In Honour By Broadcasting Peers, ARISE News Channel Wins TV Station of the Year
In a recognition by the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), the
premier association of all broadcasters in Nigeria, ARISE News Channel emerged the Best TV Station of the Year, beating heavyweights, like Channels TV, at the maiden edition
of The Nigeria Broadcasting Awards (TNBA), held last night in Lagos. The television station also clinched the award for Best TV Station (English Language), while
US Secretary of States Calls Tinubu,
www.thisdaylive.com
its reporter, Ovieteme George, took home the award for Best Reporter in the TV category. Since its launch, ARISE News has established itself as a game changer
Tasks Him
on
in the broadcast industry, breaking boundaries and bringing news to the people from different parts of the world.
The channel is poised to be an
innovative leader in how news should be gathered, processed and consumed in an ever-changing news landscape.
Continued on page 10
Inclusive Leadership... Page 6
TRUTH & REASON
Blinken: Attack on US Convoy in Anambra May Not Have Been Pre-targeted at Our Mission
Buhari saddened by killings of US embassy staff, policemen in Anambra, others in Benue, Plateau Says perpetrators will face the music
FG, Soludo, HURIWA condemn attack on United States consulate officials Anambra governor pledges reward for information
NESG: Dangote Refinery Will Create $21bn Market for Nigerian Crude Oil
To meet 100% of Nigeria’s liquid products' requirement MAN, LCCI, ACCI laud massive project by Africa’s richest man
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), one of Africa’s leading thinktanks, has projected that Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company, set for inauguration on May 22, can create a $21 billion market for Nigeria’s crude oil.
In a brief by the organisation, it further noted that the facility could meet all the fuel needs of Nigeria, including petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and polypropylene, as well as provide loading facilities that could accommodate about 2,900 tankers and spur the building of housing units capable of accommodating 33,000 people.
By constructing the 650,000 barrels per day crude oil facility, which sits atop 2,635 hectares of land and has 177 tank farms, NESG stated, Dangote refinery and petrochemical company is set to reshape Nigeria's economy and position the country as a global energy player.
NESG said in the brief, “The sheer magnitude of the Dangote refinery
CAMARADERIE AT FEC...
L-R: Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Youth and Sport Development, Sunday Dare, at the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja ... yesterday
Buhari, Emmanuel Mourn Methodist Church's Prelate Emeritus, Mbang... Page 9
18
2023 Vol 28.
Thursday
May,
No 10263. Price: N250
Vanessa Obioha in Lagos and Alex Enumah in Abuja
on page
page 10
PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI
Continued
10 Continued on
US mission.
United
members
said
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, yesterday, gave details of the attack on a US convoy in Anambra State on Tuesday. Blinken disclosed that four
of the advance party were killed, with the whereabouts of some others still unknown. He
the motive for the attack was yet unknown, stressing that it may not have been pre-targeted at the
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 2
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 3
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 4
Speakership: Ooni Tells Abbas, Kalu to Have Nigeria's Interest at Heart
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has admonished the front runners in the race for the speakership and deputy speakership of the 10th
House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to always have the interest of the country at heart in the discharge of their duties as presiding officers. The monarch, who played host
to the duo on yesterday evening in Abuja, after they paid him a courtesy visit enjoined Abbas and Kalu to always have the interest of Nigeria at heart in the course of discharging their duties.
Akpabio at NNPP, LP Secretariats,
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 10th Senate Presidency position, Godswill Akpabio, and the anointed candidate for the position of the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, yesterday, visited the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Labour Party in Abuja. They were accompanied by the Stability Group, which was working to promote the Akpabio-Barau ticket for the leadership of the 10th Senate.
Addressing the National Working Committee of the NNPP led by its acting national chairman, Abba-Kawu Ali, Akpabio said the Stability Group was determined to secure the support of leadership of the opposition parties, ahead of June 13 Inauguration.
"Membership of the Stability Group cuts across party lines and we are doing extensive consultations. We have never had a situation, where we have 8 political parties like we are going to have in the 10th National Assembly.
"In the House, we are blind to party
"Carry everyone along so that they will love you for who you are, not for the fact that when you get to be the Speaker, they will lobby you for positions. But they'll love you for the great things you will do for
the betterment of our dear nation. "You have become a servant from your constituency, you want to be a bigger servant to be the Speaker of the House and a much bigger servant to serve our dear nation.
Always remember that the interest that is number one to you is the interest of our dear nation, followed by the interest of your party, for what is important is that you carry your people along," Ooni said.
Seeks Support for Senate Presidency Bid
affiliations and that's why we are moving to meet our leaders. I thank you for receiving us. I want to thank your national leader, Kwankwaso for the meeting he is having with our President-elect, Bola Tinubu, and I hope the meeting will be fruitful, for the progress of the nation."
The Director-General of the Akpabio Campaign Organisation, Ali Ndume, said his group has secured signatures of 69 members backing the aspiration of Akpabio-Jubrin ticket.
He said, "We want you to support this stability group we have 69
senators-elect, who have given us support. It is not about Akpabio or Jibrin. What the country needs now is stability and that's why we called the group Stability Group."
In his response, acting National Chairman of the NNPP described the Akpabio-Jubrin as a formidable ticket and assured the duo of the support of the lawmakers on the platform of his party
While addressing members of the Stability Group, National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, commended the Stability Group
PDP, LP, APGA, Other Members-elect Endorse APC's Zoning
Southern Borno kicks, insists Betara won't step down from race
Emameh Gabriel in Abuja
A coalition of newly elected members of House of Representatives under the aegis of NewDawn, has officially endorsed the zoning formula adopted by the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) for the position of Speaker and deputy speaker.
The group also called on Nigerians to jettison the perception that the 10th Assembly has been hijacked by the incoming APC led-executive, adding that the decision to throw weight behind the adoption of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu for speaker and deputy speaker of the 10th House of Representatives was taken in the best interest of the country and Nigerians.
But the Conference of Southern Borno Development Associations, has insisted against the zoning formula of the party for speakership, and that it was the turn of Honorable Muktar Aliyu Betara, whom they said has paid his dues.
The leadership of New Dawn said the group has positioned itself to take the front row in charting the course for a new leadership of the 10th Assembly for the smooth
running of the country and robust engagements on the floor of the green chamber, such that would promote democratic growth in the country as well as politics of inclusiveness.
The over 100-member group with membership cutting across the various political parties in the country, made its position official after an enlarged meeting that lasted from Tuesday night to 12am Wednesday morning.
In a communique read by the Convener of the group, one of the members-elect for Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo State, who is also the outgoing Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun (PDP) at The Palm Hotel, Abuja, the group said the position was taken after wide consultation with stakeholders across board.
"We, the members of the NewDawn Caucus of the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives, having reviewed the composition of the 10th Assembly vis a vis the need for an inclusive leadership which wilt give a sense of belonging to all members irrespective of their
political parties and length of time in the House hereby resolves as follows:
"That, we are in full support of the decision of the Minority Parties Forum to endorse Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu for Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively of the 10th House of
Representatives.
"That, considering their pedigree, experience and nationalistic dispositions, the emergence of the duo will produce a balanced, focused, stable and an inclusive House which will discharge its primary functions with distinction and serve the interests of the generality of Nigerians.”
for extending hands of fellowship to oppostion parties leadership.
"It is usually uncommon for political party in power to consider accommodating the opposition. It is
an indication that our democracy is growing. I want to say very clearly that in most of our engagement with our senators, we haven't given them any directives.
South-East Deserves Significant Leadership Position, Says Group
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
A political pressure group under the aegis of Niger Delta Rights Advocates (NDRA), has insisted that federal lawmakers from the South-East geopolitical zone needed to occupy some significant positions in the leadership of the National Assembly for equity.
The group led by Bright Ngolo, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to join voice in support of the deputy speakership aspiration of Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu as nominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 10th House.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, yesterday, to update
N’Central Youths Back Govs, Insist APC Zoning Won't Stand
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The North Central Youth Stakeholders Forum and the Middle Belt Forum, have thrown their weight behind the decision reached at the recent meeting of the governors and National Assembly members-elect from the region, insisting that the zoning formula released by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not stand.
In a statement, leader of the groups, Mohammed Mohammed, said the zoning arrangement announced by the APC NWC was
a clear and deliberate attempt to undermine the contributions of the North Central to the survival of the APC and its victory at the February 25th general election and subsequent polls.
Expressing displeasure with the zoning template, he said it was far from being fair and just.
“We find it unbecoming that other regions that performed abysmally at the polls are given preference in zoning arrangement of the APC NWC, while relegating the North Central, which contributed optimally to the victory of the APC and its presidential candidate would
be literally denied any principal position in the coming National Assembly.
“It is all the more insulting that even to consider the North Central for the third position in the legislative Houses is subject of debate and speculation," he said.
The groups, however, called on all stakeholders in the APC to impress on the NWC of the party and all those behind the agenda to rescind, withdraw, review and reverse the unpopular decision and in the alternative, allow the elected federal legislators to form their leadership.
on their position in the choice of the deputy speaker by the APC leadership, Ngolo stressed that denying Kalu and South East Deputy speakership position rubs insult on party loyalty.
While restating the achievements of the lawmaker in the House and contributions to development in his constituent and South East, the group said Kalu has the enviable capacity to lead in the sort position.
"It is trite in law that equity aids the vigilant and as stakeholders in the Nigerian project and as a group populated by 100% youths who make up at least 64% of the voting demographics, staying aloof while the future of the nation is being moulded by these debates over proper leadership, would be a disservice to members of the NDRA across the region and the youths of this nation;
"We believe that the choice of leadership of the National Assembly should not be left to the ruling elite but that citizens and indeed the electorate must have to debate the strengths and weaknesses of the dramatis personae vis-a-vis the performance of the current and past leaderships of the NASS.
"We do believe and rightly so that it remains a moral burden for the nation to consider the inclusion of the South-East zone to the leadership matrix of the nation and the formation of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly presents an auspicious opportunity to us all.
5 THURSDAY, THISDAY
Hon. Kalu
Udora Orizu in Abuja
US Secretary, Blinken, Calls Tinubu, Tasks Him on Inclusive Leadership
Chuks Okocha and Adedayo
Akinwale in Abuja
United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, Tuesday, called to congratulate the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, and tasked him on inclusive leadership that represents all Nigerians. Responding to the charge, Tinubu promised to hit the ground running upon assuming office also undertook to unify the Nigerian people, while pledging to work with the US government for better ties.
But the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has immediately reacted to the development, describing it as inconceivable and contradictory, coming from the US, which just banned persons believed to have contributed to Nigeria’s poor outing at the just concluded general election.
Blinken, in a telephone conversation with Tinubu, also emphasised his continued commitment to further strengthening the US-Nigeria relationship with the incoming administration.
In a statement yesterday by the office of the spokesperson, US Department of State, Matthew Miller, Blinken noted that the US-Nigeria partnership was built on shared interests and strong people-to-people ties and that those links should continue to strengthen
under Tinubu’s tenure.
"Secretary Blinken and Presidentelect Tinubu discussed the importance of inclusive leadership that represents all Nigerians, continued comprehensive security cooperation, and reforms to support economic growth," the statement stated.
However, the president-elect has promised to hit the ground running and unify the country upon his assumption of office on May 29.
In a statement by the Office of the President-elect and signed by Tunde Rahman, Tinubu pledged to work to ensure continued positive relations with the United States.
He said his immediate priorities would be to deliver institutional reforms and development programmes to deepen the country's democratic institutions and bring help to poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Expressing his determination to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and faithfully serve the people as their president, Tinubu recalled being granted asylum by the US, when he was forced into exile during his struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.
While reaffirming his democratic credentials during the talks that lasted about 20 minutes, the president-elect expressed his absolute belief that the result of the elections, which he clearly won, reflected the will of the Nigerian people.
He, therefore, urged the US to
factor in Nigeria's important place in Africa and provide needed assistance in the areas of security and economic investment in order for the nation to lead the way and be a shining example to the rest of the continent. However, Atiku, who said
he was in disbelief that Blinken called Tinubu, said the call was a contradiction to publicly held view of the US position on the February 25 presidential election Atiku, who took to his verified tweeter handle said, "I am in disbelief
that Secretary Antony Blinken called Tinubu, a contradiction to the publicly stated position of the US on Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election. This is inconceivable, considering that America, as the bastion of democracy, is well briefed
on the sham election of February 25. "To give legitimacy to the widely acknowledged fraudulent election in Nigeria can be demoralising to citizens, who have hedged their bet on democracy and the sanctity of the ballot."
FEC Approves $4.7bn for Development of Ondo, Snake Island, Burutu Ports
To be executed through PPP with FG raking $17.83bn from concessioning three ports Okays concession of Abuja, Kano airports, name change for aviation ministry Second Niger Bridge to be delivered on May 20 Akeredolu hails approval of Ondo port
Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), at its meeting yesterday, approved $4.713 billion for development of port projects in Lagos, Ondo and Delta states.
The council meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari at State House, Abuja, gave the go-ahead for the development of Ondo Multi-Purpose Port in Ilaje, Snake Island in Lagos, and Burutu in Delta State.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting,
Ondo Will Reclaim its Rightful Place in Quality Cocoa Production, Says Akeredolu
Fidelis David in Akure
The Chairman of the South West Governor's Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday, assured that the state would soon reclaim its position in quality cocoa production in the country by working with relevant stakeholders for improved cocoa production and a better economy.
Akeredolu, who spoke while playing host to the Ondo State Cocoa Council delegation led by the chairman, Dr. Olusegun Awolumate, said the time had come for the state to be recognised for what it is, just as he promised to work with the
incoming administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to achieve the desired results.
Akeredolu also urged the team to continue to sensitise and educate cocoa farmers in the state on the need to be in tune with the current happenings and new hybrid cocoa seedlings so that they can enjoy the benefits.
Earlier, Awolumate, specifically appreciated Akeredolu's inauguration of the Council in 2021.
Awolumate said the cocoa sector has the desired potential to become the lifeline of the state's economy, as it did in the sixties during the defunct Western Region of Nigeria.
The Chairman listed the achievements so far since inauguration, including regular partnership and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, both local and international cocoa development organisations and financial institutions.
Awolumate informed the governor of plans to construct Sunshine Cocoa Tower in Akure.
He further promised continuous collaboration with critical stakeholders and implementation of necessary activities on the Ondo State Cocoa Bond Project while pursuing the proposed re-introduction of Regional Commodity Boards for strategic crops, including cocoa.
Minister of State for Transportation, Ademola Adegoroye, said the projects would be executed through Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement at no cost to the federal government.
According to him, the Ilaje port would cost the private developers the sum of $1,480,465,253 and would be concessioned for a period of 50 years with the accruals to the concessionaire and the federal government expected to be $50 billion and $2.6billion, respectively.
Adegoroye said the Burutu port would cost $1,285,005,818; and would be concessioned for 40 years with the concessionaire and the federal government expected to reap $125billion $9 billion, respectively.
The Snake Island Port would gulp $974,185,203 and concessioned for 45 years with the concessionaire and the federal government receiving $18 billion and $5.23 billion, respectively, in accruals within the period.
According to the minister, "Today the Federal Ministry of Transportation presented before the Federal Executive Council, under the chairmanship of Mr. President, and the memos are for, one, the approval for the expansion and development of Snake Island Seaport in Lagos State, through public/private partnership arrangement.
"The second is for the expansion and developments of the Burutu Seaport project. Burutu is in Delta State. Burutu Port project, again, through public/private partnership.
"The last but not the least, and probably the most important, the Ondo
Multipurpose Port in Ilaje, Ondo State and I'm pleased to announce to you, gentlemen of the press, that the Federal Executive Council today considered the memos that we presented, looked at them thoroughly, checked if the processes and procedures have been complied with and graciously approved the three memos, at no cost to the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"Let me start with the Snake Island Port. For Snake Island Port, the total investment by the private investors will be $974,185,203.66 and we expect that the investors will get $18 billion over the period of 45 years concession period. The federal government will have $5.23 billion and the ICRC will get $94.9 million.
"For Burutu, the concession period is 40 years unlike the Snake Island, which is 45 years. The total projected and revenue to the concessionaire, federal government and the ICRC; the concessionaire is expected to have a revenue of $125 billion. The federal government is expected to get revenue of $9 billion, for spending nothing, and the ICRC is expected to rake in a revenue of $627 million as well. The total investment (capital) by the investors is $1,285,005,818.40.”
Speaking further, Adegoroye said for the Ondo Port, the total investment capital was $1,480,465,253, to be fully financed by the private investors. “Concession period is 50 years and the expected revenue; $59 billion will go to the private investors, $2.63 billion will go to the federal government and the ICRC will expectedly rake
in a sum of $295 million," he stated.
FEC also approved the concessioning of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who also briefed newsmen after the meeting, said the Abuja airport would be concessioned for 20 years while that of Kano would be concessioned for 30 years.
Sirika said the council also approved the ministry’s change of name from Federal Ministry of Aviation to Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace of Nigeria.
He said Council also approved the draft National Civil Aviation policy, which he said was geared towards the strengthening of civil aviation.
On his part, Minister of State for Power, Jerry Agba, said FEC approved two memoranda for the ministry, the first one being an approval for the award of contract for the procurement of 25 numbers of 33 KV circuit breakers and 120 numbers of surge arrestors for systems used for Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The contract value is in the neighbourhood of N140 million as augmentation for that project.
Agba said, “The contract has been awarded before, they are on-going, but we asked for approval for revaluation due to price escalation and additional works. We're building new sub-stations in one of the places”.
Continues online NEWS Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322, 0807 401 0580
NAPTIN ALUMNI SEMINAR...
L-R: National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) Alumni, Engr. Nkemjika Alaribe; Manager, NAPTIN Regional Training Centre, Kainji, Engr. Ado Ibrahim; Director General, Ahmed Bolaji Nagode, and Director Corporate Services, Engr. Hayatudeen Ibrahim, at the NAPTIN alumni seminar held in Abuja…yesterday
I’ll hit the ground running, unify our people, says president-elect Atiku reacts, says development inconceivable
6 THURSDAY, THISDAY
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 7
BAGUDU VISITS WACOT RICE AT THE NEWLY EXPANDED 240,000-MT MILL...
FG Clears Air on Siemens Power Deal, Says 80% Equipment Delivered In-country
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The federal government yesterday moved to clear the alleged misinformation concerning the implementation of the NigeriaSiemens Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) project, stressing that 80 per cent of equipment needed for the pilot project was already available in-country.
In a statement by the Managing
Director of FGN Power Company, the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the execution of the project, Mr Kenny Anuwe, the federal government explained that it remains committed to the implementing the game-changing deal.
FGN Power Company, the SPV, seeks to also secure financing, effectively coordinate stakeholders and enter efficient commercial and contractual arrangements in order to
deliver the pipeline of PPI projects that it says will transform Nigeria’s power sector and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
The PPI was conceived during a meeting between the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel on August 31, 2018.
But the project had recently been slowed down due to a multiplicity
of reasons, with many Nigerians expressing concerns that it may have failed like many others before it.
But Anuwe reiterated that the initiative for Phase 1 was underway and has recorded notable successes.
He explained that the pilot project remains a quick-win intervention strategy, which will unlock immediate constraints in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) through the deployment of 10 power transformers
Bayelsa Seeks Upward Review
of 13% Derivation
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has urged members of the incoming 10th National Assembly from the Niger Delta to vigorously agitate for an upward review of the 13% crude oil derivation formula to a minimum of 25%.
Governor Douye Diri of the state, gave the charge at the 108th session of
the state Executive Council meeting yesterday at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor expressed regret that the 13% oil derivation formula, which was subject to a periodic review has remained stagnant since 2003.
He also called on the Presidentelect, Bola Tinubu, to fulfill his
Formula
promises, especially on resource control for the sake of equity and fairness to the people of the Niger Delta, who were suffering the brunt of crude oil production in the country.
improve on the derivation formula to at least 25% as a champion of resource control himself towards addressing inequalities inherent in the revenue allocation system.
and 10 mobile substations across the country.
“FGN power company has received delivery of about 80 per cent of the equipment for the pilot projects, which are being deployed to critical sites across the country to improve power transmission capacity.
“Some of the sites include Apo, Ajah, Okene, Nike Lake, Kwanar Dangora, Maryland, Omouaran, Ojo, Amukpe, Ihovbor, Potiskum, Birnin Kebbi, amongst others,” Anuwe said in the statement.
The managing director stated that the implementation of the PPI, being coordinated by the company was progressing and remains a vital programme for Nigeria’s power sector.
He added: “The Nigeria-Siemens PPI initiative will be delivered in three phases; with Phase 1 focusing on “quick win” measures to increase end-to-end operational capacity to 7,000MW from the current capacity of about 5,000MW.
systems and network development studies and securing financing for the entire project implementation.
“The successful implementation of projects under Phase 1 will culminate in the delivery of an additional 2,000MW, 2 million new connections to the national grid, training of over 5,000 engineers to operate the system network, and improved electricity access to millions of Nigerians,” the FGN Power boss added.
Despite what he described as the notable successes recorded in the project, Anuwe explained that the project was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic which occasioned a backlog in Siemens’ production and limited the availability of manufacturing slots.
FCTA Begins
Payment of 40% Salary Increase for Workers
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said it would commence the payment of the 40 per cent increase in workers’ salary this month, following the approval by the federal government last month.
FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, disclosed this at the FCTA staff recognition award 2023 in Abuja.
He said the increment would be paid to FCT staff across the Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies on the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS).
He noted that the non-payment of the harmonised payment of the 40 per cent increase in the staff salary in the CONPSS structure last month was a result of the non-availability of appropriate communication through a circular from the approving authority.
He stated that the Administration has institutionalised the payment of subvention and overheads as a first-line charge to ensure that staff is provided with the necessary tools and a conducive atmosphere to carry out their duties.
Also, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, reassured
staff of the administration's commitment to ensuring their welfare.
He also reiterated the administration’s commitment to evolving and promoting programmes and activities that ensure the promotion of staff welfare and motivation.
The Minister, who was represented by Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani-Aliyu, acknowledged that the FCTA/FCDA staff has continued to make huge contributions to the development of Abuja being the centre of unity.
Also, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, while commending the FCTA for implementing the rewards and recognition systems which she said has always been in the civil service rules, but has been neglected until the implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25) 2017.
The HOS, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office (SWO), Ngozi Onwudiwe, said there were six pillars of the FCSSIP 25, one of which was staff welfare and is inspired by the fact that a motivated workforce is a productive workforce.
While expressing appreciation to the people of Bayelsa for their large turn out on Tuesday to celebrate and honour late Ijaw icon, Major Isaac Adaka Boro, he recalled that the issues of Boro's struggle which included injustice, inequality, selfdetermination and self-recognition, still persisted.
He also asserted that the Ijaws, who were the largest tribe before being balkanised into several states by the Nigerian state following the Arthur Richard Constitution, deserved to be accorded recognition, which was one of the issues Boro agitated for.
Diri, therefore, called on Tinubu to
"We use this opportunity to encourage our members in the National Assembly to agitate for the upward review of the 13% derivation formula which has remained stagnant for too long.
"Since 2003, the derivation formula has remained unchanged. We believe that the incoming administration of Senator Bola Tinubu, who is an advocate of resource control, when he gets on the saddles as president.
"The incoming President has to make an improvement on the current 13% derivation formula to make it a minimum of 25% for a start and a maximum of 80% before he leaves office,” he said.
“Phase 2 targets expanding the capacity of the transmission and distribution systems to enable evacuation of up to 11,000 MW of electricity to consumers, whilst Phase 3 targets expanding the power grid to 25,000MW capacity, through further expansion of generation, transmission, and distribution systems.”
He stressed that both the federal government and Siemens A.G as well as Siemens Energy have remained unswerving in their commitments to the project.
According to him, the project is intended to resolve capacity deficits in metering infrastructure, transmission and distribution endto-end system constraints, power
However, he noted that a visit by the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu and the management of the company as well as other key officials to Germany in April 2022, where he met with the leadership of Siemens Energy, helped in mitigating the manufacturing challenges and fast-tracking the delivery and execution of the project.
“The installation of the 60MVA Siemens power transformer at Apo Transmission Substation, Abuja was widely publicised, and it is enough evidence that the project is going and will continue to deliver upgraded and expanded electricity supply for the socio-economic benefit of Nigerians,” he said.
He reassured all Nigerians, that the PPI remained committed to delivering high-quality, long-lasting solutions, for effective and sustainable economic development and delivery of critical electrification infrastructure to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
Buhari Writes House, Seeks Approval for $800m Loan, Passage of Federal Fire Service Bill
Lawmakers adjourn plenary over induction of lawmakers
Udora Orizu in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has sought House of Representatives’ approval for $800 million loan to finance the National Social Safety Network Programme.
The request was contained in a letter read by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila at the plenary.
The letter dated May 3rd read in part, "It is with pleasure that I forward the above subject to you. Please note that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved an additional loan facility to the tune of $800 million to be
secured from the World Bank, for the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) and the need to request for your consideration and approval to ensure early implementation.
"The House may wish to note that the Programme is intended to expand coverage of shock responsive Safety Net support among the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. This will assist them in coping with the costs of meeting basic needs.
“You may wish to note that, the Federal Government of Nigeria under the conditional cash transfer window of the programme will transfer the sum of N5,000 per month to 10.2
million, poor and low-income household for a period of six month with a multiplier effect on about 60 million individuals.
“In order to guarantee the credibility of the process, digital transfers will be made directly to beneficiaries account and mobile wallets.
"The NASSP being a social intervention programme will stimulate activities in the informal sector, improve nutrition, health, education and human capital development of beneficiary households.
“Given the above, I wish to invite the House to kindly approve an additional loan facility to the tune
of USD 800 million to be secured from the World Bank, for the NASSP. While hoping that this submission will receive expeditious consideration by the House."
The President also transmitted to the House the Federal Fire and Rescue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2022, for consideration and approval.
The letter read, "Pursuant to Section 58(2) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I forward herewith, the Federal Fire and Rescue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2022 for the consideration of the House of Representatives.
NEWS
L-R: Kebbi State Governor,, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; Chairman, WACOT Rice, Farouk Gumel; Governor-Elect, Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris; Managing Director, WACOT Rice, Neeraj Jumar; Deputy Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Alh. Abubakar Gari Malam, Rtd; and Head, Corporate Affairs, Tropical General Investment Group, (TGI Group), Sadiq Kassim, during a visit by the state government officials to WACOT Rice at the newly Expanded 240,000-MT Mill in Kebbi State.... recently.
8 THURSDAY, THISDAY
BUHARI PRESIDES OVER FEC MEETING...
Buhari, Emmanuel Mourn Methodist Church's Prelate Emeritus, Mbang
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari and the Akwa Ibom State Governor,
Udom Emmanuel, have commiserated with all Methodists in Nigeria and the Diaspora, on the passing of His Eminence, Prelate Emeritus,
Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Coffie Mbang. Buhari, in a release by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina,
extended heartfelt condolences to the Mbang family in particular, the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, and the entire
How Stolen Crude Oil-Laden Barge, Truck, Suspects Were Seized in Delta
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
The Nigerian Navy Ship Delta (NNS Delta) in Warri, has clarified how a barge, MV Amangwu, was allegedly arrested and destroyed with suspected stolen crude oil at Okpaka area in Udu, Udu local government area of Delta State.
The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Delta (NNS Delta) Commodore Chindo Yahaya, while briefing journalists, said the operation, which led to the arrest of four suspects last weekend, was jointly effected by it's Anti-Crude Oil Theft (COT) and troops of Sector 1 headquarters,
Effurun.
He said the arrests were made based on intelligence gathered on the operations of the barge.
Yahaya, who was represented at the briefing by the Base Operations Officer (BOO), Commander Samuel Musa, disclosed that the barge was intercepted at about 4.45pm last Friday around Okpaka area in Udu near Warri.
"On Friday, 12 May 2023 at about 4:45 pm, Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA anti Crude Oil Theft (COT) patrol team on joint operations with troops of Sector 1 Headquarters acting on intelligence report arrested a sewage
CBN Partners Benson Idahosa University on eNaira Sensitisation
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
As part of efforts to deepen the adoption of eNaira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has declared its readiness to partner the Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin City, Edo State
The apex bank’s Branch Controller in Benin, Michael Mbeze, stated this yesterday during a three-day training of students of the institution on the eNaira.
