THURSDAY 27TH APRIL 2023

Atiku: My Drug-free Record is Reason I’ve Been Contesting Polls Obi: INEC's Objection, Reply to My Petition, Biased, Embarrassing

Chuks Okocha and Alex Enumah in Abuja

The presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last

general election, Atiku Abubakar, has told the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, that unlike him, he has consistently contested presidential elections because he has no drug-related record

or identity issues. Atiku stated this in his reply to Tinubu's Notice of Preliminary Objection against his petition challenging the outcome of the February 25 presidential

election, where the latter mocked the former vice president as one who had repeatedly contested the presidential election and had always failed.

The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, also faulted the objection of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to his petition

against the election of Tinubu as president.

Obi, in his reply to INEC’s

Continued on page 39

Elumelu: Femi Otedola Should Be Commended for Investing in Transcorp... Page 39

EFCC Appeals as Court Strikes Out Suit against 14 Properties, N400m Linked to Yahaya Bello... Page 42

Sudan: FG Says Evacuation of Women, Children to Be Given Priority

Hires 40 buses at cost of $1.2m Declares Nigeria has not recorded any casualty in ongoing crisis Hints that diplomats will be on ground to coordinate evacuation Air Peace to begin airlifting via Egypt Friday

single Nigerian soul has been lost

Continued on page

Again, Tinubu Meets APC NWC, N'Assembly Members over 10th Legislature’s Leadership

Ex-lawmakers warn against interference in selection of principal officers

Caution against zoning positions alongside executive offices President-elect to inaugurate flyover, court building in Rivers

Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The president-elect, Bola Tinubu, yesterday, met with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), National Assembly members, and other stakeholders in furtherance of consultation and lobby over the zoning of principal positions of the 10th Assembly.

But a group of former National Assembly members cautioned against zoning of legislative positions alongside those of the executive arm of government. They urged Tinubu and the governorselect not to interfere in the election of the legislative officers.

In another development, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike invited Tinubu to inaugurate the Rumuola-Rumuokwuta flyover and Magistrates Court building

Continued on page 39

L–R: Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice , Abubakar Malami ; National Security Adviser to the President , Major General (retD) Babagana

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika; Minister of State for Niger Delta Development, Sharon Ikeazor; Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi and

Oando, Lagos Take Delivery of Nigeria’s First Mass Transit Electric Buses ...

Monguno;

SENATOR OSITA IZUNAZO PRESENTS CERTIFICATE OF RETURN TO TINUBU...

Senator Osita Izunazo, Senator-elect representing Imo West and a candidate for Senate President of the 10th National Assembly presented his Certificate of Return to the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Asokoro, Abuja Residence... yesterday.

Afreximbank’s PAPSS, ASEA Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionise Cross-border Payments in Africa’s Stock Exchanges

The Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the African Stock Exchanges Association (ASEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration and cooperation in promoting cross-border payments of capital markets infrastructure in Africa.

The MoU was signed recently, during the ASEA 2023 Building African Financial Markets Seminar held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, which brought together Stock Exchanges and capital markets stakeholders from across Africa to discuss ways to deepen integration and connectivity of African capital markets.

This was disclosed in a statement yesterday.

“For a long time, investors doing business in Africa have struggled with making and settling cross-border payments. “Payments take a long time to complete, are expensive since the existing environment necessitates the use of correspondent banks outside of the continent, and are done in foreign currencies (USD or Euro).

“Because of this, African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the African Continental Free

Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat developed PAPSS, which enables instant cross-border payment in local currency.

“Through the umbrella of ASEA, with 9 exchanges and a combined market capitalisation of $1.5 trillion, PAPSS provides an opportunity as the payment system to further enhance the African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP), a flagship project of ASEA to facilitate crossborder trading of securities in Africa.

“PAPSS has started a period of fast deployment of its system throughout all African nations, having already gone live in the countries comprising the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), namely Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, and Guinea. As a result, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Djibouti have recently joined the network and will soon be operational. This partnership with ASEA will also facilitate the deployment of PAPSS across the ASEA member nations,” it stated.

Commenting on the signing, the Chief Executive Officer of PAPSS, Mr. Mike Ogbalu III, said: “PAPSS supports a wide variety of use cases, including cross-border retail and trade transactions for individuals and corporations and cross-border

investments with the African Stock Exchanges.

“Consequently, working with ASEA, which pioneered the AELP with cross-border securities trading as a central tenet, is a significant step towards the rollout of PAPSS throughout the continent.

“This partnership is a demonstration of our commitment to driving

trade flows and economic growth in Africa. Through our collaboration, we aim to create a reliable and efficient payment system that will enable investors to easily trade across different stock exchanges on the continent.

“Our immediate task is to create a workforce between PAPSS and ASEA as soon as possible to identify

ways to facilitate the transfer of funds across ASEA member African stock exchanges.

“To that end, I'd like to extend an invitation to the relevant capital markets stakeholders to join us in this ground-breaking venture for the African business and investment communities.”

Also, the President of ASEA

and Chief Executive Officer of Botswana Stock Exchange, Mr. Thapelo Tsheole, said: “We are delighted to partner with PAPSS on this important initiative. Our capital markets integration initiative through the AELP will play a critical role in deepening Africa’s capital markets and promoting cross-border investment.

AfDB, Japan International Cooperation Sign $350m Loan Agreement to Support Africa’s Private Sector

Bank rolls out new whistleblowing policy

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a JPY 44,100,000,000 ($350 million) loan to finance the bank’s support for private sector operations in Africa.

The loan comes under the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance (EPSA) initiative, which is a component of Japan’s Official Development Assistance to Africa.

The fifth version of EPSA, for an

amount of $4 billion, was signed by the Bank and JICA at the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8), held in Tunis last August.

According to a statement yesterday, the signing ceremony for the private sector concessional loan took place at JICA’s headquarters in Tokyo, between JICA President, Dr. Tanaka Akihiko and AfDB’s President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

Adesina is in Japan to discuss

Okowa: Delta State Set to Ignite Revolution Via Free Economic Zone

James Emejo in Abuja

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday said the state was in a hurry to ensure that its newly approved Special Economic Zone (SEZ) improves the economic fortunes of Deltans and the country in general.

Speaking in Abuja, at the official presentation of licence for the Delta State Special Economic Zone (DSEZ), the governor said expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, as well as the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo for approving the free zone for the state.

He said the state was ready to partner NEPZA and the organised

private sector (OPS) and the global community to, “ensure that we are able to provide a competitive, peaceful environment and a welcoming environment.”

“We will work with the rest of Nigerians to ensure that we are able to develop the human capital which would also be needed for the growth of industries,” he added.

Okowa said the fact that the state produces a lot of gas and oil coupled with significant involvement in agriculture provides it with a great advantage to attract huge investment into the free zone.

He added that the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state as well as infrastructure such as seaports and airports would further endear the state to investors.

He said, “There’s no doubt that there is a lot of peace in our state;

yes, there is trouble, and challenges here and there as it is all over the world but Delta State is relatively peaceful. And we believe we have put everything in place to encourage investors to come in to invest.

“We believe that the Koko port is something that would be of great advantage to us. We have two functional airports one in Asaba and the other in Warri and these are clear advantages in the industry.”

The governor also assured that the exit of his administration within the next month would not truncate the state’s vision for the SEZ.

He said, “The government of Delta State is continuing and by the special grace of God, a lot of emphasis would be paid to the development of the special economic zone and our hands are wide open to receive investors in this free zone.

“We also have our agro-industrial park which the work would likely be finished by the end of June and I believe that this would also be complementary.

“Yes, the administration is winding down but Delta State Government continues. It is a laudable project and everything is already on course – we have a good consultant and I am also quite grateful to the Managing Director of NEPZA who had been helping to drive the process.

“But it is something that is of a clear advantage and so the new administration coming in will definitely take it seriously and we can also put up a board that we can trust and we believe that they would be able to drive the process and everything will work well for the economy.”

investment opportunities in Africa with senior government officials, large Japanese companies, development partners, parliamentarians and the African diplomatic corps.

Tanaka, said the loan represented a crucial step in Japan’s efforts to work with the African Development Bank to support Africa as it faces the challenge of navigating multiple compounded crises including issues of debt sustainability and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

He explained: “The private sector in Africa is fundamental in creating jobs for the prosperity and progress of Africa. Although the private sector has been confronting unprecedented economic and social pressures, we are confident that the Bank’s Non-Sovereign Operations supported through this concessional loan will play an essential role in addressing these pressing issues.”

Adesina thanked the government of Japan as well as JICA, for their continued support to the Bank and Africa. He invited JICA to collaborate with the AfDB Group in other critical areas, such as refining the food and agriculture delivery compacts developed by African countries during a January food summit held in Senegal to tackle the continent’s food insecurity.

“JICA’s support would be crucial in the implementation of the Special Agro-processing Industrial Zones, which will be the biggest game changer of Africa’s agriculture. It will transform rural economies, reduce

food loses, process and add value to crops produced in rural areas and create jobs,” Adesina added.

“Support young people to go into agriculture. Youth are Africa’s best asset, but they lack access to finance. The Bank is establishing youth entrepreneurship investment banks to provide young people with financial and technical support throughout the business cycle,” Adesina urged.

Tanaka agreed with the areas highlighted by the African Development Bank chief saying they were important to Japan’s agenda of future collaboration with Africa.

On the need to create jobs for young people the JICA president said: “It is silly not to take advantage of active youth in Africa. In Africa you have abundance of youth but in Japan we have abundance of an old population.”

Tanaka also said it was important to explore ways of promoting interaction between Japan’s university students and those of Africa to foster exchange of knowledge and skills.

JICA and the African Development Bank signed the first private sector assistance loan in 2007. To date, the Bank and the government of Japan have signed eight non-sovereign loans totaling $1.85 billion.

Meanwhile, the AfDB has launched a six-month campaign to sensitise its internal and external stakeholders on its new Whistleblowing Policy, approved by the Boards of Directors in January this year.

BUHARI DECORATES HIS CPSO ALIYU...

Oando, Lagos Take Delivery of Nigeria’s First Mass Transit Electric Buses

Peter Uzoho

Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL) and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) have announced that they have taken delivery of the electric mass transit buses for Lagos State.

The delivery of the buses would kick off the Proof of Concept phase of the Sustainable Transport Initiative being championed by OCEL.

This was disclosed in a statement yesterday.

On Thursday, April 28, 2022, OCEL and LAMATA, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable the successful deployment of an Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Ecosystem (electric buses, charging stations, and other supporting infrastructure) towards the attainment of a sustainable road transport system in the state.

The MoU was also expected to

boost bridge the gap in the current mass transit bus system for the increasing number of Lagos commuters and make up a significant part of the State Government’s larger drive to improve mass transit infrastructure.

“OCEL, partnered with Yutong Bus Co Limited (Yutong), the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer to produce the electric buses, equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

“In addition to the arrival of these electric buses, OCEL has also taken delivery of the charging stations and spare parts necessary to ensure their effective operation.

“Consequently, and in line with the provisions of the partnership between OCEL and LAMATA, the receipt of both the buses and charging stations marks the commencement of our Sustainable Transport Initiative, which is one of the Company’s pipeline projects to

support Nigeria in meeting her goal of net zero by 2060,” the statement explained.

It pointed out that, “the company’s strategic vision is to decarbonise the transport system in Nigeria and in the process, strengthen the socioeconomic impact of transportation within the country.

“Over the next seven years, and through the rollout of over 12,000 buses, this initiative will transition the current combustion mass transit buses to electric, starting in Lagos State and eventually across the country.

“In the medium to long term, and in line with our ambitions, our efforts within sustainable transport will lead to improved air quality, enhanced public health, enable the employment of at least 3,000 new drivers and an additional 2,000 workers to support bus maintenance, depot management, etc. as well as

estimated economic cost savings of $2.6 billion (3.6% of Lagos’s GDP).”

Furthermore, it stated that the company’s EV roll-out plan strategically aligns with the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (NETP); specifically supporting the government's roadmap for EV implementation across Nigeria and its ambition to boost local capacity in the medium term through the construction of EV assembly plants.

The Oando -Yutong Joint Venture Partnership is expected to, among others, “manufacture and deployment of additional electric buses during the Pilot and Roll-out phases of the partnership with Lagos State through LAMATA; design and facilitate training programs targeted at the following critical stakeholders – bus drivers, bus operators, and regulators including but not limited to LAMATA and the Ministry of Transport.

World Bank Hails Edo on Improved Learning Outcomes, Assures of Support for Sustainability

Obaseki receives Air Force war college delegates in state to understudy mining sector

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The World Bank has commended the Edo State government for improving teaching pedagogy and learning outcomes in schools across the state.

The World Bank noted that the State through the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) programme has continued to shape and improve the quality of education in the State, assuring the Bank’s commitment to the sustainability of the transformative programme.

The report by Jaime Saavedra, Global Director, Education Global Practice at the World Bank and Martín E. De Simone, an Education Specialist at the Bank noted that the, “programme’s design is well aligned with the evidence of what works to improve learning outcomes, with a focus on foundational learning. Every teacher in the state receives lesson plans, a form of structured pedagogy.”

According to the report, since 2018, the government has shown strong commitment to improve education outcomes and has been implementing a series of reforms under the label of EdoBEST programme, aimed at improving teaching and learning practices in Edo state.

“The reforms in the education sector have been critical for our children. They are now learning how to read much faster. Stopping these reforms would mean killing education,” it quoted Obebo, a community leader and parent of a primary school student in a rural school in Edo State.

The World Bank added, “The program’s design is well aligned with the evidence of what works to improve learning outcomes, with a focus on foundational learning. Every teacher in the state receives lesson plans, a form of structured pedagogy.

“In a recent report on costeffective approaches to improve global learning produced by the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel, structured pedagogy was identified as a ‘good buy,’ which means there is solid evidence that these interventions not only work but are also cost-effective.

“Rigorous evidence from The Gambia and Kenya, among other countries, have shown significant positive results. In addition, schools in Edo are frequently visited by learning and development officers, that perform as coaches that utilise a classroom observation tool to assess teachers’ performance and provide individualized feedback. The interventions were also adapted

to face the COVID-19 crisis and deliver education in times of crisis.”

It added, “Despite the challenges and expected variation in the initial implementation of the program across the schools, the initiative has succeeded in improving the experience of students at scale.

“Today, more than 97 per cent of primary schools are part of the program. Teachers’ attendance has increased dramatically to 83 percent, and a routine has been established through which teachers utilise lesson plans and receive constant feedback.”

The report continued: “Working on the sustainability of the interventions across political cycles is fundamental. If the interventions continue and are strengthened, a whole generation will benefit from learning, which means much more than schooling. For that to happen, sustainability should be ensured across three dimensions.”

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, received a team of the Nigerian Air Force War College who were in Edo to understudy the state’s mining sector security management system.

“Provide technical support and after-sales service; manage a supply chain network to support the availability of spare parts as and when required; construction of a local EV assembly plant to boost indigenous capacity.”

Commenting on the feat achieved, the Managing Director, Yutong West Africa, Mr. Frank Lee stated: “This is a watershed moment for Yutong. It’s our first delivery of electric mass transit buses in Sub-Saharan Africa and the first step in the large-scale deployment of an electric powered public road transport system in Nigeria.

“We are excited to be embarking on this journey in partnership with Oando, an organisation with a history of stellar performance in the energy sector and are hopeful to see a quick turnaround in our joint plans to advance all facets of the country’s transition to eco-friendly vehicles, including the development of local capacity through the delivery of, and exposure to extensive training programs for all stakeholders, from drivers to operators and the regulators.

“Our foray into Sub-Saharan Africa has transformed us into a global supplier of EVs with customers across the Middle East, Europe, South America and Asia.

“Our electric vehicles offer outstanding performance due to their advanced technology capabilities and testing for different terrains; all of which make our buses particularly well suited for use as a public transportation option in Nigeria”.

For her part, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo said: “The arrival of the electric buses confirms Lagos State Government’s commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas effects, using modern rolling stock, powered by clean energy, in the state’s transport operations.

“It is for this reason we are partnering with the private sector to facilitate the transition to the use of cleaner energy in public transport thereby actualizing our vision of a transport system that provides options to the people and improves their lifestyle by reducing carbon emissions generated by fossil fuelled rolling stock, through the gradual phasing out of vehicles contributing to the pollution of the environment.”

Commenting further, the Chairman, OCEL, Adewale Tinubu, said: “Audacity and innovation have always been key tenets in our journey to transform Nigeria’s energy future. It’s this spirit that has brought us to this juncture today - at the forefront of propelling Nigeria towards realising her net-zero targets.

“The arrival of our electric mass transit buses and development of an EV infrastructure ecosystem is a reminder that the only way to remain ahead of the curve is by being unafraid to break new ground and consistently looking for opportunities to leapfrog.

“Furthermore, this project underscores the African saying, 'If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’ Public-Private Partnerships have been critical to getting the project to this point and will continue to fuel our expansion across the entire country.

“I must commend the collaborative efforts of the Lagos State Government through LAMATA in seeing this project through. The commencement of this project gives us a platform to showcase to other states what is possible and open the door for engagements on bespoke solutions to suit their local needs as well as act as a model to be adopted by other organisations looking to venture into sustainable transportation.”

CBN Takes eNaira Sensitisation to UNN, VC Pledges Support

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Charles Igwe, has pledged to ensure the success of the e-Naira initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the institution. According to him, the policy, if well implemented, would deepen financial inclusion, speed transaction processes and enhance financial security. Igwe, made this known yesterday, when he received a team from the CBN who were

in the university for a sensitisation programme on the eNaira.

Igwe, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Pat Okpoko, said apart from the benefits, the other issues and questions regarding the policy must be looked into and addressed so that no Nigerian loses money in the course of transactions. He said, “e-Naira is like any other policy issue in this country. Nigeria is one of the countries that can produce policies that are very, very competitive globally, but our usual problem is implementation.

“If you take a policy from the US on digital currency and put it side by side with Nigeria, we can compete. When we implement you see them do 80 percent, 90 percent, Nigeria will do 20 percent. And that is where the issue lies, how do you implement it?”

The VC urged the CBN to deploy all the facilities required, especially concerning offline transactions, in order to deliver where there are no internet services.

He promised to partner the country's apex bank to ensure the success of the programme,

noting that UNN as a premier university and the first indigenous university in the country with a huge student population was well positioned to play a key role in that direction.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Assistant Director. Payment System Management Department of the CBN, Chika Ugwueze, stated that they were in the office of the VC to inform him and management of the institution of a two-day sensitisation programme on the eNaira policy which was taking place within the university.

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; new Commissioner of Police Chief Security

Officer to the President (CPSO), Aliyu Abubakar Musa; his wife, Mrs. Musa, and Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, during the Decoration of DCP Musa with rank of Commissioner of Police, held at the State House Abuja... yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY AGHAEZE

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

17TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF TRANSCORP PLC...

NEMSA Certifies 36 Electricity Meters Manufacturing Assembling Firms In-country

Removes 68,168 substandard materials

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) yesterday disclosed that it has certified 36 electricity meters and instruments manufacturing assembling companies in Nigeria to ramp up local production of the devices.

Giving a breakdown of the agency’s milestones in 2022, at the 2023 first quarter interactive session with journalists in Abuja, Managing Director and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Aliyu Tahir, explained that during the period under consideration, a total of 10,876 new electrical projects were inspected.

In addition, he stressed that 10,598 existing networks were monitored while challenges with 771 of them were resolved, while visits were made to 3,480 factories, public places and hotel.

“In all, we tested 2,576,607 electricity meters, certified 2,719 electrical personnel and renewed 6,332 in total. Also, we inspected 647 pole manufacturers in the country, removed 68,168 substandard materials and investigated 196 electrical accident sites.

Besides, Tahir noted that the agency monitored Distribution Companies (Discos) compliance level on the existing networks as well as the establishment and inauguration of the first meter generation museum/ gallery at the National Meter Test

Station, Oshodi, Lagos while those in Kaduna and Port Harcourt were awaiting inauguration.

Furthermore, he stated that NEMSA undertook the Nigerian National Accreditation System (NINAS) ISO/IEC 17024 certification process in addition to the inauguration of a task force on monitoring / evaluation of existing networks to stem the use of low quality electrical materials and equipment.

He stated that during the period under review, it conducted a roundtable for the legislature, judiciary and other stakeholders on the enforcement of technical standards, regulations and mandate of NEMSA.

“(We) carried out the training of 18 electrical engineers of NEMSA on renewable energy by GIZ, training by KAS on capacity building and certified 36 electricity meters and instruments manufacturing assembling companies in Nigeria. There was also the recertification of QMS ISO 9001:2015 to ensure all certifications of NEMSA are of international standards,” Tahir stated.

The country’s chief electrical inspector pointed out that NEMSA was building synergy among staff and between the agency and the external stakeholders in accordance with NEMSA Act, 2015, part 2 section 6(b) which empowers the agency to collaborate with other

relevant government agencies to ensure that all major electrical materials and equipment used in NEMSA are of the right quality and standard.

“This singular effort has resulted in a synergy that has led NEMSA into vital collaborations with such agencies like the Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Petroleum regulatory agencies and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“We cannot over-emphasise the positive effect of sensitisation and the need to continuously

create awareness of the mandate of NEMSA,” it added.

In line with this, NEMSA said it was building a robust publicity network that will effectively keep the public abreast of its activities, including the interactive session which has become a quarterly event.

Tahir stated that already four distribution companies namely Abuja, Ibadan, Ikeja and Eko have bee monitored by the taskforce, while this year, the monitoring exercise will continue to cover the six other distribution companies namely; Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Yola, Jos, Benin and Enugu.

“The essence of this effort is to

maintain stability in the existing electricity networks and stem the use of substandard materials, cables and equipment in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“In furtherance of this, we are embarking on the certification of electrical materials/equipment used in the power sector. We are at the moment carrying inspection and testing of electrical equipment of major importers/distributors of electrical equipment in the country.

“This is to ensure that the specification of the equipment imported into the country are in line with technical standard and extant regulation,” he stressed.

As part of our efforts for continuous sensitization and awareness of NEMSA activities, a legislative and judiciary roundtable, NEMSA said, will be organised in collaboration with frontline stakeholders in the power sector to further publicise and educate the citizens on the core mandate of NEMSA,

According to him, there is also a planned national conference on safety which is aimed at bringing together core professionals in the power sector and security agencies to chart the way forward on how to provide and deepen NEMSA's services in the areas of security, safety of lives and property in NESI.

FG Okays New Human Rights Action Plan for Nigerians

Approves N6bn for construction of

The federal government has approved the 2022-2026 Action Plan for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, disclosed this to newsmen yesterday, after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over by President Muhammadu

NBS' Rating of Ogun Justifies Abiodun's Investments in ICT, Says Media Aide

The Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Mr. Emmanuel Ojo, has attributed the rating of the state as the second highest with active mobile Internet subscriptions in Nigeria in 2022, to the deliberate developmental strides by the state government in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its recently released data, had rated Ogun, Lagos, Kano, Oyo and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as the top five states with the highest internet subscriptions in Nigeria last year

Collectively, the top five states

accounted for 33.52 per cent (51.90 million) of the total number of mobile subscriptions (154.85 million) in the country in 2022, according to the NBS data.

Ojo, in his reaction to the latest rating, described the feat recorded by the state as laudable and an indication that Abiodun-led administration intervention in ICT development as a verifiable means of driving youth empowerment is yielding dividends.

He noted that the ranking justified the conferment of Governor of the Year in Digital Economy on Abiodun by Daily Independent Newspapers.

He said, "The latest ranking, is as a result of our administration's deliberate developmental strides in the area of information and com-

munication technology advancement across the entire state, which is a veritable means of driving our youth empowerment agenda.

"You would recall that our first step towards this direction was the creation and official launch of Ogun State Tech-hub, which is an innovation hub that provides ideal conditions for entrepreneurs to collaborate, flourish and accelerate the growth of their businesses.

"The hub, using world class practices, tools, techniques and technology has vital components, including the Ogun Technopreneurship Programme (OTP) which has the crucial objective of nurturing high quality ideas in various industries to become tech-startups and Tech-SMEs.

corporate headquarters for agric ministry

Buhari, at the State House, Abuja.

According to him, the plan was formulated by stakeholders in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.

He said this followed President Buhari administration’s compliance with National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC), judgement and payment of N135 million compensation to victims and family members of the September 18, 2013 Apo six killings.

He also said the report of the committee for the protection of journalists, equally adjudging Nigeria as the only African country last year, “that has been in full compliance in terms of the protection of the rights of the journalists, taking into consideration that not a single incidence of death of a journalist has been recorded in Nigeria arising from infractions, relating thereto.”

Malami stressed that the policy was intended and targeted at consolidating and upscaling the Nigerian observance of the Human Rights posture in view of the successes and achievements of Nigeria, as it relates to human rights under the current administration.

His words: “As you will recall, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has established a record of being the first and only administration in the history of Nigeria that has indeed tolerated, accommodated and enforced the decision of the Human Rights Commission.

“And in this respect, talking of the

Apo six, taking into consideration, the commission adjudged the government as being in breach of the human rights of certain individuals popularly referred to as Apo six, which unfortunate incidents predates the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Human Rights Commission, adjudged the government liable to pay about N135 million to the family of the victims of the alleged infractions.

“The government of President Muhammadu Buhari took steps to ensure payment of the N135 million to the Apo Six in compliance with the recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission, thereby giving teeth to the Human Rights Commission in terms of compliance with the recommendation.

“You are equally aware that the committee for the protection of journalists, which is an international committee had equally adjudged Nigeria, as the only African country last year that has been in full compliance in terms of the protection of the rights of the journalists, taking into consideration that not a single incidence of death of a journalist has been recorded in Nigeria arising from infractions, relating thereto.

“Now with those local and international successes in mind, the need has now arisen for Nigeria to indeed consolidate on the gains and upscale its provision from a local observance of the protection of the human right to international standard by way of

ensuring compliance with the best practices.”

He explained that the new action plan would help prove that Nigeria was working in tandem with international best practices with regards to the protection of human rights.

“So, the essence of the presentation of the council memo today is to deliberate on the action plan, review it and seek approval for its conservation or presentation before the International Human Rights committee for the purpose of establishing the following: that Nigeria is no longer operating at a local scale in terms of the observance and promotion of human rights, but indeed upscaling its international observance to international best practices as far as the human rights, promotion and protection of human rights is concerned.

“I am happy to report that the council deliberated and the council approved the action plan presentation before the International Committee on Human Rights,” Malami further said.

FEC also at yesterday's meeting approved a request for the construction of the corporate headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Briefing newsmen after the Council’s meeting, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mahammad Abubakar, said an initial sum of N6 billion would be used to commence the construction of the new headquarters.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

L-R: President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp), Dr. Owen Omogiafo; Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, and Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Foluke Abdulrazaq, at the 17th Annual General Meeting of the listed conglomerate, held virtually... yesterday

What are some of the urgent national issues agitating your mind, at this time?

It is majorly about the President-elect who is like a father to me. I am like his son. He is someone I have known since the age of 16. He is like my grandfather’s son and they worked together at the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) before my grandfather, Pa Alfred Rewane was assassinated for fighting for democracy.

A lot of people, especially the young ones do not know what our Presidentelect has been doing since. They don’t know what NADECO stood for. They don’t know that the blood of my grandfather was shed for democracy.

What do you know about Senator Bola Tinubu who is set to become Nigeria’s next President?

What I know about our Presidentelect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that he is fond of helping people and fighting for the cause of democracy in Nigeria.

It saddens me when I hear many untrue stories being narrated about him. But he is very humble and he doesn’t react. Lagos is the third biggest cosmopolitan city. Lagos accommodates every single tribe, religion and culture. But in politics, we shouldn’t hold unto these sentiment of culture, religion and so on, but focus on the main thing.

The main problem is harmony.

There are always winners and losers in any contest and the aggrieved know where to go to seek redress. The courts are there.

The affected groups or individuals should go there instead of overheating the polity of Nigeria. We have already done the election. The election results have already been announced. Winners have already been declared and given their certificates of return. Tinubu was given the certificate of return as the President-elect to be sworn in on May 29, 2023.

