MONDAY 6TH MAY 2024

Zenith Fintech Subsidiary Zenpay Limited Partners AfCFTA On Innovative Trade Portal

Interest, Alleges Son's Affiliation with

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, accused President Bola Tinubu of conflict of interest, because his son, Seyi, was on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, owned by one of the president’s business allies, Gilbert Chagoury. Atiku said the development constituted a conflict of interest, given the Chagoury Group’s involvement in the gigantic Lagos-Calabar coastal highway contract being carried out by the Tinubu government.

The former vice president had criticised the contract as hurriedly awarded and executed against the country’s procurement laws.

In a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku, who berated the federal government, however, advised Tinubu to focus more on attracting real investors than adopting propaganda as a state policy.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, disclosed that CDK Integrated Industries was into the manufacturing of ceramic tiles and

Continued on page 5

FG’s Liabilities to Retirees Under Contributory Pension Scheme Hits N314.58bn

PenCom seeks 28% increase in pension rates under defined

benefits scheme Expresses

‘serious

National Pension Commission (PenCom) has disclosed that the federal government's total liability from the implementation of the pension increases in 2007 and 2010 as well as the 2019 consequential adjustment for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) stood at N314.58 billion in 2023.

The disclosure came as PenCom further sought approval for an increase in pension rates for pensioners under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS), following the recent increase in salaries for employees of treasury-funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The request for approval for the implementation of new pension template was conveyed in a correspondence by Director General/ Chief Executive, PenCom, Aisha DahirUmar, to Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Mr. Wale Edun, which was dated May 3, 2024.

The commission sought to raise the new pension rates under the DBS by between 20 per cent and 28 per cent in 2024.

Dahiru-Umar, while urging the minister to approve the new rates, drew attention to the omission of pensioners under the CPS in the current rates review.

She said the exclusion of pensioners under the scheme from the implementation of the new and previous pension increases remained a “cause for serious concern”. He added that it would amount to a

concerns’ over exclusion of retirees under CPS in new review

fundamental breach and denial of their constitutional rights as enshrined in Section 173 (3) of the 1999 Constitution

withdrawal or annuity for life.

She added that such action would undermine the pension reform of the federal government.

The PenCom boss also noted that previously approved pension increases of 15 per cent in 2007 and 33 per cent in 2010, respectively, following salary reviews in the public service as well as the consequential adjustment of 2019, were yet to be effected for retirees under the CPS.

She stated that the commission had submitted a letter on the matter, dated February 21, 2024, to the Tripartite Committee of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NWSC) on the national minimum wage.

Dahiru-Umar said, “Indeed, this fundamental omission is contrary to both Section 173 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 15 (4) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014.

“It is, perhaps, apposite to state at the onset that, following the 2004 pension reform, retirement benefits under the CPS consist of both the monthly pension contributions accumulated from the commencement of the scheme in 2004 and the Accrued Pension Rights for past service rendered prior to the commencement of the scheme.

“The two components together with accrued investment income are consolidated at the point of retirement in the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) and accessed as retirement benefits through programmed

FG: Revival of Local Pharmaceutical Industry Will Reduce Cost of Medicines

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has given assurances that current effort to rejuvenate local pharmaceutical industry will lead to lowering of cost of medicines in the country.

It assured Nigerians that the various policy measures already put in place by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration would soon begin to reflect positively in the cost of essential medical commodities Against the background of rising cost of most imported medicines, the government said that locally manufactured medicinal products would be more accessible and affordable compared to the imported drugs.

This was made known in statement by the Resident Media Consultant, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Sayo Akintola yesterday . He stated that both the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate and Director General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye gave the assurances at the webinar lecture organised by The Cable Newspaper to celebrate its 10th anniversary. He said that Pate attributed the escalating costs of pharmaceuticals to the global phenomenon, expressing regrets that for past 20 years the nation has been doing catch-up, stressing that the present administration is focused on solving the issue.

‘’We are working hard to do so through the presidential initiative to unlock the pharmaceutical value chain that the president announced in October 2023. But two pockets of issues underlying what we are observing now. Nigerians are hurting.

"There’s forex devaluation which

is on the supply side. The ability to buy materials, equipment, the infrastructure deficit. Some infrastructure for manufacturing that we have is not at the level that could meet up the demand that we have,’’ he said.

Akintola also quoted NAFDAC's boss as having said that the current high cost of medicines in the country will become a thing of the past as the agency is working hard in partnership with pharmaceutical industry to bring down the cost of drugs.

Akintola said that Adeyeye identified rejuvenation of the local pharmaceutical industry as a panacea for high cost of medicines in the country.

The statement also said that locally manufactured medicinal products would be more accessible and affordable compared to the imported drugs.

According to Adeyeye, the devaluation of the Naira accounted largely for high cost of production locally as the high exchange rate made procurement of raw materials and equipment imported for production extremely high, adding that due to difficulty associated with procurement of dollar, cost of the imported drugs has also hit the roof. She said two multinationals left which caused the cost of drugs they produce to go up, adding that to encourage local pharmaceutical industry to grow, NAFDAC under her leadership started the “5 plus 5” regulatory scheme where a company that has been importing drugs that the local pharmaceutical industry is able to produce will get a last five-year renewal.

Adeyeye explained that during the five-year renewal period, the importer must migrate to local manufacturing or partner with local manufacturer.

“Thus, part of the arrangements for persons transiting from the DBS to the CPS is to recognise their rights under the defunct scheme, including the constitutional right to pension increases protected under Section 173 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

Dahiru-Umar said the commission had noted that the circular in question was issued pursuant to Section 173 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides, "Pensions shall be reviewed every five years or together with any federal civil service salary reviews, whichever is earlier."

She said the circular was a fallout of the recent salary increment to employees of treasury-funded MDAs aimed at enhancing the ability of retirees under the DBS to live comfortably, in furtherance of the

afore-cited constitutional provision. She pointed out that both the PRA 2004 and the PRA 2014 had not invalidated the constitutional rights to pension increment for retirees under the CPS.

Dahiru-Umar said, “On the contrary, the constitutional provision is actually reiterated in Section 15(4) of the PRA 2014 which provides, amongst other things, that the accrued pension rights and entitlements of employees of the Public Service of the Federation shall be reviewed by the Federal Government of Nigeria from time to time in line with the provision of Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The implication of Section 15 (4) of the PRA 2014 is that the right to pension increment applies to retirees under the CPS on their Accrued Pension Rights portion of the retirement benefits.”

Dahiru-Umar said the federal government’s current indebtedness to retirees under the CPS was expected to rise upon the implementation of the recent salary increase, which had further alienated the retirees under the scheme.

According to her, the implementation of past pension increases, and consequential adjustment for retirees under the CPS and latest increases, would have enhanced the quantum of retirement benefits of retirees under the scheme, thereby addressing the pension adequacy concerns advanced in support of the agitations for exemption from the CPS.

She said, “The PRA 2014 has stipulated the procedure to ensure the implementation of Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 15(4) of the PRA 2014. Accordingly, Section

39(3) of the PRA 2014 mandates the Commission to, at the end of every calendar year, determine the adequacy of the Retirement Benefit Bond Redemption Fund against the projected pension liability of Government arising from voluntary and mandatory retirements, death of employees in service and the right of pensioners to pension review in line with section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution, and advise the Budget Office of the Federation of shortfall, if any.

“Furthermore, Section 39(4) of the PRA 2014 mandates the Budget Office of the Federation to, on receipt of advice from the Commission, ensure adequate appropriation for the shortfall and subsequent payment.”

CDK: ATIKU ACCUSES TINUBU OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST, ALLEGES SON'S AFFILIATION WITH CHAGOURY

sanitary towels.

Citing a report by a Paris-based Africa Intelligence News Agency, where it was revealed by the Corporate Affairs Commission that Seyi was officially a business associate of Chagoury, Atiku said it was not surprising that the Chagoury Group had become the biggest beneficiary of the Tinubu largesse.

He said, “Thanks to quality reporting by Africa Intelligence, our suspicions have been confirmed that Chagoury and Tinubu are indeed business partners and it has been formalised with Seyi on the board of one of Chagoury’s firms."

Atiku restated that it had become obvious even to the undiscerning that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was being done in a hurry because of the business relationship between Tinubu and Gilbert Chagoury, the owner of Hitech, the contractor that was awarded the contract for the highway project in alleged contravention of the procurement laws.

“It is on record that this project is the most expensive single project ever embarked upon by the Nigerian

of Zenpay Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat, highlighting its significance given the current understanding of trade flows in Africa. Dr. Onyeagwu noted, "In Africa, intra-African trade constitutes only about 20% of total trade, with the rest going overseas, despite Africans making up 18% of the world population but contributing less than 5% to global GDP. By trading within Africa, we anticipate building prosperity across the continent."

He further stated, "This initiative is not driven by profit but by the need to support the African Continental Free Trade Area. It aims to create a unified African market, enhancing economic integration and standardising customs and practices. As we advance this agenda, we expect tosee significant growth and improvement in intra-Africa trade."

Also speaking during the agreement signing, His Excellency, Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, shared his delight over the partnership with Zenpay Limited in developing SMARTAfCFTA. He appreciated Jim Ovia, CFR, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, for his commitment to the project. According to him, "Four years ago, we discussed and envisioned SMARTAfCFTA as a digital platform to empower SMEs and young entrepreneurs in Africa, facilitating their inclusion

government. The fact that it is happening at a time Nigeria is facing its worst economic crisis ever is a red flag.

"To add insult to injury, this project that is being done in excess of $13bn was awarded without a competitive bidding. From all indications, the so-called Badagry-Sokoto highway would be awarded in a similar fashion at an enormous cost to taxpayers purely because Tinubu has put his personal interest ahead of the Nigerian people.”

Atiku said the demolition of tourist and recreational facilities and other properties within the Oniru corridor, including parts of Landmark Resort and Hotels, without ample notice, was one of the reasons foreign direct investments have continued to elude the country.

He argued that rather than improving the ease of doing business, the Tinubu administration had shown to the world that his personal business interest and that of his family would always be prioritised over and above national interest.

“Tinubu has been globetrotting in search of foreign direct investments.

in trade and boosting intra-African trade. This platform will serve as a repository for crucial trade data, offering insights on rules of origin and market intelligence, thus playing a pivotal role in implementing the AfCFTA agreement. Today is a testament that working together with our African partners in this case, Zenith bank, shows that their commitment goes beyond their progit margins to their stakeholders, but are motivated by our shared duty towards the Continent.”

Speaking about the PanAfrican Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) alongside the SMARTAfCFTA portal, H.E. Mene described PAPSS as "Africa's payment highway." He clarified that, unlike PAPSS, SMARTAfCFTA is not a payment platform itself but will be interoperable with PAPSS, allowing functionalities that facilitate easy payments. He emphasised that these platforms complement each other; they are not in competition. "We promote and encourage only one payment platform—PAPSS. Our goal is to integrate the digital ecosystem we are developing into PAPSS. We are committed to fostering innovation within this framework, ensuring it supports a seamless continental payment system without creating competition among platforms."

SMARTAfCFTA is a digital platform designed to facilitate international trade by providing the necessary information and tools

He claims to have secured over $30 billion from various companies, but none has been forthcoming.

“Rather, all manufacturing firms have been posting heavy losses while some are exiting due to his poorly implemented exchange rate unification policy with even Aliko Dangote describing it as a huge mess at the recent annual general meeting of Dangote Sugar Refinery.

“The IMF in its latest report stated that Nigeria will by the end of the year become the 4th largest economy in Africa behind South Africa, Egypt and Algeria, a disgraceful development for a nation which was the largest in Africa by a mile when the PDP left the stage in 2015.

“Investors are seeing how local businesses are being treated and will not come to a place where their investments will not be protected. In saner climes, businesses such as Landmark would have been given at least two years’ notice in order for effective planning. But Tinubu’s eagerness to satisfy his business partners impaired his ability to coordinate the project properly.

to the African private and public sectors. The Portal aims to streamline and unlock vast opportunities for trade across the African continent, and has the capacity to provide information like trade indicators, market trends, custom tariffs, trade agreements, Rules of Origin, market access requirements of relevant jurisdictions, export potentials, export diversification indicators and contact details of business partners in target markets and other trade-related information about Africa.

About ZENPAY Ltd

Zenpay Ltd is a private limited liability company duly incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a wholly owned subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc. The company. It is a one-stop revolutionary financial technology (Fintech) company responsible for digital innovation and payments.

About the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and entered into force on 30 May 2019. It is a high ambition trade agreement, which aims to bring together all 55 Member States of the African Union, covering a market of more than 1.3 billion people, with a comprehensive scope that includes critical areas

“The awarding of the LagosCalabar coastal highway was rushed; the environmental impact assessment report was not even completed; the right of way for the 700 km stretch of the highway project was not secured; it was converted from a PPP to a government funded project within the twinkle of an eye.

“The N500m that was approved by the National Assembly for the project was ignored, while over N1tn was released by Tinubu’s administration without approval from the National Assembly.

“From falsely claiming to have removed subsidies to secretly paying billions monthly based on the revelation of Nasir el-Rufai, the Tinubu administration has shown a lack of coordination and transparency, failing to even explain to Nigerians why there is petrol scarcity across the country,” the former PDP presidential candidate stated.

He, however, advised Tinubu and his economic team to do less of propaganda and focus on improving the ease of doing business as this remained the surest path to sustainability.

of Africa’s economy, such as digital trade and investment protection, amongst other areas. By eliminating barriers to trade in Africa, the objective of the AfCFTA is to significantly boost intra-Africa trade, particularly trade in value-added production and trade across all services sectors of Africa’s economy, at a potential of 52.3 percent. For further information, please contact: Sunday Enebeli-Uzor, Head, Corporate Communications | Zenith Bank Plc | E-mail: sunday. enebeli-uzor@zenithbank.com | Lagos, Nigeria Ayoola Kusimo, Corporate Communications | Zenith Bank Plc | E-mail: ayoola.kusimo@ zenithbank.com | Lagos, Nigeria Ms. Grace Khoza, Principal Communications Advisor | African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat | E-mail: Grace. Khoza@au-afcfta.org | Accra, Ghana Ms. Elydora Matubanzila, Communications Officer | African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat| E-mail: Elydora.Matubanzila@au-afcfta. org | Accra, Ghana Communication | Marketing | Advocacy Division, African Continental Free Trade Area | E-mail: afcftacommunications@ au-afcfta.org

To find out more, please visit our website: https://au-afcfta.org , https://zenithbank.com

ZENITH FINTECH SUBSIDIARY ZENPAY LIMITED PARTNERS AFCFTA ON INNOVATIVE TRADE PORTAL

James Emejo in Abuja

Aisha Dahir-Umar

LAFARGE AGM...

L-R: Non-Executive Director, Lafarge Africa Plc. Mr. Kaspar Theiler; Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Oyinkan Adewale; Legal Director and Company Secretary, Mrs. Adewunmi Alode; GMD/CEO, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi; Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi; Chairman, Board of Directors, Prince Adebode Adefioye; Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Elenda Osima-Dokubo; Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Claudia Albertini; and Independent Non-Executive Director, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode at the company’s 65th Annual General Meeting held at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos… recently

Divestment: Oando to Double Crude Output to 50,000bpd after Eni Deal

Insists local firms equipped to rejuvenate Nigeria’s oil sector

Indigenous oil and gas producer, Oando, has projected that it will double its production to 50,000 barrels per day of oil equivalent with the ‘imminent’ closure of its landmark deal with Eni. Oando’s Chief Operating Officer, Alex Irune, told S&P Global Commodity Insights at the weekend that the firm intends scaling up to 100,000 bpd by 2029, thanks to new drilling and security improvements.

The Nigerian company’s bid to buy the Italian major's entire Nigerian upstream business reflects a major shift in Africa's biggest oil producer, with local firms replacing departing International Oil Companies (IOCs).

In the wide-ranging interview, Irune disagreed that approvals had been an issue. "What we are seeing is a careful, considered approach to ensuring that the country isn't materially impacted in a negative way, ensuring the indigenous players are able to straddle the horse

and ride it into the horizon," he said.

Oando which will become one of Nigeria's biggest domestic producers through the agreement is "working through the obligations under the Share Purchase Agreement" and is "on track" to close the deal this quarter, Irune said.

S&P said the estimated $500 million acquisition covers four oil producing blocks OMLs 60, 61, 62 and 63, which comprise a joint venture alongside the Brass terminal, onshore exploration

Nigeria Links Up with 15 African Countries to Join Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Devt

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria has acceded to the establishment agreement for the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development impact investment platform of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

Nigeria joined the ranks of countries acceding to the establishment agreement of FEDA, becoming the 16th nation to do so, underscoring the increasing backing the fund enjoys among African nations, according to a statement released by the bank.

FEDA is a subsidiary of Afreximbank set up to provide equity, quasi-equity, and debt capital to finance the multi-billion-dollar funding gap, particularly in equity, needed to transform the trade sector in Africa.

It pursues a multi-sector investment strategy along the intra-African trade, value-added export development, and manufacturing value chain which includes financial services, technology, consumer and retail goods, manufacturing, transport & logistics, agribusiness, as well as ancillary trade enabling infrastructure

such as industrial parks.

This announcement came three decades following Afreximbank’s establishment in Nigeria, a key milestone that it said boldly demonstrates Nigeria’s continued commitment to supporting Afreximbank and FEDA’s missions.

“FEDA sees new memberships as critical to broadening its scope of interventions and its mission of delivering long-term capital to African economies, with a focus on industrialisation, intra-African trade and value-added exports.

Jamaica Eyes Collaboration with Nigeria in Film, Animation Industries

The Jamaican government has announced its intention to pursue a robust collaboration with Nigeria in the film and animation industries.

The Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Lincoln Downer made this known during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in Abuja.

Downer emphasised the strong relations between Jamaica and Nigeria, highlighting the existing creative industry exchanges and expressing enthusiasm for expanding these collaborations He noted that Nigeria has supported Jamaica through the technical eco-programme, which has facilitated exchanges in areas like Batik and jewellery-making, according to

a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze. He said: “There is a lot of scope for collaboration, particularly in the area of film and animation. Nigeria has supported Jamaica over many years in the creative industry through the technical eco-programme, where artisans have been dispatched to Jamaica for exchanges in areas of Batik and jewellery-making.

“We are hoping that sometime in the future, these collaborations can be expanded. We also note that Nigeria and Jamaica are in very close relations when it comes to entertainment.

A lot of Nigerian entertainers like Burner Boy and WizKid, have come to Jamaica, and even Victor Thompson who was in Jamaica last month. We are looking forward to

these sorts of exchanges between both countries and to see how we can establish a framework for deeper collaboration between the two countries.

“On Monday, we celebrated 54 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Jamaica. We are interested in future collaborations with Nigeria because we recognise Nigeria as not only the cultural hub of Africa but of the globe. We also have a rich culture so we are interested in forging a stronger alliance with Nigeria”.

Musawa welcomed the proposal, expressing interest in the audio-visual film production agreement and Jamaica's film development initiative. She also highlighted Nigeria's IDICE programme, which provides financial support to creatives.

concessions and power plants.

Eni currently holds a 20 per cent operating stake in the JV alongside Oando with 20 per cent and stateowned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) with 60 per cent.

Oando, which is run by Adewale Tinubu is currently producing 25,000 bpd, according to Irune, through myriad Nigerian assets. Following the deal its JV stake will rise to 40 per cent.

Production rises over the next five years will be achieved through drilling programmes on marginal fields, particularly Qua Iboe (OML 13) and Ebendo (OML 56).

"We'll be drilling four to five wells on these two fields over the next 18 months. Both fields have easy access to export terminals, including the Escravos pipeline system in the case of OML 56,” he emphasised.

The Eni agreement was first signed in September. It follows home-grown Seplat's battle to take over ExxonMobil's onshore business. Meanwhile, Shell has agreed to sell its onshore assets to a consortium of mostly local companies

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Itsekiri, Ijaw, Ilaje graduates have threatened to shut down Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) oil facilities in protest against alleged marginalisation by the oil firm.

The coalition of ethnic nationalities’ graduates, under the aegis of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG); (KOMBOT) - Egbema and Gbaramatu Graduates Employment Front and National Association of Ilaje Graduates (NAIG), in a letter sent to the Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, warned that they would no longer fold their arms watching the oil company marginalising them in terms of employment.

In the letter dated May 4, 2024, written to the CNL Managing Director, a copy which was made available to THISDAY, yesterday, the coalition wrote: "We, the undersigned graduate representatives of Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje ethnic nationalities under the auspices of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG), (KOMBOT) - Egbema and

and Equinor has signed a deal to divest its assets to Mauritius-based Chappal Energies.

The trend indicates an IOC exodus from mature African basins and a shift towards frontiers like Namibia and Guyana, less carbon intensive projects and less risky offshore developments.

But questions have been asked about the capacity of the domestic companies to operate major assets and finance new drilling at a pivotal moment for Nigeria's oil sector.

Nigeria produced 1.45 million bpd of crude in March, according to the Platts OPEC Survey from S&P Global Commodity Insights, well below its capacity of 2.5 million bpd, due to underinvestment, inadequate exploration and the scourge of crude theft in the Niger Delta.

However, Irune insists that local firms were well-equipped to rejuvenate the sector.

"The government is certainly in support of this transition and keen to see indigenous players step into those roles and deliver," he said. "If you look at the local companies that have stepped forward...there's no doubt

Gbaramatu Graduates Employment Front and National Association of Ilaje Graduates (NAIG), who are host to Chevron Nigeria Limited operations in Delta and Ondo states, respectively, write to you, as a matter of urgency to call Chevron Mid-Africa (CNL-NMA) to order and address the issue of gross marginalization of Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje ethnic nationalities who are host to them or face total shutdown of her operations.

"Rising from a meeting held on Wednesday 2nd May 2024, the graduate bodies have decided to shut down the operations of Chevron Nigeria Limited if the oppression and marginalization is not addressed within the shortest possible time."

The coalition said series of letters had been sent but that Chevron, in its usual way, ignored them threatening that the latest letter would be followed with shutting down of its facilities if their demands were not met within 21 days.

Some of the demands from Chevron, the coalition stated include stoppage of all secret employment and giving them

that the indigenous capacity exists," he added.

Asked about the apparent delays in approvals, Irune added: "Acquisitions of this nature are relatively novel and for the first time the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has set a framework for divestment where there are certain criteria that you must get through to qualify, and that process takes its course."

At the same time, local ownership could actually reduce theft, which was costing Nigeria 400,000 bpd in August 2023, according to the government's security adviser, by giving communities a bigger stake in the success of the industry.

"My personal opinion is having indigenous players will definitely improve issues around fairness and this need to engage in sabotage and theft," he said.

Collectively, smaller companies can build a more cohesive and collaborative oil sector, he said. "We're not going to be ‘siloed’ global companies with headquarters in Houston. Nigeria is our headquarters," he pointed out.

70 percent of all employments as well as conversion of all host community contract staff which includes VTP 5 and VTP 6 to regular staff with full benefits.

The coalition is also demanding that host community contractors should be given opportunity to tender and bid for drilling contracts or given right of first refusal in the award of drilling contracts, well head maintenance, production and procurement.

Other demands include: "Reinstatement of Comrade (Engr.) Timmy Okeoghene Okirika, who was terminated by CNL in breach of the RDCs, GMoU, PENGASSAN CBA, Labour Act, ILO Conventions, and the National Assembly and Federal Ministry of Labour resolutions and orders.

"The director of business services should be reserved for host communities, as another Igbo man (Marizu Nwokoma) cannot and should not occupy the second highest position in Chevron Nigeria Limited, where we already have an Igbo man as a JV Director (Iwueze Cosmas).

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

MSME STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT SERIES...