Mbeze, stressed that the eNaira, just like the physical naira, was also an official legal tender of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a direct liability of the CBN, hoping that it would provide a platform to drive the digital economy of the"Thecountry.CBN believes the eNaira will make a significant positive difference to Nigeria and Nigerians, including improving the availability and usability of Central Bank money, supporting a resilient payment system ecosystem, encouraging financial inclusion, reducing the cost of processing cash, increasing revenue and tax collection, facilitating diaspora remittances
"The CBN desires to partner with key stakeholders like institutions
of higher learning such as Benson Idahosa University and other members of the public to deepen the adoption of the eNaira both as a payment system and a medium of exchange and transaction settlement," he said.
Speaking on the three days training of the university students on the eNaira project, one of the trainers, Nwankpa Izuchukwu, said the CBN was trying to start an eco-system using the youths to drive and spread eNaira across theHecountry.maintained that the training would make it easier for the students to create the awareness since they are within the eco-system, adding that it is faster and cheaper to use students as ambassadors to drive the policy
Responding, the acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Johnson Oyedeji, said BIU is poised to support policy that would grow the nation financially and benefit Nigerians.
He stressed that the eNaira policy of the CBN must have been well thought out and should be efficiently implemented for the overall benefit of the society, pledging that "as a university, we are going to support it".
disposal truck around Okpaka area in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.
"The truck was laden with unspecified quantity of suspected stolen crude oil. The truck driver abandoned the truck and fled, however, own intelligence source revealed that the stolen crude oil was to be delivered to storage tanks at Mawe Services Environmental Solutions in the same Okpaka area", he said.
Yahaya disclosed that a patrol team visited the area and discovered two storage tanks with unspecified quantity of suspected stolen crude while further investigations equally revealed that the stolen crude oil was loaded from a barge, Motor Vessels Amangwu at Tantan Company Yard in the same Okpaka area.
"Accordingly, the patrol team visited the yard and discovered the Barge laden with unspecified quantity of suspected stolen crude oil on board. Four operators were found in the yard; the four persons were
arrested and transferred to a detention facility at Sector 1 for investigation and further necessary action.
"Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA took custody of the barge and deployed an additional anti Crude Oil Theft team which secured the barge overnight. On Saturday, 11 May 2023; two gunboats from Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA and one from Sector 1 escorted the barge Motor Vessels Amangwu from Okpaka to Asugbo creek for appropriate actions", he said.
Yahaya, urged the members of the public to discountenance claims by some organisations to have effected the arrest of the truck and the barge noting that it was it's operatives in conjunction with Joint Task Force (JTF) Sector 1, headquarters, Effurun that carried out the operations.
"Some organisations issued a press brief claiming to have effected the arrest of the truck and barge. The public is enjoined to discountenance the earlier press coverage," he declared.
body of Christ in Nigeria and the world.
The president noted that the late Mbang was indeed a spiritual colossus beyond the shores of his fatherland.
He recognised that having served as the longest leader of Methodist Church, Nigeria, the first Methodist President of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the first Black President of World Methodist Council, among other pioneering positions, Mbang displayed “exemplary courage, forthrightness, wisdom, intellectualism and selflessness” in his over six decades of service to God and humanity.
Buhari further acknowledged that, “Having retired as Prelate in 2006 and until his transition at 86, Dr. Mbang remained an invaluable voice of reason and source of encouragement to many persons within and outside government especially, in his home state, Akwa Ibom.”
He, therefore, enjoined all those who mourned the eminent statesman and church icon to take solace in the knowledge that he lived a life worthy of emulation by all, and prayed for the peaceful repose of the his soul.
On his part, Emmanuel, too, consoled his family, the Methodist Church of Nigeria, and indeed the larger Christian community on his sad passing.
In a statement by his Chief
Press Secretary/Special Assistant, Media, Ekerete Udoh, Emmanuel said the passing of the renowned Father in Faith is “deeply painful, but we thank God for the life of impact you lived.
“You were a towering figure in the Nigerian Christian community, who, as the Patriarch/Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, for twenty two uninterrupted years, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the first Nigerian ever to head the World Methodist Council( WMC), brought honour to Nigeria and in the process won souls for Christ.
“One of your most endearing attributes was that you spoke truth to power, and was a champion for good governance, equity and justice. As the Co- Chairman of Nigerian Inter- Religious Council, you advocated a peaceful coexistence and tolerance of our religious diversity.
“I thank you most profoundly for the support and prayers you extended to me, since I came into public service, and most especially, the last almost eight years as the Governor of this State.
“You have been the Leader of our Fathers in Faith, and a tireless and passionate believer in the Akwa Ibom Exceptionalism, Godliness and moral rectitude. Nigeria will miss you, the Christian community will miss you, and our dear people will miss you deeply. May your soul rest in peace.”
Senate Asks CBN to Release $717.4m Trapped Airlines’ Funds
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate, yesterday, urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to release the $717, 478, 606 airlines’ funds trapped in the country.
The red chamber also called on the CBN to allocate $25 million to airlines operating in Nigeria at its dollar auction.
These resolutions were sequel to the consideration and adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Biodun Olujimi (PDP-Ekiti South), titled: “Current Issues on airlines blocked funds in Nigeria.”
Olujimi is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation.
The Vice Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Bala Na'Allah
(APC-Kebbi ) presented the motion on behalf of Senator Olujimi.
The upper chamber also called on the federal government to urgently reverse the current trend of increasing airlines blocked funds in Nigeria.
It also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele to pay up the blocked funds to the affected airlines.
The upper chamber further appealed to the airlines operating in the country not to withdraw their services, while efforts were on-going to resolve the issue.
Moving the motion, Na’Allah said since January 2021, Nigeria has been the most challenging
country in the world for the airlines to repatriate their funds to support their operation.
He said, "In February, Nigeria alone accounted for 44 per cent of total airlines blocked funds in the entire world.
“The total airlines blocked funds in Nigeria as at March amounted to $717,478,606, comprising matured bids that the CBN is yet to deliver, bids yet to mature and cash balances in airlines' accounts for repatriation.
“The matured bids not delivered by CBN amounted to $186.5 million amounting for 26 per cent of total blocked funds while three stakeholders (IATA, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines) accounted for 57 per cent of total blocked funds;
“A review of airlines' blocked funds in Nigeria in the last six months shows an average monthon-month increase of $49.3million
"The consequences of these blocked funds are: Cheap tickets are not available in Nigeria because taxes and inflation would have eroded the profit when the funds are kept for a very long time.
"This makes tickets very expensive and limited because neighbouring countries get the cheap tickets because of prompt payments due to prompt repatriation of funds.”
Senators in their contribution supported the motion and voted to approve the prayers when they were put to voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.
NEWS THURSDAY, THISDAY 9
L-R: NSA Major Gen Babagana Monguno Rtd, Chief of Staff Prof Ibrahim Gambari, SGF Mr Boss Mustapha, Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN and President Muhammadu Buhari, during the Federal Executive Council Meeting (FEC) held at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja.
PHOTO: SUNDAY AGHAEZE
Nigeria's High Debt Profile Worries Incoming Govs
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Both re-elected and incoming governors have expressed concern over the country’s huge debt profile.
They also queried the World Bank, saying the multilateral institution ought to have raised the red flag over the over Nigeria’s rising debt profile.
The governors said these while reacting to a World Bank presentation at the induction seminar for incoming and re-elected governors.
A World Bank official in a presentation at the induction seminar had called on the governors to be weary and cautious of the country’s rising debt profile.
But the governors who spoke
on the sidelines of the seminar said the best thing that ought to have been done was for the World Bank and other donor agencies to have raised the red flag on the rising debt.
Addressing newsmen, the reelected governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, when asked to react to the caution by the World Bank on the country’s rising debt profile said: “Honestly, I wonder what the world bank is doing. Apart from giving us grants, assistance in SFTAS and of course loans, they should be able to raise a red flag.
"They should be able to tell the managers of our economy that we cannot continue to borrow endlessly. Our debt service requirement is about 95 per cent of the revenue.
And so the states are affected by this macro-economic reality.
"The oil proceeds are not being shared. And we're here celebrating success, what success? We are going to go under unless we do something inward to really correct our own perception and our own approaches to the management of the economy of the country.
"It is a monolithic economy and yet even where we are getting money, we have taken so much up front. The Federation has to be looked at as a structure because states have to have a say in the management of the economy," the Bauchi state governor said.
Also speaking, the Benue State Governor-elect, Rev. Fr. Hycent Alia,
in response to why the World Bank did not warn Nigeria, said, "I guess, I'm not sure if they did or didn't. But I'm sure as a responsible international financial organisation, they would have been able to put across to the managers of our economy, that things are getting beyond the thresholds.
"I would want to believe that such warnings have not been given. But again, whatever they do, whether they did or didn't do, we owe ourselves the responsibility to know we don't need the World Bank really to tell us that there is a red flag.
"If we appoint the right people, we should be able to come to a point where we know that all is
not well.
"And I think as a people, even the ordinary man on the streets know we need to do something quickly to address this." Rev Alia.
The incoming governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, when asked how he would tackle the high debt profile said, "This is both a national and sub national issue. We will be collaborating with the federal government, as members of the National Economic Council to come up with the right policies that we'll be able to reverse our debt situation.
"And of course, reversing debt is not rocket science, you have to create wealth, you have to add more money to be able to pay
BLINKEN: ATTACK ON US CONVOY IN ANAMBRA MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRE-TARGETED AT OUR MISSION
The clarifications came as President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, expressed his condolences on killing of the two United States embassy officials and two Nigerian policemen accompanying them by gunmen in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Blinken, in statement explained, “Unknown assailants yesterday (Tuesday) attacked a convoy of two US government vehicles in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.
“The convoy was carrying nine Nigerian nationals: five employees of the U.S. Mission to Nigeria and four members of the Nigeria Police Force. They were traveling in advance of a planned visit by U.S. Mission personnel to a U.S.-funded flood response project in Anambra.”
Blinken added, “We do not yet know the motive for the attack, but we have no indications at this time that it was targeted against our Mission.
“The assailants killed at least four members of the convoy, and U.S. Mission personnel are working urgently with Nigerian counterparts to ascertain the location and condition of the members of the convoy who are unaccounted for.”
“We condemn in the strongest terms this attack. We will work closely with our Nigerian law enforcement colleagues in seeking to bring those
responsible to justice.
“The United States has no greater priority than the safety and security of our personnel. We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, and pledge to do everything possible to safely recover those who remain missing.
“We deeply value our relationship with our Locally Employed Staff and our partnership with Nigeria.”
“The United States reaffirms its commitment to the people of Nigeria to assist in the fight against violence and insecurity.”
Buhari expressed his condolences on the killings in a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu.
The president said, "I was very sad hearing about the killing of the embassy staff and our policemen accompanying them. In this dif- ficult time for the families of those killed, the American Embassy and the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, I extend the nation’s condolences over the very sad incident."
According to the statement, Buhari has equally been briefed about the tragic killing of several persons in Bwoi District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, as well as in Adaka village in Makurdi Local Government Area and in Ijaha community of Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The president said he was
deeply pained to learn about the gruesome deaths and expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims.
According to him, “We share the grief of the American Embassy, the Nigeria Police Force and our communities in Plateau and Benue and remain committed to fishing out the perpetrators of the attacks and bringing them to justice.
“May God give their families the strength to bear the unfortunate losses.”
In a related development, the federal government, yesterday, condemned the attack in Anambra State on staff of the United States consulate, and reassured of its continued fight against all forms of crime and criminality in the country.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Francisca Omayuli, read, “The federal government received with dismay the sad news of the attack on the convoy of the staffers of the US Consulate on Tuesday, 16th May, 2023 in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State by yet to be identified gunmen.
“The unfortunate incident, which led to the death of two policemen and two locally recruited staff of the Consulate, is condemnable and most regrettable.”
It added, “While investigation is on-going to fish out the culprits and bring them to book, the federal government extends its sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased as well as to the United States Consulate and Mission in Nigeria over the unfortunate incident.”
Furthermore, the federal government said it remained “undaunted by this sad development and reiterates its commitment to the continued fight against all forms of crime and criminality in the country.”
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, also condemned the killing of the US officials and security men in the state, and pledged reward for anyone who would volunteer information on the killers.
Soludo, in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, commiserated with the US embassy, while also assuring that those behind the attack would be arrested.
The statement read, "We strongly condemn the heinous and unprovoked attack. Over the last one year, we have worked very hard with our gallant security forces to massively degrade criminality and restore law and order. We can proudly assert that Anambra is currently one of the safest states in Nigeria.
"Only two weeks ago, the dreaded and notorious criminal gang leader
NESG: DANGOTE REFINERY WILL CREATE $21BN MARKET FOR NIGERIAN CRUDE OIL
and petrochemical company is aweinspiring. Spanning an expansive 2,635 hectares, equivalent to seven times the size of Victoria Island, this world-class facility is a testament to Nigeria's ambition and determination to take charge of its energy future.
“With a capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the refinery can cater to the entire spectrum of Nigeria's refined product requirements. Additionally, the presence of a 900 KTPA polypropylene plant showcases its versatility in the production of petrochemical products.”
Stressing that Nigeria had long relied on imported refined petroleum products, resulting in economic vulnerability and dependence, NESG said the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company aimed to change this paradigm.
The organisation stated, “With its extensive capacity, the refinery has the capability to meet 100 per cent of Nigeria's domestic demand for all refined products. This includes 57 million litres per day of gasoline, 27 million litres per day of diesel, 11 million litres per day of kerosene, and nine million litres per day of aviation jet fuel.
“Furthermore, the surplus production of these products allows for potential exports, positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global energy market.
“By producing refined products domestically, the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company strengthens Nigeria's energy independence and security.”
It added, “The integrated power plant within the refinery has a capacity of 435 MW, which exceeds the total power requirement of Ibadan Distribution Company (Disco).”
According to the group, this not only ensures a stable supply of petroleum products but also contributes to the economic development of multiple states in the region.
The reduced reliance on imports,
the group argued, shields Nigeria from the effect of volatile global oil prices, further fortifying the country's energy security.
NESG said the impact of the refinery and petrochemical company extended beyond its refining capabilities.
It stated, “The project encompasses the development of unparalleled infrastructure to support its operations. This includes a self-sufficient marine facility, featuring the world's largest order of five Single Point Mooring systems (SPMs).
“Additionally, Dangote has established the world's largest granite quarry, a ready-mix concrete capacity, and procured an extensive fleet of trucks and cranes to meet construction requirements. These endeavours not only enhance local capacity but also contribute to Nigeria's broader infrastructure development goals.”
The group said in addition to the thousands of direct jobs created, the establishment of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company was expected to generate approximately 100,000 indirect employment opportunities, further contributing to Nigeria's economic growth and job market.
It said, “The imminent launch of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company is poised to mark a new era in Nigeria's energy sector. With its unparalleled scale, advanced technology, and commitment to selfsufficiency, this monumental project will elevate Nigeria's economy and energy security to new heights.
“By meeting domestic demand and potentially exporting refined products, Nigeria will establish itself as a key player in the global energy market. The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company stands as a testament to Nigeria's ambition, innovation, and determination to shape its own energy future.”
Meanwhile, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) commended the efforts of its “vi-
sioner”, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the “supportive” federal government for bringing about the project.
A statement by Director General of LCCI, Dr Chinyere Alumina, stressed, “LCCI views the refinery’s impact on the Nigerian economy as significant. It will save and generate foreign exchange. The refinery will create jobs, positively affect the value of the Naira, broaden prosperity for the downstream sector, and provide growth opportunities for businesses.
“It will also stimulate economic growth by impacting the country’s balance of payments.”
In addition, the chamber said it expected the refinery to fuel further growth and development across its value chain, including cosmetics, plastics, and textiles, among others.
Alumina stated, “We also see room for the development of added value in agribusiness, including the sugar backward integration projects that plan to create a strong localised supply in the sugar industry, benefiting local suppliers across the sugar value chain.
“Finally, the chamber notes that this initiative presents Nigeria as an attractive investment destination for local and foreign investors. Therefore, the LCCI urges the government to strengthen its commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses.”
Similarly, President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, applauded Dangote for investing in the development of the largest refinery in Africa.
Abubakar, in a statement, said ACCI recognised the importance of this investment in creating new jobs, improving Nigeria’s economy, and boosting the country’s oil and gas industry. He pointed out that the investment is expected to attract foreign capital and significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on oil imports.
The ACCI boss commended Dangote’s vision and commitment to transforming the Nigerian economy,
adding that this investment is a game-changer for the Nigerian oil and gas sector and a testament to Dangote’s determination to create sustainable value for Nigeria and Africa.
Abubakar stated that the chamber celebrated the outstanding achievement and encouraged other entrepreneurs to follow Dangote’s lead in investing in Nigeria.
In the same vein, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), yesterday, felicitated the president and management of Dangote group on the completion and expected commissioning of the facility.
A statement by Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said, “It is gratifying to note that the refinery can meet 100 per cent of Nigeria’s requirement for all refined products (Gasoline, 57 million litres per day; Diesel, 27 million litres per day; Kerosene, 11 million litres per day and Aviation Jet, 9 million litres per day) and also have a surplus of each of these products for export.
“Therefore, the coming on-board of the Dangote refinery promises to bring to pleasant end, the nightmare of long queues at petrol filling station and the disruption of social and economic activities that come with it.
“The refinery, when fully operational, is expected to generate $10 billion from the export of refined petroleum products and save Nigeria an estimated $10 billion in foreign exchange.”
With state-of-the-art technology, the refinery, Ajayi-Kadir said, is designed to produce with 100 per cent Nigerian crude, and have the flexibility to process other crudes from Africa, Middle East, and US Light Oil.
To cushion the potential effect of increase in mean sea level due to global warming, MAN said the company took appropriate measures using the world’s largest, second and 10th largest dredgers, to elevate the sea height by 1.5 metres.
your debts. So we must look at ways and means of creating wealth as a nation.”
Katsina State, Governor-elect, Dikko Umar Radda, said the main issue before him on assumption would be to handle the security challenge in the state.
According to the Katsina governor-elect, "we have a very serious security issue, which we need a lot of resources to confront. And then I think the most important thing that we need to do is to look at the whole financial situation of the state.
"We would look at the debt profile of the state and see how we can restructure it to allow us to meet all our obligations.”
operating mostly in a neighbouring state was gunned down with four of his team members when they made incursion into Anambra and (we) recovered huge deadly weapons. The criminals are largely on the run or feeling the heat of our zero tolerance to criminality.
"This incident in a remote riverine community in Ogbaru local government is a reminder that patches of these criminal gangs can still unleash senseless and murderous acts.
"Whatever the identity or motive of the attackers, Anambra State government will actively work with the security agencies to smoke out the criminals and bring them to justice."
The statement added, "We call on anyone with information on
the identity or whereabouts of the criminals to offer same on our secured security phone numbers or to any of the security agencies and such informant will be handsomely rewarded. Investigations are underway.
“We assure our residents and visitors of our continued commitment to law and order. If anything, this incident has emboldened our drive.
“As the investigation continues, it is important to highlight an important preliminary takeaway from the facts so far. It is evident from reports by the various security agencies in the state that the visiting team made their own security arrangements
IN HONOUR BY BROADCASTING PEERS, ARISE NEWS CHANNEL WINS TV STATION OF THE YEAR
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Mr. Kayode Akintemi of Arise TV thanked the organisers of the event and Chairman of Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, whom he noted had done "incredible things in the realm of newspaper journalism" and was set to take television by storm.
Akintemi said, “Our chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, is a legend in the media and we are happy that ARISE News is changing the way television is done across Africa and globally.
"We are really happy with the change that we are creating on the continent and we are expecting that the competition is going to be very good and pivotal to the growth of the industry especially in Nigeria.”
Deputy Managing Director, ARISE News, Mr Emmanuel Efeni, who dedicated the award to the station's viewers globally, noted that the award was a recognition of hard work, both by the chairman and the entire ARISE crew.
Efeni said, "It is an encouragement that we are doing well. We can only say thank you to all our viewers. The winners were unveiled yesterday night at an event organised by the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).”
The TNBA Steering Committee, headed by President of the Silverbird Group, Mr. Guy Murray-Bruce, had recently unveiled the nominees’ list for the inaugural edition of The Nigeria Broadcasting Awards (TNBA).
During the unveiling, Murray-Bruce called on members of the public to vote for their preferred nominees in the various award categories.
Murray-Bruce, who in a statement assured the public that the voting process would be credible, stressed that BON was committed to recognising and promoting excellence in the Nigerian broadcasting industry.
He disclosed that three special non-voting award categories, namely Contribution to Broadcasting, Lifetime Achievement in Broadcasting Award, and Posthumous Award, had been created to honour iconic broadcast professionals for their contributions to the development of the Nigerian broadcasting industry.
The glamorous event brought together influential voices that had captivated audiences with compelling stories through sights and sounds media.
From industry legends to rising stars, the Convention Centre of Eko Hotels, where the event was held, was abuzz with creative talents from different parts of the country.
Launched last year to recognise and celebrate excellence in the Nigerian broadcasting industry by BON, the awards ceremony earlier scheduled for last year recognised 20 categories across radio and television broadcasting.
Submitted entries underwent a rigorous vetting process by a jury panel headed by the former Directorgeneral of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Emeka Mba.
In addition to honouring creatives in the broadcasting industry, the awards also acknowledged the contributions of individuals, such as the founder of Africa Independent Television, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, and Senator Mike Ajegbo, the founder of Minaj Broadcasting International (MBI).
Equally recognised for their support to the industry were MultiChoice Nigeria and Indomie, among others.
Receiving the Lifetime Achievement awards for their role in the promotion of the broadcast industry were Christopher Kolade, a veteran broadcaster and one-time Director–General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation; Vincent Maduka, the first DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Television Authority, who campaigned for more categories to reward radio and TV programmes, as well as Mohammed Ibrahim, who is the first Nigerian to superintend the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
The event also paid tribute to notable figures, who had made indelible contributions to the broadcast industry even after their passing. Among them were the late ace broadcaster Mike Enahoro, Dahiru Modibbo, and Kunle Olasepe, who was Africa's first male face and voice on television.
TNBA's success was fully attributed to Chairman of BON, Mr John Ugbe, and MultiChoice Nigeria, where he serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Ugbe's visionary leadership in establishing the awards was widely applauded.
Hosted by prominent media personality, Frank Edoho, the night witnessed musical performances from music consultant Ben Ogbeiwi as well as the Nigerian Idol alumnae Akunna, among others.
Other winners of the night included Nigeria Info FM, which clinched the Best Radio of the Year, and Channels TV, which emerged winner in the Best Television Station – Original Production in Business/Drama/ Sports (English Language) category.
TEN 10 THURSDAY, THISDAY
Continues online
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 11
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 12
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 13
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 14
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 15
Behold The Brand New Imo State, Under Uzodimma
By James Udemba
It may sound incredible or too good to be true. But it is the truth nonetheless :Yes, without any fear of contradiction, it must be said that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has wrought a new Imo state, laced with new possibilities and new opportunities, glittering with solidly paved roads, a litany of infrastructural facilities, and a robust public service. And now the mother of the game changers; the prospect of a river port in Oguta that will catapult both Imo state and the South East to an industrialised economy. That is the brand new Imo State Uzodimma has wrought in just fourty (40) months. And it is truly beautiful to behold.
Now, look at these: One of the distinguishing features of Hope Uzodimma ‘s administration in the last three years is the initiation and strengthening of projects which have economic values even as they serve their immediate purposes. In both the strategic and critical infrastructure he has put in place in Imo State and the ones he has attracted from the federal government, Senator Hope Uzodimma appears to have only one goal: the economic emancipation of the State from its civil service and consumptive orientation and placing it in the league of other economically advanced states like Lagos, Rivers and Kano.
That’s why one is not surprised with the single mindedness with which he pursued the federal government to grant approval for the Dredging of the Sea Route from Oguta Lake through Orashi river to Degema and finally to the Atlantic ocean. No doubt it was the security impact and the vast economic opportunities therein that motivated the governor to seek the partnership of the Nigerian Navy and multinational companies to embark on the project and bring it to fruition. The formal flag - off of this ambitious project on Thursday, May 11, 2023 more than spoke eloquently of the vision of a man who has changed the narrative of Imo State in just 40 months in office .
It is really ironic that when Uzodimma secured the approval for the project shortly before the general election, critics, including journalists who ought to know better, went to town to dub it a campaign gimmick by the ruling All Progressive Congress intended to hoodwink the Igbos into voting for the party in the just concluded general elections. Some highly placed officials of the federal officials were even sceptical as they claimed ignorance of the approval. But the man at the centre of it all was not daunted because he knew what he was doing. Apparently deaf to the insinuations and distractions, he went about it with a determination and zealousness that only a knowledgeable and determined businessman would. Therefore, when the cream of the Nigerian society gathered at the bank of the famous Oguta Lake the project was no longer on the realm of speculation but that of realization.
Nigeria ‘s Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, led dignitaries to Oguta to flag off the project. The Chief of Defense staff, General Lucky Irabor was there with the Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Awaal Gambo. The Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo came with other high ranking members of President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s administration. Interestingly, royal fathers outside the state also wanted to be part of history by being physically present to witness the event . The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Alfred
Achebe, came from Anambra, the Ooni of Ife, His Majesty, Oba Adeyeye came from Osun, while the chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Okeke led his brother royal fathers to give a royal seal of approval and blessings to the project. As the waters flowed from the Oguta Lake to the Atlantic ocean,so did the torrents of commendation to Governor Hope Uzodimma. In truth, he deserves all the commendation for initiating such a gigantic project that will change the economic and security face of Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general.
Vice - President Yemi Osinbajo captured it succinctly when he described the dredging of Oguta Lake through Orashi river to Degema and finally to the Atlantic ocean as a game changer in the economic and security development of the nation and Imo State. According to him,” the project is designed to revive the economic channels and enhance coastal connectivity and ensure security on the stretch of the two rivers opening up to the Atlantic ocean. When realized, it will offer economic opportunities to the host communities, Imo State and Nigeria in general” He also announced to the cheering audience that President Muhammadu Buhari has also approved a free trade zone for the area, which will leverage on the large gas carbon deposits in the area.
But the number two citizen of the country had some very kind words for Uzodimma who he described as a man of foresight and pragmatism.
While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the project, Osinbajo noted that without Uzodimma’s foresight, nothing would have been done for the project to take off. He was
happy that with the flag off of the hypographic survey and dredging the project will surely come with economic transformation to open Imo State as a gateway to other West African countries.
Apart from the economic benefits, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor, said the project will boost security in the waterways of the South East and Niger Delta, and for that reason, the military will support it wholeheartedly. ‘ The overall objective of the project is to create an economic and secure environment along the river and the communities on the coast. The military will leverage on the approval to support the realization of the project “,he assured.
That assurance was re -!echoed by the Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Awaal Gambo, who described the project as a medium for transportation of goods and services and for curbing criminal activities and reducing oil theft in the coastal areas. He recalled that a Naval base had been proposed for Imo State as early as 1991, but its operation could only start ‘ during the government of Governor Hope Uzodimma in 2021”.
Speaking on the partnership between the Navy and the state government in the execution of the project, the Naval Chief assured that his officers and men will provide the necessary security for the project, while urging the communities along the coastal areas to take the project as their own.
Uzodimma agreed with Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo that the approval for the project came at a right time with God using President Muhammadu Buhari to actualize it during his time as Governor of Imo State. He said the project” is for trade and investment, economic transformation and the fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism”. According to him, “ the dredging and opening up of the two rivers to the Atlantic will remove Imo State from being landlocked as it is encapsulated in security and economic development”
The governor who was obviously excited over the flag off disclosed that the project will be realised not with magic but by the miracle of Public Private Partnership (PPP).” He pointed out that the purpose of the hydrographic survey and dredging is to determine the mapping and depth of the entire distance from Oguta Lake to the Atlantic ocean.