What was your reaction when someone recently claiming to be a member of NADECO abroad discredited the election of the President-elect?

There are a lot of stories going around. There was this gentleman impostor that said he was part of NADECO, claiming to be Executive Director of NADECO, United States (US) chapter. Please, disregard him because I don’t know him and I am a member of NADECO family.

How did you feel when your ‘father,’ Tinubu was declared winner of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election?

I felt great and happy for Nigeria my fatherland. I felt satisfied that, eventually, Nigeria has elected someone who knows the road to political stability, economic revival, wealth creation and financial growth.

Tinubu, a known talent hunter and builder of the youths will bring all the people he has built across the globe on board to turn the country around politically, economically and financially across all the economic sectors.

He would also bring the new hands on board to join the old hands to make sure things work out well. I can tell you that for free. Nigerians, let us do this thing with him for the welfare of

the generality of the people and the generation unborn. Let us talk about the things we need and expect now amicably. We know what is going on. Don’t let us over heat the situation.

I am very ashamed of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), for allowing foreigners like the European Union (EU) to be coming to talk about our presidency or our elections. Can we do that as Nigerians in their own elections? Or go and make disparaging comments on their radio, television or their newspapers?

We have to change our mind. We are Nigerians and we have to keep our affairs to ourselves. We don’t need to believe in them, CNN or whoever. I am sorry but who

are they? People forget easily because of democracy. We need to rethink drastically and put on our patriotic cap as Nigerians. I am a Nigerian and I am very proud of it..

Don’t you remember the whole world is a global village where nations interact freely?

Remember we are an independent country. We don’t go to their country to say we want to watch elections. So many people don’t like Trump. How many people congratulated him? That does not however matter, it is neither here nor there.

Asiwaju Tinubu, the Jagaban Borgu and former Lagos State governor is our President-elect, we have congratulated him. I have congratulated him and I think that is all that matters.

Nigerians have congratulated him, the world too has congratulated him and that is fine.

But do we interfere in how other countries do their election? Do we

know about it?

NBC should not allow them here. They should keep to their countries. They should not be allowed to come here and say what they like. NBC has a challenge; the Foreign Affairs Ministry has a challenge. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has a challenge too. We should not say any bad thing about other countries. Nigerians should wake up and follow the man that knows the road. And that man is our President-elect, Asiwaju Tinubu. My general advice to our great party, the APC, is that we should shealth our sword with the belief that it is God who makes rulers and He has chosen our own for us this time and we should work along with him. No one man can totally solve all the problems of Nigeria.

No one man. Only God can pick different candidates as He so chooses at a particular period in time.

However, it is gratifying to know that, the President-elect has been saddled with what he knows how to do best regardless of what the naysayers have to say about Asiwaju Tinubu. Nobody has said he doesn’t know how to fix squabbles. Nobody has said he is not a hard worker. Nobody has said he is not an exemplary administrator. Nobody has said, he is not a 21st Century thinker.

Just look at what he did in Lagos. You will say he is the godfather of Lagos. But Lagos has the biggest economy and Lagos is one of the states being sought after. Everybody wants to go to Lagos, because Lagos is London to a lot of people.

I felt satisfied that, eventually, Nigeria has elected someone who knows the road to political stability, economic revival, wealth creation and financial growth. Tinubu, a known talent hunter and builder of the youths will bring all the people he has built across the globe on board to turn the country around politically, economically and financially across all the economic sectors

Adegbenro

Onofiok: Nigeria Needs Healing, Post-Election Reconciliation

You are chairman of house committee on judiciary and there is a saying about justice delayed is justice denied. We have had cases of having litigation spending years in court so much that sometimes, the person who is seeking redress might have died before the case ends. How do we address this issue because timely dispensation with cases in court, how do we achieve this?

We have had this challenge at the different levels of the court, from the high court, the court of appeal and the Supreme Court and within this strata of the high court, the court of appeal and the Supreme Court, there are reasons.

But one thing runs through them, it is the manpower, in the sense that we have too many cases and we have fewer hands and that is why we sort the amendment of the federal high court law, sort the amendment of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria to increase the minimum number of judges of the federal high court.

We did the same by the bills that we proposed in the court of appeal to increase the minimum number from 90 to 150 and so that we can have those courts properly manned to be able to have more panels like, what we have in some divisions is that you have only a panel in some divisions.

And so we wanted a situation that we can have up to two or three panels in each of the divisions so that, even four panels in each of the divisions so that so that they can deal with these backlog of cases.

And then in the Supreme Court also, that of the Supreme Court is, how do we reform the processes of appeal to make sure that certain cases don’t get up to supreme court that certain cases are within the court of appeal and that is the court of final jurisdiction.

And we have tried to make such proposals and it seems not to sit well with certain segments of the society who insists that it is only when you have exhausted all the means of litigation to the Supreme Court that they can now be satisfied that they have really gotten justice. And so, one is, there is need away from the manpower, there is need for us to deploy technology massively in our courts.

And thank God for what the National Judicial Council is doing under the chairmanship of the CJN and then with the Executive Secretary Ahmed Gambo doing a great work with what we call the retrofitting of courts. If you go to certain courts, you have technology deployed in those courts and with COVID we learnt lessons that we can have virtual court sittings, virtual dispensation of justice.

Part of the challenges we have with some of the inmates in correctional centres who don’t get justice is that you have challenges with the correctional services in transporting those people to court. Excuse you will hear about accused persons is, we don’t have facility to bring them to court.

So with the deployment of technology today, we can take plea of accused persons on correctional centres and if we deploy that in all the courts, that will mean a major push in the angle of justice delivery and dispensation of quick and speedy justice.

And so we need to have more budget for the judiciary and then we need to deploy technology more in our court room to; if you go to some of the court rooms here in Abuja, you will see that retrofitting, you will see that technology being deployed but we are still lacking behind. And so there is need, we have this committee in the judiciary called the Judiciary ICT committee, they are doing a great work, I think it was headed by the chief judge of Borno state and that committee is doing a great work in partnership too with the National Judicial Council to be able to train, not only to deploy this technology, there is need for us to train the judicial officers in this technology.

The other one is that here we churn out legislations year in, year out and these legislations sometimes are subjects of adjudication in court. Meanwhile we have not put in adequate efforts to train the judicial officers on this legislation.

I like what the National Shippers Council and the National Judicial Council and the National

Judicial Institute have been doing, in partnership, in training judges, having their annual judge’s maritime conference to get the judges, judicial officers abreast with the current position of the law, with the current international best practices in maritime sector.

And I have proposed this even for the PIA that we passed, so that the judicial officers can be abreast of events. Can there be a partnership between the NNPC Limited and the National Judicial Institute in the training of judicial officers in the new regime in the petroleum sector?

Even in the electoral act, I am happy that the CJN and the National Judicial Council were able to organize some training for judicial officers in the electoral act so that issues don’t become new. So there are a lot of things but the greatest thing we need is funding to be able to get this to happen and that is why I have been advocating, asking for a special intervention fund for the judiciary. We have intervention fund for the entertainment industry, we have special intervention fund for other sectors of the economy, because of the dearth on infrastructure, a normal yearly budgetary allocation will not cure this infrastructural deficit in judiciary and so we need a special intervention fund, one off fund of about 150 or 200 billion naira for the judiciary to be able to enable judiciary put things in place to meet its target.

How would you describe the conduct of the 2023 general election?

Now, I want to say this and emphatically so. We would not be where we are today, the problem we have today, the anger and post election outcome is caused by INEC.

And for one single reason, doublespeak. Doublespeak. That is where the problem lies. Now no matter what would have happened using where I voted, using the things that happened within my domain, elections were quite peaceful. Now people were awaiting the manifestation of INEC’s promises of uploading results in IREV in real time, which INEC prior to now had assured Nigerians.

I can remember sometime around November when there were rumours that INEC wants to jettison some of the things that they promised, they came out boldly to refute it and assured Nigerians that results are going to be uploaded real time online.

Now the anger of Nigerians is the inability for whatsoever reason for INEC to upload those results realtime online. Now what people are saying is that they want a reflection of what we voted on ground. That is where the problem lies. The electoral act has helped us in the last election a bit in the sense that it would curb excessive violence, relatively and comparatively with what used to happen.

It curbed a whole lot of ballot box snatching, it curtailed if at all it happened ballot papers stuffing and thumbprinting. That is why you could see the numbers, then you see a place where they say about 8, 000 people collected voters card and then you see the actual voting in that place is about 2000 to 3000 reflecting the exact voting strength of that voting area whether it is a ward or a local government or is a state or federal constituency, or senatorial district.

And so INEC had followed the electoral act

and part of the things I beat my chest for, to God be all the glory that I am part and parcel of an assembly that brought some of the reforms in the electoral process to bring in some level of credibility and transparency.

So for me, they did everything nice, at a certain point ensured the working of BVAS, ensure the availability of BVAS, ensure timely arrival of voting materials and then ensure that tested hands were used as adhoc staff, but at the point of collation and uploading of results is where INEC missed it and that is where everybody is having challenges.

But for me, a winner has emerged and cases are in court. Let us allow the law and constitution to take its course. Let us now turn our energy to the courts and allow the government to function.

I am part of the people that are kicking against the interim government. It will not portend any good for us. Let the president- elect be sworn in and start his administration and let the courts do justice.

Whatsoever is the outcome, we have to begin a healing process. This country has been divided. And we talked about INEC and the outcome of this electoral process. We keep talking about trust deficit on the part of Nigerians and now how do we expect Nigerians to continue to have trust in us, when we say one thing and do the other.

The problem today is that trust is nose diving. We are going to the highest level of trust deficit in governance because of the doublespeak of the political class.

You mentioned the healing process. It has to start, now want to ask you questions on the formation of leadership of the 10th assembly, even though you are not going to be part of it. Where would you want the pendulum to swing to in your own estimation?

The post-election comments by political actors are not helping the healing of this country on all sides. We should minimize such comments. They are very inciting and those comments are sometimes very hurtful and they lack decency. I wonder what they would tell their children with the kind of political communications they come on radio and TV to spew. It does not encourage growth.

Let us rally around the president-elect. Asiwaju Tinubu has emerged as the president elect. I am an absolute believer in the will of God. It is the will of God that he has emerged. Let’s rally around him and see how we can make the country move on and become better. And then those who are pursuing cases in court let us allow Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, Sowore and the rest to continue to pursue the election petitions at the court.

But let us begin to put our hands together and move this country forward. We are in a crisis. Our reputation is not good in the international community and we have domestic issues, economic issues.

These issues need to be addressed as soon as possible. We have challenges in the health, security, education sectors. We have challenges with the economy and the oil and gas sector. Let us see how we can pull ourselves from this crisis and rally around the president elect and move forward and then allow the cases to go on in court. I am not a member of the APC but I am a Nigerian.

I want peace. I want us to move forward as a country

Then you talked about the National Assembly healing. First I don’t like making religious comments publicly because it is a very sensitive issue in this country but as somebody of a Christian faith who believes in my faith just like I respect the faith of others, I think it is fair and just. God did not make a mistake in bringing all of us in this country. God brought us together ethnic wise, religious wise to cooperate and co-exist as one. So if we have had a Muslim Muslim ticket, right now the position of the Senate President should go to a Christian. Let us have the number three position in this country to go to a Christian.

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

Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Hon. Luke Onofiok, in this interview with Udora Orizu speaks on salient issues including national judicial reforms and the need for the incoming President to pursue post-election reconciliation as a way to move the nation forward.

Onofiok

Whatsoever is the outcome, we have to begin a healing process. This country has been divided. And we talked about INEC and the outcome of this electoral process. We keep talking about trust deficit on the part of Nigerians and now how do we expect Nigerians to continue to have trust in us, when we say one thing and do the other. The problem today is that trust is nose diving. We are going to the highest level of trust deficit in governance because of the doublespeak of the political class

Analysing FMBN’S Affordable Housing Interventions

Terhemen Ikyaave

Housing is a fundamental human need and plays a critical role in national development, productivity, economic development, and social cohesion. Adequate housing is a prerequisite for a healthy, safe, and productive life, and it is essential for individuals and families to have a place to call home.

A decent home provides a secure and stable environment for individuals and families to live, work, and raise their children. Proper housing can help to prevent the spread of diseases, reduce infant mortality rates, and improve mental health outcomes.

In addition to providing shelter and promoting good health, housing is also critical to the productivity of a nation's workforce. Adequate housing helps to reduce absenteeism, increases worker productivity, and improves overall job satisfaction.

Access to affordable housing is also essential in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce, which is essential for economic growth. According to Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, "A decent home is the foundation for every person to build a better life, and for every society to achieve greater stability and economic prosperity."

Despite the importance of housing in national development, Nigeria still faces a housing shortage. The country has a housing deficit of over 17 million units, and this deficit is expected to increase significantly due to population growth and urbanization. The majority of Nigerians live in sub-standard housing, with many households lacking basic amenities such as running water, electricity, and sanitation facilities.

The state of housing development in Nigeria is further complicated by a lack of access to affordable housing finance. High interest rates, low penetration of long-term financing options, and a nascent mortgage system have made it challenging for low-income households to access affordable housing finance. As a result, many Nigerians are forced to live in informal settlements, which lack basic services and are often prone to natural disasters and health hazards.

How FMBN is Making a Difference

To help address this challenge, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is playing a remarkable role in getting Nigerians within the low to medium income brackets to own their homes on very convenient and affordable terms. For over 29 years, FMBN has pursued its mandate with vigor and recorded significant achievements. Statistics show that the Bank has deployed over N386.9bn towards affordable housing development. Key results include constructing over 36,617 affordable housing units, providing over 24,006 home loans, and providing over 103,809 home renovation loans. In terms of making homes possible, the case

of Nnamdi Nwachukwu provides a good illustration. He is a proud beneficiary of a three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow at Anthem estate in Gwagwalada, an FMBN funded project under the Ministerial Pilot Housing Scheme (MPHS). The Ministerial Pilot Housing Scheme (MPHS) is a collaboration between the FMBN and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to provide affordable housing for public sector workers, particularly civil servants, by offering them mortgage financing at a single-digit interest rate. For Anthem Estate, the Ministry provided land while FMBN created mortgages for beneficiaries.

As a contributor to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, which the Bank manages and uses to mobilize cheap and long term funds through monthly contributions from workers salaries, Bar. Nwachukwu was able to secure the 3-bedroom bungalow at the cost N11.5M using an FMBN NHF Mortgage Loan. He has until he is 60-years to conveniently pay back the facility in monthly instalments at a single-digit interest rate of 6 per cent.

“Houses are very expensive. Like where I stay in Gwagwalada, a two bedroom goes for N500 - N650K depending on how well it is built. So, I decided that instead of investing so much renting a house, it would have been better for me to raise the equity and get a house of my own,” Nwachukwu said.

“The monthly payment plan is convenient. To make it easier, I decided to pay N2.8M, which is more than the required 10 percent equity. This means I only have to pay about N60,000 monthly, which is okay by me. This for me is a good way to own my home without having to spend so much at once,” he added.

The Rent to Own Leverage

Another representative story is that of Mr. Mohammed Abacha, a staff of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, is also a happy owner of a beautiful one-bedroom fully detached bungalow, which he got through the FMBN under very affordable and convenient terms.

As a contributor to the NHF Scheme, Abacha secured the house at the cost of N3.7 million only under the FMBN rent-to-own product. This means he paid no equity to secure the property and will conveniently pay towards full ownership

of the property in monthly instalments at only a 7 percent interest rate per annum.

Because the house was spacious and he had a large family, he decided to make modifications to the house.

“What motivated me to renovate is because of the large family I have and secondly because of the space I saw in the house. I converted it to three bedrooms and also built a boy’s quarters. The little renovation I did is only the extension of the parlor we are in now. I now have at least two parlors, at least,” he said.

The house now accommodates his large family and Abacha does not have to worry that a landlord might increase the rent.

“Initially, I lived in a rented apartment with my ten children. Honestly, I suffered a lot along the line because even for you to raise the annual payment, you know landlords keep on pushing for you to give them payments. I always imagined if I am still in a rented apartment. I may not be able to pay the rent,” he added.

The best part for Abacha is the repayment arrangement. He said it would not affect his life in any way.

“Actually, the mode of payment is very convenient. An ordinary civil servant will not feel the pains of paying the amount. They changed the scheme to rent-to-own. There was no equity which is the greatest challenge civil servants are facing presently for them to raise for the primary mortgage banks for them to own a house but in our case, we didn’t give a single kobo for us to own a house,” he noted.

Making Dreams Come True, Steadily

The story is the same for several families in the South West who are leveraging the NHF to make that transition from renting to owning their homes.

An example is Mr. & Mrs. Raheem Adebisi a young couple who are proud owners of a 3-bedroom flat at the FMBN funded 160-housing unit Danbide Estate in Ogun State. As contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, Mr. & Mrs.

Raheem were able to get the property at the cost of N8.7million NHF Mortgage loan from FMBN to purchase the house. They have up to 30 years to pay back the loan from at an interest rate of 6 per annum.

“Getting a house through FMBN saved us from Omonile wahala. We have peace of mind and are not under pressure to pay back,” Mr. Raheem Adebisi.

“One of my business partners introduced us to the scheme. Like many people, at first, we didn’t even believe it will work and it took us a long time to initiate the process. Eventually we made the application and after that paid the ten percent equity for the house. After several months we were able to receive the keys to the house. For the price and the terms, the wait was worth it,” he added.

We are also happy with the repayment plan. We pay a little instalment which is taken from our monthly salary. It’s affordable because we have some money left to pay our other bills and convenient because we are living in our own home without the hassle of landlord rent every year.

In Nasarawa, Mrs. Edna Hassan, a staff of Belhatu Arab Specialist Hospital, Lafia is also a proud owner of a 3-bedroom fully detached bungalow. She leveraged her membership of a Cooperative Society at her place of work to access the FMBN NHF Mortgage loan to purchase the 3-bedroom bungalow at the cost of N7.8 million.

“I feel joyous, I feel happy because, at least, I am going to be a landlady. Instead of the burden of paying exorbitant rents, what will be deducted from my salary to pay back will not stress me. It is convenient for me. I am glad that I joined the NHF Scheme,” Hassan said.

“Using a mortgage from FMBN to own my home is convenient and I find it affordable. The payment has been spread over several years and what will be deducted from my monthly salary will not stress me,” she declared.

The housing challenge remains huge. However, FMBN’s interventions are making a steady difference in the lives of thousands.

The new Management led by Madu Hamman has stepped up efforts to optimize the operations of the Bbank to enable it to make the most of available resources while seeking out innovative ways to bolster its impact.

By wielding a dynamic strategy that blends provision of affordable housing construction finance to developers plus long term, single digit, zero-maximum ten percent equity and rent to own options, the Bank is hitting the bull’s eye when it pertains affordable housing delivery.

This should be sustained, and government should make haste to increase its capitalization to enable it to scale its operations. This is because housing is a critical component of national development, productivity, economic development, and social cohesion and the bank is well positioned to make the required national impact if adequately empowered.

Hamman

Woodhill Estate, an FMBN funded housing estate for low-medium income earners in Kuje, on the outskirts of Abuja

The housing challenge remains huge. However, FMBN’s interventions are making a steady difference in the lives of thousands. The new Management led by Madu Hamman has stepped up efforts to optimize the operations of the bank to enable it to make the most of available resources while seeking out innovative ways to bolster its impact

The Tsunami of Change

Change, as the saying goes, is the only constant. In eighteen (18) months, I will reach the age which goes with the popular saying that a fool at 40 is a fool for life. As a teen, I thought 40 was a million miles away, but here's the reality: my circle of influence and acquaintances are all between the ages of 35 and 42.

The bottom line is that I have lived in this country, my father's land, my entire life and have not witnessed the recent political dynamics. I will never forget that as a social science and art student in high school, I took government and history as subjects in my senior secondary. Half of the names mentioned and those I read in my books have been prominent figures in Nigerian politics for a while. Fast forward to my graduating from the university, serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and entering the corporate world to establish a career; those names continue to drive national affairs. It then gives me worries about the popular theory that 'Tomorrow's leaders are the youth.' Which tomorrow? One is forced to ask.

While my generation grew older with each passing year, Nigeria's political fathers appeared to grow stronger and claimed to be ageless. When Nigeria reverted to democracy in 1999, I recall vividly overhearing someone being hailed with the phrase "youth leader" while walking with my father. I turned to see the person known as the youth leader, who was older than my father, who was in his late forties at the time. This man was appointed as the youth leader of our political ward by the ruling political party at the time. I made a joke about it with my father, and it became a daily ritual when we cracked jokes in our house.

This has been the order of affairs as far as politics is concerned in Nigeria. The elders have not thought or felt there is a need to groom or mentor the growing generations behind them. Neither have they thought that they should recede and watch them drive the politics while they give useful guidance and counsel.

In all these acts of suppression, as they can be perceived, it is important to know that when the time of birth comes for an ideology or movement, nothing stops it, no matter the forces. It may only take a while,

just like the smoke from a fire that cannot be tamed for too long.

2020 was the year that all the fuming anger in the lives of the youth (my generation) reached its brim and busted like an ocean that overflowed its banks. This ranged from the disappointment expressed during the COVID-19 lockdown when palliatives donated as goodwill to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians were piled in unknown warehouses across the country and manned by government agencies, institutions, or political office holders.

To date, I have not run into anyone or know a family member that got those palliatives.

A little after that era, when stability was being restored as people moved on with the partial lifting of the lockdown, the mother of all protests, tagged #EndSARS in modern-day Nigeria, erupted. It was fuelled by incessant and increased police brutality against young Nigerians. It was a positive cause to restore the faith and hope of the average Nigerian. While the protest persisted without giving up, the government authorities kept mute and provided no response to the yearnings of those they took an oath to govern. Soon, things snowballed and the protest was hijacked by a sect that thought only of what they get today, thereby undermining the long future ahead of them.

The hijack resulted in a lotof casualties, including the loss of youth (human) lives and the destruction of state-owned and private facilities. This story and its aftermath are common knowledge. It took time for the youths to recover from their ordeal, but the fallen soldiers were undoubtedly the price paid to champion a single course of restoring my generation's hope.

As the clock ticked daily, the concerned Nigerians (youths) painstakingly longed in their hearts for a messiah who is not necessarily a saint but who understands and feels their pain and agony as an ordinary man in the trenches.

While that journey to a new Nigeria started, all eyes looked into the near future to usher in the election year 2023. Ahead of the election year, candidates lined up for the primary elections of their parties

to clinch the ticket to the apex seat of the president of Nigeria. Painfully, the ’gods’ or ‘living ancestors’ still did not give a chance for the younger (mid-old) politicians to pick up the party tickets especially from the two leading political parties. This act infuriated my generation, and in boldness, a tweet was addressed to the ‘hope’ of the youths after he lost the ticket of the major opposition party.

Days after the primaries, the proposed hope of the youth resigned from his political party, and in another week or so, he declared to run for president under a minority political party. This was where the dynamics changed. This birthed the people’s army, the army of hope for the nation.

Pre-election in Nigeria is associated with politicians pretending to be people-oriented by jumping on acts of going to the trenches to eat and dine with poor people. They do this shamelessly, even parting with mint (new naira notes), taking advantage of the people's lack to entice them with their immediate needs. Soon, the people accept these items not because they satisfy their needs or meet their expectations, but because they want to live for the moment, bearing in mind that tomorrow will sort itself out.

When the people’s choice surfaced and began to speak up at public forums, dripping statistics and speaking on the way up to restoring a lost country, conventional politics made fun of the people and their choice. They laughed like the biblical account of Sambalat and Tobiah, who laughed at Nehemiah when he was rebuilding the walls of the temple that lay in ruins in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:1–23). They referred to my entire generation as ‘four people tweeting from a room.’ Oh, what an effrontery.

Daily, the tempo increased, people screamed aloud, and jumped on the most used hashtag in the history of modern Nigeria. This became a song on the lips of both old and young; rich and poor; at home and abroad. The movement was not ethnocentric, nor was it religious-centric. It was a call for the actual change from the abnormal that has become the normal. It was the power of the people to truly

take their destiny into their hands.

This movement coursed through the nooks and crannies of the country and across territorial boundaries like a tsunami that even transformed into a wildfire. As the elections came, against their disbelief and overconfidence, we turned out in large numbers. For the first time in my 39 years, I walked three (3) kilometres, amounting to 4,224 steps, to my Poling Unit (PU). I felt the joy of going to make my vote count for my choice because I had longed to see the old generation take the back seat while we steer the ship and make our mistakes. Under the sun and in the rain, at different PUs across the country, we stood and voted. This is what we did because of the assurance of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) commissioned to drive the voting process and instant upload of results. This was a game changer, we thought, and we went all out to make it happen.

Just like it happened during the #EndSARS protest of October 2020, when the good cause was hijacked, our passion and sacrifice were hijacked even at the most technical and highestlevel right before our eyes. For days, my heart and that of many Nigerians fainted as we wrestled in our thoughts how our effort was washed into the drains. The outcome of the February elections, we consider as the first leg of a champion’s league knock-out stage game. Of course, the second leg will come, and we would be more resilient because it is no longer a one man's show. It is now about Nigerians and not a “sect”.

This is not going to be the end of us. A tsunami does not wane in the blink of an eye. It roars, and its effects are felt even in the innermost layers of the earth crust. This is the courage that we have. We are not giving up the hope of a better Nigeria that we will bequeath to our growing and unborn children. It is not the time to quit because we are getting close to the end of the tunnel. This is the time to be further resilient and demonstrate love for the fatherland; it is a time to stand strong in the spirit of one nation so that we all can indeed enjoy the hay days our fathers enjoyed in the 1960s and 1970s.

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RATES AS AT APRIL 26,2023

Despite Perceived Delay, NIGCOMSAT Optimistic about Second Communication Satellite Launch

Emma Okonji

With barely three years to the end of the lifespan of Nigeria’s communication satellite, NigComSat-1R, that was launched into space in 2011, the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), the government agency managing satellite communication in Nigeria, is optimistic that the country will launch a second communication satellite called NigComSat-2 before 2026, which is the effective date for the end of the 15 years lifespan of NigComSat-1R.

The NigComSat-1R communication satellite was

launched into space on December 19, 2011 as a replacement satellite to NigComSat-1 that was launched in 2007.

After the launch of NigComSat-1 in May 2007, it operated in space for only 18 months, before it was badly affected by space solar radiation, which led to its de-orbiting by November 10, 2008.

Three years after NigComSat-1 was de-orbited, NIGCOMSAT launched NigComSat-1R as a replacement satellite, which has 15 years lifespan.

By 2026, the lifespan of NigComSat-1R will come to a dead end and Nigerians are worried as to when NIGCOMSAT will launch

a second communication satellite.

When asked about the development, the Project Manager at NIGCOMSAT, Danjuma Ibrahim Ndhghidha, told THISDAY that NIGCOMSAT was on course to launch another communication satellite with higher capacity and better performance than NigComSat-1R.

According to him, “NIGCOMSAT is aware that NigComSat-1R will soon reach the end of its 15 years lifespan and we are working towards the launch of NigComSat-2, which is a High Throughput Satellite with higher capacity and better performance than NigComSat-1R.”

Although Ndhghidha did not disclose the expected date for the second satellite, he however said the final bidder for the contract to build the satellite would come from either China or France or America.

Both NigComSat-1 and NigComSat-1R were built in China by the China Great Wall Industry Incorporation (CGWIC) and launched from China, but the contractor was not successful with NigComSat-1 communication satellite, hence NigComSat-1R was launched again in 2011.

Experts have however clarified that the majority of the satellites or rockets launched into space, were

not actually successful. According to expert views, some may survive for few months while others will crash few hours after take-off from ground level.

Last week, SpaceX’s Starship rocket, which is an orbital satellite, crashed and exploded four minutes after it took-off from ground level in Texas, United States.

Starship is the biggest satellite ever in the world, which SpaceX that was founded by Elon Musk has been developing for the past decade.

