TUESDAY 28TH MAY 2024

Onyeagwu Caps Stellar Tenure with 2024 Banking CEO of Year in Africa Awards

James Emejo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos

The Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu,

has been named the ‘Best Banking CEO of the Year in Africa’ at the International Banker 2024 Banking Awards, retaining this title for the second consecutive year. The award, published in the

Spring 2024 issue of International Banker Magazine, United Kingdom, coincides with Onyeagwu’s completion of his five-year tenure as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer on May 31, 2024.

Speaking on receiving the award, Onyeagwu expressed gratitude to publishers of International Banker for the honour. A statement quoted the outgoing bank CEO to have said: “It is indeed

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growth, and delivering value to our customers and stakeholders. ‘It also reflects our dedication to sustainability and high ethical

an honour to be recognised as the ‘Best Banking CEO of the Year in Africa’ for a second consecutive year. This award is a testament to our team’s collective efforts and our commitment to innovation, Continued on page 9

Deputy gov yields to wisdom, apologises to NSA over alleged interest in Emirate crisis Court restrains dethroned emirs, directs police to evict them, as one monarch accepts fate Renowned Islamic cleric, Dahiru, urges parties to respect rule of law oluremi Tinubu Seeks More love, Care Compassion for Nigerian Children... Page 12

Bayero Constituting Security Risk in Kano, He Should Be Evacuated, State Govt Warns

Chuks okocha, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Kano State Government has warned that the demoted Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, should be evacuated from the Nasarawa palace that he currently occupies, because he constitutes a security risk for the state. The deputy governor of the state, Comrade Aminu Gwarzo, stated this yesterday during a press conference at Government House, Kano.

Gwarzo also apologised to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, over allegations that he was involved in the ongoing emirship tussle in the state.

Relatedly, Justice Amina Aliyu of the Kano State High Court yesterday issued an interim injunction restraining Bayero and four other dethroned emirs from

President/GCEO, Dr Owen

Hilton Abuja ... yesterday Continued on page 9

Chuks okocha in Abuja Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi, has said he would only accept a merger with his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, if it would serve the greater good of Nigeria.

L-R: A former Governor of Wisconsin and Former US Secretary of Health & Human Services, Mr Tommy Thompson; Mr Peter Obi, and the Former Speaker of US Congress, Mr Paul Ryan, at an event in Wisconsin, USA... on Sunday

G7 FINANCE MINISTERS AND CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR'S MEETING...

Keyamo: Nigeria Air Project Was Fraudulent, Remains Suspended

Says current administration resolved 2nd Abuja runway imbroglio in two weeks To resume concession of four international airports

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, yesterday, disclosed that the Nigeria Air project unveiled by the ex-president Muhammadu Buhari-led administration remains suspended even as he described the project as fraud.

Keyamo, who was part of the Buhari government, said this while giving details about the project.

He noted that the national carrier that was supposed to be an indigenous project and was supposed to spark hope for Nigerians, was trailed by a lot of secrecy and fraudulent activities.

He explained that there was never a project to that effect but, "An Ethiopian Airline disguising as Nigerian Air with an Ethiopian National Flag."

While fielding questions from journalists during the second day of the Ministerial Sectorial update in Abuja, he maintained that the project remains suspended, adding that it was anti-Nigeria.

According to Keyamo, “It was never Air Nigeria, it was Ethiopian trying to fly our flag. It was not Air Nigeria. That is the truth. It was not Nigeria. It only printed Air Nigeria.

“It was an Ethiopian airline trying

to fly our flag. If it is so, why not allow our local people to fly our flag? Why bring a foreigner to fly our flag?

“So nobody should deceive you that Air Nigeria must be indigenous, must be wholly Nigeria or must be for the full benefit of Nigerians. Note that 60 per cent of the profit is given to another country. How does that benefit us? It remains suspended. It remains so,” he said.

Speaking further on some of the steps so far taken to boost activities in the aviation sector, Keyamo highlighted the commencement of cargo flights, stating that, “it will enable Nigeria to tap into the $6 trillion global cargo market.”

“We have agreed that we're going to resume cargo flights between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. This has been suspended for a long time but now cargo flights are back.

“Guess what? Air cargo trade accounts for 35 per cent of the world trade deficit and air cargo trade according to the International Air Transport Association, IATA attracts about $6 trillion annually and we're missing you know, within that sector we were missing in many routes around the world and we have achieved that,” he said.

Speaking further on his achievements, the Aviation Minister said

all trapped funds of foreign airlines have been cleared.

His words: "We all know this issue was the issue of trapped funds of the international airlines. Their funds were trapped here because of lack of liquidity on the part of Nigeria because of so many subsidies we pay with our foreign earnings.

"Also, foreign airlines were threatening to stop operating in Nigeria. Now, I must give credit to all those in the financial sector for this. We had to work closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Finance,

"We had to work closely with all of the ministers in the financial

sector and by our persistence we are happy to announce that we have cleared all the trapped funds."

Further highlighting his achievements, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pointed out that issues surrounding the second runway at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport were addressed within two weeks of his appointment, promising enhanced airport capacity and operational efficiency.

He explained: "The issue of the Abuja airport second runway has been there since Obasanjo administration, as a SAN, I had to deploy my expertise to resolve this imbroglio.

“Imagine we are holding a

world conference of various Heads of Government, and something happened at the only runway we have, do we cancel the event? So, the project is currently ongoing after meeting with the settlers."

He added that the current administration under his leadership as Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, efforts have been geared towards prioritising and assisting local airlines.

He disclosed that the move was to help the country take full advantage of its reciprocal right under the BASA agreement with various countries.

Keyamo further said the open sky operation with the United

States have begun, explaining that Nigerians would begin to enjoy unrestricted number of flights to the US, deployment of any kind of aircraft on those routes, and with multiple entry points. On airport concessions, Keyamo disclosed that concession of the four major international airports would have to start all over again, stating that advert placement have begun. "Until full concession is in place in our four major airports, nothing will work," he stressed. He, however, said within the next six months, the aviation sector would witness more growth under his watch.

FBN Holdings Maintains Impressive Performance, Posts N238.53bn PBT in

Kayode Tokede

FBN Holdings Plc yesterday declared N238.53 billion profit before tax (PBT) in its unaudited first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2024 results, which was about 325.2per cent growth from the N56.1 billion reported in Q1 ended March

31, 2023.

The Q1 2024 results was a reflection of 2023 impressive performance as one of the oldest banks in Nigeria sustained its fundamentals amid domestic and foreign challenges.

From its Q1 2024 profit & loss figures, the Group declared N208.1 billion profit, which was about 315.8

Senate Committee Clears Agama as SEC

Kayode Tokede

The Senate Committee on Capital Market has cleared Dr. Emomotimi Agama as the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Committee chaired by Senator Osita Izunaso, also approved the nomination of Frana Chukwuogor as Executive Commissioner (Legal and Enforcement); Mr Bola Ajomale as Executive Commissioner (Operations), and Mrs. Samiya Usman as Executive Commissioner (Corporate Services).

President Bola Tinubu had on April 19, this year appointed Agama as the DG of SEC to take over from Lamido Yuguda. His appointment as SEC DG had been hailed by capital market stakeholders who described him as

a technocrat expected to support the birthing of the Tinubu administration’s $1trillion economy.

Speaking shortly after his confirmation, Agama, an insider at the Commission said he would accelerate the development of the capital market in a manner that would boost wealth creation, attract investments and create jobs for Nigerians.

According to him, his team was appointed by Tinubu to change the narrative of the capital market and reposition it to the path that would boost economic growth.

He explained, "We are bringing on board innovation, development. We are going to change the narrative of the Nigerian capital market. We are going to turn it around. That is the essence of our appointed by Mr. President. With this team, we assure

Nigerians that we're going to do the best that the President has the desire to do.

"So, we should all wait to see what is going to happen. Our desire is to move this market forward. And to help in achieving the President's $1 trillion economy in the shortest possible time. "Yes, the President is going to be a year in office in a few days. That is remarkable because as an anniversary giver, the President has given us to Nigerians to do the best to change the market."

He described the capital market as the barometer of the economy, noting that the Commission would implement innovative polices and programmes that will create worldclass companies in such a way that will ensure redistribution of wealth.

Agama said, "You must understand

DG

that the capital market is actually the barometer of any economy. And without a strong capital market, then, of course, the economy will not do very well. The intention of this management is to make sure that we mainstream the capital market in the Nigerian economy.

"And in doing that, we're going to be able to provide employment, change the narrative, and create companies that are going to be top world-class companies in such a way that there will be what we call redistribution of wealth.

"The President has an intention to change the lives of Nigerians. And the capital market is one of the vehicles that the President intends to use to achieve that. That is why the President has set up a team like this to be able to do that.”

per cent compared with the N50.1 billion reported in Q1 2023. The group announced N730.3 billion gross earnings in Q1 2024, which was an increase of 181.4 per cent from N259.5 billion in Q1 2023.

Amid hike in Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), the financial institution declared N455 billion interest income in Q1 2024, a growth of 153.3 per cent from N179.6 billion in Q1 2023, while interest expenses closed Q1 2024 at N226.42 billion, representing 234.1per cent increase from N67.76 billion reported in Q1 2023.

On the backdrop of a double-digit inflation rate, operating expenses moved from N111.2 billion in Q1 2023 to N212.80 billion reported in Q1 2024. Total assets from the balance sheet position stood at N21.58 trillion as of March 2024, which was a 27.4 per cent increase from the N16.94 trillion recorded in 2022.

As FBN Holdings declared N8.42 trillion Customer loans & advances (Net) as of March 2024 from N6.36 trillion in 2023, full financial year, its customer deposits stood at N13.27 trillion as of March 2024, an increase of 24.4 per cent from N10.66 trillion reported in 2023 financial year.

The Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings, Nnamdi Okonkwo in a statement said, “FBN Holdings’

strong start to the year reinforces the confidence in achieving targets and delivering sustained value for our shareholders.

“Our commitment to optimising the Group’s earnings capacity and maximising operational efficiencies has again delivered outstanding results.

“Underpinned by strong revenue growth and improved operational efficiency, our key financial metrics have shown significant improvement. Remarkably, gross earnings grew 181.4per cent to N730.3 billion, while profit before tax increased by 325.2per cent to N238.5 billion while our total assets increased by 27.4per cent in three months to N21.6 trillion.” He added that the Group remained focused on its strategic initiatives towards further improving profitability, enhancing excellence in performance and surpassing stakeholders’ expectations.

However, the shareholding structure of FBN Holdings showed, the Group Chairman, Mr. Femi Otedola direct and indirect stake in the Group stood at 2,517,282,140 as of March 2024 from 1,999,342,376 March 2023. The stock price of FBN Holdings closed March 27, 2024 at N21.1 per share on the floor of the Exchange.

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

L-R: World Bank President, Ajay Banga and President, African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, at the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' meeting in Italy...at the weekend

InauguratIon of olufunke kIkelomo olugbemI CanCer Centre donated to uCH...

Deputy Chief Medical Director, UCH, Ibadan, Dr Mrs Olusola Olawoye;

Administration,

Elumelu Urges FG to Pay N2tn Debts Owed to GENCOs to Avert Power Sector Collapse

Hails Tinubu for power sector reforms, seeks full privatisation Assures shareholders post consolidation will not lead to share dilution, acquisition loan for Transcorp Power completely settled Plans to increase generation capacity 908 megawatts in 2024, seeks special courts to address energy theft

James emejo in Abuja

Chairman, Transnational Corporation Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, yesterday urged the federal government to walk the talk by expediting payment of the over N2 trillion debts owed to power generation companies (Gencos) in the country.

He said out of the indebtedness, TransAfam Power, a leading generating firm owned by Transcorp Power is owed N250 billion.

Speaking at the 18th annual general Meeting (AGM) of the corporation in Abuja, Elumelu said the debts had continued to impact negatively on the ability of the generation companies to pay their gas suppliers, thereby impacting the quantity and reliability of gas supply to the former as well as investment in generation.

He stated that the distortion in the liquidity flow in the sector remained huge and typified by the debt owed to Gencos by the Nigerian

Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) was currently over N2 trillion.

Yet, Elumelu said the power sector was designed to function in a cycle that ensures liquidity flow and payment assurance, which in turn sustains the reliable flow of electricity from power generation companies to end users.

While commending the power sector reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, he said, “I therefore, welcome recent pronouncements by

Kyari: Agriculture Injected N309 Billion, 60,000 Jobs into Economy

James emejo in Abuja

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, yesterday disclosed that the various interventions by the ministry in the agricultural sector had injected N309 billion into the economy within one year.

He added that the interventions had generated about 60,000 jobs in various rural economies.

Speaking at the Ministerial Sectoral Update press briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation as part of activities to mark the first year in office of the present administration, the minister said the government had aided the launch of dry season farming with cultivation of 118,657 hectares of wheat in 15 states in the acceleration of all-year-round farming.

He said the government had supported 107,429 wheat farmers with inputs resulting in an output of 474,628 metric tonnes.

Kyari stated that in response to the presidential directive, the ministry released 42,000metric tons of assorted food commodities from the FGN Strategic Food Reserve to NEMA for distribution to vulnerable Nigerians.

He said the ministry also procured and distributed 58,500 metric tonnes of milled rice to all states and the FCT to dampen escalating prices.

To further boost food security, Kyari said the ministry had also engaged in the fortification of crops

with Vitamin A micro-nutrients to enrich the nutrition content and health value of food commodities.

To also boost food self-sufficiency, the minister disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the direct purchase of 2,000 tractors from John Deere, an agro-equipment manufacturing company to support the mechanisation of the agricultural sector.

He said the approval is in line with the government’s determination to ensure food security through mechanisation.

The minister explained that the president's intervention came as a result of the inability of John Deere to meet an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it entered into with the federal government last year to assemble in-country and supply 10,000 tractors with implements and accessories at 2,000 units yearly due to some challenges beyond their control.

Kyari said 500 tractors are already on their way into the country, adding that the government remained committed to ensuring that farmers increase their production.

On the popular famous Achor Borrowers Programmes (ABP) which was launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) but now appeared to have been suspended despite its benefits, the minister pointed out that said the programme had not been jettisoned stressing that it is currently been reviewed to learn from the mistakes made during its implementation.

However, he said given the achievements recorded in the first year of Tinubu, the tasks ahead would be to consolidate and scale up the feats, develop the agro-industrial and agro-tourism sector, and reposition as well as recapitalise the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) and Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation for access to credit and de-risking agricultural production.

The minister also said strengthening of agricultural institutions and agencies including NADF, universities, research institutions and colleges of agriculture would be crucial going forward.

He said the government would also improve agricultural production and and food security and boost export potential.

the federal government affirming its commitment towards paying the debt owed to the Gencos. I urge speedy implementation of actions necessary to translate the pronouncements to achievements”.

This came as the Transcorp chairman further allayed shareholders' fears that the post-consolidation of the banking sector could lead to significant asset dilution.

He also declared to the excitement of shareholders that the dollar–denominated acquisition loan for Transcorp Power had been settled 100 per cent.

He said, “In 2024, we plan to continue the strong group's financial performance by maximising the potential of our subsidiary businesses, leveraging innovation, enhancing brand equity, and exploring business expansion opportunities into other key sectors.

Elumelu also said the corporation planned to increase and maintain its combined available generation capacity to 908 megawatts this year from 710 megawatts in 2023.

Furthermore, he said, “We plan to take advantage of the bilateral power sale opportunities arising from the enactment of the 2023 Electricity Act by entering into agreements with strategic electricity distribution companies and eligible customers.

“In addition, we will further consolidate the existing benefits from our membership of the West African Power Pool by increasing our share of the regional electricity market.”

Elumelu said energy theft remained a huge setback and frustrating factor for distribution companies (DISCOs) and the power sector, adding that apart from the loss of revenue resulting directly from stolen electricity, Discos also suffer significant losses and damages due to vandalisation of their infrastructure in the course of energy or infrastructure theft.

He called for establishing special courts with powers for summary proceedings to exclusively deal with energy theft cases.

He said, “While I note the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023 regarding criminal punishment for energy theft. I recommend the establishment of special courts with powers for summary proceedings to exclusively deal with cases of energy theft. There should also be a process of naming and shaming convicted energy thieves irrespective of their status in the society.”

He also called for the full privatization of the power sector, noting that only a partial privatisation of the sector had been achieved since the exercise commenced in 2012.

He said” As of today, TCN is owned 100 per cent and Discos ore owned 40 per cent by the federal government, who also holds ownership interests in some Gencos. To enable the sector to be efficiently run by the private sector, I recommend that the federal government should come out with a clear timeline for the full privatisation of the power sector, starting with the Discos and Transmission Company of Nigeria.”

Elumelu said, “I look forward to a fully reformed and unleashed Nigerian power sector, fully contributing, as it must, to Nigeria's economic renaissance and social rebirth.

“…I take considerable pride in our accomplishments in 2023, and I am confident in our ability to sustain growth and generate additional value in the future.”

In her remarks, President/Group Chief Executive, Transcorp, Dr. Owen Omogiafo, said the key priority for 2024 was to surpass set targets for the year across the various operating segments.

She said, “We will remain resolute as we executive our strategic priorities in 2024. Our achievements in 2023 reflect our ongoing progress towards fully optimising and transforming our businesses.

“We are strategically positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that exist within the sector we currently operate in, as well as explore further opportunities for business expansion due to our strong financial foundation.

“Looking ahead, I remain optimistic about the future of Transcorp Group. Our agenda for 2024 focuses on growth, operational excellence, financial resilience, and sustainable development. We are committed to creating lasting value for all stakeholders through operational excellence.”

In 2023 Transcorp Plc grew its market capitalisation by 604 per cent from N50 billion at the beginning of 2023 to N557 billion at March 2024.

Ekiti, FMBN to Collaborate in Construction of 2,000 Housing Units

emmanuel addeh in Abuja

The Ekiti State government has requested the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to partner the state in its aspiration to complete 2,000 housing units for low and medium income earners.

Speaking when he visited the leadership of the mortgage bank in Abuja, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive, Shehu Osidi, Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, said there was the need to synergise with the FMBN to make his policy of ‘shelter for all’ realisable.

Describing housing as a basic human need, just like food and clothing, Oyebanji, who was represented on the occasion by the Special Adviser, Bureau of Housing and Mortgage Development, Gboyega Oloniyo, stated that it’s almost impossible to build low cost housing these days.

“There can be medium cost housing because the cost of these materials have gone up. And where do we run to for shelter? It's only by coming to your organisation (FMBN) to see how we can truly join hands together.

“We have to relate with you so that we will have positive responses from the letter we wrote concerning how we can deliver about 2,000 units of housing in Ekiti state.

“We believe it's part of what we have come here to fast-track, and we need to understand the fact that in Ekiti state we have a huge diaspora population that can match any of the states in the country. The off-takers shouldn't be a problem whatsoever. And not to talk of the civil servants as well.

“So what we are looking up to is for us to provide a housing

unit for high-end users and also the mass for the generality of civil servants that I'm sure they have little contribution over the years. I believe that if we are truly on the same page, Ekiti state will be better for it,” he stressed. He stated that Ekiti has a huge housing deficit, and asked for the assistance of the bank to narrow the housing gap. Oyebanji also harped on the need to carry the states along in the federal government’s housing scheme, expressing the hope that it will make the process smoother.

L-R:

Pastor Mrs Fadeke Olugbemi; Pastor Dr. Olubayo Olugbemi; CMD, UCH, Prof Abiodun Otegbayo, Deputy CMAC, Dr Kayode Iyun and Director of

Mr Wole Oyeyemi at the commissioning of Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi Cancer Centre donated to the UCH by the Olufunke Olugbemi Foundation...yesterday.

SANWO-OLU AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY OF MOU...

In Historic Move, National Assembly to Hold Joint Sitting on 25 Years of Democracy

The Senate and the House of Representatives will on Wednesday, May 29, hold a joint sitting to mark 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria. A statement by the National As-

Update to mark the first year of the Tinubu Administration.

The federal government has said President Bola Tinubu’s desire to support the media to thrive informed his decision to extend a single-digit interest-rate financing to media organisations in the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in Abuja, yesterday, at the ongoing Ministerial Sectoral

“We are also creating an enabling environment for all players and stakeholders in the media and information ecosystem to thrive.

One highlight here is the recent directive by Mr. President to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, through the Bank of Industry (BOI), to extend its single-digit interest-rate

One-day Gain, Highest in 2 Months to N1339, Parallel Market Continues Decline to N1,520

Nume Ekeghe

The naira yesterday recorded significant gains at the official window, the highest recorded in two months, while it continued to slide at the parallel markets. At the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEX) window, the naira appreciated by N143.48 in a single day, closing at N1,339.33/$1 compared to Friday’s rate of N1,482.81/$1. This represents a 9.68 percent gain and marks its highest rate in two months, matching the

N1,339.23/$1 recorded on April 26.

In the parallel market, it recorded a marginal decline to N1,520/$1 a N5 loss compared to N1,515/$1 recorded over the weekend.

Transaction volumes also saw a significant increase as the daily turnover declined by 67.49 per cent, reaching $180.80 million yesterday compared to $556.25 million recorded on Friday.

Additionally, the highest spot rate observed yesterday was N1,501, while the lowest spot rate recorded was N1,310.

sembly management said President Bola Tinubu was expected to deliver an address at the joint sitting. The joint sitting to commemorate

Nigeria's democracy would be the first of its kind by the National Assembly since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999.

Financing for Media Houses

financing to media organisations in the country.

“It is now incumbent upon media practitioners to develop bankable proposals to access this financing facility being offered by the federal government, and I hope that you the media will take full advantage of this great opportunity,” he said.

Idris noted the president had decided not dwell on fanfare in his first year but to fully be accountable to Nigerians by projecting the successes recorded in the federal

government’s development objectives, known as the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Idris said the government had made efforts to ensure that the regular Briefing Series received the widest possible coverage, through traditional and digital platforms with the objective to enlighten, inform and educate Nigerians and the world and to ensure that everyone was carried along through the provision of detailed, relevant, credible and timely information.

The two chambers only sit jointly during budget presentation by the president. Wednesday's sitting will be historic in the country's democracy.

The president is also expected to commission the new National Assembly Library as part of the events slated for the 25 years celebration.

Vice President Kashim Shettima would also attend the joint session.

Also expected at the joint sitting of the National Assembly are Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; the chairman of the Progressives Governors' Forum, and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and Chief of Staff to the

of the National Assembly, Alhaji Magaji Tambuwal; Senior Special Assistants to the President for both the Senate and the House; among others. There would also be commemorative lectures on “25 Years of the National Assembly: Lessons and Opportunities” at the joint sitting. While Gbajabiamila, who served as Speaker of the ninth House (20192023) would deliver a paper on “Reflections on the House”, Senator David Mark, GCON, President of the sixth and seventh Senate, would speak on “Reflections on the Senate.” Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, would deliver a paper on “Reflections on the Journey to Democracy.”

Projects

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, yesterday said there were many infrastructural projects on the pipeline for the north central region from the federal government.

The SGF stated this at the maiden regional meeting of leaders of the North Central Region from the All Progressives Congress (APC) extraction held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

Akume, therefore, assured leaders in the region that President Bola

Inaugurates inter-ministerial task team

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday urged government agencies as well as oil and mining firms to comply with the law in the prompt provision of data and information to the organisation.

Speaking in Abuja at the inauguration of the the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) of NEITI, the Chief Executive of the initiative, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, explained that the law clearly spells out sanctions for flouting the rules. The IMTT is an important aspect of the EITI process in Nigeria, being a decision made by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) after the release of the first NEITI oil and gas

report that covered years 1999-2004.

The essence of the task team is to study each NEITI industry report, map out the key findings in the reports and identify the agencies that are responsible, to carry out the remedial actions as recommended by the independent administrators. It is also expected to map out strategies that will track and report on the progress made towards the implementation of the findings and recommendations in the NEITI reports. Orji stated that the objective was to ensure that NEITI does not just publish reports that gather dust on the shelves of the agency, but that the findings of the reports help to deepen government oversight and reform of the oil, gas and mining

sectors.

He stated that it is only by doing this that productivity, transparency and accountability will be ensured in a manner that provides the greatest good for the greatest number of Nigerians who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the natural resources endowed in the country.

“We therefore call on all the covered entities that will be covered by this report to give us their full cooperation. We also warn that adherence, timely provision of information and data by relevant government agencies and companies covered by this process are very fundamental, mandatory and a requirement,” he stated.

On

Ahmed Tinubu value the contributions of the party in the region and would do more to reward their loyalty.

He said: "Many infrastructural projects are in the pipeline for the region. The President is already addressing some lopsidedness observed in some recent appointments.

"Massive works will begin soon on some road projects, including Makurdi - Enugu, Akwanga - Jos, Lokoja - South West, some road projects within Kwara axis, among others."