Commenting specifically on the economic and security benefits of the project when fully realized, Senator Hope Uzodimma declared” the success of the project will bring unquantifiable employment for Imo State, the South East and NIGERIA at large. This will be followed by the establishment of an industrial cluster leveraging on the gas deposits and other natural resources in the area. In addition, the project will foster cultural ties between the the South East and the South South when the security is strengthened and movement becomes seamless. “
The Governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the “ approval to dredge the two rivers and for the approval to uplift the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri to Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, for approval to locate the Naval base in Imo State, for approval to upgrade its Alvan Ikoku College of Education to a federal university of education and for the approval to establish oil reclamation programme in Imo State” He also
thanked Buhari for his support to recover Imo from bandits and hoodlums that terrorised the state.
Turning to the guests, Uzodimma expressed gratitude to Vice - President Yemi Osinbajo, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Minister, traditional rulers, captains of industry and other guests for honouring Imo people with their presence. He was appreciative of the fact that both the Vice - President and the Minister of Trade and Investment are supportive of the initiative which will be realised through PPP.
In their different goodwill messages, the former Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka and the President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief (Engr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, they all commended the efforts of Governor Uzodimma as a great thinker and appealed to Ndi Imo to give him maximum support to realise the project and more.
They also thanked President Buhari for supporting the Governor and approving his demands which are aimed at making Imo State better.
Chief Iwuanyanwu thanked Mr. President and the Vice - President and the Federal Executive Council for helping the Governor succeed by always approving his requests.
The Traditional Institutions, represented by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Onitan, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Eze Imo, HRM EC Okeke, HRM, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, HRH Eze Oliver Ohanwe and a host of other monarchs, commended the Governor for a job well done with the project, noting that when realised the cultural affinity between Oguta and Onitsha and their neighbours will be revived.
The Ooni of Ife described the Governor as a good drummer, whose people are always glad to follow his beats.
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Otumba Adeniyi Adebayo said he was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the project and wished the Governor well in his plans to achieve its realisation.
The Chairman of the Governing Council of Imo State University and a son of Oguta, Chief Ernest Nwapa, described the project as a reenactment of something that was conceived some 100 years ago and thanked the Governor for resurrecting it.
While saying that he strongly believed it will be realised, Nwapa called on his people to support the Governor to recover Oguta and be prepared to benefit from the project.
He also thanked Mr. President for his approval and for all the support extended to the Governor.
The highpoint of the event was the formal cutting of the tape by Professor Osinbajo with the support of other top dignatories.
All said, the Dredging of Oguta/Orashi River to the Atlantic ocean remains, in the words of Osibanjo, “ the game changer “ for Uzodimma, and the South East. And that is the truth and nothing but the truth. Uzodimma has built a new Imo state that has erected unassailable foundations for an industrial revolution that will stand the test of time. For this and many other visionary projects of his, he has worn over a lot of detractors and earned the respect and admiration of many Imo sons and daughters. He deserves all the accolades that continue to come his way.
Yes, Katsina Is Home Of Progressives Politics
By Bashir Dayyabu
Arguably, Katsina State is the melting point of progressives’ politics as the state and its people have continued to associate itself with the ideals of this time-tested brand of politics.
From the dawn of the current democratic dispensation to date, and even before then, Katsina state has played a prominent role in consolidating democracy in Nigeria as it is privileged to have illustrious sons and daughters who have continually contributed to building a stable and enduring democratic culture in the country.
Fundamentally, Katsina has continued to associate itself with the ideals of providing the best of progressive governance with the specific focus on ensuring a prosperous Nigeria for the Nigerian people.
Indeed, the roles played by prominent Katsina citizens in the build up to the alliance that culminated in the birth of the ruling All Progressives Congress is well documented and has further lent credence to the fact that the state is the home of progressives’ politics.
It is not surprising therefore, that during the 2015 general election, the APC swept virtually all the elective positions in the state and retained its dominance by repeating the uncommon feat in both the 2019 and 2023 polls.
But one man who has consistently provided the leadership for the progressives politics in the state is Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, the current Governor
Representatives between 2003 and 2007.
Governor Masari played pivotal roles in midwifing the arrangements that birthed the ruling APC and relentlessly canvassed for power shift to the South during the build up to the 2023 polls.
Masari has a political trajectory of speaking truth to power. It would be recalled that as the Speaker, House of Representatives, he was courageous enough to tell former President Olusegun Obasanjo that he had presented his last budget in 2007, when it was rumored that Obasanjo had a third term agenda. Masari told him that such a move was unconstitutional.
And when it looked like it was not going to be easy for anyone from the Southwest to succeed President Buhari in 2023, Masari did not change his position on power shift. He continued his advocacy for power shift and specifically rooted for Jagaban.
When political scheming within the party intensifies with some APC Governors in the North ganging up to fight Tinubu by removing the party’s national chairman, Adams Oshiomole, who they believed was an ally of the President-elect, Masari and other critical stakeholders ensure reason prevailed and hence, they worked relentlessly to steady the party’s ship.
Masari held a meeting in Kaduna with his APC colleagues in the North and sold the idea of supporting the Jagaban Borgu to achieve his dream to become the next Nigerian President after
Buhari in the spirit of reciprocity (considering the fact that he (Tinubu) worked relentlessly for the success of the APC) and fairness since the north was serving its 8-year term through President Muhammadu Buhari. Eventually, reason prevailed and through deft political scheming, Jagaban clinched the APC ticket. Again, Governor Masari deployed his political skills and rally the progressives minded Katsina voters consequent upon which APC won massively and soundly too in the state. The party clinched all three Senatorial seats, all the state assembly seats and 13 of the 15 House of Representatives seats.
Of course, for the presidential poll, after surviving high stake treachery which the governor vehemently dealt with shortly after the election, the APC polled 482, 283 to trail behind PDP’s 489,045.
For yet another time, the voters in Katsina state set aside their prejudices and other primordial sentiments to use their votes in massively bending the arc towards progressivism as they voted overwhelmingly for the ruling APC.
The journey for 2027 elections may well have begun the moment the 2023 poll was won and lost. That being the case, there is the need to ensure that effective political structures including appointments into key positions, are reserved for tested and solidly rooted Katsina politicians who have the requisite capacity and connections with the people, to further consolidate the journey of the progressives in the state.
of Katsina State.
Masari has intimidating credentials in politics and has continued to use that for greater political good. He served as commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport in Katsina State from 1991 to 1993 and was the Speaker of the Nigerian House of
PERSPECTIVE THURSDAY, THISDAY 16
Executive Governor of Katsina State, Bello Masari
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 17
Betara Trudges on with House Speakership Ambition
Despite the edging out of North-East from the National Assembly leadership positions, a member of the House of Representatives representing Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, Hon. Muktar Betara is continuing his campaign and lobbying of stakeholders towards realising his ambition of becoming the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.
Betara who’s the incumbent Chairman of House Committee on Appropriations, made his foray into politics when he contested for the House of Representatives seat on the platform of the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and got elected as the member representing the interests of Biu, Kwaya Kusar, Bayo and Shani Federal Constituency in 2007.
Since then, he has been re-elected, emerging as one of the few members to have served in the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth assemblies in Nigeria, with the current and immediate past tenures secured on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He’s no doubt, one of the few very hardworking lawmakers who has made valuable contributions to the green chamber right from the 6th Assembly to the current 9th Assembly where he headed key House Committees such as Army (7th Assembly), Defence (8th Assembly) and Appropriations (9th Assembly).
The lawmaker conceived his Speakership ambition in 2019, but on compassionate grounds, he stepped aside and fully supported Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to emerge as Speaker.
In 2023, four years after stepping aside for incumbent Speaker, Gbajabiamila, he decided to contest for Speakership again, optimistically expecting the support of the incumbent and the National leadership of the party.
However, he was disappointed as the ruling party picked someone else as their consensus candidate.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership had last week endorsed Hon. Tajudeen Abass from Kaduna State (North-
west) as its consensus candidate for the speakership position.
The endorsement has been trailed with protest, with seven aspirants including Betara known as the G-7 (Hon. Idris Wase, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, Yusuf Gagdi, Sada Soli, Aminu Jaji and Mariam Onuoha) faulting the party’s decision.
Betara and incumbent Deputy Speaker, Wase had expressed disappointment in APC’s choice describing Abass as unpopular 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.
His words, “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 you see in 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 even don’t even know the person - a lot of us.”
Moving Ahead
Following the announcement of the consensus candidate, the G-7 aspirants had stormed the APC headquarters to register their disappointment and to make it known that they won’t tag along with the party’s choice.
Reiterating their stance, Betara, speaking in Abuja, at the formal declaration of the Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, for the speakership seat, said the group of seven candidates for the speakership of the 10th assembly will work together for one of them to emerge as the leader of the House in the next dispensation.
He said: “A consensus candidate can be picked, but it will be by all of us sitting down. I assure everyone that there is not going to be any issue. I assure all of you that we are going to agree to support one of us as Speaker. For us, we formed this group because we are opposed to the zoning arrangement of the party, We are not fighting and we would not fight. We are in support of a consensus candidate.
“We can pick the candidate from among ourselves but we will all sit down and decide on it. I assure all of you it is only one person that God would choose to be Speaker. We are not going to have any issue. We are going to agree to support one of us as Speaker.”
As Nigerians await their official announcement on who the chosen one will be, it appears that Betara will emerge as the G-7 consensus candidate given his popularity and the love his colleagues have for him.
Aside his colleagues, Betara even before his official declaration had gotten the endorsement of major stakeholders. He has the backing and blessings of new members elect, ex-lawmakers, ruling and minority parties chieftains and so on.
05 Initiative Impacting Lives in Delta
The 05 Initiative founded by wife of Delta State Governor, Edith Okowa, is impacting on lives of citizens of the state with free eye care services already extended to 53,100 people.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has hailed 05 Initiative, founded by his wife, Edith Okowa, for its contributions to the building of a stronger Delta, especially in touching the lives of the people in various ways, including healthcare.
The governor who gave the commendation at an Appreciation Dinner organised by 05 Initiative in Asaba, the Delta State capital, expressed joy over the number of lives 05 Initiative had touched in one way or the other over the last eight years and publicly thanked his wife for her vision to help the poor and the vulnerable.
He said, “I truly want to publicly thank my wife for the great job that she has done by partnering the private sector to make this impact on humanity, especially in the healthcare of our people.
“The 05 Initiative opened 23 sickle cell clinics as at today, to help tackle our healthcare challenges.
“If we can all impact on people around us like the 05 Initiative has done, maybe starting with your next door neighbour or anybody you find around to help, I am sure that Delta and Nigeria will be a better place than what we have today.
“So it’s my prayer that we all learn that any assistance you give to the less-privileged, you are giving that assistance to God. God is the great rewarder of whatever we do. I pray that the 05 Foundation will continue to grow.”
The governor disclosed that every amount spent by 05 Initiative was sourced from donors and the
private sector, and advised all those posting malicious information on the social media and petitions against the 05 Initiative to desist from such acts.
According to him: “I must appreciate all the partners of 05 Initiative, particularly the donors, both the big and the everyday donors.
“I am proud that every single outreach and project they have done has been with the funds from the private sector.
“Unfortunately, there are still persons that do not understand the workings of the 05 Initiative. And rather than appreciate what they do, these persons post all kinds of things in the social media. Such things can be disheartening”.
Earlier in her speech, wife of the Governor and Founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, explained that the Initiative was birthed and anchored on the Bible verse of Matthew 25:35-36, which talks about reaching out to the poor and vulnerable in the society.
According to her, the Initiative recently inaugurated a clinic at the Correctional Center in Ogwashi-uku, adding that no fewer than 53,100 persons had received free eyecare services through direct intervention of the Initiative.
She appreciated great donors and partners, including MrJim Ovia of the Zenith Bank group and Mr Gabriel Ogbechie, Chairman of Rainoil, describing them as worthy partners in the fulfilment of the divine mandate.
Mrs Okowa announced that the Initiative would after May 29, 2023, become a Foundation that would continue to cater for the needy.
In their goodwill messages, the wives of the Governors of Edo and Bayelsa states, Mrs Betsy Obaseki and Mrs Gloria Diri, who also doubled as the representatives of the Forum of Governors’ Wives, extolled the good job done by the 05 Initiative.
Mrs. Obaseki said: ‘This is what service to our country men and women is all about; a life of impact to other people. All the governors wives are proud of what our sister has done with her foundation”.
Also speaking, Dr. Jane Ibuaku who represented the Medical Director, of the Federal Medical Center, Asaba disclosed “Dame Okowa has been paying bills of those who are not able to take care of their bills at the hospital.
“One of such cases was when she came to the rescue of a family who had quintuplets and could not pay the bills.”
18 THISDAY THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 POLITICS Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com (08033025611 SMS ONLY )
Okowa
Udora Orizu writes that the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, is forging ahead with his speakership ambition despite zoning arrangement of the All Progressive Congress’ national leadership to the contrary.
Betara
Chief R.O Ore: Remembering a Consummate Mobiliser, Teacher, Politician 25 Years After
Timothy Enietan-Matthews
For youngsters and even the old, who grew up and lived in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government area of Kogi State in the 1980s and early 1990s, the sight and sound of a megaphone wielding Chief Raphael Olorunfemi Ore will most certainly and always bring back fond memories of nostalgia, of their early years growing up and the sheer conviviality and serenity of their beloved hometown.
Though Ayetoro Gbede is home to several iconic figures and men who distinguished themselves in the service of the community and humanity in that era, Chief R.O Ore, as he was fondly called, stands out for many reasons.
Two of the very popular songs many will always remember Chief R.O Ore for include omi ero l’Ayetoro Gbede and Ayetoro Day, Ayetoro Day, songs that drummed support and encouraged government to give the fast expanding town pipe borne water and also mobilising indigenes and residents for the annual Ayetoro Gbede Day celebrated on the 26th of December.
It was common place to see the revered chief go from street to street with his megaphone singing and mobilising indigenes and residents alike, with youngsters trooping to watch him do his thing with admiration.
Early Life, Education and Work
Chief R.O Ore was born to the family of Chief Abraham Elea Ore and Mrs Mesele Ore in Ayetoro Gbede, now in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State in 1935
Like every other child in that era, Chief R.O Ore grew up in the farmstead, helping his father in the farm, but off course, he had his eyes on being educated.
He started his education at LEA primary School Ayetoro Gbede before proceeding to Offa Grammar School, Offa, Kwara State. He however left Offa Grammar School in 1958 to become to become a teacher at Ayeh Gbede, where he taught for 3 years before proceeding
to Gombe Teachers College
After his studies at Gombe Teachers College, Chief R.O Ore was posted to Iluke Bunu as head master.
As a man who knows the value of education and cherished self-development, he was not satisfied yet with his level of education, as he again, proceeded to the Rural Education Collage in Bauchi, Bauchi State for further studies from Iluke Bunu for three years.
After his studies at the Rural Education College, Bauchi, Chief R.O Ore taught at the St Monica's College, Kabba for a while, before his quest for more knowledge and qualifications took him to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. From ABU Zaria, he was posted back to St Monica's College
Chief R.O Ore’s working life was such that he was in high demand, with schools where he served always eager to have him back, as evidenced in his recall back to St Monica’s College, Kabba after a stint as a
headmaster in Effo Amuro, in then Kwara State in 1970.
A Consummate Unionist Chief R.O Ore was not just a great teacher, who impacted knowledge to the next generation after him but one that took the welfare of teachers and issues after the teaching profession seriously.
This trait made his colleagues in the Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers {NUT} elect his as the NUT National Representative in 1983. His sterling qualities and commitment to the welfare of teachers, bestowed on him greater responsibilities, as he was subsequently elected the Chairman of the Kwara State chapter of the NUT, a position he occupied till the creation of Kogi State in 1991, before the end of his tenure. Knowing his capacity and commitment to their welfare, the NUT in the newly created Kogi State retained him as their Chairman, from where he finished his tenure. Not done with his contribution to the teaching profession and education, the Kogi State government, appreciating his contributions and off course, sterling qualities, appointed him as Parmanent Member 1 of State Primary Education Board {SPEB}
Selfless Politician
As a man who was committed to the development of his community, Chief R.O Ore recognised that participation in politics is one of the effective means of bringing development to the community. With this realisation, he was active in politics, as he contested election and won as Councilor for Ward 2, Ayetoro Gbede.
Aside this, Chief R.O Ore was in the forefront of giving direction politically in Ayetoro Gbede for the good of the community, as his idea of politics is
primarily targeted at using it for the good of his people and not for selfish goals.
Community Mobiliser
If there is anything indigenes and residents of Ayetoro Gbede will always remember Chief R.O Ore for, it is his selfless service to the community and his unique mobilisation efforts.
Late Oba Johnson Akanmode and his council of chiefs, no doubt held him in high esteem, alongside others like Major Oba and Chief I.I Bello, as they provided great support structure for the peaceful reign of the late Oba, during which the town witnessed monumental development. For many in the community, Chief R.O Ore was a consummate mobiliser, a development advocate, a change agent and a man who was sold out to the service of his community.
He was in the forefront of clamouring for boreholes for clean and safe water for the community, good and motorable roads, leading most times in the community’s self effort at grading the roads in town and many other laudable projects he spearheaded or mobilised for. He was a man who took the affairs of the town as if his life depended on them.
In recognition of his immense contributions to the community, he was conferred with the title of Elegah of Ilotin Quarters. He was also honoured with the title of Baba Ewe of Ayetoro Gbede by late Oba Johnson Akanmode, Olodoa the II, a title that underscored his contributions to education and youth development in the community.
In order to further give bite to his passion for clean and safe drinking water, Chief R.O Ore's children, weeks ago, commissioned a solar powered borehole for for the Ilotin Quarters of Ayetoro Gbede, with full compliments of solar lights that has brought life and brightened the people. The projects were fully funded by them.
There is no doubt that Chief R.O Ore’s contributions to the Ayetoro Gbede community is reason his name keep exciting emotions and fond memories even 25 years after his journey to the great beyond!
Unlocking Potential of Afrobeats for Long Term Growth
Bada Akintunde-Johnson writes that to unlock the potentials of Afrobeats in order to build Nigeria's economy, there is need to engage stakeholders' participation for long term growth
Afrobeats, initially confined to the shores of Africa, has become one of the most pervasive and popular music genres worldwide in the last decade. The electrifying melodies of the genre have transcended the shores of our continent and have become an everyday staple in the United States, Europe, and even some parts of Asia.
The growth of Afrobeats has undoubtedly been impressive, but there are massive questions around and about its sustainability and longevity. Currently, the music industry is plagued with issues ranging from a lack of critical policies and enforcement to a lack of government support, infrastructural challenges and behavioural trends or cultural baggage. Paramount Africa and MTV Base hosted a panel session at the recently concluded AfricaNXT Conference to address these challenges and proffer solutions.
At the conference, I joined other panellists, including Chinwe Greg-Egu, Senior Brand Manager, Heineken; Dr Seun Fakorede, Hon. Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Oyo State; Oyinkansola 'Foza' Fawehinmi, President, Digital Music Commerce and Engagement Limited; and Ilooise Omohinmin, Moderator and MTV Base Culture Squad member, to properly unpack the issues whilst taking a deep dive into the evolution and growth of our music industry in the past decade.
Government Policies and Infrastructure
Amongst the challenges identified is the current need for governmental support in terms of incentives, policies, and infrastructure that will guarantee the industry's sustained growth. In the last decade, industry players have waded through the menace of piracy, recurring incidences of insecurity, and an absence of infrastructure that makes touring within the country, for instance— one of the significant revenue streams for artists
Akintunde-Johnson
globally—almost impossible.
Nigeria lacks the art-and-entertainmentfostering infrastructures present in more advanced societies — mainly due to the absence of incentives that serves to encourage private stakeholders to make substantial investments needed to elevate and sustain the upward trajectory of the industry. For instance, the Nigerian entertainment industry suffers from a shortage of concert venues. To solve this problem, it is expedient that the government catalyses development in the sector through incentives — such as tax holidays and tax cuts — that will stimulate private sector investment, setting the stage for landmark public-private partnerships to address the infrastructural challenges.
Dr Fakorede explained that private sec-
tor stakeholders have a crucial role in drawing the government's attention to policies that must be implemented. Therefore, there is a need to engage government representatives to inform them of what needs to be addressed. I think the missing piece here is having lobbyists who constantly and consistently engage the government on the critical interests of the whole entertainment ecosystem.
Lack of Disposable Income and economic challenges
A huge problem militating against the music industry's growth is the absence of decent disposable income, which hampers the consumer’s ability to purchase entertainment products. All over the world, the concept of disposable income speaks to what is left in the pocket or bank accounts after expenditures have been catered to. In Nigeria, there is a lot of pressure on the disposable income of the average citizen, which significantly handicaps people's ability to spend on what they want — including concert tickets. A standard concert ticket at major venues like the Maddison Square Garden in New York costs about $300, significantly higher than the average price for a concert ticket in Nigeria. Music audiences in America can mostly pay about this sum or even more for music experiences but in Nigeria, that sum is about three times the value of the minimum wage. Most members of the addressable market for entertainment in Nigeria are excluded from participating by unfavourable economics. This, added to a dismal concert culture, particularly outside festive seasons,
makes the picture even more unpleasant. Often, concert organisers have had to delay shows for several hours to allow more time to reach the capacity crowd — a strategy that has proven not to be effective and are almost entirely dependent on ever-shrinking brand budgets because they really cannot project to drive any meaningful revenues by selling tickets.
The State of Insecurity
Beyond fostering private-sector engagement in the Afrobeats industry, the government— as Dr Fakorede pointed out — must actively develop plans and strategies towards combating and significantly reducing Nigeria's insecurity scourge. In 2022, Nigeria was ranked 143 out of 163 independent nations and territories on the Global Peace Index. On a granular level, the report shows that the country experienced more unrest that led to multiple incidences of deaths and abductions across the country — about 3,478 deaths and 2,256 cases between December 2021 to June 15, 2022, according to the report. With these frightening insecurity levels, Nigerian artistes can't effectively engage with their fanbases nationwide. For instance, Nigeria's top artistes such as Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Tems and Arya Starr cannot host shows in many parts of Northern Nigeria due to the raging insecurity. The logistical requirements for forestalling security breaches at such shows would be too expensive, making it economically unviable for any brand or artiste to undertake.
FEATURES Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430 NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
19 THISDAY DAY, MAY 19 , 2023
19 THISDAY DAY, MAY 18, 2023
Ore
www.thisdaylive.com
KUTI, POLICE, LAW AND PUBLIC SEARCH FOR REVENGE ADEWALE ADEOYE canvasses Seun Kuti’s unconditional release
NIGERIA’S MUSHROOMING PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES
Eight years as Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has entered the records as the nation’s longest serving person in that on its own, cannot be wished away. But his general achievements are in the open and are subject to assessments. Be sure that much of our university unions, for instance, even with their own obvious missteps, are poised never to remember him for good. I respect him on at least one ground: The accountant turned education policy maker is a realist. He confessed some months ago that he was worried about his inability to accomplish a lot in his cabinet
See page 21
SHAMEFUL PREMISES OF OUR NATIONAL TROUPE
The state of the national troupe is horrifying, writes AUSTIN ISIKHUEMEN
opportunity to promptly call for his sack for what they viewed as his admission of failure. That reaction wasn’t particularly unexpected at the time as the various university stakeholders smiling at all.
One other thing I have observed about Adamu is his sensitivity to legacies. At ministry’s strides under his watch and their potential places in posterity with a sense of pride. Like the day he announced the return of history to the basic education curriculum late last year. Last Tuesday, yet another chance of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic universities and a book written in his honour. A day before, the minister had broken the news of the government’s approval of more private universities. The Executive Secretary of the Prof. Rasheed Abubakar, was dramatic in his praise: “As at yesterday morning, there were
See page 21
EDITORIAL
WHO WILL STOP THE KILLINGS?
private universities in the country. That is, of the cent came during Adamu Adamu as Minister of Education.” When reporters wanted to know the rationale behind what seemed to be the prioritisation of quantity in the face of the obvious shortcomings in the sector, Adamu declared, “We need more universities. The existence of the many universities should not deter the creation of new ones. Besides, these are private universities!”
A round of applause for the former I can hear someone screaming back. Less than two weeks to the end of this administration, its desire to leave positive thoughts behind in
The Ministry of Aviation has been working on a functional national carrier for years without any visible fruition. The minister, Hadi Sirika, recently assured a bewildered nation to The people of this country are, of course, no strangers to living dangerously but even the die-hard optimists and friends of the policies of government among us are now convinced
if not insane. The lines between ego, personal getting worryingly blurred. Back to the licensing of more individuals and private organisations to establish and run their own universities. The reasons the education helmsman gave for these massive, last-minute endorsements are correct, by half. And until the questions begging for answers in the other half are addressed by the incoming government, we’re set to witness a further rubbishing of a critical segment of our national life. The privatisation and liberalisation of some aspects of the economy like energy, broadcasting and telecommunication have resulted in higher productivity and growth. That puts the people on notice that with the gains await the country elsewhere, including tertiary education.
Thankfully, we’ve come a long way in this regard too. Since Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Esama of Benin, founded Igbinedion sector has shown the capacity to augment the provide university education for its teeming youth population. Today, institutions like
Most probably, the number of applications received is responsible for this, and not any clannish need for regional balancing. In our clime when politics is read into virtually every move, making this distinction isn’t out of joint at all.
population, like in other parts of the world, has consequences, many times unfavourable. Admitting eligible young people into universities has been a major problem for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board the prospective candidates. The cumulative percent of the applicants. The necessity for non-governmental involvement in salvaging this situation is, therefore, not in contention.
The problems inherent in what seems emergency shouldn’t be overlooked, either. have a record of throwing issues and programmes open, welcoming interested parties as partners in progress, only to get feeble at the points of implementation policing the existing apex centres of learning?
Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State can locate themselves among Africa’s best private universities. Some of them compete favourably with the older, government-owned universities in global rankings. They’ve equally produced graduates who can hold their own grounds within and outside the country. The level of improvements in their ability to deliver and sustain outstanding quality in the midst of the cacophony of both systemic and atmospheric pessimists and cynics. But we mustn’t ignore the loopholes that have come with bearing disproportionate weights. The south accounts for most of the thriving privately-established universities. It’s quite remarkable, though, been approved are domiciled in the north.
And to what extent has it dispensed that responsibility creditably? So, escalating its tentacles without the adequate evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses could even be self-defeating in the end. Only in December over-ambition of some lecturers, especially in private universities, to be called professors. work climate of these institutions are better imagined. I doubt if some of the public ones can exonerate themselves in this matter. The monitoring structures it has put in place as safeguards for healthy academic operations. quarters that some of the private universities may become homes to half-baked or pseudo intellectuals. Perhaps, it’s better to overlook how these upcoming ivory towers hope to positions soon.
The hurdles even go way beyond that. If governments, being highest spenders, are struggling with funding, what’s the fate of these fresh private entrants? Some of them are well-known business hubs where the sole consideration is money. Such environments can’t be trusted to encourage optimal intellectual pursuits. Some time ago, desperate calls started coming from various angles for them to be given access to the meant for public universities. That’s not a good sign.
Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board
1 THISDAY THURSDAY MAY 18 2023
opinion@thisdaylive.com
T U S N 22 20
The level of improvements in their ability to deliver and sustain outstanding quality in the midst of the cacophony of systemic and atmospheric challenges in Nigeria is a wonder to pessimists and cynics. But we mustn’t ignore the loopholes that have come with bearing disproportionate weights
Thursday May 18, 2023 Vol 27. No 10263
Enlisting more privately-owned tertiary institutions comes with burdens that mustn’t be pampered, warns MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE
ADEWALE ADEOYE canvasses Seun Kuti’s unconditional release
KUTI, POLICE, LAW AND PUBLIC SEARCH FOR REVENGE
The state of the national troupe is horrifying, writes AUSTIN ISIKHUEMEN
SHAMEFUL PREMISES OF OUR NATIONAL TROUPE
into the yard. All I could see were some
was the theatre that hosted the popular dramas
into consideration.
witness, a lady was trailed and shot dead.
The renowned National Troupe that is the police.
oppression and tyranny.
Adeoye writes from Lagos
3 THISDAY THURSDAY MAY 18 2023
auxtynisi@yahoo.com
21
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
EDITORIAL
WHO WILL STOP THE KILLINGS?
