TUESDAY 23TH APRIL 2024

DMO: Nigeria Working on Details of Proposed Dollar-denominated Local Bond

Naira dips to N1,250/$ at parallel market, N1,234/$1, official market

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos

Nigeria is working on the details of the proposed dollar-denominated domestic bonds, which is part of

overall measures by the federal government to address the foreign exchange crisis, the Debt Manage-

ment Office (DMO) has confirmed. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the

Economy, Mr. Wale Edun had recently announced plans to initiate the issuance of domestic bonds

denominated in foreign currency

Continued on page 23

President: state Policing Will Address Demands of Various Nigerian Communities... Page 25

www.thisdaylive.com

In Historic Move, NERC Transfers Regulatory Oversight to Enugu Electricity Commission

State-controlled

regulators to determine tariffs for residents

Tinubu: External Funding Fuelling Illegal Mining, Terrorism in Africa

Ex-british Envoy urges Nigeria to reject imF’s Projected low Economic ranking... Page 5 story on page 23

Says global community owes continent duty in fight against illegal activities Calls for regional counter-terrorism centre to combat terrorism Stresses Africa must address social injustice, poverty President approves re-composition of NSWG for NEITI

L-R: Chairman, Governors Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Deputy Secretary General, United Nations, Amina Mohammed; Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbe; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Ghana President, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo; Chairperson, African Union Commission, Moussa Faki; President, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Omar Touray;

Under Secretary-General, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov. In the back row: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; Borno State Governor, Babangana Zulum; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yussuf Tuggar; Minister of state for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, during the High-level African Counter-terrorism meeting held in Abuja... yesterday PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI. Continued on page 23 power consumers in the state, thus,

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja In a move that will significantly alter the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), yesterday, in an Order, kickstarted the process of handing over its regulatory oversight power to the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) in compliance with the new Electricity Act, 2023.

NAtioNAl DiAlogUE oN StAtE PoliciNg...

L-R:

Marketers Lament as 45% Banks' CRR Hampers Buying Products in Cargoes from Dangote Refinery

Say with monetary policy tightening many banks unable to extend huge loans Masters Energy gets two million litres of diesel from Dangote Says quality of product meets Nigerian standard

Peter Uzoho

Many petroleum products marketers are currently facing difficulty in getting loans needed to finance the lifting of diesel and aviation fuel in larger volumes from the Dangote Refinery due to the new 45 per cent Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) recently introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

It was gathered that the challenge from the increased CRR has allegedly hampered the ability of commercial banks to lend up to N15 billion to enable marketers purchase petroleum products from Dangote Refinery with cargoes.

This, according to industry sources, was contributing to why products from the local refinery had been slow in saturating filling stations across the country.

The Executive Director of Operations at Masters Energy Oil & Gas Limited, Mr. Felix Eribo, told THISDAY that the company had been getting offers from Dangote Refinery but that the company had not started lifting products from them in vessels due to the lack of adequate funding.

He said the banks are now handicapped to lend huge amount that would enable marketers to buy large volumes of products

with vessels from the Lekki Free Trade Zone-based 650, 000 barrels per day refining facility. The CRR is the minimum amount banks and merchant banks are expected to retain with the CBN from customer deposits and it carries no interest and is not available for use by the banks in their day-to-day operations.

It is one of the ways CBN regulates the country’s money supply, inflation level and liquidity in the country. The higher the rate, the lower the liquidity with the banks.

In early 2020, the apex bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had increased CRR by five per cent from 22.5 per cent to 27.5 per cent and in September 2022, it moved it to 32.5 per cent in a move to tame inflationary pressure.

However, the MPC at the first meeting in 2024, increased CRR to 45.00 per cent amid double-digit inflation rate.

But Eribo observed that the increased CRR has diminished banks’ ability to lend huge amount of money that would enable marketers to flood the retail outlets with Dangote products.

''We have continued to get the offer but we have not started lifting with vessels, we are just buying

with trucks. I was just discussing with them.

“The problem most of the marketers are having is this bank issue where CBN is making it difficult for banks to extend lending to buy full cargo.

"It's because of this CRR that they introduced -the 45 per cent CRR. It's seriously giving banks problem. So, they now have this

singular obligor problem. Some of those banks are finding it difficult to cough out N14 billion to N15 billion to give to marketers", the Masters Energy director stated.

But in the midst of the funding constraint, he said his company was working around it and would lift products with vessels in no long time.

He disclosed that Dangote

Refinery allocated Masters Energy two million litres of diesel three weeks ago.

''So, right now, we are just using trucks to lift products from the refinery. They gave us two million litres last three weeks", he said.

In terms of quality of product from the refinery, Eribo said it met Nigerian standard. "What matters is that it meets Nigerian standard. Once it meets Nigerian standard, that's not an issue again. We call it DPR Standard, once it meets their standard, it's okay.

"Customers have not complained about the quality. You know when you have alternative, that's when you have complaint. But I know they will meet up, they will keep improving,", he added.

Ex-British Envoy Urges Nigeria to Reject IMF’s Projected Low Economic Ranking

A former Director of the British Council in Nigeria, Mr David Roberts, has called on Nigeria to reject the recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which projected that the country would drop from the first to the fourth largest economy in Africa this year.

The Fund in its recent World Economic Outlook as reported by Bloomberg, estimated Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at

$253 billion behind South Africa, $373 billion; Egypt, $348 billion; and Algeria, $267 billion.

It predicted that South Africa will remain the largest economy until 2027 when Egypt will overtake it.

However, the former British envoy to Nigeria said the country should rely more on data from its own statistics, rather than foreign agencies because the domestically gathered information is likely to be more accurate.

Roberts pointed out that Nigeria became the largest economy in

Alake Hails Nasarawa Government on Lithium Factory, Mining Development

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake has applauded Nasarawa state for supporting the establishment of a lithium processing facility in the state and providing an enabling environment for mining operations.

Speaking while receiving the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule in his office yesterday, Alake emphasised that the investment of the state in the construction of the lithium factory and efforts to secure the mining environment in Nasarawa underscored the commitment of the State government to mining

sector development. “I want to commend the governor for taking the bull by the horn and providing adequate security for mining sites. That is why we have a preponderance of peace around mining operations in Nasarawa. “I commend that to other state governments as well. Also worthy of commendation is the immense support the state has provided for the construction of the lithium processing factory, which is nearing completion. It will be one of the largest lithium processing factories in Nigeria”, the minister added.

Urging other states to take a cue from Nasarawa, Alake as-

serted that partnerships with the federal government and private sector is paramount to ensure that the local value addition objective of the Bola Tinubu administration is realised, in earnest.

In his remarks, Sule revealed that the first lithium processing plant being constructed is almost ready for commissioning.

He added that other issues that centred around insecurity around mining sites and fostering cooperation with the federal government for mining development prompted his parley with the minister.

The Nasarawa governor also hinted at collaboration with the National Agency for Science

and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), for the utilisation of Lithium produced by the state as a raw material for the production of solar panels, motor vehicle batteries amongst others.

“We had extensive discussions with NASENI for the use of our lithium as a raw material for their products and in the area of agriculture. I think that is one important thing that you are going to see from our Lithium processing plant.

“NASENI comes in to buy the pure Lithium so that they can be used in the manufacture of solar panels and motor vehicle batteries and their likes”, Sule added.

Africa in 2014 on the strength of data gathered by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s main data repository.

He said: “In 2014 when Nigeria became the largest economy in Africa, it was not because of the calculations of the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank. It was because Nigeria's economy had been rebased and recalculated by the National Bureau of Statistics.

“Were it not for the NBS, the world would have continued to perceive Nigeria as Africa's third-largest economy,” he argued.

Noting that he lived in Nigeria for a decade, he urged Nigerians to overcome their belief that Western Bretton Woods institutions are always right about them.

He added: “That is certainly not true. If Nigeria became the biggest economy on the strength of the NBS data, why would Nigeria allow itself to be downgraded and labelled the fourth largest economy in Africa this year by the IMF? Does the IMF know Nigeria better than the NBS?”

He stressed that evidence abound that the Breton Wood institution’s projections were not always correct.

“Did this same IMF not project a GDP growth of 3 per cent for Nigeria, which Nigeria overshot by delivering a 3.4 per cent quarterly growth?” Roberts queried.

He asked Nigerians to look back to the words of the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, spoken on January 11, 1976, when the former Nigerian leader said, "Africa has come of age."

Asking Nigeria to assert itself, Robert argued that the Nigerian economy is currently growing and will get even better when the Port Harcourt refinery and the Dangote facility come on stream.

“Nigeria is not some Pacific Island nation, dependent on aid. Several Western countries now depend on Nigeria for healthcare professionals and other service providers.

“Your economy is growing at 3.4 per cent. Fuel importation is down by 57 per cent. Local refining is up by 12 per cent and will explode when the Dangote and Port Harcourt Refineries kick off fully. You no longer spend N1.5 billion a month floating the Naira,” he maintained.

The former envoy said as long as these policies continued, Nigeria’s economy could move up, advising that Nigerians should rely more on the NBS statistics and projections.

Roberts pointed out that the Goldenberg scandal and the IMF's poor record at forecasting recessions prove that the NBS has more integrity on Nigeria's economy than the IMF.

The IMF had stated that Nigeria’s economy, which ranked as Africa’s largest in 2022, is set to slip to fourth place this year after a series of currency devaluations.

Nigeria has been battling economic challenges since President Bola Tinubu announced significant policy reforms, including the end of the subsidy regime and the floating of the Naira. However, the local currency had recently begun a rebound.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; Deputy Senate-President, Sen Barau Jibrin; Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Vice President Kashim Shettima; former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar; former President Goodluck Jonathan; and Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Geidam, at the National Dialogue on State Policing organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja... yesterday

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

BoI at World Bank/IMF SprIng MeetIng In WaShIngton d.C, UnIted StateS...

L-R: President and Chair of the Board of Directors, US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, Reta Jo Lewis, and Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, after the MoU signing to commence collaboration and partnership between the two organisation on the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF Spring Meeting in Washington D.C, United States....recently

FG Seeks New Buyers for Discos Under Receivership within 3 Months

TCN requests funding for over 100 uncompleted transmission projects

emmanuel addeh in Abuja

The federal government yesterday disclosed that it was seeking within the next three months, new buyers for distressed power Distribution Companies (Discos), which were over the years taken over by some banks and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, argued that banks and AMCON were not set up to manage those organisations which require sound technical know-how, stressing that the Discos will be sold

to reputable power operators in the coming months.

Adelabu spoke when he received the members of the Senate Committee on Power, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who were on an oversight visit to the ministry in Abuja. The power distributors which were recently taken over by their creditors include: The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), managed by the United Bank of Africa (UBA) and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), which was taken over by Fidelity Bank and Afreximbank in 2022.

Besides, the Kaduna Disco, Kano Disco as well as Ibadan Disco are being currently managed by AMCON, due to their inability to pay off their loans to the lenders.

According to the minister, the management of energy distribution assets remain in the technical realm and therefore should be managed by professionals.

Adelabu said: “We have put pressure on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to make sure that they raise the bar of regulatory activities on electricity distribution companies.

Abbas: N'Assembly Planning Law to Regulate AI in Nigeria

Sunday aborisade in Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has disclosed that the National Assembly was planning a legislation that would provide legal framework for the regulation and application of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria. He therefore challenged the management of the National Institute For Legislative And Democratic Studies (NILDS), to explore opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimise human capital development.

Abbas, specifically tasked authorities of the National Assembly training arm to design a curriculum in line with the practice in other countries.

Abbas, whose speech was read by the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, made the appeal yesterday, at the Matriculation Ceremony of NILDS-University of Benin (UNIBEN) Post Graduate Programmes and HND Programme, held in Abuja.

Abbas, said many developed countries had advanced their educational systems and continue to explore opportunities in AI to optimise human capital development.

He said, "In order to key in to this emerging development, the 10th National Assembly will strive

to provide a legal framework for regulating the adoption of AI in our country.

"This is in order to ensure an optimal mix of labour-capital ratio in our nation’s development process.

"In this direction, NILDS is expected to look into the possibilities of providing research based intellectual support to facilitate the actualisation of this very important modern process.

"While the 10th National Assembly will continue to support NILDS, your role as students, therefore, is though simple but important."

He, therefore, called on the students of the institute to endeavour to attend their lectures regularly, do their assignments promptly, and obey all the rules and regulations that are contained in the Student’s Handbook.

Abbas, emphasised the role of education in nation building and national development.

He said, "In my years as a legislator, I have also seen how the capacity-building and knowledgedeepening of the support system around legislators can help them to enhance legislative processes and outcomes."

The Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said this

year’s matriculation ceremony was unique in many ways.

First, he said it presented a higher number of enrolments compared to last year.

Senate urges end to grid collapses, to probe recent tariff hike

If they have to withdraw licences for non-performance, why not? If they have to change the board and management, why not?

“All the Discos that are still under AMCON and bank lenders, within the next three months, they must be sold to technical power operators with good reputation in utility management.

“We can no longer afford AMCON or the banks to run our Discos. This is a technical industry and must be run by technical experts.”

Adelabu also identified inadequate funding as well as vandalism of electricity infrastructure as some of the problems in the sector, arguing that reliance on the national grid has to reduce.

He urged sub-national governments to take advantage of the new electricity law and invest in power in order to provide some form of backup for the national grid.

He further reiterated that power generation in the country will be raised from the current average of 4,000mw to 6,000mw in the coming months.

Also speaking, the Managing Di-

rector of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Abdulaziz, who also received the senate delegation separately, urged the members to assist in getting more funding for the over 100 uncompleted projects being overseen by the company.

“Let me start by saying that what we are doing here in TCN is trying to expand the grid. As you know, the power system is dynamic. It is always increasing and the people who demand light are always increasing in number.

“So we cannot say that we have finished expanding the grid. Presently, we have over 100 ongoing projects and if we are able to finish them, it will add a great value to the national grid.

“I want to take this opportunity to appeal to the committee to help TCN with funds to complete these projects because these projects are hanging for almost 20 years. There are some that started in 2001. The major problem we have with these projects is funding.

“There are some of them which also have problems with the Right of Ways (RoW) which we are

making efforts to contact our state governors to help us resolve these issues. Secondly, there is the grid visibility. As everybody is aware, TCN doesn't have a full SCADA system.

“Even though the World Bank has helped TCN in giving contracts for the SCADA, but this will take at least two years to be completed.

So what TCN is doing now is to make an in-house innovation whereby we can see most of the stations, the generation and transmission stations.

“Almost two-thirds of the stations can be seen from our Internet of Things (IoT) system. Another issue we are facing is vandalism. We have reported so many times the extent of vandalism we are having in this country, especially in the North-east.

“A lot of transmission lines were vandalised and some stations that are uncompleted, especially in the South-east, which because of lack of transmission lines, we are not able to energise these stations. People went there and vandalised them,” he stated.

Continues online

Obaseki to Launch Edo Water Transportation System Next Month

Distributes inputs to 1,734 farmers for 2024 planting season

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government has commenced the construction of water stops in various riverine communities across the State with the plan to launch the State’s water transportation system next month. Obaseki disclosed this while addressing stakeholders during an interactive engagement on the Edo State Regional Development and Benin City Master Plans, at Ovia-South-West Secretariat in Iguobazuwa.

The governor, who noted that the transportation system was a critical aspect of the State’s master plans, said it will kick off with three passenger boats in the Riverine Community. Present at the meeting were: The Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, serving Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries,

market women, youths, religious and traditional leaders, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Hausa Community, amongst others.

During the engagement, stake- holders from Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East interacted with the governor and officials from the Ministry of Physical, Urban and Regional Development to ensure their interests were captured in the master plan.

He said: “Water transportation is the cheapest form of transportation as we are working on how to make the state key into it. We are starting Edo State Water Transportation next month. We are starting with three passenger boats in the riverine communities. We are building water stops in various communities around the

riverine communities in the State.”

On the State’s Regional Development and Benin City Master Plans, Obaseki said: “The plan I met expired, hence the need for another plan. A master plan is not forever; it's for sometime. I want to leave a plan for the State that will guide other successive administrations to continue the development plan.

“Today, we have developed our master plan that will guide every area of life. We are here to hear from you and have your input on the plan. Before I leave office, we will take it to the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) to ensure it’s signed into law.” Earlier in his welcome, Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere said: “Planning is very important as it is vital for

development and Governor Obaseki with this plan has left a long-term plan that other administrations follow. Planning is important for real development.”

On her part, the Commissioner for Physical, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo said the master plan which is a 30-year development plan for the State, has been broken down into five years to create opportunity for reassessment on its implementation.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has commenced the distribution of farm inputs and processing equip- ment to smallholder farmers across the seven local government areas in Edo South Senatorial District for the 2024 planting season.

DialOguE Of faith lEaDErs On nutritiOn in nigEria...

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, (SSA) Mr Stanley Nkwocha; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia; National Project Manager, ANEIN, Dr. Ojuolape Salanke; Executive Director, Centre for Communication and Social Impact, USI, Babafunke Fagbemi at the

conference on the High-level dialogue of Faith Leaders on Nutrition in Nigeria held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday

Stakeholders Proffer Way Forward for Planned Banking Sector Recapitalisation

ndubuisi francis in Abuja

Senate C'ttee advises against allowing laundered money for exercise is an opportunity for the country to build a stronger, more resilient industry to propel Nigeria towards a brighter, more prosperous future," he said.

Key stakeholders in the financial system, the National Assembly and the academia, among others, at the weekend proffered the way forward for the ongoing banking sector recapitalisation, saying it would support the realisation of Nigeria’s goal of attaining a $1 trillion-size economy by 2030.

The stakeholders, who spoke at a symposium on "Banking Sector Recapitalisation: Implications for the Nigerian Capital Market," organised by the Association of Capital Market Academics of Nigeria (ACMAN), declared that the planned exercise offers an opportunity for Nigeria to build a stronger, more resilient industry to propel the country towards a brighter, more prosperous future.

Some of the stakeholders at the virtual event were the President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dr. Innocent Okwuosa; President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Ken Opara; Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Mr. Temi Popoola; President of the Nigeria Economic Society (NES), Prof. Adeola Adenikinju; and Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Markets, Senator Osita Izunaso, among others.

In his opening remarks, Izunaso noted that the impending recapitalisation was necessitated

by the depreciation of the naira and other factors, adding that it would make the banking sector stronger and enhance its ability to finance productive economic activities.

While commending the categorisation of banks in the current exercise, he stated that banking recapitalisation has the potential of deepening the capital market.

He, however, raised concerns about what he described as heightened risk of money laundering when banks opt for private placement, adding that there was the need to ensure that laundered funds did not find their way into banks' recapitalisation

While noting that ACMAN headed by Prof. Uche Uwaleke, has a key role to play in public awareness pre and post-recapitalisation offers, he assured that the Senate Committee on Capital Market would provide support as appropriate for the success of the recapitalisation exercise.

In his presentation, the CIBN President, Opara, who was represented by the incoming President of the Institute, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, noted that the banking sector recapitalisation exercise presents an opportunity for growth and stability in the sector.

"It will help banks to explore various options including capital raising, consolidation (mergers and acquisition). Banks will become bigger and able to support the economy.

"Raising Nigerian bank capital

According to Opara, the recapitalisation exercise would further empower banks to extend more credit to the economy's productive sectors, contributing to the country’s ambitious goal of achieving a $1 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.

He noted that the current exercise, apart from capital raising, may also lead to further consolidation-- mergers and acquisitions, adding that the two-year period will give banks that may go through this route the

opportunity to explore options that will enable them to provide systemic impact.

The exercise, he further noted, would see a rise in activities within the capital market, and likely increase total market capitalisation, reflecting a more vibrant and dynamic financial sector.

"We believe that capital raising would further deepen the capital market. As at April 2024, the total Equity Capitalisation of the NGX stood at N57.56 trillion. Given the experience of the last recapitalisation exercise and with the size of NGX being the second best performing in Africa, capital raising is possible. “Banks now require collabora-

tion. For example, CIBN, NGX and Central Security Clearing System (CSCS) are collaborating to deepen the market," he said.

For Popoola, recapitalisation would bring the Nigerian Exchange closer to the banks and the financial ecosystem, adding that the bourse could customise services for issuers.

For his part, Okwuosa, who spoke on taxation and financial reporting implications observed that Nigeria has adopted the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), adding that some consequential activities are treated by specific IFRS provisions.

He stressed that there would be injection of capital, classified by

financial instruments and accounted by IFRS 32.

This, he stated, would have implications for EPS (treated by IFRS 33).

Noting that mergers and acquisitions are covered by IFRS 3 on business combinations, he pointed out that exclusion of retained earnings suggests that retained earnings may have been impaired (IFRS 9).

"This sends wrong signal to investors who are relying on accounting standards. There is heightened risk of money laundering in the exercise," he said.

He queried whether accumulated capital allowances can be subsequently used, post-merger.

Presidency: Nigeria Needs Multi-stakeholder Approach to Tackle Malnutrition

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Presidency has stressed the need for a multi-stakeholder approach in ongoing efforts to combat the problem of malnutrition in Nigeria, saying improved nutrition is crucial for national development and economic growth.

Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, made the call yesterday, at a news conference ahead of a high-

level dialogue with faith leaders on nutrition scheduled for Tuesday, April, 2024 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the National Council on Nutrition (NCN), would deliver the keynote speech at the event.

Hadejia, stressed the need for collaborative efforts involving government, religious institutions, traditional authorities, and development partners.

According to him, government

cannot afford to neglect the issue of nutrition, as it, "directly impacts human capital development, economic productivity, and our overall trajectory as a Hecountry."commended efforts of the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) Project funded by the World Bank for its innovative approach to leveraging the influence of faith leaders in promoting positive behavioral change and sustainable nutrition practices.

"The first 1,000 days of a child's life are crucial for their development, and missing this window of opportunity will result in the loss of a significant population vital for economic growth," she stated, adding that "the Vice President, as the Chairman of the National Council on Nutrition, has the energy and determination to keep the issue of malnutrition on the agenda," Solanke affirmed.

Rights Violation: Alliance Hospital, NAPTIP

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Alliance Hospital Group in Abuja has described as misleading, the interpretation given by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on the outcome of the House of Representatives Committee Hearing on the petition brought before it by the Managing Director Dr. Chris Otabor.

The hospital had filed a petition against NAPTIP for violating the fundamental human rights of Otabor and other staff of the hospital following allegations unprofessional

Disagree over Public Hearing

handling of the organ transplant involving the hospital.

In a statement by the Media Consultant to Alliance Hospital, Dada Joseph, he said the last proceeding was meant for the Director General of NAPTIP, Dr Fatima Waziri, to appear before it based on the summon issued against her following the petition on fundamental human rights violation and abuse of her office filed by the hospital.

Joseph described the account of the Committee's Public Hearing presented by NAPTIP as "misleading and laced with inaccuracies".

According to him, the chairman

of the House Committee on Public Petitions Hon. Emeka Etaba berated the NAPTIP DG during the sitting and ordered her to appear on the 18th of April 2024.

"But knowing well that the committee will not spare her for allegedly violating the rights of the MD of Alliance Hospital, the DG quickly rushed to file a suit against him before the FCT high court on March 18th , 2024 barely 11 days after her summon,” It added. Alliance hospital further said that NAPTIP DG was scolded for the action taken by her office regarding the allegation of infringement of the

fundamental rights of innocent citizens

The hospital said NAPTIP DG was absent at the last Thursday 's resumed Public Hearing and that she sent her employee to inform the committee that the agency has instituted the matter before an FCT high court.

"The chairman of the committee who is a law abiding citizen, and who also holds the sanctity of the constitution ruled that since the matter is before the court, it will be Sub judice for the committee to continue proceeding on the petition," it said.

"President Bola Tinubu, is passionately committed to advancing initiatives that promote sustainable nutrition activities in our nation.

“The event will bring together state governors, ministers, development partners, and apex bodies of faith and traditional institutions to align efforts with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu's administration".

He further noted that the upcoming high-level dialogue between the National Council on Nutrition and the faith leaders will provide a platform for strategic discussions and commitments towards sustainable nutrition investments for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Earlier, the National Project Manager of ANRiN Project, Dr. Ojuolape Solanke, observed the administration's prioritisation of malnutrition, recognising its impact on growth, development, and economic prosperity.

Also speaking, the Kaduna Programme Manager for ANRiN, Dr. Zainab Kwaru Muhammad-Idris, emphasised the project's implementation at the local community level where nutrition services are accessed.

"Faith leaders play a crucial role in ensuring that the right messages reach the people. We work closely with them to promote improved nutrition practices, even in times of food abundance," she said.

The Executive Director of the Center for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), Babafunke Fagbemi, added that faith leaders play an important role in institutionalising efforts to address malnutrition by maximising their influence.

"We have identified religious, gender, and social norms that hinder the adoption of best practices. Faith leaders have been able to reach over six million members of their congregations with messages that build self-efficacy in respect to improved nutrition in their communities," Fagbemi stated.

press

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI.

POLITICS

Ondo 2024 Guber: Intrigues As Aiyedatiwa Emerges APC Candidate

Fidelis David examines the intrigues of last Saturday’s governorship primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Ondo State and the factors that led to the emergence of the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa

From time immemorial, it’s literarily a norm for political office holders to seek re-election, and Nigerian politicians are no exception. Although, political experts believe there is nothing wrong in seeking or recontesting to occupy a political position, as long as it doesn’t run foul of the law.

Particularly, in Nigeria, one enviable class of such office holders are governors who are seen as very powerful, courtesy of influence, paraphernalia of office, and almost unrestrained access to state funds which has apparently made the office very lucrative.

Building on the above premises, since its creation in 1976, Ondo State has succeeded in projecting itself into national politics.

The outcome of the governorship election of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State held at the weekend comes to mind in this regard.

After the initial dispute that fraught the first round of the exercise, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was declared winner of the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Sunshine state.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, who was also the Chairman of the seven-member committee set up by the national secretariat of the party to supervise the exercise to elect a standard bearer for the November 16, 2024 election in Ondo state, announced the winner of the election around 12:43 on Monday morning, in Akure, the state capital.

The announcement came hours after Ododo ordered a rerun election in all the 13 Wards of Okitipupa Local Government with total validated registered members of 9,515 because of validated reports that the exercise did not hold in the local government due to late arrival of materials and personnel as a result of logistics challenges.

According to Ododo, Aiyedatiwa polled 48,569 votes to defeat 15 other aspirants in the contest. A former member of the House of Representatives, Mayowa Akinfolarin, came second with 15,343 votes, while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, got 9,456 votes. A former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Wale Akinterinwa, polled 1,952 votes.

The result also showed that Aiyedatiwa won in 16 out of the 18 council areas in the state, while Oke won in only Ilaje local government but came third after polling a total of 14,915 votes in the election.

Ododo said: “Reports from the field revealed that the primary election went on peacefully, and at the end of the exercise, votes were counted and recorded.

“By the power conferred on the committee, and in line with APC guidelines for the nomination of the candidate of the party in the general election, I, Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State and the Chairman of the Committee and the Returning Officer of the Ondo State APC governorship primary election, held on the 20th, 2024, hereby declare that Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest numbers of votes cast in the direct primary election, is hereby return elected and declared winner.”

While charging the aspirants to set aside their differences and unite behind the candidate, Ododo said, “your dedication to the service of Ondo State and commitment to serving the people under the platform of our great party are truly commendable.

“We are grateful for your courage and determination to be part of this important process. Let us remember that the real work lies ahead of all of us as members of this great party.

“We must follow the words of our leader and president, Bola Tinubu, who has maintained that a political contest is a quest to serve as brothers and sisters from the same family, but leaving in different rooms and must therefore remain in the same house after the election has been won and lost.

