THURSDAY 1ST JUNE 2023

With End of Subsidy, NNPC Raises Petrol Price to Between N488 and N557 Per Litre

Workers insist on status quo as FG, NLC meeting is deadlocked You can't ask partner to negotiate at gunpoint, says Ajaero HURIWA condemns upward review of pump prices

Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, yesterday, adjusted the pump price of petrol by nearly 200 per cent, from N195

per litre to between N488 and N557 nationwide. The development followed the announcement by President Bola

NECA cautions against escalation of inflation

Tinubu during his inaugural address on Monday that fuel subsidy was “gone”. Tinubu promised to re-channel the expected savings to

education, health and other sectors.

But Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed displeasure over the NNPC pricing template,

describing it as vexatious. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in a statement,

Continued on page 48

Adhere to Our Party’s Manifesto, Adamu Urges APC Govs

National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdulahi Adamu, has urged governors elected on the platform of the party to adhere to the manifesto of the ruling

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

He admitted that the country was

Continued on page 48

Tinubu: We're Ready for Business Partnership With Willing Nations

Says Nigeria will remain non-aligned China pledges increased economic cooperation with Nigeria EFCC chair meets president, briefs him on state of anti-graft war

Deji Elumoye and Kingsley

Nwzeh in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, gave an assurance that Nigeria was ready to do business with interested countries across the globe.

Speaking yesterday while receiving Chinese President's Special Envoy and Vice Chairperson, Standing Committee of National People's Congress, People's Republic of China, Peng Qinghua, at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu said Nigeria was open for business and constructive partnerships. He said Nigeria would do business with any country ready to deal with the country as a non-aligned nation.

Chinese President XI Jinping, through his envoy, had earlier pledged increased economic cooperation with Nigeria, saying the country is important to Africa and the world.

Also yesterday, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed

Continued on page 48

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP...

L-R: French Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency, MS Emmanuelle Blatmann; French Minister of State for Development, Francophone and International Partnerships, Her Excellency Chrysoula Zacharopoulou; Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; and European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Mrs. Samuela Isopi; during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Kwara State Government's Innovation and French's Alliance Francaise and another one between Kwara State Government and BRLI/MG2MIX/ PHYLUM/EILYPS Consortium in Government House Ilorin Kwara State on Tuesday.

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho, Dike Onwuamaeze, Ugo Aliogo in Lagos

be challenging to them

all presidential candidates promised to remove subsidy

Nigeria’s Tax-to-GDP Ratio Now 10.86%, Says FIRS

Customs seeks to slash cost of cargo handling, demurrage at ports

James Emejo in Abuja

The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, yesterday disclosed that the country’s tax-toGDP ratio increased to 10.86 per cent in 2021, compared to about six per cent in the past 12 years.

He said the ratio was communicated to the FIRS via a letter signed by the Statistician-General of the Federation/Chief Executive, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Mr. Adeyemi Adeniran, following a joint review by both agencies in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance, using data from 2010 to 2021.

This came as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the World Bank have partnered to reward adherence to trade regulations and significantly reduce costs associated with cargo handling and demurrage at Nigerian ports.

Nami however, re-echoed his call on the federal government to consider reviewing its policies on tax waivers in order to guarantee increased revenue to prosecute developmental programmes.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mr. Johannes Wojuola, Nami pointed out that the revision took into account revenue items hitherto not previously included in the computations, particularly relevant revenue collected by other agencies of government.

Essentially, tax-to-GDP ratio

measures a country’s tax revenue relative to the size of her economy as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The ratio is a useful tool for assessing the health of a country's tax system, and highlighting its tax potential relative to the size of the economy. It is the ultimate measure of the effectiveness of the tax system compared to other countries.

Speaking further, Nami explained that sources that previously computed the country’s tax-to-GDP at between five per cent and six per cent did not take into account tax revenue accruing to other government agencies in their computation.

He said revenues collected by agencies other than the FIRS, Customs, and States Internal Revenue Service were excluded.

According to him, the situation was peculiar to Nigeria as most other countries operate harmonised tax systems, where all or most tax revenues are collected by one agency of government, with single-point tax revenue reporting – allowing for all relevant tax revenues to be included in the computation.

Nami said, “In order to correctly state the tax-to-GDP ratio, the FIRS initiated a review and re-computation of the ratio for 2010 to 2021. In recomputing the ratio, key indicators that were previously left out were taken into account. This resulted in a revised tax-to-GDP ratio of 10.86 per cent for 2021 as against six per cent hitherto reported.”

He said Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio should ordinarily be higher than 10.86 per cent, but for certain economic and fiscal policy factors, including tax waivers and leakages occasioned by the country’s fragmented tax system.