L-R: Panelists, Founder, Adugan Jollof, Folukemi Olamiposi; Founder/Creative Director, Eponymous Indigenous Fashion Design Company, Amos Tafiri; Founder/CEO, Zapphaire Events Management Company, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe; Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola; Senior Special Adviser to President on Job creation and MSME, Tola Adekunle-Johnson; Representative of Minister of Finance/MD of MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Takang and Host/Senior Special Assistant to President on Entrepreneurship Development in Innovation/digital economy, Jennifer Adighije during MSME Stakeholders Engagement Series (Women-Led Enterprises) in Lagos...recently.

SERAP Sues Govs, Minister, over Failure to Account for Alleged N5.9tn,

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has made good its threat to take legal action against governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, over their alleged failure to account for N5.9 trillion and $4.6 billion loans obtained by their states and the FCT.

It said the suit was also as a result of failure to publish copies of the loan agreements, including details and locations of projects executed with the loans.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/ CS/592/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking an order of court to direct and compel the governors and Wike to account for the monies.

The group asked the court to direct and compel the governors and the minister to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the spending of all the loans.

“It is in the public interest to grant the reliefs sought. Nigerians have the right to see and scrutinise the loan agreements and know the details of how the domestic and external loans obtained by the governors and FCT minister are spent.

“Opacity in the spending of the

Centres

loans obtained by the governors and Wike would continue to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens.

“Many states and the FCT are reportedly spending public funds which may include the loans obtained by them to fund unnecessary travels, buy exotic and bulletproof cars and generally fund the lavish lifestyles of politicians.

“Many states and the FCT are also allegedly mismanaging public funds which may include domestic and external loans obtained from bilateral and multilateral institutions and agencies.”

“Many states and the FCT reportedly owe civil servants’ salaries and pensions. Several states are borrowing to pay salaries. Millions of Nigerians resident in the state and FCT continue to be denied access to basic public goods and services such as quality education and healthcare,” SERAP stated.

It argued that transparency in the spending of the loans obtained by the states and FCT was fundamental to increase accountability, prevent corruption, and build trust in democratic institutions with the ultimate aim of strengthening the rule of law.

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Ms Valentina Adegoke, further said that publishing copies of the loan agreements and spending details would ensure that

of Excellence: FG Vows to Delist Non-performing Centres

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has vowed to delist sponsorship from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Centres of Excellence that do not meet up with stipulated expectations. Mamman announced this while receiving two reports from TETFund’s ad hoc committees on Assessment/ Review of TETFund Centres of Excellence and Operationalisation of Skills Development Special Intervention in Abuja.

So far, the federal government established 27 Centers of Excellence eight years ago with the mandate to churn out top-notch innovations and professionals for the country’s development. However, a good number of were not living up to that billing. According to Mamman, “The government is encouraging our scholars to simply rise to the occasion and deliver on their scholarship what world class scholars do - and we are not going to reward indolence.

We can’t be giving free money to institutions that are not doing what they are supposed to do.”

Similarly, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono, said the fund will not continue to throw money away to centres that were not living up to expectations, adding that some centres have funds with TETFund that they had not accessed since inception

His words: “The funds are with us because we have not released until you reach a milestone. But while they have delayed in reaching those milestones are causes of concern.

“The idea was to incubate, to have one centre, the right equipment, the right tools, the right faculty and experts that would lead our efforts in research, in promoting scholarship at the highest level so that they can also inspire other centres.

“We are going to be pooling from other institutions within the area who want to do further research or who want to carry out any other exploratory study in those particular fields in those areas.”

persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties in the management of public funds.

“State governors and Wike cannot hide under the excuse that the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act is not applicable to their states and the FCT. The legal obligations to publish the information sought are also imposed by the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“According to Nigeria’s Debt Management Office (DMO), the total public domestic debt portfolio for the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is N5.9 trillion. The total public external debt portfolio is $4.6 billion.

“The domestic and external loans obtained by the states and the FCT are vulnerable to corruption and mismanagement. The states and FCT have a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how

$4.6bn

any loans obtained by the states and FCT are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.

“Directing and compelling the states and FCT to publish copies of the loan agreements would allow Nigerians to scrutinise them, and promote transparency and accountability on the spending of public funds including the loans obtained.

“Providing and widely publishing the details of the spending of the domestic and external loans

Loans

obtained by the states and FCT would enable Nigerians to effectively and meaningfully engage in the management of the loans.

“The constitutional principle of democracy also provides a foundation for Nigerians’ right to know the details of loan agreements and how the loans obtained are spent. Citizens’ right to know promotes openness, transparency, and accountability that is in turn crucial for the country’s democratic order,” it added.

NSA, FAAN Move to Curb Graft, Delays for Int’l Passengers at Nation’s Airports

Chinedu Eze

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have concluded plans to eliminate multiple checkpoints where security operatives and passengers interface during the screening of international travellers at Nigeria’s airports.

Security operatives like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have multiple check systems where they interface with passengers and screen their luggage during passenger processing and facilitation.

Other security agencies at the airports are the Nigerian Immigrations Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Police.

These multiple check points are believed to cause delays and create opportunity for extortion; whereby

some passengers who resist extortion are frustrated and made to miss their flights.

The Office of NSA and the management of FAAN said they had decided to eliminate some of the points of interaction during the passenger facilitation process.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, at the weekend disclosed that the agency and the office of the NSA had agreed to carry out short and long-term measures to address the issue.

She said these include the creation of a joint coordination room where all the agencies can view ClosedCircuit Television (CCTV) cameras to ascertain what they are looking for.

Kuku described the development as disturbing but remarked that the issue was the first thing she inquired about upon assumption of office.

She added that she sat down with the National Security Adviser (NSA)

Mr. Nuhu Ribadu to discuss how to streamline the facilitation processes.

While addressing complaints on multiple baggage checks, the FAAN MD said: “On the issues of the checking of baggage, it bothers me so much and that was the first inquiry that I made when I assumed office. As far back as 2011 and 2012 when I was in the industry, I have worked on this with the former Minister.”

She added: “It goes beyond FAAN, a lot of those agencies, Customs, NDLEA, Quarantine, Agriculture, we now have EFCC, we have almost everybody at the airports.

“We had Executive order 001 during the Muhammadu Buhari administration to move them out under the then vice president office, now we have the National Single Window, I have personally sat with the NSA over the last five weeks to have conversations with him as to

how we will streamline the facilitation.

“We have agreed on a few things, the first one is a short-term intervention where we reduce the number of agencies at the airports because we have some that were doing just sort of routine checks, just moving around to observe rather than disturbing passengers.”

The second, she said, is the longer term, a joint coordination room, where there are cameras.

“So we are asking all of those agencies, depending on what it is they are looking for to move to the joint coordination room to look at the cameras and observe and for those that are more concerned with the baggage, they can move down to where we load the bags. That way they have better visibility than disturbing passengers,” she stressed. However, she explained that the opening of passengers’ baggage was for a reason.

Ugo Aliogo

The Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF) administered by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has received a major boost with a new funding of $100 million announced by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, it said Saudi Arabia has a decades-long commitment to steer sustainable development in low- and middleincome countries and close the economic divide that locks countries in a cycle of poverty. It stressed that this undercuts their capacity to respond to the needs of

vulnerable communities, and prevents their equal access to resources.

The statement noted that the fresh replenishment by KSrelief aims to build upon its initial contributions to LLF as a demonstration of its commitment to improving lives in low-income countries.

Earlier, on April 29, 2024, four global development partners, including the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the IsDB, and KSrelief, jointly announced an additional $219 million in donor support for total 37 projects in 22 IsDB member countries through the Lives and Livelihoods LLF 2.0.

The announcement was made during the charter signing ceremony

at the IsDB Annual General Meetings (AGM) 2024 in Riyadh.

“The newly announced funding will further expand our joint efforts under LLF 2.0 to lift the poorest out of poverty across 33 IsDB member countries.

“The innovative LLF financing model provides concessional financing to countries for strengthening primary healthcare systems, improving the livelihoods and productivity of smallholder farmers, and building the blocks of social infrastructure for the most vulnerable.

“With the support of KSrelief and our partners, LLF’s overall investment portfolio stands at $1.5 billion, channelled into critical

socioeconomic and human capital development projects in member countries.

“The LLF is a $ 2.5 billion development initiative launched in 2016 and funded by an unprecedented global coalition including the ADFD, BMGF, the IsDB, the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), KSrelief, and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD),” it stated.

As the largest development initiative in the Middle East, it noted that the goal is to lift the poorest out of poverty across 33 IsDB member countries by addressing nine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through projects in health, agriculture, and basic infrastructure.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

ABIODUN AJALA

Ita-Olowajoda-Ijasi,

Report: Over $2.6bn Illict Funds Funneled into US Real Estate from Other Countries

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

A new report by Global Financial Integrity (GFI) in conjunction with the FACT Coalition and the AntiCorruption Data Collective has identified 25 cases in which illicit or suspicious funds were funneled into commercial property in the United States over the past 20 years, from different countries of the world.

GFI is a Washington DC-based think-tank with focus on illicit financial flows, corruption, illicit trade and money laundering.

With a total value of property exceeding $2.6 billion, the report cited California, Florida and New York as some of the most favoured locations for these illegal investments, adding that criminals stashed money across some 20 different states out of the 50 states in the country.

According to the report titled, "Money Laundering Risks in Commercial Real Estate: An Analysis of 25 Case Studies," the money originated from around the globe and includes suspicious funds from 14 countries, including

Iran, North Korea, Kazakhstan, Russia and Mexico.

As varied as the sources of funds were, so too were the types of properties involved, ranging from hotels, shopping malls, supermarkets, a music studio and an equestrian facility in addition to more pedestrian office high-rises.

Although the report did not specifically list Nigeria among the countries accounting for the over $2.6 billion invested in US property sector, the North American country has been a major destination for illicit funds by politically exposed Nigerians.

Since the return of civil rule in 1999, the country has continued to repatriate funds stolen by the late dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha and politicians in the previous administrations.

Only a few days ago, the federal government called on the US to return more Nigerian funds looted by public officials and stashed in banks in the country.

The minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made the appeal

in his remarks at the opening of the 6th session of the Nigeria-US Bi-National Commission in Abuja.

In the new report, GFI noted that its research represented only known cases involving U.S commercial real estate, adding that the actual number is likely much higher.

"Our data definitively shows, however, that commercial property in the U.S. offers criminal syndicates, cartels, kleptocrats and fraudsters an easy path to hide and launder their ill-gotten gains.

"Russian oligarchs facing international sanctions have also invested in U.S. commercial real estate. Shockingly, eight of the 25 cases involve foreign government officials or their relatives, yet the links to these Politically Exposed Persons were only uncovered long after the purchases.

"In recent years it has become increasingly clear that the combination of complex financing schemes and a lack of transparency mean commercial real estate provides a unique opportunity for laundering huge amounts of cash with a relatively

low risk of detection.

"Identifying who is behind the purchase of commercial property often presents a significant challenge given large financial flows from real estate investment trusts and private investment groups, in addition to funds from shell companies formed and operated by registered agents, proxies and/or attorneys.

Key findings of the report are that more than $2.6 billion in suspicious funds were invested in commercial real estate in 22 U.S states over approximately the last 20 years. The actual figure is likely much higher.

Funds used to buy commercial real estate in the United States originated in 14 different countries including Russia ( four cases), Mexico (four cases), China, Malaysia, Iran and Kazakhstan.

Of the 25 cases reviewed for the study, 14 involved either politically exposed persons or oligarchs who typically have especially close relationships with foreign government officials.

The types of properties appearing in cases fall into four

Zenith Bank Shows Continued Market Leadership with 189% Growth in Q1 Earnings

Nume Ekeghe

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the first quarter ended 31st March 2024, with an impressive tripledigit growth of 189% in Gross Earnings, from N270 billion reported in Q1 2023 to N781 billion in Q1 2024. This is despite the challenging operating environment and tightening monetary policy stance. From the unaudited statement of account submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Friday, 3rd May 2024, this impressive growth in the topline also enhanced the bottom line, as profit before tax (PBT) rose to N320 billion in Q1 2024, representing an increase of 270% from the N87 billion reported in Q1 2023. Profit after tax (PAT) equally grew significantly by 291% from the N66 billion reported in Q1 2023 to N258 billion in the current period.

Interest and non-interest income contributed significantly to the growth in gross earnings. Interest income grew by 155% from the N192 billion reported in the quarter ended March 2023 to N489 billion in the period to 31 March 2024. The growth in interest income is due to the repricing of risk assets, owing to the increase in the central bank’s Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), which currently stands at 24.75%. The growth in net interest income is primarily due to the increase in fees and commissions as well as trading grains.

The Group reported an impairment charge of N56 billion for Q1 2024, up from N8 billion recorded in Q1 2023. This is attributable to significant growth in risk assets, primarily driven by the revaluation of its USD loans, which necessitated additional impairment on the bank’s foreign currency-denominated loans. The cost of funds grew by 48%

from 2.7% in Q1 2023 to 4% in Q1 2024 due to the high-interest rate environment, while interest expense increased by 157% from N71 billion reported in Q1 2023 to N182 billion in the period to March 2024. Notwithstanding the year-on-year (YoY) increase in interest expense, net interest margin (NIM) grew by 20% from 6.9% in the 3 months ended March 2023 to 8.3% in the current period ending 31 March 2024. Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) increased year-on-year (YoY) by 114% and 119%, respectively, due to improved profitability.

Gross loans, which are largely funded by customer deposits, grew by 30% from N7.1 trillion in December 2023 to N9.2 trillion in March 2024. Customer deposits also grew by 11% from N15.2 trillion in December 2023 to N16.8 trillion in March 2024, underpinning

continued customer confidence in the Zenith brand. Total assets increased by 19% to N24 trillion within the same period.

The Group has consistently maintained all prudential ratios well above the minimum regulatory requirement. At the end of Q1 2024, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Liquidity Ratio stood at 20% and 67%, respectively, demonstrating the Group’s ability to maintain a strong and liquid balance sheet.

The Group is making progress on the planned capital raise to support future growth and is very optimistic about meeting the new minimum capital requirements in line with the CBN’s recapitalisation directive. As the Group accelerates migration to its new technology architecture and also transitions into a holding company, it remains poised to maximise value for all stakeholders.

broad categories: land/buildings, business facilities ( music studios, health facilities), retail spaces ( supermarkets, hotels) and industrial sites ( steel plants).

Weak or non-existent reporting requirements by professions involved in the purchase of commercial real estate contributed to the ease with which illicit funds were laundered, the report said

Part of the report's recommendations is that The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) should adopt a reporting obligation for multiple real estate professionals in a cascading order to ensure the requirement falls on at least one U.S.-based entity involved in the transaction, from both the buyer and the seller.

FinCEN is a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury that collects and analyses information about financial transactions in order to combat domestic and international money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.

"As attorneys are legally required to be part of the closing process in almost 20 states, attorneys should be included

with specific reference to the function they perform in the transaction.

"The rule should cover transfers of ownership that do not constitute a sale. Current rules only refer to purchases of real property by a legal entity.

"However, numerous cases of real estate money laundering simply involve the transfer of ownership or creation of equitable interest in the property without an actual sale. FinCEN should expand the types of transactions covered to include direct/ indirect transfers of ownership or creation of equitable interest in the property.

"The rule should cover transactions by trusts: An increasing proportion of housing is now owned by legal entities and arrangements, including trusts. In Los Angeles, for example, 23% of rental units are owned by trusts.

"Both foreign and some domestic trusts are excluded from the purview of the Corporate Transparency Act. We recommend that transactions by all different classes of legal entities and legal arrangements be included in any prospective rule," the GFI report further recommended.

NECO Unveils Digitalisation Recruitment of Exam Supervisors

Kuni Tyessi in Abua

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the digitalisation of recruitment process for examination supervisors and assistant supervisors for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal and External.

The digitalisation is to check sharp practices in the recruitment process and to enhance efficiency and effective service delivery.

In a statement by Acting Director, Information and Digital Communication, Azeez Sani, and made available to newsmen on Sunday, the digitalisation process which involves migration from the manual recruitment of supervisors and assistant supervisors to online system, would ensure that supervisors nomination forms, appointment letters and

supervisors e-photo albums are generated on-line.

It said:

"The National Examinations Council (NECO) has digitalized the recruitment process for examination supervisors and assistant supervisors for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal and External.

"Routine swapping of supervisors and assistant supervisors during the examination would be done online.

"Interested qualified teachers with NCE, degree certificate, Masters degrees, PhDs and professors are eligible to apply as supervisors and assistant supervisors for BECE or SSCE Internal or External." It would be recalled that before the digitalisation system, recruitment of supervisors and assistant supervisors was done manually by the Council.

L-R: Olori Kemi Adetona; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr) Sikiru Adetona at the 90th birthday and 64th coronation anniversary thanksgiving of the Awujale at the Cathedral Church of Our Saviour,

Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Sunday.

WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY...

L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye Salako and the Head UNESCO Office Abuja, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, at the year’s World Press Freedom Day organized by the Federal Ministry of Information in collaboration with UNESCO in Abuja on Friday

Gaza: 155,000 Pregnant Women Struggling to Survive, Says Palestine Envoy, Shawesh

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Ambassador of Palestine to Nigeria, Abdullah Shawesh has drawn global attention to emerging humanitarian crisis

in war torn Gaza, stating that around 155,000 pregnant women and new mothers are struggling to survive.

Addressing a press conference at the weekend on the situation

NDLEA Smashes Int’l Drug Syndicate, Arrests Five

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have smashed an international drug syndicate with networks in parts of Nigeria, South Africa and Thailand.

According to a statement yesterday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, no fewer than five members of the cartel were arrested in a two-weeks intelligence led operations in Lagos, Abia and Anambra states following the seizure of their illicit drug consignments at the NAHCO import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

He said the unravelling of the drug cartel started on Sunday April 20, when their cargo of four big suitcases arrived the NAHCO shed on an Air Peace airline flight from Johannesburg, South Africa.

He added that after days of close monitoring and investigation, the first suspect, Umeh Chisom was arrested on Wednesday April 24, after he showed up to pick two of the suitcases containing Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis owned by a Thailand based member of the syndicate, Obum Michael. Babafemi disclosed that the consignment of four parcels was concealed in false bottoms of the two suitcases, while the four suitcases contained a total of 17.6 kilogrammes Loud and drug candies.

He also said another member of the syndicate, Mrs. Chiwendu Ugbe whose South Africa based husband, Aloytus Ugbe sent some of the consignments, was traced to Anambra state where NDLEA officers arrested her on Saturday April 27, while attempting to collect the drug parcels sent to her by her husband.

He said two other suspects: Onyejakor Chimezie and Naaji Chukwukere, with links to the cartel were also arrested in parts of Lagos on Last Monday, with their arrest leading to another operation in Abia state where Mrs. Chinazo Osigwe was arrested when she was to pick

up some of the parcels containing Loud and drug candies sent by her husband, Chidiebere Osigwe, who is equally operating from South Africa.

In other clampdowns, NDLEA operatives on stop and search operation along Abuja-Abaji highway on Wednesday May 1, intercepted a 40-feet gas tanker marked RBC 77XG and upon a thorough search discovered 511 jumbo sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 4,752 kilogrammes concealed in the gas tank compartment of the truck.

Babafemi said the consignment was loaded into the tanker in Ondo state and meant to be delivered in Abuja for further distribution. He disclosed that four suspects: Efe Abel, 39; Ebigide Cyril, 29; Ejechi Monday, 41; and Friday Chukwudi, 39, were arrested in connection with the seizure.

The spokesman said while two suspects: Aminu Umar, 25, and Anas Umar, 22, were arrested with 207.1 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa in their house at Unguwan Rimi, Basawa, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna state last Monday, Bashir Umar, 35, was nabbed at Ladanai, Hotoro area of Kano last Friday with 194 bottles of codeine syrup.

“In Osun state, NDLEA operatives last Wednesday arrested an ex-convict, 51-year-old Suleiman Usman, who is currently facing trial for another drug offence at the Federal High Court Osogbo.

“At the time of his latest arrest at Okinni town, Suleiman was found in possession of 4.4 grammes of Cocaine, 28.5 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, 20 tabs of rophynol weighing 6.2 grammes and 812 pills of tramadol.

“The following day, last Thursday, NDLEA operatives at Agbara checkpoint, Seme border, Badagry, Lagos State intercepted a Toyota Camry car marked KJA 825 FT conveying 113 jumbo parcels of cannabis with a total weight of 64 kilogrammes. The driver, Charles Amoni, 45, was promptly arrested.

in Gaza, Shawesh lamented that mass graves continued to be discovered in Gaza Strip, with the war currently leaving an estimated 37 million tons of debris and unexploded ordnance.

He said: “They are suffering from hunger and the diseases that stalk it, amid life-threatening shortages of food, water and medical care …Only three maternity hospitals remain in the Gaza Strip, and they are overwhelmed with patients. Doctors and midwives … are struggling to provide adequate care to new-borns.”

He decried that as it stands,

the war is projected could take 14 years to clear the unexploded ordnance and rubble.

Shawesh said: “As of May 1, the number of Palestinian martyrs has reached 34,535, with 77,704 wounded, in addition to thousands of others who are still missing under the rubble or subjected to enforced disappearance in Israeli occupation detention centres.”

He alleged that Palestinian detainees are subjected to harsh measures, receiving minimal sustenance such as a single slice of bread and a small amount of food to merely

sustain their lives and prevent death, resulting in substantial weight loss and serious health consequences.

“Around 155,000 pregnant women and new mothers are struggling to survive. They are suffering from hunger and the diseases that stalk it, amid lifethreatening shortages of food, water and medical care …. Only three maternity hospitals remain in the Gaza Strip, and they are overwhelmed with patients,” he stated.

He quoted the Palestinian Minister of Transport, Tariq Zourub, as declaring that the losses of the transportation

sector in the Gaza Strip exceeded $3 billion, with the ‘occupation’ destroying about 945 km of roads and 55,000 vehicles, which is equivalent to 65 per cent of the road network and 60 per cent of the vehicles licensed in the strip.

“Day after day, Israeli crimes in Gaza are revealed, and every day we witness a new chapter of genocidal crimes.

“Recently, many mass graves were discovered in the Al-Shifa Medical Complex and the Nasser Medical Complex in the Gaza Strip, which contain hundreds of dead bodies,” he added.

Expand Scope of Tech Education to Ignite Industrialisation, Provost Appeals to FG

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Provost of Kogi State College of Education, Technical, Mopa, Dr. Jagboro Olushola, has appealed to the federal government to expand the scope of the vocational and technical education in the tertiary institutions to ignite nation's industrialization.

She also stressed the importance of the Technical and Vocational education cannot be over emphasized as a veritable measure to engage the teaming youths.

Dr. Jagboro made this known while speaking on the sideline of the Nigeria Education Merit

Award, NEMA, presentation in the premises of the institution at Kabba during weekend.

She explained that the main purpose of Technical Education is to provide gainful job opportunities for the youths who are preparing to enter occupations in agriculture, business, home-making, industrial and technical areas.

She therefore urged the governments to fund technical education and tasked the National College of Education Commission, NCEC, to liaise with relevant agencies to ensure Colleges of Education, Technical, are granted autonomy to award degrees to their

students in distance future.

She pointed out that the journey towards the accomplishment was not easy throughout in the past eight years in office adding it was with the support and cooperation of her management team, which provided unconditional support to her.

Her words: "I am thankful to the management team who showed so much of trust and faith in me, which was the constant energy boost for me. Above all, I would like to seize this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello

who gave me the opportunity to serve as the provost of the institution."

The provost also commended Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State for his landmark achievements within his few months in office and promised to be very supportive and continue to demonstrate loyalty and commitment to his administration. Earlier, the National Coordinator, Nigeria Education Merit Award, NEMA, Ayodele Temidayo Asiwaju, pointed out that Dr. Jagboro Victoria Olushola was adjudged as the 2024 Best Provost in the North-Central region.

ICAN Honours Olowo with ‘Top Chartered Accountant Under 40’ Award

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has honoured the Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Dr. Rabiu Olowo, with its 2024 ‘Top Chartered Accountant Under 40" award.