“So, we are all from the same family and as such, we have no need to abandon the party irrespective of the outcome of the

Aiyedatiwa

election. We must set aside our differences and unite behind our candidate,” he said.

CONTROVERSY, PROTESTS

Interestingly, the declaration of result came amid controversy and protests by some aspirants, who called for the cancellation of the exercise over alleged irregularities and the replacement of Ododo as chairman of the election committee.

Some aspirants including Olusola Oke, Hon Olugbenga Edema, Hon Wale Akinterinwa, Jimi Odimayo, Engr. Ife Oyedele and Prof Dayo Faduyile called for the cancellation of the exercise.

Mr Wale Akinterinwa, in a statement signed by the spokesperson of his campaign organization, Segun Ajiboye, alleged that the seven-man primary election committee led by Governor Ododo of Kogi State did not conduct any primary election in the state.

Akinterinwa said the purported primary election conducted by Ododo can be better described as a makebelieve exercise claiming that there

are incontrovertible evidence that there was no election and that the Governor Ododo-led election committee merely concocted figures in their hotel rooms and declared same as results of the primary.

“Without any fear of contradiction, we state here that no election was held in any part of Ondo State on Saturday to elect the candidate of the APC. It is on record with incontrovertible evidence that nothing in the semblance of a primary election was held in all the 203 wards in Ondo State”.

In the same vein, the Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Mr Ojo Oyewamide, said the primary was a mockery of democracy.

“We insist that what happened in Ondo State on Saturday was a disheartening mockery of democracy. As a result, our party has become a boot of jokes in the hands of the opposition parties and the people of the state.

Mr. Paul Oniyemofe who spoke on behalf of Prof Faduyile said there was no electoral material deployed for the exercise across the state. He said it would be an injustice if the party treat its members in a dishonourable manner.

Other aggrieved aspirants wonders how, a former member of the House of Representatives, Mayowa Akinfolarin who had allegedly stepped

“Before the primary, public opinion conducted by THISDAY showed that residents of the state are happy with the present development in the state and the achievements of Aiyedatiwa within 100 days in office, believing that the governor is performing wonderfully well like his predecessor (Akeredolu) and thus, should be allowed to govern the state for another four years.

Besides, Aiyedatiwa had consistently declared that his late principal had always wished that he (Aiyedatiwa) succeeds him and so the believe is that Akeredolu’s prediction has come to pass with the success of Aiyedatiwa in last Saturday’s APC’s primary election.”

down for Aiyedatiwa came second in the election with a total of 15,343 votes.

VIOLENCE AND IRREGULARITIES

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, was beaten to stupor by angry members of the All Progressives Congress at Ugbo Ward 3, in Ilaje Local Government Area, for allegedly hiding result sheet.

Witnesses said the APC members who demanded for the result sheet of the primary election turned on Ajaka after electoral officers accused him of holding the sheet.

Also, as at 12:11 am last Saturday when THISDAY visited Ward 9, St James’ CAC Caring Heart Mega Primary School, Akure, members of the party were waiting for voting materials to arrive while hoodlums took charge, sending away any member they knew was against their aspirant.

Similar cases were observed in ward 4, St Stephen’s Primary School, Ijomu Street, Akure and Ward 7, St Martin’s RCM Primary School, Oke-Padi, Akure.

In the Southern senatorial district of the state, pandemonium broke out in Okitipupa Ward 1 as members of the party who had gathered at Stella Maris College to be counted were dispersed due to violence over support for a desired aspirant. This subsequently led to a rerurn in the council area on Sunday.

FACTORS THAT LED TO AIYEDATIWA’S EMERGENCE

On December 27, 2023, Aiyedatiwa was sworn-in as governor of Ondo state following the death of his principal and former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and thus, by law, Aiyedatiwa is expected to complete the joint tenure of late Akeredolu and himself by February, 2025.

On the factors that led to his emergence as the candidate of the party for the November poll, THISDAY reliably gathered that Aiyedatiwa had the backing of the presidency, his fellow APC governors and the national leadership of the party to emerge the candidate of the party.

Secondly, the power of incumbency from time immemorial has always been a nightmare for any known opponent at the primary election

In other words, as an incumbent governor, he had enough resources to fund his election because it is widely believed that any aspirant who wishes to succeed in any contest, must have the wherewithal and party structure at his disposal.

Also, before the primary, public opinion conducted by THISDAY showed that residents of the state are happy with the present development in the state and the achievements of Aiyedatiwa within 100 days in office, believing that the governor is performing wonderfully well like his predecessor (Akeredolu) and thus, should be allowed to govern the state for another four years.

Besides, Aiyedatiwa had consistently declared that his late principal had always wished that he (Aiyedatiwa) succeeds him and so the believe is that Akeredolu’s prediction has come to pass with the success of Aiyedatiwa in last Saturday’s APC’s primary election.

IMMINENT LITIGATION

No doubt, with the call by some aggrieved aspirants for the cancellation of the primary over alleged irregularities, litigation is eminent.

While briefing newsmen in Akure on Monday, former Bauchi state Governor, Mohammed Abubakar who is also the head of the five-member Primary Election Appeal Committee for the primary said three petitions were received from the aggrieved aspirants. These petitions, if not urgently and properly managed by the leadership of the party, may compound the APC crisis in the coastal state. Also, if not well managed, political experts also believe that the crisis over the primary may cost the ruling party the November 16 governorship poll and even lead to the collapse of the party in the sunshine state.

There is need to strengthen enabling

To honour the day William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, and several prominent authors died, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1995 recognised April 23 every year as the World Book and Copyright Day. On such a day as this, therefore, it is important to advance the protection of intellectual property in a country where the creative and knowledge industries are increasingly undervalued. This is in spite of the benefits that literary and artistic works have brought Nigeria. Our country has produced the late Professor Chinua Achebe (the author of the globally acclaimed 'Things Fall Apart', Professor Wole Soyinka, (the first African to win a Nobel prize in Literature as far back as 1986), and award-winning writers like Ben Okri and Chimamanda Adichie, among others.

However, in Nigeria today, the publishing industry is not only suffering under the weight of piracy and other copyright abuses but the return on investment is barely sufficient to guarantee its sustainability. 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. Who knows how many Achebes and Soyinkas have been forced to quit writing on account of the activities of pirates? Today, it is not uncommon to find several celebrated writers and artistes living in penury as pirates ride piggy-back on their intellectual works to fortune.

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. Apart from the huge financial losses incurred by the owners of these intellectual properties, nothing kills creativity as fast as piracy.

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

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

EDITOR NATION’S

T

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU,

There is therefore the need to fight the scourge of piracy that has become a serious epidemic in our country. Authors, publishers, producers and artistes spend a lot of time, money and effort to produce such intellectual works. Yet within a few hours, and

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

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

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 fighting piracy. Armed with ever-changing cuttingedge technology, the pirates appear to be one step ahead. To fight this scourge, we need to strengthen the enabling laws and seek more efficient ways to track and punish offenders. Also, the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) should be better funded. 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 today, 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.”

INVESTIGATE OIL SPILL IN UZERE

In 2023, there was an oil spill in Uzere, in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, and which spread into farmlands and fishing ponds of Uzere. The effect of that spread is that Uzere farmers and fishermen have had their means of livelihood destroyed almost forever.

Arising from that unfortunate spill, Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd, operating OML 30, together with representatives of the community, officials of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) undertook an inspection of the site of the oil spill.

After that oil spill inspection exercise, there has been no report or white paper to determine the remote and immediate causes of the spill so as to forestall a recurrence.

The community affected, Uzere, contributes over 40 oil wells to crude oil production in Nigeria, yet are the butt of underdevelopment. There are reported cases of an out-

break of unknown diseases likely to result in an epidemic of unknown proportions if massive remediation work involving competent contractors is not carefully handled. Via self-effort, the community is building a power station needing to be powered by abundant gas reservoirs - yet the operators of that OML 30 want Uzere people to pay for that gas.

Let the federal government of Nigeria intervene on behalf of the people of Uzere to prevent a crisis from that community, and which may likely affect oil production in Nigeria. The company involved, Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd, OML 30, may assuage frayed nerves by paying compensation to farmlands and fishing lakes effected by the spill.

Bob

MajiriOghene Etemiku, WADONOR cultural Voice of Nigeria

SHUT THE GATE

There is a lot in the U.S. media recently of illegal immigrants sneaking in down south or actually just walking across the Rio Grande river. Sometimes the references are to illegal refugees, an innacurate phrase as refugees are fleeing conflicts and this is not illegal.

However the latest, perhaps illegal, U.S. immigrant is Harry Windsor, previously known as Prince Harry. He has now declared that the U.S. is his primary residence but surely it is a bit more complex given his official biography 'Spare' mentions various drugs.

Declaring something does not make it a fact as ex-president Trump can testify to.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

FOCUS

Zenith Bank: More Wins as Onyeagwu Prepares to Exit

Louis Achi

In about five week’s time, the disciplined, focused and incomparable choreography wrought in the highoctane financial services turf by Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of pacesetting Zenith Bank Plc, comes to an end.

Dr. Onyeagwu’s ground-breaking fiveyear tenure which saw Zenith Bank Plc transform into an innovative, sector-leading continental behemoth concludes as svelte Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji takes charge on June 1 2024.

Significantly, Zenith Bank’s recent announcement of its compelling audited results for the year ended December 31, 2023, simply encapsulates the story of vision in action under the guidance of a sound professional and bold leader. The report revealed the bank achieved a remarkable triple-digit growth of 125% in gross earnings from NGN945.6 billion reported in 2022 to NGN2.132 trillion in 2023.

The captivating performance data simply spoke to the astute corporate governance stewardship of the outgoing Zenith Bank boss, Dr. Onyeagwu. Some analysts perceive these top-notch 2023 records as a valedictory transformation that put the banking sector leader into an unapparelled orbit.

The audited results for the year ended December 31, 2023, revealed that the increase in gross earnings is primarily due to growth in interest and non-interest income. Interest income increased by 112% from NGN540 billion in 2022 to NGN1.1 trillion in 2023. Non-interest income grew by 141% from NGN381 billion to NGN918.9 billion in the same period.

The increase in interest income is attributed to the growth in the size of the bank’s risk assets and their effective repricing, alongside the rise in the yield of other interest-bearing instruments over the year. Growth in non-interest income was driven by significant trading gains and an increase in gains from the revaluation of foreign currencies.

Specifically, the cost of funds grew from 1.9% in 2022 to 3.0% in 2023 due to the high interest rate environment while interest expense increased by 135% from NGN173.5 billion in 2022 to NGN408.5 billion in 2023. Notwithstanding the 32% growth in operating expenses in 2023, the Group’s cost-to-income ratio improved significantly from 54.4% in 2022 to 36.1% in 2023 due to improved top-line performance.

The Return on Average Equity (ROAE) increased by 118% from 16.8% in 2022 to 36.6% in 2023, underpinned by improved gross earnings, as the Group sought to deliver better shareholder returns, while Return on Average Assets (ROAA) also grew by 95% from 2.1% to 4.1% in the same period.

The banking behemoth has continued to deepen its market leadership in key corporate and retail deposit segments as customer deposits increased by 69% from NGN9.0 trillion to NGN15.2 trillion in 2023. Its retail drive continues to yield dividends as retail deposits now constitute 46% of total deposits (compared to 44% in 2022) and grew by 77% from NGN3.97 trillion in 2022 to NGN7.04 trillion in 2023, also reinforcing increased customer confidence in the Zenith brand.

On the Group’s assets front, its total assets increased by 66% from NGN12.3 trillion in 2022 to NGN20.4 trillion in 2023, largely due to growth in total deposits and the revaluation of foreign currency deposits. Gross loans grew by 71% from NGN4.1 trillion in 2022 to NGN7.1 trillion in 2023 due to the revaluation of foreign currency loans and the growth in local currency risk assets.

As a result of the focused, disciplined and diligent approach to risk assets creation

and management, the loan growth did not significantly impact the Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio, which increased marginally from 4.3% to 4.4% despite the heightened risk environment and challenging operating environment, an attestation to the Group’s resilience despite headwinds and a challenging macroeconomic environment.

Also, the prudential ratios remain within regulatory thresholds, with the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and liquidity ratio at 21.7% and 71.0%, respectively, at the close of 2023. As a demonstration of its commitment to shareholders, the bank has announced a proposed final dividend payout of NGN3.50 per share, bringing the total dividend to NGN4.00 per share.

The Group will complete the transition to a holding company structure in 2024 and this is anticipated to position it advantageously

for exploring emerging opportunities in the Fintech space while bolstering its digital and retail banking initiatives.

The Group is also undertaking urgent necessary actions to meet the new minimum NGN500 billion equity capital requirement to maintain its international authorisation within the timeframe stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This will strengthen its presence in key markets to continue positioning for sustainable growth and value addition for stakeholders.

The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has not gone unnoticed by an appreciative environment and this has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria, for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards.

Zenith Bank also won the Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023, being listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023; being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 14th consecutive year, in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, in the World Finance Banking Awards; and Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022 and 2023.

It also won Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa, for four successive years from 2020 to 2023, by the Ethical Boardroom; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

More, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year 2023 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 Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThISDay Awards 2020, 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.

For critical context, it’s important to note that Dr. Onyeagwu’s appointment as the GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc., in June 1, 2019, through his tenure that ends in June 1, 2024, coincided with significant global disruptions that vanquished traditional business playbooks.

The unprecedented economic conditions wrought by the global pandemic, seismic shifts on the global scene mirrored by European and North America’s new nationalism, Sino-America tensions, the ongoing Russo-Ukranian conflict and the more recent Middle East tension which continue to impact diverse planetary business eco-systems framed a very challenging environment to drive a unique sector like banking.

However, through these enervating storms, the Zenith Bank-led Onyeagwu remained a focused turf player and a powerful financial services sector entity which has indeed earned its glittering stripes. Onyeagwu clearly brought to his job astute strategic thinking, inspirational leadership, energetic and consummate entrepreneurial skill. His unique traits are anchored on fetching humility, notable consistency, stern discipline, deep ethics, unrelenting hard work and outstanding professionalism. Dr. Onyeagwu is indeed an inspirational leader with impeccable track records of excellence.

On the eve of his exit, it is worth noting that indeed he is a leader with all the attributes that corporate Nigeria needs at a time like this - suavely taking Zenith Bank to the zenith. All the performance indicators tell the story of an achiever like no other.

Bristling with about 35 years of industry experience, Onyeagwu has led Africa’s top flight financial institution on a positive trajectory. This has seen Zenith Bank surpass its peers in all sector metrics.

On a valedictory note, it is a given that no organisation can live without its dreamers and achievers. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” former US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt had aptly noted. No less a sublime dreamer and great achiever, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, must have logged into this philosophy to power his compelling professional trajectory.

For Zenith Bank Plc and Dr. Onyeagwu, the corporate triumphs remain double wins.

Ebenezer Onyeagwu

Chibok Girls, 10 Years After: Matters Arising

Chibok Girls, 10 Years After: Matters Arising

Quotable

‘We are achieving success. There’s improvement, from hoisting flags on Nigerian properties and sovereignty. We have degraded terrorism to a level that, they cannot threaten the sovereignty of this country any longer.’ - HE, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Proper Respondents in an Election Petition Within the Electoral Act’s Contemplation

Late Justice Aderemi (JSC) Foundation Partners Federal High Court on Justice Reforms

Supreme Court Spokesman, Festus Akande, Dedicates Award to Staff, Judiciary Correspondents

Cubana Chief Priest Naira Abuse Trial: Davido, Obi Cubana, Show Support

EFCC, Yahaya Bello and the Law

“The World is a Stage, and We are all Actors”

As You Like It, William Shakespeare

Presently, Governor Ahmed Ododo and Yahaya Bello are making Nigeria look like a movie set crime scene - going to Yahaya Bello’s Abuja residence to smuggle him out and flee from the EFCC! A tremendously huge responsibility, lies on the shoulders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, to raise the bar in governance. As far as the Fourth Republic is concerned, the truth of the matter is that, right from the time President Umaru Yar’Adua became incapacitated as a result of ill-health and unknown people took over the reins of government, the downward trend in the quality of officials/ government agencies intensified. Institutions have progressively weakened, and unfortunately, most fell to almost Ground Zero by the time we had completed the eight long years of the Buhari administration. Of course, the deterioration in the quality of civil/public servants and politicians, hasn’t helped matters.

Runaway and Escapee Public Officials

Have we already forgotten “Mainagate”? The scandal involving the former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, who was not only reinstated to the Ministry of Interior, but was promoted from Assistant Director to Director, when all the while he had been declared wanted by Nigerian law enforcement for money laundering to the tune of N2 billion? He escaped from the country, returned and resumed work secretly. A well-known flight risk, Maina was granted bail. Of course, Maina fled to Chad or wherever he was eventually apprehended, and brought back to face prosecution. See the case of Suleman & Anor v COP Plateau State (2008) LPELR-3126(SC) per Niki Tobi, JSC on the principles guiding the grant of bail.

Neither have we forgotten Senator Dino Melaye, who recently released a music video to celebrate the travails of Yahaya Bello, when he himself jumped out of a moving Police vehicle to avoid being taken to Lokoja to answer questions concerning a murder case, and on another occasion, also barricaded himself in his house for a week or more, to avoid arrest concerning a case that involved the shooting of a Policeman.

Governor Ododo and his Predecessor, Yahaya Bello: Aiding and Abetting

So, should anyone really be shocked that we have sunk to the level where we have Governors who also behave like common criminals? It’s not only about them looting the treasury of their States while doing little or nothing there (which Nigerians can see from their gross non-performance), and the corruption cases levelled against many of them.

Take Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State for example, he and Yahaya Bello are simply following laid down precedent of public officials running away from justice, similar to what I have outlined above. Aside from the fact that former Governor Yahaya Bello is no longer covered by Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution) which grants immunity from suit and legal process to the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors, the immunity cannot also be extended by Governor Ododo to cover Yahaya Bello, like two people sharing an umbrella in the rain. Just a few months into office, Governor Ododo has started to abuse his office by committing crimes like obstruction of justice - see Section 145 of the Criminal Code Act 2004 (CCA); possibly aiding and abetting a crime, that is, assisting Yahaya Bello to escape from the EFCC - see Section 7 of the CCA & Section 85 of the Penal Code Act 2004 (PCA), to mention but a few. Additionally, Section 38(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes (Establishment) Act 2004 (EFCC Act) makes it an offence for anyone to wilfully obstruct the EFCC from going about its lawful duties as provided by the EFCC Act. Conviction for this offence, attracts up to five years imprisonment.

Ododo’s actions are truly shameful, and they paint Nigeria in a negative light - a serving Governor, blatantly assisting a fugitive (Yahaya Bello has been declared wanted by the EFCC). This is yet another litmus test for the Tinubu administration in how this matter will be handled, as the world is watching whether it will be business as usual or whether there is a new dawn under the Tinubu administration.

It is therefore, encouraging that, unlike former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN and then Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, who were fingered in the reinstatement and promotion of Maina, instead of handing him over to the EFCC for prosecution, the current AGF, Prince Lateef

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com

onikepob@yahoo.com

onikepo braithwaite The Advocate

“It’s also rather amusing that Yahaya Bello aka “I know too much”, who was once so mouthy and a law unto himself while he was in office, seems to have swiftly transformed from a white lion that he is alleged to have considered himself to be, into a mouse running away from a cat!”

Fagbemi, SAN, issued a statement last week, condemning what he described as Yahaya Bello’s “flight from law”. It’s also rather amusing that Yahaya Bello aka “I know too much”, who was once so mouthy and a law unto himself while he was in office, seems to have swiftly transformed from a white lion that he is alleged to have considered himself to be, into a mouse running away from a cat!

It appears that whether the position of the law in England, that is, “knowledge of the criminal purpose coupled with voluntary assistance” being enough to incur liability in aiding the commission of an offence - see the case of National Coal Board v Gamble (1959) 1 Q.B.11, or the Nigerian position which imposes liability when the secondary participant acts for the purposes of enabling or facilitating the commission of the offence (see Sections 7(b) & 83(c) of the CCA & PCA respectively), Governor Ododo’s actions seem to fit like a glove into the English and Nigerian positions of aiding and abetting, as the whole of Nigeria including him, are aware that the EFCC is looking for Yahaya Bello in connection with the alleged misappropriation of an amount in excess of N80 billion, and he was required to report to the law enforcement agency.

Kogi State High Court: Forum Shopping

Why did Yahaya Bello proceed to the Kogi State High Court (KHC) to procure an order to restrain the EFCC from arresting him, if not because of forum shopping in a favourable store? Is he relying on Section 46(1) of the

for enforcement of rights is the main and not ancillary claim in the suit, the FHC and State High Court, in that particular case, the FCT High Court, have concurrent jurisdiction to hear it. Yahaya Bello’s KHC case is not at all on all fours with EFCC v REINL (Supra) in which the Respondent in that case contended that he was unlawfully detained without being informed in writing of his alleged offence, and without being charged before a court of competent jurisdiction. In Yahaya Bello’s case nothing of the sort happened; he has since been charged before a court of competent jurisdiction, and does not appear to have any rights to enforce, but, on the contrary, appears to be seeking to use Section 46(1) of the Constitution or the KHC as some sort of preemptive shield to avoid facing the law. We have all heard the talk of Yahaya Bello not being properly invited to the EFCC. How do you personally invite a person who has become evasive, and turned themselves into the ‘Elusive Pimpernel’? I’m sure that was why the EFCC was constrained to declare Yahaya Bello wanted; a sort of substituted service of the invitation to report.

Interim Order

Constitution that allows a person who alleges that his Chapter IV constitutional rights have been or are likely to be contravened in any State to apply to that State High Court for redress? In my humble opinion, Section 251(1) of the Constitution overrides Section 46(1) when the the one who allegedly breaches those rights is a government agency, as it provides inter alia that “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Constitution….the Federal High Court shall have and exercise jurisdiction ‘to the exclusion of any other court’ in civil causes and maters…..”. Therefore, by virtue of Section 251(1)(r) of the Constitution, the Federal High Court (FHC) appears to be the court conferred with the jurisdiction to hear any matter concerned with inter alia, seeking an injunction affecting the validity of any executive or administrative action or decision of the Federal Government or any of its agencies, and not the State High Court. See the cases of Gabriel Madukolu & Ors v Johnson Nkemdilim 1962 2 SCNLR 341 per Vahe Robert Bairamian, JSC; NPA v Panalpina World Transport & Ors (1973) LPELR-2032 (SC) per George Baptist Ayodola Coker, JSC on the effect of lack of jurisdiction resulting in a nullity in the proceedings conducted without it.

However, I am aware of the decision in EFCC v REINL (2020) LPELR-49387(SC) per Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC, that in a matter involving an agency like the EFCC, as long as the claim

Again, it is hard to understand the rationale behind obtaining an interim order preventing the EFCC from arresting, harassing or detaining not only Yahaya Bello, his former appointees, staff and family members, pending the hearing of a substantial motion to enforce his rights. I’m wondering which rights that would be. Section 35(1) of the Constitution guarantees every individual’s right to liberty except in certain circumstances, including when there’s reasonable suspicion that the individual has committed a criminal offence - Section 35 (1)(c) of the Constitution allows Yahaya Bello to be arrested or deprived of his liberty by the EFCC, in accordance with a procedure permitted by the law. This new fashion of obtaining a court order to prevent arrest and detention/prosecution based on nothing but the desire to escape justice is bizarre and untenable. We are no longer in a military dispensation where it may have been necessary to obtain such orders to prevent arbitrary arrest by government agencies for no reason, or reasons as flimsy as calling for the military to give way to democracy which would put such a freedom fighter on a collision course with the dictatorship. Section 3 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA) also allows the arrest and investigation of a suspect, alleged to have committed a crime.

Partiality & Compromise in Law Enforcement

If those who went to arrest Yahaya Bello were committed to their task, or his security details were in the least bit interested in upholding the law, he would have been arrested. It also shows a clear lack of coordination, between law enforcement agencies. In 2022, when Senator Rochas Okorocha took refuge in his house in Abuja, refusing to turn himself in to the EFCC, they laid siege on his house for over six hours, and eventually arrested him.

Conclusion

It is trite that all court orders should be obeyed; but, it is also trite that the order of a court of coordinate jurisdiction like the KHC cannot affect the proceedings at the FHC, since they are courts of coordinate jurisdiction - one is not higher than the other. See the case of Orji Uzor Kalu v FRN & Ors (2016) LPELR-40108 (SC) per Sulaiman Galadima, JSC. Be that as it may, assuming without conceding that the KHC Interim Order was binding on the FHC, I read somewhere that the said Order elapsed last week (possibly the day the EFCC laid siege to his house in Abuja), as the KHC was said to have ruled on the substantive matter that same day, granting leave to the EFCC to proceed against Yahaya Bello, provided that leave to do so was first sought and obtained from the FHC. The EFCC appears to have done so. Whatever rights Yahaya Bello seeks to enforce, they cannot stop the EFCC from charging him to court. The EFCC must then prove their case beyond reasonable doubt, to secure a conviction. Financial offences are bailable anyway, so why doesn’t Yahaya Bello man up like Ayodele Fayose, the former Governor of Ekiti State, who happily presented himself to the EFCC complete with his “EFCC, I am here” tee shirt; turn himself in, if he is detained, his Lawyer can apply to the court for bail since charges have already been filed against him. He’s already setting himself up to look like a flight risk, with this behaviour. See the case of Suleman & Anor v COP Plateau State (Supra). Above all, Nigerians expect the EFCC to operate within the ambits of the law; upholding the rule of law, is part of that litmus test for the Tinubu administration.

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello

Former ekiti State Governor, ayodele Fayose arriving at eFcc office

Proper Respondents in an Election Petition Within the Electoral Act’s Contemplation

Facts The 1st Appellant, along with other contestants, participated in the Delta State Governorship Election conducted by the 1st Respondent on 18th March, 2023. After the polls, the 3rd Respondent who contested on the platform of the 2nd Respondent was declared and returned as the winner for scoring majority of the lawful votes cast at the election, while the Appellant came 5th in the election.

Aggrieved by the declaration of the 3rd Respondent as the winner, and the other contestants who scored higher than them, the Appellants filed a petition at the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal. The Appellants’ petition was predicated on the ground that the 3rd Respondent and the other contestants were not qualified to contest election, and that the election was invalid by reason of non-compliance with the provisions of 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

At the conclusion of trial, the Tribunal dismissed the petition for failure by the Appellants to prove the grounds in their petition. Dissatisfied, the Appellants appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal however, dismissed the appeal and affirmed the decision of the Tribunal. Consequently, the Appellants filed a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

The Supreme Court adopted the following four issues submitted by the Appellants, in its resolution of the appeal:

(i) Whether the lower Court was not wrong when it affirmed the decision of the Tribunal which struck out the names of the 5th to 13th Respondent, on the ground that they are not necessary and statutory Respondents to a Petition.

(ii) Whether the lower Court was not wrong when it affirmed the decision of the Tribunal that issues of qualification of the 3rd and 4th Respondent are preelection matters, which the Tribunal had no jurisdiction to adjudicate upon.

(iii) Whether the lower Court was not wrong when it affirmed the decision of the Tribunal that the Appellants failed to plead and prove sufficient facts, in respect of the ground that the 3rd Respondent was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast.

(iv) Whether the lower Court was not wrong when it affirmed the decision of the Tribunal which failed to consider the documents tendered by the Appellants, on the ground that they were dumped on the Tribunal.

Arguments

Counsel for the Appellants argued on the first issue, that inasmuch as there were complaints against the 5th - 13th Respondent regarding their non-qualification and since they scored more votes than the Appellant, they were necessary and proper parties to defend the petition, and if the allegations against them are proved, the Appellants who scored the next highest votes and satisfied the requirements of the Constitution and the Electoral Act can be returned as duly elected under Section 136(2) of the Act.