Although it was a failed launch like several other satellites, Elon Musk counted it as huge success for it to have been assembled and

launched from ground level. He said great lessons were learnt from the explosion, and that another satellite would be launched in coming months.

It was gathered that Elon Musk, who owned Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, operated by SpaceX, had planned to use Starship satellite to deliver satellite internet connectivity in Nigeria, having being licensed in Nigeria to offer fast internet service, via satellite.

SpaceX’s Starlink went live in Nigeria on January 31, making Nigeria the first African country to receive internet connectivity, via the satellite.

Ericsson: Future of Work Will Depend on Emerging T echnology Tools

A new report by Ericsson

Consumer IndustryLab, has examined how employees and employers would navigate the current work environment as well as their views on the future

of work, shaped by the COVID19 pandemic, digitalisation and the fluctuating labour market.

The report findings showed that the future of work would be increasingly dependent on ICT solutions from emerging technologies such as high-speed

mobile connectivity among others.

According to the report, titled, “Future of Work Life,” almost half of the employees in the study (48 per cent) said they enjoyed increased flexibility at work. 52 per cent considered flexible work hours or locations as key

requirements, and 25 per cent said flexibility would be the top priority for them, if they would start to look for a new job.

“Doing work rather than going to work is seen as central in this new way of thinking about work life. Employers need to embrace

digitalisation and flexible workforce management, and this can be done by creating a workplace of the future that supports human collaboration, simplifies work and values employee input in decision making,” the report said.

Key findings of the report

showed that flexibility is the new work life currency. Employees predict flexibility as a future employment need as hybrid work continues to be the norm as 25 per cent of the global working

Continued on page 27

Emma Okonji

www.thisdaylive.com

NOW THAT TINUBU IS BACK HOME

The president-elect should begin to put his team together, says EHIMARE EBHOHIMHEN

THE PROGRESSION OF ELECTORAL RASCALITY

See page 25

TRANSFORMING INTENTS OF CASHLESS POLICY

The policy is intended to promote an efficient payment system and increase transparency in financial dealings, argues ABIODUN ADEBIYI

“Kleptocracy, corruption, injustice, dirty politics, unscrupulous political movers, patronage politics, destructive and corrupt political dynasties, and impunity have found perpetual happiness in the Pearl of the Orient Seas. There are so many endless questions: What have you done? What are you going to do? Will silence, apathy, vindictiveness, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, psychological abuse and economic kleptocracy, corruption, injustice and impunity? When will you ever genuinely decolonise your mind from colonial mentality? Will you live and work upholding truth and honesty as you continue to help strengthen the country’s collective memory of various factual incidents in history without being politically biased? Are you one of those who committed revisionism, cancelling out, discrediting others, peddled disinformation, calumny, gossip-mongering, fear-mongering, destructive lies, group political narcissist bullying, harassing, blaming, gloating, provoking, sabotaging, intimidating, threatening, abusing others as you are more loyal to a political party than the truth? Will there be honest public servants and honest lawmakers?

Because with honesty as a top living value, in society. Are you willing to help minimise, stop and eliminate corruption, violence, injustice and impunity?

Are you going to be one of those honest voices for the voiceless without breaking the law? Are you going to help hold accountable those thieves, perpetrators, scammers, and corrupt members of society without breaking the law? I have so many nagging questions, but I shall always end it with these: Will you be honest in every deal?

See page 25

EDITORIAL GROWING DEBTS AMID WORSENING INDICES

How hard is it to be truthful? Will you uphold the truth and justice? Do the fact and truth whisper to your conscience? Then, are you willing to honestly listen to it and move toward the right, lawful and humane actions?” - “Solo la verità è bella Trilogy”, by Angelica Hopes Onestopia, a Swiss/Italian/Filipino author.

Angelica Hopes could well have written with the Nigerian political space in her fertile mind. But that’s the power of creativity and the communality, often understated, of the human race. Those rhetorical questions ought to prick the seekers and occupiers of of character, as things stand. The fact that people do actually throw away morality and common sense in their pursuit of public positions, trample on their own conscience and, eventually, abuse general interests should bother everyone. Unfortunately, that’s how many political elites are wired.

The country has just gone through series of elections and in a month’s time, the winners will be sworn in while placing their right hands on either the Bible or Quran, in most cases. Ordinarily, May 29, 2023 should witness solemn change-of-baton ceremonies across Nigeria. That is if we choose to forget the blunt but instructive words of the late strongman of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, who once counselled that unless

one was prepared to place his hand on the holy books and lie with a straight face, he or she wasn’t ready for Nigerian politics. So, many of those who will either assume another term or take over from the present occupants in Abuja and most state capitals, will do so mindful of the unholy battles that led to their declared victories. Even the losers, many of whom cannot claim clean hands, will be saddled with various degrees of regret, bitterness and plots to shorten the jubilation of those pronounced winners by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

As expected, the 2023 federal and state elections and their outcomes have reaped both favourable and depreciative reactions. If the unprecedented lukewarm atmosphere that followed the conclusion of the presidential poll, the chunk of the comments of local and international observers and, more recently, the drama surrounding the supplementary election in Adamawa State are to be admitted as credible parameters, this year hasn’t advanced the cause of our democratic journey meaningfully. Yes, the nation has gone through the ritual of electioneering and balloting, but those processes have produced more posers, in the mould of Angelica Hopes’, than the much-needed reassurance that we’re truly on the path to a virile, more enduring democracy. Instead, ours is now a one-step-forward-two-steps-backward motion. For some persons, there’s nothing to worry about this conundrum. To them, the right attitude is that of “whatever will be will be.” But, for me, fatalism or sheer resignation is certainly not the way to go as human beings are imbued with the capacity to organise themselves deliberately and productively, if they so desire.

Soon, drums will be rolled out to encourage the people to dance and forget their sorrows, to embrace the “dawn of a new era”, to wish away the grave misdeeds that took place at many locations in the federation only few weeks back, and hope for transformation at fast, in my opinion. This is not to suggest that the culture of simply moving on to other things even when critical incidents and events have not been adequately addressed, or the state of being overwhelmed by too many contending issues is peculiar to Nigeria. Especially when things happen in quick succession, there is the tendency to get used to or gloss over them. Psychological responses, like living in denial, can even then

itself fairly permanently and comfortably in such descriptions, however, may in truth already be in bed with retrogression and selfdefeat.

The Adamawa debacle, for instance, shouldn’t be rushed into the pages of history. Here’s why, partly. The INEC, still down with the burden of proving its competence, neutrality and optimal performance, swore that it had learnt enough from the yawning loopholes of the February 25 and March 18 polls and was ready to creditably superintend over the April 15 follow-up outings. Many Nigerians won’t forget too quickly that the electoral umpire did attract to itself very negative criticisms; some exaggerated, others well-earned. But one refreshing moment during that exercise was when the commission stepped out promptly to cancel the rogue declaration of Aishatu “Binani” Dahiru of the All Progressives Alliance (APC) as the winner of the gubernatorial election. The INEC shouldn’t be denied that trophy as that move averted a potentially combustible situation.

The actions of the undisputed leadvillain of that breach, Hudu Yunusa Ari, erstwhile Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), who unlawfully made that ill-fated pronouncement, have since placed him in Nigeria’s political history’s hall of infamy. Even as ignominious as that is, it’s not satisfactory, if we want to take ourselves seriously. For usurping the constitutional all the relevant entries and with subterfuge, what Ari did was a coup, a treasonable of commensurate consequences that must include forceful arrest, psychiatric and intoxication tests, thorough investigations and speedy judicial procedures. Nearly two weeks after committing the crime, he is still on the run.

The stories of the protests that resulted from the primaries that weekend in Imo, Bayalsa and Kogi states, in preparation for the governorship polls later in November, were somehow overshadowed by the ones that came out of Adamawa. Kogi’s account was particularly pathetic and daring. While the APC leaders and members in the east and west senatorial zones were waiting for the event to commence, they heard the announcement of the winner. It appears their only option now is to seek redress in court, which could prove to be a tortuous journey to nowhere.

If much of what the nation gets after a quarter of a century into the present republic is a harvest of blatant transgressions of relevant voting laws, we must look inwardly urgently and be determined to act decisively to retreat from the brink.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

While awaiting the transition of political power, Nigerians should confront impunity, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

If much of what the nation gets after a quarter of a century into the present republic is a harvest of blatant transgressions of relevant voting laws, we must look inwardly urgently and be determined to act decisively to retreat from the brink

NOW THAT TINUBU IS BACK HOME

get to brass tasks to tie up knotty issues and other loose ends that will make his government get cracking from day one. He certainly must begin to look beyond the pomp and revelry that will dog his swearing-in on May 29th. Not daunted by the huge responsibility of leading Nigeria, Tinubu, an acclaimed political war horse, “I’m happy to be back. I have rested, I’m refreshed and I’m ready for the task ahead… Forget about what the rumour mill may

TRANSFORMING INTENTS OF CASHLESS POLICY

the tempo of these gains. In the next few days, he should be wrapping up the array of capable hands including some outgoing governors that will make his list to wean

out to all irrespective of parties, with his olive branch, he should also leap forward by bending backward to head hunt brilliant tasks of building a more prosperous country. While we grant him his indulgence of always grooming talents, Tinubu may at this point not be looking for rookies or persons who’ll be coming to learn the ropes because disappoint the expectations of the citizenry.

the cashless policy is not exactly a Godwin in 2012 and not a new initiative as such.

gave it a life of its own in line with the apex bank’s strategy to eradicate fraudulent activities in the Nigerian banking system.

have told you. I’m strong, very strong,” he reassured the large crowd of supporters that welcomed him at the presidential wing of France.

Tinubu said he had been consulting and planning with a view to putting together a strong team so he could hit the ground

“I am extremely excited to be back home and deeply humbled by the warm welcome

Thank you all for your love and support. Our promise to deliver a nation of Renewed Hope for all Nigerians remains in motion,” he later tweeted.

To avoid the pitfalls, indecisiveness, and

to constitute a cabinet, Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor and an astute political player, should be ready with not just a list of his principal aides but also his ministerial list. Thank God, his job is well cut out as a

specks for not being sensitive to the ethnoreligious cum regional divides of the country in making his appointments, particularly that of his security chiefs, but his administration has made huge gains in the area of infrastructure-roads and railway development and has committed more funds to those areas including healthcare, education, and housing than any government since 1999. inherited and abandoned projects, the unlocked public and private sector the Highway Development Management Initiative (HDMI), the Sovereign Wealth raised close to a billion dollars), and the The ball is now in Tinubu’s court to raise

Those ministers who have carried out their tasks exceptionally well under the present government should not be allowed to leave in a hurry. He should for instance endeavor to retain poster ministers of the Fashola who has worked hard to drive the road projects and got contractors on their toes. Since the exit of former Transport of work on the railways appears to have dimmed. This is the time for realism and getting the work done and not one for vain political expeditions. Tinubu must, therefore, reach out to energetic and highly resourceful persons who will deliver democratic dividends to the citizenry like yesterday.

He needs ministers who will get familiar with brass tasks from day one. The numerous ongoing road projects across the country including vital highway projects like

amongst others will require close monitoring and supervision. Tinubu requires a point man with a vigor that saw the completion of 2.055-kilometer Loko-Oweto bridge across Kaduna-Kano expressways. In the same way, he needs a minister who’s very familiar with the strive to begin construction of the kickstart the groundbreaking event to build to link the western to the eastern parts of the country.

I’m not sure there are any laws that say in June to push forward his list of ministers

Tinubu has nothing to fear as the present Senate not only boasts of his loyalists in the

One pressing task as Tinubu settles down may be the need to avert the brewing feverish contest for leadership of the aspirants reaching for the cudgels, from snowballing into another ethno-regional crisis. Tinubu should prevail on aspirants not only to sheath their swords but also tone down their rhetoric and accept the ruling on the issue. Ebhohimhen

Sadly, naysayers misinterpreted the noble motives that were not part of the policy at the time it was enunciated and now that it is being implemented. The allegation that the policy at some political and or business interests was clothed with mischief by those who had over at eradicating.

explained that the policy was not intended as a strategy to disenfranchise businesses as being speculated by a section of the Nigerian public.

The cashless policy and the Naira redesigning policy, were all well thought out and consolidate on the gains of Nigeria being a leader in digital payments and reala segment of Nigerians applauded the policies, others raised concerns, particularly the underserved and rural communities in Nigeria.

Further justifying the cashless policy, out an in-depth analysis of over-the-counter intra-bank cash transactions over 12 months (November 2021- October 2022) to assess the impact of the policy on the generality of citizens. He said the outcome showed that a below the maximum thresholds indicated under the extant cashless policy and was, thus, not subject to the cash processing charges.

He added, “It is worthy to note that 94.04 per cent and 62.63 per cent, respectively, of volume and value of cash transactions by individuals were below the threshold while 82.36 per cent and 39.38 per cent of the volume and value of cash transactions by corporates was below the threshold.

He averred that the full adoption of cashless policy is in line with the Section 2 (d) and payment system that will end charges incurred from cash processing often passed on to reduce fraudulent activities including ransom payments, extortion and cyber fraud.

September 17, 2019 titled, Re: Implementation

September 18, lodgment of cash by individuals that is above N500,000 will attract three per cent processing fees for withdrawal and two per cent processing fees for lodgments. For corporate bodies, it said, withdrawal or deposit above N3 or three per cent processing fees respectively.

Even the worst critics of the policy will, in all fairness, admit that it has achieved some the banks in the light of the troubling activities of fraudsters especially criminals in the extortion and kidnapping for ransom business.

The redesigning of the N1, 000, N500 and N200 notes and the nationwide implementation of the cashless policy were both intended to further sustain the achievements in the payment system. This was in line with the quest to foster that would be the pride of all Nigerians and the envy of the world.

The payment system, its digital component in particular, following the successes it achieved in the country, Nigeria has been adjudged payments leader, with over 3.7 billion real-time

has further spurred policy innovation that has system participants, transaction channels, and

The cash withdrawal policy that followed was neither targeted at any segment of the society nor intended to disenfranchise hardworking Nigerian citizens and bank was committed to the implementation of transformational payments and mandate. This was just as he assured that implementation of its monetary policies feedback received.

Justifying the naira redesign policy, way in mopping up currency outside the banking system, thereby ensuring more reliable data on money supply, which will in turn facilitate better monetary policy

In addition, he said that the policy would boost the appreciation of the naira, as the higher denomination and the volume of banknotes outside the banking system used to speculate on the currency would reduce. Even more importantly, according to as the large volumes of cash used to pay ransom to bandits/terrorists are no longer easily available. He explained, “It will assist would rein in the higher denominations used for this purpose and the movement of such funds from the banking system could be tracked easily.”

In his opinion, “Despite the dominance of highly advanced payment systems, many countries carried out currency redesign to remain ahead of counterfeiters, ensure cost of currency management, among other reasons.On the revised cash withdrawal not unmindful of the concerns raised in response to the new cash withdrawal necessary adjustments to ensure wider public acceptance of the policy.

The president-elect should begin to put his team together, says EHIMARE EBHOHIMHEN

The policy is intended to promote an efficient payment system and increase transparency in financial dealings, argues ABIODUN ADEBIYI

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

GROWING DEBTS AMID WORSENING INDICES

Indiscriminate borrowing has become a serious threat to the economy

economic growth and

Letters to the Editor

confronted with the danger

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

LETTERS

The critical challenge is in lack of prudence at practically all levels of government. There is no conscious effort to cut down on expenditure either by the federal government or by the 36 states

Boost for Nigeria’s Advertising Industry

Until a few years ago, the ambition of an average Nigerian agency was to get a mention in global rating.

The last 14 years appear to be the defining moments for the industry because of the global attraction a few agencies and practitioners have received. From DDB to Noah’s Ark, Insight to X3M Ideas, the global feats being recorded have been encouraging, considering the long years of aspiration.

For instance, in 2012, one of the creative works from DDB Lagos, won ‘Luerzer’s Archive Print Ad of the Week. But in recent times, two Nigerian agencies; Noah’s Ark and X3M Ideas, seem to be re-writing the nation’ s advertising story with the works and accomplishments of their founders.

In 2018, Nigeria’s advertising industry received global applause and recognition when Noah’s Ark, hauled three major awards at the Loeries Creative Week held in Durban, South Africa. Same year, the agency’s Chief Creative Officer Lanre Adisa, emerged the first Nigerian to make the list of Juries for the world’s biggest Advertising Festival-the Cannes Lions Festival. Around the same time, X3M Ideas, also brought a spur to campaigns and marketing communications in Globacom as it recorded three awards at the African Cristal Advertising Festival, held in Marrakech, Morocco. The three awards coming courtesy of X3M TV commercial tagged ‘Unmatched’ won in the categories of Media, Telecoms and Brand Entertainment, for content in TV/ cinema and coasted home with a bronze for each category. The agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Steve Babaeko was also on a panel at the Cannes Lion International Festival, held two months ago. He was also on the jury of the New York Advertising Festival in 2016, 2017 and 2018, as well as a judge at The Loerie Awards in 2017.

THE REPORT

In collaboration with the West Africa Research Centre (WARC), 2022 Good Report released its global report and listed a campaign by X3M Ideas as among the best 40 most successful campaigns promoting good causes. The Good Report is produced in collaboration with WARC, worldwide authority on marketing effectiveness and publisher of the WARC Creative 100 Rankings, a global benchmark of creative excellence in advertising.

With the tagline, Best campaigns, agencies, and advertisers promoting Good, the organisers stated in their mission statement that they believe that, “Advertising has a major responsibility in educating and

raising awareness, and we are proud to celebrate the campaigns that best fulfill this role. These campaigns allow important messages and values to reach larger sections of the public, and therefore deserve to be celebrated, which is why we created The Good Report.”

THE PROCESS

According to the rewarding institution, the corpus covers all social and environmental campaigns created for a non-profit, public sector or commercial brand identified during the year by the publication’s editorial team.

The Good Report ranking is calculated by combining: the results of the WARC Creative 100, the global benchmark for creative excellence (scoring the campaign’s performance in awards shows.

ACT Responsible initiatives including; great Ads for good exhibition, care awards, one minute of responsibility, TV program – all Tributes (public vote)

and Good Ad Gallery views.

The publication emphatically stated that, “There are no complicated categories or criteria, just great work for good! In 2022, a total of 1029 campaigns produced by 658 agencies for 897 advertisers (non-profit, public sector, and commercial brands) across 77 markets were evaluated for this latest Good Report.”

Of the Best 40 campaigns featured in The Good Report 2022, 20 are for non-profit, 17 for commercial brands (including 1 produced in collaboration with non-profits) and 3 for public sectors. A total of 39 agencies (27 are part of 11 networks and 12 are independent) across 24 markets are represented.

The Best 25 agencies are made up of four independent and 21 networked agencies (of 11 different networks) covering a total of 13 markets. Of the Best 20 networks, five are independent and 15 are owned by holding companies.

ERICSSON: FUTURE OF WORK WILL DEPEND ON EMERGING TECHNOLOGY TOOLS

population say they will prioritize flexibility above all else.

The report also revealed that digital technologies renew employee’s confidence, thus using the right digital technologies will boost twice as much positive feelings for employees without increasing stress.

The Report discovered that decision-makers and employees are increasingly at odds over technology, as only 33 per cent of employers considered employee

preferences when investing in new technology, while four out 10 employees struggle with nonrelevant tools for their tasks.

The report said flexible workplaces could come at the cost of increased surveillance, since balancing visibility and privacy could be a challenge and concern for hybrid work, as 65 per cent of employees who are optimistic about technologically-enabled flexibility also believe it will be tied to an increase in monitoring.

Other findings include globalised labour markets would bring talent and concerns to employers, as decision makers in emerging markets agreed that loyalty was declining with the rise of remote jobs.

Analysing the report, Head of Ericsson IndustryLab, Anders Erlandsson, said: “Based on our research, it is quite clear that the future of work is going to be increasingly dependent on ICT solutions such as high-

speed, globally available mobile connectivity. We felt the pandemic could finally be seen in the rear-view mirror, and therefore wanted to take a closer look at what changes in peoples’ work-life had stuck, and what was only a temporary adjustment. The truth is that remote work is clearly here to stay – maybe not exactly at the level as was measured during the pandemic, but still at significantly higher levels than before the pandemic.”

The Best 10 brands include seven non-profit, and three for-profit.

According to the Head of Content, WARC Creative, Amy Rodgers, “Creativity as a force for positive change is more important than ever. WARC is delighted to collaborate with Act Responsible to continue shining a light on the brands, the NGOs and the agencies that are creating breakthrough ideas that truly matter to society.”

NIGERIA’S CREATIVE INDUSTRY

While congratulating the management of the X3M Ideas agency on its outstanding performance in this year’s report, the organisers stated that the agency’s campaign ‘The grow project’, earned the 34th place in the top 40 ranked campaign

In his reaction to the global feat, the Chief Executive Officer, X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko, commended his team for putting up a very strong work that could compete favourably at national, continental and global markets.

“We have done this consistently for over 10 years and we do not intend to rest on our laurels. I also thank our clients for always supporting and challenging us to do our best work. Of course, our team also owes the international publication huge commendation for its diligence to encourage excellent works,” he said.

With the new rating, 3XM Ideas, and by extension the industry it represents, have thus recorded another feat in the global space, which confirms the country’s agencies recent victories at local and international creative awards.

Amidst the rapid digitalisation brought on by the pandemic, our research highlights a concerning gap between the technology available in the workplace and the needs of employees for flexible working. With six in 10 companies lacking relevant technology for their staff, and just two in 10 employees feeling they have relevant tools at workplace, there is a pressing need for organisations to invest in digital tools and robust connectivity that enable remote collaboration and

flexibility, not only to attract and retain top talent, but also to stay competitive in the post- pandemic world, Erlandsson said.

Head of Ericsson ConsumerLab, Jasmeet Singh Sethi, said the research was carried out within 30 markets globally; 38,000 online surveys of employees plus 3,600 online surveys of decision-makers and 11 in-depth interviews with decision-makers from selected industries within three markets: China, Spain and US.

Raheem Akingbolu reviews the 2022 Rankings of ‘Good Report’ which was produced in collaboration with WARC and concludes that the listing of a campaign by one of Nigeria’s creative agencies as one of the top 40 is a boost for the local Marketing Communications industry

“Creativity as a force for positive change is more important than ever. WARC is delighted to collaborate with Act Responsible to continue shining a light on the brands, the NGOs and the agencies that are creating breakthrough ideas that truly matter to society.”

NNPCL: Shaming Detractors with Near Completion of $2.5bn AKK Gas Pipeline Project

On Monday, the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, led by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari took a tour to Ahoko, a community in Kogi State to inspect the pace of work at the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project.

The trip was significant as it came barely five days after a national newspaper, had reported that financiers of the AKK pipeline project have pulled out of the project, citing alleged 570 per cent inflated contract sum, far above global threshold.

The newspaper had claimed in the report that the project had been stalled, as there was no funding to cover cost of the second and third legs from Abuja to Kaduna and Kaduna to Kano due to funding constraints.

Considering the critical importance of the project to the federal government’s gas masterplan initiative and not minding that same Monday was a public holiday declared by the government to celebrate the Eid-Mubarak, Kyari led top officials of the NNPCL to inspect the pace of work at the project site.

The current administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has made it a priority to ensure that revenue from oil and gas resources are utilized to support the emergence and growth of other non-oil sectors of the economy.

The NNPC as an integrated energy company is enabling Nigeria’s economic diversification through domestic gas footprint expansion projects by the delivery of the Trans-Nigeria Pipeline Project (TNGP) which includes the Escravos to Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS & ELPS II), the Obiafu,-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline.

The AKK Gas Pipeline and Stations Project is a flagship project that will further deepen the integration of the Northern region of the country with the Niger Delta, Eastern and Western regions of the Country.

The Scope of Work for the Project includes the construction of a 40 × 614KM linear section from Ajaokuta in Kogi State traversing the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Kaduna States and terminating in Kano as well as 24 × 15KM Spur Line to Abuja Terminal Gas Station. It also includes the construction of Four Terminal Gas Stations, 22 Block Valve Stations, Intermediate Pigging Stations with other ancillary facilities.

The Pipeline has the capacity to transport Two Billion Standard Cubic Feet of Natural Gas Per Day to Three proposed Independent Power Plants in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and other Gas-Based Industries as well as other identified and proposed commercial off-takers along the entire pipeline route.

The project has the potential of greatly improving the nation’s power generation capacity and the economy as a whole through industrialization as well as other economic uses.

Since the flag-off of the project by the President in June 2020, the NNPC has recorded significant feats and the inspection visit was one of the moves to showcase the progress so far made in the implementation of the project. Based on the inspection tour, it was revealed that overall engineering design for the linear section of the two segments of the project stands at 93.48 per cent, while the overall procurement for the linear section for the two segments is at 88 per cent.

Similarly, 94 per cent of the total line pipes have been manufactured and 90 per cent already in-country. It is instrumental to state that construction activities on both segments are ongoing, while the contractors have completed 400km of the linear section/ mainline welding, representing 68 per cent of Right of Way from Ajaokuta in Kogi state to Kano.

Also, on-going are several special constructions like Direct Pipe Installation (DPI) across the River Niger in Kogi state and other Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) across River Robo, Pai and Shika River in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Similarly, several back-end activities have commenced including field joint coating, trenching and lowering, temporary cathodic

protection and talks of pre-commissioning of some sections have equally commenced.

In terms of the project financing, the procurement process was supervised by Iinfrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and endorsed by the Bureau for Public Procurement having complied with all regulatory requirements before the approval by the Federal Executive Council at the sum of $2.8bn in 2018.

The current management of the NNPC further renegotiated the project cost downwards to $2.5bn in 2019 with the attendant savings of $300m, which culminated to a final approval by Federal Executive Council.

Despite this significant savings, detractors of the project have found a way to draw unfounded comparison with other projects definitely not of the same scope, terrain, line pipe specification, welding technology, weather conditions and more importantly the impact of security risks and country risk premiums on Nigerian projects of this magnitude.

As regards the project financing, discussions on financing commenced in 2018 with the Bank of China as the Mandated Lead Arranger, leading a consortium of interested Chinese banks.

All the banks secured credit approvals from their various boards to proceed with the deal, which led to the sign-off of the term sheet for the facility with the Bank of China.

Following the execution of the Term Sheet, SINOSURE, the Chinese Government insurance agency in charge of international financing went through their review cycle and endorsed the facility to their Chinese Government body for approval. Concurrent with the financing deal, the NNPC commenced pre-funding the project, which led to the flag-off of the construction by the President on 30th June 2020.

Speaking on the funding, Kyari told reporters that so far, the NNPC has funded over $1.1bn on the project and to date none of the project activities are abandoned as reported. He reassured all stakeholders that NNPC has a line of sight to the delivery of the project on schedule.

The NNPC Boss said that work has not stopped as a result of funding constraint since the project commenced.

He said being a critical infrastructure

Security Service and all other government agencies to make sure that our workers work firmly and we are also able to continue this project uninterrupted. I’m most grateful to this team, and we assure Nigerians that this project will be different and be delivered.

“This is a very massive project. We are delivering them in phases. First of all, the line welding has been completed by 70 percent. There are many other components of this project and once you are able to complete the welding and put certain basic selection, you can actually flow casting to these lines and as other part of the project is continuous to be delivered.”

On the implications of the gas project for Nigeria ‘s gas supplies, the NNPC Boss added that it would boost electricity generation to the power sector and increase power to industries.

He added, “What this means for Nigeria’s gas supply is that these lines will flow 2 billion SCF of gas. What this means is that you are delivering 2 billion SCF of gas every day to these lines, power industry, powering gas plants, creating gas-based industries and this is the ultimate objective.

“By the third quarter of this year, we will complete the entire welding of this work and what it means is that we can actually energize these lines by the end of the third quarter of this year.”

On how many megawatts of electricity will the gas project deliver, he said, “It depends of the capacity of the power plants that will be installed on the pipeline. Our plan is to have 1300 megawatts power plants in Abuja, Kaduna, and in Kano.

project for the Nigerian energy sector, the NNPC has been meeting all its funding obligation to the contractors.

