SUNDAY 28TH APRIL 2024

Yahaya Bello: American Int'l School Explains Refund of Fees to EFCC, Reaffirms Respect for Nigerian Institutions

Says funds returned based on commission’s request Denies any wrongdoing

Nine

Dead,

Over 100 Vehicles Burnt in Rivers, Ogun

CDS: We Must Shame Enemies of Nigeria, Unite against Banditry, Terrorism

Seeks promotion of nation’s diversity for development

Says many people do not like Nigeria’s blessings

ROYAL WEDDING…

Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero; Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; and Senator Saliu Mustapha, during the wedding fathia of the emirs’ children, Sanusi Aminu Bayero, and Rumana Nasir Bayero, at the Emir’s Palace in Kano…Friday

Kingsley Nweze in Abuja The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has appointed Mr.

Michael Nzekwe as his Chief of Staff. This is even as he also appointed zonal directors for each of the 14 zonal commands of the commission.

Nzekwe, a topnotch investigator, lawyer and former commander of the Ilorin zonal

command of the EFCC, is of

Wabara: We’ll Resist Plot to Turn Nigeria into One-party State

Former minister, Odom resigns from PDP

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has vowed that any attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to turn Nigeria into a oneparty state, would be vigorously resisted.

This is coming as a former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Chuka Odom, has resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Also, more members of the PDP have tendered their letters of resignation from the party, since last week’s resignation of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha

from the party.

Senator Wabara who was responding to the reported mass resignation of some key PDP members in the South-east geopolitical zone, accused the APC of using some elements in the PDP to disintegrate the party.

Recall that the former Governor of Imo State, Ihedioha, on Tuesday, resigned his membership of the PDP, citing the lingering controversy

over the position of the PDP National Secretary.

Barely 24 hours after the former governor’s exit, key members and officials of the party in Imo State also tendered their resignation letters.

Some of the National officers from Imo State who had allegedly resigned from the PDP included: BoT member, Chief Chris Okewulonu; four zonal officers

– Mr Stanley Ekezie, ex-officio Zonal Officer; Chief Austin Okeke, Zonal Publicity Secretary; Chief Emeka Nwokeke, Zonal Organising Secretary and Zonal Woman Leader, Mrs Ruth Nkwocha.

Others were three state officers and a local government Chairman of the party in Imo, namely: Mr. Kissinger Ikokwu, State Legal Adviser; Mazi Emenike Nmeregini, State Publicity Secretary; Chief

Fubara: Let's Save Rivers' Soul Together

Says he won’t govern the state on his knees

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has called for joint efforts to save the soul of the state from those he described as "detractors" who are bent on destroying its stability, stressing that he won’t govern the state on his knees but will remain standing.

Fubara, who said there is a fierce fight to destroy the soul of the state, noted that only the well-meaning persons who are standing firmly with him can wield the force of unity to save it. The governor made the call yesterday, at the hometown of Celestine Omehia in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area, during the burial of his 95-year-old mother, the late Mrs. Cecilia Omehia.

Fubara who attended the event alongside some prominent traditional leaders in the state, said the visit was to demonstrate love and show support to Mr. Omehia who, as a son, had satisfactorily performed the duty of giving his mother a befitting burial. He said: "I have come here with a few of us; very respected elders of the state, to come and support you and say to you that 'we sorrow with you.’ The most important thing is to show our concern and love. Any human being that shows enmity to death, that person is not even normal.

Nigerian Breweries Shareholders Okay Bid to Raise N600bn Capital after N106bn Loss

Kayode

Tokede

"We also rejoice with you for a life lived well to fulfillment by Mama. We wish Mama a safe journey. Let her stay well where she has gone," the governor said.

The governor reminded the elders of the need for every true lover of the state to synergise and be resolute in the fight to safeguard the soul of Rivers State.

He decried the evil politics of bitterness and the danger it has on the progress of the state, which according to him, should be discouraged as a bad political culture in contemporary times.

David Abanihi, State Assistant Treasurer and Hon Sambazz Iheaturueme, Obowo LGA Chairman.

Former members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Obinna Onwubuariri; Mr Chibuzor Agulana, Prof. Obioma Iheduru, Mrs. Amarachi Owuamanam , were also said to be among those who had dumped the main opposition party.

Reacting to the development, Wabara said that the PDP BoT would swiftly wade in to halt further exit of other members.

Wabara said that the BoT as the conscience of the party, would not allow self-seeking individuals to be used by the ruling party to destabilise the PDP.

He said: “The BoT will wade in expeditiously to save the deliberate and planned extinction of this great party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

“The BoT with the array of distinguished men and women of invaluable experience and integrity will surely salvage the party. The BoT did it once and shall do it again no matter whose ox is gored.

“The BoT will never allow the APC to use some characters in the PDP to turn this beautiful and sweet Nation (Nigeria) into a one-party state,” Wabara added.

This will give all the company’s shareholders the opportunity to acquire more shares in proportion to their holdings, at a price determined by the board, taking into consideration the market conditions.

Shareholders of Nigerian Breweries Plc have unanimously approved the bid to raise N600 billion capital by way of rights issue, at the 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos. With this development, the board has the authorisation to undertake capital restructuring by way of a rights issue.

Nigerian Breweries recorded a net loss of N106 billion for the year ended 2023, as against N13.93 billion posted in its 2022 financials, indicating a rise by 860 per cent in the company’s loss.

The Company Secretary, Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Uaboi Agbebaku, stated this in the audited financial result of the company for the year ended 2023 sent to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX).

IN MAJOR RESTRUCTURING, EFCC CHAIRMAN APPOINTS CHIEF OF STAFF, 14 NEW ZONAL

course one of the anti-graft commission.

He had served in various departments in the commission, including the Legal and Prosecution Department, Department of Operations (now Department of Investigations), Department of Internal Affairs (now Department of Ethics and Integrity), Servicom, and Asset Forfeiture Department.

A seasoned administrator, he has attended several trainings and courses at home and abroad, including the Advance Defence Intelligence Officers Course organised by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The appointment takes immediate effect and he has assumed duties.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in a statement, also said, that Olukoyede, in his restructuring and repositioning of the EFCC, equally upgraded all the zonal commands of the commission to the status of departments, with each of them headed by a director.

“To this effect, 14 new directors have been appointed to head each of the zonal commands. Additionally, to bolster and fortify the security architecture of the commission, the security unit of the EFCC

has been upgraded to a department with a seasoned officer appointed as director, security and chief security officer.

“A new department has also been created in the executive chairman’s office and it is headed by former Makurdi zonal commander of the EFCC, Mr. Friday Ebelo who also doubles as Director and Coordinator, Special Duties at the Corporate Headquarters of the commission,” Oyewale added.

Agbebaku said the gross profit of the company for the year under review also fell by 0.3 per cent to N212.5 billion, compared to N213.20 billion posted in the previous year. He stated that the operating profit of the company declined by 15.3 per cent to N45 billion, as against N53 billion recorded in the corresponding year.

Meanwhile, Olukoyede has said that the ongoing restructuring was meant for the repositioning and strengthening of the EFCC to deliver on its assigned mandate optimally.

CDS: WE MUST SHAME ENEMIES OF NIGERIA, UNITE AGAINST BANDITRY, TERRORISM

Kingsley Nweze in Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday in Abuja called on Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion, to shame the country’s enemies by uniting against banditry, terrorism and other common enemies.

Speaking at the second edition of Unity Schools Old Students Association’s (USOSA) sports carnival, Musa who called on Nigerians to continue to promote the nation’s diversity for national development, added that many people do not like Nigeria’s blessings.

“Nigeria is challenged; so, we need a united Nigeria to confront all the challenges we are facing.

“Nigerians must unite and confront the evil that is coming against us. So many people do not like the blessings we are having as a country.

“We must shame them by working together as a team and together we will continue to move forward,’’ he explained.

Musa, an old student of Federal Government College, Sokoto, noted that sports is a unifying factor that unites people and stressed the need for Nigerians to foster peace and promote national unity.

“At this sports carnival today, we are all one; we all love Nigeria. Nigeria gave us so much while in unity schools and that is what we are trying to bring out.

“This is a good opportunity and we all know how sports

unite us and teach discipline to understand oneself and to make sacrifices to know that there will be failures in life.

“What does one do when he or she fails? He or she rises and moves forward and that is what we are trying to preach,’’ he said.

Musa also called on Nigerians to continue to promote Nigeria’s diversity for national development.

In his remarks, the PresidentGeneral of USOSA, Mr. Michael Magaji called on Nigerians to continue to promote teamwork and excellence within Nigeria’s diversity as a way of adding value to common heritage.

Magaji noted that the vision of the founding fathers of unity schools had led to the promotion of Nigeria’s values and the

educational system.

“We see Nigerians in unity from all parts of the country coming here and using sports to promote teamwork and excellence, which help to manage and understand the country’s diversity.

“Unity schools were set up more than 50 years ago primarily to promote quality education, but more importantly to promote nation building.

“We must continue to work together to integrate the ideals of this project for our common goal,’’ Magaji stressed.

More than 3,000 old students of more than 55 unity colleges scattered around the country attended the sports carnival, which had as its theme: “Reigniting Unity in Diversity’’.

He said: "Anybody who claims to love this state should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interest of our dear Rivers State.

"And I am happy to say, and I've said it over and again, it doesn't matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on that side of truth.

"I will not; I repeat, I will not govern our dear state on my knees (bending). If that was the purpose; I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right.

"But politics of bitterness will not take us anywhere. So, I want to thank you that, at this stage, we have a few of you who understand that Rivers State belongs to every one of us. We must, therefore, fight together to sustain the soul of this state," he added.

Meanwhile, a former Minister of State for the FCT, Odom, who was a gubernatorial aspirant in Abia State in 2015 on the PDP platform, has also resigned from the party.

Before his resignation, Odom held various political positions, including Commissioner for Special Duties in Abia State (2003-2007), Federal Minister of State for Environment, Housing, and Urban Development (2007-2009), and Minister of State for FCT (2009-2010).

In a letter addressed to the PDP National Chairman, Odom stated that his resignation was prompted by two considerations.

According to him, the PDP is no longer capable of providing a credible and robust opposition to the ruling party, which he considers essential for the survival of democracy in Nigeria. He also indicated his desire to take a break from partisan politics to pursue other interests.

YAHAYA BELLO: AMERICAN INT'L SCHOOL EXPLAINS REFUND OF FEES TO EFCC, REAFFIRMS RESPECT FOR NIGERIAN INSTITUTIONS

Hughes said: "Our compliance to remit these funds underscores our commitment to upholding institutional integrity and our respect for the national institutions of Nigeria.

“Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request.”

Citing the subjudice status of the issue as a result of the ongoing case between the EFCC and Bello, the school averred that “we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.”

The statement dated April 26, 2024, read: "Recent media reports have highlighted issues between the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AISA and a family with children enrolled at the school, stemming from an investigation carried out in 2022.

"As a school, we did accept an advance payment for school fees, and duly documented these fees in our records.

"Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission's request..."

It added: "At no point has the school been accused of any wrongdoing about this case, and we are cooperating fully with the EFCC to address matters currently before the courts.

"As these legal matters are being resolved within the Nigerian judicial system and involve one of our families, we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.

"As an institution, we remain committed to providing excellent service to our school community in line with our core values, vision and mission," the statement explained.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Nzekwe

EKITI AFFAIR…

Obi Seeks Prayers for Politicians to Judiciously Expend Public Funds

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to pray for politicians for them to use the public funds for development and the good of the people.

Obi made the plea yesterday at the funeral service of the late Cecilia Omehia, mother of the former governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia, at St Theresa's Catholic Church, Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The former presidential candidate, who attended the funeral service alongside other political bigwigs in the country, stressed the need for politicians to work together for the common good of the people.

Appreciating the officiating Bishop, Most Rev Patrick Eluke, Auxiliary Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese for his advice to politicians, Obi said: "My Lordship, I thank you for the kind advice you have given to us. It is important that we work together for the good of our people.

"Pray for us, politicians. Let

God touch our hearts to use public funds for public good."

Earlier in his remarks, Bishop Eluke advised politicians to promote peace in the state, noting the rate of unemployment and suffering in the country. He expressed sadness over the political crisis in the state, saying that progress and development cannot thrive in an unsafe state.

"My brother there, Uche Secondus, Austin Opara, Lee Maeba, you are very old politicians of Rivers State; you have been together and worked together. For me, that is life, even if you

make new friends tomorrow, the old friends are your true friends.

"Sometimes, when you go to other states, once the election is over, governance begins. But it is not like that in Rivers State. I don't know if it is because there is too much money here. I think that if we are one of these states that depend on federal allocation, we will not be behaving like this.

"All of you are in this same church, praying to the same God. Let us come together and help our state. Let us live in peace and create employment. Our youths are suffering. Please, do whatever

Barau Seeks Strong Collaboration to Drive Ongoing Constitution Amendment Process to Logical Conclusion

The Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, Senator Jibrin Barau, has called for robust collaboration among all stakeholders to drive the ongoing constitution amendment process to a successful conclusion.

Barau, according to a statement by his media office, stated this yesterday at the joint retreat of the secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives’ committees on

Atiku

the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, in Abuja. He commended the synergy between the constitution review secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees, saying this will create harmony in the workings of both committees. Barau assured members of the public that the National Assembly would carry out the review of the constitution by a thorough aggregation of the yearnings of Nigerians from all walks of life.

He said the exercise would be achieved through public hearings and collection of memoranda from various interests throughout the country.

He said the committee would, as well, embark on a progressive engagement with state governments and legislatures and the federal government to achieve consensus on all issues.

He said: "We must work together. Our country is facing a lot of challenges and this is the right time to fashion out a constitution that will go in line with the wishes and aspirations

of the people of this country.

"The world is dynamic and this compels all serious countries to go with modernity and fashion their laws in accordance with contemporary happenings within their peculiarities.

"We have started on a progressive note of collaboration and let us add momentum to this very important collaboration within our ranks in order to achieve a result that will help in driving the process of making prospective peace, justice and fair play in the way we run our affairs as a nation," he said.

Congratulates Agboola, Says His Ticket Stands PDP in Good Stead to Win Ondo Governorship Election

Party to present certificate of return on Tuesday

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has congratulated Chief Agboola Ajayi for his victory in the hotly contested primaries for the ticket of the party for the November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State.

This is as the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has announced that it will present a Certificate of Return to Ajayi on Tuesday.

Atiku in a press statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, said the decision of the stakeholders

of the PDP to elect Ajayi to fly the flag of the party was a wise decision for the PDP to win the election in Ondo State.

Atiku noted that Ajayi possesses the requisite experience and political exposure to take the PDP to victory in the November election.

“I have the utmost confidence in the candidature of Chief Agboola Ajayi to deliver Ondo State to the PDP,” the statement said.

The former vice president lauded the party stakeholders both at the national level and the leadership in Ondo State for having midwifed a non-controversial primary election.

“I must also express my appreciation to the national

leadership of our party and the stakeholders in Ondo State for ensuring that the PDP stays and remains united during and after the process of the primary election.

“The unity will be much-needed when the party goes into the moment of full-scale electioneering.

“The unity in the PDP is our winning spirit. It is for this reason that I will urge every member of the PDP across the country to give undiluted loyalty and support to Agboola Ajayi in this all-important and historic election,” Atiku said.

Meanwhile, the NWC of the party has announced the date for the presentation of the Certificate of Return to Ajayi.

This was contained in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

He said the certificate presentation ceremony is scheduled to be held Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at PDP’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

Ologunagba said the national leadership of the PDP commended all leaders, critical stakeholders and members of the party in Ondo State for the successful conduct of the governorship primary election and charged them to continue to work together to ensure victory for the PDP candidate in the forthcoming election.

you can do."

The bishop continued: "There is hunger in the land. Those of you who are around the governor, try to give him good advice so that he can listen. It is not people going there in the name of prayer. I want to ask you to help us so that we can live well in Rivers State.

“Our people are hungry; our people are dying. If the state is not safe, you can't come here. I can walk around anytime but you cannot move. Please, help us to make the state worth living in".

He described the late Cecilia Omehia as a woman who lived a fulfilled life as a Christian and a mother.

Meanwhile, in his sermon, Rev Fr Polycarp Ihenetu cautioned supporters of politicians against inciting a crisis in the state in the name of showing loyalty to

their paymasters. Ihenetu also advised supporters of politicians to develop their careers and skills so that if they are appointed or elected, they will have direction in their leadership.

He said: "Politicians please, do not play with our lives, allow governance to take place so that the people can effectively harvest the dividends of democracy.

"I call on all the stakeholders in the project Rivers State to examine themselves and shield their swords and work for peace, unity and common good of the people.”

“For the young men and women who do not have jobs but their business is to rally around politicians, I want to tell you that politics is not an occupation. So, go and look for what to do; you are not employed.”

OECD: International Aid Rose to All-time High of $223.7bn in 2023

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

International aid from official donors rose by 1.8 per cent in 2023 to an all-time high of $223.7 billion, up from $211 billion in 2022, as provider countries increased aid flows to Ukraine and directed more humanitarian assistance to developing countries.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) revealed this in a new report.

Although the organisation's report did not disclose the total aid to Nigeria in 2023, it had earlier reported that Nigeria received over $36.16 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) between 2015 and 2022.

The United States of America also recently said it provided Nigeria with over $1.2 billion aid last year.

According to the new OECD report, in 2023, the1.8 per cent rise in real terms was the latest in a series of annual increases in Official Development Assistance (ODA) provided by members of the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) and the fifth consecutive year that ODA has set a new record.

ODA is government aid that promotes and specifically targets the economic development and welfare of developing countries.

The DAC adopted ODA as

the “gold standard” of foreign aid in 1969 and it remains the main source of financing for development aid.

It emerged that total aid in 2023 was up by a third from 2019 levels, reflecting the additional aid provided since, related to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

However, at 0.37 per cent of DAC donors’ combined Gross National Income (GNI) for a second year running, the ODA total still falls short of a long-standing UN target of 0.7% ODA to GNI.

Of the DAC members, five countries – Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway and Sweden – exceeded the 0.7 per cent UN ODA/GNI target in 2023.

The biggest providers of aid by volume were the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and France.

The OECD report indicated that in 2023, out of the 31 DAC member countries, ODA was higher in 14 countries and lower in 17 DAC countries, due in many cases to lower refugee costs and, in some cases, lower levels of loans provided.

ODA rose for EU Institutions too, which are also a DAC member.

ODA to Ukraine, where Russia’s war of aggression is entering its third year, rose by 9 per cent in 2023 to reach $20 billion, including $3.2 billion of humanitarian aid.

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

L-R: Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Senator Biodun Olujimi; Governor Biodun Oyebanji; former Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); and Chief Executive Officer, Havilah Group, Akogun Lanre Adesuyi, after a meeting with the state's key leaders in Abuja ….weekend

WITH DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS…

L-R: Head, Economic Growth Team, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Sierra Leone, Mr. Keith Hammond; Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi;

Project Beauty of Nigeria's Cultural Diversity, Shettima Tells Political Leaders

Deji Elumoye

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed the importance of service to humanity and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria, and urged political leaders to project the beauty of the nation's cultural diversity.

Speaking yesterday as a special guest of honour at the conferment of the chieftaincy title of Asiwaju of Ijebuland on industrialist and philanthropist, Dr. Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Shettima described the new Asiwaju as "a worthy son of the soil, a leader committed to entrenching peaceful coexistence across the length and breadth of the nation."

Celebrating the new Asiwaju of

Ijebuland, the Vice President said: "The event we are all gathered here to witness is not just one that celebrates the intertwining between leadership and culture but indeed the essence of humanity which is service.

"As beautiful as we all look in the various attires we are putting on, so is the beauty in our diversity, so is the beauty of our heritage, so is the beauty of our cultures which bellies in our age-long tradition."

He called on Adegunwa to see his new role as "a call to service, a reminder that what we owe this country is a sacrifice for love, tolerance and total dedication."

Recalling Adegunwa's inspiring story of success, the Shettima noted that "the story of Baba is successful

PDP National Vice Chairman, Orbih, Rejects Membership of Edo PDP Campaign Council

Segun James

The National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South-south, Chief Dan Orbih, has rejected his membership in the Edo PDP 2024 Governorship Campaign Council.

Orbih stated this yesterday at the Edo North PDP Leaders/ Stakeholders’ Meeting (Legacy) held in Ogbona, his county home, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

Orbih’s name was featured on the 200-membership Campaign Council list of the PDP for the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election.

The council is headed by Governor Godwin Obaseki

as Chairman, with his deputy, Marvellous Omobayo Godwins; Speaker of the Edo Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; Chairman of the Edo PDP, Tony Aziegbemi; PDP candidate for the 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; and his deputy governorship candidate, Osarodion Ogie, Hon Segun Saiki, among others, as members.

However, in rejecting the appointment, Orbih, who is a staunch supporter of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declared that all is not well with the PDP, adding that no one should be deceived.

Orbih served as campaign manager for the outgoing governor, Obaseki in the 2020

Health Ministry Debunks N15,000 Palliative

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has dismissed report that it was giving out N15,000 instant relief funds to members of the public.

A statement by the Director of Information in the ministry, Patricia Deworitshe, said the ministry is not giving our any such gift, urging the public to disregard such misinformation.

The statement said: "The attention of the Federal Ministry

of Health and Social Welfare has been drawn to an online publication in the media that the ministry is giving out fifteen thousand Naira (N15,000) INSTANT RELIEF FUNDS, to the public .

"The general public is to be informed that the Ministry is not in the process of giving such money.

The public is to note and beware as the information is not from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare".

yet very motivational; that for every man that strives to succeed there is no way the doors would not be open.

“On our part, we shall continue to partner with well-meaning Nigerians to ensure that for everyone that sacrifices and strives to succeed despite the challenges we face as a nation, we shall leave no stone unturned in giving them all the support.

“I wish Adegunwa a most

meritorious and legacy-filled chieftaincy. May your era bring bountiful peace, love, and progress to this beautiful land. Thank you and God bless,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State congratulated Adegunwa, recounting his journey from a small photo studio to investments in banking, real estate, agriculture, and education.

According to him: "Today,

Adegunwa is installed with the distinguished title of the Asiwaju of Ijebuland. I am confident that the new Asiwaju will bring his wealth of experience and personal attributes, courage and philanthropy to discharge his new role admirably to the Ijebu people"

Also speaking, Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kay de Adet na II, who conferred the chieftaincy title, commended Adegunwa and his wife for distinguishing themselves in character, their fields of endeavour, and contributions to the community's economic well-being.

Oba Adetona, who has been on the throne for 64 years, said the palace had observed the Adegunwas with "joy and pride as they exhibited uncanny and unblemished sagacity, honesty and integrity and uncommon development in Ijebuland."

My Firm Now Worth N20bn, I will Give Dangote a Run for His Money, Says Outgoing Anambra CP

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The outgoing Commissioner of Police (CP) in Anambra State, Aderemi Adeoye, has said he is now going fully into business and he is ready to give Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, a run for his money.

Adeoye stated this yesterday during his ceremonial pull out parade from the Nigeria Police Force at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Anambra State capital.

According to him, he had been at various police units and formations in Anambra State and performed very well, noting that during those years, he served many police commissioners who recorded outstanding performances.

He said that his long service to the state before becoming a commissioner made him a better commissioner, who was prepared for the position. He also stated that he had been to various dangerous places without a scare to the glory of God.

“I have been through militancy in Niger Delta, Boko Haram in

North-east, fought IPOB militancy in the South East, and I’m glad that I’m alive today. Despite face-to-face gunfire and bombs we encountered, to the glory of God I did not have any scare on me.

“The opportunity of being made Commission of Police in Anambra State was the crowning glory of my career in the police. I came in prepared as the CP of the State,” he said.

Adeoye, while commending the Nigeria Police and Nigerians said he had also prepared himself for retirement days.

“I thank NPF for the opportunity to serve and Nigeria for investing in me through training at home and abroad. I have been privileged to be trained in Ghana, England, Israel, California and more.

“I have served abroad in the United Nations, and this career gave me opportunities for selfdevelopment, and these have prepared me for retirement. It’s been a unique privilege serving Anambra.

“I’m proud of my men at

Anambra State Police Command. You are gallant, heroic and never giving up. We didn’t achieve anything through individual efforts but with other sister agencies,” he stated.

He said that he founded Alpha Trust Investment Club (ATIC) Limited in 2018 and they started it with a modest sum of N54 million, but the investment was now worth over N20 billion.

He said the club currently has investments worth over 20 Billion, and that as he retired, he would go into business full time, ready to give Dangote a run for his money.

“That will be my full-time business from Wednesday, May 1, when I fully disengage. We have been investing and now we want to go into full-time business and we will in the next 10 years give Dangote a run for his money,” Adeoye said.

He also described Anambra State as a good place with good people, saying that he cannot say any evil against the state and the people.

Earlier, the Anambra State

Governor, represented by Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim, praised Adeoye for his efforts in helping Soludo fight insecurity in the state.

He said: “There’s a time to start and a time to begin and a time to end everything. We knew today would come. The CP came to Anambra and has played his role meritoriously. He came when Soludo was tackling insecurity and people were in the bush fighting lawful citizens.

“Adeoye came in at the same time with his own style and dedication, sincerity of purpose and doggedness and within a short space, Anambra is now calm.

It is not over until it is over and the fight is still sustained.

“If it were in our hands, we would say let this goodman continue because we are happy with his works. A street has been named after him and many awards too. I’m happy to proclaim that you are now a citizen of Anambra. We wish you well in your future endeavours.”

APC Sweeps Gombe LG Chairmanship Seats

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has won all the chairmanship seats in the 11 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Five political parties, including the ruling APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Young People’s Party (YPP), Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) participated in yesterday’s local government elections.

The Returning Officer and Chairman of Gombe State

Independent Electoral Commission (GOSIEC), Sa’idu Awak, who announced the results of the elections, said that the APC also won all the councillorship positions unopposed in the 114 wards of the 11 LGAs.

