at the unveiling of the N30million e-library donated by Pinnick to Uniben in Benin City…yesterday

Police Arrest 17 Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Five Victims in Nasarawa

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

The Nasarawa State Police Command yesterday paraded 17 kidnap suspects so far arrested at different locations across the state in the month of April, this year.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan

Nansel, paraded the 17 kidnap suspects, alongside other 19 suspected criminals arrested during the month, on behalf

of the state Commissioner of Police, Maiyaki Babs in Lafia.

Nansel said that the suspects were arrested during various operations across the state between February 10 and April 19, based on intelligence.

He said that five victims were rescued unhurt from the various operations, with four arms and eight rounds of live ammunition recovered from the suspects.

Nansel said investigation

Edo Court Remands Man for Sexual Exploitation of 14-year-old Girl

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

A High Court in Benin City, yesterday remanded a 34-yearold Efoghe Osamudiamen at the Oko Medium Correctional Centre, Airport Road, Benin, for alleged sexual exploitation of a 14-year-old girl (name withheld), who hails from neighbouring Delta State.

The court presided by Justice Geraldine Imadegbelo, remanded the suspect sequel to an exparte motion, brought before the court by the Benin zonal office of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), on a two-count charge.

Osamudiamen was charged for the 2018 alleged procurement of the victim, then in Junior

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEBUOLISE MERCY EBERE now wish to be known and address as IFEDISHU EBELE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLOWOOKERE AFUSAT AJOKE now wish to be known and address as OLOWOOKEREIDRIS AFUSAT AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UCHE BLESSING ECHEAZU now wish to be known and address as MRS OBIAKOR UCHE BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ENO-OBONG EMMANUEL AKPAN now wish to be known and address as ENO-OBONG EDIDIONG IBANGA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Secondary School (JSS) 3, for sexual exploitation, contrary to Section 16 (1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

The suspect was also said to have procured the 14-year-old girl, now 19, for pornographic performance, also in 2018, contrary to Section 17 of Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, while the video was later uploaded on the Internet.

It was gathered that Osamudiamen forced the victim to abort the three pregnancies she had for him, while the teenager is presently undergoing psycho-social therapy at NAPTIP’s shelter, Benin, in order to reset her bottled-up feelings.

Consequently, Justice Imadegbelo remanded the suspect, a resident of Okhoro, Benin, who got married in 2020, and a father of one, till May 10 this year, when the case would come up for further mention.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OWHOELI UCHEOMA, now wish to be known and address as MRS CALLISTUSAKU UCHEOMA All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS YETUNDE SHERIFAT ONILE-ERE now wish to be known and address as MRS. YETUNDE SHERIFAT ADEGBOLA.

All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SHITTU MUTIAT ADEDAMOLA now wish to be known and address as AREMU MUTIAT ADEDAMOLA All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

revealed that some of the suspects were responsible for the series of kidnapping on Nasarawa Eggon-Akwanga road, parts of Lafia and environs as well as in the southern axis

of the state.

A breakdown of the other 19 suspected criminals arrested, according to DSP Nansel, included five armed robbery suspects and two suspected

cattle rustler, while four firearms and eight rounds of ammunition were equally recovered from the suspects during their arrest.

“The police command carried out a joint operation

in collaboration with military personnel and vigilante at Alogani/Eggon Hill where four kidnapped victims were rescued and six suspected kidnappers,” the PPRO said.

Group Urges Security Agencies to Step Up Surveillance Ahead of Inauguration

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A group, The Natives, has called on the Nigerian security agencies to step up their vigilance ahead of the May 29 inauguration day, when President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would be sworn in.

The group in a statement issued yesterday by its Leader, Smart Edwards, also commended

the security agencies for their commitments towards sustaining democracy in Nigeria.

He specifically commended the Police and the Department of State Security Service (DSS) for exposing plot by some opposition elements for an interim national government recently.