The award was in recognisation of Olowo’s rising profile as a professional chartered accountant. The award was conferred on him at the weekend, by the 59th President of ICAN, Dr. Innocent Iweka Okwuosa, during the ICAN

2024 Award/Annual Dinner Night, which was held at the Monarch Event, Lekki, Lagos State. Okwuosa said: “On behalf of the council and members of ICAN, we present this merit award to you under the “Young Accountants Category,” which we have introduced for the first time in this award.”

Speaking on the honour bestowed on him by the ICAN, Olowo said the recognition was a personal challenge to him to continue to be a role model for current and future generations of accountants.

He said: “It is a great honour and I am deeply grateful. It is very humbling to be recognised in this way. It will only serve as motivation for me to continue to be a role model for current and future generations of accuontants.

“I am very happy that ICAN has recognised my work all through the years, be it when I was in the private sector and now that I am in the public sector. It is a great honour. I am deeply humbled.”

Olowo said the award would strengthen his resolve to deepen a new regime of transparency and integrity in the financial reporting

in the country.

He said: “For me it is just a start for a new regime of transparency and accountability when it comes to financial reporting in Nigeria.

“Like I said this award is a motivation for me to continue to act as a role model, especially for the future generation of accountants.

“What I will like to say is that through transparency, integrity that accountants are known for, we need to distinguish ourselves and when we do this we will not only grow in our career but receive this kind of recognition.”

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611

Discordant Tunes over Oyo Local Govt Poll

Kemi Olaitan reports that the local government election held recently in the Pace Setter State and won by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party has continued to generate reactions from opposition All Progressives Congress and Social Democratic Party.

Penultimate Saturday, the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), under the chairmanship of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Isiaka Olagunju, conducted local government election across the 33 local government areas of the state and has subsequently declared the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winners of all chairmanship and councillorship seats.

However, both the conduct of the election and the outcome have been generating reactions especially from residents and members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), considering the fact that all the three senatorial seats and majority of the House of Representatives seats in the state are occupied by the party.

But for members of the ruling PDP it was a welcome development.

Governor Seyi Makinde who lauded residents of the state for turning out to vote, rated the conduct of the election high as it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He 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 5th year in office and we are holding local government election 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.

“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people. So, I will commend our people for coming out to take seriously democracy at that level.”

The governor while noting that the security report about the election had been excellent, urged those who observed any untoward development to report same to the security agencies.

Similarly, the state government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyewale, said the victory of all PDP candidates in the elections was predictable, stating that the outstanding performance of Makinde in the last five years was the major reason why the election turned out to be onesided.

He also attributed the election result to the

quality of the candidates which the ruling party presented, saying, “this is a glowing tribute to the governor and his government as this is the last election under his watch till 2027 when he and the just elected council Chairmen and councillors will end their tenures.”

Oyelade who observed that the opposition party started rehearsing their complaints barely 30 minutes to the commencement of the elections, charged them to behave like sportsmen and stop mixing fantasy with democracy.

He then saluted the commitments of the security team, the OYSIEC Chairman and his team for daring to make a difference after the challenges of the past two local government elections in the state.

The state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, has however described the council election as a sham capable of causing the pacesetter state untold disrepute if allowed to stand, calling on OYSIEC to reschedule it for another day when it is ready to conduct a free, fair and credible poll.

Sadare said reports from across the state indicated that cases of nonavailability 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.

According to him, “Another opportunity to deepen democracy and return power to the people at the grassroots has had to be missed due to the insensitivity and insincerity on the part of the ruling class in the state.

“With what is happening at the moment in most polling units across the state, Governor Seyi Makinde has again disappointed the whole world. He promised the people that their votes would count today but the opposite is the case. The good people of the state desired to participate in an election to elect a new set of council officials but what they are experiencing is nothing but a sham.

“Even if OYSIEC comes out later to declare all the candidates of the APC, we would not rate this election as credible and acceptable as it falls below the minimum global standard of election conduct. The best thing is for the Commission to suspend the exercise and choose another date for a proper conduct rather continue to connive with a few anti-democratic elements in the ruling PDP to perpetrate electoral fraud and desecration of democracy in the land.

“For the avoidance of doubt, OYSIEC started with back and forth position on the need to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the conduct of the poll. Few days

However, both the conduct of the election and the outcome have been generating reactions especially from residents and members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), considering the fact that all the three senatorial seats and majority of the House of Representatives seats in the state are occupied by the party. But for members of the ruling PDP it was a welcome development. Governor Seyi Makinde who lauded residents of the state for turning out to vote, rated the conduct of the election high as it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

ago, the Commission recruited PDP members as its adhoc staff and this same set of people were saddled with the responsibilities of conducting today’s poll and they have been carrying out the script given to them by the powers-that-be in the state. What could be the rationale behind taking 500 pieces of ballot papers to a polling unit where about 1,500 registered as eligible voters?

“OYSIEC failed to mobile officials to attend to prospective voters in key polling units while it also released inadequate voting materials to virtually all the polling units. In most Polling Units, officials of the Commission did not arrive untill Noon when most voters had left for their respective homes in frustration. This aptly validated the suspicion that the PDP had handed a script to the Commission to implement in their favour.

“In the 10 local government councils of OkeOgun, the official result sheets known as Form EC8A were withheld by OYSIEC’s Electoral Officers while political thugs were unleashed on some members of the opposition who asked questions in places like Kajola, Olorunsogo, Itesiwaju, Ibarapa East, Lagelu, Ido, Oyo East, Atiba, Oluyole, among others. The chairman of our party in Ibarapa East, Mr. Segun Ojediran, was violently attacked by the PDP thugs in Eruwa and he is now receiving treatment in a private hospital.

“OYSIEC has failed to accommodate more than 80 per cent of the eligible voters in the state today and there is no way the meagre 20 per cent of people who were lucky to cast their votes in a lawful manner can decide the fate of the vast majority. Obviously, the Commission allowed a few people to cast their votes at the polling units while the balance of majority rights to vote was secretly handed down to the PDP. Any electoral victory given behind close door is illegitimate, tainted and unacceptable. Therefore, we call for the total cancellation of the whole exercise as it was done today.”

Also speaking, Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral Matters and member of the APC, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, said OYSIEC did not prepare for the local government election in the state, stating that there were lots of abnormalities that characterised the election.

Makinde

Akintola

Alli

Extending Lifeline for Lagosians through Eko Cares

To lessen the impact of the economic situation on Lagosians, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu recently flagged off of Eko Cares. Precious Ugwuzor writes that this intervention in transportation, education, health and agriculture, was a lifeline for the beneficiaries, particularly this phase of the initiative, which is set to benefit about 500,000 households

In line with the continuous measures it keeps undertaking to better the life of its citizens, the Lagos State government recently flagged off Eko Cares. This particular intervention was tailored to cushion the burden of economic hardship on Lagosians, to benefit more than 500,000 households.

The interventions, which were in transportation, education, health and agriculture, was to cushion the rise in cost of living caused by the fuel subsidy removal.

Hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, the event had in attendance, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Femi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Head of Service, Bode Agoro; members of State Executive Council, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Party Chieftains, religious bodies, traditional rulers, Community Development Associations.

To carry out these initiatives, the nonpartisan Special Dispensation Advisory Council of eminent Nigerians, including rights activists, religious leaders, a youth representative, and opposition party chieftains, chaired by the governor with his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as alternate Chairman, has ensured the lifeline reaches the intended.

Earlier Interventions

During the earlier intervention in transportation last February, Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu announced a 50 per cent discount in fares on all government transport platforms, and a further review led to a 25 per cent slash.

In terms of food intervention, for six weeks, the state government instituted a food market at Ounje Sunday Food Market.

The civil servants were not left out as levels one to 14 were asked to work thrice a week and a N35,000 wage award was also given to all civil servants.

Meanwhile, 15,000 women picked from all the 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas were given N50,000 each to support their businesses.

More importantly, the governor announced free delivery for expectant women in all government hospitals, among other initiatives, a much needed relief for mothers, especially for those in underserved communities.

Distribution of Palliatives to 500,000 Households

Having weighed the successes achieved by the earlier intervention, the state government set out to distribute food items to 500,000 households in the state through unions and local government, under the umbrella of Eko Cares.

Some of the foodstuffs distributed to vulnerable people include 10kg rice, 5kg garri, 5kg beans, and tomatoes, among others, to over 500,000 households.

At the flag off in Alausa, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the goal was help and assist citizens to access food at a cheaper rate; give succour to citizens in health, education, food security and all areas where they have social interactions with the citizens.

He said when he made that promise earlier, it sounded as if it was just a promise that they were making and would not be able to keep. Months down the line, those promise were not only kick-started, but also thriving.

For the distribution of food palliatives to 500,000 households, the governor said: " In the last six weeks, we have gone ahead to package foodstuffs, which will be distributed through the local governments, community development associations, religious bodies and all various stakeholders that we have and we will ensure it gets to the vulnerable in our society, that is what we have demonstrated here today.”

On the ‘Ounje Eko’ initiative of the government where food items are sold at discounted prices, he said, “We created 59 makeshift

markets outside of the regular markets out of our 57 local government and local council development areas and made it Sunday-Sunday market. We did promise you that we would be selling food at a minimum of 25 per cent discount and that, we have kept faith with on a Sunday by Sunday basis.

Warning against any attempt to hoard these food palliatives, the governor stressed that it was meant for vulnerable people who truly need them.

Meanwhile, the governor, who said civil servant workers have been enjoying an additional N35,000 wage allowance since January, disclosed that

the state government would soon roll out a new minimum wage scheme, adding that those who are currently earning a minimum wage of N35,000 or more now take home a salary of N70,000 or above since the beginning of the year.

“It is important for people to know that this government has doubled up to ensure that at this difficult time, it has not left the citizens on their own," he expressed.

What Eko Cares Entails

Earlier on, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, had expatiated on what Eko Cares was all about. Describing it as yet another milestone in the life of Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the commissioner said: “This day marks the official

This gathering is a continuation of the government’s bold efforts to lighten the burden on residents, especially the most vulnerable among us—the poorest of the poor—those who do not know where the next meal will come from. "Eko Cares,” which is being unveiled today, is an aggregate of all the measures designed to ease the pain of our vulnerable citizens, who have no one else to turn to for succour

unveiling of EKO CARES, a comprehensive response of the Lagos State government to the temporary hardship occasioned by the global economic crises.

“Since his assumption of office in May 2019, Governor Sanwo-Olu has always demonstrated a penchant for keeping his word. He has distinguished himself as a leader whose word is his bond. It is, thus, not surprising that “Mr. Talk and Do” is fulfilling the promise that he made during the media chat on February 22—to unveil a comprehensive package of socio-economic interventions to reduce the current hardship in the land.

“This gathering is a continuation of the government’s bold efforts to lighten the burden on residents, especially the most vulnerable among us—the poorest of the poor—those who do not know where the next meal will come from.

“Eko Cares,” which is being unveiled today, is an aggregate of all the measures designed to ease the pain of our vulnerable citizens, who have no one else to turn to for succour.

“Ounje Eko”, an integral part of “Eko Cares”, has already kicked off across the State. For the sixth Sunday running, residents have continued to troop out to buy various items at the Sunday Markets, where they enjoy an unprecedented 25 per cent discount on all food items. Basic foods such as rice, beans, garri, eggs, bread, pepper, and tomatoes, among others, were sold at the markets by designated vendors.

“The feedback received from the programme has been inspiring, with excited residents praising the government for its empathy and thoughtfulness.

“Besides the “Ounje Eko” initiative, food items, which include 10kg rice, 5kg garri, 5kg beans, and tomatoes, among others, all in combo packs, will be distributed to over 500,000 households.

“EKO CARES is being supervised by the Special Dispensation Advisory Committee on Social Interventions (SPEDAC), an elevenman, non-partisan body set up to advise the government on the various initiatives lined up to help the poor weather the storm.

“This administration has touched the lives of every resident who requires public transportation, seeks medical care, works in the public service, and feeds from the agricultural food items sold in Lagos State.

“Thank you Mr. Governor for making this happen; thank you for the discounts given in the transportation and agriculture sectors to make life bearable for Lagosians in the face of economic hardship; thank you for the free medical benefits to our families and thank you for staying the course of empathy.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat flanked by dignitaries

Flag off of Eko Cares

BUSINESS WORLD

Raheem Akingbolu

The cost of living crisis in Nigeria has reached alarming level as prices of goods and services continues to rise, making it impossible for ordinary Nigerians to feed.

Two years after the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that led to major supply shocks, monetary and fiscal stimulus have propelled the world into multi-decade high inflation.

Recent discoveries have shown that the poorest are suffering the most painful consequences, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

In Nigeria and some other African countries, the situation appears worse as currencies have depreciated by as much as 10 per cent on average against the US dollar.

This has made imports more expensive and aggravated the already high debt burden – 60 per cent of which is external.

In recent years, food prices have been on the rise across Nigeria. The situation deteriorated due to the impact of government policies such as the removal of subsidies on petrol, among others.

In a recent report, SBM Intelligence, a market research firm, said the continuous surge in the price of goods and services in Nigeria has remained the highest in more than a decade.

By implication, this has delivered a devastating blow to the consumers across board.

As things stand, this development appears to have wiped out the meager incomes of the average

household in the country, thereby eroding their purchasing power.

Numbers released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), two months ago, showed that inflationary pressure in Nigeria has continued on the rise. The NBS data showed that headline inflation increased to 31.70% relative to the January 2024 headline inflation, which was 29.90%.

This implies that in February 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level was more than the rate of increase in the average price level in January 2024.

The February 2024 inflation rate showed an increase of 1.80 per cent when compared to the January 2024 headline inflation rate.

SBM REPORT

In a report, that captured 64

goods and services, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Coca-Cola, and Guinness Stout are among the essential commodities whose prices keep increasing as inflation bites harder in Nigeria.

According to a price index analysis for Q1 2024, by SBM, PMS, Guinness, and Coca-Cola increased at the percentage of 160.0 per cent, 114.0 per cent, and 100.0 per cent respectively.

A breakdown showed that PMS moved to N681 in Q1 2024 from N650 in Q4 2023 as against N617 and N345 in Q3 and Q2 of 2023. Guinness Stout drink had its price jacked up to N1500 from N1000 and N900 in Q4 and Q3 of 2023 respectively. Coca-Cola, a fast-moving consumer good, had a 100 per cent price increase to N400 in Q1 2024

from N300 and N250 in Q4 and Q3 of 2023 respectively.

The list comprising 63 companies that cut across various sectors of the economy ranked Dudu Osun and Indomie as number one and ten.

Dudu Osun had its price hiked to N1400 in Q1 2024 from N1000 and 800 in Q4 and Q3 of 2023.

NBS INFLATION REPORT

In its inflation report recently, the NBS said the contributions of items on the divisional year-on-year level to the increase in the headline index are food & non-alcoholic beverages (17.20%), housing, water, electricity, gas & other fuel (5.56%), clothing & footwear (2.54%), and transport (2.16%),

Others are furnishings & household equipment & maintenance

(1.67%), education (1.31%), health (1.00%), miscellaneous goods & services (0.55%), restaurant & hotels (0.40%), alcoholic beverage, tobacco & kola (0.36%), recreation & culture (0.23%) and communication (0.23%).

The percentage change in the average CPI for the twelve months ending March 2024 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelvemonth period was 27.13 per cent, showing a 6.76 per cent increase compared to 20.37 per cent recorded in March 2023. The food inflation rate in March 2024 was 40.01 per cent on a yearon-year basis, 15.56 per cent points higher than the rate recorded in March 2023 (24.45%).

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Latest data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has revealed that the amount of currency held outside banks surged to N3.63 trillion in March 2023, representing a significant portion of the total currency in circulation (CIC), which stood at N3.87 trillion. This surge reflects a notable 150.98 per cent increase year-on-year (YoY) compared to the N1.44 trillion

recorded in March 2022. The trend indicates a consistent rise in currency outside banks since the reversal of currency redesign. In February 2024, currency outside banks reached N3.41 trillion, comprising 92 per cent of the total CIC, which amounted to N3.69 trillion. This is an increase from January 2024 when currency outside banks represented 89 per cent of the CIC, totaling N3.28 trillion from a total CIC of N3.65 trillion.

Comparing year-on-year figures between February 2023 and February 2024 reveals a remarkable 304 per cent surge in currency outside banks, leaping from N843 billion in 2023 to N3.41 trillion in 2024.

Similarly, the CIC showed a significant 276 per cent increase over the same period, climbing from N982 billion in February 2023 to N3.69 trillion in January 2024.

A comprehensive analysis of the trends in 2023 reveals fluctuations

in both Currency in Circulation and currency held outside banks. In January 2023, CIC was reported at N1.32 trillion, decreasing to N982 billion in February.

However, it rebounded to N1.68 trillion by March, followed by further increases to N2.38 trillion in April and N2.53 trillion in May.

June saw a slight uptick to N2.6 trillion, with a marginal decline to N2.59 trillion in July.

August witnessed growth to

N2.66 trillion, followed by rises to N2.76 trillion in September and N3.01 trillion in October, reaching a peak of N3.35 trillion in November, while December ended with N3.65 trillion.

Similarly, the breakdown of currency held outside banks during this period began at N792 billion in January, rising slightly to N843 billion in February. March saw a policy reversal, resulting in an increase to N1.45 trillion.

Subsequent months showed continuous growth, reaching N2.07 trillion in April, N2.18 trillion in May, N2.26 trillion in June, and N2.21 trillion in July. August remained stable at N2.22 trillion, followed by increases to N2.42 trillion in September, N2.7 trillion in October, and a sustained upward trend to N3.08 trillion in November 2023. While the year-end in December recorded N3.43 trillion

Nume Ekeghe

Air Peace: We Maintain Positive Relationship with Gatwick Airport

Chinedu Eze

Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace has stated that it has never accused Gatwick Airport of ‘dirty tricks’ on its winter slot allocation for 2024, insisting that it maintains positive and cooperative relationship with Gatwick Airport authorities.

The airline made this known in a statement over the weakened, saying that its Chairman and CEO, Dr Allen Onyema, did not use such expression against the airport.

“It has come to our attention that certain online publications have misrepresented comments attributed to our Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, regarding the slot allocation process at Gatwick Airport for the upcoming Winter season. To set the record straight, Dr. Onyema did not make any allegations of ‘dirty tricks’ during his recent address at the 48th National Association Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) Annual General Meeting. When questioned about the absence of November and December flight schedules for the London route, he simply

Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company has announced the successful conclusion of its 65th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently in Lagos.

The AGM served as a platform to showcase Lafarge Africa’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to delivering value to shareholders amidst challenging economic conditions.

During the AGM, Lafarge Africa reported robust financial performance, despite the prevailing economic headwinds.

The company announced a dividend of N1.90k per share,

Kayode Tokede

UAC of Nigeria Plc, has announced a noteworthy revenue of N40.1 billion in first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2024, a significant increase of 65 per cent from N24.62 billion reported in first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2023.

The company, with subsidiary and associate companies operating in the Animal Feeds and Other Edibles, Paints, Packaged Food and Beverages, Quick Service Restaurants, Real Estate, and Logistics sectors in 2023 full financial year reported N120.53 billion, a growth of 10.3 per cent

explained that Air Peace is awaiting slot allocation from Gatwick Airport for the Winter period.

“At no point during the NANTA (National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies) event did Dr. Onyema accuse Gatwick Airport of engaging in any unethical practices. We maintain a positive and cooperative relationship with Gatwick Airport authorities, and any insinuation of discord is unfounded,” the airline said.

In another development, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Gaston Alfonso Browne, has commended Air Peace for the airline’s trail-blazing strides, especially the recent commencement of direct flights to London. This is as the Prime Minister has also wooed Nigeria’s business community to invest in his two-island Caribbean nation.

Browne made the statement at a high-level business forum held in Lagos at the weekend.

The forum had in attendance captains of industry, the Management of Air Peace, former NFF President,

reaffirming its commitment to rewarding shareholders for their continued support and confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.

Addressing shareholders during the meeting, the Chairman, Lafarge Africa, Prince Adebode Adefioye stated: “The year 2023 posed unparalleled challenges for Lafarge Africa, with soaring inflation rates and a volatile currency landscape further compounded by the aftermath of election activities and a currency reform attempt. Despite these formidable headwinds, I am pleased to highlight the resilience demonstrated by our operations throughout the year.”

On the proposed dividend, Adefioye noted that it is reflective

from N109.27billion reported in 2022 financial year.

The company’s performance signals sustained growth from the 2023 fiscal year

The company declared gross profit of N9.1 billion Q1 2024, showcasing an exceptional 177.37 surge from N3.28 billion reported in Q1 2023 as gross margin expands to 22.4per cent

The key drivers of this performance are its Animal Feeds and Other Edibles, Paints, and Packaged Food & Beverages segments. These three business units grew 30 per cent, 114 per cent, and 125 per cent respectively. billion in the quarter, marking a 230per cent increase over its Q1 2023 performance.

Commenting on the company’s Q1 2024 performance, the Group Managing Director of UAC of Nigeria, Folasope Aiyesimoju in a statement stated, “The results we

Amaju Pinnick, ex Nigerian footballer, Segun Odegbami, aviators and representatives of the Lagos State Government.

The Prime Minister, who lauded the Chairman of Air Peace, for his game-changing business moves, congratulated the airline for the recent London service and stated that his country looks forward to when Air Peace will begin scheduled direct flights into Antigua and Barbuda as this will drive socio-economic development and strengthen bilateral relations between both nations.

Onyema, in his opening remarks, called on the governments of Nigeria and Antigua and Barbuda to explore development opportunities for mutual benefits. He urged his fellow investors to consider investing in Antigua and Barbuda as he did with the LIAT 2020 Airline and has not regretted it.

“We are going long-haul with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, and in the coming weeks or months, the LIAT birds will hit the Caribbean skies. I have invested there. I cannot mislead you,” he disclosed.

of the company’s prudent capital allocation strategy and underscores its commitment to delivering sustainable value to its esteemed shareholders even in these challenging times.

Also commenting, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc., Mr. Lolu Alade Akinyemi said: “Our company’s performance has been remarkable, especially considering the macroeconomic challenges we’ve faced. We achieved a 9% increase in net sales. Despite issues like foreign exchange volatility and inflation, I am optimistic about our medium to long-term outlook. This optimism is grounded in our commitment to delivering value to our customers and maintaining a resilient business.”

have delivered in the first quarter of this year are a testament to the successful implementation of our strategy.

“The three key pillars of this strategy are: having excellent leaders for the various businesses in the group, running companies that own some of Nigeria’s strongest brands and widest distribution network, as well as increasing investment in processes and technology.

“Other strategic initiatives which contributed greatly to the company’s performance were steps taken to ensure production at the lowest possible cost to deliver value to consumers, efforts to optimise energy consumed per unit of production, and increased effectiveness in the distribution of goods and services. Looking ahead, we remain committed to investing in these drivers that position us for sustainable growth,” Folasope added.

PenCom Issues Consumer Protection Framework (Part 1)

An essential feature of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) is the involvement of active contributors and retirees in critical decision making for their pension savings. Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders play an active role within the CPS, having defined rights such as selecting a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), choosing the type of Investment Fund for their pension contributions, and determining the mode of pension payment upon retirement.

Since its inception, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has continuously refined strategies to safeguard pension consumers’ rights and ensure exceptional service delivery. In April 2017, PenCom issued a Circular on Service Delivery by PFAs, emphasising RSA holders’ entitlement to quality services.

The importance of outstanding service and protecting pension consumer rights was further underscored in the Code of Ethics and Business Practices for Licensed Pension Operators introduced in 2017. Furthermore, PenCom issued a Circular in August 2023 concerning the Operations of Branch Offices and Service Centres by PFAs. The aim was to expand the reach of PFAs and enhance service quality for RSA holders.

