WEDNESDAY 10TH MAY 2023

In Move to Derail Akpabio’s Senate Bid, Lawan Orders Probe of NDDC N1.4tn Expenditure without Approval...

Senate Presidency: N’Central Senatorselect Write APC Chair, Reject Zoning

Opposition’ll resist Tinubu's imposition, says Kawu

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Senators-elect across the North-Central geopolitical zone from different political parties, have rejected the zoning arrangements for the 10th National Assembly leadership positions announced by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday.

The APC had in the zoning plans, endorsed Senator Godswill Akpabio from the South-South geopolitical zone as the President of the 10th Senate while Senator Barau Jibrin from the North-West was picked as his deputy.

Also in the House of Representatives, the APC endorsed Tajudeen Abass from the North-West as the Speaker and Benjamin Kalu from the South-East as deputy.

The development forced the North Central senators-elect to write an open letter to the National Chairman of

the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, and rejected the zoning arrangements because it excluded their region.

Specifically, the elected federal lawmakers said only the North Central geopolitical zone did not produce any presiding officer despite the fact that neither the president-elect nor the Vice president-elect Elect was from their zone.

The letter by the lawmakers-elect was titled: "Resolution of the North Central Caucus of the 10th Senate on NASS Leadership Zoning" and signed by 18 senators-elect including, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (Niger East), Senator Ashiru Oyelola Yisa (Kwara South),Senator Sadiq Umar Suleiman (Kwara North), Senator-elect Mustapha Saliu (Kwara Central) and Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East).

Others were Senator Abba Moro (Benue South); Senator Godiya Akwashiki (Nassarawa North), Senator-elect Ahmed Aliyu Wadada

(Nassarawa West), Senator-elect Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Senator-elect Sunday Karimi Steve (Kogi West), Senator-elect Ohere Sadiku Abubakar (Kogi Central) and Senator-elect Peter Ndalikali Jiya (Niger South).

There were also Senator-elect Napoleon Binkap Bali (Plateau South), Senator-elect Mwadkion Simon Davou (Plateau North), Senator-elect Diket Plang (Plateau Central),Senator-elect Mohammed O. Onawo (Nassarawa South), Senator-elect Emmanuel M. Udende (Benue East) and Senator-elect Titus Tartenger Zam (Benue West).

Part of the letter read: "We the North Central Senators-elect Caucus met on Monday the 8th May 2023 and resolved as follows: That the North Central as a geopolitical zone in Nigeria has paid its dues in the political stability of the country and shall continue to do so, but where we see open denial of our rights and

HURIWA: Zoning S’East Out of N’Assembly Hierarchy is Apartheid Policy

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), has cautioned that excluding the South-east from the two major principal officers of the National Assembly would offend section 42 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, maintained that excluding such a large group of citizens of Nigeria from the political hierarchy of the Nigerian state would amount to elevating apartheid as a national matrix.

It maintained that from the reading

of the public press statement from the national hierarchy of APC, there was nowhere that the ruling party had drawn the curtain to a close against the South East in the hierarchies of both chambers of the National Assembly was acceptable.

It, therefore, warned the APC and the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, that the exclusion of the South East was a violation of section 42 (1) of the constitution.

HURIWA though said excerpts from the signed copy of the media statement in its possession did not in anyway eliminate the South East from the hierarchies of both chambers of the National Assembly.

The Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA), which maintained that no final list of leaders of the National Assembly has been drawn up, also backed the Senator-elect for Imo West Senatorial District, Osita Izunaso, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for the prestigious seat of the Senate President in the 10th National Assembly to be inaugurated in June.

It said both Orji Kalu and Osita Izunaso ,who were once senators from June 2007 to June 2011 have the legislative experience, maturity and corresponding integrity to lead Nigeria’s red chamber as the nation’s number three citizen.

privileges, we will have no option than to voice out in the interest of the zone and it’s people we represent.

"It is pertinent to know that we are fully committed to supporting the incoming administration of the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a better Nigeria. This can only happen if fairness, equity and justice are ensured. It is on record that the North Central gave the APC 41 per cent of her votes to victory, hence we equally deserves as others.

"Our caucus reviewed the proposed zoning structure released, and we are not pleased and comfortable with the allocation of the Positions of the Deputy Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 10th National Assembly to a particular geopolitical zone of the country (North-West), we

hereby reject it. The convention has always been that the six geopolitical zones of the country will have one each of the six positions.”

Meanwhile, Senator-elect from Kano South Senatorial District on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Suleiman Ismaila Kawu, has warned Tinubu to avoid sycophants from deceiving him to taking a wrong decision on the National Assembly leadership issue.

Kawu, who addressed journalists in Abuja, yesterday, said the only way the 10th National Assembly lawmakers could face the challenges facing the country was to have the Constitution as their guidance, noting that a majority of the lawmakers-elect were already discussing to work against the zoning arrangements announced by the APC.

"We are in touch with 109 senators and I will assure you that we have a serious number to stop imposition in the Senate or in the House of Representatives. Yesterday the House showed Nigerians a lesson. We are consultation and politics is a game of number, it’s a game of persuasion, interface and we are doing it. We will cross the bridge when we get there.

"I am advising the President-elect, that as a democrat, we learnt a lot from him. He was in forefront in fighting Obasanjo for this democracy. We were with him when we stopped Jonathan from installing leadership in the House of Representatives. Some of your sons are still in the National Assembly and we know that you are very consistent in terms of democracy and you are very consistent with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Oyebanji: Ekiti will Back Akpabio for Senate President

Gbenga Sodeinde In Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has said the state was committed to a united and formidable 10th National Assembly and as well the decision by the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the Senate President position to the South-South.

The governor made the declaration in Abuja while hosting Senator Godswill Akpabio alongside some senators-elect. The meeting also had in attendance elected senators from Ekiti: Opeyemi Bamidele, Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi.

Speaking, Oyebanji said the decision by the National Working Committee of the APC on leadership of the 10th National Assembly remained sacrosanct.

The governor, who described

Akpabio as the right man for the seat, said all the senators-elect and leaders of the party from Ekiti had pitched their tents to ensure his emergence as the next Senate President.

While further throwing light on this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the governor said, "in Ekiti State, we are committed to a united National Assembly and we are also committed to the decision of the National Working Committee of the APC with respect to the zoning and you can attest to the fact that all the senators are here with me just to have dinner with Akpabio.

"We are supporting his aspiration as directed by the national body of the party. We are in this together, we are not only supporting, we will identify with him publicly and that

is what I have done.

"All Ekiti senators and the leaders, all the former governors – we are in the same boat. We respect the sanctity of the party and we appeal to all contenders to also follow the advice of the National Working Committee.

“It is only when we are united that we can ensure a progressive development of the country. Senator Akpabio has been called to serve and he needs all support and we shall give him that," Oyebanji added.

Akpabio, while speaking, expressed strong belief that the decision of the party’s NWC and support of members of the Senate would aid his quest for the leadership seat, adding that his experience as a former commissioner, governor, minister and lawmaker also speaks volume.

Abdullahi Adamu

Betara: I'm Surprised Gbajabiamila Nominated Someone Else for Speaker

Wins support of north east forum

Udora Orizu in Abuja

Awofadeji in Bauchi

and Segun

One of the leading aspirants for the speakership position of the 10th National Assembly, Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu (APC, Borno), has expressed shock over the choice of the All Progressives Congress candidate for House of Representatives speaker.

Batara's reaction is coming on the heels of his endorsement for the position of Speaker by North East Forum.

Currently about eleven serving lawmakers are jostling for the number four seat in the country.

They are Hon. Idris Wase, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, Hon. Sada Soli, Hon. Tunji Olawuyi, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, Hon. Miriam Onuoha, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Hon. Makki Yalleman.

However, on Monday, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling party,announced zoning the speakership to the North West with the choice of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (APC-Kaduna) and the Deputy Speaker's slot to the South East with Hon. Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia) as its choice.

Betara, who is Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, spoke on the development and accused the incumbent Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila of sponsoring Abbas, whom he described as unpopular in the House as against the leading aspirants.

According to Betara, Gbajabiamila despite being a friend nominated Abass outside of ranking lawmakers like himself, Wase, Doguwa, Gagdi and other leading aspirants.

"The deputy speaker we came in together, we have been close and I think I am the best friend to the

deputy speaker, when we came in the 6th Assembly. We have been in one family, we are together but because of politics, sometimes, he will on the other side and I will be on the other side. But today we are together for this movement. When I invited him, he joined me today for my declaration here. He honoured it and my DS (Deputy Speaker), I am very grateful for the honour you gave me today.

"For my brother Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, I remember when Hon. Gudaji went for his declaration, he said Betara is one man that doesn't say no and why I cannot say no to my colleagues is sometimes when your colleague comes to you, he needs your assistance, if I can not provide all, at least I can do small. That is the main reason I cannot say no.

“As the engine room of the legislature, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila gave me a name, he calls me the ‘Head Boy’. I was surprised for my friend, my boss, to nominate one person outside all of us here.

If today the deputy speaker of the House is contesting, the chairman Appropriation is contesting, the majority leader is contesting, then who is closer to the Speaker? So nobody. He is bringing one person that members of the 9th Assembly, I can tell you some of us don't even know the person – a lot of us," he said.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the aggrieved aspirants may present a consensus candidate among them, despite the APC zoning.

Some of the leading aspirants attended Betara's declaration and faulted the choice of the chairman, House Committee on Land Transport, Tajudeen Abass, by the APC as its consensus candidate for speakership of the 10th House.

Wase specifically said Abbas was not known to the members of the House, calling on his colleagues not to allow the parliament to be hijacked.

Speakership Race: North East Forum Endorses Betara

Meanwhile, a group known as the North-East Elders and Youths Peoples Forum (NEYPF), has endorsed the member-elect representing Biu, Bayo, Shani and Kwaya Kusar constituency in Borno State, Hon Muktar Aliyu Betara for the position of Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

National President of the forum, Alhaji Salihu Magaji, who made the

appeal during a press conference in Bauchi, yesterday, said the elders, youths and peoples forum declared their support for the speakership position to come to the north east and endorsed Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara for the position.

“This shows that the amount of love in our hearts for this great personality is dormant. Hon. Aliyu Betara, a leader and elder, organiser and mobiliser. Betara has the encyclopedic knowledge of the house and the country at large and also has the capacity and knowledge to steer the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives very well.

"The Forum appealed to the party to zone the speakership to the North, in particular, north

east, in order to balance the zoning structure and we endorsed Betara for the following reasons.

"Betara has vast knowledge in legislative appearances and leadership. As a chairman on appropriations, he succeeded in having the June-June budget cycle changed to a repairable January to December one for a more effective budget implementation.

“He created job opportunities to over 4,500 beneficiaries across the nation and relates with people in respect of religion, ethnicity or tribe. Nigeria is indeed lucky to have person like Betara, who is detribalized and leader with vision and passion for the development of Nigeria"

"Nigerians are always happy with Betara's decision and crises management skills in the house. Betara as a young man with talent, has proved his worth in societal development. Nigeria needed a team player like Betara as the 10th speaker of the House, to build on the achievements of Femi Gbajabiamila, the speaker of 9th Assembly.

“We are confident that Betara has the ability to carry all lawmakers along in spite of political and party differences because a lot of new members will be coming into the house. Therefore, Betara will be a perfect fit as the country’s next speaker because of his long legislative experience.”

Buhari to Spend One More Week in London for Medicals

Dentist already attending to him

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari will be in London, United Kingdom, for an additional week, at the behest of his Dentist, who has started attending to him.

According to a release issued yesterday night by the Media Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina, the Specialist requires to see the President in another five days for a procedure already commenced.

President Buhari had joined other world leaders to attend the coronation of King Charles lll on May 6, 2023.

Betara

TRANSITION NEWS

House Reacts to Alleged Doctoring of Standing Rules by Gbajabiamila to Favor Open Balloting

Orizu in Abuja

The Leadership of the House of Representatives, has refuted allegation that its standing rules had been doctored to compel an open ballot system in the elections of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the 10th assembly. The rumours, which came on the heels of the nomination of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the preferred candidate for the speaker

and Hon. Benjamin Kalu for deputy speaker, has the outgoing Speaker Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila being fingered as the brain behind the act.

Following APC's announcement of their anointed candidates for National Assembly leadership, some of the aspirants have expressed grievances and are still surging ahead with their aspiration to become the next speaker of the House of Representatives.

Gbajabiamila was said to have come under fire and faced an

APC Chief Drums Support

impeachment threat as some aggrieved lawmakers reportedly began moves to actualise the move.

Efforts by THISDAY to uncover the identity of some of the signatories, was futile as many of the lawmakers reached out to refused to speak.

At the official declaration for speakership by Hon. Betara Aliyu, one of the aspirants and outgoing deputy speaker, Hon. Idris Wase, who spoke at the event, said they would not allow the parliament

to be hijacked by any individual.

However, the doctored standing rules tagged the 10th edition was said to have introduced a strange and obnoxious provision for electing the Speaker and Deputy through an open ballot instead of the existing rule of secret ballot that has been in use since 1999.

Section 2 (f) (iii) of the controversial clause captioned "election of presiding officers" stated that, "every member voting shall name clearly and in the open the candidate

of his choice."

THISDAY investigation revealed that the amendment was made formally effected in July, 2019. In the document sighted, in the House Votes and Proceedings of No 16, Thursday, 25 July, 2019, the lawmakers officially rectified the ballot system which necessitated the changes.

In section 3 of the standing rules tagged "election of presiding officers/tellers, the word "clearly" featured conspicuously.

Chairman of the ad hoc committee on the review of the standing rules, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, presented the report to the House and it was adopted.

"Mr. Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila did not interfere once in our deliberations. I never had even a one-on-one meeting with the Speaker throughout the process. The committee finalised its work and it was laid accordingly.

“The rest is history. It is not my wish to take up issues on the merit and demerits of the recommended and approved process. For now, let me state very categorically that the document was not tampered with in any way.”

Akpabio’s Senate President

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

for

A senatorial aspirant of the Northern Senatorial District in Cross River State and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Cecilia Omonya Adams, has lent her voice to Senator Godswill Akpabio’s bid for the 10th senate presidency. Adams, who stated this in a parley with journalists, yesterday, noted that since the commencement of political activism in 1999 to date, no one from the South-south geopolitical zone of the country that has occupied the seat of the Senate President.

She said now was the right time in fairness and equity for the zone to have one of its own occupy the coveted Presidency seat of the Senate, adding that Akpabio was the right man for the position, having done well in delivering greater successes for the party in the just concluded 2022 general election by not only winning his senatorial seat, but garnering 132,683 votes for the presidential election in Akwa Ibom state for President-elect, His Excellency, Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

“In view of the above, and in line with the APC governors’ memo to the president-elect, His Excellency, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on the appropriate zoning of the offices, which requested the contributions to the presidential

Bid

election as a major factor, the South-south carries the day against the voting pattern of the South East that exhibited “exclusionary electoral conduct.

“Furthermore, the excellent track records of experience in political governance and administration that Senator Akpabio has acquired, qualified him more than his fellow contenders for the position of the Senate President, having served as a commissioner, a governor, a minister and a ranking member of the senate, who sacrificed his political career by accepting to give up his position as the Minority Leader in the senate, when he defected to the APC,” Adams noted.

The section reads "3. (f) when two or more Members-elect are nominated and Seconded as Speaker and where the two or more accept, the election shall be conducted as follows: Division /Tellers method of voting.(i) By electronic voting; or (ii) voting shall be conducted by the Clerk to the National Assembly using the list of the members-elect of the House, with the proposers and seconders as Tellers.

Reacting to the development, Ihonvbere, who also doubles as House Committee on Basic Education and Services said the document was never tampered with.

"Let me state very clearly that I was the Chairman of the ad-hoc Committee that reviewed our standing orders. Those that know me can attest to the fact that I adhere to the highest levels of integrity in any assignment I undertake. The process was transparent and in line with our Rules.

In a chat with THISDAY, the House Spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu said members of the 9th House were not ingrates and would never stand with any one spreading these lies to dent the image of Speaker Gbajabiamila, adding that, any member insinuating that the House rules was forged was either ignorant or mischievous.

Meanwhile, the House which was expected to hold plenary Tuesday suddenly adjourned to next week, May 16.

A brief statement by the Clerk, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria said it was to enable members participate in the ongoing induction of the new members-elect.

"This is to inform all Hon Members and the general public that the House of Representatives will not resume plenary on Tuesday 9th May, 2023 as earlier adjourned. The next adjourned date will be Tuesday 16th May, 2023.

“This change is intended to allow members partake actively in the ongoing induction programme of the 10th National Assembly. All inconveniences are highly

North Central Coalition Demands Speakership Position

George Okoh in Makurdi

A coalition of civil society group from the North Central region of the country with commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s nascent democracy, has demanded that the Speaker of the House of Representatives be conceded to the geo-political zone.

In a speech delivered on Monday by its Chancellor, Dr. Ben Amodu, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat during a rally by the North Central Democratic

Coalition, stated that the strategic importance of the North Central region in the scheme of things in the country could not be overemphasised.

"The region had proved to be that reliable ally when it mattered most and this much has been demonstrated in different electoral circles, including the recently concluded general election. Let us also forget that the North Central region proved strategic towards the electoral success of the APC during the presidential and

national assembly elections," he said.

According to him, inclusiveness in the country's governance structure is very important to the zone.

"This is because other regions in the country had been adequately represented," and as such, called for the North Central region to be accommodated in the leadership of the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives.

"We have come here today in our numbers to demand the zoning of the speakership position in the

North Central region of the country.

A non action implies that the North Central region would be left out of the scheme of things because the Vice President is from the North East, and the North West is in strong contention for a Senate leadership position and therefore, the need for accommodating the North Central in the scheme of things must be addressed.

“We dare say that the North Central region has been neglected by previous administrations, which does

not augur well for our democratic experiment. For example, the current arrangement does not include the North Central region, with the president from the North West, the Senate President from the North East, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation from the North East. The North Central region was left home and dry. Regardless, its loyalty to the party was manifest during the general election. As they say, the rest is history with the party's electoral success."

Gbajabiamila

Udora

SYMPOSIUM ON SHELTER AFRIQUE...

L- R: Hon. Minister of State, Works and Housing , Umar El – Yakub; Outgoing AGM Chairman and Hon. Minister of National Housing & Social Amenities, Republic of Zimbabwe, Daniel Garwe; Minister of Works & Housing, Nigeria and Chairman of the Board of Shelter Afrique, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and Representative of the President/Minister of Finance, Budget & National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, during the opening ceremony of the 42nd Annual General Meeting and Symposium of Shelter Afrique jointly organized by the Federal Ministry

Banks Demand Tax Clearance Certificate on FX Transactions

James Emejo in Abuja

The federal and state governments have mandated commercial banks as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs) to henceforth, implement the demand for a valid Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) as a prerequisite for carrying out any business transaction with individuals and organisations in the country.

THISDAY gathered that the drive,

which was in line with the provisions of Section 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), 2011 (as amended) and Section 31(5) of the FCT-IRS Act, 2015, had already taken effect in the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country.

To this effect, some banks had already conveyed the development to their customers through text messages seen by THISDAY.

According to a publication by the FCT- Inland Revenue Service which

was seen by THISDAY, the regulation covers applications for government loans, registration of motor vehicles, applications for foreign exchange or exchange control permission, certificate of occupancy, award of contracts by the government, and its agencies, and registered companies. Other transactions subject to proof of TCC include approval of building plans, trade licence, transfer of real property, agent license, pools or gaming license, registration as a

contractor, application for distributorship, confirmation of appointment by the government as chairman or member of a public board, institution, commission, company or to any other similar position made by the government. Other affected transactions are stamping of guarantor's form for a Nigerian passport, application for registration of a limited liability company or of a business name, allocation of market stalls, appoint-

ment or election into public office, application for change of ownership of a vehicle by the vendor, plot of land, FCTA loan and any other as may be determined from time to time.

Under the new directive, MDAs, banks, and corporate bodies must ensure all presented TCC go through a rigorous verification process by the issuing tax authority to ascertain their authenticity.

According to the FCT tax authority,

NGF Holds Induction Courses for 17 Incoming Governors

Mayor of New York, two American governors to attend PDP governors’ forum welcomes party’s governors-elect, to honour past chairmen

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) yesterday, disclosed plan to host its third induction for governors from Monday May 15 to May 19th, 2023, for 17 incoming governors.

This was just as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum (GF) yesterday, also said it was organising a reception for its governors and send forth for past PDP-GF Chairmen. The event is scheduled for 1pm, Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

On its part, the NGF also said the induction would be attended by the current Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams and two former American Governors, Terry McAuliffe of the State of Virginia and O’Malley Martin Joseph of Maryland, would be gracing the occasion.

In a statement, the Director, Media and Public Affairs, NGF Secretariat, Abdulrazaque Barkindo, stated that the induction programme for incoming and returning governors was the NGF’s flagship program where the incoming governors are supported with special tools to usher them into office in a seamless manner and to assist them move away from campaigns to governance.

The statement noted that, "Traditionally, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigeria

Armed Forces is invited to give the keynote address to the gathering of Governors including those that are already out of office."

It pointed out that the occasion accords the governors opportunity to share experiences and compare notes to further strengthen service delivery to the Nigerian people at the sub-national level.

The Director of Media said this year, “the programme is holding at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, with President Muhammadu Buhari as the Special Guest of Honor. It commences at 8am.”

He added that “Speakers are invited from all over the world from among heads of governments, mem-

bers of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry and other categories of guests who have accomplished and distinguished history of service to their people to inspire the Governors to hit the ground running.”

According to the NGF, "Perusing their performance resume, O’Malley became renown for reducing crime while McAuliffe focused on healthcare provision and education.

"Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, which, if it were a country would have the ninth-largest gross metropolitan product (GMP) of $1.66 trillion, is visiting Africa for the first time, is known to have applied digital methods to fight crime in NYC.

“Also expected to speak at the NGF induction is Prof. Peter Anyang

Nyongo, Governor of the Kisumu County in Kenya, who transformed Kenya’s hospital fund to a national health insurance fund, reduced poverty and brought Kisumu County to compete in poverty reduction, education and infrastructure with modern cities around the globe.”

Also invited to the NGF induction are, Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair; Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, the Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa and President William Ruto of Kenya.

In addition, “Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation; Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations and Dr. Akinwumi

Adeshina of the African Development Bank, bring their experiences to bear on the occasion.

“Another compelling engagement would include a topic on recruiting your team, vetting, ethics, staffing the Governor’s office and identifying critical skills and capacity, which will be led by Governor El-Rufai as the leadThespeaker.”

NGF further said there would also be rich conversations on managing expectations and “powering the bureaucracy to accomplish your agenda and balancing political appointees versus the civil service, among many other critical governance toolkits.”

the development was borne out of the need for the service to ensure that all residents of the FCT fulfill their tax obligations as demanded by law.

The FCT-IRS, further stated that in fulfilment of its mandate to improve revenue generation and ensure compliance, it would carry out a routine monitoring and enforcement exercise monthly, quarterly, or annually, adding that strict sanctions would be meted out to defaulting bodies as stipulated by law.

In the same vein, it stated that filing annual returns is mandatory for all residents of FCT as it is a pre-condition for the issuance of TCC.

“Thus, the monitoring exercise will encompass the compliance rate as regards the prompt filing of annual returns as well as the demand for Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) as a requirement for the transactions listed above,” it noted.

However, in an update on FX requests and transactions, one of the commercial banks in a text message seen by THISDAY intimated customers that, “In line with the provision of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), all banks are now required to sight customers’ Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) before foreign exchange transactions can be fulfilled.

“Consequently, all FX and Form A requests will now require a copy of the applicants’ TCC before the request can be completed. This includes PTA/BTA, international school fees, medicals, personal home remittances, and upkeep.”

MainOne Expands Global Interconnection Capabilities with Equinix Fabric

Emma Okonji

West Africa's connectivity and data centre services provider, MainOne, an Equinix Company has enhanced its interconnection capabilities by using Equinix Fabric to extend its global network reach The expansion move would help MainOne provide its enterprise customers with agile, on-demand and seamless connectivity to cloud providers, remote markets, and local

infrastructure over the MainOne network and Equinix.platform.

Equinix Fabric is an on-demand, software-defined interconnection service, which provides global reach to the Equinix network of over 245 International Business Exchange (IBX) data centers located in 71 major metros and 32 countries around the world.

Equinix Fabric directly, securely connects distributed infrastructure and digital ecosystems on Platform

Equinix.

Speaking on the expansion plan, MainOne Chief Technical Officer, Anil Verma, said: “As a long-time customer of Equinix Fabric, MainOne has utilised the global footprint of data centers and services to establish connections to Cloud service providers and enable private, dedicated connections for customers in West Africa.

“Now as an Equinix company, the expansion of our network to

Equinix Fabric guarantees enhanced SLA and lower latency for critical services and applications. This is part of our commitment to provide our customers with world-class interconnection services to accelerate their digital journey.”

In the new expansion, MainOne would utilise Equinix IBX data centres in Lisbon (LS1) and London (LD5) to create geographic diversity, enabling its customers connect their IT infrastructure to a dynamic and

rich ecosystem, enjoying more direct access to Cloud services, and higher performance, ensuring they are able to stay ahead of their competitors with low-latency and secure IT infrastructure, Verma further said. MainOne, an Equinix Company, currently has presence in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire. MainOne provides reliable services to major telecom operators, ISPs, government agencies, small to large enterprises, and educational institutions.

of Works & Housing and Shelter Afrique at Abuja…recently

New regulation affects PTA, BTA, international school fees, medicals, personal home remittances, vehicle registration, others Government agencies, corporate entities also required to sight documents before services

TOUR OF SCHOOL IN TAMPERE FINLAND...

L-R: Project Manager, Startup Tampere Finland,

yesterday

FG Approves Acquisition of Abuja Disco by Transcorp Consortium

Osinbajo: Challenge in gas to power remains despite FG's N40bn stabilisation fund Inaugurates 240mw Afam 3-Fast Power Plant Elumelu urges incoming govt to tackle gas supply challenge

Peter Uzoho and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The federal government through the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) has approved the acquisition of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), by the Transcorp Group Consortium.

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, disclosed this yesterday, at the inauguration of the 240 megawatts (MW) Afam 3-Fast Power Plant, located in Oyinbo, Rivers State, owned by Transcorp Group.

The vice president also observed that the N40 billion payment security provided by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for gas suppliers had not made any improvement in gas supply to power sector.

This was just as the Chairman of Transcorp Group and Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, called on the incoming administration to ramp up gas supply to power plants.

The 240MW Afam 3-Fast Power plant in Afam operated by Transafam Power Limited, a subsidiary of Transcorp Plc, with an already existing power plant residing in Afam, brings the cumulative generating capacity of the plant to 1,000MW.

Speaking at the event, Osinbajo, said the NCP gave the approval for the acquisition of Abuja Disco by the Transcorp consortium during the council's meeting on Monday in Abuja.

He said the Nigerian power sector had been making remarkable improvement under the current administration, nothing that there still issues that need to be resolved in the sector.

The vice president stated that the Afam III Fast Power was an important part of the evolving story of Nigeria’s aspiration to bring electricity to millions of homes, families and businesses that provide their livelihood.

Osinbajo, added that a major weakness of Nigeria's privatisation process had been inadequacy of private investments and new cash injections.

"But the tide is turning, with indigenous power and private investment such as Transcorp Power and Heirs Holdings making significant investment such as this 100 per cent acquisition of 966MW a strong capacity Afam Plc, Afam III Fast Power jointly referred to as the Afam Genco, an acquisition cost of about a N105.8 billion," he stated.

"But I must say, the last few days belong to Transcorp Power because at the same meeting of the National Council on Privatisation, the council approved Transcorp Power Consortium as preferred bidder for the acquisition of the Abuja Disco," he stated.

However, the vice president stated that the government was on track to electrify all Nigerians in the next decade as it looked forward to the next administration scaling up already

existing programmes.

Despite all the efforts of the government, Osinbajo pointed out progress would not be made if Nigeria's industrial and urban power supply that is anchored on large scale gas power plants, such as the Afam 3-Fast Power Plant, does not improve.

He lamented that despite having one of the largest gas reserves in the world, the gas supply and security for the power sector had remained inconsistent and was hampering

reform.

According to him, in 2022, a gas supply stabilisation fund of N40 billion was established by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to provide advanced payment security to all gas suppliers in the electric Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

He said, "Consistently, gas suppliers to the sector had claimed that payments certainty was the greatest challenge to supply.

"Unfortunately, the payment

security has not led to improved supply certainty. So, I encourage gas producers and gas suppliers to have a fundamental rethink about supply security and propose ways to ensure our gas supply can improve and meet the gap and growing demands of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

"Some areas to further explore will be to depend perhaps more on non -associated gas and specific gas fields to supply the power industry on more and more liberalised rates."