A government that cannot guarantee the safety of life and property has failed
For the past two decades, sporadic killings have become a staple in our country. Most zone where the once thriving economy boosted by temperate climate is now almost crippled. The violence is often to clashes between farmers and herders over access Emmanuel Akabe, supervised the mass burial of 38 persons, mostly women and children, who were and Gwanja rural communities of Karu Council of the state. Pastor in-charge of Evangelical Church Winning in what has become an orgy of bloodletting.
Since the beginning of this year, no fewer than a hundred people have been killed in Benue State in various attacks by invading gunmen. On one occasion in Otukpo local government area, suspected herdsmen attacked villagers during a funeral, killing dozens. But the killings are not and Plateau States, dozens of lives have also been lost to these incessant killings with the number of displaced people growing every day. What is particularly worrying is that because of these killings, many communities are self-arming either to protect themselves or for reprisal attacks as bloody battles for supremacy and for the control of land become increasingly alarming. It is one other repercussion of a has become a vicious cycle. More cofounding is that authorities at all levels are ready to spend more money to investigate what we already know, buy more guns to engage the problem.
Meanwhile, this culture of impunity persists because the relevant security agencies have not
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
succeeded in apprehending the entrepreneurs of violence and bring them to justice. There are several questions begging for answers: Why has there been no successful prosecution of anybody involved in this orgy of violence and bloodletting? Authorities in both established judicial commissions and administrative panels of enquiry to investigate these killings. What actions have been taken on the reports?
these killings had been tame is a major problem. President Muhammadu Buhari who makes some feeble statement after every tragedy usually ask the public to “expose the perpetrators of such incidents, their sponsors and those who encourage such criminals who carry out these dastardly acts of murder, so that the law will take its course.” Yet, the fact that many people on unperturbed is fast depicting us as a people who place little premium on human lives. When such bestiality becomes a way of life, as it is now in many states, those who kill would want to recreate the scenes more often almost like any addict who goes on the high by reliving his addiction. That today is the tragedy of our nation.
To worsen matters, these unrelenting assaults have awakened the consciousness of the people to a primordial sense of group self-preservation. And the situation is getting out of hand. The spate of violence across the country has prompted several critical stakeholders to call for an urgent review of the national security architecture. In the challenging times that we are in, all options should be on the table, especially as the nation quivers under threats of unknown colouration, with sundry mischief makers prancing forward to contribute whatever they can for reasons of their own. A government that cannot guarantee the security of life and property for citizens and residents in a country has failed.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
LETTERS
THE MESSAGE FROM HILDA BACI
Continued from backpage
that means she worked for 22 hours and rested for two hours in one day. The ratio of work hours to rest should young people don’t see the correlation between work and wealth but the ultimate lesson is for those in leadership positions.
rum held a retreat for outgoing and incoming governors.
President, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, former Senate
liver for people on their rights and their futures, we erode their faith in power, in politics, in the state. And that results in a loss of trust, in resentment between genera-
way to build a more cohesive nation and a more harmonious world is to deliver “better services, better opportunities, better safety, better government and a healthier environment.”
I commend the idea behind such introspection by the sons were learnt. In the United States from where we borrowed our presidential system of government, high-level their memoirs. Some also go into consultancies while getting paid for speaking engagements. They don’t exploit the system to award themselves scandalous pensions. hardly retire to academia or the organized private sector of think-tanks or philanthropy. Many of them troop to the Senate, ostensibly so that they can continue to ‘eat’!
Baci for her feat. She struck the right note when she said that her goal was “to inspire every young girl about the possibility of achieving their dreams” and that with her success, young women across the continent would understand that they have the capacity to break barriers and make lasting impacts. And in preparation for the compelose some weight and adjust her diet.
levels. Conventional wisdom teaches that you don’t eat are today hungry. But it’s time to move from the dining table to the kitchen. That shift in mentality requires a new leadership ethos. As we can see from the experience of Hilda, cooking is not easy. But at the end, it is extremely rewarding.
Olusegun Adeniyi, Abuja
4 THISDAY THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023
H I S D AY
SHAKA MOMODU
CHIMA
ENIOLA BELLO
ISRAEL IWEGBU
EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN
The fact that many people die, and Nigerians move on unperturbed is fast depicting us as a people who place little premium on human lives
T
EDITOR
DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE,OBINNA
MANAGING DIRECTOR
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR
CHAIRMAN
22
Stakeholders Fret over Planned
Plead with Banks to Settle N120bn Indebtedness
Emma Okonji
Bank customers and other stakeholders in the financial sector are becoming worried over the implications of the planned disconnection of banks in Nigeria from the use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) platform, provided by telecoms operators.
Telecoms operators, last week, warned that they would not hesitate to disconnect bank customers anytime soon, should the banks fail to pay the accumulated N120 billion debt they owe telecoms operators for using the USSD platform for their financial transactions.
The USSD is a financial transaction platform that was developed by telecoms operators, which enables financial transactions on any mobile phone, using a short code.
A bank customer, Mr. Sylvester Odion, who spoke to THISDAY about the implications of the planned disconnection of USSD platform, said it would affect mostly low income earners who are bank customers as well as majority of traders and artisans who do not use mobile apps for their banking transactions because of the high cost of data.
According to him, this set of people prefer to use USSD platform
to transfer and receive money because it works with feature phones that are far less expensive than smartphones and for the fact that financial transactions could be done with USSD code without data subscription. He therefore called on banks to quickly reach an agreement with telecoms operators over the accumulated debt to avoid disconnection.
President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, told THISDAY that the implications would have huge negative effect on the banking sector, because many bank customers that use the
USSD platform will be completely disenfranchised, thereby putting pressure on mobile apps, which could lead to incessant failed financial transactions.
“If telecoms operators are allowed to make do their threat to disconnect bank customers from using the USSD platform, such action will cause a great setback for the financial sector and further widen the financial inclusion gap that banks are trying to bridge in collaboration with telecoms operators and Fintech players. Banks must therefore make haste to settle the accumulated debt owed telecom operators to avoid disconnection,” Ogunbanjo said.
He accused the banks of billing bank customers for using the USSD platform and wondered why banks have not been remitting money to telecoms operators for using their platform, when they are actually making money from USSD platform. He further said Nigerians suffered a great deal of failed financial transactions in the first quarter of the year when the Nigerian currency was changed and old currency was withdrawn from circulation. He said Nigerians suffered from incessant failed financial transaction at that time because ATM machines were not dispensing cash and there was so
much pressure on mobile apps for financial transactions, adding that such ugly scenario may play up again if USSD is disconnected. Giving details about the accumulated debt, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, told THISDAY that as at 2019 when the issue was first raised, the debt was N32 billion and in 2021, the debt was N42 billion, and rose to N80 billion in 2022, before rising to N120 billion in 2023.
He said the debt kept accumulating because the banks deliberately refused
Continued on page
Report: New Operational Technology Threat Puts Organisations at High Risk
Microsoft, on Tuesday, released its latest Cyber Signals Report at a virtual press conference, where it exposed how a new cyber threat is putting organisations and technology teams at high risk.
The Microsoft’s latest Cyber Signals report highlights how cybercriminals are using Operational Technology (OT) as gateways into an organisation’s network, According to the report, the new threat comes at a time when emerging technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) connections
in the region are growing, just as the GSM Association (GSMA) predicts that about 1.1 billion IoT connections are expected by 2025 in Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
It’s this growth in OT and IoT that has given cybercriminals more opportunities to breach an
organisation’s network, the report further said.
Microsoft Cyber Signals report, is a regular cyber threat intelligence brief spotlighting security trends and insights gathered from Microsoft’s 65 trillion daily security signals and 8,500 security experts. The latest edition has
found that converging Information Technology (IT), Internet of Things and OT systems, pose a wider risk to critical infrastructure.
For Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), the impact of a possible security breach is top of mind in
an increasingly complex threat environment. This can be seen in the 11.2 per cent rise in cybersecurity spending in the Middle East and North Africa for 2022, the report added.
Continued on page
BONDS DESCRIPTIONPriceYield Change (%) Updated Time ^13.53 23MAR-2025 104.0411.04 0 May 15, 2023 ^12.50 22JAN-2026 98.95 12.95 0 May 15, 2023 ^16.2884 17-MAR-27 110.51 12.72 0 May 15, 2023 ^13.98 23FEB-2028 99.87 14.00 0 May 15, 2023 ^14.55 26APR-2029 101.36 14.20 0 May 15, 2023
BILLS MATURITY Discount Yield Change (%) Updated Time NTB 8-Jun23 5.505.52 0.00 May 15, 2023 NTB 7-Sep23 4.58 4.64 0.00 May 15, 2023 NTB 26-Oct23 6.15 6.32 0.95 May 15, 2023 NTB 9-Nov23 4.50 4.60 0.00 May 15, 2023 NTB 7-Dec23 6.80 7.07 0.00 May 15, 2023 OTC FX FUTURES CONTRACT TENOR (MONTH) Contract Current Rate ($/₦) Updated Time 1 NGUS MAY 31 2023 473.90 May 15, 2023 2 NGUS JUN 28 2023 476.31 May 15, 2023 3 NGUS JUL 26 2023 478.72 May 15, 2023 4 NGUS AUG 30 2023 481.13 May 15, 2023 5 NGUS SEP 27 2023 483.53 May 15, 2023 CPS MATURITYDiscountYield Change (%) Updated Time NSDL CP IIA 22-NOV-23 18.90 20.97 0.00 May 15, 2023 MTNN CP V 23-NOV-23 11.9812.78 0.00 May 15, 2023 NSDL CP IIB 23-NOV-23 18.9120.99 0.00 May 15, 2023 VAAG CP XVII 24-NOV-23 16.6918.31 0.01 May 15, 2023 RICL CP IV 1-DEC-23 16.1617.72 –0.01 May 15, 2023
MARKET DATA AS AT WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2023
Emma Okonji
BUSINESS WORLD Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com 08056356325 23
USSD Disconnection,
24
24 RATES AS AT MAY 17,2023 MONEY MARKETREPOS & P INDEX S & P INDEXEXCHANGE RATE OPR 11.25% CALL 19.12% INDEX LEVEL 611.31% 1/4 TO DATE -0.07%N462.50/ 1 US DOLLAR* OVERNIGHT 11.50% 1-MONTH 16.25% 1-DAY 0.03% YEAR TO DATE 0.48%*AS AT LAST FRIDAY 3-MONTH 15.75% MONTH-TO-DATE -0.7% THISDAY THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023
Aboki: With Increased Access to Telecoms Services, Incoming Govt Can Enrich All Nigerians
AliyuYusufAboki is the Executive Secretary of the WestAfrica Telecommunications RegulatorsAssembly (WATRA). He is a telecommunications engineer and policymaker with over 22 years of experience working in Nigeria, Ghana and Indonesia with Ericsson and MTN. Aboki has advanced degrees and training in Communication Engineering, Business Administration and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Manchester, University of Warwick and MIT. He speaks, in this interview with Kunle Aderinokun, on the power of telecommunications and its adroit regulation to create jobs and prosperity in Nigeria and the Economic Council of West African States (ECOWAS) region. Excerpts:
What is the purpose or mandate of WATRA?
WATRA’s mandate is to shape the development of the telecommunications industry in West Africa by facilitating the harmonization of policies and creating consistent regulatory frameworks among members, that is the 15 members and Mauritania. And by ensuring the efficient use of telecommunication services and resources like spectrum within the region. So WATRA facilitates the exchange of information and expertise among its members. A single regulatory rule or practice can have so much impact on driving up investment and driving down the cost of telecommunications services. It is WATRA’s job to work with members so that they adopt such regulations as quickly as possible.
Nigeria has over 40 federal and state telecom taxes and levies. How does Nigeria compare to other countries in the West African region and globally in terms of taxes on telecom services?
In 2011, Nigeria had taxes as a proportion of the Total Cost of Mobile Ownership (TCMO) at less than 5 per cent. Taxes as a proportion of the Total Cost of Mobil Usage (TCMU) was also one of the lowest in the world. These low rates of taxation were a key reason why telecommunications investment and services expanded in Nigeria. Between 2012 and 2020, the contribution of the telecoms sector to Nigeria’s GDP doubled from 7.7% to about 14.3 per cent . Taxes and levies have crept up in Nigeria. So, we need to be careful. The scope to use telecommunications to create new economic activities and make virtually all aspects of the economy much more productive has been drastically expanded compared to 10 years ago. The digital economy is transforming livelihoods and creating vast economic opportunities. We should not limit the potential of this economic transformation by raising taxes. The more people have access to technology, the more access to the service, the more we have an increase in economic activity. Telecoms should be seen as a driver for growth not a source of economic revenue. The government will end up getting far more revenue when it stimulates investment and innovation, and the use of technology by SMEs, and individuals intensifies.
How strong is the evidence that telecom companies will invest in expanding services and keep the cost of services low when taxes are low? Is there any evidence of that?
Lower taxes and levies provide companies with additional funds to invest in their operations, expand their networks, and improve their services. This will lead to keeping the prices low for consumers. This is a general principle. For governments all over the world, the telecommunications sector is a huge source of revenue. But smarter governments have learned not to tax the telecommunications industry directly, but get more revenue from the much broader growth across different sectors of the economy which the intensive use of telecommunications drives. Foreign investment in the telecommunications sector is now a major source of FDI. The economic growth driven by the digitalization of economic activities could with time deliver taxes that rival the revenue that Nigeria gets from oil.
The evidence is clear that the expansion of the digital economy has a positive spillover impact on economic growth. Imposing a tax that hinders the growth of this economy could delay the emergence of its benefits and potentially hinder tax revenue by impeding economic growth. Smart policymakers and regulators are always looking for ways to reduce the cost of services. In 2020, an influential body, the Alliance for Affordable Internet, recommended lowering taxes on low-cost devices as a way of reducing
the cost of mobile usage. You really increase the potential of the telecommunications sector when you reduce the tax burden. Countries that do so avoid delays in the deployment of new equipment and technology and the expansion of services by mobile network operators. When you delay, you are delaying the transformative impact services could have on the economy, citizens, and small businesses in various areas of the country.
One might argue that high telecom taxes and levies are a form of income distribution given that the services are used mainly by urbanites. Do you agree with this?
Taxes do help the government generate revenue, no doubt about that, but they can also have a regressive effect on income distribution. Taxes you apply may disproportionately affect low-income households, they tend to spend a higher proportion of their income. These services are standard across forms so the low-income earners would be negatively impacted so the spillover effect must be considered. This occurs because telecom services are utilized in many other sectors and can enhance productivity in those areas. By the time you carry out any activity that impacts the telecoms sector, then be ready for the ripple effect. So, it certainly impacts other sectors and enhances productivity. I just wanted to highlight this broader impact on overall growth, national incomes, and future revenues of those sectors. If you negatively impact those sectors, those sectors will be hindered and cannot grow optimally.
What is WATRA doing to increase internet penetration, particularly in rural areas?
Let me quickly highlight to give some background because we follow events in West Africa closely. So despite the general growth in demand for internet usage, there is an increase in
the digital divide between urban and rural areas. Some countries have an absence of rural coverage.
WATRA is working closely with member states to encourage increased partnerships between operators and governments to improve rural coverage.
WATRA is sharing best practices for expanding rural coverage from experiences in similar markets in Southern Asia and Latin America. This includes incorporating coverage obligations in license awards and renewals and strengthening the universal service fund mechanisms. WATRA has promoted the Latin American policy of pay or play which entails using funds to deploy networks in rural areas rather than paying the universal service fund. WATRA is also facilitating roaming agreements between operators and streamlining civil engineering processes for deployment to reduce costs. All these things play a significant role in facilitating the deployment of rural solutions in areas that are unserved or underserved.
What’s the internet penetration rate in Nigerian rural areas?
Right now, we are around 30-40% for basic telecoms services so there’s a lot of room to improve in those areas. We are not talking about internet service, 3G or 4G which are higher-order technologies, we’re talking about basic 2G GSM. There’s a lot that needs to be done.
How can government promote the usage of digital technologies by small businesses that constitute the majority of businesses in Nigeria?
There are successful models for encouraging the use of digital technologies to improve opportunities amongst underprivileged communities and small businesses even in advanced countries. Governments encourage the design and roll-out of training programmes
STAKEHOLDERS FRET OVER PLANNED USSD DISCONNECTION, PLEAD WITH BANKS TO SETTLE N120BN
on the adoption of digital technologies working with many industry associations. There are also many initiatives from different government departments to digitalise their engagement and services. Governments also foster partnerships between tech companies and SMEs. Regulators also play a role.
Nigeria’s NCC for instance introduced a very important intervention- value-added services aggregator license-that has made telecos share more revenue with providers of value-added services. These service providers are not only small businesses, they also provide services that are essential to the operations and growth of millions of small businesses. Government intervention could also be useful in areas such as promoting the adoption of e-comemerce platforms by small businesses. The potential here is massive. Women for instance could make pots or traditional clothing. The global market for ethnic clothing in 2021 was estimated at $89.3 billion dollars. Our music has proven that we can sell our culture to a global market. Technology can enable us sell tangible products inspired by our rich culture to wider markets. We should look on the bright side- the thousands of young Nigerians who are creating brands and selling tailoring services for instance completely online.
From WATRA’s data, how do you think the digital economy has generated jobs for Nigerian youths? How can it generate more?
The digital economy has a huge potential to generate a lot of jobs for Nigerian youths in several ways such as eCommerce, digital marketing, app development, and technical support for businesses that rely on technology. It is important to know that telecoms serve two purposes to the economy, it serves as a supply means to other sectors as a lot more trade is being performed via the internet. I mean a lot of mobile connection transactions plus a high volume of banking activities are carried out online. Recently, you could see the exponential growth, the sector is a distinct circle in the economic system. And we’ve seen the impact when we had this Naira redesign, what role technology plays.
Let me first refresh our minds with some statistics just for context on the impact of ICT on the economy. In 2022, ICT contributed N21.15 trillion (16.51%), making ICT the second highest contributor to Nigeria’s GDP after the agricultural sector. Of the N21.15 trillion, the telecoms sector contributed 82.17%, this is really to show you how much the telecoms sector is contributing to the GDP of Nigeria. Now, there’s no limit to how much employment potential the sector possesses really. For example, there is a shortage of software engineers worldwide, a gap Nigerians can easily fill. We have very talented youth.
There are an estimated 120,000 software engineers in Nigeria, the number can go up with increased access to the Internet through increased broadband penetration in the country. These actions government should take are directly related to jobs in this sector. The sector could employ if service providers join hardware makers to set up firms to serve the Nigerian market. For example, if you look at all these phones that are coming in. Imagine all these are been assembled and manufactured here in Nigeria, with almost 200 million phones used in Nigeria including over 120 million smartphone users.
The demography favours us and we’ve got the skills. Getting the telecoms sector as a source of employment will involve the government reducing the tax burden on the sector. That’s why I mentioned that I wouldn’t advise any increase in taxes and this allows players within the sector to increase
The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
INDEBTEDNESS
to pay, despite several reminders from the telecom body, the telecom regulator and the Minster of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami. Adebayo further explained that the telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), gave telecoms operators the nod to disconnect banks, following their refusal to pay the accumulated debt.
REPORT: NEW OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY THREAT PUTS ORGANISATIONS AT HIGH RISK
“The growing rate of digital transformation within the African region is facilitating the emergence of new attack vectors and opportunities for cybercriminals. For Nigerian CIOs the consequences of a possible security breach is their number one concern as they look to navigate an increasingly complex threat and regulatory landscape. This is
according to the Enterprise Security Trends in Nigeria survey, conducted by the IDC and commissioned by Microsoft. Nigerian organisations realise the importance of developing a proactive approach to security. The IDC survey revealed that 72 per cent of organisations in Nigeria have increased security budgets by 10 per cent or more in the last few
years,” the report further said.
It explained that the increase in digital transformation across the region would enabled organisations to manage their buildings, emergency systems and access control with smart devices connected to a network.
“In addition, we have seen an increase in IoT devices in the
workplace to better enable hybrid work such as smart conference rooms with microphones and cameras. As the threat landscape continues to expand and become more complex, organisations need to re-think their cyber risk approach to stay one step ahead of would-be attackers, the report said.
Analysing the report, Country
Manager for Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams, said:
“Organisations are more connected than ever before. From the humble Wi-Fi router to the everyday office printer, IT teams need to view their IoT devices differently and secure them as they would any company laptop to prevent security breaches. Gaining complete visibility of an
organisation’s OT systems and protecting its IoT solutions will go a long way in preventing cyberattacks.”
Microsoft enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge, with a mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.
24 THURSDAY, MAY 18, THISDAY
BUSINESSWORLD INTERVIEW
Aboki
Effects of Artificial Intelligence in Newsroom
One of the most significant ways that AI is being used in the newsroom is for content creation. AI writing tools, such as GPT-3, can generate human-like text based on prompts provided by the user. This can be useful for news organisations that need to create large volumes of content quickly, such as breaking news alerts or financial reports. Additionally, some news organisations have used AI-powered tools like Heliograf, developed by The Washington Post, to automatically generate news stories based on data.
AI is used to help journalists with tasks such as fact-checking and analysing large volumes of data. For example, the New York Times has used an AI tool called Kepler to help identify patterns and trends in their vast archives of photos and video. Other news organisations have used AI-powered tools like Veracity. ai to help with fact-checking and detecting misinformation.
AI can be used to personalise content for different audiences and optimise content for search engines. News organisations can use AI-powered tools like Atomic Reach to analyse audience data and create content that resonates with specific groups of people. Additionally, it is used to identify the most effective keywords and phrases to use in headlines and stories to improve their visibility on search engines.
CONCERNS ABOUT AI
In spite of the effective use of AI in the newsroom, there are also concerns about the use of AI in the newsroom. One concern is the potential for bias. AI tools can be biased if they are trained on data that is biased, which could lead to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes or misinformation. Additionally, some critics argue that the use of AI in the newsroom could lead to the replacement of human journalists and a decrease in critical thinking and journalistic judgment.
Despite these concerns, the use of AI in the newsroom is likely to continue to grow as technology continues to advance. While AI can be a powerful tool for improving efficiency and delivering information to audiences, it is important for news organisations to approach it with a critical eye and ensure that it is being used in a responsible and ethical manner.
ABOUT AI WRITING TOOLS
There are varieties of AI writing tools available today and here are some of the most popular ones such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, Copy.ai, Articoolo, QuillBot, Jarvis.ai, and Wordsmith. ChatGPT was developed by OpenAI, GPT-3 is one of the most advanced language models available. It can generate text in a wide range of styles and formats, including articles, product descriptions, and even poetry.
Grammarly is a popular writing tool that uses AI to check your writing for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. It also provides suggestions for improving your writing style. Copy.ai is an AI-powered writing assistant that can generate headlines, social media posts, and other types of content. It uses GPT-3 technology to create high-quality content quickly and easily.
Articoolo is an AI-powered content creation platform that can generate articles, blog posts, and other types of content. It uses advanced algorithms to create unique, high-quality content in just a few minutes.
QuillBot is an AI-powered writing tool that can help you rephrase sentences, improve your writing style, and even generate latest content. It uses advanced algorithms to understand the meaning of your text and provide intelligent suggestions. Jarvis.ai is an AI writing tool that can generate blog posts, social media posts, and other types of content. It uses GPT-3 technology to create high-quality content quickly and easily.
Wordsmith is an AI-powered writing tool that can generate reports, articles, and other types of content. It uses natural
language generation (NLG) technology to create human-like text.
These are just a few examples of the many AI writing tools available today. Each tool has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to choose the one that best meets your needs.
Coming down to Nigeria, AI writing tools are becoming more widely used in newsrooms. Some Nigerian news organisations have already started to experiment with AI writing tools to help with tasks such as content creation, editing, and fact-checking. These tools are also becoming increasingly popular among journalists as they seek to streamline their writing process and produce high-quality content more efficiently.
FEATURES OF AI WRITING TOOLS
Some of the features of AI writing tools that are useful for journalists include: Improved writing skills, Fact-checking, Automated content creation, Customisable writing, Language translation, Enhanced data visualization among others.
For improved writing speed and efficiency, AI writing tools can help journalists to write faster and more efficiently, generating ideas and producing content quickly and accurately.
For automated research and factchecking, AI-powered tools can help journalists to find relevant information
quickly and verify facts more accurately, freeing up more time for actual writing.
Fpr automated content creation, AI writing tools can generate drafts of articles or reports, giving journalists a starting point for further research and refinement.
With customisable writing styles, AI writing tools can help journalists to craft their writing in a specific style, such as AP style or the journalist’s own personal style, ensuring consistency across their work.
With language translation for journalists working in multilingual settings, AI writing tools can provide automatic language translation, allowing them to work across different languages and cultures more easily.
With enhanced data visualization, AI tools can help journalists to visualise data more effectively, turning complex data sets into clear and compelling visualisations that engage readers.
POPULAR AI WRITING TOOLS IN NIGERIA
There are several popular AI writing tools that are widely used in Nigeria. Some of these include: Grammarly, Article Forge, AI Writer, Writesonic and Copy. ai among others.
Grammarly is a popular writing tool that uses AI to check grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors in your writing. It is used by professionals, students, and writers in Nigeria to improve the quality
of their writing.
Article Forge is an AI writing tool that generates high-quality articles in just a few seconds. It is mostly used for content creation for websites, blogs, and other digital platforms. AI Writer is an AI-powered writing tool that can generate blog posts, social media posts, and other types of content. It is widely used in Nigeria for content marketing and social media marketing. Writesonic is an AI-powered writing tool that can generate marketing copy, product descriptions, and other types of content. Businesses and marketers create high-quality content for their products and services with this.
The Copy.ai is an AI-powered writing tool that can generate headlines, social media posts, and other types of content. Marketers and content creators use it to create engaging and persuasive content.
These are just a few examples of the popular AI writing tools used in Nigeria. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative writing tools in the future.
Overall, AI writing tools offer significant benefits for journalists, helping them to produce high-quality content more efficiently and effectively. While there may be some concerns around the impact of AI on the journalism industry, these tools have the potential to improve the quality and speed of journalistic output, while also helping journalists to adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape.
While AI writing tools have many benefits for journalists, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider.
DISADVANTAGES
There are however, some disadvantages of using AI writing tools in journalism. For instance, AI writing tools may not be able to understand the nuances of language and context in the same way that human journalists can. This means that they may not be able to capture the full meaning of a story or convey the appropriate tone. Again, AI writing tools can be biased if they are trained on data that is biased. For example, if a tool is trained on a dataset that contains biased language or perspectives, it may reproduce that bias in its writing. While AI writing tools can be helpful for generating basic content, they may not have the same level of creativity as human journalists. This means that they may not be able to produce original ideas or angles for stories. There is a risk that journalists may become over-reliant on AI writing tools and start to rely on them too heavily. This could lead to a decrease in critical thinking and journalistic judgment.
Then of course some AI writing tools can be expensive, which could make them inaccessible for smaller news organisations with limited budgets.
It is therefore important to remember that while AI writing tools can be helpful, they should not replace the skills and expertise of human journalists. Journalists should approach AI tools with a critical eye and use them as a supplement to their own skills and knowledge.
25 THISDAY THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023 BUSINESSWORLD E–BUSINESS
As an emerging technology, Artificial Intelligence or AI has been increasingly integrated into the newsroom in recent years, changing the way journalists work and creating new opportunities for news organisations to deliver information to their audiences, writes Nosa Alekhuogie
Pierre: Delivery Business in Nigeria is in High Demand
As an e-commerce startup company, what is your view about the Nigerian tech ecosystem, what opportunities exist and how can stakeholders like Glovo further develop the ecosystem?
The Nigerian tech ecosystem is super vibrant. I have heard about startups innovation in Lagos and other cities in Nigeria and how investors are willing to invest in the Nigerian tech space. With the type of innovation that is coming out of Lagos, the city is fast becoming the fastest growing tech hub in Africa and I am excited about the growth and the pool of tech talents and tech companies that are coming out of Nigeria.
Glovo as a global delivery company with presence in Nigeria, depends on the internet and broadband spread. How will you describe access to internet in relation to business?