Continuing its commitment to protecting pension consumer rights and enhancing service standards, PenCom issued the inaugural Consumer Protection Framework in April 2024 for the pension industry. This framework is designed to ensure exceptional service delivery from both PenCom and Licensed Pension Fund Operators (LPFOs). Over this four-part series, we will explore the key aspects of the Framework. Part 1 delves into pension consumer rights, and enforcement mechanisms.

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising)

Correspondents

Emmanuel Addeh (Energy)

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporters

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Ugo Aliogo (Development)

Uber to Enhance Driver, Rider Experience with New Features

After ten years of operation in Nigeria, Uber, a ride hailing company, last week, introduced a number of features designed to enhance the driver and rider experiences on the platform, with the intent to offer safe and convenient ride on the Uber platform always.

Uber is introducing Flex Pay, which enables drivers across the country to access their earnings more frequently through their mobile wallets. Rather than receiving their earnings once a week, drivers will now be able to opt in to receive their earnings every day, enabling them to meet their personal obligations in a more timely manner.

In addition, Uber is announcing

Upfront Destination and Upfront Fares, which give drivers more visibility over the destination of a trip request and the expected fare, respectively.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos to announce the new features, Country Manager, Uber Nigeria, Tope Akinwumi, said: “Earners are at the heart of our business and we have a comprehensive approach to taking their feedback on board. This leads us to constantly innovate to develop solutions that enhance their experience while operating on the platform. We are therefore pleased to roll out these new features that will give drivers improved choice over the trips they opt to take daily on the platform.”

As a precursor to issuing the Framework, PenCom established the Consumer Protection Department (CPD) as part of its refreshed Corporate Strategy, aimed at enhancing consumer confidence, a critical element in fostering a robust and sustainable pension industry. The CPD focuses on monitoring and ensuring compliance with the rights of contributors and retirees, as well as handling complaints related to the CPS.

The Consumer Protection Framework is essential to achieving the high service delivery standards within the Pension Industry, setting forth guiding principles to meet consumer expectations. The primary objective of the Framework is to boost consumer confidence, thereby ensuring the stability and sustainability of Nigeria’s pension industry. Specific objectives include effectively managing Pension Funds to provide sustainable retirement income, promoting transparency and accountability in pension management, ensuring fair treatment of consumers, facilitating consumer access to information for informed decision-making, promoting professionalism and ethics, and expeditiously handling complaints and resolving disputes.

Consumer Protection Framework is applicable to all organisations that render pension-related services, including but not limited to the PFAs, Pension Fund

Custodians (PFCs) and Closed Pension Fund Administrators (CPFAs). This wide-ranging Framework is informed by international best practices, drawing from guidelines such as the International Organisation of Pension Supervisors (IOPS) Good Practices and the G20 High-Level Principles on Financial Consumer Protection. Additionally, it aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Saudi Arabia Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Frameworks. It is structured into four primary sections: Introduction, Principles of Consumer Protection, Rights and Responsibilities of Consumers, and Reviews and Inquiries. Within the Framework, the basic rights of pension consumers have been established for adequate protection. Consumers are to be treated fairly, regardless of the nature of complaint, financial knowledge, status, physical ability, age, gender, tribe, or religion. Pension contributors and retirees have access to an efficient redress mechanism for settlement of claims or disputes. PenCom and LPFOs protect consumer information from unauthorised access and disclosure. Also, LPFOs provide a safe and conducive environment, channels, and platforms for use by the consumers. In addition, Pension contributors and retirees have the liberty to choose from a variety of products and services without restriction. Prospective RSA holders have a right to choose their PFAs. RSA holders also have the choice to transfer from one PFA to another. They can decide to select either Programmed Withdrawal or Retiree Life Annuity at retirement for pension payments. They also have the right to be provided with adequate and necessary information needed to make informed decisions. Therefore, LPFOs are required to provide consumers with accurate and timely information on products and services to enable consumers make informed decisions.

Meanwhile, PenCom has instituted measures for enforcing strict compliance with provisions of the Framework. These measures encompass comprehensive examination of complaints, performance audits, and the application of essential administrative penalties on any Pension Fund Operator discovered to be in breach of consumers’ rights. These enforcement measures are carried out promptly, impartially, and resolutely, underscoring PenCom’s dedication to consistently safeguarding consumers’ rights. This commitment demonstrates PenCom’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding consumers.

This initiative reflects PenCom’s proactive approach to consumer protection, ensuring that pension contributors and retirees are treated fairly and that the pension system operates with transparency and accountability. Through ongoing collaboration and vigilant enforcement, PenCom remains steadfast in its mission to uphold consumer rights within Nigeria’s consolidating pension landscape. The second part of this series will highlight responsibilities of pension consumers and responsible business conduct of LPOs.

PENCOM DG, Aisha Dahir-Umar

Kayode Tokede

Emma Okonji

Wema Bank 79 Years Journey: Then, Now and Beyond

Mabel Adeteye

For over 79 years, Wema Bank has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s financial landscape, evolving from its humble beginnings as Agbonmagbe Bank to becoming a leading force in digital banking and innovation. Founded on May 2, 1945, Wema Bank served as a beacon of hope for many Nigerians seeking financial stability and prosperity. Little did they know that this humble institution would eventually evolve into one of the country’s most innovative and impactful financial institutions: Wema Bank.

The bank’s journey began as Agbonmagbe Bank, with the establishment of its first branches in Ebute-metta, Sagamu, Abeokuta, and Ijebu-Igbo. Through dedication and vision, it quickly gained prominence, earning the trust of its customers through an unwavering commitment to service excellence and community development.

In 1969, Agbonmagbe Bank underwent a remarkable transformation, rebranding itself as Wema Bank Limited. This name change marked a significant turning point, ushering in an era of innovation and progress. Under the new identity, Wema Bank continued to thrive, solidifying its position as Nigeria’s longest-surviving indigenous bank.

As the years progressed, Wema Bank expanded its reach and influence, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving market dynamics. In 2009, Wema Bank achieved a significant milestone by attaining the status of a regional bank, thereby solidifying its position as a key player in the Nigerian banking sector. This pivotal moment represented the culmination of Wema Bank’s strategic growth initiatives and marked a significant leap forward in its journey towards becoming a leading financial institution in the region. Despite this progress, Wema Bank faced its fair share of challenges, navigating through economic downturns and regulatory changes that tested its resilience.

Notably, in 2015, Wema Bank demonstrated its commitment to growth by elevating its regional banking license to a national one, meeting the stringent regulatory requirements of the Central Bank of Nigeria. This pivotal decision marked a significant milestone in Wema Bank’s journey, symbolizing its transition from a regional player to a national powerhouse in Nigeria’s banking sector.

The strategic move to upgrade its license unlocked a multitude of opportunities for Wema Bank. By expanding its operational footprint to cover the entire nation, the bank gained access to a significantly larger customer base and market share. With an extensive network of over 149 branches and service stations strategically positioned nationwide, Wema Bank became a ubiquitous presence, offering accessible banking services to customers in urban centers and remote areas alike. This widespread coverage played a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion and fostering economic development, empowering individuals and businesses to actively participate in the formal financial system.

Moreover, the transition to national bank status bolstered Wema Bank’s reputation and credibility within the industry. As a nationally recognized institution, Wema Bank has garnered the trust and confidence of customers, investors, and stakeholders. However, this transformation was not without its challenges, as the bank had to navigate through internal restructuring and cultural misconceptions of being a predominantly “Yoruba peoples” bank to fully embrace its new identity.

In essence, Wema Bank’s evolution into a national bank was not merely a regulatory change; it represented a bold leap towards greater relevance, resilience, and growth in an increasingly competitive industry. The decision underscored Wema Bank’s tireless commitment to serving its customers and contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Taking it a step further in 2015, Wema Bank embarked deeper in its transformative journey, signaling its commitment to modernization and customer-centricity through a strategic rebranding initiative. The bank unveiled a new brand identity as part of its efforts to revitalize its image and enhance its product and service offerings to better serve the evolving needs of its customers.

Central to the new brand identity was the introduction of a redesigned logo, symbolizing the evolution of relationships built with stakeholders over the years. The logo featured interconnecting lines forming a distinctive ‘W,’ representing the interconnectedness and synergy between the bank and its customers, partners, and communities. In addition to the logo redesign, Wema Bank revised its traditional purple color to project a more

vibrant, welcoming, and modern outlook, reflecting its commitment to innovation and forward-thinking.

The rebranding initiative underscored the bank’s unswerving focus on placing the customer at the center of its operations and nurturing strong relationships, a core value since its inception. Through the rebranding, Wema Bank reaffirmed its position as a progressive and dynamic financial institution, poised to drive positive change and innovation in the banking industry. The new brand identity represented a bold step forward in the bank’s journey towards continued growth, excellence, and customer satisfaction.

Today, Wema Bank stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. It is a publicly traded limited liability company, trading under the symbol WEMABANK on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. With a legacy rooted in tradition and a vision focused on the future, Wema Bank continues to lead the way, driving progress and prosperity for generations to come.

But the journey of modernization and customer-centricity had only begun as Wema Bank continued to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of its customers. The bank’s commitment to digital transformation was further exemplified in 2017 with the launch of ALAT, Nigeria’s first fully digital bank.

Born out of a vision to make banking simpler, smarter, and more accessible to everyone and recognizing the growing demand for digital solutions in an increasingly connected world, Wema Bank set out to create a platform that would empower customers to take control of their financial lives with ease and convenience.

During its first year, ALAT by Wema quickly gained traction among tech-savvy consumers and acquired more than 250,000 customers, offering a range of innovative features and services designed to meet the needs of modern-day banking. From instant account opening to seamless bill payments and mobile loans, ALAT provides customers with a comprehensive suite of banking services at their fingertips.

One of the key factors that led to the birth of ALAT was Wema Bank’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the digital age. As traditional banking models faced disruption from fintech startups and digital challengers, Wema Bank saw an opportunity to innovate and differentiate itself in the market.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology and embracing a customer-centric approach, Wema Bank was able to create a digital banking platform that not only met the expectations of today’s consumers but exceeded them. ALAT became a symbol of progress and transformation, setting new standards for excellence in the banking industry.

One of the key advantages of ALAT is its flexibility and convenience. Unlike

evolution and dedication to fostering inclusivity over seven decades. Designed to address the unique challenges faced by women, SARA by Wema offers tailored support, training, and empowerment initiatives, aiming to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship and leadership. Through a diverse range of activities, including mentorship programs, skills training, and access to financial services, SARA by Wema empowers women to thrive in their personal and professional pursuits. Moreover, by advocating for women’s rights and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders, Wema Bank demonstrates its commitment to driving social change and promoting a more equitable society. Through SARA by Wema, Wema Bank continues to champion women’s empowerment, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.

Another initiative is Hackaholics, an annual ideathon organized by the bank to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths. Since its inception, Hackaholics has empowered thousands of young innovators to develop groundbreaking solutions to pressing social and economic challenges, contributing to Nigeria’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.

traditional banks, which often require customers to visit physical branches and fill out paperwork, ALAT allows users to open an account, conduct transactions, and access banking services entirely online, from the comfort of their own homes or on the go.

This level of accessibility has made ALAT particularly appealing to younger, tech-savvy consumers who are looking for a banking experience that fits seamlessly into their digital lifestyle. With its sleek interface and intuitive design, ALAT has become the go-to choice for millennials and Gen Zers who value simplicity and convenience in their banking.

But ALAT’s impact goes beyond just convenience. As the first fully digital bank in Africa, ALAT has played a pivotal role in driving financial inclusion and empowerment across the continent. By providing access to banking services to underserved and unbanked populations, ALAT has helped to bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, opening up new opportunities for economic growth and development.

In recognition of its innovative approach to digital banking, ALAT has garnered widespread acclaim and accolades from industry experts and customers alike. From winning awards for its user experience and design to being recognized as one of the top neobanks in Africa, ALAT has solidified its reputation as a leader in the fintech space.

Looking ahead, the future of ALAT looks brighter than ever. With plans to expand its footprint across Africa and beyond, ALAT is poised to continue making waves in the digital banking industry, shaping the future of finance one innovation at a time.

Building on the success of ALAT, Wema Bank introduced Phygital, a groundbreaking self-service platform that combines the best aspects of traditional and digital banking. With Phygital in every branch, customers can perform a wide range of financial services on their accounts, from checking balances to generating statements, all without the need for lengthy queues or customer representatives. This innovative approach reflects Wema Bank’s commitment to providing customers with flexible and convenient banking solutions, bridging the gap between physical and digital channels.

But Wema Bank’s impact goes beyond just banking services. Over the years, the bank has played a pivotal role in driving social and economic development across Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, Wema Bank has championed causes ranging from youth and women’s empowerment to SME growth and financial inclusion.

One such initiative, SARA by Wema, epitomizes Wema Bank’s steadfast commitment to gender equality and female empowerment, encapsulating the bank’s

Sounds of ALAT dives into the world of entertainment, an initiative that has left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s music industry. Through this platform, Wema Bank provides aspiring musicians with opportunities to showcase their talent, connect with industry professionals, and access financial support to pursue their musical dreams. From grassroots artists to established acts, Sounds of ALAT has become a catalyst for talent discovery and development, changing the lives of countless musicians across Nigeria.

In addition to Hackaholics and Sounds of ALAT, Wema Bank has launched several other initiatives aimed at fostering economic empowerment and social inclusion. The ALAT Summer Internship Program provides young children between the ages of 15 -22 with valuable work experience and mentorship opportunities, helping them kick-start their careers and navigate the complexities of the job market.

Another key aspect of customer centricity that Wema Bank has continuously supported is the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through initiatives that promote financial inclusion, digital innovation, gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability. By providing accessible banking services through ALAT, supporting women’s empowerment with SARA by Wema, providing hands-on education with the ALAT Summer Internship, and promoting eco-friendly practices, Wema Bank aligns with several SDGs, including No Poverty, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Gender Equality, Quality Education, and Climate Action. These efforts reflect the bank’s commitment to creating positive social and environmental impacts in Nigeria and beyond.

Also in recent times, Wema Bank’s has pioneered a flagship initiative, the FGN/ ALAT Digital Skillnovation Program, a collaboration between the bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with digital skills for the future. This comprehensive program offers training, mentorship, and practical experiences in areas such as software engineering, product management, and cloud computing, empowering young Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy.

Similarly, the NYSC/ALAT Accelerator Program provides corps members with access to training, mentorship, and financial support to kickstart their entrepreneurial ventures or transition into the job market after their service year. By partnering with Microsoft and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Wema Bank is not only empowering young graduates but also catalyzing economic growth and innovation across Nigeria.

As Wema Bank looks to the future, its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and impact remains as strong as ever. From its humble beginnings as Agbonmagbe Bank to its current status as a leading digital bank, Wema Bank has come a long way from where it was strengthening its resolve to customer satisfaction in the past 79 years, but its journey is far from over. With a renewed focus on customer-centricity and digital innovation, Wema Bank is poised to continue shaping the future of banking in Nigeria and beyond. Wema Bank is not just a part of Nigeria’s past; it is very much a part of its present and future. As the bank continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its customers, one thing is certain: its legacy of excellence and impact will endure for generations to come.

Moruf Oseni

Boom Foundation to Feed 2m Nigerians Amid Ongoing Food Crisis

Boom, a blockchain-based e-commerce ecosystem and digital payments platform, has announced the launch of its first Boomcoin-ToMeals (B2M) initiative, which aims to feed two million Nigerians amid the ongoing severe food crisis brought upon by the recent hike in inflation.

“This initiative will provide vital relief by airdropping 1 Boomcoin (BMC) each to 2 million Nigerians who will be able to purchase food bundles that they can either collect or have delivered to their homes.

Boom Foundation has allocated 1 million BMC to this airdrop and has opened the initiative to public donations, which will be matched 1:1 for all donated BMCs, up to an additional 500,000 BMC. BMC will feed a Nigerian for a day. Accordingly, Boom Foundation has committed 1 million BMC for this cause, valued at $6.23million or N6.23 billion, “the company said in a statement.

“As Nigeria grapples with a significant humanitarian challenge

that impedes economic development and stability, immediate action has become crucial. Headline inflation, which hit a high of 33.2.per cent in March 2024, has eroded consumer spending power, leading to one in ten Nigerians currently facing food insecurity. This means that nearly 22 million people in Nigeria are unable to feed themselves and their families, “it said.

Founder and CEO of Boom, Peter Alfred-Adekeye said he recognises the severity of the ongoing crisis and decided to launch B2M to help combat its effects.

“With B2M, Boom intends to demonstrate the potential of blockchain and digital assets to reliably deliver immediate aid during crises and the need for this technology to foster long-term socio-economic empowerment. This initiative is not just about providing immediate relief,”

Raheem Akingbolu

productivity, profitability, and sustainability within the maize value chain.

said Alfred-Adekeye. “It’s about laying a foundation for sustainable development and economic stability through blockchain. Regions like Africa and many others have been underserved for far too long, and we see the potential of this technology to change lives.

“Complacency has led to the suffering of millions of people everywhere, and we cannot afford to stand by any longer. We hope B2M acts as a stepping stone to further philanthropic initiatives across the world,” he said.

Food Security: BATNF, Ogun State Partner to Empower Maize Farmers ART Cautions against Knee-jerk Reactions to Incidents, Accidents

Chinedu Eze

Industry think-tank, Aviation Round Table (ART) has cautioned aviation agencies and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development against knee-jerk and arbitrary pronouncements when aircraft incidents or accidents occur.

Speaking at the Quarter one 2024 breakfast meeting held in Lagos by the group at the weekend, President of ART, Air Commodore Demola Onitiju (retd), said such reactions are dangerous and risky and in violation of due process.

According to him, incidences of runway incursion and excursion are not unusual in aviation practice, adding many of the issues that contribute to runway excursions can only be resolved when the regulatory and investigating bodies coordinate their findings and work together.

“Knee-jerk reaction to aircraft incidents and accidents is dangerous and hurtful. Incidences of runway incursion and excursion are not unusual in aviation practice. Runway excursion prevention is complex because the effect of the risk and resilience factors is highly cumulative. Some of the factors that contribute to

runway excursions include but are not limited to -the runway condition, maintenance and reporting. To this list, add- aircraft performance and operations, collaborative approach path management and adherence to robust policies for safe descent and approach planning, stabilised approach, safe landing and goaround.

“The solution to these challenges can only be done together by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in a coordinated way not through arbitrary pronouncements that are not only meddlesome, dangerous and risky but violates due process,” he said.

The ART; therefore, advocated for the strengthening of NCAA’s autonomy consistent with the Act establishing it and global best practices.

“We made this call to ensure that it is adequately insulated from short-term political pressure. In the Nigerian circumstances, the NCAA is expected to be both benign and harsh in its spontaneous enforcement of standards and rules to retain our trust,” he said.

In a bid to enhance the capabilities and resources of Maize farmers in Ogun State, the British American Tobacco Foundation, BATNF, in partnership with the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, has undertaken a significant initiative.

The partners said the initiative aims to equip approximately 1,000 maize farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance

BATNF explained that since its inception in 2002, it has been in the vanguard of empowering smallholder farmers, particularly in the areas of crop production, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.

It said: “Through this projects, we aim to enhance agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods,

and promote social and economic development in rural communities across Nigeria.”

Also speaking, Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Bolu Owotomo, said that the project was geared towards promoting food security and improving the livelihood of farmers in the state.

He said, “Through the Maize Empowerment project, the BATN Foundation has trained 1,000 farmers in best agricultural practices

and today we are witnessing the distribution of farm inputs and pesticides to 500 for this year’s planting season in order to ensure a bountiful harvest”.

On his part, General Manager, BATNF, Oludare Odusanya, stated that the collaborative effort between the BATN Foundation and the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of maize farmers in Ogun State.

ITC Visits Shippers’ Council on Optimising Trade Facilitation

Esther Oluku

A delegation of the International Trade Center (ITC) in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as part of its studies to develop indeginous solutions to optimise trans-border trade facilitation in Africa.

The meeting which held at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Headquarters in Lagos, brought together delegates of the ITC, top Directors of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and stakeholders in the Nigerian shipping industry in a technical session to analyse the

challenges to trade and possible solutions to promote seamless flow of trade across the continent.

Speaking, Associate Programmes Officer, ITC, Mr. Richard Metoho, explained that as part of efforts to promote trade across the continent, the delegation is keen on identifying patterns which inhibit trade facilitation and address them by engaging relevant authorities within the continent.

He said: “The main objective of this meeting is to scale up trade facilitation that has been implemented in the ECOWAS region and in specific border crossing points. ECOWAS Agricultural Trade Programme is

a programme that is projected to increase intra regional agricultural trade.”

In his remark, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima, thanked the delegation for their visit and assured them of the Council’s commitment to leveraging partnerships for progress.

He further stated that while existing alliances exist between the NSC and other Shippers’ Council across the continent, a key component for assessing the success of trade facilitation is the stakeholders’ experience. He therefore urged the delegation to look towards

stakeholders’ enlightenment and engagement as a veritable tool towards achieving greater ease in trade.

He said: “In the current dispensation where Mr. President has created the Marine and Blue Economy with focus on developing non-oil export, this study will further strengthen our abilities and capacities in the border and informal trade. Also, we need the stakeholders engagement at the highest level. We have the union of African Shippers’ Council. This is a matter of partnership between our country and other neighbouring countries with whom we engage in trade.”

Qualcomm Shortlists Startups for Qualcomm Make

Emma Okonji

Competition

ARM Offers N12m to First Place Winner in DAAYTA

Emma Okonji

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2024, an annual competition aimed at identifying, supporting, and showcasing innovative young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, through funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, has awarded N12 million for the first place winner in the 2024 tech competition.

The N12 million award covers business plan development, entrepreneurial education at the Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) in

Lagos, and acceleration support through a reputable entrepreneurial hub in Lagos, over a one year period.

This year’s competition shone a spotlight on exceptional talent and creativity, particularly highlighting women entrepreneurs who have excelled in leadership roles. Designed to nurture young entrepreneurs with innovative and sustainable ideas, DAAYTA attracted over 750 applications. After a thorough evaluation process, seven businesses were chosen from the final top twelve, benefiting from DAAYTA’s preparatory workshops.

Qualcomm, a global technology company has shortlisted startups for the Qualcomm Make in Africa 2024, and has announced the winner of the 2023 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund.

The Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform, now in its second year, aims to work with and support the development of Africa’s emerging technology ecosystem by providing mentorship, education, and training programmes with a focus on 5G, Edge-Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Compute, and Internet of Things (IoT).

This year, Qualcomm received

an overwhelming response, with approximately 250 applications from 30 countries.

Qualcomm also announced that the development of L2Pro Africa website content was near completion, providing free online training on intellectual property protection.

As the first initiative of its kind in Africa, Qualcomm Make in Africa is an equity-free mentorship programme that identifies promising early-stage startups keen on applying advanced connectivity and processing technologies such as 5G, Edge-AI/ML, Compute, and IoT to innovative end-to-end systems solutions, including hardware.

The selected startups will

receive free mentorship, business coaching, access to engineering consultation for product development, and guidance on protecting intellectual property.

Startups in the 2024 cohort include: Aurora Health from Kenya, which provides AIbased cardiovascular health care tools; CropScan from Kenya, which uses solarpowered smart farming IoT devices; Cure Bionics from Tunisia that makes smart 3D printed prosthetic arms; DevisionX from Egypt, which provides AI-based low-code computer vision tools; Kalio from Cameroon is building AI tools for Agricultural IoT; while Kitovu from Nigeria

provides tools and software for smart agricultural warehouse management. Other Startups include: NextAI Studios from Kenya builds AI-based emotion detection into toys for children’s mental healthcare, RIM Nextgen from Kenya, uses smart tools for monitoring propane consumption; Sparcx from South Africa uses AI for enhancing radar signal processing, while Vizmerald from Tunisia, is working on AI-based textile industry inspection.

Qualcomm also announced the awardees of the 2023 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund. The fund, provided by Qualcomm through its Qualcomm Wireless Reach.