The federal government and the NCP had presented Transcorp Power Limited, its post privatisation discharge certificate, following fulfilment of all privatisation conditions at the meeting of the council, meaning that the power company will no longer be subjected to post-privatisation monitoring,

The vice president lauded Transcorp Group's impressive strides in the power sector

Buhari: Nigeria’s Investment in Shelter Afrique One of its Best Decisions

Country’s total investment hits $30.7m

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that Nigeria’s investment in Shelter Afrique has been one of the best business decisions the country has made in recent times.

Speaking at the 42nd Annual General Meeting and Symposium of the organisation in Abuja, the president who was represented by the Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Zainab Usman, said the floating of a N46 billion bond by the organisationin

Nigeria’s capital market was also acting as a catalyst for the building sector.

Shelter Afrique boasts of being the only pan-African finance institution that exclusively supports the development of housing and urban development on the continent.

A partnership of 44 African governments, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Africa Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re), Shelter Afrique builds strategic partnerships and offers a host of products and related services to support the efficient

NNPC, TGNL to Pump More Gas to Businesses with 150mmscf/d Ibefun Gas Infrastructure

Peter Uzoho

The NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and its joint venture partner, Transit Gas Nigeria Limited (TGNL), have inaugurated the 150 million metric standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) natural gas city gate in Ogun State.

The completed gas project, which was unveiled yesterday, was expected to strengthen gas utilitisation and ensure safe delivery of the energy source to various industrial and commercial users within the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, Group Chief Executive Officer of

NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, said the project would promote and integrate the use of gas domestically and generate power for industries.

Kyari, who was represented by the Vice President, Gas and Power, NNPC, Abdulkabir Ahmed, maintained that gas supply from the facility to businesses would eventually lead to economic growth and prosperity for the people, not only in Ogun State but in Nigeria generally.

He said in spite of Nigeria’s huge natural gas, they were still challenges in utilising it domestically.

“In this regard, it has become imperative for players in the industry to tighten up their belt and ensure that this abandon resources are put to use domestically," he said.

Kyari noted that the natural gas facility would be an additional achievement to the Decade of Gas policy of the federal government that was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure Nigeria's industrialisation and prosperity.

“NGML and Axxela natural gas distribution relationship stands for 20 years. Today, the partnership has connected over 200 industries to natural gas.

“This 150 million scfd capacity will create jobs and enhance the current development and propel industrial growth," the GCEO added. Managing Director, TGNL, Bolaji Osunsanya, said the development of the Sagamu gas distribution zone was born out of the need to deliver

on medium to long-term expansion strategy.

“It will broaden our outlet portfolio and strengthen our market base in the energy sector. Our partnership with NGML has continued to create opportunities for both parties to leverage our expertise and resources to develop more infrastructure projects to drive economic growth in Nigeria.

“This project commissioned today will help deepen natural gas utilitisation in Ogun State and its environs," he said.

Osunsanya added that the gas facility would further spur Ogun State for economic growth by enabling industrialisation within the state, promoting investment and supporting the manufacturing sector.

delivery of affordable housing and commercial real estate.

Buhari stated that as he was winding down, it was important to showcase some of the achievements of the administration, stressing that the challenges of funding the housing sector had continued to cascade over the years before he took over the reins of government.

The president added that it was why the administration confronted the national infrastructure deficit as one of its most important agendas, explaining that today, there’s massive investment in the sector.

“Shelter Afrique is one of the best performing investments that we have. Also, the decision that shelter Afrique took to float N46 billion bond in the Nigerian capital market is a very important catalytic investment, not only for the Nigerian capital market, but also for development of the building industry,” the president stated.

He lauded the theme of the programme, which was: “Political Economy in the Built Industry,” stressing that there was the need to continue to interrogate the interconnectivity and establish a delicate balance between politics, social structure’s, the economy and social development as well as physical development within the country.

While noting that political economies in Africa were in different stages of maturity, Buhari stated that there has to be a proper understanding of the key characteristics and uniqueness of individual states so as to profer tailor-made solutions.

He urged participants to lever-

age on the outcomes of the 42nd AGM and symposium to set up a stronger launch pad for investment programmes and said the federal government was committed to the vision of Shelter Afrique.

“Now is the time to step over the global financial constraints and corporate management setbacks and thereby reposition this company into a formidable agent of change in the built environment of African nations,” the president pointed out.

In his intervention, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, disclosed that Nigeria has contributed a total of $22,503,144.84 million as a member of Shelter Afrique.

Some of the major contributions, he said, were $9,392,135.66 in 2017 and $7,151,830.91 in 2020.

Fashola said between the 2016 AGM which was the 35th and this year’s AGM, which was the 42nd, Nigeria’s shareholding in the company has risen to 15.80 per cent, valued at $30,724,961.00

“For a company that was struggling for funding in 2016, this was a much-needed injection of life-restoring capital and I must say that other member states have responded in kind.

“Beyond financial capital, Nigeria has also contributed the most important capital – The human capital—by offering Mr. Femi Adewole, to provide interim leadership for the company at perhaps its most turbulent period,” he added.

Sami Puttonen; The Oritseboluwo of Warri, Chief Dr Richmond Macgrey; His Majesty Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Her Highness, Olori Atuwatse III and Assistant Head Mistress, Jussinkylan Early Childhood Center, Tampere, Minna Saijonkivi, during the tour of the school in Tampere Finland...

Senate Presidency: May Northwest’s Loyalty Not Be Tested

For every political intercourse, there is an expectation that the goodwill or favour must balance itself over time or amass commensurate returns. Whether pronounced or subdued, reciprocity, a negotiating tool whereby different political interests bargain with each other for equivalent treatment, is a deeply ingrained concept in local and international politics.

In most cases, reciprocity is the outgrowth of political expediency and exigencies.

In informal parlance, you may call it ‘You scratch my back and I will scratch yours’. Nothing is cast in stone though.

Deliverables and returns are what rule and reign in many political dealings.

This stance is also accentuated by the Bible (in Luke 12:48) that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected,’ which is a candid reminder by God that you should give back as much as you receive.

For instance, the big donors in American politics are not necessarily looking for political appointments; they just want access and the ability to influence policies.

In Nigeria, the situation is slightly similar, just that expectations of ‘democratic dividends’ are higher, especially, as a new administration prepares for inauguration on May 29.

The topical issue is the demand by the Northwest to be given the first right of refusal to the office of the President of the Senate in the 10th National Assembly, convening this June. The Northwest is one of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria comprising seven states – Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), three states in the region – Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina – rank among the top 10 in the list of states with the highest number of registered voters. Kano State, number two on the list after Lagos, has 5,921,370 registered voters. Kaduna and Katsina have 4,335,208 and 3,516,719 registered voters

respectively. Altogether, the Northwest has a total number of 22, 255, 562 voters. The closest to it is the Southwest with 17, 958, 966. The gulf is, indeed, wide and almost unassailable.

A bit of recent historical backgrounding would suffice here. After contesting the presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011 and losing on the three occasions, President Muhammadu Buhari’s party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) entered into an alliance with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) founded by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014.

Instructively, in all the elections he contested prior, Buhari never got less than 12 million votes from his Northwest base except for 2007. The late Umaru Yar’adua, who won the 2007 presidential election did affirm publicly that it was not free and fair.

So, the Northwest always comes through for its own. And, it did effectively in 2015, when the formidable

APC coalition of Buhari’s Northwest and Tinubu’s Southwest defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after 16 uninterrupted years in power.

It was unprecedented that the PDP lost the election despite the bluster of one of its founding fathers that they would remain in power for 60 years.

Life has a way of turning full circle. Tinubu, candidate of the APC in the 2023 presidential election, is now the president-elect courtesy of the magnanimity and loyalty of the Northwest, which gave him the highest votes in the election followed by the Southwest. Without the former, therefore, there would not be a Tinubu presidency.

As the countdown for the inauguration of the National Assembly leadership gathers steam, it is instructive that the sweetheart romance between the two regions is lubricated and jealously protected at all cost, considering that the battle for control in the legislature is usually contentious and fraught with implications for the future of the nation.

More than ever in the history of Nigeria’s democratic transition, gladiators in the incoming government, particularly, the senators are already flexing their muscles. Consultations

have begun in earnest.

Those who believe that President Buhari is the key to their victory have visited to intimate him of their aspirations. Those who consider the president-elect as the ultimate decider have been circling and romancing his associates, aides, and advisers.

Ranking senators in the party like Senators Godswill Akpabio, Orji Uzor Kalu, Osita Izunaso, and Jibrin Barau, have all thrown their hats in the ring and are reaching out even beyond the APC to convert senators-elect from other parties to support their aspirations. Akpabio has even gone a step further by adopting Barau as his deputy.

Even first-timers like Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, and former Governors Adams Oshiomhole and Abdulaziz Yari are not shying away from having a shot at the senate presidency.

The legislature is perhaps the most important organ of government and it is the one vested with the powers to make new laws or change existing laws. A vibrant, representative, and proactive legislature is essential to a strong and stable democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and economic and social development.

Above all, getting the right leadership for the legislature cannot be overstated. Thus, whether Muslim or Mormon, Christian or Hindu, the leadership of the legislature must be hinged on experience and competence and the ability to enthrone and entrench good governance, not some puerile or primitive considerations.

Alas, the Northwest region has never produced a Senate President. Two senators-elect from the zone – the current chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Jibrin representing Kano-North district; and former governor Yari – are vying for the seat.

-Oketunbi writes from Abuja

Tajudeen and Kalu as Major Bills Sponsors in the Green Chamber

Udora Orizu takes a look at the antecedents of Hon. Tajudeen Abass and Hon. Benjamin Kalu who have been nominated as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively of the 10th National Assembly’s House of Representatives by the All Progressives Congress

After weeks of suspense and speculations, the National Working Committee of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Monday finally zoned the positions of the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly to the South-south, Deputy Senate President to NorthWest, Speaker of the House of Representatives to North-West and Deputy Speaker goes to SouthEast.

The ruling party also agreed on consensus arrangement with former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Senator Godswill Akpabio being anointed as the Senate President of the 10th Assembly, Senator Barau Jibrin as Deputy Senate President while Hon. Tajudeen Abass from Kaduna State and Hon. Benjamin Kalu from Abia State were anointed as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House respectively. Currently about 11 serving lawmakers are jostling for the number four seat in the country. They are Hon. Idris Wase, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, Hon. Sada Soli, Hon. Tunji Olawuyi, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, Hon. Miriam Onuoha, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Hon. Makki Yalleman.

While the announcement has been rejected by some of the aspirants who feel their zone should have been picked by the party, they can, however, attest to the competence of the duo nominated to preside over the House in terms of how well they carried out their legislative business over the years.

Below is the profile of the lawmakers and their legislative achievements.

Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (Speakership Nominee)

Tajudeen is a member representing Zaria Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. He’s an educationist who started his political journey in 2011 when he was elected into the National Assembly to represent Zaria Federal Constituency. He was re-elected in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The 59 year-old politician had served in various House committees such as National Planning & Economic Development, Public Procurement, Defense, Social Duties, Finance and Commerce. He also served as Vice Chairman at Legislative Compliance Committee from May 2011 to May 2015.

He’s currently the Chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport.

Tajudeen seems to be first to none in the 9th House of Representatives having sponsored 74 bills within the life of the National Assembly, 21 of which were signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Some bills sponsored by Tajudeen include Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, HB 112: Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, National Youths Welfare Scheme Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Nigerian National Honours and Merit Award Commission Bill, 2019, National Universities Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Federal University of Technology, Kaduna (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Federal University of Technology, Lagos (Establishment) Bill, 2019.

Others are, “National Blood Service Commission, Federal Medical Centres (Establishment)

Bill, 2019, Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Federal Medical Centre, Azare (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Federal Medical Centre, Bida (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Federal Medical Centre, Birni-Kebbi (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Federal Medical Centre, Birni-Kudu (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Meta (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Federal Medical Centre, Yola (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau (Establishment) Bill, 2019 and Federal Medical Centre, Ado Ekiti (Establishment) Bill, 2019.

The bills also include “Aso Villa Hospital, Abuja (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Federal University of Technology, Lagos (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2019, Secondary School Certificate Examinations Standard (Regulation) Bill, 2019, Nigerian Legion Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Pharmacists Council Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, National Environmental Standards Regulation and Enforcement Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019.”

The ranking lawmaker is believed to be a man of unblemished integrity and is manifestly loved and trusted by his colleagues.

Speaking on his ambition, Abass said his pedigree and valuable contributions to lawmaking in the past 12 years are some of the factors that eminently qualified him to occupy the number four position in the country.

Tajudeen

Adekunle Oketunbi writes that North West zone which produced the highest number of votes for the emergence of President-elect Bola Tinubu, ought to be compensated with Senate Presidency of the 10th National Assembly.

Yari Barau

Kalu

Sule Squares Up with Abdulrasaq over NGF Chairmanship

Since the formation of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003, the governors have had the option of electing their chairman through a consensus and not balloting of any sort.

However, the tradition was broken in the twilight of President Goodluck Jonathan’s adminstration when the election of the NGF chairman polarised and politicised the 36 state governors.

The body eventually gave birth to the PDP Governors Forum and later the Progressives Governors Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC). But later, with the coming of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2025, all chairmen of the NGF were elected through consensus.

Last Wednesday’s meeting of the governors, that was tagged a valedictory meeting would have resulted in the election of a governor to take over from the out going chairman and governor of Sokoto state, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambawul.

Some governors had concluded plans for the governor of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi Sule, to step in as the new chairman.

But that plot was thwarted in the 11th hour, when the governor of Kwara state, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, supported by some APC governors also indicated interest to contest for the coveted office of NGF Chair.

Tactically, the election was stepped down to allow room for further consultations to avoid repetition of what happened during the regime of President Jonathan.

Balloting to choose the next chairman of the governors forum has, however, been ruled out, as the governors insisted that it must be through consensus.

For the records, the election of the chairman is based on ranking or seniority and from the party that has the highest number in the forum

and the party with the second largest number becomes the vice chairman.

Under these circumstances, therefore, the APC will produce the chairman of the governors forum while the PDP will produce the vice chairman, unless the PDP cedes it to either APGA or Labour Party that has one governor each at the NGF.

The valedictory meeting was eventually shifted to another date and other national issues were rather discussed.

The governors of Borno, Gombe, Nasarawa and Kwara States are the ranking governors from the APC, but Gombe and Borno states governors were ruled out because the Vice President-elect is from the North East, hence, the next chairman of the forum will emerge from the North central.

With Fayemi Kayode ending his tenurenlatevlast year as governor of Ekiti state and succeeded by his deputy, Aminu Tambuwal, it is ex-

pected that since the Sokoto state governor will be bowing out as NGF chairman in May, having served out his two terms of eight years as governor, it is necessary for a successor to emerge.

Besides, the NGF had in May 2013, resolved to avoid choosing its chairman through the ballot system, after the re-election of a former governor of Rivers State, Hon Rotimi Amaechi, not only turned out controversial but sharply split the elitist group.

Amaechi’s decision to seek re-election as NGF chairman was resisted by some forces within the system, believed to have the backing of then President Goodluck Jonathan, who from all indications, did not want Amaechi to secure another term as NGF chair, believing the group had constituted needless opposition to his government.

But when the former Rivers governor insisted on seeking re-election as NGF chair, a decision he considered his right, another of his colleague and former governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, was encouraged by those loyal to the establishment to challenge him, causing intense disaffection in the group.

Although Amaechi eventually won with 19 votes to Jang’s 16, the Plateau governor refused to accept defeat and claimed he won, resulting in the famous “16 is greater than 19” slogan. The NGF had since struggled for relevance, especially after the major political parties started creating their own groups of governors.

Since then, the NGF as a body had agreed to forgo election in the choice of its chairman and unanimously agree on one person, based on competence and relationship with individual colleagues.

It was on the basis of this that, the forum, according to sources, collectively agreed to have Sule succeed Tambuwal, given his private sector experience and capacity shown so far as governor, in addition to being a jolly good fellow among his friends.

Their Wednesday’s meeting was, however, chosen as the occasion to unveil and announce him before Abdulrasaq allegedly rose at the meeting and indicated interest, a development said to have startled other governors, who thought for a man, who was not a regular face at their meetings, such aspiration was divisive and uncalled for.

Besides, some of them were said to have expressed concerns that Abdulrasaq, largely considered an introvert, could not oversee the NGF, more so when this is not an affair of the APC but the governors across all parties.

While there was said to be an instant debate, albeit in hushed tones about capacity and networking, they generally thought his intention to run was unhealthy for the group.

Against this backdrop, therefore, the governors stood down the item from its agenda, because it did not want to go to any election and inadvertently create more problems for itself.

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As History Beckons on Tinubu...

Though the 2023 presidential election has come in Nigeria one can’t say it is totally gone because some aggrieved presidential candidates of opposition political parties are still not pacified. They have taken their cases to the election tribunal, hoping to upturn the outcome of the election.

Meanwhile, some supporters of the incoming president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu are getting more animated as the May 29 handover date draws closer.

From the look of things, the date will come, and Tinubu will take the mantle of leadership of the most populous black nation on earth.

To say Tinubu has his work cut out for him is to say the least; Nigeria has seen tumultuous economic, security, social and infrastructural setbacks in recent past than it has seen at any point in its history, and all these call for urgent and immediate redressing.

The delicate fault lines among the citizenry in the different sections of the country are another source of huge concern.

Tinubu can’t feign ignorance of these issues. He fought tooth and nail to succeed outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari, so it is will be totally unacceptable if he assumes power and begins to point fingers to factors that will make it impossible for him to address the woes betiding Nigeria and depressing Nigerians.

Expectations were high when President Buhari won the 2015 election. He had goodwill among Nigerians, but it all filtered away in 2023 with his eight-year rule coming to an end by May 29. No doubt, he came to power hoping to make a significant difference, but the president himself must know that a lot of Nigerians are not satisfied with his performance.

One of the biggest impediments to his government was the so-called ‘cabal.’

The cabal seemed to pilot the affairs of the country remotely. The wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, bravely raised the alarm long ago

about those sinister individuals who didn’t allow her husband to perform to expectation. They also shielded him away from the likes of Tinubu, who could have put the government on track.

Speaking with some of the die-in-thewool Tinubu supporters, their fear is not that the president-elect will not be sworn in or that the legal challenge of the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mr. Peter Obi is capable of unseating him, no!

The concern is that, like, his predecessor, Tinubu, can not afford to fail! The reason is not far-fetched, Nigeria is on the precipice. Nigerians have been through a lot of disappointments and dashed hopes.

Amid plenty, poverty walks on all fours. Corruption is untamed. The waste in the petroleum sector is humungous.

Lives are lost with reckless abandon because of insecurity. All these and more are fueling the incessant sectional agitations.

In their usual nature, Nigerians are

already settling down to give the incoming new administration a chance to prove its critics wrong, but while that is being done, the hawks, eagles and vultures that usually feast on the souls of successive governments are already in the corners waiting to hijack Tinubu’s government for their personal gains. These include the international community, some political jobbers in Nigeria, and some powerful players in business, especially in the oil and gas sector. All they want is the preservation of their business and sources of income. This always comes at the detriment of larger Nigerians.

Tinubu can only toe this path at his own peril and the ultimate end of Nigeria. Nigerians are too overwhelmed and aggrieved and are not going to accept a lackluster leadership in this coming administration.

While not necessarily drawing an agenda for the Tinubu administration, the incoming government must have milestones and benchmarks on some very important national issues. Whatever must be done must be done to secure Nigeria and its people.

If the Tinubu government begins the rhetoric of previous administrations and fails to bring down the Boko Haram insurgents and other non-state actors, it will be a clear and immediate indication of failure.

While Buhari failed to name and shame the terrorist sponsors, Tinubu could not go that way. Those funding the unending killings must be brought to justice. The country must decisively deal with its enemies within and without.

Reliable economic and agricultural strategy must be urgently put in place to tame the activities of the herdsmen. The Nigerian security architecture must be revamped to truly provide security to the people without sacred cows syndrome.

It is expected that the state of poverty in NIgeria will haunt Tinubu, so it must be on the front burner. Not a few people have wondered how he intends to lead Nigeria if he is not planning how to tackle poverty and bring Nigeria out of

its current rating as one of the poorest places on earth.

It is old news to say Nigeria needs to diversify from oil. Fact is, it is only by diversifying the economy that Nigeria can raise its income and distribute wealth.

But while diversifying is of utmost importance, the greatest fraud against Nigeria, the oil subsidy, must stop.

If Tinubu does not do this, it will mean that he has no business being Nigerian leader.

The Nigerian oil subsidy must end! The World Bank and every well-meaning Nigerians have harped on this. The sooner palliatives are put in place and full subsidy removal is implemented; the sooner it becomes obvious that Tinubu truly means business.

One of the reasons why local and international observers can’t stop wondering about the niggling state of poverty in Nigeria is because of the monumental resources under the Nigerian soil. There must be urgent steps to put in place legal frameworks that will ensure that states where resources are deposited get maximum benefits from them. Among the resources in Nigeria, the Ajaokuta Steel Company, will be an important yardstick to measure the success or failure of the Tinubu administration. The interest of some foreign nations should not continue to jeopardize the benefits Nigerians should be getting from the all-important steel deposit despite that the steel plant is over 95 percent completed. Rather than sourcing for $800 million grant from the World Bank as palliative to some few Nigerians to cushion effect of eventual subsidy removal (which may at the end of the day go to individual pockets), such a fund could be channeled to putting the Ajaokuta Steel Company to work. We can not but block leakages and fight corruption to standstill.

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

Judging from the circumstances surrounding his emergence as president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, cannot afford to fail Nigerians, Shola Oyeyipo writes.

Tinubu

Chuks Okocha writes that the Nigeria Governors Forum is at a cross road over who to choose between Governors Abdullahi Sule and Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq of Nasarawa and Kwara States respectively to lead the body.

Abdulrasaq

Sule

Arresting Cultural Drift

The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation recently organised a two-day training programme for some selected students on African tradition that took place in Edo South. Precious Ugwuzor reports that the training was targeted at not just arresting cultural drift, but also educating and inculcating African culture and traditions into the youth

To tackle burgeoning moral decadence among the youths and equip them intellectually, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) recently held a workshop/training on African tradition for some selected secondary school students numbering about 200.

Held Bishop Kelly Pastorial Centre, Benin City, Edo State, CBAAC said its overarching objective was to arrest cultural drift, educate, inculcate and curtail moral decadence among the youths and equip them intellectually.

Essentially, the training gave room to examine the concept of African tradition in the 2st century; interrogate the concept of African tradition as an index of development; inculcate in the youth the African traditional heritage; and provide a platform where the youths could express themselves and enrich their intellect on African tradition.

On the first day, the programme, which was conducted by Prof Stella Omonigho of the Department of Foreign Languages, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, was chaired by Hon Efosa Idugbue.

In his opening remark, the chairman of the occasion Hon Efosa Idugbue thanked the Director General of CBAAC, Hon Oluwabunmi Amao for facilitating and organising the workshop/ training programme in Edo South.

He expressed delight on the choice of the theme for the workshop/training which is on African Tradition, and stated that tradition has to do with a set of believes relating to the past which can be expressed through different art forms – music, dance, sculpture, beads, etc.

"To raise responsible citizens, a workshop / training programme of the nature of the one we are having today is very important to inculcate a sense of history and our rich cultural heritage on the students," he added.

He further expressed satisfaction on the calibre of resource persons invited as facilitators for the workshop/training and said that the event would include capacity enhancement programme that would enrich participants and make them better persons.

On his part, the representative of the Director – General of CBAAC, Mr Adesegun Dosumu (Deputy Director, Research and Publications), while delivering his address stated that the centre organised this programme for various reasons and one of which was the need to empower the youths who are no longer leaders of tomorrow but of today.

He noted that with the inexhaustible resources of culture, when you empower people with knowledge, they will live sustainably for life. "Hence, the students have to be empowered with our cultural nuances such that they will understand culturally acceptable practices within our environment; as society without culture is one filled with anarchy.

"So it is important we pass our culture and tradition to the younger ones, and particularly African cultures are very rich in encouraging young people to be responsible".

He also said the event would enable participants to know the concepts of African culture and the elements of culture that brings development, and to inculcate the value of leadership in our young people.

Mr Dosumu further said the event provided a platform for young people to express themselves and share ideas.

Speaking on Values System of African Tradition and Culture in the 21st Century, Prof Stella Omonigho of the University of Benin started the lecture by first expressing gratitude to the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) for the opportunity to conduct the workshop/ training for students on values of African tradition.

She said history makes us to know where we are coming from as a people such that we would be able to discern where we are heading to, and how to incorporate elements of the past in our today.

She added that when we talk about African tradition, people begin to think of fetishism, noting that African culture and tradition are values and norms that define who we are as a people and if people

are well cultured, most of the negative things happening in our societies today would not have happened.

She said etymologically, the word tradition is derived from a Greek word tradicio – which means handing over from one generation to the other.

Thus, she stressed the need to embrace and imbibe our rich cultural heritage and expressed concern over the continued erosion of African culture and value system, and pointed out that western culture makes us to see our culture as barbaric and fetish.

"Whereas African tradition is our believe system; our culture, religion, norms, values, etc., that was passed down to us by our forebears. That because of westernization most youths have forgotten what are cultures are in helping us to build ourselves and become better persons of honesty and integrity in the society".

As a way of driving down her point and making it clear to the students, Prof Stella explained that in time past, that it was difficult for someone to steal because it was a taboo to do so. "When someone steals for instance, and he or she is caught, that the person will be taken round the market and village square with the stolen object in his or her head. The fear and shame that comes with it keeps people away from stealing but these practices have changed.

"That the security situation then was also encouraging and cannot be compared to what is obtainable in our world today".

This fallout, according to Prof Stella Omonigho, is as a result of the continued bastardisation of African culture and tradition. She further explained that language which is an element of culture is also affected by westernisation.

"Language is power; and Africa is rich in language. And African languages are rich in proverbs and they are not barbaric," thus she encouraged participants to learn and teach their individual languages and shun some of the contemporary music that are not only meaningless but vulgar, adding that such songs do not add value to the youths but affect their morals.

Finally, she taught participants on how to be self employed by marketing cultural products like beads, tie and dye, basket weaving, etc. that these cultural products attract buyers across the globe. Participants only need to market

them on social media through their phones.

The event for the first day ended with a question and answer session while the second day lecture was delivered and coordinated by Dr Daniel O. Ekhareafo of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Benin. His lecture on Contemporary Culture of African Tradition in the 21st Century was well received by the students.

The lecturer utilised the classroom technique of driving down his message and the students were quite enthused by his delivery. He started the talk by conceptual clarification of culture, tradition and the varied elements of culture that promote and inhibits development.

Accordingly, he stated that the greatest indices of development is human development; that culture helps to shape humans and make them responsible people. That when people are responsible, the effect is that such good nature impacts positively in the society.

He explained that vices such as corruption, kidnapping, criminality, dishonesty, immorality are all antithesis to responsible cultural behaviours and these inhibits growth and progress. And, further pointed out that values like respect for elders and constituted authorities, care of the needy in our society, sanctity of marriage and of life, hospitality are some of the key elements of African value system.

He expressed regret that these cherished values are gradually being eroded by forces that tries to truncate the foundation and basis of our cultural life. He urged participants especially the students to ensure that we bring back our lost values and uphold our culture.

"Through folktales, watching and participating in cultural oriented programmes, taking pride in our rich culture, etc., we can regain our lost value system. Folktales for instance is an education tool that could be deployed to re-orientate and inspire the youth to take pride in themselves and their culture".

He warned against having interest in popular culture which influences our culture. That popular cultures is often times impacts on the local culture; that it leads to a form of hybrid culture that is often misleading. That young people are ambassadors of culture and they must live a life worthy of emulation.

On Festivals – Dr Ekhareafo explained that festivals are ways of celebrating our traditional heritage, culture and creativity, adding that festivals like the Igueh Festival in Benin also attracts tourists and this provides opportunity for the local to display and sell their cultural products.

This rise in tourism business has led to the commodification of culture; thereby enabling artisans to be gainfully employed, as they can generate income from participating at the festival.

While certificates of participation were issued to participants, the most important aspect was the knowledge gained by the students as they pledged to adhere to the various elements of culture and tradition, especially aspects on how culture can be deployed to drive development.

Some of the students

History makes us to know where we are coming from as a people such that we would be able to discern where we are heading to, and how to incorporate elements of the past in our today...when we talk about African tradition, people begin to think of fetishism, but African culture and tradition are values and norms that define who we are as a people

CBAAC DG, Hon. Oluwabunmi Amao

Alao: Empowering Next Generation of Tech Giants

When did your love for technology and computing begin?