The FIRS boss said, “It is important to note that the tax-to-GDP ratio for Nigeria should be higher but for the impact of tax waivers contained in our various tax laws, including exemptions to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises brought in by Finance Act, 2019, low tax morale, leakages occasioned by the

country’s fragmented tax system and the impact of the rebasing of the GDP in 2014.”

However, Adeniran, in his letter to the service, described the review as a facelift to the tax-to-GDP ratio for the country relative to other countries.

He further noted that the NBS had “carefully and diligently reviewed the methodology used for computing the revised estimates, as well as the various items that have been included in the new computation,” and that the NBS as an outcome of its review and meetings with FIRS

has adopted the new Tax-to-GDP computation.

Meanwhile, NCS in collaboration with the World Bank has initiated the modalities for migration from Fast Track Regime to Fast Track 2.0 (FT 2.0) under the Accelerating Revenue Mobilization Reforms Program (ARMOR).

In a statement, customs spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, explained that the system aims to reward compliance and facilitate trade by admitting traders based on their adherence to regulations

and contribution to trade in Nigeria. He said the introduction of Fast Track 2.0, would enable the service to streamline trade processes, promote compliance, and create a more efficient and rewarding environment for traders.

Maiwada noted that when fully operational, the system was expected to encourage traders to comply with customs regulations and rules.

He said, “One of the main advantages is the potential for significant cost reductions associated with cargo handling and demurrage at the ports.

Nigerdock Gets FG's Approval for Expansion of Multi-billion Dollar Snake Island Port

Nigerdock, a service provider to the offshore oil and gas sector has received approval of the federal government for the commencement and expansion of Snake Island Port, a project estimated to cost over a billion dollars and generate over $5.2 billion revenues to the country. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the administration of the immediate-past President, Muhammadu Buhari, gave the go-ahead for the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Project at its meeting held on May 17, 2023 at

the State House, Abuja.

A statement by Nigerdock, yesterday, stated that it was estimated that the total investment by the private sector for the development of Snake Island Port would be about $1 billion initially, with a further $850 million re-invested over the project’s lifetime. Under a 45-year concession, the project was also estimated to generate over $5.2 billion revenue to the federal government over the period. Historically, Nigerdock had focused on ship repair and marine services.

House, Senate Agree on Establishment of Real Estate Regulatory Council

estate development in Nigeria.

Sequel to its privatisation, it was acquired in 2003 by Jagal, a diversified Nigerian conglomerate led by the late Anwar Jarmakani and his two sons, Manssour and Maher Jarmakani.

After acquiring Nigerdock, Jagal had embarked on an ambitious expansion programme, investing heavily in new infrastructure, equipment and facilities, rapidly expanding the company's workforce, increasing productivity, and improving efficiency.

As a result of the investments, Nigerdock was able to significantly improve its capabilities and expand its service offerings. The company became a leading service provider to the offshore oil and gas sectors providing EPC fabrication, marine services and supply base logistics.

It played a central role in the growth of Nigeria’s local content capacity and the development of the country’s energy assets.

by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for direct shipping, underscored by the company’s scaleup efforts to expand its Free Zone and Port Terminal operations, serving as a hub for strategic logistics and manufacturing businesses to set up.

This was followed by registration of the company by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as a Terminal Operator. Furthermore, Presidential and Customs approval was granted to Nigerdock and Snake Island Integrated Free Zone to operate as a wharf within Apapa and Tin Can Ports in Lagos.

Approval was equally granted by the NPA for the commencement of cargo handling operations.

Real

The

"The council, when established is expected to ensure development, sales and lease of plots, apartments, building or any landed property in a transparent manner in the real estate sector, provide globally acceptable standards of service and transparent administration of the business of real estate development and prescribe

minimum standards for real estate sector, conduct of the business of real estate development in the Federal Capital Territory and for related matter," he added. The bill which has 34 clauses was unanimously adopted by the House. It would now be listed for third reading after which it would be transmitted for presidential assent.

Under the core investment of Jagal, Nigerdock acquired a series of approvals over the last 20 years. The company was awarded Free Zone and Port Development Status by the Presidency in 2005 for its 252 hectares of land at Snake Island, Lagos, which led to the establishment of the Snake Island Integrated Free Trade Zone.

In 2017, approval was granted

The FEC’s approval would see Snake Island Port commence immediately as an expansion to Nigerdock’s terminal operations, while the company’s shipyard, Free Zone, and related services will remain core parts of the business.

"This marks a significant milestone in Nigerdock's history and a positive development for the maritime and logistics industry, as the company is positioned to attract a wider multi-sector clientele, whose operations will add significant value to the country’s economy,"the company stated.

Juliet Akoje in Abuja.

The House of Representative has concurred with the Senate on the need to establish the Real Estate Regulatory Council of Nigeria to regulate the sector and ensure transparency.