He said, “First of all we are here to thank our crew, our contractors, our staff who are doing everything possible to deliver this project and we are most grateful to them and we appreciate the great work they are doing. For the benefit of the Nigerian public, this is one of the most massive projects that we’ll run in the company, it is of immense proportion of value to our country and to the socio-economic growth of our country.

“We know that this is a must deliver project. This project has not stopped for one day. We have continued to fund it despite the fact that we do not have third-party financing for the project. We have so far spent over $1.1bn on this project from our cash flow. We are a very different company today. We are a commercial company. We have intercompany laws within our company now. This company can fund this project, so we do not need any support on this project to deliver this project now.

“As we speak now, we don’t owe a dollar to our contractors today. We paid all their invoices, there are over 30 sites that are active today in this project, and we are very hopeful that we will deliver this project.”

He commiserated with the families of workers that have died as a result of the security challenges at the project site and added that the government is committed to ensuring that it does all it can to provide more security personnel at the project site to guarantee the timely delivery of the gas project.

Responding to a question if the project was actually stalled as a result of funding challenges, Kyari explained that such has never happened.

He said the NNPC has what it takes to fund the project till completion, noting that no amount is currently being owed based on the quantum of jobs delivered by the contractor

He added, “Yes, there are challenges like security issues. We have lost men, and we are so sorry to their families. We will continue to share their grieve. But despite this, we have gotten massive support from our government security agencies; the Nigerian army, the Department of State

“As we speak now, we are facing that so that we deliver them as quickly as possible and by God’s grace very soon, we are going to face the construction of the Kaduna-Abuja power plant in earnest and of course it is a speculative thing but gradually we will build up to that capacity. There is a financing partnership with core investors on this.”

When asked what his response will be to those who do not believe in the NNPC’s ability to deliver the project in a timely manner, Kyari replied, “What I will say is that we will shame them. This project will be delivered; we are not scared of their comments. We will deliver this project and the criticism is just typical of our country’s typical reaction when things are going well.”

Also speaking at the inspection site, the Project Manager, Steve Nnorom hailed the NNPC management for ensuring that all the resources needed for the speedy delivery of the project is provided.

He added that just last week, through the NNPC’s intervention, over 40 military personnel were deployed to beef up security at the project site.

When asked if the contractor is being owed, he said the NNPC is meeting up with all its obligation to the project and that no amount is currently outstanding for the job delivered.

Giving a tour of the site, Project Manager, Oilserv Limited Pipelines and Facilities, Steve Nnorom disclosed that the company had done about 222 kilometres welding work with about 27km remaining for completion.

“We have completed about 73 per cent of our mainline wielding works. We have done 222 kilometres, we have about 27 km of welding work to complete. Our target is that all works will be going on at different spreads. We are progressing gradually. We have terrain challenges especially for the location we are in now, there’s a steep. The NNPC is paying all our bills and we are not being owed, ”he added.

The NNPC Limited remains highly committed towards the delivery of strategic National infrastructure projects through responsive project delivery, active collaboration with Government Security Agencies and Communities as well as deployment of Technology in the form of Human and Technical Intelligence for Surveillance along the entire Right of Way to enable the country realise the aspiration of timely delivering the AKK Project for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Kyari

Infpbip: Rich Communication Service Will Enhance Customer Experience

Emma Okonji

Infobip, a global provider of Rich Communication Service (RCS), has stressed the need for brands and organisations to take advantage of its conversational communication platform that allows brands to engage with their customers in a most effective way.

The company disclosed this at a recent press conference in Lagos, adding that RCS will not eliminate the existing SMS communication, but would rather enrich it, since it does not require app and data in

its two-way communication system between brands and customers.

Regional Manager at Infobip, Mr. Olatayo Ladipo-Ajai, while speaking about the values of Rich Communication Service to brands and customers, said it could perform twice, better than traditional channels of communication like the SMS, and could attain up to 23 per cent higher sales than SMS outreach, with higher value of customer engagement.

“RCS campaigns will help banks and other sectors like e-commerce

and telecoms to communicate effectively with their customers. Businesses have realised that customers drive revenue and that they need to communicate effectively with their customers and provide avenues to meet customers’ needs and enhance their experience and all these can be achieved through RCS, which is offered globally by Infobip. Customers will only remain with a brand, if they are getting satisfactory services, which RCS is designed to achieve,” Ladipo-Ajai said. Giving details about customers’

IFC Recognises Guinness Nigeria for Promoting Gender Equality

Emma Okonji

Guinness Nigeria Plc has been listed among the top five gender-balanced companies in Nigeria by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

A diversity and inclusion assessment conducted by the IFC revealed that Guinness, Nigeria’s foremost total beverage company, has been exemplary with its inclusivity programmes in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in Nigeria.

Guinness Nigeria reached the milestone after an assessment of the thirty most capitalized companies listed in the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE). The assessment was done by Equileap using the Equileap Scorecard.

According to the report, Guinness Nigeria was recognised as the Best Company for Parental Leave and was cited in best practice for being the only company among the

assessed that is offering 26 weeks (6 months) of fully paid maternity leave and 4 weeks of fully paid paternity leave.

The company made the list of the 10 per cent of companies that achieved gender balance (40-60 per cent women or men) at the exe cutive level in the Gender Balance in Leadership and Workforce category. Also, Guinness Nigeria was categorised among 40 per cent of companies that had developed seven out of eight policies promoting gender equality.

In response to the recognition, the Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, John M usunga, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to the policy of creating a truly diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect its pride in adhering strictly to the standards, strategic policies and the company’s ambition.

“Our valu es, purpose, and standards set the conditions for us to respect

the unique contributions each employee brings onboard. As a company, our employees are treated justly to reflect our efforts against any form of discrimination at the workplace,” Musunga said.

He added, “Making it to the top five of the diversity and inclusion gap assessment by the IFC shows that there is something that we are doing right in Nigeria. This is allowing us to grow a sustainable business in our communities with existing collaborations such as with the United Nations Unstereotype Alliance and the World Federation of Advertisers’ Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce.”

According to Musunga, “Being the only FMCG Company on the top five list reaffirms our beliefs and standards of a working system where nobody feels left out. We will continue to strive towards getting better and improving our milestones in diversity and inclusion at Guinness Nigeria Plc.”

HOGWIN Rallies Support for 2023 Census, Seeks Widows’ Welfare

Nosa Alekhuogie

The Executive Director of Hands of God Widows Support Initiative (HOGWIN), Phranklin Audu has called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the government as it plans to conduct the 2023 National Population Census.

In a statement, Audu noted that the census would also help to achieve better planning and recognition of the underserved and underrepresented in the society. He further stated that the 2023 National Population Census would give Nigeria the opportunity to shape the path for economic planning and cater appropriately for widows who are vital members of the national population.

A National Population Census, he said, would offer the opportunity for governments at national and sub-national levels to

focus on the vulnerable demography while planning adequately for their wellbeing, and social and economic reintegration into society.

“It is important that national action plans include a ctions to count, map, and profile widows so that their needs are addressed, and they have access to restorative justice, support, pensions, and resettlement. One wonders how there can ever be meaningful development, reconciliation, justice, an end to violence against women, and sustainable peace without the inclusion of widows,” Audu said.

According to him, despite the passing of the law on Violence Against Prohibition of Persons (VAPP) recently, not too many states have done much to domesticate the law, particularly where it affects the protection

privacy, while using RCS, LadipoAjai said the ‘Do Not Disturb’ (DND) platform created by the regulator, was designed to protect customers, adding that the designers of RCS have put DND into consideration in order to serve the customers better, while respecting their choice for certain messages. According to him, RCS messages come under Google vetting and approval before such message is pushed out to customers. “So Google ensures that RCS messages are vetted and they do not encroach into the privacy

of customers. RCS messages are paid for by the brand who wants the messages pushed out and because they are paid for, they are targeted at certain categories of customers that will value the RCS messages,” he added.

Asked if RCS will be delivered as outsourced service to brands, Senior Operator Partnership Manager at Infobip, Mr. Martin Effiong, said as a globally recognised RCS provider, Infobip would always enter into long term partnership with brands and organisations to offer their customers quality RCS

messages and monitor the feedback to enhance the service offering.

Customer Success Manager at Infobip, Mr. Isaac Akanni, said RCS would generate extra revenue for organisations and enhance customer experience in terms of customer communication with brands and organisations. “RCS is different from Short Message Service (SMS) and comes with richer experience for the customers, because it has a dashboard that customers can click to open and interact instantly with the brand, among other values,” Akanni said.

Google Reveals Top Sustainability Related T rends in Nigeria

Emma Okonji

Google has released data highlighting the top sustainabilityrelated trends in Nigeria, which showcases Nigerians’ growing interest in environmental issues, as they search for answers to questions and learn more about the pressing concerns of our planet. According to the data, Nigerians are showing a strong desire to understand environmental terms and concepts, such as global warming and climate change. In simple terms, global warming is the gradual increase in Earth’s temperature due to human activities, while climate change refers to the wider effects of global warming, including changes in weather patterns and more extreme weather events. Both of these issues

have a major impact on Nigeria’s environment, economy, and society.

Google’s data reveals the top trending topics in Nigeria, reflecting the country’s growing concerns and interests. Among these concerns, the devastating 2022 floods, which affected 33 out of 36 states, and displaced over two million people, underscores the significance of this issue. With a vast coastline and numerous rivers, Nigeria is particularly vulnerable to flooding, which can wreak havoc on communities, agriculture, and infrastructure. Consequently, Nigerians are increasingly searching for solutions to manage and mitigate the impacts of flooding.

The top trending topics are: Flood; Carbon neutrality; Environmental, social, and

corporate governance; Tropical cyclone; Climate change; Landsliding; Solar power; Heat wave; Solar lamp and Climate Reflecting on the findings, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, West Africa, Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, emphasised the importance of individual and collective action, He said: “Climate change is one of humanity’s most urgent challenges, and Earth Month is an opportunity for all of us to consider how we can make a difference. By providing accessible information on environmental topics, we hope to empower Nigerians to take action for a more sustainable future. It’s not just about what Google does; it’s about how we can all work together to protect our planet.”

of widows in local communities.

“In some cultures, widows are required to spend days in isolation, drink the bath water of their dead husbands, and undergo certain inhuman conditions to prove their innocence upon the demise of their husbands. Many cultures confer culpability on the widow and therefore subject them to harsh trials during the period of mourning. In many African cultures, a widow has no right to inheritance. Widows are fact considered an asset to be inherited by their late husband’s family and are therefore stripped of their human dignity and all eco nomic means,” Audu added.

He advised that Nigeria must carry widows along in all economic plans in order to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Dr Olatunji: Enabling Access to Healthcare for Nigerians in UK with BHIS

In this interview with Sunday Ehigiator, the Founder and Medical Director of MHF Medical Concierge, Dr Taiwo Olatunji, gives insight into his background, and how Bespoke Healthcare for International Students, BHIS, a product of MHF, is bridging gaps in accessing

healthcare services for Nigerian students living in the United Kingdom (UK)

Who is Taiwo Olatunji?

Iconsider myself a dynamic, multi-faceted and self-motivated individual who is committed to personal and professional growth. I am passionate about providing strategies and solutions to challenging problems whilst taking care of others.

I take pride in my ability to inspire and motivate others to be their best selves and achieve their full potential. I like to foster an environment where colleagues and friends are encouraged to take on new challenges in a bid to exceed their expectations.

How were your upbringing and educational background?

I was born to working-class Nigerian parents who married in England and raised four children. I am the youngest of four and a twin. I attended Government College, Eric-More, Lagos, sat for my GCE a year early and re-joined my family in London where I completed secondary school, college and university.

I have a first degree in Biochemistry followed by a second degree in Medicine, then trained as a GP with a specialist interest in Ear, Nose and Throat surgery.

I have been a doctor for over 10 years. I previously worked as a research scientist in Oncology and later worked in the pharmaceutical industry initially with Merck Sharp and Dohme, then later for AstraZeneca.

How was the BHIS idea birthed?

It was a natural evolution following the founding of the first Afro-centric Medical Concierge company in the UK called Millennium Health Focus (MHF).

MHF is a private healthcare company that looks after all health and related affairs of high net-worth individuals, predominantly Africans anywhere they need healthcare in the world.

BHIS was born following the challenge a client faced in accessing information about the health status of his daughter who was unwell whilst in boarding school. The parents’ residents in Nigeria were unable to speak to a doctor or nurse at will, to brief them about their child’s illness.

Many parents whose children study abroad assume the National Health Service (NHS) will provide care when needed, after all the UK is famed for its high standard of healthcare.

Unfortunately, whilst this is largely true, many fail to understand that care is not instant and waiting times to access the free NHS service are getting longer.

Take, for example, the waiting time to see a GP in most parts of the country for a routine appointment is two weeks and to see a specialist can take up to 3-4 months, with some specialities taking up to 14 months to see someone.

The same applies to imaging and even blood tests. More notably, parents abroad are not afforded instant contact with a doctor when their child is unwell, whether mildly unwell or seriously ill and needing hospital admission.

The NHS makes no provision for a personal service regardless of means or status. It is near impossible for a concerned parent whether abroad or local to be granted an audience with a GP or hospital consultant without an appointment or pre-planning.

This often needs the intervention of secretaries or school nurses and at best a wait of days to weeks to arrange such an

quality

to access due to the remote location of parents, students can grant parents access (automatically if less than 16yrs old).

BHIS solves all these challenges by creating the first-ever bespoke healthcare service for international students which aims to allay parent anxieties by providing a seamless line of communication between parents and their child’s medical team. It uses technology to give round-the-clock access and share medical notes remotely from anywhere.

Is BHIS only for students in the UK alone?

Yes. We take on students studying in the UK only.

How affordable is the service?

It is comparatively very affordable. The annual subscription is £1500 per annum. There are family and renewal discounts available.

Are there any partnerships between BHIS and other known health insurance services and HMOs for international students, if yes, how does it work?

There are ongoing discussions with the main UK health insurance providers but currently, none is available.

How does one subscribe to the BHIS services?

It is very easy. Just fill in a membership form online (www.mhf.healthcare/ students) and then an appointment is made to discuss your application and subsequent steps.

important discussion.

The truth is if doctors spend their precious time speaking to concerned parents, there will be little time left to do much else, hence secretaries protect this precious time so that patient consultations can occur undisturbed.

Unfortunately, this is at the expense of anxious parents who reside abroad.

MHF stepped in for this client and was able to have a doctor-to-doctor conversation with the GP, and then a hospital consultant on behalf of the family back home.

The information was then relayed to the parents including answering all their queries and having full knowledge of the case and test results.

Understanding the cultural and personal expectations of parents abroad allows us to be able to fill this unmet need with immense satisfaction from parents. The service caters for students from primary school to postgraduate students.

What are the predominant challenges faced by Nigerian students in the UK

and other European countries when trying to access healthcare?

Most international students including Nigerian students are new to the NHS and unaware of challenges in accessing healthcare including waiting times.

To complicate things further most international students are used to a walk-in private health service back home where a doctor’s appointment can be had either by calling the doctor directly or turning up in the clinic.

Most enjoy a personalised service that does not exist in the UK’s NHS. This often leads to students not reporting symptoms or at best reporting them late.

In the absence of a health advocate, it is not uncommon that when students seek private healthcare on their own, they end up paying for unnecessary consultations, tests and specialist fees.

Another common challenge is the lack of knowledge about patient rights to their medical notes including test results. Although challenging

How do you see the BHIS impacting the Nigerian health system?

We complement existing health providers in Nigeria by working with leading private health providers to ensure continuity of care for students when they return home.

We are also embarking on a medical exchange program which seeks to share best medical practices between the UK and Nigeria. We will be sharing more information about this collaborative effort in due course.

What differentiates BHIS from other digital healthcare services currently at Nigerians’ disposal?

We are the only UK private health provider seeking to provide a bespoke health solution for international students studying in the UK. The organisation leverages the fact that it has been providing the highest level of personalised healthcare (Concierge Medicine) to high-net-worth individuals for nearly a decade.

We take pride in being the sole provider of healthcare specifically for students in our purpose-built facility in Central London with onsite pathology testing, imaging, GP and specialist clinics.

As a first-of-its-kind solution for Nigerians, what are your fears and projections in terms of competition and duplications?

We expect duplication and we welcome it. There are too few providers of private healthcare from an African background who own their facilities in the UK and participate in this niche health space.

More providers like MHF are needed to provide the highest level of care to those who call the UK their second home or visit as a medical tourist from Nigeria. Nonetheless, we will always remain the pacesetter.

Dr Taiwo Olatunji

We complement existing health providers in Nigeria by working with leading private health providers to ensure continuity of care for students when they return home. We are also embarking on a medical exchange program which seeks to share best medical practices between the UK and Nigeria

FERTILITY

Shades of Life Foundation, Cyclotron Advocate for Autism Awareness in Nigeria

www.lifelinkfertility.com

+2348033083580

Hirsutism (Part 2)

Mary Nnah

As part of its commitment to improving the quality of life of Nigerian families with autistic children, Shades of Life Care Limited, a leading provider of Autism intervention services in Nigeria, recently partnered Cyclotron Cycling Development Initiative (Cyclotron) and Shades of Life Care Foundation.

The partnership was for an event tagged #Ride4Autism, which took place on Saturday, April 15, 2023, to commemorate World Autism Awareness Month.

The event was pertinent in the sense that for families whose children live with autism in Nigeria, life can be incredibly challenging.

The lack of resources, combined with social stigma and a general lack of awareness, leaves parents feeling isolated and helpless as they struggle to navigate the system to get their children the help they need.

The event brought together over 50 cyclists who rode about 60 kilometers within the Gbagada and Ikeja axis to raise awareness about autism and advocate for inclusivity in society.

After the ride, an aftersession was held, in which the Shades of Life team, Cyclotron cyclists, press, and other guests conferred, discussing the past, present, and future of autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion in Nigeria.

Speaking about the importance of the campaign at the

event, Eziafakaku Nwokolo, Founder/CEO of Shades of Life Care Limited and Shades of Life Foundation, emphasized that autism advocacy goes beyond raising awareness, but is also aimed at fostering acceptance and inclusivity in social environments, homes, and workplaces for all who are neurodiverse.

“When it comes to Autism, especially in our society, there is a culture of silence that prevents families and individuals from getting the help they need. We aim to demystify autism by providing uncomplicated information about the condition, and educating people about it, through informal initiatives like #Ride4Autism,” she said.

Furthermore, Nwokolo, who is an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist (ACAS) and also a Kent University Ph.D. candidate, dispelled some common cultural myths about Autism, stating that the condition isn’t a result of spiritual causes or bad parenting.

“Autism is not a spiritual problem. While you’re praying, do something tangible by seeking the necessary help from a health professional or a behavioural specialist,” she said.

Nwokolo further emphasised that the journey continues after the ride. “Beyond awareness and acceptance is the need to raise funds for Nigerian families with autistic children who are financially disadvantaged…and this is why we call on compassionate individuals from around the world to join

us and support these families via Shades of Life Foundation.”

45-year-old Remi Olutimayin, who is autistic, reiterated the importance of Autism awareness and support in Nigeria. Using his unique experiences as a point of reference, he spoke about challenges encountered as an undiagnosed autistic child growing up in Nigeria, life as an autistic adult, as well as his career accomplishments, including being one of the first voice directors for animation in West Africa.

Olutimayin noted that widespread awareness about autism may take some time, especially as it pertains to autistic adults, given that autism was only just recognised around the 1950s.

“This doesn’t match up with the amount of time and research put into polio and malaria and the like. So more effort needs to be put into autism research, especially for adults who are more or less often sidelined in the scheme of things,” he said.

The after-session featured lots of questions from curious individuals who sought more knowledge about autism.

Nwokolo and the Shades of Life team provided valuable information about the subject matter, along with a call to action to support financially disadvantaged Nigerian families with autistic children. Shades of Life Foundation is an NGO dedicated to raising funds for indigent autistic children to get the intervention needed to enhance their quality of life.

Last week, we started an interesting topic on Hirsutism. We defined hirsutism, androgen hormones, signs and some of the causes of Hirsutism. This week, we will continue of other causes of Hirsutism, diagnosis and treatment of Hirsutism.

HAIR-AN Syndrome (Hyperandrogenism, Insulin Resistance, AcanthosisNigricans): Some women are born with insulin resistance, which is a defect in insulin’s ability to control blood sugar levels. The pancreas then produces more insulin to compensate. Excessive insulin stimulation causes the ovaries to dramatically overproduce androgens, resulting in hirsutism, acne, and irregular ovulation.

Menopause: The ovaries stop producing estrogen around menopause but continue to produce androgens. The decreased levels of estrogen may allow the androgens to have a greater impact, leading to an increase in the number of dark terminal hairs, especially on the face. As a result, many menopausal women experience new facial hair (moustache and whiskers) and mild baldness.

Medication Side Effects: Drugs with androgenlike properties may cause hirsutism. Anabolic steroids, which are used to increase muscle mass in chronically ill and disabled people as well as by some bodybuilders, are chemically related to androgens and have been linked to increased hair growth. Natural supplements like Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione have also been associated with hirsutism. If your partner uses androgencontaining topical products, you may be affected through skin-to-skin contact.

Tumors: A rare cause of hirsutism is an androgen-secreting tumor in the ovaries or adrenal glands. On rare occasions, an androgen-producing tumor in the ovaries or adrenal glands may develop. This tumor may produce extremely high levels of androgen.

Symptoms such as hirsutism typically appear abruptly and progress rapidly. Extremely high androgen levels can result in male-like baldness, voice deepening, and increased muscle mass. Fortunately, the vast majority of these tumors are not cancerous.

Unexplained Hirsutism: Some women’s hair follicles are abnormally sensitive to androgens for unknown reasons although androgen levels are normal, and menstruation occurs on a regular basis in these patients. The proclivity to develop hirsutism is clearly genetic, but the concise abnormality is unknown.

DIAGNOSIS OF HIRSUTISM

Reproductive and Medical Endocrinologists are two types of doctors who are trained to treat hirsutism and related issues. Some gynecologists, dermatologists, and general practitioners have also obtained the required training. During your initial medical consultation, your doctor will try to differentiate between terminal hairs growing in a male pattern, which indicates hirsutism, and hair growth caused by genetic or ethnic predisposition. If you have hirsutism,

your doctor may order blood tests, ultrasounds, special x-rays, and hormone tests to assess the function of your ovaries and adrenal glands. Your doctor can recommend appropriate treatment after determining the causes of hirsutism. Any remaining unwanted hair can be removed with a variety of cosmetic treatments, including laser and electrolysis.

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF HIRSURISM

Treatments

(often in the form of an oral contraceptive pill): The female hormones estrogen and progestin are increased by oral contraceptives. Estrogen causes the liver to produce a protein that binds testosterone, reducing the amount of testosterone available to the hair follicle. This is a very effective treatment method for hirsutism, but it should only be considered for women who do not want to become pregnant.

medications inhibit the androgen receptor in the body. This is frequently used in conjunction with an estrogen-containing oral contraceptive pill and can improve treatment efficacy. commonly results in a reduction in insulin, which, as previously stated, reduces ovarian testosterone production and, as a result, hair growth over time.

Management:

and electrolysis) are the only ways to kill a hair follicle and prevent it from growing back. hirsutism will never go away because the cosmetic treatments remove the existing hair but do not prevent new hair from transforming into dark, coarse hair.

may be recommended as a topical treatment. hairs (via medicine or lifestyle changes) and reduce the hormone imbalance internally in order to prevent new hair growth. Otherwise cosmetic treatments will generally fail.

CONCLUSION

Hirsutism can be emotionally distressing. Some women feel self-conscious about having unwanted hair and may develop depression. Although hirsutism does not cause physical complications, the underlying cause of a hormonal imbalance can.Nearly all females develop body hair, and even healthy individuals may do so in much greater amounts than they consider being desirable. Hair removal techniques provide speedy eradication of cosmetic issues caused by excessive hair growth in many mild cases. It may be sufficient to diagnose a person’s condition as excessive hair growth and allow them to seek medical care from an Endocrinologist if they are bothered by this type of hair growth and unable to regulate it visually.

Stakeholders at the after ride session

Participants duirng the ride

Biologix Becomes ISO Certified, Unveils New Logo, Services

Arts in Medicine Fellowship Walks for Mental Health in Port Harcourt

Rebecca Ejifoma

The Arts in Medicine Fellowship, a non-profit organisation, took its one-day photo walk for Mental Health and Social Prescribing at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

The walk, held this April, was part of its efforts to leverage creativity as a healing tool for mental health and wellbeing.

“When combined with walking outdoors, creative arts is the ultimate remedy for the unrelenting stressors of daily life,” according to the Global Arts in Medicine Fellowship Alumni Coordinator for West Africa Region, Ashley Ajumoke Stewart.

Through her creative expertise as an artist, Stewart continues to bring together the intergenerational population of the University of Port Harcourt community to this one-day photo walk.

Since its inception, the Arts in Medicine Fellowship has promoted the building of healthier communities and well-being in Nigeria and worldwide through the intersection of creative practices for overall well-being.

In the words of Stewart, the lead organiser of the photo walk and lecturer of Visual Arts at the Department of Fine Arts and Design, the foundation focuses on medical humanities and seeks to promote art engagements to alleviate pains and improve the quality of life of families, patients, and healthcare professionals.

Rebecca Ejifoma

One of the leading biotechnology companies in Nigeria, Biologix Support Services Ltd, has been awarded an ISO/ IEC 17025:2017 certification for its commitment to quality and competence in calibration services.

The scope of calibration is the international standard for testing and calibration labs which demonstrates their competence, impartiality, and consistency in delivering reliable results attainable globally.

Speaking at the formal event to unveil its new logo and

biotech services, the Founder of Biologix Support Services Ltd, Dr. Voke Toye, said running a biotech company has been an exciting journey despite the hurdles during the humble beginnings.

She noted that her goal was to run something measurable with international standards.

“Biologix has always used international benchmarks for all activities it carries out.

The founder described the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS), new logos, and services as a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards

becoming a leading biotechnology company in Nigeria and Africa.

Toye further expressed the firm’s unwavering commitment to providing their clients with the highest quality services and solutions that are easily accessible locally, more affordable, and with shorter turnaround times.

Her words, “We are confident that our new offerings in the diagnostic laboratory space will further enhance our ability to meet their needs.”

Meanwhile, the launch of the new services caters to the needs of our clients and the broader biotechnology space

in Nigeria. These services include a broad range of molecular diagnostic tests, DNA Sequencing, and other pathology services.

They are designed to meet the demands of the fast-evolving biotechnology landscape and provide our clients with the latest cutting-edge solutions.

On her part, the Director of Research, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Rosemary Audu, commended Biologix for its efforts in the country’s health sector.

The virologist noted that the accreditation affirms the excellence of the company’s process.

40 CSOs Launch #SuicideNotCrimeNG Campaign to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A coalition for Civil Society Organisations under the umbrella of Nigerian Mental Health network has launched the campaign #SuicideNotCrimeNG to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.

The coalition which consists of 43 CSOs co-hosted a press conference with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Nigerian Human Rights Commission in Abuja to commemorate 2023 World Health.

Nigeria ranks 15th in global suicide rates, according to the World Health Organisation, with an estimated age-standardised suicide rate of 17.3 persons per 100,000 people. The statistic makes the country one with the seventhhighest suicide rate in Africa.

The founder of The Sunshine Series, a mental health NGO, Aisha Bubah, said critical regulatory reforms for those with mental health conditions should be enacted, such as decriminalising attempted suicide.

She said: “Other critical regulatory reforms for those with mental health conditions should be enacted, such as decriminalising attempted suicide, which is illegal according to Nigeria’s Criminal and Penal Codes and penalises citizens with a one-year jail term.”

“The World Health Organisa-

tion notes that criminalising suicide discourages people from seeking help for their mental health, which would be counterproductive to the effective dispensation of the Mental Health Act,” she said.

