FRIDAY 26TH MAY 2023

Buhari Hands Over Transition Documents to Tinubu, Bestows on Him GCFR, Shettima GCON

Says he ran good race, finished his course as president Charges president-elect, incoming VP to lead with wisdom, courage, compassion

Reiterates former Lagos governor has experience, capacity to lead country

Tinubu to Buhari: Wherever you are, be it Daura or Niger Republic, expect knocks on your doors

Says he's aware of the enormous responsibilities ahead of him

TransitionNews

Gbajabiamila Hands over Baton of African Speakers’ Conference to Ghanaian Counterpart

Says Africa must work together to survive

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday, said Africa must create its own way

of surviving global pandemics and other challenges facing the continent.

Gbajabiamila made the assertion at a brief ceremony in Abuja to hand over the baton of leadership of Conference of

NASS Leadership: Arewa Youths Appeal to Tinubu to Compensate North West With Senate President

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has been urged to compensate the North West geopolitical zone, which gave him 30 per cent votes in the presidential election, with the position of the Senate President in the 10th National Assembly.

The youths under the aegis of Arewa Youths of Nigeria (AYON) also reminded the president-elect that he “should not betray the region which laid the golden egg for the All Progressives Congress in the last general election.”

They addressed journalists at a peaceful protest in solidarity for Senator Abdulaziz Yari for the position of Senate President, in Abuja on yesterday.

The Arewa Youths said they were astonished, dismayed and appalled when they read in the news that the president-elect was supporting a South-South candidate for Senate President rather than the North-west that gave him the most votes in the election.

Zonal coordinator of the group, Dr. Tanko Abdullahi, who was represented by the President of Northern Youths Council, Useni Abubakar,

cautioned the president-elect not to allow sycophants to deceive him.

“We assure the presidentelect that the North West support for him was as a result of our belief that the president-elect is a man who believes that political loyalty can only be paid back with political loyalty.

“We do not know the president-elect as a use and dump leader hence we want to remind Senator Tinubu not to allow Nigerians begin to see him from the angle of having used and dumped the good people of North West Nigeria.

“Doesn’t it not amount to political suicide to support a South-south that contributed a mere 799,957 votes just 9% of the total votes to a North-west that contributed 2,651,927 over 30% votes to Senator Tinubu?

“We have intentionally reeled off this figures so that the president-elect will know that those sycophants trying to deceive him do not wish him well. We the North West youths stand solidly with the northern students, women and leaders that are calling for the Senate President to be domiciled in the North West.”

Speakers of African Parliaments (CoSAP) to his Ghanaian counterpart, Hon. Bagbin Alban Sumana Bagbin.

CoSAP was Gbajabiamila’s brainchild birthed on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 to enable speakers of African parliaments to brainstorm on ways of mitigating the deadly effects of the virus, amongst other challenge.

Yesterday’s event, however, became necessary to enable Gbajabiamila who will be exiting office soon hand over the baton of leadership to his colleagues.

Speaking at the occasion, Gbajabiamila said, “As representatives and advocates

in our national parliaments, we can influence national discourse and frame public debates.

“We must use this power to preach the message of African brotherhood and shape the worldview of our various peoples to achieve a common understanding of how deeply connected we all are and how it is in all our best interests to look out for each other in a world that more often than not, will not look out for us.

“Through CoSAP, we will continue to work together, doing all we can to achieve great things for our African homeland. My brother, Rt Hon Bagbin, when the Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments

(CoSAP) was conceived, your predecessor, Rt Hon Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, was the first head of parliament.

“I shared the vision with. He did not need convincing; he understood the need for an institution such as CoSAP and recognised the many possibilities that could derive from it. It is to your personal credit that you have so skillfully carry on the partnership.

“When I hosted you here in Abuja in 2021, I expressed my hope that long after our time in politics has passed, we can sit back as brothers do to look back with pride and thanksgiving for the things we have achieved together – for Ghana, for

Nigeria, and for Africa. My time as Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives will shortly end.

“However, our friendship and our partnership continue. And I am honoured to hand the Conference of African Speakers (CoSAP) into your care. As you undertake the task of charting the course of parliamentary cooperation and collaboration in Africa, you have my support as my dear brother and my worthy friend.”

Similarly, the speaker also handed over the leadership and operations of Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) to the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

Don’t Compromise Your Independence, Reject APC Zoning, Group Tells Lawmakers-elect

Sunday Aborisade, in Abuja

A civil society organisation, Parliamentary Advocacy Network (PAN), yesterday, urged the newly elected members of the incoming 10th National Assembly to reject plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to select their next presiding officers.

National coordinator of PAN, Anderson Osiebe, said the group has been engaging with political stakeholders on the issue, in the last two months.

The group warned that repeating the mistake of 2019, when the positions

of presiding officers of the 9th National Assembly were micro-zoned, would birth another rubber stamp Assembly.

Osiebe said certain criteria should be considered by lawmakers-elect in picking the next leaders of the two chambers of the National Assembly.

“We condemn in its entirety the interference and many glaring attempts of members of the Executive at both the national and state levels to choose presiding officers for members of the Legislature in these aforementioned jurisdictions.

“We note that the

legislature is a different and an independent arm of government recognised by our Constitution. We call on members to resist by every legitimate means, including legal actions, all attempts by the Executive or their proxies at the federal level and the states to inelegantly interfere in their affairs.

“They should also reject any attempt to bend or break the rules of such a legislative House or Houses in order to accord undue advantage to anyone among their members in the bid to choose a leader or leaders being favoured by the members of the Executive or their proxies.

“We affirm that after 24 years of practising our kind of Constitutional democracy, the legislature has come a long way and, therefore, retains at all levels, its independence and financial autonomy accorded to it by our statute books.

“We therefore urge lawmakers-elect never to be intimidated or muscled by any threats emanating from any Executive quarters or from their proxies. We again condemn the inherent loopholes in the so-called zoning arrangements of Presiding Officers’ positions in our National Assembly allegedly done by the ruling APC and the president-elect.”

Udora Orizu and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Tinubu Gbajabiamila

Brain Drain: New Report Puts Percentage of Professionals Willing to Leave Nigeria at 52%

Raheem Akingbolu

A new survey, carried out by Phillips Consulting, has indicated that over half (52%) of Nigerian professionals are considering leaving their current jobs and moving abroad within a year. The Talent Management Report, "A New World Order: Shifting Paradigms in Addressing the Brain Drain," was presented during the quarterly meetup of the Nigerian Human Resources Directors Network in Lagos. The survey indicated that Finance & Insurance, Professional Services, Education, Healthcare, and IT would be the hardest-hit professions,

stated that nearly 50 per cent of employees working in these fields were considering leaving the country.

According to the report, Nigerian businesses face numerous challenges in the post-pandemic world, such as market uncertainty, inflation, digitisation acceleration, changes in consumer behaviour, increased operational expenses, and complexity. However, it indicated that employee retention and brain drain prevention are today's most pressing issues.

The report stated further that rising cost of living was impacting employees' finances and workplace productivity.

"Before the Ukraine crisis, the

Nigerian economy faced multiple challenges, including unemployment, a weak currency, and insecurity. The situation has exacerbated the high cost of living and affected employees' finances and purchasing power," the report stated.

The research findings showed that 90 per cent of Nigerians who have faced an increased cost of living are cutting their spending on essential and non-essential items. This has resulted in financial stress, decreased purchasing power, lower job satisfaction, and higher job mobility and migration rates.

“Consequently, employees now channel their efforts toward increasing their revenue streams,

improving economic stability, and enhancing their standard of living.

“To achieve these objectives, many are creating a 'side hustle,' finding better-paying jobs, or relocating abroad. As a result, the attrition rate across key sectors has increased significantly.

“As labour shortages continue to rise globally, there is intense competition for talent, especially in low-to-middle-skilled occupations,” it added.

On employees, the survey further indicated that employees were resigning or migrating for a mix of issues, some of which were within an organisation's direct control, while others were not.

The findings revealed that Nigerian professionals looking to migrate prefer Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States as their top three destinations.

The reasons for planning to migrate vary, with respondents citing factors such as seeking better-paid jobs, less toxic work cultures, a desire to work from home, and concerns about the country's economy and insecurity.

According to Phillips Consulting, 88 per cent of individuals who plan to quit their jobs within a year were millennials and Gen Z. This demographic shift could lead to a significant loss of skilled workers, which may negatively affect critical

BUHARI HANDS OVER TRANSITION DOCUMENTS TO TINUBU, BESTOWS ON HIM GCFR, SHETTIMA GCON

Niger (GCON) on the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, and the vice presidentelect, Kashim Shettima, respectively, at a colourful ceremony in Abuja. Buhari said he ran a good race in the last eight years and finished well as Nigeria’s president.

Speaking at the conference centre of the State House, Abuja, after the investiture of Tinubu and Shettima, the president declared, “I have run a good race, I have finished my course. It is now time for another to take up the baton."

The investiture of the presidentelect and vice president-elect sets the pace for their swearing in on May 29, and draws the curtain on the eight-year administration of Buhari, who served two terms from 2015 to 2023.

Exercising the power conferred on him, Buhari said, "in accordance with the Honours Award Act, 1963, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, (LFN), 2004, Presidents/Heads of State receive the Honour of GCFR while the Vice Presidents are awarded the GCON.

“Today, with the authority vested in me, as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have conferred the National Honour of GCFR on His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that of the GCON on His Excellency Kashim Shettima respectively."

The president congratulated both political leaders, who had served at various times in the Fourth Republic as Governor of Lagos and Borno states, respectively.

Buhari stated, “I extend my

warmest congratulations to the president-elect, on his well-deserved victory at the February 25th, 2023 presidential election. The Nigerian people have recognised your leadership qualities, political acumen, and passion to serve our great nation, and have entrusted you with the burden of governing our beloved country.

“I have no doubt that Nigeria will continue to thrive and achieve new heights under your leadership. You were the best candidate at the elections and Nigerians have chosen wisely.

“I equally extend my congratulations to the vice presidentelect. Your wealth of experience in governance, your unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian people, and your exemplary leadership during challenging times as Governor of Borno State, have made you a deserving candidate for this position. I have full confidence that you will serve our nation with utmost dedication and integrity.

“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us not forget the immense responsibilities that come with leadership. The challenges facing our nation are significant, and it is the duty of the president and vice president to address them with courage, wisdom, and compassion.

“We must remain committed to the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability, as these are the foundations upon which our nation's progress and development rely.”

Buhari noted that Tinubu had

the experience and capacity to lead the country, carry on the legacy of his administration.

He said, “President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have a long and illustrious track record of public service, marked by your exceptional achievements in various capacities. Your transformative leadership in Lagos State, where you left an indelible mark in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development, speaks volumes about your dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people."

The president expressed his deepest gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and trust throughout his tenure, adding, “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve this great nation, and I am confident that Nigeria is in capable hands as we embark on this new chapter.”

Buhari advised Tinubu to lead the country with wisdom, courage, and compassion.

“Once again, I congratulate president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu and vice president-elect Kashim Shettima on their well-deserved investiture,” he said, adding, “May the Almighty bless you and guide you in your endeavours to lead Nigeria towards a brighter and more prosperous future.”

The president said his administration was faced with many challenges at inception and he worked hard to tackle hydraheaded issues.

According to him, “This administration from inception has

faced security challenges, such as insurgency, oil theft, kidnapping as well as corruption, which has eaten deep into the system.

“With the political will and support of many Nigerians, especially our dogged Armed Forces, insurgency, terrorism, and kidnapping have been reduced to their barest minimum while corruption has been tackled head-on.

“Despite the aforementioned challenges, our administration has made economic gains over the years. While acknowledging the turbulent times and global economic meltdown occasioned by the world oil crisis and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy has remained afloat and strong.

“Our administration’s commitment and determination in infrastructural upliftment of Nigeria have remained unshaken."

As part of his achievements, Buhari noted that the Second Niger Bridge, named President Muhammadu Buhari Bridge, had been completed and inaugurated.

“I am happy to say that no administration in Nigeria’s modern history has given so much attention to roads as we have done in the last eight years. In all, we have been able to construct and complete over 8,352.94 kilometers of roads across Nigeria.

“In spite of the shortfall in the federal government's revenue, due to the weakness in the global economy that led to a drop in oil revenue, we have touched on all sectors of

NUPRC SIGNS SEVEN REGULATIONS TO PUSH FOR ACCURATE CRUDE METERING, REDUCE GAS FLARING

Petroleum Mining Lease (PML), and three other deals.

Speaking at an event in Abuja, Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, noted that the signing into operation of the seven key regulations in furtherance of the implementation of the PIA was in line with the provisions of the new law and in fulfilment of the mandate of the commission.

One of the new regulations, which had just been operationalised, included the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations, 2023, which Komolafe noted would close the metering gap in upstream petroleum operations and encourage accelerated meter roll out in upstream petroleum operations.

Besides, Komolafe stated that the metering regulation would encourage the development of independent and competitive meters used in the upstream, attract private investment in the provision of metering services, as well as provide for the regulation of the measurement of petroleum produced.

Komolafe pointed out that the regulation would ensure accurate measurement of petroleum as a basis for the calculation of petroleum revenue accruable to the government and define requirements for the design, fabrication, manufacturing, testing, calibration, operation and maintenance of upstream metering equipment.

For the second regulation,

the Production Curtailment and Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation Regulation, 2023, the NUPRC chief executive stated that it would provide the general rules for production curtailment and utilisation of the produced petroleum in relation to export and domestic crude oil supply obligation.

The Frontier Basins Exploration Fund Administration Regulations, 2023, Komolafe explained, would provide the general rules for the exercise of the commission's responsibilities with respect to frontier basins to encourage and attract investment to the basins in Nigeria.

For the Nigeria Upstream Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations 2023, the NUPRC boss asserted that it seeks to ensure that decommissioning and abandonment activities are conducted in accordance with good international petroleum industry practice.

The regulations, he noted, also set the framework for the establishment and administration of a decommissioning and abandonment fund.

According to Komolafe, the Significant Crude Oil and Gas Discovery Regulations, 2023, would ensure optimum exploitation of petroleum covered by Petroleum Prospecting Licenses (PPLs) granted under the Act, by the retention of areas of significant crude oil and gas discovery by a licensee for a

specified time.

In explaining the Gas Flaring, Venting and Methane Emission (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations, 2023, Komolafe stated that it would reduce environmental and social impact associated with gas flaring and venting of natural gas and fugitive methane emissions into the atmosphere.

Besides, he explained that it would help preserve and protect the environment, prevent waste of natural resources and enhance energy transition in Nigeria.

Komolafe added that the newly unveiled regulation would create social and economic benefits from gas flaring and venting as well as set out the procedure for the commission to exercise its rights to take gas at flare point.

In addition, he said that the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Unitisation Regulations, 2023 establishes rules, principles, and procedures for the implementation of unitisation of oil and gas from a petroleum reservoir that extends beyond the boundaries of a licence or lease area into an area to which another licence or lease relates.

Komolafe stated, “These seven regulations being signed today represent a significant milestone achievement for the commission in its continued stride towards the attainment of the goals of the PIA and the reformation of the upstream petroleum sector.

“All the regulations are revolutionary in nature aimed at providing a regulatory environment that assures efficiency, predictability, clarity, and effectiveness to the industry in the discharge of the commission’s mandate.”

He recalled that five regulations that were successfully gazetted between June and October 2022 were the Petroleum Licensing Round Regulations 2022; Petroleum Royalty Regulations 2022; Domestic Gas Delivery Obligations Regulations 2022; Conversion and Renewal (Licences and Lease); and Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Host Communities Development Regulations 2022.

Komolafe reaffirmed that the seven regulations that were signed were part of the 13 draft regulations that were presented for discussion during the first, second, and third phases of the commission’s consultations with stakeholders between 2022 and 2023.

Other regulations are Upstream Petroleum Fees and Rents Regulations; Upstream Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations; Unitisation Regulations; Acreage Management (Drilling and Production) Regulations; Frontier Exploration Fund Administration Regulations; and Upstream Environmental Remediation Fund Regulations.

industries and the economy, it stated.

“Moreover, this demographic includes young professionals with valuable skills and extensive education, making them highly desirable in the global job market.

“More than 50 per cent of those surveyed said they would consider cancelling their migration plans if Nigeria met specific conditions.

“These conditions include a peaceful environment, better economic conditions, access to competitive and fairly paid job opportunities, and effective leadership,” it added.

It’s a New World Order, and Businesses Must Reimagine their Talent Management Strategy, it pointed out.

the Nigerian economy positively.

“As we celebrate the monumental infrastructural strides achieved by this administration, it is pertinent to acknowledge that these transformative endeavours have not only reshaped our physical landscape but have also paved the way for remarkable economic outcomes that reverberate across our nation.

“The link between infrastructure and economic prosperity is undeniable. It is through the construction of roads, railways, bridges, and other critical assets that we unlock the true potential of our nation, leading to better communication, facilitating trade, and propelling economic growth.”

The president said, “To avoid a repeat of our 2015 experience,” Executive Order No. 14 of 2023 was made, which established the legal framework for conducting presidential transitions at the federal level.

According to him, the Executive Order established the Presidential Transition Council chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Ministerial Transition Teams headed by the Permanent Secretaries.

He explained that the primary

Continued on page 43

According to the Phillips Consulting survey report, businesses should review their employee value proposition and talent management strategy to succeed in today's constantly evolving talent management landscape. “This means considering hybrid work arrangements, implementing a fair employee compensation strategy, and providing learning and career development opportunities. Additionally, employers should re-evaluate their approach to the cost-of-living crisis.

“Strategic talent management can enhance employee job satisfaction and retention, which is vital for fostering productive and diverse high-performance cultures in companies,” it noted.

“Research demonstrates that the migration of skilled workers from critical sectors can result in a shortage of skilled labour, harming the economy and nation-building. “Consequently, the government must create an environment conducive to work by implementing policies that promote security and economic growth.

“Furthermore, the government should allocate more resources towards education and areas that enhance social mobility, motivating citizens to stay in the country and positively contribute to their communities,” it added.

BUHARI: N’ASSEMBLY SHOULD BE INDEPENDENT, DECIDE OWN LEADERSHIP

yesterday, said he believed in a truly independent National Assembly, where members chose their leaders without executive interference, adding that, it was why he refrained from meddling in the choice of leaders elected by the National Assembly in 2016

Buhari, who stated this after he inaugurated the permanent site of the National Institute For Legislative and Democratic Studies in Abuja, however, described the outgoing 9th assembly as the most productive federal legislature in recent time.

However, at another event, Buhari boasted that he was leaving behind the foundation of free and fair election, which produced the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

In another development, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, took his prospective successor, Senator Kashim Shettima, on familiarisation tour of his wing of the State House, Abuja, four days to the end of the eight-year tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari.

This came as security forces have intensified surveillance of the nation's capital with a warning from the Department of State Security (DSS) against plot to disrupt the inauguration programme, four days away.

Speaking at the event graced by the leadership of the 9th National Assembly, Buhari was believed to have alluded to the recent developments that have dogged the choices of the 10thassembly leadership ahead of its inauguration

on June 13.

Those in attendance included the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Principal Officers of the National Assembly; the Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, among other dignitaries, Buhari noted that the harmonious working relationship between his administration and the 9th National Assembly, had led to the great successes recorded by his government but that he refrained from meddling in their internal affairs.

"The legislature is the cornerstone of any democracy and is vital to ensuring that the wishes and aspirations of all Nigerians are considered during the lawmaking process. It also performs critical functions of overseeing the Executive and ensuring that government spending aligns with legislative intent.

"As you are aware, from the moment of my election in 2015 and subsequently, I supported the idea of an independent National Assembly – an Assembly that is able to decide its leadership and develop its agenda in line with the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

"I refrained from meddling in the affairs of the legislature and promoted instead, a culture of mutual respect and collaboration between the two arms. Our

INVESTITURE CEREMONY AND HANDOVER OF TRANSITION DOCUMENTS TO TINUBU…

L-R: Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; former vice-presidential candidate in the June 12 presidential election, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdulahi Adamu; wife of the Vice-President-elect, Hajia Nana Shettima and her husband, Senator Kashim Shettima; wife of the President-elect, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and her husband, Bola Tinubu; President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha Buhari; the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; former Protem national chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande; President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and his wife, Salamatu Gbajabiamila; former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the president, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu; and the Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, when Tinubu and Shettima were conferred with the GCFR and GCON respectively at the State House, Abuja… yesterday

Again, Malami Distances Self from Illegal Sale of 48 Million Barrels of Crude, Insists Allegations False

Directs lawmakers to CBN, OAGF for acct statement

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has once more disassociated himself from the allegation of illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil valued at $2.4 billion, insisting that it's false.

The minister had during an appearance before the House of Representatives adhoc committee investigating the alleged loss which that occured in 2015, including crude oil exports from 2014 till date, on April 27, 2023, described as baseless and unfounded the allegations.

But reappearing before the committee chaired by Hon. Mark Gbillah, the minister stood by his earlier submission on the matter.

“The allegation was the fact that the Attorney General was a member of the committee and I responded, I was not a member of any committee put in place in that respect,” he said. According to him, at no point in time was he ever a member of any formal committee, and not a

single document was forwarded to him for his consideration, and capacity as the AGF or review for the purpose of establishing a case relating to $2.4 billion alleged revenue loss.

Malami insisted: "No documents was made available to me relating to this, I’m talking about a document made available by the whistleblower or the one made available by the system.

“Even when I was invited by this committee, not a single document was made available to me for consideration. In the absence of facts, in the absence of documents being presented for my consideration by the National Assembly, in the absence of documents being presented to me by the executive for consideration, in the absence of my participation in any subject matter of investigation, it’s not out of place for me to conclude that there’s no justifiable, reasonable ground basis for such consideration.

"I think we can proceed on the basis of collaboration. And the basis for that is for the committee to make available what document

it has at its disposal so that the office of Attorney General as well review its archives, review these documents and if there’s need for questions and answers we can proceed on that understanding.

“Any investigation that has the capacity of bringing one dollar to Nigeria I will be a party to it. I will support it, under my watch, the Attorney General’s Office has succeeded in recovering

over $1 billion to the Nigerian state over time.

“We have submitted documents you requested, if there need for further engagement, with regards to the documents you claim to have at your disposal my suggestion is for us to review what’s presented on my part and yours."

Reacting, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Gbillah noted that if there was any allegation

against him, it was not from the committee or the parliament.

While saying that the lawmakers appreciated him clearing the air on the particular matter, Gbillah urged the minister to after his valedictory session, still be available to respond to queries.

On assets and whistleblowers’ recoveries, Gbillah directed the minister to provide the parliament

with statement of accounts details of any outstanding for the period under review, communication with the Central Bank of Nigeria, their response and communication with the ministry of finance.

Responding, Malami directed the lawmakers to get the required information from the Central Bank of Nigeria and Accountant General of the Federation.

NEITI: Oil, Gas , Mining Reports on 168 Extractive Firms, Agencies Ready in June

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday announced its readiness to release the three reports on the oil, gas, mining and sectors by June.

It stated that the ongoing nationwide audit of the oil, gas and mining industries being conducted by NEITI covering 168 extractive

companies and relevant federal agencies are currently at the data reconciliation stage, adding that the exercise covering the period 2021 is holding in different parts of the country.

A statement signed by the Deputy Director/Head Communications & Stakeholders Management quoted the Executive Secretary of NEITI Dr Ogbonnaya Orji as explaining that the

Jedy-Agba Appraises REA, Declares It Star Agency

The Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba has described the Rural and Electrification Agency (REA) as a star agency.

He stated that in his assessment, the agency had performed satisfactorily and deserves commendation, having impacted several rural communities in all six geo-political zones.

The minister, who expressed confidence in the competence of Mr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, urged him to remain focused on the assignment at hand because it would significantly impact the country positively.

Speaking with journalists, the minister said, "For us to move forward in a sector as critical as this, we need reforms, and that is what this Agency has been doing."

He further charged the federal government to encourage REA's works and treat it as a star agency with enormous potential.

"I just want to say to you that the Rural and Electrification Agency is my star agency, it’s directly under my supervision and purview. I want to assure you that in all the six geopolitical zones of this country, we have had two projects in each state.

“There's no community in any of the geo-political zones where we don’t have rural solar light intervention. We've had solar panels, we have mini-grids and all of that in all the zones.

"For me, that agency is a star agency, it is a high performing agency. I don't talk about individuals, I’m talking about the agency itself and the outputs.

“All of us in this room come from communities, we are from different states here, but if you name your state, I will tell you which local government and which community we have impacted.

"I am convinced that the agency

has performed satisfactorily in my judgment. Your judgment may be superior to mine, but I know it is a star agency that deserves special attention," he said.

In terms of impact, the REA is implementing one of the biggest electrification projects in sub-Saharan Africa, the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), with funding from the World Bank and the African Development Bank; over five million Nigerians are already benefiting from this programme.

Also, as part of efforts to catalyse off-grid electrification, the Agency, in the last 3 years, completed the 1st REF Call, delivering 12 solar hybrid mini-grids and over 19,000 solar home systems.

Also, for the 2nd REF Call, projects are ongoing to deliver a total of 51 additional solar hybrid mini-grids.

Furthermore, through its Energising Education Programme,

the REA has delivered solar hybrid power plants in seven universities under the 1st phase of the programme. Developers are already on site to deliver on the task of powering seven additional universities and two university teaching hospitals under phase two of the programme.

Also, through stakeholders' engagement, plans are underway to power eight additional federal universities and one university teaching hospital.

Another critical programme birthed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and activated through the Federal Government's Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) was the Solar Power Naija programme. Through funding from the Central Bank of Nigeria, upon completion, the project would add five million additional renewable energy connections, impacting about 25 million Nigerians.

objectives of the reports were to establish the quantities of minerals produced, utilised in the country and the quantity of crude legally or illegally exported or stolen.

“NEITI reports also seek to establish the revenue paid by oil, gas and mining companies and how much of such revenues were actually received into government coffers.

“Other areas of focus by NEITI are to identify investments made by the federation or the federal government in the oil, gas and mining industries, track subsidy payments, company remittances and liabilities,” it added.

It further explained that the processes followed in various transactions, especially the basis for computation and remittances of all revenues payable to government such as taxes, royalties and rents are equally of interest to NEITI.

Orji explained that a total of 66 oil and gas companies and 14 government agencies were covered and currently with working NEITI in the sector audit.

The executive secretary noted that the level of cooperation by companies and government agencies covered by the audit were encouraging.

“From the preliminary reports we have reviewed, 62 companies fully complied with detailed information and data as contained in NEITI templates/checklist while we await full compliance by only four companies,” Orji added.

In the solid minerals sector,

Orji noted that 102 companies were undergoing the NEITI Audit. The exercise which has reached advanced stage, he stressed, has recorded full compliance by 92 while NEITI was following 10 companies very closely.

“NEITI audit in the solid minerals industry is reviewing information and data on revenue streams, distribution of revenues, licensing process including register and allocation of licenses, information on beneficial ownership and the status of contribution of the solid minerals to the economy.

“ Other areas of interest include trend analysis of production volumes data, royalty payments, export destinations of Nigeria's solid minerals and the sector's relevance in shaping economic policy,” NEITI added.

On the fiscal allocation and statutory disbursement audit, NEITI said it was examining revenues received from oil, gas and mining producing states and statutory relevant government agencies and the utilisation of such revenues for development projects.