I have always been passionate about technology, and my love for computing and tech started early in my school days. I was always intrigued by how computers worked and how they could be used to solve problems in the real world. I remember spending countless hours tinkering with any old computer and learning how to reassemble it in my free time. This led me to pursue a degree in computing, and I have been passionate about technology ever since.

AI is in the spotlight at the moment, and there are a few opinions that Nigeria is lagging in machine learning. Do you share similar thoughts?

Nigeria, like many other countries, is still in the early stages of adopting and implementing AI technologies. While there have been some notable initiatives and progress in the field of Artificial Intelligence, there are still many challenges and barriers that need to be addressed. One of the major challenges is the lack of technical expertise and infrastructure to support AI development. There is a shortage of skilled data scientists and AI engineers, and many organisations in Nigeria may lack the necessary computing power and data storage capabilities to implement AI technologies effectively. Additionally, there is a need for more investment and support from the government and private sector to drive AI development in Nigeria. While there have been some initiatives such as the establishment of the AI Centre of Excellence by the Nigerian government, more needs to be done to support AI research and development in the country. Despite these challenges, there are also many opportunities for AI development in Nigeria. With a large and growing population, there is a significant potential market for AI-powered products and services. Additionally, there is a wealth of data in various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and agriculture that can be leveraged to develop AI applications that can benefit society. Conclusively, while Nigeria may still be in the early stages of adopting and implementing AI technologies, there are opportunities for growth and development. With the right investments in infrastructure and human capital, Nigeria can catch up with the rest of the world in AI development and contribute to the global AI ecosystem.

How does one address the issue of ethics, compassion, and other moral values in artificial intelligence?

Addressing ethics, compassion, and other moral values in artificial intelligence (AI) is essential to ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that are fair, just, and beneficial to all. This issue does require a multi-faceted approach that involves developers, users, and stakeholders working together to ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that are consistent with ethical principles and that promote the well-being of all.

There have been concerns about AI entrenching systemic racism with its algorithms. Is there a one-way approach to address this?

Thank you for that question. The issue of AI entrenching systemic racism is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive approach to address. There is no one-way approach that can fully solve this problem, it requires a holistic and intersectional approach that involves various stakeholders, including policymakers, technology companies, data scientists, and civil society organisations.

Given the recent reports on how ChatGPT, the latest generative artificial intelligence can promote cheating among

students, will banning it be the right solution?

According to a research paper published by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT “Schools are unprepared for the impact of ChatGPT on teaching and learning, but rather than banning AI they need support to harness its potential” Banning ChatGPT solely based on its potential use for cheating would not be the right solution. It is important to recognise that ChatGPT or any AI tool can be used for both positive and negative purposes. Instead of banning ChatGPT, it will be more effective to focus on addressing the underlying issue of cheating and promoting academic integrity. This can be achieved through a combination of educational, technological, and inclusive enforcement strategies.

With tech companies carrying out widespread layoffs, what is the impact on a country like Nigeria, where the tech industry appears to be flourishing?

I will look at this from a two-way approach. First, the impact of tech companies' massive layoffs on a country like Nigeria where tech is booming can be complex and multifaceted. Layoffs can lead to a reduction in the number of available jobs in the tech industry, which can

be challenging for those who are looking for work in the sector. This can also result in a slowdown in the growth of the tech industry as a whole, as companies may be less likely to invest in new projects or expand their operations.

On the one hand, layoffs can also create opportunities for new businesses and entrepreneurs to emerge. For example, if a large tech company lays off a significant number of employees, some of those individuals may decide to start their own businesses or join smaller startups. This process can lead to the development of new products and services, as well as the growth of the local tech ecosystem.

Overall, the impact of tech companies' layoffs on a country like Nigeria will depend on a range of factors, including the size and scope of the layoffs, the specific companies and industries affected, and the broader economic conditions in the country. However, it's worth noting that the tech industry in Nigeria has been growing rapidly in recent years, and there are many opportunities for innovation and growth in the sector, even in the face of challenges such as layoffs.

Why was it important for you to set up CDD Tech Academy?

The establishment of CDDtech Academy was motivated by two key important reasons. First, to have an impact on the youths, and contribute to the public's education by providing top-notch, internationally acclaimed educational and training programmes. Secondly, to close the skills gap and create a highly qualified IT

I have always been passionate about technology, and my love for computing and tech started early in my school days. I was always intrigued by how computers worked and how they could be used to solve problems in the real world. I remember spending countless hours tinkering with any old computer and learning how to reassemble it in my free time. This led me to pursue a degree in computing, and I have been passionate about technology ever since

workforce that can satisfy market demands and have a beneficial impact on the economy.

Are you impressed by the number of schools embracing STEM in Nigeria?

It's a good thing that more schools are embracing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) instruction. STEM education is crucial because it gives kids the knowledge and abilities they need to thrive in a world that is changing quickly. STEM fields are essential for creating new technology and finding solutions to challenging issues in industries like healthcare, energy, and the environment. Schools are assisting kids in becoming ready for employment in in-demand industries like computer science, engineering, and data analytics by adopting STEM education. Students may have more opportunities as a result, and the nation's economy may flourish and innovate as a result.

What’s the next level for CDD TECH Academy and how do you want to contribute to Nigeria’s education system through the platform?

CDD TECH Academy is a technology education and training platform in Nigeria that offers certified courses in IT, certified by the British Computer Society (BCS), the Chartered Institute for IT. The academy is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of core computing concepts and skills to prepare them for careers in technology-related fields. The academy aims to contribute to Nigeria's education system by providing high-quality education and training programs that are globally recognized and accredited to improve the country's reputation as a hub for technology and innovation.

The next level for CDD TECH Academy may involve expanding course offerings, collaborating with industry partners to provide more practical training, and exploring ways to provide greater access to technology education for underserved communities. Additionally, CDD TECH Academy plans to include integrated practical training and hands-on experience to help students apply what they have learned in real-world scenarios and to collaborate with other education providers to create a more comprehensive digital skills training ecosystem in Nigeria.

What tech predictions do you see happening soon?

It is important to note that the pace of technological advancement can be difficult to predict, there may be many technological breakthroughs and trends that may emerge in the coming years, however, most commonly discussed Tech predictions that are expected to happen soon will include continued growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI); expansion of 5G networks; increased adoption of blockchain technology; advancements in quantum computing and Continued growth of the Internet of Things (IoT).

Can you give an insight on the thesis of your PhD and its relation to the 2023 general Elections?

My doctorate Thesis focuses on analyzing the impact of social media on political campaigns and elections. Specifically, I am studying how social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are being used by political parties and candidates to mobilize voters and shape public opinion.

While my research is not only directly related to the 2023 general elections, the findings can provide insights that could be applicable to the current international political climate. For example, my research may shed light on the role of social media in shaping public opinion and influencing voters, which can be particularly relevant in the context of election campaigns globally.

As the world becomes increasingly data-driven, the demand for skilled professionals who can leverage this data to drive innovation has never been higher. One such professional is Jelili Alao, a data wizard with over 20 years of experience in Big Data Management and Analytics. With a Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate and a Doctorate candidate in Data Science, Jelili is a master of cutting[1] edge technologies like Big Data, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Agile Methodologies. Vanessa Obioha engages him on the latest trends in AI and how he is empowering the next generation of tech giants and helping to shape the future of technology

Alao

NIGERIA AND SMART AFRICA ALLIANCE’S DIGITAL TRAIN

Nigeria’s membership of SMART Africa will boost access to broadband and usage of ICT, reckons

OWNERS OF NIGERIA AND THEIR MULTIPLE WORLDS

Most of those wielding political power, today, in Nigeria – at the local, state and federal levels – need to be ‘applauded’ for continuing ‘faithfully’ in building more solid structures on the foundations, laid for inequality, by their predecessors. They have succeeded in contributing to the creation and sustenance of two

See page 25

TELECOMS,

EXCISE DUTIES AND AVOIDABLE CONTROVERSIES

SONNY ARAGBAAKPORE argues that the minister of communications misled the public

At this juncture, we must state as always, metaphorically, that the mentioned reality is not, and should not be simplistically, in a pedestrian shallow-thinking manner, only ascribed to an Obasanjo, a Yar’Adua, Jonathan or Buhari! It is, and should be treated as, an inherited and deliberatelysustained colonial legacy; because past/ current misleaders have been ‘lucky’ to inherit a large number of people that made/make up a ‘conquered,’ docile populace unable and/or unwilling to ask questions and take misleaders to task. Those in government appear to only have contenders in those who are either meandering towards joining them in sharing from the perceived ‘war booty’ or are struggling to replace these misleaders in the same manner of replicating and furthering the agenda of sustaining the Nigeria. Without mincing words or being comical, the country has been, and is still,

See page 25

EDITORIAL THE TRANSITION TO CLEAN

ENERGY

In an earlier intervention, we said and still maintain that “…our people, of course, already had the propensity, through groupings, to oppress each other long before [European] colonialism but also eventually inherited the legacy of oppression left behind by the colonialists and instead of dismantling it, they went ahead to retain, strengthen and entrench it….” To be fair, we are aware that most of the colonialists were foreigners who came ‘businesses’ with the mindset of “all is fair in war”. Thus, like elsewhere, it should not be news that they created their world within the geographical space they named resources ‘home’. To them, home was outside of Nigeria! What is still marvelling to us is that most ‘Nigerians’ that took over from them were/are worse in this regard. In fact, the actions/inactions of those in power in Nigeria depicted and still depicts them as foreigners! Or how do we describe a local government councillor, the neighbourhood, where he was voted for, to where ‘elites’ reside?

People in government, in Nigeria, today, still see themselves as conquerors

nor challenged by the conquered mere mortals. Certainly, they are dark-skinned colonialists of today! This country has always been an ‘occupied territory’ right from European colonialists’ time through those of the military until today! reality is a major reason why successive governments, in this country, have been means. They have a mindset that is still stuck in feudalism epoch while their governance approach is that of fascism. Their words must be law; so they want in the 21st century! These same people in health, education, and other social facilities, are the ones now advocating for privatisation and commercialisation of the same public assets.

These poorly-funded public facilities are already abandoned! They are now meant for only the conquered mere mortals that are ‘without’ human rights! With all the well-intentioned advocacies, why are Nigerians still this docile? Undoubtedly, Fela Anikulapo-

of Nigeria when a track entitled support their oppressors to victimise their potential liberators! They have been to the level where what dominate their

For many, surviving in today’s Nigeria is really a miracle! The country is not only trapped; so are most of the poor inhabitants! The very limited economic opportunities are drastically declining due to senseless government policies! Nigerians are increasingly giving up on Nigeria’s youths/other age groups, now,

This zeitgeist is simply termed is truly frustrating! So, many are being pushed to “japa” but who will solve Nigeria’s challenges? These frustrationinduced mass departures from Nigeria, do not bother Nigeria’s misleaders! The country is really in trouble as those in power have not only sustained the two worlds in Nigeria but also have their safe homes out of the country. As said earlier, they are foreigners! They loot Nigeria’s treasury and stash away the illicit wealth in foreign lands. They, their family and other loved ones treat themselves abroad. Their children/ wards are trained in institutions abroad using resources illicitly obtained from Nigerians’ collective patrimony. This is why they are perpetually at ‘war’ with disadvantaged Nigerians. Surreptitiously, it has always been a case of ‘them’ against ‘us’! Investments in public health/education are not of priority to these foreigners. Hence, they have decided to go on an all-outwar against any person or group that call their attention to, and hold them responsible for, the decay in any public facility.

For instance, these fascists have tactically but illegally ‘criminalise’ agitations for rights in the way they have been dealing with the Academic Although, there are cases in the law courts, we have said severally and will continue to remind all, that strike is NOT the problem but a symptom of a deep Weltschmerz in our public universities; once this is treated, strike will be gone! struggles to compel governments to honour collectively-bargained and mutually-reached agreements aimed at improving the country’s fast collapsing public universities. What did this government do? It simply resorted to force; a reminiscence of the military era! Is this a democracy? Really? When brawn and brain are in a contest, we know which will eventually win! Well now, the foreigners that call themselves Nigerian leaders have democratised poverty and created their own world but have not been, and will never be, able to prevent Mother Nature from democratising death!

Erakhrumen currently teaches at the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, University of Benin, Benin City

IBRAHIM HASSAN

It has always been a case of ‘them’ against ‘us’, contends ANDREW A. ERAKHRUMEN

NIGERIA AND SMART AFRICA ALLIANCE’S DIGITAL TRAIN

The drivers of Nigeria’s digitalization process are widely applauded for their proactive initiatives to maximize the country’s gain from Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Nigeria has progressively bridged the digital divide in the country, with plans to extend services to other African countries; its capacity is boosted by the establishment of state-of-theart Data Centres (Tier 3 & Tier 4) operated by the Nation’s ICT Operator and Service

and 41TB Memory of the Data Centres coupled with its robust Fibre Infrastructure coverage, that spans over 5,000km and

representative of Central Bank of Nigeria

of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); a representative of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); a representative of Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC); a representative of Nigeria Communication Satellite Company Nigeria POSTAL Service (NIPOST) and a representative of Nigerian Data Protection Bureau (NDPB). The story of Smart Africa Alliance began with the Transform Africa

SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE argues that the minister of communications misled the public

TELECOMS, EXCISE DUTIES AND AVOIDABLE CONTROVERSIES

Communications and Digital Economy Minister, Dr.Isa Pantami appears to have good intentions as he spiritedly canvassed for telecommunications services but he was seen to be overly grandstanding by his approach.

Finance Act 2020 prescribed the duties among others to be collected by the Nigerian Customs Services (NCS) but Pantami felt he could overrule that act by his connection to the Presidency.

He said he was not consulted before the decision was taken. He spoke to condemn the excise duty and vowed to resist it to the end.

but approached the matter by achieving the answer before the question arrived. In other words, can Mr President override the National Assembly even though he has good intentions?

transverses almost 30 states; 13 in the South is poised to boost broadband penetration within and across the country. Digital infrastructure has steadily and rapidly emerged as the world’s most precious asset. And Africa doesn’t want to be left behind. “But it has taken a long time for government in Nigeria to realize its huge economic potential,” remarks Michael Smith, an international ICT expert. Evidence of this, he says, is that it was only recently that Nigeria became a member of the Smart Africa Alliance, despite being a leading member of the African Union (AU) and Africa at various fora to see that Nigeria key into the Alliance. “Indeed, the good news is that Nigeria has taken her seat in the train of the Smart Africa Alliance, which has since grown to include 37 African countries that represent over 1 billion people,” Smith enthuses.

Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, to the train of Smart Africa Alliance, came with the emergence of Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy in 2019. After series of engagements with various stakeholders within the digital economy ecosystem in September 2022, the minister took the bold step of securing the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to formalise the entry of Nigeria into the Smart Africa Alliance. and focal point. On Thursday, 20th April, 2023, a 12-member Nigeria Smart Africa inaugurated. The group is chaired by Dr.

the coordinator and focal point for Nigeria at the Smart Africa Alliance. The group comprises: one, a representative of Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMC&DE), two, a representative

- 31st October 2013. It led to the adoption of the Smart Africa Manifesto document by seven African Heads of States (Rwanda, Burkina Faso) in which they committed to provide leadership in accelerating socioeconomic development through ICTs. On 30 was endorsed by all Heads of State and 22nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly in Addis Ababa. This development places the manifesto at the heart of the ICT agenda in Africa beyond just the seven original signatories at the summit, but to all the 53 African countries. The Alliance is a framework for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the SMART Africa Manifesto designed to make it actionable.

Currently, the Alliance is a partnership bringing together all African countries adhering to the manifesto represented by the AU, the ITU, World Bank, AfDB, ECA,

“SMART Africa is a bold and innovative commitment from African Heads of State socio-economic development on the continent, ushering Africa into a knowledge Broadband and usage of Information and Communications Technologies.” How important is Nigeria’s membership of the Alliance? “The Alliance has a lot of

“Firstly, the highly unprecedented successes and excellent performance recorded in the Digital Economy sector from August 2019 to date, under the supervision of Professor Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, are worthy of emulation by our sister African Countries. Some member states had indicated interest and are also seeking for collaboration in various areas such as developmental policy and regulation, infrastructure (e.g., digital literacy, skills, knowledge transfer and capacity building among others.

“Overall, owing to so many factors, such as, citizens through the NIN, young and skilled population, the market size, broadband and cloud infrastructure in other private sector enabling environment provided by the model that could facilitate the integration of states to form a unique digital market for Africa.

Hassan writes from Abuja

He got Presidential permission to set up a committee to review the excise duty position. Strangely he made himself Chairman of that failure. As Chairman of the Committee he became a judge in his own cause. Legal minds understand the nature of the judgment that will come from this contrived committee.

This controversy was avoidable if he was conscious enough to remove pride and the arrogance of connections to high and mighty. Pantami simply disconnected the social equilibrium by taking up the role of a god and today telecommunications subscribers and operators may have to grapple with the unfortunate realities of paying extra 5% excise duties despite the existing 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT). and leaves the rest of us to cope with what was avoidable if it was properly managed.

Analysts blame the situation on lack of diplomatic approach. This is sad

The government listed the 5% excise measures to implement this year. The excise taxes ranging from 20% to 100% increases on previously approved rates for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, wines, and is applicable on mobile telephone services, services—both postpaid and prepaid.

Network service providers had reasoned that their customers would have to bear the cost of the new taxes as this has left consumers bewildered by the government actions especially coming at a time when about 22.04% —the third consecutive increase in 2023.

Even industry regulators, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had no input as the minister ran the race alone.

And after all the rigmarole, the minister obtained ‘a black market’ approval to suspend the excise duties on telecommunications services. But unfortunately for him and his “good” intentions, Pantami didn’t take into consideration the reality of the Finance Act 2020, an act of Parliament which could only be overruled by Parliament and not the President.

So, Finance, Budget and National Planning Minister, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, announced recently that the excise duty collection takes ambitious pursuit to play “god” like in other areas of telecommunications since 2019 where he saw the sector as a conquered territory.

In March, 2023, he announced that the government had exempted the sector from excise duties following his “convincing“ measures for 2023, as revealed in a circular dated April 20, 2023, and signed by the Finance, Budget and National Planning Minister Ahmed, suggests otherwise.

working circular titled: ‘Approval for the Implementation of the Fiscal Policy Measures implementation of the excise duty on telecommunication services earlier introduced via the Finance Act 2020 and prescribed in the approved by the President.

“The excise duty rate on telecommunications services remains as approved by Mr. President vol 109 of May 11,2022”. What this means is that, though Pantami may have meant well,

Pantami explained in March, 2023, that the exemption was in line with the recommendations of a committee, the Presidential Review Committee on Excise Duty in the Digital Economy Sector, which was constituted to review the implementation of excise duty in the telecom sector. He chaired that review committee. “I am happy to report to you that President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the exemption of the digital excise duty to be paid and this is because of the strength of the argument presented to him by the Committee that additional burden on telecom sector will increase sectors that are not making as much contribution to the economy should be cent excise duty,” Pantami said on March 21, 2023.

duties last week saying the “Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, hereby assures the sector and the general public that the President’s approval, supercedes all other declarations regarding the issue and we stand by it. Any contrary proclamation should be disregarded by the general public.”

The statement further recalled that the minister “has vehemently opposed the proposed 5% Excise Duty for Telecommunications Services, on the burdensome for the citizens of the country.” But will the minister’s resistance without any force of law survive?

Aragba-Akpore is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

Nigeria’s membership of SMART Africa will boost access to broadband and usage of ICT, reckons

IBRAHIM HASSAN

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

THE TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY

The world needs an orderly transition away from fossil fuels

While conceding that the world needs to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo maintained last week that the transition must not come people, cities, and industry. Arguing that it would be unreasonable for Nigeria to abandon its fossil fuel deposits now, Osinbajo opted for an equitable transition—which means preserving the right to sustainable development and poverty eradication, as enshrined in the 2015 Paris climate accord.

In the last few years, Osinbajo has been consistent that as Nigeria charts a path towards a cleaner and greener future, she must be allowed the opportunity to harness its vast natural gas resources judiciously. A global transition away from carbon-based fuels, according to Osinbajo, must account for the socio-economic disparities between countries and allow for multiple pathways to net-zero emissions. We endorse his position that the decision to stop funding fossil fuel investment abroad is unfair, especially because these wealthy nations have

As much as we would like to move with the global rhetoric on the danger of fossil fuel, the challenge at hand is enormous. Even though Nigeria is rich in natural resources, it is still energy poor. As things stand, the role of gas has become critical to our on oil exploration and exploitation makes little sense when Nigeria has more gas than oil, with about 208 trillion standard cubic feet projected to be worth over $803.4 trillion. That the country has not been able to monetise the vast gas resources due to lack lies.

Nigeria and other developing countries with oil

KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

on fossil fuel in the wake of recent developments. The United States and many countries in Europe are reneging on the campaign on burning of fossil fuel and on their carbon emission pledges despite being the chief culprits of the climate crisis. Besides, in the wake of the war between Russia and Ukraine, which triggered global energy crisis and supply disruptions, many countries have shifted emphasis from renewable fuel to fossil fuel. For instance, coal mines shut down in the United Kingdom and some parts of Europe have been reopened for use. Also, the UK has granted new exploration licenses to oil and gas industry players. Some oil and gas companies are also increasing production as others are announcing

The critical point is that the developed world is under pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This means reducing investment in fossil fuels and speeding up the transition to green energy. But Africa, especially Nigeria, is yet to achieve progress in fossil fuel energy let alone discussing transition to greener energy. The questions therefore are: should there be a transitional provision, or should we simply leapfrog along to greener energy in the hope that we can reap dependent economies? Can Nigeria survive without its hydrocarbon dependency? So many questions to ponder, and we commend Osinbajo for raising some of them.

However, we concede that Nigeria must pay attention to climate change issues and invest more wind and more. The Energy Commission of Nigeria, the organ empowered to carry out overall energy sector planning and policy implementation has its job clearly cut out. But the world needs an orderly transition away from fossil fuels. That must be the starting point of engagement on climate change and associated issues for the oncoming administration in Nigeria.

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

LETTERS

PLATEAU STATE AND THE RETURN OF KILLERS

The resurgent wave of killings that has swept through Benue State and Southern Kaduna appears to have spread in Plateau State. There is every cause for alarm.

It Is not for nothing that Plateau State is called the “Home of peace and tourism.” Called home by an inherently peaceful people, nature’s bounty in the state simply takes the breath away. The state’s rocks and green rolling hills have soothed generations of people yearning for nature’s touch.

But it is also a state stained with the blood of many innocent people. There has always been tension too. In 2001, this tension boiled over when Jos the State Capital, was engulfed in what has come to be known as the “Jos Crisis”. Well over 1000 people were killed and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed.

The crisis has echoed over the years, with disturbances spilling into other parts of the state from time to time. It is doubtful that the state would know any true peace soon.

But the average Plateau indigene is far from reactionary. If anything, they are a people who respond, taking charge and shaping circumstances around them as they charge to their fate.

As a battle has been waged in the past two decades for the soul of the state, the people have remained largely peaceful, banking on the instruments of the state to save them from the connoisseurs of chaos.

These instruments of state have been far too slow in coming.

As the 2023 general elections approached, the storm of insecurity whipped up by terrorists and exacerbated by the ineptitude of the Buhari administration seemed to quieten, quelled in part by heightened security measures and by the desperate desire of Nigerians to see that their votes count.

The votes of Nigerians may not have counted in the presidential election of February 25. But in the election of March 18, 2023 in Plateau State, a surging Caleb Mutfwang of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took down Nentawe Yilwatda of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in elections widely celebrated in the state as a mark of democratic maturity.

With the elections done and dusted, and matters moving to the courts, it appears the killings have resumed forcefully around the country, with the killers desperate to make up for lost time.

In Benue State and in Southern Kaduna, the reign of terror has long resumed, encouraged in part by the government’s inexplicable reluctance to meet the terrorists on their turf.

Like a cancerous tumor, the killings have also spread to the Plateau, where for years a peace of the graveyard has prevailed in parts

than 30 persons were killed in coordinated attacks in Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas of the State. The attacks which largely started on 12th April 2023 have also seen properties worth millions of Naira destroyed

It Is anyone’s guess how much development anyone can ever hope to attain without basic guarantees about security and stability. That the charabanc of death which often rolls through Plateau, Benue and Kaduna States has not been stopped says a lot about the government’s tepid response to insecurity.

It Is clear that there are those who sponsor insecurity in Nigeria. What is even clearer is that their identity is known. But what does the government do to check their deadly activities? Absolutely nothing. The government’s response, often enfeebled by politics and incompetence, often feeds the mistrust and resentment running through targeted communities. This in turn complicates the entire peace process. -

nate that his administration would be remembered for its bloodsoaked years, during which many Nigerians were forced to question what if they were gaining anything from being citizens of Nigeria.

Ike Willie-Nwobu, Abuja

The transition must not come at the expense of affordable and reliable energy for people, cities, and industry

RATES AS AT MAY 9,2023

18% MPR: 10 Banks Spent N542.8bn on Customers’ Deposits in Q1

Kayode Tokede

With the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) currently at 18 per cent, a total of 10 banks spent N542.8billion on customers’ deposits in first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2023, an increase of 71.83 per cent from N315.91 billion reported in first quarter of 2022.

The banks include; Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), and Access

Holdings Plc.

Others are: Fidelity Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, FCMB Holdings and Wema Bank Plc.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at its second Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in 2023 increased MPR to 18 per cent from 17.5 per cent in an aggressive push to contain the raising inflationary pressure in Nigeria.

In January, the MPC raised its benchmark lending rate from 16.5 per cent to 17.5 per cent in a sustained

push to control inflation and ease pressure on the naira.

THISDAY analysis of the banks expenses on customers’ deposits and borrowings in Q1 2023 revealed that most Tier-1 banks reported high interest expenses on deposits from customers as interest rate on saving deposits moved from 4.29 per cent in January 2023 to 4.58 per cent in March 2023.

For instance, Zenith Bank reported N70.84billion interest expenses in Q1 2023, an increase of 174.11 per cent from N25.84billion reported

in Q1 2022, while GTCO declared N21.93billion interest expenses in Q1 2023, an increase of 63.18per cent from N13.44billion in Q1 2022. The significant increase in GTCO interest expenses was primarily driven by the higher fees expensed on customer deposits that rose by 57.3per cent to N19.94 billion.

Likewise, costs of borrowings grew by 60.6 per cent to N1.03 billion in Q1 2023 and financial institutions deposits rose by 794.7per cent to N85.00 million, came in higher in the period under review.

On his part, UBA Plc posted N72.25 billion interest expenses in Q1 2023, representing 80 per cent increase from N40.21billion in Q1 2022, while Ecobank announced N84.59 billion interest expenses in Q1 2023 from N48.85 billion in Q1 2022.

UBA’s Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oliver Alawuba explained that despite the high inflationary and challenging global environment, thee Pan-African bank was able to leverage the uptick in interest rates and improved digital

offerings, in growing funded and non-funded income.

In addition, Access Holdings reported N158.94billion interest expenses in Q1 2023, a growth of 84 per cent from N86.33billion reported in Q1 2022.

In the period under review, the 10 banks generated N1.23 trillion interest income from loans & advances to customers, an increase of 44.5 per cent from N850.23billion reported in Q1 2022.

Continued on page 28

FG Urges Sub-regional Insurers to Prepare for Global Competitiveness

The federal government has tasked insurance operators across the West African sub-region to get prepared for big business opportunities in the sub region and reposition for global competitiveness already staring on their faces.

The Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed who charged the insurers at the on going 2023 education Conference of the West African Insurance Companies Association

(WAICA) and 50th Anniversary holding in Lagos, listed areas the sub regional insurers should focus attention in their preparation.

Ahmed who was represented by the Commissioner for Insurance Mr Sunday Olorundare Thomas said the sub regional insurers should pay attention to regulatory environment, product offering, the incorporation of technology in all ramifications of their business,human capital development as well as collaboration

in their business operations.

She noted that among sub regional insurance markets, various countries still operate different regulatory systems pointing out the need for review of different laws, regulations and practices.

She said if this is done, it would prepare them for global competitiveness.

She noted that technology was no longer enabling tool but business driver insisting that the sub

regional operators must incorporate technology in all ramifications of their business.

On human capital development, the Finance Minister noted that insurance business was a knowledge driven business with new ideas and innovation erupting every day.

She said therefore human capital development that will manage these ideas and innovation is highly needed.

She also noted that there was need

for extensive collaboration among the sub regional insurers

She recalled that in the year 1973, the founding fathers of WAICA created this great association (WAICA) with the purpose of improving the image of the insurance industry in West Africa, whilst assisting in establishing an enabling environment for industries and economies by promoting cooperation in every respect amongst all the insurers and reinsurers companies

operating in its sub-region.