The bill for an

Act to Establish

Estate Regulatory Council of Nigeria which emanated from the

Senate was presented by Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Peter Akpatason (APC-Edo)

lawmaker said the council, when established would provide efficient, effective and transparent administration of the business of real estate development and that the council was also expected to prescribe minimum standards for the conduct of the business of real

Peter Uzoho

OBASEKI PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO DOKPESI'S WIDOW...

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), with the wife of late High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Mrs. Tosin, during the governor’s condolence visit, at the Dokpesi’s Abuja residence.

LAUNCH OF ACCESS BANK FRENCH BUSINESS DESK...

L-R:

LCCI, Poland Chamber Sign MoU, Reawaken Nigeria-Poland Trade, Relations

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Poland Chamber of Commerce (PCC) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Nigeria-Polish Business Forum held in Lagos.

The MoU also rekindled the moribund business relationship

existing between Nigeria and Poland since 1961 when the two nations first signed a bilateral trade agreement.

The President of LCCI, Dr. Michael Oluwale Cole, stated that the purpose of the MoU and the business forum was to enable members of the Polish delegation to Nigeria and their Nigerian counterparts to discuss investment opportunities in the

two countries.

Cole said the delegation was a follow up to the visit made by the President of Poland, Mr. Andrzej Duda, to Nigeria in 2022, that marked a turning point and new beginning to the strengthening of Nigeria-Poland diplomatic and economic ties.

He told the Polish Chamber of Commerce’s delegation that their

United Nigeria Aircraft Skids Off Runway on Landing at Lagos Airport

Chinedu

Eze

A United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) aircraft skidded off the runway 18L, known as domestic runway, at the Murtala Mohammed Airport 2 in Lagos. According to statement from the airline, signed by its Head, Corporate Communications, Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu, the aircraft with registration number, 5N-BWW with 50 passengers on board, was flying in from Abakaliki, Ebonyi state,

when the incident happened.

The aircraft landed safely but was forced to terminate its movement to the apron off the runway, the statement explained.

“All passengers disembarked safely and were transported to the arrival hall alongside their luggage,” the airline said.

It also disclosed that officials of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) went to the scene of the incident and alongside UNA engineers are working to move the

aircraft to the hanger.

According to the airline, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have also been duly notified and were on the scene, as the airline said it was collaborating fully with the authorities.

“United Nigeria wants to reassure the public that it maintains strictest safety standards in its operations and shall continue to prioritize passenger safety at all times,” the statement added.

visit to, “Nigeria is quite significant as you are the very first delegation the LCCI will welcome to Nigeria following the nations transition to a new government on May 29.

“We are hopeful that the new government will address all the regulatory and foreign exchange related issues that have affected the flow of investment into the country,” Cole said.

He added that presently the significant areas of bilateral trade between Nigerian and Polish investments were food, ICT, and construction. But “today’s discussion is expected to help open more sectors for investment in both countries,” Cole said.

In his address to the business forum, the Secretary of State, Ministry of Economic Development and technology, Poland, Mr. Grzegorz Piechowiak, said he was deeply convinced that this event would significantly broaden the knowledge on the dynamics of the Polish economy, as well as vast opportunities Poland offers to Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Piechowiak said: “I know that some of the Polish and Nigerian companies present here have already established contacts between them

FG Announces New Strategy for Direct Investment Promotion

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has held a retreat and workshop to unveil its new strategy for the mobilisation of direct investment at all levels to be implemented ministries, departments, and agencies of federal and state governments.

The new Federal-State Investment Strategy (FSIPS), was authored by renowned global investment strategy expert, Dr Nicky Okoye, and forms an integral part of his work on “National Investment Strategy” which has been implemented by several African countries and sub-national authorities.

A statement from the ministry stated that it had used the last three years to subject the new strategy to the scrutiny of stakeholders and has received widespread acceptability.

It added that the strategy was equally presented, evaluated and

scrutinised by the National Council on Investment (NCI), which is Nigeria’s highest investment body, comprising the leadership and institutional membership of all the investment promotion ministries, departments and agencies.

In the opening remarks by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, which was delivered at the retreat by the Deputy Director of Investment Promotion Department in the Ministry, Mr. Ishaya Abednego, the ministry indicated that the drive to expand its collaboration with stakeholders for repositioning Nigeria’s direct investment landscape was yielding positive results

It added that this was especially evident by its current collaboration with the African Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Institute, and its founder, Okoye, in authoring and developing the new strategy.

“The unique import from the

collaborative efforts to unveil the Federal-State Investment Promotion Strategy at the retreat, is that the African Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Institute has been directed to provide all Federal and State Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies with the roadmap.