In this particular NEITI audit, Orji stated that nine states and 14 federal agencies were covered.

“The states are Gombe, Nasarawa, Rivers, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Imo, Kano and Ondo state. Out of the nine states, only two are yet to fully provide NEITI with relevant information and data,” the executive secretary said.

Udora Orizu in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

AT INVESTITURE OF TINUBU AS GCFR...

Agba Presents Scorecard, Blames Governors for Rising Poverty

James Emejo in Abuja

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, has blamed state governors for the poverty situation in their respective states and the country in general.

Speaking at the end-of-tenure press briefing on the achievements of the ministry, he accused the states of neglecting the rural areas and focusing development on state capitals alone.

He said the development has further encouraged higher ruralurban drift, putting pressure on cities' infrastructure, and enabled

jobless migrants to constitute security threats in urban centers.

The outgoing minister said President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has improved the state of infrastructure in the country by 20 per cent compared to what he met on the ground upon assumption of office in 2015.

He also said the country needs $2.3 trillion to bridge existing infrastructural gaps adding that the government is required to spend N150 billion annually over 10 years to fix infrastructure.

Agaba however pointed out that since August 21, 2019, when he was sworn in as minister, the ministry

under his watch has recorded numerous achievements including the development and implementation of critical growth and development blueprint for the country.

Among other things, he said the government's commitment to the principles of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) had led to an improved budgetary process, improved procurement process as well as boosted the country's anti-corruption fight through the introduction of transparency in company ownership especially the establishment of Beneficial Ownership Register.

He said the ministry also

developed a framework for the National Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) policy which Buhari recently launched at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. He said, “Overall, we had inspected and inaugurated federal government Projects in the country. We developed a citizen-based web app-The Eyemark- to enable Nigerians in the country and in the Diaspora to track the execution of capital projects and report progress to the government.

“We saw to the implementation of Grid 3 Technology, which deploys Geospatial data for evidence-based decision making and promotion of

Akeredolu: We've Improved Ondo’s IGR from N700m to about N3.3bn

Monthly State’s revenue agency partners London Business School, trains over 300 staff

Fidelis David in Akure

The Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday, revealed that the state has systematically improved its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N700 million monthly in 2017, when he assumed office, to an average of N3.3 billion monthly in 2023.

Akeredolu, stated this at the official closing ceremony of a 3-week International training by the London Academy Business School for staff of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), with the theme: "Understanding the Principle of International Taxation".

Akeredolu, who was represented by the State Head of Service, Mr. Kayode Olaniyi Ogundele, said the collaboration with London Academy Business School (LABS) was aimed at boosting the capacity of its workers.

"Since the beginning of my Administration, I have placed a special emphasis of public service advancement and improvement in

the quality of staff and their training and promotions.

"My agenda for the government of Ondo State is encapsulated in the 8-point development acronym: REEDEMED to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in all sectors where one of the cardinal points is Educational Advancement and Human Capital Development.

“This must be carefully mastered by all and our procedures tailored towards its achievement. The public service in any economy and clime remains the engine room of government and should attract the best and brightest that will fuel policies with fresh ideas.

“The role and importance of public servant cannot be over-emphasised. A strong public service is the bedrock on which good governance, policy execution and pathways for the delivery of democratic dividends can be achieved.”

He added: "It is in pursuant of the above that the Government of Ondo State decided to bring down the team of facilitators from London Academy Business School down

to Akure to train staff of ODIRS and get the same certification and value we would have gotten from the school if they had all traveled abroad to London.

“We are saying you don’t need to ‘Japa’ to further your training; we have brought ‘Japa’ to Akure", Akeredolu stressed.

According to the governor, the history of training ODIRS staff started in 2019, when 450 of them were recruited.

"It gladdens my heart that we have improved our IGR systematically from the N700 million per month in 2017, when we came on board to an average of N3.3billion per month in 2023.

“I wish to state here, based on the information I received and approval given so far, that over 450 staff of this agency have participated in not less than at least four standard training with one specialised training in their various area of their expert since my flag-off in 2021.”

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of ODIRS, Mr. Tolu

Adegbie, said the essence of the training was to improve the capacity of workers in line with the agenda of the governor which he said had educational advancement as one of its core points

"We know that training them will impact on our revenue growth, so for this year, we decided that we should do something extraordinary.

“We were asked to go to London two years ago, with all the chairmen of International Revenue Service all over the country and the Chairman of the FIRS and we attended this same course.

"When we came back, we decided to approach Mr. Governor that instead of Chairman and Director going for this training in London, why can't we train the rest of our staff and he bought the idea and said, well, if the trainers can come to Nigeria, why not? So, he approved and they came to Nigeria and they've been with us for the past three weeks. They've trained over 300 staff in understanding the principles of International Taxation,” he added.

effective coordination.”

The minister said under his supervision, the ministry accomplished the development, approval, and launch of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025 (2021); and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 – 2025, which is a medium-term plan among other development

guides- particularly the recent launch of Nigeria Agenda 2050, to give direction for government policies over a 30- year period.

Agba, while commending Buhari for the privilege to serve the nation, said,” I am delighted to say that I have remained committed to putting service first and working tirelessly towards achieving our development.”

Bawuah: UBA has Supported Govts Across Africa in Infrastructure, Trade Financing Kayode Tokede

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UBA Africa, Mrs. Abiola Bawuah, yesterday disclosed that the panAfrican financial institution has supported governments across countries in Africa where it operates in key infrastructure projects, trade financing and employed over 30,000 staff across the continent.

Bawuah, said this in Lagos, during the UBA Africa Conversation 2023, with the theme “Innovating the Continent for Growth,” which echoed Africa Unions’ vision of innovation, technology, and the need to create opportunities in the continent.

According to her, “We've supported governments all over Africa in serious infrastructure projects. I make sure anywhere UBA is operating, we collaborate with the government to ensure the country is developed. You will agree with me without the infrastructure in Africa, we go no way.

“Also, across Africa, everybody is talking about manufacturing and adding value to the agriculture sector. Almost all of Africa’s economy is dominated by agriculture which is 60 per cent and we have come to a realisation of adding value.

“If you failed to add value, you go nowhere. All the governments are talking about manufacturing, but you cannot have manufacturing without infrastructure in place and infrastructure without power.

“UBA is repacking them. We have also come to the realisation that the government is not set up to create jobs and it is the private sector. We have collaborated with governments and created millions of jobs across Africa.

“There are numerous product facilities programs we have introduced for consumers, the corporate world and SMEs and we are supporting them across the continent.”

According to her, “it is only UBA that I know of that supports MSMEs without collateral once you are faithful and running your company very well. It is indeed a great vision for Africa.”

On support of the youths, she said, “Africa is a blessed continent with a youth population. I am told almost 70 per cent of most countries' population in Africa are youths. We are dreaming of how to support these youths and that is how we are partnering with Tony Elumelu Foundation on youth empowerment.”

She expressed dissatisfaction over the low trade proportion in the continent, stressing that the financial institution was working on promoting trade across countries where UBA has subsidiaries.

According to her, “We have created so many platforms and we have means of payment that we called Africash and partnering with other organisations to enhance trade. With this, we believe that Africans should trade with each other.

President Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (L) with Senator-elect, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim at the investiture of President-elect Bola Tinubu as GCFR at Banquet Hall Presidential Villa... yesterday

Says Buhari added 20% to infrastructure relative to what he inherited from previous government Declares country needs to spend N150 billion for 10 years to close $2.3 trillion gap

AHEAD OF MAY 29 TRANSFER OF POWER...

NBET, Transcorp Sign Power Purchase Agreement for 726mw of Electricity

FG pledges support for new project

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) and Transcorp Plc have signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the supply of 726 megawatts of electricity by Trans-Afam Power Limited to the national grid. THISDAY learnt that the deal would span a period of 20 years and is expected to boost power supply across the country in the coming years when it becomes operational.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed,

who spoke at the event in Abuja, pledged the federal government’s support for the project and expressed confidence at the capacity of Transcorp to deliver in a short time.

The minister who doubles as the board chairman of NBET, assured Afam that the company could approach any of the relevant government agencies if there were challenges in the process of executing the contract.

“ We thank Trans-Afam power for showing interest in the project. Transcorp has been one of the most

significant players in the power sector. You were recently weaned off the routine monitoring by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

“It shows that over the time, you have been able to understand the business, mobilise investment and taking the right decisions. Your bid shows you have the capacity to bring the right investment to increase performance of this plant you have bought.

“I welcome the continuous partnership with the federal government and Trans-Afam. I

also need to commit on behalf of the government of our continuous cooperation and support that you will need during the course of your investment and as you manage the plant,” the minister explained.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of NBET, Dr. Nnaemeka Ewelukwa, said the deal would enable Transcorp to make capital investments to improve the capacity of the Afam power plant.

He noted that the 20-year agreement would lower the tariff over the years and enable long-term planning by

Nigeria Air: AON Condemns Sirika’s Alleged Flagrant Disregard for Court Order

Tells minister not to blackmail in-coming government with proposed airline Nigeria Air, AON Tells Sirika

Chinedu Eze

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has described the planned commencement of flight operations by Nigeria Air as flagrant disobedience to the rule of law and an attempt to blackmail to in-coming government.

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, had on April 15, 2023, issued an order of interim injunction restraining the federal government and other parties from executing the proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, who is also the Managing Director/ CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, the domestic carriers said Sirika’s promise to deliver Nigeria Air by May 29, 2023, was a contemptuous action and invitation to anarchy.

“We have noted with dismay the comments by the outgoing Minister of Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, to the effect that he will commence operations of Nigeria Air before Monday, May 29, 2023.

“He equally stated that an aircraft in Nigeria Air colours is on its way to Nigeria in less than 24 hours. All of these statements and actions are in flagrant disobedience of the orders of the Federal High Court of Nigeria which halted the said moves by the Minister to float the said airline until the determination of the substantive suit brought by AON against it.

“We make bold to respond because of the myriad of inquiries from concerned and patriotic Nigerians and industry stakeholders who have either called or sent messages over

the Minister’s comments.

“For the avoidance of doubt, AON welcomes the establishment of more airlines in Nigeria for we believe that the skies are big enough to accommodate all. However, AON is against any contraption that is shadowy and not in the best overall interest of the country.”

“We need the outgoing minister to come forward, defend and counter the very damning submissions in our suit. Again, it is very disturbing that a Minister is desperately hoodwinking the entire nation into accepting a massively flawed process just 72 hours to the end of his 7-year tenure in office as Minister of Aviation, even as the courts have halted him,” the operators stated.

The statement also observed that stakeholders in the industry were worried that his actions might create problems for the incoming government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not be blackmailed into accepting a contraption that would definitely and ultimately hurt the Nigerian economy and destroy millions of existing jobs in favour of one or two individuals and a foreign country by this hurried last-minute desperation.

“The Aviation Minister is aware of the different court orders against him and Nigeria Air. He should be aware that he is courting a charge of contempt of court as he is not above the law and cannot freely disregard the courts.

“AON is also aware, like the Minister and promoters of Nigeria

Air, that the process of acquiring Airline Operators Certificate(AOC) for Nigeria Air is only at the Stage one, contrary to his televised statement that the Nigerian Air AOC process was at the concluding Stage five,” AON stated.

The body stressed that the world was watching the regulator, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the Nigeria Air and its AOC process, adding that the NG Eagles' flawed AOC issuance was equally a matter for another day.

THISDAY learnt that NG Eagle was issued AOC in March this year, almost two years after the aircraft carried out demonstration, which was the last critical condition to qualify for the issuance of AOC. But by the time NG Eagle received the certificate, the aircraft used in the demonstration were allegedly no longer airworthy.

AON added: “The government should understand that the actions and pronouncements of this Minister is not only impugning on the independence and integrity of the NCAA, but also capable of bringing the entire industry into disrepute thereby adversely affecting the ratings of Nigeria's airlines on the global stage.

“The Minister cannot order these certification processes by fiat. Therefore, an aircraft flying into Nigeria and bearing Nigerian colours does not change anything.

“Furthermore, the fact that the Minister has just a few more days left of his time in office, makes it necessary that promoters of the airline, if they exist, other than Sirika, should be talking to Nigerians,

telling them what they ought to know and answering relevant questions about their stakes in Nigeria Air.

“Hadi Sirika knows that until the order is vacated, the Ministry of Aviation cannot proceed with any action towards the airline.”

Reacting to the planned arrival of Nigeria Air aircraft, industry stakeholders expressed disenchantment with the last-minute move, describing it as disingenuous and suspicious.

Aviation analyst and media consultant, Simon Tumba said, “After over seven years of planning and waste of billions of naira, Hadi Sirika is launching his Nigeria Air.

“It is one of the most wasteful ventures ever undertaken in Nigeria’s aviation history. Can NCAA confirm to us which AOC Nigeria Air is using? Has an AOC been issued? When?

“In all honesty is this airline founded on a solid foundation to meet the aspirations and dreams of Nigerians? Or is it just a feat to cover the wasteful and shambolic project of Hadi Sirika? Surely a faulty foundation cannot stand. This is airline business not “jankara” business. This can only happen in a Buhari regime.

“Has the court case been vacated or is it a continuation of the wanton impunity of this notorious government? Amongst all the MDAs in this government, Aviation under Sirika has proven to have engaged in the most scandalous appointments and reorganization ever done by an outgoing government! Surely it will end in shame.”

the company, stressing that Trancorp had agreed to massively invest in the plant over a 15 years period.

“Basically, when we do an agreement, the longer the duration of the power purchase agreement, the lower the tariff. What you see is that with a 20-year PPA, it also shows the investor’s confidence in the country.

“This is because it is not a fire by night investor that wants to cash out within a few years. It is a 20-year solid commitment to stay put in the country and make sure that the sector works. It is a good investment for the country and for the sector,” he explained.

According to him, NBET’s part is to ensure power offtake, noting that negotiations had been on for a while in collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Ministry of Justice, among others.

Ewelukwa stated that Transcorp has a footprint in the industry, explaining

that the power company has agreed to ramp up generation as they get more investment.

“It’s a transaction that is good for the power sector and the country as a whole,” he noted.

On his part, the Chairman of TransAfam Power Limited, Stanley Lawson disclosed that Transcorp had spent over 50 million euros on the plant so far, stating that the company plans to invest another 150 million euros on the plant in the nearest future.

Lawson noted that the PPA remains a critical component of the financial viability of the plant, adding that with the PPA Afam Power will be better positioned to continue to work on its capacity recovery as well as incremental generation of electricity.

The Managing Director of Trans-Afam, Vincent Ozoude, in his comments said that the deal will empower the company with full reassurance that whatever electrons are put on the grid will be paid for.

Ogun Assembly Workers Begin Strike over Salary Structure

Workers in the legislative arm of government under the aegis of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ogun State chapter, yesterday, locked the gate of the State Assembly, as they commenced a three-day warning strike.

The workers were asking for immediate implementation of Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) from the state government to be at par with their counterparts in the state judiciary.

Addressing journalists at the entrance of the Assembly complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, PASAN Chairman, Mr. Ayotunde Ojediran, confirmed the commencement of the three-day warning strike, adding that it was a measure to register their displeasure with state government.

He explained that the state government had failed to consider their demands via a letter written to it on the matter.

He stated that the implementation of the CONLESS for staff in the state Assembly and House of Assembly Service Commission would place them on same pedestal with the State Judiciary who had been enjoying Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJESS) .

Ojediran, said the state

government was yet to comply with the provision of the State Assembly Service Commission Law, 2018- specifically Sections 10 (2), 13 and 14, and the Statutory Offices (State Emoluments) Amendment Law, 2018.

He explained that the noncompliance had resulted into non-payment of due salaries and allowances to the three most senior officers in the Assembly since their respective dates of appointment.

Ojediran said, "The union had earlier written a letter to the state government, stating all the demands and we issued a 21-day ultimatum to meet the demands, but nothing was done till the ultimatum lasted.

“We are presently in negotiation with the state government, but as we speak, we are yet to reach any meaningful agreement.

“If all these issues are not addressed, it will not be too good for the system. This is an institution, but unfortunately, people are not enjoying what is due to them.

“We are optimistic that before the expiration of the three-day warning strike, government will do the needful. I know we have a listening governor who is father to all.

“But if there is no positive response coming from the state government, we will call for an indefinite strike immediately."

James Sowole in Abeokuta

L-R: Representative of the President and Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar II; Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Deputy Governor of Kano, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna; Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, during the launch of the Biography of the Mother of Emir of Kano and Emir of Bichi, Maryam Ado Bayero, held in Abuja ... yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

Health Workers Commence Indefinite Strike Nationwide over Dispute with FG

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Health workers in the country under the umbrella of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have declared an indefinite strike beginning from yesterday.

Addressing a press conference after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of JOHESU, its National Vice Chairman, Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, said the strike was necessitated by federal government's inability to respond to the grievances of the workers despite series of appeals and representations.

He said: "Consequent upon the non-challant, bias and lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Ministry of Health against JOHESU members and the resolution of the expanded National Executive Council

(NEC) meeting of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) held on Monday, 8th May, 2023, our members in Federal Health Institutions nationwide are hereby directed to withdraw their services indefinitely commencing from 00:00 hour on Thursday, 25th May, 2023."

Ogbonna listed the issues in dispute as Adjustment of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), payment of peculiar allowances to health workers under the aegis of JOHESU/AHPA and immediate and unconditional implementation of the Consultant Cadre Circular for Pharmacists in all Federal Health Institutions.

Other demands included payment of all withheld salaries of their members in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri; Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH); Lagos University

Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and outstanding April and May, 2018 salaries of members in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare.

Furthermore, their demands included payment of health workers excluded in the payment of new hazard allowances.

Ogbonna said the adjustment of CONHESS Scale as was done with CONMESS Scale in 2009, the federal government committed itself to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on relativity in the two salary structures that were introduced via Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for all health workers except physicians and Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for physicians.

He said the implication of the MoU was that any adjustment on any of the salary structures would transcend to the automatic

Climate Change: House Urges FG to Implement Carbon Credit Scheme

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to direct the National Council on Climate Change in collaboration with relevant ministries to immediately implement to reduce the impact of climate change in the country.

The Carbon Credit is a policy, where industries are encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint to earn calculated carbon credit (per ton of carbon), while industries which exceed emission thresholds are sanctioned with fines.

Therefore, the carbon market becomes a trading platform whereby carbon credits earned by one industry could be purchased by another to make up for their pollution.

This resolution followed the unanimous adoption of a motion moved by Sam Onuigbo from Abia State at yesterday’s plenary.

Moving the motion, Onuigbo said there was devastating impact of climate change in the world, particularly in

Nigeria with desertification racing southward at a speed of 0.6km per annum, gully and coastal erosions destroying communities and farmlands, and drying up Lake Chad.

The lawmaker attributed the frequent cases of herders and farmers’ clashes with attendant deaths and flooding across several states to climate change, noting that the the 9th Assembly passed the Climate Change Bill, which was assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 17, 2021 to address the impact of the condition.

He expressed worry that except Nigeria takes necessary measures to reduce the impacts of climate change in the country, the condition's induced calamities would continue.

"Section 19(i) of the Climate Change Act stipulates that the Federal Ministry of Environment shall, in consultation with the Federal Ministry responsible for National Planning set Carbon Budget for Nigeria to keep average increases in global temperature within 2°C and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increases to 1.5°C

above pre-industrial levels.

"Section 4(i) and (j) mandate the National Council on Climate Change to collaborate with the Federal Inland Revenue Service to develop a mechanism for Carbon Tax in Nigeria and collaborate with the Federal Ministries responsible for Environment and Trade to develop and implement a mechanism for Carbon Emission Trading.

"Section 20(4)(a) of the Climate Change Act states that the Action Plan shall serve as a basis for identifying the activities aimed at ensuring that national emissions profile is consistent with the Carbon Budget goals," Onuigbo said.

The lawmaker said his colleagues have responsibilities for ensuring that measures were taken to avert the devastating impacts of climate change.

Adopting the motion, the House mandated its relevant committees to liaise with the National Council on Climate Change and Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure compliance and report back within one week for further Legislative action.

tinkering of the other structure by a commensurate ratio.

"On January 2nd, 2014, the federal government adjusted the CONMESS Scale holistically and further adjusted selectively for physicians in 2017, without adjusting that of CONHESS for other health workers.

"During negotiations on this matter in 2018, with a team of federal government officials led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, and the then Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who incidentally are physicians, it was impossible to break the impasse which has lasted up till today."

Ogbonna revealed that at the peak of negotiations with the federal government team, it offered N6.5 billion which was rejected because it was grossly below the N22.6 billion prepared by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC)

as agreed in the 2017 Terms of Settlement.

He added that an intervention was also brokered by the leadership of the National Assembly, who promised to accommodate federal government approvals for CONHESS through supplementary budget.

"It is imperative to put on record that contrary to the information that it was President Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to approve the N22.6billion from NSIWC, the estimate from NSIWC was never presented for the president’s approval.

“At least, it was the High Level Body (HLB) Command of the federal government that refused to okay the estimate of N22.6 billion to cater for the adjustment of CONHESS Scale as was done with CONMESS Scale.

"This particular development confirms that the rings of

physicians who preside over the Federal Ministry of Health are clever users of untruth.

“They have been manipulating events and dropping the name of President Buhari to have their professional interest dominate proceeding in the health sector," he said.

The health sector unions had earlier on Wednesday, staged a protest in Abuja, and had urged Buhari to immediately approve and implement the Technical Committee Report on the adjustment of Consolidated Health Salary Structure(CONHESS).

The unions had also tasked the incoming government, the National Assembly, especially senators-elect and House of Representatives Members-elect to ensure the appointment of seasoned administrators with cognate experience as ministers in charge of the health sector.

Kwankwaso: My Investment in Education, Youth is Why Kano Electorate Always Support Me

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, yesterday, said his victories in elections conducted in Kano State were attributable to his investment in education and the youth.

Kwankwaso, a former governor of the state, explained that, those he supported their education years ago were now those routing for him anytime he aspired for political position in the state and the country Speaking as Chairman of the Pre-Inauguration Lecture in Minna, Niger State, Kwankwaso said, "In Kano State during my term as governor, I invested massively in education by sponsoring thousands of people to foreign universities for professional and other courses and established two state universities, many primary and secondary schools "In 2019, these were the same youths that helped us to win the governorship at that time, but

the leadership in the country imposed a leadership on us but we did not fight because we know there will be a rematch in 2023. We all know the results now."

According to him, "Money is not everything. You can become governor and steal all that there is to steal, you can sell all the nooks and crannies of your state, you can sell the Mosque and Church land and pocket the proceeds, the end result is that the people you neglected will send you into a permanent political wilderness."

The former governor, therefore, advised the incoming governors across the country to prioritise education, insisting that though the result might not show immediately, "those manpower will become your legacy and cornerstone tomorrow. I have left government for sometime now, yet, the youths are still standing by me."

A former National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, in a presentation regretted that the quality of leadership in the country in the last 23 years has steadily deteriorated, saying Nigeria was currently facing a leadership crisis occasioned by bad governance.

Jega said from 1999 to date, bad leadership and lack of good governance have been responsible for the failing expectations and aspirations of Nigerians, stressing that good governance was supposed to be driven by selfless and visionary leaders, who will address the needs and aspirations of the people.

Outgoing Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, in his remarks thumbed down for officials of Ministries Departments and Agencies for their lack of capacities before asking the incoming governor, Alhaji Umar Mohammed Bago, to select people with good characters to help in the administration of the state.

and subsidiary Relations, VFD Group, Adeniyi Adenubi; Group Managing Director/CEO, Nonso Okpala; Chairman, Olatunde Busari (SAN), and the Company Secretary, Gbeminiyi Shoda, during the 7th Annual General Meeting of the VFD Group in Lagos…. yesterday.

POLITICS

Bello Standing Tall Amid Many Battles

Kareem

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state obviously belongs to the school of thought that believes that for a man to be seen as accomplished, he must be ready to face any battle that comes his way and give it all it takes, not in a diabolical or violent way, but in a manner that allows destiny to take its cause.

So, each time an opportunity provides itself, the trained accountant-turned politician, is always ready to face the storm and fight it to the end.

From his school days to his years of working and going into business, to entering politics, Yahaya Bello, has never relented in battling obstacles and he has the grace of coming out victorious in almost all his life challenges.

Bello’s electoral career began in full fledge with a loss to the late Prince Abubakar Audu in the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary in November, 2015.

In the titanic gubernatorial primaries, Yahaya Bello, who was the youngest among the gubernatorial aspirants, proved the cynics who did not give him a chance wrong.

He polled the second highest votes after late Prince Abubakar Audu.

Following the sudden death of Audu, fate and destiny brought in the young Bello as the fourth democratically elected Governor of Kogi State.

In January, 2016, the Okene, Kogi Centralborn Bello was sworn-in as the governor of the state against all expectations, as he had earlier lost in the primary election of his party, the APC.

Bello had inherited the 240,861 votes polled by Abubakar Audu in the November 21, 2015 poll, which was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shortly before Audu died. Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the then incumbent, came second with 199,514 votes.

A supplementary election later took place in 91 polling units in 19 local government areas and Bello polled an additional 6885 to Wada’s 5363. Final score: APC 247,742, PDP 204,877.

The story of the emergence of Bello, a multi-talented young man in the prime of his youth as the Governor of Kogi State is an eloquent testimony of a man entrusted by destiny and the unmistaken hand of God to salvage his people and generation at a critical and agonizing moment of the people’s quest for development.

Bello later began to govern Kogi State with wisdom and determination, which later resulted into developments in all ramifications in the state.

He shamed the critics, who thought he had very little to offer. Not only did he perform, he surpassed the achievements of all his predecessors put together.

On Tuesday, September 20, 2016, the Supreme Court upheld the election of Bello as the governor of Kogi State, putting to rest, the controversies created by the death of Prince Audu.

The apex court, in unanimous judgments in four separate appeals, agreed that Bello was properly substituted to replace Audu as the candidate of the APC in the governorship election on November 21 and the supplementary poll held on December 5, 2015.

This was indeed a deserved victory that enabled Governor Yahaya Bello to settle down to face the real work of governance, which he gave the people of Kogi State in full dose, ranging from infrastructural development to healthcare, education, employment, sports, youth/women development and empowerment, among several others.

After four years of meritorious service, Governor Bello was elected to serve for another four years in November 2019.

Bello won 12 local governments to beat his

major challenger, Musa Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who won nine local governments. In total, Bello polled 406,222 votes. Wada polled 189,704.

This was a remarkable success for the man the people of Kogi State believe has the capacity to make life better for them and continue what he started in 2016.

It was a moment of decision for the people of Kogi State, who were later convinced that they made the right choice once again.

Shortly after this, in December 2019, the

world was visited with the dreaded COVID-19 that wreaked havoc in many parts of the world and in some parts of Nigeria after an index case was reported in Ogun State in February, 2020.

The pandemic became another battle for both the Federal and some states governments to fight.

On his part, Governor Bello did all he could to ensure that Kogi State was free from the ailment.

He was unrelenting in making everyone

to realise that COVID-19 was not in Kogi State. This was another opportunity for the man that has now been known to be a performer to prove his sagacity.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, once said that Governor Bello, was ready to take delivery of the AstraZeneca/ Oxford COVID-19 vaccines given to the state though he had publicly questioned the existence of the virus.