Also speaking, the Chairman

of Nigeria Governors’ Forum and APC Coordinating Governor for North-central, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the meeting was called to thank members and stakeholders for the support for the party, foster unity among stakeholders, and discuss issues of human and infrastructural development affecting the region.

He called for continuous support for the President and the party, saying efforts were ongoing to get more appointments and big projects to the region.

“As leaders, we acknowledge the calls for improvement in the reward system within our party. We have raised this concern with the President, who is a democrat, and he is quite receptive to our suggestions for a measurable change in what comes to this region going forward,” he said.

and the recent international mission conducted by the EITI in Nigeria, equally identified the need for the body and reinforced NEITI’s position that the task team should be invigorated and strengthened to help oversee the implementation of NEITI reports recommendations.

NEITI, he said, is therefore convinced that the IMTT framework is better positioned to meet the challenges identified in the governance framework that has been put in place for the extractive sector.

According to Orji, NEITI is also of the view that the achievements and impacts it has recorded in the sector will be tracked and documented under the framework of the IMTT.

Abdulrazaq, said two main committees would arise from the meeting, including one on reconciliation and project and policy formulation, both geared towards uniting the party and further aligning government's projects and policies with the aspirations of the people of the region.

He said leaders of the region were concerned about the treatment of APC lawmakers in Plateau, a concern shared by all the leaders at the event.

Governor Abdulkahi Sule, the host, called for more unity and collaboration among leaders for the purpose of achieving collective goals of development, peace, and security in the region.

He commended the party leaders and other stakeholders for the impressive attendance of the meeting, which he said marked

a new positive beginning for the party and the region.

Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, said the elephant in the room for the north-central was insecurity, which required unity and pooling of resources to address.

He lamented that the region was punching below its weight as the hub of food production and mineral resources owing to insecurity, adding his voice to earlier calls for the NCDC and other interventions that could help the region.

Alia, said the region was yet to recover from the flooding of 2022 that damaged crops and livestock, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people across the region.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, aligned with his colleagues, saying the region needed synergy to tackle the myriad issues affecting it.

"We need a safer North Central to have a better and safer Nigeria because this region is central to the country. While we are blessed with huge mineral resources and rich land, we have to make it work for the people. We need to work together as a region, and that is why this gathering is of great importance," he said.

The National Chairman of the APC, Abdulkahi Ganduje, said the meeting was one of the fruits of the ongoing reforms within the party, geared towards making APC "active all year round". He said the party has also established the Progressive Institute to train leaders and members on key democratic principles and drive progressive policies.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. Others are Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; Clerk

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

L-R: Policy Adviser/Economic Affairs and Public Diplomacy, Dutch Consulate, Lagos, Mr. Opeyemi Orinowo; Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Mosopefolu George; Deputy Consul General, Dutch Consulate, Leonie Van der Stijl; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; CEO, Harvest Waste, Amsterdam, Mr. Evert Lichtenbelt and Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji, during the Memorandum Signing Ceremony between Lagos State Government and Harvest Waste, Urban clean-up & Energy held at Lagos House, Ikeja, .... yesterday

US-Nigeria Bilateral Relationship Has Fostered Economic Growth, Shared Prosperity, Envoy

Segun James

The United States Consul General to Nigeria, Will Stevens, has said the robust and enduring United States Nigeria bilateral relationship has fostered inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity for both countries.

Stevens, said this during a twoday working visit to the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II; civil society representatives; and alumni of U.S. government exchange programs with whom he discussed progress made on key mutual priorities such as health, technology, education, human capital development, and

parading themselves as occupants of their erstwhile stools, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Aliyu also ordered the police to evict the deposed emirs from their palaces.

But one of the five first-class emirs, whose emirates were dissolved by the Kano State government, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, former emir of Gaya, said he considered his removal an act of God and had moved on.

However, Sheikh Dahiru Usman of Bauchi Foundation expressed displeasure over the decision of the Kano State government to appoint the 16th Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, and dethrone the five emirs, despite a court injunction.

Similarly, the immediate past National Vice Chairman (North-west) of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Salihu Lukman, described as reckless and worrisome the purported involvement of President Bola Tinubu in the emirship crisis.

Gwarzo, at the press conference, frowned on what he described as unusual movement of thugs and some top APC members who were hell-bent on fomenting trouble in the state.

Speaking on behalf of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Gwarzo said the governor "appealed to Mr President and NSA office to investigate the happening in Kano, and evacuate him (Aminu Bayero) from his current residence, as he is constituting security threat in the state.

"APC stalwarts are trooping into the house, planning to cause mayhem. We hope and pray those who are responsible would be up and doing. A lot of activities are happening but we are doing

Obi, who made the disclosure during an interview with NoireTV at the weekend, added that he was not desperate to be Nigeria’s president.

NoireTV is an American multinational premium cable channel owned by Caspen Media, launched on March 23, 2009.

The former Anambra governor stated that an alliance must be focused on improving governance and helping the poor, not just winning elections or for state capture.

Obi said, “I commend Atiku for his statement, especially where he said he will support me if it goes to the South East.

“On the issue of a merger and the coming together of parties, I have always said as long as any merger or any coming together is to better Nigeria and for governing properly, I am for it.

"If it is just a merger for election or state capture, I’m not for it. I am not desperate to be president, I am desperate to see Nigeria work, especially for the poor, because we have a lot of potential.

“So, if the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly on all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I am for it. If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly and work for all those things that would make

trade and investment.

Obaseki and Consul General Stevens, jointly launched the U.S. Agency for International Development-supported Edo State Integrated Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). Consul General Stevens toured the facility and saw firsthand how U.S. government health assistance programs are helping to build resilient health systems that prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in the state and across the region.

The newly upgraded PHEOC — the first of its kind in Nigeria — would play a crucial role in analysing data on HIV/AIDS,

everything possible to ensure peace in our state."

The deputy governor urged Tinubu to take necessary measures and intervene in order to save the state from unnecessary crisis.

Gwarzo said the state was renowned for peace and stability, in spite of its political complexities.

Apologising to the NSA, Gwarzo clarified that the government was misinformed about his involvement in the ongoing crisis.

Gwarzo had accused the NSA of facilitating the return of Bayero to the state. But Ribadu denied this and threatened legal action against the deputy governor.

Gwarzo said, “The Office of the National Security Adviser has refuted the allegations and distanced themselves from what we have alleged. I have seen it, he has done it through three media, and today, I have seen the one about going to court.

“We have to acknowledge that we have been misled into believing that the NSA was behind the happenings along this line.”

Gwarzo added that they were shocked from the outset when Ribadu’s name was mentioned in the plot to impose the deposed emir.

He stated, “We apologise to the National Security Adviser, his person and office, for any embarrassment and inconveniences this might have caused him. We are human and can err at any time.

“On my behalf and the governor of Kano State, I want to assure the NSA of our continued support and cooperation in discharging his duty as the NSA.”

Aliyu gave the interim injunction upon hearing of ex parte application by counsel to the applicants, Barrister Ibrahim Wangida, dated May 27, 2024.

Nigeria become a better place,

"I am for it. It might be at the party level, it might be at the individual level or at any level, we must come together to be able to build a better Nigeria.”

Atiku, had earlier said if in 2027, the party decided that it was the South-East’s turn and selected Obi as its candidate, he would readily offer his support.

“I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general election that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.

“As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party.

“If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him,” Atiku declared in a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service.

He added that a merger between the PDP and Labour Party was possible, but reiterated that members of the party would decide his fate in the 2027 general election.

Atiku mentioned that his recent meeting with Obi might indicate a possible alliance leading up to the 2027 elections.

COVID-19, immunisations, lassa fever, and other public health concerns, enhancing Edo State’s response to emerging health threats.

Additionally, Consul General Stevens received a guided tour of the Edo Innovation and Edo Creative Hubs and observed the key role played by US tech companies, such as Amazon Web Services, in training young people, including women, on high-demand digital skills, thereby supporting the development of emerging tech talents in Edo State.

At the Benin Window on America, Consul General Stevens, inaugurated the third cohort of the GirlLEAD STEM Talent

The judge ruled, “That an order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the 1st 2nd, 3rd 4th & 5th defendants either by themselves, servants, privies, and or any other persons or officers serving under them or acting in connection with any other person from parading themselves as Emirs of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the Applicants.

“That an order is hereby granted to the extent that the Commissioner of Police Kano State should immediately take the palace of the Emir of Kano situate being and lying at State Road Kano and evict the 1 defendant/respondent from the said palace, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated 24 May, 2024.

“That an order of this hon. court is hereby granted restraining the 1st 2nd 3rd 4th & 5th defendants from parading themselves as Emirs of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye in the interest of peace in Kano pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

“That an order is hereby made that 1- 5th Defendants be through the office of the Commissioner Police, Kano State who is to ensure immediate implementation of the order of the hon. court in the interest of justice.”

The applicants in the suit included Kano Attorney General, Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, and Kano State House of Assembly.

The respondents were Aminu Ado Bayero, Nasiru Ado Bayero, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar II, Alhaji Kabir Muhammad Inuwa, and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Gaya.

Others were the Inspector General of Police, Director, Department of State Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Corps, and Nigerian Army.

Aliyu fixed June 11, 2024 for

standards, which are integral to our overall strategy. I am immensely proud of our accomplishments and look forward to future opportunities for the bank as I hand over the baton to my successor and begin the mandatory regulatory cooling-off period.”

Onyeagwu, dedicated the award to the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, for his mentorship, which was crucial to his success as Group Managing Director/CEO; to the bank’s management team and staff for their unwavering commitment over the past five years; and to the bank’s customers for their loyalty. Throughout his distinguished tenure, Onyeagwu received multiple awards, including Bank CEO of the Year (2019, 2023) by Champion Newspaper, Bank CEO of the Year (2020–2023) by BusinessDay Newspaper, CEO of the Year (2020 and 2021) – SERAS Awards, and CEO of the Year (2022) – Leadership Newspaper, and Banking CEO of the Year, Africa (2023) - International Banker.

Appointed as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer on June 1, 2019, as part of Zenith

Accelerator Program for 25 girls from public secondary schools in Edo State. Supported through a public diplomacy grant from the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, this program offers mentorship and skills training to help girls explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In his remarks, Consul General Stevens underscored the importance of empowering and inspiring girls and young women to pursue careers in science and technology.

“When barriers to the participation of women and girls in STEM fields are removed, we all benefit. Whether at home or abroad, promoting women in the STEM fields is a

hearing of motion on notice.

But one of the five first-class emirs, whose emirates were dissolved in Kano State, Abdulkadir, who was the Emir of Gaya, told BBC Hausa that he had no plan to challenge it in court.

He said, “Nobody will feel happy about this development, but it is Allah that made you (on the throne), and everything has time.

“Allah has predestined that this would happen long before we were born. Therefore, we do not hold a grudge against anybody. It is the will of Allah and we have accepted it wholeheartedly.

“This is how God wanted it, and it must be done that way. We have no intention of going to court. We have accepted it in good fate. We thank Allah.”

In another development, the Kano State government noted with concern reports in some sections of the media on the allegedly exaggerated and misrepresented violent protests in parts of the state following the recent abrogation of the four emirates and the reinstatement of His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information said, "In view of the current tense situation in the state, the need to allay the fears of the public following the reports, reassure them of government commitment in ensuring the protection of their lives and properties.”

The statement said contrary to media reports, there had been no widespread violent protests in Kano State.

It said, "While the government is aware of isolated incidents in few areas by handful of small children and hired miscreants and thugs, these do not in any way reflect the overall situation.

“These hired unpatriotic individuals were only aiming to destabilise the state for the personal gain and selfish interests of their

Bank’s succession planning strategy, Onyeagwu has led the bank to achieve significant milestones in financial performance, financial inclusion, corporate governance, and sustainability.

These achievements have earned the bank numerous local and international awards, including being named Best Bank in Nigeria for the fourth time in five years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 by the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards 2023; being listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023; and being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 14th consecutive year in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine.

Zenith Bank has also been honoured as Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023 by the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank in Nigeria by the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022 and 2023; Bank of the Year

Declares

U.S. government priority,” he noted.

The Consul General also visited the National Museum in Benin City, the forthcoming Museum of West African Arts, and toured Igun Street, renowned for its rich history in bronze casting and significance in Benin art and culture. He reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s cultural preservation through initiatives like the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation and the Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant.

While meeting with alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs in Edo State, Stevens learned about the positive impacts

paymasters.

“The great majority of Kano State citizens have shown remarkable restraints and understanding of the sincere action of the state government."

Dahiru Urges Respect for Rule of Law

Sheikh Dahiru Usman of Bauchi Foundation expressed displeasure at the decision of the Kano State government to appoint the 16th Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, and dethrone five other emirs, despite a court injunction to the contrary. Usman stated this while addressing a press conference in Bauchi.

He called on the Kano State government to respect the rule of law in the interest of peace and stability of Kano State and Nigeria.

Usman said the call became imperative following reactions the situation had generated from stakeholders, who had the interest of the country at heart.

He said nobody, no matter how highly placed in the society, was above the law, stressing that the Kano State government should allow peace and justice to prevail in the state and avoid a needless crisis.

Usman stressed the need for leaders in the country to respect the rule of law, calling on all arms of government to work together in harmony to ensure peace, stability, and progress in Kano State.

He stated, "In the interest of peace, we want justice to prevail, since the court intervenes to maintain law and order, we expect each party to respect the rule of law in the interest of peace.

“It is wrong for the Kano State government to continue with the process of appointing the 16th emir of Kano, and dethrone the five emirs, despite the court injunction.

"I advise the emirs to take a bow in the interest of peace, brotherhood to save the blood of many innocent

(Nigeria) by The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards in 2020 and 2022; and Best in Corporate Governance Financial Services Africa for four successive years from 2020 to 2023 by Ethical Boardroom. Other recognitions include Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria at the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards, Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria, and Best Innovation in Retail Banking in Nigeria at the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Additionally, Zenith Bank was named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year 2023 and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the THISDAY Awards 2020; Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS.

In recognition of his significant contributions to the financial ser-

souls and allow peace and stability to reign.”

Lukman: Tinubu’s Purported Involvement Reckless, Worrisome

Immediate past National Vice Chairman (North-west) of APC, Dr. Salihu Lukman, described the alleged involvement of President Bola Tinubu in the ongoing emirship tussle in Kano as reckless and worrisome.

Lukman, in a statement yesterday, titled, “Reckless Pointers of Political Suicide”, noted that the unfolding events in Kano following the reinstatement of Sanusi as Emir of Kano last Thursday by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was alarming. He added that as a member of APC, he was scandalised that his party had degenerated to a level below any democratic standard. The party chieftain stressed that the way politics was played was not only recklessly insensitive to the dangers being posed to human lives in Kano, but also frighteningly disgraceful and inconsiderate of whatever could be the choices of the people of Kano State.

Lukman said, “The only rationale so far is to restore the old abrasive politics of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in Kano State by undermining the Kano State government led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.” Lukman reminded Tinubu that the reason APC lost Kano State to New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was the reckless way Ganduje managed politics in the state. He said the dethronement of Sanusi in 2020 on account of the disagreement with Ganduje was unnecessary and unfortunate. Lukman stressed that for Ganduje to have descended on the Kano Emirate the way he did in 2020, only created the basis for politicising the emirate, which was now reducing the tenure of emirs to correspond with the tenure of governors.

vices sector in Nigeria and across Africa, Onyeagwu was awarded a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, on March 25, 2023, during the university’s 50th convocation ceremony.

Published by Finance Publishing Limited, the International Banker is a leading global source of authoritative analysis and opinion on banking, finance and world affairs. Its influence, integrity, accuracy and objective opinion have earned it global recognition.

The International Banker Awards strive to recognise the most worthy financial institutions around the world - those not just doing their jobs well but exceptionally well - those operating at the industry’s cutting edge and setting new performance levels to which others will aspire. The 2024 Banking Awards focused on various criteria, including the provision of much-needed capital for economic growth, cutting-edge innovation to enhance security and efficiency, commitment to sustainability and ESG principles, as well as intelligent investing to maximise profits and shareholder value.

Ob I : I w I ll Accep T Merger

these exchanges have had on their careers and community service.

Will Stevens

Oluremi Tinubu Seeks More Love, Care Compassion for Nigerian Children

To launch young farmers’ club in public schools Celebrates children's day with over 500 school children

Deji elumoye in Abuja

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has described children as sources of immense joy who need to be given more love, care and compassion by parents and guardians.

Speaking yesterday, in Abuja, at the special Children’s Day celebration tagged "Celebrating with our

Children", with the theme, "Our Children, Our Future", in commemoration of the First Anniversary of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady said: "I am delighted to welcome all our lovely children to the State House. It is your day and I am happy to celebrate with you all."

In a statement issued by her

media assistant, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu, encouraged the children to nurture their curiosity, continue learning and never be afraid to ask questions, adding that they should dream big and aspire for greatness, despite the challenges they may face. Her words: “I want to encourage you to nurture your curiosity and keep learning. Getting the right

education and going to school is important for your future. Never be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance. No matter the challenges you may face, continue to dream big, and aspire for greatness.”

At the event which featured cultural display by schools in attendance, Mrs. Tinubu announced that Young Farmers Club in public

FG Gives Firm Assurance to Address Demands of Health Workers

Orders teaching hospitals to double their recruitment

In a bid to pacify aggrieved health sector professionals, the Federal Government has assured that it is committed to enhancing their well-being and safety by addressing issues of concern in the sector.

It also assured that it will take necessary steps to improve the standard of healthcare in the country, including upgrading all government-run healthcare facilities nationwide.

In addition, the government disclosed that it has instructed all federal teaching hospitals to accelerate their hiring process for medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, to prevent a shortage of healthcare workers in the country.

The government stated this during a meeting convened by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in her office, where she met with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) led by its national president, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, to discuss and resolve issues brought forward by the association to the ministry.

A statement by the Minister's Special Adviser on Media, Emameh Gabriel, said that the leadership of the medical association had presented their grievances to the Minister, demanding urgent action to address the issues, most of which were unresolved matters inherited from the previous administration.

These grievances include inadequate compensation, delayed payments of allowances, insufficient training funds, issues with the Integrated Payroll and Personnel

Information System (IPPIS), poor working conditions, and security threats, notably the recent incident at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.

The statement quoted the Minister as having said that government acknowledges the concerns of the medical community, and has assured that efforts are underway to resolve the issues.

According to the minister, some of these grievances are already being addressed while others in various stages of implementation.

Additionally, She said that relevant government agencies are working to tackle specific problems, with the belief that improved working conditions and benefits will act as incentives for healthcare professionals who have left the country to return.

Onyejeocha expressed her gratitude to the association for their willingness to work together and acknowledged their recognition of the government's achievements in specific areas, stating the positive outcomes of their cooperation.

She said: "I had earlier heard about some of your concerns raised, and of which I deemed very serious. I share in your concerns and I am here to let you know that the government is poised to improving your standard, believing that when you are treated well, those who left our country will return, because Nigeria is the best place to stay. I believe that strike is the last option. That is why I wouldn't want to wait till strike notice is issued.

"I have heard what you have said. The good thing is that we have been very cooperative, and I will reach out to my colleagues whose offices fall within the duties of certain issues you have raised. So that we

will know how to fast-track solutions.

"I am glad that you acknowledged some of the areas the Ministry of Health has addressed and how they have been "proactive". I am promising you that we have a government that is responsible and proactive. Our President is committed and pushing us to ensure that we do not leave situation of things the way we met them."

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom, who represented the Minister of Health, acknowledged the issues and noted that the Ministry of Health was working with other relevant ministries to address the concerns,

including power supply and security.

She also disclosed that the 2024 budget has provisions for solar power in all federal tertiary hospitals. She also said that the Ministry of Health has instructed teaching hospitals to double their intake of doctors and nurses.

She said: "On our health sector, our doctors are no doubt the best paid, but their renumeration needs to be improved. I wish the Federal Ministry of Finance and the accountant general were here to say more, because the issue of renumeration cannot be solved only by the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Health.

primary and secondary schools all over the country would soon be launched by her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

According to her: “In addition to our various educational interventions, the Young Farmers’ Club will soon be launched in public schools across the nation.

“The club will be launched in state-owned primary and secondary schools. The motto of this club is ‘Growing the Food I Eat, Starts with me.’

"This initiative is to encourage farming among our young population. The first School to start the club, either primary or secondary will have their members kitted with branded club t-shirts and trousers.

“The school with the best farm in each state would be identified and prizes would be given to them, ranging from school renovations, equipping of school laboratories, provision of ICT equipment and upgrading of school libraries, as their preference may be.

“I encourage you all to participate in this and begin to nurture your gardens in your schools and at home.”

The First Lady reassured the children that President Bola Tinubu was committed to building a nation where every Nigerian child could reach their full potential and also expressed optimism about the promising future that lies ahead for Nigerian children.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, commended the First Lady for hosting over 500 school children at the State House to celebrate them, saying it was a testament to her commitment to ensuring that all segments are celebrated and supported.

She said: “Our First Lady has always attached importance to the development of our children and this is evident in the various programmes launched under the RHI, which focuses on improving the health, education and wellbeing of women and children.

“Through her RHI pet project, she has implemented various social investments programme which are significant for children because when mothers are healthier and empowered, they can adequately pay for their children’s needs including their education.”

Mrs. Shetimma advised the children to imbibe the virtue of resilience, discipline and hard work and prayed for them to grow to be children who will make the nation proud.

A grant of N10 million each was given to participating schools from the RHI to support the developmental needs of their respective schools.

The presentations featured traditional dances and other artistic expressions from various regions of the country, showcasing the rich tapestry of Nigeria's cultural heritage.

Aviation Union Threatens to Direct Workers to Stop Doing Business with Turkish GM over Sack of Seven Nigerians

chinedu eze

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has condemned the sack of seven Nigerian staff of Turkish Airlines by the company’s General Manager in charge of Lagos, Lokman Balkan, over allegation of their involvement in $600, 000 ticket racketeering.

NUATE said it would direct all its members at all the airports in the country to stop transacting business with Balkan, alleging that the allegation of ticket racketeering was cooked up to justify the sack of the seven Nigerians.

The union pointed out reasons why it disagreed with Balkan over the allegation.

"In the first place, the claim that the Airline lost $600,000 is mere

phantom. What happened is that sometime in April, 2023, Turkish Airlines’ headquarters issued a sales restriction circular which allowed sales of only two premium classes of tickets as a response to foreign airlines’ difficulty in repatriating their proceeds to home countries due to foreign exchange constraints in Nigeria.

“But, in a contradicting manner the airline had an advertised fare on the website which was much lower than the permitted fares. Therefore, intending passengers who accessed such fare, but could not pay online were directed by the global call center to approach the Nigerian offices.”

"As the workers could not attend to the customers due to the sales restriction, the passengers resorted to creating ugly scenes at the sales

offices which became riotous at times.

As an image saving measure, the then sales manager asked the sales staff to use the PNR obtained online by the customers to process the tickets if the Airline’s booking system could route the tickets.

“The sales staff simply complied.

As a matter of fact, the then sales manager, a Turkish national, sold these tickets too to confirm that this was the local management’s approved approach to resolving the problem created by the website," NUATE explained.

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, NUATE said the airline’s accountants received all due monies from all tickets sold and all sales report were daily submitted to sales manager, signed by him and accounts department

and scanned to HQ.

“If monies were not fully received, the account would not have balanced, and sales could not have been concluded.

"Therefore, no monies belonging to Turkish Airlines is missing. And no staff has taken any monies belonging to Turkish Airlines. Importantly, no staff had any pecuniary benefit from the so called internet sales.

"It is, therefore, disingenuous for the General Manager to hold the workers to the charge of failure to comply with the sales restrictions when it is clear that shortcomings on the part of the Airlines ICT (on the website) combined with Local Management’s decisions on managing an otherwise ugly situation were responsible for the sales in question," NUATE said.

Justice summit...

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu flanked by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima (lef); Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba (right) and others during the Lagos State Ministry of Justice Summit themed “Enhancing the Administration of Justice for Economic Growth, Investment Protection and Security in Lagos State”, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, ... yesterday

Onyebuchi ezigbo in Abuja

Many Nigerians are living in difficult times, argues BONIFACE CHIZEA

A MIXED BAG

President Tinubu will be one year in office as the President of Nigeria on May 29, 2024 and it is in order to give a bird’s eye view account of the journey so far. Though some could argue that it is probably early to be categorical about the trajectory of the country’s fortune under his dispensation; it is also true to remember that the morning shows the day. As we commence this conversation we must thank God for the life of the President for the return of fairly good health as there was palpable fear during the campaigns that the President’s health conditions were not up to what was required to husband the affairs of a country such as Nigeria which has missed many opportunities to takeoff and therefore clearly in hurry to record some progress. We must thank God for the President and for Nigerians that his health surprisingly improved even as there was at least reported two occasions during which he retreated for medical attention overseas during the period.