Awak noted that in Gombe Local Government Area, APC’s Sani Haruna won with 72,286 votes to beat PDP’s candidate who got 1,678 votes.

In Kwami local government, Ahmed Doho polled 29,073 votes against PDP candidate’s 1,930 votes.

In Balanga LGA, Ibrahim Salisu won with 35,493 votes as PDP scored only 184 votes while in Billiri LGA, APC’s Egla Idris got 33,979 votes to win the election against PDP candidate, who got 2,088.

In Akko LGA, APC’s Mohammed Adamu was declared winner, having scored 65,066 votes against PDP’s 3,058. In Funakaye LGA, Shuaibu Abdulrahman of the APC polled 36,026 votes to beat the PDP candidate who polled 3,094 votes.

APC candidate, Abubakar Difa

also won in Yamaltu-Deba LGA with 57,546 votes to beat PDP with 1,334 votes. APC APC candidate, Adamu Waziri won with 26,869 votes against PDP’s 4,821 votes in Dukku LGA.

The electoral commission chairman noted that in Nafada local government, APC candidate, Babagida Adamu, scored 17,977 votes against PDP’s 355 votes.

However, in Kaltungo and Shongom LGAs, the APC candidates, Iliya Suleiman Jatali and Binta Bello, emerged winners unopposed, respectively.

in Abuja

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

lyaloja General, Ikorodu Division, Mrs. Busola Isikalu; member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Hon. Babajimi Benson; Head of Economic Development, Climate and Energy (FCDO), British High Commission, Abuja, Ms. Sally Woolhouse; and Iyaloja, Ayangburen Market, Sabo, lkorodu, Alhaja Mutiat Abeni Ojulari; during a visit to Ayangburen Market, lkorodu to inspect the Solar for SMEs Projects under Universal Energy Facility executed by SOLAD Energy...yesterday

FIFTY HEARTY CHEERS…

L-R: Chairman, Best Anakey Nigeria Limited, Chief Anayo Anibuogu; Director, Best Anakey Nigeria Limited, Nneka Anibuogu; Chairm an, Ancoline Ventures Limited, Chief Amaechi Obodo; Brand Ambassador Emeritus, PWAN Homes Nigeria, Mrs. Anthonia Obodo; and Chief Executive Officer, Nicholas Ventures Nigeria Limited, M r. Nicholas Ifeabunike, at the 50th birthday celebration of the former President of Alaba International Amalgamated Traders Association, Evang Paulinus Ugochukwu, at the Holy Family Cath olic Church, Festac Town, Lagos…recently

Nine Dead, Over 100 Vehicles Burnt in Rivers, Ogun Fuel Tankers' Explosions

Fubara promises compensation to victims, Abiodun expresses sympathy

Nine people were burnt to death and over 100 vehicles including heavy-duty trucks were destroyed following a multiple explosion at the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State and Ita-Oshin area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

While Governor Siminalayi Fubara has promised compensation after visiting the scene of the fire disaster, his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun expressed great sympathy for the victims.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, told journalists yesterday, that five people have been confirmed dead, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and his team were on the ground last night to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order.

It was gathered that a tanker laden with petroleum products exploded

and busted into flames, affecting other vehicles in the area which is known for its gridlock.

The incident started at about 9:15 pm adjacent to the Indorama Petrochemical Company located along the Akpojo-Onne axis of the East-West Road leading to some critical national assets.

A source living in Akpajo, Eleme LGA said he heard a deafening sound twice from his residence with accompanying voices suggesting something sinister.

The source said: “I heard a very loud sound about 20 minutes ago, and people were shouting.

“The sound came from the petrochemical company area. So when I came out I saw a tick smoke with fire from a distance.”

Following the incident, it was gathered that hundreds of travellers and passengers were stranded as the road leads to Akwa Ibom, Cross River and others.

An eyewitness, Gabriel

Obolongong, narrated how he escaped from the inferno with his friends, saying he had to make an immediate detour and headed towards Oyigbo Eleme link road to escape from the incident.

He said, “Driving towards the bridge along Eleme Road, we witnessed traffic build-up. It was terrific.

“We snailed on in the very tight traffic jam till we managed to cross the bridge and manoeuvred our way close to Ecobank on the opposite side of the road.

“But we both had an inner compulsion to make a swift U-turn by every means possible. As we were struggling to effect the turn, we heard an explosion about a hundred meters from us accompanied by infernal fire.

“The first instinct was to abandon our car and scurry along with others, because, though we had effectively made a U-turn, we were jammed with other immobile vehicles.

“Sounds of more cars exploding

and fire gushing them towards our direction became more ferocious and dreadful, but the urge not to abandon our car was very compelling.

“As sounds of more exploding vehicle blasts kept approaching us, the more we had difficulty attempting to snail off the raging fire until we eventually crossed the bridge and veered into Eleme community, took straight to Oyigbo at about 9.45 pm and returned home unscathed.”

In the meantime, motorists plying the route have blamed the incident on a construction firm handling the east-west road project.

A motorist who regularly plied the route blamed the construction firm for the accident.

The source who identified himself as Jacob said the inability of the construction firm to provide an alternative route was responsible for the accident.

“The construction company would have provided an alternative route to divert traffic from the construction

EFCC Chair Lied About Advance School Fees Payment, Yahaya Bello Insists

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has described as untrue, the account by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, that he withdrew cash from the Kogi State government account, sent same to Bureau De Change Operators and then used same to pay the school fees of his children in advance.

In a statement by the media office of the former Kogi State governor and signed by Ohiare Michael, the former governor maintained that he did not pay the fees of his children with monies from the coffers of the Kogi State government, stating that the narrative by the EFCC boss was defamatory.

The statement, titled: “Payment of school fees, setting the records straight, said: “On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, in conduct which we view as unbecoming of a legal practitioner, organised a press conference where he alleged (amongst other outrightly defamatory statements) that His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, withdrew cash from

the Kogi State Government account, sent same to Bureau De Change operators and then used same to pay the school fees of his children in advance.

“According to Olukoyede, the payment was made just about the time the former governor was to leave office. Since the said press conference, receipts of payments of the said fees bearing the names of His Excellency’s children and those of other family members, who separately paid their fees, have been flying all over the internet.

“While we reserve our rights to seek redress against the said defamatory statements, permit us to briefly state the following to set the records straight: His Excellency, Yahaya Bello's children attended the American International School, Abuja well before he became governor and he has paid fees for his children as and when due and without fail.” Bello, who insisted on following due process in line with the rule of law, said no amount of blackmail would intimidate him. He noted that the payment of the fees was not effected at about the time he was to leave office as claimed by Olukoyede but commenced in 2021.

The former governor insisted that he has filed every document concerning the transactions before the court, and has nothing to hide.

“His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello did not pay the sum of $720,000 as alleged by the EFCC Chairman or $840,000 as is being bandied about on the internet. The payment of the fees was not effected at about the time His Excellency was to leave office as claimed by Mr. Olukoyede but the same commenced in 2021.

“Alhaji Yahaya Bello did not pay the fees of his children with monies from the coffers of the Kogi State government. When the EFCC approached the American International School Abuja (AISA) to illegally recover funds legitimately paid by Alhaji Yahaya Bello and other family members, a member of the family challenged the EFCC’s unlawful acts to recover funds legitimately paid. The FCT High Court, in Suit No. FCT/ HC/2574/2023 between Mr. Ali Bello v. The Incorporated Trustees of American International School, Abuja, held that AISA could not lawfully and unilaterally refund to a third party, including the EFCC,

fees paid by the parties to the suit.

“The court subsequently mandated AISA to continue to provide the services it had been paid with respect to the fees. From the foregoing, it is clear that no money belonging to Alhaji Yahaya Bello or his family members with regard to school fees has been recovered by the EFCC.

“Now, let it be known that, contrary to misleading narratives by the EFCC, all the documents published online i.e. receipts and letters, that the EFCC has released online, in furtherance of its unrelenting persecution of the former governor, are documents filed by lawyers in the suit instituted on behalf of Alhaji Yahaya Bello and others who paid fees for their wards under the Advance Fee Payment Agreement with AISA.

“Those documents, having been filed by his lawyers, are thus public documents, which show that His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, has nothing to hide concerning the payment of advance fees for his children. This unending harassment and persecution, even while in office, were among the key reasons he sought to enforce his fundamental human rights.

site. The major cause of heavy traffic gridlock witnessed on the road was as a result of the construction work going on there.

“If they had provided an alternative route, we would not have witnessed the kind of traffic of this nature there and this incident would have been averted,” he said.

A victim of the incident who lost two of his properties along the stretch of the road said that they were collating data on the victims of the incident.

The victim who pleaded anonymity said that the victims of the incident would take legal action against the construction firm.

In Ogun State, there was pandemonium in the Ita-Oshin area of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, as a gas tanker explosion left a trail of devastation, claiming four lives and about six vehicles were burnt.

It was reliably gathered that the explosion, occurred following an accident involving the gas tanker when it was trying to manoeuvre along the road railings.

It was further gathered that emergency response teams, including personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps, and Ogun State Fire Service swiftly mobilised to the scene to evacuate the remains of the victims and contain the inferno.

Among the vehicles consumed by the inferno were taxis, a private car, and a truck, with the impact extending to nearby shops and houses.

While security and safety officials present at the scene are yet to provide a comprehensive statement regarding the incident, eyewitnesses, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said some casualties had already been rushed to the hospital by the response teams.

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has promised compensation after visiting the scene of the fire disaster.

The governor, who visited the scene of the incident yesterday in the company of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police (CP), Olatunji Disu, and Director of State Services, vowed to compensate victims of the incident.

The governor said: “We are here to see for ourselves to get a first-hand report of the incident that happened yesterday at about 7:30 pm that was caused by a tanker conveying PMS (petrol).

“I got the information through the MD of Indorama and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they step in. From what we are seeing this morning it is not a pleasant situation.

“From what I am seeing a huge number of vehicles were destroyed; souls lost. I have asked the security agencies to give us a full brief so that we can come into the situation fully by seeing how much we can support the families who are bereaved and how we can cushion the loss, which is no fault of theirs.

“We all know the situation of this road. It is really unfortunate. Most of our people who ply this road should be cautious. I strongly believe that this situation would have been avoided if the motorists had behaved properly,” the governor explained.

On his part, Governor Abiodun expressed great sympathy for the victims of the explosion.

The governor, in a statement by media aide, regretted the loss of lives in the inferno and the attendant destruction of properties. He, however, called for calm, assuring that everything was being done to put the situation under control.

19 Children Feared Killed by Measles Complications in Adamawa

A complication from measles is suspected to have killed at least 19 children in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The Commissioner for Health, Felix Tangwami, told journalists yesterday in Mubi that more than 200 children in the local government area were already infected.

He said the outbreak was reported in Yola yesterday, leading

to a quick mobilisation of medics and drugs to affected communities.

He assured that children with severe infections would be referred to hospitals.

The commissioner said the medical team would move from Mubi to Gombi Local Government Area where another outbreak had been reported.

Tangwami blamed the refusal of parents to immunise their children for the outbreak.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt and James Sowole in Abeokuta

BOOK LAUNCH…

UNDP, CSOs Urge FG to Prioritise Funding for Armed Forces, Others

Wale Igbintade

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called on the federal government to prioritise funding for the armed forces and other security agencies in the country. They commended the swift nature in which security agencies swing into action in resolving security challenges in the country. Specifically, the CSOs called

on the Accountant General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to ensure swift release of funding for the Nigerian Army and paramilitary sectors, with emphasis made on prioritising payment of backlog and future obligatory payments. They further underpinned swift compliance and consideration as impetus for safeguarding the economy at large, via the security sector.

Makinde, Alli, APC Trade Words over Oyo LG Polls

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, yesterday engaged in a war of words over the local government election held yesterday in all the 33 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

While the governor rated the conduct of the election high, saying that it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Alli insisted that the state Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) did not prepare for the election.

On its part, the state chapter of the APC described the election as a sham, which is capable of causing the pacesetter state untold disrepute if allowed to stand.

Governor Seyi Makinde lauded the residents of the state for turning out to vote at the local government election. Makinde while speaking with journalists after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi

Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East LGA, said, “For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practise. This is almost our Fifth year in office and we are holding local government elections for the second time.

“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.

Reacting to the poll, the state’s APC in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, called on the OYSIEC to reschedule the election for another day when it is ready to conduct a free, fair and credible poll.

According to him, reports from across the state indicated that cases of non-availability of election officials, disenfranchisement of eligible voters, shortage of voting materials, violence and threat to life were recorded while the electoral commission appeared helpless to rescue the situation even as voters waited endlessly in most of the places affected.

Besides, they congratulated the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun and his team for qualifying for $2.5billion at one per cent interest.

Similarly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention and rule of law cluster under the North-east and North-west Prevention Facility also urged the Minister of Finance and the Account General of the Federation to see funding for armed forces as priority.

The organisation noted that

aside the Boko Haram menace in the North-east region, the North-west region of Nigeria have experienced a significant increase in conflicts, primarily driven by intercommunal clashes between the nomadic herders and farmers, resource disputes, ethnic tensions, armed and organised criminal activities – banditry.

These conflicts, they added, have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of communities, and socio-economic instability.

The organisation noted that security experts have attributed

weak funding of the armed forces.

A statement issued by the UNDP on its website states “One thing is certain, the coordinating minister of economy, and minister of finance, Mr. Wale Edun is adhering strictly to the tenets of empirical micro and macro-economics, solely aimed at reshaping the Nigerian economy. This has gained Nigeria enormous respect before the Bretton Woods Institutions (the IMF and World Bank) and international community at large as a result.

“Having been appointed to Chair the African Governor’s forum of the World Bank, which marks the first time Nigeria has assumed the role of Chairman in 60 years. It is only fair to live up to impeccable expectations. But with policies, like cutting the cash in circulation to rein in inflation which are critical indices for sustainable growth of the Nigerian economy. Certain sectors, especially the security sector must be well serviced to ensure the preservation of national-security and the sanctity of life and property.

Ned Nwoko Advises CBN against Adopting Short-cut to Naira Appreciation

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The senator representing Delta North senatorial district, Senator Ned Nwoko, has advised the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) against measures capable of artificially forcing the naira to gain value against other currencies.

Nwoko gave the advice in a statement he personally signed in Abuja yesterday. He advised the apex to

concentrate on tackling the main issues responsible for the naira depreciation, saying there was no short-cut to success.

He said the quest for economic freedom and the strength of the nation’s currency was an ongoing journey.

Nwoko also said the continuous revisit to previously implemented policies and considerations of new ones were imperative.

He also said the value of a sovereign nation’s currency was

the cornerstone of respect and collaboration among nations, while reiterating that Nigeria must stimulate Naira demand.

According to him, as a nation that exports crude oil and other commodities globally, it is imperative that all transactions on these items be conducted exclusively in Naira.

“This will incentivise buyers to seek out Naira, thereby driving its appreciation due to increased demand and scarcity.

“Moreover, the foreign

reserve policy warrants reassessment. The practice of maintaining reserves in foreign jurisdictions, termed “foreign reserves,” is not only objectionable but also counterproductive to Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.

“Unlike other nations like the United States, Britain, France, and Japan, which hold their reserves domestically, Nigeria’s adherence to this practice raises questions about its colonial legacy.

Benin Monarchy Suspends Five Functionaries for Unauthorised Visit to Ooni

Five functionaries in the Benin Kingdom have been suspended for allegedly engaging in sacrilegious conduct against Benin custom.

A statement by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) said their suspension was because of their visit to the Ooni of Ife, where they falsely claimed to be emissaries of the Oba of Benin and rendered inaccurate and disjointed account of the connection between the Benin

Royal Dynasty and the Ooni-ship of Ife.

The statement signed by the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin, Chief Sam Ugbe said “The attention of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has been drawn to video clips circulating on social media in which a group of selfserving traditional functionaries from Benin engaged themselves in a sacrilegious show of shame and falsehood against the Benin custom.

“In the said clip, the individuals who have been identified as Johnbull Igbinosun, Iduhonre (Ihogbe), S.E. Aigbiremwen, Efesieoghoba (Ogbelaka) and two other Ogbelaka functionaries identified as Ogbeide Osagie and Osamudiame Edo were in the presence of the Ooni of Ife, falsely claiming to be emissaries of the Omo N’Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare Il, Oba of Benin. These individuals not only

declared themselves subjects of the Ooni, but also rendered inaccurate and disjointed account of the connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni-ship of Ife.

“While the BTC does not wish to be drawn to restating the wellknown connection between the two thrones of the Oba of Benin and the Ooni of Ife, the general public is urged to disregard the inaccurate accounts rendered by the ill-bred individuals named above.

L-R: Author of the book: Fighting Poverty in Nigeria through Rural Development, His Highness, Samson Gamu Yare; Special Guest of Honour and Governor of Nasarawa State, Mr. Abdullahi Sule; and the Chairman of the occasion and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Nasarawa State, Mr. Laraban Magaji, during the book launch at the palace in Akwanga Nasarawa State…recently

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

HOUSE-WARMING…

L-R:

Only 58,000 Doctors Renewed Their Annual Practice Licence in 2023, Says MDCN

The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Fatima Kyari, has said only 58,000 medical doctors renewed their annual practising fee in 2023 out of the 130,000 the council registered since inception due to the migration of health workers to other countries.

The Registrar, who was repre-

sented by the Deputy Registrar Dr. Victor Kolawole, disclosed this during the induction/oath-taking ceremony of 20 newly qualified doctors of Batch B Medicine and Surgery graduates at the Edo University, Uzairue 2022/2023.

She said the council was mandated to regulate the practice of medicine, dental and alternative medicine in Nigeria, adding that, “in 2023 as a result of the increase

Police Rescue Kidnapped, Arrest Suspects in Enugu

in Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested two suspects for their alleged involvement in the abduction of a pregnant woman, identified as Chinwendu Igwe along Eke-Egede Road in Udi Local Government.

This is even as the Commissioner of Police in the state, Kanayo Uzuegbu has ordered a manhunt of other members of the kidnapping gang at large.

Confirming the arrest via a statement made available to newsmen yesterday, Police

Literary enthusiasts and esteemed guests recently came together for the launch of “Imperfectly Awesome: Embracing and Becoming a Wholesome You” a book written by Dr. Omotola Bamigbaiye.

The inspirational book, penned in an honest, relatable tone, delves into the author’s personal journey, offering insights to help individuals embrace their true selves and flourish.

At the launch event, Bamigbaiye stressed the importance of forging one’s path, embracing imperfections, and learning from life’s experiences. Esteemed panellists further enriched the discussion by offering valuable insights into the book’s themes.

Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe said that the incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. on April 22, 2024.

He however noted that acting on intelligence-guided discreet investigations, CP Uzuegbu swiftly led a crack team of police operatives, complemented by the Neigbourhood Watch Group and Forest Guards, to rescue the woman on April 23, 2024. He noted that the woman, who was in her expected period of delivery, delivered a male child and, upon her rescue was taken to Parklane Hospital, where she and her baby are being attended to.

Among the distinguished guests were prominent figures from various industries, including the President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Idorenyen Enang, and Filmmaker and MD of Zuri 24 Media, Femi Odugbemi, among others. Their heartfelt remarks echoed the book’s empowering message, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Addressing the challenges of adulthood, from career aspirations to parenthood and battling imposter syndrome, Bamigbaiye’s book resonates with readers seeking guidance and encouragement. With humour and wisdom, she encourages readers to craft their own life’s rhythm and navigate through its ups and downs with grace.

in migration of doctors to other countries, only 58,000 doctors have renewed their annual practice licence.”

According to her, “By this induction of 20 new doctors into the health workforce in Nigeria, we hope that other institutions will follow suit even as the government has said that the quota should be increased in all our training centres.”

She, however, admonished the new medical inductees to uphold the sanctity of the profession and be law-abiding as the council is mandated to regulate the activities

of the practitioners and as well punish offenders.

In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates and a proud moment for the university.

He, however, appreciated the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering support of the university, saying with his support, the university operates its own teaching hospital, the Edo State University Teaching Hospital.

According to him, the significant

upgrade of the Central Hospital, Auchi to Edo State University Teaching Hospital has enhanced facilities for the training of medical students and uplifted the standard of healthcare services in Edo North and its environs.

The vice chancellor stated that the university’s inception was a result of the need to address the growing demand for quality tertiary education in Edo State and Nigeria, having recognised that nurturing human capital through education is paramount for meaningful development.

Congratulating the newly qualified doctors on their significant achievement, he said their professional journey has just commenced, adding that he has the confidence that they will bring honour to the university and MDCN.

The guest lecturer at the occasion, Dr. Ofunre Eboreime, whose lecture was titled: “The Life That is Worth Living: A Doctor is in the Service to God and Humanity,” said doctors are revered for medical expertise dedicated to alleviating human suffering and promote health services.

Four Chinese Arrested for Illegal Mining in Nasarawa

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Four Chinese have been arrested by the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at an illegal mining site where Lithium is sold at Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

A statement yesterday by the spokesman of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi reads “Following the Commissioning of some specially trained NSCDC Personnel as Federal Government Mining Marshals; the team has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal miners sabotaging the

economy of the nation.

“The mining marshall with a renewed vigour swung into action following credible intelligence and uncovered an illegal mining site where Lithium is sold at Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

“During the sting operation, the Squad arrested four (4) Chinese nationals who through preliminary investigation admitted that they were running an illegal site used for selling lithium.”

The spokesman said:

“While speaking with the Mining Marshall Commander;

ACC. Attah John Onoja hinted that the minerals were seized under section 146 (b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and that the arrest followed the suspect’s refusal to honour the command invitation for questioning.”

He added that an application would be lodged in Court for forfeiture of the impounded lithium minerals while the proceeds would be remitted to the federal government.

He said preliminary investigations have unearthed where the minerals were being disposed of without the required

license. He said: “The arrested suspects have confessed to the crime; admitting that they held no certificate or license to deal in the solid minerals. The suspects are running a business venture identified as Hosan Agro-Allied Company Ltd which was registered to deal in agricultural-related activities. The federal government had vowed to stamp out illegal mining activities across the country and to end the menace of mineral theft plaguing the solid minerals sector of the nation’s economy.

Alleged Defamation: Ex-NIMASA DG, Akpobolokemi, Demands Retraction, Apology from ICIR

Wale Igbintade

A former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, has given the Incorporated Trustees, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), a seven-day ultimatum to retract an alleged defamatory publication made against him.

The offensive publication, according to Akpobolokemi’s counsel, Eric Omare, was published on April 13, 2024, titled: “The Hidden Truth That Led to Killing of 17 Soldiers in Okuama Community”.

In a letter dated April 18,2024 written by his lawyer, the former NIMASA DG said ICIR must tender an unreserved apology and publish same in three national newspapers including its website (ICIR website) for seven consecutive days, within one week of the receipt of the letter.

He further stated that copy of the said apology must be sent to his lawyer for approval before publication.

Akpobolokemi also threatened to slam a N100 billion suit against the online media house as damages for the defamatory comments if it fails to comply with the demand.

The letter was titled: “False, malicious and defamatory publication against the person of Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi: demand for retraction and public apology”.

Omare stated that the allegation that Akpobolokemi was involved in dictating deployment of military officers in the creeks of the Niger Delta region, which led to the gruesome murder of military officers at Okuama community was not only false, but malicious, inciting, defamatory and unjustifiable.

The letter read: “By your aforesaid publication, you falsely, maliciously and unjustifiably accused and branded our cli-

ent as the person who built a white house on a disputed land and illegally, without authority, working alone or with Tompolo influenced and dictated the deployment of military officers to Okuama community for illegal purpose. You claimed that this led to the gruesome murder of the 17 Soldiers in Okuama community on the 16th day of March, 2024.

“The content of your publication was brought to the attention of our client by his friends, business associates, kinsmen, admirers, traditional and political from all over Nigeria and abroad and he has been inundated with calls up to the time of writing this letter.

Wife of the Bishop, Mrs. Nneife Julie Okeke, Bishop of Ideato Diocese, Rt. Rev Henry Okeke; Chief Executive Officer, Hexagon Nigeria Limited, Mr. Cliff Onyeje; and wife, Mrs. Ngozi Onyeje, at the dedication of the country home of Mr. and Mrs. Onyeje at Akokwa, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State…yesterday

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Gideon Arinze

Tinubu’s Energy Reforms will Make Nigeria Great Again

Peter Uzoho

Whatwerethethingsthatinspiredyour push for the presidential directive? And how did you get the buy-in of thepresident? Even before President Bola Tinubu as-

Whatofthegasspace?Howareyoudealingwithissuesthere? asslowingdowngrowth?

Whyisthatthecase?

thingsontheground?

Whatdidyoudiscover?

Didyousay38months?

We’vealwayshadgreatideas,butimplementationhasalways beenachallenge.Howisthisbeingaddressed?

oftheeconomy,heneededtoplayapart?

-

Letmecutinhere,please.Alotofexplainingstillneedstobe donebecauseonceNigerianshearthatthegovernmenthasput somepoliciesinplaceandtheresultswouldbewonderful,they immediatelywantresults?

So,gettingitrightisverykey?

Verheijen

Nigerian Families Grapple with Escalating Food Costs

As Nigerians grapple with the prolonged spectre of the prohibitive cost of food, analysts believe focusing on the normalisation of the exchange rate and the taming of the rising inflationary rates alone without addressing other issues like insecurity and smuggling of food items across borders will only prolong the Nigerian food crisis, writes

Festus Akanbi

The rising cost of food, a fallout trends has continued unabated as consumers grapple with an upsurge in the price of petrol and diesel which the high cost of moving food items from farms to markets.

Nigerians are worried that despite the marginal decrease in dollar rates in recent times, theof living, from local production challenges to

e-commerce organisation shows that the average Nigerian household spends about 59 per cent highest in the world, according to the report -

The report said food and non-alcoholic beverages make up 59 per cent of Nigerian’s spending on goods and services.

transportation of products, climate change, experts said.their farmlands.

and requiring urgent food and livelihood assistance is on the rise. bad that parents no longer ask their children have eaten.