He, however, said the state government would not force anyone to take a jab of the vaccine except for those who are willing.

Fanwo said, “The governor has said he will accept the vaccine in the state but he will not force anyone to take it. Anyone who may wish to take the vaccine can come forward and the person will be vaccinated but the governor will not enforce it.

“He had said it already that he will take delivery of the vaccine if they bring the vaccine to the state. We just don’t have any information about when the vaccine is coming in and in what quantity.”

Bello consistently dismissed the existence of the virus in his state and also expressed reservations about the vaccine for the disease on numerous occasions.

In a viral video, Bello could be seen discouraging a jeering crowd of supporters from taking COVID-19 vaccine.

“They want to use the (COVID-19) vaccines to introduce the disease that will kill you and us. God forbid!” Bello had said.

It is on record that no case of COVID-19 was reported in Kogi State, while the pandemic lasted. With different theories coming out from the developed world to prove the politicisation of the COVID-19 scare and questions raised about the potency of the vaccine, Bello might have been vindicated at last.

-Idris writes from Abuja

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Place of Osinbajo in Nigeria’s Political History

Emameh Gabriel writes that on May 29, 2023, Prof Yemi Osinbajo will vacate office as Nigeria’s Vice President after eight eventful years as nation’s number two citizen.

Legacy is sought by political leaders but, most often, hard to evaluate for years after they leave office. And this most times depends on how much the people appreciate them and how their successors handle their inheritance.

Prof Yemi Osinbajo will hope future historians will not only be fair in placing his records but do justice with concience. And his personal achievements will also be beyond the reach of his successor too.

Osinbajo undeniably brought a decency, dignity and level of respect to Aso Rock, and a complete absence of crisis between him and President Muhammadu Bubari

But beyond the herculean effort fending off wolves in sheep clothing ready at every opportunity to jeopardize the genuine offorts of the Buhari’s administration, Osinbajo was indeed a major stabilizer, who like his boss, is loved across ethnic and religious lines.

Ferocious in his convictions and impeccable in his articulation, Osinbajo came to that high pedestal from almost obscurity, being only a one time attorney general of Lagos state.

Osinbajo has had a smooth and fantastic run, rising to the occasion at every turn, in a spectacular fashion, which has made him an icon in the annals of Nigeria’s political history.

While in the heat of politics especially around a general election in a country like ours, can reveal deep ethno - religious cleavages, even after such periods, there is still a strong national consensus that Osinbajo is a man of esteem, pedigree, understanding, and action. He has navigated the tortuose national terrain with a political dexterity in a class of its own winning hearts and minds.

Just recently a book was authored on

the life and times of this larger than life character.

25 prominent journalists and writers from across the country under the auspices of PYO collectibles had come together to write the book, ‘OSINBAJO

STRIDES: Defining Moments of an Innovative Leader’.

They are: Richard Akinnola, Azu Ishiekwene, Garba Mohammed, Etim Etim, Donu Kogbara, Sadiq Abdullateef, Fatima Mamman-Daura, James Akpandem, Mustapha Ogunsakin, Dayo Akintobi, Dr. Wale Adeduro, Columba Ogah, Haruna Abdullahi, Temilade Okesanjo, Arukaino Umukoro, Olaolu Beckley, Jude Zoho, Vitalis Obidiaghaa, Seun Bisuga, Seyi Gesinde, Faith Dafe-Joseph, Muritala Ayinla, Abimbola Olaniyan and Ibrahim Bature. Mr Jahman Anikulapo was the Editorial Consultant for the work.

The forwarded of the book was jointly written by two former Heads of State, Generals Abudulsalami Abubakar and Yakubu Gowon.

Speaking during the book launch, President Buhari described Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as a dedicated and loyal compatriot with a passionate desire for the development of Nigeria.

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Idris writes about the many political battles fought by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State since assumption of office in the Confluence state in January, 2016

Goodbye, to Buhari’s Presidency of Small Things!

Chido Nwangwu writes that President Muhammadu Buhari failed to deliver on all the promises that brought him to power eight years ago

still seems very uncomfortable with the fundamentals of the rough and tumble of Nigeria’s politics.

It’s quite telling that the greater the evidences and videos of ghastly scenes of murderous attacks across every section of Nigeria, the louder Alhaji Lai Mohammed (Buhari’s Information Minister) and Garba Shehu exclaimed that Nigerians are impatient and know that things are getting much better than what they are seeing!

I wonder how anyone could argue on national and international platforms that the combustion, commotion, clashes, killings which the eyes and lives of the individual Nigerian witness and experience, daily — from Sokoto to Nembe, Aba to Zaria, Ibadan to Itigidi, Sambisa to Ujari— do not “really” reflect what we “think” we saw.

EPISTLES of ANTHONY KILA

May We not Miss Buhari

the last eight years for the country must be really bad. Just think about it, how bad must things get for one to miss Buhari?

Will it be due to his own performance in office or will it be due to the performance of his ministers? Will it be for the events that happened in world during the Buhari era? Heavens and earth forbid such future.

Let us even for pure hypothesis’s sake assume that Buhari was a great and inspiring president and his era a peaceful and prosperous one, the prayer not to miss Buhari era will still be a valid one because it will mean those coming after him will be worse. For anyone that seeks progress and development, the hope and prayer is for tomorrow to be better than yesterday not vice versa.

On a subjective and peculiar side, there are many things that President Buhari did that one hopes that his successor does not do, there are many things that he did not do that one hopes his successor does.

In terms of legacy, I believe that most Nigerians will remember Buhari for the rampant insecurity across the country he has led for eight years — especially his inability to uproot and/ or substantially degrade the jihadists and footsoldiers of death and destruction who have since invaded the borders and occupy certain sections of Nigeria!

Nigerians generally held on to some expectation that President Muhammadu Buhari, the former Major-General of the Nigerian Army who enrolled in 1962 — at the age of 19 — into the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) was going to move the country onto the path of infrastructural development, security of lives, financial accountability, and fairness to all.

How wrong and far off reality have those become!

Indigenous peoples and communities have been uprooted and bombed and maimed and butchered with such gory, wickedly passion that all persons of true faith demand(ed) that Buhari stepped up to protect all Nigerian citizens from the AK-47 carrying jihadists and their (sometimes dueling) fellow travelers from Niger, Mali, Senegal, Libya, and a number of neighboring countries.

Unfortunately, those squads of terrorism— in some collaboration with their domestic allies have seized ancestral forests, farmlands and homesteads. Their actions have not only imperiled Nigeria’s national security architecture, they have turned many parts of the federal republic of Nigeria into killing fields and wastelands of insecurity and medieval mayhem!

Consequently, the Buhari years have been, for millions of Nigerians, the longest eight years of any elected President of Nigeria. Initially, it started with substantial goodwill and hopefulness in the possibilities of a country severely undermined and battered by the continued, corrosive and overwhelming impact of corruption in high places and at smaller positions and local zones of influence.

Buhari, a former military dictator, was sworn in eight years ago, on May 29, 2015 and promised to work towards a better economy, more secure, less corrupt and peaceful country. The man was reelected in February 2019, to serve another four years that will end on May 29, 2023.

Evidently, he has been failing on all the major reasons and the promises he made to all Nigerians. He had significant support, despite allegations of rigging and videos of underage voters especially the third time he contested for president, in the 2015 general election. He edged out then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. Dr. Jonathan

Which calls in the great words of the philosopher Groucho Marx who famously said: Should I believe you or should I believe my lying eyes? Uncle Lai, no pun intended, our eyes are not lying!

The bitter truth remains that despite the propaganda, Nigerians have endured eight long and difficult years of insecurities, religious and ethnic conflicts, banking fiasco and truck loads of palaver.

It’s been for a majority of Nigerians, Eight years of bitter and bloody encounters across Nigeria’s hijacked, deadly highways and trains. It’s been eight years of Nigeria’s pandemic of fear and nightmare of violent death lurking nearby!

It’s been eight years of painful, brutal slaughter of the natives and indigenous peoples and communities, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle-belt of Benue and Plateau states. Many of them have been uprooted and bombed and maimed and butchered with gory, demented, wickedly passion.

That’s why all persons of true faith demand(ed) that the Buhari regime stepped up to protect Nigeria and Nigerian citizens from the AK-47 carrying jihadists and their fellow travelers from Niger, Mali, Senegal, Libya and a number of other neighboring countries who are knocking down the borders of Nigeria.

It has been eight years whereby Borno and parts of the North East of the country with major Muslim populations have faced untimely deaths in the hands of other Muslim fighters and “bandits”. They have occupied and seized ancestral forests, farmlands and homesteads. I understand that those jihadists and their sponsoring allies are transforming those real estate into camps and planning bases for their attacks.

At a related level, they create some wastelands of insecurity, increasing instability, demographics disruption, poverty and constipation and convulsions across all sections of life in most of Nigeria.

The outgoing president failed Nigerians in the area of security.

The legacy challenge and the problem remain the facts that Nigerians gave Buhari their trust, their sacred votes and their last drip of hope. He disappointed them with a poorly conducted, flawed and currently disputed presidential election.

-Dr Nwangwu, is Founder of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline.com, and established USAfrica in 1992 in Houston. Follow him on Twitter @Chido247

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Dear Readers

Regardless of whatever happens to anyone, today’s epistle will be the last that will be written and shared under the normal and legal tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari.

What will from after this weekend be termed as “Buhari era” in the 4th republic stated on Friday May 29th in 2015 and it is scheduled to finish by Monday 29th May 2023, that is barring any extraordinary occurrence.

It has been eight long years of wonders, pain, hope and disappointments.To each their own, as we await the new administration, there are those hoping and working to ensure it is the person declared by INEC as president elect (Aswiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu) that will take over from Buhari, there are those hoping and working to ensure it is some else that will take over from Buhari.

It must be said that President Buhari himself has shown all possible outwardly signs that he is ready to go.

Such are good signs that should be recognised and praised. Yes, an elected leader that shows he is ready to leave office at the end of his tenure should be an ordinary and automatic event not worthy of news let alone praise.

Alas too many other African leaders tend to struggle with the concept of obeying simple commandments: There appears to be something in the air that leads African leaders into a kind of psychosis that makes them want to remain in power beyond their constitutional or even decency tenure. Thankfully, not so with Buhari, the man even seems eager to leave office and head back to his country home in Dauara.

On his way out though, he has been saying things that makes one believe that he thinks we the people are going to miss him. I think such thoughts come from his idea of how well he has done for the country, maybe he is considering his efforts and intentions.

Some people tend to agree with him.

Let me state very clearly so that all can hear and understand that my prayer, hope and plan for Nigeria is that “May we not miss Buhari”. The wishes and idea of those that say we are going to miss Buhari seem to me like a malediction that needs to be prayed against.

There are two major reasons for my prayer and hope. One is objective and general the other is a subjective and peculiar reason. Objectively and generally speaking, one misses the past when the present is not as good as the past.

For us to miss the Buhari era after May 29th 2023, the days and years that come after

Let’s face it and tell the whole truth, I personally and strongly hope that the new president is totally different from Buhari.

In my view, being different from President Buhari is a prerequisite for being a better President in 2023 and onwards.

A good place for the incoming to start from for not being like the outgoing is communication. It would appear the outgoing president, somewhere along the line, developed an allergy for talking directly to the Nigerian press and people and for eight years he never found a cure to that allergy even in his many travels.

May we not have a new president that will find it difficult to speak directly to Nigerian press and people.

Recalling the number of months, the outgoing president spent in office without appointing ministers and other key positions to manage his government and cabinet is an embarrassing experience for some us.

It becomes excruciating when we note that most of the people that made his list were known suspects that worked with him during the merger and political campaign that made him president. The only surprises were some controversial inclusions and some insensitive and inhumane exclusion.

Please note that I say all these without dwelling on the perceived lop-sidedness of all appointments and nomination that was done under this administration.

May we not have a president that will make us miss the Buhari method and content of nominating and appointing.

There are too many social and economic indices that went from bad to worse under the outgoing regime to make anyone that wishes Nigeria well to hope for the incoming administration to make us miss the outgoing one.

Some people made money under this regime, others got fame, I wish them well but I am sure none of them will want the current rate of unemployment or the level of inflation to be worse than the one the outgoing administration is leaving us.

Lest we become guilty of what we accuse others of doing, it is important that we pause to ponder on the fact in all these, President Buhari was not a sole trader. There were people around him, his court that was made of various people and personalities, some paid and charged to give counsel, some others, without any official role but still very important and influential.

-Kila is Institute Director at CIAPS. www.ciaps.org.

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Anthony Kila writes that President Muhammadu Buhari is leaving Nigeria worse than he met it upon assumption of office on May 29, 2015.

ASIWAJU AND STRATEGIC HUMILITY

Bola Tinubu will deploy a combination of humility mixed with political strategy in resolving the country’s numerous problems, reckons TUNJI BELLO

SHEHU USMAN IYAL pays tribute to Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, military tactician and former National Security Adviser

CELEBRATING A LEGEND: ALIYU MOHAMMED GUSAU AT 80

It is not unusual in parts of Northern Nigeria, for a new child to be named after his place of origin, by the parents. It was a way of imprinting the very home address of a child especially when he begins to mingle with the broader society. This explains why we’ve had dignitaries like Nigeria’s Second Republic President, Shehu Usman Shagari; former Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Ibrahim Gambo Jimeta, and one-time Minister of Works, Major General Mamman Kontagora, christened after their aboriginal domains. The case of General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, is

See page 29

was Deputy Governor of Zamfara State between 2019 and 2022, while his daughter is wife to Baba Datti-Ahmed, the VicePresidential candidate of Labour Party, (LP), in the recently concluded general elections. Gusau’s erudition and brand of humancentric engagement place him above his peers. I should know as his longstanding mentee and protege. We are not only from the same Northwest zone of the country, I indeed served under him when he was NSA under a pre-Obasanjo era military

A STRONGER NIGERIA: CRITICAL AREAS

OF INTEREST

We must build a healthy nation with the right capacity to meet the demands of the people, writes

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

He was born May 18, 1943 and simply named did not come until he was an adolescent. The addition of “Gusau” his birthplace and today’s capital of Zamfara State, after his original name, was done by the Nigerian Army. He had a classmate in the military academy who him! It became imperative to coin an enduring cadets which culminated in the annexation of Gusau to his primary name. Abdul *One* Mohammed, also a retired army General and younger colleague of the Gusau generation by the way, also had the English word “one” invented into his name in circumstances similar to Gusau’s, in the military academy.

See page 29

EDITORIAL ISSUES IN BORDER SECURITY

The name “Gusau” stuck. Even though the elder statesman hardly uses it in self reference, it has survived the trajectories of his exemplary military career, becoming his better known identity. Yet, the essential Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, breaks every barrier of creed, class and ethnicity that may be suggested by his name. Taciturn, deeply calculative, Gusau has been part of everything that came his way. A good student in the continuous interplay of the laws to just happen. He is ever ready to assume responsibility. Little wonder he has been part of every chapter of Nigerian history for more of 1967 to 1970, and onwards to successive military excursions on Nigeria’s political stage, to preparing the grounds for democratic rule, Gusau certainly occupies more than a footnote in the nation’s story. A commentator indeed once described him as ‘the Nigerian history!’

Or how else can one describe a man who enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1964, as member of the Regular Course One, with icons like late Generals Oladipo Diya, Ishola Williams, Joshua Dongoyaro and Admiral Alison Madueke? He got commissioned at the onset of the civil war in 1967 and went on to hold several strategic command positions including becoming the enough in the uniformed services to make the rank of General. It is an icing on the cake to be appointed to the overall headship of your Service. Gusau would subsequently become

National Security Adviser, (NSA), a position Nigerian Presidents, military and civilian.

1993, under the President Ibrahim Babangida Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan both reappointed him into that same brief. He was for a brief period Chief of Army Shonekan Interim National Government, (ING). The contraption was hurriedly strung together by Babangida as he bowed to popular pressure to exit the political space cognate experience has helped in no small measure in stabilising the nation’s democracy. His creative contributions are believed to have assisted in laying foundation for Nigeria’s subsisting longest ever democratic window. This has severally witnessed the transition of power from a civilian-to-civilian governments in the last 24 years.

Gusau always distinguished himself in professional and national assignment. He was variously Commandant of the NDA; Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, (DIA); and Director-General of the National Security Organisation, (NSO). He was also Coordinator of National Security, (CNS), a position he deployed to the restructuring of the nation’s security organs, consistent with global best practices. It is to his credit that today’s Department of State Services, (DSS), National Intelligence Agency, (NIA) and Defence Intelligence Agency, (DIA), were unbundled from the relics of the former NSO.

Gusau is a General’s General and a multiplex tactician. His expertise extends to the murky waters of Nigerian politics. In the months preceding military disengagement from politics and return to the barracks in 1998 to 1999, he was among the founding fathers of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP). It is noteworthy, that the party dominated Nigeria’s national politics for 16 unbroken years, until it lost out in 2015. It is instructive that Gusau himself made two unsuccessful attempts at the presidency, to underscore his faith in the democratic system of governance. Instructively, his son, Mahdi,

the sensitivity of the unit to the safety and security of the Commander-in-Chief. I was Personal Assistant, (PA) to Chief (Mrs) Joy Ayo who was Director-General on National Security, overseeing the bureaucracy in (ONSA). I was also privileged to serve under him in the Obasanjo administration, having previously worked with him in the months preceding Obasanjo’s election and former President all through his campaign. While he was NSA, I was a senior aide to the and preexisting relationship with him, and person of the NSA. General Gusau’s doors were ever open, even as he would a man who meets several people every day. At four-score, it is a mystery how he gets the energy he deploys to the achievement of Nigeria of our dream. He is regularly consulted on prickly national issues, much as he should be savouring his desired retirement. These days, he commits his attention and energy to the development of the *Gusau Institute* in Kaduna, which was inaugurated about a decade ago. Over time, Gusau had gathered an impressive array of books and rare documents into a sizeable international politics, the intelligence arts, strategic studies and geo-politics. They form the core collection of the *Aliyu Mohammed Research Library,* (AMRL) based at the institute. It is probably one of the very best private research facilities in Nigeria. The mission statement of the institute among others is that “the AMRL will become the Information Centre for selected scholars with

Iyal, OON, a pilot and aviation services expert, served as adviser to the Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua and Jonathan regimes, respectively. He is the MD/ CEO of AFR-AIR International Ltd, a Fixed Base Operator, (FBO), at the General Aviation Terminal, Murtala Mohammed Airport, (MM1), Lagos

Bola Tinubu will deploy a combination of humility mixed with political strategy in resolving the country’s numerous problems, reckons TUNJI BELLO

ASIWAJU AND STRATEGIC HUMILITY

The title of this short piece is not exactly original. The word “Strategic diplomatically deployed by Dr Henry Kissinger, former American Secretary of State, who marked his centenary (100 years) birthday a few days ago, in his

of six heads of state in the 20th century who he considered as great leaders. They are France’s Charles De Gaulle, Germany’s Conrad Adreneur, America’s

A STRONGER NIGERIA: CRITICAL AREAS OF INTEREST

Also, we have seen a plethora of project which many expected he would attend to avoid them in what clearly is borne out of strategic humility in not wanting to share the glory with the incumbent as the latter deserves his shine and glory. Earlier in January when the iconic Lagos rail-line (which Asiwaju initiated as governor) was commissioned, he stayed

government in three days. Regardless of whether you voted or not, the government will The sooner we accept these facts, the easier it will be to look at what lies ahead.

Acceptance here does not negate any expectations that some may have from the courts. However, just like the United States Government, which faced criticism from a usually loud minority due to its Secretary send a delegation to the inauguration, the rest of us understand that the business of government cannot stop. and important matters the next government needs to address and prioritize alongside its fuel subsidy issue as the most pressing matter of national importance. The fuel subsidy

unless we implement a program to upskill the population. While our education system remains inadequate, this is not solely about education but rather about providing the right education.

A population that continues to receive knowledge relevant to yesterday’s problems cannot meet the demands of today and tomorrow’s challenges. The world of work is asking new questions that our school curriculum has been unable to address for years. Moreover, we must also consider the imminent challenges and opportunities presented by an economically competitive state, it must build a skilled population that will form its foundation. Without this, we would be placing our hopes on false expectations.

The economy must take center stage, and this time, the government should focus on facilitating economic participation, competition, and cooperation where necessary, rather than trying to be a player in the market. Most governments around the world, throughout recent history, have shown that it is the government’s role to ensure fair organization, rather than actively participating in business.

Egypt’s Anwar Sadat.

of Kissinger’s categorizations, especially

most interesting in the book is his take on Conrad Adreneur, the German post-war Chancellor. He cited Adreneur as a man who eased Germany into the mainstream by a great man. That Germany found its way back into the mainstream of world politics (a privilege she still enjoys till today) is the brainchild of Adreneur with his deployment of “strategic humility”.

Asiwaju is set to take over the mantle of the nation’s leadership in a few days’ time. There is no dispute among those who have worked with him over the years (in government and at political level) about his adroit deployment of political strategy in resolving the unsolvable. His instinctive respect for every individual he meets is currently in a mess both economically and politically. We are more divided today at the right time because we need a leader who can stabilize and rejuvenate us.

First in Port Harcourt when he was and new Courts. Gov Wike had asked that Asiwaju’s government should refund money that Rivers had spent on the new bridge and some federal roads in the state. Asiwaju’s remark was mostly Solomonic nothing”. His reason: we still have in place a government headed by President

would have been tempted to contest the

Perhaps the most remarkable one was the commissioning a few days ago of Zone, a visionary scheme he initiated as Governor of Lagos State in 2005 in at the commissioning, he sent his vice Shettima so that the present government could carry the glory. himself referred to Tinubu as the “Asiwaju

Asiwaju means the Leader. Tinubu’s deft Machiavelli’s legendary postulation: “Power is alluring and infectious when Prince of expectation and manifestation begins when you are on the throne.”

The incoming President and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces must be ready to deploy more of that are more challenging times ahead. Two in our federal government and the instability in various parts of the country the second, you ha assured.

Bello, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, writes from Lagos

policy, whether removed or retained, will have other important issue. While it would have an unprecedented impact on the economy either way, the political cost of its removal has been the most inhibitive factor for decision-makers to be a consensus on its removal. Whether the incoming government has the political will and capability to manage the political outcomes is one we’d have to wait to see. on the agenda for both President Jonathan and terrorist group from 2011 to 2015 and beyond. include banditry and kidnapping, adding layers to the issue. While suicide bombings danger persist due to banditry and kidnapping. One could be forgiven for not considering national security as the primus inter pares issue this time, as was the case with the outgoing government, for instance.

in terms of its extremely low Human

on human development because resources that could have been used for infrastructure development had to be allocated to meet the demands of the war. Additionally, terrorism, harm on schools, hospitals and health centres, farms, homes, and communities, further exacerbating existing problems such as low life expectancy, inadequate school infrastructure, and the safety of lives and property.

While keeping a keen eye on national security, the government must directly address these issues. Our young and growing population poses a challenge for the future

provides an enabling environment for not have its own team playing against these countries, and it cannot be seen as making the goalposts smaller for some countries and bigger for others in the same game. This is where exchange rate administration comes into play. We cannot claim to have a fair system when some companies with privileged owners have access to billions of dollars at a lower price, while others obtain it at the market rate.

This injustice and imbalance should not require further explanation as to why it is detrimental to businesses thriving in such an environment.

products that can compete globally. Additionally, we need to facilitate easy

or Ghana and label their products as originating from those countries simply to avoid being undermined by elements within our own government. Unlike in emerges as the winner, in a functioning economy, the majority are winners. Strong businesses can grow and, as they thrive, they will require increased capacity to meet new demands. This will result in more jobs, more opportunities, and increased exports.

As a country, we cannot continue to cater to the greed of individuals in positions of power while our nation remains in a subordinate position, rather than dominating the global economy where we rightfully belong. We must build a healthy nation with the right capacity to meet the demands of the modern economy. To do this, we’d need the enabling policies and environments to make the people and their enterprise thrive.

Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach and author, Digital Wealth Book

We must build a healthy nation with the right capacity to meet the demands of the people, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

ISSUES IN BORDER SECURITY

Porous borders are posing big problems for the nation

The revelation itself was not shocking considering what most Nigerians already know. But coming from the Chief of Defence our vast unmanned land areas – the North-east and Northwest regions. Out of this State West Africa Province northern parts of the country where these insurgents serious threats to the nation’s economy.

UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN 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

hardly any criminal act and violence in Nigeria that

With mercenary activities directly linked to the most dominant transnational security issue remains State West Africa Province and Boko Haram Terrorists disrupt the livelihoods of innocent citizens in their during the eighth session of the Cameroon-Nigeria Trans-Border Security

an urgent need for Nigeria to properly demarcate the agency within the Economic Community of West to monitor them.

easiest crossing points in the world today. We hope the more seriously.

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

FIRE OUTBREAKS AND FIREFIGHTING IN NIGERIA

This is the reason why many people are plunged into adverthemselves who has placed a curse in their lives or family

humanitarian needs in Borno State; claiming nine lives.

often end up in destruction.

endanger lives.

Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu, Trade Fair Complex, ASPAMDA, Lagos State

There is hardly any criminal act and violence in Nigeria that could not be remotely traced to the relative ease with which armed gangs enter and exit through many of our borders

BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA AGM…

L-R:Independent Non-Executive Director, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Erejuwa Gbadebo; Non-Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Olowokande; Managing Director, Mrs. Alaba Fagun; Chairman, Mr. Abi Ayida; Company Secretary, Mrs. Omolara Bello; Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Aisha Umar, Non-Indepe ndent Director, Mr. Raj Mangtani and NonExecutive Director, Mrs. Ogechi Iheanacho during 63rd Annual General meeting of Berger Paints Nigeria Plc in Lagos… recently

Despite Several Moves to Defend His Action, Criticisms Trail Aviation Minister’s Last Minute Appointments

Chinedu Eze

Players in the aviation industry have excoriated the last minute appointments of the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, for removing top aviation agency functionaries and replacing them with others.

While many who criticised his action said he failed to follow due process, they also said he should have allowed the in-coming government to appoint those it can work with in line with what will be the focus in the aviation industry.

Defending his action, Sirika however said he received approval

from President Muhammadu Buhari for all the appointments he made.

Some stakeholders also criticised what they referred to as the appointment of non-professionals even though some of the appointments made, were from those who have worked in the industry for decades that are seasoned with invaluable experience.

The President/CEO of Top Brass Aviation Limited, Captain Roland Iyayi, described the appointment as blackmail against the in-coming administration, which he said, would incur the wrath of the industry if it decided to remove those last minute

Only

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Executive Chairperson of Still Earth Holdings, Oyindamola Adeyemi, has urged the incoming administration to as a matter of urgency, formulate and implement sound pro-business policies to put the nation’s economy back on track.

She explained that the incentives that promote an enabling environment for businesses to thrive

should be prioritised to take the Nigerian economy out of doldrums.

Speaking at The Economist’s The World Ahead 2023 event, Adeyemi in her address, touched on the resilience of the Nigerian economy, as demonstrated by a moderate Gross Domestic Product (GDP), propelled by the improved performance of non-oil sectors such as agriculture, the service industry, and construction industry.

appointments, saying that Sirika’s action was corrupt and unethical.

He also alleged that he appointed his aides who worked with him over the years he served as the Minister of Aviation.