“This also include the strategic framework, implementation matrix and direct investment guide for effective rollout of the new strategy for the benefit of national and state based industry, small businesses and entrepreneurial development.

“State Investment Promotion Agencies were particularly encouraged to take advantage of the Investment Promotion Agency Support structures embedded into the new strategy,” the statement said. Okoye, in his remarks, said the strategy was a pathway to harmonise and integrate the various federal and state government

investment policies, as well as provide for the first time, unique collaborative roles for accredited private sector professionals at the global and local levels.

In addition, it stated that the strategy has particularly repositioned direct investment for the small business community at the community, state and federal levels.

According to Okoye, it also provides a unique pathway for extensive sustainable investment returns by integrating market access and consumer demand, to business opportunities, built on targeted industrial ecosystem segments.

“ The most appealing part of the new strategy is its ability to stimulate new job creation in specific targeted industrial segments which have been recorded to experience growing global consumer demand especially as it relates to a post Covid-19 environment,” he stated.

and I encourage the rest to follow this example.

“As the secretary of state leading the ministry’s efforts in the field of bilateral economic relations, I would like to focus on the chances to intensify cooperation between Poland and Nigeria.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Ambassador of Poland, Mrs. Joanna Tarnawska, appreciated the efforts of Polish entrepreneurs who made it to Nigeria in search of new avenues of corporation with Nigerian partners.

Tarnawska said: “I assure you that you are in the right place. With the visit of our President, Mr. Duda, last year and with the election of President Tinubu in Nigeria, we hope to see a great development in the corporation between Poland and Nigeria in trade and commerce.

“In this vibrant (Nigerian) market, I am sure you will find your own niche and the way to develop. So, do not get discouraged. Work hard to bring about an enhancement of the bilateral relationship between our two countries.”

Similarly, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Poland, Major General Christain Onuoha Ugwu (rtd), said the business forum between Nigerian and Polish business people in Lagos was important because the meeting came at a time that Nigeria had just inaugurated a new President, Senator Ahmed Tinubu, a man with the zeal to revamp the economic sector of Nigeria.

Ugwu said: “I am happy that today this forum is a reality. I, therefore, expect a robust discussion that will lead to a vibrant economic relation between Nigeria and Poland.

“Nigeria signed its first trade agreement with Poland in 1961. Unfortunately, this trade agreement remained moribund. We hope that with this meeting today it is going to be resuscitated.”

He added that the resilience of Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PITA) to organise this forum would give impetus to both countries economic corporation.

“It is also a welcomed opportunities for business groups from both countries to interact and engage in an enduring bilateral corporation.

“Nigeria is a large market with abundant natural resources such as oil and gas, gold and many others.

Polish investors in mining are hereby invited to invest in the avalanche of minerals available in Nigeria.

“Nigeria business group are very reliable and willing to collaborate with foreign investors and I wish the Polish business people will cue to this,” Ugwu said, adding that “it is on record that the trade

transactions between Nigeria and Poland has been very low and need to be taken up for ultimate benefits of both nations.”

In his short remark, The President of Polish Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Marek Ktoczko, said it was satisfactory that he led Polish business delegation to Nigeria after quite a long time.

Ktoczko noted that though the delegation was not huge, the companies that they, “represent are very important sectors from energy, food, infrastructures, multi industry design, manufacturers of LPG, power generators and so on.

“This delegation is the first step, and very important step and I fully believe that after the successes of members on this mission there will be many other Polish companies to establish corporation with Nigerian partners.”

According to the Head of Foreign Trade Office in Lagos and the PITA, Mrs. Justyna Sitarska, the business forum as well as the signing of the MoU were proofs that the economic exchange and cordial relationship between Poland and Nigeria are crucial for both countries.

Sitarska said the Polish trade office was especially proud of the fact that the value of trade between Poland and Nigeria is growing every year, and just last year increased to approximately $800 million.

She, however, noted that Polish export to Africa was nearly one per cent of all Polish exports globally.

“There is a solid ground for us to improve this trade volume not in favour of any country but in a mutually beneficially way.

“As a Polish Investment and Trade Agency, we help Polish companies to enter foreign markets. We help entrepreneurs chose the most effective expansion part abroad. We work in synergy with many other institutions to provide holistic offer that includes the financing and credit insurance of their project.

“I want to remark that Polish ECA has not used up its limits for guarantee for Africa. It still have limits. So, if we have great projects we can bring it to them to get the guarantees and export credits,” she said.

However, the Deputy President of LCCI, Mr. Knut Ulvmoen, who is also the group executive director of Dangote Group, assured the delegation from Poland that Nigeria is the ideal place to come to do business in Africa. Nigeria. He said: “They are looking for win-win approach and I can say that Nigeria is a paradise for them. It is the best place for them to be.”

Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Emmanuella Blatmann; Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna; French Minister of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships, H.E. Mrs. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou; Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Holdings Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe; and Commercial Counsel/Director, Business France, Igor Chlapak at the Official Launch of the Access Bank French Business Desk in Lagos,… yesterday.

POLITICS

Fayinka: 10th N’Assembly Will Improve on Nigeria’s Law Making Process

In this interview with Udora Orizu, a House of Representatives

Constituency 2, Hon. Toyin Fayinka, speaks on the controversy trailing

assembly leadership positions, among other salient issues. Excerpts:

As a newly elected lawmaker what are you plans for your people in Mushin?

My plans for the people of Mushin federal constituency is to make myself available to them, as much as I can, to interact with them as much as I can without disturbing the primary objectives of sending me to the House. In as much I will like to do the duty they have sent me here to do but I will not allow that one to disturb or to rob them of the opportunity to be accessible to them as much as I can.

Secondly, I intend to ask them of what they desire, I have interacted with them in the cause of my election campaign and some of the communities have told me they want a primary school so that the children will not be crossing express before going to school and I will like to make sure that one comes to pass.

Also, I will try as much as possible to bring it infrastructure to them, some of the roads are bad and the little ones we can do I will make sure I work assiduously to make that one happen. Also there are some laws that need to be amended, new ones need to be introduced. By the grace of God I will pursue it rigorously and religiously too so that everything will fall in line.

So these are some of the things I would love to do for the people of Mushin federal constituency.

As a first timer do you understand how the parliament works, are you ready for legislative business?

I’m not scared, how it works is a function of me to participate in the affairs and the proceedings of the House, it doesn’t take time.

I have four years to serve in the first instance and by the grace of God as time goes on, I will understand the rudiments of it all. So, no problem about that, I am not scared.

What are your thoughts on the zoning arrangements by your party?

I do not have control over that, so far so good there is no provisions or there is no place for it in the law of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria as amended. Meaning that everyone of us and in particular myself are here courtesy of one party APC so I am bound to listen to them. So, I will abide by the zoning arrangement and I will work towards achieving the purpose of the zoning by my party, the APC.

Some of your colleagues are sad and they are planning to oppose the party’s consensus candidates, what are your thoughts about that?

Thank you very much for that, there is no issue here because we are all matured and then we know what is good for ourselves and at the end of the day honestly we are going to tow the path of honour, and that is one thing about APC. They have said this is where we are zoning to and it’s still an advise, they have not handcuffed any one, they have not sealed anybody’s mouth, they have not foreclosed anybody from coming out to exercise his or her own right but at the end of the day, majority will carry the day.

You will see many people are still coming out to contest for the leadership positions and that is the beauty of democracy, give it to APC, nobody has come out to issue any threat to anybody.

Consultation is ongoing, I trust the party they will do the needful, should in case you refuse as an individual not to tow the line of the party. Everybody is eminently qualified to be speaker, to be senate president to be deputy speaker and all that but at the end of the day majority carries the vote.

Do you think it’s fair giving two leadership slots to Northwest?

Well, unfortunately I was not invited to where the zoning arrangement was done, unfortunately too I have not been able to read the minds of those eminent party men and women that sat to give us zoning formula.

And fortunately for me I want to believe that

their best of judgement was right at a particular point in time and it shall subsist, so giving it to a particular zone is a function of their beliefs which I will not sit down here and be probing or to now be interrogating them, so nothing in life is equal including one’s life. Only God almighty does things equally.

If you as a journalist is given four pieces of meat to be given to five people, you need to cut some, to add some you cannot do it evenly, that is human beings for you. So I wouldn’t know their intention but I will not sit down here and be querying them.

The north central aspirants believe their region is marginalized, what do you have to say about that and what advice do you have for them?

Well, the north central is right to complain like every other zone, honestly if you are blaming north central for complaining what about other regions that have gotten one or two things but they still want more. So north central is trying to complain, but they have been so civil, they have been so matured and calm in the pursuit of their anger so I give it to them, but like I said only God does things equally.

Let’s move on to 2023 general poll, the presidential election, do you believe it was free and fair?

Honestly it was free and fair. Honestly if you are saying it is not free and fair come up with your own side of argument. So I will want to know where you are coming from, how did you arrive at saying it is not free and fair, in Nigeria we seem to forget things easily

This year’s general election can you compare it with that of previous years? Infact the electoral act has opened many people’s eyes and the inclusiveness is massive this time around so you are expecting that people will agitate the more, if you open a room and you keep 20 people in there you open another room and keep five people there, it is expected that the kind of noise in the room you keep the 20 people will be massive than that of five people.