Ubiquitous access to the internet is a challenge, not only in Nigeria, but also in other countries in Africa and the rest of the world. The development will not stop Glovo from investing in the Nigerian market even though our business growth depends heavily on internet access. Yes there are some challenges in Nigeria, in regards to internet connectivity, but access to the internet is improving and our team is constantly building solutions that are helping stores and couriers to improve on their data plans and internet connectivity.
How will you describe the impact of Glovo business on the Nigerian business environment?
The impact is massive. Our services and solutions are impacting on sellers and buyers on the Glovo platform in Nigeria. Glovo is the first online channel and we partner with supermarkets, where we offer them everything that will enable them do online business with their customers with ease. We offer them with logistics, customer service, and the online platform for transactions. That changes the whole perspective of the business. The restaurants that largely depend on offline customers for their sales, now have online customers who order food online and we deliver to them. So what we have done is to use our solution to offer services to customers and clients and the impact on customers and the Nigerian business is huge.
So what gap is Glovo bridging in the Nigerian e-commerce space?
The e-commerce space in Nigeria is underdeveloped, and this is largely so because I think nobody has been able to build a very solid platform that offers different kind of services that will drive e-commerce growth in the country. So Glovo is trying to bridge that gap by building different categories of services on our platform that are driving e-commerce in the country. Every week, we sign up new restaurants and businesses like groceries, pharmaceuticals, flowers and electronics on our platform and we deliver to customers in minutes. We are also educating the people on the ease of making online orders that will be delivered to their door-steps with ease and in minutes. We deliver thousands of orders on a daily basis and the business is growing gradually and customers are beginning to enjoy our prompt service deliveries.
So what is the current market share of Glovo in Nigeria and what is the expansion plan?
Beginning from countries in sub-Saharan Africa like Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Rwanda, including Nigeria where we have been operating for some time now, we do have some good market share of our delivery business. Among the African countries where we have presence, Nigeria is the fastest growing market for us at Glovo. We have signed up several partners and customers and the business is doing well in Nigeria. Currently we are operating in three cities in Nigeria, and we plan to expand to more cities soon. We have over one thousand courier
operators in Nigeria that are active, the number of restaurants and shops that have signed to our platform are on the increase.
What makes Glovo unique in its service delivery, giving the competitive market that you operate in?
The things that stand us out in our service offering are our products and solutions. In Barcelona, Spain, we have over a thousand tech engineers that are building our products and solutions. They are involved in developing different apps for different service deliveries and our solutions are user friendly and superb and the engineers are innovating all the time and coming out with new solutions that will give customers, partners and clients the best user experience. The solutions are used in Europe and Africa, where we operate and people like our solutions. Again, the way we deliver our services, also stands us out, because we deliver very fast and timely with no mistakes. When the user opens our app, they find all the services they need on our platform.
Are your solutions country specific or the same solutions developed in Barcelona, Spain, are used in all the countries where you operate, including African countries?
We have a global product but we tailored it to country specifics. For example we have to integrate our global payment solution with the Nigerian payment system and solution in order to have a unique payment solution for the Nigerian market.
Glovo business is capital intensive. How easy is it for you to raise funds in driving the business?
Since the inception of the Glovo business
in 2015, we have been able to raise as much as Euro1.2 billion, but we started the Nigerian business in 2021. Food delivery is a massive industry in the world and it will continue to grow big because the demand is huge and increasing year-on-year. So the business needs money to grow and be sustained. As far back as seven years ago, the industry started attracting investors because every investor knew that it is a massive industry with potential growth capacity. It is not just about raising funds, but about investors who understand the business, and are ready to invest in the business. I see it as a profitable business and I believe Glovo will become profitable in a couple of years to come. In Nigeria, the business is growing gradually, but we are currently funding it from proceeds of our business from other regions of the world.
What is the level of Glovo business in Nigeria? We have invested a few million Euros in the Nigerian business since its inception in 2021 and we are still investing. Our investment in Nigeria is channeled towards building the team, the couriers, as well as in marketing and sales. Today we have scaled our operations in Nigeria and we have delivered over a million orders and the growth is impressive. For now we are still investing and we will continue to invest until we grow the market to a sizable level.
How has Glovo been able to manage logistics in Nigeria, in terms of deliveries?
Our logistics are mainly last mile deliveries. All our logistics take place within a specified location, which makes management of our logistics a lot easier. We do not involve ourselves in across-city deliveries, We only
deliver orders from one point to another within a particular location and this helps us to manage our motorbikes and riders. So we deliver within 45 minutes within a city.
As CEO, what are your challenges in managing Glovo business globally?
I try to understand what really drives our employees to work with full dedication, and I always find a strategy around that. Globally we have close to 4,000 employees, with thousands of couriers and I try to manage them as much as I can. I spend time making sure that everyone is satisfied on the job. My greatest challenges are funding and the ability to optimise the positives and limit all negatives in our kind of business. The line managers who directly supervise the workers under them have limited budget to operate with. But in the midst of the challenges, I can confidently say that the business is growing and making impacts. For me I see a lot of opportunities in our challenges as a business and nothing will stop Glovo from investing and expanding its business in Nigeria and Africa. I am optimistic that Glovo will sign on new restaurants and shops on its platform going forward.
At what point did you discover the business opportunities in Nigeria that attracted Glovo to establish in Nigeria?
Glovo started as a food delivery business in 2015 and we discovered that many people liked our business model and we decided to expand the business. While our competitors were focusing mainly on cities, we went beyond cities to underserved areas, and decided to explore the African market and that was the point we saw the huge business opportunities in Nigeria and we established the Glovo business in Nigeria in 2021.
What would you say has been your greatest challenges in doing business in Nigeria?
One of our greatest challenges in doing business in Nigeria is traffic but we are getting over it because we have a strong value proposition for business. The issue of connectivity is also a bit of a challenge, because people need to be connected to the internet to make orders and we need such connectivity to take orders for delivery. The issue of connectivity is not peculiar to Nigeria, as we face same challenges in other regions where we operate.
How has it been convincing investors to raise funds for the Glovo business?
It is quite difficult to raise funds for our business growth, but we have succeeded in raising a lot of funds for the Glovo business since inception. We have raised series ‘A’ and series ‘B’ funding for Glovo and we are very ambitious in driving the Glovo business. Initially some investors turned down our request for fund raising because they seemed not to understand the growth potential of our business, but few years later, some of them came to us to say they were wrong in their earlier decision and that they were ready to invest in Glovo.
The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
26
Co-Founder and CEO of Glovo, Oscar Pierre, spoke about Glovo expansion plan, the business demand and opportunities in Nigeria, as well as the technology driving the Glovo business model. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:
BUSINESSWORLD INTERVIEW THURSDAY, MAY 18, THISDAY
Pierre
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
Need to Renew Interest in Pharma Manufacturing Sector
As a sine qua non for economic growth, experts at the fifth-anniversary celebration of St Racheal’s Pharma, and the official launch of St Racheal’s Azithromycin recently held in Lagos State, harped on the need to renew interest in the manufacturing sector to increase the country’s production capacity. Sunday Ehigiator reports
The manufacturing sector is the hub of a vibrant national economy. To be relevant, the sector must have the ability to harness the various available raw materials locally, process and transform them into marketable finished or partly finished goods through the use of human capital and other agents of production.
The finished goods and services thus generated contribute meaningfully to the national Gross Domestic Production (GDP) and generate income and employment opportunities for the citizenry of that nation.
Manufacturing Challenges in Nigeria
Nigeria’s manufacturing sector is faced with many challenges, ranging from near nonexistent power, inadequate funding, insecurity, poor infrastructures, huge interest rate, unfriendly regulations, lack of raw materials locally, irregular taxes etc. to poor business development strategies.
The challenges faced by manufacturers are probably best put by Frank Jacobs, former president of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), in remarks to the media in April 2018; “A situation where you generate your power for production does not make you competitive, because whatever is produced in this country is produced at a higher cost when compared to other parts of the world.
“The same goes for the transportation system as we still move our goods via roads, even heavy-duty goods. Such goods which should go by rail, lack enough rail lines to carry them. There is a need to develop the transportation sector to the point where it can support the manufacturing sector and also support the economy.”
For more light on these challenges, a report on the Nigerian manufacturing sector by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2014 put them as follows: inadequate and epileptic power supply, high taxes, poor infrastructure, and supply variability of rain-dependent agricultural inputs.
Challenges in Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals
Medicine insecurity and challenges in the medicine supply chain within Nigeria have been long-standing problems in Nigeria’s healthcare system. The pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria cannot meet the enormous demand for medicines due to its poor local manufacturing capacity. Hence, Nigeria continues to rely almost entirely on other countries, especially in Asia, for the supply of its medicines and health products.
In Nigeria, the high cost of pharmaceutical manufacturing, lack of supportive infrastructure for the regulatory compliance of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, poor regulatory policies, limited access to affordable and reasonable funding, and very poor power infrastructure are among the many factors responsible for the poor local pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, which have made it difficult for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector to compete globally and take part in global tenders.
These listed challenges have paved way for the booming importation of drugs and other pharmaceuticals, both authentic and counterfeit.
The unfair competition by imported products and multinational companies is one of the biggest challenges in the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria, which has also crippled local manufacturing in the sector. The best you get is that most pharmaceutical companies produce their product outside Nigeria in places like India and China, and only do the packaging in Nigeria.
In addition to that, there is a need to standardise several herbal-origin drugs circulating in the country. Even after so many years, the government is unable to control the illegal importation and sale of fake substandard goods.
The shortage of genuine drug products is also a big challenge. The major reasons behind that are the shortage of trained pharmacists and the lack of production of pharmaceutical-grade raw materials in bulk. All these challenges form the base of why experts at the anniversary ceremony are calling for the renaissance of the manufacturing sector across the board.
Call for Manufacturing Renaissance Leveraging Local Herbs
In his keynote address, Imo State Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, noted that Nigeria,
with its huge population, depends on India, China, Germany, the United States, Pakistan and the Netherlands for 70 per cent of its drug needs, spending billions of naira.
He lamented that despite a large pharmaceutical subsector with at least 100 manufacturing companies, Nigeria caters for only 30 per cent of local medical needs, which leads to high importation of drugs and exposure to counterfeit drugs.
He said the country imports over N200 billion worth of malaria drugs and about N600 billion worth of antibiotics every year, adding that in one quarter of 2021, it imported about N395 billion worth of antibiotics to battle diseases associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, “the total amount the country spends on importing drugs exposes it to international drug risks, while essentially funding the pharmaceutical industry of other countries across the world.”
He said “there are many local herbs that could serve as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), which make up the majority of the over 70 per cent of imported drugs” while urging local manufacturing companies to leverage it and make the country a less import-dependent country.
Leveraging AfCFTA
AfCFTA, (African Continental Free Trade Area”, is a free trade area encompassing most of Africa. It was established in 2018 by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which has 43 parties and another 11 signatories, making it the largest free-trade area by several member states, after the World Trade Organisation, and the largest in population and geographic size, spanning 1.3 billion people across the world’s second-largest continent.
Also speaking, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, May & Baker Nigeria, Patrick Ajah, lamented the major challenges of pharmaceutical manufacturers, which include poor power supply, as over N250 million is spent monthly on power generation.
He also listed high-interest rates, regulations,
policies, extortion of companies by government agencies and poor infrastructure. He said the country needs to find other ways to participate in the global economy, especially as it has signed the AfCFTA, asserted, adding that local pharmaceutical production could help the vulnerable population gain access to quality medicine, as seen during COVID-19.
According to Ajah, “there are about 115 local pharmaceutical manufacturers taking care of the drug needs of less than 40 per cent of the country’s population, compared to India which has about 3,000 registered pharmaceutical companies and over 10,500 manufacturing sites.
“If we don’t build our manufacturing sector, other countries will come and claim it from us by building their facility and taking the money back to develop their countries,” he warned.
Advocacy for Favourable Government Policies
In his remarks, the Former Lagos State Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Jimi Agbaje, advocated for favourable government policies and enabling environment to make not only the pharmaceutical sector but also other sectors of the economy, thrive and prosper in the country.
Sharing his experience of over three decades in the manufacturing sector, Agbaje lamented the high cost of selfgenerating power and its impact on the collapse of his manufacturing company.
According to him, “When we started, the first challenge we faced was that we were not permitted by NAFDAC to produce drugs on small scales and conglomeration as it’s done in India, this means we have to produce on a large scale.
“And we all know what it means to buy a big land for manufacturing in Lagos with all the taxes and double
taxation. So Lagos was not on the table. We eventually got some acres of land at Otta in Ogun State to start.
“At a time, there was no power in the area. We had to buy a transformer ourselves when it was eventually taken over by the power distribution company. After they took over the transformer, they now connected other houses in the environment to the transformer, which eventually led to the breakdown of the transformer.
“For a complete year, that is 365 days, we run our production on the generator. You can imagine the impact this had on our business and its eventual collapse.”
He ended by tasking the government to review some of his policies that are killing the manufacturing industry in Nigeria, especially regarding licensing, power and taxes.
Leveraging Technology
Also speaking, Microsoft Country Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, Mrs Olatomiwa Williams, said Nigeria needed to leverage technology to drive the manufacturing sector, as it will help drive sustainability and create jobs for the teeming youths.
She urged the pharmaceutical industry to adopt technology tools such as Artificial Intelligent (AI), analytics and cloud for data to drive the manufacturing process, while also employing more hands with vast knowledge of the digital space and investing in digital technology.
Anniversary Message
Earlier, while delivering his remarks, the Chairperson of the Occasion, Mr Olumide Osunsina, represented by his wife, Mrs Desiree Osunsina broke down the theme of the anniversary, ‘Manufacturing Renaissance, A must for Prosperity in Nigeria’. According to her, “Manufacturing is simply making and producing something on a large scale using machinery, while ‘renaissance’ is a revival, or a rebirth or renewed interest in something.
“So when we talk about manufacturing renaissance, we are looking at how we can renew the interest in large-scale production in Nigeria because we are talking about manufacturing.”
She also congratulated the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St Racheal Pharma, Pharm. Akinjide Adeosun for nurturing the company from year zero to achieving the five years feat. According to her, “Five years is such a big deal. For a company to grow from its first year to five years in this current Nigerian economy and still standing, it is deserving of a loud ovation.”
CEO’s Remark
In his remark, the CEO of St Racheal Pharma, Pharm. Akinjide Adeosun gave thanks to Almighty God, his Wife and his Children who have always stood by him since the inception of the company. He illustratively took the audience through his career growth, and encounter with the rare call of fate, which led him to study pharmacy at the University of Ibadan, against his father’s desire for him to study medicine.
In a comic presentation style, Adeosun encouraged the audience with his personal life experiences to not be scared to set a goal that is scary and unrealistic as his, whose goal of driving a brand new car as a fresh graduate later came to pass against all odds.
With his career which spans over two decades at GlaxoSmithKline Pharma, Africa, which also occasioned him to be well travelled across the globe, Adeosun encouraged the audience to always believe in the process and learn as much as they can when growing, so they can be able to stand on their own in future.
He, therefore, urged the audience to endeavour to work towards conquering their fears, as it is the only way they can grow faster in life.
Highpoint
The high point of the occasion was the official launch of St Racheal’s Azithromycin tablets and the presentation of awards to some of the clients of the company who have sustained patronage with St Racheal Pharma through the five years of existence. The St Racheal Awards were presented to, Prime Medical Consultants, Portharcourt, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Bydow Pharmacy, Ogun State Government, and StarSpeed Logistics.
THISDAY AY, MAY 19 , 2023 27 Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430
The unfair competition by imported products and multinational companies is one of the biggest challenges in the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria, which has also crippled local manufacturing in the sector.The best you get is that most pharmaceutical companies produce their product outside Nigeria in places like India and China, and only do the packaging in Nigeria
L-R: Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Oyo State (SSG), Pharm. (Mrs.) Olubamiwo Adeosun; CEO, St. Racheal’s Pharma, Pharm. Akinjide Adeosun; Deputy Governor OF Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku; Executive Director Megamound Investment, Mrs Desiree Osunsina, and Managing Director, Jay Kay Pharmacy, Pharm. Jimi Agbaje, at the Fifth Anniversary of St. Racheal’s Pharma, recently held in Lagos
Customs Intercept N27M Fake Drugs, Arrest Four Suspects
Chiemelie Ezeobi
Operatives of the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted large consignment of suspected adulterated pharmaceutical drugs smuggled into the country through the land border.
The drugs included 1076 bottles of 100ml Morphin sulfate; 94 bottles of 60ml Amadiaquine suspension; 2,970 packages of 500mg Vermox; 390 packets by 1,000 tablets of 100mg Mepacrine tablets; 298 packets of 100mg Clofenac SR, 1,485 packages of 50mg Losartail Potassium and 499 packages of 400mg Virest 400 Aciclovir tablets.
Parading the suspects and recovered items yesterday, Seme Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi said the unregistered pharmaceuticals have a Duty Paid Value of N27,861,538.
He said the consignment was intercepted on May 9, along the Abidjan Lagos Corridor (ALCO), around 8:30am, during stop and search operation.
He said the drugs were concealed in a truck with registration number GL6663, belonging to a major conglomerate.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the drugs were headed to Kaduna, through Abuja, noting the nexus between illicit drugs and
violent crimes.
“It is of concern to us. Also recall that upon my assumption of duty here, we seized some fake US dollars currency and shortly after that, we also seized some fake International Passports of various countries. Now, we have seized these drugs.
“There could be a link. It is left for us to continue our investigation in collaboration with other security agencies, the outcome of which we will share with you, with approval.
“But I think there is always a link illegal drug importation and financing of insurgency,” said Nnadi.
Giving details on the latest
Day of the Boy Child: NGO Raises Awareness On Protection From Harmful Societal Influence
Mary Nnah
The Executive Director/ Founder of WeLead, a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Dayo Oladele-Ilori has raised awareness of the need to protect the boy-child from harmful societal influences. While recommending the domestication of the boy child to have responsible men in society during the International Day of the Boy Child celebration held at CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos on May 16th, Oladele-Ilori disclosed that too many boys are invisible and forgotten.
“Many are equally marginalised, neglected, alienated, and left behind. That is why we need to do something for our boys before it is too late”, she noted.
She revealed further that boys’ enrollment in primary and secondary schools is on the decline while dropout is skyrocketing.
“There have been several reports on incidents that misguided the young boys to be involved in vices such as fraud, robbery, smoking, alcoholism, drug addicts, violence among others”, OladeleIlori said, adding that that the boy child should be given the right attention, care, guidance, and support for the boy child development and have general well-being.
She gave some insight into the activities of her NGO and the event’s impact, on the boys, urging society to equally focus more on the boy child to upscale the gender gap.
“We have 16 courses on our curriculum where we offer intensive training just to ensure that the boy child has an all-around education.
“Most NGOs focus on the
girl-child, we should equally carry out advocacy for the male child as well for healthy rivalry. We go around schools to have this training and ensure we educate and equip them to be better boys and men in the future”, she added.
She reminded us of our collective guilt in neglecting the boy-child, which led to the spate of insecurity bedeviling the nation from all angles and in all directions.
“As we celebrate the International Day of the Boy Child this year, let us reflect on the dangers of neglecting the boy-child. Let us look towards taking definite actions to address the neglect of the boy child.
“Let us summon the courage to end the phenomenon of street children by whatever name they are called. We should protect our boys as much as we protect our girls. World Day of the boy child celebrates all the positive elements that boys bring to their families and communities. It also sheds light on the issues and challenges that boys face as they develop.”
“While the United Nations successfully celebrates the International Day of the Boy Child, there has been a glaring absence of official recognition for the International Day of the Boy Child. I believe it is time for the United Nations to embrace this important day, providing a platform to address the unique issues faced by boys and foster true gender equity”, she added.
One of the facilitators at the event, Dr. Oludare Ogunyombo who presented a paper on peer pressure said, “Peer pressure or influence is when you do something because you want to feel accepted and valued by
your friends. Peer influence can be positive or negative.”
Ogunyombo added that coping well with peer influence is about getting the right balance between being yourself and fitting in with your group.
Another facilitator Mr. Oviewe who presented a paper on Masculinity and Sexuality gave an illustration with a moral lesson to drive home his point.
Oviewe said World Day of the Boy Child is aimed at focusing on the well-being of the boy, including his emotions, values, and transition into manhood.
He stated that society is paying a lot of attention to the well-being of the girl child, a situation which he said had led to the neglect of the boy child physically, morally, mentally, and psychologically, thereby leading to an increase in crime and other social vices in the society.
Advocating affirmative actions to improve the well-being of the boy-child, Oviewe explained that the organization is also promoting committed fatherhood, and implored fathers, male family members, and leaders to exhibit appropriate behaviours, morals, and ideals worth emulating by the boy-child.
“Emphasising that a wellbalanced boy child today will turn out to become a well-groomed gentleman tomorrow
Another facilitator, Mrs Kehinde Ajibola said that to ensure a balance in the upbringing of both the boy and girl child, recommended intentional parenting based on the application of family system engineering, a process in which every member of the family impact on one another. She also advised parents to share their parenting blueprints with
seizure, he said: “These drugs bear the name of companies that already have license to operate in Nigeria. Even if they are found to be genuine from the place they are coming from, the fact that the bear the name and brand of company already licenced in the country makes it an Intellectual property contravention.
“This seizure contravened both Nigeria Customs Service banning the importation of pharmaceutical products through land border without approval, and NAFDAC laws as they do not have NAFDAC registration numbers.
“Further more, five out of the
seven seized pharmaceutical products have expired.
“The command and indeed every Nigerian is worried about this particular seizure considering the dangerous use of morphine which is a derivate of opium. This drug can be deployed to illicit use to aid criminals,” said Nnadi.
Reiterating the agency’s commitment to fight smuggling under any guise, the comptroller warned those trying its resolve to desist or they would meet their waterloo.
Meanwhile, the command also handed over 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, seized on April 21, during routine patrol to the Seme Commander, National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abubakar Wada.
He said the illicit substance was intercepted in a Ford Bus, adding that the parcels were packed in seven large bags, adding that four suspects were also arrested in connection with the seizure.
The comptroller said the Cannabis and two of the suspects were handed over to NDLEA in line with directives from Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.). “Two other suspects had earlier been handed over to sister security agency for necessary action. We remain resolute at ensuring adequate surveillance of our borders.
R-Jolad Plus: Enhancing Nigeria’s Human Capital Development Through Quality Health Services
Precious Ugwuzor
The health of a nation is closely tied to its level of human development. Only healthy individuals can work efficiently and to their full potential. This underscores the truth of the saying, “Health is wealth.”
A healthy population is more productive and can contribute more effectively to the development of the country’s economy, which in turn determines the level of its wealth.
One of the key challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system is inadequate infrastructure, with an estimated shortfall of 500,000 hospital beds. According to the Global Health Observatory’s assessment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) implementation and the World Health Organization’s 2021 report, Nigeria is ranked 163 out of 191 countries in the world. This represents an improvement from the country’s previous ranking of 183 out of 191 countries two decades ago. UHC is achieved when individuals and communities have access to a full range of healthcare services, including health promotion, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, that are of high quality and affordable when needed.
Nigeria’s healthcare system comprises public and private facilities, and R-Jolad Hospital, a private health center, has been providing affordable and accessible healthcare services to Lagosians and Nigerians for the last four decades. The hospital is making a significant contribution to moving Nigeria closer to accessible healthcare for all. Its visible contribution and track record in Lagos State have earned it the nickname “The People’s Hospital,” a testament to its socio-economic impact on
Nigerians, particularly low- and middle-income earners.
As a developing nation with a growing population of 211 million, increasing at a rate of 2.4%, representing an additional five million people in the population pool each year, according to World Bank data, demand for quality and affordable healthcare services will continue to rise. To meet this demand and further its mission of making good healthcare accessible and affordable, R-Jolad recently launched a new facility in Gbagada, Lagos, called R-Jolad Plus. It is a premium and affordable hospital chain designed to provide the middle-income class with a multispecialty medical experience.
The launch of the R-Jolad Plus brand couldn’t have come at a better time, as more Nigerians are becoming health-conscious and in need of quality yet affordable healthcare services. R-Jolad Plus is a premium 30-bed facility that offers specialized medical and diagnostic services to discerning Nigerians.
The hospital provides end-to-end care, starting with consultations, diagnostics, and imaging, followed by treatment, surgery, recovery, and critical care for adults, children, and Newborn babies. In other words, R-Jolad Plus is designed to meet the medical needs of more Lagosians while providing a positive experience in one location at an affordable price.
The Lagos State Honorable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and other key stakeholders were present at the official launch of R-Jolad Plus. Prof. Abayomi commended the management of R-Jolad for the initiative and acknowledged brain drain in Nigeria as an issue due to the “Japa” of medical professionals. “The unveiling of R-Jolad Plus facility is what the government is excited
about because the facility has world-class equipment that skilled medical professionals can operate with and through this provide Nigerians the quality healthcare that they deserve.”
On the issue of emigration, he said that there is nothing the government can do about the desires of the people to leave the shores of Nigeria, however, the government wants to limit the reasons why medical professionals will be leaving the country. According to him, it is acceptable for young medical professionals to go abroad to gain exposure and acquire more skills. However, the government’s plan is for these individuals to return to Nigeria in the next five to ten years with the knowledge and skills they have acquired. “We would like to see our young medical professionals who have left the country to return, but we cannot ask them to return to an unwelcoming environment. They have invested time and resources to gain skills, and when they return, there must be adequate healthcare facilities for them to practice what they have learned. This is part of the Lagos State Brain Gain Agenda.”
Regarding R-Jolad’s preparedness despite the “Japa syndrome,” the Managing Director of R-Jolad, Dr. Funsho Oladipo, said, “Despite the challenges faced by medical professionals in Nigeria, R-Jolad Group has a team comprising of well-trained and experienced Consultants, Medical Officers, Residents, and House officers. Recently, the hospital was accredited to train both Residents and House officers by the postgraduate colleges and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, respectively.
The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
THISDAY AY, MAY 19 , 2023 28 NEWS
International
Some of the seized contraband drugs
Comptroller Nnadi flanked by Nurudeen Audu, Director NAFDAC Seme Border and NDLEA Seme Commander, Abubakar Wada
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 29
Nigeria to Earn FX as Indigenous e-Hailing App Deploys Overseas
James Emejo
Nigeria may soon start earning foreign exchange from service export following plans by an indigenous company, E.F. Network Limited to launch its e-hailing operations in the country as well as compete in other parts of the world.
The Chairman/Chief Executive, E.F Group, Mr. Gideon Egbuchulam, said the Gab Taxi app, which was developed locally by over 30 highly qualified local software engineers would be entering other countries next month.
Speaking during a media interactive session, he said the development would earn the
country the much-needed foreign currency, adding that “Our agenda for 2024 is to enter America, Europe and Asia”.
He noted that Nigerians have been excelling in various aspects of life particularly ICT at home and overseas stressing that the berth of a world-class taxi app represented another major feat for the country.
Egbuchulam, “If there is one area where Nigerians have left their footprint unchallenged is the ICT. Many Nigeria ICT companies are competing with foreign ones at a pace unprecedented and Nigerians have shown that they are equally as good as the Americans or Europeans.
Some of the best Fintech companies in the world today are owned by Nigerians.”
He said E.F Networks is committed to creating its version of Silicon Valley in Nigeria, pointing out that since the commencement of operations in 1995, the company has developed different innovative technological products ranging from e-commerce, internet, lost phone locator, car trackers, safe school personal trackers, phones, security gadgets, electronics, and now a taxi app.
On why he decided to venture into the e-hailing business, he said he was touched by the poor treatment of Nigerian drivers working under existing international hailing services.
NCS Intercepts N1.8bn Tramadol at Lagos Airport
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) command yesterday announced that it intercepted 23 packages of tramadol worth N1.8billion imported into the country from India and Pakistan.
Speaking during a press conference to highlight activities of the command in the first quarter, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), of the command, Compt.
Mohammed Yusuf, said the
tramadol seized were above the threshold allowed by law to be imported into the country.
According to him, the tramadol came into the country in 22 packets of 225mg tramadol and 12 packets in 120mg from the shed of the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Limited (NAHCO) and Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL).