“He is simply blackmailing the in-coming administration. He wants to create problem for them with those appointments. He decided to compensate his aides by appointing them in those positions and went as far as creating new positions to accommodate them. In doing so, he has disenfranchised the professionals in the aviation agencies who have put up to 30 years in service. He put his

cronies in all the agencies. They should be resisted. He has created problems for his successor. He wanted to tarnish the image of the in-coming Minister of Aviation. He will be seen as a very bad person when he wants to make any changes in the appointments he has made,” Iyayi said.

Industry expert and the General Secretary of Aviation Round Table (ART), Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), said Sirika’s action would not make any sense to the in-coming administration and advised some of those appointed not to rest well in their new job because it would be ephemeral.

“It makes no reasonable sense for the incoming administration to accept all the appointments made by Sirika at quarter to go. I can only advise most of them, especially those appointed from the by-pass not to sit with the two slashes of their bottom. There will be reverse of many. Aviation is not road transportation. Without qualifications at any level of it, it makes no sense to be elevated to the level of General Manager. I think this is the worst we have ever seen in the industry. Before this man came in, we were under the Transport Ministry and there was so much complain about staff strength and structure

that has made the agencies not to run efficiently; and he promised to restructure or call a committee to look into it and resolve those issues so that the agencies can be a bit lean, have better remuneration and reduction in union conflicts,” Ojikutu said. Head of Business Development, Zenith Travels and the spokesman of Aviation Round Table (ART), Olu Ohunayo, said that Sirika first moved Aviation from the Ministry of Transportation and made it a stand-alone ministry, which gave him the power to bypass and not

Continued on page 30

She however pointed out that the economy was yet to achieve the expected bounce-back rate primarily due to inflation and other disruptions in the economy, including the contraction of the oil and gas sector resulting from low output.

“The Nigerian economy has remained resilient with moderate GDP growth post-pandemic period, albeit below expectation with a spiraling inflationary rate. The non-oil sectors

have continued to contribute positively, driven by agriculture, service industries, and construction while oil and gas contracted due to low outputs,” Adeyemi said.

She also expressed optimism that Nigeria’s economy could experience a stronger rebound after the election and is advocating for the formulation and implementation of the right policies.

She expressed confidence in the role of Still Earth Holdings in contributing

to the country’s post-election economic growth while emphasising that the group, with its diversified portfolios in construction, oil and gas, and finance, is uniquely positioned to drive the national economy forward.

Through innovative solutions that promote resilience and sustainability, the group continues to support businesses and enterprises in various segments, positively impacting the economy.

MAY 25, 2023

While highlighting Still Earth Holdings’ contributions to the petroleum and energy sectors, Adeyemi explained the critical role of the subsidiary, Tirex Petroleum and Energy, in providing cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency of local oil exploration and production processes, ultimately boosting Nigeria’s global

Continued on page 30

Stakeholders Frown at Inclusion of Aerospace in

Chinedu Eze

Recently the Ministry of Aviation changed its name to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace but this new name does not sit well with many stakeholders in the industry who argued that Aviation and Aerospace were two different sectors of study, even though both have to do with airspace management.

Aerospace is a term used to collectively refer to the atmosphere and outer space and it is the space comprising the earth’s atmosphere and the space beyond, while aviation, on the other hand, means flying of aircraft or operating a plane on the earth’s airspace. Aviation has to do with all things that are aircraft-related within the earth’s atmosphere.

Besides, the stakeholders also argued the extent to which Nigeria has developed its aerospace to mark it out and add it to the Ministry of

Aviation

Aviation, remarking that Nigeria has not even developed its aviation well to delve into aerospace.

Former Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, told THISDAY in a telephone interview that the Ministry of Aviation should review the new name, saying that combining aviation and aerospace in the way it was done does not make sense and it is not necessary.

Demuren who is aeronautical engineer said a lot of people in the industry were concerned about the new name, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, remarking that it might not have been thought through before deciding to put the two names together. He added that Nigeria was yet to finished addressing its aviation challenges and has no reason to burden itself with aerospace, including the establishment of a national airline, Nigeria Air.

Ministry

Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY that while aviation deals with aeroplane and flights within the earth’s surface, aerospace deals with aeronautics and flight into space, adding that aerospace deals with design and maintenance of space craft.

“Aviation deals with flights within earthly destinations, airspace management and related services. Aviation deals with flights that caps 60, 000 feet above sea level, which airspace deals with flight from 120, 000 feet and into the outer space. Aerospace should go to the Ministry of Science and Technology. That is where research on aerospace can be enhanced. The US Department of Transportation is not involved in aerospace; rather, it is involved with air transport, rail and others, Sanusi said.

Firm Moves to Improve Digital Services in Nigeria

Chinedu Eze

Legend, a highly resources digital services provider of broadband, fin-tech and mobile, said it would fill a vacuum occasioned by the increase in demand of data in Nigeria, which shot up during the COVID-19 lockdown and recently during the attempts to change to new currency by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The company said that it carried out a study to know the gap between demand and supply of digital services in Nigeria and came to the conclusion that unless there is increased provision of digital services, the growing demand would not be

met by service providers, hence it deployed all its recourses to fill this gap in demand by launching

‘My Legend App’ to boost the provision of its services.

The company having realised that majority of its customers did not work, school or have majority of their entertainment over the internet before COVID-19, knew it has to boost its services to meet the surging demand.

“After a critical study and analysis of our environment, Legend formally launched a solution; My Legend App, which has been developed as a result of extensive research into customer service and designed to provide top-notch access to the Legend

AIR WATCH

The Hitch-free Succession Process at FAAN

Chinedu Eze

On Tuesday the former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Rabiu Yadudu, officially handed over to his successor, Kabir Mohammed at the head office of the agency at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

ecosystem. At the heart of My Legend App is our commitment to ensuring that our customers have a seamless experience when using our services.

“It eliminates the need to go through third parties or cumbersome media to reach our support function which will respond to you interactively. It also enables you track your tickets and enquiries so you never have to worry about insufficient information on your Legend services. The App is available on both iOS and Android platforms, and you can download it for free from the App Store or Google Play,” the company said in a statement.

NAMA to Deploy Surface Movement Radar, Ground Control System

Preparatory to its full deployment in a few days time, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced that it has successfully conducted the site acceptance test for its newly installed surface movement radar and ground control systems in Abuja and Lagos airports to enable air traffic controllers to monitor aircraft and vehicular movement during low visibility or night time. Speaking while conducting the site acceptance test of the radar equipment in Abuja recently, the former acting Managing Director of NAMA, Matthew Lawrence Pwajok, stated that in furtherance to its quest to enhance the safety and

efficiency of flight operations in Nigeria, the agency had embarked on the procurement of the surface movement radar due to its capability for detection, monitoring, and control of aircraft and vehicles on the ground for the purpose of preventing collision between aircraft, and between aircraft and vehicles as well as between aircraft and obstacles on the ground (runway, taxiway, and apron).

According to Pwajok, “The surface movement radar, which is a primary radar, will provide surveillance for aircraft and vehicles on the ground for the air traffic controller rather than physically seeing or looking

out on the runway, the apron, taxiway or parking gate. Presently, what obtains is that the ground control is manually done. Air traffic controllers at the tower look outside to see where the aircraft is, to separate it, clear it for takeoff, and landing, and direct it to taxi to the parking gate. But with surface movement radar, guidance on the ground is automated as every surface movement is displayed clearly on the console. So, the air traffic controller can clearly see the aircraft and guide it while taxiing on the ground from the departure gate to the runway for takeoff, and once it takes off, he hands it over to the approach control.”

Infinix Launches Note 30 Series with F astCharge Technology

Emma Okonji

Infinix, on Wednesday in Lagos, launched its latest flagship device- the Note 30 series, at an event themed: ‘Take Charge 24/7’, where it demonstrated its dedication to its fans by inviting over 100 brand faithfuls, who were treated to a sensational performance by their brand ambassador and Nigeria’s top artist, Davido.

During the launch event, guests had the opportunity to experience the various Note 30 variants, test the cameras, take selfies, and explore the all-round fast charging features. They interacted with representatives, asking questions and gaining insights into the device.

Speaking at the launch, the

Co-Founder and Infinix Global Head, Mr. Benjamin Jiang, said: “The Note 30 Series is designed with cutting-edge all-round FastCharge technology that supports multiple charging methods, including wired fast charging, wireless charging, reverse charging, bypass charging, PD 3.0 protocol, intelligent charging, and safe charging across multiple dimensions.”

Giving details of its features, the Marketing Manager, Infinix Nigeria, Mr. Opeyemi Adewunmi, said the bypass charging was designed to supply power directly to the motherboard without going through the battery, thus effectively reducing the phone’s temperature and extending battery life.

According to him, the reverse

Captain Yadudu who completed his four-year tenure last weekend, left FAAN in a very eventful manner. He bowed out after conducting a very successful FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) with the theme: Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria. Anyone who attended the conference and listened to his presentations would have fond memory of him as a one-time Managing Director of FAAN who etched himself in the history of the agency.

His presence at the conference was like an epilogue of a virtuoso performance, the crowning of four years of steering the affairs of the most strategic aviation agencies that is managing 22 airports and providing critical manpower to the other existing airports in the country. His candour during the conference seemed augury, as he seemed to be delivering a valedictory speech. Did he have an incline? Was he aware that he was making a parting presence as FAAN boss?

So, when it was announced he was leaving, the news raked up emotional nostalgia and not a few spoke about his performance at the FNAC conference.

However, the federal government seemed discerning this time. It chose the right man to succeed Yadudu in person of Kabir Mohammed, who is a man of immense goodwill, invaluable experience and intellectually deep.

Mohammed is a seasoned airport manager who has understudied many past managing directors in FAAN and whose modern thinking and orientation will solidify the new trajectory in development started by Yadudu. Last year Yadudu set up AviaCargo Committee headed by the travel expert, Ambassador Ikechi Uko whose team unveiled the undiscovered wealth in cargo freighting by air. What is potentially great is that Nigeria has so much to be taken out of the country, a huge market that has only been nibbled at but when fully maximized will boost the revenue of FAAN. Kabir Mohammed is highly inclined to turn the lead to gold. As Uko revealed during his presentation at FNAC, last year Ethiopian Airlines, known globally as passenger airline made the bulk of its revenue from cargo. COVID-19 was an eye opener to the wealth inherent in cargo freighting.

Before taking over as the Managing Director of FAAN, Mohammed was the Regional General Manager, Central Region Airports, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Chairman Aviation Roadmap Implementation Committee.

the statement said.

Mohammed is an alumnus of the International Visitors Leadership Program of the United States Government, and he holds a diploma in Airport Executive Leadership from ACI/ Concordia University. He is an International Airport Professional (IAP).

Prior to his appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, he had served the organization in various capacities including: Special Assistant to the Managing Director; Head of Servicom, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano; Chief Liaison Officer, FAAN Liaison Office, Abuja; Chief of Staff to the MD/CE; General Manager, Special Duties, and Regional General Manager, North Central/Airport Manager, Abuja Airport.

“We congratulate the newly appointed MD/ CE and also welcome him as he takes the mantle of leadership. We thank Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu for his innovativeness and hard work while his tenure lasted. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” the statement said.

Last year Mohammed won the 2022 Distinguished leadership award of International Airport Professional/Community of Practice (IAPCOP) due to his outstanding achievements as an aviator.

The Distinguished Leadership IAP award, according to IAP, was given in recognition of aviation professional for his/her role as a community leader and an active participant in the growth and improvement of the aviation community.

Mohammed has worked in various government and private organisations, such as the Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, State House, Office of the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief, among others.

charging function makes it both a mobile phone and a charger for other electronic devices. It can charge your smartwatch, Bluetooth earbuds, or even an iPhone. The device also supports intelligent night charging and works with industry-standard protocols like USB Power Delivery 3.0, Adewunmi said.

Besides lightning-fast charging speeds, the Note 30 series has significantly improved its photography and video capabilities, powerful processors, super signal technology, the latest Android operating system, and large storage. Infinix also obtained a Hi-Res professional certification and partnered with JBL to provide a remarkable audio experience for the device.

From his precedents, Mohammed will be the one that will manifest the vision of a new FAAN that would spearhead a new front in airport infrastructural development. This is confirmed by what he did in the last position he held, managing the Abuja airport. He literally transformed the landscape of that airport and made it a very attractive facility that THISDAY authoritatively learnt that it has become the airport of choice to many Nigerians returning to the country. This has also reflected in the growing passenger traffic.

In the statement issued by FAAN during his handover, it described Mohammed as a seasoned administrator and an astute aviator with stints in both the public and private sectors that formed his wealth of experience in aviation safety and security.

“He is expected to consolidate on the lofty achievements of the immediate past Managing Director/CE, Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu,”

He is expected to prepare major airports under his control for certification by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and by extension the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Lagos and Abuja airports that were certified in the past must be renewed to ensure that the airports are operating in tandem with international practices. In addition to that, it is expected that the airports in Kano and Port Harcourt would be certified.

The media is inundated with reports by passengers who are not satisfied with the deplorable facilities in some airports in Nigeria. It is expected that the new helmsman will apply his modern thinking in rejuvenating these facilities and make them more functional and to meet the expectations of the travelling public.

While many are expectant that Mohammed will bring in transformational development at the airports, industry stakeholders should be ready to heck at meddlesome ministers who do not allow agency heads to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

Mohammed

Stakeholders Proffer Ways to Revamp Aviation Sector Ahead of May 29

So much hope was raised in late 2015 when the newly appointed Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, reeled out the plans of the Buhari administration for the aviation sector. The plans he christened, ‘Aviation Road Map’, have not been achieved as many industry stakeholders are miffed that the administration’s achievements are far short of what it promised. They are of the view that the critical programmes in the Aviation Road Map are yet to be actualized, even as the door closes for the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

In order to depart from the days of huge promises and little delivery, industry experts have offered ways that the in-coming administration would revamp the industry. They identified key factors that tend to drag the sector backwards, which include huge foreign exchange due to overseas aircraft maintenance, capital flight by airlines because international travel from Nigeria is wholly dominated by foreign airlines, multiple taxes, which leave indigenous airlines and other companies operating in the industry literally stripped of their earning and the outrageous remittances from aviation agencies by the federal government that tend to asphyxiate their economic growth.

CONTROVERSIAL PROJECTS

Senior member of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and the President/CEO of Top Brass

Aviation Limited, Captain Roland Iyayi said that what the in-coming administration would do immediately it takes over is to review the controversial projects embarked on by the Buhari’s administration, which left the industry in a sorry state. They include the so-called aerotropolis, which prompted the government to demolish airport facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, including the headquarters of aviation agencies without alternative offices in Abuja, where the workers of these agencies were forced to relocate. Iyayi rightly observed that such demolition would have forced in-coming government to tailor its programmes in the industry to dovetail with the Buhari’s because there would be no alternative than to do the bidding of its predecessor if the airport facilities were destroyed. But after the demolition of the former headquarters of Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), now Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NISB), aviation unions went to court and received court order to stop further demolition of offices at the Lagos airport. The projects that should be reviewed include the national carrier programme, the aerospace university, which many in the industry argue was duplication of efforts because Nigeria has the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, internationally rated aviation institution,

which still needs uplift and modern teaching facilities. Others that should be reviewed include the establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, which might have taken off on paper but never physically took off; although the paper take off might have gulped some money, airport facilities concession and the establishment of leasing company, which many in the industry were not apprised of the update of the programme.

TAXES AND CAPITAL FLIGHT

Iyayi said: “We have to review the policies that have stagnated the growth of the aviation industry and these include the taxes, the charges and the remitting of 40 per cent of the earnings of some aviation agencies to the coffers of the federal government. This has mitigated against growth because while the federal government wanted to boost its revenue it has discouraged investment in the industry and some of these agencies that pay these remittances are not revenue generating agencies. So, these are the key things that should be reviewed in the next three months. Currently, the industry contributes 0.5 per cent to the nation’s GDP, but it is possible to raise this to 2.5 per cent in the next three years if the right actions

are taken to revamp the sector.”

He also said that in the long term, government should embark on the policies that will encourage foreign direct investment (FDI), the establishment of MRO through partnership, but not necessarily with the West, but with companies in other parts of the world that can enhance growth of indigenous expertise, pointing out that Garuda of Indonesia could partner with Nigeria on MRO. KLM carry out some of its heavy aircraft checks at Garuda.

“If the right things are done, we can reduce capital flight and grow expertise and we can gain about N5 billion from capital flight in five years,” he said.

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Speaking in the same vein, travel expert and organizer of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, told THISDAY that the Buhari’s administration tried to do a whole lot of things to grow the aviation industry, and advised the incoming government to comprehensively review the projects, pick the ones that are good and the ones that are working and build on them, noting that the Aviation Road Map was good but the review would sieve what was done that was good and what was not good.

“The review will show what are working and what are not working. The new government

As Nigeria is set to welcome a new administration on May 29, 2023, stakeholders in the Aviation sector have identified some steps that should be taken to revamp the aviation industry, increase its contribution to the GDP and cut back capital flight, writes Chinedu Eze

Inside Mele Kyari’s Gas Credentials

Femi Soneye

There is no doubt that since his appointment in 2019 as GMD of the defunct NNPC and his subsequent appointment as GCEO of NNPCL, Kyari has worked assiduously to ensure that Nigeria unlocks and maximally utilizes its vast gas reserves.

In March 2021 a few months before the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) came into force, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the “Decade of Gas”. The previous year, the government had declared “The Year of Gas”. Explaining the decision of the government to declare the decade of gas, Buhari said: “When we declared 2020 as “The Year of Gas” in Nigeria, it was a bold statement to demonstrate our administration’s resolve that gas development and utilization should be a national priority. Now we’re going a step further to dedicate this decade to industrializing Nigeria using gas”.

The Decade of Gas policy came on the heels of the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) rolled out by the Buhari administration in 2020. The NGEP, a N250 billion initiative funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had an original timeline of converting one million cars to run on gas by the end of 2021. Although that original timeline was not met, the programme remains on course as serious effort is currently being made to encourage the widespread use of Compressed Natural Gas(CNG). One of the key drivers of the programme is the NNPCL, which committed to establish designated NNPC retail filling stations offering free petrol-to-gas conversion services for “some cars” to enable vehicles to run on LPG or CNG.

As with the NGEP, the Mele Kyari led NNPCL is a key actor in the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative. According to the initiative, the Buhari administration through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the NNPCL aims to, working in tandem with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, engender

an exponential increase in the usage of gas in the country.

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL

With Nigeria having over 208 cubic feet of trillion feet of natural gas reserve and ranking ninth in the list of countries with huge reserves of gas, the Buhari administration envisions the resource

ADEYEMI: ONLY SOUND PRO-BUSINESS POLICIES CAN REVITALISE NIGERIA’S AILING ECONOMY

competitiveness in the sector.

Moreover, Still Earth Capital Finance has been at the forefront of promoting financial inclusion and driving economic growth in Nigeria. She said the company had been supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by providing them with access to credit facilities that enable them to expand their businesses and generate income.

She also emphasised in her address that Still Earth Capital Finance remained committed to crafting innovative and tailor-made financial products that meet the unique needs of its clients, ensuring that they have access to an improved quality of life.

Adeyemi stressed the importance of infrastructure, stating that in order to build a resilient framework for an economic development, Nigeria will need to consider the centrality of adequate infrastructure development.

She highlighted the opportunities in this area and noted that Still Earth Construction and Realty has been a leading force in promoting ecofriendly and sustainable materials to reduce the carbon footprint of its projects, pointing out that the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s top construction firms, and its contributions to the economy are significant.

Adeyemi went on in her address to stress the importance of a growth-oriented mindset among policymakers and private sector players to attract local and international investors to Nigeria and increase the risk appetite of the business sector.

She advocated for increased funding for MSMEs, especially for women to accelerate growth, which she believes is the engine of

socio-economic development and job creation.

According to her, “As a femaleled Nigerian success story, I believe Still Earth Holdings is an indicator of what women can achieve. More women can contribute significantly to the country and continent development with suitable investment and equitable opportunities for females and female-led MSMEs.”

She also noted that inadequate infrastructure, limited access to credit, insecurity, foreign exchange shortages, low foreign direct investment, and climate change, were critical factors that must be addressed by the incoming government, saying that these issues require urgent attention to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and contribute significantly to the country’s economic development.

DESPITE SEVERAL MOVES TO DEFEND HIS ACTION, CRITICISMS TRAIL AVIATION MINISTER’S LAST MINUTE APPOINTMENTS

inaugurate the board of directors in the agencies. He further said that was where the problem started from.

According to Ohunayo, “Unfortunately, he first moved aviation out of the Ministry of Transportation and became a stand-alone ministry. That gave him power to bypass and not inaugurate the board of directors for each of the agencies. He has expanded the directorates to feed his friends, family and cronies and all appointments and employments that have been done under this man must be reviewed. Most importantly, employment has been screwed towards a particular region and that must be addressed. You cannot allow this to continue because such actions will kill the industry. Look at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), where we fought for this re-certification process that is going on. All this was done before the minister came

to office, but he went to the critical departments and made professional officers to resign. NCAA officials are grumbling because of his interference and employment policy. Nigeria Safety Investigative Bureau (NSIB) should not be under the Ministry of Aviation, and who knows what he has done there now?”

Reacting to these appointments, the industry think-tank, Aviation Round Table also denounced the last-minute appointments made by Sirika.

“The ART equally frowns at any decision of the minister to appoint a new Director General, Managing Directors or Directors with barely 10 days to the eve of the new administration, thereby foreclosing the opportunity for new presidential appointees that will be more suited to the agenda of the incoming administration. The ART is of the view that a more appropriate action would have been to nominate

a new candidate for appointment by the incoming minister and there is nothing wrong in extending for a further 30 days, the term of the existing managing director and directors on a transitional basis, to enable the new administration pick the men/women to drive their agenda.

“Aviation is such that once the airplanes lose the officers in the left seat, the officers in the right seat cannot simply take over without the required experience and authorisation. The ART calls the attention of the current minister to ensure the full and faithful implementation of Section 16 of the NCAA Act for the establishment of Directorates and Inspectorates as opposed to the changes he has made in consolidating and placing too many departments under too few personnel and to further comply in particular with Section 16-10,” the body said.

Delta, Eastern and Western regions of the Country.

The gas pipeline is a 614KM project running from Ajaokuta in Kogi State traversing FCT, Niger and Kaduna States and terminating in Kano as well as 24” × 15KM Spur Line to Abuja Terminal Gas Station. It also includes the construction of four terminal gas stations, twenty-two block valve stations, intermediate pigging stations with other ancillary facilities.

Since the flag-off of the project in June 2020, NNPCL under the purposeful leadership of Mallam Mele Kyari has made giant strides towards completing the project.

The following details about the project underscores the frenetic pace at which the NNPCL is executing the project. According to available information: Overall Engineering Design for the linear section of the two segments of the project stands at 93.48%, The Overall Procurement for the linear section for the two segments is at 88%, 94% of the total line pipes have been manufactured and 90% already in-country, Construction activities on both segments are ongoing. They have completed 400km of the linear section/mainline welding, representing 68% of ROW from Ajaokuta in Kogi State to Kano.

Also, several back-end activities have commenced including field joint coating, trenching and lowering, temporary cathodic protection and talks of pre-commissioning of some sections have equally commenced.

as a key element in the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

The overarching strategy of the government with regard to the Decade of Gas policy is to unlock this vast reserve of gas out of which only about 8 billion standard cubic feet (bscf) are produced for the local and international market.

As enunciated by the Buhari administration, the $20 billion policy, which is expected to grow demand of gas by 16.6 percent between 2020 and 2030, is underpinned for strategic considerations: Increasing domestic gas utilization, Expanding gas infrastructure, Increasing gas exports, and Attracting Foreign Direct Investment to the gas sector.

As a way of ensuring that these objectives are realized, a number of measures have since been unfolded by the government including the implementation of a new gas pricing regime to encourage investment in the sector, the development of new gas infrastructure, and the promotion of gas-based industries such as fertilizer production, power generation, and petrochemicals.

Of these measures, the development of gas infrastructure has been given top priority by the government. The projects through which the spike in demand are expected to happen include the NigeriaMorocco pipeline NLNG Train 7 and 8 projects, the AKK pipeline project, the different power plants currently being constructed in different parts of the country, and the Brass Fertilizer among others.

Of these projects, the one most critical to realization of the Decade of Gas policy is the AKK (Ajaokuta-KadunaKano) pipeline project currently being undertaken by NNPCL.

The NNPCL, which has been spearheading the economic diversification efforts of the Nigerian government, through domestic gas expansion projects by the delivery of the Trans-Nigeria Pipeline Project (TNGP) which includes the Escravos to Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS& ELPS II), the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline, has been in the driver’s seat in the construction of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline.

The Ajaokuta-KadunaKano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and Stations Project is a huge project with the capacity to further the integration of the Northern region of the country with the Niger

The cost of the project was originally $2.8 billion but was renegotiated downward to $2.5 billion saving the Federal Government a whopping $300 million dollars.

Discussions for the project funding began in 2018 with the Bank of China as the Mandated Lead Arranger, leading a consortium of interested Chinese banks. All the banks secured credit approvals from their various boards to proceed with the deal, which led to the sign-off of the term sheet for the facility with the Bank of China. With the financing deal, NNPC commenced pre-funding the project with President Buhari flagging off construction on June 30, 2020. The NNPC has so far committed over $1 billion of the $2.5 billion earmarked for the project with work progressing along stipulated timelines. Presently, the project is at 70 percent completion stage.

PROVIDING VALUE

The AKK Gas Pipeline Project will have the capacity to transport two billion standard cubic feet of natural gas daily to three proposed independent power plants in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and other gas-based industries, including other identified and proposed commercial off-takers along the entire pipeline route.

Kyari says it is one of the most massive projects the NNPCL has undertaken and is of “immense proportion and value to our country and to the socioeconomic growth of our country”.

In addition to boosted domestic gas supply, the project will greatly improve the nation’s power generation capacity and the economy as a whole through Industrialization as well as other economic uses.

Kyari

Thrills, Glitz and Glamour at 2023 AMVCA

It was all glitz and glamour as the 9th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, AMVCA, was held last Saturday at the Eko Hotel Convention Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos to honour some of the finest in the African film industry. MARY NNAH, who witnessed the event, reports

Anchored by media host presenter Ik Osakioduwa and South Africa’s Zozi Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019, the 9th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) saw the display of glamour and glitz from talents within the entertainment industry. The event was to honour some of the finest in the African film industry.

The award showcased thrilling performances

FULL LIST OF WINNERS AT THE

2023

from top acts in the Nigerian music industry such as Tiwa Savage, Spyro and Iyanya who excited the audience with some of their hit songs.

Notable Nollywood actors and actresses like Osas Ighodaro and Tobi Bakre were some of the biggest winners of the 2023 AMVCA. Osas Ighodaro won Best Actress in Drama, while three former Big Brother housemates became big winners at the event.

Tobi Bakre won Best Actor in Drama, Elozonam won Best Online Social Content Category, while Diane Russet won the ‘Best Original Drama Series’. Veteran actress, Patience Ozokwo also won the 2023 Industry Merit Award.

Ex-BBNaija housemate, Beauty Tukura won the AMVCA Best Dressed award for the year (Female), while influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa won the award for Best Dressed award for the year (Male). Anikulapo also won the Best Overall Movie in Africa.