There was elevated expectation that Nigeria will at least fare better under his watch having regards

to the place we were taking off from and the antecedents of the President. His performance in Lagos despite the report of subsisting State capture preceded him as he is considered as a strategist. The President has also been on the race for the Presidency for some years now and therefore there was the expectation that he has a vision of the country he would like to leave behind and therefore ready to hit the ground running. But was that the experience with our Emi lokun?

The first shocker was the President cabinet. There were high expectations that the President would burnish his credentials of a good head hunter as probably happened during his Lagos outing. But what did we see? The cabinet was populated with politicians with a sprinkling of professionals. There is no doubt that the President has to settle some political IOUs but it was as if President was groping in the dark as the appointments were made. There was so much demonstration of lack of preparedness contrary to wide expectations. Take the case of the lady appointee from Kano State that was dropped as she was waiting for Senate confirmation! But for a handful of some appointees who were with the President during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, the outlook of the entire scenario is lackluster. The President even also struggled to beat the deadline for the composition of his cabinet!

And in spite of the promise of the President to fight corruption, the cankerworm was rife in his administration. Witness the case of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and poverty Alleviation Betta Edu that has been on suspension for months now because of the heinous offense of the payment of government’s money into private accounts reeking of the suspicion of an attempt to divert public funds. We still do not have a closure on that

matter even as it is certain that there is no way she will return to the cabinet. The National Assembly was accused of budget padding which resulted in the unprecedented suspension of Senator Ningi from Bauchi State.

But the big elephant in the house was the pronouncement by Mr. President during his inaugural speech; “Subsidy is Gone!” This announcement it later turned out was made ex tempore! And since this announcement was made out of sync and therefore not properly sequenced, there was immediately confusion in the land as the price of pump price of fuel escalated over night from under 200 Naira per litre to almost 800 Naira in short while. All hell was let lose in the land as inflationary spiral was stoked and prices were beginning to change on a daily basis, reminiscent of what happened in some Latin America countries as well as some African countries. Hunger became a serious issue in the land and with hunger, protests and disruptions which are bed fellows ensued. It is good that wise counsel prevailed and a stop was put on the escalating prices. The pump price has for now remained at an elevated price of 610 Naira per litre with of course subsidy returned never mind the fact that we would prefer to live in denial.

As if that was not enough, an attempt was made to embrace an illusory and nonexistent free market for the determination of the rate of exchange of the Naira with the stated objective of a single unit rate of exchange. Once again the rate of fall of the exchange rate was alarming and considered along with the subsidy removal, the inflationary pressure was unbearable. The National Bureau of Statistics recently reported that the rate of inflation in the country as at end of May, 2024 is 33.69 percent with food inflation on year-on-year basis over 40 percent. It will be recalled that the inflation rate in the country was about 18% with the target of single digit rate of around 9% upon the assumption of office by this administration. With the rate of exchange today at around 1,500 Naira to the dollar rising from about 700 along with the rate of inflation, the tale of woe for the nation is told. For the records the rate of exchange could have gone well beyond 2000 Naira to the dollar by now but for the heroic and ingenious intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The CBN rose in unprecedented manner to hike the base interest rates which now stands at 26.25% having risen by 600 bases points over a duration of three meetings by the Monetary Policy Committee to attract portfolio investors. This hike in base rate was adequate to attract hot dollars into the country. Liquidity was drained from the economy as CBN raised the Cash Reserve Ratio to 45% with Liquidity ratio to 30%. There was also an aggressive attempt made to stop the manipulation of the exchange rates by those who operate in the digital space and the Bureau de Change operations were sanitized. There numbers which was not sustainable was drastically pruned down as old licenses were withdrawn and new ones issued under stringent conditions. The battle to stem the free fall in the rate of exchange remains work in progress but we must count our blessings because it could have been much worse by now. We must give due credit to the CBN for this feat.

The other sore point as we review this first year in office is the inconsistencies in pronouncements as there is hardly any directives under the signature of the President that has not been withdrawn for revisit indicating a chronic case of lack of adequate attention to details.

Chizea is MD/CEO, BIC Consultancy Services

OKELLO OCULI contends that Rwanda and Israel have left the road to humanising history

WRONG

ROADS TAKEN BY ISRAEL AND RWANDA

On 22 May, 2024, three European countries, namely: Norway, Spain and Ireland recognised Palestine as a sovereign State. This was symbolic political earthquake. The International Criminal Court (ICC) had indicted Israel’s prime minister, Netanyahu and his Defence Minister for committing crimes against humanity in conducting a war against Gaza.

The ICC had condoned crimes by President George Bush and Prime Minister Blair against people of Iraq. This was a dramatic departure.

The list is paradoxical. Spain, a Catholic country that had suffered colonial domination by Black-African Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt and subsequent conquest by Muslim Arabs and Berbers, conducted genocide against indigenous civilisations from Mexico, in the north, to Chile and Argentina, in South America.

A ‘’Papal Bull’’ allocated to Catholic Portugal was granted rule over a vast landmass that came to be known as ‘’BRAZIL’’. Till today, European immigrants slaughter native population driven by centuries of massacre to seek refuge inside forests around the Amazon River.

Israel has solid European models for using force to

for a possible model.

In 1967, radical students at the University of California, Berkeley campus, exposed organisations being funded by America’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The list included the ‘’International Students Conference’’, created to build youth leaders in South America, Asia and Africa that would be hostile to the Soviet Union and Communism.

At its 1966 meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, a delegate from Uganda criticised the Israeli delegation for NOT EXPOSING the BARBARISM by Germans and other Europeans who conducted the ‘’Holocaust’’ against Jews. The horrendous details of the ‘’demonic’’ project were almost equal to 400 YEARS HOLOCAUST of capturing and selling fellow Africans into European and American slave trade and economic production.

The Zionists who founded the state of Israel could not turn against Britain, France, the United States and their allies who supported their legality in 1948. Israel was also criticised for extending their expulsion of Palestinians from their land into

drive local populations out of Palestine. In Mexico only a stubborn African population defeated numerous Spanish troops sent to conquer and rule over them.

This legacy awaits a papal apology and call for REPARATION by Pope Francis. His religious and ethnic ancestors continue to commit economic and military genocide across South America.

Connor Cruise O’Brien (a representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in the Congo),in secessionist Katanga Province), wrote that as former victim of English colonial violence and economic exploitation, the people of Ireland have affinity with Africans. Millions of Irish people perished from famine following loss of fertile land to English land grabbers. They, therefore, have ancestral sympathy with Palestine.

Freedom from oppression does not, necessarily, translate into fighting for rights of others still standing in rains and hailstorms.

Norway also recognised the State of Palestine. Norwegians were once colonised by Denmark. During World War 2, Hitler’s racists came with the search for a ‘’superior race’’ of people with blonde hair and blue eyes. These waves of oppression were not translated into fraternity with indigenous peoples. In the present era oil companies are grabbing lands regarded as sacred ground by natives.

Norway’s record of genocide enjoys global silence. As a research scholar resident at the Peace Research Institute, Oslo (PRIO), we were told that low development and harsh winters had driven migration out of the country. There were more Norwegians living abroad, including those working for international organisations. That hardship fed bitter discrimination against native peoples. Israel probably looked to them

supporting similar European land-grabbing in Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia and Mozambique. They also offered military support to ‘’apartheid’’ in these lands. At the 1966 Student Conference, delegates from African countries were being asked to deny support to the delegation from Palestine.

The recognition by Norway, Ireland and Spain coincided with media reports of a failed military coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda’s influence came in view. Israel conducted intensive human trafficking by stealing talented scientists from the Soviet Union. Those scientists would feed a rare determination to use technological inventions to overcome a harsh environment and build economic power. That achievement would shame the hatred that fed Genocide and anti-Semitism.

Rwanda and Israel have left the road to humanizing history: seduced into giving primacy to revenge as tiny countries bordering vast territories. Rwanda has the vast rest of East African Community countries in all directions. It has the option of promoting the economic empowerment and integration within DRC those who conducted 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. israel is penetrating the vast African continent; and West Asian economies. GAZA may have killed it and poisoned the victim identity.

Rwanda’s promise of UBUNTU and creativity may be diverted into a military post for ensuring NATO’S access to Congo’s minerals.

Prof Oculi writes from Abuja

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

OF WATER SUPPLY AND BOREHOLES

Water is life. The authorities should make it available to all

Water is a fundamental requirement of daily life. It is a vital nutrient for drinking, for household use, and for food production. Water is important to good sanitation and, indeed, public health, and generally to poverty reduction. Yet after 25 years of unbroken democratic rule, and 14 years after the United Nations made access to water and sanitation a human right, millions of Nigerians have no access to the most basic of needs - safe and sufficient water. As a result, many depend on water from untreated and sometimes contaminated wells, streams, ponds, and rivers.

Across the country, there is hardly any area that relies on public water as the supply of pipe- borne water is by far more epileptic than electricity supply. Unlike in the 60s and 70s when public taps are everywhere, including rural areas, and when the thirsty could stop by to wet their patched throats on warm days, it is now almost impossible to find one, even in the most cosmopolitan of cities. The water corporations hardly function as many are moribund. As it is, millions of Nigerians now resort to self-help - sinking boreholes to meet their water needs. Any new building is now incomplete without a borehole, even if the boreholes constitute their own problems as they are dug indiscriminately.

exploitation of ground water resources of Abuja via indiscriminate sinking of boreholes because this has been the primary reason for the stress build up leading to the Abuja tremors”, the presidential committee reported.

It is unfortunate that many Nigerians are still battling with severe cases of water shortages, especially in the rural areas. Children and women trek distances to get the commodity, the quality of which is often suspect. With about 60 per cent of the landmass covered by water, it is sad that the country still grapples with severe water issues. It is even more worrying that Nigeria’s level of access to clean water is reportedly lower than those of other peer countries on the continent. Yet, potable water and improved sanitation services are robust measures for fighting poverty and diseases.

One of the most pressing sustainable development goals reiterates that safe water and clean sanitation should be available for all by 2030. There is nothing on ground to suggest that Nigeria will meet that deadline

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

In September 2018, there was an outbreak of multiple earth tremors in some parts of Abuja which jolted the city and caused many residents to agonise in despair. For three days, the rumbling of the tremor sparked fears in the communities of Mpape, Katampe District, part of Maitama and some rural communities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Findings of the presidential assessment committee set up by the federal government were revealing of the dangers we face, especially from human activities. “There is the need to regulate the

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, 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

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TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

Only recently, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) bemoaned the fact that millions of Nigeria lack access to drinkable water. “In Nigeria alone, a staggering 113 million people suffer from painful hardship and crippling deprivation of water,” said CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi. Even the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has joined in the lamentation that access to clean water remains a luxury for too many Nigerians.

Even if we need time to fix some of the issues, do our political leaders also need more time to provide one of the most basic amenities to the people? Safe and sufficient water facilitates the practice of hygiene, which is a key to preventing diarrhoeal diseases as well as acute respiratory infections and many more. So, why this solemn indifference? When is the time enough? One of the most pressing sustainable development goals reiterates that safe water and clean sanitation should be available for all by 2030. There is nothing on ground to suggest that Nigeria will meet that deadline.

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.

CURBING THE MENACE OF DRUG TRAFFICKING

On April 16, 2024, NDLEA, in its routine drug supply reduction effort, destroyed a large volume of illicit drugs at its Lagos area office in Ibereko, along the Badagry Expressway. NDLEA, in a press statement, had declared that its operatives across different formations of the agency in Lagos and Ogun States, especially at the Lagos seaports, airports, and land border, seized the illicit drugs that were destroyed on that day.

The 304,436 kg and 40, 042 litres of illicit drugs, comprising cocaine, heroin, cannabis and tramadol, were seized in 2022.This simply means that the two states of Lagos and Ogun generated that quantity of drugs.

That ought to be a wake-up call to the public and the government on the need to act fast, decisively and effectively to curb the menace of drug trafficking in the country. For discerning minds, the development called for sober reflection. This is even more worrisome because the quantity of drugs seized in Nigeria by NDLEA in the past three years far outweighs the known seizures in other African

countries. Globally, there are rising concerns over the surge in the quantities of illicit drugs seized.

That is why there are even more concerted and coordinated efforts among anti-narcotics bodies across the world. In the case of NDLEA, the agency, in the past three years, seems to have found its mojo, and has been up and doing, as evidenced by its successful interdictions.

However, the growing volume of seizures by NDLEA triggers concern about public safety and potential effects of illicit drugs on communities, such as addiction rates, increased violence and criminalities.

The Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd) while speaking during the burning of the illicit drugs in Badagry, also expressed concern that the quantity of the drug haul speaks volumes about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld.

It is commendable that NDLEA is living up to its mandate by destroying all drug exhibits after successful prosecution.

This action will prevent the recycling of illicit substances back into the street.

Those who understand the dynamics of the illicit drug problem will know that the volume of drugs seized by NDLEA calls for a societal action to combat trafficking in illicit substances. NDLEA needs to do more; it needs to be more proactive.

The federal government needs to support the agency with more funding to squarely tackle this drug problem. The general public needs to collaborate with NDLEA. And of course, the court of law needs to get tough with drug trafficking cases.

The country and its people will benefit immensely if all concerned continue to do their best towards tackling trafficking in illicit substances.

Tosin Damola, Lokoja, Kogi State

LAWYER

PReSIdeNT BOLa aHMed TINUBU,

LAWYER

Pass that Bill to Increase Judicial Salaries Now!

Quotable

‘We have been treated to an unpalatable cocktail of misleading and conflicting judgements, as well as frivolous interlocutory orders….Punitive measures must be taken, against such erring Judges….They will not only be shown the way out, but will equally be made to face the consequences of their actions.' - Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, Chief Justice of Nigeria

columnist

OLAWALE FAPOHUNDA, SAN

Olawale Fapohunda, SAN is the Immediate Past AttorneyGeneral of Ekiti State. A frequent contributor to Thisday Lawyer since its inception, he has written severally on the limitations of the administration of justice system in Nigeria, and the need for urgent reforms. He has played a leading role in several governmental and non-governmental initiatives, aimed at enebling legal, policy and administrative interventions, for managing the justice system and the institutions, that deliver justice. SERIOUS MATTERS airms to contribute to national discussions on law reform, institutional strengthening, and good governance across the three arms of government.

Kano Emirate: The Law, Its Uses and Abuses

Iconsider it necessary to start by stating for the record that I am not acquainted with HH, Muhammad Sanusi II or HH, Aminu Ado Bayero; nor do I know the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje or his successor, Governor Abba Yusuf.

Welcome Back, HH, Muhammad Sanusi II Sannu da dawowa (Greetings on your return), HH, Muhammad Sanusi II, 14th & 16th Emir of Kano. What are the consequences of the newly enacted Kano State Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024 (KRL)’s repeal of the Kano State Emirates Council Law 2019 (amended in 2020 & 2023) (KECL), under which Emir Sanusi was dethroned, apart from the fact that the five Emirates that were established by virtue of Section 3(1) of the KECL, that is, Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya and Karaye, have been abolished? Section 3 of the KRL additionally set aside all appointments made under the KECL. Indeed, the KRL is a retrospective law, one that influences past actions that took place before it was enacted, as it inter alia takes away some vested rights acquired under the previous KECL. Retrospective laws (aka Ex post facto laws) are allowed under Nigerian law, and are only prohibited when it comes to criminal offences. See Section 4(9) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution). The KRL abolished the Emirate Councils created under the KECL, and removed five Emirs appointed by it. See the case of Ayakndue & Anor v Augustine (2022) LPELR-58926(SC). Also see the case of Adesanoye & Ors v Adewole & Anor (2000) LPELR-142(SC).

Definition of ‘Set Aside’

According to Black’s Law Dictionary to ‘set aside’ means to “cancel, annul or revoke ….”. To cancel or revoke simply means that the appointments of the 15th Emir of Kano, HH Aminu Ado Bayero and that of the four other Emirs were withdrawn, and no longer have legal effect. I’m not sure that the term annul is appropriate in this circumstance, since annulment is a process usually used to dissolve an invalid marriage and to declare that such marriage never took place. The grounds for the annulment of a marriage, for instance include misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact, like the fact that one spouse was already married to someone else and not divorced before contracting the marriage sought to be annulled (bigamy), or impotence of the husband, or incest. In the case of the KECL under which Emir Sanusi was removed and replaced by Emir Bayero and the four other Emirs, it was a law validly enacted (even though somewhat malicious) by the Kano State House of Assembly (KSHA) by virtue of the powers granted State Houses of Assembly to make laws in Section 4(6) & (7) of the Constitution. Consequently, the appointments of Emir Bayero and the four other Emirs appears to have been valid, thereby, making HH, Aminu Ado Bayero the 15th Emir of Kano, albeit a smaller version of the Kano Emirate that existed before him. Emir Sanusi is therefore, the 14th and 16th Emir of Kano, holding the office immediately before and immediately after Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano and the Emirs of the four other Emirates put together.

17/3/20: A Governor as Bully

I remember my piece of 17/3/2020 titled “A Governor as Bully”, written immediately after Emir Sanusi was removed. I condemned his dethronement and unconstitutional banishment from Kano, by Governor Ganduje. I concluded that Governor Ganduje had contravened several provisions of Chapter IV of the Constitution and breached Emir Sanusi’s rights including Section 34(1)(a) (right to dignity of a human person); 35(1) (right to personal liberty); 36(1)(right to fair hearing); 38(1)(right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion); 39(1)(freedom of expression), 40(freedom of association); 41 (freedom of movement), and 42(1)(a)(right to freedom from discrimination). See the case of Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Kebbi State v Alhaji Al-Mustapha Jokolo & Ors 2013 LPELR – 22349 (CA). I had questioned Section 13(b) of the KECL, the provision that was used to oust Emir Sanusi, which provided for misconduct that could warrant removal thus: “Where the Emir consciously and intentionally fails to attend meetings of the Council for 3 consecutive times without a valid and reasonable excuse”, and denounced it as being a tool orchestrated to trivialise one of our most ancient traditional institutions, whose origin dates back to the year 999. I had also stated that Emir Sanusi’s removal appeared not to have followed due

onikepo braithwaite

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

“Even a ‘Baby Lawyer’ would be aware of the fact that the FHC lacks the jurisdiction to adjudicate on this matter….it is trite law that a court cannot grant an injunction restraining a completed act….I hope the LPDC and NJC will mete out the appropriate punishment, to Counsel and the Judge that are involved in this abuse of court process”

process, which required an inquiry (investigation) and consultation with the Kano State Council of Chiefs, as a condition precedent to removal. Aside from the fact there was no evidence to show that this process was followed, or that Emir Sanusi was given the opportunity to respond to any allegations levelled against him if there was indeed an investigation, his removal appeared to be the unilateral action of Governor Ganduje, hence, my reference to him as a Bully in my aforementioned piece of 2020.

I don’t think Emir Sanusi bothered to go to court to fight against his removal, but, he could have applied to the Kano State High Court which is the proper venue for this Kano Emirate matter and not the Federal High Court (FHC), for a judicial review of Governor Ganduje’s action of removing him without following due process.

The Case at the Federal High Court: Matters Arising However, last week, following the repeal of the KECL and passing of the KRL, one Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba Dan Agundi went to the FHC to pray the court to, inter alia, restrain the implementation of the KRL and stop the Kano State Government (KSG) from reinstating Emir Sanusi who was not just reinstated, but reappointed. This move is wrong on several levels, and I hope the LPDC (Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee) and the NJC (National Judicial Council) will mete out

in respect of the relevant subject-matter” I submit that that the absence of jurisdiction of the FHC in the Kano State Emirate matter, nullifies whatever interim orders Liman J. purported to issue therein. It is surprising that even though Liman J. acknowledged the fact that there were questions of jurisdiction, he went ahead to grant an interim order without first determining the issue of jurisdiction.

Secondly, it is trite law that a court cannot grant an injuction restraining a completed act. The KRL has been passed, the Emirates created under the KECL abolished, and the appointments made thereunder, set aside. Emir Sanusi has also been reappointed. Those acts have been completed. It’s like getting an injunction to stop me from going to London, when I have already arrived in London! In AR Security Solution Ltd v EFCC (2018) LPELR-43828(SC) per Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs, JSC the Apex Court held inter alia that an order for injunction is not a remedy for an act which has already been carried out.

the appropriate punishment to Counsel and the Judge that are involved in this abuse of court process. For one, see Section 15 of the Rules of Professional Conduct of Legal Practitioners 2023 (RPC) & Sections 12 & 13 of the Legal Practitioners Act 2004 (LPA). At a workshop last week, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, stated that the NJC would discipline erring judicial officers engaged in activities that are unbecoming of them.

Even a ‘Baby Lawyer’ would be aware of the fact that the FHC lacks the jurisdiction to adjudicate on this matter, let alone the Counsel that wrongly filed the matter at the FHC and the trial Judge that purported to hear it; and, it is obvious that this is yet another clear case of forum shopping, an abuse of court process. See the case of Ogboru v Uduaghan 2013 13 N.W.L.R. Part 1370 Page 33 at 53 per Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, JSC on the definition of abuse of court process.

Firstly, Section 251(1) of the Constitution sets out the exclusive jurisdiction of the FHC, and it is quite obvious that a State Traditional Chieftaincy matter does not fall within the purview of the jurisdiction of the FHC, but of the State High Court. In Ojikutu & Ors v Kuti & Ors (2021) LPELR-56231(SC) per Samuel Chukwudumebi Oseji, JSC, the Supreme Court held that “The existence or absence of jurisdiction in the court goes to the root of the matter, and sustains or nullifies the decision of the court

Thirdly, the subject-matter of the case is a Kano State Law and Emirship dispute, and not fundamental rights, and the attempt to disguise this fact in how some of the prayers were couched, in order to confer jurisdiction on a court that lacks same, doesn’t change this fact. See the case of Barnax Engr Co. Ltd v Government of Rivers State & Anor (2024) LPELR-61799(SC) per Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC, where the Apex Court held inter alia that “The law is firmly established that a court cannot, either by mistake or misunderstanding confer itself with statutory jurisdiction where it does not exist in a case, and that parties too, cannot by agreement, acquiescence, waiver or condonation vest a court with such jurisdiction where it is absent”. Flowing from this, it is apparent that Counsel also cannot confer a court with jurisdiction, by manipulating prayers to fit into the purview of a jurisdiction of a court. It is trite law that, it is the Constitution and statute that confer jurisdiction.

Questions

Assuming without conceding that the FHC has jurisdiction to hear this matter (it does not), the allegation that Liman J. was outside Nigeria when he granted the interim order, also raises questions. How was he able to hear the ex-parte motion, if it is true that he was absent from the court and Nigeria? If indeed, Liman J. was out of the country, did he take his robes along with him on the trip, as the Practice Directions mandates that the Judge and Counsel must be properly robed during any court hearing? The Federal High Court is located throughout Nigeria; is the court properly constituted with the Judge sitting outside Nigeria, even if it may be virtual? A perusal of the FHC Practice Directions provides for virtual hearing by means of platforms like Zoom and Skype, but the Court Registrar must be liaised with and such motion must be put on the cause list and posted on the FHC website. How did a matter that was filed and purportedly heard on the same day, go through this process before the ex-parte motion was moved?

Conclusion

The Kano State Emirate issue confirms the fact that Governors have now become Emperors who are firmly in control of their State Legislatures and sometimes their State Judiciaries, because they provide the funds for Capital Expenditure in the State High Courts. So, it depends on the type of Governor a State has. If he is a despotic, vindictive, unreasonable and incompetent person, then the State will suffer from his useless decisions. If he is good, then, we will see positive outcomes. Either way, a Governor appears not to be accountable to anyone. Nevertheless, some have argued that unlawful or not, invalid or not, null and void for lack of jurisdiction or not, the interim order issued by Liman J. must be obeyed until it is set aside. If this is so, then it goes without saying, that judicial officers must be stopped from granting reckless orders, especially when they do not have the jurisdiction to hear a matter. The only way to stop such erring judicial officers, is to lay down very clear guidelines that must be followed in this regard, and impose heavy sanctions on those who breach them. It also goes without saying, that what the law envisages when it says that court orders must be obeyed, is that those orders are made judiciously and judicially with every sense of responsibility, and not that they are perverse, and handed down as a result of judicial rascality. My dear colleagues, kindly share your views on this.

Quantum of Damages to Employee for Wrongful Termination of Employment

Facts

The Respondents were employees of the former Benue Cement Company Plc. taken over by the present Appellant, who were suspended indefinitely for investigation to be carried out on allegations of fraud and theft in the company’s commercial/marketing department. The Respondents protested the indefinite suspension, and on finding that the company would not budge, the Respondents filed an action (against the company) at the High Court, while seeking injunctive reliefs restraining the company from doing any act adverse to the Respondents during the pendency of the action.