L-R: Executive Director, Business Development, Access Pensions, Nuhu Modibbo; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dave Uduanu; Acting Chairman, Austin Opara; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mojisola Virtue Oyewole and Executive Director, Technical, Afolabi Folayan during Access Pensions’ 19th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos… recently

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 02May-2024, unless otherwise stated.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

Access Pensions’ AUM Hits N1.2tn, Achieves 70% Revenue Growth

Nume Ekeghe

Access Pensions has announced a remarkable 70 per cent surge in revenue, with turnover escalating from N7 billion in 2022 to N12.3 billion in 2023.

The company’s profit before tax and profit after tax mirrored this outstanding growth trend, soaring by around 70 per cent. Additionally, its Assets under Management (AUM) expanded by 25 per cent to reach a significant N1.20 trillion. Shareholders commended the dividend distribution, which increased notably from N1.10k per share in 2022 to a commendable N2.20k per share.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, Access Pensions’ Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dave Uduanu, attributed this exceptional performance to a series of growth initiatives implemented by the company. He stated, “The Company recorded a turnover of N12.3 billion, up from N7 billion in 2022. This

represents about a 70 per cent increase, and the profit before tax and profit after tax increased by about 70 percent as well. But more importantly, the dividend doubled from N1.10k in 2022 to N2.20k, showcasing the company’s strong performance.”

He acknowledged the late Chairman, Dr. Herbert Wigwe’s visionary leadership in steering the consolidation that birthed Access Pensions. Uduanu pledged the Company’s commitment to continuing on this path of success. Furthermore, Uduanu expressed gratitude to Access Bank, the company’s partner in the holding company, for their unwavering support. He highlighted the symbiotic relationship between Access Pensions and Access Bank, emphasizing the convenience it offers to pension holders who can access their accounts seamlessly through Access Bank’s extensive branch network.

Speaking on the sidelines also on the company’s growth and market share the Executive Direc-

ISDL Achieves IMS Certification

Integrated System and Devices Limited (ISDL), a major provider of electronic security solutions, is delighted to announce the successful attainment of ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications following a rigorous audit process conducted by Bureau Veritas Certification Holdings SAS-UK Branch.

In 2021, ISDL bagged the Quality management systems ISO 9001:2015, and now in 2024, with unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, the occupational Health and Safety

system ISO 45001:2018 and the Environmental management system ISO 14001:2015 have been consolidated to form an Integrated Management System.

These certifications, covering ISDL’s headquarters and branches, signify the company’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality management across all facets of its operations. According to Oluseun Mabogunje, the Managing Director of ISDL, the scope of the certifications encompasses

tor, Technical, Afolabi Folayan emphasised the Company’s robust performance in the market, boasting a significant increase in Assets Under Management (AUM) to N1.2 trillion, representing a 25 per cent growth over the past year.

He stated, “In recent quarters, we have experienced a positive trajectory and gained significant market share, leading to a substantial increase in our Assets Under Management (AUM). Our current AUM stands at approximately N1.2 trillion, reflecting a remarkable 25 per cent growth compared to the previous year. Notably, our growth outpaced the market, which saw a growth rate of about 20 per cent.”

Mr. Obinna Anyanwu, an independent shareholder at the AGM, expressed his satisfaction with the company’s performance. He praised the smooth conduct of the AGM and commended the financial statements for 2023, describing them as encouraging and indicative of promising prospects.

the design, procurement, supply, installation, integration, maintenance, and after-sales support of various electronic security and Extra Low Voltage (ELV) equipment.

Mabogunje expressed his elation at receiving the IMS certifications, emphasizing ISDL’s dedication to delivering exceptional quality and service to its clientele. He emphasized that this achievement underscores the company’s ongoing pursuit of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Union Bank Attains MSECB ISO Certifications

Nume Ekeghe

Union Bank, has announced another significant achievement with its attainment of the MSECB management system certifications in ISO/ IEC 27001:2022, ISO 22301:2019, and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018.

The bank in a statement noted that the Bank was awarded these three noteworthy certifications by MSECB, a leading international provider of audit and certification services, after being rigorously assessed and found to be in accordance with the management system requirements covering Information Security, IT Service Delivery, and Business Continuity standards under

the combined Information Management Systems (IMS) standards.

The information security management systems ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 22301:2019, and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 are internationally recognised standards that outline the requirements for establishing an effective information management system that guides against data breaches, IT system compromises, and disruption to business processes.

These latest certifications will enable the bank to continue to offer its customers improved data security, innovative banking solutions, and seamless service delivery through its state-of-the-art banking

network.

Commenting on the Bank’s recent attainment, Chief Information Security Officer at Union Bank, Francis Mojoyinlola, said: “The Bank’s continued adherence to best international practices, as acknowledged by an independent third-party audit from a reputable international certification firm, reaffirms our capacity to erect, implement, and maintain best information and security management practices.

We remain committed to offering our esteemed customers simpler, more innovative services rooted in the highest standards of information security and cutting-edge innovative banking service.”

ImpactHER, AU Sign MoU on African Women Empowerment

ImpactHER, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Union (AU) for gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in realization of the Union’s 2063 Gender Goals.

The MoU outlines a collaborative framework between ImpactHER and the African Union, focusing on strategic initiatives to empower women entrepreneurs across the continent. This partnership aims to address key challenges faced by African women in business, including access to finance, market linkages and skill development, aligning with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 for a

prosperous and gender-equal Africa.

Founder, ImpactHER, Efe Ukala, while expressing enthusiasm about the partnership said: “This is more than a collaboration; it’s a commitment to the women of Africa. Together with the African Union, we are poised to make significant strides in breaking down barriers that have long hindered women entrepreneurs from reaching their full potential. The partnership will kick-off with a series of joint programs and initiatives aimed at providing African women entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. These initiatives will include targeted training programs, access to

finance workshops, and networking events designed to connect women entrepreneurs with potential investors and markets”.

During the MOU signing ceremony, Commissioner for Trade and Industry at the African Union, Albert Muchanga, underscored the importance of this partnership. “Africa is on the rise and its women are the key agents that will drive the next level strategic growth phase. This is why we are passionate that for us to achieve our 2063 agenda, we must tap into the enormous resources that our women possess.

L-R: Founder, ImpactHER, Efe Ukala, with Commissioner for Trade and Industry at the African Union (AU), Albert Muchanga, during the MOU signing ceremony between ImpactHER and the AU for gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in realisation of the Union’s 2063 Gender Goals... recently

Q1 2024: Fidelity Bank Records 120.1% PBT Growth to N39.5bn

Kayode Tokede

In line with its upward growth trajectory, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced an impressive 120.1% growth in Profit Before Tax from N17.9billion at the end of Q1 2023 to N39.5billion for Q1 2024.

The bank made this known in it’s unaudited financial statements released on the issuer portal of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

According to the statement, gross earnings increased by 89.9% yoy to N192.1bn from N101.1bn in Q1 2023. The increase was led by a combination of interest income (90.7% yoy) and non-interest income (84.0% yoy).

“Growth in interest income was primarily spurred by a higher yield environment and strong earning assets base, while the increase in non-interest income was

led by double-digit growth in account maintenance charges, FX-related income, trade, banking services, and remittances, supported by increased customer transactions, “the statement reads.

Commenting on the results, MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka OnyealiIkpe stated, “We are pleased to report another quarter of strong financial performance driven by

our strategic focus on customer-centricity, digital innovation and operational excellence. Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, we remained resilient and agile, delivering double-digit growth on key income lines while advancing our business sustainability agenda.”

In the period under review, the bank grew Net interest income grew

by 89.5% yoy to N99.6bn from N52.6bn in Q1 2023, driven by interest and similar income as the yield on financial instruments improved to 14.7% from 10.1% in Q1 2023 (2023FY: 11.6%). In line with the steady rise in interest rates through the year, average funding cost increased by 80bps ytd to 5.2%. However, NIM came in at 8.8% compared to 8.1% in

2023FY, as increased yield on earning assets surpassed funding cost to 15.1% from 13.3% in Q1 2023 (2023FY: 13.5%).

Similarly, Total Deposits increased by 17.2% ytd to N4.7tn from N4.0tn in 2023FY, driven by double-digit growth across all deposit types (demand, savings and term). Net Loans and Advances increased by 21.2% to N3.7tn from N3.1tn in 2023FY.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MAY 02 /24

Business Special

My Takeaways from Access Holdings’ Annual General Meeting

Iattended the second annual general meeting(AGM) of Access Holding Plc last month mainly to discern the direction of its new leadership and pick up the strategic focus of the institution in the years ahead. The return of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede to the Board as chairman in March has created quite a buzz in the industry and within the institution. I take interest in studying leadership styles and so I was bent on attending this AGM. As a former staff, shareholder and student of strategy, I took in every moment of the two-hour meeting, listened to every word spoken, drew conclusions and came away with six takeaways.

Number One: In all the comments, including the opening and closing prayers, it was clear that the shareholders have deep-seated faith in their new chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, and the company’s leaders, the acting Group Chief Executive, Bolaji Agbede, and the managing director and chief executive of the bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna, as well as others.

There were loud cheers from the shareholders as the directors walked in, an understandable exhalation after a painful and mournful period. Aig-Imoukhuede himself went around shaking hands and hugging the shareholders. It was clear that the investors habour no apprehensions about the direction of their company; not a sense of it veering off from its time-tested traditions and the foundation that created the financial powerhouse which it has become. They backed and passed all the resolutions overwhelmingly, thus paving the way for the bank to meet and surpass the N500 billion minimum share capital base.

“In

Two: I could glean deliberate efforts on the part of the chairman to project Bolaji and Roosevelt as the new leaders of the banking group; or should I say, he was careful not to overshadow them. I will mention an incident to buttress my point. After the meeting, Aig-Imoukhuede and Bolaji were facing two different cameras simultaneously, talking to two different groups of journalists. In fact, I think Bolaji had even started her press conference before the chairman was ready. The bank’s communication team moved back and forth between the two to ensure that everything went well. I took it all in, remembering my days as a reporter. I was a business journalist covering events like this for many years and later, a PR executive managing things of this nature for a long time. I can’t recall seeing the chairman (least of all, an owner-chairman) and the CEO facing different cameras for post-event media briefing. In fact, it is the CEO that would be running around gathering the press for the chairman, who would first appear uninterested, before he saunters in with a magisterial arrogance! I think Aig-Imoukhuede just wants to encourage and build confidence in

the team as emerging global leaders, even if he has to step behind.

Three: This is very important. Raising capital has never been a problem for Access Bank, and I can’t see it as one this time. Between 2004 and 2007, the bank raised an equivalent of $2 billion when Aig-Imoukhuede was the CEO in his 30s, leading the same team which is in charge today. Now, the bank is seeking to raise an equivalent of $300 million (N365 billion) from a significantly larger base. With a more visible brand and bigger footprint across Africa and beyond, I don’t foresee Access not meeting this milestone within a record time. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Aig-Imoukhuede disclosed that Access Holdings will deploy digital technology in raising its capital.

‘’In 2004, we went around Nigeria and it led to the democratisation of the capital market. Other banks followed suit and the number of banks’ shareholders increased in manyfold and our capital market grew immensely. This time, we have the digital technology that we would deploy fully,’’ he said.

Four: the Group’s decision to go by Rights Issue signals its inclinations to protect the retail shareholders

2004, we went around Nigeria and it led to the democratisation of the capital market. Other banks followed suit and the number of banks’ shareholders increased in manyfold and our capital market grew immensely. This time, we have the digital technology that we would deploy fully.”

from dilution, and this is the promise Aig-Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe made to them in 2002. The duo had told the shareholders then that they would always be carried along as the bank grows. Integrity is key in life.

Five: There was a noticeably active participation of women shareholders at the AGM. In fact, the meeting commenced with the chairman requesting a shareholder, Mrs Bisi Bakare, to step forward and decorate him with the bank’s lapel pin to symbolize his assumption of duty. That simple, but touching task essentially set the tone for the rest of the event as the women shareholders participated fully and actively in the meeting. The roving microphone got to them more often than the men, or at least in equal measure, and the women expressed themselves loudly and clearly. The bank continues to lead in gender issues, just as in issues of sustainability and diversity.

Six: This is my final takeaway. Access continues to dream big and Access people sure believe in their dreams. When I joined as a staff in 2008, the dream then was to make the bank one of the five biggest in the country. It appeared as a pipe dream then. But only four years after, it was achieved. Now, by reiterating to the shareholders that Access Holdings will become Africa’s best banking group (benchmarked against the South African giant, Standard Bank Group), the chairman noted that the company will be Nigeria’s best stocks in terms of returns in the nearest future. Another big dream! As a onetime United State “First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt said, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

• Etim Etim is a journalist and an author

L-R: Acting Group Chief e xecutive, Access Holdings Plc, Bolaji Agbede; Chairman, Aigboje Aig- i moukhuede; Company s ecretary, s unday e kwochi, and Director, Roosevelt Ogbonna, during the annual general meeting of the group in Lagos… recently

etim etim

THE MONDAY INTER VIEW

Godwin Obaseki: It’s Scandalous,

Deceptive to Continue to Describe N18,000 as Living

Minimum Wage

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has begun his countdown to exit the Osadebey Government House, Benin City, after eight years in office. He appears confident about his stewardship and service to the state. Like a lead role in the theatre of life’s drama, Obaseki believes he has acquitted and discharged himself well and has thus conceded everything else to posterity. In this interview with THISDAY, he provides insights into his many choices as governor, policies, political manoeuvrings, legacy and successor, among other critical national concerns. Excerpts:

In six months or thereabout, your administration will come to an end. In the last seven and a half years, tell us what it has been like governing Edo State?

Through the will of God and the mandate of Edo people, I got elected as governor and was sworn in as governor of Edo State on November 12, 2016. If you recall, at that time, Nigeria was in the throes of another recession and the country was quite challenged in the face of the global recession. Crude oil prices were at their lowest, states’ revenues had declined tremendously and states were heavily indebted and could not meet their obligations. For us, beyond that, we had our own peculiar challenges.

There were flights out of Edo State; at that time, it topped the list of states where human trafficking and irregular migration were rife. Young people did not want to stay because the place had almost become completely uninhabitable. Non-state actors had taken control of the state and the politics of the state, and were responsible for revenues that were due to the government. These non-state actors who were being used by political actors posed a threat to the smooth flow of our democracy.

So, it’s against this background that we should now review what has happened in the last seven and a half years. The politics was top-down; it was controlled by cliques in disguise of godfathers. So, only those who were related to the political structure benefited from patronage or even government policies and activities. There was no incentive for people to go and produce, because even if you did produce, there were too many toll gates at which you have to pay to the political gatekeepers, and so the economy wasn’t growing at the rate it should have.

So, let’s look back seven and a half years and where we are today. Take the issue of the perception of the people themselves. Are Edo people happy? Are they happy with themselves? Do they now believe in themselves? There was this aspiration by our young and not-too-young people to just want to travel out, why? Because they just didn’t see hope in living here; all that has changed. Today, there is a mass influx of people into Edo State.

In fact, the challenge we have today is how to deal with the mass migration into Edo State, particularly from the North and the Middle Belt. So, from that perspective, I think we can confirm that we have turned things around. Edo is now a land of hope; Edo people are proud now to be Edos. How did we go about this? First, we tried to restructure the political arrangement we met on the ground which is what people hear about the most. We had truly democratised the process of politics in Edo by ensuring that people really participate in politics and people get the benefit of government policies.

When I got into office, I made it very clear that politics and party matters had to be dealt with in the party office and Government House was not a place where we just focused on politicking because every Edo person, whether they voted, belonged to my party or not, is responsible for me becoming governor. That didn’t go down well with some of our politicians. But if you now look at other areas, what did that do for us? It meant that the government could put its foot down, for instance, non-state actors could not collect government revenues. And with that, you could see government revenue increase.

In terms of law and order, these non-state actors, I call them the political infantry or the infantry arm of the political class, had to be cut to size so that ordinary citizens could go about their activities in peace and calm. If you compare Edo today in terms of safety, security of lives and properties and well-being of the people, to what we met in 2016, it’s like night and day. You can walk the streets of Benin City at day or night without the fear of being molested. You can do your business without the fear that anybody would come in and impose illegal levies and taxes on you.

In the area of services to the people, let me identify that one key reason why a lot of young people lost hope was because the education system had collapsed and Edo, for instance, had become the ‘miracle’ center for exam malpractices in the country. We then had to take very drastic measures to reenact the education sector. If you recall one of the selling points, one of the things that Edo was renowned for was the fact that we held education as premium, and every family’s objective in life was to educate their children. And then Edo could boast of quality education.

So, what we then did was to reenact the education system, starting with the foundation, basic education. We trained our teachers, we brought technology into the classroom, changed the pedagogy to make it more relevant to our current realities today, ensured that teachers are paid on time, ensured that there was accountability and also community and parents were made to participate in our school system.

Today, you can see the learning outcomes have

improved significantly. The average Edo child in 6th grade ranks up to 70% of his peers in Europe or Asia. We’re not there yet but we’ve gone 70%, hopefully in another five years, we’ll be therewhere the child in the 6th or 9th grade in Edo will be compared with the child anywhere else in the world. We have also looked at other areas, particularly healthcare. One of the first projects I embarked on was the geospatial mapping of Edo when we got survey experts to come and fly over Edo to produce maps from surveys and establish a geographical information system to help us title land and document our land properly.

So, today, Edo has one of the best geographical systems in the country, and that has led us to issue land titles very efficiently. As of now, we have issued almost 30,000 C-of-Os. This is three times or twice the number of C-of-Os issued since the creation of Edo State in 1991 and with that, people now have titles to properties and businesses can now use these titles to raise finances from financial institutions to fund their businesses.

So, these are some of the planks on which our reforms have rested, on which we have seen the changes that have occurred in Edo such that from one flight a day and one airline when I got in in 2016, today, we now have about seven airlines and almost ten flights a day coming into Benin City.

You had to put your foot down and fight, you said; you had to fight even your predecessor to be able to do some of these things. How difficult was that?

For me, it was quite difficult because before I took over office, I thought there was an alignment. I thought there was an agreement in terms of the purpose for being in politics and the purpose for me contesting, which was to improve the level and quality of governance; to provide better services

and better life for our people, not just a few actors in the political corridor. I thought that alignment existed. But I could not be dissuaded because I came in for a purpose, and in my view, that was the agreement – to go in there and make the sacrifices necessary to ensure there was a level playing field, open access for more of our citizens and create a system that will guarantee and offer our people a better life.

You had to dismantle what you call the infantry arm of the political structure and there were significant blowbacks. How you were able to overcome that? Ordinarily, some people will scamper away, but you stood your ground. How difficult was that?

It was difficult, personally. However, I was convinced and also knew and had evidence that it was what the people wanted. I knew I had the backing and the support of the people because I could feel the pain and restrictions that the activities of these warlords had caused Edo people and the economy. It was like they had essentially kept people in bondage. So, once I took on that fight, I had allies; I had support from the people and that was what sustained me until the task was accomplished.

Is there something about your style that you think people didn’t understand and so felt Obaseki was a difficult person?

I think it has to do with substance. The substance is that you cannot negotiate evil. There’s no nice way to accommodate evil and bad. Evil is evil. So, for me, if you are talking of style or trying to romance evil, I mean, it’s a dangerous style because evil can overwhelm you in that process. Unfortunately, it has been a way of life for many of these people and change is very difficult, especially change that affects your pocket and economy; it’s very difficult. So, there was no way you could convince people

who for almost a generation had lived off the state without rendering real services that you could be nice and loved them to make them change. No, as far as I’m concerned, it was a fight we had to embark on. They were restricting progress and we couldn’t negotiate them out of the way. We had to just confront them and that process of confrontation, unfortunately, if they interpreted it in any way, it cannot be nice.

Did you think your political opponents, or those who made themselves opponents underrated your ability to fight?

Yes, they did underrate me but one thing that has become clear is that, unfortunately, a lot of the political actors are not ready to work hard; they have become so dependent on the system. So, you go to an area and you see somebody who has dominated the political scene for decades but has no relationship with the people he is representing. I mean, if you look at the statistics in Edo State, maybe it happens in many other places, 80% of politicians that we have elected in Edo to represent us at the National Assembly in Abuja, don’t come back. What does that tell you? They go, finish their term or whatever, and stay there; they never come back home. It just tells you a lot about the relationship between the political class and the citizens. So, once you’re prepared to do the work, meet the people, serve the people, and be there with them, they’ll always reciprocate.

You have fought many battles in the last seven and a half years and won. What was it that gave you that winning edge?

First, I do not instigate battles. I don’t start a fight; I have never started any fight. People have always

Nigeria Must Be Redesigned to Function Well, Govt Should Exercise Fiscal Restraint

tried to fight, upstage and confront me but because God knows that whatever actions I’ve done are not out of self-interest, but for public good; to improve and make things better for my people, he weakens the aggressors’ position in any fight against me. That perhaps has been the reason why I have won almost all the fights.

How well would you say the reform of the political structure has succeeded and is it sustainable after you leave office?

If you look at subsequent elections since 2016, if you look at my reelection in 2020, where the ‘Torgba’ Movement emanated, that is 4 + 4, that movement influenced the Obidient Movement to some extent. So, you can tell that if it wasn’t popular, if that wasn’t the way the people felt, then we would not have been able to sustain it, and even after the impact of the Obidient Movement on our politics, you could see the comeback in the next election and how my party dominated, from the House of Assembly and subsequently the local government elections where only PDP won in every ward and local government.

Some people say Obaseki is vindictive; it’s tough to deal with him. Why do you think they say this? Is it that they misunderstand you?

It’s not like they misunderstand; they have certain expectations. Even from your family, the moment you get elected and you are in a public office, people just think, ‘Oh, my person is now there, so it’s now my opportunity to benefit from the largesse’, forgetting that you are there to serve a larger interest, and if you serve the larger interest well, everybody will benefit. So, if our people don’t get what they want, then, I think they tend to be difficult and even impossible. Look at people, for instance, who worked with me, when they cannot get what they want, they suddenly become enemies. They forget that at one point, we were friends when they got what they requested.

Your relationship with your predecessor seems to be looking good. What happened?

Time heals. I think he is now beginning to see and understand what happened; to see that fundamentally, we didn’t have any difference in terms of the objectives of what we set out to do. I stayed on the course, but there must have been pressure. You know what happened.

You recently announced a new minimum wage for workers in Edo State when most states and the federal government are saying that there is a revenue shortage. How are you going to be able to implement this and what are your plans for its sustainability?

First, let me say it is scandalous that we continue to deceive ourselves that N18,000 minimum wage is a living wage, but we all know that by no means can anybody live on N18,000 today, which is why I took the step in my state to increase the minimum wage first from N30,000 to N40,000 in 2022. Having made all these efforts, even if they are laudable, it is still clear that even the N40,000 is still a far cry from what an average person or family needs to survive. So, it is only sensible to take it up again to N70,000. Even the N70,000, I daresay, is not going to do too much but at least people can begin to make an effort to live with that amount.

On sustainability, I have been a private sector person for most part of my career before I ventured into the public sector. With that training and background, we don’t just make statements without careful analysis of our revenue flow and expenditures and then analyse how we are going to go about ensuring that we are able to live up to our promise.

We have been very strategic in Edo State. We embarked on a very radical reform of the civil and public service which engendered a transformation exercise that completely turned around our civil service and has made it more efficient and effective. We are perhaps the only state government in Nigeria that has now gone totally paperless, we run our government on the e-gov platform and we have made a lot of savings from there.

We have what we call a fleet management system for our vehicles in the state government so we no longer have multiple vehicles for multiple public officeholders running different expenditures to manage all these vehicles; they are all managed in one single pool called the Fleet Management System. We have made massive savings from there as well.