Chief Executive Officer, Multichoice Nigeria, John Ugbe said the evening was dedicated to rewarding the finest achievements in talents in the film world across Africa as well as celebrating the African culture and stories.

This year’s edition of AMVCA, an annual laurel presented by MultiChoice to recognise outstanding achievements in the television and film industry, took off at exactly 7.00 p.m with a cultural presentation that thrilled the audience.

At the award ceremony, the movie Anikulapo, by Kunle Afolayan had five awards at this year’s AMVCA, emerging as the biggest winner.

Out of the 16 it was nominated for, Anikulapo won the Best Indigenous Language’ (Yoruba); Best Overall Movie; Best Sound Editor (movie/TV series); Best Writer (Movie/TV series); and Best Sound Track (movie/TV series).

‘Best Picture Editor’ went to the Crime and Justice television series, while ‘Best Art Director’ went to Wale Adeleke for the Yoruba epic movie ‘Ageshinkole’.

(Agesinkole) Episode)

Speaking at the event he said, “As Africa’s biggest entertainment company, Multichoice is proud to be at the heart of this award”, adding that, it was very important to tell African stories, hence the theme of cultural diversity was adopted for the 9th edition of the prestigious movie awards. Ugbe stressed the company’s dedication towards appreciation of artists in the creative industry, adding, “We aim at rewarding the finest in the continent, inspiring filmmakers for bringing firstclass entertainment into the homes of our viewers”.

He said this year’s AMVCA is significant to African Magic as it celebrates 20 years of telling authentic African stories, portraying African culture and consistently serving as a hub for entertainment for the entire continent.

“We started this journey 20 years ago and the vision was very clear. We will continue to bring first-class entertainment into the homes of our viewers”, he added.

Patience Ozokwo won the 2023 Industry Merit Award, for her journey and dedication to the movie industry. The award was presented by Femi Odugbemi, the head of judges for the award. Skit maker, Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, known as Kiekie, and Elozonam Ogbolu’s “Back from the Future” won the Best Online Content of the Year. The duo jointly won the award in the category.

Crime and Justice won the ‘Best Television Series’, while Best Movie in West Africa went to Brotherhood, produced by Jadesola Osiberu.

Bimbo Ademoye for the first time won AMVCA’s Best Actress in Comedy, while Samuel Perry, popularly known as Broda Shaggy, won the men’s category.

Osas Ighodalo won Best Actress for the movie, Man of God; Tobi Bakare won Best Actor for the movie, Brotherhood. Leaked won Best Multichoice Talent Factory.

Mpali won the Best Mnet Telenovela while King Buga clinched the Best Mnet Unscripted Originals.

Efe Irele won the best supporting actress for the 4-4-44 movie, while Abiseta Ahmed won the best supporting actor. Nigerian influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, and former BBNaija housemate, Beauty Tukura, won the coveted title of the Best Dressed male and female category.

Karanja Njenga

Edward Awolowo

Afolayan

AMVCA

Samuel Perry (Broda Shaggi)

Nigerian Army Improves Cognitive Skills of Personnel to Enhance Operations

OKHIRIA: THE CHAMPION’S FEATHER IN HIS CAP

Rebecca Ejifoma

The Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Signals, Maj-Gen Nosakhare Ugbo, has said the ongoing cognitive skills conference would equip military personnel with the necessary tools to enhance their proficiency in operations within and outside the country.

He remarked on this while fielding questions from journalists at the opening of the threeday Leadership workshop of the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration

in Lagos.

“What we are doing today is training leaders that will aid troops in combat. Every leader has a role to play in addressing challenges.

“The leaders should be capable of taking through and very thoroughly to arrive at decisions that will impact positively on the outcome of the actions we take in combat,” the commandant and keynote speaker emphasised.

According to Ugbo, once this crop of officers is trained and deployed, there would be positive impacts on all its

operations within and outside the country.

Speaking on the theme, “The Importance of Cognitive Skills in Leadership within a Complex Environment,” the commandant underscored the duty of leaders.

In his words, “The duty of the leader is to read the situation and ensure that based on the circumstances on ground, and the resources he has, he can deal decisively with whatever is before him.”

The Maj-Gen also argued that once the thinking ability and cognitive skills of the

personnel are accelerated, they can appreciate the generality of the situation in the fields and arrive at a significant decision.

On his part, the Chief Host and Commandant Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, Brig-Gen Julius Osifo, noted that the ongoing training aims to augment the cognitive skills of the 50 participants for optimal performance.

He also encouraged the personnel to take advantage of the leadership seminar for maximum develop ment.

NGO Partners NBC to Empower Over 300 Women in Abuja

Stories by Mary Nnah

A non-government organisation, Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation has partnered the Nigerian Bottling Company ( NBC) to empower 322 women in Idu, Karmajiji and Kuchigoro communities in Abuja in commemoration of NBC’s 70th anniversary in Nigeria.

Speaking at the presentation of starter packs to 28 women who passed through a successful training during the graduation ceremony of an empowerment training, the Project officer of the organisation, Chikezie Ekechukwu noted that the mandate of the organisation is to train women within the age of sixty years and below to enable them to fend for their families.

He said the NBC EmpowerHer project, trains women based on need assessment in their communities and has trained 322 in baking, household cleaning agents, balm production, make-

up and bead making. While urging the participants to commence their business immediately after receiving their starter pack, Ekechukwu noted that with the few women that participated in the training programme it was expected that knowledge will be transferred to more women in the communities through the participant to

enhance the economy of the country.

Ekechukwu called on other corporate bodies in Nigeria to join hands in creating empowerment programmes for more women and youths to reduce poverty and improve security in the country.

Also speaking, NBC Regional Public Affairs and Communica-

tion Manager, Abuja and North, Mr. Aminu Mohammed, said the NBCEmpowerHer Project is a major focus for NBC for the development and sustainability of the community, he expressed his gratitude that the purpose was achieved while noting that 125 women were the initial target but 322 were empowered to accommodate more women.

Fatalities: Cycology Cycling Club Canvasses Safety of Road Users, Cyclists

Funmi Ogundare

Cycology Cycling Club, has called on the government and corporate organisations to sponsor road signs and billboards that will promote safety of lives on major roads across Lagos, so as reduce fatalities and accidents.

Members of the club had placards bearing inscriptions such as ‘ Na We All Get the Road’, ‘ No Jam Person’, Drive Easy’, ‘No Do Gra Gra for Road’, among others, to raise awareness and educate motorists and commercial bus drivers about the importance of sharing the road, promoting safety, and showing courtesy to all road users (including non-motorists). The move was to commemorate the United Nations ( UN) road safety week.

Speaking to journalists, at the Share the Road (STR) ride/ awareness campaign, held recently, at Iyana Oworo, axis of Lagos, the Captain of the club, Mrs. Temitope George

cyclists are vulnerable especially when cycling on major roads as they are sometimes knocked down by hit-and-run drivers.

According to her, “ In recent times, there have been a number

It was a night packed full with glitz and glamour. The sky was bright. The littoral ambience of Eko Hotels and Suites sprinkled some droplets of water that only made the evening cooler. Inside one of the halls in the hotel complex, was a galaxy of dignitaries who were all colourfully dressed to compliment the atmosphere of radiance. It was the award night of Champion Newspaper. The brand had bubbled up again, penultimate Friday, with sparks of promise and excellence.

The list of the awardees was long. It was a parade of men and women, young and not-so-young leaders who had impacted society and carved a niche for themselves. One of them was Engineer Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of Nigeria Railway Corporation. Okhiria was accompanied by Francisca, his wife, and a host of friends and colleagues who had thronged the venue to add glamour to the award night.

With the presence of sitting and former state governors like the dancing governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, the Lagos State governor and Chief Host of the event, Babajide Sanwo-olu (never mind that he came late), plus former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke and representatives of Ogun State governor, Nasarawa and Benue State governors, it was a night that promised lots of fun and content. The presence of the likes of the prized nonagenarian, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the anti-hard drug czar and Chairman of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Buba Marwa, the Director General of National Council of Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, amongst others, further helped to thicken the mix of dignitaries at the event.

One after the other, the awardees were invited on stage as their abridged profiles were read out, as a justification of their qualification for their awards that night.

The loud and prolonged applause that trailed the profile of Engineer Okhiria further helped to confirm the “Impactful LeadershipAward” of the newspaper house being conferred on the NRC Managing Director that night.

It is not certain if there is yet any certification in the Engineering sector which the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has not received. He is a fellow to and chartered member of more than six Engineering bodies. The Champion Newspaper award is thus seen as yet another colourful feather in the cap of the Managing Director of the NRC, whose tenure was recently renewed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Described as “a workaholic“ and one with strong commitment to excellence, Okhiria is celebrated for being behind the resuscitation of the hitherto moribund Nigerian railway service. Under his watch and supervision, powered by the determination and commitment of the former Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, the comatose Railway service in the country was revived and got buzzing again.

TOYOSI ETIM-EFFIONG HOSTS FORUM ON EXPORTATION OF NOLLYWOOD GLOBALLY

A strategic planning and implementation media solutions outfit, That Good Media, recently hosted a Nollywood Stakeholder forum at 1952 Africa in the heart of Lekki. This forum was a follow-up to the announcement made by That Good Media’s founder, Toyosi Etim-Effiong, earlier in the month about her partnership with the ESSENCE Festival of Culture and Film New Orleans to lead a delegation of Nollywood’s stakeholders to the United States. Gracing the event were actors, media personalities, and influencers.

of deaths as a result of hit-and-run drivers on the roads. A member of the club was hit on December 7, and died, in April this year, one of our professional cyclist was hit by a bus and died.

“On new year’s day, we saw two dispatch riders on the road dead, obviously hit by a vehicle.”

She expressed concern that bus drivers usually complained about cyclists being on the road, adding that as road users which include motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists, trycylists and pedestrians, have the same rights and need to be safe on the road.

“We are all road users who need to be safe. We all have a right to be on the road and we can all share the road if we do it respectfully and responsibly to avoid road fatalities.

During the Forum, Director and Event Lead, Essence Film Festival, Lamonia Deanne Brown, said, “Nigeria Day is Saturday, July 1st. The entire Nigeria Day will be dedicated to filmmakers, storytellers, people who help with funding, producers, actors, and everyone who makes the whole Nigerian film industry what it is today. ”

This year, for the first time in its history, the Essence Festival of Culture will include an Africa House.

That Good Media will be partnering with the Essence Film Festival to lead a delegation of Nollywood stakeholders for ‘Nigeria Day’. This day will feature panel sessions on topics like ‘Creating and Promoting Globally Relatable Content’ and movie screenings that highlight the Nigerian film industry and provide stakeholders with an opportunity to network with global counterparts.

In her opening speech of the day, Toyosi Etim-Effiong highlighted her passion for Nollywood and interest in seeing Nollywood grow into an industry that is well-connected and ranked with its global counterparts.

“Nollywood and Afrobeats are of the same mother and father. Nollywood cannot be the child that does not make it,” Toyosi Etim-Effiong stated.

The Essence Festival is an annual event that celebrates AfricanAmerican culture and music. It is held in New Orleans, Louisiana, and attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees from all over the world. The festival features a range of activities, including musical performances, panel discussions, and cultural events. First held in 1995, it has since become one of the largest events of its kind in the United States of America.

Maj-Gen Nosakhare Ugbo and Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, Brig-Gen Julius Osifo, flanked by other senior officers and participants at the three-day NASFA leadership workshop in Lagos

Fidet Okhiria , MD Nigerian Railway Corporation

Representatives of Nigerian Bottling Company( NBC) and Karis and Eleos hand Foundation with beneficiaries of the one week empowerment training “ NBC EmpowerHer project in Abuja

expressed concern that

Member of the Cycology Cycling Club at the Share the Road (STR) ride/ awareness campaign, held in Lagos... recently

How Azura Power Promotes Standard of Living in Host Communities

For Azura Power West Africa Limited, its mantra has always been to improve the standard of living of its host communities. In line with this, the company recently donated free education materials and library to Edo Primary Schools, Precious Ugwuzor reports

One of the policy trust of Azura Power West Africa Limited is to ensure that host communities in Nigeria where its activities and operations are situated get support in education, water sanitation and health infrastructure to uplift the standard of living in the areas.

Under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility CSR, programme Azura has also extended this kind gesture to communities in Northern Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory FCT.

At the official presentation of its 2023 Quarter Two CSR programme benefiting communities and primary schools in Benin City, the Edo State Capital, received donations of education, teaching, instructional and learning materials which includes, books, school bags, uniforms, pen, pencils, school sandals, classroom blocks, boreholes and library.

The programme was flagged off at Oba Erediauwa Primary School, Iduonmwina, in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.

The APWL also constructed a block of six classrooms, a library equipped with books, water borehole with tank stands as well as perimeter fencing of the school.

Speaking at the handover ceremony on Monday in Benin City, the Head of Plant Operations, Azura Power West Africa Limited, Mr. Oscar Imoekor, explained that the gesture was part of the company’s way of giving back to its host community.

Imoekor said Azura Power has three host communities, which Iduonmwina happened to be one, hence the need to ensure an enduring cordial relationship through the donation of “these education materials to build academic capacity of the pupils”.

Besides, Imoekor noted that before this time, the company has constructed perimeter fencing of the school to improve security, as well as construction of a block of six classrooms, and a borehole.

Also speaking, the company’s Social Impact Manager, Mr. David Ekugum, noted that the essence of the exercise is to join efforts with the “Edo Best” programme of the state government to improve the standard of learning in schools.

According to him, “as a responsible corporate body, Azura Power West Africa Limited, has a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme called ‘Power to Change’ where the company Implement life changing programmes across the country but specifically to the host communities.

“We are essentially in one of our primary areas, which is sustainable education through presentation of school materials to Oba Erediauwa Primary School in Iduonmwina. We are handing over to

each pupil in this school education material like a pair of shoes, bag, notebooks, Pen, pencils and uniform.

Responding to the gesture, the Head Teacher, Oba Erediauwa Primary School, Iduonmwina, Mrs. Egbon Gladys, thanked Azura Power for deeming it fit to remember the school in its corporate social responsibility programme.

While promising that the school would make adequate use of the donated education materials, Egbo noted that the gesture would not only improve the academic performance of the pupils, but would also motivate the teachers to deliver their lessons successfully.

The quarter 2 CSR programme as flagged

off will be replicated in two other primary schools in the area to ensure that other communities benefit from the capacity building programme in education and other social amenities.

In line with the state and federal government determination to enhance capacity and improve the standard of education in rural communities, Azura Power West Africa Limited has been at the forefront to promote measures of ensuring that the Federal Government education for all in Nigeria becomes a success.

At series of the company’s CSR, the Managing Director of the Company, Edu Okeke, restated that giving back to society

is a form of defence for government and power sector players prone to vandalism, which is a major challenge in grid instability.

He declared that the support in the education and other relevant sectors of our national life by the company is fundamental to its corporate existence in any West African country where its presence is.

Azura Power West Africa Limited located in Benin, contributes about 480 megawatts of electricity to the National grid daily, it has provided an uninterrupted power generation to drive the process of growth in the sector since 2017, when it first connected to the National Grid.

The power firm is an investment holding company for independent power projects (IPPs) in Africa, making it one of the fastest growing power generating organization in modern history.

The Azura-Edo project is the first greenfield power plant in Nigeria since the country’s reform of the power sector in 2013 and has provided a much-needed power supply to local communities and businesses.

Its first turbine was connected to the grid in late 2017, and since then, it has been operating at optimal capacity, to enhance the supply of electricity in-spite of the perennial challenges in gas supply and other factors of production.

The power plant since it became functional has beefed up business and productivity in the area, attracting the location of industries like agroprocessing, steel, and other small scale production activities.

Also creating direct and indirect jobs, the power plant location in the area has sends a strong signal to other potential investors in the country’s power sector. It is on records that the outgoing administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has at many fora mentioned Azura power as one of its major power sector breakthrough because it came onstream in the wake of the administration.

Being the newest and most recent power plant in Nigeria, it has very high frequency operational capacity that the Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN rely so much to take power and transmit for distribution.

The power plant operates in line with international environmental and social standards. It is also providing employment opportunities and vocational training to local communities.

It has a line up of activities yearly under the CSR, which provides support to especially students and pupil, for instance the art exhibition that took place in Benin two months back had students from various Universities participating, the annual going to orphanage homes and the less privilege in the society.

The Role of the Creative Sector in Changing the Perception and Fortunes of Nigeria

United States-based Universal Content Production (UCP), a division of Universal Studio Group (USG), on April 25, announced that it has penned a first-of-its-kind partnership deal with Comic Republic, a Nigerian online multimedia company that specialises on the digital creation and distribution of original African comic books.

UCP says that the partnership with the start-up owned by Jide Martin is part of measures to expand its world of heroes. The partnership, which was first reported by Hollywood Reporter, seeks to develop series based on the characters and stories from Comic Republic’s popular Vanguards Universe.

Comic Republic has received extensive coverage by local and international media in all seven continents, including CNN, BBC, Forbes, Comixology and Aljazeera, for the depth and quality of the company’s comic books and its unique business model.

The partnership is not only an affirmation of the incredible world of stories and characters built by the Comic Republic team as observed by Selwyn Seyfu

Hinds, owner of the banner Mad Massive Entertainment and executive producer of the

comic books projects based in the intercontinental partnership, but also a substantiation of the growth of the nation’s comic book industry and the recognition of the inherent opportunities and potential in it by foreign observers as demand for content keeps growing globally. This new phase of the rising industry did not begin with the recent partnership between Comic Republic and UCP, as similar interest has previously been shown by foreign entertainment companies in other Nigerian comic book/content companies and creators, who continue to seek new consumers for their products.

The last four years have been particularly remarkable. It has been highlighted by Walt Disney Animation Studios sign up African entertainment company, Kugali, for the production of its first TV show titled Iwaju, an upcoming animated television series with its characters set against the backdrop of a futuristic Lagos; HBO Max and Cartoon Network announcement of a 2D animated adaptation of “Iyanu: Child of Wonder,” from Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios graphic novel series;and now Universal signing a comic IP licensing deal with Comic Republic. Interestingly, a common

thread that runs through these comic narratives is the concept of African superheroes as icons.

This is is ingeniously deployed by the creators to influence literacy rates in Nigeria, preserve indigenous Nigerian, nay African stories through art, and inspire people to look up to African superheroes and not just Western ones; heroes that look like us.

Experts are of the view that Nigeria’s creative industry is yet to live up to its full potential, in spite of the boom witnessed in movies and music in the last three decades. It is worthy of note that the industry had been neglected for so long until about a decade ago.

Nigeria’s foremost career platform, Jobberman, in a 2021 report on the nation’s creative industry, positioned the industry as the country’s second-largest employer with the potential to produce 2.7million jobs by 2025, noting that it is projected to contribute 5 trillion naira to the country’s GDP. The study also indicated that the creative industry employs 4.2 million people across five sectors: media, entertainment visual arts, beauty and lifestyle, as well as tourism and hospitality.

While the music, movie and other prominent sectors

of the creative enterprise have recently garnered attention from government less prominent sectors such as the visual arts, etc have largely been excluded in spite of the huge potential that has been identified in them.

Following the rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP from about USD 270 billion to USD 510 billion for 2013, indicating an increase of about 90% attributed to new sectors of the economy such as movies (Nollywood) telecommunications, and retail, which were not captured or underreported previously, the Federal Government has increasingly seen the need to stimulate the potentials in the rather untapped sectors of the economy where growth opportunities exist.

In recent years, significant steps have been taken by the current administration to support and stimulate growth in the creative sector. Prominent among them are the establishment of a $500million fund, known as Nigeria Innovation Programme (NIP), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the tech and creative sectors in 2021; and the proposed N25 billion Creative Industry Funds Initiative (CIFI) by the CBN and Bankers’

Committee as initial funding on the development of Nigeria Creative Centre at the National Theatre, Lagos as well as Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu in 2020. The NIP was proposed by the federal government to boost innovation and job creation, and foster growth in the technology and creativity entrepreneurship ecosystem. It is expected to bring about further development to the already booming creative industry. The CIFI package provides the funds to the creative sector at a single-digit interest rates with a tenor of four to five years.

Stakeholders in the creative industry have also taken the initiative to develop the sector with the introduction, very recently, of the Nigeria Creative Industries Development Bill (CIDB) 2023. It is a collaborative effort between giants in the creative industries and the Presidency, which seeks to provide an enabling environment for the industry in Nigeria.

The CIDB is specifically aimed at transforming the Nigerian creative space through provision of incentives, access to funding, enabling research, and the creation of an environment for skills development and training.

Sadly, these interventions have been fraught with a lot of

problems, chief among them the seemingly strenuous terms and conditions for accessing the funds.

Another shortcoming in these interventions is the exclusion of other segments of the creative industry as evident in the the CIFI where the scope of the listed eligible activities in the focal sub-sectors is restricted to four areas, namely fashion, IT/ software development, movie and music. The implication is that creative industry segments such as dance and comedy; and many aspects of visual arts including painting, drawing, print-making, sculpture, ceramics, photography, design/industrial design, graphic design, interior design, decorative art, comics, among others, are left out.

The critical role played by the nation’s creative sector in influencing the growth of African arts and culture, over the years, cannot be overemphasised.

Limitless opportunities in technology, especially in virtual reality and artificial intelligence, provide the latitude for many Nigerian creative talents to use their influence to spur economic growth and development and positively change perceptions of Nigeria among Nigerians and the rest of the world.

Benin Cultural Dance Troupe entertaining the audience at the official handing over of education materials and library to Oba Erediauwa Primary School Iduonmwina, Benin City

Pupils and teachers of Oba Erediauwa Primary School Iduonmwina, Benin City

L-R: Administrative Officer, U-recycle Initiative Africa (UIA), Afoma Onondigene; Co-founder and Executive Director, UIA, Oluwaseyi Moejoh; Project Manager, UIA, Mayokun Iyaomolere; and Head of Communications, UIA, Timilehin Abioye, at the PlasticWize Fellowship graduation ceremony in Lagos…recently

L-R: Certified Business Analyst/Partner at OAKInterlink Company, Ernest Ovie Shaka; Executive Director, World Quality Alliance, Favour Esorougue; Chairman, World Quality Alliance, Stanley Ohenhen; and Chief Executive Officer, Rebar Perfecta Limited, Gbenga Adigun, during the 2023 and African Quality Achievement Awards in Lagos...recently

L-R: Head of Communications, LSETF, Taiye Tunkarimu; Programme Supervisor, Sahara Group Foundation, David Ayinde; Council Manager, Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Shamsudeen Babatunde Odeleye; and Wrex Manager, Wecyclers, Oluwole Ayodele, at the Go-Recycling Hub Launch at Igando-Ikotun LCDA in Lagos...recently

L-R: Lions Club Treasurer, Harriet Darlington; little Desire Darlington receiving a gift from the past District Governor, 404A2, Paul Muotolum; and another club member, Chinyere Ohaka, as Desire Darlington being appreciated as the young guest speaker at the just concluded Multiple District Convention in Abuja… recently

to mark the International Day of the Boy-child at CMS Grammar School Lagos…recently

The celebrant, Madam Oigiangbe Christiania, surrounded by her children and grandchildren during her 80th birthday celebration in Lagos…recently

L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor-elect, Hon. Bassey Umo Eno; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom, during Udom cousin’s wedding ceremony in Lagos… recently

L-R: WELEAD Facilitators, Ronke Durojaiye and Mrs. Caroline Akosile; guest Facilitator/volunteer, Dr. Oludare Ogunyombo; Principal CMS Grammar School, Reverend Jacob Ayokunle Ogunyinka; President, Old Grammarians’ Society. Mr. Olu Vincent; Founder/Convener, WELEAD, Dayo Oladele-Ilori; and WELEAD Facilitator, Funmilola Ọkanlawon, during the WELEAD Boys’ Academy Programme

PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

NGX: Total Allotments for FGN Savings Bonds Rise to N5.06bn in Five Months

Kayode Tokede

Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has revealed that the total allotments for FGN Savings Bonds have risen to N5.06 billion in the first five months of 2023.

The Divisional Head, Capital Markets at NGX, Jude Chiemeka, made this known during the recent NGX Savings Bond webinar 2023 organised by the Exchange in collaboration with Optimus by Afrinvest, a foremost fintech platform, supported by the Debt Management Office (DMO) and CSL Stockbrokers. Chiemeka noted that

the webinar was aimed at creating more awareness on the benefits of FGN Savings Bonds to the investing public especially the retail segment of the market as this would encourage participation in investments and further enhance financial inclusion in the country.

While stating that the retail savings bond product was introduced by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on behalf of the federal government in 2017 to democratise its activities in the bond market by making it easily accessible to Nigerians and to ensure

continuous development of the domestic market and also bridge infrastructure deficit which has been a constraint to economic growth, he revealed that activities in the FGN Savings Bonds market have remained on the upward trend in the current year.

“FGN Savings Bonds market have remained on the upward trend in the current year (from January to May) with allotments at an average of N1.01 billion (Total allotments from January – May stands at N5.06 billion). However, there remains opportunity for further participation by the investing public.

GCR Affirms A-(NG), A2 (NG) Rating to Sundry Foods Limited

Nume Ekeghe

Sundry Foods Limited (SFL) has been accorded the national scale long-term and short-term issuer ratings of A-(NG) and A2 (NG), respectively by international rating agency, Global Credit Ratings (GCR) with the Outlook affirmed as positive.

Head, Marketing at SFL, Nduka Mokwunye, said in a statement that the affirmation of the company’s national credit ratings by GCR was contained in the latest report of the credit rating agency.

“GCR Ratings (GCR) has affirmed the national scale long-term and short-term Issuer ratings of A-(NG) and A2 (NG), respectively assigned to Sundry Foods Limited. Concurrently,

GCR has affirmed the national scale long-term issue rating of A(NG) accorded to Sundry Foods Funding SPV Plc’s N2.5 billion Series 1 Bonds. The Outlook on the rating has been revised to positive,’’ the statement said quoting GCR report.

In explaining the rationale behind its decision, GCR said the company maintained competitive strengths, good earnings and sound gearing metrics in the year under review, even as it reiterated that the positive outlook reflects its opinion that SFL will sustain the strong earnings growth trajectory and maintain moderate gearing metrics amid its business expansion activities.

“The competitive position of Sundry Foods is anchored on its growing business and increas-

ing market penetration. The company has developed a good brand presence in the market, with six brands entrenched in the quick service restaurant, bakery, and catering services segments.” GCR said.

It further noted that Sundry Foods increased its retail outlet count to 149 stores as of December 2022, from 145 stores in June 2022, adding that SFL’s competitiveness is also bolstered by its relatively stronger profitability compared with industry peers. The international rating agency admitted that the earnings performance counted as a positive rating factor, supported by the sustained upward revenue progression and sound earnings margins.

Tingo Mobile Gets First Issuer Rating, Positive Outlook

DataPro, a technology-driven credit rating agency has assigned Tingo Mobile Plc a long-term rating of ‘A’ with a positive outlook for 2023/2024.

A statement signed by DataPro’s Client Services Manager. Mr. Kehinde Rasheed, explained that considerations for the rating assigned included the company’s financial performance, profitability, capital structure, asset quality, liquidity, corporate governance, risk factors, and management.