“In modern business environment, disruption plays an integral part of any business. Hence, the 2023 WAICA Educational Conference choice of theme:

“Repositioning the Insurance Industry in West Africa for Global Competitiveness,” could not have been more propitious in view of the overarching objective behind

Continued on page 28

Ending Foreign Insurers’ Domination of Africa

Insurance, reinsurance and insurance brokerage activities from African countries to overseas insurers have become worrisome to sub regional insurers in particular, Nigeria inclusive. Ebere Nwoji in this report anchors the concerns expressed by West African insurers at the 2023 WAICA Conference held in Lagos.

Insurance operators across the West African sub-region and by extension the entire continent are no longer at ease with the huge capital leaving their markets to foreign markets.

Annually, huge capital leave the shores of the regional and sub-regional markets to overseas markets like London and America through reinsurance, brokerage business and underwriting of high -tech and huge ticket businesses due to lack of capacity, technical know-how and lack of reasonable capital.

The development has become so pronounced that African insurers despite size have in most cases acted as agents to overseas insurers.

This has been worsened by lack of confidence on African insurers by owners of big conglomerate and even some government agencies. Their common excuse is lack of adequate financial muscle by African insurers and reinsurers to handle their businesses as well as lack of human capital.

This is happening in Nigeria, in Ghana, Cameroon and even in South Africa as owners of big businesses place condition of reinsurance coverage with big foreign firms like Lloyd’s of London before they can allow African underwriters to handle their business.

SITUATION IN NIGERIA

Here in Nigeria, in the past years before the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) fought for implementation of local content in insurance industry even the federal government owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) preferred to give its business to foreign insurers than Nigerian insurers.

The often adduced reason is that all the capital of all the insurance companies in Nigeria put together cannot insure one oil rig of an oil company in Nigeria.

However with increase in capital base of operating firms and implementation of local content law, the situation seems to have abated as at least they allow local insurers insure some parts of their businesses before going abroad.

But currently in aviation insurance in Nigeria, the stigma is still partially there, as airline operators prefer to obey the laws of the land from where they purchase or lease their aircrafts than to obey the local content law of Nigeria.

The airline operators also give reason of high insurance premium rate charged by Nigerian insurers without considering the fact that risk exposure in Nigeria is higher than those of other countries where the premium rates were presumably low. The result is that despite the local content law, some airline operators and oil firms allow Nigerian insurers to pick only the crumbs under the table of foreign insurers in terms of patronage.

INSURERS’ EFFORTS

Against this backdrop, the insurers have over the years been searching for how to be self reliant in reinsurance, broking and underwriting business.

In their search, they discovered that one of the main problems that have been working against them and promoting the business of their foreign counterparts is lack of collaboration among themselves. Because of this, their foreign counterparts often take advantage and have been draining their pockets mainly through foreign reinsurance and brokerage services thus cornering most of the juicy accounts.

Lamenting the problem, the former President of African Insurance Brokers’ Association (AIBA) Prince Feyisayo Soyewo said Insurance brokers in Africa have blamed continued capital flight on reinsurance commission from the continent on the inability of it’s over thirty -year-old-body, African Insurance Brokers’ Association (AIBA) to stabilise and serve the purpose of its establishment.

AIBA is body uniting insurance and reinsurance brokers in the African market under the umbrella of African Insurance Organisation.

He said the brokers’ position is that since not many insurance brokers in the continent can strongly compete

with their counterparts in the international market as result of lack of capacity, coming as group under AIBA would have provided a united front to compete effectively, but this unfortunately has not been possible. He said, “It’s sad. It’s a very big shame that after more than 30 years AIBA has not been able to serve that purpose on which it was established by the AIO.”

Soyewo, at one of the AIBA’s conference in Cairo Egypt raised alarm that Africa was losing billions of dollars to international insurance and reinsurance brokers because of lack of capacity, skills and what it takes to deal with big ticket risks. According to him, this is why international brokers continue to operate seamlessly in our market with little or no competition from the indigenous players.

According to him, the challenge before was that most of the AIBA membership were not registered with the African Insurance Organisation but later registered them.

“We are uniting our forces now. If we cannot individually combat, collectively we can form a body that can really have a share of what is generated in Africa. Gradually, we are building capacity and with time we would be in position to increase our retention capacity and also compete effectively with our counterparts in the international market, ”Soyewo stated.

WAICA CONFERENCE STEPS IN

The continued search for ways of recovering their lost markets dominated discussions at the on going West African Insurance Company Association (WAICA) education conference holding at Eko Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos .Participants at the conference expressed belief that cooperation and collaboration among the sub regional insurers would go a long way to strengthen them for optimal performance.

One of the participants Patrick Loweh, Assistant Manager W-Safe Reinsurance Limited, Cameroun speaking on the need for cooperation among the su-regional insurers said one of the take home lessons from the conference was on how the insurers could use rating to develop, reposition themselves for global competition.

According to him, this indicates that the market was working towards its development towards increasing penetration rate in the sub region. He recommended that insurers across the sub region should strive to practice what they preach.

“Let’s try as insurance stake holders to practice what we preach. If we come together and make good presentations, we should learn to put the presentations together and develop action plans

on how we can develop our noble industry.

“Under cutting is everywhere and it is a huge challenge. If we take the competition at a global scale then we will understand that undercutting is one of the issues that we can actually curb and try to compete with insurance industry in Europe and the world at large, ”he stated.

Also Chief Finance Officer Unique Insurance Company Limited, Accra-North Ghana, Mohamed Adamu said the sub regional insurers needed collaboration to stand strong.

According to him collaboration will enable the sub regional insurers put themselves together and avoid capital flight .He said collaboration would also help them to underwrite big ticket businesses which is flown abroad here. “If the cooperation is there we can put ourselves together to retain our premium here rather than seeking reinsurance strength abroad.

He added, “So we can put ourselves together and stop seeking reinsurance abroad and avoid capital flight which happens when we seek reinsurance abroad.

“Here in Ghana our regulation says you have to exhaust the local capacity before you cede the rest out. We have a lot of fragmented insurance companies with low capacity because our capital base is very small.So if we are able to integrate and collaborate more we will be able to build financial muscle and by so doing we will be able to underwrite big ticket transactions then there will not be the need to seek for reinsurance from abroad.”

According to Adamu, this has become necessary because when the insurers seek reinsurance abroad they pay in foreign currency and this affects the individual country’s economy because here we don’t produce dollar.

FG’S POSITION

Delivering the key note address at the conference, the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed reminded the regional insurers that the founding fathers of WAICA in 1973 created the association for the purpose of improving the image of the insurance industry in West Africa, whilst assisting in establishing an enabling environment for industries and economies by promoting cooperation in every respect amongst all the insurers and reinsurance companies operating in the sub-region.

She also noted that in modern business environment, disruption played an integral part of any business, therefore the 2023 WAICA Educational Conference choice of theme: “Repositioning the Insurance Industry in West Africa for Global Competitiveness.”

FG URGES SUB-REGIONAL INSURERS TO PREPARE FOR GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS

the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which is to accelerate intra-African trade by providing a single market for goods and services, facilitate

movement of persons in order to deepen the economic integration and prosperity on the Continent as well as boosting Africa’s trading position in the global market by

strengthening Africa’s common voice and policy space in global trade negotiations. She stressed the need to establish high quality insurance database

to provide a holistic view of the industry’s operations in the sub-region.

She called on WAICA members to leverage technology and

18% MPR: 10 BANKS SPENT N542.8BN ON CUSTOMERS’ DEPOSITS IN Q1

Access Holdings, followed by ETI led other banks in interest income generated from loans & advances to customers, treasury bills, Government and other bonds, among others amid hike in MPR by CBN.

Access Holdings generated N254.22billion interest income in

Q1 2023, an increase of 46.4 per cent from N173.7billion in Q1 2022, while ETI reported N207.22billion interest income in Q1 2023, a growth of 33 per cent from N156.113billion in Q1 2022.

Finance analysts have maintained that the hike in MPR is expected

to impact on businesses and banks do not operate in isolation.

The Director/Chief Executive Officer · Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Mr Muda Yusuf explained that the victims of the continuous hike in the monetary policy rate are the

investors in the real economy and other entrepreneurs in the economy. According to him, “Increase of the MPR to 18 per cent means an additional burden on business as it will result in a spike in cost of credit. Interest rate on loans will increase, production costs

She informed the insurers that the overarching objective behind the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was to accelerate intra-African trade by providing a single market for goods and services, facilitate movement of persons in order to deepen the economic integration and prosperity on the Continent as well as boosting Africa’s trading position in the global market by strengthening Africa’s common voice and policy space in global trade negotiations.

She further said the agreement was borne out of the need to establish high quality insurance database to provide a holistic view of the industry’s operations in the sub-region; as well as the need for WAICA members to leverage technology and other alternative distribution channels to increase market penetration.

ANALYSTS’ VIEW

Insurance industry analyst Umar Bagus partner in Mac Kinsey’s Johannesburg valued African Insurance market at about $68 billion in terms of Gross Written Premium, positioning it as the eighth largest in the world—although this is not equally distributed across the continent.

According to him, market within the region are inconsistent in terms of size, mix, growth, and degree of consolidation, with 91 per cent of premiums concentrated in just ten countries. “South Africa, the largest and most established insurance market, accounts for 70 per cent of total premiums. Outside of South Africa, there are six primary insurance regions in Africa. In the Southern Africa region, 54 per cent of premiums are for life insurance. Nonlife insurance, however, plays a larger role in anglophone West Africa, North Africa, East Africa, and even more so in francophone Africa.

“The level of maturity in these six regions is low, relative to global reference countries, as measured by insurance density (premium per capita). While most African countries have experienced double-digit insurance growth in CAGR in local currency over the last five years, this has mostly been driven by economic growth, rather than deepening market penetration. Levels of insurance penetration in Africa are half the world average measured as a percentage of GDP.

“The prospects for growth in commercial lines are also good. In Nigeria, for example, commercial insurance has performed strongly, with oil and gas growing at 9 percent per annum and marine and aviation at 10 percent per annum between 2014 and 2018. In 2018, oil and gas insurance and marine and aviation insurance accounted for 34 percent and 11 percent, respectively, of nonlife gross premiums in Nigeria.In Ghana, the Ghana Oil and Gas Insurance Pool (GOGIP) almost doubled from $25 million in 2016 to $48 million in 2019 and represents approximately 15 percent of total nonlife premiums in that country, “he added.

other alternative distribution channels in order to increase market penetration; “as well as the importance of enhancing multilateral cooperation with the

objective of promoting international standards in fostering favourable investment environments and orderly markets in the West African sub region and beyond.”

would increase, sales will drop, profit margins will shrink and investors’ confidence will be negatively impacted. The reality is that ways and means financing, high energy cost, and foreign exchange challenges are much bigger factors in the inflation

equation.”

He urged the CBN to pay greater attention to financial system stability at this time.

“Recent developments in the global financial system underscores the imperative of cautious interest rate hikes,” he explained.

Toluwalope: Banks, FinTechs Need to Build Infrastructure to Accommodate Electronic Trans action Surge

In this interview with Nume Ekeghe , the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer eTranzact, Niyi Toluwalope speaks on the need to invest in expandable infrastructure to accommodate the surge in electronic transaction in the country, as well as the FinTech landscape in Nigeria. excerpts

Can we meet you?

My name is Niyi Toluwalope, I’m the MD/ CEO at eTranzact and my primary job is to execute the company’s strategy, growth, and vision and to maximize shareholder value. Those are the three-pronged pillars of my function. Our readers will like to know your company, can you tell us more about eTranzact?

eTranzact was the first real FinTech to start operations in Nigeria and we are multi-platform award-winning switching and transaction processing capability. We are licensed by the CBN to do switching and transaction processing, financial inclusion, by the way of mobile money agency banking, and also a payment service provider facilitating payments across different payment channels in the industry.

Nigerians tend to gravitate towards a sector that is booming, do you have concerns of your sector being saturated?

Well, I don’t think payment is saturated. If you look at electronic payment density in Nigeria is less than 50 per cent meaning that cash is still predominant. New players are coming in because the opportunities are there you have the private equity investors sitting outside the country looking at the landscape looking at the opportunities, and then you have venture capital investors looking at the opportunities and these guys are still willing to bet on startups or very good strong solution service providers and invest in them to take advantage of the opportunities to see the market. If it is saturated, foreign investors wouldn’t come especially as they are very financially savvy to know when something is to become a bubble and all of that, so the opportunities are there.

Yes, there are so many players, but how many of those players have true capabilities to initiate the process and consummate a payment transaction? You see a lot of crowding out in the beginning, the interface level where everybody’s creating an app, everybody’s creating a channel, but for a transaction to go through, you need licenses from the Central Bank. The central bank has to license so as to regulate and then if you are licensed, for you to consummate and push through a transaction, you need to connect to a payment gateway or a switching and transaction processor, which is still a very small subset of the licenses. And then there are the clearing and settlement houses. Today, only eTranzact, Interswitch, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems (NIBBS), and unified payments do settlement because those are the core switches in the country.

So four out of the entire landscape. And if you really break it down, there is a crowding out at the entry stage because the barrier is low, and that is where the opportunities, the small quick turnaround opportunities are but the good thing about that is that’s where you build the followership, that’s where you build the subscriber base, that’s where you build the user base, that’s where you build the transaction activity that’s where everything starts from. And then it flows through the value chain to the end user. So is it attracting a lot of people? Yes, it is, but it is still a very segregated landscape where you need specific licenses for the functionalities and the processes you want to do. So I’m not worried because the opportunities are there, but then before you can play in the market legitimately, you need a license and you have a regulator, who is still managing that process.

How would the deployment of 5G technology impact the payment systems in Nigeria?

Stability. 5G improves network coverage and network bandwidth and it allows you to do more with 4g, 3g, 2g and 5g, the differences is stability and coverage. So if there’s more

stability, and there are more coverage, there’ll be the ability for people to do more transactions, simple.

How would the policies around Open Banking impact FinTechs in Nigeria?

It is going to explode the market.

You don’t need everybody to build the same thing to do the same things. Open banking will allow a standard set of operating protocols and a standard set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) available in the industry. Anybody that has an idea that needs an API that we build by eTranzact, can connect and go and build his market, regardless of whether eTranzact owns that API, whether he owns that space or not. eTranzact becomes a service provider to anybody that needs that service. It is open.

Let’s look at the banks and look at what the banks do, you can’t really blame them because they own the customers. They’ve invested in recruiting customers, they’ve invested in managing customers they’ve invested in, in doing everything to ensure that they have 10 million 15 million customers. So a FinTech cannot just come one day and say you know what, all you people that bank with Bank A, I’m going to create a solution, connect your Bank A account to me, and then you can do transactions and Bank A doesn’t get paid or doesn’t do anything doesn’t have any control over that.

That’s why the banks have always shut down or shut out their process or their customers or their agents to anybody. But what open banking does is that it is going to set the guidelines or the standards for bank A to open up its system in a secure manner so that anybody that wants to sell or cross-sell to bank A’s customers can do so with

the knowledge of Bank A and for a fee. So I don’t need to now go and start creating markets to recruit all bank A customers again, and spend money to sell stuff to them as it is already a captive market, but there is a gateway, there’s a good controller now. That’s what the open banking, open API tell us. So through those protocols, you can access their customers and sell whatever they want, you want to sell to them. But for a fee because you need to pay for Bank A’s asset but it’s now an industry asset managed by Bank A.

Cybersecurity is an issue in your industry, what is your company doing to mitigate this trend?

My company will always make the necessary investments in the right infrastructure, training, and awareness to secure what we do for the industry. But it’s an evolving industry. I see two things that I shared at the cybersecurity conference last week. I see two things, the good side, and the not-so-good side. The fact that cybersecurity is on the increase, there is a good side it means that great things are happening.

The third-party hackers, the professionals in the dark web, are seeing some significant evolution here. So they want to understand what’s going on. So that’s progress, things are happening, but the not-so-good side is the fact that a lot of investment has gone into building some of these capabilities. And you could easily destroy shareholder value if there is a cyber attack on the system. So you need to secure it. You need to adequately secure and build the necessary firewalls and you need to monitor and maintain those firewalls. Now, fraud will always happen, some of the bigger international card schemes make a fraud provision of 2 per cent

of their revenues every year for fraud. They expect it, it’s going to happen.

If it happens, I have a provision and If it doesn’t happen, I write it back to my income. Fraud attempts would be a growing concern in electronic payments. But what do you do when there is fraud? That’s my concern. Collaboration. If someone takes money out of your account, it goes out of your account digitally, and it goes into another account until it is taken out of the ecosystem as cash or now Bitcoin it is moving from one account to another account to another account in banks. We all know. Now, if there’s collaboration across banks and across payment systems, you can stop that fraud before it goes out as cash. And you can do this in 48 hours before it goes Last year, NEFF said there was a decline in fraud cases in Nigeria, do you see this trend sustaining?

I would say reported cases.

The recent cash crunch revealed that there was a lack of infrastructure and readiness by banks and payment processors for the surge of electronic transactions. There is a deadline of December 31st to phase out old currencies, are you prepared?

The infrastructure is available and the infrastructure was okay. But this surge was beyond anybody’s expectations. It Is technology, you build and chase capacity, you don’t get capacity and build. So what was happening during the first quarter when we had this explosion was we got the capacity and we started building. Our capacity managed what it could manage. But some banks are just not ready, they were not just ready to take in that volume of transaction, what do you do? Nobody expected it that way. So now that they have given a headroom by December 31, we need to build an elastic infrastructure. The reason why people don’t want to build infrastructure the same way is that you don’t want to build infrastructure that will not be used because you’ve paid for it.

And your ROI from day one goes down if there’s no throughput, passing through that infrastructure, and you’re not making money from it. But now you have to build the elastic infrastructure meaning that its there and already doing what is passing through the minute there is a surge, the flexibility is there and you can turn things around within a very short timeframe to accommodate the transaction throughput. And I think that’s how most people are thinking now. we have seen what happened in Q1, and we would be ready by December.

Can you give a rough estimate of how much investment is needed for the payment systems space to function optimally?

Billions of dollars. November and December witnessed the highest transaction throughput in the country. And in January, February, and March we were seeing seven times November, December transaction volumes, and compliance on electronic payments, even at that time, was still less than 50 per cent. If you have 100 per cent compliance and then you factor in the rate of growth of Nigeria, you pretty much need to replicate everything everybody has invested over the last 20 years in infrastructure within a year. That’s going to be a lot of money.

What can your customers, shareholders, and stakeholders expect from your firm in the coming years?

Use eTranzact products, they are secure, you can never lose using eTranzact products. We are the only listed fintech in the country so everything is transparent. Big things are coming before the end of this year. We are transforming one of the verticals in the industry and we are going to be releasing new products that would help make payments quicker, faster, and easier.

Toluwalope

Fiscal Policy as Manufacturers’Burden

For Nigerian manufacturers, there is no better description of the methods and manner the outgoing administration of President Muhammadu Buhari packaged and delivered the 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures other than intrigues, deception and treachery.

The policy, which was contained in a memo issued on April 20 will come into effect from June 1, 2023, a clear three days after the expiration of the tenure of Buhari’s administration.

The controversial and contentious 2023 fiscal policy measures imposed the following rates: a N10 per liter exercise duty on non-alcoholic beverages, fruit juice, energy drink; a 20 per cent as valorem tax and N75 per litre excise duty on beer and stout; 30 per cent ad valorem and N75 per litre excise on wine production in Nigeria as well as 30 per cent ad valorem and N150 per litre excise duty on spirit and other alcoholic beverages.

In addition, tax on tobacco industry was reviewed. The new tax is 30 per cent ad valorem and N8.20k per stick excise duty.

It should be noted that Ad valorem tax is based on the value of the product, which makes the impact even more injurious to industrialists.

Other measures contained in the fiscal policy measure are 40 per cent import duty on vehicle, 42 per cent import duty on iron and steel products, single use plastic surcharge of 10 per cent under HS Code 3919.10.00.00 and 3919.90.00.00 as well as Headings - 39.20; 39.21 and 39.23 (for plastic containers, films and bags. , appears ill-timed and hasty in view of the fact that

The introduction of these fiscal measures came to the members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) as a betrayal of all the terms the association negotiated and agreed to with the federal government through the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed.

The MAN was so sure that it has sealed a favourable agreement with the government that it issued a press released on March 30, 2023, titled, “MAN Lauds Federal Government’s Decission to Halt the Proposed Increase in Excise Duty on Alcoholic, Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and to allow the 2022-2024 Federal Government’s Roadmap to Run Its Full Course.”

The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said in the March 30 press release: “The palpable apprehension in the concerned sector necessitated another courtesy visit and presentation to the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning by a delegation of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. The delegation was led by the President of MAN, Mr. Francis Meshioye, and the outcomes allayed the fears of MAN.

“The honourable minister reassured the delegation of government’s commitment to the wellbeing of the manufacturing sector and the concerned sector in this instance.

“The association is gladdened by the assurances of the Honourable Minister, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, that the 2023 Fiscal Policy Guidelines and the reconsideration of the Finance Act 2023 have been concluded and would be released immediately.

“In specific terms, she (Ahmed) assured that the guidelines would not include the proposed increase in excise duty on beer, wines and spirits, tobacco and non-alcoholic beverage in 2023, but rather allow the excise regime to run its full course from 2022 to 2024 as programmed in the roadmap by the federal government in 2022.

“This comes as a huge relief to our members across the federation and will signpost the administration’s support for the sustenance of manufacturing in Nigeria on this score.

“This move will reassure members of the administration’s respect for stakeholder’s engagement and the usefulness of public-private sector dialogue.”

But MAN rejoiced too soon. Barely three weeks after, the federal government dealt a devastating blow on the manufacturers by hitting them below the belt and straight to their groins when it jettisoned the 2022-2024 roadmap and opted for the deadly 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures that increased the rate of taxation imposed on the non-alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

In its own reaction, the MAN said that it has carefully studied the newly released Fiscal Policy Measures for 2023 and noted the increases in excise tax for 2023 and 2024 as provisioned in the said 2023 Fiscal policy came to it as a surprise. The surprise stemmed from the assurances MAN received from the minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning on March 29, 2023, that the 2023 proposals on additional excise tax increases have been stepped down until further consultations on the 2023 finance bill.

Ajayi-Kadir said: “The release of the 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures, just over one month to its expected implementation date and the end of the current administration, sends negative signals to the business community locally and internationally with implications for existing and potential investors.

“It is therefore alarming and concerning that the implementation of the 2022 to 2024 approved excise roadmap, as contained in the 2022 Fiscal Policy (which commenced on 1st June 2022) has unfortunately not even been implemented for up to one year, before government decided to ‘shift the goal post’.

“This was done without any consultation on or assessment of the impact of the huge increases.

MAN also declared the introduction of plastic tax hasty because government, through the Federal Ministry of Environment, is currently working towards instituting a plastic cycle waste management policy with technical assistance from the United Nations Industrial Organisation (UNIDO) along with support from the Japanese government.

It appealed to government that the proposed increase in the recently released 2023 guidelines i.e., on beer, wines and spirits, tobacco, has the potential to trigger unprecedented distortions in the affected industries as well as the entire manufacturing sector.

“The policy is capable of producing negative effect on investments with a huge consequence on job retention in these industries.

“We, therefore strongly recommend that government should maintain the status quo regarding the already government-approved excise duty increases on these items in the three-year roadmap as contained in the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures. This was approved by Mr. President and implementation commenced on 1st June 2022. The industry cannot afford any further increases at these extremely challenging times.”

NOTE: The story continue online on www.thisdaylive.com

After a long drawn battle against further impositions of taxes of manufacturers in the food and beverage segment of Nigerian manufacturing sector, the federal government succeeded in imposing more taxes through the obnoxious 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

Olagbemiro: Universities Cutting Corners Will Suffer Poor Enrolment, Staff Retention

Prof. Timothy Olagbemiro is the outgoing Vice Chancellor Emeritus of Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta, who will retire on May 14 after a 51-year service in the university system. In this interview with Funmi Ogundare, he explained why state, federal and private universities must not operate as a fish and chips shop through cutting corners and support services, as these will result in poor enrolment, as well as poor retention of students and workers. Excerpts:

You have served in the university system for 51 years. How would you describe the journey so far? I have found it absolutely fulfilling to have satisfied my search for knowledge and to use it to build and impact lives. I have been able to add value to life, bring up the younger and the now-serving; and future generations of people of all ages, in character and learning. My experience was not limited to Nigeria alone, but to other students in the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, South Africa and East Africa. A host of these students now occupy various positions in these countries. My teaching and research endeavours find useful places in laboratories, classrooms and in the heart of men and women. I am absolutely fulfilled.

You spent nine years and four months as VC of Edwin Clark University and retiring now. How were you able to reposition the institution and galvanise the support of staff? How would you describe your experience?

Whatever l have been able to achieve is not by my efforts but by the grace of our Almighty God. God has enabled me to work assiduously with the Proprietor, Chief Edwin Clark, as well as our staff members and students, so as to grow the university from a bare forest land to a befitting university campus with simple and functional structures filled with academic programmes which are attractive to students, and befitting of a modern university. At Edwin Clark University, we have been able to establish enviable academic environment beginning with 14 academic programmes in two faculties in 2015 to 27 academic programmes in five faculties, which include a Faculty of Law and that of Basic Medical Sciences. Just recently, we received the National Universities Commission’s approval to begin a School of Postgraduate Studies with five distinct programmes, as well as a postgraduate diploma. This is not too far a level God gave me the grace to achieve as Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University from 2003 to 2013. These accomplishments are not by my might but by the grace of our almighty God. The level of cooperation I received from the staff is enormous. The proprietor himself was a driving force for these achievements. Indeed, I feel quite fulfilled.

What challenges have you faced in starting the university, and how did you surmount them?

Really, during all my university life and teaching vocation, I have had the privilege of being a pioneer staff of the institution in which I served. Edwin Clark University is about the fourth institution I could literarily say that I have pioneered. The history goes thus: At Bayero University, Kano, I resumed there in 1978, when that institution was just becoming autonomous. It was prior to that time, a College of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as it, was then called Bayero College. I joined Bayero as a teaching staff just about when it was becoming an autonomous campus called Bayero University. I left Bayero University in1984 for Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi ( ATBU). At ATBU, I was appointed professor in 1984, just about three years after the university began its academic activities. Basically, I can describe my work there as pioneering. I left the services of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University after 19 years there to take up a pioneering appointment as vice-chancellor of Bowen University, Iwo. I resumed at Bowen University in 2003, just one year after academic activities had begun there, as VC after the substantive VC, the late Prof. Okedara’s exit as foundation VC. Thus, at resumption there, I took on the role of a pioneer vice-chancellor and remained there for 10 years until 2013. At Edwin Clark, I took up

the appointment as the pioneering vice-chancellor, beginning 14th January 2014. No doubt, the cloak of pioneering staff has been my lot in the Nigerian university system. One thing I found common in my assignments as a pioneering staff is the love I had for the assignments and the resilience which l developed in executing my functions. I found it fascinating to have the privilege of starting things anew and the gusto to face the challenges. This has been the amazing hallmark: the love for the challenges and the ability to overcome them. What gets to me first in the assignment is students’ comfort and well-being. As VC, the student’s hall of residence and their feeding had always remained my first challenge and desire to overcome. Then is the challenge of good academic staff with moral standards to impact the students’ lives in character and learning. I have always been fortunate to overcome these challenges. At both Bowen and Edwin Clark Universities, students’ comfort, their well-being, and the status of those to impact them were of no difficulty, as I had over the years, built on my experiences as head of department, dean of students affairs, director of academic planning, and dean of faculty.

What is your view about delegation of duties?

From my personal leadership experience over the last 51 years of my university teaching, I believe leadership is acquired by application, practice and feedback, and no one can impact leadership experience on anyone without delegation. Although with huge efforts, some aspects of leadership, such as management, can be taught. Really, true leadership can only be acquired through appropriate mentoring, which in the true sense is delegation. The ability to direct and influence people, inspire confidence and provide guidance to achieve organisational goals, or acts that cause others to act or respond to shared directions, are vital means of teaching leadership by delegation. The budding leader will feel what it means to lead, as he is motivated and inspired through such delegation of responsibilities. It is such synergy between the leader and the led that generates corresponding rewards of expected performance, as it meets the leadership expectations. This stimulates productivity. Needless to say, it takes a long time commitment to learning to master the tools of leadership. Delegation is the only way to developing true leadership skills, because of the batteries of responsibilities and challenges faced by any serious university leadership. Indeed the wave of communications from government and its agencies that come to universities, demanding restructuring of curriculum of universities, campus development, students and staff needs, influx of information to campus for one thing or another, students campus activities, and the need to meet targets along with response to

enquires from government and organisations etc. call for delegation, and a more robust and more efficient, budding academic leaders, that need to be responsive to these challenges and expectations. I couldn’t have survived the 19 years as VC of two different universities without adequate delegation of responsibilities. Furthermore, as VC, I must be transparent and lead by example. My life must reflect what I preach and teach to students and staff to serve as a beacon of light to those around me, those I delegate responsibilities, and those who I should rightly impact for tomorrow’s leadership. So that’s my honest view on a leadership vital legacy of delegation.