Counsel for the 1st Respondent argued conversely that Section 133 of the Electoral Act 2022 does not envisage an election petition between two or more losers of an election such as the Appellants and the 5th – 13th Respondent. He submitted that Section 133 of the Electoral Act and Section 285(2) of the Constitution make it clear that the only competent respondents to an election petition are the winner of the election and the body which conducted the election.

On the second issue, counsel for the Appellants argued that the complaints on the qualification of the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 12th and 13th Respondents are post-election matters within the purview of the provisions of Section 182(1)(j) of the Constitution and Section 134(1)(a) & of the Electoral Act 2022, over which the Tribunal has the requisite jurisdiction to entertain.

Responding, counsel for the 1st Respondent submitted that the law is settled that the issue of qualification or disqualification of a candidate on the basis of his Forms CF001 or EC9 or falsification of documents such as school results and birth certificates, are pre-election matters which an election tribunal does not have the jurisdiction to entertain. He submitted that the gravamen of the Appellants’ case against the qualification of the 3rd and 4th Respondent being that they allegedly provided false information with respect to their particulars in their Forms CF001 and EC9, the Court of Appeal rightly held that they are pre-election matters which an election tribunal has no jurisdiction to entertain.

Arguing the third and fourth issues together, counsel for the Appellants submitted that the Appellants had elegantly pleaded the relevant facts necessary in respect of the ground that the 3rd and 4th Respondent were not duly elected by a majority of the lawful votes cast, and adduced both oral and documentary evidence to prove same. He argued that the provisions of Section

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Mohammed Lawal Garba

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137 of the Electoral Act 2022 and paragraph 46(4) of the 1st Schedule to the Electoral Act 2022 have dispensed with the need for a petitioner alleging non-compliance to call oral evidence, if the original or certified true copies of documents tendered in evidence manifestly disclose the non-compliance alleged, and that the documents tendered by the Appellant manifestly disclosed and proved the non-compliance alleged by the Appellant, contrary to the findings of the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

“Section 285(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 133 of the Electoral Act 2022 recognise (i) the winner of the election subject of the petition; and (ii) the electoral umpire which is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as only two categories of persons that may be Respondents in an election petition”

In reaction, counsel for the 1st Respondent submitted that the Appellants failed to specify the particulars of the alleged infractions hence the allegations are mere speculations and conjectures. He contended that the 1st Appellant was the sole witness who testified in support of the allegations of non-compliance, and not been omnipresent or omniscient, his evidence of what transpired at all the polling units where non-compliance was alleged, was inadmissible. Counsel argued that Section 137 of the Electoral Act did not obviate the need for the Appellants to call oral evidence of the makers of the documents they tendered, to link the said documents to specific aspects of their complaint. The submissions of the counsel for the other Respondents, are similar to the arguments canvassed by the 1st Respondent.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

On the 1st issue, the Apex Court held that Section 285(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 133 of the Electoral Act 2022 recognise (i) the winner of the election subject of the petition; and (ii) the electoral umpire which is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as only two categories of persons that may be Respondents in an election petition. The Court, relying on its decisions in

APC v PDP & ORS (2015) LPELR – 24587 (SC) and BUHARI & ORS v OBASANJO & ORS, held that the 5th – 13th Respondent do not come within the purview of the two categories of Respondents contemplated under the two sections, in view of the fact that none of them is a person who has been elected to the office of a Governor or Deputy Governor of a State and candidates/political parties who lost at an election are not envisaged to be sued as Respondents in an election petition challenging the declaration and return of the winner of the election. The Court held that the 5th – 13th Respondent lost, and were not declared and returned as winners, hence, no competent election petition can be filed against them and a Governorship Election Tribunal established under the provisions of Section 285(2) of the Constitution would lack the requisite jurisdiction to entertain such petition.

Deciding the second issue, the Apex Court held that the allegation of submission of false information by a candidate in the Forms submitted to INEC before the conduct of an election for which he is nominated by his political party, which is provided for under Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act, 2022 is distinct from the allegation of presentation of forged certificate by a candidate who contested an election and becomes disqualified thereafter, within the contemplation of the provision of Section 182(1)(j) of the Constitution. The Court held that although both provisions relate to disqualification, an allegation of presentation of false information by a candidate to INEC in Forms CF001 and/or EC9 in preparation for the conduct of an election within the dint of the provisions of Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act, is a pre-election matter, which an election tribunal lacks the jurisdiction to entertain.

The Apex Court held that the gravamen of the Appellants’ challenge to the qualification of the 3rd and 4th Respondent, being that the 3rd Respondent allegedly submitted false information about his personal particulars and his eligibility to contest in his Forms CF001 and EC9, and that the 4th Respondent failed to disclose his alleged dismissal from employment of the National Open University of Nigeria in his Form EC9; there was no doubt that the Appellants’ petition was on pre-election matters, which the Tribunal had no jurisdiction to entertain.

In resolving issues three and four, the Apex Court held that the provisions in Section 137 and Paragraph 46(4) of the 1st Schedule of the Electoral Act, 2022 which dispense with the necessity of calling oral evidence in demonstration of an allegation of non-compliance with the provisions of the Act in the conduct of an election; would only apply where the originals or certified true copies of the documents tendered by the petitioner manifestly disclose the non-compliance alleged, i.e. if the non-compliance alleged by a petitioner is apparent, prima facie obvious and patent at a glance or cursory look by the ordinary human eyes without any difficulty howsoever. Where however, any kind of explanation is needed to determine the nature, character or extent of the non-compliance alleged, then the provisions would not apply to relieve the party making the allegation the duty to call oral evidence to prove the non-compliance alleged.

The Court held further that for documents tendered through the Bar to be of any use, they must be specifically identified by evidence of witnesses to be connected to specific aspects of the case, in order to enable the court or tribunal to properly assess them alongside other piece of evidence adduced. The Court held that the various allegations of non-compliance made by the Appellants such as non-accreditation of voters by BVAS, over-voting, vote buying, alteration of results, snatching of ballot boxes cannot be said to be manifest on the few and negligible forms EC8As and EC8Es tendered by the 1st Appellant, who had no direct link to them, as to be competent to answer questions on them.

The Court held that since the documents tendered did not manifestly disclose the alleged non-compliance, and the Appellants failed to specifically identify the various forms tendered to show any connection to the specific incidences of non-compliance alleged in the petition, they had failed to discharge the burden on them to prove that the 3rd Respondent was not validly elected by majority of the votes cast at the election.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

Ahmed Raji, SAN with others for the Appellants.

T. Gbashima with others for the 1st Respondent.

E. Owuovoriole, SAN with others for the 2nd Respondent.

A. Asala, SAN with others for the 3rd Respondent.

Samson A. Eigege with others for the 4th Respondent.

Prof A. A. Kana with others for the 5th Respondent. Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN with others for the 6th Respondent.

Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC

Late Justice Aderemi (JSC) Foundation Partners Federal High Court on Justice Reforms

Stories by Steve Aya

On the 2nd and 3rd of April, 2024, JAALS Foundation in collaboration with the Federal High Court and Shan Consulting, organised a two-day intensive training designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of Bailiffs serving within the Federal High Court system. The objectives of the training were to enhance Bailiffs' understanding of their pivotal role in the justice administration system; provide practical guidance on courtroom procedures, document handling, and maintaining decorum; foster interactive discussions to encourage knowledge sharing, and learning from field experiences; introduce strategies for conflict resolution, effective communication, upholding human rights principles and highlighting the importance of continuous professional development and accountability in the execution of duties.

Aside the intensive training, the exceptional line up of speakers and special guests also added colour to the event. The special guests who represented

a cross-section of Lawyers, members of the Judiciary and private sector leaders included Federal High Court CJ John Tsoho, Admin Judge, Federal High Court, Justice A O Faji, Justice Ibrahim Kala, Mr Osaro Eghobamien, SAN, Dr Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, FCIArb, Mr Olabisi Makonjuola, Chairman, NBA Lagos, Mr Longs, DCR, MD, KiaKia Global, Mr Bisoye Coker, MD, Carrillion Construction, Mr Bidemi Amusa, Mr Ugochukwu, SAN, NBA Lagos Secretary, Mr Emobonuvie Majemite, Mrs Sylvia Nzekwu and Mrs Gloria Abugo. Hon. Justice John Tsoho, was duly represented by the Administrative Judge, Hon. Justice Faji who stated in his address that the event marked the beginning of further collaboration between the Federal High Court of Nigeria and JAALS’ Foundation. Mr Tolu Aderemi, Director at JAALS’ Foundation and Partner at Perchstone & Graeys LP also announced the commitment of the Foundation to refurbish the Bailiff Section of the Federal High Court in collaboration with Carrillion

Delta State Governor’s Pension Law: Supreme Court Reserves July 12 for Judgement

The 12th of July, 2024, has been reserved by the Supreme Court of Nigeria for judgement in the suit filed by a human rights activist and a former National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Bar Association, Mr Olukunle Edun, who is challenging the judgements of the lower courts for refusing to hear on the merit the suit he filed challenging the constitutionality of some of the provisions of the Pension Law of Governors of Delta State, which was passed by the State House of Assembly awarding bogus entitlements and benefits to former Governors and Deputy Governors of the State.

The suit is Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun v Governor of Delta State & Anor with Appeal No. SC/961/2019.

Among the entitlements set out in the controversial Pension Law are residential buildings, several vehicles to be renewed every 4 years, personal staff, security aides, and State-sponsored foreign vacations, all at the expense of the State, but Edun argues that the entitlements are not a product of assessment by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and

Fiscal Commission as required by law.

Both the trial court and the Court of Appeal held that the Plaintiff lacked the locus standing to challenge the unconstitutional provisions, and also refused to determine the merit of the case.

At the hearing of the appeal on Wednesday at the Supreme Court, foremost human rights Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN sought leave of the Supreme Court to appear as an amicus curia, and accordingly filed an amicus brief in the appeal.

However, the appeal was heard only based on the briefs filed by parties in the appeal.

From arguments in the briefs filed by the parties and M r Falana, the decision of the Apex Court on the vexed issue of locus standi in public interest litigation will be a watershed, as many lower courts still refuse to entertain public interest cases filed by public-spirited persons who challenge obvious impunity and unconstitutional actions of the various governments and their officials.

Judgement has been reserved by the Supreme Court, for the 12th day of July, 2024.

Construction Limited.

During his vote of thanks, Mr Aderemi expressed sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the

training program. He extended gratitude to all stakeholders, participants, partners, and contributors for their valuable input and dedication. Mr

Aderemi, emphasised that the training marked the beginning of a journey towards reforming the system, likening it to planting a seed that would grow into

significant change. This statement reflects his optimism and commitment, to continuous improvement within the justice sector.

Supreme Court Spokesman, Festus Akande, Dedicates Award to Staff, Judiciary Correspondents

Saysasspokespersons,wetakethebulletforourorganisations

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Director of Press and Information, Supreme Court of Nigeria, Dr Festus Akande has dedicated his "Distinguished Spokesperson Award” (Judiciary), to staff of the Apex Court, as well as the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).

Akande, who noted that the job of a Spokesperson is a very tedious and delicate one, observed that he would not have succeeded without the support and cooperation of his staff and journalists covering the Judiciary sector. He spoke, shortly after receiving his plaque and certificate from the organisers of the awards.

"For the umpteenth time, I sincerely thank the organisers

of the National Spokespersons Awards. I feel very elated to be an Awardee. I will always cherish and relish it. I equally thank the staff of the Press and Information Department of the Supreme Court and the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents, for their support and cooperation over the years. Your dedication to reaching out to the public on our behalf is commendable'", he said.

While stating that the Spokesperson is the link or bridge between an organisation and the general public, the Director observed that their lives are sometimes threatened in the course of their normal duty.

While expressing gratitude for the honour, Dr Akande acknowledged the human side of public relations,

saying: "Most of us (Spokespersons) work tirelessly behind the scenes, not always seeking personal recognition which shouldn't deter us, but should fuel our desire to do more".

"As Spokespersons, we always stand to take the bullet on behalf of our respective organisations, as we are duty-bound to speak and react on their behalf, no matter how risky or threatening the prevailing situation and circumstance might be", he said.

"We try as much as possible to balance the interests of both parties; but, unfortunately, as it were, our noble intentions are sometimes misconstrued by some sections of the public which, of course, should be expected, due to individual idiosyncrasy.

"That, indeed, is the albatross

that the Spokespersons will have to contend with. However, that will not stop the Spokespersons from speaking, because the public must always be kept informed", he added. Akande, who thanked the organisers for the honour remarked that most spokespersons work tirelessly behind the scenes, without seeking personal recognition, adding that the award would fuel their desire to do more.

Earlier, the Secretary to the Awards Jury, Mr Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, said time has come for groups who give awards to stop limiting the honour to the CEOs of organisations, adding that Spokespersons deserve recognition for the yeomans job they do to fix the reputation of individuals and organisations.

Cubana Chief Priest Naira Abuse Trial: Davido, Obi Cubana, Show Support

Following the N10million bail granted to Lagos socialite, Pascal Okechukwu aka Cubana Chief Priest, after he pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of alleged Naira abuse filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), there has been an outpouring of reactions and support from major names in the entertainment industry, who have continued to show their support for the Cubana Chief Priest. Leading the support chant are ace musician, Davido and Obi Cubana, who both posted their reactions to Okechukwu’s post.

Reacting to the bail on his Instagram account, the socialite said that he is humbled by the show of love he has received so far. According to him, it is now established that he is a force to be reckoned with, not just a small person.

Posting a picture of himself after the ruling, he captioned it thus: “Seeing all your messages and love, I’m so humbled. Now it’s confirmed, CP (Chief Priest) is not small. Money na water.”

Reacting to his post via the comment section, musician Davido

said Cubana Chief Priest couldn't be jailed, stressing that he could not bear not seeing him for six months. He wrote, “I no go see u for 6 months kè… Never.”

On his part, popular entrepreneur, Mr Obinna Iyiegbu, better known as Obi Cubana, wrote: “This must be Abidoshaker you used!!Error! Filename not specified”.

After pleading “Not guilty” to the charge, the court granted him bail for N10 million with two sureties in like sum who must be gainfully employed with the Federal or State Government, and not less than Grade Level 16.

During a social event, Okechukwu, also known as the ‘Celebrity Barman’, was alleged to have committed the offence on February 13, 2024.

EFCC Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN had on April 4, 2024, filed charges against Okechukwu.

Count 1

reads: “That you, Okechukwu Pascal on 13th February, 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five

Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.

In count 2, it was alleged: “That you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in 2020, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying the same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.

L-R: Deputy Chief Registrar, FHC, Longwa Longs; Osaro Eghobamien, SAN; Mrs Sylvia Nzekwu; Admin Judge FHC, Lagos, Hon Justice A.O Faji; Hon Justice Ibrahim Ahmed Kala; Tolu Aderemi; Dr Babatunde Ajibade, SAN; NBA Chairman, Lagos Branch, Bisi Makanjuola; and Bisoye Coker Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest

L-R: Kabir Abdulsalam, Supreme Court Director of Press and Information, Dr Festus Akande and Secretary, Award Jury Panel, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

Chibok Girls, 10 Years After: Matters Arising

It has been a decade and counting, and 96 girls out of the 276 young girls kidnapped from the Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, are still being held captive by their Boko Haram abductors. The nightmarish trauma that these innocent girls have been subjected to, can only be imagined, while their Parents have been in unending anguish since their kidnap in 2014, some of them passing away without being reunited with their daughters. From the Jonathan to Buhari, and now, the Tinubu administration, it has been a litany of excuses, buck-passing, ethnic and religious sentiments, and yet, there doesn’t seem to be any hope or respite for the remaining 96 girls, and Leah Sharibu, one out of the 110 girls who were kidnapped from their Government Girls Secondary School, dapchi, also in Borno State in 2018, and remains unaccounted for to date, because she refused to renounce her Christian faith. In this discourse, Dr Sam Amadi, Dr Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Uju Peace Okeke and Alliances for Africa discuss forced marriage, particularly from the point of view of it being declared as a crime against humanity in international law; the folly of granting amnesty to these criminals/kidnappers/insurgents; why the hapless young girls may have been kept captive perpetually, and what the Government can do to secure their release and prevent future occurrences of these mass abductions of children (particularly girls who from the evidence available, appear to be raped and used as sex slaves by their abductors), especially as security is the primary purpose of government, and without a safe, conducive environment, it may be difficult for children to enjoy their constitutionally guaranteed right to education

Chibok: 10 Years of Failure of Justice

Dr Sam Amadi

Background

10 years ago, 276 school children of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, were kidnapped by a band of Boko Haram terrorists and taken to captivity. This was the most sensational story of 2014, whose notable consequence was that PDP lost political power partly on account of the weaponisation of the tragic incident

by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and the international community led by the US President Barack Obama and his wife. The kidnap of the Chibok girls provoked national and international angst against the Jonathan administration for allowing

“The absorption of these terrorists into civil life without the required due process, is a violation of the principles of criminal justice….What should never happen, is that the State will hand over to them, the bodies of those they have violated, to continue their violation. That is a criminal misadministration of justice”

such a tragic event, and for alleged pussyfooting on the rescue of the girls.

In retrospect, President Jonathan was both to be blamed and to be pitied. He should have been more forceful, in attacking those who were alleged to have played significant roles in the suspicious debacle. For one, the role played by the Borno State Government was notoriously suspicious, both in the extreme carelessness of allowing the ladies to sit for secondary school examinations in unprotected school classrooms in Chibok against security advice arising from the threats by Boko Haram terrorists, and for not doing enough to rescue them after their kidnap. There were also reports and interviews of some survivors, that the girls were kept for days at the compound of notable politicians before been taken to the Sambisa Forest. The Presidency should have spoken out loudly against the Governor of Borno State, and threatened to hold him responsible if the girls were not rescued. It could have moved troops to Borno State to ensure the immediate release of the girls. We can argue that the Federal Government did not do all it could have done to seek the

release of the girls on time, before they were disappeared into unknown places. President Jonathan was also a victim of the climate of conspiracy and distrust that had taken over the Presidential seat of power, because of the divided loyalty of some of his closest aides and party members. After the 2015 Presidential election, stories emerged of the betrayal by some of his political associates who fell for the ethnic politics of power shift to the North and undermined his government and re-election. At that time, one of the prominent members of the Federal cabinet remarked that, he sits everyday in Federal cabinet with members and sympathisers of Boko Haram. The peculiar intermingling of religion and politics in Nigeria, meant that it was difficult for some of the key political actors from the North not to show veiled embrace of Boko Haram and its ideology. Notably, President Buhari as APC Presidential candidate spoke against what he termed attack against the North, when the Federal Government moved fiercely against the terror group. It was that bad, that many Northern politicians asked that General Ihejirika, former Chief of Army Staff, should be sent to the Hague for crimes against humanity for his fierce fight against Boko

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GcFR chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja Inspector General of Police. Kayode Egbetokun

Chibok Girls, 10 Years After: Matters Arising

Haram fighters. President Jonathan was forced by such political pressure from the North, to remove him from office.

So, the show that the First Lady put up as a remonstration against the fiddling by Borno State officials, does not qualify as a strong response to the debacles. The Presidency was struggling a little with credibility and political authority when the attack happened, and needed to tip-toe politically so as not to further estrange Northern politicians. It ended badly, because President Jonathan still failed to appease them.

Bring Back Our Girls and Deceptive Heroics

The kidnap of the Chibok girls, was a global cause celebre. Nigerian feminists and activists, under the goading of opposition politicians, formed the famous ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ (BBG). The BBG became the most popular movement, and held many protests to demand that the Federal Government secures the release of the girls. The group attacked President Jonathan fiercely for failure of leadership. Its most iconic activity was the daily vigil and peaceful protests it held at the Unity Fountain, in Abuja. Soon, the protests and vigils spread to other parts of Nigeria, and even overseas. One of the most memorable pictures of that era, was that of the US First Lady, Michelle Obama, modelling the ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ placard at the White House.

Finally, President Jonathan lost the 2015 Presidential election, partly on account of the campaign against him for failure to rescue all the girls. The BBG deservedly felt a sense of triumph. President Buhari and the APC, came to power. The general perception was that, the APC and BBG worked together as political partners. The fact that the leaders of the movement, majorly Mrs Oby Ezekwesili and Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman were very close friends with Malam El-Rufai, then one of the most unrelenting and bitter critics of President Jonathan and an APC leader, gave credence to allegation of confraternity between APC and BBG. Maybe this closeness was circumstantial, and did not mean collaboration or partnership.

But, the real challenge for the integrity of the BBG leaders is that as soon as APC candidate Buhari became President, the BBG ended its actions. Of course, some members continue to wear the Bring Back Our Girls pin-ups. But, apart from that, the group closed shop. Hadiza got appointed first as Chief of Staff to Malam El Rufai, who became Governor in 2015. Later she became Managing Director of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).

Throughout Buhari’s eight years as President, the BBG leadership did not ask for a judicial inquiry into the events that led to the kidnap of those girls. They never canvassed for strategic action to manage the trauma of those who escaped, or were rescued. Throughout that period, there were allegations of forced marriage of these hapless victims of brutal kidnap to their captors, in mock reconciliation and rehabilitation by the Government of Borno State. The BBG leadership did not raise its voice in any intense and effective manner, to ask for investigation of these allegations or take any action to protect the rights of these hapless girls in whose name many of them became famous.

This could pass, as one of the worst betrayals of the Chibok girls. How come throughout the eight years of President Buhari, there was no engagement with

the Government to constitute a high-profile investigation on both the controversial abduction, and the post-abduction violation of the rights of the girls through arranged marriage?

Forced Marriage and the Stockholm Syndrome

One of the tragic outcomes of the Chibok girls’ saga, is the fact that some of the girls are reportedly married to the terrorist kidnappers who are now labelled repentant Boko Haram fighters. There are two issues that need closer examination. First, while fighting Boko Haram, the Federal and State Government developed a deradicalisation programme which aims at getting some of the Boko Haram fighters back to normal life. Some of these fighters were declared to be repentant, and reportedly absorbed into security institutions. Already, a few of these repentant terrorists have gone back to life of terror. Recently, there was a report that a repentant terrorist absorbed into the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), cut the throat of his girlfriend and hid her body in the Army Barracks.

Why does the Government insist on absorbing so-called ‘repentant’ terrorists into sensitive institutions?

Why would anyone give an easy pass to criminals and terrorists who badly violated young girls, kidnapped them and sold some of them into slavery?

Why should these despicable people be easily reabsorbed into civic life, on the pretext that they are repented?

What happens to criminal prosecution and the demand of restitutive and restorative justice?

The second issue here, is the lack of protection for these grossly violated girls. How can anyone accept a condition where these girls will be married away to their violators? Of

“Why have these girls continued to be treated, as if they are thoroughly dispensable and disposable? Why? Is it because they are women, they are from lowest socio-economic class, they are from ethnic and religious minorities?”

course, many of these girls suffer from ‘false consciousness’. They were impressionable and manipulatable, when these dark souls kidnapped them. After 10 years of violation and manipulation, it is not unusual that ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ can set in. The girls have given birth in captivity. They have no prospect of a better life and bright future outside the captivity they are used to, both in the Sambisa Forest and the Government facility where they are reportedly denied family reunion. In their despondence, they would clutch to the only life that they now know. It is the responsibility of Government to separate them from this misery, and rehabilitate them outside the presence of the terrorists who violated them. Now, the Government is the only facilitating continuing violation, in the name of rehabilitation of terrorists. That is really awful.

Criminal Mismanagement of Criminal Justice

The absorption of these terrorists into civil life without the required due process, is a violation of the principles of criminal justice. The core principle of administration of criminal justice, is that persons should be held responsible for their criminal actions, especially when such actions amount to insurgence and military aggression against the State. Such enemy combatants, even if they are citizens, need to face prosecution when they are caught or they surrender. What should never happen, is that the State will hand over to them the bodies of those they have violated, to continue their violation. That is a criminal misadministration of justice. Furthermore, there is a failure of justice in the matter of these girls. The Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to life. When anyone’s life is threatened or in jeopardy, the Government has a responsibility to protect such life. When the life has been cut off, it is the responsibility of Government to ensure that there is prosecution for the killing of any citizen. It is horrible and inexplicable that since 2014, Government has not seriously made efforts to secure the release of these girls. It is more distressing that the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has not instituted a judicial

inquiry or even appointed an independent counsel, to investigate the circumstances under which the girls were kidnapped and remain in captivity. Moreover, there has been investigated reports of local and international NGOs accusing the Federal and State Governments of complicity in the kidnap, continued detention of about 91 of those girls and forced marriage of those rescued.

Why has the Government of Nigeria never bothered enough to institute a credible process of verifying these allegations? Why have these girls continued to be treated, as if they are thoroughly dispensable and disposable? Why? Is it because they are women, they are from the lowest socio-economic class, they are from ethnic and religious minorities? Are these girls’ mistreatment a clear statement of the lack of democratic citizenship, and evidence that some social, ethnic and religious classes in Nigeria do not count much to have the protection of the justice system?

10 years after, many of the Chibok girls are still in captivity and in forced marriage to the terrorists who abducted and violated them, with the connivance or indifference of the Nigerian State. That is a huge betrayal. But, actually, the most devastating betrayal is that of the leaders of the BBG who for the last 8 years and more, have kept quiet while the atrocity continues. They fought PDP and Jonathan. They did not fight APC and Buhari. And, they are not fighting APC and Tinubu on the ordeals of these girls. This is a big betrayal.

Dr Sam Amadi, Human Rights Advocate; Immediate Past Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC)

Lawless: Nigeria's Legal Re- sponse to Chibok Girls' Forced Marriages

Dr Aisha MuhammedOyebode

Background

The Chibok schoolgirls, who were kidnapped by the terrorist organisation

chibok Girls, 10 Years After: Matters Arising

Jama’atul ahl al-sunnah li da’awati wal Jihad (Boko Haram), were taken from an improvident gathering at the Government (Girls) Secondary School Chibok on April 14, 2014. After the initial escape of 57 within 3 days of captivity, 219 girls were taken into Boko Haram’s enclave in Sambisa Forest. In 10 years, 129 girls have been recovered, with Lydia Simon with her three children on April 17, 2024, 4 days after Nigeria marked 10 years of their abduction. 90 girls remain in Boko Haram captivity. Meanwhile, the recovered Chibok schoolgirls, now serve as a stark reminder of the peril that girls and women confront in times of war and other forms of violent conflict, even those that do not involve foreign forces. Indeed, the recent report by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) confirms that 21 Chibok girls, some of whom were abducted at 13, returned with 34 babies; evidence enough that the Chibok girls were subjected to systematic rape and violent assault, as they remained forcefully imprisoned by their captors.

Sexual Violence and the Conspiracy of Silence Among Nigerian Officials Aaa.

Sexual violence in this conflict with Boko Haram, demands urgent attention. Clearly, the leaders of Boko Haram saw an opportunity with the Chibok girls, to assert their dominance over “educated” women and undermine the Nigerian State. Like many armed groups in conflict, they weaponised sexual violence to instil fear and exert control. By subjecting young girls to rape, forced marriages, and early motherhood, they deliberately attacked the cherished ideals of our nation, particularly the honour of its women. Despite the evidence of blatant violence inflicted upon the girls upon their return—pregnant and bearing babies, our national response remains disappointingly muted.