Also, early in my first tenure, I entered into an agreement with a private company to generate electricity and serve the government and this has come on stream since 2020, 2021 and the state government has since been taken off the national grid and curbed the use of diesel and petrol to run the government because we now have 24-hour power supply from Ossiomo. So we have cut down on diesel expenditure and in many other areas.

Another area is training. Before, people had to leave the state to get trained but now we have John Odigie Training Centre where all our civil servants are trained at very frequent intervals at little or no cost because we have a training centre in the state. So all of these have resulted in massive savings for government which allow us to be able to take this bold decision which also mean that we will be able to sustain it.

Let’s talk more about the paperless system. When you say paperless, what exactly do you mean?

When we got into office in 2016, we knew that for us to truly transform the state, we had to fix the public and civil service because that is the

In terms of law and order, these non-state actors, I call them the political infantry or the infantry arm of the political class, had to be cut to size so that ordinary citizens could go about their activities in peace and calm. If you compare Edo today in terms of safety, security of lives and properties and well-being of the people, to what we met in 2016, it’s like night and day

engine of the government. No matter the political pronouncements you make, if you don’t have an effective and efficient public and civil service to drive the state and run those policies, it will come to nothing.

One of the things we then did was to make the civil service strong and meet the requirements of governance.

First is the people, motivate them, secondly manpower development. So, we set up the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy to train and retrain them. Also, the environment in which they work. When we came in, those government offices, the staff couldn’t use the toilets. I mean, you ask of officers and they’re not in their offices because they have gone outside the premises to use the toilet; it was that bad. The next was the system; the work processes. How do we make sure that there is transparency? How do you make sure that they work more efficiently? That led to the introduction of the EdoGov platform.

So, when I log into the system, it tells me everything.

I have a dashboard; my profile, human resources, all the emails that are coming in today, and the financial situation of the state. I could see services; if I have a memo from any agency, it comes in there. We have analytics; any procurement we want to do comes in there too. Everything we used to do with paper, we can now do electronically and more seamlessly too.

So, if you send me an email, even if you write me a letter, we scan it and a copy just comes to me.

Then, we went back to 1999 to scan every document we have and today, we’ve archived 71 million records in Edo State. For example, if I get a request for approval for an event taking place, let’s say in another state and they are requesting for N766 to be approved, all I have to do is go down there to the platform and approve it. This, in no small way, enhances efficiency and transparency in the service.

What about the fleet management, which has changed the way government deploys its transport assets and the health insurance scheme which has changed the way government caters to the people?

As I said earlier, if the public service is not strong and efficient, you can speak your grammar from now till tomorrow and nothing will happen. So, apart from technology, what are the other things that will make the public system work? The offices are now clean and rebuilt; we have 24/7 electricity supply from Ossiomo Power, and we have high speed Internet because we have fiber connected across the state. In addition to

the other gains of these reforms, we are also saving. We don’t have to buy papers because we have gone paperless; we don’t have to pay for airtime from network providers because fibre optics have been connected across the state. We don’t need to buy diesel because we get steady power supply from Ossiomo Power, among others. Then concerning transportation, we said to ourselves that with the cost of vehicles today, if government wants to buy a vehicle for each official, it will be too much.

So, we decided to create our own transport system and developed the MEGA Connect and today if you want to go anywhere during work hours, you just log in and book and the vehicle comes to you; yes, it’s free. For example, if you are going to Auchi, you just have to book your ride and the driver will arrive at the set time in front of your house or your office and will take you there and bring you back. So, we are able to optimise the use of the fleets and maintain them. These are some of the things we have been doing in the last seven years to make life better and easier for our people in Edo State.

What is the size of the economy now? What was it when you came in and how have you grown it over the past seven years?

When I assumed office, in terms of GDP, the economy was about $10.6 billion but today, at the last count, it was about $26 billion. We have doubled tremendously. The important thing is what has led to this? We have been able to attract substantial investments and investors by just creating the enabling business environment. Today, the main contributor to our GDP is agriculture. What have we done with agriculture? We looked around and said, where do we have the competitive advantage?

We are the home of oil palm, so we went back to the drawing board and asked ourselves what to do with this asset.

We went to Malaysia and everywhere else and decided to start a programme to develop our oil palm. Even though we had Okomu and Presco here, the two largest agric companies quoted on the stock exchange, let’s do more; let’s double the acres under cultivation. So, we set up an oil palm programme, not just allocating lands, it’s a programme where we decided to provide a certain amount of land for the cultivation of oil palm because oil palm is a very prolific crop; there is no waste. So, we did it in two phases.

In the first phase, we did a forest audit. We identified degraded forest lands that will never be able to grow back as forest and I took that and we got over 120,000 hectares of such and then began to prepare them for oil palm cultivation. We did the survey and made sure that under the programme, we got certification from a body called RSPO, the global body responsible for promoting responsible oil palm production, because if you don’t have the certification and they don’t certify your palm to make sure that in producing that palm. You didn’t deforest, you didn’t treat communities improperly, some companies like Unilever, PZ and others will not touch your palm. So, we made sure that Edo State qualified under that programme and today we have over ten companies that we have allocated land to and they are preparing their nurseries, including firms like Dufil Prima Foods, the makers of Indomie Noodles, Saro Oil Palm and Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, an American company called Fayus, and Saturn Farms, among others. I mean they are all there. The first phase is in Orhionmwon.

The next phase is going to be in Ovia, which we are preparing now. Don’t also forget that Edo has hydrocarbon assets, particularly gas. Remember we executed the 450MW Azura deal and the 95MW Ossiomo Power project, which is bigger than that of Abia State. What they are doing now, we have done a long time ago, and all of these are to attract investors.

In the area of entertainment, film, music, we created the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and we are attracting a lot of Nollywood producers to come and produce films in Edo State. Also, because we reformed our geographical information system, we can now get data and are working hard on mining. Since I got into office, Dangote has opened a cement company; BUA has expanded.

There are a lot of economic activities going on in Edo State. We have about eight Chinese companies in Benin City alone, all producing tiles, glass, and iron sheets, among others, all from local raw materials because we have electricity.

The Radisson Hotel being developed in Benin City is another good project to set a new standard in hospitality services and boost tourism. But is it in the place of a state to run hotel business?

One of the key planks of our reforms is to position Edo as the culture and tourism hub of West Africa. That’s why we have started the conversation about the return of the bronze works and setting up the Museum of West African Arts, trying to tell the world that we have civilisation here. In the last seven years, we have had investors of all shades coming in, the World Bank, among others and now we are trying to attract more foreigners.

When they come, where will they stay? Should we now wait for one private person to come before we take action? We saw an opportunity and put in our investment, when we finish it, we could sell it. That facility needs to be there to support what our intentions are. Talking about your education reforms, how well structured is the system now? Are you confident you are leaving behind a legacy?

You see, the whole system had been corrupted and broken down. First, it’s aligned to the structure of the country, whereas basic education is the responsibility of the parent and the local government because the local governments are the closest tier of government to the people. The local governments should be responsible for things like education, primary healthcare, market, sanitation, among others. With the weakening of the local government system, the

Edo State paperless government: Obaseki demonstrates to THISDAY how he treats files on the Edo-Gov digital platform

I Don’t Want to Be Godfather After Office

education system at that level was negatively affected. The teachers weren’t properly enumerated; they were not effectively supervised and no adequate investments in the infrastructural development of these schools, among others, but we can’t continue to lament. The truth is that children under the age of 18 constitute more than 50% of the population of this state today. So, what we’ve done with education is to say, look at what exactly was the problem? First, we said let’s focus on the foundation, the basic education system. There seems to be so much emphasis on the tertiary, but how many people really end up in tertiary schools? So, we decided to focus on foundational learning because that is what’s going on all over the world today. When a child is between 4 and 6 years, early childhood, we should focus on that child and ensure that the child is not malnourished and is being taught something.

That’s when you learn how to spell. That’s when you learn how to put your words, your tenses together. But if the teacher is not in class, the child would not be able to learn. So, the first thing was to ensure that we have a system where the teachers are encouraged and they are in class. Having gotten the teachers into the classrooms and ensuring they were teaching, we now asked ourselves what the teachers were teaching the children.

That was the basis of our basic education reform, which we call the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) Programme. After seven years, you could see the clear difference and what we did was to bring technology. We partnered with a technology company, made sure that every teacher had a tablet and with that tablet, I can tell if a teacher is in class or not.

Is there a way to see that?

Yes, because once a teacher comes to class, you synchronise your tablet with that of the head teacher and it comes into my portal every day. So, yes, if you are not in class, we know you are not in class and if you are not in class, the children cannot learn. With that, you can tell if a teacher came to class and completed his entire lesson note for that day or not because in that device, we have preloaded their lesson notes for that day. It’s backed up in the portal and it’s the system that checks all of that.

Are there other states with similar ...?

No, a few states have tried to understudy us and replicate the system, but it goes beyond just having the technology. It requires having the system and people in place to make sure that things are done properly. Let’s talk about politics. The governorship election is coming up in September. How confident are you that your party will retain this state? Do you think this government has endeared itself sufficiently to the people that they will be willing to reelect the party?

Honestly, there’s no opposition in Edo State. The opposition is on the pages of newspapers and in the media but in reality, there are none, because Edo has always been PDP; the PDP structures and tentacles are very strong. Yes, for about 12 years, the state got hijacked by another party and unfortunately, that other party has not done well for the country.

As I said, we have PDP supporters in every nook and cranny of the state; every councilor in Edo is a PDP member. I campaigned and was voted for; I wasn’t imposed. I went round with all of them. So, where is the opposition coming from except they want to rig the election and they know that cannot happen in Edo.

So, if you then go further and look at the quality of the candidates, you know our party is sure of victory. The Labour (Party) story in Edo was just an aberration and we knew it was because of the Obidient Movement and the issues in the country. The governorship election is a local election; we know ourselves. It’s what we call ‘face me I face you’ election. We know what the issues are.

There are issues concerning the primaries and of course your former deputy governor. He contested and felt you should have supported him, but you endorsed another candidate. Before the relationship went cold, what exactly happened between you and your former deputy?

I think it’s about ambition. Yes, our tenure was coming to an end and actually, we had a bit of some discussion and I felt he could pursue a career at the Senate. We actually offered him a senatorial ticket, which he declined. So, as far as I was concerned, he didn’t want to pursue his political career. He declined it and we had to offer it to somebody else and till tomorrow, he never sat down again to have a conversation with me about his political ambition.

I think I heard one or two interviews where he admitted that he didn’t have that conversation with me. What I heard was that he said he didn’t discuss it with me because of my body language but I’m one politician you can read from a mile away. To have a united Edo, we needed to make sure that the fundamental principle of our policies should be

fairness and equity so that every person in Edo feels part of the state.

So, if we have had governors from the North and the South senatorial districts, I think it’s only fair to give the Central a chance, particularly when you look and understand the circumstances of our political survival. When we were going through our battles and ended up with a 10-man House of Assembly, five of those ten were from Edo Central. It would have been grossly unfair and unjust not to have given them the opportunity.

Before this politics about him wanting to contest or not, your relationship was very warm and it was the model for other states because whenever you travelled out of the country, you handed over to him and he signed the bills. When did things start to go south?

I think it was just basically his personal ambition which is, ‘if I don’t get it, then nothing else matters. The past relationships don’t matter, past benefits don’t matter; the house must come down. I must have my own alternative primaries. I will go to the streets. I will do this and that.’ It was no longer about our common good which we were fighting for; it now became about his personal interest.

He did say publicly that every attempt to meet you failed as you were not taking his calls and all of that.

You know, when someone unilaterally takes you to court, I mean, you wake up one day and you’re being served court papers by your deputy. How would you react? The basis for the relationship and trust had been broken.

Couldn’t there have been a political solution rather than an impeachment?

Well, we are all witnesses. Thank God we are all witnesses to events in the country today. The primaries and the activities outside the primaries, you could imagine the level of hostility. You saw what happened in Ondo State. If unfortunately, a situation like that occurred to me in Edo, what would then happen to our political future? So, we couldn’t afford that risk.

Why the choice of a 37-year-old as your new deputy governor?

The deputy governor’s slot was zoned to Edo North

When I assumed office, in terms of GDP, the economy was about $10.6 billion but today, at the last count, it was about $26 billion. We have doubled tremendously

endows the university, but then the university has to run itself to be self-sufficient. When AAU was set up, there were very few private universities, if any at all. We have tried to make that school understand that the era when these schools were set up and government had the resources to fund them has passed. Government should continue to endow and the owners, the users of the facilities should pay. That’s where the struggle has been.

Some of your predictions about the economy under former President Muhammadu Buhari came to pass with dire consequences. What’s the state of the economy today, and are the reforms that the present administration has embarked on in the right direction?

I think we should be fair to this current administration that they met a very poor economy. Putting it mildly, an economy where so much money had been printed and that had made it very difficult to tame inflation. So, we are faced with this series of problems. One is too much cash pursuing few goods. Two, is our perennial dependence on foreign exchange from oil production, which is declining because of a lack of investments and thirdly, insecurity which has curtailed our ability to produce food in the quantities that we used to.

So, faced with these three problems and a few others, it would be a miracle for anybody to turn this around within a year. So, from that standpoint, I think we should be fair to this current administration. Yes, the APC government created the problem but trading blame won’t solve the problem and we will still have a country to run. I think we should be focusing on what we need to do in the short term to solve some of these problems so that we can stabilise the country and then do what we need to do for sustainability in the long term.

and Marvelous Godwins comes from Edo North, Akoko Edo Local Government precisely. We just felt that in the spirit of fairness and inclusiveness, now that this opportunity has arisen, we should give it to an area that has never had that opportunity. If you look at Edo North, it’s made up of Etsako, Owan and Akoko Edo.

From Etsako, Michael Ogiadomen was deputy governor, as was Philip Shaibu. With this opportunity, it’s only fair that it goes to Akoko Edo and this is a young man who has done so well. He started in Labour as the organising secretary. He is an amazing person; we need to begin to create new role models for young people in our politics today.

Edo used to be rife with insecurity, kidnappings and all of that. But for quite some months now, it seems to have cooled down. What did you do?

First, we said to ourselves that it is our problem and we cannot leave it to anyone else. We can’t wait for the Federal Government to come and secure us. Rather, let’s see how we can work with the Federal Government to support us in securing our state; that was the thinking. So, we then fell back on the traditional security structures we had before the coming of the British.

Every community had a security plan; we had young men who came out at certain times at night and did turns. So, those were now moved into our neighbourhood or vigilante arrangements. We then decided to bring them under some control. We registered them and developed a training programme for them, working with the military, DSS, and the police. We refurbished the Police Training College in Ogida Barracks and we have trained more than 10,000 of them today.

We worked with our vigilante teams who understand and know their communities, and then gave them the back-up to control security substantially. In most local governments in Edo State today, they do what we call a weekly or biweekly bush-combing exercise, with the military and police giving them back-up and the hunters going into their bushes while we support them with area patrols to make sure that we don’t have camps for people who shouldn’t be in certain locations and flushing them out.

With this, are you one of those who support the idea of state police?

As I have always said, if you want to curb any of our challenges today, for example, if it is a security challenge, decentralise the police system. If you want more oil revenue, decentralise that system. Whatever we’re doing is not working; centralisation is not working for us. We need a redesign.

What is the status of the state universities because there have been some complaints recently, particularly with AAU?

We have two universities in Edo State; the Ambrose Alli University and Edo State University in Uzaire. The rationale for setting up the Edo State University is because we wanted to change the model where at the tertiary level, the state

Unfortunately, there is nothing much that they can do because you cannot clap with one hand and expect to hear a loud sound. The challenge is both monetary and fiscal. We have been utilising monetary tools, particularly monetary tools that could apply in a regular economy with the right pressure points. Here, there is too much naira in circulation and you want to mop up the naira by increasing interest rates? This means that people will not have access to credit. So, there are two sides of the same coin; the monetary and the fiscal arm. We have got to focus on the real issues. First, the money that comes, how do we spend it? Let’s stop trading blame. The federal government is most responsible. They get 52% of the revenues of this country. Why blame the states that share only about 26 per cent? If the federal government behaves properly, then it will have the justification for controlling the states.

So, rather than trading blame, I think the federal government must first call itself to order because it’s spending much more money that it doesn’t have. Look at the number of MDAs and see the years it took to implement the Oronsaye report. We saw this problem many years ago and I always spoke about it. So, unless we impose some restraints on fiscal spending, there is not too much we can do monetarily.

Secondly, we must redesign the country. I am not even talking about restructuring. We need a new design where we reduce the level of centralisation. When I had to deal with the issue of security in Edo State, I had to think about decentralising by giving more authority to the community members. The issue of increasing revenues from mining oil can only be dealt with by decentralising.

You are never going to be able to do much more than 1.5 million barrels per day today, unless you decentralise. If in Edo State, I have the possibility to manage or co-manage the 147 oil wells I have in Edo today, we will produce much more than we’re producing today for the federal government. So, unless we think about decentralising this country, we are just going to be running around in circles. What is that singular thing that you think is the biggest takeaway for you? What will you also be remembered for?

For hundreds of years, the Edo man had dominated his environment; the Edo man had excelled; he was at par with the rest of the world and I don’t see why he shouldn’t be at that same status today. What I want, my inspiration, is to create the basis for the Edo man and woman to dominate his environment again the way he did hundreds of years ago and I believe the way to start is knowledge, education; fix the system by which he organises himself. What is next for Obaseki?

Obaseki is very fortunate and has every reason to thank God. If you look at Nigeria today, I am one of the few persons who have had solid private sector experience and have been in government. I have been in the APC and I have been in the PDP. My role is to sit back and see how I can assist and help, nurture, let people know, share my experiences with them and support them. So, I see myself going back to school, researching, teaching and just impacting knowledge.

Would you resist the temptation of being a godfather?

There is no need to. You always mentor people, but when you want to sit and begin to direct them, that’s where the problem is. I don’t like being directed, so why should I direct anybody. If I had wanted to direct somebody, I would not have gone for one of Nigeria’s most accomplished lawyers to step down from all his enviable professional engagements just to come and be directed in Edo State.

Obaseki

PRESENTATION OF GAC SUV PRIZE TO WINNER...

ACJHR Accuses FG of Persecuting Emefiele over Multiple Trials

To focus on travails at Accra confab, declares trial political Describes as vindictive multiple charges across different jurisdictions Middle Belt group tackles Akpabio

Alex Enumah in Abuja

African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) has accused the federal government of persecuting immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele.

ACJHR said Emefiele’s trial on multiple charges across jurisdictions smacked of vindictiveness, stressing that when rights groups across Africa meet in a few days’ time in Accra, Ghana, one thing that would shape their discussion is the ongoing trial of the former CBN governor.

ACJHR is the sponsor of the Annual Conference of West African Human Rights watch groups.

Conference Organising Chairman, Comrade John Akufo, told newsmen in Accra that Emefiele’s ordeals had caught the attention of the human rights group.

Since last year, shortly after his suspension and subsequent arrest and detention, Emefiele has been dragged before four courts, especially between Lagos and Abuja, over alleged corruption and abuse of office, among other charges.

The federal government had initially arraigned him on a twocount charge of illegal possession

of firearms before a Federal High Court in Lagos. But last July, the government, following an order of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for his unconditional release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), filed a fresh 20-count charge against him in Abuja.

Only last month, Emefiele was also arraigned at a Lagos High Court, in Ikeja, over alleged abuse of office and allocation of billions of dollars.

His arraignment on a fresh 26-count charge stalled his ongoing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court, Abuja, on April 25, forcing the Abuja court to adjourn till June for continuation of trial.

Bothered by this development, human rights activists from across Africa decided to focus on Emefiele's travails at this year's Annual Conference of West African Human Rights watch groups, holding in Accra.

The event sponsored by ACJHR will be accessing the performance of West African governments on fairness and diligent prosecution, and how these had helped the fight against corruption.

The conference will also evaluate how the use of vindictive tools, like prolonged detention, multiple charges

in different jurisdictions, media trial, and intimidation had weakened effective corruption fight.

Besides Emefiele, the group will also focus on other West African leaders, who had been denied fair trial, especially in Togo, Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

Briefing newsmen at La Palm Beach Hotel, Accra, Akufo said the endless and prolonged detention of Emefiele, abuse of his human rights, bogus charges of terrorism, economic sabotage, and corruption, which the Nigerian government had not proven, had caught the attention of ACJHR.

Akufo said the long detention of Emefiele, abuse of court orders, media trial, public humiliation, and other highhanded actions had made the human rights apex watch bodies to consider discussing his matter at the annual conference.

He said, "If after reviewing the facts and evidence and we find out there is more to the case, the apex West African human rights gathering will declare the trial as political and put pressure and strong advocacy for Nigerians to pressure their government, especially the court, to discharge him and stop the prosecution."

ACJHR stated that Emefiele's

suspension at the beginning of the current administration had political undertone, as it portended vindictive action against the CBN governor, whose policies in the build-up to the 2023 general election were viewed at targeting some politicians.

Akufo stated, "For instance, the present president, then candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, at the height of electioneering, said the naira swap policy was targeted at him and insisted that he would certainly win the election, despite sabotage from official quarters.

"Thus, without pre-empting what our review will show, it is suspicious that the continued harassment, endless multiple charges, detention, media trial of Emefiele and the actions of state and non-state actors precipitating the whole saga are pointing towards political persecution, as the former CBN governor had also, reportedly, indicated interest in the presidency.

"But, as we said earlier, if our investigations revealed so, we will take action to prevail on the government to stop that and stick to the facts and ensure quick dispensation of justice. It's unfortunate that such is becoming the hallmark of governments not only in Nigeria but Africa generally.”

Press Freedom: Isiguzo Urges Media, Stakeholders to Defend Rights of Journalists

Ojukwu: it's irresponsible, breach of free press to arrest journalists, Atiku flays Tinubu government Zulum bags NUJ’s good governance award in education Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos, Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo, has called on media organisations and critical stakeholders in the country to uphold press freedom by defending the rights of journalists to work without fear of censorship, harassment, and violence.

Isiguzo described press freedom as essential for democracy, accountability, and protection of human rights.

The NUJ national president spoke yesterday in Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital, during a training for journalists in the state to mark the World Press Freedom Day, held at the NUJ secretariat.

Relatedly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the

arbitrary arrest and incarceration of journalists by the Tinubu administration, saying it shows the attitude of the current government to freedom of the press.

Atiku, who tweeted his displeasure on X, formerly Twitter, said it was irresponsible and a breach of press freedom assured journalists by the Nigerian constitution.

He was reacting to the arrest of Daniel Ojukwu of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). Ojukwu was picked up barely 48 hours after the observance of this year's World Press Freedom Day last week.

Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum won the NUJ Good Governance Award 2024 on Education.

Isiguzo, represented by an exofficio of the Bauchi State Council, Abubakar Waziri, urged journalists to play their role as the watchdog of

society, holding power to account, exposing corruption, and amplifying the voices of the marginalised and vulnerable.

He stressed that despite facing numerous challenges, including threats, intimidation, and attacks, journalists continued to demonstrate courage, resilience, and professionalism in the pursuit of truth and justice.

The NUJ president also urged stakeholders in the country to ensure the safety and wellbeing of journalists, especially those reporting on sensitive or dangerous topics, such as environmental issues, and provide training, resources, and legal support to journalists facing threats or attacks.

Isiguzo said the environmental crisis was one of the most pressing challenges of the present time, with far-reaching implications for the planet and future generations.

He added that from climate change and deforestation to pollution and biodiversity loss, the threats facing the environment were complex and urgent.

According to him, “This year’s theme: ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,’ underscores the crucial role of journalists in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.

“The NUJ joins the global community in commemorating this special day and reaffirms its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and advocating for the rights and safety of journalists across the country.

“Journalism, therefore, has a critical role to play in raising awareness, fostering public debate, and catalysing action to address these issues.”

In a related development, Middle Belt Youths Forum (MBYF) took a swipe at Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his comment against Emefiele.

MBYF advised Akpabio to focus on his corruption baggage.