Market Survey

lamented a sharp drop in sales in recent with market women over arguments about the prevailing prices of commodi-

the prices were prohibitive and that he

to purchase food items at discounted rates.

should commence discounted sales of food

The state government said food items – rice, beans, garri, bread, eggs, tomatoes, onions, and pepper, among others – would be sold at

To prevent sharp practices and ensure the scheme began.

houses where traders are suspected of hoarding food supplies.

purchases of grain from local markets to stop hoarding and exports across Nigeria’s borders, and high cost of grains.

Bago announced a ban on the mass purchase

products in bulk and share the food with the people.

his administration would eradicate hunger and agro-industrialisation.

current hardships. Insecurity

threatened the development of the agricultural sector as most Northern farmers have been killed, displaced from the native lands and their farm.

to abandon their lands and relocate to the neighboring countries of Niger, Chad, and Cameroun

government revenue, amongst others. Despite

This signalled a consistent rise in headline been a common phenomenon for a long time, of the naira was responsible for the current scenario. caused because of the smuggling of food items farmers and market women who decided to cash in on the fate of the naira. -

Yam market

Some bags of rice

Mike Adenuga @71: Salute to Boundless Ingenuity, Relentless Pursuit of Greatness

birthday of the billionaire businessman and Festus Akanbi make him a household name in Nigeria and beyond

n what has become an annual ritual of sorts, the Nigerian media industry will the 71st birthday of an illustrious son of Nigeria, the renowned Nigerian telecoms and oil tycoon, Chief Michael wishers, and government jostle to celebrate

Second, with unyielding dedication and unrivalled vision, he has created a glorious course through the annals of business, altering

Through his boundless ingenuity and relentless generations to reach for the stars and toil toward in January this year made a comeback as Nigeria’s

This surge in wealth can be attributed to a reassessment by Forbes of the valuation of his

studies in various locations, including

Nigerian youth with the skills and resources needed to enter the workforce, thereby ad

economic growth and stability while tackling

As Metaphor of Nigeria’s Aspira- tion

Uncommon Philanthropy contributing to society through generous dona endeavours is the annual commitment of the

savannah, he blesses the less fortunate, like majestic oases in a desert of hard

Through his uncommon acts of kind encouraging others to follow in his

stellation of altruism, a guiding light beckoning humanity toward a brighter, no amount of money is too much for friends and in all these, the business gifts on extended family, friends, as

guardian of the nation’s economic sovereignty, innovation, channeling the wealth of the nation Through his ingenious ventures and strategic Nigeria’s resources, transforming them into bea

and data consumers all carried on with business construction and durability were the reasons the Educational Background

Employer of Labour

Nigeria closer to the summit of economic in be achieved when the nation dares to dream

When he set out to lay a submarine cable from

his Consolidated Oil struck oil in the shallow waters of Southwestern Ondo State, making

one when the government held another auction of the Order of the Niger by the government decorated him with the insignia of a Commander

Adenuga

BELLO, EFCC AND MEDIA TRIAL

The EFCC has become the judge in its own case, argues

SABIU GAYA

See Page 20

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR TONY

GEORGE ADIMIKE pays tribute to Anthony Ifeanyichukwu Ezenna, a man of grace and capacity

See Page 20

EDITORIAL

ISSUES IN THE SULEJA PRISON COLLAPSE

See Page 45

The recent PDP’s NEC meeting went against the expectations of many, reckons

TUNDE OLUSUNLE

ATIKU’S LEADERSHIP IN PDP’s SEASON OF ANOMIE

Sceptical reporters had indeed cast the headlines of the stories they were going to file, ahead of the 98th National Executive Committee, (NEC) meeting of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP), Thursday April 18, 2023. They were awaiting the news of the implosion of the party after what was going to be a testy, nervy convergence of the party leadership at that level. The NEC ranks next to its National Convention. The recent PDP, NEC engagement was the first since the rancorous 2023 general elections. Very bitter acrimony hallmarked the elections with partial breakaways by stakeholders at various levels. Most notable of these was the rebellion of the *G-5* an amalgam of Nyesom Wike, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, former governors of Rivers, Enugu, Abia and Benue. Seyi Makinde who is serving his second term as governor of Oyo State who was the last of the quintet. The last four stood in solidarity with Wike who lost out in his bid to pair with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the PDP presidential ticket.

The former Rivers governor came second at the presidential primary of the party held in May 2022, and automatically fancied himself as running mate for all his troubles. Wike has serially confirmed that he worked for the presidential flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Bola Tinubu and has been rewarded with a ministerial appointment to a plum ministry. Ortom admitted he worked for the emergence of Peter Obi who flew the flag of the Labour Party, (LP), for the nation’s number one job. Like Ugwuanyi and Ikpeazu, Ortom sadly lost his bid for the senate. By some uncanny coincidence, all three were trounced by candidates from other political parties. This has generated discussions about their political rootedness in their various political spaces against the rather-too-early conversations about 2027.

Conjectures and permutations preceding the meeting of the leading oppositional NEC, envisaged a collision between pro-Atiku and pro-Wike tendencies at the event. It was presumed that the core of discourse at the programme would be the question of the replacement of the chairman of the party, Umar Iliya Damagum. Following the suspension of Iyorchia Ayu a former university teacher and Emeritus minister from the position early last year, Damagum, the senior deputy national chairman took over in an acting capacity. Owing to the poor funding of the party which has always derived its oxygen courtesy of the benevolence of its governors, parliamentarians and stakeholders, it has been advanced that Wike has been supportive of Damagum. Despite being minister in an opposition government, Wike has not relinquished his membership of the PDP and has not been disciplined. He has said on several occasions that he hoped to remain in the party, but compromise its unity and stability.

The agenda for the meeting, however, precluded this particular issue. The sitting discussed the: Timetable for party congresses and reconstitution of the disciplinary and

reconciliation committees. It also situated a committee to amend the constitution of the PDP; sustainable funding of the party and the need to rebrand the 25 year-old logo of the party, the very famous “umbrella.” Attendance at the meeting was large and broad-based. No fewer than 350 leaders of the PDP from the 36 states and the federal capital turned up. The crammed up conference hall of the party rekindled the question about why the PDP is yet to complete its purpose-built multistorey national headquarters at the very heart of Abuja which has been abandoned for about a decade.

Atiku led the way with former Vice President Namadi Sambo in tow. There were also the former President of the Senate who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, (BOT), Adolphus Wabara and some of his successors, notably David Mark and Bukola Saraki. Former Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives Austin Opara, Chibudom Nwuche and Emeka Ihedioha were on the front row. The PDP has never been in short supply of formidable and reputable Nigerians with former party chairmen; former governors and serving governors; federal parliamentarians; members of the National Working Committee, (NWC) and elder statesmen in the BOT among those in attendance. You could feel the “longtime-no-see” bonhomie, even as you could almost slice the foreboding in the air of the constrained conference hall of the party in its secretariat.

Since Ayu is from the north central, a section of the party is inclined towards what has been described as a “like for like” replacement. This will see a PDP stalwart from the same zone replace him, which is the perspective of the Atiku school of thought. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, former governor of Benue State and three-time federal parliamentarian fits the bill. He has seen it all in the past 25 years of fourth republic democracy and cannot be bullied by anyone. On the flip side, pro-Wike elements reportedly prefer that Damagum

should indeed be formally consecrated at the NEC meeting as substantive chairman of the PDP. Strategists in the party, however, reckoned that perpetuating Damagum who received a vote of confidence from the National Working Committee, (NWC) and the National Caucus of the party just days before, could be politically suicidal. His current relationship with Wike could be counterproductive to the global interest of party.

Atiku’s reputation as an authentic nationalist with friendships and relationships built and nurtured over aeons, remain very formidable. He is a foundation member of the PDP who led the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua’s “Peoples’ Front,” (PF), as a core component of the PDP when the party was in gestation in 1998. His national recognition and experience are critical to the party’s consolidation and preparations for future electoral involvements. He is therefore the proverbial elder who, from his local couch, can see that which a young tree climber cannot see. He gave his famous “don’t worry” smile when I engaged him a few days before about his expectations at the meeting. That ability to make light of challenges must be one of the reasons for his bouncy health even at his age.

Those who anticipated an inevitably loud combustion from the meeting were disappointed. Atiku and his loyalists drawn primarily from the ranks of longstanding members of the party have always desired strategic changes within the ranks of the PDP’s leadership structures, as a way of strengthening the party in the run-up towards 2027. He was, however, tactically amenable to the deferment of the potentially explosive subject of leadership change which was pushed to the back-burner. The need for sustained reconciliation and the enthronement of party discipline was therefore foregrounded. Two committees were activated namely the reconciliation committee to be led by Saraki, and that of discipline which would be chaired by Udom Emmanuel, the suave immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Atiku thus supported the continuation of the Damagum-led NWC for the following few months during which the north central zone will build consensus around a specific candidate from the zone for the position of national chairman. This followed the proposition that a follow-up NEC meeting be called in August 2024. Overtime, Wike is said to have foisted leaders on the PDP and fallen out with them as soon as he considered them not in alignment with his designs. In the recent history of the party, Wike it was who proposed Ali Modu Sheriff, Ahmed Makarfi and Uche Secondus who, instructively is his kinsman from Rivers State, as chairmen of the PDP. He reportedly also supported the ascension of Iyorchia Ayu on the recommendation of Samuel Ortom, preparatory to launching his presidential bid in 2022. The Atiku camp came prepared to take Wike on if the issue of the replacement of the national chairman came up for discussion. Atiku diplomatically talked them out of the issue.

Olusunle, PhD, is a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA)

BELLO, EFCC AND MEDIA TRIAL

The EFCC has become the judge in its own case, argues SABIU GAYA

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the full glare of the media and diverse global audiences passed a verdict of ‘guilty’ on Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State.

It was a crude enactment of the Latin phrase, ‘Nemo judex in causa sua’ which roughly translates as: No man can judge his own case; or be a judge in his own editors were present, Olukoyede waxed emotional as he convicted Bello before the media and before the world. In his now trending video, the EFCC Chair did not allege that Bello embezzled funds from Kogi treasury, he said pointedly that the former governor stole from a state as poor as Kogi. With a microphone and right before the media, Olukoyede gave a vivid account of how the former governor withdrew money from the state coffers to pay for his children’s school fees upfront. This is something an EFCC witness should be telling the court, not EFCC Chairman telling the media. He even threatened to resign if Bello was not prosecuted to the end. He was emotional as he was recklessly showy in his theatrics to tar Bello, still a suspect until pronounced guilty by a court of law, in the darkest colour of ignominy.

There is a huge difference between law and emotions. Cases are determined on documentary evidence, not on the whims of emotions. Debating the details of a Charge Sheet in the media by the prosecutor is not only sub-judice but also an affront on the defendant’s constitutional right to fair hearing. Why is EFCC engaging in needless drama if it has established a prima facie case against Bello? And why should the Chairman

media in a matter that is already active in court?

What the EFCC chair did was both morally and legally wrong. For a case that is already active in court, you don’t go with full throttle in the public space to be adjudicating on the matter and passing off statements that tendentiously suggest that Bello was already guilty before ever enjoying as much as a whiff of fair hearing in the court of law. Olukoyede as EFCC

Kogi ex-governor. He is the investigator and prosecutor, not the judge. EFCC is not the court either. But from what any discerning mind could glean off from the EFCC Chairman’s show on Tuesday, he has become the judge in his own case, an abuse of a long-established legal dictum.

The EFCC is not a trial institution. The issue of guilty or not guilty is for the court to determine. Bello has approached the court to enforce his fundamental human rights, an inalienable right he is constitutionally entitled to. He got a restraining order barring the EFCC from arresting, harassing and prosecuting him. The EFCC appealed the order but lacked the discipline to wait for the court to vacate the order. Rather, the EFCC stormed Bello’s residence without a warrant of arrest but with full media coverage. What manner of anti-graft agency is that? Jettisoning procedural route and embracing brigandage as the EFCC has done in the Bello case as in other notable cases makes people infer that no suspect will get fair hearing with the EFCC. As it now stands, Bello is not assured of fair hearing if the EFCC Chairman could all but pronounce him guilty at a

procedure. It is persecution, crass and crude. In a matter of this nature, once the case is before the court, the EFCC has no business with investigation. In a season when President Bola Tinubu and many senior lawyers are advocating for justice reforms, the EFCC is slipping deeper and deeper into the abyss of impunity and utter disregard for the rule of law. This is unacceptable as it is condemnable. Olukoyede’s actions these past weeks amount to subtle intimidation of the

That is not fair hearing. Justice is only said to have been done when there is fair hearing. It is actions of persons like Olukoyede and institutions like the EFCC that has made Nigerians to lose

An institution of justice, especially an investigating and prosecutorial institution like the EFCC ought to be diligent in its investigation, hence it is termed “discreet investigation.” If the EFCC has done its job of investigation very well and it has as much as established a prima facie case against Bello or any other person, it should head to court and save the nation the resources, time and drama of effecting arrest and taking the defendant into custody.

Ab initio, the EFCC has not been fair to Bello. The revelation by the EFCC Chair that he put a call across to Bello further begs the issue. Why call him or even accord him special privileges? In the eyes of the law, Bello is just another Nigerian citizen shorn of immunity, though a former governor. But even as a suspect, he is entitled to his fundamental human rights. One of such rights is that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. But EFCC is abridging such right. Its Chairman is now the one pronouncing Bello guilty via the media. It is an insult on the legal profession, lawyers and the court system. It is actions like this that have made Bello’s legal team to wonder if their client will ever get fair hearing and justice when the legal maelstrom begins.

Bello’s legal team has stated that the former governor is not running away from the court of law. They insist Bello believes in the judiciary hence he approached the Kogi High Court to enforce his fundamental human rights. But they fear that with the body language of Olukoyede and his pronouncements lately, their client will be subjected to the most inhuman treatment not inside the court room but in the custody of an already biased EFCC. Olukoyede should tread lightly for the sake of the image of the commission.

GEORGE ADIMIKE pays tribute to Anthony Ifeanyichukwu Ezenna, a man of grace and capacity

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR TONY

Nowadays, it is easy for religion-bashers to generously blame African backwardness on religion and praise the developed nations for their reliance on knowledge (science). While religion is a factor for human development or social backwardness, a culture of religion seldom impedes progress. No human society experiences true greatness without a profound religious grounding. The value of super-nature must be considered in the enterprise of human existence. Any person or society that achieves the right nature and super-nature balance, grace, and work integration excels and achieving this balance measures true greatness, and the life of Sir Anthony Ifeanyichukwu Ezenna, OFR, KSS, Ijele Akokwa runs on the integration of the God-factor and diligent human co-operation. His life registers him in the people’s consciousness as a man of grace and capacity.

The grace and gravity quotient in the life of Sir Ezenna, the pride of Ideato, possesses exemplary value for aspiring young people, especially those in haste to ‘make it’. There cannot be true wealth without smart and diligent work, and there cannot be good business without the proper ethics. Unfortunately, contemporary society places so much economics that it does nothing other than destroy the moral fabric of society. It is not only that it idolises capital, but it disconnects it from the delivery of value. Instead, it falls prey to a displacement of labour with favour. As expected, this mindset prioritises achieving success and becoming great, whether by fair means or foul. Many men and women of today, thus, worship at the altar of the goddess of money with all its attendant supernatural or natural rituals that corrupt morals, offend God, and harm human dignity.

Sir Ezenna has, for decades, proved a shining light and inspiration to many. His success demonstrates that it takes smart and hard work imbued with the grace of God to excel. Right from his early days in business, he never played with the opportunity of learning the skills necessary to be a producer of value, marketer of solutions, entrepreneur of business ideas, and creator of wealth. He allowed himself to be taught by his experiences and those of others. He learnt from a hands-on engagement with the practicals of service delivery, marketing, provision and production of services and solutions. He learnt from teachers and booksin short, from schools (formal and informal) and grew in knowledge, expertise, and ideas daily. As he grew, so did his business. His business grew as he grew in knowledge, experience and management skills, which helped him invest, divest and diversify into many sectors. He succeeded by applying the grace factor to the work factor and achieved greatness in wealth creation.

From the entrepreneurship of goods, he ventured into an entrepreneurship of goodness. His greatness shines out not just in making money, but by applying

God’s children (a free and just society). poverty and hunger by empowering thousands of families directly or indirectly and providing food and relief materials for the poorest of families. The periodic distribution of food, money and medicine to thousands of families across Igboland has become his trademark. Without prejudice, his companies offer jobs to several thousands of persons, thereby uplifting thousands from poverty. Since this piece is not a chronicle of his taken charity to the next level of depth by building a church, a monastery, a rectory, schools, health institutions, and houses and community social centres. Additionally, he has offered many scholarships, organised public lectures for the good of society and sponsored community social activities, all in a bid to help create a healthy, loving, happy society to prepare people for a happy heaven. Indeed, his life is spent on business entrepreneurship, goodness entrepreneurship, and socio-spiritual entrepreneurship.

As such, he is solidly grounded in the political, economic, religious and socio-cultural aspects of life, which are well integrated. He lives in the world by the principles of Christianity. For there to be an exemplary manifestation of this healthy integration, one’s life has to be well disciplined, cultivated, groomed and, above all, rooted in God. Sir Tony Ezenna’s life has demonstrated that the success we see outside is only a sign of the tremendous inner work he has done. It is the fruit of a great internal job. Without self-discipline, no one can sustain success, and no one can be genuinely great. Through personal discipline and a measured life, Tony Ezenna shows that he has grown up through effort and hard work as much as he has grown his roots down in God. And he celebrates his birthday, may I join family, friends, and fans in wishing him many more healthy and fruitful years ahead.

Happy birthday, Sir

Gaya,lecturerandpublicpolicyanalyst,writes fromKano

Editor, Editorial Page PETER

ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

ISSUES IN THE SULEJA PRISON COLLAPSE

The correctional centres are in dire need of reform

Completed in 1914 (the year Southern Nigeria was joined with Northern Nigeria Protectorate to form the single colony of Nigeria) to house 250 inmates, the physical structure of Suleja Prison, like most other colonial era prisons, has for long been suspect. It therefore came as no surprise that the walls of the facility collapsed last Wednesday, following a downpour. The development, another emblem of shame, in general and its infrastructure in particular. “The most important thing is to do everything possible to restore sanity, to ensure that this does not happen in any other facility,” said the Minister of 118 inmates escaped although 10 of them have reportedly been apprehended.

We hope the federal government will not waste this moment. Many of the prisons (the so-called correctional facilities) across the country, including where condemned hardened criminals are kept, have become so dilapidated that all that a group of determined inmates need do is give the wall a little nudge and it would collapse. For obvious reasons, many

Many of the prisons do not meet up to the standard minimum rules for the treatment of inmates while others violate the right to medical services and the likes as stipulated by rule 31 of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners

These were originally prisons for petty thieves of livestock, minor infractions, and light felonies. That perhaps explains why in the 60s, unarmed prison wardens would escort prisoners out for community service and watch them sing as they cut the grass in hospital premises. The wardens then carried only batons!

However, the sociology of crime and punishment has been altered by the realities of the times. The nature of crime has also changed from stealing goats and chickens to robbing banks, emptying state treasuries, kidnapping for ransom, and killing in the name of religion. With that, our notion of punishment has migrated from correction to something more punitive while most of the prisons are now overcrowded and ill- maintained. Besides, most of the prisons are

surprise that inmates who should have served

Letters to the Editor

their term, content that the state would at least cater for them while it lasts, are forced to seek escape to the uncertainty of the outside world. What the current situation demands is a fundamental reform of the justice sector. In Nigeria today, a detainee who carries the toga of Awaiting Trial (AT) may well spend a decade waiting for a prison term that could have lasted for less than 12 months. This is due to a combination of poor investigation by police, delays by counsel, lack judges, as well as the dysfunction that hampers to and from the courts for their trials. Even at that, some condemned inmates often spend decades waiting for the hangman. To compound these challenges, corruption within the prison system is mind-boggling with the contracts for supplying food to feed all prisoners in the 36 states of the federation are centrally awarded in Abuja! Over the years, the provision of welfare services to inmates in Nigerian prisons has been far from satisfactory. Whereas no fewer than 95 per cent of inmates are alleged to have breached state laws, the prisons housing them are owned and maintained by the federal government. Many of them do not meet up to the standard minimum rules for the treatment of inmates while others violate the right to medical services and the likes as stipulated by rule 31 of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. What this ugly scenario therefore presents is the need for the relevant authorities within the judiciary, the legislature, the police, the bar, and other critical stakeholders reforming our prison system.

Tackling these challenges requires fresh thinking. If crime investigation continues to drag on endlessly, or dumped in prisons on trumped-up charges, if court trial is stalled by endless adjournments at the instance of the prosecution for lack of vital evidence and so on, then there is no way the Nigerian prisons can be reformed. But immediate attention should be paid to the physical integrity of these facilities.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief(150-200 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 (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer

LETTERS

THE ELECTRICITY TARIFF HIKE IS UNJUSTIFIABLE

The recent decision of the federal government to increase electricity tariffs is one that has rankled a great deal of people especially because the hike doesn’t match a higher standard of energy services.

Up NEPA with which Nigerians cheer intermittent power supply has become at once a paradoxically cheerful crumb of triumph and comfort catalyzed in two words, and an elegy for the failure of energy in the country.

There is also a new termite in the bunker waiting to chew everything to pulp, and it is the tendency of the national grid to collapse unimpeded, plunging vast swathes of the country into darkness.

The country is just trying to navigate the tunnels of a time when even time grows hot to a time when rain feels great on the skin island on the soil. This navigation has been mostly done in dampness at day, darkness, and searing heat at night and day. It is doubtful that a failure of

energy has ever equated to an abysmal failure of welfare anywhere.

Nigerians have tried so hard to keep the lights on. Not the one from the distribution companies, for it is said that even they use generators, but light like hope that illumines the labyrinth of the heart. Now, the light is going off at the end of the tunnel, Nigerians are at the end of their tethers and all they see is darkness.

Pushed into their faces is that there is no improved energy services to match the rapacious appetite of the regulators to hike tariffs. Inadequate energy supply continues to confront citizens and visitors alike in their many lives as consumers, business owners and service providers. If services are not commensurate to cost, the consumer is entitled to their disgruntlement.

Those who make, unmake and remake the policies that have kept Nigerians increasinglyin darkness for decades now must

hurting not just a critical sector, but an entire country. Since cutting the tree from the top isn’t working, can those who wield the axe be humble enough to start from the bottom? Can they unbundle the sector and start again?

The best resolution for desperate illness is not usually a cure. It is sometimes death only through which life can begin again, unbundled from previous concerns, and unburdened by past niggles. Since various cures have been tried — and failed—for the power sector, it may be time to take a different road. The present road surely forks somewhere.

Nigeria wanted steady power supply to be its metaphor for returning to democracy after eight years of darkness under military rule.

President Olusegun Obasanjo sunk about 16 billion dollars into the project.

But all it has produced until date are long shadows and even longer groans, a landscape

populated by non-existent power infrastructure and stifling heat.

As usual, the funds have since flown away, finding eternal disappearance in the forests of Nigeria’s corruption. The ensuing darkness has ensured that Nigerians cannot see the wood for the trees.

In the face of this regime of extortion, this era of extortionate energy pricing, this propensity to take an arm and a leg for light, and eons of sighs and sneers, what’s this darkness? What is this death of light, this dearth of power?

Nigerians are uncomplicated consumers who are always willing to pay for what they consume, their tastes are often measured and prudent. In fact, they usually pay even for what they do not consume, that is until they can no longer pay. Nigerians pay bills even when treated unfairly.

Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com

Samuel Faleye Making a Case for Future of Electric Vehicles

In a world that is gravitating towards clean energy, driving an electric car is more than luxury; it’s a necessity. Electric vehicles’ markets have recorded significant growth in sales in the last two years. While developed economies like the US and China are blazing the trail in this innovation, Nigeria’s pace in transmitting clean energy vehicles has been relatively slow. Then comes Samuel Faleye, the Chairman and CEO of SAGLEV, a distribution, assembling and manufacturing electric vehicles company for emerging markets. He tells Vanessa Obioha about his vision to accelerate the transition from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to Electric Vehicles (EVs) to combat climate change

In 2013, Samuel Faleye, Chairman and CEO of SAGLEV and a cofounder of a Delaware-based Electric Vehicle Company, purchased his first electric vehicle (EV). Nearly 11 years later, Faleye is deeply entrenched in the EV business, advocating for widespread adoption among Nigerians as an efficient mode of transportation, especially amidst the global call for renewable energy. Leveraging SAGLEV, he currently oversees the assembly, manufacturing, and distribution of electric vehicles in both Nigeria and Ghana.

Electric vehicles have a rich history dating back to the 19th century when various models of electric cars were showcased. In 1888, German inventor Andreas Flocken is credited with designing the first electric car, known as the Flocken Elektrowagen. Just two years later, in the United States, Andrew Morrison introduced the first electric car. However, the rise of the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) led to a decline in EV popularity.

Yet, with rapid technological advancements, EVs are experiencing a resurgence. Today, vibrant electric vehicle markets thrive, particularly in the United States and China.

While Nigeria has boasted a few electric vehicles, its adoption has been slow.

“I have always wondered that as smart as Nigerians are, as high technology adopters as they are, why are they not driving electric vehicles,” Faleye mused.

“The reasons are multifactorial,” he said. “The first one is el ectricity which has been a chronic perpetual problem in Nigeria. People are naturally reluctant with anything that has to do with electric power. There is a cost factor because Nigeria has also temporarily alleviated the permanent problem by importing used cars at a very low cost. Hence, we have flooded our market with these cars that are so cheap but people are suffering from chronic over expenditure on maintenance, not realising that. As a result, people are still looking at a very cheap car where they say ‘Well, even if it lasts me one year, at least I can buy it. There is also an infrastructure problem.’”