He said, “through credible intelligence, the command re-
corded seizures of packages of pharmacitical products that included 22 packets of 225mg of tramadol and 12 packets of 120mg of tramadol they were concealed and imported into the country through India and Pakistan. The above seizures were recorded based on intelligence driven operation within the airport. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV), of the seizure stood at N1.8billion.”
Stakeholders Laud FG’s NG-care Programme, Seek More Funding
Onuminya Innocent
Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states beneficiaries of the federal government NG-cares programme have lauded the federal government for the initiative, aimed at cushioning the effects of Covid-19 pandemic and appealed for more funding of the program.
The stakeholders, including beneficiaries and implementing agencies drawn from the three states, made the appeal in Sokoto at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of
Finance, Budget and National Planning, to receive feedback from them.
Most of the beneficiaries, who took turns to make presentations on how the programme has empowered them economically and improved their socio-economic wellbeing, urged for more funding to make them more productive members of the society.
The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba at the event said the NG-scare programme is one of the policy option explored by President Muham-
madu Buhari administration to cushion the effects of Covid-19 pandemic and ameliorate poverty in the country among vulnerable Nigerians.
Represented by Rev Aso Vakporaye, Agba noted that, this programme followed the outbreak of the pandemic which ravaged many economies of the world with devastating consequences on the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable individuals, formal and informal businesses, which prompted the federal government to access a World Bank concessional loan in the sum of US$750 million on behalf of
Pcl. Provides Insig hts to Boost Employee Retention Rates, Inclusivity
Phillips Consulting Limited (pcl.), has charged organisations on reimagining talent experience and retention to reconsider employee engagement at the HR Directors Network (HRDN) quarterly Meetup.
The leading consulting firm made this disclosure at the 2023 edition of the HRDN Quarterly Meet up. The event centered on the critical theme of Reimagining Talent Experience and Retention and it featured top executives engag-
ing in insightful discussions and presenting innovative solutions to navigate Nigeria’s fiercely competitive war for talent.
At the event, the speakers delivered valuable insights on how companies can enhance their talent experience, boost employee retention rates, and foster a culture of inclusivity. With the ever-increasing challenges of talent migration, employee expectations, remote work, and skill gaps, companies
must approach these issues with creativity and innovation.
In line with the theme of the event, pcl. released a comprehensive report titled, ”Talent Management, A New World Order: Shifting Paradigms.” With a focus on the brain drain, this report is the outcome of extensive research and data analysis conducted by pcl., with data inputs from their partners, Cambridge University (UK) and YouGov.
Chef Hook launches school in Ibadan
Kemi Olaitan
One of the growing culinary companies in the country, Chef Hook, has launched Rouqs and Hooks Culinary School, to boost culinary education in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
A statement by the company
said it is focused on instilling more than just cooking skills, but also passionate about enlightening students on the intricate dynamics of the culinary business.
It disclosed that Chef Hook’s vision to give birth to an extraordinary establishment dedicated to shaping the future of aspiring
chefs led to the establishment of the culinary school, which is a haven of gastronomic excellence, illustrious background and extensive knowledge in the culinary industry.
The statement read in part, “At Rouqs & Hooks, the essence of culinary education unfolds with utmost dedication.
L-R: Relationship Manager, Parallex Bank Limited, Foluke Abodunrin; Acting Head, Retail and SME Banking, Parallex Bank, Mr. Olanrewaju Fatai; Managing Director/CEO Parallex Bank,Mr. Femi Bakre, and Director General Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Bashir Jamoh during the Champion Newspapers award of the Most Innovative Bank of the Year Award to Parallex Bank in Lagos ..recently
MARKET INDICATORS
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).
BUSINESS/ MONEYGUIDE
MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3) 49,356,443.6 -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 50,601.36 Money Supply (M2) 49,305,842.3 -- Quasi Money 27,869,678.3 -- Narrow Money (M1) 21,436,164 ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,680,236.81 ---- Demand Deposits 18,755,927.2 Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 5,074,909.92 Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 27,869,678.3 -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 61,195,142.4 ---- Credit to Government (Net) 21,001,401.5 ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 40,193,740.9 --Other Assets Net 6,785,979.22 Reserve Money (Base Money 14,040,351.9 --Currency in Circulation 3,210,664.98 --Banks Reserves 10,829,686.9 --Special Intervention Reserves 390,557.8
Market Indicators (in Percentage) MonthJuly 2022 Inter-Bank Call Rate 13.00 Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 Treasury Bill Rate 2.76 Savings Deposit Rate 1.42 1 Month Deposit Rate 3.64 3 Months Deposit Rate 4.96 6 Months Deposit Rate 5.87 12 Months Deposit Rate 5.76 Prime Lending rate 12.10 Maximum Lending Rate 27.61
Money
30 THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023 THISDAY
ETI Shareholders Approve $500m Capital Raising Exercise
Kayode Tokede
The shareholders of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), yesterday in Togo approved the management’s plans to raise $500million senior-ranked debt in the international market.
The shareholders of the Pan-African financial institution at Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) approved the resolution authorising
to raise senior-ranked debt, and additional Tier 1, Tier 2-qualifying subordinated debt.
Earlier, shareholders at the 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) also approved $28million dividend payout for full financial year ended December 31, 2022, an equivalent of 0.11 cents per ordinary share.
The Ecobank Group Chairman, Alain Nkontchou at the EGM said the board approved the loan to refinance an exist-
ing loan that is due in 2024, stressing that market conditions would determine when to raise the capital this year.
While speaking to shareholders, he expressed that Ecobank is a powerhouse in the African banking landscape and is positioned to support and facilitate the growth and development of African businesses as it grasps the immense single-market opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Quite simply, Ecobank is the solution for SMEs and corporates. The strength of our borderless payment, collection, working capital and financing solutions exemplifies this,” he said.
On outlook, he expressed that, “As we progress into 2023, we are excited about the opportunities for our organization, though we recognize that the operating environment remains challenging.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty caused by the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the inflationary pressure, in various economies where we operate, we remain confident in our ability to adopt and succeed.
“Our focus this year will be on accelerating our growth, reinforcing and streamlining the internal processes and leveraging on our technology platforms.”
The Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group, Jeremy Awori said, “In 2022, Ecobank demonstrated strong financial results and performance, despite the challenging economic conditions of high-interest rates, inflation, and Ghana’s debt restructuring.
“This success can be attributed to the bank’s diversified business model, digital expertise, innovative approaches, growth momentum, and efficiency.
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MAY/17/23
MARKET NEWS
MAIN BOARDDEALS MARKET PRICE QUANTITY TRADED VALUE TRADED ( N ) MAIN BOARDDEALS MARKET PRICE QUANTITY TRADED VALUE TRADED ( N )
31 THISDAY THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023
Epia: MVP Hall of Fame Will Raise Performance Bar of N’Assembly Members
Oke Epia is the Founder of OrderPaper, Nigeria’s foremost independent parliamentary think-tank and policy multi-platform. He has over two decades of accomplishments in journalism, media relations, public policy and social entrepreneurship. In this interview with THISDAY, he speaks on the Most Valuable Parliamentarian (MVP) Hall of Fame initiative and why only a few distinct class of legislators will be unveiled and inducted for the 9th National Assembly, which will end soon. Excerpts:
OrderPaper’s MVP Hall of Fame event is around the corner; for the sake of those who have little or no insight into what this is all about, can you give us a brief history of it?
OrderPaper Nigeria would, on the 21st of May, in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, host a Night of Glamour to unveil, induct and celebrate a class of distinguished and excellence-driven members of the National Assembly who have been able to deliver very excellent services in the close to four years of the 9th National Assembly. So OrderPaper has, since the commencement of the Assembly in 2019, begun to monitor very closely the activities and the service delivery functions of the National Assembly, members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives. Specifically, around the functions of lawmaking, which is processed through bills. So we had begun to measure the performances of the 109 senators and the 360 members of the House of Representatives with regard to the sponsorship and processing of bills.
And so, for the first anniversary in 2020, the second anniversary in 2021 and, of course, the third anniversary in 2022. On every such occasion, we provided an appraisal of the National Assembly with respect to lawmaking. By the way, these are performance appraisals driven completely by what the data provides. In other words, they are completely data-driven. They’re not performance measurements on whims and caprices because we are a parliament-focused organisation. The only thing we do is the Parliament of Nigeria; we drink, sleep, eat, and wake up with the Parliament of Nigeria in our thoughts and our minds. What we have done over time, therefore, is to put together a number of bills that have been proposed by the National Assembly. So in the first year, that was basically the approach. By the second year, we had to also keep aggregating that sponsorship of bills, but then we decided to advance it down the line beyond the numbers.
Do these bills advance the core mandate of the administration in power?
The President Muhammadu Buhari administration anchors its mandate on three core areas: the fight against corruption, revitalising the economy and addressing the ravaging insecurity across the country. Underpinning the propositions of legislation and the processes; in other words, the lawmaking functions of the 9th National Assembly. Has it aligned with the mandate of the Buhari administration? In looking beyond the number of bills, we decided to anchor the relevance, value and impact of these bills in that respect; so that because we have received feedback, especially from our working in the first and second anniversaries, that it’s not just the numbers. People can actually just sponsor bills, and nothing happens or sponsor bills just for the sake of having their names on bills. So we decided to extend the evaluation to cover Value and Impact.
Another critical area of evaluation or metric that we also decided on, out of experience and to make it a robust measurement and mechanism, was the extent of processing of these bills. So where have these bills gotten to in the bill processing stages of the legislature? You have at least six processes for a bill to become law, so the proposition of a bill at first reading when it is just mentioned qualifies anyone to be measured, but where have these bills been progressed to in the legislative mill?
Have they moved beyond the first reading? Have they been debated in plenary and scaled second reading? Have they been taken through plenary, committee processing, brought back to plenary and adopted for third reading and then passed by the House of Representatives or the Senate, as the case mayHasbe?the bill advanced to the other chambers for concurrence? Has it been transmitted to the President for assent? Has it received assent if it has been transmitted, or was it returned? All of these are what we call the Productivity Index of the bills. Looking at these, we had therefore put together what we call the VVIP metrics of performance measurements with respect to lawmaking. In summary, the VVIP refers to the volume, value, impact and progression of these bills.
Looking at these bills through the metrics, we have been able to measure the performances of all the 469 members of the National Assembly with respect to lawmaking. In getting that measurement done, we decided that since this is where we are going, why don’t we put a measure in place to recognise and probably highlight best performances to encourage others and promote legislative strengthening? This explains why we designed the Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame.
We are, for the first time in the history of this
country, and I dare say across the continent of Africa, instituting a framework that will allow for only the best of the best members of the National Assembly in terms of excellence-driven performance, being public-spirited, deliver services, impacts on the lives and living conditions of Nigerians and also seek to improve the socio-economic indices of the country. We decided to design the Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame (MVP), celebrate those lawmakers, and induct them into a Hall of Fame.
At midterm, we were able to have a nomination for a possible shortlist into the MVP Hall of Fame.
So we had about 55 of the 469 members of the National Assembly across the Senate and the House of Representatives nominated for possible induction, the target being at the end of the Assembly in June 2023.
Using these combined metrics, we have a clearer picture of those pre-qualified for induction into the Hall of Fame, so we were able to shortlist from that 55 to slightly over 20 who were now shortlisted as semifinalists.
I think it was in April that we made the announcement of individuals across the National Assembly who have distinguished themselves to that extent for possible induction. Now, we continue to work with the data, analyse and continue to process the data and I must make the point that when we started to do this, we saw responses from members of the National Assembly- in the House of Representatives and Senate.
How does this induction differ from other awards regularly given by media and civil society organisations?
This is not an award. OrderPaper is careful in giving out awards since we started working in this space seven years ago. OrderPaper has carefully, deliberately refrained from having an award programme because of the pessimism, if not cynicism, that award programmes attract in the minds of discerning members of the public. People hold the perception that when you are giving an award, there is something you are looking for. It is even so bad that national awards that are given out by the Federal Government of Nigeria have suffered that kind of colouration. So we are being careful not to give out an award.
The MVP Hall of Fame, to put it in some clarity, is a Hall of Fame designed to harness best-confirmed performances in the legislature; that’s why we call
it an invitation-only programme. You cannot come to it if you are not invited, and to come to it means your objective performance as a member of the National Assembly throughout your four years. And how you have delivered services is determined by the data available to the public, in the votes and proceedings and the order paper of parliament and available in the Hansard. In the committee reports that are aggregated and show how you have performed. It is not determined by the kind of connection that you have with the organisers, and it is not determined by any extraneous factors. So it is an invitation-only framework determined only by data. So it is just crafted to celebrate those who have done extremely well and have been outstanding in delivering legislative service to the country and their constituents. Therefore, it is not an award in that sense. So the MVP Hall of Fame stands out in a way and celebrates excellence in legislative service delivery.
In putting this event together, please tell us what the planning process for OrderPaper was like.
This is a carefully thought-through project. The MVP Hall of Fame has involved many months of working behind the scenes, research development, many months of crunching the data, and consulting with stakeholders and experts. Let me use this opportunity to state that, as of now, the final assessment and processes of choosing the inductees into the MVP Hall of Fame benefited tremendously from the inputs of a panel of experts that is external to OrderPaper. In other words, OrderPaper has done lots of the work, but we needed to be sure that we receive the benefits of experts in parliamentary think tanks, academia, civil society, the business community, and professionals who looked at the work done and offered their insights.
In fact, I could say that we submitted the work done to a final assessment of this MVP Panel of Experts who eventually came up with the final shortlist. So, that is to say to you that we have envisaged and put together a very robust error-proof process in place. The planning had been top-notch to make sure that in releasing the shortlist from where we will have the finalists that will be unveiled on the 21st of May. There is no room for controversy. Objectivity has been maintained, enhanced, and, of course, put in the forefront. So the plans and the processes led us to where we are to the glory
of God, and of course, to the very hard-working team at OrderPaper. It is important to also stress that we’ve not had any valid contestations to any of the appraisals we released throughout our Performance Appraisals through these years. We’ve not had any member of the National Assembly from all 469 members who have been impacted; not one of them has been able to validly fault our data because this is the work that is entirely driven by what the data says. Data is a stubborn thing. It cannot lie.
Now that momentum is building towards this event, do you mind telling us who will emerge as the finalists?
We want to keep the anticipation going. It is only a matter of days, if not hours. We can actually begin to do a countdown in terms of hours. May 21 is only a matter of days. For us, we are happy to note the excitement that the MVP Hall of Fame has caused in parliament - the National Assembly of Nigeria, among the general citizenry, across the civil society sector and even the business community. We are happy with the excitement and interest and even happy with the certain discomfort it is causing within certain quarters. Of course, not everyone is happy with it, as it has put some legislators in not so positive light in the eyes of their constituents. We have received feedback that some members of the National Assembly who didn’t make it, who were not successful, were impacted in their ratings by the Annual Appraisals that we had done in the last three years. So, of course, it’s a mixed feeling across the board, but the strategy for us is to sustain that anticipation and unveil the finalists on the day that we have chosen- the Night of Glamour.
Those who will be celebrated will be unveiled, those who will be inducted will be unveiled, and those who will be recognised will be unveiled, and after then, Nigerians will see we have the best of the best performers in the 9th National Assembly in the Senate and in the House of Representatives. But I can tell you that the number is very few, and as I have said, many are called, but few are chosen. The number has drastically gone down from the initial shortlist of the nomination of 55 persons, but I won’t say what the number is. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed in anticipation of the Night of Glamour.
What criteria did you use in coming up with these inductees?
The Value, Volume, Impact and Productivity (VVIP) metrics of measuring performance appraisals that we have put out in the last three years which has led to a cumulation of a shortlist of the MVP Hall of Fame. The VVIP indices of measuring these performances are what we put together and submitted to the MVP Panel of Experts (MPEs) to look at. One interesting thing worth mentioning is that at this stage of consideration, the MPEs thought to introduce another dimension or what you may call criteria - the Value-Based Scorecard (VBS) to help promote exemplary conduct in parliament and the deepening of democratic processes in the country. This means that those that qualified in the semi-final stage are further subjected to a health check, a value-based check in terms of conduct in parliament and parliamentary practice, in terms of their conduct in leadership and democratic consolidation.
Are they individuals whose conduct in parliament are said to have raised adverse questions about democracy? Have they been involved in any scandal, conduct, or activity that brings opprobrium to the National Assembly? That brings opprobrium to themselves or the high office of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or the high office of the House of Representatives? These value considerations were also brought to bear on those that will be selected into the Hall of Fame.
Are you not worried that this initiative will lead to the proliferation of bills as lawmakers in the 10th Assembly will want to make the list of the next induction?
We are not worried because we have implemented measures to check that possibility. Don’t forget I’ve told you in this conversation that we started with a focus on the number of bills and saw responses. The National Assembly responded by flooding the Senate and House of Representatives with bills, some of which have been stalled at first reading, second reading or stuck somewhere at committees. Introducing the other metrics on Value, Impact and Productivity in addition to Volume addresses that concern and the awareness is created that we are not looking at volume.
INTERVIEW THURSDAY, THISDAY 32
Continues online
Oke Epia
Gov Matawalle Goofed on CBN’s Emefiele
Rightly or wrongly, many believe that Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State is being haunted by the curse he placed on himself. Of the 11 governors who sought reelection in the March 18 governorship poll, Matawalle is the only one who flopped. Worse, it’s doubtful whether the former teacher who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has learnt his lessons.
On Tuesday, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prohibit the Central Bank Governor, CBN, Dr. Godwin Emefiele from going on leave before the inauguration of president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Matawalle, in a statement, said the President must stop certain MDA heads from proceeding on study leave, saying they must give an account of all developments under their watch to the incoming administration.
His words: “If the Leave of any critical officer has been approved, as reported in the media, the President should cancel it in the interest of peaceful transfer of power, accountability and good governance.
“Two of my brother-governors and I took the Federal Government to court over the ill-advised policy and fought resolutely until we got a respite for our people from Emefiele and company.”
“It’s also not in the interest of the country, which the president has always promoted and championed. This is my appeal and why I have decided to speak out as a patriotic Nigerian and concerned governor.”
Governor Matawalle’s ludicrous plea came some 48 hours after the Presidency dismissed the oldwives-tales concocted by some forces antagonistic to certain key policies birthed by the CBN governor.
As a state chief executive who has access to a wide swathe of information, why would he have fallen for a piece of contrived misinformation and allowed himself to be unduly swayed? He clearly goofed here.
The Presidency had said it was unaware of the purported decision of President Buhari granting study leave to the CBN Governor Emefiele. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said this while reacting to inquiries from the media.
His words: “If the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been granted study leave supposedly by President Muhammadu Buhari, this is unknown to us. It is also unknown to the President’s secretariat headed by the Chief of Staff.”
Apparently, Governor Matawalle’s main beef with Dr. Emefiele pivots around the Naira redesign policy birthed by the CBN-led Emefiele and backed by President Muhammadu Buhari. He is also using the spin as a bait to hook Tinubu. But the Northern-based Arewa Youths Assembly, AYA had a fitting reposte for the governor who abysmally failed his Zamfara State constituency security wise and in all human development indices.
According to the Northern-based Arewa Youths Assembly, AYA, the Naira redesign policy reduced banditry and terrorism in the North and the group blasted Governor Matawalle for promoting fake news against CBN Governor Emefiele.
The youth group on Tuesday lauded Dr. Emefiele over the recent naira redesign policy, insisting the decision stopped insecurity, curtailed corruption, and dropped the prices of commodity immediately.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the group, Alhaji Aliyu Sani, the youth assembly stressed that the problems only returned after cash started flowing. Hear AYA: “People were no longer safe and bandits hit Zamfara, Kaduna, Minna, and other parts of the country.
“For this alone, Emefiele should be given a gold medal and celebrated. He helped President Muhammadu Buhari abide by the constitutional stipulation that security of lives of citizens is paramount.”
While urging President-elect Tinubu to stay away from Matawalle, the group stated that “The North has many qualified and respectable persons that will fit into the presidency of Tinubu, Bello Matawalle
is not part of them.”
The Northern youth group also took a swipe at the embattled Zamfara State over his needless attack on Emefiele, insisting that the currency policy was only rejected by people like the governor because of his ‘selfish interest’.
Hear them: “In all that Emefiele has done with the blessings of the Commander-in-Chief, his activities have been completely transparent and accountable. The records are there. The world is digital, every naira, every kobo is accounted for how it comes in and how it is spent.”
It could be recalled that in October 2019, a committee set up by the Zamfara governor headed by a former Inspector-General of Police Muhammad Abubakar disclosed that bandits had collected over N3billion as ransoms from families of abducted in the state.
The Committee said that 4,963 women had been widowed, 25,050 children orphaned and 190,340 displaced by bandits. But Matawalle failed to implement the major recommendations of the committee which prescribed stern sanctions against those in crimes across the state.
Rather strangely, in April 2022, the Zamfara governor distributed 260 luxury cars to traditional rulers after accusing them of abetting banditry. Matawalle had frequently blamed traditional rulers in the state for aggravating the insecurity and humanitarian crisis in the state by aiding the terrorists, also known as
bandits. The cars included several 2019 Cadillac models.
The gunmen in Zamfara primarily attack rural and farming communities. Many communities in the state now pay protection taxes to these gunmen. But increasingly with upscaled empowerment they have taken their bloody game to Zamfara towns.
According to Matawalle’s spokesperson Zailani Bappa, the governor dethroned two first-class emirs for allegedly supporting bandits. But last month, Matawalle reinstated dethroned Emir of Yandoto, Aliyu Marafa who was accused of turbaning bandits’ leader Ado Aliero as Sariki Fulani in July 2022.
It could be recalled that Governor Matawalle actually lost the 2019 election to the APC but came to power by virtue of the Supreme Court judgment which nullified the Zamfara APC governorship primaries a week to the May 29, 2019 inauguration of a new government.
Basking in the exhilaration of his victory, Matawalle swore not to leave the PDP, even calling on God to punish him if he decided to leave the party. In viral video Matawalle was heard saying in Hausa, “If I ever betray PDP, may I not live in peace for the rest of my life, I swear by Allah. If I can leave PDP or cheat any of our members, may Allah punish me.”
However, in June 2021, flowing from pressures from APC governors, Matawalle forgot the oath and officially defected from the PDP to the APC. He announced his defection to the APC in Gusau at a special grand rally to receive
him to the party, which was organised by the then National Caretaker Committee of the APC led by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
“As from today, I, Bello Matawalle Maradun, governor of Zamfara, am happy to announce my defection from the PDP to the APC. As from today, I am a full APC member and leader of APC in Zamfara,” he said. A gambling Matawalle lost his reelection bid on the platform of the APC in the March 18 governorship election.
With a total of 377,726 votes, Dauda Lawal Dare of the PDP defeated incumbent Governor Matawalle, who polled 311,976 votes.
With less than two weeks to the inauguration of a new administration, many observers are agreed that Governor Matawalle is playing the old political survivalist game with eyes locked on gaining a political appointment with the impending Tinubu administration.
But many have also wondered why he didn’t simply borrow a leaf from the Kwankwaso playbook and fly to France to directly consult with the Jagaban. Is he now grazing at a lower level of the political eco-system – out of the Madugu’s league - as his quirky tenure wraps up? By the way, he has to account for all the security votes he purportedly spent to vehicles and motorbikes for bandits in his state. Is he working to divert attention from all that?
The unfolding scenario may have persuaded many to truly believe that Governor Matawalle is indeed being haunted by the curse he placed on himself. Will the Jagaban cancel the curse and provide some juicy palliatives. Big question
FOCUS THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 • THISDAY 33
Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle
Apparently eyeing crumbs from the incoming administration, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has morphed into an ‘interim advisor’ to both President Muhammadu Buhari and President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu on what transition/governance modus to implement, writes Louis Achi
FCMB EASYPAY LAUNCH, POWERED BY MASTERCARD...
Lamidi Apapa Escapes Lynching at Appeal Court, Seeks Obi's Intervention in Party Crisis
INEC, Tinubu, APC ask court to dismiss Atiku's live broadcast request Say proceedings not soapbox for public entertainment Akin Osuntokun: Apapa-led group only has nuisance value in LP
Alex Enumah in Abuja
But for the timely intervention of police officials, angry supporters Labour Party (LP) supporters suspected to be sympathetic to the Julius Abure faction of the party would have lynched the Acting National Chairman, Mr. Lamidi Apapa. Apapa was attending the court's proceedings for the first time yesterday, even though the court had declined to recognise his representation of the Labour Party owing to disagreement on who should represent the party between Apapa and the National Women Leader, Mrs. Dudu Manuga, who had earlier announced appearance alongside Peter Obi.
This was just as the DirectorGeneral of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 election, Akin Osuntokun, yesterday said the Apapa-led group has nuisance value in the Labour Party.
Obi and LP are currently challenging the declaration of Bola Tinubu as winner of the February 25 presidential election.
Amongst their prayers before the court is the nullification of Tinubu's victory and return them as winner or in the alternative conduct a fresh election on grounds that the February 25 poll that produced Tinubu as President-elect was marred by massive irregularities and substantial non-compliance with the electoral laws and regulations.
After parties joined issues last month the five-man panel of justices hearing the petition had last Wednesday, adjourned to May 17, to enable parties finalise the harmonisation of documents to be pleaded during trial.
At yesterday's proceedings, Obi's lawyer, Dr. Levi Uzoukwu, had informed the court that parties could not meet as directed by the court due to the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release necessary documents, particularly from Sokoto and Rivers States, which were germane to the perusal and consideration of all parties.
Responding, INEC's lawyer, Abubakar Mahmoud, stated that the
parties could not agree on documents to be used in evidence during trial because LP's legal team had walked out on the rest of them.
Mahmoud, in addition explained that the petitioners were unable to get documents from Sokoto because they were unwilling to pay the sum of N1.5 million for certification, adding that the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers had already given access to some documents being requested for by the LP. This statement was corroborated by Tinubu and Shettima's lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun, and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Lateef Fagbemi.
But, Levi however told the court that the statement of the respondents was not true, adding that such
Don’t See Your Deputies as Spare Tyres, But Partners, Sanwo-Olu Tells Governors-elect
Shares governance experience at induction
Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has told new entrants to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), that their deputies should not be seen or treated as spare tyres.
The Lagos State helmsman who shared perspectives and practical ideas on governance during an interaction with his governor colleagues at a three-day induction for new and returning governors held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja said, “From the moment you are elected, you already have one guaranteed member of the team – your deputy governor.
“The relationship between a governor and a deputy governor is highly important and must be carefully managed as it can significantly impact the workings and efficiency of your government."
Sanwo-Olu emphasised the role of deputy governors, saying any governor looking forward to a stable government should see his deputy as partner and not as spare tyre.
“Managing and resolving conflicts and disputes is an important part of the work of any governor. Conflicts will arise within the team, as well as in other areas of the government that will need to be promptly resolved,
to avoid dampening morale and impacting the collegial spirit required to succeed,” a statement yesterday, quoted the Lagos governor to have said.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke on, “Managing the Process of Governance: Insights for New Governors”, said the quality of transition would determine the extent to which a new administrator could hit the ground running.
Some governors, the Lagos helmsman said, would be taking over from friendly predecessors and enjoy cordial transitions that would enable them find bearing of governance easily; others, he added, would have to contend with hostile transition teams of the outgoing administrations, which would give them a hard nut to crack upon inauguration.
Sanwo-Olu advised those facing hostile transition processes to play the cards available to them, while articulating their governing agenda to help them meander through the transition phase.
He said: “The most significant and troubling challenges you will face as a new governor will not be anticipated. A lot of events will happen without warning.
“The ability to always be responsive, and to be able to quickly deploy mechanisms to attend to unexpected challenges will make a huge amount of difference.
“Negative news about your government and your person will receive more attention than positive developments, especially in social media.
“It is, therefore, important to keep sharing and amplifying the positives, whilst also responding to the negatives with action. Lagos has a unique challenge, in that it enjoys the highest degree of media and social media visibility for obvious reasons.
“Lagos is the hub of the Nigerian traditional media. It also has the widest Internet coverage and the highest number of Internet users in the country.”
Sanwo-Olu said setting a practicable governing agenda had empowered successive administrations in Lagos to quickly gain citizens’ acceptance. He advised the governors to consider setting a governing agenda that would have memorable acronyms and mantras.