“Tingo Mobile demonstrated sustained growth in earnings with a compound annual growth rate of 30 per cent. In the year 2022, revenue

rose by 35 per cent to N463 billion. Equity also provided 47 per cent (Yr. 22) funding for the company’s assets as against 22 per cent funding recorded in the previous year,” the statement explained.

It added that the positive rating assigned reflects DataPro’s opinion of Tingo’s good revenue and funding profile, as well as its experienced management team.

The statement explained that by scoring ‘A’ it shows that the company has lower risk.

“It shows excellent financial strength, operating performance, and business profile when compared to the standard

established by DataPro.

“This company, in our opinion, has a very strong ability to meet its ongoing obligations,” it added.

The rating company also explained that the short-term rating of ‘A1’ indicates good credit quality and sufficient capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. It however clarified that the rating carries a maximum shelf life of 12 calendar months, in line with international best practice, pointing out that the rating is therefore not an offer to trade in securities, nor a substitute for the user’s judgment. “It is meant for reference purposes,” the statement said.

JumiaPay Nigeria Partners Trove Finance to Simplify Investment

Nume Ekeghe

JumiaPay, an African e-commerce platform has announced a partnership with Trove Finance, Nigeria’s leading online investment platform.

The partnership will enable Trove’s customers to leverage JumiaPay to fund their investment accounts, providing a seamless and convenient way to manage their investments.

JumiaPay is a CBN licensed Payment Solutions Service Provider (PSSP) that partners with businesses to make payments easier, faster, and more secure while also boosting their growth through free marketing and visibility add-ons.

Trove has integrated JumiaPay as a payment partner, making

it more convenient for Trove’s customers to fund their investment accounts without the need to leave the Trove app or log into another platform.

Speaking about the partnership, the CEO of Trove, Oluwatomi Solanke, said: “We are excited to partner JumiaPay to simplify the investment funding process for our customers. We believe that our collaboration will enable us to provide our customers with a more convenient, secure and seamless experience while investing on our platform.”

The partnership is a significant milestone for both companies as it allows Trove to leverage JumiaPay’s vast customer base for added vis-

L-R: Head of IT Operations, Airtel Nigeria, Adebanjo Adeola; Head of Information Security and Business Continuity (IT CISO), Airtel Nigeria, Joy Omoruku; Director, Information and Technology, Airtel Nigeria, Seun Solanke; Principal,

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

ibility, while JumiaPay expands its services to include investment funding, which is a critical area for Nigerians who are looking to build their wealth through investment. JumiaPay customers would also be able to interact with the Trove ecosystem right from the JumiaPay platform. A boost for Trove’s online reach and also value for JumiaPay users.

Managing Director, JumiaPay Nigeria, Adedamola Giwa, said: “At JumiaPay, our vision is to make payments easier, faster, and more secure for everyone. We are excited to partner with Trove to enable Nigerians to invest seamlessly. This collaboration further demonstrates our commitment to providing a complete financial ecosystem to our customers.”

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).

Kuramo Senior College, Abdulwahab Babatunde Lawal and Head of Project Release Management, Airtel Nigeria, Akinkunle Oyafajo, during the presentation of Routers to Kuramo College in Victoria Island, Lagos...recently

Stanbic IBTC Holdings Shareholders Laud N45.35bn Dividend, 2022 Perfor mance

Nume Ekeghe

The shareholders of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, yesterday, commended the management’s N45.35 billion total dividend payout for the financial year ended December 31, 2022, expressing satisfaction with the group’s impressive performance in the year under review.

The group had paid to shareholders an interim dividend of N19.44 billion last year from

N12.96 billion in the corresponding year and at the 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, and the shareholders approved a final dividend of N25.91billion, the same amount for the second consecutive year.

This brings the total dividend in 2022 financial year to N45.35 billion as against N38.87 billion paid to shareholders in 2021 financial year.

Speaking at the Group’s AGM in Lagos, a shareholder, Mr. Patrick

Ajuda, commended impressive 2022 performance despite local and foreign challenges, stressing on the 40 per cent increase in gross earnings and dividend payout.

He also acknowledged the increase in total assets, driven by customers’ deposits and excellent indices reported in the 2022 financial year accounts. He therefore called on the management to reward shareholders with robust dividend,

stating that the group’s basic earnings per ordinary share has appreciated to N6.03 per share from N4.20 per share, giving room for increase in dividend payout.

The group’s gross earnings increased by 39.15 per cent to N287.54 billion, profit before tax increased by 52.04 per cent to N100.35 billion, and profit after tax increased by 41.86 per cent to N80.8 billion by for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Speaking earlier to shareholders,

the Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mr. Basil Omiyi, said: “The competitive position, good risk profile, healthy funding and liquidity standing of our Group were strong indications that our business models and plans were solid.

“Despite the very challenging macroeconomic conditions, our growth in 2022 reflected that our continuous investments in technology, workforce, and new capabili-

ties were rewarding.”

He added: “The board is confident that the Executive management will achieve significant milestones in 2023 as the journey to transform the organization into a platform business continues.”

The Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Dr. Demola Sogunle, said the group achieved record-breaking financial performances, setting new high watermarks in key financial indicators.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MAY/25/23

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

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 24May-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

GAMING WEEK

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

Gaming Operators Task NFIU on Streamlining Reporting Procedure

Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports that a recent meeting between the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and operators in the gaming industry to discuss anti-money laundering and terrorism financing has brought to the fore a need to align expectations from various agencies of government regulating the sector

In a recent exclusive interview with GAMING WEEK, Yomi Oketope, President of the Casino Owners and Gaming Machine Operators Association of Nigeria, asserted that the gaming industry in Nigeria was the most regulated, referring to the litany of processes required by various government agencies, which operators must comply with.

Given that the gaming industry is prone to money laundering and terrorism financing, the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB), Nigeria Licensed Lottery Operators Forum and Casino Owners partnered with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the central national agency responsible for the receipt of disclosures from reporting organisations, the analysis of these disclosures and the production of intelligence for dissemination to competent authorities at a training session where the NFIU explained why operators in the gaming industry must disclose certain information about its operations.

Commending the organisers, Ajibola Lawal of Gaming Systems Limited said, “We have been able to learn a lot of things. There are issues that were misconstrued. This training is going to help us. It is

going to help us in training our staff. We have a Compliance Officer. The training must be continuous. If possible, once in a year. Inadvertently

we used to engage officers from SCMUL of the EFCC for training. The truth is that ignorance is not an excuse in law. It has also provided

an opportunity for meeting with colleagues.”

According to Maha Otu, Director BetWinner Nigeria, information

The Bet9ja team at the NFIU Anti-Money Laundering/Terrorism Financing Training led by the man in suit with a red tie, Adewale Akande, the company’s Chief Compliance Officer Prohibition Act (MLPPA) prescribes N1 million every day the offence is committed. It even specifies a period of incarceration for a Compliance Officer of an operating business that is in default of the law.

Africa’s Largest Esports Tournament Returns for Second Year

Africa gears up for the second edition of the biggest gaming and Esports tournament in Africa, Gamr X, hosted by Gamr

The annual and much-anticipated 2023 theme is ‘Brave.’ Are you brave enough to claim X for your country? If Yes, be brave enough to show up.

The first edition of Gamr X was history following the competition’s success, which attracted thousands of competitors and spectators from all over the continent with a prize pool of $15,000 and an estimated attendance of over 5,000.

This year promises to be even bigger and better than the last, with over 17 African countries

participating and showcasing their talents in this year’s selected gaming titles, which include FIFA 23, PUBG, Mortal Kombat, CODM, FreeFire, and Street Fighter 6, amongst other games.

With the popularity of esports on the rise in Africa, Gamr is helping to provide a stage for skilled players that will allow them to show off their skills and compete at an elite level. With projections that the esports sector will reach a global market value of more

Bundesliga’s Epic Finale: Bayern, Dortmund in Action

Davidson Abraham

On Thursday, Manchester United will welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford for their penultimate game of the season. A win over the Londoners will almost certainly guarantee Champions League Qualification for the Red Devils. On Saturday, Sevilla will host Real Madrid in La Liga action; any of the two sides can win, and it could end as a draw. In Ligue 1, PSG have been tipped to beat Strasbourg easily.

In the Bundesliga, the title race has expectedly reached the final day.

Borussia Dortmund are expected to beat Mainz at home to clinch the title if there are no surprises, while Bayern Munich are expected to beat Cologne away from home. Further, down the table, Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen have been tipped to beat Schalke and Bochum, respectively.

On Sunday, newly crowned champions Manchester City are expected to beat Brentford, while

than $3 billion by 2025, there has never been a better opportunity for African gamers to get involved and make their mark in the industry.

For this second edition, Gamr is not only holding the Gamr X tournament but has also introduced the X Summit and Award Night to bring together industry stakeholders with diverse perspectives to speak on their learnings and trends in the ecosystem to the communities of gamers and stakeholders across Africa.

The X-Summit is scheduled

to take place on June 16 at the Alliance Française, with a mission to reintroduce Gamr’s mission, which is to support gaming in Africa by giving gamers the platform to make a career out of gaming and to improve employability in the industry. The summit aims to connect gamers with bigger opportunities, mentorship, and training programs for a better future.

DATEFIXTURE BETTING TIPS

THUR 25 MAY 2023 MAN UNITED VS CHELSEA1X OR OVER 1.5

SAT 27 MAY 2023 SEVILLA VS REAL MADRIDOVER 1.5

SAT 27 MAY 2023 BOCHUM VS BAYER LEVERKU 2

SAT 27 MAY 2023 COLOGNE VS BAYERN MUNI 2 & OVER 1.5

SAT 27 MAY 2023 BORUSSIA DORTM VS MAINZ 1 & OVER 1.5

SAT 27 MAY 2023 LEIPZIG VS SHALKE1 &OVER 1.5

SAT 27 MAY 2023 STRASBOURG VS PSG2

SUN 28 MAY 2023 BRENTFORD VS MAN CITY 2X

Man United are set to beat Fulham at home to clinch Champions League qualification. Newcastle face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s poor form and the fact that they have nothing at stake regardless of the result mean Newcastle are the favourites coming into this game and are likely to win.

Bundesliga Permutation:

that the NFIU officials disclosed was previously unknown to them, stating, “It has given us what we are supposed to be doing and what agencies of government we should be dealing with. It was a well-needed training. Our Accountant is here. When we go back, we have to look at it, look at the slides so that everyone can be on the same page.”

The NFIU team who engaged the operators in one marathon session, from morning till late afternoon, at Protea Hotel in the Central Business District, AlausaIkeja, Lagos, comprised of Biola Shotunde, Peace Onwuka, Robert Bagobiri and Layi Adewole. They told the operators that reporting suspicious transactions and/or activities does not mean that the transaction is a crime but that the NFIU needed every information it can use because such information may transform into intelligence disseminated to government security services. It warned the operators against the adverse consequences of failure to report.

If found wanting, the operators will likely receive heavy sanctions while explaining the reasons behind setting up Government Office Anti-Money Laundering, known as GoAML. Operators risk a fine of N5 million for individuals and N10 million for corporate bodies for failure to report a suspicious transaction and/or activity. Section 7 of the Money Laundering Prevention and

Who needs what?

Borussia Dortmund: Borussia Dortmund need to beat Mainz to clinch the title. A draw or a loss against Mainz coupled with a Bayern draw will also see them lift the title.

Bayern Munich: To win the title, Bayern Munich need to win against Cologne and hope that Dortmund draw or lose at home to Mainz.

ADVISORY: +18 PERSONS UNDER 18 MUST NOT PARTICIPATE IN BETTING, GAMING OR LOTTERY ACTIVITY

Agreeing that the training was long overdue, Ms. Gbemisola Oduwole, Company Secretary of Wazobet described it as one in a series of training with regulators in the industry.

She said, “Their law is new, and we, the operators need to know what their expectations are in order for us to comply. From what I can see, it is very tedious because we have to report to two agencies of government on almost the same thing. Government can streamline these processes for Anti-Money Laundering. Too many agencies of government are trailing us for every bit of our operations, but we have to comply.”

Ekeneme of Ike R&S Lotto expressed this sentiment. He pleaded with the NFIU to adjust some of its requirements to avoid being too burdensome on the operators. However, he admitted that the training was good in that the operators now know that there are compliance requirements to be filed with NFIU concerning transactions suspected of being money laundering transactions or terrorism financing.

Titilayo Ogunleye of Betking (holding microphone) and Dotun Adepegba of BetWay (on black shirt behind)

CBN ENAIRA SENSITISATION EXERCISE AT THE LAW LADIES DAY PROGRAMME...

FG Flags Off Re-awarded N95.9bn Akure-Ado Ekiti Road Project

Fidelis David in Akure

The federal government yesterday flagged-off the rewarded dualisation of the 50 km Akure -Ado Road project, which was expected to gulp N95.9 billion.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the cancellation of the 2020 contract awarded to Dantata & Sawoe for the reconstruction of the road which had faced setbacks.

However, flagging off the

PANDEF Urges Judiciary to Be Fair in Handling Presidential Petition

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Southern and middle Belt leaders forum (SMBLF) held an emergency meeting in Abuja, yesterday, and called on the judiciary to ensure fairness in the ongoing judicial processes at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in accordance with the rule of law.

SMBLF, which is led by Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, in a communique after their meeting, cautioned the judiciary, at all levels, to be mindful of the fact that the present process remained a true test in the effort at building a country based on rule of law and respect for the constitution.

SMBLF noted that it was the expectation of Nigerians that the outcome of the processes would be a reflection of the provisions of the Constitution of the country, which must be sacrosanct, and the rights of all affected parties upheld based on the provisions of the laws of Nigeria.

It however, commended the various parties for subjecting

themselves to the expected judicial processes in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Laws of the country.

SMBLF also commended the Nigerian youths for their courage and astuteness in expressing their interest in the future of this country and called on them not to become discouraged by some of the outcomes.

Expressing concern over the increasing debts incurred by the federal government, particularly, the recent request for $800 million World Bank loan, it called on the federal government to rescind the request.

The elder statesman further decried the rising cost of living in the country and the hyper inflation rate, which he claimed had been confining a vast majority of ordinary Nigerians to a dire state of survival.

It implored government at all levels to take urgent and practical steps to rejig the economy, check inflation and help improve citizens’ wellbeing and prospects.

project in Akure, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, said the road after completion would stimulate economic activities and ease of doing business between the Ondo and Ekiti as well as other neighbouring states of Kogi, Osun and Kwarra.

"The Akure/Ado Ekiti road would be adequately catered for from the second phase of the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme, which is meant for funding of critical infrastructure development in the country.

"This road is going to cost over N90 billion. The federal government has forsaken some revenue so that you can have a road.

“I have also come to tell you that Buhari's government will be leaving behind, sustainable development. Whether I am in office or not, this road will be built. In fact, two days ago, I signed the advance payment guarantee request for the release of the monies to the contractors", he explained.

According to him, the project was awarded for a combined sum of N95.9 billion and would be simultaneously taken from Akure and Ado Ekiti ends separately by the two new contractors.

The part of the project which would start from the Akure end was awarded to

Messers Sam Chase Nig. Ltd/ Messers Horizon Construction Co. Ltd at the sum of N46,684,481,745.44, while the one from the Ado/Ikere end was awarded to Kopek Construction Co. Ltd, at the sum of N49,295,088,593.98.

Fashola, however, said the road construction was expected to be completed within 24 months.

In his goodwill message, Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, represented by Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Raimi Aminu, thanked the federal government for the project, calling on the two contractors, Samchase construction and Kopek

construction company to resume to site immediately. His Ekiti state counterpart, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, who was also represented by the State Head of Service, Dele Agbede, said the project would put an end to the hardship confronted by residents of the two states.

The Minister of State for Transportation, PAdemola Adegoroye, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for taking such drastic step to ensure that the project fully takes off before the end of his administration stressed that he had made the reconstruction of the road one of his priorities since he assumed office as Minister.

APGA Elects State Executive, Vows to Take

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Bayelsa State Chapter, basking in the euphoria of winning two House of Assembly seats in at the just concluded election in the state, has vowed to win the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state come November 11.

The party, which elected a new state executive council to pilot the affairs of the party for another four year, said the party was capable of winning the November governorship election by popular vote to end the dominance of the

over Bayelsa

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state

Speaking during the State Elective Congress in Yenagoa, Chairman of the electoral committee, who was also the Deputy National Treasurer of the party, John Daweibi Sokari, said the election which returned Brisibe Kpodoh as chairman was peaceful, "unlike other states, where they fight and wound themselves."

Sokari charged the new executive committee, which has been able to win two seats in the 24 member State House of Assembly to work together to ensure that the party took over the Creek

Haven Government House.

"This is a good starting point, in the sense that in the state, it has always been 24 over 24 assembly members for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but for now, it is no longer 24 over 24. And that is a welcomed development.

"The conduct of the elective congress was peaceful, not like other states where they fight, wound themselves, but here it is peaceful and orderly. I have already charged them that they should work together, not just having their positions and sit down, they have to work hard, at least to uplift the party in the state."

A member of the threeman electoral committee and lawmaker-elect representing Nembe Constituency 1, Oteigbanyo George-Braah, said, "The APGA in Bayelsa state is noted for conducting themselves in a very peaceful manner, when it comes to congresses, conventions, and other meetings.

"And today as you can see, state congresses were conducted in a family manner for all the positions. The affirmations with a voice vote showed tht there is unity in the party. We pray that the November elections would be peaceful and then the will of the people would prevail."

L-R: CEO/Principal Partner, Pocket Lawyers, Ngozi Nwabueze; Managing Partner, Hilton Top Solicitors, Deborah Enyone Oni; Host a nd Vice President Law Student Society, Chidera Robinson; Moderator, Deborah Ayinla; Partner Banwo & Ighodalo, Seyi Bella, and CEO Pathfinders International Limited, Nkechi On yenso, during CBN eNaira sensitisation exercise at the Law Ladies Day programme at UNILAG, Yaba Lagos...recently

PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK, MEDIA AND NIGERIA'S CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY...

Obi Tasks LP 10th N’Assembly Members to Work as Team

Stick together or be pocketed by Tinubu, Sani advises Abure urges members to resist temptation

Emameh Gabriel in Abuja

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has tasked members-elect of the 10th National Assembly, to work as a team as they resume legislative business next month, because so much would be expected from them from the various constituencies they represent.

This was even as former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, warned the newly elected legislators on the platform of party to be wary of Bola Ahmed Tinubu's manipulative politics they would likely be confronted with at the National Assembly.

In the same vain, the embattled National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, has urged all elected members of the party, especially elected lawmakers of the 10th Assembly to resist the temptation that could force them to work against the party's democratic ideals and its manifesto.

Obi, who made the call virtually yesterday during the Good Governance Summit organised by the Labour Party for its elected members across the country to, pointed out that the desire for change by the Nigerian people was still glaring and Nigerians wanted

that change to come from their representatives in the National Assembly.

In his short message, the former Anambra State governor, appealed to the elected members to resist any form of politics that could undermine truth, justice and fairness for the Nigerian people.

"I appeal that we all work as a family in building this party and live up to the expectation of Nigerians, who have decided that we have a future and that they will go down the road with us. Ours is for the masses to do the interest of that new Nigeria and where you find yourself today is an ambassador for that new Nigeria.

"To be able to project these things, you can see the challenges needed to be changed in Nigeria, the level of poverty, insecurity and all the many problems the country is going through today, which can easily consume all of us,” Obi said.

Earlier, Senator Shehu Sani, said the Labour Party must be ready to play to true opposition, having established itself as a force in the polity and the main opposition party in all sense, saying with Tinubu, a veteran in politics as president of the country, the opposition

Kano State Government Clears Doguwa of Criminal Charges

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

The Kano State Government, yesterday, cleared the majority leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, from the murder charges against him, saying "there is no substantial evidence to link him."

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Muhammad Lawan, told reporters in his office that, "We think that we cannot substantiate charges of criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire and culpable Homicide against Ado Doguwa"

"The statements of those implicated were full of contradictions. And apart from their contradictory statements,

we couldn't find medical evidence to prove that the death of the deceased persons was caused by Alhassan Ado Doguwa.

“We think we cannot substantiate charges of criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire and culpable Homicide against Ado Doguwa. Based on the foregoing facts and observations, we think we cannot substantiate charges of criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire and culpable homicide against the Doguwa.

“This is because we cannot find sufficient evidence to link him with the offences because we are faced with exculpatory evidence for and against him. And the statements of those that implicated him were full of contradictions,” he said.

faced stiff resistance to survive in the next four years.

"The opposition has always served as the soul and oxygen of democracy. One that will always stand as an alternative to watch the establishment.

“What we should expect ahead, we should first of all be all aware that for the first time in the history of our democracy since 1999, we are having in position, someone who has the experience of being with us in the trenches and some who is an experienced and crude politician, who will not only play politics on his own side, but would be interested in what happened in

the other side.

"The greatest danger to democracy is to have a compromised or timid opposition. One of the problems we have been having till today is that those who are supposed to speak are either afraid of speaking or they are not simply speaking," he said, describing Labour Party as the most viable opposition today in the country that has proven to be the voice of the people and the voice of democracy.

Abure, on his part, reminded elected members of the party to know that the expectations of the Nigerian public from elected

candidates of the Labour Party were high, and as such, theymust ensure they stood on the side of the people on whose mandate they were in the 10th Assembly.

"You have the responsibility to stand with the people and also the responsibility to work with your colleagues. On my part, I will not rest on my oars until we are able to set Nigeria on the path of groups and be part of development.

"Given the special circumstances, which gave rise to your election, which gave you this opportunity to be here and has given all of us this wonderful opportunity,

then we must constantly engage ourselves. We must constantly synergise to weed out the shafts together, reposition ourselves and reposition the party for future engagements.

"There is the theory that it is not winning the election that matters. It is not being in power that matters. What is most important is what you do with power that matters. Like the chairman of this occasion said, you have a responsibility to stand by the people and you also have a responsibility to work with your colleagues in the National Assembly to manage this," Abure advised.

Bawa: Fighting Financial Crimes Crucial National

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, inducted 115 Detective Inspectors into the agency at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, saying fighting financial crimes was a crucial national service.

Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, who was the reviewing officer at the passing out parade, congratulated the graduating cadets and charged them to be diligent in contributing their quota to the fight against

economic and financial crimes.

“Cadets, I urge you all to be committed to the profession you have signed up for. It is crucial for you to know that law enforcement, especially, in the field of economic and financial crime is a crucial national service," he said.

While warning them that it "is a career that takes years to build but requires only a minute to destroy,” the EFCC boss expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the enormous support given to the Commission.

Commending the Nigeria Police Force for its collaborative roles, he

Service

said, “I want to thank the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, for making the Police Force Training College accessible," he said.

The Commandant, Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Nasarawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ikioye Orutugu, who was represented by the Deputy Commandant, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Yakubu Nda, expressed gratitude to the EFCC for “the continued training of the EFCC cadets in this college”, describing the gesture as “a show of strong synergy and unbreakable bond between the

Nigeria Police Force and the EFCC”

The EFCC management team, family and friends were treated to an elaborate conventional drill, including march-past by the 115 officers comprising 96 males and 19 females.

Cadets John Okoronkwo and Tawosen Jacob Benga were awarded overall best for outstanding performance while Cadet Yusuf Jamiu Oluwaseun was the best cadet in drill, while the EFCC commandant’s award for command and leadership went to Cadet Abubakar Abdullahi.

NDDC Lauds National Assembly for Passing N876bn Budget

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has commended members of the House of Representatives for concurring with the Senate to pass the N876 billion budget of the Commission for the 2023 financial year.

The Commission particularly commended the House for the expeditious consideration and adoption of the report of the House Committee on NDDC, chaired by Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, noting that the exercise was expedient in order not to let the people of the region suffer from further delays

Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who made the commendation in an interview at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, noted that the approval of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, followed that of the Senate on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

The NDDC boss said the passage of the budget was a significant milestone in the development of the Niger Delta region, and that the budget would enable the commission to continue to provide critical infrastructure and services to the people of the region.

“We are grateful to both

the Senate and the House of Representatives for their support and commitment to developing the Niger Delta region. The passage of this budget will enable us to continue providing critical infrastructure and services to our people,” he said.

Ogbuku expressed delight that the House also approved President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for extension of the implementation period of the capital component of the 2022 budget by six months, from June to December 2023.

The NDDC chief executive officer pledged to ensure that the funds allocated in the budget were used judiciously and through due process, stating

that the NDDC would work assiduously to see that its projects were completed on time and to the highest standards.

He declared: “We are committed to ensuring that every kobo allocated in this budget is used for its intended purpose. We will work tirelessly to ensure that our projects are completed on time and to the highest standards.”

Ogbuku, therefore, urged all stakeholders in the Niger Delta region not to relent in their support for the NDDC in its efforts to develop the region, saying the Commission needed the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to achieve its mandate.

L-R: Deputy Head of Mission EU, Lexawder Borges; Director, Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr. Sam Amadi; Representative of Chief of Air staff, Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa; Special Adviser on Media to Bauchi State Governor, Muktar Gidado; Fellow, Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Prof. Udenta Udenta and Author of the Book, Paul Obi, during the public presentation of the Book ‘Media and Nigeria's Constitutional Democracy.’ in Abuja... yesterday``

KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

AKPABIO'S 'STABILITY GROUP'S COURTESY VISIT TO WIKE...

L-R:

Bonga Oil Spill: Group Gives SNEPCO 14Days Ultimatum to Pay $3.6bn Compensation

Blessing Ibunge

Concerned Bonga Oil Spill Impacted Communities (CBOSIC) has given Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) a 14-day ultimatum to pay $3,600,191,206 as compensation to impacted communities as stipulated by Nigerian regulatory agencies.

The group, in a letter dated May 20, 2023, addressed to the Managing Director of SNEPCO, with copies made available to journalists in Warri,

responsibility of the two ad-hoc bodies was to ensure that every piece of information that would help a new administration get off to a speedy start was made available in a usable format and in a timely manner.

He stated, while giving the president-elect the transition documents, “Today, I am so proud to have handed over to you my successor, Your Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, three key documents that will guide you as you aim to define a path for your administration.

“It is my earnest desire that you will find these documents useful as this would be the first time in the history of this country that such detailed documentation will be produced for handover to a new administration. I strongly encourage you to uphold this legacy and make the experience even better for your successor by the time you are to leave office.

“It may also interest you to know that apart from these three documents, all the ministries and their agencies have also prepared their handover notes, ready to brief their new political leadership. I want to sincerely thank the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and his team for this great feat.”

On the transfer of a symbolic baton to Tinubu, Buhari said the incoming government would continue with the race of advancing democracy and development.

He said, “This is a first in the history of our nation’s transition process. To preserve this remarkable history for generations to come, I have directed that the baton be preserved in the presidential history wing of the National Archives and I hope that president-elect, Tinubu, and those after him will build on this tradition.”

In his response, Tinubu told Buhari to be ready to serve the country in other capacities after leaving office on May 29, saying

stated that it was displeased with the company hiding under litigations to frustrate the efforts of the victims to get compensation for degradation of their environment and subsequent loos of their livelihoods.

In the letter, copies of which were made to the Chief Executive NUPRC; the Director DSS in Bayelsa; Commander Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Bayelsa; Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, and AIG, Zone 16, Yenagoa, and signed by its

he would always be consulted, wherever he may be within or outside Nigeria.