Among the challenges hindering the widespread adoption of EVs in Nigeria is adequate charging infrastructure which Faleye said represents the smallest and most solvable hurdle.

“Worldwide, if you look at China, the United States, Europe, 70 to 80 percent of charging actually happens at home. You plug your battery and charge overnight, anywhere from four to eight hours, and you have a full charge. That is actually going to be the case in Nigeria. For example, I personally have driven an electric vehicle in Nigeria for over a year, and I’ve had no problem because I charge.”

Faleye also pointed out that from his research, the number of Nigerians who have at least 12 hours of electricity per week is over 50%.

“If you juxtapose that with the fact that you have an electric vehicle, you can drive 300 kilometres by charging for four hours,” he said. “The average

driver in Nigeria drives way less than 60 kilometres a day. That already tells you that it’s five days of range. Most people are not going to charge their cars more than twice a week. In fact, some of my EVS that I have now will go between 700 and 500 kilometres. So you now begin to imagine how many times you have to charge that car.”

Faleye also stated that for ridehailing drivers of EVs, who spend much of their time on the road, he and his team have established a network of chargers. These chargers allow drivers to charge their cars for four hours before embarking on their journeys.

Part of the slow adoption of EVs can be attributed to the numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding them. Faleye debunked several, including the misconception that EVs cannot perform well in traffic.

“That is actually a myth because EVs are uniquely amenable to traffic and use of air conditioning. If you think about it this way, if you’re in a regular gasoline diesel vehicle, your motor is actually powering that compressor. Whenever your air

conditioner kicks on, your motor starts revving with a higher RPM thereby you’re burning more gas, right? If you stay too long in traffic with your AC on, you will find out you’re consuming more gas and may start dealing with overheating because basically your car is burning more gas and producing more energy.”

With EVs, one can be guaranteed a highly efficient battery-powered air conditioning system, according to Faleye. He added that EVs primarily consume power when in motion and the energy usage for functions such as air conditioning, radio, or other devices is negligible when the vehicle is st ationary.

“In one of our smallest models, you can run the AC for 72 hours.”

Another myth he debunked was that EVs are very expensive. He prescribed an alternative option.

“There is a truth to that but our company has done the work to find the models that will serve us in this economy without breaking the bank,” he said. “Another myth is that one cannot charge an EV in the rain. The

truth is that you can hardly hear that one received an electric shock from an electric vehicle that was being charged. The reason is that the car and its charging system have what is called a handshake; they are communicating. And if there is a leakage of electricity, it will shut that communication down.”

Despite these challenges, Faleye envisions a flourishing market for EVs in Nigeria and across Africa. SAGLEV has already made significant strides in Ghana, where it offers electromobility infrastructure for ride-hailing and automotive fleet operators.

For Faleye, the advantages of EVs are manifold. In addition to their energy efficiency and safety benefits, he believes that the EV sector can contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.

“When I see EVs, I see jobs. From the charging infrastructure, there are a lot of jobs in that field because you have to train a lot of electricians who have to understand how to install and service charges. There are also automotive technicians. For us, we have already trained 18 certified EVs technicians. These are guys who are certified automotive technicians that we took and gave them the training in terms of classroom and practical, how to clear and assemble EVs. What we are doing now is to focus on women.”

He continued: “There is going to be an industry that will train those technicians who will in turn train other technicians. What about applications and information technology? I can assure you that EVs will generate almost as many applications as the smartphone will. The EVs of today are connected to the internet. There is an opportunity to deliver services in EVs, to consult and consume advertisement, and social interactions.”

These opportunities, according to Faleye, even extend to the medical, logistics and even telecommunications sectors.

“EVs are going to transform the life of mobility in Nigeria,” he added, citing how EVs can help cut down costs, particularly given the high cost of fuel in the country today.

Faleye’s venture into the world of EVs was spurred by his passion for engineering. Initially pursuing medicine at the University of Ilorin, his path shifted when he relocated to the U.S. There, he specialised in Internal Medicine and Clinical Informatics, which is healthcare information technology.

“It was there that I realised I have an engineering mind and I have been involved in tech just since then.”

Describing himself as restless, Faleye is also engaged in ventures in real estate securities trading and is a licensed pilot.

Based in the US, Faleye has been shuttling between the United States and Nigeria in the past few years. He firmly believes in the critical role of the African diaspora in driving economic growth on the continent and is committed to leveraging his professional training, knowledge, and experience to make a positive impact in Nigeria and beyond. Through his work in the EV industry, he envisions a sustainable future for mobility in Nigeria and the wider African region.

Faleye

Will Kehinde Bankole Clinch Another AMVCA Best Lead Actress Win?

In 2015, Nigerian actress and model Kehinde Bankole clinched the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Best Lead Actress for her compelling portrayal in ‘October 1,’ the award-winning film directed by Kunle Afolayan. It was her first nomination for the award and marked her as the third actress to win in that category. Since that remarkable win, Bankole has garnered additional nominations, including a nod for Best Supporting Actress (8 Bars and a Clef) at the fifth AMVCA, and a nomination for Best Actress at the eighth edition of the awards for her role in ‘Dear Affy.’

This year, Bankole finds herself in the spotlight once again for her captivating performance in ‘Adire,’ where she takes on the titular role. In the film, she embodies the character of a sex worker who daringly absconds from her pimp and relocates to a remote village to establish a lingerie business. There, she becomes the object of desire for many husbands, inciting jealousy among their wives and particularly drawing the ire of a sanctimonious preacher’s wife.

Unlike in previous editions where the Best Lead Actress was determined by fan votes, this year’s winner will be selected by a jury as part of the changes introduced by the organizers for the awards’ 10th anniversary. Africa Magic and

A film adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir ‘The Man Died’ is set to premiere in July, coinciding with the birth month of the literary icon. Produced by Zuri24 Media and directed by academician and filmmaker Awam Amkpa, the film features Wole Ojo as Soyinka, alongside Segilola Ogidan, Sam Dede, and other talented cast members.

In a recent YouTube clip, Amkpa provided insights into the creative process behind ‘’The Man Died.’ He talked about the creative freedom afforded to him and writer Bode Asiyanbi, allowing them to expand the storyline beyond the confines of the memoir. Amkpa also reflected on the evolution of Nollywood over the years, noting the elimination of language barriers and the industry’s growing coherence and technical prowess.

“Way back, we were vilifying Nollywood as an allcomers game. But now the film industry in Nigeria has come to a place of coherence and technical ability. We still have problems here and there but there is a general coherence and technical ability that make the stories generally accessible regardless of where people are in the world,” he said.

Amkpa further observed that the quality of

MultiChoice Nigeria announced earlier in the year that a jury would evaluate nominees in key acting categories such as Best Lead Actress/Actor and Best Supporting Actress/Actor. This decision came in response to criticism that social media popularity has sometimes overshadowed genuine recognition of acting talent.

With this new development, the jury faces the challenging task of selecting a winner from a pool of incredibly talented nominees. Bankole’s competition includes Segilola Ogidan (Over The Bridge), Lucie Debay (Omen), Omowunmi Dada (Asiri Ade), Ireti Doyle (The Origin: Madam Koi Koi), Adaobi Dibor (Blood Vessel), Evelyne Ily (Mami Wata), and Funke Akindele (A Tribe Called Judah).

While the list showcases both emerging talents and established acts, the likelihood of the award going to a fresh face remains high. However, the ultimate decision rests on who delivered the most compelling performance. Bankole appears poised to clinch the trophy once again, as her portrayal in ‘Adire’ has garnered widespread critical acclaim. Over the years, she has donned different characters, showcasing her versatility as an actress from stage to screen, and even in animation as she is among the cast of the Disney-produced Nigerian animation ‘Iwaju.’

Yet, the fate of all nominees lies in the hands of the jury, who will reveal the winner of the category on May 11, during the awards ceremony at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

Awam Amkpa on Making

‘The Man Died’ in Nollywood

storytelling in Nigeria has outpaced the audience’s expectations. “Which is a good place to be because it is leading the audience to think in a more cosmopolitan way.”

In making ‘The Man Died,’ in Nollywood Amkpa stressed the importance of authenticity in portraying Soyinka’s stories, advocating for collaboration with individuals intimately familiar with the environment that shaped the Nobel laureate and his narratives, irrespective of their skill sets.

“I have an army of former students who are big-time filmmakers in Hollywood and elsewhere that I could just call on a whim to make the film and shoot it in Nigeria but that for me, there’s no learning curve,” he said. “For me, every creative project is like going back to the basics and building back upwards. That was why for me it was very educational to come here.”

‘The Man Died’ forms part of the lineup of events slated for Soyinka’s 90th birthday.

Nigerian Filmmakers’ Projects Selected for Durban FilmMart 2024

Two Nigerian projects, ‘Londoner,’ a fiction feature and ‘The Legends of Bulan,’ an animation, are among the official 30 projects in development selected for the 2024 edition of the Durban FilmMart. ‘Londoner’ is produced by Pamela Drameh and directed by Babatunde Apalowo, while ‘The Legends of Bulan’ is produced by Ferdinand Adimefe and directed by Azubuike Joseph Duru.

The selected projects, spread across three categories: Fiction, Documentary and Animation, will participate in the Pitch and Finance Forum, a pivotal platform where filmmakers convene to network with global broadcasters, financiers, streamers, sales agents, festival programmers, and producers.

This interaction is crucial for acquiring the necessary support to transition projects from development to production, ultimately bringing diverse African narratives to both regional and international audiences.

Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute, Magdalene Reddy while commenting on the selection of projects acknowledged that “This year’s diverse array of narratives showcases the creativity, adaptability, and inquisitiveness of filmmakers throughout the continent,” she said.

“Our filmmakers are tackling complex subjects and presenting fresh perspectives to worldwide audiences. The chosen projects weave through the intricacies of identity, tradition, and modernity, among other themes. They not only explore historical legacies and their lasting effects but also highlight the vibrant interaction between cultural preservation and innovation. These ideas are vital for deepening our understanding of the social, environmental, and ethical contexts that influence contemporary African societies and their filmic representations.”

Scheduled for July 19 - 22, 2024, the 15th edition

Apalowo

of DFM, under the banner “African Visions Unleashed: From Disruption to Accountability,” will host a dynamic four-day event in Durban, South Africa and will critically engage with the film industry, focusing on themes of social responsibility, intellectual property protection, artist rights, workplace equality, and the impact of environmental changes on production.

Stories by Vanessa Obioha

Amkpa

Bankole in ‘Adire’

Angela Agbe-Davies

Young and Trailblazing

At 40, Angela Agbe-Davies, the daughter of the former Ekiti State Governor, Niyi Adebayo, has achieved remarkable corporate success. She is the Managing Director of the law firm Silvax Legal, and Inventa International Nigeria - the first-of-its-kind international trademark and patent agency in Nigeria. In an encounter with Vanessa Obioha , she talks about the importance of Intellectual Property and her unrelenting ambition to accomplish more in that space

It is Really Important That Everybody Protects Their IP

Before she turned 40, friends who had already reached that milestone predicted a whirlwind of emotions typically associated with such a significant birthday. This sentiment is often echoed by society, where 40 is perceived as the beginning of one’s life journey and prompts introspection. However, for Angela Agbe-Davies, daughter of former Ekiti State governor Niyi Adebayo, none of these anticipated feelings materialised when she reached that milestone on March 31, 2024.

“I really didn’t feel all those things,” she said, her cheerful voice bubbling with laughter on a recent afternoon in her serene Ikoyi residence.

Agbe-Davies possesses a youthful appearance that belies her age. Tall and elegant, she exuded a cheerful vibe that added to her youthful and amiable demeanour.

At 40, she has achieved remarkable corporate success. A trailblazer in her own right, the Nigerian-British lawyer established her full-service law firm, Silvax Legal, at the age of 29. Just two years later, she partnered with the renowned global Intellectual Property (IP) agency Inventa International to establish Inventa International Nigeria—the first-of-itskind international trademark and patent agency in Nigeria. Agbe-Davies is a member of various prestigious IP and legal bodies, including the International Trademarks Association (INTA) and the Nigerian Bar Association. She has been recognised as one of the Top 20 IP legal practitioners in Nigeria by the World Trademarks Association. Currently, she is the only female and one of the youngest active board members at Greenwich Trustees Limited (GTL) Properties Limited, Chellarams Plc, Nobless Green Energy, Angel Hospitality Management, and the Dangote Foundation.

Reflecting on her career trajectory, Agbe-Davies attributed her success to a combination of hard work, luck and timing.

“There are some things that I’ve been quite blessed with that I never even saw coming,” she said, recalling when she decided to set up her own law firm.

“A lot of people felt that I was too young to go off on my own or sort of leave the traditional law firm environment but I just really felt called to do it,” she explained. “I had a lot of support from my family and my friends. And then a few years later, just through going to conferences, talking to people, and meeting people, I started a partnership with an international firm. It was the first one that had been done in Nigeria.

“And like I said, it was luck. It was being in the right place at the right time, talking to the right people, seeing that you have the same outlook, you want to achieve the same things, and then just really going for it, because sometimes things can be quite difficult. There’s a lot of, oh, you can’t do this, or you shouldn’t do this, or you’re too young, or you’re a woman, or don’t you want to have a family and all of those things. I just think that if you keep going, keep pounding on those doors, you can have a breakthrough.”

Agbe-Davies arguably had her life planned out right from the establishment of her law firm. Although unmarried at the time, she was determined to achieve a balance between her professional and personal life. Fortunately, luck has been on her side, and with the support of her exceptional team, she has managed to navigate her responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.

While Agbe-Davies is aware of her privileged background and acknowledged her father’s influence on her career, she also recalled a mentor’s advice that her initial clients when she opened her law firm would likely be the ‘three Fs’: friends, family, and fools.

“You have a reputation that nobody knows about. So if somebody you don’t know hires you, they would literally be a fool to do so. Other than that, it will be your

family or friends. To be honest, I don’t shy away from my dad being a well-known lawyer and politician. I think you should just use everything in your artillery and just go for it. Whatever you have, use it.”

With this understanding, she expressed gratitude for her life and career so far, recognising that millions of people are equally talented and aspire to better opportunities.

“There are people who are talented and hardworking and who could take all the mountains that I’ve been able to navigate. I’m grateful that the doors have opened for me and I have been given this opportunity and I’ve been able to run with them.”

Yet, Agbe-Davies has encountered her own share of setbacks. For instance, not everyone was open to committing their businesses to her, given that her firm is relatively small despite being a trailblazer in the field.

“Sometimes, people just prefer to use bigger and more established firms,” she said.

Agbe-Davies is passionate about her chosen aspect of law, intellectual property, which deals with the protection of

I think it is really important that everybody protects their IP and sees it as being just as important as how you would protect your real property like your house or your car. Just because it’s not something tangible that you can hold, I don’t think that people should see it as being less important.

“I would first take you through, then we’d have a conversation about your business and ideas and I would be able to pinpoint the exact areas where IP can assist,” she explained.

“What happens a lot as well is people are scared to talk about what it is that they’re doing because they’re scared of being copied,” she continued. “It’s quite nice having a conversation with someone like myself because I do take the confidentiality from the first meeting. I don’t wait to sign a retainer. The confidentiality starts as soon as we meet so that people can be comfortable explaining to me what it is that they do, where they think they would need assistance and then I’d be able to give ideas as well.”

For Agbe-Davies, IP should be taken seriously by Nigerians. Unlike in developed countries where IP is highly valued due to real-time issues, it is often overlooked in Nigeria, especially in an era of rapid technological advancement and artificial intelligence. She firmly believes that IP should be regarded with the same importance as tangible assets such as real estate and vehicles.

creations of the mind, such as inventions, designs, brands, artwork, and music. During her mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), she made the decision to focus on IP, drawn to its dynamic nature and international scope, having graduated from law at Sussex University, U.K.

“I specialised quite quickly, which was something that you’re sort of advised not to do when you first qualify as a lawyer. You sort of try as many things as possible. And when I was doing my NYSC at Aluko and Oyebode, I went to different departments and tried out different things. But I liked IP the best. I liked how it’s very cutting-edge. It moves a bit faster than some other areas of law. It’s very international. There’s a lot of client interfaces and I like talking to people. That was something that I really enjoyed Despite the perception that IP is relatively new in Nigeria and not as prominent as industries like oil and gas, Agbe-Davies emphasised its importance and enjoyed educating others about its significance, particularly its various aspects which include copyright, trademarks, patents and designs.

“I think it is really important that everybody protects their IP and sees it as being just as important as how you would protect your real property like your house or your car. Just because it’s not something tangible that you can hold, I don’t think that people should see it as being less important.”

Due to her passion for IP, she periodically participates in several different Institute of Directors and IP training courses.

Agbe-Davies is not alone in her family in her passion for IP. She revealed that her younger brother is also a lawyer specialising in this field. Beyond her dedication to the legal profession, she finds joy in various interests and hobbies. As a lover of theatre, she appreciates the arts and occasionally indulges in collecting artworks, despite not possessing any artistic talent herself. Her home is adorned with an array of captivating portraits. She also enjoys immersing herself in literature and indulging in watching courtroom dramas.

Irrespective of her numerous achievements at a relatively young age, Agbe-Davies’ unrelenting ambition drives her to continuously seek new challenges, expand her horizons, and make meaningful contributions to her profession and community.

“I’m not even at the top of my career because I don’t think I am. There’s still a lot that I want to achieve in the IP space. I want things to be bigger and better,” she said.

Agbe-Davie

HighLife

Tinuade Sanda: Things Fall Apart

Life can change in the blink of an eye. The recent events surrounding Tinuade Sanda, former MD/CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco), show this very well. Following her removal from Eko Disco, Sanda recently faced yet another setback, this time losing her position at the holding company, West Power & Gas (WPG).

The decision to terminate Sanda’s employment at WPG is shrouded in speculation, with suggestions pointing to an ongoing shareholder dispute within the company. It is amidst this backdrop of internal discord that Sanda’s removal makes itself apparent, one that makes one wonder how it is the former Eko Disco boss who is the party scapegoat.

Sanda’s tenure at Eko Disco was marked by several initiatives aimed at strengthening service delivery and operational compliance within the regulatory framework established by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). As the first woman to hold the MD/CEO position at Eko Disco, her leadership was pivotal in navigating the complexities of the sector. But her departure also signified a turning point in the company’s trajectory, one that prompted a strategic realignment under the stewardship of acting CEO, Rekhiat Momoh.

The reasons behind Sanda’s dismissal from WPG remain undisclosed, but the ripple effects of her exit reverberate throughout the industry. Her journey from WPG’s inception in 2013 to her eventual ascension to the role of MD in 2022 is a testament to her dedication and contributions to the company’s growth. In the same vein, her abrupt departure serves as a stark reminder of the inherent volatility in corporate environments, where fortunes can change swiftly and unexpectedly.

As stakeholders grapple with the fallout from these developments, the industry awaits further clarity on the implications for its future trajectory. Sanda’s story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the fragility of professional fortunes and the ever-present spectre of organisational upheaval.

For Tony Elumelu, It’s Goodbye to Calabar

When genius meets opportunity, wealth and fame come knocking at the door. No one knows this better than Tony Elumelu, the brain behind the success of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp, and United Bank for Africa (UBA) in Nigeria. Presently, things are shifting at Transcorp, showing that Elumelu has commenced his strategic doings.

In a strategic move emblematic of Elumelu’s astute leadership, Transcorp Hotels Plc, under the visionary guidance of Dupe Olusola, the dynamic managing director and CEO, has announced the divestment of its entire equity interest in Transcorp Hotels Calabar Limited. This strategic decision is supposed to show Elumelu’s unwavering commitment to steering Transcorp towards new heights of success and innovation.

Under Elumelu’s stewardship, Transcorp Hotels

is strategically refocusing its resources on high-potential markets such as Abuja and Lagos, where the company has established a strong presence, notably through iconic properties like the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. By divesting from non-core assets like Transcorp Hotels Calabar, Elumelu wants to maximise shareholder value and capitalise on emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s dynamic hospitality sector.

Elumelu’s strategic foresight and unwavering dedication to excellence have propelled Transcorp Hotels to new heights of success in times past, enabling the company to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving business environment. His visionary leadership is considered the lighthouse of inspiration for entrepreneurs and business leaders across the continent, inspiring confidence and trust in Transcorp’s future prospects.

Two Osun First Ladies’ Stories … Governor Rectifies the Situation

Amid burgeoning allegations of poor governance in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has found himself embroiled in a domestic dispute over the identity of the state’s First Lady. This recent controversy has not only cast shadows over the governor’s leadership but has also sparked concerns about his administration’s priorities and focus.

The confusion erupted follow ing an official visit by President Bola Tinubu’s wife, Oluremi Tinubu, to Osun. It was during this visit that the question of who holds the title of First Lady of Osun became a contentious issue.

Governor Adel eke was compelled to clarify that his wife, Titilola Adeleke, holds the official position of

the state’s First Lady, refuting any claims to the contrary by his second wife, Ngozi Adeleke.

The presence of conflicting flyers from the offices of both Ngozi and Titilola, each welcoming Senator Oluremi as the First Lady of Osun, ignited a storm of mixed reactions on social media. Governor Adeleke’s spokesman even tried to quell the confusion by affirming Titilola as the rightful First Lady and denouncing the unauthorised second flyer.

This episode not only shows the complexities of Osun’s present administration but also raises questions about Governor Adeleke’s ability to navigate the challenges facing the state. Critics argued that the governor’s involvement in personal disputes detracts from his duty to address pressing issues such as infrastructure development, healthcare provision, and educational reforms.

After all, Governor Adeleke’s administration allegedly grapples with myriad challenges, ranging from financial mismanagement to infrastructure decay and socio-economic disparities. Addressing these issues requires decisive leadership, effective governance, and a commitment to the welfare and development of all citizens.

Therefore, as Osun navigates its path forward, the need for accountable and responsive governance has never been more apparent. But, in the eyes of some, the need to know who is First Lady and who is her assistant is even more pressing.

Life After First Bank: The Prospects of Adesola Adeduntan

Life starts and ends with decisionsthe same is true for corporate choices. The retirement of Adesola Adeduntan from his long-standing position as the MD/CEO of First Bank of Nigeria Limited marks the end of an era in the banking sector.

After nine years of dedicated service to the institution, Adeduntan bids farewell to the boardroom, paving the way for a new chapter in his life. With a distinguished career and a wealth of experience in the financial services industry, the prospects for Adeduntan after retirement are indeed promising.

As he embarks on this new phase of his journey, Adeduntan is poised to explore myriad opportunities

beyond the confines of corporate governance. His background in banking, coupled with his extensive education and leadership roles, positions him well to make significant contributions in various sectors. Whether he chooses to venture into entrepreneurship, pursue philanthropic endeavours, or engage in consultancy work, Adeduntan’s expertise and insight will undoubtedly be in demand. Moreover, Adeduntan’s personal interests and passions are likely to shape his postretirement endeavours. His enthusiasm for adventure and zest for life suggests that he may seek out new experiences and challenges. With the support of his family, including his beloved wives, Adeduntan is primed to embark on exciting adventures and create lasting memories.

In considering his options, Adeduntan may draw inspiration from other industry leaders who have successfully transitioned into new roles post-retirement, including Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, or even Tokunbo Abiru. Whether he chooses to remain within the financial services sector, explore opportunities in other industries, or even enter the realm of politics, Adeduntan’s contributions to society are bound to be impactful.

Ultimately, Adeduntan’s retirement marks not an end, but a new beginning filled with endless possibilities. As he navigates this next chapter of his life, one thing is certain—his legacy as a visionary leader and dedicated professional will endure for years to come.

Adeleke’s wives

Elumelu

Who will End the Animosity Between Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Betty Akeredolu?

Peace is sweet and always comes before prosperity. Somebody needs to tell the power holders in Ondo State that this is not just a verse of the National Anthem, but a principle of life. Regarding the issue between the incumbent

governor of Ondo and his former boss’s wife, hasn’t the time come to bury hatchets and shake hands?

The emergence of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election might not sit well with Betty AnyanwuAkeredolu, the widow of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. The internal family dynamics and political complexities surrounding Aiyedatiwa’s ascension to power, particularly during the leadership crisis amid her late husband’s illness, likely fuelled Betty’s dissatisfaction with the outcome of the primaries.

Betty’s past Instagram post,

Femi Otedola: A Magnate on the Move

Where the vulture peeks, the eagle glides with pride, unfazed by the envy of soft-winged birds and flying higher and higher the more the storm rages. This is just so with Femi Otedola, businessman and philanthropist extraordinary. Even as the years pass, the man remains true to his altruistic identity, no less generous now than he was in the past.

Otedola’s recent commitment to building staff quarters at the Lagos campus of the Nigerian Law School exemplifies his dedication to philanthropy and community development. As a billionaire businessman and chairman of FBN Holdings and Geregu Power, Otedola has consistently demonstrated his exceptional business acumen and altruistic spirit.

Beyond his remarkable success in the business world, Otedola’s philanthropic endeavours have left an indelible mark on society, transforming countless lives and communities across Nigeria. His pledge to construct staff quarters at the Nigerian Law School reflects his deep-seated commitment to

Rasaq and Shade Okoya’s enduring love story is nothing short of extraordinary, marked by mutual respect, admiration, and

supporting education and empowering future generations of legal professionals.

Otedola’s generosity extends far beyond the realm of education, encompassing a wide range of social and humanitarian causes. From healthcare initiatives to youth empowerment programmes, he has leveraged his resources and influence to effect positive change and uplift the less fortunate.

In addition to his philanthropic endeavours, Otedola’s business genius is evident in his strategic leadership of FBN Holdings and Geregu Power. Through innovative business strategies and visionary decision-making, he has positioned these companies for sustained growth and success in an ever-evolving economic landscape.