The group said: “We, the Natives, are also using this

medium to urge the Nigerian security apparatus to step up their games against the saboteurs as the Nation prepares towards the historic inauguration of the 16th President of Nigeria, another popularly elected President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

It also commended the DSS, the Defense Headquarters, and the entire Intelligence community

for their professionalism and commitment to their democratic obligation by alerting, and distancing the establishment from any complicity and readiness to frustrate any mischievous effort to truncate the country’s democracy. It said these saboteurs by their open and sinister moves have been bungled and busted by the vigilance and verity of the DSS.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo: Iwuanyanwu ‘ll Douse Current Tension, Says Orji

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Former Governor of Abia State, who is representing Abia Central Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly, Senator Theodore Orji, has applauded the appointment of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as the President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Orji said the emergence of

Iwuanyanwu would be a blessing to the Igbo nation because being a non-partisan leader, he would douse the current political tension in Nigeria.

He spoke with journalists after he received an award as a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Ibadan. The award was presented to him in his office by the association’s President, Professor

Gabriel Nyityo.

Orji said: “I am happy with the emergence of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as the President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“He can do the job very well. He has unlimited experience both in politics and business. He also knows the history of Nigeria very well.

“He has the capacity to organise people because he is

not a partisan man. He is a straight forward person.

“He was begged to take the position because he is a man of honour. He voluntarily retired from politics.

“They are bringing him into politics once man through the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and because of the love he has for the Igbo nation, he has decided to take up the task.”

Lokoja Community Laments Electricity Power Outage

Ibrahim OyewaleinLokoja

Worried by the incessant electricity power outage in the Hill Way Guest Inn and part of New Layout on Mount Patti Road in Lokoja, Kogi State, the residents of this community have called on the management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to rise up to their responsibility and stop the suffering of the common man in the

area. This call followed the demand for over N600,000 by the officials of AEDC to step down the NIPP power line in the community.

The residents also called on the AEDC management to as matter of urgency find the lasting solution to the incessant power outage in the area in the interest of peace and tranquility, noting that those enjoying constant

power supply in other parts of the country are not aliens.

A resident, who angrily spoke to journalists on the condition of anonymity, stressed that sometimes ago, two out of the three transformers serving the community have packed up, and the AEDC brought a lower capacity transformer to replace them.

He explained that the AEDC officials claimed that they have sent one of

the transformers to Abuja for repairs, stressing that up till today, they have never returned it back to the community.

“The Hill Way Guest in transformer that is currently serving the community is already over loaded with at least over 200 houses on each of the legs. Hardly could the consumer enjoy power supply for three hours before the transformer would pack off and send the community into darkness on a daily basis,” he added.

Kingship Tussle: Delta Community Demands Justice over Stool

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The people of Egbudu-Akah in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday staged a peaceful protest to the Government House Asaba, demanding the intervention

of the state government in averting looming crisis over the lingering kingship tussle in the kingdom. The protest became inevitable because they had it on good authority that some influential members of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council were trying to

pressure the state government to present Staff of Office to another person as Obi of Egbudu-Akah while an Obi was still alive and on the throne of his forefathers.

“By the tradition of EgbuduAkah none of the Obi’s children has right to proclaim himself the Obi without the

proclamation or affirmation of the elders of the royal family”, they noted, adding that a similar situation in the past where the state government presented a staff of office to an unqualified prince led to serious crisis, deaths and disruption of socio-economic life in Egbudu-Akah.

Intensify Climate Justice Reportage, Journalists Urged

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Journalists have been urged to boost their climate justice reporting knowledge so as to have sufficient information in tackling the challenges of climate change.

This call was made yesterday at a media training on ‘Reporting

the environment and climate emergency through a climate justice lens’, organised by Natural Justice in Port Harcourt.

A veteran journalists, Mr Klem Ofuokwu, who made the call in his presentation, urged participants that in reporting environment issues, they

should emphasise on fairness, participation and inclusion for all, especially the most affected.

In his remarks, Programme Manager, Natural Justice (Nigeria), Mr. Mike Karikpo, noted that Africa is worst hit in climate emergency, adding that media played key role in tackling the

climate crisis.

According to Karikpo, the objective of the training was to engage the media not as a neutral observer or chronicler of the events that could end all life but as an active participant in achieving solution to the climate emergency.

Another Calamity Performance by Maguire Knocks out Man Utd

Manchester United again gifted Sevilla two goals as they crashed out of the Europa League following a 3-0 defeat in the away leg of their quarter-final last night.

Two late own goals at Old Trafford had seen Thursday's match at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan

EUROPA LEAGUE

kick off with the tie all square at 2-2.

And another desperate defensive display saw United eliminated, with Youssef En-

Nesyri helping himself to a brace after errors from Harry Maguire and David de Gea.