“The public is encouraged to join thousands of others in adding their voice to repeal these laws by signing our #SuicideNotCrimeNG petition on Nigerian Mental Health website.”

Earlier, Founder of Nigerian Mental Health, Mr. Chime Asonye, said there was a need for the domestication of the Mental Health Act, adding that the legislation should be adopted at the subnational level as state governments are critical actors in the dispensation of healthcare for citizens.

He decried that currently, only two states– Ekiti and Lagos

have mental health legislation in the entire nation.

Asonye explained that Nigerian Mental Health and its network partners have been leading coordination and advocacy for the passage of the Mental Health Act, adding that on January 5, 2023, President Muhammad Buhari made history by signing the Mental Health Act into law, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to improve support for psychosocial well-being.

“To consolidate gains made by the Mental Health Act in advancing human rights, other critical efforts must be initiated as we embark on a new political dispensation post-Nigeria’s 2023 recent presidential, national & state assembly, and gubernatorial elections,” he said.

Asonye urged the National

Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure published copies of the Mental Health Act are available to citizens.

He added that the official copy of the legislation was not easily accessible on any government website for public engagement and review.

Asonye noted that this legislation ushers in new legal protections for those with mental health conditions and should be readily available on trusted government portals to inform citizens of their new rights.

“In the interim, a gazetted copy of the legislation will be available on Nigerian Mental Health’s website, along with the legislative history of the regulation and memoranda submitted during the public hearing to help guide implementation of the Act in the future,” he said.

Margaret, 39 Urgently Needs N10m toTreat Breast Cancer

Margaret Onabe, a 39-year-old mother of one has called on well-meaning Nigerians, nongovernmental organisations, as well as the government to help her raise N10m for the treatment of her stage three breast cancer.

Margaret, who is a hairdresser, said she was diagnosed in June 2022, and that lack of finance to properly treat it has pushed the cancer into stage 3.

She said doctors at the Lagos

State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) have assured her that this was the last stage for her proper treatment if she wants to live to train her 10 year old daughter.

“I am running against time. I do not want to die. I have gone through five courses of chemotherapy already, and I have many more to go through. Each therapy costs N114,000. I need urgent financial support

since the cancer has already spread to the other breast. I have used up all my savings and borrowed from friends and relatives to cover this, but I still need N10 million to treat the cancer,” she said tearfully.

Those who are touched by her plight can reach her on +2348148947710. Her account details are: Margaret Onabe, Ecobank, account No. 3453001582.

The four-hour event included activities such as photography, social interaction, walking, and a virtual exhibition. “It pulled the community of walkers together in immensely beneficial ways,” she added.

FamilySeeksN7mfor7-month-

The family of seven-months old Favor Ereniyi, born with a hole in the heart, urgently needs N7 million for chest infection surgery.

Favor was diagnosed with the heart condition about three months after her birth last August 6.

The mother, Esther Ereniyi, lamented, “We discovered that her breathing was fast. We took her to the General Hospital Isolo, where she was treated for a month before we were referred to Massey Street Children’s Hospital in Victoria Island at the Paediatric Cardiology unit two months ago.”

Following the medical reports, the mother noted that they were referred to Babcock University Teaching Hospital for heart surgery.

In her narration, the mother said, “When they directed us to run the test, the result showed my baby had a hole in her heart. The doctors told us only heart surgery will correct the defect”.

The surgery is expected at Babcock University Teaching Hospital or Tristate Health Care System, Lekki Lagos.

Ereniyi lamented, “I’m appealing to everyone to help me. I don’t want to lose my daughter. Please help me.

“My baby finds breathing hard and is always in pain due to the multiple holes in his heart. She is suffering.”

All donations can be made to FCMB Ereniyi Favor 1002276881.

from Left to right: The Director of Biologix, Mrs. Olubunmi Jolayemi; the Chairman of Biologix, Mr. Adeola Toye; Dr. Voke Toye; Prof Audu and the Director of Biologix, Mr. Tunde Adepoju

Proposed Five-Year Compulsory Service for Medical Doctors Discriminatory – Onuesoke

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Delta State gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has described the proposed five years compulsory service for medical doctors in Nigeria as discriminatory and undemocratic.

“How would government enforce that? Any doctor who feels that he is not satisfied with his service condition is free to go anywhere. Why and how will he be tied down if conditions of service are not improved? he queried.

The House of Representatives recently passed a contentious bill aimed at addressing the country’s medical personnel shortage.

The proposed legislation requires doctors trained in Nigeria to practice within the country for a minimum

of five years before being granted a license to practice abroad.

Onuesoke, who condemned the proposed bill while addressing newsmen on arrival at Asaba International airport, Asaba, Delta State from Lagos, wondered why members of the House of Representative should focus on medical doctors when Nigerians across all professions are fleeing the country in droves to seek greener pasture elsewhere because of the decline of the nation’s economy?

He argued that the proposed bill is undemocratic because it infringes on medical personnel freedom of movement to seek good means of economical livelihood in other part of the world after spending years and finance to acquire the profession.

According to him, “Policy makers who go for medical trip

overseas are now telling doctors who suffered and was trained by their parents on where to work. Do you dictate to me on where to work after my studies? If it is easy who do their children not become medical doctors?

Onuesoke disclosed that policy makers must balance the desire to retain medical professionals in the country with the need to encourage individuals to pursue medical training by not only providing good medical infrastructures in the hospitals, but equally provide encouraging welfare packages in order to retain their services.

He advised that government must take a holistic approach to address the healthcare crisis in Nigeria, which includes not only retaining medical professionals but also encouraging more individuals to pursue medical training in the

Foundation Educates Women in IDPs on Menstrual Hygiene

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

country.

“Do you know that there are many doctors who do not have employment in this country? Such doctors cannot be prevented from leaving the country if they get offer somewhere else,” he stated.

The PDP chieftain further stated that the legislation if passed into law may discourage individuals from pursuing medical training thereby exacerbating the current shortage of medical professionals in the country.

According to him, “Medical students in Nigeria may be deterred from pursuing medical training if they know that they will be required to practice in Nigeria for a minimum of five years before being granted a license to practice abroad.”

All-female Group Empowers Orphanage Home in Lagos with Basic Needs

The Okoroafor Chinaza Ogechi (OCO) foundation has embarked on the sensitisation of women in Internally Displaced Camps (IDPs) and market in Abuja on the importance of menstrual hygiene and the training of a grill child.

The Founder, Chinasa Okoroafor, while speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja during the sensitization program at IDPs camp at Area 1, assured that the programme would be held twice in a year.

She also explained that there are plans to extend the program to other states of the federation, as she continues to propagate the gospel of good menstrual hygiene.

Okorafor stated: “We are here on an outreach program education on the importance of menstrual hygiene and the importance of training the girl child.

“We are here to educate the women on the importance of having good menstrual hygiene, because most of these women find it difficult to buy pads which are very expensive in the market and most of them use clothes which is unhealthy for them.

“So we are here to talk to them for them to understand that there is a very good importance of having a good measure of hygiene in order to avoid infections; to avoid deadly diseases and all that and also the importance of training your child.”

Okoroafor explained that the outreach programme would also be extended to schools, markets, and other different places.

She added that she chose the IDPs camp because they have more women than men, adding that aside from the distribution of sanitary pads, food items were also distributed to the women in the camp.

WithNewMentalHealth Campaign,TeletherapyCompany SeekstoChangeMindsets

A leading teletherapy company, Amani Health is keen on changing mindsets about mental health through its new campaign ‘Speak Up Now’. The campaign which is ongoing hopes to encourage parents to talk about their child’s mental well-being.

Rebecca Ejifoma

IMMERSE Coaching Company, a global coaching membership for purpose-driven women, has, through its Conscious Changemaking Project, reached out to children with special needs at the Heart of Gold Children Hospice Orphanage in the Surulere area of Lagos state.

The group donated items, including 10 double bunk beds, an 8.75KVA generator set, bags of rice, bags of Semovita, cartons of spaghetti, noodles, dietary foods like cartons of milk and cereals, disinfectants, cleaning agents, packs of diapers, cooking condiments, 40 pieces of bed sheets among others.

For IMMERSE Coaching Comapny, the courtesy visit donation rekindled hope in the children. “Our joy is seeing the excitement and hope raised in these children when we arrived with the items,” says Enitan Ajayi, the Project Manager of Conscious Change-Making Project.

This gesture, she expressed, is an assurance to the children in the home that the society loves and cherishes them. Adding, she said, “We are trying to let these children know that irrespective of your condition, you still have a chance in life.”

These special needs children have life-threatening conditions. Hence, their needs are peculiar. Ajayi outlined, “With the project

running every three months. Since we started, we have executed corporate social responsibility for various sectors like communities, orphanages/homes, health and education, among others.”

On her part, the Volunteer Coach of IMMERSE Coaching Company, Yewande Oyebo, said the impact of their projects has been in various forms. “We’ve seen a lot of ladies who have grown tremendously in their careers if you look at their trajectory.

“One of the ways to tell is how willing they are to give back regardless of where they are in life.”

Oyebo went on to say that the group makes material donations and organises training to help other women better themselves. These

efforts, she admitted, are thanks to their founder, Debola Deji-Kurumi. “She is tremendously instrumental in making policies that influence women, Africans generally in our space in the world.”

Reacting to the group’s noble act, the founder of Heart of Gold Children Hospices, Mrs Laja Adedoyin, lauded their efforts.

“On behalf of all my children, I’m very grateful.” She, however, described the hospices as a place for children who are sick and rejected by society.

“I will say the children the society rejects are the ones that come to me, and I treasure them.”

While noting that most of the children at the orphanage are not doing okay, Adedoyin said, “We

Africa Must Vaccinate 33m Children by 2025, Says WHO

Rebecca Ejifoma

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that Africa needs to vaccinate about 33 million children between 2023 and 2025 to put the continent back on track to achieve the 2030 global immunisation goals.

The global immunisation goals aims to reduce morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases.

WHO made this known in a statement on its website, noting that the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunisation services has driven up the number of zero-dose

and under-immunised children, rising by 16 per cent between 2019 and 2021 and pushing the cumulative total (2019-2021) to around 33 million, representing nearly half the global figure.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said the pandemic has seriously set back the region’s vaccination efforts. She added that the pandemic also left millions of children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases that can cause severe illness and even death.

Moeti emphasised: “As countries strive to emerge from the long shadow of COVID-19, we cannot afford to lose further ground. Every effort must be

made to ensure every child has access to essential vaccines.”

According to the WHO regional director, the global health body estimates that vaccination coverage in the region will not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2027, unless there is renewed political will and intensified efforts by governments.

She noted: “This year, African Vaccination Week and World Immunisation Week, from 24 to 30 April, is being marked under the theme ‘The Big Catch-Up’.

“This is a global push by WHO and partners to intensify efforts to reach children who missed vaccinations, as well as to restore and strengthen routine immunisation

programmes.”

She also mentioned that to urgently scale up coverage and protect children, WHO and partners are supporting 10 priority African countries – which are among the top 20 countries globally with the highest numbers of zero-dose children – to carry out catch-up routine vaccination campaigns.

The Chief Programme and Strategy Officer for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Aurelia Nguyen, acknowledged that WHO African governments and healthcare workers made heroic efforts during an unprecedented public health emergency, vaccinating more people than ever.

“Parents have to open up. They should not keep silent and hide it under the term ‘It’s a family secret.’ When they talk about it, they can get advice from the counsellors, therapists, and psychologists on our platform,” said Amani Health Co-founder, Fasuyi Oluwarotimi.

Given the conservative society we live in, most parents shy away from talking about their child’s mental health challenges. As such, some behavioral disorders are often overlooked and if not treated properly may lead to extreme cases. Amani Health seeks to change mindsets with the ‘Speak Up Now’ campaign by encouraging parents to also talk about their personal mental well-being in order to help their wards.

Oluwarotimi emphasized that creating awareness and education are at the core of the ‘Speak Up Now’ campaign.

“The goal of the “Speak Up Now” campaign is to educate, enlighten and help students develop an understanding of their emotional, behavioral, social, and psychological well-being and encourage them to prioritize their own mental well-being,” said the company.

The campaign will involve a series of interactive and engaging activities, workshops and events designed to educate and enlighten secondary school students about reducing societal stigma surrounding mental health, having healthy school-life balance, identifying negative behavioral patterns among children such as trauma, anxiety, abuse, suicide, social isolation, aggression, violence, stress, neglect, domestic violence, bullying, peer influence, academic challenges, etc. and how they can seek help if needed.

Amani Health intends to work with schools in Lagos, at least twice in a term during the campaign. They are working with the Lagos State Government to help achieve this aim.

Founded by Oluwarotimi and his wife Ayodele Fasuyi, Amani Health was born out of a need to help children from ages 6-17 with their mental health challenges.

Vanessa Obioha

Enitan Ajayi (4th from right) flanked by members of the IMMERSE Coaching Company alongside the donated items at the Heart of Gold Children Hospice in Surulere, Lagos

Lagos Government, LCFE Sign Agreement on Imota Rice

Nume Ekeghe

As part of its organic growth strategy, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE) has signed an agreement with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry Agriculture to jointly drive the development of Lagos Rice value chain.

The agreement, sealed last week is expected to bridge the yearning gap in rice production in Nigeria, create different financial instruments that will boost economic activities in the Lagos Rice Mill, Imota through LCFE, generate employment opportunities and boost government revenue.

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Rice, Dr Olurotimi Fashola and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Olatokunbo Emokpae, signed the agreement on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

LCFE was represented by its Managing Director, Mr Akin Akeredolu-Ale, the Company Secretary, Mrs Fatima Lawal while Mr Adeyemi Oba, who signed on behalf of LCFE’s subsidiary, Commodities Tradenet Limited,

Speaking, Fashola explained that the Lagos State Partnership with LCFE was a winwin, saying: “This is the first time any subnational will do this. We are happy about this partnership. According to him, it is a form of sustaining the initiative of ensuring massive production of rice in Lagos State and for the befits of the entire country.

“We would like to thank Mr Governor once again, the Capital consumption of rice in Lagos state is the Highest in Nigeria. When you consider smuggling, and all the rice that is brought into Lagos you will understand that Lagos has a taste for good rice and

it has the highest consumption rate of basmati rice. The Lagos Rice Mill Imota, is playing to this taste. “said Fashola.

Responding, AkeredoluAle stated that LCFE was committed to the Lagos State Government and the Rice Mill and The Exchange would drive the support of the Capital Market towards the ecosystem.

“I would like to commend Mr Governor and his team for seeing the need to bridge this gap with the IMOTA rice mill. The Imota Rice Mill is a great project by Mr Governor and the Lagos State government. This mill will drive development of the Rice Value Chain and meet the rice demand needs of the nation.

In her closing remarks, Emokpae thanked LCFE and the financial advisers for their perseverance and tenacity for ensuring that this project happens.

Acquisition: Fenchurch Energy Provides Technical Advisory Services to AFC

Sunday Ehigiator

Technical advisers to the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Fenchurch Energy Limited, has announced that it had successfully completed its mandate in providing technical due diligence services in respect of AFC’s acquisition of 100 per cent shares of Pecan Energies AS (formerly Aker Energy AS) from Aker ASA, a Norwegian Industrial Investment Company, and The Resource Group TRG AS (TRG).

A statement from the company revealed that Aker SA

and TRG have agreed to sell their shares in Aker Energy AS (Aker Energy) to AFC Equity Investment Ltd, a company owned by AFC.

Speaking on the completion of the advisory mandate for the landmark acquisition in the Ghanaian oil and gas sector, the CEO of the Fenchurch Group, Olufemi Bakare said “we are delighted to be supporting the AFC on their upstream and midstream investments across Africa.”

Also speaking, Director, Fenchurch Energy, Funso Adeyemi, noted that, “AFC

is a pan-African multilateral development finance institution with a $10.5 billion portfolio of loans and other investments across six sectors. AFC has invested in several projects in Ghana across various real sectors over the last 15 years, both as equity and debt providers.

“Since we began to provide technical advisory services to AFC in 2019, we have continued to deploy the best hands as well as our region-specific expertise to ensure that the right analysis and advice is provided on this and other AFC transactions.”

NIMASA Urged to Provide Opportunities for Youths in Maritime Industry

Olawale Ajimotokan

The Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd), has implored the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for a workable and sustained partnership towards creating opportunities for teeming youths in the Niger Delta region.

Ndiomu made this solemn request on Tuesday in Lagos when he visited the DirectorGeneral of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh at the Maritime House,

Apapa.

He called for more assistance and cooperation from international stakeholders.

He commended the Jamoh and his team for redefining the safety and security of Nigeria’s Maritime Industry.

“I’m aware of your outstanding achievements, particularly in the obvious reduction of piracy on the Gulf of Guinea,” Ndiomu said. Informing the NIMASA DG of his agenda for the Amnesty Programme,he said his vision is to chart a new path for the Amnesty Programme by upholding the principal objectives of government, through innovative

ideas, setting a new Management structure of wealth creation for the teeming youths, instead of depending on monthly stipends, to pave way for a more prosperous future.

Ndiomu said that in the Maritime domain, the PAP has trained a large number of youths across institutions in the world in various specializations, some of which includes deep sea diving, underwater welding, and marine engineering.

In his response, Jamoh stated that the Maritime industry in Nigeria is large enough to sustainably engage the teeming youths.

Ememobong Emerges First Female Chairman of ICSAN

Okon Bassey

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has elected Barr Chinonyerem

Ini Ememobong as its first female Chairman in Akwa Ibom State.

At her investiture, Ememobong said her emergence was an opportunity to dictate to history by positively changing the face of Corporate Governance in the society.

Ememobong, a Maritime Law expert identified lack of transparency and the utilization of unskilled personnel as bane of the nation’s

development trajectory.

“It is our administration, not my administration. Our knowledge of corporate governance would have come to naught if we personalise powers in ICSAN.

The chairman is merely the rallying point of the chapter. In this regard, it is needful to appeal to other Executive Committee members and indeed the entire members of ICSAN in Akwa Ibom State to see me as first amongst equals. I will welcome advice, observations, questions amongst other time tested processes of

L-R : Company Secretary, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), Fatima Lawal; Managing Director, Tradenet Limited, Adeyemi Oba; Managing Director, LCFE Akin AkeredoluAle; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Rice Initiative, Dr Olurotimi Fashola and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Lagos State, Olatokunbo Emokpae, during signing of an Agreement on aggregation of Paddy Rice and distribution of sales of rice in Lagos by Lagos State Government and LCFE in Lagos ...recently

leading a credible institute like ours”. She said The Chairman on the occasion and Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Moses Ekpo declared Mrs Ememobong’s elevation a testimony of dedication and hard work.

Represented by Mrs Rosemary Inyangubong , the Deputy Governor expressed optimism that Ememobong would bring her wealth of experience to drive the institute to desired height. He called for full support to enable the Chairman succeed.

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 8 MARCH, 2023

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

SEC Urges Investors to Expose Illegal Fund Managers

Kayode Tokede

In a bid to ensure that only registered entities are allowed to operate in the capital market, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged members of the public to report any fund manager that is operating without the registration of the Commission.

Chief Economist, SEC Dr. Okey Umeano stated this in

an interview in Abuja, said the battle against illegal fund managers must be tackled on all fronts.

Umeano disclosed that the new Investments and Securities Bill has amended some of the provisions around Ponzi schemes, illegal fund managers, and certain unwholesome practice in the market to ensure that these practices no longer happen.

“This ISB is supposed to accommodate these new operators, these new instruments and new happenings in the market. The Act is now more up to date and in line with present happenings in Nigeria and the global level. This Act also protects the investors more because we have made certain provisions in that Act that strengthens the SEC to ensure that they are better able to carry out their investor

protection activities.

“Among other provisions, the bill prohibits the operation of Ponzi/pyramid schemes and other illegal investment schemes while prescribing a jail term of not less than 10 years for promoters of such schemes. This will strengthen regulation on Ponzi schemes. We are going to go all out against thepromoters of such Ponzi schemes.

Dr. Umeano said he has gone

through the marketing literature of some of these Ponzi scheme operators where they promise investors 10per cent, 20per cent in a month, which he stated is unreasonable urging investors not to patronize them.

“When it is too good to be true and it sounds too good to be true, it is probably not true. There is a simple way to find out as the SEC website has a list of registered capital markets

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF 26/04/23

operators. Go to the SEC website type in ‘CMO search’ and you will see a list of capital market operators that are registered and that are regulated. There is also another one that some of them started doing, the organization is registered but they now create a side product that is not registered. We register both the organization and the products, check properly before parting with your hard earned money.

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

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 25Apr-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

GAMING WEEK

Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | ikotibok@gmail.com | Tel: 08114495324

Yomi Oketope: Gaming Is One of Most Regulated Businesses in Nigeria

How did you get into the casino business?

Icame into the gaming business by accident. It was not something I planned. The Promatic Group, the owners of Sax Innovative Network Limited, came to Nigeria looking for investors and the possibility of having a gaming business here. There was an Austrian that they met, and they started discussing. Incidentally, that Austrian and I had a joint import/ export business. I was managing the business. Eventually, they did their fact-finding and decided to give it a go. They needed a Managing Director to pioneer the business. I was invited, and I met with the directors. They interviewed me and said, ‘Okay, we can work with you. Let’s start’. That’s how I got into the business. The company is in its eighth year.

Talking about the Promatic Group, the parent company of Sax Innovative Network Limited. It is a Polish company, and they have been in the business of gaming for about 22 years. Promatic is the largest manufacturer of slot machines and system solutions for gaming in Poland. So, they were looking for outlets where they could also deploy their slot machines and their solutions. Nigeria was one of the countries that they decided to invest in. We also have a presence in Europe, Latin America, and two or three other African countries. We have a business model. We partner with agents and partners. Partners are people that own their businesses. Let’s say, you have a hotel, a lounge or a bar, and you say, “Ok, I have this space already, I want to go into the gaming business. You will come to us. We’ll inspect the place. If it is suitable, we will give you the machines at no cost to you. But you cannot expand beyond that location unless you have another hotel. Those are ones we call partners. We have agents. Agents are people who want to make a business of gaming. They are not restricted to any location. They don’t even need to have any location of their own. They will go out looking for

locations that are promising, they will rent them, and we would supply them with machines. So, they can have as many as 20 locations, but

partners have one or two. That is the difference. Of course, 9Jackpot has its cafes which they own 100 per cent. Like the VI branch, it is

“Before we can even register a gaming business, your staff must be trained, they must go to SCUML training by EFCC. And then you have the NFIU, too. So, that we’ll be in compliance with government directives. Another big challenge is accessing foreign exchange. For example, in the gaming business, you cannot source forex from the CBN. You cannot remove or source it from the open market.”

owned 100 per cent by Sax. We also have it in FESTAC. We have one in Calcutta Crescent, Apapa. We own all those locations 100 per cent. When we work with agents and partners, we do not have interest per se. They run those businesses, and at the end of the month, we do the accounting together and they give us a percentage. That is a model we are running.

How would you describe what happens in the casino business? What do you really do?

When you say casino business, the term is too encompassing. In the casino business, we have two different sectors, though related. In a full casino, apart from slot machines, we have table games like baccarat and poker games. Those are games of skill. Those are full-fledged casinos. We also have slots. Slot machines are purely a mystery game. What it means is you don’t need any skill. It’s a matter of luck because whether you win or lose, it is random. It is a computer that controls it. Nobody can predict when somebody is going to win.

But for those table games, there is an element of skill. 9Jackpot is in the slot gaming sector. We deal only with slot machines. Promatic, which is a parent company, is the manufacturer of slot machines. They also provide the software that drives the machine. That is the advantage that we have because the parent firm is both the manufacturer of the slot machines and also the provider of the software. For other companies, you get the slot machines, and you have to get another company that will provide you with the software.

Have you completely eliminated the use of coins on slot machines?

We do not use coins anymore, but in some casinos that deploy slot machines, you can still make use of tokens. Each token has a value which you slot in, but those are few now. The most common now are slot machines that accept cash directly. If you want to play a large volume, there is a key that the cashier will use to key in any amount you want

SBEA Beckons to East Africa

East Africa is fast emerging as a region of iGaming opportunity, presenting significant prospects for operators who adopt the right entry strategies. The region comprises five emerging iGaming hubs, namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all of which have played a vital role in the recent market boom. With a rapidly growing market, East Africa offers tremendous potential for those willing to invest time and resources into understanding the unique characteristics of each country and developing tailor-made approaches to enter and succeed in the region’s burgeoning iGaming sector.

Sports betting has become the dominant segment of the online gaming market in East Africa, driven by the widespread use of mobile devices for placing bets. In Kenya, mobile devices account for over 96

per cent of sports bets, underscoring the crucial role of mobile technology in the $40 million Kenyan industry. Market research shows similar trends around mobile sports betting throughout the East African region. With a youthful demographic, a growing middle class, a rapid uptake of technology, and an increasing interest in live-dealer games, and esports betting, it is hardly surprising that international operators are vying to establish a foothold in East African iGaming. In 2022, several international companies debuted in the East African market, with the debut of 888 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique making headlines. The industry saw this as a potential disruption to Betway, a respected regional operator for nearly a decade. However, early indications show that there is more than enough business

opportunity for both operators to find success in the region. In 2023, Sun International invested strategically in SunBet Africa, which holds licenses in Kenya. This move underscores the growing interest of international operators in tapping into the potential of East African markets. As the region continues to mature and evolve, operators who can navigate the intricacies of the market and establish strong relationships with local players are well-positioned to reap substantial rewards. Mobile payments and compliance continue to be challenges for international operators; however, strong local partnerships have shown to be a successful means of overcoming these issues. To succeed, companies must deeply understand market trends, regulations, payment providers, and marketing

to play. For instance, if you want to play N50,000 and you have N500 notes, it will take time for you to slot in each note.

Rather than do that, you’ll use your card to pay the cashier, or you’ll do a transfer. Once they receive it, they use a key to put in the amount that they want to play. You’ll see it appear, and then you’ll start playing. Lastly, which is very common with most casinos: you have a card system where you pay the cashier, and they will output a card of that value, so once you get there, you will scan it, and then the value will appear on the screen, and you’ll start playing. Once you’ve completed your play and you want to end the game,

the machine will print out the amount that you are cashing out.

Maybe you won N70,000 now, and you want to end your game. The machine would give you a card, you take it to the cashier, and they scan it and give you the value. Those are the various types of slot machines.

What are some biggest changes in government policies or innovation in tech that you have dealt with?

It is the gaming company that dictates the technology, not the government.

BVB Set to Extend Bundesliga Lead, Napoli Set to Clinch Serie A Title

Davidson Abraham

On Thursday, Everton and Tottenham will welcome Newcastle and Man United, respectively, for Premier League Action. Newcastle and Man United are the favourites and, therefore, likely to come out victorious going into these games, which are both expected to produce at least two goals. In other games, Fiorentina and Palmeiras are expected to beat Cremonese and Tombense, respectively. In the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Barcelona women will take on their Chelsea counterparts, and either side could come out as the winner in a game that has been tipped to be a goal fest.

On Friday, Borussia Dortmund, optimistic of a first league title in 11 Years thanks a one-point advantage over an inconsistent

Bayern Munich side, will look to extend their lead at the Bundesliga Summit against the relegationthreatened Bochum.

In American Major League Soccer, the game between Nashville and Atlanta United is likely to end in an Atlanta United victory or a draw if there are no surprises. Real Madrid and Benfica have been tipped to easily beat Almeria and Gil Vicente, respectively. Napoli are all set to clinch the Italian League title with a win against 14th-placed Salernitana.

DATEFIXTURE BETTING TIPS

Thur 27-04-23 Everton Vs NewcastleOver 1.5

Thur 27-04-23 Tottenham Vs Man United Over 1.5

Thur 27-04-23 Fiorentina Vs Cremonese1

strategies and establish sustainable partnerships with local operators and providers.