As Nigeria continues to work around complex challenges and opportunities, Otedola’s visionary leadership and philanthropic initiatives stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and social responsibility. His commitment to

in which she criticised Funke Akeredolu Aruna, her late husband’s niece, for supporting Aiyedatiwa, shows the familial rifts and lingering tensions within the Akeredolu family. Her description of Funke as a “bloody serpent” cannot be forgotten, as it reflects the deepseated animosity and distrust that allegedly pervades the family’s relationships, especially in matters related to politics and power.

Therefore, the victory of Aiyedatiwa in the primaries further exacerbates his strained relationship with Lady Betty. Betty’s reportedly opposition to Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, coupled with her accusations of betrayal during her late husband’s illness, indicates a profound rift that may prove challenging to mend.

building staff quarters at the Nigerian Law School is just the most recent example of his ongoing efforts to create a brighter, more prosperous future for all Nigerians

Rasaq and Shade Okoya Celebrate 25th Wedding Anniversary

unwavering commitment. Individually, they stand as pillars of strength and exemplars of success, yet together, they form an indomitable force, navigating life’s challenges with grace and unity.

Okoya, an illustrious figure in the business world, exudes wisdom and resilience. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire industrialist and founder of the Eleganza Group of companies is a testament to his tenacity and vision. At 84, he continues to inspire with his entrepreneurial acumen and philanthropic endeavours. His dedication to family values and unwavering support for his wife, Shade, exemplify his character as a loving husband and devoted patriarch.

Shade, a woman of elegance and substance, radiates charisma and grace. Beyond her striking beauty lies a formidable intellect and boundless ambition. As a businesswoman and philanthropist, she has carved her path to success, contributing significantly to the family’s legacy. Her accolades and achievements reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence and societal impact.

Together, Rasaq and Shade embody the

Ayo Ogunsan: Championing Community Safety and Environmental Excellence

Dr. Ayo Ogunsan’s recent elevation to the position of Chairman of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in Lagos is a testament to his exceptional commitment to both community safety and environmental advocacy.

Renowned for his unwavering dedication to security matters, Dr. Ogunsan, a respected Board Member of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), has long been a stalwart advocate for creating a safer environment for all Lagosians. His proactive measures to combat cultism and promote communityoriented policing have earned him widespread recognition as a pivotal figure in enhancing internal security.

In assuming his new role, Ogunsan brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. His vision for POCACOV in Lagos is clear: to spearhead

initiatives that not only eradicate crime but also foster a sense of safety and well-being within local communities. By championing community engagement and collaboration, he aims to cultivate an environment where residents can thrive without fear.

Moreover, Ogunsan’s commitment to immediate environmental stewardship is equally commendable. Through his leadership, he seeks to ensure that Lagos remains a city where both residents and the environment can flourish harmoniously.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Ogunsan’s dedication to community enrichment is exemplified by his Gospel Hymns and Songs Birthday Concert which occurred about six months ago. The event not only celebrated spiritual unity and devotion but also served as a rallying cry for collective action in creating a safer and more environmentally

Commonalities between Yahaya Bello and Hadi Sirika

The present is the next page after the past, something people tend to forget. Consider the curious case of Yahaya Bello, the immediatepast governor of Kogi State, who stands accused of egregious misuse of public funds, painting a portrait of a leader whose appetite for personal gain surpassed his duty to serve.

Reports alleged that Bello diverted a staggering $720,000 from state resources, purportedly to prepay his children’s future school fees. This audacious act of self-indulgence not only smacks of flagrant corruption but also betrays a callous disregard for the needs of the populace he was elected to represent.

essence of a power couple, complementing each other’s strengths and aspirations. Their partnership transcends mere companionship, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration to many. Despite being two strong individuals, they have forged a union founded on mutual respect, understanding, and shared values.

Their 25th wedding anniversary is a testament to their enduring love and unwavering bond. Through life’s triumphs and tribulations, they have stood by each other’s side, weathering every storm with resilience and unwavering devotion. As they celebrate this milestone, they continue to inspire with their love story, reminding us all that true love knows no bounds.

In the years to come, Rasaq and Shade’s legacy will endure, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those they’ve touched and the world they’ve influenced. Their journey together is a testament to the power of love, unity, and unwavering commitment—a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.

conscious society.

As he embarks on this new chapter, there is no doubt that Ogunsan will continue to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

Furthermore, in the face of mounting allegations, Bello has reportedly refused to attend the legal proceedings launched against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to critics, this alleged attempt to evade accountability speaks volumes about his character and commitment to the rule of law, leaving a stain on his legacy that no amount of political manoeuvring can erase.

In juxtaposition to Bello’s alleged misappropriation of public funds stands the case of Hadi Sirika, a figure embroiled in his own controversy. Allegedly, Sirika awarded contracts to his younger brother’s company, sharing the same surname, Abubakar Sirika. Worse still, the latter, a Level 16 civil servant, was a deputy director in the Ministry of Water Resources.

In the court of public opinion, where perceptions of integrity and accountability hold sway, Bello’s actions cast a shadow far darker than those of Sirika. His alleged misuse of public funds, coupled with his conspicuous evasion of accountab ility, paints a picture of a leader whose thirst for personal gain eclipses all other considerations.

Bello is being cast as a figure whose actions speak volumes about the systemic rot that plagues the nation’s governance. As the spectre of corruption looms large, those entrusted with power and authority must be held to account for their actions, lest the fabric of democracy unravel under the weight of impunity and greed.

Akeredolu

Bello

Otedola

Ogunsan

Rasaq and Shade Okoya

YAHAYA BELLO: TAMING OF THE WHITE LION

This one is not white lion again o. This one na Kogi kitten. Shame is even catching me for this person who roared and roared as the Executive Governor of Kogi State. See common Bobrisky entered the cell, and ended up in prison. I hear that he has even donated chairs to the prison community. You, with all your gra gra gra, complete with video in the gym in military fatigue now end up in – I want to go to court but I am afraid of arrest.

Mbok, what is in arrest? EFCC has arrested me before na. It is not as if they will arrest you with police style. If police arrest you ehn, that one is with another style o as the kick and head butt they will be giving you ehn, you sef you know that you have entered it. The body odour of the police sef inside the “janglover” will be enough to send you to Golgotha.

Is it this EFCC that will be wearing an “okrika” suit and red “overall” like chef for Eko Hotel, and dark glasses and will be speaking English that you are afraid of? My brother, you

Open Letter to Olayemi Cardoso

My brother, this one is not your fault but I will blame you still. She was 40 years old like I learnt; a petty trader in Bariga who struggled to make ends meet as a single mother, and like we all do, approached a loan app for a bridge loan. She took N40,000, according to the story, and when she could not pay back, they hounded her to her death. She was said to have committed suicide when the verbal abuse was too much for her. They sent broadcasts to all her contacts, called her a fraudster, and threatened to release her BVN and her picture. The abuse, as I heard, was daily and horrendous, and when she could not stand it again, she killed herself.

A play has been written in her honour by the Bariga artists, and is being showcased in the community as a sad epiphany to her. All she did was just

are letting me shame for you. Will they even put you in a cell? That their detention centre is not detention sef. They have light, DStv, chess and even Chicken Republic if na Ikoyi dem carry you go, and when you enter na bankers, yahoo yahoo and other soft criminals you will see, unlike police stations where you will be sharing a cell with “Anikura” who will shave your pubic hair. Go and ask Seun Kuti what his eyes saw in the place. Mbok, you are embarrassing me o. Me that I used to respect you. You are shaking like this. Abi can you not be like Fayose who went there boldly and even wore a T-shirt saying – I am here. That is Amala eating Fayose o, not to talk of you who fought Dino to a standstill. Abi, is it not you who dug a crater around that beautiful senator’s village?

My brother, abeg stop hiding behind Ododo’s wife’s wrapper and just go and answer question. After all, is it not a bailable offence, did you plan a coup?

Can you just stop this cowardly act and spare us all of this drama? Better

owe a faceless and evil app. Then last week, I got a terse voice note. This time, the lady was owing N70,000 and was on the verge of taking her life. She had been verbally abused, and her contacts all received SMS on how she was a big thief and all of that. Her BVN was released to the public and was on the verge of throwing up her obituary when she sent the voice note in tears and asked if it was not better to just end it all. I called them and got the abuse of my life. The apps have hired thugs online o. This boy abused me so much that the fact that I was even calling to get the account number to pay off did not assuage his anger. Mbok, since when has owing money been equated to a capital crime o?

Mr. CBN Governor, due to the harsh economic realities, vulnerable

go and report yourself otherwise, if I come to that place you are hiding, you will not find it funny o.

UJU KENNEDY-OHANENYE: LET’S GET SERIOUS

Madam, can we please take our job a little bit more seriously, abeg? A federal minister rushing to a secondary school to go and settle “fight?” Please, how this one necessitates your personal intervention beats my imagination o. It’s like you have not read your job description, otherwise something that the superintendent of the local council in that area can handle, you will now be rushing to the place to be gaping at the children and their little boyfriends’ squabbles. I watched the video as you stood there with parents all screaming and shouting and verbally abusing each other. I just said to myself, mbok, see minister o. Na wa o. Even that one that just graduated from Law school wore full legal uniform, and issued a threat letter, giving the school 48 hours to deal decisively with the bully or else…

Nigerians are resorting to these evil loan apps and they take serious advantage with their devilish rates, horrendous repayment terms and much more importantly, wicked recovery tactics which have led to trauma, heartache and in this case, suicide.

This is much more than issuing statements warning them. Very concrete measures must be taken to protect Nigerians from these people. Yes, they are in business, but this business has been designed from the onset not to allow for credible engagement. They are evil and they will continue to compound the problems of the already harried Nigerians who in trying to run away from the harsh economic realities of their lives now run into the hands of these devils.

Help sir.

Or else what? Mbok, let me ask. We just like to escalate things and be “catching cruise”. So, a child was bullied in school and the school authorities cannot be left to deal with it along already set structural procedures? Was there a mass riot in the school? Was there a mass shooting or wetin sef?

Something that even the two girls will still settle over “Tiktok” and ice cream, the minister is running there like we are facing a constitutional crisis. Mbok, President Tinubu, is this how your ministers are expected to flow? If they are not attempting to sue the United Nations, they are going to settle catfights amongst little girls who are fighting over one stupid boy who has even moved on to the next girl. Bullying is evil and must be stamped out but for me, the issue of self-defence is more important to me. When I was in secondary school, if you bullied me you sef go hear am. As you are bullying me, I will be bullying you back and will wait for you to sleep and then I will pour water over you and your bed and wait to collect more beating.

Cardoso

Kennedy-Ohanenye Bello

Wigwe

Ukpanah

It is about building character; it’s about boldness and courage. Students have their own culture and civilisation we will never understand. So the best thing to do is to institute what I call “regulated bullying” or fagging as we used to call it in Command Secondary School.

We must understand the code of silence, that girl that was slapped is finished socially in that school, even if she changes school. So, the emphasis should be on self-defence. Karate, judo, and boxing are at the physical end of the spectrum and then literary and debating, negotiations, engagements at the other end, and just maybe the way to begin to witness a reduction.

So, all of this is not a matter for the minister or JJC lawyer, the school authorities and the local education authorities can handle this abeg. Please, if anybody beats my son Alvin in his school, I don’t want to see any minister there o. She should mind her business and stop wasting taxpayers’ money in such a very funny manner

ADEMOLA ADELEKE: A TALE OF TWO FIRST LADIES

As a junior member of the polygamous club, my attention was drawn to this little drama that was playing out in Osun State. Our senior member was having issues with his two wives as they both were grandstanding as to who is the original First Lady of the state in the wake of the visit of the original “numero uno” First Lady of the country – Senator Remi Tinubu. Posters from the two camps were flying everywhere and the state, nay the country, was thrown into a frenzied excitement, watching and waiting to see how this would be resolved.

I was asked for advice as a wellexperienced member of the club- you know at some point we were dealing with three. My advice was very clear. Faced with a similar situation although I was not receiving any first lady but was at the burial of my dear father, I was advised by my late great father-in-law, the gentleman war photographer David Olude. My father’s wakekeep had turned into a battleground. A war of “aso ebis” had ensued with each faction donning some very colourful aso ebi. My mother sat there enjoying the spectacle. She had been bribed variously by both camps and you know my mother was corrupt when it comes to things like this. She collected from both sides and as such lost any moral authority to talk. So she just sat down and enjoyed the spectacle.

I had refused to come out and my boys were begging me to come since I was the firstborn and nothing can happen without me. I had bribed the third one not to come. She had just given birth. The second one was very fiery and the first was heavy with my last child and everybody forgot about my poor dad’s body and was concentrating on the unfolding drama.

I called Pa Olude, one of the most handsome debonair men of his time. He too was a strong member of the club with three wives and he said, “Boge” - he called me boge –“don’t fret, don’t you have another

girlfriend? Call her and appear with her. The warring factions will look stupid and keep quiet. Sit down with your girlfriend and cross leg and bury your papa. But when you finish, no go to any of them house o and no chop them food again because I cannot guarantee that you will see your papa’s 40 days party.”

So, I took his advice and appeared with the delectable sweetie – no names mentioned for her safety. She

is a grandmother now - the silence that greeted the event was palpable. Everybody kept quiet and we walked to the front seat. I sat beside her and held her hands as she dabbed my eyes with a white handkerchief as the pastor did the homily for my Papa. Sadly, I did not take Pa Olude’s last advice of not going home as I went home to the elegant Duchess who gave me the beating of my life. My people, dem beat me that day o and

OLA OLUKOYEDE: LET’S PUT A DATE ON IT

Truth be told, I was among the people who didn’t really support your appointment. I was told all sorts about you and the fact that your appointment breached protocol and all that. So, I threw my tiny weight behind your opponents, well as it is, you won and you were appointed and I carried my wahala go somewhere else.

But I must tell you that we are beginning to look at you with another eye o. The way you have been moving recently seems to be putting more bite in that your institution has already started growing rubber teeth.

This Yahaya Bello matter, then the BDCs and now the Sirika – or wetin he call himself - and a whole lot of table-shaking moves that EFCC under your “rulership” has been doing. Let me quickly say well done. But wait first, that Bobrisky own, I don’t really support it, but that one I will discuss with you when I eventually get to meet you. I had called your man Dayo or abi Dele? He says he is your spokesman to see if I can interview him or maybe meet you but he pushed back. Not a problem.

See, the main reason why I am writing about you is very simple.

Please, my brother, they say that you have said you will resign if you don’t prosecute the chicken of Kogi. I love that statement but something is missing- you did not put a date on the resignation. That is not how they used to do that kind of vow, otherwise, we will just be looking at you like a Nollywood actor. Please, stand naked in front of your mirror, holding either a cow horn, Bible or anything you worship and say, “I Ola son of Olukoyede from ----- fix your village name—the greatgrandson of---- you know how your people use to say it on all of the Yoruba film they disturb us with---- hereby vow to resign by so so so so date if I do not prosecute Yahaya Bello.” Then end the vow with a swear on whatever God/gods you are worshipping – Sopana, Orunmila, any of them will be ok. That way, we will take you very seriously. Please note that we are fully behind you on this Yahaya own because of the implication on good governance and the system. Mbok, when you are ready for our meeting, please send a female operative to reach out, make no hoarse-talking man call me o before I faint and die for una hand o. Thank you.

at that time, domestic violence was not an issue so I took my beating like a man after which I took my bath, and sleep for parlour for four years.

So, His Excellency coming out to proclaim one of the wives as bonafide First Lady is only postponing the evil day. Wait until his tenure ends and his immunity is lifted, na me go buy the koboko for them. Thank you.

THE HOW OF HERBERT WIGWE’S MATTER

You know, it is not how long but how well. Everything has been said by everybody about Herbert Wigwe, the late super influential banker who touched lives in such a way that his passing remains super unbearable. During the week, I went for a meeting at his Foundation, the superbly established HOW Foundation somewhere on Victoria Island. I met with the very beautiful Yvonne Victor-Olomu, the programme officer and COO who took me through the legacy vision of Herbert.

However, in establishing the Foundation, Herbert looked at three main thrusts – youth engagement, health and education. It is as a result of the need to encapsulate all three that the Wigwe University which is beating all known early parameters in global tertiary education was formed.

I was well excited to realise that the vision was still running despite his absence. It is to his eternal glory that he has set up structures that would run without him and totally depersonalised because if he hadn’t, then society would have been deprived of his very brilliant ideas and eternal need to impact.

As Yvonne spoke, I looked at her team and my surroundings and could sense the seeming automated visage of the vision as work was still ongoing and at almost the same pace as when he was around. I was sweetly impressed as I watched them hurtle towards achieving the very clear and precise goals of their founder.

As I walked into the Victoria Island sun, I smiled and said to myself once again – Herbert was not of this world, I swear. Chai!

UTO UKPANAH BROUGHT HOME THE HONOUR

It is with immense pride and joy that I want to very proudly announce that my sister, the legendary beauty with an immense brain, has just won the very coveted award of the Global Corporate Secretary of the Year. The award that was seriously fought for by contenders in four continents was easily won by my big sister who is the Company Secretary of the giant MTN Nigeria. You will notice that I am writing with effusiveness because I have not only eaten afang in her country home in Akwa Ibom State but also believe very strongly that she more than deserves this award.

She remains one of the most brilliantly intelligent professionals operating in the landscape globally. Let me even tell you that she has carried along with so much corporate transparency and clarity that this award was an easy breeze for her, I tell you. Let me use this opportunity to thank God for blessing Nigeria with such a wondrous brain. Well done “adiaghaeka,” this is just the beginning.

Off to Lucky Aiyedatiwa

In his book, ‘The Lightning Thief,’ published in 2005, Rick Riordan, said that names have power. If you have been among those who doubted this in the past, the story of Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, would definitely put pay to that.

His three names mean power that has designed his future. While his first name ‘Lucky’ signifies favour, fortune and success, his middle name, ‘Orimisan’ literally means ‘my head is good’ while Aiyedatiwa simply means ‘the world is ours,’ or ‘the world now belongs to us.’

The world indeed belongs to the governor who has suddenly become a new bride many are courting. Many would recall that before the demise of his boss, the late Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor, Aiyedatiwa was almost like a pariah many people didn’t want to touch even with a ten-foot pole. But immediately after the death of the former governor and Aiyedatiwa was sworn in, his home instantly became a mecca of sorts while those who despised him in the past now go to him with hats in hands.

He became a reference point and a colossus in the state and also a force to be reckoned with in the political circle.

God has a purpose for every human being, and it is accomplished by various individuals in different time zones in diverse ways. Most times, the path to accomplishing God’s purpose for a man bristles with obstacles. It is natural. This is precisely the experience of His Excellency, Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Some naysayers still believe he was just a mere lucky guy without any political clout while his political rival demeaned him by calling him unprintable names. However, with his victory at the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) last weekend, it has further proven that the man is meant for greatness. He is the party’s candidate for the forthcoming November 16 governorship election in the state.

Mike Adenuga: A Monumental Gift to Humanity

The world will indisputably stand still tomorrow, April 29, 2024, as Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr, marks his 71st birthday. His golden birth over seven decades ago was to herald a monumental gift for humanity.

For a man who has a flourishing business empire with substantial investments in telecommunications, oil and gas and banking, it is not for fun that he is described as a visionary leader, an exemplary entrepreneur and an outstanding manager of men and resources.

Though he is not given to throwing elaborate parties on the occasion of his birthday, many, including his family members, will definitely share in his joy as they celebrate him to the high heavens. Who wouldn’t celebrate the serial businessman who many have described as one of the most beautiful gifts from Nigeria to the continent of Africa and a shining light in Africa’s business firmament?

His audacious ability and ever readiness to take any risk as seen in his foray into oil exploration and later, telecommunications, has sealed his business prowess and foresight. He always treads

where other investors are afraid to try.

The ebullient Chairman of Globacom is a unique personality who focuses persistently on the big picture without blinking. His eyes are always on the ball.

It is on record how the man single-handedly revolutionised the telecommunication sector in Nigeria and changed the landscape even when not many believed he could.

Before his foray into the industry, other companies that launched ahead of him claimed a per-second billing system was unachievable in seven years. With that, he rescued the country from the jaws of other competitors in the sector.

Fondly known as The Bull, he has always believed in the power of possibilities. And like the Bull that he is, nothing is strong enough to impede forward-looking moves. When he roared and boasted then that with Glo things were no longer going to be the same again, indeed, things never stayed the same. His doggedness has changed the scene for the better and since then it has been a rollercoaster of sorts for telecom subscribers in the country.

When Top Hotelier, Timi Clark, Added a Year in Style

To many, the month of April is just another month in the year’s calendar. But for Timi Clark, the Chief Executive Officer, of Exclusif Abuja, the month is a unique one. It is the month of her birth.

For her, birthday comes once in a year, so it’s worth celebrating. And on this occasion, the top hotelier will be rolling out the drums to celebrate another milestone in style.

She has many reasons to celebrate and also appreciates the Almighty God for her voyage so far on planet Earth where death is so cheap. She considers herself a child of grace, and in truth, God’s grace has been a constant feature in her life

Alex Onabanjo Becomes Asiwaju Ago-Iwoye

Alexandra Onabanjo’s sojourn in life has not been a bed of roses; he also had tough times but was able to navigate the tides to retain his spot as one of the biggest business magnates to come out of Nigeria.

With his background in the Nigerian oil and gas terrain with PSG Exploration, Onabanjo has worked in different ventures. He rose through the ranks to become one of the best sales managers with Nigeria Motors Industries (CFAO Plc)

He went ahead to establish his private business conglomerate, which today has many pies of business investment littered across the country. Stylish but carved with grand opulence, panache and sartorial elegance, Onabanjo’s philanthropic gestures are quite enormous as he loves quiet donations that are devoid of media attention.

In his hometown of Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State, the Otunba Sakinmolu as he is fondly called, has carried out different projects that

directly touched his people’s lives. He has also donated a well-equipped ICT building to the Olabisi Onabanjo University main campus among other things.

For his contributions to the development of the town, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Adbulrasaq Adenugba conferred on him the title of the Asiwaju of Ago-iwoye, a title that was previously held by former Minister of State for Finance and Commerce and Industry, late Jubril Martins-Kuye.

Onabanjo threw a reception party at the WOSAM Arena in Ago-Iwoye on Saturday, April 20, where he treated those who attended to royalty. The roll call includes the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Senator Gbenga Daniel, Senator Solomon Olamilekan, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Iyalaje Toyin Kolade, Oba Otudeko, Parallex Bank MD Femi Bakre, Major General Adebanjo Awosanya(rtd), Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Dr Sonny kuku, Chief Moji Dokpesi, Taiwo and Kenny Ogungbe and a host of others.

journey, both in her business and private life.

As gathered, she held a classy birthday dinner recently which many of her guests have described as memorable.

For years, the CEO of the leading hospitality firm has organically and strategically nurtured her chains of businesses, especially her hotels to become one of the key players in the sector.

Also, as a philanthropist, she has tried to amplify her famed legacy of benevolence and generosity, as she always makes conscious efforts to put smiles on the faces of the hoi polloi in society.

What’s Next for Billionaire Politician Jack-Rich?

Those who say politics is not for the fainted mind actually know exactly what they are talking about. Nigeria’s murky water of politics is not something someone without a strong heart would dabble into. In fact, it is no exaggeration if we say it is only meant for the stone-hearted.

For billionaire businessman and politician, Tein Jack-Rich, he will be deliberately biting his finger and regretting the day he decided to venture into the shark-infested waters of Nigerian politics. The reason is not far-fetched. Since he stepped his foot into the game, it has been more of thorns than roses for him.

The top oil player was among those who threw their hats into the ring for the 2023 presidential elections. He threw money around for the real isation of this ambition, but he later stepped down for Bola Tinubu, who eventually won the primaries and the general election. He donated his

campaign office in Port Harcourt for the Tinubu presidential campaign; such was the depth of their closeness. So, one would expect a reward for his good deed.

Society Watch gathered that after Tinubu won, it was rumoured that the chairman of Belema Oil was pencilled down for a ministerial appointment, this sprung up a barrage of criticism and a campaign of calumny.

Although some of his fans were quick to come to his defence, claiming the unfounded allegation was just a way to tarnish the hardearned reputation of the billionaire oil tycoon.

The defence, however, did not bear any fruit as his poli tical career suffered and his image greatly battered. His name was conspicuously missing from the ministerial list. Since then he has not been seen in any political gathering and this has set tongues wagging while some ask: what is next for Jack-Rich?

Adenuga

a

Clark

Aiyedatiwa

Onabanjo

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS & REVIEW

A PUBLICATION

28. 4. 2024

Now, the Stage is Set for Another Cross-generational Dialogue…

A

first-ever joint exhibition of sculptures, paintings, and drawings by Oliver Enwonwu and his renowned late father, Ben Enwonwu, will take place in a London gallery in late May. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

Isn’t it rather remarkable how, even after three decades since the passing of the revered Professor Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu, his son, the unarguably talented Oliver Enwonwu, faithfully continues to carry the torch of his pioneering artistic tradition? It is therefore not surprising that the younger Enwonwu’s deft weaving of his own creative tapestry into the revered legacy of his eminent father—the legendary Nigerian art icon, better known in art circles as Ben Enwonwu—now sets the stage for a landmark joint exhibition to grace the exquisite Malls Gallery in London, UK.

Talking about the exhibition, which is being organised by OM234, it is titled Oliver Enwonwu: AContinued Legacy. It will feature the father’s and son’s paintings, drawings, and where the late icon Ben Enwonwu reportedly held his last major international show, Dance Theme, in 1985. It not only commemorates the 30th anniversary of Ben Enwonwu’s death, but it also serves as a platform for a conversation between the two legendary artists combination of natural beauty and ancestral feminine fortitude.