Meanwhile, there was a development post the filing of the action. The company (that is, Benue Cement Company Plc.) had been taken over by the Appellant which became responsible for the termination of the employment of the Respondents (alongside other employees). This led to the Respondents amending their claim before the trial court to include reinstatement and payment of entitlements from the date of the indefinite suspension and termination of employment, on the basis of breach of their contract of employment. At the close of trial, the trial Judge found that the indefinite suspension and termination of the Respondents’ employment was unlawful, and the company was ordered to pay all entitlements from the date of the suspension, termination and disengagement.

Aggrieved by the decision of the trial court, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal however, dismissed the Appellant’s appeal and held that the Appellant is to pay the salaries of the Respondents from the date of suspension to the date of the judgement. All their entitlements, that is, salaries and allowances were to be paid to them in full up till the date of the judgement.

Further aggrieved, the Appellant filed its Notice of Appeal to the Supreme Court containing two grounds of appeal.

Issues for Determination

The Appellant raised three issues for determination to wit:

(i) Whether the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal were not in error when they affirmed the trial court’s holding that the indefinite suspension of the Respondents amounted to a breach of the terms of service contained in Exhibit 1.

(ii) Whether the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal were not in error when they affirmed the trial court’s declaration of Exhibits 17 and 42 (letters of termination issued to the Respondents) as being unlawful, null and void.

(iii) Whether the learned justices of the Court of Appeal were not in error when they affirmed the undetermined entitlements awarded by the trial court, and suo moto extended the damages awarded to cover the period from dates of the Respondents’ suspensions in 2003 to the date of its judgement (9th December, 2009).

The Respondents were represented by distinct legal practitioners who filed separate (although largely similar arguments) brief of arguments, bordering on the Appellant’s second and third issues for determination.

Arguments

Counsel for the Appellant argued on the first issue that on the authority of LONGE v F.B.N. PLC. (2006) 3 NWLR (Pt. 967) 228 at 265, the lower courts erred in law in holding that the suspension of the Respondents amounted to a breach of the terms of service (“Exhibit 1”). It was Counsel’s submission that since the Respondents’ suspension was for the purpose of investigation, Exhibit 1 does not apply, especially as the Exhibit only applies where the suspension is imposed as a disciplinary measure against an employee who has been found guilty of some wrong doing. The emphatic argument of Counsel in this regard was that paragraph 19.01 of Exhibit 1 which stipulates a seven day limit in terms of suspension (without pay), did not arise.

“The

Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja On Friday, the 8th day of March, 2024

Before their lordships

Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-ekun Mohammed Lawal Garba Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju adamu Jauro Tijjani abubakar Justices, Supreme Court SC. 70/2010 SC. 52/2012 Between dangote Cement Plc. appellant And 1. Peter asom ager Respondents 2. Gazbriel Samali

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC)

In reaction to the first issue, Counsel representing the 1st and 2nd Respondent respectively, submitted that the indefinite suspension without cause or offence, constituted a breach of Exhibit 1, having exceeded seven days. It was canvassed that in employment/labour matters, the terms and conditions signed by both the employer and employees form the formal agreement/contract that govern and regulate the relationship between the parties. As such, any of the parties who breaches or acts in violation of terms and conditions of the terms of service, will be liable in breach of the contract - OKONKWO v CO-OP. & COMM. BANK NIG. PLC. (2006) FWLR (Pt. 154) 457(SC).

Regarding the second issue, Counsel for the Appellant argued that the termination letters (that is, Exhibits 17 and 42) were not in contravention of the interlocutory

remedy opened to the employee in cases of wrongful termination of employment by his employer, and recognised by the law, is the claim for damages, and the law is now firmly established that the quantum of damages a Claimant would be entitled to, is the sum or amount of money to be in lieu of the requisite notice for the proper termination of the employment”

L.G. v ADEDEJI BALOGUN & CO. LTD. (1991) 1 NWLR (PT. 166) 136(SC). In consequence, the pronouncement by the lower courts that the indefinite suspension amounted to a violation of Exhibit 1, remain extant and binding on the Appellant.

Deciding issues two and three, the Supreme Court held that the Appellant as the employer has the requisite power and authority to lawfully terminate the employment of the Respondents without any stated reason/s; whether disciplinary or otherwise, so long as the requisite notice or payment in lieu thereof, was given or made. Termination of employment can only be said to be wrongful, when it was done in breach or violation of, or in a manner not contemplated by the agreed terms and conditions set out either in the contract of the employment entered into by the parties, or contrary to or the relevant statutory provisions governing the employment with statutory flavour - GBEDU v LTIE (2020) 3 NWLR (PT. 1710) 104 (SC). The courts below found that by Exhibit 17 and 24, the Appellant did not pay any money in lieu of notice as stipulated by paragraph 19.02 of Exhibit 1. As per paragraph 19.02, the Appellant reserves the right to terminate any of its employees without giving any reason; however, the Appellant must pay 1 month or 2 weeks salary, depending on the category of the employee, in lieu of notice. In the case of the Respondents, the Appellant terminated their appointment by letters dated 16th December. 2003 Exhibits 17 and 42 to take effect retrospectively from 1st October, 2003. It was further to the foregoing, that the Court of Appeal held that the Respondents are entitled to payment from the date of their suspension to delivery of the judgement.

The Supreme Court disagreed with the decision of the court below that the termination was null and void, on the ground only that notice or payment in lieu was not given by the Appellant as stipulated in paragraph 19.02. The court held that failure to give the requisite prior notice or pay in lieu of such notice before the termination of employment in line with the conditions of service of the employment only renders the termination wrongful, but not null and void or invalid, since the termination was done in the exercise of an acknowledged power and authority of the employer to do so at any time in the course of the employment, without giving any reason at all.

injunction granted by the trial court. The reasoning was that the termination was done by the acquiring company after a successful take over (and not the target company). Counsel also argued that failure of the Respondents to plead the issue of “lack or insufficiency of notice of termination in Exhibits 17 and 42” or seek same in their relief, should impact the judgement of the lower court. Responding to this issue, Counsel for the Respondents submitted that parties are bound by their contract, and that disobedience of order of injunction by the Appellant, amounted to contempt of court which should not be condoned.

GARBA v F.C.S.C. (1988) 1 NWLR (Pt. 71) 449 at 472.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

On the first issue in the appeal, applying the principle that statutes be given their plain and ordinary meaning, the Supreme Court agreed with the lower courts that the indefinite suspension of the Respondents and for a period exceeding seven days, breached the provisions of Exhibit 1, which regulates the contract between parties. However, the court regarded the issue as spent, because the Appellant did not appeal against the finding at the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court therefore, held that the law does not permit or allow the Appellant to raise grounds of appeal and canvass arguments, as it lacks jurisdiction to directly entertain an appeal against any finding or decision by the trial court which was accepted by the Appellant, and in respect of which no appeal was lodged - See IJEBU-ODE

The law, for many years now, has been that in employment that does not enjoy the benefit of statutory favour, but of the nature of pure master and servant relationship, an employee cannot be imposed on an unwilling employer who rightfully exercises the power and authority to end the employment relationship, even if wrongfully done - OBANYE v UBA PLC (2018) 17 NWLR (PT. 1648) 375 (SC). The remedy opened to the employee in cases of wrongful termination of employment by his employer, and recognised by the law, is the claim for damages, and the law is now firmly established that the quantum of damages a Claimant would be entitled to, is the sum or amount of money to be in lieu of the requisite notice for the proper termination of the employment. Consequently, the Supreme Court ordered that salaries and allowances of the Respondents be paid from the date(s) of indefinite suspension to the dates of the wrongful termination of the Respondents’ employment. It was likewise ordered that the Respondents be paid salaries and allowances they would have earned, had their employment been properly terminated by giving of requisite notice period embedded in Exhibit 1.

Their Lordships, therefore, unanimously upheld the appeal in part in respect of the order of the court below for payment of salaries and allowances of the Respondents from the date of the suspension to the date of judgement – which order the Apex Court set aside.

Appeal Succeeds in Part.

Representation

T.O. Ezeobi Jnr., for the Appellant.

B.I. Wayo with Ms N. Nyikwagh for the 1st Respondent.

A. Labi-Lawal for the 2nd Respondent. Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)An Affiliate of Babalakin & Co.

serious matters

Misconceiving Judicial Remuneration Review

The Judiciary Can Do No Right

'Olawale you are such a disappointment! 800%! What have those Judges done to deserve such an increase?’ Those were the words of a very senior brother silk, when I met him at an event last week. ‘If the salaries are that bad, why are hundreds applying for the job or better still, why don’t they resign enmasse?’. Nigerians will not accept any such increase, especially after the Peter Obi Judgement’. A stream of expletives followed, including words unbecoming of a legal practitioner. He was visibly agitated. He was sweating profusely, even with the air-conditioning. The shouting and the aggressive manner in which he kept pointing his fingers at me, unsettled me. It was one of those days, that I was thankful for my height. All the same, I thought it was best for me to keep quiet, keep a respectful distance at least, beyond the reach of a possible slap. When at the end of his diatribe, he asked me if I had anything to say, I meekly thanked him for his words, and literarily took to my heels. How could I have told him that the premise for his anger was factually and even commonsensically flawed? His thought process devoid of the attributes of a legal practitioner, and a silk, for that matter. Or that I actually agreed with the Tribunal and Supreme Court decisions in Peter Obi’s matter, even if I am very aware that following those decisions, the Judiciary can do no right in the eyes of some of our very loud colleagues. I resisted the temptation to tell him that election cycles come and go, but the legal profession will remain forever. That, in all the hullabaloo surrounding election petitions, we owe it a duty to the justice system not to lose our heads, at least for the sake of the legal profession. I am almost certain that saying any of these would have earned me a slap, or worse still, a punch. Since I shared this experience with my friends, I have been the butt of their cruel jokes. I guess the image of my 6 ft plus frame being told off by a person of restricted growth, could evoke laughter. I have no regrets. I have not stopped congratulating myself for speaking with my legs, especially in recognition of the reality that I am now too old to grow any type of teeth.

Between Remuneration & Prestige, Honour et al

It is simply not true that 800% upward review of judicial salaries was proposed, either by the Executive or the Judiciary itself. The confusion may have been occasioned by one online Lawyers news outlet, that has made misinformation and sensationalism its trade mark. Regrettably, several of our colleagues did not bother fact check the story, before declaring war on several Whatsapp platforms. The proposed review is a 300% increase in basic salaries. Secondly, the argument about the number of applicants for the Bench in the face of the poor remuneration, erroneously suggests that remuneration is the primary motivating factor for persons seeking appointments

to the Bench. A judicial position is in and of itself an attractive career move, regardless of the remuneration package. It is of course most likely the case that applicants are attracted to the position for prestige, honour, a commitment to public service, or for multiple other reasons unrelated to remuneration. It would not be too far-fetched to imagine that for some applicants who have nonetheless applied for the position over the years, especially those from private practice, the judicial remuneration package is probably a pay cut compared to their previous earnings.

Fair Remuneration as a Human Right

It is bewildering that the anti-upward review advocates, find nothing slightly unsettling with the fact that judicial officers in Nigeria have been on the same salary structure for 17 years. The suggestion that Nigerians will not accept such upward review, is by itself ridiculous and mean. I am not sure how Nigerians were polled by proponents of this argument. In any case, governance is not a popularity contest. Nigerians should be told that, there is now a compelling need to increase judicial salaries. That it must be set at a comparatively high public-service level, in order to remove both the temptation to corruption and public contemplation of the possibility of such temptation. It is also amusing that some of our colleagues are too angry to realise that, the evaluation of judicial remuneration should proceed primarily from the basis that fair remuneration is first and foremost a basic human right. Judicial officers deserve to have their rights and job security, respected.

Complaints Against Our Judicial

“In my view, the most important limitation of the Bill is the dependence on the President of the Federation and RMAFC, for future reviews of judicial salaries and allowance. It would seem that the mischief of judicial dependency on the executive, has come to stay. This is a major stumbling block, towards achieving judicial independence”

System

The assumption that those of us in the forefront of the advocacy for the review of judicial remuneration are solely concerned about salary increase to the exclusion of everything else, is a false one. Nothing could be further from the truth. Speaking for myself, I am certainly not satisfied with the state of our judicial system. Like any other practitioner, I worry about the glaring deficiencies in the system, and the implications for our justice system. My list of complaints, is long. To mention a few, I am concerned about the limited use of technology in our courts. I am unable to see why we are yet to make progress with virtual proceedings, especially for non-contentious matters or for even for the purpose of adopting briefs. I worry about case management system, in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. More in the Supreme Court. The inability of the Judiciary to take control of the flow of cases to the Supreme Court, baffles me. The uncertainty and prolonged hearing dates even for life and limb matters, is a major source of concern. I worry about discipline on the Bench, the impunity of conflicting judgements and its effects on the image of the judicial system. I am increasingly alarmed at the quality of persons appointed to the Bench, and the emerging perception that merit is no longer a requirement. In all, I fear that we are too conservative to realise that if we do not take our judicial system on a different direction, one which enables citizens’ confidence, we may yet self-destruct.

I agree that our judicial system needs change, change in a way that has never been seen in the history of Nigeria. A radical shift from where we are, to where we all know we should be. I am however, certain that this change will not happen by insulting the Judiciary and calling out judicial officers on social media platforms, more often than not with unsubstantiated allegations. It is very easy to write abusive Whatsapp and X messages, or grant social media interviews. The difficult part is rolling up our sleeves, which thankfully an increasing number of us are now doing, and getting down to the thankless job of judicial reform advocacy.

The Judicial Office Holders (Salaries & Allowances, etc) Bill, 2024

The Bill before the National Assembly, is the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries

and Allowances, etc) Bill, 2024. The Bill is a product of a consultative and inclusive process led by the Honourable AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, but, included the National Judicial Council, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Aside from the said upward review of the basic salaries of judicial officers across board, the Bill provides for a number of novel allowances that recognise the unique situation of judicial officers. Restrictive Lifestyle Allowance, Dual Responsibility Allowance for heads of courts, Professional Development Allowance, are some of the newly introduced benefits. While the Bill is an important leap forward from the current situation of judicial officers, it suffers from certain limitations which should hopefully be addressed in the course of parliamentary scrutiny. The most obvious, is the lack of distinction between newly appointed and serving judicial officers. A newly appointed Judge earns the same salary, as one that has spent a decade or more on the Bench. The second notable issue is the lack of certainty, with respect to retired judicial officers. By the strict reading of the Bill, they are not beneficiaries of the review. In my view, the most important limitation of the Bill is the dependence on the President of the Federation and RMAFC, for future reviews of judicial salaries and allowance. It would seem that the mischief of judicial dependency on the executive, has come to stay. This is a major stumbling block, towards achieving judicial independence. Yakubu Maikyau SAN the NBA President, put the issue succinctly when he said in his statement to the Senate Public Hearing that ‘our respectful position is that the review of judicial remuneration, should not be left to the untrammelled discretion of the very arm of government on which they should not be dependent.’ The NBA Advocacy Briefing Note on Judicial Remuneration proposes a Judicial Office Holders Entitlements Panel to replace the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission as it relates to the review of Judicial remuneration, as the need arises.

Final Word

It is now left for the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu to do the needful, and ensure prompt enactment of the legislation. 17 years is by any reasoning, too long a period for any worker, not in the least judicial officers, to be subjected to a wage freeze. It is time to turn that page and focus on other pressing issues within the judicial system, like judicial accountability.

Olawale Fap O hunda, San

SMS Only

Pass that Bill to Increase Judicial Salaries Now!

They are often seen and not heard, but, stoically Nigerian judicial officers toil laboriously day and night adjudicating, writing and delivering judgements, ensuring that the wheels of justice grind as smoothly as possible. But, how many are aware that their salaries and conditions of service are miserably and unimaginably poor? That for 17 years, their salaries and allowances have remained the same, despite the soaring inflation. For ethical reasons, they cannot speak for themselves, neither can they protest. Having been on one salary for almost two decades, the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries & Allowances, etc) Bill, 2024 to remedy this anomaly is in the offing. a Senate Public Hearing was held last Monday, May 20, 2024, and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN and the Chief Judge of Borno State, Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, all made their remarks at the Hearing, supporting the upward review their Lordships’ salaries and welfare packages

The Bill: A Bold Step

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio

This Bill represents a bold step towards ensuring that our judicial officers are adequately compensated and recognised, for their invaluable service to our great nation. Our objective is clear: to forge a salary and benefits structure, that not only meets the basic needs of our judicial officers, but also provides the incentives and support necessary for

the maintenance of a robust and independent Judiciary. It is on record that for the past 10 years, nothing was done to increase the salaries and allowances of our judicial officers, despite the galloping inflation and the unconducive

environment they operate daily to adjudicate and mete out justice to those deserving it.

“On 20th October, 2023, the President granted an unprecedented approval of a 300% increment in the remuneration of judicial officers. Consequently, the President directed RMAFC to review its previous May 2023 recommendation to reflect the NJC proposal”

Let us extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, and this administration for enhancing the welfare of our judicial officers. This initiative is a testament to his commitment to not only strengthen the Judiciary, but also ensuring that justice in Nigeria is served by a wellsupported, independent, and efficient Judiciary. The foresight to increase the salaries and allowances of our judicial officers, illustrates a profound understanding of the foundational role that the Judiciary plays in upholding democracy and maintaining law and order in our society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I wish to reiterate the importance of this hearing. It is not merely an administrative review; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to upholding the independence of the Judiciary, and, by extension, the upholding of democracy and rule of law in our beloved nation. The insights gained today from

major stakeholders will be invaluable in guiding our decisions, ensuring that our judicial system is not only preserved but strengthened. Together, let us set a precedent that will resonate with the values of justice, fairness, and integrity, that we all hold dear.

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, Senate President, 10th National Assembly, Federal Republic of Nigeria

An Innovative Reform Law in the Making Lateef Fagbemi, SAN

Let me commence my comments by commending the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and this Committee, for their continuing commitment to advancing the administration of justice and promoting the welfare of the Judiciary.

Pass that Bill to Increase Judicial Salaries Now!

Background Distinguished Senators, may I kindly note that the efforts to improve the remuneration of our judicial officers has a chequered history. These efforts commenced with the previous administration, with the setting up of a Committee on the Review of Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service (“HAGF Committee”) by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in 2018.

It would be recalled that the HAGF Committee’s mandate was meant to serve as a special Presidential intervention, designed to improve the working conditions of judicial officers and institutionalise a specialised system that would reasonably guarantee the welfare of our judicial officers. However, the recommendations of the Committee were not actioned.

In the Committee’s Report, it was noted that between May 1999 and March 2011, the Federal Government reviewed the salaries and allowances of Public Servants and Political office holders on four occasions, specifically in 2000, 2005, 2007 and 2011. New regimes of national minimum wage were also put in place, within the same period.

However, the salaries of judicial officers were only reviewed twice during the same period.

The HAGF Committee’s Report contained provision for the enactment of the Judicial Office Holders Entitlement Bill, which will consolidate all statutory provisions and regulations regarding judicial salaries and allowances into a single legislation.

The issue of increment was revisited in late 2022, with the President granting approval on 27th October, 2022 to all the recommendations of HAGF Committee, with a further directive for the HAGF and Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to initiate steps to actualise the proposed increment. This led to a meeting in that regard held on 1st December, 2022 between the Federal Ministry of Justice and RMAFC. Key stakeholders in the justice sector including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Heads of Courts, Nigerian Bar Association, Body of Benchers, etc submitted memoranda which were considered by RMAFC to improve upon the previous recommendation of HAGF Committee, in order to reflect current trends and new allowances.

Consequently, the Chairman, RMAFC on 9th May, 2023 forwarded the report of reviewed Remuneration Packages for Political, Public, and Judicial Office Holders, to the Ministry for further action. The report proposed a 114% increment, in the remuneration of the Judiciary. It is noted that the review exercise cut across the Three Arms of Government, as well as recommendations for the States and Local Governments. A letter dated 25th May, 2023 seeking Presidential approval for the implementation of the recommendations of the RMAFC Report was forwarded to the President. However, this process was not completed before the end of the previous administration.

Sometime in July 2023 the National Judicial Council (NJC) forwarded a Proposed Review of Consolidated Salaries and Allowances for Judicial Officers, for

consideration by the President. The NJC Proposal was a revision of the remuneration package earlier proposed by RMAFC, which was not consummated before the end of the previous administration. The instant NJC proposal for a 300% increase was informed by: prevailing economic realities of increasing headline and core inflationary trends, putting in place an enabling working environment that engenders professional development and efficiency for judicial officers.

Based on the foregoing and the expressed concerns of His Excellency, the President, over matters of improving welfare and standards in the Judiciary, promoting capacity, independence and confidence in the Nigerian Judiciary; I recommended the NJC proposal for the President’s consideration on 19th October, 2023. On 20th October, 2023, the President granted an unprecedented approval of a 300% increment in the remuneration of judicial officers. Consequently, the President directed RMAFC to review its previous May 2023 recommendation to reflect the NJC proposal. This culminated in the present Executive Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly in furtherance of a cardinal part of the President’s Renewed Hope for a Better Nigeria, which is deepening Judicial Reforms to promote sustainable socio-economic growth.

I wish to remark that the JUDICIAL OFFICE HOLDERS (SALARIES AND ALLOWANCES, ETC.) BILL 2024 is quite innovative, aside the increment in the basic salary, it also took cognisance of certain peculiarities of the administrative structure and operation

“The Senate….should go a step further by creating a Judicial Office Holders Entitlements Panel which will take up the sole responsibility of determining the salaries, allowances and other benefits of judicial officers, as presently done by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)”

of the Judiciary. This Bill will birth an appropriate and commensurate remuneration, that will ensure judicial independence and integrity. The present-day but sad reality, is that the Judiciary has stagnated on the same salary scale for over 16 years, this is totally unacceptable and quite antithetical to any meaningful judicial reform. I strongly commend this Bill for your kind consideration, and do urge the Senate to support and ensure the passage of this Bill in national interest of promoting the rule of law. I thank you all sincerely, for the privilege to make this presentation.

May I seize this opportunity to inform your Excellency, the Senate President and Distinguished Senators here present, that our focus on judicial reform is not only about judicial remuneration. In consultation with the judiciary and other key stakeholders, we are also interested in ensuring a holistic review of our judicial system to respond to the justice needs of Nigeria. This is why I am taking immediate/urgent steps, to establish a Working Group on the review of the Constitution and other relevant laws. The Working Group will, among others, focus on the key provisions aimed at achieving the Judiciary that responds to evolving justice needs of Nigerians. At the appropriate time, and I promise very soon, we will come up with proposals for Constitutional and Statutory reforms of the Judiciary in particular, and the Administration of Justice System in general.

I thank you all once again for the indulgence, and I urge you to quickly pass the Bill.

Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, AttorneyGeneral of the Federation & Minister of Justice,

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Judicial Officers’ Outdated Remuneration and Welfare Package

Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno

The Nigerian Judiciary plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights and freedom of our citizens, and ensuring the proper administration of justice in our country.

However, the current remuneration and welfare package for judicial officers has not kept pace with the rising cost of living, and the increasing complexity of their responsibilities.

Judicial officers in Nigeria are tasked with making difficult and impactful decisions that have far-reaching consequences for individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. They must navigate complex legal frameworks, analyse voluminous evidence, and deliver fair and impartial rulings, all while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Their work is essential for maintaining social stability, promoting economic development and safeguarding the integrity of our Institutions.

In spite of this, the salaries and allowances of our judicial officers have remained stagnant for far too long, failing to adequately compensate for their crucial contributions to our society. This has led to concerns about the ability to attract and retain the best legal minds in the Judiciary, so we must ensure that they are paid remuneration commensurate with the gravity of their work and the high moral standards expected of them.

It is our responsibility to ensure that the Nigerian Judiciary is equipped with the resources and support it needs, to function effectively and efficiently. By increasing the salaries and allowances of Judicial officers, we will be demonstrating our commitment to strengthening the independence and integrity of the Judiciary, and sending a clear message that we value their vital role in our democratic system. This Bill, if passed, will not only improve the living standards of our Judicial Officers, but also enhance the overall quality of the Justice system, boost public confidence, and contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of our nation.

We must carefully consider the fiscal implications, benchmark against other Jurisdictions and ensure that any increases are sustainable and justified. But, ultimately, we have a moral and constitutional obligation to provide a fair

Pass that Bill to Increase Judicial Salaries Now!

compensation for those who uphold the law and protect the rights of our citizens. The time has come to demonstrate our commitment to a strong, independent and well-resourced Judiciary. Together, let us take this crucial step towards strengthening the foundation of our democracy, and deliverance of justice for all Nigerians.

Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters

Appropriate Judiciary Compensation is Necessary

Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN Service, Not Hardship

Nigeria has an excellent Judiciary. The motivation for many judicial officers is a sense of public service, a quest for justice and a commitment to Nigeria. Although it is a privilege to be appointed to serve, judicial officers must not be made to go through hardship in their quest to serve Nigeria. The NBA has, in its advocacy briefing notes on judicial reform, highlighted at least four reasons why appropriate judicial compensation continues to be necessary: These are: to strengthen judicial independence; attract highly qualified Lawyers; enhance the integrity of the Judiciary, and ensure that judges are not demoralised.

A Very Progressive Legislation With Limitations

In general terms, the proposed Bill seeks to consolidate legislative provisions relating to judicial salaries and entitlements, into a single piece of legislation. It supports judicial independence by creating a modern statutory framework for determining the salary, allowances, and conditions of service for judicial officers. It is by all standards, a very progressive legal framework. Without prejudice to the merits of the Bill, and fully aware of the need to achieve its expeditious enactment, we wish to respectfully suggest four proposals for the consideration of the Senate.

Proposals

The first proposal arises from our respectful position that, the review of judicial remuneration should not be left to the untrammelled discretion of the very arm of government on which they should not be dependent. The Senate, having taken the important step of considering the removal of the Judiciary from the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Officers Holders Act, should go a step further by creating a Judicial Office Holders Entitlements Panel which will take up the sole responsibility of determining the salaries, allowances and other benefits of judicial officers, as presently done by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation

and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The second proposal, relates to the plight of retired judicial officers. It is our submission that it would be unjust if retired judicial officers are unable to benefit from the upward review of judicial remuneration, especially having been victims of the inability of previous governments to make progress on the issue of fair and reasonable salaries for judicial officers. The literal interpretation of the Bill, read together with the relevant constitutional provisions, does not readily admit retired judicial officers as beneficiaries of the review.

The third proposal directly relates to the provisions of the Bill, which simply put, does not recognise seniority on the Bench. For example, a High Court Judge appointed in 2024 by the provisions of the proposed Bill will earn the same basic salary as his brother Judge appointed a decade before him. It may be necessary to review the provision of the long service allowance, to cure this anomaly.

The fourth proposal directly relates to the stated commitment of the Senate, to seek the best possible outcome for the Judiciary in the course of this remuneration review. We note that the 2024 Appropriation Act, prima facie, provides an improved remuneration package for judicial officers over and above that provided for in the schedule to the Bill under consideration. We propose that the Senate should consider substituting the Schedule provided in the Bill, with the one already provided for in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

Let’s Not Forget Judicial Workers and Magistrates

While talking about the welfare of

“ The exchange rate of the USD was N130.25. Therefore, as of 2007, when the salaries were fixed, for example, a Judge's monthly gross pay, before tax, N661,738.00 (divided by N130.25) equalled US $5,080.52. Today (divided by N1,500.51), it is $441.16.The gross salary fixed in 2007 was, in today's value, equal to N7,620,780.00. The Bill on the floor, now proposes the equivalent to be N3,671,472.82”

judicial officers, we are not oblivious of the fact that judicial officers cannot function outside of the complementary and very important role played by other court officials. The need to cater for their welfare in a unique way as done for judicial officers, is a necessity that must be addressed in order to attain the desired efficiency expected of the courts. The NBA, therefore, strongly advocates for the inclusion of deliberate provisions to address the needs of these Judiciary staff.

Also, those who are confronted with the challenges of administering justice at the lowest levels in our communities all over the country, but are yet to be considered or acknowledged as judicial officers, are our Magistrates. Though they perform judicial functions and bear the burden of dealing with mostly criminal cases at the grassroot levels in our communities, they are not reckoned as judicial officers under the Constitution. It is high time this August body did that, as it will boost their morale and bring them within the ambit of this exercise.

Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

The Dire State of Judicial Officers’ Remuneration

Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah

The state of judicial officers' remuneration is so dire, that it is approaching a national emergency that threatens security and the economy by undermining all positive efforts of government.

The salaries were last reviewed in the year 2007. It has been 17 years earning the same amount, despite the tumultuous depreciation in purchasing power.

Observations

1. The exchange rate of the USD was N130.25. Therefore, as of 2007, when the salaries were fixed, for example, a Judge's monthly gross pay, before tax, N661,738.00 (divided by N130.25)

equalled US $5,080.52. Today (divided by N1,500.51), it is $441.16.

The gross salary fixed in 2007 was, in today's value, equal to N7,620,780.00.

2. The Bill on the floor, now proposes the equivalent to be N3,671,472.82.

3. By the historic instrumentality of the 10th National Assembly and the noted and unequalled disposition of Mr President to enhance the administration of justice, the current Appropriation Law captures an anticipated equivalent of the above example at a gross monthly of N4,271,218.

The tables captured in the Appropriation Law are attached herewith, as our proposed replacement for the Schedule to the Bill on the floor.

4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we note with profound appreciation to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), that the Bill on the floor is structurally and conceptually a marked improvement that foretells a future of fair and just compensation for judicial work.

Great effort was manifestly made to move from generic public officer compensation principles, to include an acknowledgment of the peculiarities of the judicial office that impel compensation.

Prayers

It is evident from the foregoing, that even the Appropriated salary package is less than half the value of the salaries fixed in 2007. The one in the Bill on the floor is less still.

Judges across Nigeria endured 17 years of depreciation, and consequent deprivation.

Our prayers, therefore, are that:

1. The National Assembly pass the Bill with the herewith attached tables (reflecting the Appropriation Law), replacing the current Schedule for the Bill.

2. The National Assembly continue to extend its irreplaceable support to addressing some still subsisting issues on the subject, which we refrain from raising now, in order to allow for the expeditious grant of the above prayer, because Judge across the length and breadth of Nigeria are expectantly enduring the pain on a daily basis.

Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, OFR, Chief Judge, Borno State & Member, National Judicial Council (NJC)

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

How Has Nation’s Security Fared Under Tinubu?

Kingsley Nwezeh writes about extra measures put in place by the military and security agencies culminating in considerable decline in security skirmishes across the country since President Bola Tinubu assumed office about a year ago.

On his assumption of office on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu listed a secure nation as one of his priority areas.

Prior to his assumption of office, the country, under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari, had become a river of blood of the innocent with rampaging insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers and agitators running amok all over the country.

Thousands of citizens including the personnel of the Armed Forces were killed in the North-east, Benue, Plateau states while thousands were kidnapped across the country. Some paid the supreme price while others parted with huge sums of money as ransom paid to kidnappers.

On Tinubu’s assumption of office, Nigerians, were, therefore, full of expectations that the state of insecurity in the country will abate.

But the killings have continued in Plateau, Benue and other parts of the country with close to 500 citizens killed so far while hundreds of school children were kidnapped in Kaduna and Zamfara States even as armed bandits have continued to wreck havoc in the North-west.

It must be noted that the armed forces have battled non-state actors across the country even with record numbers paying the supreme price.

In a recent statement, President Tinubu said the security situation in the country has improved. He said though it may not have solved all the security problems confronting the country, government was working hard to ensure that Nigerians have peace of mind in their homes.

“Since our administration took over the mantle of office, security has improved. Silently, we have worked to free captives from abductors.

“While we can’t beat our chest yet that we had solved all the security problems, we are working hard to ensure that we all have peace of mind in our homes, places of work and on the roads,” he said.

But Plateau State remains a centre of killings by herdsmen causing indegenes to disagree with the president.

“It is disheartening to witness the continual cycle of devastation without meaningful intervention. The promises of protection seem hollow, and our plight grows more desperate each passing day”, laments Fatima Agwai, a resident of a besieged village in Plateau.

“The time for mere rhetoric has long passed. We require concrete action, tangible measures

that will stem the tide of violence and restore a semblance of peace to our lands,” asserts Umaru Yakubu, a community leader in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State.

But the Beacon Security Intel Nigeria, a security and intelligence gathering outfit that keeps a tab on violence in Nigeria in its “April, 2024 Nigeria Security Report” said the security environment in Nigeria remained challenged.

“In the review period, April 01- 30, 2024, the security environment in Nigeria remained challenged mainly due to the dire socio-economic circumstances occasioned by food inflation, and a cost of living crisis that continued to trigger social unrest and impact the structural deficiencies that predispose some residents to criminality while also impacting the operational uncertainties for private individuals, business organisations, and communities despite efforts by the government at the federal and subnational levels.

“Additionally, the period experienced prevailing, persistent, dynamic, and multifaceted security challenges affecting various regions of Nigeria

and resulted in varied typologies of security challenges.

The dashboard shows Nigeria’s monthly security incidents, abductions, and fatalities for the reporting period of April 01- 30, 2024, identifying periodic trends and impact analysis based on abductions and fatalities trends on a regional and State basis in the inset”, it said.

“Compared to the previous reporting month, March 2024, there was a significant decline of 63.63% in the number of abducted persons in April 2024, despite this decline, notable spikes were observed in Cross River, Delta, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, and Zamfara states tied to armed banditry in predominantly the North-west and Northcentral and criminality in the Southern regions”, it said.

Beacon Intel also stated that “the lethality of incidents and the resultant fatalities remained high, with a significant increase of 34.44% with notable spikes observed in Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Enugu, FCT, Kano, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara states tied to Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) activities predominantly in the Northern regions; security forces operations against threat actors in the North-east and North-west;

It must be noted that the armed forces have battled non-state actors across the country even with record numbers paying the supreme price. In a recent statement, President Tinubu said the security situation in the country has improved. He said though it may not have solved all the security problems confronting the country, government was working hard to ensure that Nigerians have peace of mind in their homes. Since our administration took over the mantle of office, security has improved. Silently, we have worked to free captives from abductors. While we can’t beat our chest yet that we had solved all the security problems, we are working hard to ensure that we all have peace of mind in our homes, places of work and on the roads.

and road transport accidents in North-central and South-west.

“Civilian casualty accounted for 49.50% of the total fatality count, especially in the North-west and North-central regions tied to domestic issues i.e., transport accidents.

“It should be noted that variances in monthly occurrences in the security landscape are common in Nigeria. In addition, the uncoordinated approaches to managing the various security threat elements, particularly in the northern regions, where poorly thought out measures or very little effort is put into addressing the root causes of the security challenges, continue to produce consequences that are in themselves triggers of insecurity”, it said.

On the density distribution of abductions, it noted that “in the comparative analysis between April 2024 and March 2024, we observe shifts in several critical metrics, indicating evolving trends within Nigeria’s security landscape.

In April 2024, there was a notable decline in violent occurrences, with 691 incidents recorded. This marks a 10.72% decrease compared to the 774 incidents documented in March 2024.

“April 2024 witnessed a significant 63.63% decrease in abductions between March 2024 and April 2024, with the numbers dropping from 855 to 311. This could be attributed to the government’s efforts to tackle insecurity, especially in the country’s Northern regions.

“April 2024 recorded a further surge in fatalities, with the number climbing to 1,097 from 816 in March 2024. This marks an alarming 34.44% increase, underscoring the urgent need for more robust measures to safeguard civilian lives and restore peace”, it said.

Beacon Intel further maintained that the complex interplay of terrorism, banditry, and ethnic militia activities continues to drive these concerning trends, underscoring the multifaceted nature of Nigeria’s security challenges.

“Despite ongoing security operations, the perpetrators often operate with impunity, exploiting existing grievances and socio-economic disparities to perpetrate violence and advance their agendas. “Addressing these root causes and implementing effective strategies remains imperative to mitigate the escalating security risks and protect the well-being of Nigeria’s populace”, it said.

Tinubu

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja

Air Marshal Abubakar

World Bank Disburses $250,000 Revolving Loan to Vulnerable Communities in Nasarawa

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

The World Bank, through Agro Climatic Resilience in SemiArid Landscape (ACReSAL), on Monday disbursed $250,000 revolving loan to 10 vulnerable communities in Doma and Toto Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.

The Task Team Leader, ACReSAL and Senior Environmental Specialist World Bank Nigeria Office, Dr. Joy Iganya-Agene, disclosed this during the first batch of the loan disbursement in Dona LGA.

The Task Team Leader of the ACReSAL disclosed that 620 beneficiaries, comprising 367 males and 253 females from the 10 communities of the two LGAs, were to benefit from the $250,000 Workd Bank loan.

According to her, ‘ five communities each from the benefiting LGAs were selected for the gesture’.

She explained that the World Bank was in Nasarawa state to implement one of its core value’s objectives by lifting people out of porverty level and restoring four million hectares of degraded land.

Iganya-Agene, added that the World Bank facilitated ACReSAL revolving loan was a support mission to 620 farmers in the state, adding that the disbursement of the funds if properly utilized for the purpose it was meant for, it would go a long way in assisting the beneficiaries communities to improve their lifevllyhood.

On his part, the National Coordinator of the ACReSAL

Project, Mr. Abdulhamid Umar, and his Nasarawa State counterpart, Dr. Napoleon Elias, noted that the federal government project which was funded by the World Bank to the tune of 5700 million was aimed at not only tackling environmental challenges in the 19 northern states and the FCT.

However, they maintained rhat it was to also address poor land use practice and adoption of best strategies towards ecological restoration.

In his welcome address, the Food and Agriculture Organization Representation in Nigeria, Mr. Dominque Koffy Kouacou, explained that FAO was currently working on 350,000 hecters of lands of the AcreSal project.

Imasuen Takes Over as Booz.ng Group CEO

Booze.ng Limited has announced the appointment of Bennet Imasuen as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective April 1, 2024. The decision made by the board of Directors in March 2024, leverages Imasuen’s extensive decade-long experience in logistics, administration management, and human relations within the Maritime and FMCG industries.

In a press statement, Imasuen expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, viewing it as an opportunity to drive Booze. ng’s growth further. He highlighted the company’s potential to revolutionize the beverage sales and distribution industry nationwide, building on the significant milestones it has achieved since its inception.

exclusive clientele, and Kratos, our vibrant nightlife spot.”

Booze.ng is renowned as a comprehensive physical and digital drinks platform dedicated to selling and distributing original beverages sourced directly from brands across the country. “We also offer bar services and specialize in sourcing limited edition drinks for our clients,” Imasuen stated. “Additionally, we have a private cigar lounge catering to our

Imasuen also highlighted the adoption of a new corporate structure aimed at benefiting staff, clients, and all brand stakeholders. “This new structure is designed to enhance our connection and engagement with our target audience,” he said.

Since its launch in December 2023, the Victoria Island-based Booze.ng has experienced a remarkable growth trajectory, establishing itself as a significant player in the beverage sales and distribution market both online and offline.

Big Bull Rice, the Complete Rice Experience

Amidst economic uncertainties, where budgets tighten and expenses are scrutinized, one truth remains evident: the necessity of food transcends all. As people adapt to the fluctuating tides of the economy, it becomes apparent that while many must cut back on other expenses, the purchase of food remains non-negotiable.

“People are reducing spending on many things, but not on food,” remarked one interviewee, capturing the sentiment echoed by many.

Another highlighted the shift towards quality alternatives for staple foods, emphasizing the importance of value over mere price.

These adaptive strategies reflect the resilience of Nigerians as they navigate turbulent economic waters.

Precious Nduka, an undergraduate at the University of Lagos, shared her experience:

“After numerous lectures in one day, I hastily grabbed a pack of Big Bull Gold N200 for a quick lunch. It’s the perfect choice for my student budget, offering the same essential nutrients I need to fuel my studies. On days when I crave more, the Big Bull Gold 750g pack is my go-to. Big Bull Gold with its high swelling, nonsticky, and stone-free grains, provides convenience without compromising quality.”

Big Bull Gold transcends socio-economic barriers, offering its range of SKUs to cater to diverse needs and budgets. Whether you’re a student, a homemaker, or a young professional, Big Bull Rice ensures that quality is never compromised, regardless of the pack size you choose.

Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya emphasizes, “Our commitment to quality remains unwavering

across all SKUs. Consumers can trust that they will receive the same values and nutritional benefits, regardless of the pack size they select. Our dedication to quality ensures that every household can rely on Big Bull Rice, even in the face of economic uncertainty.”

Executive Director, TGI Group, Deepanjan Roy, added that despite the rising costs of production and distribution, Big Bull Rice remains steadfast in its commitment to high-quality grains. According to him, “We recognize the pivotal role of rice as a dietary staple in Nigerian cuisine, that is why we offer a range of options to cater to varying needs. From the modest yet reliable Big Bull Gold pack priced at N200 to the substantial 10kg bags, Big Bull Rice ensures that every household can access quality rice at a price they can afford.”

Royal Launches State-oF-the-art Consumer Electronics

Royal Electronics has unveiled a groundbreaking set of products that have clearly redefined the possibilities of modern homes and offices.

In a statement, it noted that the exciting range of air-conditioners, refrigerators, in-built kitchen units, washing machines. The statement also noted that these latest-inconsumer electronics products were unveiled by the chairman of Channels Media Group, Mr. John Momoh, adding that other dignitaries at the event were the Chairman of

Sims Nigeria Limited (the official representatives of the brand in Nigeria), Chief Simeon Eyisi, The Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mr. Fab Uzor and other senior representatives of the company.

The Brand Manager, Royal Electronics, Mr. Pranab Srivastava used the occasion to showcase the unique selling points of each of the products as well as the brand in general.

“The Royal Penrose airconditioner was revealed as the first of its kind in Nigeria; with 20 years warranty on its

inverter compressor. On the other hand, the Royal side-by-side Refrigerator which has also been aptly branded ‘Peerless’,is a masterpiece of technology and design,” the statement noted.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Fab Uzor pointed out that with the introduction of these new products, Nigerians are set to be taken to a completely new dimension in consumer experience.

In his words, “We are fully committed to making the best products accessible to Nigerians and there is no looking back.”

L-R: Regional Operations Manager, Sundry Markets Limited John Lucky; Marketing Manager, Timothy Abati; Corporate social responsibility officer, Mercy Okoro and Corporate sales Manager, Cyprian Eneh during the recently concluded free medical outreach program in Arougba Health Center Benin Edo state…recently

Shareholders Throw Weight Behind Fidelity Bank’s Recapitalisation Plan

Kayode Tokede

Shareholders have expressed readiness to massively support and mobilise for the ongoing recapitalisation of Fidelity Bank Plc amid commendations for the impressive performance of the bank over the years.

Shareholders were unanimous that Fidelity Bank has shown strong resilience over the years and demonstrated its investors’ friendliness with

significant dividends and capital gains.

Shareholders, under the auspices of Nigeria’s leading shareholders’ associations, said they would buy into any share offering by Fidelity Bank as the bank holds exciting future for above-average returns.

The sundry shareholders’ endorsements underlined market pundits’ expectations that Fidelity Bank would easily raise additional funds and retain

its status as one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks with international authorisation.

With nearly 400,000 shareholders, Fidelity Bank has the most diversified retail shareholders’ base among Nigerian banks. No single shareholder held up to 5.0 per cent of the issued share capital of the bank. Five per cent and above are considered the material shareholding under extant laws and market

regulations. The highly diversified shareholding base, while it has its challenges of corporate register management and stock volatility, shows Fidelity Bank as a popular stock. Its huge free float also underscores the pricing efficiency of the stock at the stock market, ensuring that the share price is a reflection of the bank’s fundamental and investors’ expectation.

With average annual return of more than 81 per cent over the past five years, comparative analysis shows that Fidelity Bank outperforms all other major market indices with the bank’s average annual return for the period twice the average return by the overall market and almost four times of average return in the banking sector.

Shareholders said the performance of Fidelity Bank

has endeared them to the bank, expressing optimism that the bank is poised for major leap in the emerging Nigerian financial services sector.

National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr. Moses Igbrude, said Fidelity Bank has shown that shareholders can trust it for sustainable growth and returns.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MAY 27 /24

BUSINESS ANALYTICS

The Critical Role of Data and Analytics in Investor Relations and Recapitalisation

Sobowale

Friday 28th March 2024, the recapitalisation Circular from the CBN dropped and since then everyone in the Banking Industry got busy with strategies to raise the new minimum quota required.

It is very important to note that recapitalisation now needs to be very data driven because every investor locally and globally wants to be sure they will reap their rewards in the future if they invest now. It’s like the popular discounting rate used in the finance world but here machine learning models help issuers have key facts at hand before approaching investors.

It is of note that while businesses can control internal factors like their finance, budgeting, strategy hiring etc econometrics analytics like the ALL share Index, inflation rate, exchange rates, MPR rates. government policies etc will play a huge role in the success of a business in the future and all this risks have to be forecasted, added to all the internal forecast; in other to assure investors of great returns in 5-10 years and in the future.

Econometrics factors

If I am investing into your brand now, can you tell me if the banking index has a positive correlation or negative correlation with the ASI, and can you forecast with an accuracy/confidence level of 95% what the All share index will be in 5- 10 years to give me a sense of your countries economic viability and the Banking industry profitability in the future.

Can you also forecast the inflation rates for the next years and tell me inflation won’t affect your business growth. We all know that MPR is used as a tool to control inflation, can you tell me what the MPR rates will be In the future to enable borrowers take money and not default while your bank makes a profit, without depending on foreign exchange gains?.

With exchange rates, if I invest now in Naira, leaving an opportunity to invest in Dollar denominated asset, can you tell me what the exchange rate will be in 10 years factoring the seasonality circles of 4 years or 8 years( various government start end periods) while removing outliers from the data so that you can accurately predict the trend and show me my gains when I exit back in the base currency which is Dollars.

Finally what is your government resilience index, can you show me that regardless of who has been in charge/ going to be in charge, or policies; you will be resilient(showing historic data and trend as proof of resilience).

On the share Analytics side.

Every CFO knows that the behaviour of your share price will determine the type of investors that will get drawn to you.

A business with constant uptrend share price will attract investors who think long term, knowing their portfolio will keep appreciating year on year, but a “Spiky” share price will attract short sellers; who will buy low and sell when it goes up a little and wait again for it to drop, buying the shares again and circle continues. If investing in your equities, I am hopeful your

equities will appreciate year on year building wealth on the long term for me and if I am going in for a few years, I am sure I will make profit selling when I want to exit. But before that can happen, you need to show me 4 key metrics on your share price for me to make a decision.

1) What is your share price seasonality like over the last 10 years, this will give me comfort in time when your share price declines, knowing that the Machine learning seasonality analytics has captured this decline and has shown us that the share price will appreciate in the next circle after the decline.

2) What is your trend like, I am not talking about just the visualisation of your share price data, I am talking of turning years of share data into a single trend analytics to aid my investment decision making. The trend analysis is useful because some brands have just started performing well, meanwhile trend analytics will not score the brand as having an uptrend until the spike and outlier become a constant occurrence for a loong period. This trend analysis shows me your true position and the possibilities in the future.

3) Outlier Analytics- When do you have spikes and drops in share price so that I can edge against them or take advantage of those during my investing period

4) Share-Volatility analytics- Can you tell me your share volatility is +50% or -50% etc, these insights and analytics will help me plan my worst case, expected case and best case scenario around your future, when investing now.

As we can see, the world has moved on and data and analytics is needed in investor relations and especially during this time of recapitalisation, Issuers need to put the mind if investors at rest, making sure all internal financial forecast details are covered and all external market risk analytics, econometrics and competitive analytics are also covered. Doing this will boost the confidence of investors.

•Temiloluwa Sobowale is the CEO on Intelligent interactive Limited, A Market risk analytics company based in Lagos Nigeria and the co-founder of www.marketintelligence.ng a SAAS equities analytics platform, providing actionable daily market intelligence report to Issuers, Enterprise and Retail investors. He writes from the UK.

Gombe Governor Receives NIPC, UNDP, SDGs Team on Investment Promotion Drive

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

As FG lauds Governor Yahaya's commitment in mainstreaming SDGs of choice for investors.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has led members of the State Executive Council to receive on a working visit, a joint delegation from the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The delegation visited the Govern-

ment House Bauchi on Monday to seek collaboration with the Gombe State Government on the implementation of the UNDP-funded Nigerian Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS) which Gombe has been selected, along with Ekiti and Anambra States, for the pilot phase.

Receiving the joint delegation, Governor Inuwa Yahaya informed the guests of his administration's sustained efforts in investment promotion since his assumption of office, citing the establishment of the

sprawling 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park and other reforms and initiatives as factors that continue to position Gombe as the best destination of choice for investors.

He added that by creating an enabling business environment for all forms of investment in Gombe, the state earned the No. 1 ranking in Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria for two consecutive years by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

His words: "We are delighted to receive this delegation from the NIPC, UNDP, and the presidency. This visit is timely, considering that it comes at a time when Gombe is actively seeking investors for the state. It is coming just a few months before the second edition of the Gombe State Investment Summit.

“I am proud to say that Gombe is always open to any partnership that could advance our investment drive.

Since 2019, we have been making efforts to make Gombe the destination

Extortion: Lagos State Dismisses Two Officials in Control Business District

Segun James

The Lagos State Government has said two officers of the Central Business Districts department have been dismissed for extorting traders in the course of their duties in the last one year.