The 8th Annual Sports Betting East Africa+ Summit (SBEA+) provides an ideal opportunity for operators to establish the connections needed for successful iGaming business in East Africa. Pre-scheduled networking activities, including private lunches and cocktail evenings, ensure meaningful face-to-face engagement with leaders in the industry. Combined with exclusive insights from industry insiders such as Jeremiah Maangi, Solomon Godwin, and Alessandro Pizzolotto this promises to be an essential event for anyone growing their iGaming business in the region. SBEA+ is taking place from July 13 to 14 at the exclusive Kabira Country Club in Kampala, Uganda.

Thur 27-04-23 Barcelona Women Vs Chelsea WomenOver 1.5

Thur 27-04-23 Tombense Vs Palmeiras2

Fri 28-04-23 Bochum Vs Dortmund2

Sat 29-04-23 Real Madrid Vs Almeria 1

Sat 29-04-23 Napoli Vs Salernitana 1

Sat 29-04-23 Gil Vicente Vs Benfica 2

Sat 29-04-23 Nashville Vs Atlanta United Over 1.5

The GAMING WEEK Team recently engaged Yomi Oketope, Managing Director, Sax Innovative Network Limited, owners of the 9Jackpot casino brand. Oketope, the president of the Association of Casino Owners and Gaming Operators, has a background in advertising which helped him to provide very revealing responses

Elumelu: Femi Otedola Should Be Commended for Investing in Transcorp

Conglomerate rewards shareholders with 150% increase in dividend

Kayode Tokede

The Group Chairman, Transnational Incorporated Plc (Transcorp), Mr. Tony Elumelu, yesterday expressed satisfaction with the recent acquisition of significant stake in the conglomerate by billionaire investor and Executive Chairman of Geregu Power, Mr. Femi Odetola.

THISDAY had reported that Otedola recently emerged as the largest single individual shareholder at Transcorp, a publicly traded diversified conglomerate chaired

by Elumelu.

The billionaire, according to the report now owns about 2.6 billion shares, representing 6.3 per cent stake in the company.

However, speaking in an exclusive interview with Arise News Channel, THISDAY’s sister organisation, after the Group’s 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Elumelu said he welcomed Odetola’s investment in Transcorp, calling on the general public not to be sentimental about the decision.

According to him, “We go on

international roadshows and talk to investors to invest in our companies. I am happy to see an active indigenous investors community.

I am happy that Femi Odetola is investing locally and he should be commended for that and I also welcome him for that.

“That is because the more people show interest in the activities, and performance of the company, the better for shareholders. You want to make your stock investors’ toast and I am happy that Transcorp is becoming investors toast.

“About 10 years ago before we took over Transcorp, people were not interested. People lost confidence in the company. Today under our leadership, Transcorp has consistently paid dividends in the last five years. There is a capital appreciation for the company.”

Speaking further, Elumelu, who is also the Chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc, said: “When friends and investing public invest in a public company like this, it is a validation and tells you they believed in your story, vision,

management, leadership and competent.

“I like my friend to come on board and I looked forward with him to take Transcorp to greater height.”

He debunked reports of listing Transcorp Power on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), highlighting challenges facing the sector in Nigeria.

“We are long-term players. We wanted to grow more and more significantly. There are a few more things we wanted to do in the power

sector so that it can blossom. The transmission line has to be fixed and the gas supply has to be fixed.

“We believe when transmission line is improved, and also address gas supply issue, that will be the right time. We are looking for about five years from now to list on the NGX. We believe in the next five years, the transmission line be fixed and gas supply to the sector would have improved significantly,” Elumelu said.

Continues online

ATIKU: MY DRUG-FREE RECORD IS REASON I’VE BEEN CONTESTING POLLS response to his petition at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, observed that the action of the electoral umpire was not only unwarranted but also an embarrassment to the country.

Tinubu, in his Notice of Preliminary Objection filed on April 12 by his lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the petition filed by Atiku and his party, PDP, for being vague, an abuse of court process. He said the suit was not properly constituted and the reliefs sought by the petitioners were not grantable.

Atiku, while serving Tinubu in equal proportion, said he "has never had any controversy surrounding his age, circumstances of his birth, state of origin, gender, educational qualification, health status, working career, and citizenship, all issues

bordering on constitutional qualifica- tion to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

He said Tinubu had demonstrated inconsistency as to his actual date of birth, secondary schools he attended (Government College Ibadan), state of origin, gender, actual name, certificates evidencing universities attended (Chicago State University).

Atiku said, "The purported degree certificate of the second respondent allegedly acquired at the Chicago State University did not belong to him but to a female (F) described as “F” in the certificate bearing the name Bola Tinubu.

"The second respondent did not disclose to the first respondent his voluntary acquisition of citizenship of Republic of Guinea with Guinean

Passport No. DO00001551, in addition to his Nigerian citizenship. The second respondent is hereby given notice to produce the original copies of his said two passports.”

The former vice president further submitted that Tinubu had record of criminal forfeiture of the sum of $460,000.00 for a drug-related offence before the United States District Judge, John A Nordberg in the second respondent's First Heritage Account No. 263226700, being proceeds of narcotics-trafficking in violation of 18 U.S.C 1956 and 1947 for an offence involving narcotics. Responding to the issue of failure to join other presidential candidates in the petition, Atiku said the party, including himself, did not have any grievance against Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso or any other candidate,

because they were not returned as the winner of the election by INEC.

On another issue, Atiku said the defence of non-control of the ecosystem and of third-party network providers was an after-thought, adding that Tinubu was not competent to offer such gratuitous defence on behalf of INEC.

While claiming that INEC persisted in the violation of its own regulations, Atiku said, "As at the time INEC commenced uploading of results to the IReV, the presiding officers were no longer at their polling units. As at March 18, 2023, only results from 166,551 polling units out of 176,846 polling units across the country, had been uploaded on the IReV, as shown in the extract of the Data Report from the IreV."

Atiku said the place, time and

SUDAN: FG SAYS EVACUATION OF WOMEN, CHILDREN TO BE GIVEN PRIORITY

to the civil war.

It, however, disclosed that many Nigerians had already been evacuated by sea with the assistance of Saudi Arabian government.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and the Minister of State, Zubairu Dada, made this known while speaking with newsmen after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.

Commenting on the evacuation process of stranded Nigerians in Sudan, Dada said the Nigerian government had successfully secured permission and authorisation from the Sudanese government to evacuate Nigerians from the war torn country.

According to him: “The evacuation is being done in batches to ensure the safety of all Nigerians, but the good news is that no Nigerian life has been lost so far.

“I think it's important to stress that all Nigerians are very safe and we're very confident and hopeful that we shall not lose any Nigerian life Insha Allah in this exercise. All is well and we're good to go.”

Asked if all Nigerians will be evacuated before the 72-hour window, he said “we have no problem about the 72-hour window. Because we've talked to all the authorities concerned and we're on the same page, but talking about the window, we are making every effort to ensure that we make use of this window to evaluate as many Nigerians as we possibly can.”

Dada, also disclosed that some Nigerians have already been evacuated by ship by the government of Saudi Arabia.

His words: “Let me also add that some Nigerians have actually been evacuated by ship, I guess from Port Sudan, by the government of Saudi Arabia. Don't forget, this is a joint effort. “We have friendly nations that are ready to assist, you know, so that we're having to record that the Saudi authorities have been able to, pick up some Nigerians, they're transporting them by ship, I guess to Saudi Arabia, to Jeddah in particular.

“From where, of course, again, we'll link up and find a way of bringing them back from Jeddah those that succeed in going to Jeddah.”

On the order of priority of those to be evacuated, Dada said: “All lives are equal. Certainly, we won’t want to give preference to diplomats. The

diplomats are just as good as every other Nigerian, so we will take them all on board depending on who's ready and available at any point in time.”

He stressed that in the order of evacuation, women and children would be prioritised, adding that diplomats would not be evacuated before students and other Nigerians. Also speaking, Onyeama said: “With regards to the evacuation of Nigerians in the Sudan, you'll recall that the main challenge we had was securing some permission, first of all authorisation of the Sudanese government and, and then, you know, some security support for the convoy because it's been decided that we will transport or convey the Nigerians to the Egyptian border Aswan.

AGAIN,

“So that's what we decided. We are liaising with our embassy in Egypt as well. So we've been able to overcome a number of challenges and have started the process which we're very happy about.

“We secured significant number of luxurious buses because the distances are quite considerable. We started the process and it will take, you know, maybe a couple of days to evacuate everybody.

“As regards the gender question, I think that's obviously something we will have to look into in a bit more detail, but I think ordinarily, it will be appropriate that women and children should be given priority I think that goes without saying”.

Asked what the evacuation exercise was costing Nigerian government,

Onyeama said: “$1.2 million is what we're being charged for all the 40 buses. We have huge transporter luxury buses made available to us to transport to the Egyptian border. Of course you know, because of the risks involved and so many other things, a lot of people are going to also take advantage, you're going to hike up the price.

“We saw that the French convoy was attacked and so forth. It was difficult procuring these buses. But we had to do it because you know, Nigerian lives matters for us.”

Onyeama, also explained that the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammadu Muhammed,

Continued on page 42

circumstances of these uploads remained unknown to the petitioners, as none of the petitioners' agents were physically present to monitor the transmission of the purported results.

On the claim that the petition was an abuse of court process, because of an earlier suit filed by some PDP governors at the Supreme Court on February 28, Atiku pointed out that the parties in the said suit were not the same as the parties in the instant proceedings.

Atiku submitted, "The proceedings which were commenced by Originating Summons dated 28" February, 2023, filed by the Attorneys General of Adamawa State, Akwa-Ibom State, Bayelsa State, Delta State, Edo State and Sokoto State as Plaintiffs, had since been discontinued.

"The grounds of the Petition are competent as they comply with Section 134(1)(a), (b) and (c) of the Electoral Act, 2022. The election of the Second Respondent did not meet the applicable requirements enunciated in section 134(3) of the Electoral Act.

"The Petition is properly constituted pursuant to section 133 of the Electoral Act, 2022 and paragraph 4(1) & (2) of the Rules of Procedure for Election Petition. The petitioners’ prayers are grantable pursuant to paragraph 4(3) of the Rules of Procedure for Election Petition and section 136(1), (2) and (3) of the Electoral Act 2022."

Obi Faults INEC's Objection to Petition against Tinubu Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, faulted the objection of INEC to his petition against the election of Bola Tinubu as president.

Obi, in his reply to the response by INEC to his petition at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, observed that the action of the electoral umpire unwarranted.

According to the petition, INEC, in line with global best practice for electoral umpires in national elections, ought to "avoid creating the impression that it has no respect for neutrality in an electoral contest between candidates."

Obi and his party, who were joint petitioners recalled several judgements, which had repeatedly admonished INEC on its need to remain neutral in election proceedings. According to the petitioners, "However, the First Respondent hereof, has remained impervious to change. Therefore, it is not only an embarrassment but a repudiation of the duty of the First Respondent when it adorns the garb of a contestant in an election it conducted as an umpire to raise preliminary objection against an election petition as in the case hereof."

The petitioners insisted that INEC must maintain neutrality in all litigations, where participants in elections were challenging the outcome of the elections and not indulge in filling objections to the petitions.

In their reply to the Preliminary Objection dated April 25, the petition- ers denied the contention that the facts supporting the grounds on which the petition was based were vague and imprecise.

"The First Respondent's contention that the reliefs sought in the Petition are not grantable is false and made in manifest disregard of the specific and concise pleadings in the Petition.

Continued on page 43

TINUBU MEETS APC NWC, N'ASSEMBLY MEMBERS OVER 10TH LEGISLATURE’S LEADERSHIP

in Port Harcourt on May 3 and 4.

The meeting with party leaders and stakeholders regarding the leadership of the 10th Assembly took place at The Defence House.

A source with knowledge of the discussions at the meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Assembly leadership as regards zoning told THISDAY that consultations were continuing. "A crucial meeting will hold tonight (last night) with the leadership of the party, National Assembly and some stakeholders. No conclusion yet."

After the meeting, the source added, Tinubu headed for his car and returned to his Asokoro private residence.

Those at the meeting were Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima; National Chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; Deputy National Chairman, North, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Deputy National Chairman, South, Emma Eneukwu; and National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

There were also Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan; Deputy Senate President, Ovie OmoAgege; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Zailani.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Adamu urged Nigerians to be patient with the ruling party, adding that what is

good for the party is good for Nigeria.

He stated, “Nigerians should be patient with the party. We should wait. What is good for the country is what is good for us as a party. We are only celebrating the victory of our party now.”

Ex-Lawmakers Warn against Interfering in Principal Officers’ Selection

A group of ex-National Assembly members warned against zoning of legislative positions alongside offices in the executive arm of government. They advised the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, and the governors-elect not to meddle in the election of principal officers of the 10th National Assembly.

Rising from a one-day sensitisation parley with some state assembly members-elect in Jos, the ex-legislators also called on the leaderships of the various political parties not to interfere in the election of National Assembly principal officers.

According to a communiqué signed by former Chief Whip of the Plateau State House of Assembly and member of the eighth House of Representatives, Hon. Golu Timothy, the former legislators, who spoke at the event, said executive offices were different from legislative positions. Hence, they said the positions must exist on their respective merits, whether

the occupants come from the same zone or not.

They underscored the need to allow members-elect to exercise their franchise without any interference, saying this would improve democratic principles, as well as promote separation of powers, and checks and balances.

The ex-lawmakers maintained that allowing for a natural leadership would bring better harmony and understanding, mutual respect, and less politicisation.

They agreed that having a legislative officer from the same zone with any executive officer should not be an issue because they have different roles and responsibilities to perform and will be assessed based on their respective constitutionally assigned duties.

Golu said the ex-lawmakers believed the practice where the executive sought to impose legislative leadership across the nation had caused more harm for the legislature than good because it had often caused instability and most times, inefficiency of the leadership, where it survived.

The lawmaker said such practices should no longer be encouraged in this 21st century and especially in Nigeria.

Golu stated, "It is no longer fashionable for the executive to interfere with the leadership decisions of the legislature at any level. Legislators have come of age in the country and must be allowed

to do their things. Where we have people elected and you want to decide for them their leadership is in itself undemocratic.

“The experiences of the legislature are quite different from those of the executive. President and governors-elect should refrain from deciding for the legislators who becomes their speakers. Most times those imposed don't last and where they do, they don't perform, because of distractions and anxiety or fear of survival or incompetence.

“We must not continue in this way. Political parties must stay away from causing legislative instability in our legislatures under the guise of deciding their leadership. This has not augured well for our democracy. Where legislative leaderships emerged through popular decisions of the lawmakers, productivity, mutual respect, understanding and cohesion are visibly the results."

Tinubu to Inaugurate Flyover, Court Building in Rivers

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike invited the president-elect, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to inaugurate the Rumuola-Rumuokwuta flyover and Magistrates Court building in Port Harcourt on May 3 and 4.

The 1007.5 metres RumuolaRumuokwuta flyover, which connects Rumuola Road to Ikwerre Road is the 12th flyover built by

the Wike administration since 2019.

Wike, who disclosed the invitation yesterday, explained that the president-elect was told when he came to campaign in Rivers State and paid a courtesy call on Government House, Port Harcourt, in February that he would be invited to commission some of the landmark projects of the state administration.

The governor stated, “To God be the glory. We are expecting the president-elect on the 3rd and 4th of next month to commission the 12th flyover and the Magistrates Court building. You can see the Magistrates Court building and how amazing it is.

“We commend the contractor, too, who has done this job, and quite on time. I don't think you can find this anywhere in this part of the country.

“We had invited presidential candidates of other parties, like Labour, NNPP (New Nigeria Peoples Party), they all came and commissioned projects, and we did say to him (president-elect) that we believe that after the election we are going to invite him to commission projects, too. And, luckily, these two very important projects are ready.”

Wike said it was gratifying that his administration was able to commence and finish the construction of 12 flyovers within the last four years. He said Rivers people would attest to the fact that his administration had conscientiously delivered on the promises made to them.

FG Optimistic Nigeria Air Will Be Operational Before May 29

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

With barely 31 days to the end of the eight-year administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, yesterday, expressed

optimism that the proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air, would commence operation before May 29, 2023 terminal date of the present administration.

A Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, had ordered the Nigeria

Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) not to issue an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to Nigeria Air Limited, following a suit filed by a group of domestic airliners. The domestic airline operators had under the aegis of the Airline

Operators of Nigeria (AON), challenged the equity structure of the airline, which ceded 49% stake to Ethiopian Airlines with federal government having only 5% while the remaining 46% is for Nigerian investors.

PSC Dismisses Three Officers, Reduces Rank of Five Others

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Police Service Commission (PSC), yesterday, approved the dismissal of three Assistant Superintendents of Police and the reduction in rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents and one Assistant Superintendent .

The commission also approved the punishment of severe reprimand to an Assistant Commissioner of Police, a Chief Superintendent of Police, four Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents and 12 Assistant Superintendents.

A statement by the spokesman of the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, said the punitive measures were highpoints of the 20th plenary meeting of the commission held yesterday at the corporate headquarters of the commission in Jabi, Abuja, and presided over by the commission's Chairman and former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase.

The commission also approved punishment of reprimand to six officers, one superintendent and five assistant superintendents.

The plenary also approved the promotion of 109 senior staff of the commission.

Chairman of the commission, who presided over the meeting for the first time congratulated the

newly promoted staff for their success in the promotion examination but reminded them that their new status was a call to more sacrifice in their conduct of government business.

Arase said they must reciprocate this gesture by putting in more efforts in the service of the commission.

He assured them that promotion of staff would be a priority during

his tenure of office but noted that the staff must be ready to improve themselves and be prepared for the challenges ahead.

The chairman also called on the police to ensure that they work within the established laws guiding their operations.

He however, said henceforth disciplinary matters would be handled with dispatch so that officers, who were found wanting

would serve their punishments while those who were exonerated were cleared to continue with their career progression without hinderance.

Arase thanked members of the commission for their commitment and dedication to the assignment at hand and assured them that he would carry everyone along in the assignment of rebuilding both the commission and the police.

Fielding questions from reporters on the issue after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja, the Minister reiterated his earlier commitment that the national carrier would commence operation before President Buhari’s tenure ends on May 29.

On the possibility of the national carrier, which was issued its Air Transport License (ATL) by the NCAA last year still meeting the target of its take-off before the end of the present administration, Sirika said everything needed for operations to commence had been put in place, assuring them that the planned take-off would still happen.

His words: “Nigeria Air limited, I did say we will get it going before the end of this administration and I’ve not withdrawn my words. We have everything in place. The aircrafts are in place, the offices, operational centers, the staffing and everything that we need to have in place. We're doing the last minute checks and waiting for the issuance of the AOC and it will fly.

“It will fly, it will be for the benefit of this country, for the size of population, the traveling

Mbah's Inauguration: Committee Holds Inaugural Meeting

In preparation for the inauguration of the Governor-elect of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the Deputy Governor-elect, Ifeanyi Ossai, on May 29, 2023, the committee for the planning and organising of the event has held its inaugural meeting at the Government House, Enugu.

The 35-man inauguration committee which is being chaired by the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, has the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi and former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and Managing Director, Enugu State Investment Development Authority, Dr. Sam

Ogbu-Nwobodo as Vice Chairman and Secretary respectively.

The committee is also saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a peaceful and seamless transition from the PDP-led state government of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to another PDP-led state government.

Members of the inauguration committee include the Director General of PDP State Campaign Council, Chief Ikeje Asogwa; a former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. U.S.A Igwesi; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji; Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh; Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Mrs. Mabel

Agbo; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Manfred Nzekwe; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ikechukwu Obi; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Sir Obi Kama and Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Peter Andy Omeje.

Others are the spokesperson of the PDP State Campaign Council, Chief Nana Ogbodo; Special Advisers to the Governor on Information and Diaspora, Steve Oruruo and Mrs. Olangwa Ezekwu respectively; former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism/Director, Women Affairs, PDP State Campaign Council, Hon. Rita Mbah; Chief of Protocol (COP), Government House, Enugu, Dr. Barth Ezeugwu;

and the PDP Zonal Chairman, Enugu East Senatorial District, Hon. Nnamdi Nwafor.

Also on the list are the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, DCP Fidelis N. Ogarabe; SP Peter Nnadozie; Dr. Uche Nwobodo; Hon. Emeka Vitalis Onah; Mrs. Sylvia Onwubuemeli; Hon. Emeka Ajogwu; Ike Ezugwu; Winston Anosike; Engr. Gerald Otiji; Emeke Eche; Hon. Chinedu Ani; Dame Ugochi Madueke; Engr. Cecilia Umeh; Mrs. Lucy Ifeoma Ijetta; Representative of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Representative of Nigerian Air Force; and Representative of Federal Road Safety Corp.

public and what it does to the economy, especially to tourism, to African integration and to the AU Agenda 2063. It’s a very important project and I must do, it will happen before the end of our tenure in the next four weeks and two days.”

Commenting on the recent strike embarked upon by aviation workers, Sirika said, “So the Nigerian aviation workers are striking principally for three reasons. Reason number one, they said the conditions of service for the agencies. Number two is minimum wage implementation and number three, they're talking about the demolition of the headquarters or the office of FAAN in Lagos.

“Condition of service is not in our hands, it’s in the salaries and income wages. I, personally, as the Minister went there with the union three times to fast track that process. So, that’s being looked at by the appropriate authority and I think they are fast-tracking it.

"On the implementation of the minimum wage, that also, Accountant General's Office, Ministry of Finance and the agency concerned are working hard to ensure that that happens.

“Lastly on the demolition of the FAAN headquarters to erect offices, shopping malls and make it what you see when you travel abroad. That is also ongoing. If you asked me, make me an omelet, you can complain that I’m breaking your egg, that's a quotation from one of the Managing Directors of FAAN, but that said, I think it's being overhyped, taken out of context.

“Certainly, the FAAN building was there, even before Egbon Lai Mohammed joined the FAAN. So, it was a transit camp, the FAAN office is transit camp for the people that built the airport, it’s made out of wood and some panels as a makeshift office and this is what FAAN has been using on a very prime property and it's not befitting for the FAAN Lagos office, it's only waste of space, and it caught fire twice, once during our administration.”

ICAN GOLF TOURNAMENT...

L-R: Member of ICAN Golf Tournament Committee, Dr Ademola Makinde; Coordinator, ICAN Golf Tournament, Mrs Katchy Patience; ICAN President, Mallam. Tijjani Isa; Immediate Past President, ICAN, Mrs. Comfort Eyitayo, and former Speaker, House of Representatives, Honorable Yakubu Dogara; during the IBB Golf course, 2022/2023 ICAN President Golf Tournament, in Abuja ... yesterday

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

NEW JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION MEMBERS TAKE OATH...

L-R: New member of the Bayelsa Judicial Service Commission, Makbere Osom Jacob; Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; member of the Bayelsa Judicial Service Commission Fedude Zimughan and member of the Bayelsa Judicial Service Commission, Mrs. Ine Serena Dokubo-Spiff, during their swearing in at Government House, Yenagoa... yesterday

Foundation Says Only 20% of Nigeria's 30,000 Primary Health Centers Are Functional

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Chairman, Jenifer Etuh Foundation, Thomas Etuh, yesterday expressed concern over the fact that out of Nigeria's 30,000 Primary Health Centers, only 20 per cent are functional.

Etuh, spoke at the official opening and launch of the Jennifer Etuh Medical Center, Ifewara in Atakumansa West, Osun State, as part of the vision of late Mrs. Jennifer Etuh.

The facility is to provide available, accessible and affordable world-class health care services to women, children and the people of Osun state and Nigeria as a whole to help live a healthy and fulfilling life.

The which was built to assist those that reside in Ifewara environ, the home town of General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye would be managed by the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

The Jennifer Etuh Medical Center, Ifewara, is the third in a series of full- service hospitals

to be built by Thomas Etuh in memory of his late wife, Mrs Jennifer Ramatu Etuh.

According to Etuh, "My late wife wondered why certain medical care was only for certain people. Therefore, the need to establish medical center to address health Challenges and

provide access to quality medical care for vulnerable populations."

He noted that medical experts and world-class hospitals can only aid in health matters, but actual healing comes from God.

He said, "Human life is transient and what matters most is as we journey through

the earth is not just leaving our footprints on the sands of time, but also affecting the lives and conditions of those around us."

He recalled that Jennifer's experience gave birth to the legacy which he noted would inspire others to do same in their various capacities and abilities.

Etuh stressed that the medical center should remind people that their commitment was to humanity whether in the spiritual or secular space.

The Jennifer Etuh Medical Center Ifewara is on 6-hectare land. It has an outpatient, surgery, pharmacy, consulting

rooms, labour/Delivery room, an Accident, observation/Emergency room and Ophthalmology Clinic. Others are laboratory, Hematology, Microbiology and Virology tests, a Theater for Surgical and Gynecological procedures, and a full-services Morgue.

MultiChoice Talent Factory Alumni Bag Multiple AMVCA Nominations

Graduates of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) have been nominated for awards in different categories at the 9th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards scheduled to hold between May 18th and 20th.

According to a statement, the nominations were in addition to the MTF awards category which was dedicated to films from the Academy.

It disclosed that MTF alumni, Wilson Nkya and Philipo Ngonyani were nominated in the Best Movie East Africa category for their work titled, ‘Mvamizi,’ while Nkya

received another nomination with Jane Moshi in the category for Best Indigenous Language: Swahili, for the movie titled ‘Frida’.

“Orire Nwani was also nominated in the Best Short Film/Online Video category for ‘Love Language’ while Emmanuel Mwape was nominated in the Best Movie Southern Africa category for ‘Silver Lining.’

MTF Director for Africa, Nwabisa Matyumza said the nominations highlighted the success of the MTF Academies in educating the next generation of African storytellers and multiply-

ing the impact of entertainment talent on the continent. “Their success proves how our alumni are part of a continent-wide move to inspire narratives; multiplying the power of African storytelling and keeping viewers and communities informed, entertained, and connected," she said.

Two movies titled, ‘Leaked’ and ‘Revisit,’ by the MTF West Africa Academy alumni, were also nominated in the MTF awards category.

Reacting to the nomination, MTF Academy West Africa Director, Atinuke Babatunde said, "We are

FSDH Merchant Bank, Enterprise Development Centre Empower Women in Business

FSDH Merchant Bank has launched an innovative capacity development programme for women in business.

It explained in a statement yesterday, that the FSDH-EDC Women Business Impact Programme was designed to help female entrepreneurs bridge their business skills and knowledge gap and increase the success rate of women in business.

“It is a brainchild of FSDH Women in Business Initiative (WIBI), the bank’s gender desk in partnership with the prestigious Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University.

“The Women Business Impact Programme offers participants an opportunity to learn from a seasoned faculty, business leaders and mentors who have a wealth of experience and expertise in various fields.

“During the programme, participants get access to a robust curriculum and practical learning,

one-on-one business advisory, business support services, access to finance, and a community of women entrepreneurs,” it stated.

Commenting on the programme, Managing Director, FSDH Merchant Bank, Bukola Smith, said "The FSDH-EDC Women Impact Programme is not just another capacity development programme. It is a movement to equip and empower women with the right skills and business knowledge required to run their business excellently and consequently contribute to the growth and development of the female economy.’’

She further reiterated FSDH's commitment to supporting women-owned and women-led businesses.

“Empowering women-led businesses is an important part of this programme and a critical step towards achieving our goals for the FSDH Women in Business Initiative.

“We have seen that women

constitute a large percentage of medium-scale businesses and by supporting them, we can create a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable future for the female economy and the wealth of Nigeria at large," she added.

In her comments, the Gender Desk Lead, Enterprise Development Centre, Nneka Okekearu said, “In the last two decades, EDC has led the way in creating programs that empower women and enhance their skills. We believe that helping women entrepreneurs grow their abilities and raise their voices contributes to nation building and community development.”

The Head, Women in Business Banking, FSDH Merchant Bank; Gold Nwoke, also shared her excitement towards the launch of the Women Business Impact Programme.

According to her, "The programme offers women in business an opportunity to learn, connect with other like-minded

professionals and grow their businesses. This year, we have lined up a number of initiatives to help women in business achieve their goals. We believe that through the Business Impact programme and with a reputable partner like the EDC, our participants will get the required knowledge to grow their businesses."