So the 2022 electoral act has actually open many peoples eyes, so if you are saying it is not fair, presidential election was conducted, house of representatives election was conducted, senate election was conducted and you are saying house of representatives election was conducted the same way with the same style and you are okay with result of house of representatives, senate but you are not okay with the results of presidential election. Then you need to go and ask that person what he is talking about?

To me, it’s free and fair except you want to be specific and I will be able to answer you better.

But PDP and Labour party candidates

and their supporters believe it was rigged? They are entitled to their own believe, but where they won it was free and fair but where they lost it was not free and fair. Can you now see how we reason in this part of the world, Labor party won in Lagos, if APC had wanted to rig election Lagos state, it would have been the best state for them to do it, but Labor party won and nobody is crying, look at southeast, so that election was free and fair where they won, but where they did not win it was not free and fair, I don’t know what to say to that but they are eminently entitled to their opinion.

There are concerns that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is not fit to rule. What do you have to say about that, what do you think of the new administration?

Unless you tell me the meaning or your mindset about not being fit, what do you mean?

Are you a medical doctor? Are you an essential duty officer? Honestly, I don’t know how we reason, we have heard of a situation whereby a one year old baby died of malaria while a 70 year-old man survived same malaria.

Okay so what are we talking about? Let’s keep hatred out of it if you hate him let us know you hate him.

I’m not a medical doctor I am very sure majority of these people that are crying out of hatred are not medical doctors so except they come up with a specific if they are medical doctors let us know that this is Bola Tinubu’s medical history and then a particular doctor has certified him not fit.

Tinubu was not fit and yet he went on campaign to the 36 states of the federation including Abuja not once, not twice and non stop, some people in between broke the campaign arrangements to go and rest, so who is fit and who is not fit?

Stop playing God, only God is the owner of your health and my health. Death globally knows no age and status why are we so concerned about running someone down.

To me, Tinubu is as fit as a fiddle.

So how do you envisage Nigeria under Tinubu’s administration?

Nigeria is going to be much more better, and all those people fanning the ember of disunity are going to be disappointed and all of us will have cause to thank God.

Tinubu is going to perform very well, I want to say in this instance with reference to what he did while he was the governor of Lagos state he will perform wonders.

Ironically, a larger percentage of people that are complaining Lagos is not working are not leaving Lagos, they can only go back to their villages, if Lagos is not working and you work in Lagos, you live in Lagos yet you cannot go back to your village, is that not the height of hypocrisy, if Lagos state is not working, you live, you sleep, you eat in Lagos then why wouldn’t you go to where it works.

To me, Lagos state is working to the extent of its ability and capability. The infrastructure in Lagos state is overstretched yet the template laid by Tinubu is being followed and worked upon by Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

You can only pray for him to do better.

Let me give you an analogy, if I am complaining that my father has a bungalow and I am okay, can I go to your house where you have a storey building, then complain that your house is not beautiful, can I compare your house to my own?

Based on what he did in Lagos and the template he left we have forgotten so easily, when Tinubu assumed office as governor of Lagos state hardly will you see any part of the state without seeing a hip of refuse but under four years that thing became a thing of the past. So based on what he has done in Lagos Tinubu will bring that experience to bear on Nigeria.

Fayinka

Well, unfortunately I was not invited to where the zoning arrangement was done, unfortunately too I have not been able to read the minds of those eminent party men and women that sat to give us zoning formula. And fortunately for me I want to believe that their best of judgement was right at a particular point in time and it shall subsist, so giving it to a particular zone is a function of their beliefs which I will not sit down here and be probing or to now be interrogating them, so nothing in life is equal including one’s life. Only God almighty does things equally.

Akpabio: The Uncommon Choice for 10th Senate Presidency

Kayode Odunaro writes that the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress made a good choice in former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as President of the Senate of the 10th National Assembly.

The struggle for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly has dominated the media space for weeks on end following the conclusion of the 2023 plebiscites.

With the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) managing slim majority among a variegated political parties’ representation in the two chambers of the National Assembly, it was clear that the competition for the presiding officers promises to be fierce.

The usual dominance of a ruling party and a dominant opposition party is now history. The Senate as well as the House of Representatives are now to be populated by a rainbow membership from APC, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, All Progressive Grand Alliance and Young Progressive Party.

It is therefore not surprising that the struggle and politics of electing the presiding officers would not only be fierce but intriguing from whatever dynamics and factors that shaped the struggle in times past.

From all indications, the front runners in the Senate race for president of the Senate are Senator Godswill Akpabio, a lawyer, former commissioner, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Minority Leader of the Senate and former minister; Senator Jubrin Barau, the incumbent Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation; Senator-Elect Abdul Aziz Yari, a former House of Representatives member and former governor of Zamfara State and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a former governor of Abia State and incumbent Chief Whip of the Senate. Others are Senator Dave Umahi, a Senator-elect and former governor of Ebonyi State; Senator Musa Sani, a second term member of the Senate and Chairman of Senate Services Committee and Senator Osita Izunaso, a second term senator who was also a one-time APC National Organizing Secretary.