As a young lad, Oliver used to revere his father’s art studio as a sacred space where he imbibed the basic principles of art. Despite his father’s praise for his classical style and advice on completion benchmarks in painting,

degree at the University of Lagos. However, his academic journey evolved, leading him to delve into exploration geophysics and later to pursue the visual arts, culminating in a Master’s degree in art history from the same university. Currently immersing himself in the realm of African art history, he is ardently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Benin.

Perhaps one of the unique features of the exhibition, which will be held from May 21 to June 1, is the fact that the artist, whose tenure as the president of the Society of Nigerian Artists spanned from 2009 to July 2021, has chosen to break free from his father’s artistic style by delving into themes of national identity, the female form, gestures, and symbols. Through a careful examination of his subjects’ movements, hair, and attire, he captures a spirit of of those he portrays. Drawing inspiration from overlooked origins in African art, like geometric African masks, he challenges the legacy of modern masters who failed to credit their sources fully. His striking reimagining of Picasso’s “Les Desmoiselles d’Avignon,” which is renamed “Were God to be a Woman,” for instance, prompts viewers to reconsider the depiction of women in art, highlighting African power in the face of colonial history.

Noteworthy is “Legacy of Resistance,” a poignant piece alluding to the 1804 “Igbo Landing” at Dunbar Creek on St. Simons Island, Glynn County, Georgia, US, where Enwonwu confronts the impact of historical trauma by blending the lines between fact

Biafra” and the reimagination of his father’s “Anyanwu,” he maintains a dialogue with his heritage while symbolising liberation. Additionally, Enwonwu’s series on Idia, the warrior queen and mother of Oba Esigie of Benin, exalts female heroism, challenging historical narratives that objectify women. Pieces like “Beauty and Morality” and “Musings” further confront the colonial gaze of transformative perspective on women in art.

The exhibition, sponsored by Geregu Power PLC and CSL Capital (UK) Ltd., will also feature archival materials, highlighting the intergenerational bond that exists between the two famous Enwonwu artists.

Through a juxtaposition of photographs—Ben Enwonwu posing next to the legendary bronze “Anyanwu” at Lagos’ National Museum and his son mirroring the scene years later—the narrative of artistic evolution unfolds. These visuals not only mark the younger artist’s foray into sculpting but also hint at his innovative exploration of the medium.As for his limestone works and paintings, which bear the obvious hallmarks of inspiration from “Anyanwu,” they express his ideas about womanhood and nationhood.

The elder Enwonwu’s vast collection of work, which is culled from his over sixty years of studio practice, delves into a wide range of topics, including the metaphysical, colonialism, gender issues, environmental concerns, and peace. Notable among his acclaimed works are three portraits of Adetutu Ademiluyi, which attempt to lift the veil on the soul of the young princess of Ile-Ife. Building on this history, Oliver Enwonwu delves into the royal lineage, focusing on Olori Aderonke

EDITOR

Ogunwusi, Adetutu’s granddaughter. Oliver, succeeding his father, reimagines the artistic process in a new series of paintings, conserving and expanding the family’s artistic legacy. Print versions of Ben Enwonwu’s “Adetutu Ademiluyi” will be available at the exhibition for both art enthusiasts and collectors.

Of course, there is also the renowned artist’s iconic sculpture of the late British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, which stands out as one of his most acclaimed works. A series of historic photographs chronicling the artist’s creative process as he engaged with Her Majesty in 1957 will memorialise this masterpiece. Additionally, there are snapshots capturing Oliver Enwonwu’s presentation of the sculpture to the then Prince, now King, Charles during

For preserving the elderly Enwonwu’s legacy, which rests on his forging a philosophical basis for contemporary Nigerian art by fusing Western techniques and indigenous traditions, Oliver deserves a seat of honour in the pantheon of contemporary Nigerian artists.

After all, his father’s intimidating credentials asAfrica’s pioneer modernist artist—a feat that easily earned him the diadem as Africa’s greatest artist of the 20th century— were burnished

African to break racial barriers by exhibiting in August Spaces in Europe and the US.

This conversation between the two Enwonwu’s works in A Continued Legacy—an anticipated sequel to the previous ones— explores the point of convergence between tradition and modernity. It also highlights theties, values, and convictions in the globally interconnected world of today.

Beauty and Morality, oil

Idia III, oil on canvas, 2024 Children

Olivia Enwonwu in his studio

Home-grown Solutions for a Festering Crisis

Boko Haram and other Security Challenges in Nigeria, by Abdullahi Y. Shehu, National Open UniversityofNigeria,2024,669pages

Areading of Chapter 13, being the concluding chapter of this book reveals that the manuscript was virtually

2023 general elections in Nigeria, but before the new same year. However, the issues discussed in the book remain vividly topical.

The book was written while the author was serving at a diplomatic post as Nigeria’s Ambassador. In spite of the demanding nature of the job, he said that he made out time at weekends and during holidays to write the book. And even though he lost the original manuscript, he remained determined and started writing afresh. This kind who are interested in writing.

Motivations

The author stated his motivations for writing the that he was driven by patriotic zeal to contribute to knowledge about the security problems facing his country. He further elaborated on this at p.34 where he said that he wanted to help in boosting better understanding of the phenomenon of Boko Haram and related security issues of banditry and kidnappings, especially in Northern Nigeria with information. In discussing these issues, he focuses on the origins, causes and spread of the insurgency; and assessed Nigeria’s response to the threat of defence and security framework. He then proceeded and made informed recommendations towards improving Nigeria’s security situation and putting an end to the current state of insecurity as well as check future occurrences.

Certainly, monetary considerations are not among the motives as he has declared in his letter inviting me to review this book that the proceeds from this event would be used by his Foundation ‘towards humanitarian assistance to victims of Boko Haram

He also dedicated the book to military, lawenforcement and security personnel who lost their

BOOK REVIEW

security breaches and threats in Nigeria. Civilian victims of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria are no less remembered.

The author notes that Boko Haram was formed in suggested that it was formed earlier by other persons.

that took to terrorism gradually and eventually launched an armed insurgency in 2009. It was in 2014 that the Government proscribed the organisation along with Ansaru as they engaged in activities that were manifestly terroristic in nature.

And although government declared in 2018 that Boko Haram had been ‘technically defeated’, unfortunately up to the year 2024 when this book was published, we are sadly witnessing its atrocities, albeit on a much lower scale, and living with the aftermath of the impact of its atrocities and methodologies.

To help the reader understand the issues involved, the author devoted Chapter Two of

He discussed the incidences and manifestations of the two phenomena in Chapter Three.

As it is well known that, terrorists and insurgents need money to sustain themselves and for their heinous operations, the author discussed ‘terrorist means through which they raise funds locally

of particular interest to the academia and more especially the security-intelligence operatives. A clear understanding of the terminologies and their manifestations will greatly be of guidance to opera-

violence and save members of the public from the wicked activities of the criminal gangs.

It should be borne in mind that for the generality of members of the public all they want from operatives and the authorities is to be able to go about their leisure or pursue their legitimate means of

livelihood anywhere and anytime unperturbed.

The Issues

Boko Haram is the main subject of the book. This is highlighted boldly in white colour in the title of the book. However, much of the book is based on a review of literature and general discussions on insurgency and terrorism as global phenomena; the factors responsible for their emergence, growth and spread as well as the types of responses and approaches deployed to stop and prevent them.

The author made copious references to local and external sources backed by staggering statistics, though some of the statistics are questionable because their bases were suspect; particularly, those rendered in percentages are liable to abuse. He also draws from statements of the principal captured insurgents.

‘homegrown’. It grew out of the fertile ground of other parts of the country. In his view, the phenom-

enon could have been nipped in the bud if only government had heeded intelligence reports and advice of well-meaning individuals and recommendations of committees set up by government at the initial stages. However, elements of disbelief and concocted ‘conspiracy theories’ fouled the air, leading to a tragic miscomprehension of the Boko Haram phenomenon and failure to face the situation squarely. Government was somewhat hesitant in entertaining dialogue and looking into their grievances with an open mind. Initially the military was ill-equipped to face the insurgents’ guerrilla and unconventional mode of operations.

Even when the phenomenon of Boko Haram spreads, dialogues and deals entered into by lower tiers of government could not hold because of multiplicity of bandits and other insurgency groups. The military is deployed virtually to every part of the country in order to bring respite at great cost to the country. There were allegations of misappropriation of colossal amounts of funds voted for logistics and welfare of personnel.

The author noted accurately that, several other security challenges namely kidnappings, banditry, communal clashes and violent separatist tendencies, existed before the emergence of Boko Haram. The nation has been grappling with them to this day. However, sadly, these crises assumed greater and sinister complexities after the manifestation of the Boko Haram terrorism which turned into an insurgency.

Causes

security challenges nationwide as the products of bad governance; some of the challenges date back to the colonial times and lack of proper appreciation of the problems and addressing their root causes. Bad governance is manifested in acts of corruption such as outright embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds. There were allegations that through diversion of public funds many members of the governing class acquired

A Book to Empower Women in Leadership

Yinka Olatunbosun

Her argument is simple: The world needs more women in leadership to ensure inclusivity. Those were the words of the author, who currently serves as CEO of Television Continental, Victoria Ajayi, at the recent launch of her new book in Lagos titled The Precision-Led Woman.

The event, which was held recently at EbonyLife Place, Victoria Island, was a gathering of media professionals, top executives, business leaders, of Ecobank, Bola Adesola; Former Chairman of FirstBank, Ibukun Awosika; and CEO of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr. Rabiu Olowo.

While making her remarks, Ajayi said that the world needs more women in leadership to bridge the gender inequality gap and ensure that decisions are made with diversity and inclusivity in mind. This explains why she had written the and attributes that contribute to a woman's successful climb through the leadership ladder. to landing leadership positions. The eight-chapter book of 134 pages, which has already garnered Ajayi’s commitment to empowering women and positioning them for excellence in leadership roles. With insightful content that delves into strategic thinking and more, The Precision-Led

BOOK LAUNCH

in the professional landscape. the book, Ajayi emphasised its relevance for women, corporations, and society at large. “I wrote ‘lThe Precision-Led Woman to remind the world that women are competent and able to lead industries, formulate policies, and champion causes.

“For corporations, the world needs more women in leadership to bridge the gender inequality gap and ensure that decisions are made with diversity and inclusivity in mind.”

Furthermore, she passionately discussed the need to inspire young girls to dream big and aspire to leadership roles. For her, it involves a complete change of attitude: young girls need to lift their heads high and embrace leadership.

powerful role models for the next generation,

ambitions fearlessly.

“Indeed, statistics have shown that having more women in leadership positions is not just a matter of equality but also makes good business sense. In today’s dynamic professional environment, aspiring women leaders must equip themselves with the strategies and mindset necessary to navigate the path to success. This is where the concept of precision-led leadership comes into play.

“Being a Precision-led woman means knowing where you want to go as a leader and taking consistent action to get there. In today’s corporate settings, precision is essential, and this book provides a roadmap tailored to each individual’s ambitions, strengths, and circumstances.”

understanding of how to position themselves for leadership, whether they are aspiring leaders or already on the path to success. Through relatable experiences, actionable roadmaps, and insights into debunking leadership myths, Ajayi’s book empowers women to break through barriers and ascend the leadership ladder.

In his remarks, CFO, Abuja Electricity Distribution PLC, Babajide Ibironke, said: “This book aroused a lot of curiosity in me as I was expecting renowned for. I was pleasantly surprised that the book provided a wealth of empirical points on leadership that could be implemented not only by women; even men can blast, too. I love how she continually pulls you into a life-long lesson you can’t stop learning from. I recommend this invigorating book for all seeking to be better leaders—male, female, old, and young.”

Folklore Society,

Abuja.

Senior Management, TVC Communications, Gbolahan Olalemi; Chairperson Ecobank, Bola Adesola; CEO, TVC, Victoria Ajayi, her husband, Ade Ajayi and Former Chairman FirstBank & CEO The Chair Centre Group, Ibukun Awosika,. During the book presentation titled The Precision-Led Woman by Victoria Ajayi

Bukar Usman

Worrisome Attacks on Security Agents

The frequent killing of security agents in Nigeria is becoming a grave threat to the safety and security of all Nigerians, as well as the survival of the country and should be addressed with the utmost urgency, Kingsley Nwezeh writes

Nigerians recently woke up to hear the sad story of the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of (LGA) Delta State.

The casualties include a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 12 soldiers. Military authorities claimed that the soldiers were on a peacekeeping mission in Okuama when they met their untimely death, which has been disputed by the indigenes of the community.

Before then, 12 policemen were killed by suspected herdsmen in Ohoro Forest in Ughelli North LGA of the state. They were said to be on a rescue mission to locate three of their colleagues who were reportedly missing in the forest.

Though Nigeria is not officially at war, the killing of security personnel who sacrifice so much for people to go about their businesses or sleep peacefully at night has become a nightmare.

Of course, the civilian population is not spared.

At least 2,583 people were killed and 2,164 kidnapped in the first quarter of this year, a data from Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, a security risk management and intelligence company based in Abuja, has shown. The data, which recorded the number of killings and abductions across the country from January to March, showed that 80 per cent of the killings and 94 per cent of the abductions occurred in the North.

Recently, two soldiers and a police inspector were brutally murdered in Mangu and Bakin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. This was followed by the news of the killing of an Army Lieutenant and six other soldiers in an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists while moving in a military vehicle along the Biu-Buratai-Buni Yadi Road. This road that links Borno and Yobe states through the Biu-BurataiBuni Yadi, has remained a death trap, as it has witnessed a series of deadly attacks by terrorists in recent times.

Data obtained from the Council on Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), a website that tracks violent incidents related to political, economic, and social grievances directed at the state or other affiliated groups, revealed that nonstate actors killed no fewer than 323 security officers in 2022.

In 2023, another report claimed that at least 186 security operatives, including personnel of the military, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force were killed. In the separate attacks on the convoy of former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim; the senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah, and

Apostle Johnson Suleiman, a total of eight policemen were killed.

Gunmen have also so far killed over 50 police officers in attacks on towns and communities in the South-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The attacks were believed to have been carried out by the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an armed wing of the secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Last Sunday, the military high command confirmed that bandits ambushed and gunned down six soldiers at Roro, Karaga and Rumace communities, Bassa Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State penultimate Friday night. A captain was also said to have been abducted during the incident.

Also last Thursday, a military commander of an army camp located at Sabon Garin Dan’Ali, in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State was last week killed in an ambush. The Army Major was ambushed at Malali village in Kankara Local Government Area, where he was called to provide reinforcement to repel an attack on the village.

In Nigeria today, laying of ambush to kill security operatives on duty is assuming an alarming rate, particularly in the South-south, North-east, Northnorthwest and South-east regions of the country. The incidents in the North are understandable as soldiers and other security agencies are battling insurgency and banditry in the North-east and North-west.

While the security of Nigeria’s citizens is of paramount importance, the loss of any member of the

security forces is a tragic event that should not be taken lightly.

The role of security agents is to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens and they should be able to perform this obligation without fear of being targeted.

The disheartening and embarrassing attacks on security personnel show a worrying trend of lawlessness. From bandits to kidnappers, these nonstate actors appear to wield considerable power, leaving both security personnel and civilians vulnerable. Streets have become battlegrounds for hoodlums, and respect for laws seems to have diminished. This unfolding scenario is alarming and demands urgent attention.

Nigeria is not known to be at war, and if non-state actors are allow to become increasingly daring in their operations to the extent of killing this number of security officials, then the country will continue to become unsafe.

While many Nigerians appreciate the risks security personnel take in the course of carrying out their lawful duties, it has become increasingly important for security operatives to be more proactive carrying out their professional duties so as not to become vulnerable to attacks.

Nigerian security operatives should improve their capacity on intelligence gathering and react professionally to intelligence reports to forestall attacks from ambushes by non-state actors.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had suggested that Nigeria’s security challenges and emerging threats have made it imperative for the

POLITICAL NOTES

country’s military and other relevant stakeholders to be several steps ahead of these enemies of the society.

Security agents deserve the respect of all and sundry as they go about their statutory responsibility of protecting the nation and its people. A country’s security architecture is its pride. When it is reduced to sitting ducks by rag-tag armies of non-state actors as it is happening now, the country loses its pride.

This is why the government must take a decisive step to halt this sacrilege now and deal decisively with sponsors and promoters of these violent groups that have held Nigeria to ransom.

Many analysts have advised governments to address the underlying social and economic issues that are fuelling violence. This could involve investing in programmes that address poverty and unemployment, as well as increase access to education and other basic services. Also, efforts must be made to combat corruption and improve governance at all levels, as these issues are deeply intertwined with the problem of violence and insecurity.

They also advocate that governments and security agencies work closely with the communities affected by violence, to ensure that they have a voice in the process of addressing the issues. This includes working with traditional and religious leaders, as well as civil society organisations, to build trust and establish effective communication channels.

Those who spoke THISDAY on account of anonymity, also emphasised the need to increase the resources and training available to security agents. This, they added, could include providing better equipment and weapons, as well as training in the latest tactics and techniques for dealing with terrorist groups and other emerging threats. Additionally, increased intelligence and surveillance capabilities would be essential in tracking down those responsible for the killings and bringing them to justice.

Above all, the federal government urgently needs to clamp down heavily on desperate politicians, who, in their various efforts to hold on to power or continue to remain relevant, sponsor non-state actors to wreak havoc or destabilise the polity. Nigeria has been descending to anarchy since bandits were reportedly imported into the country to cause mayhem in the event that the outcome of the 2015 general election did not favour certain interests. No country or democracy survives or grows when non-state actors are allowed to wield arms and hold society to ransom at will.

How Many More Resignations in Rivers?

Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Zacchaeus Adangor, and the Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, last week resigned from the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Theduotenderedtheirresignationsafterthey were redeployed from the justice ministry, and finance ministry to Special Duties, and Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, respectively.

AdangorandKamaluareloyalistsoftheimmediate past governor of Rivers and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, They were all among the commissioners who resigned from their positions last year following the political feud between Wike and Fubara.

The commissioners were later reinstated after Wike and Fubara signed a peace accord facilitated by President Bola Tinubu. WikeandFubaraarelockedinastruggleforcontrol ofRivers’politicalstructure.Thepoliticalcrisisledtothe defection of 27 state House of Assembly members, who are loyal to Wike, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawmakers have been threatening the governor with impeachment.They have vetoed the governor in at least three bills after he declined his assent.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG),Tammy Danagogo, Adangor and KamalusaidtheywerequittingFubara’sadministration because the governor was willfully interfering with their duties and also made them redundant.

Fubara’sloyalistsbelievethatAdangorandKamalushould be grateful that the governor allowed them to serve in his government,consideringthelevelofdisloyaltyanddisrespect they have for him.

According to the supporters of the governor, wouldWike have tolerated their disloyalty if he was the governor?

Many watchers of the political development in the state alsobelievethattheirdeploymentwastoletthemknowthat Governor Fubara is not as weak as they thought. It is also believedthattheirdeploymentswereintendedtohumiliate them.

“Iftheytrulyhavetheinterestofthestateatheart,couldn’t they have made the efforts to reconcile Wike and Fubara or resign voluntarily when the environment became toxic instead of showing loyalty toWike against Fubara who was their boss?” a political leader in the state queried.

Fubara

General MusaEgbetokun

BRIEFING NOTES

When N30bn Budget Padding Request Tears Lokpobiri, Wabote Apart

An alleged refusal by the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Simbi Wabote to pad the 2024 budget of the agency by N30billion has set him on a collision with the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, who has not only debunked the allegation, but also attempted to discredit the enviable heights attained by Nigeria in local content practice as attested to by oil and gas industry operators and several countries, Ejiofor Alike reports

Arecent attempt by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, to discredit one of the greatest achievements recorded in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry in recent years has set him on a war-path with the immediate-past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote.

The signing into law of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD Act) on April 22, 2010, by former President Goodluck Jonathan was a game changer as it has since increased the participation of Nigerian manpower and facilities in the oil and gas business.

The NOGICD Act, which established the NCDMB, also seeks to ensure the domiciliation of a greater chunk of the yearly industry spend in-country and curb the capital flight that had characterised the operations of the industry.

Since the establishment of the NCDMB, a large chunk of the yearly expenditure is increasingly being retained in Nigeria as more Nigerians now participate in the oil and gas business, which was formerly dominated by foreign manpower and facilities.

Lokpobiri stirred up a hornet’s nest while responding to questions at the Petroleum Club’s Dinner held recently in Lagos, where he alleged that the NCDMB under Wabote made bad investment decisions, claiming that over $500 million invested in private companies through equity and loans were wasted investments.

The minister also alleged that over $190 million invested by NCDMB in private projects, including the Brass Fertiliser Plant and the Atlantic Refinery, all located in Bayelsa State, were wasted as no construction was going on at those two sites.

Expectedly, the minister’s allegations were largely ignored by the oil and gas industry players, who fingered Bayelsa State politics as the motive, in view of the verifiable success recorded by the 14-year-old NCDMB.

Wabote was removed from office three years into his second tenure in December 2023, after he had completed his first four-year tenure in September 2020.

In reappointing the ex-NCDMB boss for a second tenure in a statement issued in November 2020, former President Muhammadu Buhari had noted that: “Wabote won his pips for managing the Nigerian Content Development Fund prudently, completing the headquarters building of NCDMB, and also

initiating many landmark projects that are widely commended by industry players.”

Both Lokpobiri and Wabote are from Bayelsa State where the minister is engaged in a political supremacy battle with his predecessor, Timipre Sylva, who was Wabote’s major backer during his unfinished second tenure.

While firing back at the minister on Tuesday, Wabote, debunked the minister’s allegations that he wasted $500 million investments.

Apparently referring to the cold war between Lokpobiri and Sylva, the former NCDMB boss noted that the minister was using him to fight a proxy war with his one-time principal and former petroleum minister.

He alleged that his problem with Lokpobiri started in December 2023 when the minister sent one of his undocumented aides to Wabote’s office in Yenagoa requesting him to increase NCDMB budget by N30 billion for the office of the minister, which he rejected.

He accused the minister of making reckless utterances, recalling how the minister had at the same event, indicted NNPCL by claiming that Nigeria was losing 400,000 barrels of oil per day because of not signing the Seplat-ExxonMobil asset sale

and purchase deal.

The minister, Wabote said, is acting like a “militant activist” instead of canvassing the government’s position or representing his principal correctly.

Wabote recalled that in August 2023, he had led the management of NCDMB to provide a full briefing of the board’s activities to Lokpobiri and the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.

He said the presentation, which was contained in more than 250-page slides, provided information on the status of the board’s projects, partnerships, intervention funds, among others.

According to Wabote, the minister was fully briefed that it was because NCDMB was not a bank that made the board to partner the BOI as a foremost development bank in the country, to manage the intervention fund, with each loan secured by bank guarantee.

The fund, he said, was intact when he left office, as could be verified from BOI.

On the projects, Wabote said the board’s presentation to the minister on Brass Fertiliser Plant clearly informed him that

NOTES FOR FILE

the partnership arrangement with NNPC and DSV Engineering was for the establishment of a 10,000TPD Methanol plant.

“It is therefore false that the partnership was for ‘fertiliser factory’.

“Perhaps, Mr. Lokpobiri should have checked with the Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Hon Min of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) and NNPCL for details of the project and the latest developments rather than the false accusations to castigate NCDMB.”

Providing the current status of the 15 projects partnered by NCDMB, Wabote revealed that one had been inaugurated and operational which is the Waltersmith Refinery in Imo State.

He said five are ready for inauguration, four under construction, four in search of debt financing, including Brass Fertilizer plant, and one under divestment considerations, which is the Atlantic Refinery.

He implored the minister to visit the construction sites to avail himself of facts on ground.

Wabote also advised the minister to separate the requirements of the office from his political ambition.

However, in swift reaction, the Minister’s Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, insisted that they stood by their principal’s earlier position that under Wabote, over $500 million of the industry’s fund was wasted in equity investments in private establishments and in loans that were now non-performing.

Reacting to the allegation of budget padding request, Okafor said: “Our position is that he who alleges must prove the same. So, if Mr. Wabote has proof of such conversation, he is challenged to provide the same.”

THISDAY has however gathered that the NCDMB’s NCIF Fund with the BOI is currently performing in excess of 90 per cent payback rate.

In a brief note sent to THISDAY, on the status of the NCIF Fund, a top official of BOI, who declined having his name in print, said over $300 million and over N43 billion had been disbursed to more than 70 beneficiary companies.

Oil and gas industry stakeholders had also agreed that the NCI Fund opened doors for access to finance to key local players and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.

Industry stakeholders have also wondered why the minister wanted to discredit the laudable Nigerian Content initiative of the federal government because of the local politics of his home state of Bayelsa.

Lessons from Israel’s Military Chief’s Resignation

The news from the Israeli military last Monday that the chief of its intelligence directorate had resigned after taking responsibility for failures leading to the unprecedented October 7 attack by Hamas is a lesson the Nigerian intelligence community and security agencies must learn from.

Major General Aharon Haliva is the first high-ranking official to step down for failing to prevent the attack that shocked Israel and the international community. In his resignation letter, Haliva, who served in the force for 38 years, took responsibility for failing to prevent the attack.

“On Saturday, October 7th 2023, Hamas carried out a deadly surprise attack against the state of Israel. The intelligence division under my command did not live up to the

task we were entrusted with. I carry that black day with me ever since. Day after day, night after night. I will forever carry with me the terrible pain of the war,” he wrote.

The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Since then, Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas and is engaged in a blistering assault against the militant group which rules the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian territory’s health ministry said 34,097 people have been killed in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, most of them women and children.

In sharp contrast, in Nigeria where there are Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA),

National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and other intelligence units in the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, the police and the NSCDC, nothing of such has ever happened despite the massive killings and abductions for ransom taking place.

Data from Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, a security risk management and intelligence company based in Abuja, last week showed that at least 2,583 people were killed and 2,164 kidnapped in the first quarter of this year.

Yet, no security or military chief has been sanctioned, fired or voluntarily resigned for negligence or dereliction of duty.