According to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (UN General Assembly, 1998), such acts are unequivocally classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, there persists a troubling "conspiracy of silence" among Nigeria’s officials regarding the numerous atrocities, even as the Chibok girls are returned. Addressing this silence requires a critical examination of how sexual violence in war mirrors its peacetime counterpart; child marriage. Is the brutalisation of vulnerable girls fundamentally different, when it occurs outside the context of armed conflict? Can the systematic rape of young as well underage girls in forced marriages, be viewed as anything less than war crimes? These questions compel us to confront the reality and severity of sexual violence, regardless of the setting in which it occurs. The lack of outrage raises questions about why we fail to condemn such visible violence and dishonour inflicted upon these girls, their families, the community, and the nation.

In the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the practice of marrying girls off at puberty or even before, is unfortunately not uncommon. Economic factors drive this practice, as families may view it as more financially viable to marry off their daughters early, rather than bear the costs of feeding and educating them at home. Additionally, religious doctrines

that emphasise chastity and family honour, lead to a perceived need to marry girls off before they reach an age where they might engage in perceived promiscuity.

Child Marriage and Related Laws

Indeed, the same week of April 2014 that the Chibok girls were taken, 13-year-old Wasila Tasiu in Kano, poisoned her husband and three friends at their supposed marriage celebration, resulting in their deaths. Wasila was illiterate and signed her Police confession with a thumbprint. Human rights Lawyers raised concerns about her age, and suitability for prosecution. After considerable public outcry, the High Court in Gezawa agreed to grant the Prosecutor’s application for nolle prosequi—the abandonment of prosecution. Relatives of the deceased and the Defendant, particularly men, protested, advocating for Wasila to face the death penalty, rejecting the notion of forced marriage. Despite not being jailed, Wasila was mandated to live with a foster family for the rest of her childhood.

Nigeria's laws concerning child marriage are complex, and often conflict with its domestic and international obligations. Despite the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1991 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (African Children’s Charter) in 2001, Nigeria's legal framework remains unclear. The CRC contains provisions aimed at safeguarding children from various forms of harm, including physical and mental violence, economic exploitation, and lack of education.

Similarly, the African Children’s Charter provides clear guidelines

“So, it is instructive that the Appeals chamber of the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) delivering its first judgement on the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) on 22 February, 2008, set a historic precedent by recognising forced marriage as a crime against humanity in international criminal law”

regarding child marriage, explicitly prohibiting child marriage and mandating effective action to establish 18 years as the minimum age of marriage, and require registration of all marriages in an official registry. The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa also sets 18 years as the minimum marriage age for women. These instruments not only establish a minimum age for marriage, but also offer comprehensive protections against economic exploitation, sexual abuse, and harmful social and cultural practices that hinder the welfare and development of children. Indeed, Nigeria’s Child’s Rights Act 2003, enacted amidst international pressure, is hailed as Nigeria's most comprehensive legislation protecting children's rights. It aims to safeguard children from various forms of abuse, including physical, mental, and emotional harm. Notably, the Act explicitly prohibits marriage or betrothal of children under 18 years old, rendering any such contracts void due to the minor's incapacity to enter them. However, children in Nigeria still face gaps in protection under the Act. Matters of child rights fall under the residual list of the Nigerian Constitution, necessitating State-level adoption of the Act's provisions. Unfortunately, enough States in Northern Nigeria, including those most affected by Boko Haram in the Northeast, have yet to enact or enforce the Act.

Those who reject the Child’s Rights Act argue that its provisions violate their right to practice their religion, as protected by Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution. Proponents of the Act on the other hand, refer to the Constitution’s Bill of Rights directive to protect children and young persons from exploitation and neglect. However, these provisions are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be legally enforced, further complicating matters. Furthermore, certain provisions within the Constitution, such as Item 61, Part 1 of the Second Schedule, give jurisdiction over Islamic and Customary marriages to State legislatures, potentially conflicting with other constitutional rights. Also, Section 29(1) of the Constitution defines "full age" as 18 years, except for married women who are deemed to be of full age. Accordingly, a child who is married because she has exhibited

signs of puberty is deemed to be of full age. This circular provision has faced criticism and attempts at removal by civil society groups, particularly in instances where underage girls are forced into marriage. My argument, in fact, is that this illusion of capacity deprives these children of most if not all of their other constitutionally guaranteed rights such as, the right to personal liberty, the right to freedom of expression, the right to assemble freely and associate with others, and the right to freedom of movement.

Senator Sani Yerima, the first Nigerian Governor to impose Sharia law in his State in 2000, ten years before he married a 13-year-old Egyptian girl, has argued that child marriage is protected under the constitutional freedom of religion, citing interpretations of Islamic law. Critics dispute this assertion, highlighting the lack of unanimity among Islamic scholars on contemporary social issues, and the potential for societies to determine their own best interests in such matters.

Forced Marriage Declared as a Crime Against Humanity

Fortunately, the lack of consent and severe violations of autonomy inherent in child marriages, while not explicitly illegal under domestic Nigerian law, are precisely the elements that now criminalise forced marriage, whether to a child or an adult, in conflict. Cambodia is a focal point of documented trauma and suffering inflicted on its population by the forced marriages imposed by the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970s. Forced marriages were also prevalent during the conflicts in Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone. So, it is instructive that the Appeals chamber of the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) delivering its first judgement on the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) on 22 February, 2008, set a historic precedent by recognising forced marriage as a crime against humanity in international criminal law. This ruling provided the first comprehensive definition of forced marriage, describing it as a situation where the perpetrator, through force, threat, or coercion, compels a person to serve as a conjugal partner, resulting in severe physical, mental, or psychological harm to the victim.

This legal precedent highlights the serious nature of forced marriages,

chibok Girls, 10 Years After: Matters Arising

and their recognition as prosecutable offences under international law. It emphasises the importance of legal frameworks in acknowledging and addressing the significant harm caused by forced marriages, particularly in regions affected by conflict like Nigeria. In such countries where women are historically marginalised and viewed as subordinate, the term "marriage" may not always imply consent. It is crucial not to assume that the label of "marriage" signifies the absence of force, rape, violence, or enslavement.

Forcing marriages has assumed a significant role, as a great validator in the Boko Haram insurgency. Whether seeking validation for their actions externally or internally for example, Boko Haram insists that the Chibok girls were not subjected to rape. However, the fact remains that the perpetrators of violence being married beforehand does not negate the violence inflicted upon the victims, or alleviate the dishonour and shame they experience. In fact, the criminalisation of forced marriage in international law is because it is forced and carries a multitude of derogatory labels such as, "bush wife" "rebel" and "traitor" leaving a lasting imprint on the victims. As a result, some of the Chibok girls even refused offers of freedom, which has been attributed to Stockholm Syndrome. Equally plausible though, is the belief that captivity might be preferable to the reputational attacks they could face upon returning to their communities, with, the fear of societal judgement outweighing the desire for freedom.

The designation of being a "wife" in a forced marriage, brings about a unique form of psychological suffering. Successfully prosecuting forced marriages as crimes against humanity under international law, could potentially shed light on all marriages that involve coercion in the future. However, navigating the legal complexities of such prosecutions, similar to the challenges faced in addressing the illegality of child marriages under national laws, is likely to be intricate.

The most significant hurdle, lies in the cycle of force and consent that disempowers the victims of these crimes. Individuals like Lydia Simon or the remaining 21 Chibok girls who gave birth to 34 children were forcefully abducted, married off, and subjected to bearing children, become incapacitated by the coercion imposed upon them. Similarly, in the case of Wasila Tasiu, consent to marry and bear children was not a matter of free will, but of capacity. In both scenarios, those tasked with defining consent, often serve as gatekeepers of force in such situations.

Conclusion

Indeed, that is why it is crucial to understand why crimes such as statutory rape are classified as such by law. The essence of this classification lies in the recognition that, individuals without the capacity to provide valid consent from a range of factors that render them powerless in the face of exploitation, require our protection. When we fail to safeguard their rights, victims are left to endure immense suffering. Therefore, until we break the wall of silence and begin to speak about the

unspeakable by openly addressing these atrocities, seeking justice will remain a daunting task for those involved. It is crucial that we begin to confront the egregious realities, that render victims of crimes that require capacity and or informed consent powerless. Only then, can we provide a platform for victims to seek and attain justice.

Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, PhD, Murtala Muhammed Foundation

Chibok Girls: Can a Government Work Against the People it Seeks to Protect?

Uju Peace Okeke

It was Nelson Mandela who said that, ‘education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. This has been proven to be true globally. Education has been linked to many good things including the production of good citizens, empowerment, crime reduction, economic growth, among others. Nigeria, seemingly, taking a cue from the statement, overcame the unenforceability of the constitutional right to education, by enacting the Child’s Rights Act (CRA) in 2003. The CRA guarantees Nigerian children the right to basic education which it made free, compulsory and universal. As if to prove its seriousness with the

“….. the criminalisation of forced marriage in international law is because it is forced and carries a multitude of derogatory labels such as, "bush wife" "rebel" and "traitor" leaving a lasting imprint on the victims. As a result, some of the Chibok girls even refused offers of freedom, which has been attributed to Stockholm Syndrome”

implementation of right to education, she enacted the Universal Basic Education Act in 2004, reiterating the complete, cost-free and compulsoriness of basic education. It imposed on the parents and guardians, the duty of ensuring attendance of schools by their children and wards. It further made its violation, an offence, punishable variously with at the least reprimand, community service and at the worst, N10,000 fine and 3 months imprisonment. Finally, Nigeria arrived, as she joined upwardly mobile nations in embracing international agreements particularly goal 4 of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the later, goal 2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both on education.

Guaranteeing children right to education, presupposes that at the least, the enabling environment that would ensure the enjoyment of the right would have been put in place by government, that imposed on itself the duty of providing the guaranteed basic education. The enabling environment would naturally include good infrastructure that is fit for the purpose, in the form of environmentally friendly and physically accessible classrooms with furniture, recreation venue and conveniences. Also necessary, is the provision of quality teachers that would not teach the students nonsense, good libraries because without books, being in school will amount to nothing and most importantly, security, as nobody would enjoy anything if danger is lurking by the corner.

Security

Ordinarily, security was the least of anyone’s concern because the Constitution, the grundnorm already stated in Section 14(2)(b) that security and welfare of the people, is the primary purpose of Government. This implies that every other purpose is secondary, and depends on this primary purpose for their attainment. In other words, in the absence of the primary purpose, other purposes are nonsense. This is in line with a popular doctrine in law, enunciated in the case of UAC v Mcfoy, that ‘one cannot put something on nothing, because it will lack the legs to stand’. Security being a primary purpose is logical, because in the coexistence of different people,

they surrender the choice of self-help in resolving issues to a government, which in turn, protects them from abuse, violence, internal and external aggression. It follows that security benefits both the government and the governed, as necessary parties to the social contract. For the governed, guaranteed rights can only be enjoyed in a safe environment, and for the government, it is necessary for its functioning, as its powers could be usurped where insecurity thrives. Again, when the people and their properties are destroyed, who will be governed? This makes security a serious matter deserving of continued, utmost and urgent attention.

In view of the foregoing, security in institutions of learning was assured. Though there were spates of insecurity, here and there, nobody suspected it would happen in school, because any Nigerian Government clearly worth its salt, had education-enabling environment covered. Without notice, bam! 276 girls were kidnapped from an educational institution, worse still, one named after Federal Government. War of blames began, Federal blamed State and vice versa. Political influencers described it as political conspiracy. School authority got its fair share, in the blame party. The Minister for Education and even the examination organisers, were not spared. In the confusion of everyone looking for a scape goat, even the Parents of the girls did not escape the outburst which was most unfortunate, because they were almost overburdened with the psychological and other burden related to the children loss. I am sure they blamed themselves for being good and law abiding citizens, who ensured that their children and wards attended schools. With the benefit of hindsight, most, if not all, would have resorted to disobeying that law and damning the consequences. But, like an Igbo adage has it, anaghi aga unyaa aga (one cannot return to yesterday).

In the midst of the back and forth, one thing was clear - the Nigerian Government failed in its constitutionally acclaimed primary purpose. Boko Haram insurgents, boldly accepted responsibility. It was important information, but, the salient point was how to make them return the girls safely to their parents. Days, months and years passed. News trickled,

chibok Girls, 10 Years After: Matters Arising

of how some of the girls escaped from the prison, others were rescued and others were released. While there were claims and denials of whether ransom was paid, or the release resulted from simple but ‘hard’ negotiations. Nigerians were happy with the development. Unfortunately, many of the girls returned as women, changing their lives forever, without their consent, and as much as an opportunity to prepare for it. As sad as that was, and imagined the trauma they passed through, most Nigerians were happy to have them back alive.

The Girls that are Still in Captivity

The happiness is short-lived, because many of them are yet to return. In the twinkling of an eye, it is a decade after the unfortunate incident. While it is a sad reminder, it is depressing to note that some of these girls are still in the hands of their abductors. This is worrisome, because a child of ten years is already handling some chores, in the spirit of evolving capacity of the child recognised under the CRA. Yet, some abducted girls are imprisoned somewhere without trial for committing no offence, but enjoying the right of education guaranteed by the Constitution.

One of the questions agitating the minds of Nigerians, is if the best option of Government is paying ransom or negotiating for the release of the girls, what is stopping it from employing the same method to secure the release of the remaining 91 or 96 girls? Is their continued captivity deliberate? If good intentions flow from actions, bad intention must also flow from inactions. The inaction of Government in their release impacts on their dignity, because it seems Government is indirectly saying that their lives do not matter. In fact, it is tantamount to Government working against the people it seeks to protect. Government must therefore, be blameworthy for these girls whose guaranteed right to life is on the threshold.

Malcolm X said that ‘without education, you are not going anywhere in this world’, these girls tried to get education and now the world is looking for them. The Government has not just disappointed the missing Chibok girls and their Parents, but has failed Nigerians, thereby sending a wrong signal that first it cannot protect Nigerians; therefore, people should resort to self-help and secondly, that there is no enabling environment for the exercise of right to education.

Conclusion

Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the immediate past Vice President once said: ‘Chinua Achebe repeatedly reminded us of the Igbo saying that, a man who cannot tell where the rain began to beat him, cannot know where he dried his body. If we lose the past, we will inevitably lose the opportunity to make the best of the present and the future’. It behooves the Government to retrace its steps by finding the missing Chibok girls, and ensuring safe schools for Nigerian children. If this Government whose mantra is ‘Renewed Hope’ fails to do the needful, which is restoring hope to the populace, it would have itself to blame for the negative outcome in denying Nigerians the passport for the future in line with Malcolm X’s statement that ‘education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the

people who prepare for it today’.

Uju Peace Okeke, Lecturer, University of Nigeria Law Faculty, Enugu Campus

Chibok Girls Kidnapping: A Decade in Captivity

Alliances for Africa

April 14, 2014, marked a tragic night in Nigeria's history, when over 200 innocent schoolgirls were violently abducted from their dormitories in Chibok. A decade later, the pain and anguish of that night still lingers, with 96 of these girls remaining in captivity. This enduring crisis prompts critical questions about the Government’s response and its responsibility to safeguard its citizens, especially vulnerable schoolchildren, women and girls, in and out of insurgency-affected areas.

Has the Government Disappointed?

Despite initial promises of swift action; heightened bureaucratic challenges, intelligence failures, and accusations of negligence are strong indicators of a system failure. Reports revealed that despite advance warnings, the Nigerian military failed to act, stressing systemic failures in prioritising security and safeguarding citizens. This prolonged captivity has subjected the abducted girls to unimaginable suffering, including physical and psychological abuse, sexual violence, risks of infections, forced marriage, and forced labour at the hands of their captors. What do we say of the enduring anguish of the girls' families, who are suspended in a perpetual

“The Government has not just disappointed the missing Chibok girls and their Parents, but has failed Nigerians, thereby sending a wrong signal that first it cannot protect Nigerians; therefore, people should resort to self-help and secondly, that there is no enabling environment for the exercise of right to education”

state of uncertainty. What a tragedy!

Ten years after, the abduction of the Chibok girls lays bare the vulnerability of schoolchildren, especially girls, in and out of insurgency-affected regions, where education seems to become a dangerous pursuit. Many parents, fearing further attacks, withdrew their children from school, undermining Nigeria's efforts to addressing poverty and empower its citizens through education. The trauma inflicted on survivors extends beyond physical captivity, leading to stigmatisation and secondary abuse, further questioning societal trust and resilience.

Statistics

Sadly, a decade after the Kidnap of Chibok girls by Boko Haram insurgents, the situation has worsened, as kidnapping incidents escalate not only in the Northeast, but across Nigeria. Statistics reveal a grim reality: since 2014, more than 1,600 children have been abducted or kidnapped across Northern Nigeria. Banditry and insurgent activities continue to terrorise communities, with reports indicating a surge in abductions during February and March 2024 alone, where over 200 children were kidnapped from schools in Kaduna and Sokoto States. This alarming trend requires the urgent need for comprehensive security measures and effective governance, to protect the nation's youth especially women and girls. How much more can education cost?

Crime Against Humanity

Questions about the Government’s accountability persist, as more children fall victim to abduction and violence. Despite some progress in securing the release of abducted individuals through negotiations, the failure to implement sustainable measures to ensure a secure learning environment remains evident. The Government’s adoption of the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools is commendable, but effective implementation and monitoring are essential.

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in its statement on 14th May, 2014 considers that this largescale abduction from an educational

institutions for enslavement, constitutes a direct violation of Articles 5, 6 and 10 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and may qualify as a crime against humanity.

It further stated that the Committee will closely follow the situation of the abducted girls, and the measures taken by the Nigerian authorities to ensure their release, punish the perpetrators and provide effective remedies to the victims, as well as to prevent similar violations in the future, and ensure the participation of women in the resolution of the current crisis.

Human Rights Watch highlights the failure of the Nigerian Government to protect civilians, particularly in areas affected by insurgency and violence. Save the Children's statistics further emphasise the severity of the situation, revealing the growing spate of kidnappings across Nigeria.

Ten years after, the world watches and are keeping tabs on the Nigerian Governments' response to issues of security around women and girls, especially on how we manage the Chibok issue.

Advice to the Authorities

•We therefore, urge the government to strategise and ensure the return of the rest of the Chibok girls and others that are in captivity, as well as put in place measures to forestall further occurrences.

•Put monitoring measures to ensure an effective implementation of existing policies, such as the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools.

•Transparency, robust accountability mechanisms, and collaboration with international partners are necessary, to prevent future tragedies and restore trust.

•The Government should prioritise the protection of vulnerable populations, address the root causes of insurgency and violence, to create a safer environment for all its citizens especially

•Every girl has the right to quality education and the denial is a gross abuse on her human right, and this must be addressed urgently.

•One incident was more than enough to teach us lessons.

Alliances for Africa, Human Rights Organisation, Owerri, Imo State

RMB Leads in Financing $1.25bn Indorama Expansion Project

Omolabake Fasogbon

Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), a division of First Rand Bank has said that it played a key role in a $1.25 billion financing package for Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals Limited.

RMB, acting as a Lead Arranger alongside International Finance Corporation (IFC) as Mandated Lead Arranger, contributed $75 million via an 8-year senior debt under the IFC A/B Loan program to support Indorama’s expansion in Nigeria.

The comprehensive financial package is expected to support Indorama’s plan to develop new port terminal for exports in Port Harcourt and third nitrogenous urea fertilizer production line with an annual capacity of 1.4 million metric tons.

Speaking, Senior Transactor for Infrastructure Finance, Africa ex-SA at RMB, Enyinna Anumudu explained that the expansion was intended to strengthen food production and security across regional and international markets, as well as support Nigeria’s heavy industry sector.

He said, “First Rand Bank through its RMD division is pleased to continue its support of Indorama Fertilizer’s operations in Nigeria as a strategic client within the heavy industry space in Nigeria. The Train 3 project will support the processing of associated and non-associated gas in the domestic economy while also generating significant USD export earnings in line with the non-oil exports diversification strategy of the Nigerian Federal Government. This project

underscores our willingness to collaborate with key stakeholders in delivering blended finance for strategic industrial assets in Nigeria and Africa in general.”

The financing package was mobilized in collaboration with other development finance institutions and commercial banks. They are AfDB, Bangkok Bank, British International Investment, Citibank, DZ Bank, and Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund.

Anumudu said this aligns with Nigeria’s strategic efforts to eliminate routine gas flaring by 2030. The expansion of Indorama’s facilities is expected to generate up to 8,000 direct and indirect jobs, bolstering job creation, promote Nigeria’s drive of becoming a major player in the global fertilizer market as well as promote industrial growth within the region.

Hero Lager Partners With Universities to TackleYouth Unemployment

In a bid to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria, Hero Lager, a product of International Breweries Plc, has made significant effort to elevate the apprenticeship system and change its perception from a system for the less privileged and illiterate people to that of a business incubator that can significantly tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria.

Working with a team of university professors, businessmen and apprentices, the apprenticeship system was understudied to distil the learnings and formation an apprentice acquires in the four to seven years of apprenticeship training. These learnings were structured into an academic curriculum which birthed the Hero Apprenticeship System. For the first time in history, this age-long cultural practice was formalised

and introduced to universities. Recently, Hero Apprenticeship System recorded its first set of university certificate recipients in Nigeria. The 250 successful candidates who were hitherto trainees under the apprenticeship system were awarded certificates from five tertiary institutions across the Southeast and SouthSouth regions. .

Welcoming guests at the certificate award ceremony at UNN, the Coordinator, Consultancies, Research, and Training, University of Nigeria Nsuka (UNN), Business School, Professor Chuka Uzoma Ifediora, eulogised the Hero Apprenticeship System for bridging the gap in knowledge acquisition.

According to Professor Ifediora, “By applauding the meritorious deeds of our trainees who reflect

hard work, determination, and passion which are essential values for entrepreneurship, we encourage a growth mindset that promotes continuous improvement and excellence. Indeed, today’s certificate recipients are a representation of the culmination of hours of learning, exploring, creating, innovating, pushing boundaries, rising to challenges, and ultimately succeeding as today’s certificate recipients have done.”

Speaking about the initiative, Marketing Manager, Hero Lager, Dubem Orji, said, “Brands that have our scale owe it to society to contribute meaningfully in creating thriving communities. It is appalling that the apprenticeship system is being denigrated leading to its decline, and consequently, an increase in the rate of unemployment.

Yemi-Esan Urges Perm Secs to Implement PMS

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade YemiEsan has demanded attitudinal from permanent secretaries to the implementation of Performance Management System (PMS), which is second Pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25).

She made the appeal in Abuja after declaring open a retreat organized by Career Management Office for permanent secretaries on Performance Management System.

She lamented that some permanent secretaries lacked

proper understanding of what was expected of them including the grasp of the PMS Policy and PMS guidelines.

“There is no overstating the cardinal roles permanent secretaries play in driving PMS in the service. As we all know PMS is the one of the key strategies to ensure better employee performance and to meet organizational goals. It is essential not only to evaluate employees but to also manage performance evaluation,” Yemi-Esan said.

She said by prioritizing the professional growth and development of its officers, the service will remain adaptive and resilient in the face of any

challenge and opportunity.

She also added that as part of the commitment towards ensuring that all ministries were on the same page regarding the implementation of PMS, a team of officers had been assigned to monitor the activities of all MDAs.

The permanent secretary Career Management Office, Mr Adeoye Ayodeji, said at the end of the retreat, the permanent secretaries were expected to improve their strategies, so that when they return to their desks, the performance management index which is one of the pillars FCSSIP 25 will be on the front burner.

CDK Leads Local Content Advocacy in Construction Industry

In a proactive endeavor to champion local content initiatives and enhance collaboration within the construction sector, CDK Integrated Industries, manufacturers of premium porcelain tiles recently engaged in a courtesy visit to the new national president of Nigerian institute of architects (NIA).

The meeting, which was held at the office of the NIA President, Mobolaji Adeniyi, focused on key themes, such as, improving partnerships between manufacturers and the architecture industry,

promoting local content, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Managing Director of CDK, Bernard Longe expressed support for the NIA, stating, “We are eager to embark on collaborative ventures with the Nigerian institute of architects to drive innovation and excellence in our industry.” He acknowledged her leadership as a high point, aimed at unifying the architecture sector and its stakeholders.

Adeniyi reciprocated the sentiments, affirming,

“The Institute of Architects is very proud of CDK, its commitment to quality and excellence is commendable, which has set a standard that is laudable.”

In response, Abimbola Onagbade, Brands and Marketing Manager at CDK expressed optimism, stating, “The dedication to collaboration with key players across the industry exhibited by the Nigeria Institute of Architects is commendable. We envision a fruitful partnership with the NIA and are excited about the possibilities ahead.”

Investors’ Interest in Tier-1 Banks Lift Stock Market by 0.13%

Kayode Tokede

Opening the week, the stock market segment of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday gained 0.13 per cent as investors renewed interest in listed Tier-1 banks.

As Zenith Bank added 6.76 per cent, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) grew by 9.55 per cent and United Bank for Africa Plc gained 0.66 per

cent, the NGX All Share Index (ASI) rose by 125.30 basis points or 0.13 per cent to close at 99,665.05 basis points.

Accordingly, market capitalisation gained by N71 billion to close at N56.367 trillion.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was negative, as 26 stocks gained relative to 19 losers. Japaul Gold & Ventures recorded the highest price gain of 9.58 per cent to

close at N1.83, per share. GTCO followed with a gain of 9.55 per cent to close at N36.70, while FTN Cocoa Processors rose by 8.76 per cent to close at N1.49, per share.

Universal Insurance went up by 8.57 per cent to close at 38 kobo, while RT Briscoe Nigeria appreciated by 8.47 per cent to close at 64 kobo, per share.

On the other hand, The Initiates Plc (TIP) led the losers’ chart

by 10 per cent, to close at N1.80, per share. Prestige Assurance followed with a decline of 9.84 per cent to close at 55 kobo, while Omatek Ventures declined by 9.52 per cent to close at 74 kobo, per share.

Vitafoam Nigeria depreciated by 9.26 per cent to close at N17.15 and Learn Africa declined by 9.09 per cent to close at N3.00, per share. The total volume traded

increased by 18.91 per cent to 306.620 million units, valued at N5.301 billion, and exchanged in 8,298 deals. Transactions in the shares of GTCO topped the activity chart with 50.158 million shares valued at N1.774 billion. Access Holdings followed with 48.067 million shares worth N815.925 million, while United Bank for Africa (UBA) traded 41.747 million shares valued at N956.455 million.

Universal Insurance traded 39.714 million shares valued at N14.392 million, while Zenith Bank sold 15.166 million shares worth N560.323 million.

This week, United Capital Plc said “we expect activities in the fixed income market to continue to stand as a strong demotivator toward equities investments. We expect the status quo to remain same, with bearish sentiments outweighing.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF APRIL 22 /24

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 19-April-2024, 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.

Deconstructing the Anomaly in NDIC Act

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act 2023, is an “intentional fraud”. President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly must undo this affront, writes Precious Ugwuzor

It was obvious that some forces had a field day during the reign of the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari.

Proofs of some of the unthinkable actions perpetrated by those who were later known as the ‘cabal’ abound.

Unfortunately, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) leadership played a pivotal role as became evident in the build-up to the 2023 general election, when the CBN introduced currency redesign.

But revelations after a new leadership took over at the CBN showed that the then leadership of the apex bank abused privileges, including doctoring the new Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act 2023, obviously for some ulterior motives.

One of the first and loudest voices to draw the attention of Nigerians to the fraud and forgeries in the NDIC Act, 2023 and to directly attribute it to the CBN leadership, was the former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdulhakeem Abdullateef.

Although he was then newly appointed board chairman of the agency, he vehemently protested to President Bola Tinubu in his viral video on X. He implored the Nigerian leader to probe the hurriedly passed law by erstwhile administration.

Obviously, the NDIC Deposit Insurance Fund was the target of the then CBN leadership. It wanted to appropriate the funds, hence the urge to tamper with the provisions of the Act. There was no gainsaying that the new Act falls short of the standards stipulated by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) for NDIC independence and establishment of corporate governance principles.