Loic Bade was also on target as Sevilla cruised through

courtesy of a 5-2 aggregate success, with Juventus next in the semi-finals.

United had been quick out of the blocks at home last week, but they contributed to their own early downfall this time as Sevilla broke through in the

eighth minute.

De Gea fed the ball into Maguire, who was quickly surrounded by three attackers on the edge of the penalty area and saw his attempted pass intercepted by Erik Lamela before En-Nesyri calmly slotted home.

Pinnick’s Brownhill Foundation Donates Volleyball, Handball Courts to Hussey College

The Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, led a pack of eminent personalities to the official inauguration of the ultramodern Volleyball and Handball courts donated to Hussey College, Warri by Brownhill Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation in Delta State.

The Foundation is the brainchild of an old student of the school, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick who is the immediate past two-tenure President of the Nigeria Football Federation and a serving member of the FIFA Council.

Heralding the arrival of the Olu of Warri at the ceremony were

D’Tigers’ Mike Brown Named NBA Coach of the Year

Duro Ikhazuagbe

The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) has congratulated Sacramento Kings’ Head Coach, Mike Brown, on his beennamed2022/23 American National Basketball Association (NBA) Coach of the Year.

In a statement issued yesterday, the NBA said Brown was named the award winner in recognition of his feats with Sacramento Kings during the season.

“Mike Brown is the first unanimous winner of the NBA Coach of the Year Award, which has been presented annually since the 1962-63 season,” the statement partly stated.

Interestingly, Brown who was an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors when Nigeria hired him as D’Tigers coach, has been away from the country’s bench

for the better part of the season after leading his wards to qualify and participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

He was not in the dugout when D’Tigers failed to qualify for the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup to be jointly hosted by multi-nations for the first time in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.

It was speculated that he was been owed backlog of salaries and allowances by the NBBF which, perhaps, may have been responsible for why he stayed away from the Nigerian job. Although he had a very busy season with Sacramento Kings.

But in a tweet posted on the social media yesterday morning, the NBBF insisted Coach Brown, 53, remains Nigeria’s men’s basketball head coach. “He remains the indefatigable Coach of the Nigerian National team. He has consistently done the impossible. No one gave him a chance in the beginning of this season

Currently ranked the best coach in the NBA this season,” the tweet concluded.

As the first coach to be selected by unanimous decision in the NBA history, Brown emerged winner ahead of Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics and Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Mike Brown ...Nigeria’s D’Tigers Head Coach was named American NBA Coach of the Year yesterday after his mind blowing feat with the Sacramento Kings this season

Brown led the Sacramento Kings to their first playoff since 2006. Kings under his watch won 48 games en route to the playoffs.

traditional dances, in an atmosphere of pomp and pageantry, with the aroma of royalty radiating at the proceedings of the day.

The rendition of the national anthem, that of the Itsekiri ethnic nation as well as that of Hussey College, brought nostalgic feelings to most of the old boys of the college who were present at the event.

The National President of Hussey College Old Students Association,

Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, in his speech, said he was challenged by the donation of sports infrastructure by Brownhill Foundation, with Amaju Melvin Pinnick as founder.

Elder Ogidi, who is also the National Vice Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) said further: "Even when some of us have influenced projects to Hussey College, Warri in times past by virtue of the positions

ROYALTY ON THE COURT...

we have occupied in government, none of us have done anything in our individual capacities as Amaju Pinnick is doing.”

The Olu of Warri, in his brief remarks, stunned the august audience, by going down memory lane to reveal that his biological father, the late Olu of Warri was an alumnus of Hussey college and so wanted him to attend the college, but by a twist of fate, that was not to be.

While commending Pinnick and his Brownhill Foundation for giving back to the society, the reverred monarch called on other alumni to emulate this kind gesture.

The Olu was of the opinion that there are other old students of Hussey college out there, who might be wealthier than Pinnick, but in his words: “This young man has just decided to etch his name in gold and in the sands of time.”

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, having a feel of the basketball court donated by Amaju Pinnick’s Brownhill Foundation to Hussey College in Warri...recently

Heineken Scores Big in Owerri with 'Cheers to All Fans' Campaign

There was real excitement in the air at the Chilis Bar, Owerri on Tuesday when Real Madrid sealed their place in the semi-final stage of the UEFA Champions League.