According to the statement, the programme offers a robust curriculum and practical learning ranging across entrepreneurship finance, business planning, operations management, marketing management, sales strategies, business leadership essentials, legal and tax, etc delivered in physical and virtual classes and an excellent learning environment.

“This initiative is open to women in business across different sectors who are interested in growing their businesses. The Women Business Impact Programme will run for a total of three months beginning from May 2023,” it added.

proud to see our people making waves at the AMVCAs. It’s more proof of how their work contributes to the creative space and also helps to grow the economy of their countries.”

Now in its fourth year, MTF has

honed the skills of more than 120 emerging TV and Film production professionals in 13 countries across Africa. The initiative has created an MTF Alumni Network of skilled graduates that now occupy significant roles across the industry.

COEASU Rejects Discriminatory Salary Increase, Urges FG to Return to Renegotiation

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, (COEASU), has rejected federal government’s decision to exclude some workers, including lecturers and other workers in the tertiary institutions from the recent salary increase.

The Union said the action was an attempt by the federal government to divide Nigerian workers and cause confusion within the system.

It expressed its view in a statement issued by its President, Dr. Smart Odunayo Olugbeko, in Abuja, yesterday.

Olugbeko, said the discriminatory increase was an attempt to promote divide and rule and make Nigerian workers unable to speak with one voice on the issues that affect their general welfare.

The union, therefore, called on the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, return to the renegotiation table to conclude the renegotiation, which includes salary increases for academic staff in Colleges of Education.

Part of the Statement read: “The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has received with mixed feelings the increase of 40 per cent in the salary of civil servants. “The union is happy that civil servants who are the drivers of government policies have been considered for salary increases.

“The union is, however, appalled at the government’s decision to exclude some categories of workers, including lecturers and other workers in the tertiary institutions, even though the various unions in the sector have made several overtures to the government on salary increase.

“The present action is an attempt by the federal government to divide Nigerian workers and cause confusion within the system. The discriminatory increase is an attempt to promote divide and rule and make Nigerian workers unable to speak with one voice on the issues that affect their general welfare.

“The government, in granting the increase, explained that it was to enable civil servants to cushion the effect of inflation and increase in the cost of living as if lecturers and other workers in the tertiary education sector are immune against inflation and geometrical rise in the cost of living.

“It is disheartening to note that lecturers and other workers in Colleges of Education had their last increase in salary in 2010, which was 13 years ago.

“The Union, therefore, calls on the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, return to the renegotiation table to conclude the renegotiation, which includes salary increases for academic staff in Colleges of Education.”

100 WOMEN IN FINANCE...

EFCC Appeals as Court Strikes Out Suit against 14 Properties, N400m Linked to Yahaya Bello

Judge insists anti-graft body lacks power to seize properties of sitting governor

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Wale Igbintade in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has filed an appeal, challenging yesterday’s ruling of Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos that struck out its suit seeking the forfeiture of 14 properties as well as the sum of N400 million linked to the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, citing his immunity from prosecution under the 1999 constitution.

A statement by the spokesman of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, stated that

in the notice of appeal filed yesterday the commission averred that Justice Oweibo erred in law when he struck out the suit as the immunity conferred on the respondent against any civil or criminal proceedings during his incumbency as a governor of Kogi State does not extend to properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime traced to him and that the court erred and occasioned a miscarriage of justice when it refused to bind itself with the decision of the Court of Appeal in EFCC V Fayose (2018) LPELR 44131 CA and the decision of the Supreme Court in Fawehinmi V IGP

(2002)7 NWLR (PT767)606, on the proper interpretation of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution; and that the learned trial court erred in law when it struck out a preservation order of properties reasonably suspected to have been derived from proceeds of unlawful activities notwithstanding its findings that the respondent failed to show the genuine origin of funds used to acquire the properties under the preservation order.

Justice Oweibo had, on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, granted an interim forfeiture of the properties in Lagos, Abuja and the United Arab Emirates and also ordered the

preservation of the sum of N400, 000,000.00 recovered from one Aminu Falala, which “is reasonably suspected to have been derived from unlawful activity and intended to be used for the acquisition of Plot No. 1224 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island Lagos.”

Moving the application, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), had stated that the properties, including “Hotel Apartment Community, Burj Khalifa lying, being and situate at, Plot 160 Municipality NO 345-7562, Sky View Building No 1, Property No 401, Floor 4, Dubai U.A.E.”, were reasonably suspected to have been

Arewa Group, South-West APC Coalition Endorse Sani Musa for Senate President

Harp on character, competence

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Arewa Initiative for Good Governance (AIGG) and the All Progressive Congress South West Coalition (APCSWC) have endorsed the aspiration of the Senator representing Niger East, Sani Musa's bid to become the Senate President in the 10th National Assembly.

The two groups gave their endorsement in separate press conference they addressed yesterday.

While the Coordinator of the APC South West Coalition, Mr. Ade Ifeshile, spoke on behalf of his group, the convener of the AIGG, Mr. Salisu Tanko and its spokesperson, Al- Bab Abdullahi, addressed journalists.

The Arewa group said it endorsed Musa as the next Senate President because, "he is the best among equals to lead the tenth National Assembly."

They kicked against the zoning of the Senate Presidency to a particular region or religion, saying what should determine the next President of the Senate ought to be character and, competence.

The group also noted that the unity and peace of the country especially in the aftermath of the 2023 general election largely depends on the National Assembly and its leadership.

It noted that the leadership of the federal parliament would be saddled with the responsibility of leading the healing process and rebuilding the mutual trust among various aggrieved divides across

the country.

It noted that the present polarisation of the country along ethnic and religious lines during the general elections, required a vibrant National Assembly under the leadership of Senator Musa to be able reunite the country.

The group also asserted that some of the northern Senators jostling for the position of the Senate President were only interested in their future political gains, and not based on patriotic desire to restore peace and development in the country.

The group therefore appealed to the leadership of the APC, to allow the elected lawmakers choose the best among themselves that would lead them, rather than zoning the position of the Senate President to a particular region

On its part, the Coordinator of the APC South West Coalition, Ifeshile said: "We are endorsing Musa Sani for the position of the Senate Presidency because of his loyalty to party’s ideals and philosophy.

"We are throwing our weight behind him because of his competence, experience and exposures.

"Senator Sani Musa is a frontline APC stalwart that had paid his dues in party politics and we believe strongly in his capacity and capabilities to add value to the 10th Assembly.

"So, part of our strategy to support his candidacy is to rally all the senators elected under the platform of our great party in the south west region.

"We are working on putting up our best by writing special letters that will be delivered personally to each of the senators, telling them about the leadership qualities, virtues and competence of the distinguished senator."

He added that the results of the recent presidential elections had proven that capacity and competence should not be sacrificed for primordial sentiments and political expediency.

He explained: "Since its inception,

the APC has been a party that has shown over the years that loyalty and competence are attributes that cannot be shoved away in the selection process of candidates for leadership positions in the party.

"It is in view of this that the progressive like-minded people under the platform of southwest APC coalition decided to throw our weight behind the aspiration of the ranking senator Sani Musa to become the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly.

derived from unlawful activity.

In his ruling, Justice Oweibo had granted the application, as prayed, and also directed the commission to publish the interim order within 14 days in any national newspaper and also adjourned to March 28, 2023.

During the proceedings on March 28, 2023, Oyedepo had informed the court that the commission received a notice of intention to oppose the making of the preservation order, which it had equally responded to.

Responding, Bello, in an application through his counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), had sought to vacate the order of the court on the grounds that most of the properties sought to be forfeited were acquired by Bello before he became the Governor of the state.

Oyedepo, in opposition to the application, drew the attention of the court to the fact that the applicant failed to respond to the depositions in the counter-affidavit.

According to him, “In Usman against Garke, it was reported in 2003, LPLR 3431, Supreme Court and our submission is that failure to reply to the counter-affidavit has a single legal consequence that the despondent are agreeing to the application. We urge your lordship to hold that the failure to respond is deemed admitted.

“It is our submission that, where a statute describes a mode of doing a thing, it is that mode that must be followed.

"We have cited authorities to this effect, one of which is Patience

Jonathan and the FGN, in paragraph 1.08 of our submission.

“The Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 prescribes the mode of challenging the preservation order of the court and the steps to be taken by the party challenging the making of the preservation order.”

Oyedepo had also submitted that one of the requirements that the application challenging a preservation order must contain is that the applicant must show his interest in the property concerned.

In his further submissions, he had said: “Apart from Paragraph 4H and I of the affidavit in support of the notice of intention, there is nothing before this honourable court showing, by way of credible evidence, how the properties were acquired.

“In our counter-affidavit, we have established how the properties were acquired and there is nothing challenging how the properties were acquired.

“What was deposed is that most of the properties were got before he became Governor of Kogi State and the properties were not acquired through illegal means.

“Without establishing the interest of the applicant, the application is bound to fail. And having failed to show how the properties were acquired, the next thing the applicant sought to do was to tell the court that the prosecution had failed several court orders.”

Continues online

SUDAN: FG SAYS EVACUATION OF WOMEN, CHILDREN TO BE GIVEN PRIORITY

was already on ground in Egypt and coordinating the logistics with embassy staff to ensure a smooth evacuation process.

He said: “Now, regarding the evacuation process, what we are primarily responsible for, is to ensure the safe evacuation from Egypt, of all the Nigerians who want to leave. The numbers as the honourable minister has said, have left through various borders, and by ship thanks to the Saudis.

"So the exact numbers that will now make it on that convoy to Egypt is not exactly clear at the moment. But once they get there is from Aswan, as the Honorable Minister has also said, the director general of NEMA is there, and they are now going to take over with regards to getting them back to Nigeria.

"So whether they use military transport planes, C-130, I spoke to the Chief of Defence Staff, and

he indicated that there were some military transport planes that will be available. And of course, you mentioned Airpeace making that offer and there are other airlines, too, that their owners might also want to make an offer, but we will leave it to never to coordinate who they use to transport by air, these citizens of ours.”

Air Peace Begins Airlifting of Nigerians from Sudan Via Egypt Tomorrow

Meanwhile, Onyema has said Air Peace would begin airlifting of Nigerians by Friday. Onyema who confirmed the airlifting arrangement from Egypt, said, he was in talks with the Nigerian Ambassador to Egypt and that he would send three of his aircraft to Egypt tonight, to airlift Nigerians on Friday morning back to Nigeria.

Onyema, who spoke yesterday on ‘The Morning Show’ on ARISE NEWS Channels, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said he believed in the unity of Nigeria and would be ready to sacrifice for Nigeria, in order to promote unity, irrespective of the religious and cultural differences.

Asked if the federal government would pay for the service of airlifting Nigerians to safety, Onyema said: “I did not collect money from government and government did not promise to pay me, since it is a selfless job that is free of charge.

“For me it’s a privilege to serve my country in my capacity without asking for payment. We are a country with diverse culture and religion, but we must see ourselves as one in the face of our diversity, and only selfless service can help achieve this to a great extent. So whatever I can do to promote unity among ourselves, I will gladly do it.”

According to Onyema, “Aviation business is not a lucrative business in Nigeria. I am in the business because I have passion for it. I use money from other businesses to finance the aviation business and I am glad doing so, because the business is paying the salaries of workers.”

Onyema, who is also the Vice Chairman of Airline Association of Nigeria, called on the in-coming government to pay more attention to Nigeria’s aviation industry and enable the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ across the industry. He advised the in-coming government to facilitate the speedy importation of aviation spare parts and to reduce import duties.

He expressed concern about multiple charges and taxes in the aviation sector and advised the federal government to cut down on excess charges in order to boost ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in the aviation sector.

L-R: Managing Partners Aruwa Capital, Mrs Adesuwa Okunbo-Rhodes;Partner & Chief Operating Officer Nieros, Oyegun Soerensen; Chief Executive Officer, 100 Women in Finance, Amanda Pullinger; Former CEO, Africa Region, Standard Bank Group, Mrs Sola David-Borha; Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Tariye Gbadegesin; and Vice President, Africa Finance Corporation, Taiwo Okwor; during 100 women in finance Nigeria launch at Wheatbaker Ikoyi Lagos..yesterday

AIR FORCE WAR COLLEGE DELEGATION VISITS OBASEKI...

Court Dismisses Binani's Declaration Suit in Adamawa Guber Election

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, dismissed the suit filed by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Senator Aisha Dahiru Ahmed Binani.

The dismissal was sequel to a formal withdrawal by the plaintiff.

Binani had gone to Court to seek judicial review of the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reverse her declaration as winner of the election by the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa Ari.

The court had temporarily declined to hear Binani's motion for leave to file the suit until she first

addressed the court on whether the court has the jurisdiction to entertain the motion in the first place.

However, when the matter came up yesterday, Binani's lawyer, Mr Mohammed Sheriff, told the court that he had already filed a notice of discontinuance as directed by the plaintiff, and therefore prayed the court to strike out the suit.

But, in a short ruling, Justice Ekwo held that the suit was liable for dismissal and accordingly dismissed it.

Binani alongside her party, the APC, had in the application sought for an order of Prohibition and Certiorari preventing the electoral umpire and its agents from taking any further steps towards the declaration of the winner of the elections pending the determination

of her application for judicial review.

Sued with the Commission were the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Ahmadu Fintiri, listed as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.

The application was brought pursuant to order 34 Rules 1a, order 3(1) & 3(2) a, b, c, Order 6 of the Federal High Court (civil procedure rules) 2019 and Section 251 (1)q & r of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Section 149 & 152 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

In the grounds upon which the application was brought, the senator argued that, "the only court with power on a declaration made from the conduct of an election is only the Election Petition Tribunal set up by the 1999 Constitution."

According to her, after the comple-

tion of vote in the supplementary governorship election of April 15, and the subsequent collation of same results, INEC "declared her as the winner of the gubernatorial election and was thereby returned as elected.”

The applicants said pursuant to the declaration any dissatisfied candidate should resort to the tribunal for redress if any.

She faulted the cancellation of her declaration on April 16 based on some crisis caused by the PDP and its candidate, stressing that INEC "has no powers to cancel or declare the declaration as being made as null and void."

Binani through her lawyers led by Hussaini Zakariyau, SAN, had submitted that a judicial review existed to enable the superior

Army Officer, 14 Others Killed in Benue Community

Suspected herdsmen in the early hours of yesterday invaded Opaha Community in Edikwu Council Ward 2 of Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, killing a soldier and fourteen other people.

According to a local source, many

other people were seriously injured.

The source said they noticed an influx of herdsmen earlier in the day but the attack started around mid night, when most people were at sleep.

Disclosing that an army personnel and fourteen other people were killed, the source said many people

had deserted the community as a result of the attack while those injured hadbeen taken to a private clinic in Ugbokpo and Adoka.

“As I am talking to you now we don’t know the location of many people because everyone ran away as the attackers invaded the community at night,” he said.

APC Youth Leader, Others Defect to PDP as Thousands March for Diri’s Second Term

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Thousands of youths, yesterday, took to major roads of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, in solidarity walk in support of the re-election bid of Governor Douye Diri.

The youths from the eight local government areas of the state walked a distance of more than 10 kilometres from the popular Tombia roundabout to the Peace Park opposite the Government House.

Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State governor, Daniel Alabrah, said, a prominent APC youth leader in the state, Gifted Natus, also led scores of defectors to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as part of the re-election walk for the governor.

Speaking on their behalf, Natus said they decided to join Diri’s prosperity family because in the last three years under his watch, Bayelsa State has been politically stable and peaceful.

He noted that the leadership of their former party dampened their hopes and aspirations due to lack of direction and failed promises, saying they could no longer remain in a sinking ship.

“We are here in our numbers to join the prosperity government because of the exemplary leadership style of the Miracle Governor, his peaceful disposition and because he is spreading prosperity across the eight local government areas of our dear state.

“Since the governor came into power, we have witnessed peace

and political stability in the state. In the APC, it has been one failed promise after another. We cannot remain under a leadership that lacks direction,” he said.

Responding, Diri said he was elated, when he got calls on the walk endorsing his second term bid, particularly by youths in the opposition who decided to join his party.

He thanked them for the solidarity and for coming back home to the PDP, assuring them that all their rights would be fully restored.

The governor urged the youths to always stand for peace, unity and development, stressing that he has a covenant with them to equip them through skills acquisition and capacity building.

Opaha is the village of Hon. Abu Umoro, House of Assembly Member, representing Apa State Constituency and the Commissioner of Finance Benue State, Hon. David Olofu.

Commissioner for Finance, David Olofu, who spoke on the phone, described the attack as ‘unprovoked’ and that over 15 people were killed including an army officer.

“Yes, they just went to my community and killed people unprovoked, over 15 people were killed including the commander of OPWS in that area.

“This is a peaceful community where the people don’t look for anybody’s trouble. The attackers went to the community around 4pm, and as I am talking to you now the whole communityy has been sacked,” the commissioner said.

However, the Public Relations Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Flight Lt Flogh Oquoh,when contacted on the phone told newsmen that the OPWS Operation Whirl Stroke Commander was killed at the scene of the attack.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Command, SP, Catherine Anene also confirmed the attack, but said details of were still being gathered.

This is the third time communities in Apa LGA would be attacked in the past few weeks.

court checkmate the actions and decisions of inferior courts as well as the legislative and administrative arm of government including agencies and public officers.

However, INEC had since declared Fintiri as the winner of the governorship election having scored majority of the votes cast in the election.

ATIKU: MY DRUG-FREE RECORD IS REASON I’VE BEEN CONTESTING POLLS

"The pleading in the First Respondent's Notice of Preliminary Objection that the allegation in paragraph 20(ii) of the Petition is defective and does not disclose a cause of action, is wishful thinking. The specific particulars of non-compliance complained of which substantially affected the outcome of the election are as pleaded in paragraphs 33 to 78 of the Petition.

"The Petitioners further aver that Reliefs 3, 5(i) and 5(ii) of the Petition are grantable and are amply supported by the detailed particulars of non-compliance alleged in the Petition."

On the issue of alleged inadequate representation, Obi and LP stated that contrary to INEC's claim, their agents were at the polling units during the conduct of the election, adding, "Unfortunately, the First Respondent's officials at the polling units failed and neglected to give clear copies of the result of the election in the polling units (Forms EC 8A) to the Petitioners' Agents, as the pink copies given to the Petitioners Agents were very faint and unreadable."

The petitioners also faulted INEC on the issue of double nomination, stating that while Section 29 of the Electoral Act, 2022 governs the submission of list of candidates and their Affidavits in Form EC9, Sections 30, 31, 32, 33 and 35 of the Electoral Act 2022, on the other, governs the prohibition of double nomination, withdrawal of candidate, political party changing its candidate and invalidity of multiple nomination.

They stated, "As at 14th July, 2022 when the Third Respondent was nominated as the Vice Presidential candidate of the Fourth Respondent, the Third Respondent was still the senatorial candidate of the Fourth Respondent for the Borno Central Senatorial District, his name not having been withdrawn by the Fourth Respondent as stipulated by Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

“(v) Borno Central Senatorial District is a Constituency for the purpose of a Senatorial election. Likewise, the entire Federation is a Constituency for election for the office of President and Vice President.

"Until there is a valid substitution of a candidate by a political party, the status quo remains and, therefore, the submission of the Third

Respondent's Form EC 9 as Vice Presidential Candidate of the Fourth Respondent did not automatically abrogate his subsisting nomination as Senatorial Candidate for the Senatorial election for Borno Central Senatorial District."

The petitioners, in answer to the issue of "manual collation", stated in paragraph 31 of the First Respondent's Reply, averred that by the applicable Laws and Regulations, the legitimate mode for resolving disputes at the collation was by resorting to the result uploaded on the IReV using the BVAS.

Obi and LP stated, "As at the date of filing this Reply on 21st April 2023, the information on the First Respondent's IReV Portal (http:// www.inecelectionresults.ng) shows that out of the 176,846 polling units, the results submitted were in respect of 167, 433 polling units; and that the percentage of the uploaded results on the IReV is 94.68%.”

The petitioners will also show that by the subsisting judgements in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/334/2023, among others, the Federal High Court correctly applied the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Regulations made thereunder and determined that the use of BVAS for the accreditation and electronic transmission of the results of the election is mandatory.

They further claimed, INEC "unlawfully through its officials made attempt to manipulate the result of the presidential election uploaded on the backend server of the AWS; and thereafter, invented the unsubstantiated excuse of ‘technological glitches’ as their justification for their failure and neglect to transmit/ transfer the result of the election as mandated by the Electoral Act and the Guidelines/Regulations to the IReV in real-time.

"Furthermore, in its mischievous attempts to compromise and manipulate the actual results of the election, the First Respondent uploaded blurred images/pictures purporting same to be the Forms EC 8A for the polling units itemised in the reports pleaded and incorporated in the Petition."

The petitioners accordingly urged the court to hold that INEC's Reply to the Petition in its entirety is without merit and ought to be discountenanced in toto.

George Okoh In Makurdi

L-R: (front row): Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Nigerian Air Force War College, Air Commodore A. Audu; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Head of Delegation and Commandant, Nigerian Airforce War College, Air Vice Marshal Abraham Adole, and Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, ... yesterday

PAYMENT CARD INDUSTRY DATA SECURITY COMPLIANT…

N’Assembly, Police, DSS Petitioned over Alleged Certificate Forgery by Sylva

Adedayo

Akinwale in Abuja

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling

All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the National Assembly, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services(DSS) to immediately commence investigation on a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva over alleged certificate forgery and identity theft.

Sylva, a former Governor of Bayelsa State recently emerged the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in the state.

But in a swift reaction, Sylva described Frank as a political

prostitute and jobber who was busy making unsubstantiated allegations to please his pay master.

Frank, in a petition through his solicitors, Principal Partner of Graylaw Practice LP, Edward Omaga Esq also called on the Senate President, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the DSS, among others to look into the matter.

He urged the National Assembly to summon Sylva and officials from his alma maters in Nigeria and Switzerland to explain the inconsistencies in the identity of the politician.

NGX Group Achieve EDGE Certification

Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) yesterday announced that it has been awarded the EDGE certification, making it the first exchange group globally and the first indigenous Nigerian organisation to be EDGE certified.

NGX Group was certified at the EDGE Assess level, which highlights the progress the company has made on diversity, equity, and inclusion and its commitment to ensuring equal opportunities across its talent pool.

EDGE, which stands for Economic Dividends for Gender Equality, is the leading global standard for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), centred on a workplace gender and intersectional equity approach.

The certification process involved employee surveys, analysis of group-wide workforce statistics,

focus group discussions, and a rigorous third-party audit of all data provided by the company and its policies and practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Group Chief Executive Officer, NGX Group, Mr. Oscar Onyema in a statement said: “We are thrilled to have achieved yet another first in our efforts to promote gender equality and champion Africa’s sustainable development.

“This certification demonstrates our dedication to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace. At NGX Group, we believe that diversity and inclusivity are fundamental to our success. With the EDGE certification, we now benefit from being verified against global best standards as we continually measure and benchmark progress around gender equality.”

Sule Appoints Ex-Assembly Speaker Accountant General

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

The Governor of Nasarawa State, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, has appointed former speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Mr. Musa Ahmed Muhammed, as the new Accountant General of the state.

Muhammed will take over from Mr. Zakka Yakubu, who has been in office as Accountant General of the state since 2016.

The new accountant general, who is a PhD holder in Accounting, was a two term speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. Speaking to journalists shortly after visiting the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, HON. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, in Lafia yesterday, the new accountant

Frank explained: “Sylva’s primary school certificate carried his name as Anagha Timipere as evident in documents the ex-Minister filed before a court in the United States as part of an

ongoing defamation suit brought by his lawyers.”

He noted that Anagha Timipere was different from Marlin Anagha Timipre, which is the name on Sylva’s WAEC certificate.

He claimed that the expetroleum minister had also obtained his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Port-Harcourt, with the certificate bearing Anagha Timipre Marlin.

Frank insisted that this clearly contradicted Sylva’s 2011 doctoral degree certificate in International Relations from Ubis University, Switzerland, with the name Chief Timipre Sylva.

Enugu CP Orders Investigation into Murder of APGA Guber Candidate

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ammani, has ordered the Homicide Section of the State CID and Tactical Squads of the Command to conduct a full-scale discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances of the murder

of Dons Udeh, Enugu State governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 elections.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, DSP Danie Ndukwe, the CP urged the squads to ensure that they fished out and brought the

perpetrators of the heinous crime to book, within the shortest possible time.

According to the statement, the lifeless and decomposing body of the deceased was found in a bush at 9th Mile Bypass in Udi Local Government Area, on Tuesday with marks of violence, which strongly suggests that

he was murdered.

“The corpse was evacuated to the hospital, where it was confirmed dead and deposited in the mortuary for preservation and medical autopsy, by Police Operatives serving in 9th Mile Police Division of the Command,” the statement said.

Adamawa PDP Protests, Demands Release of Members Detained by DSS

Daji Sani inYola

The Adamawa State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), A.T Shehu yesterday morning led a group of protesters to the office of the Department of Security Services (DSS) in Yola, demanding the release of three PDP members who were allegedly detained by

the DSS. Shehu while leading the protesters, said the protest became necessary as their members were in detention since Wednesday last week.

He said their detention was beyond the time the constitution stipulates, explaining that every Nigerian has a fundamental human

right not to be kept in police custody for more than 48 hours.

The State Chairman said the DSS, after receiving their complaint letter, has assured them that they would carry out investigation on the said members and do the needful as quickly as possible.

The persons were arrested aftermath the recent governorship

election controversies in the state as a result of illegal declaration of winner by former Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari. According to the protesters, the affected persons were said to be allegedly in the custody of the DSS for seven days without trial from the time of their arrest.

‘Tinubu’s Enemies Will Sing His Praises after Inauguration’

Olusegun SamuelinYenagoa

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Bayelsa state Co-ordinator of the Tinubu/ Shettima Independent Campaign Council (ICC), Prince Preye Aganaba, has predicted that those attacking the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, would surely sing his praises after May 29.

Aganaba observed that most people attacking Tinubu were doing so from the position of ignorance while others, who knew him but chose to hate him, were acting out of jealousy.

Aganaba, who congratulated the family of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the safe return of the President-elect from France, said ignorant haters of Tinubu

would be his immediate converts while his core enemies would bury their heads in shame after his inauguration on May 29th.

He expressed confidence that Tinubu would disappoint his enemies with his performance, adding that the former Governor of Lagos State was known for hitting the ground running.

He said: “The president-elect has

always been a celebrated performer whether in his public or private practice. He has the capacity and will display that capacity from May 29th after his inauguration.

“We are confident that Tinubu will disappoint his enemies. He will surely reposition the country and usher in an era of economic turnaround and rapid development of Nigeria.”

NUJ President Advises Journalists against Propagating Fake News

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

general pledged to consolidate on the prudent, transparent and accountability programme of the present administration of Governor Sule for economic prosperity of the state.

Muhammed, however, revealed that he visited the speaker’s residence to officially notify him of his appointment as the accountant general of the state and seek for synergy and support from the assembly for the betterment of the state.

Abdullahi, on his part, congratulated the new accountant general of the state, noting that he has full confidence on his capacity and ability to deliver considering his wealth of experience in governance and as a seasoned accountant.

President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo, has charged journalists in the country to guide against propagating fake news. He said proper and adequate checks must be ensured before stories are written and transmitted for public consumption. Isiguzo, who is also the

President of Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), gave the charge at the lecture series of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan College of Arts and Social Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, with the theme: “Rethinking The Social Media: Fake News and The Death of The Gatekeeper.” He said: “This is the only way we can help sustain our

democracy. Distracting leaders from acts of governance through frivolities and malicious deployment of fake news, hate speeches will not augur well for the country.

“We should always remember that while the gatekeeper on social media platforms has died or never even existed, the gatekeeper in the traditional media lives on.”