Another worrying aspect of the manipulated Act is that the president’s powers to appoint the members of the board of the corporation were eroded.

The CBN now has the right to nominate four of the seven directors, and just one of the seven directors is independent. This, however, is contrary to the previous situation, when seven out of 12 were independent.

The NDIC is an independent agency of the Nigerian government created to protect depositors, promote monetary stability, and encourage competition and innovation in the banking sector through supervision of banks.

It helps to insure the interest of depositors in case of imminent or actual financial difficulties of banks, guarantee the settlement of insured funds when a deposit-taking financial institution can no longer repay their deposits, protect the banking system from instability caused by runs and loss of depositors’ confidence.

The NDIC advises the CBN in the liquidation of distressed banks and manages assets of distressed banks until they are fully liquidated.

Stakeholders are however unanimous in their agitation that the 35 sections infused into the law by “corruption engineers in Nigeria”, and assented by Buhari, will impede NDIC’s ability to dispassionately carry out its responsibility.

The process leading to the amendment of the NDIC Act, 2006 started after the peer review assessment of the International Association Deposit Insurers (IADI) in 2011, when they visited Nigeria to assess the deposit insurance system in the country and evaluate the level of compliance with international best practice.

Then, it was recommended that there was a need for more operational independence for the corporation as a safety-net agency.

Rather than work to achieve the 2011 IADI recommendations, the NDIC Act version sent to the National Assembly purportedly drafted by the Godwin Emefiele-led CBN in collaboration with the Managing Director/CEO of NDIC, Bello Hassan, who was until December 2020, the CBN Director Banking Supervision.

They drafted-in a senior legal staff from the CBN and was converted to a substantive staff (director) in NDIC legal department, thereby disrupting the structure that existed in the department at the detriment of workers who had diligently served the agency.

With the ‘fraudulent’ law now assented to, the apex bank arrogated the powers to license, supervise and grant forbearances to banks, withdraw their license, sanction them and order their liquidation to itself. Hence, it was widely suspected that the entire

process was completed while the NDIC board was not in place to perfect the anti-people law. The 2019 board’s tenure ended on December 8, 2022, but surprisingly, the first closed-door ‘public hearing’ was held on December 7, 2022. From that point, the process was shrouded in secrecy. The oversight committees of the National Assembly and the MD secretly perfected the document to suits their motives.

Addressing Nigerians and President Tinubu in 2023, Abdullateef said, “NDIC stinks. There is a lot of rot going on. They say, ‘when you fight corruption, corruption fights you’. Now the document you see (referring to the NDIC Act, 2023) is one of the ways the corruption engineers in Nigeria are fighting back.

“Each time you say you want to have a true change like the one brought about by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you will have the change champions, who will support him, but you will also have the change skeptics and the game changers, who will frustrate all his efforts to rid Nigeria of this mess.

“Now, this is the purported new act of the NDIC, and I tell you for nothing, this is Emefiele’s Act. I tell you because here, they have taken away the powers of the president in respect of the NDIC.

“The cabal has taken over the NDIC. This Act was taken to former President Buhari 48 hours to his leaving office. They knew at that time that the man was so busy and would not be able to read everything they have put here, therefore, they got him to sign it.”

Pointing to “another fraud was committed” in the passage of the Act, Abdullateef, not that the document that was signed was materially

different from the vote and proceedings of the National Assembly that passed it. He was miffed that the those behind these actions designed it to ensure that the body was not able to perform its function as effectively as it should.

According to him, “No sooner that we were appointed by the president, waiting for confirmation, than they quickly introduced a new bill – a law that will truncate everything that we wanted to do. I participated in the National Assembly because as a lawmaker.

“I’m a lawyer of over 30 years’ experience at the bar, so I know that whatever is passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the president will be what my board will implement. So, I was interested in every detail of what they were passing. My God! What has happened now is completely different from what was passed.

“While the National Assembly passed an act that would have the representatives of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria to superintend over the affairs of the NDIC so that it is able to discharge its duties, it also gave the president, the free hand to appoint competent Nigerians who are capable of becoming Managing Directors and Executive Directors.

“Those that doctored the document decided to tie the hands of president by saying that only someone recommended by Emefiele alone can be the Managing Director or the Executive Director. This is in contrast with the previous Act where the president has the freedom to appoint any competent Nigerian to superintend over the affairs of NDIC.

“They have removed the representatives of the

“The executive and the legislature should work together to produce an act that would guarantee NDIC independence, to ensure the safety, soundness and stability of the banking sector in the country.”

six geopolitical zones. They have now fraudulently made the Permanent Secretary, who does not have time, to be the chairman of the board. How can a Permanent Secretary be a judge in his own course? That is the ministry supervising the affairs of NDIC! How can the head of that ministry still be the head of NDIC?

“Do you know why? I visited the Permanent Secretary, and he told me, ‘I told them several times, do not make the mistake of making me the chairman of the board! I have a thousand and one things to do as a Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance!’ They know I will not have time so that they can do all the mess they want to do,” Abdullateef stated.

Abdullateef also lamented that the doctored law killed the career progression of the 1600 workers in NDIC, asking, “how can you say that somebody who is working as a teacher should not have the hope that one day, I will become the principal?

“So, what they have done here is that no worker – no director in NDIC, can ever progress to become executive director, or become the managing director, because they said even if you work all your years in NDIC, only the CBN can appoint and recommend, who should be the executive director or managing director.

“The one that is affecting the depositors is that NDIC will no longer be able to make depositors smile. I have thousands of petitions on my table by Nigerians, who are owed by the NDIC, who find it difficult to claim their rights from the NDIC.

“They are frustrated because the NDIC Act has so many useless sections, some that say, ‘if you don’t come and claim your money within a time, the NDIC will become the owner of the money.’ How can you say that a microfinance that has closed should get the depositors to come and get their money?

“You say you are using town criers. Town criers in today’s modern Nigeria, when they have phone numbers? So, you’re denying Nigerians trillions of money. This law has removed the independence of the NDIC. The former law said that NDIC shall be free to go and investigate the banks.

“Now this law says, NDIC can only go and investigate banks if CBN approves. Before, once NDIC realises you are supposed to collect your money, NDIC should be able to pay you free!

“Now, there is a section which says when the bank suspends payment to you and NDIC is supposed to pay you, NDIC should go and get the approval of CBN before they can pay you. This is corruption! You do not need the approval of the CBN if you say NDIC is an independent agency!

“I want the president not to act on this law until it is probed. Probe the passage of this law, probe the inclusion of Section 7, which takes away the right of Ministry of Finance, which takes away the representative of the Ministry of Finance and replace it with two directors from CBN, probe why what is passed is fundamentally different from what is assented to, probe what happened between the time the National Assembly passed it and there was no divergence.

“Under the law, do you know the status of this Act? It is null and void! Any time Mr. President assents to a bill that is materially different from what was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, it means there was a material omission, and that law was not matured for assent.”

He, therefore, suggested that the law be returned to the National Assembly so members can debate on it.

This, of course, is why President Tinubu cannot feign ignorance of the fraud inherent in the NDIC Act 2023. Thus, as Nigeria and his administration wage war against corruption, that obnoxious law should be brought down.

This is not only because will it erode the independence and effectiveness of the corporation, the provisions is also non-compliant with international best practice and negates the core principles of the International IADI to which NDIC is a signatory and a key member.

The executive and the legislature should work together to produce an act that would guarantee NDIC independence, to ensure the safety, soundness and stability of the banking sector in the country.

Tinubu

BUSINESS WORLD

The economic hardship faced by Nigerians has continued, with fuel prices continuing to soar in March 2024, driven mainly by the current economic reforms embarked upon by the Bola Tinubu administration, the dynamics of international energy rates as well as Nigeria’s inability to refine its fuels locally.

Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing the prices of major fuels across Nigeria, indicated that last month, petrol sold for as high as N761 in parts of Nigeria, specifically in Taraba, while diesel retailed for N1,566 in Edo and kerosene, seen as the fuel of the poor, was

Gilbert Ekugbe

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has announced a $7.3m fertilizer funding to the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM) aimed at overhauling African agriculture into a productive, competitive and sustainable sector.

In a statement by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) announcing the investment, AfDB said the financing would aid the mechanism in replicating its credit guarantee programmes, enabling fertilizer importers and

offered for N1,875 per litre.

For other energy sources, essentially cooking gas, Kano recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg Cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas, with N7,609.00.

A naturally endowed country, Nigeria has the highest natural gas reserves in Africa, owning, by last week’s assessment of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), over 33 per cent of Africa’s total stock of gas, with about 209.5 TCF.

On the other hand, Nigeria is the continent’s biggest producer of oil and holds the second largest reserves in Africa with over 37.5

aggregators to access the product on credit, while also boost efforts to improve soil health and provide technical assistance to farmers.

The move by GAC, AfDB said would enhance sustainable agricultural productivity and smallholder farmer livelihoods, particularly women and youth across Africa.

“We thank Global Affairs Canada for its support to advance the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism’s implementation of its Strategic Plan 2022-2028, which focuses on broadening

billion barrels, just behind Libya, which holds up to 48 billion barrels of the resource in reserves.

Despite these, the country has been unable to fully harness the God-given resources, mostly blaming lack of investment, assets vandalism, outright sabotage, lack of gas transportation infrastructure, among others, for the challenge.

For close to a decade the country has almost not produced a drop of fuel, because all its refineries are dilapidated.

However, the Dangote refinery, which has begun partial operations as well as the expected coming on stream of the Port Harcourt refinery, will, to some extent mitigate the wholesale

access to finance through capital investments and policy reforms, among other priorities that benefit Africa’s smallholder farmers,” said the AfDB’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Dr. Beth Dunford. Dunford said that fertilizer is essential for food production, yet it is significantly underutilised in sub-Saharan Africa’s agriculture sector due to limited financing and technical know-how among farmers.

The programme targets 800,000 smallholder farmers, with 40 per

importation of products from Europe.

In all, the NBS data indicated that the average retail price paid by consumers for petrol for the month of March 2024 was N696.79, indicating a 163.65 per cent increase when compared to the value recorded in March 2023 , which was N264.29.

“On state profile analysis, Taraba state had the highest average retail price for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), at N761.92, Yobe and Adamawa States were next, with N749.09 and N735.00, respectively.

“On the other side, Lagos, Oyo and Ogun States had the lowest average retail prices for petrol, at N630.75, N645.88 and

cent of beneficiaries expected to be women and 10 per cent youth. It aims to provide access to and improve the utilization of 80,000 tons of organic and inorganic fertilizer, which is expected to increase yields by 30 per cent.

Canada’s Minister of International Development, Mr. Ahmed Hussen, said: “Canada is proud to support resilient, climate-smart agriculture and adaptable food production systems in Africa. We remain committed to promoting inclusive, green growth in

N651.25 respectively. Lastly, on zonal profile, the North-east zone had the highest average retail price of N732.37, while the South-west zone had the lowest price of N654.24,” the figures showed.

Before the removal of subsidy by the current administration, petrol was selling for N195 in most parts of the country.

For diesel, the average retail price paid by consumers increased by 59.51 per cent on a year-on-year basis from a lower cost of N840.81 per litre recorded in the corresponding month of last year, March 2023, to a higher cost of N1,341.16 per litre in March 2024.

On a month-on-month basis,

partnership with the African Development Bank, including through our contribution to the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism.”

Under the programme, the mechanism would extend credit guarantee facilities to the inputs supply chain in eight African countries.

The programme would also facilitate the formulation of fertilizer policies and regulatory frameworks to foster gendersensitive and sustainable soil management practices.

an increase of 6.69 per cent was recorded from N1,257.06 in the preceding month of February 2024 to an average of N1,341.16 in March 2024.

“Looking at the variations in the state prices, the top three states with the highest average price of the product in March 2024 included: Edo State (N1,566.67), Jigawa State (N1,533.33) and Cross River (N1,532.71).

Nigeria’s inflation hit 32.2 per cent in March, a level last seen about three decades ago, as the market prices of food remained elevated, driven partly by rising energy and transportation costs.

The Coordinator of the Mechanism, Ms. Marie Claire Kalihangabo, welcomed Global Affairs Canada as a new member and expressed readiness to collaborate with Canada to fulfill the AFFM’s mandate.

The programme aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Malabo Declaration.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Food Security: Federal Government Pledges Commitment to FAO

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to harness innovations and technologies for a Food-Secure Future.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, at the 33rd session of FAO’s regional conference for Africa (ARC 33) in Rabat, capital of Morocco, said that the theme of the conference: “Resilient Agrifood Systems and Inclusive Rural Transformation,” resonated deeply with the challenges Nigeria faces regarding food security, explaining that the conference provides a vital platform for fostering collaboration and partnerships at national and regional levels, crucial for addressing these challenges.

Kyari said: “Our country will benefit from technical cooperation, agricultural mechanisation, and grants for our farmers. Nigeria is

fully committed to working hand in hand with FAO to harness innovations and technologies for a Food-Secure Future.”

He stressed that embracing these advancements present a unique opportunity to revolutionise agrifood systems, ensuring better production, nutrition, environment, and overall livelihoods for all.

Meanwhile, FAO lamented that hunger levels in Africa have increased in the past two years, due to lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, the climate crisis and economic shocks, but stated that the continent’s possibilities are vast while also expressing optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead is in order.

The Director General, FAO, Mr. QU Dongyu, said: “Africa boasts the largest area of arable land of any continent and is abundant in natural resources. Africa’s young people offer extraordinary potential.”

In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister of Morocco, Aziz Akhannouch, outlined the Kingdom’s substantial multiyear investments in enhancing irrigation and water efficiency as well as other agrifood initiatives that have improved rural incomes.

“Putting investment at the center of the farming equation” is also central to Morocco’s Green Generation plan promoted by King Mohammed VI,” the prime minister said.

He added that pushing forward on the regional agenda embodied in joint commitments such as the Maputo Declaration and Malabo Declaration would require charting a new course, together and now, to transform the continent’s agrifood systems, calling for strategic partnerships, greater investments, and harnessing the power of digital technologies to drive efficiency and productivity in Africa’s agriculture sectors.

Otti Assures Investors of Appropriate Policies to Ensure Business Growth

A Chinese conglomerate, the Inner Galaxy Steel Company Limited has been assured of adequate support and protection to sustain its operations in Abia State. Governor Alex Otti gave the assurance during a meeting with the management of the multi- layered firm, saying that he was desirous of seeing businesses germinate and blossom in Abia.

The Inner Galaxy conglomerate, located in Ukwa West Local Government, comprises four companies that are into steel

production, trailer parts assembly, battery production for automobiles and recycling of used bottles.

Otti said that his administration has been engaged in efforts to grow existing businesses and attract new ones into the state since inception 10 months ago. He described Abia as an investment friendly state, saying that pro-business policies would be sustained to help businesses operating in the state to thrive.

“It is our policy to support industry. Some of the things we are doing are geared towards supporting existing industries and attracting new ones,” he said.

The Managing Director of Inner Galaxy, Mr. Lin Shanbiao, who led the management team to meet with the Abia Governor, had in his address explained that their visit was to intimate the governor about their operations. He also stated that they were eager to explore how they could partner the state government in various areas of mutual interest. Shanbiao informed the Abia Governor that the company was facing labour shortages and requested interested Abia youths to come forward and take up jobs in the Inner Galaxy conglomerate.

Shippers’ Council Re-sensitises Stakeholders on Online Registration

Esther Oluku

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has organised a sensitisation exercise for stakeholders in the Maritime industry on its online registration portal.

This sensitisation is the second in the series of the exercises organised by the council since the integration of technology into the registration process for port users.

The event themed: “Sensitisation of Stakeholders on Registration of Regulated Port Service Providers and Users,” was held at the NSC headquarters in Lagos.

The online registration portal is in line with the council’s drive to provide seamless on-boarding process for port users which is accessible from the comfort of their homes and offices and provides

an option for paperless on-boarding for stakeholders.

According to the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Mr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima, the collation of port stakeholders’ data is critical to the Council’s efficiency in performing it’s role as the port’s economic regulator.

Ukeyima, who was represented by the Director, Consumer Affairs Department, Mr. Cajetan Agu, urged stakeholders to comply with the initiative as it promises great dividends for port users. He said: “This sensitisation is part of our know your customer strategy. We should know those people that are operating in the port. People have been coming here to complain to us to intervene on their behalf. We are no longer going to do that. If we are going to treat complaints from

you as an operator in the sector, you must be registered by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.”

While many stakeholders at the event expressed concerns over the registration being a form of multiplicity of registrations within the port sector, National Coordinator, Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Mr. Osita Chukwu, stated that registration with the Council is necessary.

Nigerian Breweries Relaunches Ace Roots

Dike Onwuamaeze

Nigerian Breweries, the leading beverage company in Nigeria, has relaunched its product, Ace Roots, a low sugar drink that perfectly combines a blend of true African herbs, spices and fruits with a great kick of alcohol.

Containing low sugar, easy to drink and filtered to give that refreshing herbal enjoyment, Ace Roots offers all alcoholic beverage drinkers a fine blend of herbal goodness and an accessible taste experience. With this relaunch, Ace Roots has a fresh new look in a 45cl bottle and 50cl can.

The Portfolio Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Sampson Oloche, said: “We are thrilled to introduce Ace Roots to the Nigerian market. This fresh product reflects our commitment to providing consumers with beverages that not only taste great but also offer functional health benefits. Ace Roots is set to redefine the alcoholic beverage landscape in Nigeria.

“The ‘Big Weekend Experience’ is the perfect platform to re-introduce Ace Roots to our consumers. This live event will allow them to discover the unique qualities of Ace Roots and embrace the brand’s commitment to providing a delightful and healthier alcoholic beverage option.”

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Ekpo: FG Will Deploy Its Massive Gas Resources to Benefit All Nigerians

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has stated that the ministry would

NNPC,

ensure the country’s abundant gas resources is exploited, developed and used for the benefit of all Nigerians.

The minister, according to a statement from the Deputy Director

Partners Donate

2,300-Seater Library to N’Delta Varsity

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and its Joint Venture partners in OML 18, have donated a 2,300-seater digital library to the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State.

The partners include: The Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Total Energies EP Nigeria Ltd, Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd, and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Ltd.

The digital library, a two-storey complex equipped with cutting-

edge Information Technology amenities, according to a statement from the NNPC, include 100 computer systems, e-learning and research facilities, interactive smart boards, projectors, camcorders, e-books, e-journals, e-learning portal, and reading halls.

Other facilities in the library include Wi-Fi Lounge, print and document hall, video and audio recordings, photography and online education centre, e-distant learning hall, Chief Librarian and departmental offices, IT rack room, newspaper archive, stack room for new arrivals, and conveniences.

TotalEnergies Investors Call For Split of CEO, Chair Roles

A group of TotalEnergies investors has called for the French oil and gas major to split the roles of chief executive officer and chairman, which they say could speed up its shift away from fossil fuels.

The resolution to be proposed for inclusion at TotalEnergies’ annual general meeting on May 24 was put forward by 19 international investors holding around 20 million shares, together with Swiss pension fund investor group Ethos Foundation and the French Sustainable Investment Forum (FIR).

Patrick Pouyanne has been CEO and chairman at the world’s fifth-largest listed oil company for nearly a decade and spearheaded a strategy of growing oil and gas output while also increasing renewable energy, Reuters reported.

“The separation of functions could improve dialogue with the board ... on climate transition issues and ensure a better balance of power at a time when many investors are of the opinion that

But NBS listed the states with the top three lowest prices of diesel as Plateau State (N1067.25), Niger State (N1140.00) and Adamawa State (N1175.00).

The zonal representation of average price of diesel showed that South-south had the highest price of N1419.35 while Northcentral zone had the lowest price N1230.98 when compared with other zones.

Also, the average retail price per litre of kerosene paid by consumers in March 2024 was N1,354.40. However, an a year-

TotalEnergies’ transition strategy is not ambitious enough,” the resolution said.

TotalEnergies does not envision a major reduction in emissions from its products by 2030. The company’s board of directors will decide at an April 25 meeting whether the resolution will be accepted and added to the Annual He General Meeting (AGM) agenda for a shareholder vote, a company spokesperson said.

“In France, the choice of governance of the company through a combined or dissociated Chairman and CEO role is by law a competence of the Board of directors,” they said.

“A shareholder’s resolution is likely to be regarded as inadmissible in this context, regardless of its advisory nature,” they added.

Climate-focused investors have increased pressure on the world’s top oil and gas companies in recent years to cut carbon emissions and move away from fossil fuels production.

on-year basis, the average retail price per litre of the product rose by 18.55 per cent from N1,142.46 in March 2023.

“On state profile analysis, the highest average price per litre in March 2024 was recorded in Kaduna with N1,875.00, followed by Benue with N1,773.74 and Niger with N1,719.36. On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Rivers with N1,070.79, followed by Sokoto with N1,095.33 and Kwara with N1,110.90.

“In addition, analysis by

of Press and Public Relations in the petroleum ministry, Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, gave the assurance when he received the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno in his office in Abuja.

Ekpo expressed delight that the state was interested in the development of gas resources, noting that if the gas resources available in all states were utilised, power plants, industries and ailing

industries would come alive while some industries that had relocated to other countries would return to Nigeria.

The minister promised to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State government to develop the gas resources in the state and all over the country.

“Gas development is the way to go all over the world and I promise to work with your government

to develop the gas resources in Akwa Ibom state and all over the country,” the minister stated.

In his address during the visit, Eno noted that Akwa Ibom State has one of the largest deposits of gas resources in Nigeria, and the state was ready to partner with the ministry to drive the investment opportunities that abound for economic development.

“Akwa Ibom has one of the

largest deposits of gas in Nigeria, we have come to partner with you because we want to drive investments into Akwa Ibom gas sector” the governor stated.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nicholas Ella, noted that he was impressed with the synergy that existed between the state government and the minister.

Shell Urges Investors to Reject Shareholder Group’s Climate Demands

Shell has urged shareholders to vote against an independent resolution, co-filed by a group of 27 investors, that called on the energy company to set tighter climate targets.

The resolution, the biggest such drive to date in terms of the size of the participants, is led by activist shareholder ‘Follow

This’ and will be voted on at Shell’s annual general meeting on May 21.

In a notice ahead of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), Shell recommended voting against the resolution, saying it “is against both good governance and shareholders’ interests, and also has negative consequences for our customers.”

The resolution, filed by a group of investors with around $4 trillion under management, urges Shell to align its mediumterm carbon reduction targets with the Paris Climate Agreement, including emissions from fuels burnt by Shell’s consumers, Reuters said.

Shell last month weakened a 2030 carbon reduction target and scrapped a 2035 carbon intensity reduction objective, citing expectations for strong gas demand and uncertainty in the energy transition. The company however reaffirmed a plan to cut emissions to net zero by 2050.

FG Sets Up Compensation C’ttee for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has constituted a committee to review the report on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment in respect of compensation for section 1 of the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Stressing that it was in keeping with the established rules on compensation and the ideals of transparency, a statement by Umahi’s spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said the committee is made up of 19 members.

The committee is required to interface with stakeholders and property owners that will be affected by the project with a view to recommending those who are entitled to receive compensation from federal government as required by law.

The minister directed that the committee should work strictly within the terms of reference, which is to verify and authenticate the list of those to be compensated and submit a report within 10 days effective April 18, 2024.

He said: “We are setting up a review committee to look at the work done by the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA,) and the works to be reviewed by this committee is very simple.

“It’s just to interact with the property owners that are going to be affected, and then in their presence, in the presence of the committee and the ESIA Consultant and the contractor, look at the compensation as enumerated to be paid, and where possible, you visit the site.

“ We are using the federal rates to do our enumeration. I know very well that there is nobody that is ever enumerated that is ever satisfied with how much is to be paid, but we are bound by the law, and so we are using federal rates,” Umahi said. He promised to ensure a seamless and timely payment of compensation on the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway project, but warned that only those legally entitled to compensation would be shortlisted.

He said: “The moment the property owner signs, and then we have a form that we give to them to fill, and indicate the bank account; the moment that is done, within 72 hours, we authorise payment.

“The contractor is going to be paying directly to all those who are

affected, and this we are committed to doing. This verification will start Wednesday in Lagos, and of course, we have to make it very clear that 250 meters legally belongs to the federal government.

“ So if you have a title within these 250 meters and it’s not a title from federal government, then it is in encumbrance, and only Mr. President can give a waiver if he feels so for the person to be paid,” the minister added.

The meeting which was held via zoom in the minister’s conference hall Mabushi-Abuja with the affected property owners and other stakeholders, was in furtherance of the resolutions earlier reached in the stakeholders engagement in Lagos on April 11, 2024.

FG Completes Allocation of Houses for First Batch NHP Allottees Nationwide

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has concluded the allocation of the first batch of completed houses across the states for successful applicants under the National Housing Programme (NHP).

The announcement was contained in a press statement released by the office of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Badamasi Salisu. The permanent secretary stated that the first batch of the allocation process was concluded after a review of the conditions and procedures for sales of houses under the programme as conveyed in a circular with Ref. No. DPBH/645/1/643 from the

zones showed that the Northcentral recorded the highest average retail price per litre of kerosene with N1,497.13, followed by the North-east with N1,393.59, while the South-south recorded the lowest with N1,273.07,” it said.

Adamawa recorded the highest average retail price per gallon of kerosene with N6,110.44, followed by Bauchi with N5,922.30 and Yobe with N5,800.69, while Delta recorded the lowest price with N4,039.14, followed by Abuja and Enugu

with N4,300.00 and N4,430.95 respectively.

The price of gas also continued to rise last month, as the average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder increased by 7.10 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N6,154.50 recorded in February 2024 to N6,591.62 in March 2024.

On a year-on-year basis, this increased by 42.97 per cent from N4,610.48 in March 2023. On state profile analysis, Kano recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of gas, with N7,609.00, followed

ministry on December 29, 2023.

He disclosed that out of a total of 8,925 applications that were received, 1,294 were for outright payment, 2,408 for mortgage plan, 2184 for rent-to-own scheme while 3,039 chose the instalment payment mode.

“Applicants under the mortgage, rent-to-own and instalment payment modes who should be subscribers to the National

by Ogun with N7,363.64, and Akwa Ibom with N7,162.50.

On the other hand, Adamawa recorded the lowest price with N5,312.50, followed by Taraba and Zamfara with N5,375.00 and N5,550.00 respectively.

The average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder gas also increased by 5.77 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N15,060.38 in February 2024 to N15,929.04 in March 2024 while on a year-on-year basis, this rose by 55.22 per cent from N10,262.56 in March 2023.

Housing Fund (NHF) are presently undergoing profiling,” he added. The permanent secretary, however, noted that there are no completed houses in Abia, Lagos, Bayelsa and Rivers states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Allocation of houses in these states will be done upon the completion of the housing units later in the year,” he stated.

On state profile analysis, Sokoto recorded the highest average retail price for the refilling of a 12.5kg Cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) with N17,833.33, followed by Osun with N17,588.46 and Anambra with N17,417.65.

In October last year, the federal government ordered the stoppage of the 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on cooking to reduce prices. But the impact of that decision has not been felt in the market.

World Bank Board to Give Final Approval for Nigeria’s $2.25bn Financing Request in June

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Board of the World Bank would meet in June to consider the final approval of Nigeria’s request for a $2.25 billion single-digit interest financing package, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has disclosed.

Edun, announced the financing request at the end of the justconcluded Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank on Sunday.

He had stated that the package, approved by the Board of Directors of the World Bank, offers a 40-year term with a 10-year moratorium and a nominal one per cent interest rate.

However, in a statement issued

Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has accused the global community of complicity in the disturbing rise in illegal mining, illicit financial flow and terrorism funding in Africa. Tinubu said the international community owed the continent a duty to assist in the fight to eradicate the menace.