The Heartland State was agog with the Heineken 'Cheers to All Fans' Campaign' as the Premium beer brand was on hand to make the Champions League night a memorable one for the scores of fans and loyal consumers that made it to the exquisite Chilis Bar, Owerri. With Real Madrid coming into the second-leg tie with a two-goal advantage, the odds were readily stalked against Chelsea.

However, smart fans from all

WCGC: Grand Cereals Wins, Promises Quality Representation in Tenerife

The 2023 edition of World Corporate Golf Challenge came to a thrilling end on Sunday with Team Grand Cereal-1 emerging the winner.

Playing like a team infused with the winning bug, Team Grand Cereals came from behind to win the tournament decided at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate.

Represented by Peter Eben-Spiff and Vitus Ezenwa, the team who competed under Dulux Paints flag last year shot 81-stableford points beating Team Banwo&Ighodalo

who carded 80-stableford points by 1-points.

Team Grand Cereal opened their game with 39-stableford points and a closing 42-point to defeat Asue Ighodalo and Tunji Adebayo who represented Team Banwo & Ighodalo.

Wole Abegunde and Fatumata Soukouna, the tournament’s overnight leader, competing under the flag of Meristem came third with 78-stableford points. Geregu Power came in the fourth position with

77-stableford points while QSHOP represented by Talal Akar and Bidemi Ojo completed top five in the competition.

Satisfied by with their performance in the champions, Ezenwa and EbenSpiff promised to surpass their result in the last edition, stressing that the experience they garnered in their first appearance in the World Finals will play a big role in determining how far they will go in this edition which also marks the 30th anniversary of the competition.

walks of life who found their way to the Chilis Bar were glad about their decision as they enjoyed an unforgettable viewing experience with the Premium beer brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries PLC.

Chelsea fans and Real Madrid supporters as well as consumers of Heineken thronged the Chilis Bar where they soaked in the fun even after the 90 minutes of action was over at Stamford Bridge.

After a barren first half, Rodrygo's brace in the 58th and 80th minutes ensured the reigning champions ease their way to the last four without much sweat.

Despite the fans' mix of fulfilment and disappointment at the end of the regulation time, they had a night they would continue to relish courtesy of Heineken's ‘Cheers to All Fans Campaign’

Top entertainer, DJ Bliss and hype man, Mr Barango, treated the fans to the best of trending Nigerian and international hit songs all night

as fans who were on the edge of their seats while the game lasted soon switched into the party mood. Though Real Madrid fans went home happier with their resounding victory, Chelsea fans were consoled with the improved performance by Frank Lampard’s men. Some of the other winners on the night include; Ngozi Enwerem, Dayo Arowolo (water bottle), Anthony Nsofor, Ijeoma Ogbuibe, Chuks Henry (faze cap), Dica Divine (Speaker, T-Shirt, Water bottle) and many more.

Okpekpe Race Gets Development Bank Backing As its Official Banker

Nigeria’s primary development finance institution set up to promote growth and sustainability, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), has renewed its partnership with the Okpekpe international 10km road race as its official bank.

This much was disclosed yesterday in Lagos by their third the Okpekpe Race Director, Zack Amodu.

The bank first came on board the Okpekpe train in 2018 and has continued to renew its commitment

with every edition of the historic race.

“We are delighted to announce, once again, that DBN, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, has decided to renew its commitment with us as the official bank of the first road race in Nigeria to be granted a World Athletics label status,” said Amodu.

“Our partnership with DBN is unique because like the Okpekpe race, the bank is also making giant leaps in its area of business.

“It is a bank that exists to allevi-

ate financing constraints faced by Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria,'” added Amodu.

“The support from the bank since 2018 has seen the race grown from becoming the first World Athletics Label road race in Nigeria to the first gold label 10km road race in Nigeria.

“We are indeed delighted to have the bank on board yet again as we strive to become the first road race in Africa to be granted a Platinum status.”