For the past nine years, what steps did you take to attract grants and ensure that effective research was carried out at the university?

My first five years were mainly expended on building infrastructure, sourcing for students and qualified teaching and administrative staff to enhance the accreditation of our academic programmes. Of course, individual research, as well as joint research work of our staff in collaboration with colleagues in other universities, were encouraged. In 2019, we proposed multidisciplinary inter-faculty research that is campus-based, solely on our environment, soil and water pollution in collaboration with Coventry University, but this was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This made effortless all the link preparations we had made with a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) earlier signed with Coventry University, UK. It was the travel restrictions that discouraged our proposed link institutions. However, we did not allow this setback to dampen individual staff efforts at carrying out their own research on and off campus. The university provided funds for staff travels to conferences and seminars and facilities such as the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer(NMR), atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), Kdjedhal apparatus, gas-liquid chromatogram (GC), higher performance liquid chromatogram (HPLC) which are not available in several Nigeria universities are available at Edwin Clark University, and used as vital research tools for staff and students. A host of Edwin Clark University (ECU) staff received research funding to travel to universities overseas to join their research collaborators. The university had also recently completed research grants for funding with co-researchers from public universities supported by TETfund. With the approval of our School of Postgraduate Studies, it is anticipated that research activities will increase and funding will be made available.

How many academic programmes were accredited during your tenure?

The university has a total of 23 National Universities Commission ( NUC) approved academic programmes. All the 23 academic programmes received full accreditation status during the period of my service to the university. In addition to these fully accredited programmes, two years ago, the university received approval to start two new undergraduate professional academic programmes in Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science in its Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. These two programmes will soon be due for their professional visits as well as accreditation. The university six months ago received approval for a School of Postgraduate Studies to offer PhD and MSc degree programs in five academic fields, along with approval for postgraduate diplomas in selected course areas.

“It is pertinent that universities appoint the right calibre of people with proven experience, who will provide superb services, create innovation to develop its students, so as to enable its graduate think differently and be prepared to be relevant in today’s changing job market.”

Prof. Olagbemiro

FOREIGN DESK

UN: Over 700,000 Sudanese Internally Displaced Amid Civil War

The United Nations refugee agency says more than 700,000 Sudanese have fled their homes since violence broke out last month between two armed factions fighting for control of the northern African nation.

The updated figure, provided Tuesday by the UN International Organization for Migration, is more than double the 334,000 the agency reported to be internally displaced last week.

The IOM said an additional 100,000 Sudanese have fled the country.

The new figures were released a day after envoys from both warring factions met in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a third day of talks.

The talks aim to allow humanitarian aid to reach hundreds of thousands needing food, shelter and medical care in Khartoum and other Sudanese cities after more than three weeks of fighting.

The Saudi kingdom has pledged to provide Sudan with $100 million worth of aid.

Fighting between Sudan’s military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, erupted on April 15.

Repeated cease-fire agreements have failed to end the conflict or even do much to reduce the violence. Eyewitnesses in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, told VOA they heard renewed gunfire and an airstrike in the city Monday in and around downtown.

Putin Slams West as Russia Marks

Defeat of Nazi Germany

Russia paraded troops and weaponry across Red Square in Moscow on Tuesday in commemoration of its victory over Nazism in World War II, but it was a celebration that was sharply curtailed from years past because of battlefield setbacks in its 14-month invasion of Ukraine.

In a fiery 10-minute speech in front of the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin railed against “Western global elites,” Russia’s allies in the world war 80 years ago, and said civilisation was at “a decisive turning point.”

“A real war has been unleashed against our homeland,” the Russian leader said.

The Red Square parade had its traditional pomp, but it was unmistakably scaled back from previous May 9 celebrations of the Allied victory in Europe. A single World War II-vintage T-34 rolled across the square in place of phalanxes of modern battle tanks. The usual fighter jet flyover was cancelled.

On the battlefront in Ukraine, Ukrainian authorities said their air defences had shot down 23 of 25 Russian cruise missiles fired chiefly at the capital, Kyiv, overnight, and there were no reported casualties.

Russian military difficulties were also underscored by a new profanity-laced tirade aimed at Russian defence leaders from the chief of the Wagner mercenary group fighting alongside Moscow’s troops, claiming his fighters were not being supplied with enough ammunition.

Ex-Pakistan PM Khan Arrested, Sparking Nationwide Protests

Authorities in Pakistan Tuesday arrested former prime minister Imran Khan, the leader of the largest national political party, outside a court in the capital, Islamabad.

The 70-year-old politician was taken into custody as he prepared to attend a hearing on the dozens of charges against him, ranging from alleged terrorism and corruption to treason and other criminal offences.

Khan’s attorneys claimed that paramilitary forces physically assaulted him before taking him into custody and handing him over to anti-graft authorities accompanying them.

Khan’s party denounced their leader’s arrest.

“State terrorism - breaking into IHC (Islamabad High Court) premises to abduct Imran Khan from court premises. Law of the jungle in operation. Rangers beat the lawyers, used violence on Imran Khan, and abducted him,” tweeted Shireen Mazari, a close aide to the opposition leader, along with a purported video of security action.

Pakistan Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed Khan’s arrest, rejecting charges of physical assault and telling local media about a corruption case against the opposition politician.

FBI Takes Down ‘Sophisticated’ Russian Cyberespionage Tool

US officials said on Tuesday they’ve taken down a global network of compromised computers that Russian intelligence agents used for nearly 20 years to spy on the United States and its allies.

Officials said a unit within Russia’s Federal Security Service, or FSB, used malicious software called Snake to steal sensitive documents from hundreds of compromised computer networks in at least 50 countries.

Officials said the hacked computers belonged to NATO member governments, journalists and other targets of interest to the Russian government.

Snake-infected computers in the United States and around the world served as conduits for funnelling the stolen data back to Russia.

The Justice Department called Snake the “FSB’s premiere cyberespionage malware implant.”

“The Justice Department, together with our international partners, has dismantled a global network of malware-infected computers that the Russian government has used for nearly two decades to conduct cyber-espionage, including against our NATO allies,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. “We will continue to strengthen our collective defences against the Russian regime’s destabilising efforts to undermine the security of the United States and our allies.”

The FBI dismantled the Snake network with a court-approved operation dubbed MEDUSA, the Justice Department said.

China Raids Offices of Business Consultancy Capvision

China’s chief foreign intelligence agency has raided the offices of business consulting firm Capvision in Beijing and other Chinese cities as part of an ongoing crackdown on foreign businesses that provide sensitive economic data.

Foreign companies operating in China have come under increasing pressure, driven primarily by national security considerations, as Xi Jinping’s government tightens control over the business, clashing with efforts to lure back foreign investors after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted.

Investigators simultaneously visited Capvision branches in Beijing, Shanghai, and the southeastern manufacturing hubs of Suzhou and Shenzhen, along with other locations the state media reports did not identify.

Officers from the Ministry of State Security, police and market regulatory bodies questioned staff, the reports said. There was no word on arrests or detentions, although the reports said investigations had been opened into the company and “personnel involved in the case according to law.”

No details were given about the specific legal issues at stake, and state media did not give the exact dates of the raids on Capvision, headquartered in New York and Shanghai.

More Bodies Found in Kenyan Church Death

Kenyan investigators exhumed 21 more bodies on Tuesday as they resumed a search for followers of a doomsday cult,

who the interior minister described as victims of a “highly organised crime.”

Paul Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church, is in custody and accused of ordering followers to starve their children and themselves so they could go to heaven before the end of the world, which he said would come on April 15. The latest figures on bodies exhumed, announced by regional official Rhoda Onyancha, bring the death toll to 133. The exhumations are expected to resume on Wednesday.

The search operation in the Shakahola forest in southeastern Kenya had been suspended for a few days because of bad weather, with hundreds of people still reported missing.

“We have many more graves in this forest, and therefore it leads us to conclude that this was a highly organised crime,”

Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki told reporters during a visit to the forest, where workers wearing hazmat suits and masks were digging up graves.

Canada Expels Chinese Diplomat Canada has expelled a Chinese diplomat accused of attempting to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker who has been critical of Beijing.

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly issued a statement Monday saying Zhao Wei had been declared “persona non grata” in response to a series of reports in Canada’s The Globe and Mail newspaper that Zhou sought information about Conservative Party lawmaker Michael Chong, who sponsored a motion to declare China’s treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority as genocide.

The reports said Canada’s intelligence agency had uncovered information that China planned to target Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong with sanctions and possible threats.

Foreign Minister Joly said Ottawa “will not tolerate any form of foreign interference.” She said foreign diplomats working in Canada have been warned “that if they engage in this type of behaviour, they will be sent home.”

China’s foreign ministry in Beijing announced early Tuesday that it had declared Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, the consul for the Canadian consulate in Shanghai, “persona non grata” and ordered her to leave China by May 13. Lalonde’s expulsion came hours after China’s embassy in Ottawa said China would take “resolute countermeasures” in response to Zhou’s expulsion.

Turkish, Syrian Foreign Ministers to Meet in Moscow

The foreign ministers of Turkey and Syria will hold their first official meeting on Wednesday since the start of the Syrian civil war more than a decade ago, officials said.

The talks in Moscow will also involve the top diplomats of Russia and Iran,

Turkey’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

The announcement delivers a diplomatic boost to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan just days before he faces the toughest general election of his 21-year rule on Sunday.

Erdogan supported early rebel efforts to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, keeping a military presence in northern stretches of the war-torn country that angers Damascus.

But Erdogan reversed course after Turkey plunged into an economic crisis two years ago.

The Turkish leader has made up with former rivals across the region and is now courting a presidential summit with Assad.

Syria had refused, insisting that Turkey first pull out its troops.

A reconciliation with Syria is also supported by Erdogan’s opponents and plays an important part in Turkey’s election campaign.

Erdogan has pledged to speed up the repatriation of nearly four million Syrian refugees and migrants who fled to Turkey to escape poverty and war.

UN Accuses Iran of Executing 10 People Weekly

On Tuesday, United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk said that Iran had executed more than 10 per week on average this year.

At least 209 people were executed in the country since January 1, primarily for drug-related offences, but a United Nations statement said the actual number is likely much higher.

“On average so far this year, over 10 people are put to death each week in Iran, making it one of the world’s highest executors,” Türk said.

“At this rate, Iran is worryingly on the same track as last year when around 580 people were reportedly executed,” he added, calling this track record abominable.

On Monday, Iran hanged two men on charges of spreading blasphemy on social media, prompting US condemnation and accusations from Amnesty International that the Islamic Republic has reached a new low in a spree of executions.

On Saturday, Iran executed SwedishIranian dissident Habib Chaab for what it called terrorism, prompting sharp criticism from Sweden and the European Union.

The UN said at least 45 people, including 22 from the Baluch minority, were executed in the past 14 days. Most were executed for drug-related charges.

“Imposing the death penalty for drug offences is incompatible with international human rights norms and standards,” Türk said.

“The Human Rights Committee … is clear on prohibiting imposition of the death penalty for any but the ‘most serious crimes’ – crimes of extreme gravity, involving intentional killing. Drug offences do not meet this threshold.”

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 08May-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

Seplat’s AGM Mired in Controversy as CAC Pulls Out, Cites Court Order

Oluchi Chibuzor

The planned Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Seplat Energy Plc is under threat as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has pulled out of the indigenous energy giant, citing an order made by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining the present directors from conducting the exercise pending the resolution of the issues.

This is as the Board Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Basil Omiyi, yesterday disclosed that the company would hold its scheduled AGM today, in compliance with the final and binding judgment of an Abuja Federal High Court.

Omiyi, in a statement stated that in due compliance with the Law and the Judgment, its AGM would hold today at 11:00 am, as expressly ordered by the Federal

High Court of Nigeria.

According to him, the announcement on the AGM, “is made pursuant to Rule 17.10 of the Rulebook of the Nigerian Exchange, 2015 (Issuer’s Rule)”.

But in a letter addressed to Omiyi yesterday entitled, “Re” Obedience of Court order of the Federal High Court with Respect to Suit No: FHC/PET/8/2023, Restraining Seplat Energy Plc and Its Directors from organising an Annual General Meeting of the Company”, the CAC declared it would neither attend the AGM nor give effect to its resolutions.

The letter signed by Mr. Luqman Salman for the RegistrarGeneral, the CAC, read in part: “We refer to the previous correspondences between us, you and the law firm of 21st Century Chambers (representing some of your shareholders), on the above subject matter.

“The Commission, having

given detailed and thorough consideration to all the issues raised in the petition that was received from 21st Century Chambers on behalf of some shareholders of your company and your responses thereto.

“As you may be aware, the Commission is the 10th Respondent in Suit No: FHC/ ABJ/PET/8/2023 between Boniface Okezie & 4 Ors Vs. Seplat Energy PLC & 9 Ors.

As you may also be aware, the court had on the 28th April 2023 ordered that parties should not tamper with the res until issues are resolved.

“In view of the order of the court referred to above, the Commission, being a party to the suit is under the obligation to obey the order. The Commission will therefore neither attend the AGM nor give cognisance to any resolution that may arise therefrom.”

Jaiz Bank Records N9.88bn in Gross Earnings

James Emejo

Nigeria’s pioneer non-interest entity, Jaiz Bank Plc, has declared a double-digit growth across all performance indices in the first quarter of (Q1) 2023).

In a statement, the bank noted that its profit grew by 44.55 per cent in its pre- and post-tax performance, as gross

income increased by 38.3 per cent as at March 31, 2023.

The implementation of several measures to pursue greater efficiency and to realign its business and strategic priorities resulted in a significant growth in the balance sheet size from N379.82 billion by December 2022 to N452.82 billion by March 2023.

The statement also said the gross income rose to N9.88 billion in the review period compared to N7.23 billion in Q1 2022.

The bank further posted a profit before Tax (PBT) of N1.59 billion, a year-on-year increase of 45.62 per cent over the N1.10 billion reported in Q1 2022.

STOAN Chairman Condoles With Onyema-Orakwusi Family

The Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup has condoled with the Onyema-Orakwusi family over the death of their matriarch and former President of Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA), Barrister (Mrs) Margaret OnyemaOrakwusi.

Mrs. Onyema-Orakwusi died on April 28, 2023 after a brief illness.

In a condolence letter sent to the family, Haastrup expressed shock and sadness over the death of the former NITOA President.

Her message reads: “On behalf of all the Members of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), I hereby convey my heartfelt condolences to the entire family on the passing onto eternal glory of your matriarch, Princess (Barrister) Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi on April 28, 2023.

“To state that I was shocked at the sad news of her demise

will be an understatement. I am still in shock and find it difficult to comprehend the fact that my dearest sister and friend, as I fondly called her, is no longer with us.

“Princess (Barrister) Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi lived an impactful life. She left indelible marks in the maritime industry where she served diligently for more than 30 years. I recall with fond memories the huge contributions she made to the growth and development of the industry when she served as President of the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA), as Chairman of the then annual Nigeria International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (NIMAREX) and as Chairman of the Shipowners Forum. We also served together on the Board of the Nigeria International Maritime Summit (NIMS) and as Trustees of the Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT) Nigeria.

“In her characteristics

selflessness, we collaborated to host a surprise birthday party for the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh just in February this year. During preparations for the event, Margaret gave no sign that she would be joining her Maker anytime soon. She was full of energy and vigour. She gave her time, talent and resources generously to ensure success of the event.

“It saddens me deeply that her pet project – a very big jetty she is developing in Lagos –did not commence operation before her demise. She was very passionate about the jetty and she was determined to make it a model facility in the industry.

“Indeed, Margaret was a good woman. She was always there for the industry and was ever willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Without a doubt, She played her part very well during her earthly sojourn.”

South-south Chambers of Commerce Holds Summit on Blue Economy

An awareness creating summit on how to tap into the potentials of the Blue Economy to unleash its capacity for job creation, spur economic development, mitigate impacts of climate change and help meet the food needs of a growing global population holds in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, May 11. The oneday conference holds under the broad theme, ‘Harnessing the Potentials in the Blue Economy (Ocean) Through Private Sector Participation

for Regional Development.’

Convened by the Coalition of South-south Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (COSSCCIMA), it will bring together local and international resource persons and stakeholders to design achievable objectives within realistic timelines, promote investment, service exhibition and network opportunities, according to a statement by COSSCCIMA President, Dr. Okon Emah. COSSCCIMA was jointly registered in 2012 by all the city Chambers of

commerce in the six Southsouth states of Rivers, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom.

Keynote Speaker at the conference is Prof. Akpan Ekpo, a famous economist and former Director General of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM). Ekpo, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo will speak on, “Blue Economy Opportunities for the Private Sector-Challenges and Chances.”

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 8 MARCH, 2023

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

Stock Market Maintains Positive Trend, Gains N14bn

Kayode Tokede

The stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), yesterday closed higher by N14 billion as investors continued their bar gain-hunting activities in the market. The All Share Index (ASI) gained by 25.89 basis points or 0.05 per cent to close at 52,605.41 points.

Also, market capitalisation gained N14 billion to close at N28.644 trillion.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive as 32 stocks gained relative to 19 losers. Conoil recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N48.40, per share. Multiverse Mining and Exploration followed with a gain of

9.97 per cent to close at N3.75, while John Holt rose by 9.77 per cent to close at N1.91, per share.

CWG went up by 9.66 per cent to close at N1.59, while Transnational Corporations (Transcorp) appreciated by 9.50 per cent to close at N1.96, per share. On the other hand, Unity Bank led the losers’ chart by 9.26 per

cent, to close at 49 kobo, per share. Japaul Gold & Ventures followed with a decline of 8.82 per cent to close at 31 kobo, while Cutix declined by 8.80 per cent to close at N2.28, per share.

Nigerian Breweries depreciated by 8.29 per cent to close at N32.10, while Academy Press declined by 5.71 per cent to close

at N1.65, per share.

The total volume traded advanced by 25.34 per cent to 640.969 million units, valued at N7.133 billion, and exchanged in 5,884 deals. Transactions in the shares of Access Holdings topped the activity chart with 129.729 million shares valued at N1.482 billion. United Bank for Africa (UBA)

followed with 91.113 million shares worth N728.472 million, while FBN Holdings (FBNH) traded 80.973 million shares valued at N969.538 million.

Zenith Bank traded 42.751 million shares valued at N1.045 billion, while NEM Insurance sold 33.644 million shares worth N153.080 million.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MAY/09/23

L-R:

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operation, Shaffa Hassan; the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, HRM Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II); and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, during their official visit to the Oniru of Iru Kingdom in Lagos…recently

L-R: Marketing Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina; star-prize winner, Airtel TV Skit-Maker Competition, Qudus Shokunbi; Partnership and Intervention Manager, Del-York Creative Academy, Halima Alawiye; and Managing Partner, Covenant Entertainment Services and Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon, at the prize presentation to the winners of the competition at the Airtel headquarters in Lagos…recently

L-R: Member of The Redeem Christian Church Of God(RCCG), Testimony Parish, Blessing Efokwu; representative of RCCG, Ambassador Parish, Oluwatimilehin Ajayi; Coordinator, RCCG LP 18 Research/ Development Department, Deacon Charles Oparanjoku; and member of RCCG, Ambassador Parish, Deacon Abiodun Fashola, during the 2023 annual RCCG Research and Development conference held at the Youth Centre, Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun State…recently

L-R: Provincial Pastor, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 36 headquarters, Benjamin Adewole Ajayeoba (left), and his wife/celebrant, Mrs. Victoria Ajayeoba (right), during her birthday celebration held at The RCCG, Jesus House Parish, Ajao Estate, Lagos...recently

L-R: Guest, Mrs. Ferishat Alegeh; the groom, Kelechi Onwu; his bride, Damilola; and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Augustine Alegeh, during the couple’s wedding ceremony at the All Saints Anglican Church, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos...recently

L-R: Guests, Dare Rogunwa, Mrs. Helen Bamisaiye; couple, Mr. and Mrs. Fayam; family members, Mrs. Bukola Ajala and Kayode Ajayi, during the wedding ceremony of the daughter of the Assistant Photo Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Chief Olu Ajayi, in Kaduna…recently

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke(left), and former state Deputy Governor, Erelu Olusola Obada (right), during the state congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osogbo, Osun State… recently

Lagos State

60TH BIRTHDAY THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR MRS. ASHIRU...

Soludo, El-Rufai, Sanusi, Others Chart Path for Nigeria's Transformation, Sustainable Devt

Set priorities for incoming administration Kaduna governor blames lack of political will for failure to restructure Nigeria

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Governors of Anambra and Kaduna States Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, a former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, as well as the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Shubham Chaudhuri, among others, have expressed concern over Nigeria’s uninspiring growth and transformation trajectory, calling for urgent institutional reforms complimented by the desired political will to make a head-start.

Their perspectives on the need for an urgent paradigm shift in the country's transformation and development

journey, were canvassed in Abuja, yesterday, at a policy conversation and book presentation organised by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in collaboration with Agora Policy. Soludo, who jump-started the panel discussion on, "How Nigeria Can Build a Post-oil Economic Future," noted that several diagnosis on the challenges of Nigeria’s rapid development had remained similar, ranging from one think-tank, institution, analysts, experts or even studies.

Lamenting that the country had witnessed episodic moments of surge and decline, the former governor of the Central Bank of

Nigeria (CBN) whose intervention was virtual, noted that the country had been characterised by occasional transformational and transactional leaderships.

According to him, Nigeria’s development travails did not stem from the lack of awareness of the problem, but the lack of the needed political will to implement impactful, enduring transformational and development policies.

He observed that no meaningful development could be recorded without an effective restructuring of the country.

Soludo noted that despite making the concept of restructuring a cardinal

thrust of its manifesto in 2015, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to ensure implementation.

He recalled that during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the country went through an impressive and sustainable economic growth for many years, due to the transformation policies and political will of the administration.

According to him, what was required was for a retrospective look at what the government did well at that time to achieve a seven per cent annual growth rate for many years.

The governor canvassed a deliberate policy for expert-led strategy, insisting that the restructuring of

Moghalu Urges Afreximbank to Focus on Building Trade Policy Capacity in Africa

Dike Onwuamaeze

The African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been advised to build partnerships with African countries so as to stimulate trade policy capacity in the continent in order to sustain its successes in the past 30 years and ensure its relevance in the next 30 years.

The advice was given yesterday, in Cairo, Egypt, by a former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, in a lecture he delivered during the 30th Anniversary Founders’ Day Lecture of the Afreximbank titled, “Afreximbank: The Next 30 Years,” in which he stated that the challenge of the bank in the years to come was to go beyond present success stories to becoming a transformative institution for Africa in world trade.

This, he said was essential as Africa moves into the era of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Afreximbank was also advised to execute its long planned international IPO to raise additional capital that would back its ambitious plans in AFCFTA.

Moghalu, who is also the founder and CEO of Sogato Strategies LLC and president of the Institute for Governance & Economic Transformation, said in the lecture that the Afreximbank has been a successful, impactful institution that should be accorded at least an AAA- rating rather than its present credit rating of BBB.

He said: “Afreximbank has been a successful, impactful institution. But in the next 30 years, it can go beyond success to becoming transformative

for Africa in world trade.

“The key then, is for Afreximbank to zero in on the various aspects of the AfCFTA that, combined with bank’s role and operations, will bring about the needed continental transformation by 2050.

“As we move into the era of AfCFTA-based intra-regional trade, Afreximbank should build partnerships with countries to stimulate trade policy capacity, since financing trade transactions, trade facilitation or trade-related infrastructure alone may not be enough to solve Africa’s trade challenges.

“It should invest in specialisation and the acquisition of trade-related skills in African countries to drive this specialisation – productive knowledge to achieve economic complexity which is the basis of modern global trade, and which will be necessary for competitiveness in intra-African trade as well.”

Moghalu, in the lecture, posed this question: “Is Afreximbank’s institutional structure fit for the future we seek in intra and extra African trade?”

His answer: “As we have noted earlier, Afreximbank’s mandates are cross-cutting enough to meet the challenges it has faced over the past 30 years. And the bank has mobilised impressive levels of funding for trade transactions and trade related transactions in Africa, attested to by its $32 billion in assets.

“But Africa is a vast continent with deep financial needs, especially in its private sector. In this context, I believe the bank needs to execute its long planned international IPO to raise additional capital to back its

ambitious plans in the AFCFTA era.”

The professor acknowledged that Afreximbank’s ratings have improved from BBB- to BBB, but said he “would argue from all this information available about the bank that its ratings should perhaps more appropriately be AAA-, especially when we consider that the African Development Bank has a stellar rating of AAA.

“While it is true that Afreximbank, in lending to both sovereign and non-sovereign entities, operates in a somewhat riskier environment, the fact that it has managed its risk so well over the years is noteworthy and deserves to be rewarded with

a higher credit rating.”

He highlighted that, “as a financial institution, the Afreximbank has never incurred annual losses since it was founded, has managed its risks exposures successfully, and is steadily growing its profits. Its capital is $5 billion, with its shareholders consistently supporting its capital reason efforts, and has assets of $32 billion.”

He, therefore, insisted that “there certainly is a case to be made for a fairer assessment methodology for the credit rating agencies rating of African sovereigns.”

the economy was the least needed to move away from transactional politics which he stressed was the bane of development in the country.

He said: "We cannot have a competitive economy without a competitive system. We need a productive rather than a consumption leadership."

In his intervention, El-Rufai stated that its takes a political leadership that has the courage and political will to take hard decisions to achieve transformation.

Taking a retrospective excursion to the Obasanjo years, el-Rufai noted that "you don't need more than ten ministers to do a solid work."

He stated that when Obasanjo wanted to go down in history as one who left something behind, he assembled technocrats and gave them the required political backing, “which also led to the historic debt relief.”

Furthermore, El-Rufai observed that all the country needed was competent leadership which was desirous of communicating its programmes and policies to Nigerians whom he described as very supportive.

The governor stated that, "as political leaders, we must face our problems and be pragmatic."

Responding to Soludo's remark that the APC-led administration failed to implement its restructuring agenda, El-Rufai said as the chairman of the committee that recommended the policy, they opted for the 1954 constitutional system.

According to him, that was meant to devolve more powers and responsibilities to the states and make the centre less attractive, regretting that lack of political will torpedoed

CCB Warns Elected Politicians against Providing Wrong Information on their Form CCB1

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has warned elected politicians against providing wrong information while filling their Code of Conduct forms, saying such could attract severe punishment.

The National Chairman of the Bureau, Prof. Mohammed Isah, gave the warning in Suleja, Niger State, while presenting the form CCB1 to elected officials from Niger state. Isah, also told the elected politicians not to default in the declaration of their assets as such would be met with severe sanctions.

Represented by the Federal Commissioner in Charge of the

North Central Zone, Prof. Juwayiwa Badamosuiyi, the National Chairman reminded the elected politicians that it was mandatory for them to fill in the form CCB1 before they are sworn in to their various offices saying, "the importance of form CCB1 cannot be over emphasised."

The Chairman appreciated the efforts of the clark of the Niger State House of Assembly for ensuring that members complied by filling the form CCB1 at the beginning and end of their tenures.

In an address, the Director, Niger State Office of the Bureau, Mrs. Deborah Charles, also reminded the elected politicians that, "failure

to declare assets is liable to removal from office and prosecution.”

Charles, also told them that as public officers they cannot engage in private business and therefore advised those of them with such organisations to appoint people to run their businesses to avoid the law catching up with them, saying also that they should not file wrong information about their properties.

Speaking on behalf of the elected officials, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly Alhaji Abdullahi Bawa Wuse, appreciated the CCB for inculcating in them acts that will enable democracy to flourish in the country.

the implementation of restructuring.

"It was lack of political will that made the APC restructuring agenda not to be implemented," he said.

He also advocated for a study of what happened in the years of the Obasanjo administration that achieved a seven per cent annual economic growth rate.

The Kaduna State Governor warned that Nigeria must address the petroleum subsidy behemoth 'tomorrow', or fall into the hands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Calling for elite consensus to urgently resolve the matter, he warned that Nigeria must not slide the way of Sri Lanka.

On the problem of poor revenue generation, he cautioned against increasing taxes, but increasing the number of those in the tax net.

To move the country forward, ElRufai said there should be a deliberate move to reduce religious suspicion, engage the best and competent people in public service.

He emphasised that Nigeria was not an oil-rich country, and advised that, "we must face reality, particularly now that we are in transition."

In his remarks, Emir Sanusi said he did not believe in the position of some people that those who deserved to be blamed should be spared.

"If we want to make progress in the country, we have to look at what's good and bad, blame where there's need," adding that some administrations in the country have not performed well.

Sanusi urged Nigerians to start emphasising their expectations from the next administration.