Many Nigerians believe that the state of insecurity in the country will persist until service chiefs, military commanders, police chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies are forced to resign or get fired for every major security breach.

Lokpobiri

Wabote

Bishi

Plateau Residents Still in Search of Respite

After over 15 years of crisis in Plateau State and with about 800 people killed in less than one year, the security agencies seem not to have any solution to end the senseless killings, writes

Seriki Adinoyi

For the people of Plateau State, killings have become a recurrent tragedy that have refused to go away.

It has defied all military and political solutions such that one can only wonder if the crisis will ever end.

Last week was another horrific one as no fewer than 15 persons, including a 200-level student of the state university in Bokkos were killed in night attacks. The killing of the student had led to protests by students and women in the town, resulting in the disruption of ongoing examinations in the institution.

Confirming the death of the student in a statement, the Registrar of the university, Mr. Yakubu Ayube, said: “The Plateau State University community woke up to the sad news of another heartless attack on Chikam, a community close to the university. The sad event led to the loss of a 200-level Computer Science student of the university residing in Chikam, Mr. Dading James Jordan.

“This is coming despite the relentless efforts by the Plateau State government, security agencies, the management of the university, and other stakeholders to improve the security situation on our campus and the surrounding communities. Unfortunately, the enemies of the university and the state brought this dastardly attack, leading to the loss of our dear student.”

The Transition Committee Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Mr. Marcus Artu, who also confirmed the incident said: “Yes, it is true that our people have just been attacked again and killed for no reason. It happened last night. As I talk to you, I’m in the affected community in Pushit. Local hunters and members of the vigilante group are still combing the bushes to recover the remains of victims.”

The previous week, the same Bokkos and Mangu LGAs were attacked and at least 10 persons killed.

Chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard. Mr. Farmasum Fuddang, who confirmed the incident in a statement said: “Despite the presence of security forces, including the Department of State Services ((DSS), Army, and police, the perpetrators were allowed to carry out their heinous crime with impunity.”

In the statement, Fuddang said: “Under the cover of darkness, more than 50 armed terrorists descended upon the villages of Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle, targeting innocent, unarmed, and peaceful residents as they slept. The assailants set fire to homes and a place of worship, mercilessly gunning down fleeing civilians while nearby soldiers failed to intervene effectively.

“This brazen attack, which predominantly targeted children, appears to be part of a calculated effort to instill fear and perpetrate further displacement within our communities. We condemn this act of terror, which we believe is aligned with a broader agenda to impose sharia law and seize control of our lands.

“Just hours before this tragedy unfolded, BCDC Vanguard submitted a petition to the Department of State Services (DSS), challenging a leaked memo that falsely accused our people of planning violence against Fulani residents. We unequivocally stated that the intelligence behind the memo was fabricated and defamatory.”

Aside major attacks and killings, there are pockets of attacks across the state, bringing the casualty figure conservatively

to about 800 in less than one year of the Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration. The attacks seem to be of two kinds, and the military needs to understand this; in the Southern part of Plateau, the attacks and killings are majorly by bandits who will ride on motorbikes to the communities in broad daylight and kill the people and abduct others. But in the Northern and Central zones, the attacks are largely by Fulani militias who swoop on the villages under the cover of the night and kill the people.

Irrespective of the group and the pattern of attacks, the military has stayed long enough to have understudied the attackers and know how to tackle them. But this is not the case.

The military Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau was established in 2008. One would have thought that by now they should

have understood the terrain of the area and the pattern of attacks in the state. But unfortunately, they would always get to the scene of attacks after the assailants had disappeared. That is beginning to call the integrity and sincerity of the military into question.

Months ago, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja personally visited the state to launch Operation Hakori Damisa IV, which he said was to finally end the crisis. Hakorin Damisa in Hausa language is translated to mean Leopard’s teeth.

Speaking while addressing the troops at the Mangu mini stadium, General Lagbaja urged the soldiers to do everything possible to stamp

out the crises in the area, reassuring them that every resource needed to succeed in the operation, both men and material, would be made available to them.

He warned that they were not in Mangu to play chess games, thereby reiterating that the killings in Mangu must end forthwith.

He said: “You’re not here for a chess game but for a serious business. We will make sure that we address all the challenges you may encounter and for you to make sure that the crises do not resurge.”

“I must begin by thanking you for what you have been doing to bring peace and stability to Mangu and Plateau State. As your Chief of Army Staff, I have encapsulated my command philosophy which is to have a Nigerian Army that is well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated toward achieving our constitutional responsibility in a joint environment.

“What we have brought here is the tip of the iceberg, we will give you the best to work with, we will take care of the communication, the motorcycles, and all your administrative issues but please note that you must work effectively, we must see the results. This violence must be stamped out completely. I wish you the best.”

However, over six months after, the killings have continued unabated despite all the assurance and reassurance.

While many have suggested that the military be withdrawn, and a non-kinetic approach initiated with the assailants, others have insisted that the solution to the killings lies with the establishment of the state police, which they believe.

Special Adviser to the state Governor on Security and Coordinator, Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Gakji Shipi (rtd) said that a non-kinetic approach to the insecurity challenge facing the state has started yielding results.

Shipi, who commended security agencies, the vigilante and hunter groups in Wase Local Government Area of the state for their efforts in recent times towards arresting the spate of banditry and other security challenges, added that so far seven AK 47 weapons have already been turned in to operatives of Operation Rainbow.

Governor Mutfwang, while reacting to the new wave of killings, charged security forces to redouble their efforts against criminal elements, describing the development as unfortunate and unacceptable, especially at a time when the govern ment is diligently working to restore peace and security; and to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes.

He warned perpetrators of these dastardly acts to desist forthwith as the government is determined to fish them out to face justice.

While appreciating the intervention of security agencies in the protection of lives and property, the governor urged them to redouble their efforts in discharging their constitutional responsibility of protecting innocent communities.

Mufwang called on community stakeholders across the state to activate dispute resolution mechanisms in tackling issues of disagreement and report without delay, early warning signs to constituted authorities for prompt intervention.

He urged vigilance and fostering of inter-community relations by residents, particularly now that the rainy season is gearing up to ensure safer and successful farming periods.

General Lagbaja

Governor Mutfwang

From ECOWAS and G-5 Sahel Force to Alliance of Sahel States: Russianisation versus African Solutions

Nigeria’s President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, opened the 2-Day African Counter-Terrorism Summit on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria. The summit, which has the solid backing of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), focused on ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Institution Building to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism,’ in Africa. As chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, noted, ‘the objective of the summit is to enhance multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and reshape the international community’s collective response to terrorism in Africa, while emphasizing the importance of African-led and African-owned solutions. The summit will provide a platform to review the nature and severity of the threat of terrorism on the continent.’

The holding of the summit was a welcome development for many reasons. It was held following the declaration of France and the United States as countries non-grata in the military cooperation domain in Niger Republic, Nigeria’s immediate neighbor with which bilateral ties are warmest and no case of territorial dispute. Due to ECOWAS’ policy of zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government, Nigeria-Niger’s warm ties have been seriously damaged. Secondly, the support of the United States and France for the ECOWAS policy of non-acceptability of unconstitutional change of government in the ECOWAS region created enmity between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, on the one hand, and France and the United States, on the other. The enmity has led to the withdrawal of French troops, as well as the announcement of the withdrawal of the US troops from Niger Republic. Thirdly, the departure of the French and American troops creates an opportunity for the Russians to replace them but which France and the US do not want to condone, hence their encouragement of the policy of Africa’s solution to Africa’s problems. But is terrorism more of an African problem than Euro-American problem? Is the movement of some countries from the ECOWAS to the G-5 Sahel Force, and then to the Alliance of Sahel States not because of international terrorism? Can Africa’s solution compete with the ongoing Russianisation in Francophone West Africa?

Regional Bodies: Decline and Incline of Membership

ECOWAS is Economic Community of West African States that comprises two Lusophone, five Anglophone, and eight Francophone, members. It should not be confused with the defunct Communauté économique de l’Afrique de l’ouest (C.E.A.O.), meaning West African Economic Community, and the membership of which was restricted to six Francophone countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso). The six countries were encouraged to come together by France in order to act as a counter-weight to Nigeria’s influence in the West African region, in particular, and Africa, in general. France was, and is still, perceived to be a major obstacle to Nigeria’s foreign policy and strategic calculations in Africa. Put differently, France presents herself as a power in Africa, while Africa is considered the cornerstone and centerpiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

In fact, France has been considered by Professors Rafiu Ayo Akindele and Bola A. Akinterinwa to be another Nigeria’s immediate neighbor by geo-political propinquity. In this case, France has a policy of preventing Nigeria from being able to influence the Francophone countries against French interests in West Africa, in particular, and Africa, in general. In the same vein, Nigeria does not want France to be able to use her immediate neighbours, in particular, and Francophone Africa as a whole, against Nigeria’s interests in the West African region and Africa. This is the bottom line of the so-called Anglophone and Francophone rivalry in intra-West African politics. In which way has this rivalry or misunderstanding accounted for the decline

and incline of membership of the ECOWAS, especially in the context of the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the ECOWAS?

The G-5 Sahel Force Conjointe (in English, G-5 Joint Sahel Force which is simply generally referred to as the G5S), is a regional, intergovernmental organization set up in Nouakchott, Mauritania, during the summit of Five Sahel countries in 2014 to promote development and security. It was set up as an institutional framework to foster development and security among the Member States: Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. However, the G5S is seriously challenged by terrorism and violent extremism that has also been aggravated by problems of weak governance, climate change, and deepening under-development.

In response to these challenges, the United Nations came up with an Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and the G-5 Sahel Priority Investment Plan. In fact, the United Nations deployed a stabilization plan in Mali (MINUSMA). Like the UN, France came up with Operation Barkhane, a European Task Force, Takuba, in 2020, under the French Command. The European Union set up a training mission in Mali and two civilian missions in Mali and Niger the G5S itself has deployed about 5,200-strong counter-terrorism

Put differently, one critical issue in intra-African relationships is the neglect of the dynamics of withdrawal of membership from regional and sub-regional bodies. A related issue is why regional and sub-regional bodies also become dysfunctional few years after their establishment. For example, the Communauté économique de l’Afrique de l‘Ouest (West African Economic Community), comprising six Francophone West African countries, was set up with the active support of France to counteract Nigeria’s influence in West Africa. The CEAO has gone into désuétude. Mauritania withdrew from the ECOWAS and joined the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU). The AMU today, is neither sick nor well to the extent that Morocco now wants to leave it and join the ECOWAS. The G-5 Sahel Joint Force is similarly on the path of self-extinction because of withdrawal of membership of three members. The same is true of withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the ECOWAS to form an Alliance of Sahel States. One constant rationale for withdrawals is complaint about insecurity and non-development. The French and Americans are leaving the Sahel and Russians are replacing them. Is the solution now Russianisation? Can African solution solve international terrorism and violent extremism, which stricto sensu is not an African problem? It is global. The solutions proffered as African solutions in Abuja are, at best, not different from what have been suggested internationally simply because of lack of research.

(Joint Force) to patrol their porous borders.

And more interestingly, the G5S not only indicated its desire in 2020 to establish a 3,000-strong force to assist, but to no avail, the Niger Republic also specifically requested in March 2022 that Nigeria should assist in mounting another military force to combat the terrorists. There is nothing to suggest that Nigeria has positively responded. The non-response may be due to the fact that Nigeria is already taking an active part in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). Whatever is the case, all these efforts have not succeeded in containing violent extremism and inclining terrorism and the reasons are not far-fetched.

As noted by the International Peace Institute (IPI) in the relief website.int, published on 12 April, 2022, the various external forces in the Sahel have different objectives: ‘reducing refugee flows into Europe, degrading Jihadist groups, improving local security forces, promoting multilateralism through the UN, reinforcing the EU’s security identity, and strengthening partnership with allies such as France and the United States.

As good as these motivations may be at the level of external forces, terrorism has been nonetheless deepening, prompting very deep anger at the level of the local people. The anger of the people has been to the extent that Operation Barkhane troops in a convoy became victims of mob and stone attacks in late 2021 in Burkina Faso and Niger. Besides, four American soldiers were also killed in Niger in 2017.

What is noteworthy about the G-5 Sahel group is that it enjoys the solid backing of France like the C.E.A.O. did enjoy. The strength of the G-5 group, however, began to wane as from 15 May, 2022 when Mali withdrew its membership from the organization. The Alliance was further weakened with the withdrawal of Niger and Burkina Faso on 3rd December, 2023. And perhaps most disturbingly, the Alliance moved nearer to its demise on 6th December, 2023 when the two remaining members, Chad and Mauritania, pointed to the imminent dissolution of the Alliance. One possible rationale for the gradual withdrawal of membership is the growing animosity vis-à-vis France, who is no longer seen as a helper, but as an exploiter.

It is useful to note that membership of the G-5 Sahel alliance is drawn from the West African region and Central Africa region with the membership of Chad. Additionally, it should be recalled that Mauritania was an original member of the ECOWAS but withdrew its membership of it in December 2000.Again, Mauritania came back to seek the status of an associate membership of the ECOWAS in August 2017. When Mauritania left the ECOWAS in 2000, it sought the membership of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) in North Africa, but the AMU has not been functioning well to the extent that Morocco is now desperately seeking membership of the ECOWAS, in spite of belonging to the North African region. The foreign policy thinking in Nigeria is that Morocco is seeking to join the ECOWAS to be able to play the perceived destabilizing role of France and undermine Nigeria’s regional influence.

It is against this background of conflicting interests of the external forces, on the one hand, and those of the local people, who are more interested in neutralizing terrorism in their region, on the other hand, that the G5S has no good future, that the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the ECOWAS remains problematic, and that, most critically, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s convocation of a summit on security should be seen and understood as a desideratum.

Regarding the Alliance of Sahel States, it is the re-awakening of the three former members of the G-5 Sahel Force: Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger all of whom, not only now have France as a common enemy, but also have announced the withdrawal of their membership from the ECOWAS. Interestingly, but disturbingly, their declaration of France and the United States as unwanted, at the level of military cooperation to fight against jihadist terrorism, has created a good opportunity for Russia to lay a new and stronger foundation for Russianisation in the West Africa region, especially that the United States has already announced its readiness to dismantle its drone military base in Niger and check out of the country.

In this regard, how does Nigeria deal with this new development? The 2-day summit hosted by Nigeria last week Monday and Tuesday inAbuja came up with suggestedAfrican solutions to Africa’s problems. In this case, is violent extremism and terrorism peculiar to Nigeria or to Africa? If it is not peculiar to Nigeria and Africa alone, can Nigeria or Africa come up with extraordinary and miraculous solutions that supersede the international collective wisdom, as well as neutralize international terrorism and violent extremism? Has Russia more magical approaches than Western Europe, or the international community in addressing the challenges of violent extremism and international terrorism?

International, Russian of African Approach?

Without any whiff of doubt, the absence of both France and the United States from Niger, a very strategic partner to them in terms of exploitation of the country’s uranium and as a military base for the US drone assaults on terrorists and insurrectionists, cannot but create a vacuum that must be filled by any interested power. In this regard, Russia is currently making strenuous effort to establish and re-establish diplomatic missions in Africa in an attempt to strengthen Russian influence in the continent.

Tinubu

Remarkable Impact of Tinuade Sanda at Eko Discos

When I assumed the role of MD/CEO at Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) in 2022, I faced significant hurdles, including ATC&C losses at 29.87% and CE at 82.69%. With my team’s support and dedication, we began addressing these challenges, striving for operational improvements. Over time, we made notable progress, reducing ATC&C losses to 1% and improving CE to 99.25% by March 2024.

Similarly, EKEDC achieved its highest-ever monthly collection of N17.1 billion in January 2024, highlighting our financial acumen and strategic vision. It is noteworthy that these achievements were recorded without the need for a tariff increase. Our focus on operational efficiency led to the lowest-ever energy leakage blocked (ATC&C) losses, highlighting our commitment to excellence. In this time, we also launched the fast-delivery mass metering programme (Mobile MAP Initiative) under 72 hours, resulting in the delivery of over 80,832 meters. This further demonstrates our dedication to enhancing our customer service and satisfaction.

Upon assuming office, I inherited substantial loans and over N3.6billion owed vendors for goods and services already rendered. This exacerbated the company’s liquidity challenges, but I took on the responsibility to address these debts. They included a CBN Meter loan amounting to N4,693,706,837.72, a CBN operating expenditure (OPEX) Ramp Up Loan totaling N29,525,442,959.40, and a CBN capital expenditure (CAPEX) loan of N14,487,447,715, all of which were originally intended for capital projects that were later abandoned.Although much of the loan disbursed had little economic value to EKEDC, I urged my team to stay focused and resilient, as we oversaw the repayment of these loans, taking decisive steps to alleviate the financial strain on the company.

Despite the challenges I encountered, one of my first impactful decisions was to raise staff salaries by 25%. This was a significant move as

it was the first increase of this magnitude in over a decade at Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC). This action was taken while we kept operational expenses in check and expanded our fleet by 150 new vehicles, enhancing our capacity to respond to service calls more efficiently.

To achieve my vision of a unique corporate identity grounded in local context, I designed a comprehensive engagement strategy that reflected my dedication to corporate leadership and stakeholder growth. This involved restructuring customer and community interactions, establishing a 24/7 rapid response squad to expedite fault resolution, implementing strategies to improve brand positioning and service delivery, and creating inclusive, impactful, and sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility programmes. These initiatives were part of our innovationdriven approach, that led to exceptional outcomes and a surge of activities focused on fostering positive change.

Furthermore, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) achieved ISO 27001 certification, highlighting our commitment to data protection and security. Our partnership with VI Power enabled us to boost power supply to customers on the Island, demonstrating our

dedication to customer satisfaction. Our strategic investments in infrastructure, including the acquisition of Statistical Meters to monitor all existing feeders, have significantly reduced losses and enhanced operational efficiency. This approach translated into a 99.2% complaint resolution rate year-to-date in 2024.

I came to EKEDC with a clear focus on zero tolerance for mediocrity and corruption, emphasising the pursuit of excellence that has shaped my leadership style. To align everyone with our vision, I prioritised effective communication among all stakeholders. This commitment led to EKEDC ranking 1st in market remittance for Q3, 2023, a notable rise from 3rd place in the previous quarter.

My achievements have been acknowledged with several prestigious awards, including The Peak Performer CEO Of the Year (2023) and Vanguard’s Energy Icon of the Year, (2023). Additionally, the Nigeria House of Dream Parliament recognized me as the most proactive female personality in the power sector of Nigeria (2023). Additionally, and most prestigiously, I served as a member of the power committee set up by the Presidency, under the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Similarly, before my appointment as MD EKEDC, I have been honoured with numerous prestigious awards, which highlight my dedication to excellence, accountability, and innovation in the power sector. Some notable recognitions include the USAID Certificate of Achievement for my ongoing partnership with the USAID Engendering Industries Intensive Program since 2015, the NECA Employers Excellence Award Winner in the Electricity Distribution Sector for 2021, the AFRISAFE CEO Of the Year in 2022, and the African Prize for Leadership Excellence: Power Personality Leadership Prize in 2017. I also received the Eko Electricity Distribution Company MD/CEO Executive Award in 2018 for “being on time every time.” Most recently, I was awarded the Distribution Company (Disco) of the Year 2023 by the Energy Times.

While rumours have been circulating, alleging that my appointment as MD/CEO had been terminated due to poor performance, I want to clarify that this is a misrepresentation and not

the accurate feedback on our performance. In fact, I have consistently received accolades from the board, recognizing my leadership and my management team’s strong performance.

For instance, on March 6, 2024, I received commendations from the Chairman, Human Resources & Corporate Services, Tunji Owolafe, following my correspondence about EKEDC’s compliance with market obligations, where he praised the performance of my team. He wrote in an email, “Dear MD, this is very good news, congratulations and well done to you and your team.” I had previously received similar accolades from Dr. Tunji Owolafe and the Board Chairman, Dere Otubu, on December 5th and 6th, 2023, for our strong November performance He wrote, “Congratulations to you and your team for the good performance in November”. These emails are available as evidence of the positive feedback I have received.

What started as an investigation to address fraud and complicity in ghost worker activities by three of our executive management team has now escalated into cyberbullying and slanderous attacks against my person. Rather than addressing the actual issue, there is an effort to distract by spreading unfounded rumours. I believe that ethical journalism should be based on the principles of truth, objectivity, and fairness, rather than fallacies that are solely based on rumours and propaganda. Hence, a need to clarify this situation and counter all false claims against me. I want to state that I have served diligently and efficiently at EKEDC with the utmost integrity and worked to sanitize the system for optimal productivity and quality service delivery. I have also worked to enhance the assets and net worth of our stakeholders with transparency, integrity, and fairness, and consistently acted in the best interests of EKEDC and all its stakeholders.

I remain committed to upholding the values that have guided my leadership. I thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, and I look forward to continuing to serve with the same dedication and professionalism that has defined my career.

Intellectual Property Day: A Postscript

The legacy of World IP Day has never ceased to impress on global consciousness a profound theme that always affirms the benevolent gifts of creativity and innovation to mankind. Since its inception in 2000 when WIPO first designated April 26 as World IP Day to raise awareness about the significance of intellectual property (IP), each theme has faithfully defined the timeless role of creators, innovators, and inventors in the flourishing of society. This year’s theme ‘IP and SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity’ ‘shines a light on the central importance of innovation, creativity, and IP to achieving the 17 SDGs.’ Envisioned as ‘our common future’, it echoes the complex dynamics of IP and SDGs in a world that is faced with multiple crises as the 2030 deadline to achieving the UN sustainable development goals draws closer and closer. The theme reminds us of the collective but unliquidated burden of peace and prosperity for people and the planet and the role of innovation, creativity, and IP in the liquidation of that burden. WIPO’s theme strikes at the heart of the fragile sustainable development ecosystem and the central role of IP as a strategic tool in facilitating the SDGs’ realisation for the benefit of everyone without leaving anyone behind. In the intricacies of creativity and innovation, the theme finds cogency and currency in the tensions of the fundamental objectives and narratives of IP policies and SDGs weaved into the trajectories of our common future.

According to the UN, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is ‘a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity’. At the heart of the agenda are 17 SDGs which cover wide-ranging themes carefully organised into five thematic clusters of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership.

These themes include fighting poverty (SDG 1), good health and wellbeing (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), climate action (SDG 13), peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16), among others. SDGs reinvent a renewed worldview in which to define an optimal or somewhat perfect state for humanity and effectively usher the world into the age of sustainable development. Since 2015 when the clock started ticking, it was both ambitious and onerous to accomplish such a range of missions in 15 years in an already fractured world faced with challenges of development. Nonetheless, it is attainable given robust cooperation at national and international levels. Particularly, in the last three years, the world has witnessed more crises that may probably take more than the decade deadline left on the SDGs trail. The SDGs have engendered complex geopolitical debates on the implications of national and international policies and regimes on the global goals with each SDG requiring specific policy initiatives.

While the whole idea of ‘sustainable development’ has been a subject of contestation among scholars and development experts for decades, it seems we are in a constant state of reconstructing the idea and its intrinsic values right from its ‘Brundtland’ roots to SDGs as we have it today. In SDGs, we have found a global consensus on a common future that is being shaped by a diversity of local and global development policy-making. WIPO’s fidelity to the vision of development is evident both in its founding and normative history. Prior to SDGs itself, WIPO had launched the WIPO DevelopmentAgenda (2004-2007) and established a Development Programme focusing on global challenges in the area of health, food security, and climate change. Even long before the development agenda, and indeed, in the annals of IP norm-setting, successive instruments

from both the Paris and Berne Conventions, the original pair, to the Beijing and Marrakesh treaty, the most recent two of WIPO’s treaties, development considerations and a balanced international IP system have been recurrent decimal in WIPO’s institutional templates.

It is instructive to this year’s theme that two more treaties, in a single year, are expected this year as WIPO holds two landmark Diplomatic Conferences that will further shape the vistas of creativity and innovation, and advance the cause of SDGs and our common future. Both the proposed Designs Law Treaty (DLT) that will assist the community of designers to ‘obtain easier, faster and cheaper protection for their designs’ in the domestic and global markets and the prospects of a new treaty on IP, Genetic Resources and associated Traditional Knowledge (TK) to prevent patents from misappropriating TK and associated genetic resources with new ‘patent disclosure requirements’ are testaments to WIPO’s treaty-making process and the promise of SDGs as more creatives, innovators and indigenous communities can be brought into the future commons. As an integral part of the UN sustainable development group, WIPO’s theme for this year reinforces its commitment to the 2030 agenda.

The world has continued to witness the immense value of innovation and IP in providing solutions to diverse social problems such as in health, education, vaccines, climate and energy crises, renewable energy, agriculture, food security, digital and biotechnologies, human rights, economy, and more. Yet as our experience has time and again weathered the complexities involved, the recurring intersections of the IP system and SDGs have raised several questions particularly on how the constant evolution of IP norms challenges the SDGs landscape and whether new and dynamic approaches to IP policy-making can and will deliver on development aspirations and SDGs. It is no longer in

doubt whether policymakers and legislators have misunderstood the debates whether IP, be it in the world of copyright, patent or trademark, has far-reaching implications for SDGs and is a key engine of social and economic development among nations. While the pursuit of development is not completely a new challenge for the IP system, SDGs present their challenges in a new wineskin such that questions abound about whether the IP system would not require dynamic shifts in the operating norms to adequately engage the SDGs exigencies in a world that is facing enormous inequality. In the developing countries especially, access to knowledge, digital economy and digital technologies, patents’ unfinished business with access to medicines, and public health questions in a post-pandemic world have continued to question the global commitment to the balance of the IP system in the realisation of SDGs. It looks promising that several middle-income countries are ascending in the recent ranking of the Global Innovation Index (GII) attesting to the rise of ‘innovative economies’ and the progress in advancing the goals of sustainable development.