He also vowed not to disappoint in the task of providing quality leadership to the country.

Tinubu told Buhari, “Whether you go to Daura or Niger or anywhere, you’ll expect knocks on your doors.

“We are determined, as enumerated, on security, economy, agriculture, jobs, education, health and power, and in all sectors. We must make headway as you’ve charted the course, the people deserve no less. You said so. I shall not disappoint you.”

The former Lagos State governor hailed Buhari for his democratic credentials, and for making history by recognising late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe as winners of the 1993 presidential election and honouring them with GCFR and GCON, respectively.

He, however, noted that he was not oblivious of the enormous responsibilities facing the administration he was about to lead, adding that he would not disappoint the expectations of Nigerians.

Tinubu said regarding Buhari, “Your devotion to progressive and democratic governance is unassailable. I stand here today, renewed in hope and dedication to our national greatness. I also feel full of pride that this moment is our moment and I know what it represents.

“This stately occasion is proof that Nigeria is a vibrant and true democracy. It confirms that our democratic path is right and nothing will deter us from sticking to it, I assure you.

“Our ways shall not be always smooth, yes, democracy is ‘rough and tumble’, hill and valley, yet we are imbued with faith in our purpose and believe in our collective ability to overcome the challenges

chairman and secretary, Messrs Mike Tiemo and Gbigbi Nelson Andrew, CBOSIC threatened to take their destiny in their own hands at the expiration of the ultimatum.

CBOSIC said though it was aware that some impacted communities and victims were in court, its own claim was based on the findings and recommendations of the Nigerian regulatory agencies on the Bonga Oil Spill of December 20, 2011.

It recalled a notification of the sanction in respect of the oil spill dated

that confront us.

“President Buhari, you have shown courage in taking tough decisions others avoided. One such decision is to recognise the injustice of the annulment the 1993 election, to designate June 12 as a Democracy Day and to bestow the nation’s highest honour on late MKO Abiola.

"As much as anyone could, you reached back into history to set the record straight and heal the festering wound. Thank you. The justice you did in this matter lends special meanings to today.

“The people have put their trust in us, you have done your part, Mr. President, now a great duty will descend on me. I understand

December 19, 2014, by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) an agency empowered by law as well as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) another apex maritime regulatory body which slammed $6.5b against the Shell Group on the Bonga Oil Spill.

"We also recall the Britannia Steamship Insurance Policy Number -04929000 on MT Nothia IMO Number -9399480: The Clandestine Shell Group FUGRO Finger Printing Report

the meaning of the honour given to me today and the magnitude of the task that awaits.”

He congratulated the president on the provision of a strong and visionary leadership for eight years, saying, “it is a great honour for me to stand before you today, but let me first of all say thank you Mr. President. I can only call you Mr. Democrat. You have bestowed the nation's highest on my vice president-elect, Shettima, and me.

“Our deep thanks also for the Transition Documents, which clearly enumerated the efforts of the past eight years. The documents summarise the immense works of your administration. They consist an impressive and noteworthy scorecard.

Number-J36194 and the Affirmation by two United Kingdom High Court Judges Hon. Justice Stuart-Smith, Hon. Justice O'Farrell and UK Supreme Court that oil Bonga FPSO reached the shoreline communities of Bayelsa and Delta States within weeks after the 20th December spill,” it added. The group therefore declared, "We the concerned Bonga Oil Spill Communities have also realised how vicious the Shell Group has been devastating and polluting our environment over several decades

You have made history and no one can deny your contribution to our national development.”

Before the investiture ceremony, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, who is also Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC), gave a detailed briefing on the transmitted Transition Documents, which he said included three documents.

Mustapha stated that the transition documents handed over to the president-elect by Buhari were basically made up of briefing notes on each of: the nine priority areas of the outgoing administration, a compendium of the federal government’s priority

with impunity while hiding under needless and endless litigations to deliberately frustrate and impoverish our communities to avoid liability."

CBOSIC noted that in the light of the fact that Shell Group had no regard for the Nigerian regulatory agencies and the federal government, they decided to take their destiny in their own hands and take necessary actions to force the company to pay what was due to them as compensation for their lost livelihoods.

programmes and projects; and the status of policies implemented. Speaking at the event, also, Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, noted that the election that ushered the president-elect and his vice in, had been adjudged the most credible in the history of Nigeria, adding that the credit for the process must go to Buhari. Meanwhile, guests in their hundreds, including members of the diplomatic corps, braced the State House snail-speed security checks on the roads traversing from the Federal Secretariat and Fire Service routes, to witness the epoch making conferment.

NUPRC SIGNS SEVEN REGULATIONS TO PUSH FOR ACCURATE CRUDE METERING, REDUCE GAS FLARING

They also include the Upstream Petroleum Safety Regulations; Upstream Petroleum Environmental Regulations; Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations; Advance Cargo Declaration Regulations; Significant Discovery Regulations; Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation Regulations; and Gas Flaring and Venting (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations.

Furthermore, Komolafe stated that the inputs of the stakeholders from the various engagements were considered in the drafting of the regulations. He noted that they were subsequently forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for vetting, legislative standardisation and approval.

In his remarks, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, expressed the readiness of the initiative to collaborate to push the boundaries of transparency and accountability in the oil and gas industry. He lauded the NUPRC for finding the courage and selflessness to enact

some of the regulations, which would further strengthen the regulatory institution.

Orji reiterated that Nigeria lost over 600 million barrels of oil to theft and other sharp practices in the sector over a period of 12 years, amounting to about $46.16 billion or N16.25 trillion.

NNPC Eyes $2.1bn Gas Revenue, Executes 5 Suite of Agreements on OML 130 with Total, CNOOC, Others

Meanwhile, NNPC Limited executed five new deals covering the renewal of the OML 130 Production Sharing Contract, conversion of the acreage to a PML and three other deals. The new deals were based on the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and with the utmost aim of unlocking gas revenues of up to $ 2.1 billion for Nigeria in both short and long terms.

The execution of the deal for renewal, conversion to PML and

three other agreements by all the parties took place in Abuja, and was witnessed by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Gabriel Aduda.

THISDAY gathered that the deal was part of the gas commercialisation programme being considered by NNPC, which seeks to end the perennial dispute over OML) 130, thereby upscaling the country’s crude oil output to about three million barrels per day and unlock gas revenues to the tune of about $2.1 billion in both short and long terms for the country.

NNPC executed the deals with its partners, including Total Exploration and Production Nigeria (TEPNG), China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), South Atlantic Petroleum Nigeria Limited (SAPETRO), and Prime 130 Limited, and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

A statement issued by NNPC after the signing of the deals said the suite included PSC Contract between NNPC Limited and its contractors, China National Offshore

Oil Corporation (CNOOC) & South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO) with Total Upstream Nigeria (TUPNI) as the operator; Heads of Agreement (HoA) Amendment between NNPC Limited, TUPNI, SAPETRO, PRIME 130, & CNOOC; a Settlement Repayment Agreement (SRA) Addendum between NNPC and its Contractors (CNOOC & SAPETRO).

Others were Concession Contracts for one Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) and three Petroleum Mining Leases (PML) and Lease & License Instruments between NNPC, TUPNI, SAPETRO, PRIME 130 and NUPRC.

The national oil company further emphasised that the deals paved the way for firming up Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Preowei, amounting to $ 2.1 billion.

It further explained that the Preowei project would subsequently be followed by Egina South projects lined up by TUPNI and the OML 130 partners to introduce additional volumes to the best-in-class Egina Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel.

Senator-elect, for Cross River South senatorial district, Asuquo Ekpenyoung Jnr; Senator Godswill Akpabio; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and some members of Akpabio's 'Stability Group,' during a courtesy visit to Wike in Abuja...Tuesday

BUHARI HANDS OVER TRANSITION DOCUMENTS TO TINUBU, BESTOWS ON HIM GCFR, SHETTIMA GCON

CELEBRATING MIKE AJEGBO AT 74…

L-R: Director of Communications, Aka Ikenga, an IgboThink Tank, Collins Steve Ugwu; Secretary-General, Ogbueshi Mark-Anthony Nduka-eze; Elder, Delly Ajufo; member Board of Directors (BoT), Mike Ajegbo; President Emeritus, Charles Odunukwe; President, Agbalanze Chike Madueke, and member of the Executive Committee, Chief Leo Chiegboka, when members of the group visited Ajegbo during his recent 74th birthday celebration… recently

A’Court Dismisses Former Presidential Candidate’s Suit against Tinubu’s Inauguration

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Court of Appeal, Abuja on Thursday dismissed the appeal by a former Presidential candidate, Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru, for being incompetent and lacking in merit.

The court in a unanimous judgment also ordered the appellant to pay a total of N40

million cost to the four respondents in the appeal.

According to the justices, Owuru’s suit seeking to stop the inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, was frivolous, vexatious and a waste of the court’s time.

The respondents which President Muhammadu Buhari, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF),

Ugwuanyi Inaugurates Enugu State Infectious Disease Hospital

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday inaugurated the Enugu State Infectious Disease Hospital, formerly known as Colliery Hospital Enugu. The hospital was reconstructed and remodelled by Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration with construction of new buildings and facilities for isolation and treatment of patients with infectious diseases.

Inaugurating the Enugu State Infectious Disease Hospital in Enugu, Governor Ugwuanyi disclosed that the massive and aggressive reconstruction of the

edifice was part of the proactive efforts of his administration as well as the commendable efforts of the multi-sectoral team on COVID-19 during the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus disease in the state, in 2020.

The governor said that the hospital was a signature facility of the state government put in place by his administration to serve as a rallying facility for the treatment of all emerging infectious public health diseases.

He said: “The Enugu State Infectious Disease Hospital, Enugu, stands tall, East of the Niger.”

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Tinubu respectively are to be paid N10 million each as cost of litigation.

Justice Jamil Tukur who read

the lead judgment of the three man panel of the court held that the grievances of Owuru against the 2019 presidential election was not only strange but uncalled for

because the grievances had been pursued up to Supreme Court and was dismissed for want of merit.

Justice Tukur said that the action of Owuru to resuscitate

the case that died since 2019 at the Supreme Court was aimed at making the lower courts to go on collision course with supremacy of the Apex Court.

Cultism: Delta to Shut Schools, Prosecute Parents,Teachers

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Government has warned that it would take drastic actions against schools with pupils engaged in secret cult activities, including shutting down such schools as well as prosecuting

teachers and parents of offending pupils.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this at a press conference in Asaba yesterday, asserting that the issue should now be of national concern as it

borders on the future of Nigeria as a country.

He said that an all-embracing measure would be put in place by the Delta State Government to stem the tide of secret cult activities gradually creeping into secondary and even primary schools and

assuming a dangerous trend across the country.

Aniagwu said: “We have directed that the Ministry of Education particularly the departments responsible for the supervision of schools be it private or public to also intensify efforts.

Wike Solicits Support for Fubara’s Administration

Blessing Ibunge inPortHarcourt

Governor Nyesom Wike has appealed to Rivers people to support the government of Siminalaye Fubara and his deputy governor-elect, Prof. Ngozi Odu, assuring them that his successor would surpass his record of

success.

Wike made the call just as he announced the dissolution of Rivers State Executive Council and expressed gratitude to the cabinet members for their corporative service to the government and the state.

The Rivers State Governor

stressed that if Fubara’s administration fails, it will mean that all that made it possible for him to emerge as the next governor, have failed.

Governor Wike spoke yesterday, at a public lecture and book presentation in his honour in Port Harcourt.

He appreciated that his administration enjoyed tremendous support from leaders and people of Rivers State. “I have that belief that the governor-elect and the deputy governor-elect will do very well. He is somebody you can rely on. His yes is yes, that I can tell you.

Alleged N46.7m Debt: Court Freezes ‘La Campagne Tropicana’s Accounts in 27 Banks

Wale Igbintade

NISER Promises Actualising Behaviour Change in

Yinka

Kolawole inOsogbo

Although the narrative of how corruption has affected the development in Nigeria remains pervasive, there are institutions which have defied the odds to enthrone probity, transparency and accountability in how they engage in service delivery to the public.

At the Actualising Behaviour Change (ABC) series convened by the Nigeria Institute for Social and Economic Research (NISER) yesterday, stakeholders focused more on these positive stories, and how other institutions grappling

Nigeria

with corruption can replicate such promising practices and achieve the desired results in terms of corruption control.

However, with specific reference to the transformation, which occurred at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which used to be mired in corruption and poor service delivery, the third edition of the ABC Series presented NISER’s research findings on what specific policies were implemented by the tertiary institution’s admission body to seriously control corruption and improve service delivery.

EFCC Launches Investigation into Late Sir Alakija’s Lagos Property

Sunday Okobi

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into the property of late Sir Adeyemo Alakija, which is located at No 10 Keffi Street, South West, Ikoyi, Lagos, following a petition to the commission by two of the grandchildren of Alakija, over the undated Vesting Deed prepared by

Messers O. Akindeko registered at the Federal Land Registry, Ikoyi, allegedly made by two executors of the Will of late Alakija over his property at Lagos.

According to a family source, the petition dated November 28, 2022, was filed by Ms. Modupe Alakija and Ms. Oreoluwa Alakija, children of the first twin son of late Sir Alakija, Taiwo Alakija, who is also deceased.

Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, in Lagos has ordered 27 commercial banks in the country, to placed Post-NoDebit (PND) on the accounts of a tourism company, ‘La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort’ over alleged N46, 798, 095.94 .

The judge, made the order of Mareva injunction on May 17, 2023, while granting an Exparte motion marked FHC/L/ CS/746/2023, filed and argued by Barrister George C. Duru, on behalf of Ecobank Nigeria Limited and ETI Specialized Resolution Company Limited

The Court ordered the affected

banks to comply with the order.

The Banks are First Bank of Nigeria Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc, Jaiz Bank Plc., Wema Bank, Keystone Bank Plc, Polaris Bank Plc, Stanbic Ibtc Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc, and Union Bank of Nigeria.

Others include: United Bank

for Africa Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Titan Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Unity Bank Plc Lotus Bank Limited, Heritage Bank Plc, Tajbank Limited, Citibank Nigeria Limited, Kuda Micro Finance Bank, Momo Payment Service Bank and Opay Digital Service, and Access Bank Plc

Nigerian Army Improves Cognitive Skills of Personnel to Enhance Operations

Rebecca Ejifoma

The Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Signals, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, has said that the ongoing cognitive skills conference would enhance the proficiency of military personnel in their operations within and outside

the country.

Ugbo made this remark while fielding questions from journalists at the opening of the three-day leadership workshop of the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration in Lagos. He said in his keynote address that “what we are doing today is

training leaders that will aid troops in combat. Every leader has a role to play in addressing challenges.

“The leaders should be capable of taking through and very thoroughly to arrive at decisions that will impact positively on the outcome of the actions we take in combat.”

Speaking on the theme, “The

Importance of Cognitive Skills in Leadership within a Complex Environment,” the commandant said that “the duty of the leader is to read the situation and ensure that based on the circumstances on ground, and the resources he has, he can deal decisively with whatever is before him.”

‘Boosting Entrepreneurs’ Skills ‘ll Boost Economy, Reduce Youth Unemployment’

AyodejiAke

The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), has reaffirmed its commitment in boosting entrepreneur skills that will impact on the economy and boost job creation.

The Centre started this at its thanksgiving Mass service to celebrate 20 years of EDC existence.

Director, EDC-PAU, Nneka Okekearu said that “it is the 20th anniversary of EDC of PAU and over the years, we have been committed to building a network

of entrepreneurial leaders through continuous learning, process improvement, and business integrity.”

She noted that EDC in the last 20 years had impacted on more than a million Nigerians lives.

According to her, EDC starts

with a flagship programme called Certificate in Enterprenurship Management, the course is a programme that takes entrepreneurs through all the areas they need to know so they can run better businesses that end up being sustainable.

Bauchi Gov Backs Media’s Role in Building Nigeria’s Democratic Culture

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has commended the role played by the Nigerian media in building democratic culture, institutions and

practices in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility.

Mohammed was speaking in Abuja yesterday when he chaired a public presentation of a book on the role of the “Media and Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy: Threats, Constraints

and Resilience” organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought.

He also performed the double role as the Chairman and Chief Presenter of the groundbreaking book where he was represented by his Special Adviser Media and

Publicity, Mr. Mukhtar Gidado. Mohammed thanked the organisers, authors and editors of the book for a well-researched scholarly endeavor, which has a direct practical bearing on media development and the Nigerian democracy.

Abia Assembly Crisis Persists as Peace Deal Flops

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The peace deal reached by the two camps of the Abia State House of Assembly aimed at resolving the crisis that engulfed the House early this month appears to have flopped.

The Speaker of the Abia House, Hon Chinedum Orji had in a statement on Wednesday claimed that “a peaceful resolution of the crisis in the 7th Abia House of Assembly” had been achieved.

He further announced that the suspension of some lawmakers

that had participated in the purported impeachment of the Speaker had been “lifted and voided via legislative actions.”

However, the Speaker’s declaration of a peaceful resolution of the crisis has been faulted by the minority leader, Hon Chijioke Chukwu and some other lawmakers.

Hon Chukwu, Hon. Mike Ukoha, Hon. Aaron Uzodike and other law makers rejected the replacement of the Deputy Speaker, Hon Ifeanyi Uchendu with Mandela Obasi.

Uchendu was impeached on May 2 for leading the revolt

WORLD OF ISLA M

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.co

against the Speaker and was replaced by Hon Obasi.

While acknowledging that members of the House from the two camps had met to resolve the crisis, Hon Chukwu insisted that the agreement was that everyone should return to status quo in the next sitting slated for today(Friday 26, 2023).

“If we are sincere about a peaceful resolution of the House, it means that everyone must return to status quo as agreed and that means that Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu remains the Deputy Speaker of the House,” he said.

Customs Arraigns Ex-US Marine for Illegal Importation of Firearms

Wale Igbintade

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday arraigned an American, Donn Perkins, before a Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged unlawful importation of firearms.

The American, who claimed to be a former United State Marine, was arraigned before Justice Abimbola Awogboro on a four-count charge.

The prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Kehinde Bode-Ayeni, told the court that the defendant was

arrested sometime in February 2023 at the Tin-can Island, Apapa, Lagos.

Bode-Ayeni listed the arms and ammunition the defendant was arrested with as: one piece of 5.56mm AK-47; styled rifle (Tavor) serial No: 1452 with three magazines and one drum; one piece of AK-47 7.62mm variant serial No: 9335724 with four magazines; Ruger magnum 357 Revolver with serial No: 17819337; Ruger 380 pistol with serial No: 79047837; and XD 45 pistol with serial No: BY558431

Getting Ready for Hajj: Physically Mentally and Spiritually (II)

By: Hajja Saira/Virtual Mosque/IslamiCity

Step 2: Mental Prep

1. Remember why you are here: to complete Hajj and go back home. You are not here to change the Saudi government or fix the ignorance of the ummah (community). You are not here to argue with different people about who is right and wrong. You might need to develop a mantra or phrase to remind yourself. A few people would remind themselves saying, “La jidaal,” or “No arguing,” if they started to get annoyed with a spouse, family member, or random uncle in the group.

you make this a priority ahead of time by takin a few steps to prepare then the struggle can b spiritually uplifting and rewarding.

and two magazines. She also told the court that the American illegally brought into the country a total of 1,064 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition; 119 rounds of 357mm live ammunition; 62 rounds of 32mm automatic ammunition; 29 rounds of 9mm live ammunition; 25 rounds of AK-47 7.62mm special live ammunition; 39 rounds of 22mm live ammunition; 47 rounds of 45mm automatic live ammunition; one round of 40mm live ammunition, and 54 rounds of 380mm Ruger live ammunition.

Five Corps Members to Repeat Service Year in Bauchi, Says NYSC Coordinator

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The state Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Bauchi State, Mrs. Rifkatu Yakubu, has disclosed that five corps members of the 2022 Batch B Stream 1 would repeat their service year in the state.

Yakubu, who disclosed this yesterday during the collection of certificates of National Service by the corps members, said the affected corps members were sanctioned for various offences, including abscondment and absenteeism during their

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as NZEH, GLORIA ROSELINE, now wish to be known and address as EZIRIM,GLORIA ROSELINE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MR MELEKWE NATHANIEL I, now wish to be known and addressed as MR MELEKWE OZULUONYE NATHANIEL. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MUNACHIMSO TIFFANY EMESURONYE now which to be known and address has MUNACHIMSO TIFFANY MMADU.

All former document remain valid the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEGBULE MARCEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEGBULE MARCELLUS CHUKWUEMEKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as GIFT CHINEDU AMADI, now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL GIFT CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

service year. She reiterated that the scheme has zero tolerance for truancy, and would not hesitate to punish any erring corps member.

According to her, 10 other corps members would have their service year extended for at least three weeks or one month for various misconducts during their service year.

She, however, called on the

passing-out corps members to go home and reunite with their parents and relatives, urging them not to travel by night.

“Those of you taking part in the post-camp Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development training, if you have not completed it, you can carry on and complete it, and for those of you that have not learned any skills, I want to advise that you start something.

Fire Guts Ganduje’s Residence in Kano

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Fire has gutted the personal residence of the outgoing Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje, at Miyangu Street in Nassarawa GRA, Kano.

The state fire service confirmed the fire outbreak to journalists yesterday, saying the outbreaks occurred last Monday.

Spokesman of the state fire service, Saminu Abdullahi, explained that the fire was already under control by the time firefighters got to the residence.

THISDAY gathered that the fire

started at a place that Ganduje rears cows, and was completely destroyed as many of the animals died in the inferno, with other multimillion naira property razed down.

A source confirmed to THISDAY that the cause of the fire was not immediately known, but it started during the cause of metal welding in the house as work was still ongoing to make the place a befitting residence for the outgoing governor.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Abba Anwar, declined comment when contacted.

Nasarawa, Bauchi Dissolve Cabinets

The Nasarawa State Governor, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, yesterday dissolved the State Executive Council (SEC) and consequently sacked all political appointees.

Similarly, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, yesterday, dissolved members of his cabinet which included commissioners and special advisers Sule dissolved the SEC when he presided over the valedictory session of the expanded state EXCO meeting in the Government House, Lafia.

He, however, thanked the appointees for contributing immensely to his administration’s blueprint to developing the state in the past four years, even as he wished them well in their future

2. Don’t compare your group to other groups. It’s very easy to get caught up in what other people ate or what their tents were like. Avoid going down that road and remind yourself that everyone’s test will be different, and no one has a problem - free Hajj. Focus on yourself, make incessant talbiyah [Labbayk Allahuma labbayk - I respond to Your call O Allah, I respond to Your call], and embody your submission to Allah (swt).

3. Minimize the distractions. This is one of the biggest struggles. There is a lot going on and sometimes it will be hard to focus. Try to set goals for yourself before the trip so you know what to work on. I saw many people complete the Quran in a few short weeks. Plan on getting to the Haram extra early if you want to pray inside.

4. Avoid getting into debates about different opinions and madhabs (schools of thought). Decide on what you are going to follow beforehand and don’t get confused when people tell you that your Hajj won’t be accepted. People find themselves waiting a lot and start to discuss these issues that end up creating confusion or hostility. Follow your group leader who is experienced and let others follow their leaders.

5. Stick together and find an experienced person to follow. This may seem obvious, but a buddy system will help prevent you from getting lost. An experienced Hajji is full of tips and will make some of the rites easier to perform (such as the best time to throw stones and which area is easier to start from).

6. Keep calm with your roommates and carry on. If you are sharing a room with other people in Makkah or Madina take some earplugs or eye covers to help you get rest. You might be paired with a roommate that can be a test for you - just try to take things in stride and avoid getting upset or frustrated with the person. If you are annoyed, try to do nice things for the person and make dua for that person and yourself.

7. Use the full day of Arafah for worship—not just the time after Asr (late afternoon prayer). Many people fall into this trap and spend time sitting, eating, and talking on the most important day of Hajj and only start making dua after Asr. Separate yourself from people and focus on seeking forgiveness. The Prophet (pbuh) used to make dua the entire day and intensified the supplication after Asr. The same thing applies after Arafah when people revert to their old habits and lose focus while they are still on Hajj! Continue to keep yourself busy with reading, remembrance, and extra worship. Side point: plan to avoid the bathrooms at Muzdalifah. Eat and drink accordingly and use the bathrooms in Arafah before getting on the bus to Muzdalifah.

1. Read the Inner Dimensions of Hajj notes based on a lecture by Shaykh Mokthar Maghraoui ahead of time to get in the proper spiritual frame of mind. The Shaykh describes the Hajj rites from a different perspective— beyond the walking and waiting, Hajj is an intense act of worship that has spiritual significance. Hajj is not just a physical journey but a surrendering of the heart to Allah (swt) with absolute submission. You will give up everyday comforts (even personal hygiene!) fo a few short days as you purify the soul. Prin the articles out and share with roommates.

2. Evaluate yourself before leaving for Hajj. Really take yourself to account. As one experienced Hajji stated, “Look at your personal weaknesses and flaws. Make tawbah (repentance) for all the sins you are committin and all the weaknesses you have. Do not go to Hajj with the intention of continuing on an known sin when you return. Your intention needs to be that you will discontinue it and fight it. This is very important. Hajj is not something a person does many times - so make sure you receive the full reward for completing it. Do not risk an unaccepted Hajj.” She also emphasized, “Don’t let the spirit of the group affect your spirit. If people on the bus are talking and socializing and you feel like doing the talbiyah then go ahead and start instead of wondering why others aren’t.”

3. Keep good companionship during the trip. I was blessed to have good friends as roommates during my journey. You might observe different types of people in your group: the complainers, the chit-chatters, the Debby-downers, etc. If you feel distracted, then keep to yourself since you don’t want th negativity to rub off and affect your experienc Make a pact with yourself that you will come back from Hajj and keep the complaints to yourself. There might be things that you don’ like but you will hold those complaints in you heart and share constructive criticism with the group organizer. Good friends will remind you and support you in this goal. Optimism i contagious!

Conclusion

engagements.

Speaking further at the valedictory session with members of the SEC, the governor announced plans to establish the Nasarawa State owned anti-corruption bureau to fight corruption within the state. This was even as he stated that there would soon be an appointment of a substantive director general for the state’s Human Capital Development Office.

On his part, the dissolution of Bauchi state cabinet was announced by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Ibrahim Kashim, who briefed journalists on the outcome of a valedictory session of the State Executive Council (SEC) at the Council Chambers, Government House, Bauchi.

8. An experienced Hajji advised: “Treat tawaf (walking 7 times around the Kabah) like prayer and strive for khushoo [concentration].” The virtue of tawaf is well known: it is recommended to perform tawaf in the Haram before praying 2 rakahs (units of prayer) as the ‘greeting’ of the masjid! One idea is to pick different dua or prayers for each round, or to pick the first round for seeking forgiveness, the second round for making dua for the community, etc. Performing tawaf can be a struggle given all the distractions. Try to avoid congested areas and the 2nd floor wheelchair drivers (who go fast and end up hitting peoples’ ankles). One recommendation is to avoid the first and second floor and only make tawaf and sai on the relatively un-crowded rooftop.

9. Ask Allah for help. This advice was given by an elderly woman sitting in the Prophet’s (pbuh) masjid. She said to always start your actions by asking Allah (swt) to help you. Allah (swt) can make anything happen - all we need to do is ask.