According to him, transactional politics should be de-emphasised henceforth while competence which guarantees round pegs in round holes should hold sway.

Also speaking, a former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, and Chairman of Coronation Capital, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imouhuede, called on the incoming administration to embrace fiscal consolidation, avoid subsidising what cannot be afforded, embark on debt restructuring which would be a painful pill and embark on massive private sector investment.

On his own part, Chaudhuri, called for transformational leadership in Nigeria which had placed Indonesia, India and other peers on the path of sustainable growth.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the founder of Agora Policy, Mr. Waziri Adio, commended what he described as the remarkable book by Dr. Zainab Usman, the pioneer director of the Carnegie Africa Programme.

L-R: Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West and supervising Bishop, Diocese of Lagos, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Group Chairman, Odua Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; his wife and celebrant, Kemi Ashiru; former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Chairman, Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh during the 60th birthday thanksgiving service for Mrs Ashiru at All Soul's Church, Lekki, Lagos... on Monday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

In Move to Derail Akpabio’s Senate Bid, Lawan Orders Probe of NDDC N1.4tn Expenditure without Approval

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

As part of efforts to derail Godwill Akpabio’s bid to become the Senate President in the 10th Assembly, the Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, yesterday, set up a seven-member ad-hoc committee to probe the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) for embarking on expenditure amounting to N1.4 trillion without appropriation.

Akpabio, was a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and the ministry

went through a rough patch under his leadership. The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress had at the weekend nominated the former Akwa Ibom governor as its choice for Senate President.

However, the decision to probe activities of the NDDC, followed a motion by Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi) during consideration of a report by the Committee on Niger Delta on NDDC's 2021, 2022 and 2023 budgets.

President Muhammadu Buhari had, earlier this year, asked the Senate to approve NDDC's budgets for 2021, 2022 and 2023. The request for approval came after the interventionist agency had spent the funds for the 2021 and 2022 financial years, totaling N1.4 trillion. Buhari, in the proposal transmitted to the parliament, had explained that a total budget of N485.7 billion was proposed for the NDDC in 2021, N928.2 billion in 2022, and N876 billion in 2023.

The Senate consequently referred the budgets to its Committee on Niger Delta after scaling second reading.

The committee, chaired by Senator Bulus Amos (APC, Gombe), submitted its report on Tuesday and urged the Senate to approve the budget estimates.

However, Aliero faulted the recommendation of the committee. He said it was a breach of the constitution for NDDC to carry out expenditure of the budget estimates without approval of the National

Assembly.

Other senators, who raised concerns over the consideration of the budgets, were senators Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa) and Solomon Adeola (APC, Lagos).

Adeola said there was an urgent need to carefully look at the 2023 budget estimates of NDDC as clarifications and further information was required on figures presented on the budget.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, therefore, raised a panel to probe the

ADELEKE SURVIVES AS S'COURT AFFIRMS HIS ELECTION, PDP, BUHARI, TINUBU CELEBRATE

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah in Abuja and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Senator Ademola Adeleke survived a spirited challenge to his victory at the July 16, 2022 governorship poll in Osun State, as the Supreme Court, yesterday, affirmed his election, which had been imperilled by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s appeal.

President Muhammadu Buhari and President-elect Bola Tinubu, among other prominent Nigerians, celebrated the Supreme Court’s verdict as victory for the country’s democracy.

Buhari urged the people of Osun State to support Adeleke, as the governor hailed the “historic” judgement and promised to govern with the fear of God.

Adeleke’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulated him on his legal victory and saluted the judiciary for its thoroughness and professionalism in adjudicating in the matter.

At the same time, the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) said it received the verdict of the Supreme Court, which affirmed Adeleke's victory, with equanimity, bearing in mind that in a contest, someone must emerge winner.

The presidential candidate of PDP in the last general election, Atiku Abubakar, said the Supreme Court decision was indicative of the fact that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) had come to stay as a legal instrument for the accreditation and transmission of election results in Nigeria.

A five-member panel of justices of the Supreme Court, led by Justice John Okoro, affirmed Adeleke's victory at the July 16, 2022 governorship poll, after dismissing Oyetola’s appeal. The appeal sought to reverse the

judgement of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which declared Adeleke lawful winner of the poll.

Oyetola had approached the apex court for an order setting aside the decision of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which voided the judgement of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal. The tribunal had returned Oyetola as winner of the governorship election.

INEC had after the poll last year declared Adeleke winner, saying he scored a total of 403,371 votes to defeat the then sitting governor, Oyetola, of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored a total of 375,027 votes, with a winning margin of 28,344 votes.

Dissatisfied, Oyetola approached the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to challenge Adeleke's victory, alleging noncompliance with the electoral laws and non-qualification on grounds of certificate forgery.

The tribunal, in a split judgement of two-to-one delivered on January 27 this year, agreed with Oyetola and overturned Adeleke's victory.

According to the majority judgement delivered by the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Tertsea Kume, there were incidents of over voting in favour of Adeleke, which, when deducted, revealed that Oyetola polled 314,921 votes as against Adeleke’s 290,266.

The tribunal, accordingly, ordered the withdrawal of Certificate of Return issued to Adeleke, and the issuance of a fresh one to Oyetola as the duly elected governor.

However, following Adeleke's appeal in February, the appellate court's three-man panel, in its own judgement by Justice Mohammed Shuaibu, voided and set aside the decision of the tribunal on the grounds that the tribunal erred in holding that a case of over voting

was established, consequent upon which Adeleke's votes were deducted.

The judgement of the Court of Appeal setting aside the ruling of the tribunal and affirming Adeleke's election as governor, prompted Oyetola to take his case to the Supreme Court.

Oyetola, alongside his party, APC, through their lead counsel, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, accordingly filed two appeals marked: SC/ CV/510/2023 and SC/ CV/511/2023.

While the first appeal was in respect of the judgement in Adeleke's appeal, the second was in respect of their own cross appeal, which was dismissed by the appellate court for lacking in merit.

Delivering judgement in Oyetola's appeal, the apex court held that there was no reason whatsoever to deviate from the judgement of the appellate court, which voided the judgement of the tribunal for erring in law.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the judgement of the apex court, held that the appeal was incompetent and lacking in merit. He disclosed that the judgement was based on issues raised by Oyetola

in his appeal, which bordered on non-compliance (partial or non use of BVAS for accreditation of voters in some polling units) and alleged forgery.

According to the justices, Oyetola failed to prove allegations of noncompliance in 744 polling units in 10 local governments areas in Osun State.

Agim pointed out that since BVAS was the sole foundation of Oyetola's case, "It was imperative they produce BVAS from the 744 polling units or Certified True Copies of the content of the BVAS to show non-accreditation, improper accreditation and over voting.

“It is glaring that the appellant did not provide in evidence, any BVAS, but sought to prove over-voting by means of a report of examination of INEC’s database or backend server.”

The apex court faulted the reliance of the appellants on the BVAS, and pointed out that the BVAS was a third hand record derived from the database, which was a second-hand evidence derived from transmissions from the BVAS.

Accordingly, the apex court held,

"It is the content of the BVAS that can prove the number of accredited voters," just as it noted that the information at the backend server might not be accurate, because the BVAS might fail to transmit records, due to several reasons, such as poor internet connection, loss of battery power, failure of INEC officials to properly press the submit button etc. Agim stated, “So the database or any extract of it contains only what is transmitted from the BVAS to it and, therefore, cannot be a complete and accurate record of the information in the BVAS.”

Besides, the apex court faulted the appellants for also ignoring INEC voters’ register or form EC8A, which shows the number of votes cast at each polling unit, to prove their case.

Agim maintained that the voter's register was still relevant in voter accreditation and was to be used alongside the BVAS machine in proving over-voting. He added that the appellant did not provide the voters’ register in the affected 744 polling units to prove his case.

The unanimous judgement also faulted the evidence of the "expert

agency's financial book.

Lawan said the term of reference of the ad hoc committee was to investigate the financial activities of NDDC on the 2021 and 2022 budget estimates.

The committee, chaired by Senator Yusuf A. Yusuf (APC, Taraba), is to submit its report to the plenary in one week. Other members of the committee include: Seriake Dickson, Uche Ekwunife, Abdullahi Yahaya, Saidu Alkali, Adetunmbi Olubumi and Sadiq Sulaiman.

witness" on the grounds that he was not an independent witness but a staff of Oyetola, who "has no personal knowledge of the case, was not present in any of the polling units...".

According to Agim, his testimony amounts to a "hearsay" and is inadmissible in law, and, “It is glaring from the foregoing that the appellants did not adduce relevant admissible evidence to prove non-accreditation of voters, improper accreditation of voters and over-voting. It is obvious that the appellant case collapses out of lack of evidence."

Agim explained that by virtue of Section 131 and Section 133(1)(2) of the Evidence Act, the appellants had the primary legal burden to prove the facts asserted by them in their petition.

“The Court of Appeal correctly found that the appellants failed to prove grounds two and three of their petition and correctly allowed the appeal on those grounds to set aside the decision of the tribunal,” he said.

On the second issue of qualification, the Supreme Court held

INEC, APC, TINUBU MAY OPPOSE LIVE BROADCAST OF PROCEEDINGS

candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, for live broadcast of the proceedings of the Presidential Election Petition Court sitting in Abuja. PDP insisted on the live broadcast, saying because it has a watertight case against APC and Tinubu.

At yesterday's pre-hearing session, lead lawyer to Atiku and PDP, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, while informing the court of the various processes and applications of the petitioners before the court and their dates of filing, urged the court to give priority to the application for live media coverage of the proceedings.

“The application is innocuous, it will facilitate the hearing of the case," Uche said, while urging the court to set it down for adoption.

But the respondents, which included INEC, Tinubu, and APC, acknowledged that they had been served the application, and they would respond accordingly and within the timeframe permitted by the law.

INEC's lawyer, Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, in the course of adopting the answers in his prehearing information sheet, as his response to the petitioners' case, admitted service of the application,

EMEFIELE: RT200 INITIATIVE BOOSTED NON-OIL EXPORTS BY 40% IN 2022, $1.7BN INFLOW RECORDED IN Q1, 2023

companies aiding and abetting the smuggling of goods, warning that there were plans to sanction such companies by placing a post-no debit (PND) on the bank accounts.

Responding to comments by exporters on the transparency of the beneficiaries of the rebate scheme, Emefiele said the CBN would begin to publish the beneficiaries from next week, in its bid to foster transparency.

Emefiele said: “Today, I am happy to note that the RT200 programme has made good progress in export proceed repatriation since its establishment in February 2022.

“When we started between February and March, it was only $62 million, by the second quarter it had risen to about $600 million and by the third quarter it had risen to over $900 million.

“Available data shows that repatriation due to the programme increased by 40 per cent from $3 billion in 2021, to $5.6 billion at the end of 2022. The momentum for 2023 is equally showing strong numbers and impressive prospects.

“In the first quarter of 2023, a total of $1.7 billion was repatriated to the economy while about $790 million was sold at the investors and exporters’ (I&E) window year-to-date. The balance of the proceeds remained in the Export Domiciliary Accounts of exporters.

“Please note that proceeds that are not sold at the I&E window cannot and will not be eligible for rebate. So, we encourage those

holding their export proceeds in their domiciliary accounts to take advantage of the rebate by selling at the I&E window.”

Commenting on threat to sanction erring companies, he said shipping companies involved in smuggling goods out of the country would be penalised and urged them not to encourage criminality.

Emefiele said: “All we do is to monitor and appeal to exporters and for people to export and when they do export, that they should repatriate their proceeds for the good of their company and the country in general.

“We keep hearing cases of people trying as much as possible to sidestep the process and all I can do now is to appeal to those of us who want to export without documentation to please try as much as possible to desist from this practice.

“We will continue to engage customs, we will continue to engage the Nigeria Ports Authority and we will continue to engage the shipping lines and agents to ensure that we nip in the bud the incidences of exporting without documentation.

“What this does is to reduce the export earning potential of the country. About three years ago when we had a meeting at the CBN in Lagos, with the shipping lines, I had said that the CBN would be beaming the searchlight on undocumented exports and we had advised the shipping lines at that meeting that we will also be monitoring and if

we find that they export without documentation we will fine them by placing their accounts on PND.

“We have so far not done anything like that, because we feel that our shipping lines will be responsible to do what is right, but if we do not see the kind of cooperation that we expect, I will have to insist that we do what we need to do.”

Responding to questions by an audience on transparency of the beneficiary of the RT200 rebate, Emefiele said: “We would begin to advertise publicly the amount and the names of the companies that have benefited from the RT200.

“We will advertise all those that benefitted from January till March and we would advertise it by next week so Nigerians can see it.”

On his part, Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the CBN, even as he said he anticipated that the summit would birth more policies that would encourage more non-oil exports.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner in charge of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Samuel Egube said: “The Central Bank of Nigeria is demonstrating serious commitments to the success of these initiatives through a range of incentives, aimed at encouraging increased activities in the non -oil export sector as well as repatriation of foreign exchange into the Nigerian economy.

“It is also encouraging to note that this program, in addition to

several other initiatives by the federal government is yielding the desired results as shown by the recent reports of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council indicating that our non-oil exports grew by about 40 per cent in 2022 to $4.2 billion.

“We must be courageous and think deeply in evaluating all ideas and figuring out how to combat even some of our challenges, including topical issues, like the human resource exports, also known as the ‘Japa’ phenomenon into sustainable advantages for national developments and a source of non-oil exports that could result in huge diaspora remittances.”

Also speaking at the summit, the Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said her bank was able to achieve zero non-performing-loans (NPLs) on its transaction with exporters.

She said: “Our lending experience has been great. This is mainly because we took our time to understand the business and also made significant investments in the area of business management capacity development.

“Our flagship export management program has run for over six years and has graduated over 600 trainees who are now active exporters.

“Building on our understanding of the space, we then created lending programmes that de-risk the risks of lending to businesses in this space. This has translated into a strong performance of our loans in this area with zero NPL.”

adding, "We need time to respond."

Similarly, Tinubu's lawyer, Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN, referring to the "innocuous application", said the second respondent was still within time and would respond to it.

Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, counsel to APC, while acknowledging service of the "innocuous application", disclosed, "We are taking steps to respond appropriately."

After all parties had identified their various processes in the case, presiding justice of the five-member panel, Justice Haruna Tsammani, announced that the matter had been adjourned till Thursday for continuation of pre-hearing.

Tsammani appealed to all parties to sustain the smooth relationship established at the inaugural sitting on Monday, and added that parties should meet to identify documents they were objecting to and those they were not, as well as harmonise on the issues for determination.

Atiku and PDP had on Monday filed a fresh application, seeking the court's permission for television stations to carry live broadcast of the day-to-day proceedings regarding their petition.

In the motion dated May 5, and filed May 7, the petitioners specifically prayed the tribunal for "an order directing the court's registry and the parties on modalities for admission of media practitioners and their equipment into the courtroom."

They predicated the application, among others, on grounds that, “The matter before the honourable court is a dispute over the outcome of the presidential election held on 25th February 2023, a matter of national concern and public interest, involving citizens and voters in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who voted and participated in the said election; and the international community as regards the workings of Nigeria’s electoral process." They contended that being a unique electoral dispute with a peculiar constitutional dimension, it was a matter of public interest whereof millions of Nigerian citizens and voters were stakeholders with a constitutional right to receive.

Atiku and PDP stated, "An integral

Continued on page 44

part of the constitutional duty of the court to hold proceedings in public is a discretion to allow public access to proceedings either physically or by electronic means.

"With the huge and tremendous technological advances and developments in Nigeria and beyond, including the current trend by this honourable court towards embracing electronic procedures, virtual hearing and electronic filing, a departure from the rules to allow a regulated televising of the proceedings in this matter is in consonance with the maxim that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done.

"Televising court proceedings is not alien to this honourable court, and will enhance public confidence."

But the PDP, which reiterated its demand for a live telecast, explained that it would enhance public confidence and transparency.

PDP said since INEC declared the results of the presidential election through a live telecast, there would be nothing wrong with a live telecast, as it would enhance public confidence in the entire process.

Addressing newsmen at the party's secretariat, National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said, "The PDP and Atiku Abubakar have a watertight petition. Our facts and body of evidence are incontrovertible.

“Our party restates its confidence in the ability of the judiciary to discharge its constitutional duty dispassionately based on the evidence before it. At the pre-hearing session today, our legal team announced the filing of a Motion on Notice before the PEPC requesting for a live broadcast of the proceedings of the Court.

"This application, which is innocuous, is in the interest of openness, which is an essential ingredient of participatory democracy, especially as Nigerians are desirous of being directly involved at every stage of the electoral process.

"The PDP calls on Nigerians to remain at alert, informed and law-abiding as we commence this crucial phase in the quest to rescue, rebuild and redirect our nation from the misrule of the APC.

INAUGURATION OF NAFDAC NEW OFFICE COMPLEX IN ABEOKUTA...

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FG: Taxation of Digital Economy Critical, Problematic, Seeks Guidance from Tax Professionals

Ahmed seeks review of incentive regimes Tax revenue still below the OECD average of 35.5%, says CITN boss

James Emejo in Abuja

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, yesterday said taxing new business models and their profits in an increasingly digitalised economy has remained a challenge for the government.

Speaking at the opening of the 25th Annual Tax Conference (ATC) with the theme: “Nigeria of the Future: Achieving Sustainable Development through Taxation”, which was organised by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in Abuja, the minister stressed the need to critically analyse the solutions to address the tax challenges of the digitalised economy as well as the global minimum tax regime.

Ahmed, also called for a rethink of the government's incentive regimes and approaches in granting tax incentives in order to strike a balance between stimulating economic growth and generating revenue to fund government business.

While commending CITN for its enviable and valuable contributions to national development over the years, the minister also urged tax practitioners and administrators to come up with robust recommendations to better harness domestic revenues for sustainable financing.

Represented at the occasion by the ministry’s Director, Tax Policy, Mr. Ahmed Abubakar, the minister reiterated the commitment of the federal government to work with the institute in order to take the nation’s tax system to greater heights.

She, therefore, tasked the conference to reflect critically on the issues and use the opportunity to discuss the country’s tax rules in the ever-changing business models.

Ahmed, said the theme of the conference represented a clarion call to reposition the Nigerian economy for greater accomplishment, stating that Nigeria’s low revenue to GDP as well as tax ratio to GDP has been a recurring challenge over theSheyears.said no nation would make meaningful progress without its ability and predictability of her earnings, hence, the need to shift focus to how to generate more revenues that will sustain the economy for greater development.

She said the federal government had carried out extensive fiscal policy reforms through the annual Finance Act.

According to her, “Between 2019 and 2020, three Acts have been enacted by the Finance Bill pending before the National Assembly. The primary objectives of these Acts are to progressively reform the fiscal environment and enhance non-oil revenue while supporting the implementation of the annual budgets.

“It is also to ensure that we are responsive to tax reforms which are necessitated by the dynamic and ever-changing economic business environment.

“The main aim of the various finance acts is to reinforce the administration’s public financial management reforms and accelerate domestic revenue mobilisation.”

She pointed out that, “Currently, non-oil revenue has become more stable than oil revenue; for the first in history, the FIRS crossed the N10 trillion mark in revenue collection with total collection of N10.1 trillion. Non-oil taxes contributed 59 per cent or N5.96 trillion while the oil tax stood at 41 per cent or N4.09 trillion.

“Towards improving the non-oil revenue receipt, the tax administration will be improved and efforts would be sustained to expand the non-oil revenue base. In addition, the tax system will be further strengthened in the medium term to strengthen collection, efficiency, enhancing compliance and reorganising the business practices of revenue agencies as well as employing appropriate technology.”

The minister added that going forward, efforts would be made to bring more businesses in the informal sector into the tax net.

Also, speaking at the conference, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, stressed that the digitisation of the economy and its tax challenges constituted a critical area that would shape taxation in the country in particular and the world in general.

Nami, highlighted the 2021 OECD Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, which proposed a two-pillar solution for the tax challenges from the digitalised economy which Nigeria didn’t endorse as a result of the projected negative impact on the

country’s revenue. He said while discussions on the subject matter was ongoing, Nigeria would ensure it explores all avenues and options to optimally maximise the benefits of the two-pillar solution.

Represented by the FIRS Coordinating Director, Mr. Abubakar Lawal, Nami further noted that the service was faced with huge expectations to fund the federation adding that as such, it becomes necessary that all hands are on deck to ensure that no stone is left unturned in its tax to revenue mobilisation drive.

He called on all relevant professional bodies to join efforts with

the FIRS and enhance collaboration towards ensuring that taxpayers are professionally guided and advised in order to achieve optimum tax revenue collection.

The President/Chairman of the Council, CITN, Chief Adesina Adedayo, said there was a fundamental gap between the country’s developmental potential and current realities.

He said while the FIRS may be commended for the giant strides recorded in tax collection, the judi- cious utilisation of the resources had been the subject of intense debate among Nigerians.

Adebayo pointed out that amid

insufficient revenue from crude oil earnings, the fluctuating value of the naira, rising debt burdens, and increasing government expenditure, taxation have become the only "hope of the nation."

He said, “However, it is apparent that the country has not effectively harnessed its tax revenue potential. It is also general knowledge that Nigeria's Tax to GDP ratio is considered a serious cause for concern when compared to others within Africa.

“Although there are several arguments on the subject, the fact still remains that it is below the OECD average of 35.5 per cent.”

Canada Expresses Interest in Ogun

Agric, Technological Sectors

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Poised to strengthen over 60 years of bilateral relationship with Nigeria, the Canadian Government has indicated interest in investing in the agricultural and technological sectors of Ogun State.

Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jamie Christoff, said this during a courtesy call on the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, in his office in Abeokuta. He disclosed that his country was also interested in the infrastructural sector of the state.

UNIABUJA Appoints Youngest Professor of Law DVC

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Nigeria's youngest Professor of Law, Aisha Sani Maikudi, has been appointed the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) in charge of academics at the University of Abuja.

She was born on 31st January 1983 and obtained her LLB from the University of Reading in 2004 and LLM from the London School of Economics & Political Science in 2005, and later bagged a PhD in International Law in 2015, from the University of Abuja.

The Governing Council of the institution made the approval alongside that of the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration, Prof. Philip Uso Afaha.

In a statement issued by the

acting director in charge of public relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, the Council gave this approval at its 96th regular meeting held on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th May 2023.

A statement by the Registrar, Mallam Yahya I. Mohammed, stated that the Council’s approval followed the selection of the two deputy vice-chancellors at the 78th Extra-ordinary meeting of Senate held on Wednesday 22nd March 2023, in accordance with the provision of the University of Abuja Act. Mohammed said the appointment which took effect from 5th May 2023 was for a period of 2 (two) years in the first instance.

"Maikudi joined the service of the University of Abuja on 4th September 2008 as Lecturer II rising to the rank

of professor in 2022.

"A professor of International Law, Maikudi became the first female Deputy Dean, Faculty of Law, in 2018, and later the pioneer director, University of Abuja International Centre in 2019. She is also the youngest professor of Law in Nigeria and the only female professor from the Northwest. "Maikudi has attended several National and International conferences in the UK, US, South Africa, Germany, Italy, and Egypt.

"She is a member of several professional bodies including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Law Teachers Association (NLTA), and International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)."

On the other hand, Philip Uso Afaha, was born on 8th December

1972 and obtained his BA and MA from the University of Uyo in 1995 and 2004, respectively and later bagged a PhD in History in 2011 from University of Abuja.

Afaha joined the services of the University of Abuja in January 2013 in the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies as a senior lecturer, rising to the rank of professor.

"A consummate public speaker and administrator, he had a stint as Branch Manager of UACN Plc Uyo from 1997 to 2000. He also served as an Intern with the National Democratic Institute of International Affairs (NDI), Abuja in 2004, and was later appointed Personal Assistant to Senator Uche Chukwumerije at the National Assembly, Abuja between 2005 and 2007,” the statement added.

Christoff, observed that Ogun has numerous opportunities that could attract Canadian investors, saying he was in the state to know more and discuss with government officials on areas that would be of mutual benefit to both parties.

He added, "Canada has a longstanding bilateral relationship with Nigeria spanning over 60 years, and this relationship covers many aspects, but one aspect that I think is very important is economic development.

"For us in Canada, we see potential, interest in the sector of agriculture, clean technology, we talked a little bit about infrastructural development as well.

"I come here looking for friendship and representing Canada's interest, but I can see through my drive here this morning that there are opportunities here that will serve both our interest."

Responding, Abiodun said Ogun with over 16,000 square kilometres of land was blessed with human and natural resources, noting that the land was suitable for the cultivation of food and cash crops

"We have vast land and vast resources. We have lots of mineral resources from limestone, which is about two-thirds of our land and others, including silica and huge forest reserves. All these make us the industrial capital of Nigeria as most companies have their financial headquarters in Lagos, while their major manufacturing factories are located in Ogun State.

"We host two biggest cement factories in Nigeria, probably in Africa. As an industrial capital, we are close to the busiest sea and airports in Nigeria and we enjoy a crisscross of gas pipelines and all these factors have made us a preferred choice by investors," he stated.

Abiodun emphasised that the adoption of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) was to turn the push to a pull factor, to enable the people gain from the overflow of Lagos State, adding that provision of needed infrastructure such as good road network was to open up the state and attract more investors.

While describing Ogun as unique and strategically located, the governor informed the Canadian envoy that his administration was constructing an airport, just as plans were on to build seaport at Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and a dry port at Kajola.

Abiodun further explained that the five pillars of his administration, as encapsulated in Infrastructure, Social Wellbeing, Education, Youth Development and Empowerment and Agriculture (ISEYA), was meant for the good of the people, stressing that his government would continue to provide conducive environment to attract more investors into the state.

He called on Canadian businessmen and women to explore the huge investment opportunities abound in the state, assuring that his government is ready to work with them.

Director Narcotics and Controlled Substances, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacist Yedunni Adenuga; Brewery Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc (Ijebu-Ode), Chinyere Oguala; MD/CEO, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Engineer Patrick Anegbe; Director-General, NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye; Director, Planning Research and Statistics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), Mrs. Victoria Egbase; Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Sade Morgan and Director, NAFDAC(South West), Mrs. Roselyn Ajayi at the inauguration of NAFDAC New Office Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State…. yesterday

BOOSTING TRADE RELATIONS WITH OGUN STATE...

FG Directs Uploading of Nigeria’s Visa Policies on Websites

The federal government has directed the management of the Ministry of Interior and agencies within the ministry to upload Nigeria’s visa policies on their websites.

The directive was given yesterday, by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, while unveiling the revised edition of 2022 Handbook on Expatriate Quota Administration in Nigeria.

He ordered the management of the ministry and the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately upload the Nigeria visa policy on the portal of their websites for easy access across the globe.

Aregbosola reiterated that the necessity for the review of the handbook was hinged on need for the policy to align with current reality in technology and acceptable norms in the conduct of business world over.

He revealed that the ministry had issued 13,829 expatriate quota permit and 1,161 business permits

in the period under review.

The Minister noted that the revised handbook would put an end to the rot in expatriate quota administration in Nigeria, while stating that the 2004 edition lacked standard.

According to hi, the revised edition prepared by stakeholders robustly addresses the noted inadequacies.

The Minister assured stakeholders that the 2022 revised handbook on expatriate quota administration, “contains adequate rules and regulations to prevent abuses from foreigners and locals in the business permit process.

“This will in turn enhance the 'ease of doing business' presidential directive and improve the country’s economy as enunciated in the policy thrust of President Muhammadu Buhari administration.”

In his welcome address the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, said the Ministry of Interior was responsible for the administration and technical enforcement of Nigeria Immigra-

tion Act, 2015 and Immigration Regulations, 2017, as it relates to the establishment of business in Nigeria, either wholly foreign owned or joint venture companies

and the employment of expatriates as well as training of Nigerians on essential skills.

The Permanent Secretary commended stakeholders involved

in the production of the revised handbook.

Dignitaries at the event included representatives of the Permanent Secretaries to Ministry of Industry,

Trade and Investment, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Mines and Steel and other stakeholders in the expatriate quota administration.

NIS Blames Scarcity of Passport Booklet on FX Scarcity

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has blamed the scarcity of passport booklet on the country’s policy on foreign exchange (FX).

The Comptroller-General (CG) of the service, Idris Jere, made this known at a public hearing organised by an Ad hoc Committee of the House of Representatives in Abuja, yesterday.

The committee was setup by the House to investigate the proposed domestication and processing of Nigerian international passport.

Addressing the lawmakers, the CG said the NIS generates FX from sale of passport abroad, but does not have access to FX to

import booklets despite the funds generated.

He said Iris Smart Technology Ltd, the foreign company responsible for producing the passport has done very well given the conditions.

He also said that the presidential directive to commence production of passport locally by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) was a welcome development.