Lagos, the governor cited, operates on THEMES agenda with
‘Greater Lagos’ mantra, while Ogun State projects governance activities by ISEYA, which literally means “let’s get on with work”.
statements amounted to blackmail.
Uzoukwu also denied that the party was refusing to pay for certification, stressing that, "we are ready to pay, any amount."
In a short ruling, the court while observing that the 14 days pre-hearing session of the court expires on May 20, enjoined parties to harmonise all pending applications and fixed May 19 for continuation of pre-hearing in the matter.
However, shortly after the adjournment to Friday, Apapa had wanted to speak with journalists covering the proceedings outside the courtroom but was prevented by the aggrieved supporters who stood in front of television cameras, shoving Apapa and calling him all kinds of names.
Apapa, who was booed and shoved from one point to another by the angry supporters, could no longer speak with the press.
At a point, the angry supporters started pushing him out of the court premises towards the gate before some police officers came to his rescue and took him back into the court.
Apapa had assumed leadership of the LP following a court order suspending Abure from parading himself as National Chairman.
The suspension order by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory was to pave way for Abure's trial
on alleged forgery and corruption charges.
Abure had since appealed the suspension order and has continued to appear with Obi since the proceedings commenced, although he has never introduced himself as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, rather the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh has been representing the LP. Although, the court had since last week being accepting Ifoh, as the representative of the party, it however refused to accept any representative at yesterday's proceedings owing to Apapa and the National Women Leader of the LP, Mrs Dudu Manuga claiming to be representing the LP. When the matter was called, Obi represented himself as the 1st petitioner and handed over the microphone to Manuga, but before the court could record the name of Manuga, Apapa stood up to introduce himself as National Chairman of the party and representative of the Labour Party.
Responding, Justice Tsammani who observed that, "there is a little disagreement about who is representing the Labour Party", held that, "we are not recognising anybody as representative of the party."
The court subsequently went ahead to take the appearances of
Group Blasts Matawalle over Comments against Emefiele
The Ideas Nigeria Movement (INM), a leadership-focus group has lambasted Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara for asking President Muhammadu Buhari to cancel the study leave purportedly granted to the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
Matawalle had in a statement on Monday, said Emefiele did not deserve to go on such leave because of his monetary policy which he called “a disastrous naira swap policy” that brought untold suffering to Nigerians.
The Zamfara Governor’s statement was based on a fake news reported in an online medium which alleged that President Buhari had granted Emefiele study leave after
May 29.
The Presidency had denied any knowledge and existence of such study leave.
However, in a press statement yesterday, Executive Secretary, INM, Nadodo Abubakar, condemned Matawalle for making, “reckless and irresponsible statement based on nothing but rumour and utter falsehood.”
The group urged Buhari to ignore Matawalle’s “red herring and wild goose chase in pursuit of a pre- meditated scheme to embarrass and harass the CBN Governor after May 29 inauguration.”
“Rather than Matawalle to admit and apologise to the people of Zamfara for failing abysmally to protect their lives and property
against pervasive terror attacks in the state, he is romancing baseless and unintelligent rumour which appeals to his sinister motive and those of his co-travellers to embarrass and harass the CBN governor.
“We are disappointed that a state governor in the 21st century would justify a weird monetary situation whereby as of September 2022, N2. 73 trillion out of the N3. 23 trillion currency in circulation, was outside the vaults of commercial banks across the country,” the statement said.
The group said such flawed currency retention and circulation could only happen in Nigeria where “the likes of Matawalle have turned their offices and homes into bank vaults to warehouse naira notes against the grain of logic and law.”
NEWS 34 THURSDAY, THISDAY Continued on page 37 Continues online
L-R: Country Manager & Area Business Head, West Africa, Mastercard, Ebehijie Momoh; Head of Partnership and Channels Development, Netplus, Samuel Onwuekwe, Vice President, Customer Solutions, East & West Africa, Mastercard, Kari Tukur and Divisional Head, Payment & Solution, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Frank Atat, during the FCMB EasyPay launch, powered by Mastercard in Lagos....recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA
UNVEILING OF THE NEW AIRTEL AFRICA THEME, 'A REASON TO IMAGINE'...
WHO Urges Multi-faceted Approach to Tackle Hypertension
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said Africa requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individuals, communities, and governments working together to address the scourge of high blood pressure.
In a message from WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, on World Hypertension Day, she disclosed that about 40 per cent of adults aged 30-79 years were hypertensive and only a quarter of these take their medicines.
She urged countries to join the global effort to address hypertension and its related health consequences
" We can fight hypertension and the responsibility starts with us as individuals and as communities taking control of our health and well-being. We need to adopt healthy lifestyles such as reducing salt intake, increasing portions of fruits and vegetables consumption, increasing physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
"Effective prevention and control of hypertension requires a multi-sectoral approach. This approach should involve collaboration between the health sector and other sectors, such as education finance, and agriculture, to address the social determinants of hypertension," she said.
Moeti said interventions such
as promoting healthy diets and increasing physical activity can be implemented in schools.
According to her, governments in Africa could lead the way by implementing their commitments through policies and programs that address the root causes of hypertension, promote healthy environments, and improve access to healthcare services.
"This will require a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure, training of healthcare workers, and increasing access to affordable medications.
"Early detection through routine screening at all health service delivery levels is important and calibrated and validated blood pressure measuring devices should be available in all health facilities.
“In addition, quality assured medicines should be available for management of hypertension particularly at the primary level, as well as a robust mechanism to collect data to monitor outcomes from treatment and care," she said.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged residents in the state to take advantage of the state government’s healthcare initiatives such as the Edo Health Insurance Scheme, to manage the risks of hypertension.
The governor said this in commemoration of World Hypertension Stroke Day marked by the World Stroke Foundation.
He said, “In commemoration
of World Hypertension Day, I encourage residents and stakeholders to take advantage of the Edo Health Insurance Scheme (Edo-HIS) which provides quality, affordable healthcare, and regular health checks to reduce the risk of the condition.”
According to him, “Ongoing reforms by the state government in the health sector are geared towards strengthening the delivery of quality and affordable healthcare for every resident.
“We have enhanced the capacity of personnel and are providing quality healthcare infrastructure
to encourage more people to visit our health facilities and enroll for regular medical checkups.
“My administration will continue to strengthen primary healthcare to provide basic care that ensures access to quality healthcare in rural areas.
“As we make progress in ensuring we have 192 fully functional centers, we are working round the clock to provide the necessary infrastructure, technology, personnel, and resources to assure quality care.”
On the theme of the 2023 World Hypertension Day, ‘Measure
Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,’ Obaseki urged stakeholders to support the government to strengthen advocacy campaigns on the importance of regular medical checkups to detect signs and early management of the disease.
He noted, “It is important for stakeholders to support governments across all levels to sustain enlightenment campaigns that encourage people to adopt healthy behaviours that limit the risk of hypertension by embracing healthy lifestyle choices, regular checks of blood pressure, eating
healthy, and engaging in regular exercise.”
Obaseki tasked stakeholders in the private sector to take advantage of the state government policies and ensure their employees are enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme to access qualitative and affordable healthcare packages.
According to the World Hypertension League, World Hypertension Day was created first in 2005, to communicate the importance of hypertension and its serious medical complications, and to provide information on prevention, detection, and treatment.
Buhari to Inaugurate N21bn State House Presidential/VIP Medical Centre Friday
Facilities include healing garden, organ transplants operating room To cater for President, VP, their immediate families, VIPs, others
Deji
in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari would tomorrow inaugurate the state-of-the-art Presidential/VIP Wing of State House Medical Centre in Abuja.
The inauguration of the N21 billion facility, according to a statement yesterday, by State House Direc-
tor of Information, Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye, was a demonstration of the president's commitment to advancing healthcare management in the country.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Buhari, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, would embark on a guided tour of the hospital.
Protection of Lives, Property Key Policy of Buhari’s Administration, Says Aregbesola
FG inaugurates multi-billion-naira fire house
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has said the protection of lives and property has been one of the key policies of President Muhammadu Buhari in the past eight years.
To this end, he said that the federal government had established 13 Metropolitan Fire Stations in some cities across the country after it had ensured the presence of the Federal Fire Service in all the 36 States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Aregbesola, who inaugurated the newly established Metropolitan Fire Station FCT Command located in Kubwa, Abuja, said the 13 Zonal Fire Station Headquarters also called
Metro Fire Station were positioned strategically in the suburban areas for rapid fire and rescue interventions to the community in a much shorter life-saving time.
Aregbesola said the outgoing administration of President has also revamped the Federal Fire Service from a moribund institution to a first-class disaster and emergency management agency.
He recalled that when the Administration came to power in 2015, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) was only fitfully represented in Abuja and Lagos with two functional fire engines.
"But the FFS is now represented
in all the states of the federation with state-of-the-art firefighting and disaster management infrastructure.
"As a result of this, the federal government provided 106 modern firefighting trucks to the FFS. Two years ago, the federal government also provided infrastructure upgrade comprising of 44 firefighting engines, 15 water tankers, 15 rapid intervention fire engines and 20 basic life support ambulances.
"In the same year, we commissioned an aerial firefighting equipment designed for skyscrapers in Lagos. It was the first of its kind in Nigeria. Indeed, we have grown in leads and bounds,” he stated.
He added that many firefighting officers were sent abroad, to the United Kingdom, Dubai, Belarus, etc., for train-the-trainer and other advanced courses. According to him, some of these officers are now the master trainers that are training other officers on modern firefighting, disaster and emergency management etc.
He added, "Numerous Local trainings were also done, cutting across cadres, squads and ranks in both the National Fire Academy and other credible training institutes across the country.
According to the Permanent Secretary: "We are excited that Mr. President has kindly consented to inaugurate this legacy and transformative project on the cusp of the completion of his two-term tenure as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"Since the inception of this project in 2021, the State House Management has successfully completed several projects including a Special Care Centre, Biosafety Level 2 Molecular Laboratory, certified by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), a medium capacity incinerator and the Dental Wing Extension Building at the State House Medical Centre, Asokoro, a block of 2-bedroom flats at the Staff Quarters of the Medical Centre, as well as a 54-seater State House Multi-Purpose Training Centre at the Auditorium.
'The Conference Car Unit (CCU) workshop and the Modern Fleet Management hub will be commissioned next week,’’ he added.
The Presidential/VIP Wing which will co-exist with the State House Medical Centre, located in Asokoro, Abuja remains committed to providing accessible, well-equipped, and rejuvenated healthcare services, catering to the diverse needs of patients through a range of comprehensive medical treatments.
The legacy project, situated within
the premises of the Presidential Villa, had its ground-breaking ceremony conducted by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, on November 1, 2021.
Spanning an impressive total floor area of 2,485 square meter on a suspended floor with a basement, the hospital, which serves as a specialised Intensive Care Centre, caters for the President, Vice President, their immediate families and VIPs; incorporates state-of-the-art medical technology.
The Presidential/VIP Wing houses several specialised departments, to be staffed by a team of medical professionals, featuring five consultation rooms dedicated to various specialties, including respiratory, cardiology, ophthalmology, ENT, and general consultation.
Additionally, the hospital has a specialised X-ray suite equipped with a digital X-ray machine as well as a diagnostic suite encompassing MRI, CT scan, and endoscopy facilities.
Moreover, patients and visitors can enjoy access to a Healing Garden, designed to foster healing, relaxation, and enhancement of overall wellbeing.
With a total cost amounting to N21 billion, completed well on schedule and on budget, the VIP Wing also showcases a Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath lab), two operating rooms for regular procedures, and special procedures such as organ transplants.
NEWS THURSDAY, THISDAY 35 Continues online
Elumoye
L-R: Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja; Director, Internal Assurance, Airtel Nigeria, Ngozi Akamelu; Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz; Director, Human Resources & Administration, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias; Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran and Director, Airtel Business, Ogo Ofomata, during the unveiling of the new Airtel Africa theme, 'A Reason to Imagine' in Lagos...recently
PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA
Says 40% of adult population in Africa have high BP Obaseki tasks residents to take advantage of state's health initiatives to check hypertension
LAUNCH OF THE PIC’S ‘PURPLE BOOK’...
L-R: Business Counselor, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Abuja, Mr. Eivind Fjeldstad; Special Adviser to Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Nabila Aguele; Chief Executive Officer,, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. ‘Laoye Jaiyeola; Executive Director, Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), Osasuyi Dirisu; Country Director, Global Alliance for Nutrition (GAIN Nigeria), Mr. Michael Ojo, and Director, World Intellectual
Gbajabiamila: I Regret Supporting Tambuwal for Speaker in 2011
Breaks silence on zoning, choice of Abass in 10th House Rebellion against APC won’t stand, says aspirant Doguwa, 2 others quit race, back party’s consensus candidates
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, last night, went down memory lane, taking an evocative trip back to the politics of the speakership of the House in 2011, and said he regretted supporting one of his predecessors and outgoing Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, to emerge then speaker.
Gbajabiamila, who also broke his
silence on the current jostle for the 10th National Assembly leadership, said his decision to support the candidacy of Tajudeen Abbas was to build on legislative gains so far recorded by his administration.
That was as Abbas declared that current rebellions against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would not stand, and House Leader, Ado Doguwa, and two others stood down their speakership aspirations and aligned with the zoning decision of the party.
Gbajabiamila spoke publicly for the first time on the candidature of Abbas and Benjamin Kalu since their nomination by APC as for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House, respectively.
The Speaker, who attended a meeting of the aspirants with some opposition members at the instance of Joint Task – 10th Assembly, group of members-elect from across the eight political parties that won seats in the incoming House, said Abbas was a man with tremendous
capacity to lead the legislature. He said he was also a loyal partyman, who would never go against the decision of the party, and that his decision did not translate to hatred for other aspirants.
Gbajabiamila recalled giving one of the frontline aspirants the chairmanship of a juicy committee to head even when it was obvious to him that the person worked against his speakership aspiration.
The Speaker told the meeting, "I stand before you here as a testament
Plateau Government Imposes Curfew over Killings, Police Arrest Suspects Death toll rises to 85 as lawmaker urges security to curb development
Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Juliet
Akoje in Abuja
The Plateau State government, yesterday, imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu Local Government Area of the state, following a recent crisis that resulted in killings, in order to prevent an escalation of the ensuing crisis.
At the same time, the Police said they had arrested five persons in connection with the recent killings, while the death toll has reportedly risen to 85.
But a member of the House of Representatives, Solomon Bulus Maren, has urged the president to order the security agencies to curb the killings in Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency area of Plateau state. Chairman of the local government council, Minister Daput, confirmed that the curfew order was agreed on after consultations with security heads as a means of restoring law and order in the affected communities as well as avoiding the situation from getting out of hand considering the numbers of casualties involved in
Africa Day 2023: Dakuku to Speak on Nigeria's Leadership Role
Renowned ledership expert and technocrat, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, will speak at the Centre for Pan-African and Peace Studies (CePAPS) of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, as the Centre hosts a special event on May 25 to mark this year’s Africa Day.
A statement released May 17 by Dakuku Peterside Media Team gave the themes for the Africa Day 2023 edition as, “Afrocentric Architecture Defined: Developing New Land- scapes for Nigeria Today, Tomorrow and Beyond,” and “The Future of Africa and Nigeria's Leadership Role.”
Dakuku would speak on “The Future of Africa and Nigeria’s
Leadership Role”. In addressing the theme, Dakuku would be expected to identify the parameters of global and continental leadership and try to locate Nigeria in the African nexus of power and leadership.
The occasion would feature speakers and panelists, who would be discussing the importance of Afrocentric architecture in developing new landscapes for Nigeria and the role Nigeria can play in shaping the future of Africa.
The event will take place both on-site at the NNPC Hall, AUST campus in Abuja, as well as zoom online connect as a hybrid format by 11am.
the attack.
He said the dust of the attacks on the two communities was yet to settle considering the large number of persons killed, adding that the injured were in critical condition in some hospitals, while a few others were still missing.
A community leader in the Fungzai village, Mr. Dan Mangu, who spoke to journalists, said, “We received a distress call that herders have invaded two villages of Kubwat and Fungzai and massacred many people and burnt down their villages.
"We are yet to ascertain the number of deaths. As I speak, I can see herders hastily moving their cows from the attacked villages towards Bauchi State. We are yet to ascertain the number of deaths, but reports have it that they have burnt down the entire village.”
Meanwhile, the state’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alfred Alabo, who disclosed the news of the arrest in a statement in Jos, confirmed that two Hilux vans belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC were overrun and vandalised by the attackers.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Bartholomew Onyeka, in the wake of attacks in some villages and adjoining areas of Mangu LGA, made more reinforcement from several Plateau Police Command, MOPOL 8, CTU, NSCDC, and Operation Rainbow
with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Operations, DCP Emmanuel Ado as the team leader.
He said Ado was assisted by the Area Commander Pankshin, ACP John Sendere and that troops from military Special Task Force (STF) were mobilised to the area, which led to the attackers beating a retreat.
"Two Hilux vans belonging to NSCDC were overrun and vandalised by the attackers, while five suspects have so far been arrested and are currently in the custody of the STF,” he said, noting that weapons recovered included AK-47 rifle, a revolver pistol, and cartridges.
“In the course of the struggle with the attackers, one Cpl. Abdullahi Umar 07NA attached to sector 8 STF sustained bullet injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the STF headquarters, Jos.
"Heavy security presence has been deployed to the area to forestall any further breakdown of law and order, and so far calm has been restored to the general area of Mangu Local Government, while monitoring continues," he said.
The CP also assured the people of the state that the command under his watch would continue to do everything within its constitutional power to ensure the security of lives and properties of all the citizens of the state.
Continues online
of what party loyalty and consistency can do in your life. I have a story to tell and I am sure everybody has one story or the other to tell. My story may not be unique. I came here on the platform of a party.
“We don't have independent candidacy in Nigeria. It's not in our constitution or laws. Perhaps, one day, we will get to that point. But my core belief is that if you come here on the platform of a party, there is a saying all over the world that your party is always supreme.
"You will disagree with your party just, like people will disagree amongst family members, but at the end of the day, the party is an organised structure. Let no one kid you. I am here to offer advice. I have been the pioneer leader of what they call the House project, when we installed Tambuwal as speaker. I regret it.
“The incoming speaker will tell more of the travails and the problems we went through for four years, when we did that the first and the second time. And I want you to hold that and start comparison to what the last four years have been. Now, when you look at those two sessions and the last one that is just rounding off, you have the benefit of being able to compare and then, you take an informed decision.
"Not when somebody comes and tells you no, no, the independence of the legislature cannot be compromised, that's hogwash. Nobody is compromising the Independence of the legislature. The least person that will do it is me. But the fact that your party says this is where we are going, it doesn't mean you are compromising the independence of the legislature.
“Many of us are new here. People will talk to you. They will cajole you, say all sorts of things in flowery and romantic language but at the end of the day, we have to be mindful of one thing. The party we represent has its leaders. The governors from the states, whether we like it or not, are very powerful. You can do your own personal bidding today. I share these things just to advise from my own experience.
“In 2015, I ran for the speakership of the House of Representatives. The party nominated me. The whole world was sure that I was gonna win that race. We lost by about six votes. A few of our party
members worked against me and combined with the PDP at the time. Four years later, I ran again and won that election with 284 votes, the highest in history of the Nigerian parliament.
“And what did I do? I think time has come for me to say one or two things I would not have ordinarily said. What did I do? I gave the chairmanship of, perhaps, the most powerful committee in any legislature in the world to one of the prime movers, who fought against me and worked against the party at the time.
"Not only did I give him that committee, I turned my face away and gave him a free hand, just like I gave to every committee chairman. If I don't support you today, we all have to fear God; it's for a reason. It's not because I have a problem with you. It's not because I don't like you. It's because as I stand here today, for those who know me, I just won my sixth term, perhaps the oldest legislator, except for one.
“It's because I eat, drink and sleep and wake up with the legislature in my heart. That's my constituency and I love that institution so much. So, I decided to support a person that's least closest to me of everybody that is running, because I saw in him a man with tremendous capacity."
Gbajabiamila urged the opposition members-elect to support Abass and Kalu to emerge as the presiding officers, stressing that they would be carried along.
Abass urged the members-elect to engage in constructive criticism. He denied sharing committee positions already, saying rebellion against the party would not work.
Abass said, "Mr Speaker has not had discussion on interests in the 10th Assembly. The speaker's support is based on my pedigree and capacity. He believes I would sustain the achievements of the ninth assembly. Let the contestants engage you on the issues. Is he competent, is he transparent, does he have the right temperament, is he just and fair? These are the right questions.
“If anyone is trying to drag you to go for another house project, be mindful. In the past, it did not work, in the eighth Assembly it did not work, what makes you think that in the 10th Assembly under a veteran politician like Asiwaju it will work?
Continues online
36 THURSDAY, THISDAY NEWS
Property Organization (WIPO), Mr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, at the launch of the PIC’s ‘Purple Book’ in Abuja…yesterday
Udora Orizu and Juliet Akoje in Abuja
EDO CHIEF JUDGE'S COURTESY VISIT TO GOVT HOUSE...
Ajaero Dispels May 29 Threat Ascribed to Labour, Civil Society Coalition
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has dismissed as false and unfounded, the statement ascribed to the Labour and Civil Society Front (LCSF),threatening to disrupt activities in the country if justice was not delivered in the presidential election petition.
Instead, Ajaero said LCSF was a platform founded with the aim of making the leadership accountable and subject to the sovereign will of the people.
"This is to allow us use the civic space to interrogate governance in all its ramifications and make it work for the majority thus progress of the nation," he said.
In a statement issued last night, Ajaero described the offensive publication as the handiwork of the fifth columnists seeking to discredit the group.
He said the publication titled: if electoral justice is not delivered by May 29, Nigeria would be shut down” was not only false but a
mischief by its authors" to drag the NLC and the trade union movement into their warped contrivance for purposes best known to their minds."
According to him, "Such statement was unknown to us and we can neither be associated to it nor partake of whatever its intentions are.
"It is therefore important that we alert the public that we have not concluded any plans anywhere to mobilise any of our affiliates and constituents, including the masses neither in Nigeria nor without for the purposes of embarking on any action after May 29 within the context outlined by the false statement. We dissociate ourselves from its intents and mission and are dauntless to say that such publication is not from the LCSF," he said.
Ajaero said as a credible group, LCSF would continue to work in conjunction with other well-meaning organisations both within and without the Civil Society to use every lawful means to ensure that there is fairness and equity in the adjudicatory processes of the election tribunals.
"The Conveners of the Labour and
Civil Society Front remain Comrade Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Senator Shehu Sani and Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and any publication that does not have their imprimatur is false and can only be the handiwork of fifth columnists trying to use the organisation to mislead the public
and create tension in the country.
"We, however, make bold to say that we shall continue to work in conjunction with other well-meaning organisations both within and without the Civil Society to use every lawful means to ensure that there is fairness and equity in the adjudicatory
processes of the election tribunals.
"This is our common commitment and we do not want this avowal to be hijacked by purveyors of evil to foment trouble in the polity. Any group believing that it can use the name of the LCSF to spread falsehood should be prepared because we shall
seek them out and expose them for what they are.
"They are clearly not part of us as we have not discussed such possibilities in our various meetings. Members of the Public should therefore discountenance such publication and ignore its portends.”
LP Leadership Tussle: NLC Disowns Lamidi Apapa
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the action exhibited by the claimant to office of the National Chairman of Labour Party, Mr. Lamidi Apapa It described as shameful the action of the leader of a splinter group in Labour Party at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal yesterday.
A statement by the Secretary, NLC Political Commission, Chris Uyot, stated that it was unfortunate that Apapa, was ascribing to himself “a vague status as the Chairman of the Labour Party.”
"The conduct of Mr. Lamidi Apapa at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal today, 17th May 2023, has once again brought to the fore the desperation of certain elements in the political class to deploy all manner of subterfuge and criminality to divide and despoil the massive goodwill currently being enjoyed by the Labour Party all over Nigeria.
"It is very unfortunate that Mr. Lamidi Apapa who continues to act lawlessly as an impostor ascribing to himself a vague status as the Chairman of the Labour Party and on the claims of representing the Nigeria Labour Congress, is clearly
LAMIDI APAPA ESCAPES LYNCHING AT APPEAL COURT, SEEKS OBI'S INTERVENTION IN PARTY CRISIS
other parties in the petition.
Speaking with journalists after the altercation, Apapa urged Obi to wade into the dispute objectively with a view to amicably resolving the lingering crisis.
The acting chairman, who was flanked by the Deputy National Chairman in the north, Mike Ayuba Auta, National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi and one of the women leaders Rukayat Salihu Umar, described the incident as disgraceful.
Apapa said the leadership crisis would have been put behind them if the presidential candidate had respected the order of the Federal Capital Territory High court which ordered Abure and three others from parading themselves as National Officers of the party over their indictment for forgery and perjury.
Also speaking, the Deputy National Chairman denied that the APC was behind the crisis, adding that the allegation was baseless and unfounded.
Auta apologised to Nigerians who he said gave Labour Party over six million votes during the last presidential election, adding that they should not be discouraged by the current leadership crisis and assured that the dispute would soon be resolved.
Meanwhile, Osuntokun, during a programme monitored on ARISE News Channel said: “these people have nuisance value. You can extrapolate from their conduct that they are obviously being sponsored. What they do is not in the interest
of the party.
“Ask them where they get the money they use in flying private jets; it must be coming from somewhere. They don’t look to me like people who can afford flight tickets.
“If you support Peter Obi and his presidential aspiration, why should you be creating problem for that kind of person.
“They have never said anything that is for the good of the party, they are always making all sorts of wide allegations and all manner of things.”
“What they (the Apapa-led group) are doing is news worthy, but it is irrelevant. What they are doing is being mischievous. They are just being useful to some persons. Look, after the court case, they would fizzle out.”
In a related development, INEC, Tinubu and the APC have asked the PREPEC to turn down the request of another presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar seeking live broadcast of the court's proceedings.
Atiku and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had hinged their request on the ground that the court's proceedings was of utmost importance, generating wide public interest, hence the need for the televising of the proceedings.
Atiku and PDP further pointed out that allowing live broadcast would enhance transparency in the activities of the court.
But in their individual responses, INEC Tinubu and APC countered that the 2023 poll was not in any
way different from previous elections, adding that nothing spectacular or unique has conferred such special status on the proceedings.
In the replies filed by their lawyers - Olanipekun and Fagbemi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, respectively, while noting that live broadcast would trivialise the proceedings, urged the court to dismiss the application.
In the reply dated May 14, while Fagbemi argued that granting live coverage, "would violate the principles of fair trial, as witnesses may be influenced by the public opinion", Olanipekun stressed that, "It is not a rostrum or a soapbox. It is not also a stadium or theatre. It is not an arena for ‘public’ entertainment.
Besides Olanipekun submitted that the application relates to policy formulation of the court, which is outside the PREPEC’s jurisdiction as constituted.
“The application also touches on the powers and jurisdiction invested in the President of the Court of Appeal by the Constitution, over which this honorable court as presently constituted cannot entertain.
“The application touches on the administrative functions, which are exclusively reserved for the President of the Court of Appeal.
“The application is aimed at dissipating the precious judicial time of this honourable court.
“The said application does not have any bearing with the petition filed by the petitioners before this honourable court.
“It is in the interest of justice for this honourable court to dismiss the said application filed by the petitioners,” Olanipekun said.
Further condemning the request, Fagbemi argued that live broadcast of election proceedings would only cause unnecessary tension, violence, and unrest among the public, which may lead to a breach of the peace of the country.
"That blanket T.V. Coverage being sought by the applicants herein for the proceedings is not public hearing but hearing for the public meant for sensationalism media trial and public embarrassment to the judex before whom the proceedings are being conducted,the parties and their Counsel.
"Paragraph 6 of the Petitioners' affidavit is true only to the extent that spaces are reserved for the press in this court to allow them observe proceedings and report same to the public and Nigerians are already abreast of the proceedings of this Court which has been enjoying wide media coverage;
"Contrary to paragraph 7, witnesses, justices, and parties to the Petition will be greatly prejudiced and adversely affected as the anonymity of the witnesses will be taken away and judges will be exposed to social media sensationalism.