Tinubu spoke yesterday in Abuja, while declaring open a two-day African High-Level Meeting on Counter-terrorism. He emphasised that it was funds from other continents that fuelled illegal mining in Africa, which had in turn been funding terrorism.

The president’s remarks came as he approved the reconstitution of a 15-man National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) for Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

Speaking at the African High-Level Meeting on Counter-terrorism in Abuja, the president also emphasised the need for African countries to strengthen regional cooperation and institution-building to address the evolving threat of terrorism on the continent. He stressed that terrorism posed a big threat to peace, security, and development in Africa.

The president said illegal mining had robbed countries on the continent of the natural resources that ought to have been deployed to meet citizens’ needs. He said the resources were now being hijacked by terrorist groups in exchange for foreign cash, which was used to buy arms and ammunition.

According Ejike, “While we seek to address the root causes of terrorism, we must also attack the roots that feed this evil branch. Evolving from the tactics of yesterday, terrorism is becoming a greater threat as it perfects ways to continuously finance, re-equip and re-supply itself for its sinister mission.

“Not only does it kidnap people;

becoming the first sub-national in the country to request the ceding of such oversight functions from NERC.

In the order marked: NERC/2024/039, the apex power regulatory body in the country announced that the kick-off date for the instrument to take effect would be May 1, this year.

The document was cited as, “The Order of Transfer of Regulatory Oversight of the Electricity Market in Enugu State from Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC).”

In the order jointly signed by NERC Chairman, Sanusi Garba, and Commissioner, Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, on April 22, 2024, the commission stated that it was adhering strictly to the new Electricity Act, which now empowered interested states to make such requests.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in March 2023 assented to the landmark law, which empowers states to licence, generate, transmit and distribute electricity. His successor, President Bola Tinubu, has also made at least two amendments to the law since he took over the reins of power in May 2023.

yesterday, by the finance ministry, to shed more light on the matter, stated that Nigeria expects that the Board of the World Bank would meet in June 2024 to consider the final approval of the financing package.

"The Federal Ministry of Finance continues to work closely with the World Bank on Nigeria’s application for up to $2.25 billion, comprising $1.5 billion in Development Policy Financing and $750 million in Programme-for-Results Financing.

"We expect that the Board of the World Bank will meet in June 2024 to consider the final approval of this financing package," the statement added.

The statement noted during the recent World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings, Nigeria, under

it kidnaps precious resources. Billions upon billions of dollars that legitimate governments should be using to sculpt better societies by providing education, health care and food for its people now go to pay for weapons and mayhem.

“Look at the illegal mining that plagues so many of our nations today. Those who think illegal mining has no connection with financing terrorism are sorely mistaken.

“The international community has both the moral and legal obligation to help in this cause because it is outside money, not African money, that fuels the illegal operations.

“We shall be knocking on this door of the international community to answer this call for justice, peace and fair play."

Tinubu, however, said Africa must strengthen existing counter-terrorism structures, such as the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit (RIFU) in Abuja, the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) in Algiers, and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) in Addis Ababa.

He underscored the importance of a regional standby force that included tackling terrorism as part of its mandate, declaring, "It must not be abandoned."

Tinubu stated, "I am mindful of the funding, legal, and logistical complexities that face the proper establishment of such a force. However, with a prudent and clearly defined mandate that accords with the international law and respects national sovereignty, such a force can serve as a rapid deployment mechanism, capable of swiftly responding to major threats and bolstering the security of our region."Such a force can stand as a strong deterrent to large scale and protracted terrorist operations and the capture, occupation or disruption of strategic land and resources. We must continue to make careful yet meaningful progress toward this

The electricity market in Nigeria was previously centralised, but the law now grants legislative autonomy to federating states in Nigeria by empowering the sub-national governments to legislate on the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity within each respective state.

Whereas the law was previously that, "A House of Assembly may make laws for the state with respect to generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to areas not covered by a national grid system within that state," it was recently amended to read, "A House of Assembly may make laws for the state with respect to generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to areas within that state."

However, the law mandates any state that intends to establish and regulate intrastate electricity markets to deliver a formal notification of its processes and request NERC to transfer regulatory authority over electricity operations in the state to the state regulator.

Based on this law, NERC stated that the government of Enugu State complied with the conditions precedent in the laws, duly notified it and requested for the transfer of regulatory oversight of the intrastate

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership, and represented by Edun, showcased the nation’s economic resilience and strategic response to global challenges.

"The 2024 Spring Meetings highlighted the global economy’s improved resilience, acknowledged by economic leaders worldwide.

"Despite a global economic environment challenged by high inflation rates and ongoing geopolitical tensions, Nigeria has emerged as a regional leader in promoting sustainable economic practices.

"The Bank and the Fund have commended Nigeria's efforts in tightening monetary policies, revising the country’s growth forecast upwards to 3.4 per cent for this year – a reflection of the

goal.”

He added, "Establishing an all- inclusive African Union Ministerial Committee on Counter Terrorism is also a high priority as envisaged in the Declaration of the 16th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union Assembly two years ago in May 2022. This would ensure that a forum of high-level government officials meets regularly to assess our counter-terrorism efforts and provide guidance on how to further improve.

“Key to our collective efforts against terrorism is the urgent need for a fully operational regional counter-terrorism centre."

The president also spoke on efforts by Nigeria to beat the menace. He said the country's counter-terrorism capabilities had been enhanced through the enactment of the Ter- rorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, establishing the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

He stated, "We have and will continue to take bold steps forward in safeguarding our nation and the wider region. Dedicated to coordinating and implementing counter-terrorism strategies, the NCTC significantly enhances our capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to terrorist threats.

“The centre has become a platform; fostering greater collaboration among stakeholders and promoting synergy in our approach to fighting terrorism.

"Similarly, our security forces continue to demonstrate courage and dedication in the fight against terrorism, often at great personal risk. I am grateful to the selfless work and sacrifice of these patriotic men and women. They are the best of the best.

"I must also mention the ongoing need to halt the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) on the continent. No one state can solve this problem for itself. It requires continuous and concerted action by all of us.

“We need to reposition our regional organisations and build the

electricity market in the state. NERC, in the announcement, directed the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to incorporate a subsidiary (EEDC SubCo) to assume responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Enugu State from EEDC. It stressed that EEDC shall complete the incorporation of EEDC SubCo within 60 days from April 22, 2024 and the sub-company shall apply for and obtain a licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from EERC, among other directives. All transfers envisaged by the order, the apex regulatory commission said, shall be completed by October 22, 2024.

NERC stated, “EEDC shall create an Asset Register of all its power infrastructure located within Enugu State; evaluate and apportion contractual obligations and liabilities attributable to EEDC's operations of its subsidiary in Enugu State and identify all the applicable trading points for energy o take for the operations of EEDC SubCo in EnugU State. “(It shall) Confirm the number of employees that are required to provide service to Enugu State as a standalone public Utility; and transfer the identified assets for operations in

effectiveness of the administration’s economic policies," it added.

According to the statement, Edun, who also serves as the Chair of the African Caucus, emphasised Nigeria’s pivotal role in ratifying the third chair for Sub-Saharan Africa at the IMF, a significant step in bolstering Africa’s voice on global economic issues. Noting that the government’s commitment to economic stability remains unwavering, Edun was said to have highlighted several key initiatives aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s economy, stating:

On the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), the minister noted the recent review and improvement of its financial architecture to enhance targeted delivery and efficiency, with direct transfers having recommenced, providing critical support to vulnerable populations.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring the Naira’s position as a strong store of value and mentioned ongoing dialogues with the organised private sector to learn how policy can best support their growth and sustainability.

The statement explained that on the foreign exchange front, the

The minister also stated that significant efforts are being made in the housing sector to support the rapid development of sustainable value chains, expected to have a catalytic effect on the economy and make housing more accessible.

capacity of our national institutions to effectively address this element of terrorism and violent extremism."

The president affirmed that Nigeria was committed to working with regional partners to strengthen arms control measures, enhance border security, and disrupt the illicit traffick- ing networks that fuelled terrorism and organised crime, while urging firm and expeditious actions against prevailing insecurity on the continent.

He said, "As leaders, let us show our people that their safety and welfare are paramount. May this conference be succinct and to the point. Let us keep rhetoric to a minimum. Let us be focused and dedicated to pinpointing solutions and embarking on the meaningful and strong action needed to win the day and free our continent of violent extremists.

"May we do everything that is required of us to defeat this chal- lenge so that five, 10 or 20 years from now, it is historians who will be meeting to discuss how today became a major turning point in the African continent’s defeat of the terroristEarlierscourge." in his welcome remarks, National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, stated that terrorism in Africa was driven by a number of factors, including organised crime, foreign terrorist financing and training, poverty, inequality, and prolonged conflicts, amongRibaduothers. said Nigeria was dealing decisively with all drivers of violent extremism, including economic and social enablers, while enhancing intelligence gathering through enhanced inter-agency collaboration and confidence building with citizens.

He also said Nigeria was strength- ening its judiciary to effectively deal with cases of terrorism and had earmarked a fund to boost counter-terrorism efforts.

Equally speaking, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed, suggested that one of the ways to remove the engenderers of terrorism on the continent was for Africa to work to rebuild its social contract with its citizens, and deliver good governance.

She said, "Rebuilding the social contract is necessary for recovery. We must pay attention to women and girls who are greatly impacted by terrorism, including the youth. Providing support and healing for those impacted by terrorism is important."

On his part, Under-Secretary- General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, commended Nigeria for its leadership in counterterrorism in Africa and for hosting the meeting.

According to Voronkov, "Terrorism is a threat to peace and security, particularly in Africa where its impact is mostly felt. The success of UNOCT in Africa hinges on its support for Africa-led programmes and solutions."

Tinubu Approves Re- composition of NSWG for NEITI

Meanwhile, Tinubu approved the reconstitution of a 15-man National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) for Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, would function as Chairman of NSWG, a statement yesterday by Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to

Wale Edun

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has made significant strides in enhancing liquidity and creating a fair, more transparent FX market.

the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, said.

The statement said the membership of NSWG included Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Zacch Adedeji, member, government representative; Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, member, representative of extractive companies (oil and gas); Mr. Oghenegwueke Ajafia, member, Oil Producers Trade Section, Lagos Chamber of Commerce (OPTS); President, Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke, member, representative of extractive companies (mining); representative of the civil member (to be elected by the CSOs); and former President, Association of Professional Women Engineers, Mrs Nkechi Isigwe, member, representative of Women/Geo-scientists.

Others were President, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Williams Apkoreha, member, representative of industries union in oil and gas; Musa Abdullahi Lawan, member, representative of North-west Zone; Abubakar Mu'azu, member, representative of North-east zone; Ambassador Matthew Sunday Adoli, member, representative from Northcentral zone; Olasupo Abdel-Jeleel Taiwo, member, representative of South-west zone; Chief Israel Ikechukwu Ikwuegbu, member, representative of South-east zone; Dr. Stephen Leo Akpan, member, representative of South-south zone; and Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Secretary to NSWG and Executive Secretary/ CEO (in Office on five-year single tenure).

The statement added that the inauguration of the board would be announced in due course.

"We have resumed the prosecution of Boko Haram suspects across the country," Ribadu said. in the second quarter of this year. A Bloomberg report yesterday quoted the Director General of DMO, Ms. Patience Oniha as saying that the agency was in the process of appointing advisers and determining offer size.

Enugu State, contractual obligations, liabilities and employees to EERC SUbCO.”

NERC pointed out that a transfer of regulatory oversight notification shall be issued by the commission to the companies in the register whose activities were limited within Enugu State informing the entities of the transfer/assumption of regulatory oversight for their activities by EERC. All cross-border transactions involving the national grid, it said, shall be subject to the approval of the commission in accordance with the constitution and the Electricity Act.

NERC stated in the new order, “EERC shall have the exclusive responsibility of determining and adopting an end-user tariff methodology applicable within its area of regulatory oversight. Where EEDC SUbCO receives electricity from grid connected plants, the contracts and tariffs applicable for generation and transmission services shall be approved by the commission.

“The final end-user tariffs approved by EERC shall be the exclusive tariffs that apply in Enugu State and all tariff policy support for end-use customers in Enugu State shall be the responsibility of the Enugu State government.”

The offer targets residents and institutional investors with access to foreign exchange even as bond yield will be benchmarked to comparable dollar assets.

Oniha, who reacted to a THISDAY inquiry on the impending issuance also confirmed the planned dollarconfigured domestic bonds issuance via an email message. However, she said the size, tenor and modality for pricing were yet to be determined.

She said: "Too early for a splash as details are being worked on....Yes, we are working towards issuing a USD bond in the local market but the size, tenor and modality for pricing have not been determined.

"Target investors include local residents and the Nigerian Diaspora. At this time this is all the info I can provide," she said.

Edun had also recently disclosed at the Lagos Business School Breakfast Club that the federal government was adopting what he described as a medium-term multiple initiatives to boost the supply of 'sticky' foreign capital, with Presidential executive orders to boost dollar liquidity.

He listed some of the initiatives as the Presidential directives in the oil and gas sector (as an example of sector focused intervention), repatriation of foreign denominated assets into the formal financial sector, and local issuance of foreign- denominated Federal Government Bonds, all of which are expected to be implemented in early second quarter (Q2) of 2024

The initiatives also include oil and gas companies tax incentives, exemptions and remissions, among others as well as local content compliance for value reduction of petroleum sector contracting costs and timelines.

Meanwhile, the value of the naira dipped yesterday at both the official and parallel markets after it had been on a gaining streak for six weeks. It declined at the parallel market, closing at N1,250/$1 as against N,150/$1 which it exchanged over the weekend, indicating a N100 loss.

At the official market known as Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEM) window, the naira closed at N1,234.49, a N64.5 decline compared to N1,169.99/$1 it closed on Friday.

The daily turnover saw an increase of 27.09 per cent reaching $110.17 million, compared to the $86.68 million recorded on Friday.

The highest spot rate observed yesterday stood at N1,295, with the lowest spot rate recorded at N1,051.

BRIEFING ON MANAGEMENT CHANGES AT SEC...

L-R: Former Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Union, Mr. Nelson Oleghe; Vice Chairman of the Union, Mr. Musa Dakup and Chairman, Mr. Abba Mamman, during a press conference on the recent changes of management of the SEC in Abuja... yesterday

Peter Obi Faults Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project, Says Not Priority Now

Wants attention shifted to all bad roads across Nigeria

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The 2023 presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi has taken a dig at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project by the federal government, saying the timing was wrong and that the project was not a priority.

Obi, therefore wants an immediate review of the project and attention channelled towards the deplorable internal road projects littered all over the country that would enhance economic growth.

The former Anambra State Governor, who listed some of the abandoned road projects in the geopolitical zones of the country said deliberate attention should be

given to those projects that would enhance the living standards of the poor and help internal day-to-day production.

In a statement by his chief spokesman, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, yesterday, Obi said, "I have closely followed the comments and developments arising from the coastal superhighway project. While I'm hesitant to engage in contentious debates about its benefits, which I acknowledge, and the pricing, which I have serious concerns about and believe should be thoroughly reviewed, I feel compelled to raise essential questions about the timing and prioritisation of such ventures. "At the forefront of my concerns is the pressing issue of numerous uncompleted roads scattered across

the country, many of which have become hazardous death traps and security risks.

“It's disheartening to witness the plight of innocent Nigerians who traverse these dilapidated roads under perilous conditions, vulnerable to kidnappers and other dangers.

"Most of these roads, vital for economic growth, regional connectivity and overall development, have been under construction for several years now and are unlikely to be completed shortly due to poor funding.

Obi listed some of these roads in various zones include: the Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano road; Sokoto – Funtua – Zaria road; Kano – Hadejia road; Kano – Katsina

road; Zaria – Funtua – Shema – Tsafe – Gusau – Talata - Mafara – Sokoto road, and the Kano – Kwanar – Danja – Hadejia road.

Others are the Kano – Damaturu - Maiduguri road; the Mubi – Maiduguri road; Nguru – Gashua – Bayamari road; Gombe – Biu – Numan Road Dikwa – Marte – Monguno road; Potiskum – Fika – Bajoga –Gombe – Biu road; Mayo Belwa – Jada – Ganye – Tongue road, and Tumu – Pindiga – Kashere – Yalo – Bashar – Wase – Wamba – Nassarawa road.

Furthermore, he drew the attention of the government to the Abuja –Lokoja – Okene- Auchi – Benin road; the Ilorin – Jebba road; Kabba – Omuaran road; Suleja – Minna

Milan Industries Files N850 Billion Suit against AMCON over Alleged Sale of Intercontinental Hotels

Wale Igbintade

The Milan Industries Ltd, owners of Intercontinental Hotels, Lagos has filed a N850 billion suit against the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) over alleged wrongful sale of Intercontinental Hotels Lagos. The firm had earlier filed a suit against AMCON and Polaris Bank challenging the sale of the hotel over Milan’s alleged indebtedness to Polaris, following a banking relationship between them.

AMCON allegedly acquired Milan’s alleged indebtedness from Polaris, and in a bid to recover the alleged debt, purportedly sold Intercontinental Hotels – the security for the loan, to a third party.

However, in December 2022, the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, set aside the sale of Intercontinental Hotels Limited, by AMCON as being unlawful.

The claim was contained in a suit against AMCON at the Federal High Court Lagos in which Milan Industries claimed that as a result of the unlawful sale and takeover of its hotel, it has suffered an estimated loss of more than N850 billion, a sum, it now seeks from AMCON as damages in court.

The firm in its statement of claim, stated that, “despite lodging an appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal, AMCON in clear abuse of court process, is also attempting to recover the

unsecured part of the debt, which it estimates to be Forty Billion Two Naira (N42,000,000,000.00 ).

Remarkably, at the time the hotel was sold to the third party, it was valued at Eighty-five Billion Naira (N85,000,000,000.00) whereas Milan’s indebtedness stood at Fifteen Billion Naira (N15,000,000,000.00) only, at most.”

According Milan Industries, “To

road; Makurdi – Gboko – Yandev – Katsina-Ala road, and the Buruku Bridge across Katsina River

Others are the Lagos – Badagry road; Ibadan – Ife – Ilesha – Osogbo road; Itoikin - Ijebu Ode – Ibadan road; Ibadan – Ilorin – Jebba –Mokwa – Bokani Junction road; Abeokuta – Ibadan Road Ikorodu – Shagamu road, and Ado – Igede – Aramoko – Itawure Road Ajasse Ipo – Offa – Erinle – Osun State Border road.

For the south-east region, he listed the 9th Mile – Otukpo - Makurdi Road - Enugu Port Harcourt road; Onitsha – Awka - Enugu road; Onitsha – Owerri – Umuahia road; Bende – Arochukwu – Ohafia road; Okigwe – Afikpo road; Nsukka –Obollo Afor Ehamafu – Nkalagu road; Oba – Nnewi – Okija road.

from multilateral loan projects of N94,828,535,243.00, alongside other expected contributions from sources like the China-Exim Bank and the World Bank, would not be enough for serious work on all the critical roads.

He added, "some of which I enumerated above, let alone their completion.

"So why embark on another huge project that will not be completed in the next 20 or 30 years? To do so will only exacerbate the problem of abandoned, uncompleted projects that are not contributing to economic growth and overall development.

date, AMCON and Polaris have not informed Milan how much the hotel was purportedly sold for, and whether as a result, the debt is fully liquidated or not. The directors of Milan Industries Limited are vigorously contesting the bankruptcy proceeding commenced against them by AMCON.”

As a result, the directors of Milan Industries have already instructed the law firms of Prof A. B. Kasunmu to represent them in court.

“The bankruptcy proceeding is a grand design by AMCON to divert attention from the monumental damages they have inflicted on Milan Industries Limited which they, along with Polaris, must surely pay for”, the firm stated in its statement.

For the south-south, he identified that Benin – Sapele – Warri road; East – West road (Warri – Kaiama – Ahoada – Port Harcourt – Eket –Oron) Yenegwe Road Junction – Kolo – Otuoke road; Sapele – Agbor – Ewu road; Benin – Akure – Ore – Ife road; Ikot Ekpene – Aba – Owerri road; - Jattau – Fugar – Agenebode road; Bodo – Bonny Road with Bridge across Opobo Channel Port Harcourt – Onne road; Agbor – Sakpoba – Ogharefe road, and Odukpani Junction – Itu – Ikot Ekpene – Umuahia road. Obi stated that the Federal Ministry of Works 2024 capital budget of N892 billion, additional funding

"Prioritisation and fiscal discipline should be our critical guiding principles now. Therefore, while acknowledging the potential benefits of coastal superhighway infrastructure, I urge prioritisation of our existing uncompleted projects.

"We must allocate resources towards repairing and completing existing infrastructure, crucial for the well-being and safety of our society, before embarking on new projects, no matter their perceived benefits. Let's prioritise the urgent needs of our people and ensure that our investments serve the collective good of the nation.

"In any development formula, the primary focus should be on repairing existing infrastructure rather than embarking on colossal projects that may never reach completion within the next 30 years.", he stressed.

Ex-SEC Leadership Failed to Regulate, Develop Capital Market, Workers Allege

Seek review of Finance Act on 50% remittance

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) senior staff union under the aegis of Asso- ciation of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has accused the immediate-past administration of the Commission led by Dr. Lamido Yuguda of failing in its mandate of effectively regulate and develope the capital market, an intricate part of the nation’s economy.

President Bola Tinubu had on Friday, sacked the former Director General, Lamido Yuguda and announced a new management and board for the Commission.

While Mr. Mairiga Aliyu Katuka is the Chairman of the new board, Dr. Emomotimi Agama is the new Director-General.

Briefing journalists in Abuja,

yesterday, on behalf of the Executive Committee (Exco) of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, SEC Unit, its President, Mamman Al Abba thanked Tinubu for being a listening president. He said Tinubu promptly effected a change of leadership soon after the union cried out to him on the leadership failure in the SEC.

While applauding the president for reconstituting the management and board of the Commission, he noted that the SEC has two core mandates--regulating and developing the capital market.

However, he said: "The administration of the erstwhile Director General of SEC, Lamido Yuguda failed in its mandate to effectively regulate and develop the capital market, which is an intricate part of the Nigerian economy.

"Furthermore, the Lamido Yugudaled management was insensitive and unresponsive towards issues of staff welfare especially issues bordering on staff promotion, gratuity and increase of staff emolument, amongst many others.

"Unfortunately, staff morale was at the lowest ebb under the regime of the immediate past management.

"It became clear to the SEC Staff Union and our parent body, the ASCSN) that a vibrant capital market and a highly motivated SEC workforce could only be achieved through a change of SEC management by Mr. President.

"This prompted the union to cry out to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu By clearing out the ineffective SEC management led by Lamido Yuguda, His Excellency, President

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lived up to his sterling reputation as a listening president.

"At this point, the SEC Staff Union pledges to collaborate seamlessly with the new board under the leadership of board chairman, Mr. Mairiga Aliyu Katuka and Director General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, to deliver a vibrant capital market in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda."

On what the union expects from the new management, he lamented that staff promotion had stagnated for about 13 years while the issue of gratuity was nothing to write home about.

"We want this management to look into issues of staff promotion, vacancies and gratuity. We urge them to look at it very well and settle those issues as they concern staff directly.

"On salary increment, we have a clear direction. Before now there was a contention on whether our salaries go to Salaries and Wages Commission. But right now, the Auditor General and the Minister of Finance have said that the board of the Commission can handle that one.

"We urge them to look into that matter and settle it once they assume office. 13 years without salaries increment is very bad. Inflation has eroded all we currently earn.

“Also, there is need for management to meet with the government on the issue of 50 per cent deductions on operating surplus.

"These deductions have almost incapacitated the Commission as the SEC has been having great difficulties carrying out its dual functions of regulating and developing the capital market.

AbioDun hAnDing ovEr A 10kg bAg of ricE bEing solD At DiscountED rAtE to A rEsiDEnt...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, handing over a 10kg bag of rice being sold at discounted rate to Mrs. Olubusola Akinsanya from Ministry of Works at Oja-Irorun Market, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Monday. Behind them are Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, Mr. Dipo Ogunfowora; Commissioner for Agriculture, Bolu Owotomo and the Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Kehinde Onasanya.

Tinubu: State Policing Will Address

Demands of Various Nigerian Communities

Asks national dialogue participants to scrutinise idea from multiple perspectives

It’s not negotiable, Jonathan declares It must be freed from politics, Akpabio says Complex security challenges make police decentralisation imperative, Abbas says It is undeniable, CDS concurs, IG kicks, seeks merger with FRSC, NSCDC

Deji Elumoye and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, said the idea of state policing was not just a policy proposal, but an evolution that would create the opportunity for law enforcement in a manner that would address the various demands of communities across the country.

Tinubu made the assertion in Abuja, when he declared open a one-day National Dialogue on State Policing, themed, "Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria."

He asked participants to scrutinise the idea of state policing from different perspectives.

Other leaders, who spoke at the event, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-military Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, among others, also rallied support for the initiative. They said it was in the overall interest of the country.

Security top security chiefs, like Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, spoke from different standpoints, however, in defence of the country's security architecture.

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, noted his administration's resolve to change the country's security narrative. He stressed that his administration was aware of the complex security issues confronting Nigeria, and was continually developing and refining its strategies and methods to address the challenges effectively.

According to Shettima, "The commitment of the administration of President Tinubu to reform the police force and enhance security at both the national and state levels is unwavering.

"We view the outcomes of today’s deliberations as crucial inputs that will guide the government’s actions towards reforming the institution of

the police and achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria." He implored participants to look at the idea of state policing from multiple angles, saying the president deserves commendation for being open and proactive towards the idea of reforming and decentralising the police force.

He said, "In our deliberations, let us consider the implications of state policing from multiple perspectives. We must evaluate its potential to improve response times to emergencies, adapt to specific local challenges, and increase accountability.

“At the same time, we must address concerns related to the standardisation of training, oversight, and the safeguarding of civil liberties.

"Our dialogue today should also be seen as an opportunity to listen, understand, and propose solutions that bridge gaps. It is essential that this forum is not the end but the beginning of an ongoing conversation on the issue of police and security sector reform in our country."

The president expressed delight that the 10th House of Representatives, under Abbas, keyed into the idea of state policing, noting, "The involvement of the legislature in executive reform proposals ensures continuity and synergy.

"Let us use this opportunity to engage and explore every option with the seriousness and diligence they demand.

“The president is committed to listening to your recommendations and insights, invaluable to shaping the policies that will lead us toward a more secure and just society."

In his remarks at the occasion, Jonathan declared that the establishment of state police was not negotiable. He stressed, "There is no way we can manage our internal security if states will not have their police.

“The issue today is very critical. We don't need to debate whether we should have state police or not. I think that is concluded. The issue is the operations of the police.

"In Bayelsa State, when we

took over, the state was almost ungovernable. Gen. Abdulsalami will remember that when elections were to be conducted in December 1999, the security situation in Bayelsa State was so bad.

“Our elections were pushed to January 1999. The state was in crisis, the Niger Delta agitation was there and criminal elements were also operating in the creeks, posing all manner of havocs to market women and others.

"My boss then, Alamieyeseigha, had to set up Bayelsa Volunteers that worked with the police. We had to build stations around significant parts of the creeks and the boys volunteered to work with the police since they could not carry weapons.

"There is no way we can manage our internal security if states will not have their police. The issue is not states having their police, but how they will function vis-a-vis the national security architecture."

Jonathan recalled that when he set up the 2014 national dialogue, people were agitating in many areas and in one state, the whole local government delegates advocated for state police.

He said, "When the matter came up, everybody supported. We cannot move away from the issue of state police; the issue of national border force was also accepted. The issue of the national coast guard was also accepted.