Step 3: Spiritual Prep This important aspect tends to be ignored since many people focus on the external actions of Hajj and then focus on trying to survive the trip. If

Even as you prepare for the journey of a lifetim keep in mind that unexpected events will probab occur. Every year is different, and every person experience is different. Savor the new experienc and focus on the positives. Yes, you will see strang and rude actions and plenty of ignorance. Bu you will also see grown men shed tears whi gazing at the House of Allah (swt) and pleadin for mercy and forgiveness. You will see millions people unite from all corners of the world for on purpose alone: to fulfill the obligation of Hajj an surrender before their Creator. Reflecting on the facts creates a deep respect for our religion. Ho amazing is the call to prayer which transform the chaotic amblings of millions of people in perfectly circular lines within the span of a fe minutes? How amazing is our faith that push people to struggle and give up basic comfor because of a sincere desire to please their Lord Revel in the voices chanting in unison, marchin onward with a single hope, and with a bond th overcomes all walks of life. Witness the power submission and obedience and how it transform tired pilgrims into an army of the faithful.

Lastly, as one Hajji said, “Always keep in min that Hajj is a test. You can prepare yourself as muc as possible but nothing [completely] prepares yo for the reality of the experience. You will experien highs and lows. There will be moments of gre awe as well as moments of great frustration. Pac a bag of patience!”

Although Hajj is deemed as the journey of lifetime, for many it will be a turning point an the beginning of the journey back to their fait For a few people, Hajj will be an ongoing journe as they come back home and try to impleme lessons in patience, physical sacrifice, and comple submission. As one scholar advised, “Take you Hajj back home with you. Be in your life as yo were on Hajj.”

May Allah bless your Hajj and accept all ou good deeds. May Allah make things easy for yo and allow you to come back safely.

If you found this advice beneficial, please fe free to share with others and make dua for a the Hajj veterans who shared their experience

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION

THE AKPABIO SYNDROME, YET AGAIN

The same Malami then invites Governor Yari to serve as chief launcher at his book launching ceremony. Whereupon the former governor dipped into the pot of stolen money, (for which he is under prosecution), and forked out N250m to bestow on the Attorney General. Do you then need to be a Nuhu Ribadu to discern a linkage between the criminal theft of public resources and the hundreds of million donation by Yari? And all this in the glare of the national and international community and, in a country rated as the poverty capital of the world.

If you are literally drenched in naira and rearing to make show of it, why not buy as many copies as N250 million naira can buy and then distribute the books across educational institutions in the nation? What was exactly the participation of Malami, the chief law officer of the country, in this corruption on steroids instance?

What extrapolation are we to make from this outrage other than it was compensation for a favour Malami rendered in (all probability), shielding the fellow from being prosecuted as his just dessert

In competition with this show of shame as a trademark of the Buhari dispensation and which record is impossible to surpass is the penchant for ethno national chauvinism (of apartheid proportions) in appointments to the leadership of nearly all strategic and significant public institutions especially the military, security and para security agencies.

With N77 trillion debt (80% of which was incurred under Buhari) what would prove the difficulty in arriving at the conclusion that there is no space left for further ‘borrowing and sorrowing’ for any incoming President? Today, said Chief Afe Babalola “We are the worst debtors in the world. We owe trillions of dollars. We are borrowing more even when the current government has few days to go. And we learnt that our incoming President has gone to look for those who are coming to invest here. Nobody is coming to invest here when you can’t even pay the interest due on the huge debt that we owe”.

And I affirm that it is theoretically improbable and practically impossible to contemplate that any potential successor can worst Buhari’s records and still have a nation standing.

Where, however, there is room for the continuation of the Buhari anomie is the reputation

successes as a government are primarily due to the harmonious relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. The numerous positive outcomes for our country Nigeria underscore the importance of a harmonious ExecutiveLegislature relationship.

"Working with the National Assembly, we have passed an unprecedented number of Bills into law, provided funding for key infrastructure, implemented several governmental reforms, and addressed some of the long-standing challenges that have hampered economic growth and development.

"Our achievements in reforming the oil and gas sector, strengthening the electoral framework, diversifying our economy, improving transparency and accountability, tackling insecurity and entrenching good governance are easily verifiable.

"As such, this 9th Assembly will be remembered as one of the most productive in terms of outputs and outcomes. I thank the Leadership of the National Assembly for giving me the support required to deliver on my promises to Nigerians," Buhari said, noting that the NILDS permanent site, remained "a critical first step towards bolstering the capacity of the legislature to improve its lawmaking, oversight and representation functions."

Lawan commended Buhari for making the completion of the NILDS permanent site possible through adequate funding, and said the Ninth National Assembly also supported the President to ensure timely delivery of critical infrastructure.

"In the last three years, the Senate and the House dedicated a substantial part of the national budget towards funding infrastructure development across

of those ascending to the topmost hierarchy of Nigeria’s organs of government. We already have Tinubu in the executive organ. Now we await, in raging stupefication, the imposition of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate president and the chairman of the national assembly. Spanning the last two decades, his public career has come to symbolise a study in the utility of public corruption and impunity for upward mobility in the ladder of political leadership in Nigeria.

The tragedy of contemporary Nigeria is the extent to which the perfidy of mindless corruption has been upstaged (by the impunity of how much you can rub the nose of Nigeria in this mud) by the open tender of a pedigree of unspeakable stolen public resources as credentials for higher office. To prove the point is the pending coronation of Akpabio as the next Nigeria’s Senate president.

all six geo-political zones.

"As a result of this collaboration between the legislature and the executive, hundreds of roads, bridges and rail lines across Nigeria have been constructed or rehabilitated.

"In addition, we have also passed several legislations to provide an overarching framework for sustainable economic growth and development.

"Significantly, also, the investment in infrastructure development extends to all six geo-political zones of the country. Indeed, history will remember President Buhari’s tenacity and unwavering commitment to charting a new course for Nigeria," he said.

Tinubu.

"It has also produced the legacy of achievements in the area of diversification of our economy, reforms of the petroleum industry and infrastructure. A few days ago, we saw him commission the second Niger Bridge, major parts of Kano-Abuja expressway as well as several roads and bridges. And, of course, he is finishing strong and well in pushing back the enemies of Nigeria through insurgency and other form of criminalities."

Buhari further described the late Maryam as the embodiment of tradition and modernity, a thorough-bred royal who lived a life of a trailblazer, compassionate, human, generous and warm.

In his preceding successive occupations as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator and Senator-elect, he has left behind tons of evidence on his exploitation of those offices as conduit pipes for unprecedented embezzlement.

As Governor of Akwa Ibom State, he has a pending case of “withdrawal of N18bn from the state’s coffers under the guise of special services, reception of very important guests and sundry items; acquisition of some assets through surrogates, including a multi-billion naira mansion at Plot 5, Ikogosi Spring Close, off Katsina-Ala Crescent, Maitama-Abuja; a multi-billion naira mansion at Plot 28 Colorado Close, Maitama, Abuja; 22 Probyn Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; Plot 23 Olusegun Aina Street, Parkview, Lagos and a multi-billion naira 25-storey building at Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos”.

As Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, he was the star culprit in the allegations of N40 billion fraud perpetrated in the NDDC, a ministry which was headed by Akpabio for three years. The Senate over which he will preside resolved in 2020 to probe the alleged N40 billion financial recklessness of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NDDC. Less than two months ago, he was detained by EFCC for two hours after attempting to bribe agency chairman with $350,000.

The trillion naira question is: How does Akpabio proceed from this immediate background to become the President of the Nigerian Senate?

Akpabio is, of course, not the exception that proves the rule. Coincidentally, his two other co contestants are cut from the same wool. One of them is none other than Governor Abdulaziz Yari. Yes, the same Yari.

And then, there is Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, whose felony laurels include belonging to a class of dubious politicians who have succeeded in symbolically dragging the Supreme Court down the mud through the procurement of morality subversive judgements.

Recall that “the trial court found him guilty of corruption in December 2019 and was sentenced to 12 years in jail. But in one of a series of questionable judgements given by the Supreme Court, his jail time was nullified on technical grounds: that the judge who jailed him was ineligible to handle the trial having been elevated to the Court of Appeal’s bench as of the time he concluded the case”.

If ever there is poetic justice in the ambitions of political leaders in this electoral cycle, it is in the ruins of Kalu’s aspiration to become the Senate president. In subordinating the concession of the Nigerian presidency to the South East, to his personal ambition, no politician from amongst the Igbo did greater damage to this cause than kalu. Stop Press!

As we were putting this column to bed, we were rudely reawakened by the hereunder:

“President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to approve the payment of judgement debts awarded by different courts against the federal government. The president said the judgement debts were awarded in different currencies which he summed up to $556,712,584,01; £98,526,013 and N226,280,801,801,64”.

Now, you see what we were saying?

Four days to the end of the eight-year tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, took the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima on familiarisation tour of his wing of the State House, Abuja.

Speaking to newsmen after the tour, Shettima said, “At the instance of Vice President, who is a friend, a contemporary, I came here just to exchange ideas on how to move the nation forward.

“He took me round the offices out of courtesy and I want to commend him, I want to thank him for extending that courtesy to me. Yes, cross-fertilisation of ideas.”

Tight Security in FCT as DSS Warns Disruptors

Security forces have intensified surveillance of the nation's capital, just as the Department of State Security (DSS), has warned against plot to disrupt the inauguration programme.

Military aircraft and police helicopters have maintained steady patrol of the territory ahead of the May 29 handover.

agency was aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the programmes in parts of the country.

"The aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies as well as creating panic and fear among members of the public," it said.

According to the DSS, "based on these, citizens, the media and civil society organisations are advised to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events. They are also urged to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage/ narratives and sensationalism that may likely inflame division, tension and violence prior to and after the exercises.

Buhari

Boasts of Laying Foundation for Free, Fair Election

President Muhammadu Buhari, at the launch of the Biography of the mother of Emir of Kano and Emir of Bichi, titled "Maryam Ado Bayero: A Woman of Royal Virtue", yesterday, in Abuja, boasted of leaving behind the foundation for a free and fair election.

The book chronicles the life and times of Hajiya Maryam Ado Bayero, Mai Babban Daki, mother of two First Class Emirs of Kano and Bichi, Alhaji Aminu and Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Buhari described the late Maryam as an extraordinary mother full of compassion and love for all who came her way.

His words: "Mr President finishing his eight years term in office strong and well, leaving behind many legacies, which include the foundation of free and fair election that has produced the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola

Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said the decision by the state government to immortalise the late Mai Babban Daki by supporting the book project was informed by its desire to inspire younger generations, particularly girls, to learn the lessons of life from a distinguished mother.

He said documenting the life of a distinguished mother was a service to history, knowledge and development, adding that "every part of her life is but a mirror for the present and future generations.”

Commenting on the life and time of the late Maryam, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who described her as her mother, urged Nigerian women to train up their children properly for them to bring glory to their mothers.

"Our late mother is a virtuous woman and I am proud to identify with her. I will urge Nigerian women to train their children so that one day they will bring glory to them," he said.

Osinbajo Takes Shettima on Familiarisation Tour

Asked how soon Nigerians should expect the impact of the Tinubu-Shettima presidency, the former two-term governor of Borno State said, “I believe President Tinubu will hit the ground running from day one. He does not have the luxury of time. And I will be the Vice President, I don’t want to be presumptuous; I don’t want to make loud proclamation. But my interaction with him has shown that we will hit the ground running from day one.”

On the conferment of the GCON national honour on him earlier, he said, "It was a historical experience, a humbling experience. We are what we are, not because of our intellect, not because of our physical prowess, not because of our pedigree or political sagacity; it’s just a gift from God to humanity, four years or eight years in this time.

“I believe it’s a humbling experience, a call to national duty and by God’s grace, we need the support of all of you, especially the media to succeed. So, I wish to implore all of you to join us in building a new Nigeria.”

Already, the federal government had directed security agencies to cordon off Federal Secretariat Complexes, notably, Phases l, Il, Ill and Ministry of Foreign Affairs from today.

THISDAY checks showed that some technicians of Zago Company were seen Wednesday night replacing metal covers of drainages in front of phase one of the federal secretariat with new ones.

Cleaning of the drainages around the complex were also carried out in what is understood to ensure that unwanted materials were not planted there while ensuring that any strange object could easily be retrieved.

The Federal Capital Territory had also ramped patrols of the territory.

Two days ago, there was a bomb scare, following a fire incident involving a coaster bus at the Federal Secretariat, which triggered a false alarm of a bomb explosion.

The police command later explained that the coaster bus, proceeding from Maitama, caught fire under the engine without the knowledge of the driver and later went up in flames on reaching the secretariat. No casualty was recorded.

A statement by DSS said the

"This is more so that such undesirable acts will serve no purpose other than destroying national unity and cohesion. Additionally, all unauthorised (and unaccredited) persons are warned to stay away from restricted and certain designated areas at the event venues.

"The service reiterates its earlier call for the populace to remain calm and law-abiding. Meanwhile, it will continue to sustain collaboration with sister agencies to ensure successful inaugurations."

The statement signed by the DSS spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, recalled that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC), Boss Mustapha, had on May 18, 2023, held a world press conference during which he announced activities for the presidential inauguration.

The major highlight of the activities is the swearing-in of the President on 29th May, 2023 in Abuja. On the same date, new governors will also be inaugurated in most of the states.

Akpabio

NEWSBUHARI: N’ASSEMBLY SHOULD BE INDEPENDENT, DECIDE OWN LEADERSHIP

Flying Eagles Land in Buenos Aires as Bosso Insists Brazil Beatable

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles flew into Buenos Aires ahead of their last FIFA U20 World Cup Group D clash with Brazil at the Estadio Unico Diego Maradona in La Plata this weekend.

The Ladan Bosso wards played their opening two group games against the Dominican Republic and Italy in Mendoza where they recorded two wins to stay on top of the log.

After defeating Italy 2-0 on Wednesday night, Bosso who dedicated the victory to his critics, was boisterous in saying that the five-time Brazil can similarly fall like the Young Azzuris come Saturday.

Bosso is unfazed that the Flying Eagles have never beaten Brazil at the U-20 World Cup. In five previous clashes, Brazil won four (1983, 1985, 1987, 2015) with only one draw result at the 2005 edition in Holland under Coach Samson Siasia’s watch.

U20 WORLD CUP

Brazil mauled the Dominican Republic 6-0 in Wednesday night’s other Group D match to get back on track at this World Cup after they fell 3-2 to Italy in their opening match.

“We will play a normal game against Brazil and I think they are beatable,” declared Bosso, who hinted squad players will get a chance to feature against the highly-rated South Americans.

The coach, who first led the Flying Eagles to the 2007 World Cup in Canada, took a jibe at fans and the local media in Nigeria who have vilified him over his poor team selection and tactics by dedicating the win over Italy to them.

“I dedicate this victory to those who criticise me,” Bosso revealed.

“Their criticisms have certainly kept me on my toes,” he stressed.

The Flying Eagles gaffer

promised that the team will continue to improve as the tournament gathers steam.

“All the players are only playing at the World Cup for the very first time, so it has taken them for time to adapt,” Bosso explained.

“For now, it is still work in progress, we are still in the tournament, we can never be satisfied until we play the final.”

The Young Samba Stars from Brazil on three points shot to second place in Group D behind leaders Nigeria on six points while Italy dropped to third with three points from two matches.

The Nigeria versus Brazil clash on Saturday night in La Plata will decide Group D winners.

Man Utd Return to Champions League

Champions League football for next season with a 4-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Casemiro headed the hosts in front, with Anthony Martial sweeping in Jadon Sancho's pass from close range to double their

Bruno Fernandes added United's third from the penalty spot after being fouled by Wesley Fofana. And another Fofana error saw Marcus Rashford score a fourth before Joao Felix's late consolation for the Blues.

Naija Super 8 Unveiling Ceremony Holds Today

All is set for the official unveiling ceremony of Naija Super 8 football competition, which will hold today at the SuperSport Studios, Lagos.

The date for the ceremony was announced on Monday by the tournament organisers, Flykite Productions.

At the ceremony, billed to be a glitzy affair, the 12 football clubs, (two from each of the country’s six geo-political zones) to take part in the zonal play-offs will be revealed. The play-offs to determine zonal representatives will take place between June 23 and 25at Eket Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.

Winners of the single-header matches will qualify for the Naija Super 8 finals to be held from July 7 to 16 at the Mobolaji Johnson

Arena in Lagos, where they will be joined by two wildcard entries to be determined by the organisers. Qualification for the play-offs is based on a single criterion, which is for a club to be one of the two teams to poll the highest number of votes among clubs in a geo-political zone. The voting exercise, conducted by Deloitte, the global audit giant, ran from 10 April to 12 May.

The event will similarly witness the unveiling of the tournament rules, eight team mentors, who are distinguished ex-Nigeria internationals and competition sponsors as well as partners.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4 (channel 209) on DStv and SuperSport Select 2 (channel 64) on GOtv.

Group Launch Support for the Development of Golf

Knight Frank Nigeria has launched its support for the development of golf as a professional sport, and for promoting physical and mental health through recreation.

This much was revealed during the Ikoyi Club 1938 Ladies Golf Championship.

The two-day tournament featured Ladies Handicap 0-28 (stroke-play format), Ladies Handicap 24-36 (stableford format), and Ladies and Guest (stroke-play format) with Knight Frank Nigeria being one of the lead sponsors.

Speaking during the presentation of trophies to winners, Head of Marketing and Corporate Com-

UNITED SEAL TOP 4 SPOT...

Edo Deputy Governor to Flag off Okpekpe Race on Saturday

munications, Knight Frank Nigeria, Mr Lanre Sonubi, explained that golf is not only one of the top individual sports that uses a lot of real estate, but noted that the sport also promotes green-healthy environment and a fresher atmosphere within the vicinity of the golf courses.

"As a stakeholder in the brokerage and management of facilities in our built environment, Knight Frank will always promote practices and activities that will enhance the sustainability of our environment. This is why we have committed to supporting all the tournaments of the Ladies Golf subsection of the Ikoyi Club this year," he concluded.

The sports loving Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, will flag off the ninth Okpekpe 10km International Road Race on Saturday in Okpekpe.

Dare Esan, the Media and Activation Director for the historic, first 10km road race in Nigeria hinted yesterday that Shaibu will play a dual role at the race. “His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, will perform the traditional flag off for the race. He will also participate in the celebrity race,” said Esan. Shaibu was presented with his

running bib on Wednesday at an impressive ceremony in Benin after he registered online for the race. “The deputy governor filled his form via the online platform like all other run- ners because he is still an active sportsman who has taken Edo State sports to greater heights,” added Esan who revealed all eyes will be on the 53-year- old to see if he will break his lifetime best in the 10km event.

Meanwhile, Dan Oil and Petrochemicals have joined the list of corporate partners for the race.

One of the leading indigenous oil and gas companies, Dan Oil has always associated with the race.

“We are delighted that one of the leading indigenous oil and gas companies in Nigeria whose services is tailored to meet and deliver the energy demands needed to move equipment and machinery to drive the Nigerian economy is partnering with us again to deliver another worldclass event,” said Esan.

The media and activation director is thrilled with the way the race has been receiving support

for corporate Nigeria and believes getting the Platinum label the deputy governor spoke about on Wednesday will be realised sooner rather than later.

“We are the first road race in Nigeria to get a World Athletics label status and this was in 2015. We are also the first to have its race course measured and the first 10km race in Nigeria to be granted a gold label status,” concludes Esan.

The ninth edition of the race will hold this Saturday in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Manchester United sealed their UEFA Champions League spot last night after a 4-1 demolition of Chelsea at Old Trafford. The Red Devils needed just a point to finish in the Top 4 but made a mincemeat of the hapless Blues, instead.

Flying Eagles on their arrival in Buenos Aires airport on Thursday ahead of their final Group D clash with Brazil tomorrow night

Manchester United seecurred ChampionsLeaguefootballfor advantage. BrunoFernandesaddedUnited's g

Gov Ortom to President Buhari

“For me, as a born again Christian, I have forgiven President Buhari. He has taken us from top to bottom but that does not mean we should continue to hold it on him. So, we hope that the incoming administration will provide succour, security and economic development and peace for our people. We have suffered for eight years. For me, I have forgiven him. He doesn’t need to go to Niger Republic, he should stay here with us and all of us should stay here and work with the incoming administration...and by the grace of God, we shall move again from bottom to top” –Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, lamenting Buhari’s painful eight years rule.

The Akpabio Syndrome, Yet Again AKIN OSUNTOKUN

In the light of the individual and collective experience of Nigerians in the past several weeks, it is probably a shared experience that I have not been sleeping well in as many weeks. This is likely the case if the prevalent mood of despair and despondency that followed the parody of recently concluded general elections is any indication.

For me, there are a number of extra contending factors for this sleeplessness. Beyond the DNA inheritance of chronic insomnia, one factor is the heartbreak over how my beloved Barclays premiership football club side, Arsenal, has transformed from being a class A euphoria drug to a deflating downer. In the past decade, if I’m in a low mood, there is a good chance it has something to do with how well

Roger Federer and Arsenal are faring in their respective tournaments. When they do well, they serve as potent psychological therapy for diffusing the fog of ennui cast permanently over the darkling plains of politics and governance in Nigeria.

Now it gets worse. As the appointed hour of May 29th draws near, many have been praying along that this foretold dreadful cup of iniquity passeth Nigeria over. Even if our countervailing dreams of a Nigerian political renewal have become recessive, providence can still intervene to use the improbable instrument of the judiciary to

accomplish God’s purpose for Nigeria.

There is hardly anything left unsaid in the rumination over the misnomer of the (s)election of Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president of Nigeria. As we used to banter in those days of rebellious innocence, “nuff said”. We have to

TUNJIBELLO

come to terms with the reality of the traumatising transition from Major General Muhammadu Buhari to Tinubu as the new normal of Nigerian politics.

Yet, regardless of the latter’s credentials, (which reads like a Mario Puzo mafia syndicate prototype), the truth is that no other successor Nigerian president has the latitude to surpass Buhari in his demonstrable capacity to render Nigeria a graveyard of national aspirations.

The logic of this conclusion is obvious enough. There is simply no room to spare for any successor to replay the Buhari ‘bull in the china shop’ one man wrecking crew. Nigeria has already crumbled, what is left is the near impossible task of putting the broken pieces back together. Presently, the economic numero uno among these broken pieces is the big elephant in the room aka the oil subsidy racket. In the near term, it is damned if you do away with the subsidy and damned if you don’t.

And in a rather befitting epitaph to the mockery of fighting corruption in Nigeria, the duo of the former Governor of Zamfara state, Abdulaziz Yari and the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, proved the corruption depravity of the Buhari dispensation in an unforgettable manner. The two cooked together a book launching ceremony, in which the former made a public display of a N250m returns of corruption proceeds to the latter. In

broad daylight, Yari launched a book purportedly authored by Malami with the jaw dropping sum. The pertinent background to the infamy of this wanton display of stolen resources is as follows.

The remote aspect dates back to the governorship of Yari over that micro embodiment of all that is evil about Nigeria, Zamfara state. At his departure from the state, ‘Premium Times reported that he was being investigated for N150 Billion embezzlement charge whilst official documents revealed that Yari was paid N350 million two days before he left office. Aside from the monthly pay out of about N11 million, the law also provided for a house in Abuja for the former governor’.

The immediate backdrop is that along with the former Accountant General of the federation, Ahmed Idris, Yari was the poster boy in the collosal theft of one hundred and ten billion (and still counting) from the Nigerian treasury. It was widely reported that “the former governor is being investigated for allegedly conspiring with the suspended AGF to siphon an estimated N84 Billion in public funds”. The economic and financial crimes commission, efcc, is the investigation and prosecution agency of this crime and it reports directly to Malami in the performance of this duty.

Asiwaju and Strategic Humility

The title of this short piece is not exactly original. The word “Strategic Humility” was first coined brilliantly and diplomatically deployed by Dr Henry Kissinger, former American Secretary of State, who marked his centenary (100 years) birthday few days ago, in his recent book “LEADERSHIP”.

In that book, Kissinger did an analysis of six heads of state in the 20th century who he considered as great leaders. They are France’s Charles De Gaulle, Germany’s Conrad Adreneur, America’s Richard Nixon, Singapore’s Lee Kwan Yew, Britain’s Margaret Thatcher and Egypt’s Anwar Sadat.

I may not necessarily agree with three of Kissinger’s categorization, especially Nixon, Thatcher and Sadat. But that is a topic for another day. What I however find most interesting in the book is his take on Conrad Adreneur, the German post-war Chancellor. He cited Adreneur as a man who eased Germany into the mainstream of world power. It was a remarkable feat by a great man. That Germany found its way back into the mainstream of

world politics (a privilege she still enjoys till today) is the brainchild of Adreneur with his deployment of “strategic humility”.

I find these words relevant today as Asiwaju is set to take over the mantle of the nation’s leadership in a few days time. There is no dispute among those who have worked with him over the years (in government and at political level) about his adroit deployment of political strategy in resolving the unsolvable. His instinctive respect for every individual he meets speaks of humility in leadership.

Nigeria is currently in a mess both economically and politically. We are more divided today than 10 years ago. I believe his coming is at the right time because we need a leader who can stabilize and rejuvenate us.

I recently saw a bit of what is to come. First in Port Harcourt when he was invited by Governor Nyesom Wike to do the commissioning of his 12th Bridge and new Courts. Gov Wike had asked that Asiwaju’s Government should refund money the Rivers had spent on the new bridge and some federal roads in the state. Asiwaju’s remark was most Solomonic and statesmanly.

He said “I owed you nothing”. His reason: we still have in place a government headed by President Buhari which must be respected.

Also, we have seen a plethora of project commissionings by President Buhari which many expected he would attend beside the incumbent leader. But he chose to avoid them in what clearly is borne out of strategic humility in not wanting to share the glory with the incumbent as the latter deserves his shine and glory.

Earlier in January when the iconic Lagos rail-line (which Asiwaju initiated as governor) was commissioned, he stayed away and allowed President Buhari to lap up the glory. The fickleminded would have been tempted to contest the platform with Buhari on the justification that “It is my baby”. Not Asiwaju.

Perhaps the most remarkable one was the commissioning few days ago of Dangote’s Refinery at Lekki Free Trade Zone, a visionary scheme he initiated as Governor of Lagos State in 2005 in a stroke of Socratic ingenuity. Instead of being present with President Buhari at the commissioning, he sent his vice Shettima so that

the present Goverment could carry the glory.

It was remarkable that Aliko Dangote himself referred to Tinubu as the “Asiwaju of Nigeria” on that important date to Nigeria’s economic history. In Yoruba, Asiwaju means the Leader.

Tinubu’s deft footworks actually reminded us of Nicollo Machaiavelli’s legendary postulation: “Power is alluring and infectious when you are at the top. But calmness is for the Prince of expectation and manifestiion begins when you are on the throne.”

The incoming President and commanderin-chief of the Armed Forces must be ready to deploy more of that strategic humility when in office. There are more challenging times ahead. Two are quite critical: restoring confidence in our Federal Government and the ECONOMY. The Americans call it “Economy, Stupid.”

The first borders on instability in various parts of the country and growing religious intolerance. To fix the second, you have to solve the first. But given Asiwaju’s pedigree, we are assured.

Akpabio