From the onset, it was clear that the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC with a majority membership of the Senate was going to

Akpabio

have a big say in what eventually pans out on the election of the presiding officers of the 10th National Assembly.

From the experience of the ruling party in 2015 and thereafter, it was a no-brainer that both President and APC National Working Committee would not be ringside observers. Soon enough, the ruling party came out with its preferred position on the presiding officers of the Red and Green Chambers of the 10th National Assembly.

In what was a definitive position that has shaped the race, APC NWC zoned the President of the Senate to South-South, with Senator Akpabio as its preferred candidate and the Deputy Senate President was zoned to North West with Senator Jubrin Barau as its preferred candidate.

Similar arrangement came for the Green Chamber of the House of Representatives with Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass from North West as its Speaker

designate and Hon. Benjamin Kalu from South East as Deputy Speaker designate.

The APC NWC had announced that its decision was based on consultations with the then President-elect and other party leaders on these critical issues with an unprecedented multi-party national parliament.

As is to be expected in a polity with individuals nursing personal ambitions, not a few elected members of the parties and others protested the zoning arrangements of the APC for the presiding officers of the two Chambers of the National Assembly.

Some that are against the seeming zoning arrangement voiced opinions that not enough consultation was done to carry all stakeholders along on the thinking of the ruling APC and the President.

Others rued in that certain regional interests were not accommodated.

But graciously, majority of stakeholders, including those of opposition political parties and governments, are in complete alignment with the position of APC, particularly the uncommon Senator Akpabio- Senator Barau joint ticket. Beyond the uncommon appellation associated with Senator Akpabio, this ticket is also uncommon as it sets out from day one as a joint ticket that is yet to be seen in any other aspiration.

Since the announcement of the joint ticket for Senate presiding officers and the subsequent formation of the National Stability Group of Senators-elect of the 10th Senate, many key stakeholders across party lines have seen to the merit of the preference of the President and the NWC of APC, politicization of the zoning arrangement notwithstanding.

For a start, as at the last count, 45 of APC senators-elect are loyal to the President and APC NWC’s position, leaving out only 14 members who are being vigorously coax to join the bandwagon.

Furthermore, at least 25 other senators-elect

from Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and All Progressives Grand Alliance, have openly identified with the National Stability Group under the leadership of Senators Akpabio and Barau making a tentative list of 70 senators-elect that have signed in support of the President and APC’s NWC position.

To further show the merit and strength of the Stability Group, at least three former President of the Senate aspirants namely Senators Ali Ndume, Senator Dave Umahi and Senator Barau succumbed to the wisdom of the President and APC with Senator Umahi becoming the Chairman of the group’s campaign organization and Senator Ndume as the Director General.

This group position has been further buoyed by the open endorsement of Senator-elect Adam Oshiomhole, a former APC national chairman and former governor of Edo State.

The group, which has engaged in wide consultations and solicitations of support has so far received the blessing of the NWCs of the Labour Party, the SDP, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, whose members are aligned with the Senator Akpabio- Barau ticket.

In their widely accepted consultations across party lines, the Senators Akpabio-Barau ticket had since received the open and reported support of the Governors/Governors-Elect of Ekiti, Lagos, Katsina, Niger, Cross River, Zamfara (PDP) Rivers (PDP), Borno, Nassarawa, Kwara, Ebonyi, Imo and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

As it is, many other governors like that of Ogun, Yobe, Gombe and Oyo and governors-elect like Kano are awaiting the visit of the Stability Group to openly declare their support for the joint ticket of Akpabio-Barau.

-Odunaro writes from Abuja

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

N-Alert and Its Impact on 2023 Poll

In the run-up to the just concluded general elections, the Federal Government launched a new mobile application to help monitor and report criminal activities such as election fraud, vandalism and fire outbreaks.

N-Alert, was recently hailed by Nigerians for its effectiveness in election monitoring and the prevention of criminal activities such as vandalism and fire outbreaks.

During the recent polls in the country, the N-Alert app was used by thousands of citizens to report any suspicious activities or incidents that could have compromised the integrity of the elections.

The app allowed users to send real-time reports of any irregularities to the relevant authorities, which helped to ensure that the elections were conducted fairly and transparently.

In addition to its role in election monitoring, the N-Alert app has also been instrumental in curbing criminal activities such as vandalism of public infrastructures sexual and genderbased violence, prison escapes as well as serve as the Ministry of Interior Agency’s Public Compliant platform.