"And the National Assembly, while you are conducting public hearing on the issue of state police, this issue of national border guards must be considered.

“We can say the customs immigration carry weapons and they are in charge of border control, but they cannot play the role of national border guards because customs and immigration stay in controlled routes. Criminal elements don't pass through those controlled routes.

"It is when we have national border guards that we will be able to control these elements. Yes, customs and immigration carry weapons, but they are not sufficiently trained to

confront these criminal gangs.

"We should not waste our time debating whether we should have state police or not. We had it before in this country, the military scrapped it because of abuse. That is the area we should concentrate on. How do we manage state police so that it will not be abused by state political actors?

"If state political actors are abusing state police and using it to harass and make life miserable for people who don't belong to their political parties, will the Commander-in-Chief sit down and watch? Or will he order the military to overrun the state police?

"The key areas we have to debate is how do we run the state police viza-viz the national security architecture of the country? This needs to be done carefully.”

The former president added, “Even in cosmopolitan states, if the governor is in party A, you will have party B and party C winning elections — senators and House members, but how come local government chairmen and councillorship, no other party wins? It is only the party that produces the governor that clears all the councillorship seats.

"As we are talking about state police, we almost also rejig INEC. The issue of polling booths of INEC and the use of police during elections need to be reviewed by the National Assembly."

In his submission, Abubakar said the citizens of any country had the responsibility of ensuring peace and order. He said the citizens should not vandalise any property provided by the government, adding that the traditional rulers also have responsibilities in ensuring maintenance of peace and order Akpabio said the concept of state police had been a topic of debate for many years, adding that it is a complex issue with no easy answers.

He pointed out that state police must be free from the shackles of politics, religious extremism, tribalism, and ethnicity. Akpabio added that the institution

of state police must be empowered to serve and protect without fear or favour.

He stated, "Today, we stand at a crossroads, where the decisions we make will shape the destiny of our nation. Today, we have the power to transform our security architecture and create a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe and protected, regardless of his or her status, religion, tribe, location or background.

Giving his keynote address, Abbas said the recent attempts, including the Police Repeal and Re-enactment Act of 2020, and the Police Trust Fund Act of 2019, were significant first steps but not nearly as far-reaching as necessary.

He said as legislators, they were tasked with crafting laws to address the people’s immediate needs, while anticipating and mitigating future challenges.

The speaker noted that their role in security law-making was to ensure that any initiative, such as establishment of state policing, adhered to the constitution and aligned with the broader goals of national security and public welfare.

He stressed that the House was aware of the divisive and polarising arguments surrounding the issue under review, but assured that the National Assembly did not have a fixed position.

Abbas lamented that evolving security challenges and other institutional and structural challenges had severely affected the general effectiveness of the police.

He said, "As you are mostly aware, this deficit has resulted in the military engaging in policing functions in all states of the federation, including the FCT.

"In turn, this has also overstretched the armed forces and affected their effectiveness in combating other broader security challenges, including those that threaten the territorial integrity of Nigeria."

Musa said the establishment of state police was a topic of immense

importance. Represented by Director of Standard and Evaluation, Maj-Gen Adekunle Ariyibi, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) said the need for comprehensive and responsive security framework that included the establishment of state police was undeniable

Egbetokun, however, kicked against the establishment of state police. The IGP, who was represented by Ben Okolo, rather, called for the merging of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as a department under the police.

The police boss also said the yearly police recruitment should be increased by at least 30,000 to meet the United Nations (UN) ratio.

He called for increased budgetary allocations to the Nigeria Police for effective training of personnel in modern policing to enhance efficiency.

Egbetokun also sought amendment of the 1999 Constitution for more empowerment and funding of police, which is the lead internal security agency. He stated that if state police was established, governors would use the structure under their control for political or personal gains while also undermining human rights and security.

The IGP said, “Most police stations and barracks that were built over the years in the colonial period have not undergone any renovations, despite the increase in the strength of the force. These have impacted negatively on the performance of the personnel.

“The police leadership is recommending the following, instead of creating state police, merging the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Federal Road Safety Corps as a department under the Nigeria Police.

“Yearly police recruitment should be increased by at least 30,000 to meet the United Nations requirements. Increase in the budgetary allocations to the Nigerian Police Force. Effective training of personnel in modern policing to enhance efficiency."

Maiden edition of

Diri to Tribunal: Please, Don’t Repeat Judgement That Brought Uzodimma to Office

alex enumah in Abuja

Governor, Sylva yet to know fate as panel reserves judgement in Bayelsa guber poll date would be communicated as soon as it is fixed.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal not to invoke the spirit of the judgement that brought the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, into office.

Diri said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had established beyond doubt that election did not hold in the three local governments being contested due to resistance by some hoodlums to the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.

The tribunal, yesterday, reserved judgement in the petition filed by the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Timipre Sylvia, challenging the re-election of Diri as governor of Bayelsa State.

Making a case before the tribunal, Diri's counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, informed the tribunal that the petition by Sylva died on arrival because it

was grossly deficient in quantity and quality of evidence.

Uche said the petition was baseless, frivolous and vexatious and lacking in merit because the two petitioners did not discharge the burden placed on them by law.

Among others, Uche said Sylva predicated his petition on alleged refusal of INEC to collate results in three local governments areas – Southern Ijaw, Nembe, and Ogbia – but failed to call a single collation officer to back up its claim.

Uche said Sylva did not tender the voter register, BVAS machines and form EC8A used for the purported election in the three local governments to establish his allegations. Uche pleaded with the tribunal to discountenance the evidence of a former police commissioner in the state on the ground that the police officer admitted before the tribunal that he had issues with Diri when the Prado Jeep earlier given to him was withdrawn.

He also urged the tribunal not to invoke the spirit of the judgement that brought Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, into office, adding that INEC has established beyond doubt that election did not hold in the three local governments due to resistance by some hoodlums to the use of BVAS machines.

INEC, represented by Charles Edosomwan, SAN, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), represented by Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, also canvassed for dismissal of the petition by the APC candidate on the ground that the petitioners failed and neglected to discharge the burden of establishing their allegations against the election beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.

INEC and PDP alleged that they did not call witnesses because the witnesses of petitioners killed and buried the petition while being cross examined during the proceedings.

Earlier, the petitioners had prayed the tribunal to annul the

declaration of Diri as the winner of the November 11, 2023 election.

Their lead counsel, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, told the tribunal that INEC embarked on wrongful exclusion of results before arriving at the declaration of Diri as winner. Ikpeazu further stated that the electoral body did not debunk the allegation of wrongful exclusion of results by not calling the state election result collation officer to testify.

He, therefore, urged the tribunal to objectively decide the petition on the strength of the evidence adduced by the petitioners, especially because INEC did not call a single witness to challenge all the allegations.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, announced that the tribunal had reserved ruling shortly after parties adopted and argued their written addresses in the suit. Adeleye assured them that the panel's verdict would be delivered within the 180 days statutorily allowed by law, adding that judgement

DIA: FirstNews’ General Editor Abducted Over National Security Issue

NPO, BON, Others refer matter to National Media Ombudsman

The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), has explained that the General Editor of FirstNews, Mr. Segun Olatunji, was abducted to forestall a potential threat to national security. The DIA also claimed that it would have reported the matter to the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), which is the National Media Ombudsman, if it had been aware of its existence.

The DIA gave this explanation in response to concerns expressed by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and Civil Society Partners, on the abduction of Olatunji and a demand on the government for accountability on the matter, which also necessitated its request for a meeting with the NPO, BON and the Civil Society Partners on April 14, 2024. These were contained in a press statement titled “Update on Segun Olatunji," which was issued yesterday and signed by the President of Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN)/President, Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO)

Mr. Kabiru A. Yusuf; Executive Secretary, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose; President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Eze Anaba; National President of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Chris Isiguzo and President, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Ms. Maureen Chigbo. Others that signed the press statement were the President, International Press Institute, Nigeria Chapter (IPI Nigeria), Mr. Musikilu Mojeed; Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Mr. Edetaen Ojo; Executive Director, International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade and Director, Socio-Economic Rights & Accountability Project (SERAP), Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni.

The press statement further declared that “after considering this disposition towards the Ombudsman, the NPO, BON and the Civil Society Partners have decided, after reviewing the outcome of the April 14 meeting, to refer the matter to the Ombudsman for adjudication,” adding that the “report of the Ombudsman process would be made public.”

It said: “We hope that the parties concerned will seize this opportunity

INEC had declared Diri winner of the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Bayelsa State, saying he won majority of the votes cast at the election.

According to the Returning Officer,

Professor Faruq Kuta, the PDP and Diri polled 175, 196 votes to defeat his closest rival, Timiprey Sylva of the APC, who scored 110,108 votes. Dissatisfied, Sylva and APC had approached the tribunal to challenge the declaration of Diri as winner of the poll.

NASENI, Nasarawa, Firm to Establish Tractor Manufacturing Plant in North-central

emmanuel addeh in Abuja

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), is set to collaborate with Nasarawa state government and Bobtrack Tractors, a division of Saint Bob Motors Limited to start the manufacturing and assembling of tractors in the north-central geo-political zone.

The facilities and infrastructure available at one of NASENI’s Institutes, Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI), Lafia, Nasarawa state, a statement said, will be used for assembling and manufacturing of the tractors.

According to the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NASENI, Mr. Khalil Halilu, the project which is aimed at creating wealth and jobs for Nigerian youths is in line with government agenda of ensuring food security and promotion of mechanised farming and agro-business in the country.

Halilu spoke when the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdulahi Sule led a delegation to pay a visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday the statement signed by Director Information, NASENI, Segun Ayeoyenikan.

He assured Sule and the delegation of NASENI’s readiness to do business with them. “The agency is willing to partner with you and sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) so that in the next couple of weeks we will move into action,” he said.

He disclosed that the President had recognised NASENI as a national brand and its National Tractor Recovery Programme wherein 55,000 tractors would be refurbished for mechanised farming nationwide.

In his remarks, Sule said he aligned with NASENI’s vision of collaborating and promoting made-in-Nigeria goods and also believed that government’s role is to provide a level playing field necessary for businesses to thrive.

UTME: FG to Review Minimum Entry Age for Varsities, Others

Kuni tyessi in Abuja

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has disclosed that the federal government plans to review and peg the minimum entry age into tertiary institutions in the country at 18 years.

The minister who gave the hint while monitoring the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Abuja, advised parents against pushing their children and wards “too much,” to allow them to attain some level of maturity to be able to better manage their affairs.

“The other thing which we notice is the age of those who have applied to go to the university. Some of them are really too young. We are going to look at it because they are too young to understand what

a university education is all about.

“That’s the stage when students migrate from a controlled environment where they are in charge of their own affairs. So if they are too young, they won’t be able to manage properly. That accounts for some of the problems we are seeing in the universities.

“We are going to look at that. Eighteen is the entry age for university but you will see students, 15, and 16, going to the examination. It is not good for us. Parents should be encouraged not to push their wards, or children too much,” he said.

The minister who commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for a seamless examination process, noted that the adoption of technology had helped in reducing the cases of

examination practices.

“Right from screening to those who are here. The examination process is seamless. The environment is comfortable for students.

That’s how it should be, especially the use of technology in our affairs and the educational system. It makes life easy for everybody and seamless.

“As we know, this examination is going on throughout the country. It is being monitored everywhere seamlessly and from the report I have heard, the malpractice level is very low. Just a 100 out of the 1.2 million. It has gone down drastically and believe that it is the use of technology that has made that happen so this is very good,” he added.

Commenting on the high number of candidates seeking

admission into the limited slots available in tertiary institutions, Mamman maintained that skills acquisition remains a critical component in preparing the youths for a brighter future.

“It is not a question of being employed but how many will be admitted from this set. I think the figure overall on average is about 20 per cent; universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

“The question you ask is where are the 80 per cent? They are our children, our wards living with us. This is why the issue of skills acquisition is terribly important because any student who is not being able to proceed to tertiary education, should be able to have a meaningful life even after secondary school, even primary education actually.

african Youth tourisM festival at tafawa Balewa square...

L-R: Assistant Director, Domestic Tourism of Federal Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Sunday Bisong; Founder/ Convener, African Youth Tourism Festival, Amb. Ayo Omotoso; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja; Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John and Special Adviser on Policy, Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Jibike Teniola, during the Maiden Edition of African Youth Tourism Festival at Tafawa Balewa Square, Marina, Lagos....recently

SweAring-in Of JuStiCe AbdulgAniyu AS PreSident CuStOmAry COurt...

L-R: Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr Bayo Lawal; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo State, Justice Tajudeen Abdulganiyu; Governor Seyi Makinde; Justice Abdulganiyu's wife, Nasimat; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Debo Ogundoyin and Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, during the swearing-in of Justice Abdulganiyu as President Customary Court, held at Executive Chamber, Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.... yesterday

Atiku Visits Abdul Ningi, Says Senator Not Alone in Struggle to Combat Oppression

Harps on institutional integrity of government

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, visited embattled Senator Abdul Ningi, representing

Bauchi Central Senatorial District, at his residence in Abuja, and assured him he was not alone in the struggle to battle state oppression. Atiku, who made the remark

Judge Reverses Self,Vacates Order Suspending Ganduje as APC National Chair

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Justice Usman Na'abba of the Kano State High Court, who had earlier on slammed an order suspending the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has reversed himself and vacated the same order.

Haladu Gwanjo and Laminu Sani Barguma, who claimed to be chairman and secretary of the APC in Ganduje Ward, in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of the state, had secured an order suspending Ganduje over alleged corruption.

However, in a twist of events, Na'Abba, vacated his earlier order yesterday, saying, "That upon reading a Motion Ex-Parte together with 27 paragraph affidavit in support and a written address dated the 22nd day of April, 2024 sworn to by one Glory Adah a litigation

secretary in the 4th respondent solicitors law firm.

"And after hearing, Mr. L. O. Oyewo Esq, with A. Falana Esq and J. Essiet Esq counsel's of the 4th Respondent/Applicant, an order of interim injunction is hereby granted.

"The Interim Injunction order is for staying of the execution of the order of interim injunction contained in the ruling of the court delivered on the 17th April, 2024 directing parties to maintain status qou ante as at the 15th day of April, 2024 in relation to the suspension of the 4th respondent/applicant from the 1st respondent by the Ganduje Ward Executive Committee pending the hearing and determination of the 4th respondent/applicant Motion on Notice.”

The Judge subsequently adjourned to April 30, 2024 for hearing on the case.

during his solidarity, said the interest of Nigerians would be better served and development assured if premium was placed on strengthening the integrity of the institutions of government.

“This agitation did not start just recently. It started during the military era, and it is essential that public institutions, especially the National Assembly, do not become a tool in the hands of oppressive governments.

“By our visitation today, we have come to show solidarity with Distinguished Senator Abdul

Ningi and to also pass a message to those who see public office as an instrument to oppress the people, that Senator Ningi is not alone in this struggle.

“In fact, the entire people of Nigeria and friends of Nigeria in the international community are behind our drive to cleanse Nigeria of oppressive nuances of people in positions of authority,” Atiku said.

The former vice-president had visited the opposition senator on account of his suspension by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over allegations of budgetary irregularities

and fiscal inflation introduced into the 2024 Appropriation Act without mandatory approval by the National Assembly. Atiku noted that, “The integrity of public institutions, especially such as the National Assembly, was a mirror to how the interests of the masses were preserved and protected in a democracy.”

He said further that the struggle that Senator Ningi finds himself in was a continuation of the longdrawn agitation (which Ningi had been a part of) to make sure that public institutions in Nigeria didn’t

apply brute force to oppress and compromise the interests of the masses.

Responding, Ningi thanked Atiku and his delegation for the visit and for choosing to take a stand on the side of the masses.

“The struggle that we are in for today is to make sure that whichever political party is in power and whoever is in the position of public office, the interests of the masses must remain sacrosanct and insulated from the whims of any one individual, no matter how highly placed.”

FG: Poor Power Supply Responsible for Collapse of Many Industries in Nigeria

Okon bassey in Uyo

The Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has identified poor power supply as being responsible for the collapse and relocation of many industries in the country.

"If we fix power in this country, so many of the ailing industries would spring back to life and some of the industries that relocated from Nigeria would come back," the Minister said.

The minister spoke while

exchanging view with representative of Akwa Ibom State on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

According to him, if the power sector was fixed it would also generate employment opportunities and reduction of crime in the country.

The minister noted that investing in power generation and development meant investing in the present and future of the Niger Delta region.

According to him, power generation remains a cornerstone

of development, and gas being one of the primary drivers in the power sector has to be properly harnessed and utilised in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidency.

"This Ministry is ready and willing to partner with the NDDC in the area of power generation. Today, we drive power with gas.

"If you institute such projects across the Niger Delta States, it would help to address the issue of power supply.”

We Are Not Part of Call for Yoruba to Exit Nigeria, Afenifere Clears Self from Protest

Says alleged injustice not peculiar to them Confident Tinubu will change the narrative

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has described the call for the exit of Yoruba from Nigeria as undesirable, self-serving and unnecessary.

National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, maintained that the problems bedeviling Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole were not merely because multi-ethnic groups make up the country.

He noted that the country’s multifarious problems could be traced to lack of good governance.

Professor Banji Akintoye, leader of Ilana Omo Oodua and Mr.

Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Igboho, were reported to have, on April 17 this year, sent a letter to President Bola Tinubu in which they wanted the president to within the next two months, set up a negotiation team that would drive the exit of the Yoruba people from Nigeria. Afenifere, however, faulted the duo’s position on many grounds, saying the reason for the request to exit Nigeria was on the basis of perceived marginalisation that the Yoruba were suffering in Nigeria. “There is no doubt that the lot of Yoruba can be better than it presently is. But whatever deprivation Yoruba may be experiencing today in the Nigerian nation is not due

mainly to the fact that they are Yoruba.

"The deprivations they are suffering could be traced to the general misgovernance that corporate Nigeria had been subjected to over the years if not decades.

"Meaning that marginalisation, deprivation, injustice, misgovernance etc that Yoruba may be experiencing today is, if truth is to be told, not peculiar to Yoruba alone.

"We are not, by this submission, claiming that Yoruba are getting the best or should not be better served. Far from it. What we are saying is that it would be unfair to use the excuse of the deprivations in the land as an alibi to want to

leave Nigeria." Afenifere said what it clamoured for was good governance that would enable every segment of the society to have a better lease of life.

On the claim by the Yoruba nation that the request was done on behalf of Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora, Afenifere wondered when a referendum was conducted.

The group also condemned the recent violent attack on the Oyo State House of Assembly by purveyors of ‘Federal Republic of Yoruba.”

It added: “Yoruba have contributed so much to Nigeria. So much

that our intention presently is not to move out but to get what is wrong with the country to be made right. We believe that President Tinubu has what it takes to right those wrongs.

"This is why we are giving him our absolute support, especially since he has given us the assurance that he will not veer off the path of doing the best for Nigeria.

“President Tinubu has assured us in words and in his body language that he will restructure the country. He is a man of honour. We believe that he will do it. And do it effectively at the right time – which will be very soon, by the grace of God."

The representative on the board of NDDC had said the Commission needs abundant gas resources to fast-track the implementation of sustainable development projects and programmes for the Niger Delta.

The Commissioner identified the ministry's collaboration with NDDC as one which would yield dividends for Akwa Ibom State, Niger Delta and Nigeria.

He posited that for NDDC's quest to uplift the Niger Delta above poverty, natural resources such as gas deposits must be harnessed and channeled into the empowerment of the people and development of the region.

"As you know, the Niger Delta is very rich in gas deposits. On behalf of the Chairman, Governing Board, and the Managing Director, I stand to say that NDDC wants a very solid partnership so that such untapped areas can be utilised." He said the current NDDC dispensation has implemented various intervention programmes and projects especially in education, skill acquisition, economic empowerment, healthcare, provision of solar power and other infrastructure projects.

Nkono, pledged that his office, under the guidance of the NDDC head office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, would cooperate with the Ministry in areas of mutual responsibilities and tasks.

LAUNCH OF CORONATION WOMEN INITIATIVE NETWORK...

L-R: Chief Customer Experience Officer, Coronation Group Limited, Chidinma Asuni; Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Coronation Group Limited, Ngozi Akinyele; Chairperson, Coronation Women Initiative Network (Coronation WIN), Pai Gamde; Grand Patron, Coronation Women Initiative Network (Coronation WIN), Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Chairperson, Board of Directors, Coronation Trustees Limited, Olushola Coker; Independent Non-Executive Director, Trium Limited, Gloria Onafeko; and the Chief Risk Officer, Coronation Group Limited, Chukwunomnso Anyichie, at the launch of Coronation Women Initiative Network (Coronation WIN) in Coronation Plaza, Victoria Island, Lagos... recently.

Bobrisky Challenges Sentence over Naira Mutilation, Asks Court to Reduce Jail Term

Pleads to pay N50,000 fine as option instead

Wale Igbintade

Controversial cross-dresser/transgender, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has appealed against his sentence for abusing and mutilating the Naira.

Bobrisky, in his Notice of Appeal, filed by his lawyer, Bimbo Kusanu, prayed the court to set aside the six months maximum imprisonment sentence imposed on him and in its place impose fine of N50, 000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) on each of

the counts against him.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro, of the Federal High Court, in Lagos, had sentenced Bobrisky, to six months imprisonment without an option of fine for abusing Nigerian currency.

The judge, while sentencing him, said the judgment should be a deterrent to others fond of abusing and mutilating the Naira.

Bobrisky pleaded guilty to a four-count charge of abuse of the naira preferred against him by the

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a Lagos court.

However, in his Notice of Appeal, he stated that the trial Court imposed the maximum sentence on him even though he had no previous record of criminal conviction, and when there were options to impose a lesser sentence by the provisions of the ADCJA.

He averred that the sentence imposed by the trial court against him was punitive contrary to the mandatory provisions of the Law

(ADCJA) on sentencing.

He stated that the trial Court did not consider the positive antecedent of the Appellant, who did not waste the precious judicial resources of the trial Court when he pleaded guilty to the Charge.

He stated that the Appellant honoured the invitation of the Respondent – Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the first invitation during the investigation leading to the charge

To this end, he urged the court to

We Have Received Three Petitions over Ondo APC Primary Poll, Appeal C’ttee Says

Tunji-Ojo greets Aiyedatiwa over victory

The Appeal Committee set up by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the governorship primary election in Ondo State, yesterday, said it had received three petitions from aspirants, who were aggrieved over the process and outcome of the election.

This was as the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has congratulated the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, following his emergence as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming November governorship election in the state.

The former Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar (SAN), who headed the five-member Primary Election Appeal Committee, set up to ensure transparency and integrity of the primary election stated this at a press conference held in Akure.

Abubakar explained that the petitions were received from Olugbenga Edema, Jimi Odimayo and Wale Akinterinwa, noting that the three aggrieved aspirants complained that the primary did not hold across the 203 electoral wards in the state and the process was marred by irregularities.

“So far, we have received three petitions; one from Olugbenga Edema, Omoba Jimmy Odimayo and the last one from Adewale Akinterinwa after the conclusion of the primary and declaration of the candidate of the party.

"The situation I met on ground

was an inconclusive election that needed to be repeated in one local government. They were able to repeat election in that local government and by early this morning, they were able to declare the results of the primary. "It is traditional in APC to set up a committee like this in order to follow up on the fallout of the primary election. It's as a result of this that I invited the gentlemen of the press to be here today so that I can announce to them, the presence of this committee and the readiness of this committee to receive whatever complaints as a fallout from the primary election.”

Abubakar, flanked by other members of the Appeal Committee, said the committee would be expecting more petitions from any other aggrieved aspirants between Monday and Tuesday afternoon.

According to him, the secretary of the committee, Obiocha Israel, would be available at the temporary office in Akure within two days to receive the petition.

Tunji-Ojo Greets Aiye- datiwa over Victory

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has congratulated the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, following his emergence as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming November governorship election in the state. THISDAY reported that the governor polled the highest number of votes in the primary election held on Saturday and was declared

winner by the Governor Usman Ododo-led electoral committee.

In what he described as a “family affair,” the Minister noted that the election reaffirms the commitment of the party to the tenets of democracy.

Tunji-Ojo, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Alao Babatunde said, “I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for clinching the ticket of the party after a keenly contested primary election.

“APC has demonstrated that our democracy is grown and can thrive

even to deliver its dividends to the people.

“I appreciate the other contestants for demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship before and during the process. In a contest like this, where all candidates belong to a progressive family, the party emerges as the winner, as victory is a privilege bestowed upon the ticket holder.

“I am confident Governor Aiyedatiwa will win the election come November 2024, and ultimately, the people of Ondo State will be the winner.” he added.

set aside the 6 months maximum imprisonment sentence imposed on him and in its place impose fine

of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) on each of the counts against the Appellant.

Tinubu Departs Abuja Today for Official Visit to Netherlands

To also attend two-day special WEF meeting in Saudi Arabia from Monday

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu will on Tuesday depart Abuja for the Kingdom of the Netherlands on an official visit.

The President, according to a release issued on Monday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, whose visit is on the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, will engage in high-level discussions with the Prime Minister, as well as hold separate meetings with His Royal Majesty, King WillemAlexander and Queen Maxima of the Kingdom.

The Queen is the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA).

While in the Netherlands, President Tinubu will participate in the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum that will bring together heads of conglomerates and organizations in both countries to explore opportunities for collabora-

tion and partnerships, especially in agriculture and water management towards innovative solutions for sustainable farming practices. There will also be extensive discussions with the Dutch officials on port management operations for which they have world-renowned expertise.

After his engagements in the Netherlands, the President will proceed to attend a special twoday World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting scheduled for April 28-29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. At the World Economic Forum meeting, which focuses on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development, President Tinubu and his entourage will use the opportunity of the gathering of over 1,000 leaders from business, government, and academia to engage in discussions in furtherance of his Renewed Hope Agenda for the country.

The President will be accompanied by some ministers and other senior government officials.

Edo Guber: INEC Lifts Ban on Campaign, Puts Out Final List of Successful Candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that political parties were now permitted to start campaigning in public from Wednesday 24th April 2024 and end at midnight on Thursday 19th September 2024.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement, yesterday, also revealed that the commission had published the final list of candidates for the Edo governorship election ahead of the exercise scheduled to hold on September 21, 2024

He stressed that the commission had published the list of candidates

following the initial primaries.

The commission stressed that in line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, some political parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates by the deadline of 15th April 2024. Olumekun further revealed that the Action Alliance (AA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) replaced their governorship candidates and their running mates, while the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) replaced the running mates of their candidates only. It said overall, 17 political parties were fielding candidates in the election, adding that 16 were male

while one was female.

The commission added that the final list, which also gave the breakdown of the candidates by age, academic qualifications and disability, had been published at the commission's in Edo State and also uploaded on its website and social media platforms for public information.

It noted: "With the publication of the final list of candidates for the Edo State Governorship Election, the next activity is electioneering campaign.

"As provided by Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaign by Political Parties in public shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.

"Therefore, political parties are now permitted to start campaign in public from Wednesday 24th April 2024 and end at midnight on Thursday 19th September 2024 as indicated in items 8 and 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

"As parties commence this critical phase of the election, the Commission reminds candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the Commission's guidelines governing such activity.

"For emphasis, parties shall conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum devoid of inciting language, violence, voter inducement and other infractions mentioned in Sections 92 - 97 of the Electoral Act 2022."

Fidelis David in Akure

COURTESY VISIT TO SHETTIMA…

Vice President, Kashim Shettima(right), and Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry(LCCI), Abimbola Olashore, during a visit by the LCCI to the vice president in Abuja…recently

NSCDC Rescues 10 Victims of Suspected Human Trafficking in Abuja

Michael Olugbodeinabuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted in Abuja 10 victims of suspected human trafficking, purportedly being sponsored for illegal migration abroad.