The senate president incurred the wrath of the youths at the weekend, when he accused Emefiele of leaving behind a “foamy economy”.

While urging Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu administration, Akpabio alleged that Emefiele “left a very big hole in the national treasury”.

But reacting to the comments, MBYF, in a statement by its Director of Strategy, Caleb Pwok, observed that Akpabio's subservience to the executive as well as demonisation of the former CBN governor will not cleanse him of his corruption baggage.

While extolling Emefiele, the youth group observed that he defended the naira very well while at the helm of affairs at the apex bank.

They stated that the senate president, who had been summoned by EFCC severally for interrogation over corruption allegations against him, was just making utterances against Emefiele to gain the favour of Tinubu and avert the hammer of EFCC dangling over his head.

The group wondered if the senate president was senile, recalling that

in defending the naira and ensuring stability of the currency in the Foreign Exchange (FX) market, CBN under Emefiele had implemented series of policies to manage the space and ensure that banks were able to meet the demands of customers seeking forex for SMEs, school fees, and medicals.

ACJHR recalled that Emefiele had at a time explained, “As a result of our demand management policy, the naira has remained largely stable at the I & E window, particularly since the discontinuation of FX allocation to Bureau De Change operators along with the convergence between the CBN and NAFEX rates.”

They said, “Following these policies implementation, particularly the stoppage of FX allocation to Bureau De Change operators, the naira maintained relative stability since 2021, according to the CBN, at N411.50/US$ in August, but declined to N414.33/US$ in December. The currency rate was N416.98/US$ in February 2022. For a long time, the CBN has used a controlled float exchange rate regime."

They added that with the above statement, the senate president needed no further proof with the current policies and the CBN exchange rate under the government, which Akpabio is an integral part of. They said Akpabio was the one that created a foamy economy.

Anglican Church Wants FG to End Recruitment of 'Repentant’ Insurgents into Security Agencies

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The federal government has been called upon to put an end to the policy of recruiting "repentant" members of the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist group into Nigeria’s security agencies.

The Umuahia Diocese of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion made the call weekend at its first session of the 11th Synod held at All Saints Church World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia.

Delivering his presidential address at the Synod, the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, denounced the recruitment of terrorists into Nigeria's security agencies, saying that it was a disservice to the war on terrorism.

"The recruitment of 'repentant Boko Haram members' into the Nigeria military, police and other state forces is not acceptable at all,"

he said.

Ibeabuchi warned that it would end up exacerbating terrorist activities "when you recruit enemies of the state and blood thirsty men and women, to protect the (same) state".

While commending the federal government for its efforts in tackling insecurity across the nation, Ibeabuchi noted that Nigerians were yet to start experiencing real sense of security as kidnappings, banditry and other forms of criminalities still persist.

"We expect them(government and its agencies) to do more to ensure that lives and properties of Nigerians are adequately protected," he said.

The Synod commended the ongoing efforts towards creation of state police but expressed fears that it might become an instrument for grassroots politics for the government in power and a medium to silence opposing voices and political opponents.

L-R: Yetunde Oni, MD/CEO, Union Bank of Nigeria; Mrs. Dorcas Olayinka Mononukan, Winner GAC SUV Grand Prize; Mr. Mononukan, Husband of Grand Prize Winner; Vivian Imoh-Ita, Head Retail Banking, Union Bank of Nigeria; and Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria during the grand prize presentation of recently concluded Save and Win Palli Promo Draw Season 3 at the bank’s head office in Marina, Lagos…last Friday

ICAN LONG SERVICE AWARD...

Fubara: Despite Political Pressure We're

Determined, Focused on Good

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that in spite of political pressure, his administration remained determined to achieve good governance.

He said the pressure mounted by the political crisis in the state has been weathered sufficiently, giving way for his administration to provide focused leadership and governance to the people of the state.

The governor also

declared that as long as his administration and Rivers people he was leading were concerned, there was no more political issue of note.

Fubara spoke when he hosted members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, led by its Chairman,

Hon. Mike Etaba, who were on courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Addressing the federal lawmakers, Fubara explained how the pressure from the political crisis has served as an enabler to strengthen his commitment to service.

Archbishop Warns against Manipulating, Abusing, Misusing AI to Challenge God

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Catholic Church in Nigeria has cautioned people to beware of the wrong use of the unfolding technological innovation known as Artificial Intelligence to challenge God.

In his Homily at Opening Mass of the 58th World Communications Day at St. Paul Catholic Church, in Benin City, Edo State, the immediate past President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, and Archbishop of Benin City, His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Akuburze, said the church was concerned that Artificial Intelligence might be abused, misused and manipulated, negating its positive benefits.

Speaking on the theme of this

year’s Catholic Church edition of the World Day of Communications, "Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of the Heart: Towards a fully Human Communication", the Archbishop said the use of artificial intelligence could make a positive contribution to the communications sector so long as it did not eliminate the role of journalism or used to manipulate the truth.

His words: "Therefore, it is important that in our search and use of advanced technology we do not delude ourselves that we can become like God without God.

"Thus, while Artificial Intelligence systems can help us to overcome ignorance and facilitate the exchange of information between different peoples and

generations, we must be aware that when in the wrong hands, it can be abused, misused and manipulated to spread fake News which can distort our relationship with others and with reality," he said

Akubueze said the Catholic Church believed that the use of artificial intelligence could make a positive contribution to the communications sector, provided it did not eliminate the role of journalism and the values of professionalism of communication.

In addition, Akubueze said Artificial Intelligence could be useful to the society provided it did not create more unemployment in the society or lead to the manipulation of truth.

He said Pope Francis had in his message for this year’s 58th World day of Social Communications cautioned about the dilemma the society faces with regards to technology and Artificial Intelligence, which brings benefits as well as adverse consequences to human communication and society.

According to Akubueze, the Pontiff sees the “the rapid spread of astonishing innovations, whose working and potential are beyond the ability of most of us to understand and appreciate, as both exciting and disorienting.

"In all, the Pope calls on us to ask God for the grace of wisdom to make the right decision and to allow ourselves find answers in time so that humanity may never lose its bearings.”

Ododo to Influencers: Focus on Positive Narrative

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged young people in the state to focus on positive narrative in their engagement on social media.

Ododo gave the charge in a message at a one day training programme in Lokoja, organised by the Ododo Media Centre for Media influencers and content creators as part of activities marking his first 100 days in office.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, who declared the programme open, he enjoined the participants to go beyond amplifying fault-lines of the people and concentrate on issues that unite citizens of the state.

He stressed that the real spokespersons of the government were the people outside the government who always went out of their way to project policies and programme of the government.

The governor said the training

was aimed at building the capacity of persons helping to promote activities of government to have the knowhow and be able to train more social media users to amplify government programmes and policies.

He explained that this would in turn serve as an effective feedback mechanism so as to build a robust engagement between government and people who own the government.

More importantly, he noted

that the workshop would skill up the capacity of the younger generation in digital information communication strategy while promoting good governance. While encouraging the participants to go outside their ranks in engaging people of diverse views, he implored the content creators to involve in community engagement to communicate impactful projects of government to their various audience.

Governance

"Pressure makes some people retreat or fail, and to others, it makes them to become focused to succeed. We have chosen to be focused under this pressure. That is why we are moving ahead. That is why we are making positive impact in the lives of our people. Governance is about the people. It is not about self.

"Governance is about touching the core needs of those people we are leading, and by the special grace of God, we are doing it," he told the lawmakers.

He said, it was more desirable for a public leader to relish in the accolades from the majority

of the people, who by exploring the conducive climate provided, feed themselves and pay school fees of their children.

Earlier, leader of the delegation and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, Etaba, explained that they came into Port Harcourt on the basis of a petition that was before the House and referred to the Committee.

He mentioned the petitioner as "Bridge Gap Initiative", a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in respect to some of the companies operating in the Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout of Rivers State.

Akinfeleye Remembers Wife One Year After

In a moving and emotion laden elegy, the renowned communication scholar, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye has remembered his late wife, Mrs Carol Anike Akinfeleye who transited on May 6, 2023.

In a statement issued yesterday, Akinfeleye said, “Darling Carol Anike, you left us 365 days ago... One year of pain and turbulence. Today, we remember and honour your beautiful life.

“You were more than a wife; you were a beacon of love, kindness, and grace. Your presence illuminated every room you entered, filling it with warmth and joy. You were a devoted Christian to devoted partner, a loving mother, and a cherished friend.

“Though you have gone to be with the Lord, your spirit continues to live on in the memories we hold dear.”

In the one year remembrance message, Akinfeleye said the two families - Akinfeleyes and Ogundipes - have continued to be guided by the legacy of love

and compassion the deceased led while alive. “As we reflect on your exemplary life, let us carry forward your legacy of love and compassion, keeping your memory alive in our hearts forever. You are deeply missed and fondly remembered always.

Darling Carol Anike mi.... Keep resting in the bossom of the Lord,” he concluded.

L-R: Former Deputy Registrar, Corporate Services, ICAN, Mr. Mukaila Lawal; ICAN President, Dr. Innocent Okwuosa; Vice President, ICAN, Chief David Alaribe; and Deputy Registrar, Technical Services, ICAN, Dr. Ijeoma Anaso during the ICAN Long Service Awards Ceremony held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja … weekend SUNDAY ADIGUN

Late Carol

NECA: Fuel Scarcity Now a Sore That Refuses to Heal

Tasks FG on reconvening minimum wage tripartite committee

Dike Onwuamaeze

Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), has described the persistent recurrence of fuel scarcity in the country as a sore that has refused to heal.

The NECA, which called on the federal government to take swift action to curb the recurring scarcity, expressed its concern that fuel shortages all over the country were taking a toll at Nigeria’s productivity and economic activities.

The association also urged the federal government to reconvene, without delay, the tripartite committee on the minimum wage that was adjourned since the first week of April to continue its assignment as soon as practicable.

Commenting on the fuel scarcity yesterday, the Director General of NECA, Mr. AdewaleSmatt Oyerinde, stated that, “Like a sore that has refused to heal, the recurrent issue of fuel scarcity has reared up its ugly head again, notwithstanding the removal of fuel subsidy.

“The fuel subsidy removal among other things was supposed to liberalise the market and ensure free flow of the product. The ongoing scarcity, with attendant loss

of productive man hours as a result of endless hours spent at filling stations defies logic.

“The ongoing disruption of businesses across diverse sectors, escalating transportation

and logistical bottlenecks has progressively led to increased operational costs.”

Oyerinde also emphasised the urgent need for coordinated action, proposing strategic

interventions to address the fuel scarcity and fortify organisational resilience.

He called for heightened collaboration among the NNPC, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), petroleum marketers, and other stakeholders to optimise fuel distribution and mitigate supply chain disruptions.

More Troubles as Adamu's Kinsmen Seek to Replace Ganduje as APC National Chair

Ask court to restrain ex-Kano gov from parading himself as chairman

Alex Enumah in Abuja

There appears to be more crisis on the path of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, as a fresh suit has been filed at an Abuja High Court, seeking his removal from office.

Recently, Ganduje was suspended from his ward in Kano, although the matter is currently before the Court

of Appeal, his fate however would only be determined by the Supreme Court, being the final court in the country.

Unlike the earlier suit, this fresh suit filed on May 3, came from some aggrieved members of the APC in the North Central geopolitical zone, who felt shortchanged with the appointment of Ganduje from the Northwest.

Ganduje, APC, the National Executive Committee (NEC)

Oborevwori, Dafinone Mourn

as Ex-Minister, Gbagi, Dies at 62

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed his heart-felt condolences to the family of a former Minister of State for Education, Chief Kenneth Gbagi, who passed on Saturday, May 4, at the age of 62.

Also, the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district, Senator Ede Dafinone, yesterday, commiserated with the Urhobo nation, family and friends of the late Minister.

Gbagi a senior lawyer, businessman and governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, died after a brief illness.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described the passing of Gbagi as tragic, unfortunate and heart-wrenching.

He commiserated with the people of Ughelli South Local Government

Area and Oginibo community, in particular, over the demise of the renowned politician and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.

He noted that Gbagi, a criminologist, entrepreneur and lawyer, was chairman, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, and, later, Minister of Education (State) during President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

"On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of a renowned politician and astute businessman, Chief Kenneth Gbagi, who passed on in Lagos on Saturday.

"The news of his death came to me as a terrible shock and my heart-felt condolences go to his family, the people of Oginibo and the members of the Social Democratic Party, SDP," Oborevwori said.

On his part, Dafinone, in a

statement personally signed, said Gbagi's passage represented not just the loss of a remarkable individual but also departure of an iconic figure in Urhobo nation.

"It is with a heavy heart that I, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing the esteemed people of Delta Central Senatorial District, extend my deepest condolences to the Gbagi family, of Oginigbo, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Urhobo Nation, friends, and associates on the passing of Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi at 62 years old.

"The news of Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi's demise on May 4th, 2024, has left us all in deep sorrow. His passing represents not just the loss of a remarkable individual but also the departure of an iconic figure in the Urhobo Nation, a distinguished lawyer, an astute industrialist, and a former Minister of Education," he said.

and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC are 1st to 4th defendants respectively, in the suit marked: CV/2258/2024.

The plaintiff, a former chairmanship aspirant from Nasarawa, Mohammed Etsu, claimed Ganduje's emergence as chairman of the APC last year was done in violation of agreement reached at the party's national convention in 2022, wherein the office of the chairman was zoned to North Central.

He argued that following the resignation of former Governor

Abdullahi Adamu last year as chairman of the party, his successor ought to have come from the North Central zone.

In the affidavit he deposed to in support of the suit, Etsu submitted that, "The emergence of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is blatantly a violation of the APC Constitution."

He alleged that the NEC and NWC "in their desperation and frenzy to impose Ganduje on the APC on August 3, 2023, failed to comply with the procedure stipulated in the APC Constitution for the replacement of a National/

Zonal Officer in the event of a vacancy." No date has been fixed for hearing.

Meanwhile aggrieved members of the APC under the platform of Concerned North Central APC Stakeholders, had in a letter signed by Muhammed Saidu Etsu, Gbenga Lubem you AbdulGaniyu Lukman, Bagu Bung Jung, Isa Abubakar Imam, and Mohammed Kabiru Idris, stated that the APC North Central, had resolved to unanimously agitate for their rights and reclaim their mandate.

LASG Commences Removal of over 100 Shanties Under the Adeniji Adele Bridge Today

The Lagos State Government, Sunday, stated that it would undertake enforcement action to remove over 100 shanties housing several people under the Adeniji Adele bridge from Monday.

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during an interview with newsmen.

He added that the removal is coming after the expiration of a 48 hours removal notice served on all occupants of the shanties to move with their belongings.

The commissioner informed that operatives of the Kick

Against Indiscipline (KAI/ LAGESC) and officials from the Monitoring Enforcement and Compliance (MEC) department of the ministry will be given security back up to conduct the operation.

Wahab emphasized that the exercise is part of the avowed commitment of the present administration under Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to reclaim all ungoverned spaces that dot the Lagos landscape.

He stressed that unsightly shanties which are located in the heart of Lagos Island represent a distorted image of what a smart city like Lagos should be.

Wahab said apart from

the unsanitary conditions of residents in the shanties, it also serve as hiding places for criminals and points for peddling hard drugs and substances which is injurious to the wellbeing of law-abiding residents. He advised all the occupants of the shanties in their own interest to voluntarily move out with their belongings before the commencement of the enforcement operations on Monday. It will be recalled that similar enforcement operations to reclaim uncovered spaces have already taken place at Ijora, Apongbon, Obalende and Dolphin.

APTECH OPENS ABUJA CENTRE...

L-R:Centre Manager, Robor Bliss; Centre Head, Sanjay Shrivas; Chief Guest, Mrs. Nneka Ezechi Flora Nwadiogbu; Head International

during the opening of Aptech Lokogoma Centre in Abuja…recently

and

EFCC, Police Pledge to Strengthen Ties against Corruption

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) and the Nigeria Police have pledged to intensify their collaboration in the fight against corruption.

The two organisations made the pledge when the Head of EFCC Zonal Office in Sokoto, Nwanneka Nwokike visited the Sokoto State Police Commissioner Ali Kaigama.

Nwokike thanked the Police for their roles in nurturing the

Police Arrest Two for Missing 200-level UNIDEL Student

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

Two suspects have been reportedly arrested by operatives of Edo State Police Command in connection with the missing 200-level undergraduate of University of Delta, Agbor, Miss Faith Omodon.

On March 30, inhabitants of Iru Egbede community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State reported the sudden disappearance of their daughter, Faith Omodon, who was studying Business Administration in the above

mentioned university.

According to the father of the missing girl, Mr. Edward Omodon, she was last seen on March 30, after leaving home for farm and never returned.

He said the incident occurred when the community was holding their national conference.

Omodon stated that: “We usually have Iru national conference at this time of the year. We were seated inside the community hall when we heard loud wailing outside that my daughter was missing.

APC: Magnus Abe Has Zest for Better Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Caretaker Committee

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Mr Tony Okocha, has described Senator Magnus Abe as having penchant and zest that will bring about change and development in the state.

The APC chairman also described Abe, who was a governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general elections, as a valued asset to the state chapter of the APC.

In a statement titled “Senator Magnus Abe:A Valued Asset”, Okocha listed his (Abe)

achievements from when he was lawmaker in the State House of Assembly, till he was elected as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Rivers South-east Senatorial District.

Senator Abe had recently disclosed that he has made peace with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and pledged his commitment to the leadership of APC in the state.

In a warm reception back to the APC, Okocha said Senator Abe is purpose driven and a resultoriented strategist, who almost lost his life while defending the interest of the party during the administration of former Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

NECO Unveils Digitalisation Recruitment of Exam Supervisors

KuniTyessi inAbuja

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the digitalisation of recruitment process for examination supervisors and assistant supervisors for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal and External. The digitalisation is to check sharp practices in the recruitment process and to enhance efficiency and effective service delivery. In a statement issued by the acting Director, Information and Digital Communication, Azeez

Sani, and made available to journalists yesterday, the digitalisation process which involves migration from the manual recruitment of supervisors and assistant supervisors to online system, would ensure that supervisors nomination form, appointment letters and supervisors e-photo albums are generated on-line.

It said: “The National Examinations Council (NECO) has digitalised the recruitment process for examination supervisors and assistant supervisors for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal and External.

EFCC and assured the CP that he will always call on him for advice and guidance.

“For us in the EFCC, our brotherhood with the Nigerian police commenced from

inception and we recognise and appreciate the crucial role they play in our operations,” he said.

On his part the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State, Ali Kaigama reaffirmed that the

bond between the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force is strong and can never be broken.

The CP traced the history of the commission to the robust relationship it has with the

Police.

According to Kaigama,”the Nigeria Police Force will remain a home for the EFCC. We are proud of your achievements,” he said.

DSS Seals Community Clinic over Quackery, Death of Patient

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Department of State Security (DSS), yesterday sealed AL-Ihsan Clinic, located at Unguwan Rogo Community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State over allegations of quackery and a reported death of a patient who received treatment in the clinic.

The death of a woman, last week in the community following a surgery performed by a doctor in the hospital, had sparked mixed reactions in the community with many attributing the death to the surgery. This has subsequently raised concern about the qualification of the doctor.

Sources from the community,

who confirmed the incident, said it became necessary to seal the medical facility after the community filed complaints to the state ministry of health and the DSS regarding the alleged quackery activities in the clinic.

A member of the community, Sadis Muhammad Albasu said: ‘’The primary reason for sealing the hospital is the alleged quackery activities at the clinic, which came to light after a woman’s death following a surgical procedure done in the clinic.

“The issue is that the doctor who carried out the surgery is not a qualified medical doctor, and therefore lacks the necessary skill to perform surgical procedures.

Ministry Targeting Skill Acquisition for Unemployed Youths, Says Abubakar

Onyebuchi Ezigbo inAbuja

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ismaila Abubakar, has said the ministry is pursuing an initiative to empower many unemployed youths and school leavers with lucrative skills that will enable them earn a living.

He also said the ministry is looking beyond conciliation of industrial crisis to playing a bigger role in enhancing the growth of the economy.

Abubakar revealed this when he met with the leadership of the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria (LACAN) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He said the ministry was seeking to make greater impact in the lives of Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration by making sure that employment opportunities are created for the unemployed Nigerians.

The permanent secretary said that the recently lunched

programme: ‘Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP)’, was one of the innovative ideas initiated by the Minister Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, targeting to develop various employability skills for young graduates, school leavers, artisans among others.

NGOs Want Abuse against Senior Citizens Criminalised

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

A coalition of non-governmental organisations, (NGOs), Voice Elderly Community of Practice (CoP), have called on governments at all levels to urgently criminalise all forms of abuse against the elderly in Nigeria.

The NGOs also decried the

failure to implement policies that provide for the rights and privileges of older persons in terms of healthcare, housing, economic benefits, and adequate standard of living.

They made the call yesterday in Enugu during a one-day workshop to unveil the research

findings undertaken to assess the availability, accessibility, and efficiency of eldercare services across the country.

Speaking during the event, the Executive Director of DewDrop Foundation, Agatha Nnaji, said that it was worrying that despite existing policies, elders are often exposed to all forms of abuse both by their families and caregivers. She explained that the National Senior Citizens Centre Act 2017 for instance provides for health insurance and costs for older persons, social safety assistance, and public healthcare services among others.

Wike Upgrades Airport Road Street Lights to Intelligent LED

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commenced the upgrade of the Airport Road lighting with intelligent Smart Light Emitting Diode (Smart LED) lights.

The upgrade is to actualise the vision of a greater FCT that will complement the ongoing massive infrastructural development.

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Hannah Adesanya, 17, has been diagnosed with tumor on her left jaw, and may die unless a surgery which will cost N500, 000 is carried out.

According to Dr. Taye Toni of the Abubakar Tafawa

The upgrading project awarded by the FCT Administration is meant to replace the conventional HighPressure Sodium (HPS) with Smart LED to make the nation’s capital a 21st-century city like other developed country exit and entry points of the capital city.

Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Felix Obuah, said there are plans to migrate all major Abuja roads and streets to smart LED.

He said the contract had already been awarded, adding that it would be taken bit by bit. “We are ready to light up Abuja,” he said. Obuah had last week decried the attitude of some streetlight contractors that failed to meet up with standards, threatening to blacklist them.

Teenage Girl with Jaw Tumor Needs N.5m for Surgery to Remain Alive

Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, who first handled Hannah’s case, the tumor has to be removed so that it will not spread.

Toni, who disclosed this to THISDAY via telephone interview, advised that in removing the affected bone, it

has to be a major operation.

He added that the affected bone would be removed and replaced with an implant (something like an iron).

“The iron will be put there to help form a new bone,” he explained The patient is referred to

a centre in Gombe for the surgical operation billed for May 7, 2024.

Hannah’s mother, Remi, has been single since her husband, Yomi Adesanya, abandoned the family when Hannah was just three years old.

Aptech Education Centre Opens in Abuja, to Empower Youths

Aptech, a global frontrunner in education, is impacting Nigeria youth beyond the classroom, with the institution actively working to create pathways for employment and further academic pursuits.

Speaking at the opening of a new Aptech computer education centre in Lokogoma, Abuja, Head, International Business Division, Aptech,Kallol Mukherjee, said the vision of the centre goes beyond enrolment numbers to focusing on successful job placements to contribute to society’s growth. Going beyond mere enrolment figures, Mukherjee said Aptech’s vision

is firmly fixed on fostering successful job placements that contribute to the growth of society by offering comprehensive two-year programs. He said students are not only equipped with essential skills but will also be provided with avenues for further academic pursuits. According to him, opportunities

for credit transfer to other Alliance Partners in Middlesex University and Lincoln University College Malaysia are available for students after completing Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering (ADSE) Arena Multimedia Specialist Programme and (AMSP), a two-year programme.