Also 833 vehicles and 49 tricycles were impounded and drivers and riders arrested and prosecuted for various traffic offences within CBD in the year.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Districts, Mr. Bola Lawal-Olumegbon, disclosed

this during the ongoing ministerial briefing to mark the first one year of the second term in office of the governor, at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. CBD was created by the Lagos State Government in 2008 to address the challenges of infrastructure maintenance and provide a conducive environment within all areas designated as Central Business Districts in the state.

According to the Governor's aide, the two officers that were dismissed was because they collected money from traders, noting the agency is not a revenue generating agency but

people get arrested.

Lawal-Olumegbon said, "Central Business District has already commenced full operations in the Ikeja Business District with the deployment of enforcement officers to control traffic at strategic points.

"As part of programme to introduce and sensitize the Ikeja environs of the commencement of full operations, the office engages in continuous public enlightenment and sensitization within the Ikeja CBD and we regularly hold series of consultative meetings with stakeholders to make the office operations within the axis seamless.

"Plans are on the way to extend operations to Apapa and other places designed to be Central Business District such as Surulere and Eti-Osa."

She added that, "During the period under review, a total of 833 vehicles and 49 tricycles were arrested and prosecuted accordingly for various traffic offences ranging from illegal parking, illegal U-turn, obstruction, one-way and obstruction of traffic. "Four persons arrested and prosecuted for assaulting our operatives at CBD in the discharge of their duties. Two CBD operatives disciplined by dismissal for extortion."

"Our desire to advance investment in the state led to the establishment of the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, which has all the necessary infrastructure, including adequate energy for companies at the“Wepark.have also introduced reforms and initiatives that helped us earn the PEBEC ranking as No. 1 in Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria for two consecutive years. We understand that investment will not come without creating a favorable climate, and this is what we have been doing and will continue to do, even if it means fostering more partnerships with entities that support us in this mission."

The governor further assured the delegation of his full support for the implementation of the new initiative aimed at helping beneficiary states promote their investment potentials to global investors, stating that his administration will maintain a strong partnership with the NIPC, UNDP, and SDGs to boost Gombe's investment drive while pledging to rally his colleagues at the Northern States Governors' Forum, where he serves as Chairman, to join the initiative in order to collectively propel the economic prosperity of Northern Nigeria and the country at large. Addressing the State EXCO, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion

Commission (NIPC), Ms. Aisha Rimi, who led the delegation, informed Governor Inuwa Yahaya that the Nigerian Investment Certification Programme was introduced in late 2023 to support states in demonstrating their competence in providing information capable of attracting investments.

According to her, "Your Excellency, the partnership we seek with the Gombe State Government aims to strengthen the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency by providing them the necessary capacity to promote, attract, and manage investments.

“This will ultimately enhance the overall ability to attract new investments and provide aftercare services to existing investors in Gombe State. We are proud to learn that Gombe has been making significant efforts to advance its investment drive, and we assure you of our support in achieving this goal." She commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the visionary idea of establishing the Industrial Park, noting that during their tour of the facility, they observed the necessary infrastructure for companies to operate there which includes, among others, an administrative building that will house all relevant government agencies as it serves as a one-stop center for the administrative and regulatory needs of potential investors.

Sobowale

Temiloluwa

BUSINESS WORLD

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Prices of major fuels, including petrol, diesel and kerosene continued to rise in April, with the amount Nigerians spend in buying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or cooking gas falling marginally.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that the average retail price paid by consumers for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, in the month of April 2024 was N701.24.

This indicated a 176.02 per cent increase when compared to the value recorded in April 2023, which was N254.06. Likewise, comparing the average price value with the previous month, that is March 2024, the average retail price increased by 0.64 per cent from N696.79.

On state profile analysis, Kogi state had the highest average retail

price for petrol, at N797.78 while Nasarawa and Zamfara states were next, with N778.89 and N754.29, respectively.

On the other hand, Lagos, Niger and Ogun States had the lowest average retail prices of petrol), at N602.55, N633.75 and N647.14 respectively.

In all, the North-east zone had the highest average retail price of N734.70, while the South-west zone had the lowest price of N655.66.

Nigeria’s headline consumer inflation accelerated to a new 28-year high in April, hitting 33.69 per cent year-on-year, up from 33.20 per cent in March, the statistics agency, with many observers expressing the belief that the federal government’s subsidy reforms, rather than the expansion of money supply, were a major driver behind the persistent core inflation in Nigeria.

A recent study by Eric Otoakhia of the Department of Economics, Business School, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, published in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) magazine, showed that energy costs are a major driver of the current inflationary trend in the country.

A former Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, has also recently argued that the major inflation drivers were not receding, saying that if anything, they were becoming even more intense.

Aside depreciating exchange rate, he blamed surging transportation costs, logistics challenges, astronomical hike in diesel cost as some of the factors pushing the soaring inflation.

In addition, the latest NBS data showed that the average retail price of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),

otherwise known as diesel, paid by consumers increased by 68.01 per cent on a year-on-year basis from a lower cost of N842.25 per litre recorded in the corresponding month of last year, April 2023, to a higher cost of N1415.06 per litre in April 2024.

On a month-on-month basis, an increase of 5.51 per cent was recorded from N1341.16 in the preceding month of March 2024 to an average of N1415.06 in April 2024.

Looking at the variations in the state prices, the top three states with the highest average price of the product in April 2024 included Taraba (N1742.46), Bauchi State (N1669.63) and Borno (N1652.61).

Furthermore, the top three lowest prices were recorded in Niger (N1023.00), Kogi (N1152.50) and Adamawa State (N1257.50).

The zonal representation of average price of diesel showed that

the North-east zone had the highest price of N1553.80 while North-central zone had the lowest price N1307.21 when compared with other zones.

Also, the average retail price per litre of kerosene paid by consumers in April 2024 was N1,439.64, showing an increase of 6.29 per cent compared to N1,354.40 recorded in March 2024.

On a year-on-year basis, the average retail price per litre of the product rose by 24.04 per cent from N1,160.67 in April 2023. On state profile analysis, the highest average price per litre in April 2024 was recorded in Benue with N1,788.47, followed by Kaduna with N1,761.62 and Plateau with N1,717.78.

On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Katsina with N1,222.22, followed by Jigawa with N1,240.74 and Kwara with N1,252.38.

On a positive note, the average retail price for refilling a 5kg Cylinder of LPG declined by 1.06 per cent

on a month-on-month basis from N6,591.62 recorded in March 2024 to N6,521.58 in April 2024. But On a year-on-year basis, it increased by 40.48 per cent from N4,642.27 in April 2023. On state profile analysis, Bauchi recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg Cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) with N7,000.00, followed by Kano with N6,998.67, and Yobe with N6,962.50. On the other hand, Adamawa recorded the lowest price with N5,470.00, followed by Enugu and Katsina with N5,973.53 and N5,981.82 respectively.

In addition, analysis by zone showed that the South-south recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder, with N6,767.27, followed by the North-east with N6,602.50 while the South-east recorded the lowest with N6,204.86.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has called on local and international investors and renewable energy projects developers to take advantage of the huge investment opportunities existing in the $9.2 billion rural electrification market in Nigeria. Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, REA, Hon. Doris Uboh, made the call in Lagos during an exclusive

interview with THISDAY, on the sidelines of the 250 megawatts (mw) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the agency and Husk Power Group.

She said the mantra of the REA under the current leadership was about scaling up and opening up more for transparency and for business to encourage more investors and developers to come into the rural electrification space in the country.

Uboh stated: “The REA is sitting on a gold mine, that means Nigeria is sitting on a gold mine. $9.2 billion worth of business not harnessed is enough reason for us to look towards REA. The only way to convince investors and developers is by collaborations like this one with Husk Power.

“We’ve been doing it in piecemeal, but that piecemeal is what generated this bigmeal, and we are hoping to have more of that. This is the only way. You

have to take risk in business. You have to be able to scale up.

“You have to be able to look at and say, there is potential, and there is indeed, a lot of potential. And what we’ve done in the past is what generated what you are seeing today. So, we want more collaborations like.”

She specifically appealed to indigenous Nigerian investors and developers to replicate what their foreign counterparts are doing in the country by investing and

participating in the profitable rural electrification market.

With the capacity existing in REA, the executive director pointed out that Nigeria could begin to close its huge energy access gap by promoting renewable energy, adding that renewable energy could complement the on-grid contributions with off-grid capacity.

“We’ve been talking about what the problems are for a very long time. Here we are with the solutions. So, we want more

local developers to jump on the bandwagon and for more of this”, Uboh noted.

She explained that the agency was currently implementing the Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) Project for Nigeria to increase access to electricity services for households and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with private sector led distributed renewable energy generation.

Peter Uzoho

n24,000

Decade of Gas: FG Identifies 20 Critical Projects to Deliver 4.6bcf/d by 2030

The federal government has identified 20 critical gas development projects

spanning drilling of a number of onshore, shallow water and deep offshore wells as well as pipeline infrastructure that will

FG: Agritourism to Generate Forex, Boost Nigeria’s Food Production

Stories by Gilbert Ekugbe

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has stated that agritourism would generate foreign exchange and boost food production in Nigeria.

The Minister who made this known at the Celebration of 2024 Inaugural World Agritourism Day themed “Food Security for All” in Abuja recently, said agritourism would also enhance the agricultural sector, encourage both local and foreign investors as well as achieve food and nutrition security.

He stated that the development of agritourism would lead to

agricultural revolution, encourage industrialisation for wealth and job creation, as well as growth in the non-oil sector.

Abdullahi noted that agritourism comprises a range of activities, including farm tours, agriculture festivals, farm stays, and educational programmes that connect visitors with the agricultural landscape.

He added: “It will benefit farmers ,who gain additional income, tourists who gain insights into agricultural activities relating to Agritourism ranging from farm tours and workshops to seasonal festivals and tastings of farm produced ,among others.”

FAO Unveils 3 Year Plan to Safeguard Biodiversity

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has launched a three year plan (20242027) for the implementation of mainstreaming biodiversity across agricultural sectors.

According to FAO’s Director General, QU Dongyu, the plan supersedes an earlier 2021-2023 document, explaining that the plan has been further streamlined better to serve the strategy’s aims to reduce the negative impacts of agricultural practices on biodiversity, promote sustainable agricultural practices and conserve, enhance, preserve and restore biodiversity as a whole.

He stated that the action plan sets out a wide range of deliverables including support for countries in the implementation and monitoring of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Biodiversity Plan).

Dongyu said in a video message to celebrate the International Day for Biodiversity tagged “Be Part of the Plan” noted that the new FAO Action Plan fully aligns with the Biodiversity Plan and includes FAO’s Biodiversity Knowledge Hub, providing a ‘one-stop shop’ to facilitate access to knowledge on biodiversity for food and agriculture.

“It compiles over 350 tools, guidelines and other resources on biodiversity developed by FAO that can be searched and filtered, including by targets of the Biodiversity Plan,” FAO said.

Qu said biodiversity: “is what we farm, catch, harvest and cultivate. It is what supports our

food networks from pollinators to micro-organisms in our soils. It is what prospers livelihoods of farmers, forest managers and dwellers, fishers, livestock keepers and pastoralists across the world.”

He pointed out that the theme is rallying call to the public and diverse actors to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, endorsed in December 2022, and also known as The Biodiversity Plan.

“FAO is an integral part of this plan, as agrifood systems are a powerful channel for readily available and scalable solutions to conserving, restoring and sustainably using biodiversity,” FAO added.

The statement stressed that by advocating for sustainable agricultural practices that safeguard biodiversity and enhance ecosystem resilience, FAO is helping to reduce a key driver of biodiversity loss and protecting vulnerable rural communities, maintaining that by partnering with governments, civil society and the private sector, FAO is helping mainstream biodiversity across the food and agricultural sectors, across policies and programmes.

“In concrete terms, this can mean anything from working to restore coastal mangrove forests which host a rich variety of fish species to supporting farming systems which help to preserve biodiversity for food and agriculture in a way that improves people’s nutrition and benefits the environment,” FAO averred.

increase production by about 4.6 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) and close the projected 3bcf/d gap by 2030.

THISDAY gathered that some of the projects include the Shell’s Iseni gas project that recently achieved Final Investment Decision (FID) in January, and about four of the company’s NonAssociated Gas (NAG) wells already drilled in Ohaji in Imo State.

Others are about two deepwater gas projects expected to be carried out this year by TotalEnergies, among many other projects whose details are still kept secret until their official announcement.

However, some of the infrastructure projects that will support supply of the product include the just-inaugurated Assa-North-Ohaji (ANOH) gas processing plant build by Seplat Energy, with 300

million scf per day capacity; the ongoing Oben-ObiafuObrikom (OB3) Pipeline and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Pipeline among others.

With a projected 3bcf daily shortage in demand by 2030, experts forecast that Nigeria would suffer a gas problem that will further worsen the country’s energy poverty and crisis.

The situation has increased the pressure on both the government and the relevant

critical stakeholders to quickly close the gap before the turn of the decade to avert the looming crisis.

Addressing journalists in Lagos at a one-day workshop on the Decade of Gas, the Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, Mr. Ed Ubong, said Nigeria has gas in abundance but the biggest problem is how to drill, produce and supply it to both the domestic and international market.

NNPC, Schlumberger Seal Deal to Boost Upstream Operations

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

NNPC Energy Services Limited (EnServ), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Schlumberger (SLB), a renowned global technology company, have signed a technical partnership agreement towards bolstering upstream operations.

The agreement was signed at the NNPC’s corporate Headquarters in Abuja , with senior management teams from both companies in attendance, according to a statement by the national oil company.

Speaking shortly after the signing, Group Chief Executive

Officer of NNPC, Mr. Mele Kyari described the ongoing reforms within the industry as a trigger for potential release of investments in the short term.

“Quite a number of reforms are unfolding, and at the back of it is a potential release of investment that we are seeing in a very short term. Our physical environment is excellent today.

“Contracting processes have been reviewed by virtue of the clear reforms Mr. President has put in place and ultimately, we are already seeing substantial energy going into unlocking opportunities of today,” Kyari stated.

Highlighting the numerous

benefits of the partnership, Kyari said it would lead to increased activity and more drilling campaigns that will add value to the two organisations.

He revealed that NNPC was working on a rig share platform with a definite plan around well drilling activities and associated operations in the coming years, which, he further explained, would increase crude oil production and support the ongoing plan to deepen gas utilisation within the country.

Kyari, who expressed confidence in the long-standing relationship between NNPC and Schlumberger , said the company would leverage on the assets within its control

to accelerate the values that will come from this partnership.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Schlumberger, Mr. Olivier Le Peuch said the agreement was poised to accelerate the achievement of Nigeria’s exploration and production targets, which will foster Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity.

“We are here to celebrate the strategic partnership that we signed with EnServ as a technical partner. This agreement is geared towards unlocking the capacities of EnServ for Nigeria, which potentially will help NNPC to achieve its exploration and production targets,” he concluded.

Chinese Firm Seeks Partnership with FG on CNG-powered Vehicles

The federal government has said Nigeria offers huge business potential for investment in compressednatural-gas-powered vehicles.

Speaking when he met with met with officials of a Chinese company, Wen Advisor, in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum, Amb Nicholas Agbo Ella, said the investment opportunities in the use of the natural gas industry were enormous in

Nigeria.

He explained that the president’s policy on gas infrastructure development tallies with global best practices in the use of cleaner energy for environmental sustainability, a statement by the Permanent Secretary’s media aide, John Ameh, said.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Upstream Department at the ministry, Kamoru Busari, expressed the government’s readiness

to provide an enabling environment for investment to thrive.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Wen Advisor, Haikuo Weng, said he was in Nigeria with his team to explore possible areas of investment in the CNGpowered vehicles project.

Weng explained that to develop a CNG gas pump station, it was necessary to ascertain whether local buses in Nigeria currently

use Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or the CNG. In an earlier letter of collaboration for what Weng called ‘Green Transportation Solutions,’ he pledged to introduce CNG buses with competitive pricing.

To assist Nigeria in its energy transition efforts in the transportation sector, Weng said he was in the country to assess the potential for establishing natural gas refuelling stations.

Bonny Gas Gets Eco-friendly Vessel to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), a subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has chartered a newbuild vessel, Aktoras to diversify and reduce the carbon footprint of its shipping portfolio.

The Managing Director of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Chukwuemeka Agbasi, has said the agency will collaborate with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to improve the value and serviceability of Nigeria roads.

The MD said this during a visit to the agency’s headquarters by a delegation

Aktoras, owned by Capital Gas Limited, is an innovative prototype, equipped with mega propulsion systems, a statement from NLNG stated.

It has a 174,000 m3 capacity class LNG carrier, a length

from ICRC led by the Director General, Mike Ohiani, according to the Director of Publicity of the agency, Maryam Sanusi. He pointed out that collaborating with ICRC was important considering the constant call for shrinking government revenues where agencies such as FERMA are asked to do more with less.

of 299.6 metres, breadth (moulded) of 46.40 metres and deadweight of 81,194 tons, symbolising a pivotal addition to BGT’s fleet, leased under a bareboat charter arrangement. During the ceremonial ship

naming

as the ‘Sponsor Lady and Godmother’.

“Building roads is probably the easy part. But actually getting value from the road, over 15 years operational maintenance is where issues lie and this is where ICRC helps in enhancing asset management using data to plan, programme and execute road works with budgetary shortfalls,” he said. He added that FERMA,

complying with ICRC regulations will consider having different standards of roads with different Key Performance Indicators (KPI) where roads would be constructed on different standards depending on the traffic volumes which will help optimise the resources deployed on road networks.

event at the Hyundai Heavy Industries, Shipyard, South Korea, Special Adviser to Nigerian President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, christened the vessel

Peter Uzoho

At

thE trAdE PArtnErs' ConfErEnCE...

ASUU Condemns Proposed Student Education Loan

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Calabar Zone has condemned in its entirety the proposed Student Education Loan by the federal government.

Addressing a press conference in

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, the association described the loan as not only, "strangulating" but having the capacity of subjecting the benefiting students to slavery, perpetual debt, depression and possible suicide.

The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Dr. Happiness Uduk, flanked by

all the Chapter Chairmen of the zone said it was disheartening that the people who attended schools on scholarship, enjoyed meal subsidies, bursary awards among others were the ones making some of the obnoxious policies, saying that the union would not relent in

opposing such policies.

In a statement jointly signed by the eight union Chairpersons, the association reasoned that instead of giving loans for students’ education; the federal government could use the money for interventions in higher institutions, saying such would bring

Stakeholders Back Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, Demand Speedy Passage

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Stakeholders in the maritime industry have thrown their weight behind the Nigeria Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill 2024 and called for its speedy passage.

The stakeholders were of the opinion that there was need for a regulatory body in the industry, saying it was long overdue.

The stakeholders made their views known yesterday, in Abuja, at the public hearing on the Repeal of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council Act (CAP. N133, LFN., 2004) and enact the Nigeria Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill 2024 sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Hon. Abdulsamad Dansuki and others.

Making its contribution to the bill, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) noted that post concession era of the ports had stifled the growth of the industry.

Its representative, Kingsley Igwe, said establishments of the regulatory agency would help address economic strangulation and promotes fair competition.

He added that that agency would play a crucial role in regulating the activities of the port concessionaires, ensuring compliance with standards and fostering a conducive environment for economic goods and development within the sector.

Also, the former Executive

Sectary of Shippers Council, Malam Abubakar Bello, said there was a regulatory vacuum. This, he argued was why the port reforms were not making contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He maintained that the bill was fundamental, essential and it would correct certain anomalies, adding that the proposed legislation would be a crowning glory in promoting efficiency and technology in ship operations.

The facilitator of Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, said the competitiveness of Nigeria in a borderless economy would be determined on how effective the port management of the country is.

He added that all the landlocked countries in West Africa have moved their cargoes from Nigeria to Benin Republic and Togo because the country's ports are too expensive.

Earlier, the Speaker noted the that the bill seeks to ensure that the proposed agency establishes an economic regulatory framework for effective and efficient regulation of commercial and related activities in the shipping and port sector. Abbas, added that the bill also aimed at creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in the provision and operation of regulated services in Nigeria amongst others.

His words: “It is worthy of note, that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has evolved significantly

from its original role as a protector of shippers’ interests.

“It has now become the economic regulator of the entire Nigerian port system, a responsibility that extends beyond the Nigerian Ports Authority to include all stakeholders within the port ecosystem.

“This comprehensive oversight covers the regulation and control of tariffs, rates, charges, and other economic services associated with port operations.

“To effectively fulfil its expanded mandate as the Port Economic Regulator, it is imperative therefore that the necessary legislative bill is passed. This bill will formally empower the Council, providing it with the authority and tools required to oversee and manage the economic activities within Nigerian ports,

ensuring efficiency, fairness, and competitiveness across the sector.”

Abbas, stressed that the amended bill encompasses critical provisions addressing several key areas essential for the effective functioning of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

Giving the synopsis of the Bill, the Executive Secretary, Nigerians Shippers council, Pius Akutah, said the bill would be a catalyst that would reposition the Nigeria shipping and port sector.

He said the bill would create an enabling environment for private sector investment in the provision of regulated services in Nigeria and also promote fair trade practices that would ensure the protection of rights and balance of interests of providers and users of regulated services.

about positive turnaround of events that would make the institutions self-reliant with highly subsidised tertiary education in the country.

"It is disheartening that people who attended schools on scholarship, enjoyed meal subsidies, free laundry services and bursary awards are the same running our economy today.

“Their Children are on scholarship in the best foreign universities in the world but after siphoning our economy, they turn around to impose a strangulating Education Loan in tax payers' Children that they will be enslaved and remain indebted to the country forever. They do not mind the devastating effect of this scheme on the country such as depression, suicide, and colossal loss of intellectuals.

"To this end, we vehemently condemn the idea of Education Loan and state clearly that using the money for intervention in higher Institutions will bring about a positive turn-around of events that will make our institutions self-reliant with highly subsidised tertiary education in Nigeria."

The union also called on the federal government to come to a renegotiation table and reconvene a committee to review the agreement reached by ASUU leadership and

Prof. Nimi Brigs-led Government committee with the view of adjusting the document according to the current economic realities so as to have acceptable salary structure for university lecturers. The union also condemned the indiscriminate proliferations of universities in Nigeria without adequate funding by both the federal and state governments noting that 2020 ASUU-FGN Memorandum of Action (MoA) which stressed the need to review the NUC Act to make it more potent in arresting the reckless and excessive establishment of universities be fully implemented.

"We urge the President Tinubuled administration to refrain from further proliferation of universities and rather consolidate on the already existing ones. What we need are universities that are adequately equipped and empowered to address the challenges confronting Nigeria not glorified schools," the statement added.

On the ongoing minimum wage negotiation, the ASUU Calabar Zone urged FG to immediately deploy the instrumentality of collective bargaining to conclude the social dialogue saying that such would lessen the invasive decline in the socio-economic lives of Nigerians.

Benin Royal Family Suspends Akenzua over Alleged Rebellion against Oba

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Professor Gregory Akenzua, the suspended Enogie (Duke) of Evbobanosa, has been fully suspended by the Benin Royal Family over alleged rebellion against the Oba of Benin.

He is one of the Enigie (Dukes)

earlier suspended for taking the Oba of Benin to court challenging their suspension.

Akenzua, a professor of Gynecology, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Benin (UNIBEN) and former chairman Governing Council of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma is a younger brother to

Edo Guber: INEC Commences CVR, PVC Collection Exercises

City

Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has commenced the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to capture new registrants who have yet to register in the state. Areas monitored like Oredo, Egor and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas also saw PVC collection going on side by side with the continuous voter registration exercise.

Speaking at Ikpoba-Okha registration area, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Edo, Delta and Cross River while monitoring the exercise

commended the smooth process of the exercise.

Gumus, who expressed satisfaction at the process, urged the registrants to be patient, adding that they will all be registered. She said "We have been to Oredo and we are here at Ikpoba-Okha registration area which we are using as our state head office registration centre because of the flood disaster that happened at our head office on Friday.

"So far, we are in touch with other registration areas within and outside Benin-City and the exercise is going on smoothly. As you can see, we have registered some people and others are still waiting.

"The process just started today

and it is going on smoothly and it is impressive and commendable."

In his remarks, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Anugbum Onuoha, said that INEC was well prepared for the exercise adding that, the flood disaster that destroyed some of the commission's equipment could not stop the exercise.

Onuoha said: " We thank God for the enablement to begin this exercise, having in mind the flood disaster that destroyed some of our equipment on Friday.

"Because of the flood disaster, we had to move our head office registration area to INEC office at Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

"We are here and witnessing a large turnout of people who are here as either new registrants or to transfer their registration or for PVC collection.

"INEC is prepared for this exercise and nothing will make us fail. People expected us to discontinue the exercise but we were prepared even before the flood disaster happened.