On the continent, Agenda 2063 reflects SDGs in Africa’s aspirations for inclusive and sustainable development and taken alongside AcFTA and its Protocols, inclusive of the Protocol on IPRs, it aligns with WIPO’s vision of ‘our common future’ through the instrumentality of innovation, creativity, and IP situated in the theme. Recent legislative and policy reforms, modest howbeit important to the development of the Nigerian IP landscape provide new companions to the SDGs.

Tinuade Sanda

Adebambo Adewopo

Sanda

ENGAGEMENTS

To Nigerian Universities, a Message from America’s Campuses

On many fronts, America is showcasingthemanyburdens and benefits of democracy. Most Washington politicians are united in their support for Israel. But out on the streets, manyAmericansareopposed to Israel’s raging genocidal onslaught on Gaza and other Palestinian enclaves. While Congress had little trouble approving a further $20 billion in military aid to Israel, there is anger on the streets and mostly on university campuses. Opposition to the naked aggression against PalestinianshasunitedtheAmericanstreetsand campusesagainstpoliticalWashington.Agaleof anti-semitic protests has recently endangered lives and interests associated with Israel. This hasnowbeenfollowedbyawhirlwindofcampus protests all over America and even beyond.

In American courts, Donald Trump has kept the judiciary busy with legal arguments which now sound more like staged one-man campaign talk shows.The court appearances forTrump’s multitude of criminal and civil transgressions have become opportunities for a rehash of his boring campaign messaging. In a sense, Trump and his advisers are testing the legal limits of liberal democracy. It is all about trying to justify the right of an authoritarian demagogue to impose his private ambition on America’s long established democratic institutions and traditions. Simply put, a political deviant and serialtransgressorwantstoreturnaspresident. Twice impeached, severally accused of infractions ranging from campaign fund malfeasance to dubious business records and dodgy book keeping, Mr.Trump insists on his entitlement to the throne. Whichever way the legal outcomes go, a lot of issues in American democracy are likelytocomeunderseveretestwitheachverdict in Trump’s litany of court cases.

By far the more concerning issue in the United States now is the series of pro-Palestinian protests and demonstrations now sweeping through the campuses of American universities. These are not just ordinary universities. They are mostly Ivy League universities. From Colombia to Yale, from Harvard to New York University, UCLA, University of Southern California to University of Pennsylvania, and Emory University, large groups of students of diverse nationalities have trooped out daily to protest against Israel’s violation of the rights of the Palestinian people in its prolonged war on Gaza and other Palestinian enclaves.

So far, the protests have disrupted normal academic and other activities on the various campuses. The police have made numerous arrests of the protesters in a bid to restore normalcy. Some of the universities have opted for closure and discontinuation of academic activities to avoid the protests degenerating into violent encounters and disruptions.

The pro-Palestinian protests have multiple implications for America’s democratic culture. The right to freedom of association and expression remains inviolable. But the responsibility of the political leadership to pursue foreign and domestic policies in line with the national interestaresacrosanct.Thestudentshavearight to protest actions and policies of government that run counter to their convictions. Normal civility demands that such protests should not be violent or infringe on the rights of those who do not share these convictions to go about their business.

In the affected campuses, however, the groundswelloftheseprotestshavebeensohuge that no normal academic and social activities can proceed on these campuses. While police and law enforcement have a responsibility to maintain law and order and protect the rights of students who may not share the beliefs and convictions of the protesters or want to join the protests, the scope and spread of the protests indicate a clear political line on the part of the student population. While no one expects the protesters to have carry the day, it is also true that no responsible political establishment can ride rough shod on the feelings of such a large body of protesters.

Throughout American history, the university campuseshaveservedastheatresfortheexpression of political views and beliefs that often run counter to the political temper of Washington. On the Vietnam war, on Civil rights, on Black Lives Matter, on police brutality and systemic

racism and variety of other sensitive public issues, the University campuses in the United states have consistently indicated an independent line of thinking that often runs counter to the main current of officialWashington.Through theseprotestsanddemonstrations,the universitycampuseshavebeenable,over time , to pressure politicians inWashington to at least listen to contrary views. At critical moments, such protests have succeeded in getting the government to reconsider aspects of foreign and domestic policy.

Already, some key politicians from Washington have visited a number of protesting campuses to appeal for calm and press home their perspective. The students have however stood their grounds,justasthe pro-Israelipoliticians have pressed their arguments. It is not likely that any argument will be strong enough to justify the long standing oppression of the Palestinians especially the blockage of their right to a free and independent homeland.

ThepresentsceneonAmerica’suniversity campuses is reminiscent of happier days on Nigeria’s university campuses. There was a time from the immediate post independence days to the days of military rule when Nigerian university campusesservedasthecatalystofsocial and political ideas for national unity and progress. For instance, it was Nigerian studentsattheUniversityofIbadanwho staged massive protests to compel the newlyindependentNigeriangovernment against signing a defence pact with the departing British colonial government.

In the days of military dictatorship, Nigerian university students served as the remaining voice of democratic instincts. Students campaigned for the rights of common people, against authoritarian impositions and the habitual arbitrariness of military rule. Students protested against frequent petroleum price increases, against unlawful detentions of opposition

truths to those of governments of the day. We took a stand on most domestic and foreign policy issues that were burning central at different times. We took a stand on Southern Africa;onindependenceforZimbabwe,Namibia and Angola. We vehemently stood shoulder to shoulderwiththeMurtalaandObasanjogovernments on Apartheid.We stood with the world on the Palestinian struggle and the heroic stance of the then Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) of Yasser Arafat.

Key politicians understood the crucial place of the campus as a vital platform for the galvanization and aggregation of ideas for national development. Key politicians therefore often chosetodelivertheannualConvocationlectures ofthevariouskeyuniversitiesasawayofgeneratingnovelideasforthedevelopmentofthenation. Such strategic lectures also served as means of bridging the distance between town and gown and as praxis in the struggle for a better society.

It would be recalled that at the height of the debate of how best to accommodate the military in future power arrangements, Nigeria’s first President Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe used the opportunity of the convocation lecture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to advocate the theory of Diarchy as a power sharing arrangement between civilian politicians and military leaders. Similarly, Chief Obafemi Awolowo used one of the convocation lectures at Ife to question the efficacy of fruitless probes of past governments as an anti corruption tool. Those were the glorious days of the Nigerian university campus.Then they were universities. There were scholars, patriotic students and as Achebe lamented, there was once a nation.

figures. When in 1978 General Obasanjo’s education minister, Colonel Ahmadu Ali, tried to increase university tuition frees, in Nigerian universities, students rose in unison during the “Ali Must Go” demonstrations and pressed for his removal from office.

From the 1960s to early 1990s, the Nigerian university campus remained a litmus ground for testing public policies. Political and military leaderssoughtacertaindegreeofacceptability among university students and their lecturers. UnderstandablytheNigerianuniversitycampus also became the hotbed of radical ideas. During the ideological polarization of the ColdWar era, our universities became a friendly terrain for radical progressiveantibourgeoisideas.Thisled to an understandable radicalization of student union politics and even the politics of organized unionism among academics. The National As- sociation of Nigerian Students (NANS) became anarrowheadofradicalstudentunionism.These were the origins of ASUU’s aggressive trade unionism which has largely survived to recent times.

Therewasconsequentlyacertainunanimityof perspectivesonnationalissuesamongstudents in campuses all over the country. From Ife to Nsukka, from University of Ibadan to Ahmadu Bello University, from Port Harcourt to Calabar and Ilorin, Nigerian students and academics were united in their perspectives on military rule, corruption, the plight of the poor and the commonalityofpovertyamongunderprivileged Nigerians.

Asundergraduatesthen,wesharedacommon idealofabetternation.Wetroopedouttoprotest unkind policies.We faced police truncheons and tear gas and even military jackboots and live bullets. We did not habour these silly divisions along ethnicity, religion and region. We did not despise the poor but fought for the smashing of the chains of poverty. We thought our youth and idealism was enough to transform the country into a happy place for all. For us then, the Nigerian revolution was an achievable and imminent possibility. Our idealism contrasted with whatever ideas were fueling the policies of politiciansandmilitaryleadersinLagosandlater Abuja. We held strong views on contemporary issues and most times embraced alternative

In today’s Nigeria, the campus is virtually dead either as a centre of national consciousness or an incubator of new ideas.The universities have died as cultural laboratories or as the breeding ground of a responsible national elite. The Nigerian university campus has died as a centre ofseriouspositivethinkingorpurposivenational action for progress. In place of fiery nationalism and idealism, we now have a student unionism that apes and imitates the decadent culture of our nasty politics.

Contest for NANS leadership has become a sad replica of the politics of ‘stomach infrastructure’ and money bazaars. When elected intooffice,theleadershipofourstudentsunions want to drive huge SUVs like Abuja politicians. They appoint innumerable personal aides with nomenclatures borrowed from our wasteful national political culture and idiom. The broad mass of our students are now united by cultism, cyber crimes, bloody rituals and killer squads in a hunt for human body parts for ritual.

Our student population has degenerated into conclaves of cults, cyber crimes and a descent into the dark precincts of occultism , witchcraft and ritual. Places established to pursue enlightenment and modernism have now become covens of modern day witches and ritual murderers. At other times, the only language that flies around our campuses is that of quick mega cash fuelled by the hunger for designer clothing, outrageous automobiles and luxury mansions. Every undergraduate aspires to become an internet ‘influencer’, stage musician, naked model or narcotics courier irrespective of the courses they are registered to study.

Among the academics themselves, we now have serial racketeering for contracts, a thriving trade of blackmail of ‘sex for marks’. Professors are now standing trial for openly blackmailing their female students into sexual rumps sometimes in open offices.The deployment of juju and cultism for promotions and appointments have replaced the previous dedication to merit, national good and the pursuit of academic excellence.

As America’s university campuses continue to witness a wave of protests of universal moral condemnation of America’s support for Israel’s systematicgenocideinPalestine,weneedtolook again at what has killed the Nigerian university.

Three ugly forces have invaded our university campuses: dark money, bad politics and godless religion. To rescue our universities and redirect them back to being factors of national unity, progress and progressive development, we require a political leadership with the will to chase away and neutralize this trinity of negativity.

Mamman

SUNDAY SPORTS

Bolaji Makes History, Wins Another Gold Medal in Spain

Nigeria Para Badminton player, Mariam Bolaji has won a gold medal to make history at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2024 Level 1 tournament in Toledo, Spain.

Bolaji beat World number 5, Mandeep Kaur, from India 2-0 (21-17, 21-17) to clinch the gold medal and remain unbeaten in two Spanish Internationals in one week.

In a stunning display of skill and determinatop-ranked players and emerged victorious in every match she played.

Bergeron from France in two straight sets 2-0 (21-9, 21-17). Bolaji continued her winning streak in the second round, defeating Parul Dalsukhbhai Parmer from India 2-0 (21-9, 21-7).

In the crucial third round, Mariam faced a formidable opponent in Manasi Girishchandra Jochi, the World number 4.

The match was intense, with both players giving it their all. In the end, Mariam emerged victorious with a 2-0 win (22-20, 21-10). With this win, Mariam secured the top spot in the the tournament.

the seeded number one player in the tournament and World number 3, Halime Yildiz from Turkey.

Despite the tough competition, Mariam showed her strength and determination, defeating her opponent 2-0 (21-16, 21-8). This impressive victory earned her a spot in the much-anticipated

The President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, said Bolaji has proved Orbih also emphasised the importance of supporting and investing in athletes like Eniola, who continues to excel and bring honour to the country on the global stage.

He said, “She has proven herself to be a formidable competitor and a force to be reckoned with. Her dedication, hard work, and talent have earned her this well-deserved win, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements.”

He highlighted the need for more resources, training facilities, and opportunities for para badminton players in Nigeria, so that they can reach their full potential and compete at the highest level.

“Eniola’s victory is not only a personal triumph for her, but also a victory for Nigeria and for the sport of para badminton. It is a testament to the talent and determination of Nigerian athletes, and a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, perseverance, and support from the federation and the community.”

in Eniola’s future success and his belief that she will continue to make Nigeria proud by winning a medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris next July.

Mariam Bolaji beaming with smiles shortly after winning the Spanish Para badminton Championships ...shortly

Liverpool’s Title Dream Fizzles at West Ham

Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes seem all but over after MichailAntonio scored to rescue a point for West Ham in 2-2 draw at London Stadium.

Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring just before the break when he rose highest to meet Mohammed Kudus’ cross as Liverpool showed little evidence that their Merseyside derby lossin midweek had done much in the way of spurring them on.

But the visitors were much improved in the second half and Andy Robertson equalised when he scored from Luis Diaz’s low pass into the penalty area.

The Reds were then further rewarded for their pressure

Ogbonna, Tomas Soucek and the back of the net.

Antonio’s thumping header put the Hammers back on level terms two minutes before Liverpool brought on Mohamed Salah, who exchanged words with manager Jurgen Klopp as

the stood on the touchline.

Liverpool sit third in the table with three games remaining, two points behind leaders Arsenal, who face Tottenham on Sunday, while Manchester

City are second but have two games in hand.

Liverpool’s title hopes appear to be all but over, with the Reds relying on both of their title rivals to slip up to get back in the race.

Leverkusen Score Stoppage-time Equaliser to Extend Run

Bayer Leverkusen scored another dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to extend their unbeaten run to 46 games with a draw against Stuttgart.

Robert Andrich netted in the 96th minute at the BayArena to secure a point for Leverkusen, who have already been crowned Bundesliga champions.

They had trailed 2-0 after 56 minutes on Saturday but fought back to keep their unbeaten record in tact.

Leverkusen also equalised in added time last week against Borussia Dortmund.

campaign in Bundesliga history - and remain on course with three games left.

Chris Fuhrich lashed home to open the scoring for third-placed Stuttgart just after the break, before Deniz Undav tucked into the bottom corner nine minutes later.

NNPC Wins NOGIG 2024, NCDMB Picks Football Final Gold

Team NNPC successfully defended their title as champions of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games when they emerged winners of the 19th edition that ended at the Moshood Abioa National Stadium complex Abuja yesterday.

The Nigerian oil giants topped the medals table with 19 gold, 10 silver and 22 bronze medals to beat NLNG with 15 gold,12 silver and 11 bronze medals.

Shell placed third with7 gold, 6 silver and 9 bronze medals, while NCDMB with 7 gold 5 silver and 6 bronze medals placed a close 4th.

Team Chevron also made a strong showing winning 6 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze

Total Energies with 3 gold, 4 silver and 13 bronze medals made the top 6 in the medals table.

Meanwhile, Team NCDMB football event after running away with a lone goal victory

The match which was played at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National stadium Abuja saw the two teams creating numerous chances but failed to convert

an even note.

On resumption for the second half, the victorious NCDMB mounted pressure on their opponents who were equally resilient.

Emmanuel Opuwari breached the stubborn NLNG defence and broke the deadlock in the 85th minute with held onto their slim lead until the centre referee sounded the

“It didn’t start today,” Opuari said, after the close encounter. “From Port Harcourt, when we played the preliminaries, we promised ourselves that we were going to Abuja to win the trophy. That has come to reality today. We knew it was going to be ours to lose. This is just the beginning.”

Coach of the new football champions of NOGIG 2024 Ada Gwegwe said he was happy with his players who, in his words demonstrated seriousness, discipline and focus. “They put in everything and the result was expected. They trained very hard and played to instructions. It was our prayer to stop NNPC’s dominance in football. This is just the beginning,” he enthused.

Earlier, NNPC defeated NMDPRA 3-2 on penalties to win the third place match and the bronze medal.

Femi Solaja

Mohamed Salah (left) and Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp wondering how the Reds crumbled in the final minutes of the season

“I will not; I repeat, I will not govern our dear state on my knees (bending). If that was the purpose; I would not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right” – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, calling for joint efforts to save the state from detractors who are bent on destroying its stability Fubara to Political Detractors

SIMON KOLAWOLE

The Chronic Pains of Delayed Adjustments

Iwas filled with regrets after watching a documentary by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) titled ‘Fuel Subsidy: Lifting a Nation’s Burden’. I started ruminating over what might have been. In the opening, Dame Winifred Akpani, founder and CEO of NorthWest Petroleum and Gas Company, reminds us of how fuel subsidy came into being. It was in the mid-1970s when oil boom made us believe we were so rich we could buy the entire world. It probably made sense at the time that as Nigeria was raking in billions of dollars from oil export, some of the benefits should be passed to Nigerians via cheap/fixed prices of petroleum products.

Akpani recalls how the military government added petroleum products to the price control list in 1977, officially introducing fuel subsidy in Nigeria. I am looking back today and thinking: if we knew the inter-generational quagmire we were getting ourselves into, we probably would have done things differently. If we sit down to calculate the billions of dollars we have sunk into fuel subsidy since 1977 and how this could have developed the critical infrastructure necessary for Nigeria’s development, we cannot but wonder what might have been. But rather than get stuck with lamenting about the past and what might have been, we should be learning from our mistakes as we head into the future.

Let me state this clearly: I am not against subsidies. The US, the global flag bearer of market economy, heavily subsidises its domestic agriculture, and some aspects of energy, housing, and car manufacturing — all geared towards increasing investment in those sectors. The UK, which is also a market economy, subsidises areas identified as key to economic growth, notably the automotive sector, aerospace and clean energy. Public transport fares are capped and government pays part of the difference, which runs into billions of pounds yearly. But government shares the subsidy burden with commuters through yearly adjustments in the fares charged by the transport companies.

The problem with Nigeria is that we subsidise the wrong points in the production and consumption chain. This is because we probably asked the wrong questions or came up with the wrong answers while designing the policies. The questions should be: why are we subsiding? Can we afford it? How are we going to fund it? How long will the subsidy be in place? What happens when the funds are not flowing like rivers again? Should we be responsible for 100 percent of the subsidy or should we stick to a percentage and pass the rest to Nigerians so that regular adjustments can be made? We went for a blanket, no-questions-asked subsidy policy and Nigerians became infinitely entitled.

This was a major negative outcome of the oil boom. Rather than see the boom as a boon and deftly utilise it to develop other critical sectors and build a robust economic base for Nigeria, we thought the petrodollars would continue to flow without let or hinderance till the end of the world. We plunged into a spending spree, flooding the country with an unsustainable expenditure profile. Isn’t it remarkable that the era we still celebrate as the best in Nigeria’s economic development — the 1950s and 1960s — was when there were neither fuel nor electricity subsidies? Public funds were concentrated on education and building infrastructure by the federal and regional governments.

Today, we lament that some Asian countries that were at par with us in the 1960s have overtaken us and become world beaters. I have never disguised my belief that oil booms have done more harm than good to us. Not just to the economy, but also to politics, security and public morality. Nigeria was not a perfect country before the oil boom — after all, there were several cases of corruption and abuse of office before and after Independence — but the

Dame Winifred Akpani

impunity that came with oil wealth is beyond compare. We moved from an era of “10 percent” corruption to the age of phantom contracts. Insane impunity! We have moved from robbing revenues to looting loans. Insane!

Let me be fair. By introducing energy and meal subsidies in the 1970s, the military governments obviously meant well, even if their economics was questionable. With high crude oil prices, petroleum products also became more expensive. Our leaders were probably asking themselves: why should Nigerians pay more for petrol? Shouldn’t cheap products be a fringe benefit of being oil producers? We also needed to encourage more Nigerians to have university education by introducing a number of incentives. You can fault their choices but you cannot fault their desire to make life more comfortable for Nigerians. Rather than cry over spilt milk, we should be thinking about the lessons.

Lesson No 1: never introduce a privilege that you cannot sustain. Withdrawing what has come to be seen as an entitlement is akin to courting war. Gen Olusegun Obasanjo discovered as much when he tried to reduce or remove subsidies when oil prices began to fall. While the boom was a feast for us, it was a funeral for industrialised countries. They began taking measures to reduce fuel consumption: manufacturing fuel-efficient cars and introducing the “pool car” system in offices to encourage sharing, among others. The US — the world’s biggest consumer of petroleum products at the time (and till today) — also started oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. You see, they did not go to sleep.

The biggest implication of these initiatives was that oil demand started dropping and prices began to fall. Obasanjo, on becoming head of state in 1976 following the assassination of Gen Murtala Muhammed, had started preaching the gospel of agriculture, launching Operation Feed the Nation to encourage Nigerians to be individually and collectively self-sufficient in food production. In 1978, he increased fees payable in the universities — although tuition remained free — and reduced the meal subsidy, raising the cost from N1.50 to N2 per ticket. Hostel accommodation fee tripled from N30 per session to N90. (Ironically, it was still N90 in 1989 when I enrolled at the University of Lagos).

Like I said, never introduce a privilege that you cannot sustain. Be ready for war if you want to withdraw it. University students, under the auspices of the National Union of Nigerian

Students (NUNS), rejected the reduction of these subsidies and embarked on a nationwide protest, unforgettably tagged “Ali Must Go” (or, comically, “Ali Mungo”). The students demanded the resignation of Col Ahmadu Ali, then minister of education, because of the astronomical fee increases. At the end of the protests, which the military and police tried to suppress, there were at least eight dead bodies. That did not change anything as Obasanjo insisted the increases were necessary.

Lesson No 2: adjustment is no child’s play. As most Nigerian leaders have discovered in the last 50 years, it is easier to maintain the status quo than to disrupt it. Most African countries do not subsidise energy consumption. As soon as oil and gas prices change in the international market, citizens expect adjustments in energy prices: petrol, diesel, electricity and all. There is nothing to debate. Ghanaians and Togolese are not poorer than Nigerians yet they pay the market prices for energy. The difference is that Nigerians have successfully given petrol a political status. We buy yams, beans and tomatoes at market prices but treat petrol as a political entitlement. Yes, since 1977. Adjusting prices and fees has become a perennial problem for both the government and the citizens. The government is always reluctant, or even scared, to make changes because they know the street can catch fire. The default response of the citizens, who are perpetually under economic pressure, is to resist any attempt to adjust prices and fees. The fact is that we are not used to it. It is not in our culture. Nigerians who migrated abroad are seeing the realities of price adjustments, although they console themselves with the fact that “we can see what the government is doing with the money”. Very well. People-led accountability is a democratic culture we also have to imbibe as Nigerians.

Lesson No 3: delayed adjustment comes with even more pains. When President Muhammadu Buhari came to office in 2015, two things were begging for attention: the exchange rate — which had become glaringly unsustainable with falling oil income — and petrol subsidy (please note that government stopped subsiding other fuels ages ago). The exchange rate was N197/$ while petrol was N87/litre. Buhari was reluctant to move the needle for one reason: the inflationary impact on millions of poor Nigerians. While that was considered socio-politically expedient, the economy was the worse for it. Some of the adjustments came rather late in the day and then stalled at some point.

By the time President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, he was faced with three tough options. One, retain the suicidal status quo and risk a return to the 1984-scale crisis when we started queuing up to buy rice and milk because of FX crunch and falling revenue. Two, adjust gradually, although there is a risk of getting mixed results. Three, go full blast, with the attendant short-term pains and long-term gains. Tinubu gave us the impression that he went full blast, but all I can see around me is chaos. It is glaring that there was no plan and his government is just making things up per time. The PR machine is doing very well — I give them credit for that — but I think we are stuck.

Nevertheless, the basis of my argument today — after watching that beautiful documentary produced by Ademola Adedoyin and Zik Zulu Okafor — is that the introduction of fuel subsidy in 1977 has hurt us more than we think. We created a culture of privilege that will be extremely hard to discard. Also, our failures to adjust to new realities in several areas of public expenditure since the oil boom era will continue to hurt us if we don’t change course. If we were adjusting where and when necessary all along, we would not need to be facing sudden killer shocks all the time. We have gone too deep into the abyss. We need a miraculous reorientation to be able to change our ways.

And Four Other Things…

EFCC VS BELLO

The American International School Abuja (AISA) has refunded the fees paid for the children of Mr Yahaya Bello, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello, the former governor of Kogi state who is engaged in a running media drama with the commission, allegedly paid $760,910 in advance as fees for five of his children from the coffers of Kogi state. However, by a previous court ruling in the case of Chief James Ibori, the ex-governor of Delta state, the money will now have to be returned to Kogi state. And the current governor of Kogi state is Mr Usman Ododo, who was handpicked and installed by Bello. Are you thinking what I am thinking? Rebound.

MEDIA MENTOR

When I was studying mass communication at the University of Lagos, the common joke at the department was that those who wanted to specialise in journalism would die poor and those who wanted to make money should go into PR and advertising (PRAD). Mr Azu Ishiekwene, who has seen it all as a reporter, writer, editor and publisher, has a better story to tell the current and future generations in his book, ‘Writing for Media and Monetising It’, published by Premium Times Books and due for release anytime soon. It is the basics of journalism and media entrepreneurship. I have received an advance copy and I am currently unlearning and relearning journalism. Reinvention.

GOOD NIGHT, MALLAM’

Mallam Abdul Ndubuisi Okwechime, the journalist who came into limelight in 1986 for daring the devil to interview Lawrence Anini, then Nigeria’s most wanted armed robber, abruptly drew his last breath on April 19, 2024. He was my friend despite being my senior in age. We met in 1998 when he spearheaded the media campaign of the late Alhaji MD Yusufu, who was a presidential aspirant. I was recently on the phone with Mallam Abdul, who had suddenly fallen ill. He encouraged me to always call rather than send texts because he was finding it difficult recognising alphabets. I was devastated. I didn’t know the worst was still coming. May God comfort his loved ones. Painful.

NO COMMENT

Trust Nigeria to always provide premium content. On Wednesday, 118 inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger state. According to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), a rainfall ravaged parts of the prison and brought down the walls. The NCoS used the opportunity to cry out that the prison walls are generally weak because they were built — now you won’t want to believe this — during the colonial era. Nigeria gained independence from colonial rule 63 years ago and, in fact, we are still making use of a facility that was probably built 70 years ago without improving the structure. Is it because powerful people are not in that jail? Wonderful.