He, however, recommended that a proper exit plan be put in place for a smooth handover from Iris Smart Tech to prevent any breach of contract and production process.

“Foreign exchange regulation policy of the government and CBN’s refusal to grant access to

FX for importation of the passport booklet. We generate forex from sale of passport, but we do not have access to buy same booklet and that is a challenge for NIS.

“The factors responsible for scarcity of passport include the inability to setup passport producing factory in Nigeria as its production is done abroad.

“The major seven component used for producing passports are sold in international market and the assemblage and production are done in Malaysia.

“This makes the production process solely dependent on FX and the scarcity of FX due to the fall in naira value is of major concern,” the CG said.

with embarrassing irregularities and inconsistency under the watch of NSPM.

According to him, as a result of lack of capacity, NSPM outsourced the process to three companies which led to so many irregularities including passport colour and numbers.

He said under the administration of Iris Smart Technology Ltd, Nigerian passport was now regarded as one of the best in the international community.

The managing director said human factor in the process of producing passport is highly limited saying that even passport approval is granted by biometric.

Unpaid Salaries: Abia

Workers Shut Down Govt Activities in Last Showdown with Ikpeazu

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in

Umuahia

Government activities at state and local government levels in Abia came to a halt yesterday, as workers stayed away from their duty posts in protest over the lingering issue of unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities.

The strike which officially commenced at 12 midnight on Monday, was at the instance of the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in what was considered a final showdown with the outgoing administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Speaking on a radio programme yesterday morning in Umuahia, the State Chairman of NLC, Paschal Nweke, said the timing of the strike was immaterial even though the Ikpeazu administration was already winding down.

He insisted that what was uppermost in the minds of workers was for the state government to make efforts and start offsetting the salary arrears.

"We are not saying that they(government) should pay the entire backlog, but start from somewhere," he said, adding, "whether they have one day or three days(left) we want our salary".

The state labour leader said workers in various parastatals were being owed up to 15 months, citing the Abia State University Teaching

Hospital( ABSUTH), Aba, Abia State Polytechnic Aba, Abia Line Transport Company, among others.

He said though government had in March, made efforts to pay local government workers, it was like a drop of water in the ocean as teachers and other category of workers have not been paid.

The national leadership of NLC had in February directed Abia workers to embark on indefinite strike to compel the state government to clear the backlog of salaries. It was

paused after five days to allow for negotiations.

Having waited without making headway in the negotiations, the NLC leadership in Abia decided to reactivate the paused industrial action apparently to make last ditch efforts to make Ikpeazu pay them some months of salary arrears.

In a letter signed by the State Secretary of Abia NLC, Emma Alozie, addressed to all industrial unions in Abia, workers were directed to resume the indefinite strike.

"The State Executive Council (SEC) of Congress after a careful deliberation on the plethora of problems Abia Workers and pensioners are facing in the hands of Abia State Government at her meeting on Friday, 5th May 2023, unanimously resolved to resume the suspended indefinite strike action.

"From the foregoing, all Abia Workers, including those in the LGAs are directed to withdraw their services to Abia State Government and stay at home from 12 midnight on Monday, 8th May 2023".

EKSU VC Explains Why University Will Now Hold Convocation Twice Yearly

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, Prof. Edward Olanipekun, has explained the reason why the university would now hold convocation twice in a year.

The vice chancellor, who spoke during the recent 27th convocation of the university held in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, said the move was to ensure that every obstacle that could cause delay in issuance of certificates immediately after graduation were addressed.

According to Olanipekun, "law graduates cannot go to law school

without their certificates, the medical doctors cannot obtain their licences to practice their professions without certificates.

“And there are points in time when people would want to use their certificates for one thing or the other immediately after graduation.

“Apart from this, it is not a new thing, in some universities in Europe, convocation holds throughout the year and some do it every month, graduands would just fix a date that would be convenient for them and go for it.”

Speaking further, the vice chancellor said: “Gone are the days when

years after graduation, our alumni would begin to run helter skelter without their certificates, we have now put in place mechanism that would ensure that every obstacle that can cause delay in issuance of certificates immediately after graduation are addressed and we are already achieving it.

"So, I want to assure the chairman of council, Prof. Akin Oyebode that the university management will do the needful to facilitate the process for successful convocation twice a year and ensure that their certificates henceforth are released as at when due without hindrance."

On his part, the Managing Director of Iris Smart Technology Ltd , Mr. Yinker Fisher, told the lawmakers that before the advent of the e-passport system, the Nigerian passport was marred

He, however, alleged that there were plots by companies who lost the contract to produce the Nigerian passport at the bidding stage and some people on the corridor of power to thwart production by Iris Smart Tech.

Food Security: Ooni Leads Other Traditional Rulers to UYOTA Agric Investment Tour

Funmi Ogundare

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja, is leading other traditional rulers in Nigeria to the second edition of Uplifting Youth Through Agriculture (UYOTA) Royal Agric Investment and Youth Empowerment tour to Thailand.

The event is centered on how Nigeria could improve on local production and food security.

The tour is scheduled between November 4th and 14th, 2023.

Speaking during a visit to the Royal Father yesterday, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the founder of UYOTA, Mrs. Afoma Adigwe, explained that the tour aside the potential of improving food security in the country, would also promote ties between the two countries.

She recalled that during her visit to the Kingdom of Thailand in 2008, she was taken on a tour of the late Monarch's Royal Chitralada agricultural projects, tailored towards rendering skill acquisition programmes for members of the royal communities.

Adigwe, stated that the Thailand trip availed her with new agricultural techniques that could help in educat-

ing women and youths in Nigeria.

"I was also moved by the involvement of the late Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej in supporting the government of Thailand through agriculture," the founder said, adding that this experience buoyed her commitment to share the idea with selected royal fathers in Nigeria in order to replicate the Thai royal projects.

"This will not only improve the lives of their subjects, but also give a practical approach towards eradicating poverty in the society."

She said the fact that the Royal Fathers were custodians of landed property in their various communities, they could organise skills acquisition programmes, especially in the area of agriculture, thereby creating employment and self-reliance for the youths.

Responding, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi lauded Adigwe and her team for their efforts in empowering youths through agriculture. He said the project aligns with his involvement, contribution and investment in the agricultural sector particularly as it remains the most viable tool for a long-lasting economic prosperity.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, and Ogun State Governor during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta... yesterday

COURTESY VISIT TO PROF. OKONKWO...

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Lawan, Gbajabiamila Lament Rubber Stamp Tag on 9th National Assembly

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, have lamented the misperception and misunderstanding of the nineth National Assembly by some Nigerians, who wrongly labelled it a rubber stamp parliament.

Lawan and Gbajabiamila said the nineth National Assembly actually performed better than five others before it since 1999 in terms of quality legislation and oversight.

They spoke separately at a welcome dinner organised for sena- tors and members-elect for the 10th National Assembly by management of the National Assembly and the National Institute for Democratic and Legislative Studies (NILDS) in

Abuja on Monday night.

Lawan and Gbajabiamila said good governance-driven performance of the nineth National Assembly stemmed from harmonious working relationship with the executive arm of government.

Lawan, in his speech, said in the area of legislation alone, as at July 2022, a total of 874 bills had been introduced at the stage of first reading, out of which 162 passed the third reading and 104 were concurred to by the House of Representatives and assented by the president.

The senate president said, "At the outset, the nineth Senate was mindful of the damaging effect of persistent conflict with the executive and the resultant impact on legislative activities. We were equally aware

that a good working relationship is desirable and, indeed, imperative to achieve effective and efficient service delivery to the people.

"This approach to engaging with the executive has led to a misperception and misunderstanding, which has led many to tag the nineth National Assembly as a ‘rubber stamp’ assembly. Yet, our intention in preferring an engagement with the executive based on harmony and collaboration has been to better serve Nigeria by providing a safe atmosphere for national development.

"There is no doubt that this has proven to be beneficial to the people we represent. Compared to previous assemblies, the achievement of the nineth National Assembly in the area of law-making is attributable

to harmonious executive-legislative relations, which, contrary to many expectations, need not be aggressive.”

Gbajabiamila, in his own speech, said some Nigerians, who labelled the nineth National Assembly rubber stamp one, got it wrong because the legislature was not set up to confront the executive but complement it for good governance.

The speaker stated, "Rubber stamp has become a romantic language in the context of its usage in Nigeria, a very wrong description of relationship between National Assembly and the executive within the last fourHeyears."called on the federal lawmakers-elect for the 10th National Assembly to consolidate on the achievements of the nineth assembly, in making democratic governance

INEC Decries Blackmail over APGA Leadership Crisis

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has decried attempts by some groups and organisations to blackmail and malign it and its officials over the leadership crisis rocking the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in a statement, yesterday, said the attention of the commission had been drawn to posters and statements being circulated by an amorphous group accusing the Commission of refusal to obey the judgement of the Supreme

Court purportedly recognising one Chief Edozie Njoku “as the authentic National Chairman of APGA.”

He noted that the commission viewed the circulation of the posters and statements as cheap blackmail aimed at hoodwinking those not abreast of the details of the case.

Okoye stressed that the issues in question were about facts, the law and due process not amenable to hysteria and appeal to sentiments, adding that it was noteworthy that the suit in question started from the Jigawa State High Court, initiated by one Rabiu Aliyu against Chief Jude Okeke and three others.

He explained that Njoku was not a party to the suit, adding that

one of the reliefs sought was a “Declaration that the national officers of APGA, including the plaintiff, who were elected at its national convention held in Owerri, Imo State on 31st May 2019, shall remain in office and discharge their respective duties for a term of four years commencing from 31st May 2021.

"On 30th June 2021, the Jigawa State High Court in suit No: JDU/022/2021 entered judgement in favour of the said Alhaji Rabiu Garba Aliyu. On appeal, the Court of Appeal described the suit as an abuse of court process.

“Consequently, the entire proceedings of the Jigawa State High Court in suit No. JDU/022/2021, delivered

by Musa Ubale J on 30th June 2021 and the judgement delivered there on are accordingly set aside.”

The Supreme Court in its judgement of 14th October 2021 affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal.

The National Commissioner pointed out that on 27th January 2023, Njoku, who was never a party to any of the suits and the processes filed in the various courts approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria as an interested person/ applicant and filed a Motion on Notice seeking for an order of the Court to correct “typographical errors and accidental slip” in the lead judgement of the Supreme Court.

SON Intensifies Effort against Substandard Products

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has introduced a technology solution known as Product Authentication Mark (PAM), aimed at curbing the influx of substandard products into the Nigerian market.

Speaking at a sensitisation meeting with stakeholders in Port Harcourt, the Director General of SON, Mallam Farouk Salim, explained that the essence of the technology was to ensure that all imported and manufactured products meet requirements of the relevant standards, thereby promoting public safety, improve the lives and security of citizens and also protect Nigerian industries.

He described PAM as a digital technology to complement SON’s conformity assessment and manufacturers’ conformity assessment

in furtherance of the fight against substandard and counterfeit products in Nigeria.

The DG noted that despite efforts of the organisation, substandard products were still being imported and distributed throughout the country through smuggling and use of SON stickers on non-certified products.

Salim said: "To curb this disturbing occurrences in the country, the organisation had developed a product authentication mark to facilitate the verification of the source and quality of the products in the Nigerian market.

"Specifically, the benefits of PAM include protection of genuine importers and manufacturers from faking and counterfeiting of their certified products, promotion of a level playing field in the market for both imported and locally manufactured products certified

by SON, provision of assurance to consumers on products and guaranteed value for money, and assurance of effective removal of non-compliant products in the market."

He further stressed that technology places the power to detect and reject substandard goods in the market in the hands of the consumers by scanning the code with their smartphones or sending a text message to 281.

Salim, appreciated the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment for supporting the initiative and called on stakeholders in the sector to accept the technology and support it to be successful.

In a lecture, the Director, Products Certification of SON, Mr. Shaibu Onucheyo, explained that when consumers go to the market to buy products, they should scan the code on the product or send

a text message for confirmation.

He emphasised that it was a must for producers to get the PAM sticker to identify that their product was certified and mandatory for all importers.

On his part, Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rivers and Bayelsa States Branch, Vincent Okuku commended SON for coming up with the technology to safeguard local manufacturers in the country.

He said influx of fake and substandard products in the market have adversely affected manufacturers in the state.

Also speaking, the chairman of Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Mike Elechi, lauded SON for the initiative and called for more prosecution of importers and producers of substandard products in the country.

more beneficial to Nigeria and Nigerians.

Gbajabiamila said, "Too many Nigerians are beginning to wonder if democracy is the right choice of

governance and for democracy to meet legitimate expectations of the people, relevant institutions of government, must be made to function well."

SDG: Foundation Steps up Action, to Empowers 2000 Lagos Students

Omolabake Fasogbon

The Faith Iyowuna Ikekhide Foundation (FIIF) has said it would be empowering about 2000 students in Lagos State as part of actions towards realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the state and country.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Lagos, at a press conference on the Foundation’s forthcoming Lagos Children Empowerment Conference, the president of the foundation, Faith Ikekhide, explained that the gesture was informed by the need to address training and mentorship gaps in the nation’s educational system.

Ikekhide, stated that there was the urgent need for the system to invest more on initiatives that would enable youngsters discover their talents early enough, adding that this responsibility was a clarion call to everyone.

She stressed that the conference, with theme, "Destiny Discovery,"

was aimed at achieving sustainable development and part of the foundation's Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) programme towards speedy achievement of SDG (4) on quality education.

She explained that the programme taking place in Lagos, this Thursday, would be anchored on two sessions of vocational and mentorship empowerment.

"This conference is a channel through which we give back to the society by investing in the spiritual, educational, vocational and social development of at least 2,000 from 12.

"Lagos State Government schools and seven private schools in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State," she said.

The Chairman of FIIF, Dr. Andy Ikekhide also said a line-up of notable and respected resource persons from across different fields would be on ground to engage the attendees on a life-changing discussion and mentorship.

NMDPRA Moves to Encourage Gas Utilisation in North East to Mitigate Environment Pollution, Global Warming

Daji Sani in Yola

As part of efforts to mitigate environment pollution and global warming, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has stressed the need to promote the use of gas, instead of diesel and petrol.

This necessitated an engagement of oil and gas stakeholders as well as major consumers drawn from the six states of the north east in Yola by the NMDPRA.

The gathering was to create awareness on both domestic and economic benefits of gas utilisation in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, the Chief Executive, NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, said the engagement sought to encourage large consumers of petroleum products to not only operate within the regulatory spaces, but also to become aware of the comparative advantages between the difference fuels particularly gas which has been designated as Nigeria's transition fuel.

According to Ahmed, it was in this regard that federal government put in place various initiatives and policies

frameworks, including the National Gas Expansion programme (NGEP) and the Decade of Gas Programme (DOGP).

He further explained that the Petroleum Industry Act (2021) has also established within the Authority, the Midstream and Downstream Gas infrastructure fund to catalyse gas investments.

"These efforts are yielding significant results yet more collaborations and interventions are needed to improve domestic gas utilisation.

"It is therefore our hope that this engagement will create the necessary awareness and make the compelling case for industry operators to foster a compliance culture which alone guarantees safer environment and sustainable facilities" he said

In his presentation, the Executive Director of Distribution System, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure (DSSRI), O.K Ukoha, represented by Engr. Yusuf Segun, Regional Controller in Maiduguri, Borno State, said gas was preferred because it has a lot of domestic and economic benefits to Nigerians.

Winner of Anambra Talent Show, Jeremiah Udenze; Paschal-Zion Akaenyi Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo; with Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor, Sir BobManuel Udokwu; winners of Anambra Talent Show, Chukwuebuka Okeke and, Paul Nwolisa; during a courtesy visit to Prof. Okonkwo in Abuja. ... on Monday PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

AT 50...

WAMCO, Oyinkan Ade-Ajayi; President, Food and Beverage Group, FrieslandCampina, The Netherlands, Roel van Neerbos; Chairman, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Moyo Ajekigbe; Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO and Sub-Saharan Cluster, Ben Langat; and Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Ore Famurewa during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Company as a corporate entity held in Lagos….yesterday

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NHRC: 84 Persons Witnessed So Far on Reuters Allegation

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has disclosed that 84 witnesses have so far given testimonies to the panel saddled with the duty of investigating the allegation of the international media organisation, Reuters, against the Nigerian Army of involvement in abortion of 10,000 pregnancies, massive killing of children and deliberate violation of rights of women and girls in its counter-insurgency operation in the North East.

The panel after visits to the North East to take testimonies

and conduct on the ground investigations in the troubled region, has resumed its work in Abuja, where further testimonies were being collected.

A senior human rights adviser to Chief Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Hillary Ogbonna, who doubles as the Secretary, Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the counter Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP:NE), said, the Reuters report indicated that 40 soldiers, most of whom were officers, were interviewed in the course of the reports.

“December last year, Reuters published reports alleging abortion of ten thousand pregnancies, infanticide and other forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence against the Nigeria Military but the military has since denied the allegations, saying it was a deliberate attempt to rubbish the counter insurgency operation,” he said.

Ogbonna noted that the latest report highlighted how Reuters arrived at their publications and the allegations against the Nigeria Military in their counter insurgency operations in the North East.

According to him, the report

which was a follow-up to the first reports released by Reuters last December was released on the 19th of April and was named Abortion Assault II.

Meanwhile, Colonel Yakubu Ibrahim of the Nigerian Defence College, who was at a time in charge of a battalion in the Northeast theatre of operation, said the allegations of Reuters were laughable.

Ibrahim said the story of Reuters is a fiction, adding that, when he read the report, he thought the writer was mistaking Nigeria for somewhere else. Also, the Force Commander, United Nations

mission to South-Sudan, Major General Benjamin Sawyer, urged the investigative panel to everything within its power to unravel the matter; saying the military has a key goal of combating insurgency and restoring peace in the troubled region, and therefore could not have embarked on secrete acts alleged in the Reuters report.

“What they have written is completely false, misleading and degrading to the image of Nigerians and the Nigerian Army despite what the military has done to restore normalcy in restive regions,” he said.

Also testifying, Retired Major

ADELEKE SURVIVES AS S'COURT AFFIRMS HIS ELECTION, PDP, BUHARI, TINUBU CELEBRATE

that the Court of Appeal in two separate judgements had settled the educational status of Adeleke, adding that the appellant, instead of relying on ordinary suspicion, ought to have called on the institution that awarded the certificate to Adeleke to confirm or deny.

The Supreme Court declared the entire judgement of the tribunal a nullity. It said the judgement of the lower tribunal was a nullity because it failed to consider the issue of jurisdiction raised by Adeleke, stressing that jurisdiction is crucial to the hearing of any case.

Buhari Hails Judgement, Rallies Support for Adeleke

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a release by his media adviser, Femi Adesina, reminded the political class and their supporters that the main task at hand now was to make the people feel the impact of good governance, where a prosperous, peaceful and stable Osun would be guaranteed.

According to Buhari, "Elections should be seen as the path to an end, which is the progress of the people in a peaceful environment, rather than unending bickering. This is the time for inclusion and harmony in the state at the end of litigation."

Buhari thanked the people of Osun State for contributing immensely to the development of the country, particularly through the state’s rich cultural heritage, the several historic sites and tourist attractions, including the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The president trusted that the government would continue to develop the boundless resources

in the state, to complement the role of the government at the centre on national development and prosperity.

Tinubu to Adeleke: Unite

Osun State

President-elect Bola Tinubu, yesterday, congratulated the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory at the Supreme Court, urging him to now move quickly to unite the state.

Tinubu said everyone must respect the judgement of the final court in the land on the Osun governorship tussle.

He also commended the immediate-past governor of the state, Adegboyega Oyetola, for discharging himself creditably during his first term and for deepening democracy by pursuing his democratic rights peacefully to the end.

In a statement by his office, signed by Tunde Rahman, the president-elect said, "I congratulate Mr. Ademola Adeleke over his declaration by the Supreme Court as the winner of Osun governorship election. The apex court in the land has spoken and all of us must obey its verdict. It is the right thing to do for democracy and rule of law to continue to thrive in the land.

"I must also commend the immediate-past governor of the state, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for exercising his democratic rights as the constitution allows him to do. Governor Oyetola discharged himself creditably in office. He lost the office but did not lose his integrity and reputation as the governor, who brought efficiency, transparency and accountability to the business of governance.

"Now that the matter of the July

16, 2022 Osun State governorship election has been brought to a close, I urge Governor Adeleke to immediately settle down to work and continue from where the former governor left it. He should now move to unite the state. I also urge all the people of Osun to work for peace and progress in the state."

Adeleke: I’ll Govern Osun with Fear of God

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, shortly after the Supreme Court verdict, yesterday, vowed to govern the state with the fear of God.

Reacting to the judgement of the Supreme Court at his hometown, Ede, Adeleke said, "This is a historic landmark in the history of Osun politics. Today is the day our God ordained to stand his authority as the owner and giver of power.

"Today is that moment, when the will of the people ordained by God survived anti-masses plot of powerful forces. We, therefore, celebrate God Almighty. We dedicate today’s victory to Him. State power is of God and he bestows it in whomever he wishes.

"I will remain God’s driven, divinely inspired. I will govern with the fear of God. Our governorship is an affirmation that we are for the people, by the people.

"As a moral compass, affirming the integrity of my lord justices, your affirmation for the truth and peoples will, consolidate and strengthen our democracy, On behalf of Osun people we appreciate you and adore your love for justice and equity."

"To all stakeholders in the Osun project, be assured that the revalidation of our mandate is a challenge, a call to duty, a fresh demand for more

dividend of democracy. I commit myself to more expanded delivery of good governance. In me, you will find a true pro-people governor.

"I seek support of all Osun residents and citizens, irrespective of party affiliation. This is our state and we must join hands to develop it. My appreciation goes to my family, my wives, Titi and Ngozi, and children. To all Imole in Nigeria and abroad, thank you for standing by me. I want to thank my brothers and sisters.

"My people of Osun State, the good job continues. We’ll wrap up the implementation of our five points agenda. We shall focus on grassroots development. We shall embark on agricultural revival of our dear state. Our policies shall fight poverty, insecurity, unemployment and underdevelopment. You shall truthfully feel and enjoy the dividend of democracy."

PDP Congratulates Adeleke, Hails Judiciary

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, congratulated the governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his victory at the Supreme Court.

In a statement by National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, PDP said, "The verdict of the Supreme Court, the highest court in our country, serves as the ultimate triumph of the will of the people of Osun State as expressed at the polling units, in their resolve to free their state from oppressive, retrogressive and anti-people forces.

"The judgement of the Supreme Court has further restored the confidence Nigerians repose in the

institution of the judiciary and the hope for the sustenance of democracy in our country."

PDP also commended the Supreme Court for its courage in upholding justice and reaffirming the saying that "the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

"Our party congratulates the good people of Osun State and restate its charge to Governor Adeleke to continue in his stride to reposition and rebuild the state in line with the people-oriented policies, programmes and manifesto of the PDP."

We Received It With Equanimity, Osun APC Says Osun State chapter of APC said it received the verdict of the Supreme Court, which affirmed Ademola Adeleke's victory as governor, with equanimity, bearing in mind that in a contest, someone must win.

Acting Chairman of APC in the state, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, in a statement issued by the party's Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, said Supreme Court decisions were final, which could not be challenged in any other court of the land Lawal submitted that as a democratic political body that solely believed in the rule of law, “there is no way that we can fault the judgement of the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the land, even though we are not happy with the judicial decision.

"While we are congratulating the beneficiary of the judgement, we make bold to state that we shall not be found wanting in playing our expected opposition role in order to keep the government on its toes.

"The members and supporters

General Jame Komolafe, Former Commander, 21 Brigade, North East, described the Reuters report as deliberate falsehood circulated to rubbish the integrity of the military, adding that the military was law abiding and no military medical facility would subject itself to such illicit medical practice.

The panel, chaired by a retired justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Abdul-Aboki, was officially known as Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the implementation of counter insurgency operations in the North East.

of our party should refuse to be downcast with the current political situation in the state as the nature of politics is that one doesn't win all the time.

"The prevailing condition of the winner(s) of today does not make him the perpetual winner, as the political office, which was contested for, is a tenured one for a period of four years, after which we shall have the opportunity to slug it out with those who are rejoicing over today's victory.

"It is, however, worthwhile to state that our party and our candidate, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, might have lost the election, as it was pronounced by the apex court of the land, but it is visible to the court of the public that they never lost the battle.

"That Osun State is a common patrimony is the reason why we are assuring the PDP and the government that we shall be meeting in the trenches when it's constitutionally ripe to do so. The way forward for our party shall be made available to the esteemed members and supporters soonest."

BVAS Has Come to Stay,

Atiku Declares Presidential candidate of PDP and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) had come to stay as a legal instrument for the accreditation and transmission of election results in Nigeria. Atiku made the declaration in his response to the Supreme Court's affirmation of the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

WAMCO

Non-Executive Director, FrieslandCampina

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

NOISELESS LAGOS CAMPAIGN…

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Buhari: Youths Most Important Resource for Future Development

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the young and active people, who constitute more than half of the population of the Commonwealth as the most important resource for the future development of their societies.

He made the charge yesterday at the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit (CYSS) held in Abuja.

Buhari, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, said the young people resided a positive force for societal development if given the opportunity and support

for their talent and energy to be appropriately harnessed and channelled to the noble ideas which the Commonwealth represents.

He reiterated that Nigeria as member of the Commonwealth will continuously create an enabling environment for young people to blossom and reach their potentials.

Commonwealth youths from Botswana, Cameroon, the Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Zambia, Jamaica, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Seychelles, are gathered in Abuja for the next three days to discuss a policy paper and dedicate the declaration for the young people.

Taraba PDP Leadership Crisis: Court Reserves Ruling

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

The Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo that is presided over by Justice Khalifa Bala Usman has reserved its ruling in the case challenging the appointment of Mr. Abubakar Bawa as the substantive chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State.

The State’s Deputy Chairman of PDP, Mr. Inuwa Bakari, had approached the court through an originating summons dated March 30, 2023, to determine whether the National Working Committee (NWC) has the power to appoint Bawa as substantive chairman of the party in the state.

Respondents in the case

are the PDP, Bawa and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), though there was no representation for INEC in the court.

Bakari assumed the chairmanship position in acting capacity and led the party to victory in the just concluded general elections following the exit of the erstwhile State Chairman of PDP, Mr. Agbu Kefas, to contest the gubernatorial election in the state.

Insisting that PDP did not follow due process in the appointment of Bawa, Bakari stated that the NWC of PDP has no power to appoint Bawa saying only the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party has the power to do so.

Egbema Political Forum Pledges Solidarity with Oborevwori

The Egbema Political Forum (EPF), an influential pressure group in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, has pledged its staunch support for the incoming administration of the Governor-elect and Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, urging the people to rally round him for better and stronger Delta.

This was contained in the group’s formal congratulatory message to Oborevwori for his resounding victory in the governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In his remarks, Buhari noted that the Commonwealth has come a long way from being just a handful of comity of nations representing former British colonies to a global forum and force for

the promotion of international peace and security, democracy and human rights; economic and social development as well as youth and sports development. He said as a firm believer

in the capabilities of young people, Nigeria in hosting the CYSS perceives the occasion as a platform for young people to network, provide opportunity for students, youth, and youth- led

organisations to effectively collaborate and foster sustainable learning environment as well as promote youth development in institutions within the Commonwealth.

Army to Partner Other Security Agencies in Fighting Terrorists

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division of Nigerian Army Sokoto, Major General Godwin Mutkut, has solicited for increased interagencies synergy in order to achieve successes in the fight against terrorists in North-west Nigeria.

Mutkut made the call

yesterday when he inaugurated middle cadre training for military officers in the division and representatives of other sister agencies in Sokoto.

He said that the exercise would bring enduring working relationship between military and other agencies working to combat security challenges bedeviling the region.

The GOC noted that the

training is aimed at improving skills in middle cadre officers for efficient operations, stressing that the nation is facing divers security challenges that would require collective strategy and planning among security men.

According to him, participants were drawn from the Northwestern states as there area of responsibilities.

He said: ‘’Essence of inviting

sister security agencies was to bridge the gaps and promote understandings to facilitate harmonious working relationship.

‘’It was based on Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya’s motives to ensure effective services, participants shall to take interests of all areas of lectures, ensure adequate use of the ideas and knowledge.’’

$382,000 Bitcoin Scam: ‘How Suspected Fraudster Duped His Victims from 13 Countries’

Kingsley Nwezeh inAbuja

At a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, a 1st prosecution witness in the trial of Eze Harrison Arinze, has told Justice J. K. Omotosho how Arinze received $382,000 worth of bitcoins from his victims before his account was blocked by his Virtual Asset Service Provider(VASP).

A statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC),

said the witness, Ogunjobi Olalekan, an officer of the commission told the court that Arinze’s victims were deceived into withdrawing their funds and deposited them into suspect’s bitcoin accounts thinking that they were transacting legitimate businesses.