"Yes, we had so initial network problems but it has been resolved and the exercise is going on smoothly and by the grace of God, the exercise will be successful."

He added that both the CVR and the PVC collection would be a 10-day exercise, starting from May 27 to June 5, 2024 from 9am to 3 pm daily including weekends.

Oba Erediauwa, the father of Oba Ewuare II.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, members of the royal family said Akenzua against all entreaties chose to challenge the Benin Traditional Institution through his acts that are utterly at variance with the customs and tradition of the Benin people and the core values of the Benin Royal Family.

When contacted for his reaction, Akenzua said he was in Lagos “for an engagement” and requested time.

The press statement read on behalf of the royal family by Prince George Eweka stated: “Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua, has betrayed the core values and respect for the Benin Customs and Tradition; devotion and submission to the customary hierarchy of the Benin Kingdom; and respect for customary arbitration process. Instead, he has chosen the path of rebellion;

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Royal Family wishes to emphasise that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin occupies a unique position as the father of every member of the Benin Royal Family irrespective of age.

“Hence the Royal family does not have an Okaegbe, like other families

in Benin Kingdom but Odion Egbe who is required by tradition to defer to His Royal Majesty.

“The Royal Family also notes that in utter violation of the hierarchy of succession to the Odion-Egbe position of the Benin Royal Family, Prof. Gregory Idurobo Akenzua has been parading himself as the Odion-Egbe of the Royal Family, and has held meetings to assert himself as such when he knows that he is not rightfully entitled to the position being far lower in the hierarchy of seniority in the Benin Royal Family."

The Benin Royal Family also said it gave ample opportunities to Akenzua to retrace his steps and return to the path of honour and dignity

According to the statement, "After a careful review of the facts, the Benin Royal Family has decided as follows:

“Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua is hereby suspended from the Benin Royal Family for his acts of rebellion against the Benin Traditional Institution;

“Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua is no longer to participate in any activity connected with the Benin Royal Family;

Udeme Utip in Uyo

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin

L-R: Head, Marketing, SKG Pharma Limited, Victoria Okon; Chairman, Audion Pharmacy, Lagos, Okey Nwachukwu; Managing Director (MD), Audion Pharmacy, Edith Nwachukwu; MD, SKG Pharma, Okey Akpa; MD, Fitz-king Pharmacy, John Ezeh; MD, Benne Pharmacy, Emmanuel Umeh and GM, Sales and Customer Care, SKG Pharma, Ephraim Ezeh at the Trade Partners' Conference held in Lagos... at the weekend

Duke's Cultural eConomiC summit 2024 in lonDon...

Front Row: L-R: Head of Commercial Banking, Access Bank UK, Mr. Johnson Ememandu; Executive Director, Nondunna Limited,Board Member, Republicom Group, Mrs. Nonny Ugboma; Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniyya, 16th Emir of Kano, Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II; Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Chairman, ODU’A Investment LTD, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; Back Row; Minister Counsellor (Consular, Education & Welfare) Nigeria High Commission, UK, Mr. Christian Nduka Okeke; Managing Director, Avandis Consulting, Founder Africa Women CEOs Network, Dr. Anino Emuwa; Deputy President,Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Prince Bimbo Olashore; Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC & Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Chairperson, Nigeria Office for Philanthropy & Impact Investment, Mrs. Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke; Founder, Culture Lab Africa, Mrs. Itohan Barlow-Ndukuba and CEO Cruxstone Development & Investment Ltd, Dr. Adetoro Bank-Omotoye, during the Duke's Cultural Economic Summit 2024 in London...recently

NPHCDA Vows to Collaborate with States to Reduce Cervical Cancer

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), yesterday, said the agency would continue to collaborate with the sub-nationals to strengthen routine vaccination for female school children in the effort to reduce cervical cancer in the country.

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, stated this in Ilorin, Kwara State, yesterday, during the flag-off of free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine against cervical cancer among school children in the state.

A total of 787 school children across the three senatorial districts of the state were vaccinated at the event.

The programme was a partnership between the NPHCDA and Kwara State government. He said, "cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally and the second most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria."

Aina, who was represented by Dr. Sheu Hassan, said the HPV vaccine was a very important vaccine, adding that, "it prevents the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and causes more than 95 per cent of cases of cervical cancer."

He said all eligible girls between the ages of 9-14 years across 193 wards in the 16 local government areas of Kwara State would be vaccinated against cervical cancer

during the five days programme.

"I believe that together, we will achieve the goal of this exercise. At least 80 per cent eligible girls aged 9 to 14 years will be reached during the five days intensification, after which the HPV vaccines will be accessed by our girls through routine immunisation services in our PHC facilities.

"Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally and the second most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria.

"It is estimated that 604,000 cases with 342,000 deaths occurred globally in 2020, and an estimated 12,075 cases and 7,968 deaths were recorded in Nigeria."

The NPHCDA boss, who said the HPV vaccine was free, safe and effective, urged stakeholders

to mobilise family members, friends, and communities to ensure that all eligible girls get vaccinated.

"Let me thank and appreciate the Kwara State Government for its support in strengthening PHC in the state. I want to specially thank Her Excellency Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq for her role in the fight against cervical cancer.

"HPV vaccines with corresponding devices and operational funds have been provided to the states to support this exercise. I must thank his Excellency, the governor of Kwara state, for his regular release of counterparts' funds to support PHC activities, including the HPV introduction.

"Your support, that of the Governors Wives forum, wives of LGA chairmen, traditional/religious

NLC Seeks Minimum Wage for Journalists in Nigeria

Cautions against harassment by security agents

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is interested in working with media stakeholders to negotiate a uniform salary template for practicing journalists in the country.

Against the background of recent cases of arrests and detention of some journalists by security agents, the labour movement warned against intimidation and harassment of the media.

Speaking during a visit to the headquarters of the National Union of Journalists in Abuja, yesterday, NLC President, Joe Ajaero said journalists have continued to suffer neglect despite their risks associated with their job and sacrifices they make in nation building.

He said that journalists were deeply involved in the fight for the restoration of the current democratic dispensation.

He said: "Unlike those days when journalists will running from one business centre to the other to send stories, today technology has made things easier.

"But beyond that the welfare of journalists is being neglected, as journalists we advocate for everybody but nobody for us .

"We fight for others and not for ourselves. There are media houses that have not paid salaries for almost one year. I think we should all meet and talk to ourselves.

"I am advocating for a consultative machinery that will even it is every two years to negotiate with all

media employers in the country a minimum wage or industry salary benchmark for journalists."

Ajaero said this benchmark could be further classified into those employed by the federal government, States and the private sector.

He said journalists are now like endangered species.

According to him, despite the new technology, the practice of journalism in Nigeria was getting worse in terms of security and welfare.

He appealed to the NUJ to join hands with the labour movement to seek ways of resolving the challenges facing journalists.

Ajaero, who described the NUJ as his union lamented that journalists are in a peculiar situation when it comes to the issue of welfare because no one negotiates for them.

The NLC boss further deplored the manner in which the NUJ was moved from its former office in the nation's capital. He said that effort should be made to recover the former premises.

He said the NLC would like to work with the NUJ leadership to see what could be done to proffer solutions for the problems and challenges bedeviling the industry.

Speaking on the treatment recently being meted to journalists by security agents, Ajaero said freedom of the press should not be hindered in any form by the government.

He said where a journalist

runs foul of the law, he should be prosecuted according to the law not kidnapped.

While welcoming the NLC president and his delegation, the NUJ national president, Mr. Chris Isiguzo thanked Ajaero for identifying some of the key challenges of the media profession in Nigeria.

He spoke about the issue of regulation of the media profession especially the manner online media organs spring up and the hatchet

job some of them try to do.

Isiguzo said the NUJ was proposing the setting up of the National Ombudsman for the media to regulate the practice as well as look into issues of poor remuneration that is bedeviling the sector.

He said that NUJ has also proposed an accompanying Bill of Rights to protect the rights, welfare and interests of practicing journalists.

leaders, civil society organisations, Women groups, media, and other relevant stakeholders remain paramount to the success of the HPVV introduction and other PHC activities.

"The NPHCDA remains committed to collaborating with the sub-national levels to strengthen routine immunisation and other PHC services for better health for all,” Aina added.

APC Lauds AbdulRazaq for Preserving

Legacies of Founding Fathers in Kwara

Hammed shittu in Ilorin

Kwara State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday lauded the state governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued commitment to preserve the legacies of the state's founding fathers across different sectors of the state.

Speaking in Ilorin at a press conference to mark the 5th year anniversary of the APC-led party led administration in the state, the state chairman of the party, Mr. Sunday Fagbemi said that there was no doubt that the present administration had touched the all sectors of the state's economy since the party took over power on May 29, 2019.

"The development has assisted the state to witness numerous infrastructural development thereby improving the socio economic development of the state.

“We are proud to say the new mandate given to our party across the lines is being justified,

as it is evident in the avalanche of superlative programmes and projects dotting every corner of Kwara today.

"We are delighted that his dream for urban renewal and economic expansion is now being seen in the Tanke and Unity flyovers, Wahab Folawiyo road, Ahmadu Bello way, Ilorin Innovation Hub, Garment Factory, Shea butter factory, industrial park, agro-processing and other agricultural programmes to support food security.

Others are the International Conference Centre, Visual Arts Centre, Sugar Film Factory, transformative education projects and programmes, numerous completed and ongoing urban and rural road projects spanning thousands of kilometres across the state, among others as our deserved reality," he stressed. He also commended the governor for his good and peaceful politics, respect and support for traditional and religious institutions, and for helping to stem the tide of political thuggery in the state.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has canvassed global partnership to address the problem of internal displacement in Nigeria, pledging the federal government's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced citizens.

He outlined the strategy adopted by the President Bola Tinubu administration to tackle Nigeria's internal displacement challenge, saying the nation prioritised the welfare of its people, particularly in these critical times.

Shettima made the call at the “Launch of the State Action Plans on Durable Solution to Internal

Displacement” at the State House, Abuja.

The Action Plan is a United Nations Secretary General's Solution Agenda on Internal Displacement, which aims to help internally displaced persons find a durable solution to their displacement, prevent new displacement crises from emerging and ensure those facing displacement receive effective protection and assistance.

Unveiling the programme being implemented in four northern states of Adamawa, Benue, Borno and Yobe, the Vice President said, “For a country that has endured the devastations of economic disadvantages across generations, we cannot afford further expansion

in the displacement of our people.

“So, we remain committed to ensuring that each displaced individual returns to a safer environment and is given a lifeline to start afresh.”

He recounted his experience dealing with conflict and displacement, just as he emphasised the need for a collaborative, cross-border approach to tackling the multifaceted challenge.

"Let us harness the strength of our partnerships, both local and international, to bring about lasting change," he stressed.

Shettima welcomed the support of the United States and other global partners, stressing that the task ahead demands a united front

that transcends political divides. According to him, “We are here to craft solutions that will outlive us, that will offer future generations a place of hope, a home for all, and a land of opportunity where dreams can be pursued without worry.

“The journey is not merely about addressing the symptoms of displacement but also about tackling the root causes."

Outlining the strategy of the Tinubu administration, the Vice President pledged investment in sustainable development, education, and economic opportunities as critical components of a comprehensive solution.

Deji elumoye in Abuja

onyebuchi ezigbo in Abuja

Hammed shittu in Ilorin

MEETING BETWEEN SEC AND ICMR ON NIGERIA ECONOMY...

L-R: Second Vice President, Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR), Mrs. Catherine Nwosu; Chairman/President ICMR, Mr. Seyi Owoturo; Acting Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Dr Emomotimi Agama and Treasurer, ICMR, Mr. Moshood Okunola, during a Meeting between the SEC and ICMR in Abuja...at the weekend.

Nigerian Leaders Celebrate Children’s Day,

Call

for

More

committed in our struggle for a New Nigeria.

Rights, Investments in Them

our children.

Some of Nigerian leaders, yesterday, celebrated children’s Day and seized the opportunity to. ask for more rights and investments in them.

Across political and ideological leanings, these Nigerian leaders considered the occasion an opportunity to review the plights of the Nigerian children and push for more opportunities for them.

AbdulRahman

AbdulRazaq

Kwara State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governor's Forum (NGF), Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, pledged commitments of his administration to ensuring that the rights of children were protected.

This, the governor said, would assist them to utilise their potential for socio-economic development of the state.

AbdulRazaq stated this in Ilorin in a statement issued to mark the celebrations of World International Day for Children.

"Today, as always, I celebrate the Kwara child on the occasion of the annual Children's Day. Children bring boundless joy and hope to the world. Our administration remains committed to making the right investments that support their dreams.

"Our administration will also do a lot more in primary healthcare to guarantee the wellbeing of our younger ones and their mothers. I assure the Kwara child of our support every step of the way to actualise their dreams and reach their full potential."

Peter Obi

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians and Nigerian governments at all levels to channel their investments in the area of development for the sake of children.

Obi, in a message by his media aide, Dr. Tanko Yunusa , said as the future of our society, everything should be done to ensure their proper development, adding that it was unacceptable that four out of every ten Nigerian children was in child labour.

Writing on his X handle, the former Anambra State governor said, "On this day, we celebrate Children's Day. I rejoice with all the Nigerian children, for whose sake, we remain firmly

"This day which is set aside to celebrate the Nigerian child, presents us the opportunity to focus on our children - the future leaders of our society, and also reminds us of the need to invest in their growth; and support and nurture their dreams.

"Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, and a safe and secure environment to live and thrive. We must, therefore invest in these key areas of development for their sake and the future of society.”

Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has assured children in the state in particular and their counterparts all over the country, that his government was committed to supporting them in every possible way to achieve their fullest potential in life.

He said his government would continue to create an enabling environment that was badly needed by them, as future leaders of the country, to be what they want to be in a positive way.

Taking to his social media platform, Uzodimma noted that, it was important to celebrate the children, not just on May 27, but every day.

"To our Children, as you celebrate today, remember that your dreams are the building blocks of tomorrow’s successes. We are dedicated to supporting you in every possible way, building an environment where you can achieve your fullest potential.

"Therefore, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to all Imo Children for they are indeed blessings from God and embody the hope for our future. It is imperative that we celebrate them not just today, but every day, acknowledging their potential and nurturing their growth.”

National Human Rights Commission NHRC

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, has expressed concern over the continuous rise in cases of violations of the rights of children across the country.

In a statement to commemorate the 2024 Children’s Day, Ojukwu said the disturbing trend captured in the Commission’s monthly dashboard (on report of human right violations across the country) underscored an urgent need for a renewed commitment from all facets of the society to protect and guarantee the fundamental rights of

He said children represented the most vulnerable population and the consistent increase in reported violations of their right was a stark reminder of the challenges they faced daily.

“These violations not only threaten their immediate well-being but also compromise their future potential and the overall health and security of our society. It is, therefore, imperative that we act decisively and with urgency to address this menace,” he said.

Bassey Otu

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has assured children in the state of his administration’s commitment to developing, and driving policies and programmes that would nurture, and guide them.

In a statement to mark the 2024 Children's Day celebration issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, he said, “You are the future of our state and the pillars of our society. Your innocence, creativity, and boundless energy bring joy and

hope to our lives.

“Our responsibility is to nurture and guide you so you can reach your full potential and contribute positively to our state's growth and development.”

Otu maintained that he wanted the Children to know that as the governor, he was committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all to thrive.

Sefinat Usman Ododo

First Lady of Kogi State, Sefinat Usman Ododo, has called for collective action to protect children's rights. She emphasised the importance of ensuring that every child thrived in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.

“It is a day to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights of children and providing them with the best possible start in life,” she stated.

The First Lady expressed the state government's dedication to tackling challenges affecting children, noting that, “We are committed to

addressing the issue of out-of-school children by collaborating with critical stakeholders to fully implement our free education policy.

“The government is also taking steps towards the implementation of the Child Rights Act of 2009, signed into law by the previous administration.”

‘Seyi Makinde

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said his administration remained committed to providing the right foundation to enable children to succeed.

The governor stated this in a statement commemorating the 2024 Children’s Day, noting that children were special and deserved the best of life.

According to the governor, the administration was of the belief that the right foundations were important to children’s growth and progress, hence its strong commitment to improving the quality of education and healthcare delivery in the state.

“As we celebrate our children

on their special day, we restate our administration’s commitment to ensuring that we provide the right foundation to enable them succeed in life,” he said.

Godwin Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with Edo children in commemoration of the 2024 Children’s Day celebration, reassuring that his government would continue to support children in the state to become globally competitive and reach their full potential.

The governor spoke while delivering his address at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, the venue for the 2024 Children's Day celebration and official launch of the Edo Anthem.

Obaseki reeled off the impact of his administration’s reforms in the education sector, which he said was benefitting over 400, 000 children in the state, improving learning outcomes and tackling learning poverty, especially at the foundational level.

Carry Out Wider Consultations on Change of National Anthem, AGF Tells N’Assembly

Senate: We've fulfilled all righteousness Idris canvasses national identity act Ozekhome, others back legislature

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has asked the leadership of the National Assembly to carry out wider consultations before passing the bill meant to return the country to the old National Anthem.

Fagbemi gave the advice yesterday at a public hearing on the Bill, organised by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Tahir Monguno.

But the Chairman of the Committee, Monguno said the National Assembly had done everything it needed to do to pass the National Anthem Bill.

Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has recommended that the scope should be expanded to include a robust issue on national identity rather than limiting it to change of national anthem.

At the same time, a Senior

Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, among other patriots, had supported the move to replace the current "Arise O Compatriots" National Anthem with the "Nigeria, We Hail Thee", that the country started with in October 1960.

The National Anthem Bill has passed third reading in the House of Representatives while the Senate passed it for second reading last week and committed it to its panel for further legislative actions.

However, Fagbemi, has urged the two chambers of the National Assembly to allow many Nigerians make their inputs before passing the proposed legislation.

"Against the background of the foregoing, I am of the considered opinion that the revered issue of choice of a national item should not come into being only by legislative fiat, or presidential proclamation alone.

"It is not out of place for Nigeria to be guided by the process of evolution of a national anthem

in other jurisdictions.

"Consequently, it is my considered view that the decision to change Nigeria’s National Anthem whether by replacing it with the old one or a new one, should be subjected to a wider process of citizen.

"There should be participation through zonal public hearings, resolutions of the Federal Executive Council, Council of State, National and State Assemblies, etc. The outcome of this process is bound to be a true reflection of the wishes of the generality or majority of Nigerians.

"I would like to observe that it is generally accepted that a national anthem is considered a major symbol of national identity and culture. It is meant to reflect the people’s hopes, values and history.

“A national anthem is expected to enjoy universal acceptance and veneration amongst the citizens, for it to attain the status of an official song that commands respect, patriotism and national

consciousness.”

Monguno maintained that said the National Assembly had done everything it needed to do to pass the National Anthem Bill.

"The Bill has passed first and second reading at the Senate and the Public Hearing was advertised. Those who are not here have probably agreed with intendment of the proposed legislation," he said.

The information minister, who was represented by the DirectorGeneral of National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, noted that some lines in the old national anthem did not make a complete meaning.

"The issue of national anthem is just a sub-sect. What we should be looking at is the National Identity Act.

"The challenge we have today is that we do not have a value national identity which the national anthem is one of them. It is not about singing in schools, it is about learning it and imbibing it," he added.

Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode in Abuja, Bassey Inyang in Calabar, Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

PhOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

GETTING SET FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Government House, Taraba State, Mr. Ibrahim Yaboro; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Elizade JAC Autoland Limited, Mr. Ademola Ade-Ojo; former Minority Leader, House Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu; Taraba State Governor, Dr. Kefas Agbu, and Executive Director, Sales, Elizade JAC Autoland, Mr. Roland Abiola Odukomaiya, during a visit to JAC Motors in China…recently

Tinubu Worries About State of Local Govts

Says breakdown of third tier of government contributing to development setbacks, insecurity

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has expressed concern about the state of the local government system, saying dilapidation of the third tier of government is contributing to the development setbacks and national security threats being witnessed in the country.

Speaking at a one-day national discourse on Nigeria's security challenges and good governance at the local government level, Tinubu, represented by Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, said good governance at all levels of government will foster development and reduce conflict.

He said a well-governed state was better equipped to address internal challenges, such as terrorism, insurgency and communal violence.

The president said absence of good governance led to widespread corruption, political instability, economic disparities, and social unrest. He said these not only undermined human securities by depriving individuals of their basic needs, but also constituted a significant

threat to national security by fostering conditions conducive to complete and complex extremism.

According to him, "Sadly, the state of our local government system in Nigeria is a cause of concern, as its degradation and incapacitation have continued significantly and contributed significantly to our developmental setback and our

inability to effectively address the prevailing national security threat.

"We find ourselves trapped in a paradoxical situation where the very areas most affected by security cases are rendered powerless and unable to mount any meaningful resistance or defence.

“Local governments are the frontline defenders against insecurity,

...FG Sued Lagos in Error over Local Govt Autonomy, Says Sanwo-olu

Senator commends Tinubu on litigation

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State yesterday argued that the state should have been left out of the legal action instituted by the federal government against governors at the Supreme Court over alleged misconduct in the administration of local governments.

Sanwo-Olu stated it was a legal anomaly for the federal government to join Lagos in the court matter, decades after the local governments in the state had been enjoying full autonomy.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke in support of the suit, however said the Attorney General of the Federation should have identified those that were not in compliance with the law before filing a blanket lawsuit against all states.

The governor spoke at the ongoing Justice Reform Summit organised by Lagos State Judiciary with the theme: “Enhancing the Administration of Justice for Economic Growth, Investment Protection and Security in Lagos”.

The summit, attended by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) is being held at Marriott Hotels, Ikeja.

Sanwo-Olu said infringement on the local council autonomy was an affront to the spirit of the constitution to which the judiciary must make a clear interpretation for equity and fairness.

He said a better justice system would protect the interests of parties and discourage actions limiting efficiency of any government entity.

He said: “It is interesting to read the news that the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation has sued all the 36 states because governors did not give autonomy to the third tier of government. The only mistake, which I am going to tell our Attorney General, is that some of us are in compliance.

“The Attorney General should have done his due diligence to identify which states are not in compliance, so that we don’t sue all the 36 states together. You can determine which states are not

violating the constitution. If it is three, four or five states are in compliance, then you can sue the 31 states violating autonomy of the local governments. That is part of the back work that we need to do.”

Sanwo-Olu said the judicial reform must remain on the agenda in a functional society in order to improve administration of the justice system and make the court the last hope of the common man.

The governor said the judiciary in Lagos had remained a beacon in protecting the rule of law and setting good examples for other jurisdictions in dispensation of justice. But he challenged judges and law officers to change the status quo in order to raise the standard of the justice system.

Drawing a parallel with Singapore - a fishing village with environmental similarities with Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said Singapore’s faith in rule of law and fairness transformed the efficiency of the country’s justice system, leading to the country’s rapid economic growth and prosperity.

He said: “Just like Lagos, Singapore has no resources. Singapore is

what it is today because of Ease of Doing Business. It takes less than 30 minutes to register a business in Singapore, which makes it to surpass many countries in Ease of Doing Business. Singapore has one of the best judiciary system in the world; they have quick turnaround time in mediation and dispute resolution.”

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos needed strong judicial system to attain all its investment potential, while promoting transparency and accountability. The governor urged the Bench and the Bar to collaborate to promote an efficient justice system.

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kayode Ariwoola, represented by Justice Iyabode Yerima of the Supreme Court, hailed Lagos judicial system for being “a forerunner” in justice development, stressing that other jurisdictions usually borrowed from examples set by Lagos.

The CJN listed some of landmark examples set by Lagos judiciary in the justice system to include Administration of Criminal Justice laws, which after implementation, set the template for the designing of Criminal Justice Act at the National

Assembly.

Fagbemi,represented by Mr. Fernandez Marcos-Obiene, said robust and transparent reforms embarked on by Lagos in the justice system had promoted economic growth, pledging that the Federal Government would continue to provide platforms for reforms that would improve public trust in the judiciary.

Chief Justice of Lagos, Justice Kazeem Alogba, commended Sanwo-Olu for his non-interference stance in judicial matters in Lagos.

Alogba said: ”No society thrives without robust justice system. The essence of any society is to have justice, without which there will be no peace and order. Security is an integral element of a robust justice system. When you have judges who are incompetent and corrupt in the system, the society will suffer for it.”

Other speakers at the two-day event included the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) and Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN) among others.

Meanwhile, the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Suleiman Kawu on Monday in Abuja , commended President Bola Tinubu for dragging the 36 state governors to court for undermining the functionality of the 774 local government councils . Tinubu had through Fagbemi had filed multiple cases against the 36 state governors at the Supreme Court , bordering on violations of relevant provisions of the 1999 constitution on governance and functionality of the local government councils in the country.