Iwuayanwu to Political Rascals

““IamveryclosetoYoruba,IhadaYorubadirectorwhoworkinmycompanyandhave relationshipwithmanyYoruba.So,Itoldthem(Igbos)nottoworrythatwehavenoproblem withYoruba atallbutthatthosewhoarecausingallthesearepoliticalrascals.Ididn’t sayYoruba.Iamshockedthataman,aNigerianwouldgoandcutoffmystatement.Ifyou readwhatwascirculatedallovertheworldIdidn’tsaythat,Ididn’tsayYorubaarepolitical rascals, Isaidthatthosewhoarebeatingthem(IgbosinLagos)” –OhanaezeLeader,Emmanuel Iwuayanwu,clarifyingthathenevermadethederogatorystatement about Yoruba.

KINGSLEYMOGHALU

GUEST COLUMNIST

Nigeria’s Economy: The Path to Prosperity

It is a given that the incoming Federal Government of Nigeria will have to tackle decisively the macroeconomic challenges of a fraudulent and wasteful petrol subsidy regime, our debt, revenue and resource allocation crisis, and a broken foreign exchange regime in order to get our economy back on track. But, if we are to put our country on a firm path to prosperity, we must go beyond these well-known challenges because they are only symptoms of deeper, more foundational obstacles. Three BIG ISSUES have kept us poor – the absence of nationhood, the absence of political will for real reform, and knowledge gaps in economic policymaking. The links between these issues, on the one hand, and high rates of poverty and unemployment and low economic productivity, on the other, have not received adequate attention in the past.

Nigeria cannot become a wealthy, prosperous country without first becoming a nation with a shared sense of national identity and unity of purpose, even in our diversity. Development begins in the mind. When people agree on a common goal of prosperity, based on an inclusive sense of national identity, shared values, justice and equality before the law, they can collectively put their shoulders to the wheel and push in unison. This characteristic, sometimes described as “social cohesion”, can have a transformative impact in terms of productivity. Because our country has been fractured along ethnic and religious lines of primordial identity, our politics reflects this fractionalization. Electoral outcomes create “Governments of Nigeria” that frequently (mis)manage the economy not for purposes of real wealth creation, but for that of advancing group vested interests of class, ethnicity, religion, or partisan political affiliation. In essence, then, what passes for economic management has become mostly a “rewards” system for chosen cronies of multiple hues. A national economy managed in this manner, rather than on the basis of technocratic competence, cannot create the wealth of nations.

Moreover, the matter of constitutional reform back to real federalism has foundational implications for Nigeria’s chances at economic prosperity. The recent constitutional amendments signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari, including giving states powers over electricity generation, transmission and distribution, as well as to establish railway services, are a pointer to the potentially positive impact on our economy of an even more foundational constitutional restructuring of Nigeria. Such restructuring will also address questions of nationhood, equity and justice, creating a more durable foundation for development.

Political will to embark on necessary reforms to reverse state capture by vested interests requires self-confidence and courage of elected political leaders. While it might be assumed that such political will can only come from a political leadership that emerges from “outside the system”, there is nothing that decrees — especially given the

existential crisis of the Nigerian state and its economy — that it cannot exist, even if imperfectly, in a leadership that has emerged from “within”. Whatever its provenance, such political will depends largely on the decisiveness of an elected political leader, and is essential for our national economic progress because of the challenge of state capture.

Perhaps the most tricky problem of economic policymaking in Nigeria is that of knowledge gaps. I use the word “tricky” advisedly, and based on both insight and experience. Most Nigerian political leaders have university degrees and Nigeria has thousands of brilliant economists, yet we have a suboptimal economy. This reality is due not just to the two big issues of a weak sense of nationhood and absent political will, but just as important, a frequent lack of fundamental understandings about economics and its relationship with the other social sciences, law, and technology to create a productive economy.

The first problem is that, even within the economics profession itself, there often is an emphasis on the technical and the mathematical, with little appreciation and application of a sound knowledge of economic philosophy and political economy as the necessary foundations of economic development and wealth creation. All successful economies are based on some sort of philosophical foundation or the other. The internal dynamics – and sometimes contradictions – of these philosophical leanings matter for economic policy, as do their differences. This, then, requires a certain amount of intellectual interrogation, a level of comfort with ideas and concepts, and their application to everyday economic policy challenges. Alas, this is only too rarely a habit of economic policymaking in Nigeria.