Arinze was arraigned on March 22, 2023, before Justice Omotosho, on five count charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence and

money laundering to the tune of $769,263.

One of the counts against him reads: “That you, Eze Harrison Arinze alias Charlotte Brain, sometimes between April, 2022 and December, 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, did fraudulently impersonate one Charlotte Brain, a purported owner of Digitrades. Ltd/Digitrades.Net/Swiss-Earnings/

Craystal-Trade investment platform on Telegram and in that assumed character obtained crypto currency worth $592,000.00 from your victims through your bitcoins wallet address-333 domiciled with Coinbase, a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(3)(b) Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2012 and Punishable under the same Act.”

Three Kogi House of Assembly Candidates Dump PDP

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Three immediate past House of Assembly Candidates on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have resigned their membership from the party.

The three candidates made their decisions known in their

separate resignation letters made available to journalists yesterday in Lokoja, addressed to the PDP Chairmen of their various wards.

They are Sunday Maiyaki, Yagba West, Daniel Olorunjuwon Jones, Mopamuro; and Hon. Joseph Babatunde Olupeka Ijumu

Local Government Areas. Maiyaki in a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman, Odo-Eri/ Okoto Ward, Odo-Eri, Yagba West LGA, said: “I hereby resigned my membership of the PDP.

“I have been a party ardent since 1998 starting from the first National Convention in

Jos, Plateau State, but today, I cannot longer cope with the array of impunity in the party

“The slogan ‘Power to the People’ is now ‘Power to the Few’.

“I wish the party good tidings in their future endeavours. My party membership card is attached”.

Edo 2024: No Body Should Talk About Zoning but Competence, Says Idahosa

The group commended the governor-elect’s successful inauguration of the 88-member Transition Committee, which the EPF noted comprises men and women of track record of successful performance in diverse fields.

With the calibre of transition team, Oborevwori has left no one in doubt of his “determination to hit the ground running” after his upcoming swearing in as Governor on 29th May, the group said. The group, however, urged him to run an inclusive government so that every part of the state is carried captured in development programmes of his incoming administration.

Adibe

Emenyonu in Benin City

A former Special Adviser to former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole on Political Matters, Mr. Charles Idahosa, yesterday denounced the agitation that the Edo 2024 governorship

ticket be zoned to a particular senatorial district, saying such consideration should not be based on tribe or religious, but on merit

Idahosa, who stated this at a press conference in Benin City, the Edo State capital, spoke on the heels of mounting pressure by

the people of Edo Central senatorial district to produce the next governor come 2024.

In his opinion, those making such agitation that it is their turn to produce the next governor to succeed Governor Obaseki come 2024 should remember that anyone that emerges as governor will

be governor of Edo, and not governor of the particular senatorial district he comes from.

According to him, the interest of all Edo people should be one who will deliver good governance irrespective of tribes or any other primordial sentiments.

Inauguration: Students Raise the Alarm over Plan to Disrupt Ogun Event

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Committee (JCC) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOS), yesterday raised the alarm that there are plans

by some youths and students, to disrupt the May 29, inauguration programme in Ogun State. The alarm, was raised by the two students bodies, in a statement jointly signed by Chairman NANS Ogun JCC, Damilola Simeon, and NAOSS

National President, Ogunrombi Oluwagbemileke.

The students bodies alleged that the plan of disruption, was being made, by some students, parading themselves as the leadership of NANS.

They alleged that it is important

that they raises the alarm so that the authorities could take note and take appropriate action. The two students’ bodies, also exonerated the Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Students Affairs, Azeez Adeyemi from the attack on May 7, 2023.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji; General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, and and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Abdulhafiz Gbolahan Toriola, during the 8th edition of the annual Noiseless Lagos Campaign in Lagos… yesterday ETOP UKUTT

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

NAFDAC/SWIPHA PRESS CONFERENCE…

L-R: Special Assistant to Director General(DG), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Gbenga Fajemirokun; Director, Drugs Vaccines, Biological and Medical Devices Laboratory Services, NAFDAC, Mrs. Adekunle Segun; Director, Lagos State Office, NAFDAC, Dr. Monica Eimumjese; Managing Director, Swiss Pharma Limited (SWIPHA), Federic Lieutaud, and DG, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, at NAFDAC/SWIPHA joint press briefing on World Health Organisation Prequalification Approval of Finished pharmaceutical product Manufactured by SWIPHA in Lagos…yesterday

Stakeholders Task Incoming Govt, N’ Assembly on National Security

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Stakeholders in the security sector yesterday called on the incoming administration and the National Assembly to commit to national security imperatives.

At the 39th Etim Inyang Lecture and Award ceremony held in Abuja, many speakers were agreed that containing the

security challenges confronting the nation was a matter of urgent national importance.

Speaking at the lecture organised by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in collaboration with the Nigerian Police, the Guest Lecturer, Comrade Yinka Folarin, called on the incoming administration to commit to the business of peace

Inauguration Ceremony: FAAN Relocates Aircraft Packed at GAT to Alternate Airports

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday issued a notice of temporarily relocation of all aircraft packed at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) to alternative airports due to the upcoming Presidential Inauguration ceremony slated for the 29th of May 2023.

The notice informed owners of a need to temporarily relocate “your aircraft to alternate airports due to the upcoming

Presidential Inauguration ceremony slated for the 29th of May 2023.

The notice, signed by the Regional General Manager (NC)/Airport Manager (NAIA) and made available to journalists in Abuja said: “The presidential inauguration is a high-security event, and in order to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved, it has become necessary to temporarily relocate all aircraft parked at the GAT to alternate airports.

NECO Reschedules ‘Gifted Children’ Exams to June 10

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has rescheduled the 2023 common entrance examination for gifted children from May 13 to June 10, 2023.

The Federal Government Academy is situated in Suleja and is a training ground for moulding gifted and talented children in Nigeria and with enormous opportunities for outstanding gifted students

to develop their potential in the interest of nation-building and technological development. The examination was rescheduled to enable more candidates register, following request by some stakeholders for an extension of the registration period.

In a statement issued by the council through its spokesperson, Azeez Sani, it stated that registration would continue till the new date of the examination.

Expert Embarks on ICT Training for Youths

Sunday Okobi

A technology expert, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbewele, has embarked on training and retraining of many Nigerian youths in the knowledge and application of information communication technology (ICT).

Ogbewele, who has been at the forefront of training people, especially the youths, on various digital skills over the years, averred that the need for training and retraining cannot be over-emphasised.

The technology expert spoke

and security of the nation.

“I like to use this occasion to call on our political leaders and other influencers to be more committed to the business of

security and peace.

“Sustainable security and peace are the major ingredients for sustainable development and socio-economic growth. Our

incoming National Assemblwy

and other stakeholders should please consider increment in police funding”, he said. He recalled that the late

Inspector General of Police, Etim Inyang, who served between 1984 and 1986, once said the police could not work well without community support.

Security Operatives Kill Four Suspected Kidnappers in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Security operatives in Anambra State have killed four persons suspected to be members of a gang of kidnappers, who specialise in terrorising motorists on Nkpor-Umuoji-Ideani road in the state.

This is coming as the state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, ordered security

operatives in the state to patrol all roads in the state, to ensure security.

Nkpor-Umuoji-Ideani road, where the suspected kidnappers were demobilised after a gun duel, had recently been declared unsafe, with many residents of the state issuing travel advisory against using the road from 6p.m.

The Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Christian Aburime,

who disclosed the killing of the suspects, said the governor gave a mandate to security operatives, including the police and local vigilante, to confront criminals on all roads deemed to be unsafe.

Aburime said: “Following the mandate and declaration by Governor Soludo to rid Anambra State of all criminal elements, the Anambra State Security Forces on May 7,

2023, effectively neutralised a deadly gang of kidnappers terrorising innocent citizens on the Nkpor-Umuoji-Ideani road. “The gang of kidnappers who had hitherto terrorised innocent citizens along that axis paid dearly with their lives when security forces acting on intelligence report swooped on the areas and engaged them in an intense gun battle.

Victim Tells Court How Bishop Allegedly Raped Her Twice

Wale Igbintade

A 23 year-old student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in Akure Ondo State, yesterday painted a graphic picture at the Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court, of how she was allegedly raped twice by

the senior pastor and founder of I Reign Christian Family Church, Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels.

The witness, who was a former assistant pastor of the church’s branch in Akungba, Akure, Ondo State, told the court that her first encounter with the bishop was on May,

28, 2018, when he came for a program tagged “Strictly Supernatural,” which her friend invite her to.

Led in evidence by the Lagos State H Prosecutor, Mr. Babajide Boye, she stated that she became a member of the church and at some point when her Pastor, Toyosi Bamishe,

needed to hand over to Pastor Boluwatife Oladejo, she was made the assistant pastor. She said that on June 21, 2020, the defendant ordered her to come to the sitting room for her report of the church and then he showed her the plans he had for the church in the next five to 10 years.

Jonathan, Diri, Others Warn NASENI Trainees against Sale of Starter Packs

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

Former President Goodluck

Jonathan and incumbent Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, have advised trainees taking part in the four-day skills acquisition training programme that is being organised by the National Agency for Science

and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) not to sell off their starter packs at the end of the exercise.

They made the call yesterday at the opening ceremony of the training programme holding at the Federal University, Otuoke, in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state and noted that the

success of the programme largely depends on the attitude of the beneficiaries.

Speaking as special guest at the event, Jonathan commended President Muhammadu Buhari for giving his approval for the training exercise, which drew participants from all the three senatorial districts in the state.

He called on NASENI and the Local Content Board (LCB) to establish a functional institute in Bayelsa for quality training in the oil and gas and other critical areas.

The former president stressed that vocational skills training was the way to go for Nigeria to meet its industrial development target.

Ex-lawmaker Heads Task Force on Illegal Firearms in Kogi

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

to journalists on the sidelines of this year’s first quarter tech hub training at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Throne of Praise in FESTAC, Lagos recently.

Among other aspects of ICT, the focus of the training was on e-commerce and digital marketing.

On what inspires him to do what he is doing, he said: “Over a decade ago, I saw that there has to be a way that the youths can acquire digital technology skills across various areas if they are to be prepared for the future which is now here.

Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has approved the appointment of Mr. Friday Sanni as the directorgeneral of the Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Firearms to Kogi State. This was contained in

a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

The statement noted that the appointment was

conveyed via a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, dated May 8, 2023.

The statement said: “The decision of the state government to set up the Special Task Force is part of the recalibration efforts

Lions Club Donates Child, Adolescent Mental Unit Centre to Karu General Hospital

Emameh GabrielinAbuja

Lions Club International has continued to uphold its pledge to better the lot of humanity with the renovation and donation of an ultra-modern Child and Adolescent Mental Unit Centre to Karu General Hospital in Abuja.

The signature project, which was conceived in 2021 by the immediate-past president of the FCT chapter of the club, started in 2022 and was completed in record time of nine months and subsequently inaugurated yesterday at a ceremony attended by members of the

club, traditional rulers, among others.

The facility, which was handed over to the management of the General Hospital, is a major boost to the efforts of both the federal governments to improve child health mentality in the FCT and Nigeria in general.

in the security architecture of the state to ensure that firearms are not illegally smuggled into the state to perpetrate the nefarious activities of criminal elements as the government is committed to ensuring criminality is reduced to near-zero level in the state.

Eric Lira Pleads Guilty in Okagbare Dope Scandal, Faces 10-Year Jail Term

The ‘Naturopathic’ therapist in the Blessing Okagbare dope scandal, Eric Lira, faces up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty on Monday to supplying performance-enhancing drugs to Olympic athletes, including the disgraced Nigerian sprinter.

Lira who is based in El Paso, the same city Okagbare attended the University of Texas (UTEP) and rose to fame in the sprint and

the long jump globally, is the first individual to be convicted under a new US law introduced in the wake of Russia’s state-backed Olympic doping scandals, the United States Department of Justice said yesterday in a statement.

The 2020 law, named after Russian whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov, enables the American authorities to prosecute individuals involved

in international doping fraud conspiracies.

Lira was found to have supplied drugs to Okagbare in the build-up to the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Okagbare, who was subsequently banned from the sport for 11 years, was expelled from the Tokyo Games just before the women’s 100m semi-finals.

Lira provided banned performanceenhancing substances to Olympic athletes who wanted to corruptly gain a competitive edge,” he said.

“Such craven efforts to undermine the integrity of sport subverts the purpose of the Olympic Games – which is to showcase athletic excellence through a level playing field.

“Lira’s efforts to pervert that goal

will not go unpunished.”

Athletes who obtained the drugs from Lira were not all identified but the Athletics Integrity Unit, an independent anti-doping body, said they were Okagbare and fellow-Nigerian Divine Oduduru, who is facing a potential six-year ban.

The maximum sentence for violating the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act is 10 years in prison. Lira’s sentence

De Bruyne Stunner Earns City Draw at Madrid

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Kevin de Bruyne's screamer earned Manchester City a Champions League 1-1 semi-final first-leg draw at Real Madrid to keep their dream of a Treble on track.

City know any win next Wednesday at home against Madrid will send them to only their second Champions League final, against either Inter Milan or AC Milan.

Pep Guardiola's side dominated the early stages at a nervy Bernabeu, with Thibaut Courtois denying De Bruyne, Rodri and Erling Haaland twice.

But Vinicius Jr scored with Real's only chance of the first half, a 25-

yard thunderbolt which flew past Ederson following a brilliant run by Eduardo Camavinga.

As Real began to dominate the second half, City found a way back with De Bruyne fizzing a shot from a similar distance into the bottom corner.

Karim Benzema almost gave Real, looking to extend their record tally to 15th European crowns, the lead again but his header was well saved by Ederson.

City are now unbeaten in 21 games in all competitions, a run which includes 17 wins. Seven more victories and they get the Treble.

....Milan Derby Lights up San Siro Tonight

AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud says he is "more motivated than ever" at the age of 36 as he attempts to win a second Champions League title.

Giroud was an unused substitute in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Manchester Cityin the 2021 final. He left the Blues that summer to join Milan, who face city rivals Inter in the second semi-final first leg this night (8pm) in San Siro.

"I'm (nearly) 37 years old, but I have the same motivations as a young boy," said the France striker.

"I'm more motivated than ever. It's a great opportunity to win the Champions League.

"A derby is always a special match. I am very proud of this Milan team and we hope to do something great on Wednesday

(today)."

AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli says he will make a late call on Rafael Leao's selection after the Portugal winger suffered a muscle injury against Lazio at the weekend.

Leao, who has 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, was forced off after just 12 minutes but was able to resume training on Tuesday.

"In the morning Rafa and the doctor will tell me his condition. If he is well he will be called up, otherwise not," said Pioli.

"If the test is clean he can play. If it is not clean he cannot play - either from the start or the end."

Inter Milan are hopeful that Danilo D'Ambrosio will be available for the match at the San Siro while full-back Robin Gosens will be assessed.

Federation Cup: Fireworks in Benin, Abuja, Kano, Lokoja

Former champions Enyimba FC of Aba and Plateau United of Jos will create fireworks at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City in their Round of 32 match of this year’s Federation Cup men’s competition today.

The People’s Elephant squeezed through to this stage after a nail-biting penalty shootout against Rivers United FC in Uyo, and now have to confront an ambitious Plateau United looking to march all the way to the grand finale.

At the NFF/FIFA Goal Project in Abuja, multi-titlists Rangers International of Enugu will do battle with Kano Pillars, while the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano plays host to the potentially-explosive encounter between Mighty Jets of Jos and Gombe United FC. A total of 16 matches will be disputed in the men’s category, all scheduled for today, while seven matches will be played in the women’s competition with Bayelsa Queens having reached the last eight

without kicking a ball, following the unfortunate accident involving opponents Dannaz Ladies.

In Lokoja, Nasarawa Amazons –one of the establishment - will clash with Naija Ratels of FCT in a match slated for Thursday as the six other matches in the women’s competition.

FC Robo Queens of Lagos will make it a date with Royal Queens of Delta State in Awka while Rivers Angels are up against Osun Babes in Warri.

will be determined by a judge at a later date, the Department of Justice statement added.

US anti-doping officials welcomed Lira’s conviction, noting that it was made possible only by the recently enacted law.

“Without this law, Lira, who held himself out as a doctor to athletes, likely would have escaped consequence for his distribution of dangerous performance-enhancing drugs and his conspiracy to defraud the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games because he did not fall under any sport anti-doping rules,” said Travis Tygart, the chief executive officer of the US Anti-Doping Agency.

a valuable 1-1

Weah Hails Osimhen, Tasks Him to Aim for More Laurels

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Former World Footballer of the Year and now Liberian President, George Manneh Weah, has congratulated Victor Osimhen for ending his reign as African with the highest goals in the Italian Serie A. Osimhen surpassed Weah’s 46 goals on Sunday as his goal was all

that Napoli needed to beat Fiorentina 1-0 four days after he similarly led the club to win their third Scudetto at Udinese.

In a Congratulatory Message sent to Osimhen, Weah began: “My heartfelt congratulations to you, Victor Osimhen! I am very glad that you have accomplished a major milestone in your football

FOOTBALL ON THEIR MINDS....

career, after scoring your 47th goal in the Italian Serie A league. “The records show that with this goal, which you netted on Sunday, May 7, 2023 when your team Napoli went against Fiorentina, effectively makes you the African with the highest scoring record in the Italian Serie A league - surpassing my own account of 46 goals,” observed the

Liberian president.

While expressing how he felt that the 24-year-old Nigerian has achieved so much within a short period, Weah admonished Osimhen to brace up for more work.

“I am so proud of your exploits and congratulate you on this remarkable achievement which is a result of your hard work, dedication and tenacity. I am also pleased with your kind words of honor in tribute to me upon reaching such a giant milestone.

“However, I want to admonish you not be contented. There are many more of my records for you to break. I wish you go on to achieve greater success.

“I watched your goal against Udinese when your 52nd -minute header won the Scudetto for Napoli. Your movement, your passion, your determination and hunger brought back many memories to me.”

He urged the Napoli front man to aim for this a century of goals before he can really celebrate achieving a landmark

R-L: FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick; Former World Footballer of the Year and Liberian President, George Manneh Weah; and Former First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Seyi Akinwunmi at the inauguration of the new Liberia FA Football House in Monrovia...recently

Algeria 2023: Burkina Faso Can’t Stop Eaglets, Says Ugbade

Nigeria’s U17 Boys, Golden Eaglets, have not come as far as the quarter-finals of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations to be dumped out of the competition without earning a World Cup ticket, Head Coach, Nduka Ugbade, boasted yesterday.

The Golden Eaglets and their officials arrived in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria on Monday, three days ahead of their quarter-final

clash with Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

“We had an interesting match with South Africa and it has prepared us well for further challenges in the competition. We learnt a lot playing Zambia, Morocco and South Africa – all strong teams – in the group phase and that was good furnace for us to be a better squad.

“The quarter-final matches will be very hard nuts to crack because that is the step that earns you the World Cup ticket. None of the four games will be easy. Our interest is Burkina Faso and we are working hard towards achieving success.”

Burkina Faso had an interesting last match of the group phase, coming from behind to defeat and dump out Cup holders Cameroon

2-1 in a truly fascinating encounter.

Nigeria also came from behind twice to edge South Africa 3-2 in a memorable encounter in Constantine, with the five goals scored by different players on the night.

Ugbade added: “We have not come this far to drop out. My boys are focused hard on the World Cup ticket. After that, we can then focus on other objectives.”

“I wait for your 100th Goal in all competitions in Italy so that you can celebrate (but don’t remove your shirt like I did or you will get a Yellow Card)"

“You have won one Scudetto. Great! When I won my first Scudetto with Milan, I said to myself, why one, why not two? I went on to win another Scudetto with Milan. I went on to win the Ballon D’or. So why not two or more for you Victor? The sky is your limit. With your dedication, commitment, humility, hard work, you can conquer the World. Africa needs another World Best. Africa needs another European Best. You Victor, can deliver that for us.”

Kevin de Bruyne (second, right) scored a sizzler from outside the box to earn Manchester City

draw against Real Madrid in the Spanish capital...last night

MISSILE FG to Foreign Firms

“Allthesemeasuresbecameimperativeinviewofabusesandgrossviolations oftheexpatriatequotapoliciesbyforeigninvestorsandNigeriancompanies alike.Beforenow,Ihadappealedtoforeigncompanies,nationals,andtheir governmentstobegintorespectourlawsandwarnedthemthatitwillno longerbebusinessasusual.”––InteriorMinisterRaufAregbesolawarning foreignfirmsagainstviolationofexpatriatequotarules.

ERIC TENIOLA

GUEST COLUMNIST

Gen Aliyu Gusau at 80

On Thursday May 18, General Aliyu Gusau(rtd), CFR, will be 80. If you call him General Aliyu Mohammed or General Aliyu Gusau, you are referring to the same man. The talk in many circles, in this country, is that if you have a problem that you cant solve, contact General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau. He will give you a solution. He is a brilliant man with very few words. He loves to operate in the background and rarely talks. You either fear him or you love him. He is someone, you cannot ignore his call. Inspite of all said about him, General Gusau is a man who values friendship. He goes out of his way, even bend rules to help his friends. His circle of friends is beyond religious, tribal, military or even political groupings.

The Nigerian Defense Academy was established in 1964 to replace the Nigeria Military Training College (NMTC) for the purpose of producing junior leaders (officers) for the Nigerian Armed Forces. Hitherto, Nigeria Armed Forces Officer Cadets were trained in oversea countries, notably Royal Military Academy I (RMA), Sandhurst England, German Air Force Academy and Teshie Military Academy, Ghana. The First Regular Course (Regular Course 1), which consisted of Army and Navy Cadets only of the duration of 31/2 years. Air Force Cadets were later admitted and trained with the subsequent courses.

The outbreak of the Nigerian civil war in 1967 made it imperative for the Emergency Commission Course (ECC) to be introduced to produce officers for the prosecution of the war. The duration of this type of training ranged between 4-8weeks. The ECC was

eventually phased out at the end of the war in 1970 when the need to produce officers of such cadre in the Nigerian Armed Forces was no longer as pressing. In its place the Short Service (Combatant) Commission (SSC) course was introduced with a duration ranging between 6-9months.

This type of training draws largely on the pool of graduates from the Nigerian Universities and other technical colleges to meet the manpower need of the Nigerian Armed Forces on a short-term basis.

This type of training was designed to give the cadets essential professional knowledge that will enable them to be competent platoon commander in their respective units on commissioning. Cadets from other sister African

FEMI FALANA

GUEST COLUMNIST

nations have also been trained all along in this august institution. In the mid 1990’s the three services of the Nigeria Armed Forces namely: The Army;Navy and Air Force transferred the training of their cadets under the direct short service commission (DSSC) course to the NDA. With this, uniformity in training standards for officers of the respective services of the Nigerian Armed Forces has been achieved.

One of the students of the Nigerian Defence Academy first Regular Course 1 was General Aliyu Muhammed. His other course mates included Lt-General Oladipo Diya, Lt-General Joshua Dongoyaro, Major General Ishola Williams, Major General Salihu Ibrahim and Admiral Allison Madueke.

Others were Major General O. Daramola, Brigadier General Ibrahim Bako, Brigadier General Rafuka, Major General Karawu, Major General Suleiman, Colonel Anifowose, Major General Abdulahi Mamman, Major General Idahosa, Major General Peter Adomokhai, Major General Haladu Hananiya, Major General Samuel Olajide and Colonel Awodeyi.

General Aliyu Gusau, since joining the Army in 1964, has been able to build national and global contacts. He speaks seven languages including Hebrew, French and German. He is also vast in Arabic. Before he retired from the Nigerian Army, he rose to the position of the Chief of Army Staff.

In 1967, he fought during the Nigerian Civil War. He was Commander of 9 Infantry Brigade, Abeokuta (April 1976 – July 1978). He later became acting Governor of Ogun state. During that time he formed strong friendship among strong Ogun state elites and the friendship still last

till today. General Aliyu Gusau became Adjutant General of 2 Mechanised Division (July 1978 – September 1979) and Director of Personnel Services, Army Headquarters (October 1979 – November 1979).

From November 1979 to December 1983, Aliyu was Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) along with Brigadier General Ibrahim Bako, Major General Ibrahim Babangida and Major General Muhammadu Buhari. He played an important role in the coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari and the Second Nigerian Republic on 31 December 1983 and brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power.

When Major General Babangida took over power in 1995, General Aliyu was appointed Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and Acting DirectorGeneral of the National Security Organisation (NSO) from September 1985 to August 1986, then Coordinator on National Security from August 1986 to December 1989. He reorganised the security and intelligence apparatuses, which had fallen in disarray under Rafindadi during the Buhari regime, breaking up the NSO into three organisations: State Security Services (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

General Gusau was appointed General Officer Commanding 2 Mechanised Division in Ibadan from December 1989 to August 1990; and Chief of Administration, Defence Headquarters, in Lagos from August 1990 to February 1992. He was Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna from February 1992 to January 1993.

Why Nigeria Must Join BRICS

About five years ago, the Federal Government of Nigeria and China entered into a currency exchange agreement. The transaction, which was valued at Renminbi (RMB) 16 billion or N720 billion was aimed at providing adequate local currency liquidity to Nigerian and Chinese industrialists and other businesses, thereby, reducing difficulties encountered in the search for the United States Dollar. The swap was also designed to improve the speed, convenience and volume of transactions between the two countries.

But the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank which superintend the Central Bank of Nigeria have colluded with the Central Bank of Nigeria to frustrate the currency swap. The purpose of the economic sabotage is to promote the dominance of the United States Dollar in Nigeria. Even though Nigeria has since become an important source of oil and petroleum for China’s rapidly growing economy, the Federal Government has continued to demand for payment in Dollar instead of Naira.

While other nations are making arrangements to promote their local currencies the Federal Government has continued to dollarise the Nigerian economy. Just recently, the Kenyan Government signed an agreement with Saudi Aramco to supply fuel and diesel for the next six months, while Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) will deliver three cargoes of super petrol every month. The deal permits local oil companies to pay for oil imported on credit through a government-to-government deal in Shillings to ease pressure on the local currency.

Before the deal, Kenya was paying $500 million for the importation of petroleum products per month.

In the same vein, Russia has pursuant to an agreement with China started to make payments for gas supplies to China in Yuan and Roubles instead of US dollars. In the same vein, Indian customers have paid for most Russian oil in non-dollar currencies, including the United Arab Emirates Dirham and more recently the Russian Rouble. However, it is public knowledge that the BRICS

(Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have concluded plans to launch a new international currency to be used for cross-border trade by the member nations. Ahead of the August summit of the BRICS scheduled to hold in South Africa, a total of 24 nations are now looking to build a strategic alliance that will challenge the US dollar’s decades-long role as the world’s reserve currency. The 24 nations include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Egypt, Bahrain, Indonesia and a couple of African countries. This trend to reject neo- liberal orthodoxy in policy formulation is captured by the South Korean development economist of the University of London, Ha-Joon Chang, in his recent book, “Edible Economics: A Hungry Economist Explains the World” as follows: “The rejection of the neo-liberal Washington Consensus policies has been less visible in other parts of the developing world, such as Asia and Africa. In Asia, it was mainly because the countries in the region had not followed the Washington Consensus policies in the first place as rigidly as did the Latin American countries. Their generally good economic performance has meant that relatively few Asian countries have had to borrow heavily from the Washington institutions, making it less necessary for them to adopt neo-liberal policies.

“Moreover, many Asian countries have had a less ideological approach to economic policies, so, even when they adopted neo-liberal policies, those policies were usually not implemented in their extreme forms, as they were in Latin America. The African countries, even though they have suffered even more than did the Latin

American countries from the Washington Consensus policies, have found it more difficult to openly reject them, given their greater dependence the Washington institutions for financing. Even so, in the last decade or so, there has been an increasing recognition across the African continent of the need for a much more active role for the state than what is recommended by the Washington Consensus.”

The point at issue is that the Nigerian state henceforth should be more active in given a pro-people direction in the political economy. Nigeria should also take a lead in the execution of the African Union (AU)’s project of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which took effect two years ago. The country should strive for the benefits derivable from promoting trade at such a regional level as an alternative to the increasing dollarisation of a vulnerable economy.

So, instead of the failed redesign of the Naira the federal government should take urgent steps to save the Naira by renewing the currency swap between Nigeria and China. Furthermore, similar agreements should be undertaken with other friendly nations so that Nigeria can pay for imports in Naira. In particular, buyers of Nigeria’s crude oil and natural gas should henceforth be made to pay in Naira. At the same, the federal government should join forces with the BRICS to promote a new international currency. This is in line with section 19(e) of the Constitution, which has imposed a duty on the Government of Nigeria to promote “a just world economic order.”

Femi Falana SAN.

Gen Gusau

Buhari