“The motion is misconceived and ungrantable as the suit of the petitioners/applicants who do not represent the public, for whose benefit the prayers in the motion are sought.
receiving protection from institutions of the state whose mandate is the preservation of law and order," he said.
Ufot said Labour Party which was founded by the NLC more than three decades ago confers institutional membership on the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
"Institutional representation of organised labour in the leadership of the Labour Party is at the behest of nomination by the leadership of the national labour centers, or from the affiliate unions or state councils of the NLC and TUC.
"As at today, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Oyo State Council of the NLC which Mr. Apapa Lamidi claims affiliation to has completely disclaimed giving
Mr. Lamidi Apapa any mandate to act on their behalf in the Labour Party in any capacity whatsoever thus disowning him.
"The national leadership of the Congress then wonders who Mr. Lamidi Apapa is representing in the Labour Party," he said. The NLC scribe said “the dubious action by Mr. Lamidi Apapa and his cohorts has been sustained by interested political actors in Nigeria whose abiding wish is the death of the Labour Party.
"It is clear that Mr. Lamidi Apapa is a meddlesome interloper who is being used by reactionary forces to deny Nigerians the benefit of an alternative political thought and organisation geared towards genuine national redemption and transformation.
BLINKEN: ATTACK ON US CONVOY IN ANAMBRA MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRE-TARGETED AT OUR MISSION and totally bypassed the existing security architecture in the state and the state government was not aware of the humanitarian mission of the visiting team.
"In a place like parts of Ogbaru, where security forces have been fighting the criminals and oil bunkerers, the sight of few policemen can, indeed, attract vengeance from the criminal gangs. Correcting such lapses and ensuring better coordination will help prevent such avoidable incidents in the future."
A civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA), also yesterday, condemned the attack by gunmen on United States Embassy staff convoy in Anambra State.
HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, tasked security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.
HURIWA said although no US citizen was killed, those killed were nationalities of other nations or even Nigeria, including the policemen, and “so the USA should think of imposing travel ban on the governors of the South-east of Nigeria to compel them to act swiftly to end the mindless orgies of dastardly attacks and bloodshed in Igboland.”
Onwubiko added, “The killing and the attack on US Consulate staffers
in Anambra State on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 is shameful and a national disgrace to Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari under whose watch kidnapping and violent killings by armed marauders have skyrocketed to an unimaginable and shocking height.
“This is condemnable and our security agencies must do all possible to bring the perpetrators to book.”
HURIWA also blasted the Nigeria Police, Anambra State Command, for lacking action and displaying crass ignorance, when the spokesperson of the police in the state reportedly blamed the US Embassy for sending a medical mission without prior information to the Police Command in Anambra State.
HURIWA also slammed the outgoing Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, for allegedly hitting commercial motorcyclists in Abakaliki with his convoy on his way to the airport and allegedly killing three citizens of Ebonyi State.
HURIWA said the governor should be personally held responsible for the mindless deaths and should be prosecuted in about two weeks after he loses immunity upon disengagement from the office of governor on May 29.
NEWS THURSDAY, THISDAY 37 Continues online
L-R: Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie ; Edo State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Joe Acha; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Deputy, Philip Shaibu and Hon. Justice D.I Okungbowa, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, ... yesterday
AFRICA’S GLOBAL BANK AWARD…
L-R: Deputy Managing Director,
Bank, Chizoma Okoli; Publisher, National Daily Newspapers, Sylvester Ebhodaghe, and Group Head, Retail Marketing and Communications, Access Bank, Toyin Henry-Ajayi, during the presentation of Africa’s Global Bank of the year award to Access Bank at the National Daily Awards in Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN
Five Suspected Kidnappers Kill One, Abduct 20 in Kwara
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
A five-man gang suspected to be kidnappers on Tuesday evening killed one person and kidnapped 20 others including Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo the immediate younger brother of Chairman, Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Akogun, Iyiola Oyedepo.
The incident according to
THISDAY checks happened at Ijara-Isin/Isanlu Isin Road in Isin local Government Area of Kwara State about 6.00pm.
Also, another bus conveying passengers from Ekiti state along that route was intercepted and all the passengers numbering 20 taken away into the thick bush.
THISDAY investigations revealed that, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo and two others were
Omo-Agege Claims Delta Guber Poll Victory
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo - Agege, yesterday declared that he won the Delta State governorship election, two months after the poll. He therefore, vowed that he would retrieve his stolen mandate from the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Sheriff Oborevwori.
The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC)
, had in the election conducted on March 18, 2023 , declared Oborevwori of PDP as winner.
He won with 360,234 votes , which was over 120, 000 votes above 240,229 votes INEC said Omo-Agege scored in the election. Omo- Agege while receiving some of his constituents from Delta Central at the National Assembly in Abuja yesterday said the result declared by INEC , was a ruse that could not stand the test of litigation.
Youths Destroy Multi-million Dollars Coconut Farm in A’Ibom
Okon Bassey in Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has expressed worry over the destruction of multimillion dollars coconut plantation by youths of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of the state, which he described as an act of sabotage meant to frustrate the project.
“We woke up this morning (Tuesday) and the entire coconut plantation we planted, which were already fruiting were destroyed by the youths of Eastern Obolo, a multi-million dollar project all gone, and we have a refinery. “I think this is condemnable.
I don’t know who will support this. I don’t know who will not condemn this, but I think this is extremely unfair. I believe the youth leaders in the state will rise up to condemn this in totality because you are cutting employment opportunities of people,” the governor lamented Emmanuel was sad over the destruction of the coconut plantation when he inaugurated the 16.71 kilometre Abak Ifia-Ikpe Mbak Eyop Ikot Abia Osom- Nko Road with 2.1 kilometre outfall drains in Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara Local Government Areas, at Ikpe Mbak Eyop in Obot Akara yesterday.
Viva Dishwash Relishes Partnership with Hilda Baci
Yetunde Bello
Viva Dishwash, a leading brand in the household cleaning industry, has applauded the feat of Nigerian chef, Hilda Bassey Effiong, popularly known as Hilda Buci for broking the Guinness World Record for longest cooking hours.
According to the company, it partnered with Hilda Baci as the official dishwash of the record-breaking cook-a-thon event, which witnessed an extraordinary feat by the chef, that culminated in the establishment of a new
world record of 100 consecutive hours of cooking. The collaboration between Viva dishwash and the cook-a-thon event showcases the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the kitchen.
The company said as the official dishwash, the brand’s cutting-edge dishwashing technology and unwavering commitment to superior performance perfectly comple-mented the relentless efforts of the participants, providing them with a reliable and efficient solution for their dishwashing needs.
in the car along Ijara-Isin/ Isanlu Isin Road when the kidnappers, wielding guns, intercepted them.
It was at this point that , the occupants in the car were asked to come down and taken inside
the thick forest.
It was gathered that, an innocent motorcyclist who was riding towards the scene of the incident at the time was instantly shot dead. The source gave the name of the death person as
Adeyemi of Pamo Isin.
Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, who is also a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara confirmed the incident in an interview with journalists in Ilorin yesterday.
He said his immediate younger brother was on errand for burial ceremony of their mother which will take place in their hometown Isanlu Isin this Saturday when he was kidnapped with two others.
Police Detain Principal, as Parents Protest Exclusion of Children from WAEC Exams in Rivers
Blessing IbungeinPortHarcourt
Operatives of Borokiri Police Division
in Rivers State led by the Divisional Police Officer have detained the Principal of Community Secondary School (CSS), Borokiri, Port Harcourt for allegedly excluding students of the school from the list of registered candidates sitting for the ongoing
examination by West African Examination Council (WAEC).
Trouble started when some of students numbering over 60 were denied access to the examination hall on Tuesday, with reason that their names were not sighted in the list of registered candidates for the exams.
Yesterday, the frustrated students
alongside their parents stormed the school to demand the ongoing WAEC examination be halted over exclusion of their children who are students of the school.
THISDAY gathered that similar incident occurred in Birabi Memorial Grammer School (BMGS) in Bori, Khana Local Government Area where about 73 original students
of the school were excluded from the exams while external students where participating in the academic exercise.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Iyaye Sunday, a parent at the CSS Borokiri said: “My son called me yesterday that the principal asked more than 60 students to go out because their names are not in the registered list.”
Third Republic Assembly Members Optimistic Tinubu ‘ll Transform Nigeria
Third Republic National Assembly members have described the President-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu as a well equipped, committed and trusted Nigerian who has the capacity to transform the country.
Speaking under the auspices of the Third Republic House of Representatives Members Forum, the group, in a press
release, maintained that they see in Tinubu a promise and commitment to one Nigeria with development and prosperity for all irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliation.
“In the verdict of most Nigerians, you have what it takes to serve and record outstanding success” the former House of Representatives members stated
of the president-elect.
According to them, the inauguration of Tinubu as president May 29, 2023 would usher in a new era of a transformed Nigeria that would secure, protect and cater for the welfare of all Nigerians.
The former legislators in the release signed by their Chairman, Dr. Adzer Abya, Publicity
Secretary, Hon Gabriel Eni Otu and Secretary, Hon Wasiu Logun, recalled the days of Senator Tinubu in the National Assembly in the Third Republic and expressed optimism that the country under him would achieve a new Nigeria that would represent the hopes and aspirations of the African continent and the entire black race.
Melaye Constitutes Blue Print Committee on Kogi
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the November 11 governorship election in Kogi state, Senator Dino Melaye yesterday constituted a committee to draw a blueprint for his campaign as well as his administration, if elected.
Melaye said that the Policy
Document Development Committee (PDDC) is to chart a way forward for his administration, if elected the next governor of the State.
The PDDC was inaugurated yesterday in Abuja.
While speaking at the ceremony, Senator Melaye explained that the calibre of personalities in the committee is a testimony to the fact that
Kogi State is endowed with a high number of people with demonstrable intellect, competence and expertise in all walks of life and who are always willing to put them at the service of the daunting task of shaping the future of our state.
Melaye recalled that during his presentation to critical stakeholders of the PDP in Lokoja, he had unfolded his
vision for the state and some of the strategies for transforming it into one of the most robust, fastest-growing and knowledgedriven economies in the country by the year 2030. He said: “As one of the most endowed states in Nigeria in terms of natural and human resources, Kogi was designed by God to be a confluence of opportunities.
Boro Day: Ijaw Nation Has Made Progress, Says Diri
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State said the Ijaw Nation has made significant progress in human and infrastructural development after the demise of its hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro, 55 years ago.
Governor Diri made the assertion during the 2023 Boro
Day public lecture and dinner held in Yenagoa.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said it was after Isaac Boro that the Ijaw nation was able to produce a President of Nigeria and several top-ranking public office holders, including service chiefs in the armed forces.
He insisted that if Isaac Adaka Boro resurrected today he would be fully persuaded that the Ijaw ethnic group had gained more ground and momentum since his death in 1968.
His words: “I agree substantially with our lecturer this evening, Professor Ambily Etekpe, on the issues discussed, but I differ on whether more progress was made
in the Ijaw struggle.
“I believe that after Boro more mileage has been made, because Boro had paid the supreme price, which is the fertilizer that grows the tree of success and freedom.
“We have made steady progress even though we are not where we are supposed to be. But definitely we are not where we used to be.
Zulum Rallies Women at Zainab Marwa’s Book Launch
Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has charged Nigerian women to be better organised and become a force to reckon with in the pursuit of national progress.
Zulum gave the charge yesterday at the launch of the book, “101 Nigerian Women of Impact” written
by Barrister Zainab Marwa in Abuja. He said: “We are not just here to launch a book. We are here to highlight the incredible achievements of women and the value they bring to the table when properly supported by our system. We are here to draw the attention of the nation to the expanding scope
of possibilities with women in different areas when we provide the environment for them to thrive.”
The reviewer of the book, who is also Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, described the compendium as a “well-written book” of which he looks forward
to subsequent editions.
Adesina said: “The book spans through a period of 2015-2023 and the ambitions and achievements of the women in the time frame. The book would incite a passion in the young women to reach out to breaking glass ceilings and achieving their dreams.”
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023 THISDAY 38 NEWS
Access
Man City Thrash Real Madrid 4-0 to Set up Inter UCL Final
Manchester City delivered a relentless performance laced with outstanding quality to
overpower holders Real Madrid and reach the Champions League final against Inter
Milan in Istanbul. City have lost two previous semi-finals to Real but they
made no mistake here at a joyous Etihad Stadium to now stand one step away from
claiming the trophy that has always stayed tantalisingly out of reach for Pep Guardiola's team.
And their display in a magical first half, in particular, will live long in the memory as the masters of this tournament were left bewildered by City's brilliance.
It maintained a seemingly unstoppable march towards a treble of Champions League, Premier League - which can be won with victory at home to Chelsea on Sunday - and the FA Cup, where they play Manchester United in the final at Wembley.
Real keeper Thibaut Courtois performed heroics to save two Erling Haaland headers early in the first half but he was powerless to stop Bernardo Silva's close-range finish after 23 minutes, the Portugal midfielder scoring a looping header for the second eight minutes before half-time.
City faced the occasional threats from Real after the break, Ederson saving well from David Alaba and Karim Benzema, but they were no match and when Manuel Akanji's header deflected in off Eder Militao 14 minutes from time the celebrations started. Substitute Julian Alvarez then wrapped up the dominant win with a late strike after latching onto a brilliant Phil Foden pass. City will play Inter on 10 June as they look to win the Champions League for the first time.
AFN Emergency Congress Not to Witch Hunt Anybody, Says Official
An official of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has explained that the Emergency Congress of the federation, scheduled to hold in Abuja on May 25, is not meant to witch hunt anybody.
A letter by AFN Secretary General, Rita Mosindi, had directed all Chairmen and Secretary of State Athletics Association to arrive Abuja for the Emergency Congress scheduled for May 25 at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
“The objective of this ExtraOrdinary Congress is to address an important Constitutional matter,” the letter said.
However, some board members of the AFN are said
to be running from pillars to post, complaining that the emergency congress in Abuja is meant to witch hunt some of them. They claim that the congress did not meet the required constitutional number of days.
But an official of the body explained, yesterday, that the May 25 emergency congress is not called to witch hunt anyone.
“Anybody claiming that May 25 emergency congress in Abuja is to witch hunt some board members is raising unnecessary alarm,” the official said. “In the first place, the AFN has held its Congress for the year, and anyone we are calling now is emergency,” stressed the official who did not
want his name in print. The official revealed that during the AFN Congress held in January this year, the 1st Vice-president, Tafida Gadzama, raised a bill that the tenure of the President be elongated from 12 years to 16 years. I am sure he did that so that his tenure as the vice president will also be 16 years instead of 12. What we have in the AFN before our congress in January is that the president’s tenure is 12 years, which means the president has tenure of four years of three terms. At World Athletics, the tenure of the president is 12 years.
“Such tenure elongation of 16 years has to get the backing
of the federal government, and so, the AFN wrote to the parent body, which is the Sports Ministry. Nigeria is bigger than any sports federation, and we are talking about tenure elongation here. We are all aware that the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, will be leaving office on May 29, and he wants to use the opportunity of this emergency congress to address some key issues affecting the AFN and athletics in the country.
“Anybody that is saying that the emergency congress on May 25 is to witch-hunt some board members is just playing to the gallery. Maybe, such person is afraid of his or her shadows,” the official concluded last night.
Smashers Battle for Final Tickets at Ikoyi Club Grand Slam
Eight players will today at the Ikoyi Club 1938 battle for final tickets at the ongoing 2023 Zenith Bank Grand Slam Tennis tournament as the semifinal stage take place in both Men's A and B singles and also the Ladies Singles.
Bello Osagie, D. Famakinwa, A. Okonkwo, B. Osoba all secured their places in the semifinal stage of the competition after defeating M. Igbinedion, Y. Lashore, E. Awure and U. Okonkwo in the quarterfinals played on Tuesday respectively and will all be targeting a place in the Men's Singles B final expected to take place on Saturday, May 21.
Also on Thursday, it will be another opportunity for E. Okika, who defeated D. Majekodunmi 6/3, 6/2 to fight for a place in the final.
In the Super Veterans Singles, H. Etomi is already through to the
final after a 6/0, 6/1 victory over K. Akindele and will be waiting for the winner of the second semifinal
There will also be the Ladles Singles semifinals and the remaining Super Veterans semifinal game while the Team Events semifinals for bot ladies and men will take place on Friday as the players look forward to a mouthwatering grand finale.
It is going to be an evening to behold on Saturday will all the finals starting from 5pmat the Ikoyi Club 1938.
The Captain of Ikoyi Club tennis section, Chizoba Onuoha, said she was happy with the level of competition so far in the annual tournament while calling on all the members to turn out in their numbers to support the players while also sharing the moment together as a family.
Mega Millions Naija Deploys Tech to Secure Winners' Claims
Mega Millions Naija Lotteries is deploying more technology and meticulous record keeping to protect winners' claim, the company said in a statement yesterday.
The moves are additional measures meant to safe-guard wins in case players lose their tickets.
"Our commitment to deploying technology to protect players from losing their winnings to store clerks, agents, or other forms of theft is second to none", said Mega Millions Naija Managing Director Okwy Okeke. "We are doing more to sustain the security of our platform."
According to a statement from the company, if players in Nigeria lose their physical ticket, they can rely on the platform's secure record-keeping system, which retains a digital copy of all tickets purchased. "These
features eliminate the possibility of losing out on winnings due to misplaced or stolen tickets, as players can readily access their records and pursue their claims accordingly. This is complemented by electronic transmission of each ticket’s numbers to the email account and/or phone number of each player," Okeke said.
"For this reason, the company verifies all email accounts and phone numbers for the purposes of protecting customers’ winnings. By employing these proactive measures, Mega Millions Naija Lotteries assures players that their participation in the lottery is not only convenient but also safeguarded against potentially fraudulent activities".
He said that the platform's commitment to transparency and
security establishes a trustworthy environment for lottery enthusiasts to enjoy their gaming experience while having the assurance that their claims are protected.
The measures follow an incident where a 23-year-old liquor store clerk, Carly Nunes, was indicted on charges related to an alleged scheme to steal a $3 million winning Mega Millions ticket in Lakeville, Massachusetts.
At Savas Liquors, where Nunes served as a checkout counter clerk, a customer dropped his purchased lottery tickets, including the winning Mega Millions ticket, while leaving the store with his bag of chips. Nunes, with a co-worker, tried to cash the ticket.
To avoid such incidents in Nigeria, Mega Millions Naija Lotteries, the biggest lottery company
in Nigeria, has set up a platform where all players can secure their tickets via digital means.
It is crucial to emphasise the significance of reliable and secure lottery platforms like Mega Millions Naija in preventing such incidents, the statement stressed.
Mega Millions Naija, a trusted platform for lottery enthusiasts in Nigeria, prioritises player convenience and protection and also gives Nigerians the opportunity to access over 20 international lotteries across the world, such as the US Powerball, Eurojackpot, US MegaMIllions, EuroMillions, SuperEnalotto, and UK Lotto among many others.
Nigerians can now play this lottery with Naira via their digital devices from the comfort of their homes.
THURSDAYSPORTS Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY THURSDAY, THISDAY 39
Femi Solaja with agency report
Okwy Okeke...Managing Director of Mega Millions Lotteries
Manchester City players celebrating their comprehensive 4-0 defeat of Real Madrid to qualify (aggregate 5-1) for the UEFA Champions League final...last night
Adamu Adamu to Northern Leaders
“The North is in self-imposed educational backwardness because the interest of the North is Islam, and Islam is the greatest promulgator of knowledge. Here, people are using Islam to keep women at home. I think it does not make sense”---Education Minister blaming the educational backwardness in the North on people who misinterpret the teachings of Islam
OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com
The Message from Hilda Baci
In a letter dated 17th October 2019, former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, stated that his N10 million monthly upkeep allowance had only been paid twice since he left office five months earlier. Yari, who is now seeking to become senate president, wrote to his successor, Bello Matawalle, from the ‘Office of the Former Governor’. The letter said: “I wish to humbly draw your attention to the provision of the law on the above subject matter which was amended and assented to on the 23rd of March 2019. The law provides, among other entitlements of the Former Governor, a monthly upkeep allowance of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000) only and a pension equivalent to the salary he was receiving while in office”.
Although Matawalle (whose media minders must have leaked the letter which trended on social media at the time) created the impression that he would be different, the past four years have shown that in terms of profligacy, and misplaced priorities, he is probably worse than his predecessor. It is therefore just as well that Zamfara people voted to deny him a second term. But Matawalle is not the issue here. Considering the euphoria that has greeted Hilda Baci’s (yet-to-be-certified) new record for the longest period in a kitchen (cooking non-stop for 100 hours), there is an embedded message that we should not ignore. I picked it from a line in Reuben Abati’s column on Tuesday. He wrote: “Nigerian leaders can learn from Ms Baci how to cook (for) a nation and achieve results. Our leaders know how to eat, but they do not know how to cook.”
That sums up the tragedy of Nigeria because everybody can eat while it takes effort to cook.
On Monday, PUNCH published a story that no fewer than 18 outgoing state governors will retire into lives of luxury with generous pension benefits despite leaving unpaid workers’ salaries and debt obligations totalling N3.06 trillion in their states.
“According to data from the Debt Management Office, the debt figure of these states included N2.27tn domestic loans and $1.71bn foreign borrowing”. Yet, the perks to be enjoyed by these outgoing governors (who were listed) “include one duplex in any city of their choice within Nigeria, one sport utility vehicle and a backup car replaceable every two years, an office with four aides, two security personnel and monthly salaries, among others. Each of the four domestic workers will earn N100,000 monthly.”
In many of the states, the most enduring legacy is a law that compels the people to serve former governors for the rest of their lives. In 2014, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly passed an executive bill which guaranteed then Governor Godswill Akpabio (now also seeking to be senate president after stints as minister) as much as N200 million annually for life. The law, which only ‘upgraded’ the earlier version signed by Akpabio’s predecessor, Obong Victor Atta, also provides for a former governor and his spouse a sum not exceeding N5 million per month to employ domestic staff and free medical services at a sum not exceeding N100 million per annum as well as a befitting accommodation not below a 5-bedroom maisonette in either Abuja or Akwa Ibom.
In Lagos State, where the whole madness started in 2007 when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (now our president-elect) was leaving office, the House of Assembly in 2016 initiated an amendment to the pension law to accommodate both their speaker and deputy. The bill sought for the speaker and his deputy (after office) a residential house at any location of their choice in Lagos State; jumbo furniture allowance – payable every five years; vehicles,
The speaker and his deputy, according to the bill, were also entitled to domestic staff including cooks, stewards, gardeners, drivers etc. (who themselves would be pensionable) and free medical treatment abroad for themselves and members of their family as well as police orderlies–all for life! In the wake of the dollar-for-babariga-pockets scandal in 2019, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje quickly signed the law by the Kano State House of Assembly which included their speaker and deputy in the jumbo pension-for-life scheme.
Unfortunately, this debauchery is not restricted to the political arena. The underpinning philosophy of government in Nigeria has always been about ‘sharing the national cake’ so in practically all spheres there is more emphasis on reward than productivity and service. In January 2013, the Adamu Fika-led Presidential Committee on the review of the reform processes in the nation’s public service submitted its report to President Goodluck Jonathan. “The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) fixed and allowed the gross amount for salaries and allowances to rise to N1.126 trillion. Of this, salaries took a mere N94.56 billion, while allowances gulped the whole N1.031.65 trillion,” according to the report. “It is certainly not morally defensible from the perspective of social justice or any known moral criterion that such a huge sum of public funds is consumed by an infinitesimal fraction of the people.”
That summation tells a compelling story about our public service which, as the administrative machinery of government, is responsible for implementing policies. But as I said, this is a problem that has always been with us. Sir Richard Burton, an eccentric 19th century British explorer who acted as Consul to the Bights of Benin and Biafra in 1860 sums up the disposition of the average West African (which can be the average Nigerian) to public service thus: “His beau ideal of life is to do nothing for six days and rest on
the seventh”. That perhaps explains why at a time the world is tending towards smaller and more efficient government, what we have in our country today is a behemoth that largely serves its own interest. That point was also underscored in the 2012 report of the committee headed by former Head of Service, Mr Steve Oronsaye. According to the report, one common feature of virtually all the parastatals is the prevalence of high personnel cost as “many of them receive more budgetary allocations for personnel than they require because that component of their budget is usually inflated”. Nowhere is the disregard for accountability more evident than in the implementation of the Monetization Policy. No new official vehicle was to be purchased by any ministry or federal government agency under this policy, except with the express approval of the President. 20 years after the policy was introduced, expensive bulletproof vehicles are still being purchased and rent paid for accommodation of fat cats. On travels, according to the Oronsaye report, “whereas the regulation stipulates the Business Class Ticket for top officials of government, many senior officials have been known to fly First Class in defiance of the regulation”. This lawlessness is even extended to the families of ministers and heads of parastatals, many of whom now travel only by private jets within the country.
On Monday, the Senate directed the Director General of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) to return N594 million illegal vehicle allowances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government. The resolution followed the adoption of the recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee on the 2018 report of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF) which indicted the agency. In a nation where the underpinning philosophy of government is that of sharing (and eating) the national cake that nobody cares to ‘bake’, an absence of accountability is what you find in many of our institutions. It is also a general problem that we must deal with. In a period of 16 years between 2005 and 2021, Nigeria spent N13trn on fuel subsidies, according to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. And we have spent more than half of that amount in the past 17 months! Only a nation that places more premium on consumption than productivity would do that.
Two months ago, BusinessDay reported that Nigeria’s champagne import volumes increased by 15.3 percent, from 559,088 bottles in 2021 to 644,452
bottles in 2022. “The value also rose by 17.8 percent to £25.3 million last year, according to data compiled by Comité Champagne, a trade association that tracks volume and value of exports from France”, the report stated. “The level of champagne imports into the country has been rising since 2020, when it plunged to a record low of 304,199 bottles from a high of 768,131 bottles in 2014, the data show. That of 2022 is the highest under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.”
That is another medal for the outgoing Buhari administration. Interestingly, a year into office in 2016, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed launched the ‘Change Begins with Me’ campaign (who remembers that again?), “to entrench the values of accountability, integrity and positive attitudinal change” in Nigerians.” But by seeking ‘Change’ from the people rather than those elected to serve them, the administration got it wrong from the outset. It was almost like asking us to cook for them to eat, as it has always been. And we can see the consequences of their ‘Change’ in all spheres of our national life today.
Now back to Hilda Baci whose real name is Hilda Effiong Bassey. The Guinness Book of World Record has released a statement that her efforts are being reviewed and I hope she makes it. I genuinely believe she will. And in case some people are preparing to cook Ewedu and Okro so they could also “enter the Guinness Book of World Record”, this is a rigorous enterprise that requires standing up to cook (no sitting down) non-stop with only five minute of rest per hour. That translates into two hours in 24 hours. And you cannot take any stimulant (coffee or energy drink). So, basically, this is an endurance test in the kitchen. This then leads us to the question, what can we, as a nation, learn from Hilda Baci?
A period of transition from one government to another offers opportunities for renewal. For us to navigate our way through these hard times in Nigeria, we need exemplary leadership at all levels. A system designed essentially for consumption will not suddenly become productive without institutional change. This will require new rules of the game and several adjustments. What Hilda teaches is that Nigerians need to learn that for us to develop, the national mentality must change from eating to cooking but it must start from the top. Awarding themselves scandalous pensions and feeding fat at the expense of the people will take us nowhere.
Continued on page 22
General Gusau at 80
Lt. General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau (rtd), who needs no further introduction, is 80 today. No ceremony will mark the occasion because that is the way he wants it. He told me last week that he would most probably render himself incommunicado today so that nobody would ‘disturb’ him. That is typical Gusau, easily one of the most respected intelligence officers ever produced on the continent and one who played critical roles in efforts to dismantle apartheid in South Africa. I have had the privilege of close interactions with the General over the past decade and I value his knowledge, experience, and wisdom. I wish him a very happy birthday, long life, and good health.
MISSILE TRUTH & REASON
Thursday, May 18, 2023Price: N250
Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com
Hilda Baci Gen Gusau
THE VERDICT