According to him, “Unlike traditional journalism, social media is a bottom-up, emergent phenomenon in which there is little or no editorial oversight or formal journalistic workflow. It does not require training or professionalism. It is therefore my contention that in an attempt to discuss this topic, adequate consideration should be given to the traditional media.

HOMEF Demands Audit of Crude Oil Impacts on N’Delta

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A civil society group, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has demanded a comprehensive audit of the entire Niger Delta region as it affects health, livelihoods, social

and economic impacts of crude oil and gas extraction.

This as the group has urged federal lawmakers to ensure the review of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), eliminate a section which criminalised communities and remove authorities given to oil companies to determine who

the host communities are and how to support the community.

Director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, made the demands in his remarks at the Niger Delta Alternatives Convergence (NDAC 2023) held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Bassey recalled that during

the 2022 NDAC held in Akwa Ibom, the stakeholders at the convergence birthed the Niger Delta Manifesto for Socio-Ecological Justice, which according to him outlined eight key demands that the incoming governments must achieve on the region.

L-R: Executive Director, Lagos Business, Wema Bank Plc, Wole Ajimisinmi; Deputy Managing Director, Wema Bank, Wole Akinleye, and Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode, Obadare Peter Adewale, during the presentation of the certificate of compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard v4.0 in Lagos…yesterday

ECOWAS NUTRITION FORUM…

L-R: Rachael Amadasun of Micronutrient Laboratories Limited; former Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Professor Ignatius Onimawo; Mr. John Uruakpa of Federal Ministry of Health, and Maryanne Okoye of Micronutrient Laboratories, at the Cognito Stand during the 17th ECOWAS Nutrition Forum in Abuja…recently

Amotekun: Over 9,000 Herders Illegally Enter Ondo in One Month

Fidelis David in Akure

The Ondo State Commander of the Western Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, yesterday revealed that over 9,000 herders illegally found their way into the state through the border towns in the last one month.

Adeleye, who also doubles as the special adviser on security

matters, made the revelation while parading 31 suspects apprehended for crimes that ranged from kidnapping, rape, burglary, rituals, stealing, arson, illegal possession of firearms among others.

He explained that the 9000 herders who ‘illegally’ found their way into the state through the border towns have been chased back, adding that the

NECO Reschedules 2023 National Common Entrance Examination

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has rescheduled the 2023 National Common Entrance Examinations (NCEE) which was billed to take place on April 29, 2023.

The examination, which is conducted for admission into the 110 Federal Unity Colleges, will now hold on June 3, 2023.

In a statement issued by the Council yesterday and made available by its spokesperson, Azeez Sani, the examination was rescheduled to give states with low registration of candidates the opportunity to register their candidates for the examination.

According to Sani, “The

National Examinations Council (NECO) has rescheduled the 2023 National Common Entrance Examinations (NCEE) which is conducted for admission into Federal Unity Colleges from April 29, 2023 to June 3, 2023.

“The examination was rescheduled to give states with low registration of candidates the opportunity to register their candidates for the examination.

“All candidates, parents, guardians, schools and relevant stakeholders are therefore enjoined to take note of the new date for the examination.

“The registration of candidates will continue till the new date of the examination.”

Bauchi 20 LGAs to Spend N65.8bn in 2023

Segun Awofadeji inBauchi

Bauchi State House of Assembly (BAHA) has passed into law, the 2023 proposed Consolidated Budget of the 20 Local Government Areas of the State which stands at the sum of N65,837,673,656.00.

This followed the laying of the report of the joint House Committee on Appropriation and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on the proposed 2023 Consolidated Budget of 20 Local Government Areas of Bauchi State by the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation Hon. Abdulkadir Umar Dewu representing Kirfi Constituency.

The Committee, while laying the report, explained that it had series of engagements with critical stakeholders and had carefully scrutinised the proposed Consolidated Budget document of the 20 Local Government Councils in the State.

According to the Committee,

based on that, it recommended that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in collaboration with the 20 Local Government Councils should organise intensive capacity building programmes for the Local Government Councils budget officers to enable them learn the rudiments of budget preparations in line with IPSAS standard.

It also recommended that subsequent capital expenditure estimates of the local government councils should be given the required priority in order to boost the socioeconomic development of the LGAs in line with the best global practice.

The Committee therefore, recommended that the sum of N65,837,673,656.00 only should be adopted as 2023 Consolidated Budget of 20 Local Government Councils of Bauchi State.

The House then dissolved in to Committee of a whole in which it subsequently adopted the recommendations.

herders always entered the state through the border towns at the dead of the night.

The Amotekun’s commander was particularly worried at the sudden influx of herders whom he said “always masquerades

in different forms of criminal” to enter the state.

He said: “The reality is that in the last month, we have a very heavy annoying unusual influx of herdsmen to the state. We have to drive them back to

where they came from.

“In the last one month, we are confronted with over 9,000 herders against the laws of the land. They moved them in the midnight and they masquerade as different forms of criminals.”

Adeleye noted that the herders always come into Ondo through the border communities in Edo, Kogi and now Ekiti States with large numbers of cattle to perpetrate crimes.

Police Pay N38m to Families of Deceased Officers

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng, has presented cheques of different amounts, totalling N38.3 million to families of police personnel of the command, who lost their lives while in service.

The State Command’s Public

Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP

Tochukwu Ikenga revealed this in a press statement yesterday.

Ikenga said Echeng presented the cheques to the beneficiaries at the state’s police headquarters at Amawbia, in the Awka South Local Government Area of the state, on behalf of the InspectorGeneral of Police, Usman Baba

Alkali.

He explained: “It is also aimed at spurring officers to greatness while discharging their statutory duties with the assurance that their welfare is of paramount importance to the leadership of the Force.

“The CP while presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries

thanked the Inspector-General of Police for his relentless efforts at ensuring a good welfare package for personnel of the Force.” Echeng was also quoted as urging the beneficiaries to use the money wisely by investing in a profitable venture that would alleviate the needs of the dependents left behind.

Court Remands Five for Allegedly Lynching Suspected Internet Fraudster in Ondo

Fidelis David in Akure

A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo State’s capital, yesterday remanded five persons suspected to have lynched a 35-year-old suspected internet fraudster, late Mr. Temitope Olorunfemi, in police custody. The suspects, Mr. Victor

Amos, 30; Ismalia, 32; Pelumi Farotimi, 42; Nurudeen Kumuyi, 22 and Samuel Olatunji, 23, were arraigned on three counts of felony, unlawful murder and arson.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, informed the court that the accused conspired to commit felony and unlawful murder

of the deceased, Olorunfemi, who was wrongly accused to be “a suspected yahoo boy.”

Akintimehin explained that the accused persons and others at large committed the offence on April 10, 2023, at about 9.00 p.m., opposite Odopo Town Hall, along Ijoka Road, in Akure. He told the court that the accused also maliciously

damaged one Toyota Camry car with registration number plate KRD 627 GY, by setting it ablaze.

According to the charge, with Number MAK/136c/2023, the offences committed by the suspects contravened Sections 324, 316(1) and 451(6) (J) of the Criminals Code, Cap 37 Vol. 2 Laws of Ondo State.

Bayelsa Seeks Opportunities for Niger Delta Youths

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government has urged the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd) to partner with various state governments in the region, especially, Bayelsa State, to stimulate regional integration

and cooperation in the Niger Delta.

The Focal Person of the PAP to Governor Douye Diri, Mr. Alaowei Opukeme Jonah, who made the call in Yenagoa, said that the state government as a willing partner is ready to support the various and laudable initiatives of the PAP.

Jonah also appealed to the

interim administrator to include more youths from the state to benefit from the various agricultural and cooperative schemes he is planning to establish.

He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for reappointing Ndiomu, noting that the extension of his tenure was a reward for his

excellent service during his first appointment. He said: “Ndiomu at different events had hinted that the proposed schemes to be sponsored by the Amnesty Office will help to address the issue of unemployment in the Niger Delta and reduce the overdependence of the monthly N65,000 stipends by ex-agitators.

Group Tasks Sanwo-Olu on Rising Cases of Land Grabbing in Lagos

Sunday Okobi

Civil society stakeholders under aegis of Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) have called on the Lagos State Government and relevant authorities to swiftly curb nefarious activities of land grabbers across the state.

While lamenting the state government’s lack of action to curb the activities of these land grabbers, the President of the group, Alex Omotehinse, who made the appeal yesterday at a press conference on unlawful activities of land grabbers, terrorising Ojomu communities (Ajiran land) in the Eti-Osa

Local Council of the state, said their activities have undermined the spirit and letters of the Lagos State Property Protection Law, which prohibits forceful and illegal occupation of land legitimately acquired by citizens.

Omotehinse, who rued the gruesome murder of one Sheriff

Salami on April 18, 2023, as a fallout of the deceased’s opposition to activities of land grabbers in the community, expressed worry that land grabbers are becoming more entrenched than hitherto imagined, in spite of a Task Force established to nip the menace in the bud.

Obaseki Urged to Stop Wasting Funds on Opposition Attacks

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State, Prince John Mayaki, has advised Governor Godwin Obaseki to stop his undemocratic bid to silence criticism in the state through sponsorship of crude attacks on the opposition.

Mayaki in a statement

accused the governor of seeking to buy a legacy after nearly two terms of astounding failure characterised byunmet promises and shameful violations of the rule of law.

Stressing that amateur public relations efforts aren’t an antidote to maladministration, he urged the governor to

stop inflicting double blows on the citizens of the state by wasting their taxes on fruitless image laundering after failing to use the same to fix gaping problems in the state, a decision he said would have improved the governor’s dented image.

Mayaki said: “Obaseki, in

his usual headiness, believes that he can blackmail the opposition into silence through sponsored attacks implemented by surrogates who themselves are victims of the widespread poverty and lack of opportunities caused by the maladministration of the governor.”

Dozy Mmobuosi’s £115m Sheffield Takeover Threatened

Blades gain promotion back to Premier League along with Burnley

After spending over £8.7million to support the financially-stricken Sheffield United club, Nigerian businessman Dozy Mmobuosi’s £115million takeover of the club is set to collapse.

The Blades as Sheffield are called, beat West Brom 2-0 last night to win promotion back to the Premier League after two years in the Championship along with Burnley.

Sources close to the situation claim Mmobuosi’s relationship with the club's current owner, Prince Abdullah, has broken down to such an extent that the ownership deal for the Championship side is in major jeopardy.

The African tycoon is said to have pumped close to £9million into the Bramall Lane club since November to help the cash-strapped Blades fulfil their financial obligations on the expectation his protracted buy-out

TRANSFER NEWS

would be ratified early in 2023.

However, Mmobuosi is now effectively at war with Prince Abdullah amid assertions he made substantial cash deposits in good faith to help preserve the club’s future.

It is claimed that on November 18, 2022, Mmobuosi and Prince Abdullah shook hands on a deal for the club worth £115m at London’s Dorchester Hotel.

As proof of his intentions, Mmobuosi is believed to have immediately transferred £1million. Three days before Christmas, he was also said to have made a further £6.5million payment to help the team avoid administration - an advance made on the proviso that the sale would be confirmed early in 2023.

On January 24, 2023, Mmobuosi

paid an extra £1.2million after the club pleaded with him to settle their HMRC bill which sources have indicated helped the Blades lift the transfer embargo placed on them in January.

But United insiders insisted that the lifting of the embargo was not related to Mmobuosi’s takeover, but because of money raised from their FA Cup run and renegotiated transfer deals.

The cash injections made by Mmobuosi is understood to have been paid into United’s holding company, and not directly into club accounts.

Since Mmobuosi and Prince Abdullah struck an agreement in November, the Blades' season has gone from strength to strength.

Sheffield United also reached the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley where they eventually lost to champions

Manchester City on Saturday.

The club’s impressive second half of the season has coincided with a delay in Mmobuosi’s proposed takeover.

Indeed, there have been reports in the previous 24 hours indicating

Prince Abdullah is now open to listening to alternative offers for United.

With top-flight football within reach, the club’s value is likely to soar in the coming weeks.

It is understood Mmobuosi has been informed by the EFL that he has passed initial checks with regards their stringent owners and directors test ahead of his proposed Blades takeover.

Mmobuosi and Prince Abdullah had previously enjoyed a good relationship but that connection has deteriorated significantly in

EPL: Man City Narrow Arsenal Lead to Two Points

Cityzens with two games at hand can go top at Fulham on Sunday

Manchester City delivered a masterclass to overwhelm Premier League leaders Arsenal 4-1 and strike a huge psychological blow in the title race at Etihad Stadium last night.

The confrontation billed as a potential title-decider turned into an embarrassingly one-sided affair.

Pep Guardiola's side, now two points behind Arsenal with two games in hand, were inspired by the devastating partnership of Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne.

Haaland set De Bruyne away for a silky opener after seven minutes, and Arsenal then survived a constant bombardment of attacks before John Stones headed home from a corner in first-half stoppage time, the goal given by VAR after originally being ruled offside.

City goal machine Haaland was outstanding and again setting up De Bruyne for the third in the 54th minute, the Belgian passing a classy finish between the legs of Gunners defender Rob Holding.

Holding pulled one back for Arsenal late on before Haaland, denied four times by Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale earlier in the match, sealed a memorable night with his 49th City goal. Haaland broke the Premier League record for goals in

a 38-game season after scoring his 33rd of the season.

However, he's still not the highest single-season goalscorer in the league's history, after Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer both nabbed 34 goals in 1993-94 and 1994-95 respectively.

City can go top with victory at Fulham on Sunday while Arsenal must somehow pull out of a slump

that has seen them go four league games without a win at a crucial stage of the season.

Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest defeated Brighton 3-1 to leapfrog both Leicester City and Everton to the 17th spot on the Premier League last night. Forest are now on 30 points while Leicester have 29 on same 33 points. Only Everton on 28 and in

the 19th spot have an outstanding game at hand.

SCORING RECORD IN

38-GAME EPL SEASON

33 - Erling Haaland (2022-23)

32 - Mohamed Salah (2017-18)

31 - Luis Suárez (2013-14)

31 - Cristiano Ronaldo (2007-08)

31 - Alan Shearer (1995-96)

Okpekpe Organisers Mark One Month to Historic Race

One month from today, the historic Okpekpe International 10km Road Race will hold in Okpekpe near Auchi, Edo State.

It will be the first gold label 10km road race to be held in Nigeria and organisers have restated their commitment to organising an event worthy of its new status. The race's Media and Activation Director, Dare Esan said this year's edition, the ninth in the series, will be the biggest so far in terms of the quality of elite athletes that will partcipate in it as well as its technical and administrative organisation.

“We are organising a gold label road race this year and, naturally, the quality of athletes that will race will have gold written all over them. As a gold label race, elite athletes that will compete must be gold level running athletes and this we have complied,” said Esan who believes the development will have a positive effect on the quality of performances.

“We are not only expecting a new course record for the men and women races but also a few of the athletes running a sub-29 minutes for men and a sub-32 for women,” he added.

Ethiopia's Teshome Mekonen

holds the men's course record (28:35) while another Ethiopian, Wude Ayalew ran 32:41 to set the women's course record, both set in 2014.

Esan also revealed the race this year will also serve as a qualifying race for the World Athletics Championships scheduled for Budapest, Hungary this August.

The Okpekpe international 10km road race is the first to be granted a label status by World Athletics in 2015 and it is also the first to have its course measured by a World Athletics accredited measurer.

recent weeks given the delays in their original agreement being formally ratified.

It now remains to be seen whether the agreement can be revived, though there appears to be little hope that a sale will happen at the originally agreed price of £115m. Sheffield United declined to comment when contacted by UK’s Mail Sport.

Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is also in talks to acquire a 60% stake in French Ligue 2 side, Valenciennes FC for a fee of €10 million.

Ugbade Dreams Making History as First U17 Winner and Coach

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Golden Eaglets coach, Nduka

Ugbade, is dreaming of going into history books as the first coach to win the FIFA U17 World Cup as both player and coach.

To make that dream a reality, Ugbade’s primary aim at the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria is to pick one of the available World Cup tickets.

The Golden Eaglets are in Group B with Zambia, Morocco and South Africa.

The Nigerian cadet team are scheduled to kick off their campaign against Zambia on April 30.

Ugbade captained Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to win the inaugural FIFA Under-16 World Cup in China in 1985 and also picked a silver medal at the U20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 1989 before capping his illustrious playing career with an AFCON 1994 gold medal.

Speaking in a video posted on NFF’s Twitter handle on Wednesday, Ugbade disclosed that his wards will do everything possible to emerge championship Algeria and claim one of the tickets to the cadet World

Cup later in the year.

“We had the MRI with 100 per cent clearance for our players,” began Ugbade who admitted that the “hospitality of the Algerian people has been wonderful.”

He recalled how Eaglets breezed past all opposition in Ghana to claim the WAFU B title. “We’ve been preparing for the past 10 months and we’ve done so good in Ghana (WAFU B qualifiers). We did very well, coming first and winning the trophy.

With five U17 World Cup win for Nigeria, Ugbade believes the 2023 class of Eaglets have no reason not to emulate the likes of Kelechi Nwakali, Sunday Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho and most recently, Victor Osimhen.

“And as you know Nigeria has participated in World Cup competitions at this level and I was the first in the world to be captain of Nigeria that won it for the first time in China 1985. Our aim is to at least qualify for the World Cup and win the trophy if possible.”

The 2023 U-17 AFCON will be held in Algeria between April 29 and May 19.

Soccer Ambassadors to Honour Teluwo in Lagos

The refurbished

Lagos will be agog when over 100 players go on the turf to play a novelty match in honour of Chief Adewale Teluwo on Sunday, April 30 2023.

The match put together by a group of ex-internationals, known as TELUWO SOCCER AMBASSADORS, will be coordinated by Mr Anthony Olayinka Ajiboye, the Special Adviser on Sports to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to details released by the spokesman of the group, Mr, Victor Ehime Eghodosa, a giant trophy will be presented for an annual competition among leading clubs in Lagos to appreciate the efforts made by Chief Adewale

Teluwo in promoting football from the grassroots level in the last four decades in the country.

It promises to be spectacle when the likes of Taribo West, now a pastor, Godwin Okpara, Golden Ajeboh, Festus Odini, Hakeem Ogunlade, Taiwo Enegwa, Sunday Ilevbare, Koya Dosunmu, Bala Garba, Victor Eghodosa, Joseph Eberefe, Segun Fetuga, Lookman Olugbode, Wilson Aki and Tobi Cottrel trade tackles against former players of Stationery Stores F.C. of Lagos. The match is slated for 3.p.m.

In a response, Teluwo said: “I am really excited. The boys are now men and they are all wonderful. This planning has been on for over a year and now, we give God the glory.”

Kevin De Bryne (left) scored brace with John Stones and Erling Haaland adding the other two goals as Manchester City defeated Arsenal 4-1 to cut the Gunners lead to just two points...last night

Sheffield United players celebrating their promotion back to the Premier League ...last night

Legacy Pitch at the National Stadium in Surulere,

Hassan-Odukale to Nigerians

“Thisyear’sweatherforecastpaintsableakpicture,especiallyagainstthebackdropofthe prevailingglobalinflationandeconomicvulnerabilitiesanduncertainties.Asanation,as agribusinessinvestors,businessowners,propertyandassetmanagers,families,andindividuals, wemustproactivelytakeactiontomitigatethedishearteninganddevastatinghumanand materiallossesfromthefloodingincidentsin2022”

—TheMD/CEOofLeadwayAssurance,Tunde Hassan-Odukale,warningNigeriansagainstignoringtheNiMET’s2023rainfallforecast.

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

Buried Alive!

‘One life taken in cold blood is as gruesome as a million that may go down in a pogrom’—Dele Giwa (1947-1986)

Having read the 2010 book, ‘Sudan: Darfur and the Failure of an African State’ I am not surprised that the power struggle between the two most senior military leaders in Sudan has exploded into a shooting war in which Khartoum is now effectively another killing field. “Nothing in Sudan has just happened; the catalogue of disasters, diseases and death have all been man-made,” wrote Richard Cockett, a former editor of the London ‘Economist’ more than a decade ago. “Even the killings in Darfur were allowed to take place because it suited the interests of some politicians and nations. The oil hungry Chinese, meddling Western politicians, spineless African leaders, shamefully silent activists, land greedy Arab tribes, myopic Sudanese politicians, all share responsibility for the tragedy of Sudan.”

With the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Western countries finding it increasingly difficult to evacuate their nationals from a country where law and order has broken down, we must commend the federal government for the efforts to move Nigerian students to Egypt. There are also lessons to learn from the remote and immediate causes of the current tragedy in Sudan. Youth protests for greater accountability and a better living standard ultimately toppled Omar Al Bashir’s 30-year dictatorship in 2019, after which the military hijacked power. And those young Sudanese who risked their lives must now be asking themselves salient questions. But interrogating this familiar tragedy on the continent raises so many issues competing for attention that Sudan may have to wait for another day.

For us in Nigeria, especially, latest reports about the leaked American intelligence documents describing an effort by Russia’s paramilitary Wagner Group to recruit rebels as part of an “evolving plot to topple the Chadian government” should concern our authorities. According to the report published in the ‘Washington Post’ on Monday, the documents detail a discussion in February this year between Wagner’s leader, Yevgeniy Prigozhin, and his associates about the timeline and facility for training an initial group of rebels in Avakaba (a city in Central African Republic), close to the Chadian border, and the route that Wagner would use to transport them. There are many critical issues here but let us isolate just two. A crisis in Chad is a crisis in Nigeria, given the proximity and associated security issues. Besides, in a divided country like ours with abundant mineral resources, what stops these mercenaries from extending their network to Nigeria once they succeed in installing a puppet regime in N’djamena? These are the kinds of scenarios that the Intelligence community in other countries would be looking at and I hope our people are watching the situation in Chad. However, as important as the Chadian issue or even the crisis in Sudan may be, it will help to also pay attention to developments in Malindi, Kenya, where dozens of corpses of the ‘Good News International Church’ members are being exhumed. These unfortunate victims of religious brainwashing were reportedly persuaded by their pastor to starve themselves to death on their way to heaven. Meanwhile, the Pastor himself is alive,

even when some of the emaciated survivors of his chicanery are refusing help. “When we tried to administer first aid to give her sips of water with glucose with a spoon, she sealed her mouth and was signifying that she doesn’t want any help,” it was reported of a woman. A man in his 40s said he was in his senses and should be left alone. “He even called us enemies of him going to heaven.”

With videos of some Nigerian ‘Men of God’ stepping on the heads of their congregants or asking them to eat grass, which they gladly abide by, we should pay attention to what is happening in Malindi. Some of these characters have asked their members of the opposite sex to go naked and do all kinds of crazy things. With a cocktail of ignorance, poverty and superstition, millions of Nigerians can easily fall prey to these conjurers. If we are therefore not careful, the tragedy of Malindi is not too far away. In any case, we have also seen that in the Boko Haram/ ISWAP insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of our people in the Northeast: It is also about going to heaven where, according to what they believe, several virgins are waiting for these bloody zealots!

We will have to leave religion and the tragic developments in Sudan, Chad, and Kenya for the moment. My concern today derives from a story in the PUNCH newspaper of Tuesday. According to the report, two people accused of being behind a thunder strike at Ikyve in the Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State were buried alive by irate youths. Let’s take the story from PUNCH: “A man identified as Henry Ihwakaa alongside his wife and a child were reportedly struck by thunder on Saturday in the community. Irked by the incident, youths from the area were said to have mobilised and apprehended the father of the alleged thunder victim, Ihwakaa and another elderly man purported

to be his collaborator.

“The youths were said to have dug a shallow grave and buried them alive. A community leader in the area, Baba Agan, who claimed to have reported the case to the police at Tse Agbaragba, the headquarters of the local government, said before policemen could get to the village, the two elderly people had died. ‘There was a light rain that day (last Saturday) accompanied by thunder which hit a young man, his wife, and a two-week-old child and the three people died. As a result of that, youths in the village mobilised and went to the house of the father of the young man whose name is Henry and the father’s name is Ihwakaa. They attacked him and an elderly man, dug a grave and buried them alive,’ Agan said.

“It was, however, learnt that when a police team arrived at the scene, the two victims had already died in the grave and their bodies were exhumed. When contacted on Monday, the state Police Public Relations Office, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident. Anene said two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident while an investigation was ongoing. The PPRO who said only one person was buried alive, however, warned members of the public against jungle justice, urging aggrieved persons to always report any case of disagreement to the police for necessary action.”

Since I read the story on Tuesday, I have been very disturbed. That people would bury another person alive is beyond frightening. And so is the rationalization for the gruesome murder. But if there is anything we can take from the immortal words of the late Dele Giwa with which I opened this column, it is that no matter our pretensions to the contrary, the Nigerians crisis is not much different from that of Sudan.

I have written before that the list of extrajudicial killings in Nigeria is as long as that of the “offences” for which the victims are accused. Following the daylight murder in July 2012 in Ekiti State of a 70-year-old woman, Mrs. Rebecca Adewumi, who was tortured to death by rampaging

Oby

youths because her rival claimed to have seen her (Mrs Adewumi) in a dream tormenting her son, I did an intervention titled ‘Apani Ma Wagun, Olokiki Oru’. In 2008, after a commercial motorcycle (Okada) rider hit a woman on Aba/ Port Harcourt Expressway in the Rivers State capital, he claimed that he saw three cats crossing the road and that it was after hitting one that it turned into a woman. The hapless victim of a careless Okada rider was instantly pounced upon and clubbed to death.

Whichever way we look at all these issues, they are by no means isolated. They tell a compelling story about our country and the absence of the rule of law. A United States-based public affairs commentator, Dr Churchill Okonkwo, once summed it up this way: “From the political class that hire thugs to kill opponents; the bandits, kidnappers and ‘killer herdsmen’ that kill at will; the mob and onlookers that stone a suspected petty thief to death and ethnic warlords that burn and kill for every little communal dispute, our cultural orientation appears to permit killing without a good reason.”

It is difficult to fault Churchill. We place no premium on human life in Nigeria. And we can see the consequences in every area of our national life, including our politics, notorious for impunity and absence of accountability. That’s why some could gather after a natural occurrence like lightning to accuse another person(s) of being responsible and then proceed from there to conduct life burial. I hope the police will bring the perpetrators of this most heinous crime in Benue to justice.

Meanwhile, I am aware that in a season of transition such as we are in today in Nigeria, the main obsession is about power politics. I have no problem with that. But it will also serve us not to miss the essence of this tragedy. That a discernible jungle ethos now defines living and livelihoods in Nigeria should concern critical stakeholders. When you run a system in which the life of the ordinary citizen can be so casually taken on such flimsy grounds and in this most bestial manner, all else is forfeit.

Ezekwesili at 60

Love her or hate her, Mrs Obiageli (Oby) Ezekwesili, who tomorrow marks her 60th birthday, has made a significant impact in our nation. A chartered accountant, public servant, and activist, Ezekwesili has at different times played critical roles on the Nigerian scene, the African continent and in the global arena. Although she started out in the private sector, she was always at the forefront of the conversation on how to bring transparency and accountability into government business. And she has lived by what she preaches. Right from the time she was first appointed head of the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit (popularly known as Due Process Unit) by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the inception of the current democratic dispensation, Ezekwesili has remained a force for good. But what I particularly remember is the critical pioneering and leadership role she played in the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) as founding chairperson.

On her stewardship in government where she held different portfolios, including Solid Minerals and Education, there can be no better tribute than the one by President Olusegun Obasanjo that I have been privileged to read: In every public role she has played, according to the former president, Ezekwesili has demonstrated uncommon integrity, dedication to duty and strength of character.

It is therefore most fitting that Ezekwesili today enjoys the reward enunciated in the Biblical book Proverbs 22 verse 29: When you are diligent in what you do, you will stand before kings, not mere men. Ezekwesili has, at different times, been named in the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) 100 Women, TIME 100 Most Influential People, New York Times 25 Women of Impact, Albert Einstein’s Foundation’s Genius:100 Visions of the Future etc.

As my own dear sister, Oby Ezekwesili turns 60, I wish her happy birthday, long life, and good health.

IGP, Usman Alkali Baba