Business, Aptech, Kallol Mukerjee

Chief Operating Officer, Sajan Suvarna,

BIG PICTURE ACCORDING TO SHETTIMA

Buhari made the decision, Tinubu is carrying the can for implementing it, probably the single most unpopular public policy in the eyes of Nigerians. But it had to be done, Shettima said. In May last year, Nigeria’s debt service to revenue ratio was 111.8%. “In plain terms, our debt servicing was such that if you earned, say, N100,000, the entirety of the money wasn’t only paid to your debtor; you were forced to borrow an additional N11,800 to pay the debtor. How do you intend to survive this? How many more loans will you take before you become a pariah? We are not even discussing the nation’s budget deficits, diversion of resources from critical sectors of the economy, and corruption masterminded in the subsidy regime.”

He however refused to apportion blame to Buhari. That was being very charitable because Buhari himself spent half of his presidential tenure blaming the preceding Jonathan and Obasanjo regimes for “the rot” that he inherited. Some people now say he compounded it. The PDP presidents also got their just deserts because they spent most of their early years in office blaming the military rulers for the country’s mess. Very charitably however, Shettima now says, “We know that government is a continuum.” He wouldn’t throw a dig at the Buhari Administration but he landed a punch on the noses of Tinubu’s 2023 election rivals, saying, “Whoever succeeded the [Buhari]

government would have either chosen to steer the ship through the storm as President Tinubu is doing, or jumped ship and let the country implode.” Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, he said without mentioning their names, “are unable to question our methods because, whether in handling the subsidy matter or the forex crisis, they had also promised the solutions we have adopted.” They now say they would have handled it differently, but that is academic, since they never got the chance.

Kashim Shettima threw another dig at an unnamed election rival, probably Mr. Peter Obi. “Sometime in February this year, a presidential candidate in the last election, eager to mock our economic trajectory, rushed to point to Argentina as a model for Nigeria. An overnight free-market specialist, he was convinced we had missed our way and should have adopted the template of our friends in South America. In barely two weeks, he watched as Argentina’s inflation rate soared, yet refused to acknowledge that every country’s journey is different.” People who sat next to me in the hall wondered why I was laughing at the point. It was because I remembered an episode in the late 1980s when Argentina defaulted on its loan obligations. On a Saturday morning when it was supposed to make a hefty loan repayment, the country’s Finance Minister was relaxing at his farm in a rural area. A reporter reached him and asked him if the payment will be

made, and the minister said, “Argentina does not have money.” It is in order to prevent Mr. Edun relaxing at Bar Beach on a weekend and telling a London Club loan shark that Nigeria has no money, that we are paying more for fuel and electricity.

He then paid tribute to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Central Bank Governor Yemi Cardoso for tackling economic sabotage and “overpowering influence of currency manipulators who had conspired to frustrate our reforms.” Their actions have translated into desired results, Shettima said, and “Naira’s pushback against all odds is an inspiring journey that doesn’t have to be learned in Buenos Aires, as some would want us to do.”

Looks like they will have to apprehend more saboteurs because the naira is sliding again at the official and black markets.

The Vice President then mentioned eight areas that he said the Tinubu Administration has made major interventions in. They are job creation, promoting economic growth, ensuring food security, eradicating extreme poverty, facilitating access to capital, preserving the rule of law, waging an anti-graft war, and driving inclusive development. Shettima, who is a trained agricultural economist, departed from his prepared speech when it came time to discuss agriculture. Nigeria, he said, has less than 50,000 tractors, compared to 1.6 million tractors in India, and that we spend $4 billion annually on wheat

THE MINIMUM WAGE ISSUE: NUMBERS VS VALUE

(compared to the 2019 rate). Nigeria is ranked 44th in Africa for minimum wage, according to Prof. Kemi Okuwa of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research. These factors indicate the need for a wage increase to address the growing disparity between wages and the cost of living.

When implementing wage increases, the government must exercise caution to ensure that its devotion to its responsibility does not have the reverse impact. The government must develop a robust economic plan to reduce cost of living as well mitigate the ripple effects on low-income workers, SMEs, and the macroeconomy. We remember the infamous Udorji's Commission saga and its economic impact. Many economic historians have pointed to the significant shake-up of the salary structure by the Udorji Commission as one of the major problems of Nigeria's economy in the 1970s that upended our pricing system and created significant price inflation in the economy. We must learn from history! A situation where the monetary reward for work is increased but not based on productivity will often lead to unwarranted inflation.

Productivity and added value creation should be a significant consideration among many bases for ascribing monetary wage increases, not just policy or legislation. Can the government link the increase in public servants' wages and salaries to measurable productivity? Any increase in the cost of production and labour at this point, with no corresponding increase in added value to production, is not sustainable and often is an aberration to the system. Therefore, a balanced approach that considers both the need for increased wages and the economic reality of our country is crucial. This will ensure that our wage policy is fair and sustainable in the long run.

The problem with governmentinduced increase is that only a limited number of workers, civil servants at the federal level, will get the money; many states may claim they need the means to pay that. Even if the state civil services pay that, combined with the federal civil service, they make up less than 25% of the employed workforce in Nigeria. Most of our workforce

comprises low-wage workers, whom SMEs and Organized Private Sector firms employ. These small businesses are struggling to pay the N30,000 per month minimum wage, much more than the new minimum wage. This minimum wage will make these workers poorer if they do not get it like the civil servants because they all buy from the same market.

Besides, making unenforceable laws does not make sense. In other climes, it is against the law not to pay the minimum wage. It is enforced with explicit punishment for breaking

imports alone. He dwelt at length on the administration’s interventions in agriculture, and cited surveys which show that food prices are moderating in several markets.

He then dwelt on Renewed Hope Housing Scheme launched last February, with its promise to build 250,000 homes in its first phase, and the many job creation initiatives, such as Outsource to Nigeria Initiative, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises, Expanded National MSME clinics, and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund now chaired by Mr. Jim Ovia, Shettima’s old boss at Zenith Bank.

Former Finance Minister Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, who chaired the event, dwelt on the importance of longtern national planning, saying Nigerian leaders tend to abandon programs of their predecessors and create new ones. This, he said, explains the wide growth and development gap between Nigeria and India, which maintains long-term national plans. Usman caused a stir when he called on President Tinubu to sack any minister who fails to perform. It is not his own idea, Usman said; the president himself promised during last year’s ministerial retreat to boot out any minister who fails to perform. I think President Tinubu should not ask citizens to undertake this assessment of ministerial performance. Given the short fuse of Nigerians and their thirst for VIP blood, too many top shots in the Administration could fall victim.

I am preaching caution and a measured approach to dealing with this issue by considering all the ramifications and putting measures in place to cushion unintended consequences. Our recent experience has shown that a salary increase may start a merry-go-round of cyclical inflation that begins with a salary increase, and then inflation eats up the value, and then we are back to where we started. In an economy with over 40% food inflation, all stakeholders must apply caution and careful measures in implementing a new salary structure. However, governments (federal, state, and local) cannot afford to play politics with the issue of "living wage".

The implications of creating new salary structures and increasing the minimum wage are complex and multifaceted, requiring careful consideration of various factors, including economic conditions, industry dynamics, and social equity goals. Although I advocate for workers getting a living wage and meaningful salaries, given our current economic realities, a more measured approach based on value addition, productivity, and accountability will suffice. As the new wages are implemented, a corresponding demand for increased productivity must be implemented by all stakeholders to make the system sustainable.

the law. In Nigeria, this is different. Nothing happens even if any tier of government fails to pay the minimum wage. Most businesses will completely ignore the new salary structure, and there will be no legal consequences. The government must put some teeth to the new minimum wage rule for equity and justice and at least make it stick across the board. It must also consult widely and make the minimum wage more realistic.

I understand the need for an increase in salary because of hyperinflation that has eroded purchasing power. However,

I understand the need for government intervention in this, especially the political benefits to the government in terms of reasonable public opinion and support, good labour relations and collective bargaining dynamics, and the corresponding public and political debates and legislative actions this generates; however, the economic exigencies - potential job losses, negative impact on SMEs, and inflationary pressures - must be paramount and considered. A living wage is the right of every Nigerian, and we must fight for that to reduce income inequality gaps and fight multidimensional poverty. High productivity and less economic legislation are the way forward, and the current confusion in the debate over a minimum wage needs to be more holistic and better informed. All the variables must be on the table, devoid of political grandstanding.

NLC Chairman, Joe Ajaero

Amaju Pinnick Needs FG Support for a Second Term in FIFA, Says Ilaboya

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Former Chairman of Edo State Football Association, Frank Ilaboya, has called on the Federal Government to throw its weight behind the quest of Amaju Melvin Pinnick, to retain his seat on the FIFA Council.

Ilaboya, a strong voice on Nigerian football insisted yesterday that it is a thing of pride for a country to have her citizen amongst the 37-member FIFA Council that is the highest decision making body on world football.

“Amaju Pinnick deserves the backing of the Federal Government in his bid for a re-election to the FIFA Council. To have your citizen in this exclusive list of 37-member FIFA Council is certainly a thing

The qualification of two of Nigeria’s relay teams at the weekend for the 2024 Olympic Games in France in July has received huge plaudits from Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh.

Team Nigeria’s men’s 4x400m relay quartet and the 4x400m mixed relay team clocked impressive performances at the World Relays Championship in the Bahamas early hours of Sunday.

Enoh stated, “I am immensely proud of our Team Nigeria athletes for their exceptional performance at the World Relays Championship, which has secured two qualification tickets for the Olympic Games already. Their dedication, determination, and resilience have brought honor to our nation, and I congratulate them on this milestone.”

The Nigerian men’s 4x400m quartet of Dubem Nwachukwu, Dubem Amene, Sikiru Adeyemi, and Chidi Okezie showcased their

of pride to any nation. I know the length several countries go to to get their men in there. I am very certain that his second term in FIFA will be more beneficial to Nigeria football at large,” observed Ilaboya who is a major stakeholder in the country’s sports.

He recalled that Pinnick in his first term got several Nigerians into the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA Committees with two of them: Justice Ayotunde Phillips (Member of the FIFA Ethics Committee, Adjudicatory Council), and Justice Roli Harriman (Chairman, CAF Appeals Board, the prominent ones.

“In present world football, the presence of your country’s men at the highest level of decision making

prowess on the track, clocking a remarkable time of 3:01.70 to secure qualification for the Olympic Games.

This achievement marks the fastest time by a Nigerian male 4x400m team since the Bronzewinning team of James Godday, Musa Audu, Saul Weigopwa, and Enefiok Udo-Obong at the Athens 2004 Olympics.

In the mixed 4x400m relay event, Team Nigeria’s quartet of Samuel Ogazi, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Chidi Okezie, and Esther Elo Joseph delivered an impressive performance, finishing second in their heat with a time of 3:13.79. This outstanding performance secured their spot at the Olympics for the second consecutive time.

John Owan Enoh emphasised the importance of continued hard work and perseverance as Team Nigeria athletes aim for further Olympic qualification tickets in their remaining events.

is very crucial. We need our voice to be heard when certain decisions and policies are been made. Amaju Pinnick has represented us very well in this his first term and should be encouraged and supported to get another term in FIFA.”

Ilaboya is particularly excited by the bridges Pinnick has built in CAF and FIFA.

“We all are living witnesses to the encomium poured on Amaju Pinnick by both CAF President, Patrice Motseppe, and FIFA President, Gianni Infantino. It is signs of how high his contributions to both CAF and FIFA are valued. Secondly, he’s the only Nigerian who has been able to do two terms in CAF to end the jinx of just one term for our administrators. Both Late Oyo Orok

Oyo and Dr Amos Adamu could not get second term in CAF,” observed Ilaboya, CEO of Sportsville Limited, an independent producer of sports content on Channel Television and well over 30 radio and television stations across the country.

Amaju Pinnick will be seeking re-election at the FIFA Congress slated for Bangkok, Thailand on May 31, 2024. If he gets re-elected, he will automatically retain his seat on the executive committee of CAF to Nigeria’s advantage. As a ranking member, the possibility of Pinnick heading influential committees are surebet.

THISDAY learnt that Pinnick has made his intentions to seek a second term on the FIFA Council known to both the Foreign Minister,

Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh. He’s banking of the ministers to help push his matter to the Presidency for Federal Government support to get Nigeria re-elected.

Those familiar with FIFA elections hinted at the weekend that Pinnick needs the support of the FG in his bid to return to the world body that is highly coveted by countries of the world.

“It is an election that is full of intense lobbying, horse trading and massive campaigns. You just can’t seat down in your country and hope to swing votes in your favour. It involves serious travels to meet key stakeholders to get their assurances early. This is where I

think Pinnick needs the federal might to pull through,” observed another former Nigerian football chief who do not want his name in print, at the weekend.

The second edition of the eTranzact Golf Classic has been scheduled to be held at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja from Wednesday, May 15 to Friday, May 17, 2024, with a N20 million purse.

The event which debuted on the PGD (Professional Golf Development) Tour last year, promises to deepen its core objective of helping unearth and promote golf talent in the country.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact, Niyi Toluwalope, said eTranzact has been on the path of pioneering projects, providing financial technology platforms for businesses to succeed, and the eTranzact Golf Classic is an offshoot of this vision.

“We are very supportive of the design and the management objectives of the Professional Golf Development Tour, that is why we launched the eTranzact Golf Classic on it last year. This year, we have taken our support for the golf development project a notch higher by introducing some changes around the event.

“This edition would be staged at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, in Abuja. This is our bid to bring a new flavour in terms of the challenge that the IBB Golf Course brings to the event.

The other factor that would be different is that the event would now have a purse of N20 million, which is double what was on offer at the maiden edition,”

Toluwalope said that the event is also meant to appeal to a broader audience across the continent who have been showing interest since the event debuted last year.

PGD Tour Commissioner, Femi Olagbenro, said the new tweaks to the eTranzact event were welcomed and added to the portfolio of innovations that the Tour is known for.

“What eTranzact brings to the Tour and the golf community at large is their pioneering spirit and so far I can confirm that these additions are well received. Registrations have been on the high and entries are swelling,” he added.

This year event is powered by eTranzact’s top corporate and productivity solutions – SwitchIT and PayOutlet, and it’s payment gateway – Credo.

The first edition of the event staged at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Course in Lagos, was won by Francis Epe. Epe also presently leads the PGD Tour’s 2024 ranking with a marginal point difference from Olapade Sunday, whose win in the event might upstage the ranking order.

There are also potential threats from Okoko Godwin, Kamalu Bako, Inalegwo George, Elisha Markus, and Kabiru Habu Mohammed on the home front.

Other Top West African players like Ghana’s trio of Barry Yaw, Augustine Manasseh, and Vincent Torgah are also on the cards to cause ripples.

Olagbenro, adds that entries are also expected from Cameroon, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire other West and Central African countries.

“The PGD Tour has made Nigeria a hub for professional golfers and the eTranzact Golf Classic is one of the key events on the Tour. So we expect some thrilling outing at the eTranzact event this year,” Olagbenro.

Rivers Hoopers won their second game of the ongoing Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Kigali, Rwanda yesterday to stay on track for meaningful outing in the competition.

Hoopers finished the fourth quarter of the tension-soaked encounter with Rwanda’s APR smiling away with 86-82 victory. Earlier on Saturday, the Rivers State owned team had kicked tipped off their campaign against

2023 finalists AS Douanes of Senegal on promising note, winning the encounter 77-68.

Yesterday, Hoopers and APR were neck and neck from the opening quarter 19-18. The second wasn’t any different as the one point lead continued at 21-22. It was the same in the third quarter 23-22 until fourth final quarter that the Nigerians gained just three point lead to end the game 86-82.

American player in Hoppers fold,

Will Perry, accounted for the great run of Hoopers. Hoopers American Guard, Will Perry, led scores with 31 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists while home boys Divine Eke (19 points) and Kelvin Amayo (13points) were the other top contributors to the Nigerian team.

APR had three American players on their payroll, Michael Dixon, Zion Styles and Dario Hunt yet could not surmount the Nigerians. Hoopers next game in the series is against the much feared Tunisian side, US Monastir; a club founded 65 years ago. US Monastir were champions of the BAL in 2022 and have an American, George Williams leading their charge. Ater Majok, who was once drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA is also a key player for US Monastir with another Tunisian, Marcus Christopher Crawford also a key player for the Tunisian club.

Focus Shifts to Okpekpe as Next Host of a Gold Label Race

Global focus has now shifted to Okpekpe, in Edo State, Nigeria as the next host of a World Athletics gold label road race in the world after the Türkiye Is Bankası Istanbul Half Marathon held in Istanbul, Turkey at the end of last month.

The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race which holds on May 25 is the 23rd of the 45 World Athletics gold label races listed to hold this year in the calendar of World Athletics and like in previous years, it will be the only label road race to hold on the day irrespective of the label category.

Pamodzi Sports Marketing

International, organisers of the race says this year's edition is a celebration of 10 years of organising a truly world-class event that has made Nigeria one of the destinations of sort for sports, especially road running events.

“We are proud of the big step we took in 2015 to make the Okpekpe 10km road race the first to get World Athletics' recognition in West Africa with our bronze label status.

“We are super delighted the effect we have had in getting more road races in Nigeria get World Athletics' attention and the certification of over 15 road race courses in Nigeria by

World Athletics accredited course measurer,” the Race Director, Zack Amodu observed yesterday.

Amodu is confident the Okpekpe 10km road race will continue to blaze the trail in Nigeria nay West Africa and believes the support of the host community, the race's partners, the Edo State government in particular and the officials, especially the volunteers who work to organize the race that has continued to be recognized and applauded by World Athletics in the past nine years have been the motivating factor to keep setting the bar high.

“The elite cast has been one of the best any gold label race could have and the result is that some of these elite athletes have gone on to become medalists at World Athletics sponsored global events as we saw last year when Daniel Ebenyo, the Kenya who owns our course record won a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary and the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia. “He is also the number one ranked athlete in World Athletics ranking for 10,000m and 10 kilometres,” concludes Amodu.

L-R: Nigeria’s men’s 4x400m relay quartet of Dubem Nwachukwu, Chidi Okezie, Sikiru Adeyemi, and Dubem Amene clocked a remarkable time of 3:01.70 to qualify for the Paris 4x400m relay event at the World Relays in Bahamas

Amaju Melvin Pinnick... seeking FG backing for a second term in FIFA Council

Kebbi Governor to Bandits' Informants

“TheactivitiesofInformantsdefiedallnormsandreligiousdoctrines.Justfora pittance,somemiscreantswillprovidevaluableinformationtobanditstoperpetrate mayhemagainsttheirownpeople.Iwillnevercondoneorbelenientwithsuch unscrupulouspersons.LetitbeknowntotheInformantsthatwhoeverisconvicted forvolunteeringinformationtobandits...Iwillsignhisdeathwarrantinstantaneously" -KebbiStateGovernor,NasirIdris,vowstosigndeathwarrantagainstbandits' informants.

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

Big Picture According to Shettima MAHMUDJEGA

In an era of relentless citizen complaints and negative perceptions on everything from fuel and food prices to inflation to naira value to cost of medicines and insecurity, forcing through a positive Big Picture of the Tinubu Presidency’s efforts is an uphill task. But that was what Vice President Kashim Shettima bravely did at the Second Chronicle Roundtable in Abuja last Thursday. The table wasn’t exactly round because he was the only Guest Speaker, and so had all the stage to amplify the Administration’s efforts. It is unusual for top officials like him to agree to be Guest Speaker; it is much easier to be a Special Guest of Honour and utter only a few words. But being a former university lecturer [and ASUU member], this top shot was not afraid of speaking.

Kashim Shettima presented a positive Big Picture in the midst of the gloom. The Administration is making difficult choices, he said, and he wished there

are short cuts to prosperity and glamour but there are none. It is a long, hard slog instead. President Bola Tinubu could place in Nigerians’ mouth a placebo

instead of the real but bitter medicine, he said, but then, “we know the danger of leaving a life-threatening disease untreated for too long.” Maybe the Administration did place a few placebos in our mouths, including free train rides during Christmas and palliative food items channeled through our governors and legislators. Mostly however, it is the bitter pills.

The Vice President actually said, “This may seem like the most difficult time to occupy a position of leadership in our country, given the choices before us.” Tinubu may actually wish he was General Gowon [after the Civil War], who was said to have said that Nigeria’s problem was not money but how to spend it. Today, the government’s problem is not how to spend money but where to find it. Leading Nigeria at this time, Shettima said, “is akin to standing at the helm of a ship going through a storm, where the weight of every life on board rests upon your shoulders, and the course you chart will shape the destiny of all who follow.”

DAKUKU PETERSIDE

BENEATH THE SURFACE

At that point I thought the bookish Kashim Shettima, who would have been a professor if only he had stayed a year or two more on the Unimaid faculty, was thinking of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s late 18th century Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Except that the Tinubu Administration is determined not to shoot a wandering albatross and invite misfortune to Nigeria. Failing to take the long, hard road, Vice President said, “would prolong Nigeria’s agony and its imminent economic death.” God forbid.

The biggest elephant in the room during the change of guard last May, he said, was the removal of fuel subsidy. “We understood why our predecessor made the decision to remove them and refused to budget for it in their final fiscal year.” He did not add that former President Buhari cleverly timed the end of fuel subsidy to the beginning of a new Administration. So, while

The Minimum Wage Issue: Numbers Vs Value

The issue of minimum wage or salary increase or by whatever nomenclature is a complicated policy issue. The wage increase is neither good nor bad, but as a policy choice, it must be tied to some ultimate objective and benchmarked on the projected cost of living and inflationary trends over a given period. A pay rise can improve employees' motivation while giving them more purchasing power and disposable income. It may result in businesses being shut down, hyperinflation, joblessness, and a decline in the value of the national currency. At face value, salary increases are a tool to address inequality, poverty, and welfare or an incentive to check corruption. However, the issue is more profound than this surface-level discourse.

Recently, the federal government announced a new salary raise for mainstream federal workers. This is not the new minimum wage; at least, that is what we are told. Some

state governments followed suit with discordant tunes. The truth is that for the average Nigerian worker, with headline inflation at 33.2% by March 2024 and food inflation at 40.1%, the current wage is insufficient and cannot sustain any worker. This underscores the need for the government and all labour employers in Nigeria to review salaries. However, the government's current economic realities and financial position make it challenging to create a salary increase that is not backed by increased value and productivity. While it may seem complicated, this measured approach is necessary to avoid harsh negative implications on the economy and the unintended backlash on people with low incomes and many on the fringes of our society.

Expectedly a policy to help people experiencing poverty and create some semblance of equity within our socioeconomic ecosystem, salary increases for government workers, albeit less than 25% of the workforce, will have ramifications.

Given these difficulties evident in the new policy, the government and labour leadership must play a balancing act to midwife a new salary structure that is fit for purpose yet germane to the multifaceted nuances of our current economic reality.

The wage increase will result in both negative and positive economic impacts. On the negative side, inflation will worsen, small and medium-scale businesses (SMEs) barely managing to survive will be hugely impacted, and the cost of doing business will skyrocket. How many SMEs can afford this increase? Most of the companies are struggling with paying the existing minimum wage, given the rise in the cost of doing business, interest in loans is over 40%, the cost of raw materials is over the roof, consumers with little income are squeezed to a pulp by the constant increase in prices. Besides, how many state governments can afford it? Most Nigerian states have failed to optimize their potential and go cap in

hand every month to FAAC. Across a sizeable economic terrain like Nigeria, a uniform nationwide minimum wage may be foolhardy. Costs of living are divergent across the country. States should negotiate with labour unions for acceptable minimum wage structures in different states and geopolitical zones. There may be an urgent need to de-link the minimum wage issue from national politics. On the positive side, wages should increase in tandem with the cost of living. It will keep workers motivated and may even help the economy rebound. A living wage is not only desirable but expedient. What Nigerian workers earn today is a "symbolic wage" and has no practical bearing on reality. The federal minimum wage, currently at N30,000, was last raised in 2019 when the inflation rate was 11-12%. The purchasing power of the naira has since been eroded by 276%

Shettima