Let me illustrate: Most Nigerians today

believe in profit-oriented, market activity. We are dynamic and entrepreneurial. We are therefore mainly capitalist in persuasion, at least to varying degrees. But, you see, capitalism is a philosophy. If we fail to understand this, as we often do, we will copy capitalist societies who understand this, and then fail to create wealth for 200 million Nigerians the way these societies have done for their citizens. The wealth of a few and the poverty of many is the natural outcome, because we are “doing” but without first thinking deeply. According to the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) , 99.4 percent of Nigerians that are banked have less than 500,000 Naira in their bank accounts. From this we can see why, for the average Nigerian, an “alat” hitting his or her “acant” is a truly big deal.

In order for capitalism to create wealth, we must come to a clear, pragmatic understanding of the right balance between the state and the marketplace (this leans too much in favour of the state in Nigeria, thus distorting the economy), the essential bedrocks of successful capitalist economies (strong property rights as opposed to state ownership of land, an important factor of economic production, under the Land Use Act, an innovationdriven economy, and capital), as well as the four kinds of capitalism – entrepreneurial capitalism that is dominant in the United States, welfare capitalism that is practised in Europe, crony capitalism that is dominant in Russia and Nigeria, and “state capitalism”, an unlikely but functioning oxymoron that has been invented and practised in China over the past 40 years.

Another example: We are fixated on economic GDP growth. “The Nigerian Economy Will Grow by X % in 2023” is a frequent headline of economic news. But we have taken our eyes off the ball: Such growth must be inclusive. To be precise, this means it must be broad-based across sectors and anchored on a steadily increasing productivity of labour. This misunderstanding takes us away from a more important focus on overcoming poverty with skilled human capital, jobs, and increasing GDP per capita. Nigeria’s GDP per capita is $2000, and its average between 1960 and 2021 was $1,867.70. Comparisons with Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil and South Korea will make you weep, and I don’t want you to cry. Our economic policymaking going forward must understand the distinctions and the three stage-linkages between human development (literacy, water, health, skilled human capital), economic growth, and structural economic transformation. Economic growth without real human development is not just unsustainable. It will not be able to yield structural economic transformation. The latter means a shift from subsistence agriculture, commodities and mineral resources as a share of the GDP to value-added manufacture and export as an increasing part of GDP. This cannot happen without “productive knowledge” (PK), or skills. This means that educational system reform must become the number one priority for our medium/long term

economic progress.

We were once tipsy with the “Africa Rising” myth, when the continent had not yet become an industrially productive economic powerhouse, with a significant share of world trade (only 3 percent today) and foreign direct investment (5 percent). Ten years ago, I argued in my book Emerging Africa: How the Global Economy’s ‘Last Frontier’ Can Prosper and Matter against the conventional wisdom that Africa was rising. The continent, I asserted, was simply emerging from the shadows, and set out an agenda for its possible rise. “Rising” was more accurately applicable to Rising Asia – China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. Looking back now, I take no pleasure in having been proved right.

I would recommend two (in my view) critical executive education programs for political leaders and economic managers in Nigeria (federal and state levels). The first is “Leading Economic Growth”, taught at Harvard Kennedy School by Professor Ricardo Haussmann and his colleagues. This course provides important knowledge and perspective on how to actually diversify an economy and achieve “economic complexity”. The second is “Macroeconomic and Financial Sector Management” , taught at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Institute.

And then we have the matter of institutions. Without strong, independent institutions to uphold accountability and the Rule of Law, and to regulate the economy to create a level playing field for market players, a national economy cannot prosper. Institutions need to be independent precisely so that they can work for the citizens and the economy broadly, and not for cabals or for partisan political interests. Where the latter is the case, the economy suffers because it weakens investor confidence, reduces both foreign and local investment, and promotes capital flight. But the truth is that institutions also cannot be strong, especially in an economy such as ours, without strong, competent individuals leading them.

These are the big issues as I see them, along with the immediate crisis of the petrol subsidy, irresponsible and untransparent borrowing, and a dysfunctional forex regime all of which need to end as soon as possible in order to stop the economic bleeding of our country. Alongside these reforms, however, we must also engage the heavy lifts - the even bigger work that must also proceed apace – of national consensus building and constitutional reform for greater national stability and prosperity. Nigeria can be the next China – on its own terms. The foundation can be laid over the next four years.

•Prof. Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is the CEO of Sogato Strategies LLC, an emerging markets investment and risk advisory firm, and the President of the Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation (IGET), a public policy think tank.

Buhari