The victims were accosted at Zuba motor park, Abuja, by officers of the FCT command of the NSCDC, following a tip-off on their

return from Minna, Niger State, where they had gone to process their International passport as directed by their sponsor.

The victims whose age bracket was between 24 and 34 years, consisted of a male and nine females, and all claimed to be indigenes of Ondo State.

It was gathered that each of them paid N80,000 to facilitate the procurement of the International

Makinde: We’ll Continue to Support Judiciary, Legislature

Kemi Olaitan in ibadan

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to work with and supporting the judiciary and legislative arms in the state.

He stated this while administering the Oath of Allegiance and Judicial Oath on the newly-appointed President of the state Customary Court of Appeal, Honourable Justice Tajudeen Mohammed Abdulganiyu.

The governor maintained that the support would help the government to maintain a functional system, noting that his government has, in the last five years, had a cordial relationship with the judiciary Makinde, while speaking at the event held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, assured the people that his administration would not relent in its efforts to uplift the judiciary and justice system in the state.

Police Nab Two Suspected Weapons Suppliers to Bandits

Shiklam in Kaduna

Operatives of Kaduna State Police Command have arrested two suspected gun-runners supplying arms to bandits.

In a statement yesterday, spokesperson of the command, Mansir Hassan, said the suspects - Alkali Danladi and Gayya Koddi - were arrested by police operatives on April 4, 2024, following credible intelligence report.

passport.

According to a statement yesterday by the spokesman of the FCT Command of the NSCDC, Samuel Idoko, the intercepted persons also confessed to being

promised migration abroad to undertake ready made jobs, especially in North Africa and Canada by a yet to be identified sponsor who, according to them, resides in Okitipupa, Ondo state.

While handing over the 10 victims to the Nigeria Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP), the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, warned Nigerians on the dangers

of illegal migration abroad. He said: “Be careful of the types of people that are promising you a better future abroad, don’t be desperate because, some of them end up ruining your lives .

Alleged N8.5bn Fraud: Court Frees Ex-NIMASA DG, Akpobolokemi, One Other

Wale Igbintade

A Lagos Federal High Court has discharged and acquitted a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi of alleged N8,537,586,798.58 fraud, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Ayokunle Faji discharged and acquitted the former NIMASA DG, yesterday while delivering a ruling on a no-case submission filed by him and fourth defendants, in the 22 counts charges against them.

In discharging and acquitting Akpobolokemi and one Josphine Otuaga, a staff of NIMASA, Justice Faji held that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie (sufficient evidence) case against them.

However, Justice Faji ruled that a former Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe (rtd), (second defendant) and a Staff of NIMASA, Kime Engonzu (third defendant), had to open their defence because they had a case to answer in counts 12 to 22 of the charge. Akpobolokemi, had in a no-case submission filed by his lawyers, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, leading Collins Ogbonna, prayed the court for an acquittal without having him present a defence.

Baptist Convention Rates FG High on Reform, Envisions Better Society

Sunday Okobi

The Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) has rated the federal government’s present reform high, saying if sustained, it would take the country out of the wools.

The church that envisioned

a better Nigerian society as the outcome of the measures, appealed to the people to support the government to enable it expand the reforms to impact lives. The President of the convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, gave the rating, and appeal at

a press conference to herald its 2024 III annual convention to take stock and reposition the church for greater exploit.

The conference was held at the Lagos East Convention Secretariat, Obanikoro, Lagos.

The convention to mark the church’s 110 years of Gospel propagation, tagged: ‘Super Centenary Anniversary’, with the theme: ‘Entering into Newness Through Discipleship and Apostleship,’ would be staged at the Baptist International Convention Centre (BICC) KLM 54, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lufuwape, Ogun State.

Emerging Africa to Partner with South-south Govts on Human Capital Devt

Blessing Ibunge in port Harcourt

The statement said: “Danladi was suspected of engaging in the illegal supply of firearms to bandits. He was arrested while coming from Jos, Plateau State.

“During the interception, Danladi was found to have concealed several prohibited firearms, including one fabricated AK 47 rifle, five fabricated revolver rifles, and two fabricated pistols.

“Additionally, working tools such as fliers, screwdrivers and spanners, as well as charms, were discovered in his possession.”

Hassan said Danladi aged 45, from Ungwan Hayatu village, Yarkasuwa, Lere Local Government Area, was arrested at Tsurutawa village along the Kaduna-Jos highway.

Yoruba Community Suspends its Oba in Sokoto

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Yoruba Community Council, Sokoto State chapter, has indefinitely suspended Alhaji Abdulfatai Olayiwola Coker, as the Sarikin Yorubawa in the state.

This is contained in a letter dated April 19 and signed by both the President-General of the council and Secretary of the council, Chief James Olorunfemi and Imam Abdulwahab Lawal, and made available to journalists in the state.

The letter, which was

addressed to Coker, and copy to the Sultanate Council, Sokoto State Government, state Commissioner of Police, and Director of DSS in the state, urge him to stop parading himself as the Oba of Yoruba in the state with immediate effect.

They said: “In line with the provision of the constitution of Yoruba Council, Sokoto, Article 9d, the Yoruba community have the power to remove Sarikin Yoruba ( Oba of Yoruba) if found wanting in the discharge of his duty.

An environmental, social and governance focused investments group, Emerging Africa Capital Limited (EACL) has expressed its commitment in developing the South-south region through engagement with the various states government on human capital development.

The Executive Vice-Chair, EACL, Dr. Toyin Sanni, stated this during the official opening of the company’s office in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital. EACL commenced operations in 2018 with controlling interest in 10 subsidiaries which provides financing and investing solutions to public and private sector projects. The firm also facilitates a wide range of investment and financing transactions leveraging strong and stable partnerships with domestic and international partners such as local and regional public and private sector issuers, sovereign and sub-national governments. According to Sanni, with the unveiling of the new office, the company has brought financial and investment opportunities to Port Harcourt, Rivers state and South-south region at large.

Group Advocates Eight Regional Parliamentary System for Nigeria

Adibe Emenyonu inBenin-city

An Edo State-based group, God and People Prayer Parliament, has advocated the restructuring of Nigeria to eight regional parliamentary system of government.

The National Chairman of the group, Dr. Dele Oluwatade, while presenting the group’s proposal in Benin city, explained that in the proposed arrangement, President Bola Tinubu would transmute to a Prime Minister with Head of Premiers of eight regions to birth a new stable Nigeria Federation. Oluwatade described presidential system of government as “a drain-pipe democracy” and the cause of the bottomless fiscal corruption in the country, saying that a nonproductive country has no business running such an expensive system of government, even as he stated that the advantages of parliamentary system practice is closest to the definition of democracy.

According to him, “There is minimum courtroom appearance and the political processes of election are inexpensive, fair and smoother compared to the money bags, slave trading ballot buying, and ballot box snatching presidential election.”

Opu- Nembe Crisis: Community Condemns Senator Degi

Olusegun Samuelinyenagoa

The crisis rocking Opu-Nembe community, in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State is still far from been over as the people of the community (Nembe) yesterday described as unpatriotic and selfish recent comments attributed to former Senator Bayelsa East, Biobarakuma Degi- Eremienyo. The people represented by all sectors of the community said Degi comment was an attempt to cast aspersion on the noble efforts of the Special Police team deployed to the community to restore peace by the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun.

Senator Degi had recently in a statement called for the withdrawal of the police, team alleging that they are conniving with some youths to foment trouble and vandalise property after some youths allegedly touch his house in Nembe. The people in a statement titled: ‘The Misplaced Anxiety of Senator Biobarakuma Degi- Eremienyo’, signed by all sectors of the community represented by Chairman, Chief Council, Chief Okolo Dede; Chairman, Elders Council, Indoma Igbalbo; Chairman Special Elders Council, Igbogi Yemabise Amalagha, and many others, said Senator Degi’s comment was meant to undermine the peace efforts of the police.

ALGON BoT Appeals Judgement Refusing to Nullify Alabi David’s Leadership

Alex Enumah inabuja

The Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), has appealed the judgement of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which declined jurisdiction to determine whether immediate

a past president of the association, Mr Alabi David, was qualified to hold office. The BoT has also filed a motion seeking the stay of execution of the judgement delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, last Friday. The association had last year

dragged David and seven others to court on the grounds that he was not qualified to be president, having not emerged from one of the 774 Local Government Council in the country.

In their originating summons filed by Bartholomew Opara, they

maintained that Alabi was not eligible to be ALGON president as he was not a local government chairman as contemplated by the 1999 Constitution, the Constitution of ALGON and a Supreme Court decision which had touched on the dispute.

John

Nnadozie Nominated for Prestigious Best Goalkeeper Award in France

Duro Ikhazuagbe

The stock of Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has continued to rise with her nomination for the prestigious Best Goalkeeper of the Season award in

NFF to Organise Monthly Football Awards

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday announced the imminence of a Football Awards that will recognise, celebrate and reward the best players and coaches in the Nigeria game on a monthly basis.

These Awards, meant to further generate, enable and inspire positive conversations around the Nigeria game at home and abroad, will feature seven categories in its initial format, highlighting the contributions of players and coaching staff across the ‘beautiful game.’

According to a statement issued by the Director of Communication of the federation, Ademola Olajire, the NFF Awards will not only recognise and honour individual excellence, but also provide valuable sponsorship opportunities, potentialities and possibilities, allowing companies and institutions to support the development, growth and sustainability of the Nigeria game.

With a focus on celebrating achievements and sector-wide accomplishments, fostering meaningful and fruitful fan engagements, showcasing Nigeria Football on the global stage and keeping conversations on the Nigeria game permanently on the front burner globally, the NFF Awards project promises to be a cornerstone programme for the sport in the country.

the French D1 Akem, the women’s topflight league in France. The 23-year-old Nnadozie who is CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023, has again been nominated for the individual ac-

colade for the second consecutive season.

Unarguably Africa’s best women’s goalkeeper of the moment, Nnadozie has also established herself as one of the best goalkeepers in the French

topflight.

The Paris FC shot stopper who has led her team to decent third place on 41 points from 20 matches this season, will battle Olympic Lyon’s Christiane Endler and

Djokovic Wins Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award Fifth Time

Bellingham, Bonmati also on honours list for year 2024

Tennis world No. 1, Novak Djokovic, has been crowned Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for a recordequalling fifth time.

Djokovic ended 2023 with three Grand Slam titles – the Australian Open, French Open and US Open – and only lost out in the final of Wimbledon after defeat to Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic has won a recordequalling 24 Grand Slam titles and has picked up his fifth Laureus award having also won it in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2019.

The 36-year-old said: "I am incredibly honoured to have won my fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. I think back to 2012, when I won it for the first time as a 24-year-old. I am very proud to be here 12 years later, reflecting on a year that brought me and my fans a lot of excitement and success.

"It was thrilling to return to Australia last January and win my 10th title. It is a tournament that is so dear to my heart and set me up for an incredible 12 months. I could not have achieved so much success without an incredible team behind me, and inspirational rivals who have always pushed me to be the best version of myself.

"The Laureus Awards are so special

because they represent recognition from the 69 world-class athletes who make up the Laureus World Sports Academy. To earn the votes of my sporting heroes is what makes these awards so coveted in all of sport,” concludes the Serbian.

Spain and Barcelona midfielder, Aitana Bonmati, won the women's

equivalent of Djokovic award. Bonmati, the current Ballon d'Or holder, helped her club win Liga F, the Spanish Cup and the Women's Champions League in 2022-23.

She was then part of the Spain side which won the 2023 Women's World Cup, with their exploits earning them the team of the year award at

the Laureus ceremony in Madrid. Also, England and Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham, won the 2024 Laureus World Sports Breakthrough of the Year award.

The 20-year-old has become a key player for Real following his £89m move from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

He scored the winner against Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday as he took his tally to 17 goals in La Liga this season.

Bellingham also helped Real Madrid beat Manchester City on penaltiesin their Champions League quarter-final last week.

Full Laureus awards list

Sportsman of the Year:Novak Djokovic

Sportswoman of the Year: Aitana Bonmati

Team of the Year: Spain women’s football team

Breakthrough of the Year: Jude Bellingham

Comeback of the Year: Simone Biles (gymnastics)

Sportsperson of the Year with a disability: Diede de Groot (tennis)

Action sportsperson of the Year: Arisa Trew (skateboarding)

Sport for Good award: Fundacion Rafa Nadal

Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of Paris

SG for the award. Nnadozie was voted Player of the Month for March in the French D1 Akem.

She won the Bruno Martini Award for Goalkeeping Revelation of the Season in the French top-flight in the 2021/22 season.

Her heroics at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia didn’t go unnoticed and has maintained momentum. Nnadozie’s feat partly frustrated South Africa’s Banyana Banyana from snatching the ticket to summer’s Women’s Olympic Football Event at Paris 2024.

Nigeria Para Badminton star, Mariam Eniola Bolaji, has won the women’s singles SL3 title at the just concluded Spanish Para Badminton International 2024 in Victoria, Spain.

The world number 10 overwhelmed world number 6 Oksana Kozyna from Ukraine 2-0 (21-13, 21-8) to clinch the gold medal over the weekend.

Bolaji had defeated world number 13 Emona Ivanova (Bulgaria) 2-0 (21-4, 21-8) to set up a clash with the 2023 silver medallist in the finals.

In round two, Mariam Bolaji defeated India’s Mandeep Kaur Mandeep, seeded number one 2-0 (21-10, 21-8). Earlier, Bolaji beat Victoria Bailey of England 2-0 (21-5, 21-4) in round one of the 2024 Spanish International.

The President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, expressed delight over the latest victory of gold medallist, Mariam Eniola Bolaji.

Orbih said Eniola’s performance has been encouraging, adding that she has become a force in world Para Badminton.

He said, “I am excited Mariam Eniola Bolaji has won her second Spanish International since making her debut in 2021. Bolaji won her first gold medal in 2021 and made history in 2024 by winning the gold medal against highly experienced Oksana Kozyna. Kozyna (World number 6) who had a better edge looking at the statistics because she placed second in 2023 but Bolaji showed class in the final with her spectacular performance in the final.

Olawale Ajimotokan in

Abuja

Eighteen-handicap player, Martin Stephen Kolo, over the weekend emerged as the overall best net winner of the 2024 Captain’s Cup Tournament held at IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja. Kolo, an Abuja-based architect, who played in the handicap 0-18 flight category, carded 66 nett to win the tournament on count-back. A strong field of over 500 players contended for laurels at the week-long tournament organised to mark the end of tenure of Olabanjo Obaleye as the Captain of the club.

Kolo, who embraced golf barely four years ago, echoed excitement at winning his first major trophy, while adding the victory was a call to spend more time on the practice range towards improving his game.

He applauded the outgoing captain and the members of the executive committee for having a

vision on how to improve the club and the golf course and for fulfilling on that philosophy.

“So far, so good, the committee achieved a lot on that and should be commended,” Kolo said.

A.A Agib, who plays off Handicap 1, shot 71, one under the course par, to win the Best Gross Men silverware.

Mohammed Suleiman (HDC6) again dug deep to win the Division 1 Men (0-10) prize with net score of 68.

Dipo Sanya carded 71 to edge fellow Eight-handicapper, Suraj Bello for the runner up position on countback, while Isaac Nwachukwu (66) also benefited from the count back rule to close out Edmund Ajoge in the battle for the Division 2 Men (11-18) trophy.

Grace Ihonvbere posted a 74 to hold off the challenge of Diane Mamza for the Division 1 Ladies (0-18) silverware by two strokes, while Jumai Abdulahi emerged the 1st Runner up nett winner with a 77.

Teenage sensation, Matthew Kuti, will be the cynosure of all eyes when Nigeria open her defence at the 2024 ITTF West African Championships taking place in Lome, Togo between April 25 and April 27. Kuti, a double medallist at the 13th African Games in Ghana will be making his debut at the regional tournament which serves as the qualifiers for the 2024 African Championships to be held in Ethiopia in October.

Touted as title contender in Togo, Kuti will face a herculean task against experienced players like former champion Oba Oba Kizito of Cote d’Ivoire and homeboy Fanny Kokou.

But the Lagos State champion will

not be alone in Lome as he has the likes of Muiz Adegoke, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, Samuel Boboye, and Matthew Fabunmi as part of the men’s team.

Another African Games medallist Hope Udoaka will lead the women’s team alongside Ajoke Ojomu and three junior stars - Kabirat Ayooola, Aisha Rabiu, and Ize Sezue.

The team will be handled by Dotun Omoniyi who was an assistant to acting national coach Segun Toriola at the 13th African Games in Ghana.

In Lomé, 32 men and 29 women from Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, and host – Togo will slug it out in four events (team and singles for men and women).

Chiamaka Nnadozie...nominated for Best Goalkeeper of the Season Award in France

Novak Djokovic...wins fifth Laureus Sportsman of the Year award at the 2024 edition held in Madrid yesterday

SERAP to Governors, FCT Minister

“Trillions of FAAC allocations received by Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT have allegedly gone down the drain. The resulting human costs directly threaten the human rights of socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians. Secrecy in the spending of FAAC allocations received by your state and the FCT also denies Nigerians the right to know how public funds are spent” --Socio-EconomicRightsandAccountabilityProject(SERAP),asksthe governors andtheFCTMinister,Wike,toaccountfortheirFAACallocationssince2019.

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

abati1990@gmail.com

Onakoya: Playing Chess from The Slum to World Record

Tunde Onakoya, the 29-year-old Nigerian Chess Master who has just broken the World Record for the longest chess marathon is most appropriately an embodiment of the Nigerian can-do spirit, the capacity of the average Nigerian to snatch victory from the depths of despair, indeed just when you think it is over, the Nigerian is so resilient, he keeps foraging for faith. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Onakoya’s audacity. He has been hailed as a worthy ambassador, in whom the spirit of excellence flowers by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu. He has done well. He is doing well. Nigerians have every reason to be proud of him. He has demonstrated that the true Nigerians are not those who bemoan their fate and resort to the antics of the lower depths, but those who turn even the smallest of opportunities that come their way into an avenue for glorious achievement with determination and hardwork.

And so it is with Tunde Onakoya, who played chess from Wed, April 17, 2024 till Saturday, April 21 (2. 40 a.m.), to beat the world record of 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds set in 2018 by two Norwegians – Hallvard Flatebo and Sjur Ferkingstad. Tunde Onakoya teamed up with the American Chess Master, Shawn Martinez, to play chess for 60 hours non-stop. He was unbeaten in more than 170 games. The World Guinness Book of Records organization requires for its purpose two players, playing against each other and others, with short breaks of five minutes for every hour or a longer 30-minute break every six hours. The new record is yet to be officially announced, this may take a few weeks, but Onakoya’s feat was not hidden- it was in the open, at the Times Square in New York, with spectators watching every move on the board of play. History has been made and it has come from the most unlikely place for Nigeria – chess, in a country that often fails to pay attention to other sports. Onakoya himself alluded to this when he said that “it is possible to do great things from a small place.”

Indeed, it is possible for small things and small places to result in significant human experience of great proportions as we have seen in that novel titled “The God of Small Things” (1997) by Indian writer, Arundhati Roy, and the 2008 British movie, “Slumdog Millionaire” set in Mumbai. The idea of the slum as place and metaphor is a strong referent in Nigerian popular imagination more so the fact that great things do happen in small places. It is not the smallness of things that matter but the greatness, the humanity that is embedded in the most unthinkable places. Ajegunle, for example, is a slum neighbourhood in the city of Lagos: it is probably the most popular location for most of the creative outputs in the country, the source of the music of contemporary artistic talents such as Daddy Fresh, Daddy Showkey, Baba Fryo, Oritsefemi, Nico Gravity, Father U-Turn, Don Jazzy, Basket Mouth, KC Presh and the artistry of some of Nigeria’s well-known footballers – Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Samson Siasia, Victor Agali, Emmanuel Amunike, Odion Ighalo. The slum as an incubation hub for talent and innovation is a fascinating subject for further inquiry into the interconnectedness of space, spirit and effort.

Tunde Onakoya, the chess-master, it must be noted, learnt to play chess in a slum in Ikorodu, Lagos State, precisely at a barber’s shop. Now something about the barber’s shop is that it is a very

traditional meeting point in communities in parts of Nigeria, very much like the newspaper stands of old which produced “Free Newspaper Readers Associations” across the country. The barber’s shop was an ecosystem for games. While you waited to have your hair cut, or you just happen to show up as a spectator, you were bound to see people playing draught, chess, ludo, card, snake and ladder, or the more local, ayo game. Somewhere in a corner would be a board displaying all the possible hair styles: “Girls Follow Me”; “Rico Bay”, “Gorimapa”, but over the years, the haircut styles became trendier: “Line Up”, “Waves”, “Twisted Curls”, “Afro”. The barber has always been a wise man: he attracts customers and company with games and music. I know one person who shall remain nameless, a veteran of the barber’s shop ayo games of old, who went on to become a Governor and an elder statesman. The same ecosystem has now produced a World Champion in Chess.

The good news about Tunde Onakoya is his kindness and the fact that he never forgot his humble beginnings. He kept playing chess, and ended up as the Number 13 Chess player in Nigeria. As a student at the Yaba College of Technology, he won prizes playing chess. He is also a board member of The Gift of Chess, a non-profit in New York, United States. In 2018, he established a volunteer non-profit group known as Chess in Slums Africa under the auspices of which he trained young persons, mostly from the slums like Makoko in Lagos, and through partnerships, the group promoted chess as an educational tool. By 2021, Chess in Africa Slums had trained over 1,000 children, and organized chess competitions that even produced a 10-year-old-boy with cerebral palsy as a chess champion. One of his students once defeated the acting Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Kevin Tokar in a chess exhibition game. He plans to train over one million children within the next five years. Onakoya has pursued his passion further by seeking to break the extant Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, not for personal glory, but to raise US One million dollars for the education of children in Africa, and to build a free chess academy and

a STEM innovation lab in Lagos. He may not have immediately achieved the $1million mark, but he has given more popularity to chess, and provided an opportunity for the appreciation of the Nigerian spirit. While the marathon happened, many Nigerians trooped to New York Times Square to cheer him on. The cheer leaders included music stars, Davido and Adekunle Gold, drummers, and Nigerians in Diaspora in general who counted the hours and were inspired by the enthusiasm of being Nigerian, witnessing the possibility of another Nigerian making history. The weather was wintry cold, but it did not matter. During the intervals, the Nigerians played music and danced. It was no longer just chess, but culture, nationalism, art and diasporic fraternity all rolled into one capsule, to create memories and history. This trope, for me, was strongly captured in Tunde Onakoya’s post-victory statement on his X handle (@Tunde_OD) when he wrote as follows: “Catching up on social media now and I’ve constantly fought back tears. Love you guys very much. I’ll do a proper post when I find the right words to express all of the emotions I feel right now. Let me delve into this Jollof rice for now. It’s my first meal in almost four days. I had some food poisoning during the marathon so I couldn’t eat anything at all. Just water.” Such endurance. Such patriotism. Onakoya was advised to discontinue the marathon when he developed stomach problems, but he insisted he would see the mission to the end, and he did. He didn’t eat for four days. “Just water.” He refused to quit on the kids. This is the stuff of endurance and determination. And when the goal had been reached and victory secured, his first meal was Jollof Rice. Those who know would proclaim the symbolism of the choice of jollof rice. It is a subtle way of flying the Nigerian flag. Jollof rice is a special delicacy for Nigerians and the argument has not yet been resolved about which country cooks the best jollof rice in West Africa, between Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. Onakoya has projected Nigerian Jollof Rice, as the choice brand by announcing it as his first meal after his victory at a Marathon. May the God of Nigerian Jollof Rice continue to bless him! But I suppose the more important thing about the euphoria would be the lessons that we can learn from his example. He is a young man of 29, who has never seen what a silver spoon looks like, but with the talent that God has given him, he has tried to help encourage and assist street children and the underprivileged to give them hope. Many Nigerian leaders who have been wielding stolen silver spoons have no vision of doing anything for anybody. It is always about their self-interest, and not public interest and it is the reason there is so much angst and despair in the land, and so much lack of trust between Nigerian leaders and the people. We need leaders, including those who are products of privilege to learn to commit to the common good, not their own ego and insecurities. It is encouraging that Nigerian leaders including the President are full of praise for Tunde Onakoya. It is people like him that should be on the next National Honours List of Nigeria, not the money-miss-road, chieftaincy title crowd. Every year, we miss out most people who are true ambassadors for our nation and give big honours to the most undeserving. President Tinubu must reverse that ugly trend.

Meanwhile, Tunde Onakoya is the latest Nigerian to seek and emerge, pending confirmation, as a Guinness Book World Record holder. The frenzy

would seem to have hit the roof when Ms Hilda Effiong Bassey, Hilda Baci for short, won a marathon cooking record with 93 hours and 11 minutes in May 2023. Her record was surpassed later that same year by Irish chef Alan Fisher but her feat ignited a World Record fever in Nigeria, the imprint of which continues to endure. Nigerians love opportunities. When they identify one, or someone points them in a direction, they would rush as if they were competing for gold. Hilda Baci became an instant celebrity: receptions were organized for her by governments and companies, she got plots of land and many gifts, she became an actress, and with her beauty and culinary skills, she became the darling of suitors and men who ogled her pictures. The Madonna University graduate had done everyone so proud that many Nigerians actually wanted to cook too. Less than a month after her victory, one Chef Dammy of Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State entered the kitchen in search of a Guinness World Record that would beat Baci’s record. In Ondo State, there was a Chef Deo who wanted to cook for 150 hours. In Oyo State, there was Chef Adebayo, a 140-hour aspirant. There have been other attempts as well. A computer Science lecturer, Joshua Hassan Bature of the Department of Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, Ado Ekiti reportedly announced a 150-hour teaching marathon. There was also Alejo Pataki who announced a 200-hour singing marathon. In Ekiti State, one Sugartee proposed a kissing marathon – kiss-a-thon. He ended up not kissing anybody, but Sugartee generated some interest and even got invited to Government House! One Joyce Ijeoma embarked on a body massaging Marathon. She collapsed in the process. In more recent cases, there is Zahan Isaac Kuma (aka Mr. Reliable) who wants to do a marathon Ironing Festival in pursuit of a Guinness World Record (23 – 28 April, 2024) in Abuja at the Jabi Lake Mall, he says - “for the sake of that little child on the street.” When. Mr. Reliable appeared on The Morning Show of Arise News yesterday, I had asked him questions about electricity supply –availability and cost - considering the fact that the Jabi Lake Mall is a Band A location on the electricity spectrum. He sounded upbeat and confident. He said people should bring their clothes for ironing. I pray he does not burn anybody’s cloth, just in case he gets tired or there is a power surge -because that could add a new twist to the story. What is noteworthy is that the attempts by Nigerians have inspired others across the border in Ghana and also in Cameroon, where one lady said she wanted a sex-a-thon – sex with strong men for 200 hours. Imagine!

Tunde Onakoya sets a different example and represents a far more ennobling engagement. The Nigerian government should through his Times Square outing see that chess has the potential of becoming an important sport in Nigeria and thereby make the necessary effort to promote it in the country. Onakoya was raised in a slum in Ikorodu, now he is in New York, jollofing! The first time he boarded a plane and travelled abroad was only about two years ago. Now his story is on every major news channel in the world, and the front pages of newspapers, all because he started playing chess in one small place on the map called Ikorodu, and turned it into a life-long passion. Truly, “it is possible to do great things from a small place” – an inspiration for every young person out there in search of meaning and purpose. Congratulations, Tunde Onakoya and to everyone who supported him along the way, well done.

Tunde Onakoya