In his reaction to the litigation , through a statement made available to journalists, Kawu who penultimate week, sponsored a motion in the Senate for local government autonomy , said the move by the federal government was in the right direction . The litigation according to him, was timely, as he Nigerian masses are in dire need of policies that will alleviate their sufferings at the local government level

as they are closest to the people and possess intimate knowledge of their communities’ need and challenges. This is why some are advocating for community policing, as a panacea to end security challenges."

Tinubu regretted that the country’s security challenges had persisted over time, posing a threat to national safety and well-being. He added that the scourge of insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality had inflicted untold suffering on the people and undermined collective peace and prosperity. According to him, "It is impera- tive that the nation confronts those challenges head on, if we are to move forward in our journey towards development. While various measures have been proposed and implemented, it is evident that ensuring the security of our people and our nation is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of government at all levels as well as active collaborations of citizens.

"It goes without saying that the world was hit by those security skirmishes in the rural areas as our local populace and the economy continues to be unsettled by enemies of the state. I make bold to say that since my assumption of office, we have made significant strides and achieved remarkable results in our effort to secure our nation. So much more needs to be done, particularly by governments within the local areas where those attacks are prominent."

While tasking Nigerians to explore the nexus of good governance, human security and national security, the president added that the three elements were intricately linked, and played very important roles in shaping the stability, prosperity, and overall well-being of the country.

Samuel in Yenagoa

There’s temporary respite for Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and his Kogi State counterpart, Usman Ododo, following the dismissal of the petitions against their elections as governors.

Both the Bayelsa and Kogi States Election Petition Tribunalsin their separate judgements delivered, held that Diri and Ododo were validly returned as winner of the November 11, 2023 governorship polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in two separate announcement declared Diri and Ododo winners of the governorship election in Bayelsa and Kogi States respectively, on account of winning majority of the votes cast

at the polls.

Dissatisfied candidates in the two states however approached the election tribunals to challenge the decision of INEC.

In the petition of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Timipre Sylva, the three-member tribunal led by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, affirmed the re-election of Diri, shortly after dismissing the petition of Sylvia.

The tribunal in a unanimous judgement held that the petitioners failed to present credible evidence to substantiate their allegations against the outcome of the governorship poll.

The panel struck out all the additional proof of evidence as well as statements on oath of some of the witnesses that testified for the petitioners, for being incompetent.

The tribunal also rejected petitioners claim that the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, tendered forged University Degree Certificate and NYSC Exemption Certificate, to INEC, in aid of his qualification for the election.

According to the tribunal, such allegations which were pre-election matters ought to be heard before the Federal High Court, and not the tribunal, adding that the matter had become statute barred since the petitioners failed to challenge the genuineness of the certificates, 14 days after it was submitted to INEC.

Concluding, the panel stated that the petitioners were unable to discharge the burden of proof that was placed on them by the law, stressing that they failed to show, polling units by polling units, the particulars of the

non compliance they alleged and how it substantially affected the outcome of the election.

Similarly, the Kogi State threemember tribunal led by Ado BirninKudu, affirmed Ododo's governorship shortly after it dismissed the petition filed by Murtala Ajaka and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The tribunal, while dismissing Ajaka's petition, held that he and his party failed to substantiate their allegations made against the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State.

In the unanimous judgment, the panel held that contrary to the claims of the petitioners, the election "was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act."

The panel subsequently dismissed the suit for being incompetent and

lacking in merit, stressing that the issue of forgery and non-qualification is a pre-election matter and outside the mandate of the tribunal.

While stating that the petitioners failed to adduce credible evidence to prove allegation of over voting, the panel held that the petitioners abandoned 96.4% of the case they set out to make, adding that credible witnesses were not called to prove their case because none of the 25 witnesses called were polling officers or polling unit agents.

“On the whole, my conclusion is that the November 11 2023 governorship election of Kogi state was conducted with substantial compliance and with the Electoral Act,” Birnin-Kudu held.

Alex Enumah, Juliet Akoje in Abuja, Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja and Olusegun

WELL-DESERVED HONOUR…

Director, Brand Management and Strategy, X3M Ideas, Temitope Ayeni (left) and Acting Executive Vice-Chairman, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, (FCCPC) FCCPC, Dr. Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi, during the presentation of awards won by FCCPC collaborative campaign with X3M Ideas at the Pan-African Creative Awards, (Pitchers Awards) to Abdullahi in Abuja...recently

Terrorists Return to Niger Communities, Kidnap 150

Laleye Dipo in minna

Barely 48 hours after attacking Niger Communities Boko Haram terrorists returned to Kuchi and adjoining villages on Sunday evening killing, maiming and kidnapping the villagers.

Not less than 300 of the terrorists riding on motorcycles and wielding Ak47 and other sophisticated weapons ransacked the villages during which they kidnapped women and children numbering over 150.

also herded away hundreds of cattle and goats.

The Chairman of the Local Government Alhaji Aminu Najume, when contacted,

They were said to have gone from house to house forcefully taking away the villagers. They

PHED Strategies to Tackle Electricity Theft

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has said in order to tackle electricity theft and end meter bypass, the company has gone into smart metering.

The new acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PHED, Ochuko Amah, disclosed this yesterday, when the company hosted pupils and students from various schools within Rivers state, for Children’s Day celebration.

Speaking with journalists during the event, held at the head office of the Disco in Port Harcourt, Amah revealed that despite engaging stakeholders on best way to ensure

smooth service to their customers, the company has also introduced the smart meter bypass that will prevent any intending electricity theft.

Amah said: “We have done customers engagement, and another thing that can help beyond engaging the customers, we are going into smart meters. When you have smart meters it is difficult to penetrate them.

“It’s a gradual process, it is not something that we are going to do overnight. But a lot of engagement needs to be done because the customers need to know that meter bypass is an offence even in Nigeria, it is a criminal offence because it’s like stealing any other thing.”

Ganko Energy Donates Food, Other Items to Orphanages

Ganko Energy Services Limited has donated food items, toiletries, and other necessities to the City of Refuge Orphanage in Durumi and Destined Children’s Orphanage in Kado, Abuja as part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility(CSR).

The organisation’s Head of Human Resources and Capacity Development, Nathaniel Ojo, who presented the items to the orphanages yesterday, said the NGO shared the precious gesture with the children as part of social responsibility.

“We recognise Children’s Day and we found this orphanage to be a place where we can come and share precious time with these children. We also extend our food items and toiletries to them to ensure they live better lives irrespective of their circumstances.

“We are here to remind you that you are special to humanity. There are people who have gone through this phase of life and have become better persons today,” Ojo said.

Asana for Launch in Nigeria to Revolutionise Workflows with AI

Raheem Akingbolu

Asana, the leading enterprise work management platform, has announced its official launch in Lagos. The event, with the theme: ‘Future-Proofing Nigerian Workflows: AI That Works’, will take place in the first week of June in Ikoyi, Lagos. According to the promoters of the brand in Nigeria, the event is set to usher in a new era of productivity and efficiency for Nigerian businesses.

Asana’s entry into the Nigerian

market through its West African partner, Novotech Works, marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to expand its global footprint and empower teams to achieve their goals more efficiently.

“We are thrilled to bring Asana to Nigeria and support local businesses in optimising their workflows and increasing productivity. Our platform is designed to help teams collaborate effectively and achieve their objectives with ease,” Country Director, Asana Africa, Rilwon Jaiyeola, said.

confirmed the story yesterday. Alhaji Najume said: “Many people and cows were kidnapped and rustled.”

As I speak to you I cannot

tell you the number of people kidnapped but sincerely speaking they are many,” Najume lamented. He said the security

operatives at Sarkinpawa headquarters of the local government have been mobilised to go after the terrorists.

IYC Scores Delta Gov’s First Year in Office Poor, Alleges Marginalisation of Ijaws

Olusegun Samuel inyenagoa

The umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide, the Ijaws Youth Council (IYC), has expressed disappointment in the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori’s one year in office for ‘poor performance’, especially as it regards to the development of Ijaw lands and communities.

The IYC, while reviewing the one years in office of the governor’s administration, accused him of political manipulation, strangulation, and underdevelopment of the Ijaws in Delta State.

A statement issued by its spokesman, Binebia Princewill, said the council would not accept any further political manipulation, and warned clearly that the Ijaw people in all the states are not strangers in these states, hence they deserved to be treated fairly and blessed with the developmental vision and agenda of the state across all fronts and proper political inclusion. It added that the council cannot continue to guarantee that the Ijaws will keep quiet for a long time as the needful has to be done before the IYC will be forced to lead a massive protest against the governor for allegedly alienating the Ijaws in Delta State.

Rivers First Lady Seeks Crackdown on Child Labour, Trafficking

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State First Lady, Mes Valerie Fubara, has expressed dismay on how child labour and trafficking are hampering healthy growth and well-being of children, saying it should be tackled head-on.

Speaking at a party organised for children in the state at the Government House, Port Harcourt, to mark this year’s children’s day with the theme: ‘For Every Child, Every Right’, Fubara expressed the urgent need to tackle the menace, which she said is affecting so many children, especially the less privileged.

She pointed out the need for more efforts to be made to continue tackling issues relating to the children’s growth and well-being, especially in the area of child labour and trafficking.

The state governor’s wife, however, called on relevant government agencies to intensify measures towards achieving total crackdown on practices that promote child labour and trafficking. According to her, “I call on relevant government agencies to step up the campaign against such evil practices and ensure the safety of our children as they remain the hope of our country and the potential leaders of tomorrow.

Group Intensifies Call for United States of Africa, Denounces ‘Colonial’ Borders

Michael Olugbode inabuja

Some Africans gathered in Lusaka, Zambia, yesterday to denounce colonial borders in Africa, calling for one single country on the African continent, United States of Africa

The groups, assembled by a

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Motorists and other road users who ply the dilapidated 150km Bauchi -Gombe federal highway will soon heave a sigh of relief from the hardship they face on the busy road, especially during the rainy season.

They also said they no longer want to be identified by or to live in the confines of these divisions, which were created purposefully to divide and conquer us.

“True to their purpose, these borders and the divisions have

group, Africans Rising, in a statement after the gathering said the peoples of Africa under the umbrella of a Pan-African movement, Africans Rising, denounced the colonial borders both mental and physical and all relics of colonial exploitation, which continue to cause division and rancour among African peoples.”

hampered trade among ourselves as Africans both home and in the diaspora, curtailed cultural harmony, arrested our development, limited educational opportunities, job creation and overall prosperity while leading to great losses of our young, energetic and creative people.

NEDC Awards Contract for Three Bridges on Bauchi-Gombe Highway

THISDAY checks revealed that every rainy season, for more than five years now, three major spots on the road use to be cut off due to heavy rainfall thereby forcing the road users to divert to other routes to get to their various locations.

In one of its intervention services, the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has taken over the construction of bridges on the three spots located in Kalajanga, Bara and Tashan Turmi which have remained prone to flooding over the years.

Already, work at the first spot in Kalajanga village has reached above 50 percent of completion as workers are on site all day round to ensure that the construction was completed on schedule as disclosed by the Supervisor of the project, Jacob Joseph, who spoke to journalists at the site. Joseph revealed that the contract was awarded to Triacta Nigeria Plc, which immediately mobilised to site and commenced work in order to complete and deliver it before the rainy season will set in.

Kefas Agbu Visits JAC Motors to Boost Transportation Revolution

Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu has visited JAC Motors in China as part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s quest for a transportation revolution. The visit, which coincided with JAC’s 60th anniversary celebration, marked a major milestone in the company’s commitment to partnering with

Nigerian interests.

According to a statement, Governor Agbu joined international dignitaries and public servants for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which also spotlighted JAC’s historic delivery of 30,000 Electric Vehicles (EVs) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move, the statement

explained, is expected to pave the way for Nigeria’s access to EVs, business connections, and technology in the specialised field.

“The visit provided Governor Agbu with a firsthand look at JAC’s innovative manufacturing processes and technological advancements, strengthening the

strategic partnership between the auto giant and Nigerian interests. This partnership is expected to result in the delivery of electric vehicles in Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for an affordable and cleaner transportation system,” the statement added.

Pandemonium, as Hoodlums Attack Police Station in Lagos

Sunday Ehigiator

There was panic among residents of Ipaja area of Lagos State yesterday when more than 100 hoodlums stormed the Ipaja Police Station for reasons yet unknown.

It was gathered that the attack resulted in a gun battle between the thugs and police officers during which several of the thugs were killed.

The incident caused fear among residents as the attack resulted in a subsequent

exchange of gunfire and more violence.

Police operatives were, however, deployed to the area for reinforcement, and have successfully restored normalcy.

When contacted, the state

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident. He also confirmed that the situation has been curtailed, “but no arrest has been made yet,” as at the time of filling in this report.

Afenifere to Federal Govt

“The economy has experienced severe turbulence in the one year administration of President Bola Tinubu...Afenifere hereby calls for better understanding of the economy to stop the alarming rate of inflation, devaluation, increasing unemployment, homelessness and poverty. The problems inherited from the Muhammadu Buhari administration has been compounded by the inept management of the economy...” --AfeniferePublicity Secretary,JusticeFaloye,urgestheFGtohalteconomicpoliciesstrangulatingNigerians.

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

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Celebrating Ken Calebs Olumese, The Guv’nor, At 80

Yesterday, May 27, one of Nigeria’s iconic figures in the entertainment sector turned 80: Ken Calebs Olumese, an Esan man from the university town of Ekpoma as he likes to describe his home town of which he is proud, as if every other town these days does not have a university but in those days when a university was established in Ekpoma (1981), it was such a thing of pride and achievement that Olumese took upon himself as a personal badge. But the real story about him and his life is his immense contributions to the cultural space in Nigeria, the impact that he has made in turning music, art, song, food, drinks, space and dance into entrepreneurial tools for the promotion of social cohesion, inclusion, solidarity, creativity and pure fun. He was the Don Cornelius, without the controversy, of the night club scene and entertainment arena in Lagos in the 80s and 90s. He was colourful, charismatic, decent, debonair, affable, and quite astute in making friends, and building bridges and relationships. In the Opebi, Ikeja area where he ran a nightclub that was famously known as Niteshift Coliseum, he was a lord of the territory, father of the kids on the streets and friend of the gentrified class with an understanding of the register of social and communal survival beyond the pale of regular entrepreneurship. He moved with a swag. He strutted with poise. He was the Guv’nor: who never went on transfer, or had to seek seasonal elections, or go on break, he was his own constituted authority running an entertainment empire. The phrase Guv’nor was first used in the 1840s, a variant of the more popular noun - Governor, but over time, it would gain resonance as the title of a film in 1935, and as the nickname of a number of sports figures – Diego Costa, Bobby Abel, Paul Ince, Lenny McLean. When Ken Calebs Olumese established the Niteshift club in Opebi, Lagos in 1988, he took the title as label, brand and cognomen, and thus began a fresh chapter in the entertainment story of the city of Lagos.

Ken Calebs Olumese did not invent nightlife in Lagos, but he helped for about two decades to shape and enrich it. The people of Lagos, being Yorubas are naturally fun-loving, and having fun at night time has been part of their culture even before the Victorian times in the 19th century, aspects of which have been examined at great length by Professor Michael J.C. Echeruo in a book titled “Victorian Lagos.” The city that became known as “The Liverpool of West Africa” in the 19th Century, an emerging commercial, port city was also a community of persons and cultural developments, including the media, culture and nationalism. Lagosians love the good life. They enjoy the thrill of evening fun be it at the beach, or at the clubs, or on the streets of Ebute Metta where there used to be a party every evening, or anywhere else where the people could dance to highlife. By his own account, Ken Calebs Olumese arrived in Lagos in the late 60s or early 70s just like many of these persons from the hinterland who continue to troop into Lagos on a daily basis. Thousands arrive daily from all parts of Nigeria, very few go back to where they came from, indeed over time, they become part of the Lagos ecosystem, get lucky and excel. In Olumese’s case, when he left Ekpoma, he lived in Benin. He got involved in the Socialist Movement, which was quite a rave in Nigeria’s 70s, the season of the cold war. He would eventually gain a scholarship to study Medicine in the Soviet Union. Many young Nigerians went to the Soviet Union at the time. The then young Ken Calebs Olumese returned with a degree in Microbiology. By 1977, he, with the help of his kinsman, Chief Anthony Enahoro, played some role in the arrangements for FESTAC 77, his first major direct involvement in cultural diplomacy. He was also closely associated with the likes of Dr Tunji Otegbeye, trade unionist, medical doctor and leader of the Socialist Workers and Farmers Party

of Nigeria (SWAFP). The most notable part of that phase of his return is not necessarily FESTAC 77, however but the fact that he eventually ended up as a Sales Representative with the French Pharmaceutical Company, Roussel, where he rose through the ranks to become the Director of Administration and Finance. Olumese was like the rest of us: waking up in the morning, pursuing the nine to five hustle, struggling like everyone else to raise a family. He had a good career. It is one of those ironies of life that he would eventually become famous through his hobby, rather than his vocation. In 1988, he decided to set up a Night Club at 21 Opebi Street with a corporate office was at 5, Ogundana Street, off Opebi Road, marking Olumese’s transition into the arena of entrepreneurship, from selling pharmaceutical products, to the retail of songs, food, drinks, and whatever brings joy. He had been a prolific nightlife denizen himself. He turned his interest into a passion and his passion into business. When Olumese arrived on the nightclub scene in Ikeja and Lagos in the 80s, there was already a thriving, habitual ecosystem in place. From Idi-oro in Mushin, to Jibowu, Ayilara and Ojuelegba,, there was a buzzing axis of nightlife entertainment. In Ikeja, Ipodo, Awolowo Road, Allen and Opebi streets came alive similarly at sun down. There was a gentleman called Omieba Dan Princewill, he ran two clubs – City Tavern and Daniel’s. There was the colourful, stand-up comedian, John Chukwu who owned a club called Klass, with Eddie Jay Omodiagbe as Dee Jay. There was Ozone owned by Jibola Shitta-Bey on Allen Avenue. There was also at some point, De Roof, Singer’s Cruise, Bread and Butter and another club called Princes. On Allen Avenue, Jerry Jones Anazia ran a night club called Ace. On Toyin Street, there was Climax, with a DJ called Stagger Lee. In those days of course, there was Shrine, the main watering hole for night crawlers, and beyond Ikeja, all the way towards Ojuelegba, there was a long list of fun spots including pepper soup joints such as Igbinedion, or Fafolu: point and kill joint, No. 67 Bode Thomas in Surulere, Empire Hotel, Tarmac. Many would also remember Kakadu Nite Club in Alagomeji, Yaba, where Fela used to perform in the 60s, and Bobby Benson’s Caban Bamboo, which in many ways was the old version of what the Niteshift Coliseum later became. There was at some point Paradiso in Yaba, Faze 2, Lord’s Club around Maryland, and Hotspot Club at Abibu

Oki, off Broad Street. Basically, for a while, the Lagos social scene was a mix of band life, joints and discotheques. The latter would later prevail. Ken Calebs Olumese changed the face of night life in Lagos, particularly with the rise of the discotheque, which he capitalized upon turning Niteshift Coliseum into a space where the hottest and latest music could be heard. He invested heavily in music and equipment. He raised the bar to such a level that others began to learn from him, and even copy him. He changed the game. Even when there was a seeming rivalry between Lagos Island and the Mainland, the arrival of Niteshift Coliseum gave nightlife on the Mainland, an edge. What Olumese did was simply to be different. He carved a niche and constantly reinvented it. Whereas you could go to Ozone, DeRoof, Klass and Climax and run into celebrities and prominent persons, mingling with others, dressed in both formal and bohemian attires, Olumese made it clear from the very beginning that his club was meant for the middle class and the upper middle-class members of society. It was an exclusive club and there were rules. There was a man at the door, “The First Man” who would not even allow you to buy a ticket if you looked out of place. Jeans, slippers, any form of scruffy dressing were not allowed. You didn’t have to wear a tie, but you were required to appear decent.

The club also had different segments. There was an exclusive section reserved for Senior Fellows of the Gold Card Sector.This was a section reserved for prominent persons, diplomats, captains of industry on a discreet night out. The lighting for that section was also deliberately dim. And there was the Section for the Glamour Boys (later and Girls) of Nigeria: the reserved section for the upwardly mobile in society, but even then you had to be admitted as a member to sit there. In the general hall was the popular section. The status of a guest or member was indicated in the colour of the glass with which you were served. The staff were trained to know the differences. Everyone wanted to be part of the Niteshift crowd. Usually, when people left other clubs, they ended up at the Coliseum. The food was good. The air-conditioning was the coldest in the business. To add to the snobbery, Niteshift did not use the same terms as other clubs. Its bathrooms were called “The Vanity” for example. The hostesses wore something called “Oriental Ornamental.” The Dee Jay was “The Flight Captain” sitting in “The Cockpit.” And the entire night was a cruise. Olumese was the master of razzmatazz.

He had a personal touch that could not be found among other club owners. He knew most of the regular clientele personally, and took an interest in their personal lives. He served drinks, and could be found correcting any error by any of his staff. His dressing was impeccable. From his hair cut to his shoes, he paid attention to every detail. He drank Remy Martin, and he could hold his drink. He was very generous to his guests. For young persons and others close to him, the first drink was always on the house, and in the morning, the club served tea or coffee on the house depending on individual choices. There were days patrons stayed in the club till 7 am, not knowing it was daybreak. The Guv’nor of Niteshift Coliseum actively cultivated the friendship of the media. He knew every entertainment, arts and culture reporter and editor on the beat. He was similarly friendly with publishers and editors. He had one or two friends in every newsroom. Journalists were understandably some of the more prominent members of the club, and through this connection Niteshift became a place of choice for many media events. There were times however when he had issues with journalists. He protected the privacy of celebrities who came to the club jealously and he would not hesitate to quarrel with any journalist who published gossip about

any of his patrons. He used to quip that the club does not ask for marriage certificates. It is place of fun, not a church. Funny enough, Olumese is the son of an Anglican priest. Niteshift was not just about disco. The Guv’nor was constantly re-inventing the concept. There was in due course a full Niteshift band, which mixed the idea of disco with live performance. There was also the Niteshift Musical Talent Show, on the platform of which the club provided space for the flowering of many talents including Felix and Moses, Tuface, Tony Tetuila, Tony Montana, Eedris Abdulkareem, Platanshun Boys, Sunny Neji, Daddy Showkey, Nel Oliver. There was also Miss Niteshift beauty pageant. Niteshift was also the watering hole for many Nollywood artists – actors, actresses and producers. But the high point arrived in the early 90s when the club was moved from 21 Opebi Street to a bigger, more permanent space, the purpose-built Coliseum at 21 Salvation Road, off Opebi. At this new location, the club had more space, more meeting rooms, a bigger dance floor, more of everything: an impressive edifice that was a testament to the success of the club, and the dogged vision of the founder. There was even a place called The Dacha: a block of 12 rooms reserved exclusively for the use of members. The major highlight at the Coliseum was the increased focus on a special programme which Olumese had introduced at the 21 Opebi address - the Grand House Reception (GHR). This further differentiated the Niteshift Coliseum from its peers. The GHR was an evening of interaction with major public figures. It was a huge hit which attracted exactly the clientele that the Guv’nor wanted. Some of the prominent persons who featured on the platform included, to cite just a few: Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Alhaji Tafa Balogun, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Governor Gbenga Daniel, Governor Segun Osoba, Governor Orji Kalu, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu… H. E. Flt Lt. Jerry Rawlings, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar… and others.

Ken Olumese kept raising the bar, and he was good at research, and monitoring the competition. I was one of the Glamour Boys of the Club, having joined that section sometime around 1989. I would later end up as one of the club’s major resource persons. I can conveniently report that I was actively involved. On many occasions we visited other clubs, before the start of business at the Coliseum. There were occasions when the Guv’nor would arrange for us to go on a West Africa tour. We were in Ghana again and again to attend different night clubs and observe their operations. We used to travel on Wednesday and return on Monday. Niteshift Coliseum would also eventually introduce a Wednesday programme, a Ladies night, free entry for ladies and other programmes to boost the clientele. In 2011, I left for Abuja on national assignment. By the time I returned in 2015, circumstances had changed on the Lagos night scene. The pulse had shifted from the Mainland to the Island, with new clubs patronized by the nouveaux riche and the Gen Z springing up on the other side of the city. Ken Calebs Olumese was also advancing in age. He has since retired and rented out the premises of the Niteshift Coliseum to another entertainment group called Floating World. Indeed, we live in a world that floats. But the Niteshift dream would be remembered for its impact and longevity. Many ventures of its type have short mortality rates, but Ken Calebs Olumese kept it going for more than two decades, even after the club was razed down in a mysterious midnight fire on December 18, 2003. It was a brilliant run, still and long is the echo of the Niteshift Bugaloo, the opening sequence of the club at 12 midnight, taken from the song by the Commodores of the same title: Nightshift. Happy Birthday, Guv’nor. Lord Have Mercy!

Ken Calebs Olumese