It can also be used to verify fake news, report road crimes such as Police brutality on citizens, and share intelligent reports with security agencies.

The app allows users to report any incidents of vandalism, floods or fire outbreaks in their local areas, which helps law enforcement, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and fire services to respond quickly and prevent further damage.

Since its launch, the N-Alert app has been widely adopted by citizens across the country. It has been praised for its ease of use and the speed at which reports can be sent to the relevant authorities.

The app has also helped to improve communication between citizens and the govern-

ment, which has been critical in addressing some of the security challenges facing the country.

N-Alert gained significant popularity among the public, with thousands of downloads reported in just a few days following the federal government’s announcement to deploy it to monitor the recently concluded general elections and the results have been very encouraging. Users have reported a high level of satisfaction with the app, noting its ease of use and effectiveness in reporting incidents.

Developed by a group of young tech enthusiasts from the Federal Ministry of Interior, N-Alert has already gained significant popularity among the public, with thousands of downloads reported in just a few days of the announcement.

N-Alert was also used to monitor the conduct of election officials and political parties during the election period. Users reported many instances of malpractice or irregularities using the app,

ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Users uploaded pictures and videos of any suspicious activities or incidents, and the data was sent directly to the security agancies control centre. This allowed the authorities to respond quickly and efficiently to any issues that may arise and to ensure the integrity of the election.

In addition to election monitoring, the N-Alert app can also be used to curb other criminal activities such as vandalism and fire outbreaks. Users will be able to report any incidents of vandalism or fire outbreaks, and the data will be shared with the relevant authorities, including the police and fire department.

During the recent general elections held in states across Nigeria, the N-Alert app was used to monitor the elections and prevent any form of electoral malpractices.

With the app, voters were able to report any form of irregularities, such as ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, and other electoral malpractices, which helped to ensure free and fair elections.

According to the developers, N-Alert is a simple and user-friendly app that can be used by anyone with a smartphone. The app uses GPS technology to track the user’s location, enabling the authorities to respond quickly and efficiently to the reported incidents.

Once an incident is reported, the app uses real-time GPS technology to pinpoint the location of the user and send the report to the nearest emergency response unit.

One of the key features of the app is its ability to provide users with real-time updates on the status of their report. Users are able to track the progress of their report and receive notifications once the issue has been resolved. This feature has been particularly helpful in situations where response time is critical, such as during a fire outbreak.

Commenting on the app, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior, Shuaibu Belgore, said the N-Alert app enabled thousands of citizens to report incidents or irregularities during the election process in real-time.

According to him: “This app is a gamechanger in election monitoring and in curbing criminal activities. We encourage all citizens to download the app and to use it to report any incidents that they may observe during the election process.

“Citizens were able to report incidents of vote-buying, ballot snatching, and other irregularities in real-time, which allowed security agencies to respond promptly and mitigate the situation.

“With this app, we can ensure that the elections are free, fair and transparent, and that the safety and security of citizens are protected.

“The N-Alert app is available for download on both Android and iOS devices and is free to use. It is hoped that the app will help to promote greater transparency and accountability in the election process and that it will contribute to the overall safety and security of the country.

“The N-Alert app has proven to be an effective tool in promoting accountability and transparency in our electoral process. We urge citizens to continue to use the app to report any incidents of violence, malpractice, and other criminal activities that threaten our democracy”.

Belgore encouraged citizens to report incidents of vandalism and fire outbreaks promptly, which enables the authorities to respond quickly and prevent further damage.

-Ahamudein writes from Lagos

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

Alex Ahamudein writes about the use of N-Alert by voters to uncover electioral malpractises during the last general elections held across the country.

FESATC'77 @45: A Potpourri of Conversations, Cultural Showcase and Awards

It was a potpourri of conversations, awards and world class cultural performances recently at the commemoration of Festival for Arts and Culture, FESTAC ’77 at 45. Organised by the Centre for Black Arts and African Civilisation, CBAAC, the festival served as a sanctuary for the unification of the Black people across the world, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

Recently at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, it was an evening of conversations, world class cultural performances and awards to deserving individuals across different sectors when the Centre for Black Arts and African Civilisation (CBAAC) commemorated the Festival for Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) at 45.

The evening, which was also tinged with short conversations, witnessed the presence of the creme de la creme of the society including captains of industries, technocrats and politicians.

Oozing class aesthetic wise, from the entrance of the hall, the stark beauty of the decoration was blinding. Red and white were the colour of the day and its classic lines were seen in every decoration and backdrop.

Draped in their finest, the guests were first heralded at the Red Carpet outside the hotel before they were led into the hall by ushers, who were gaily dressed in traditional attires.

On entering the hall, the guests were welcomed to the beautiful ambience of the set tables and the golden bubbles that was the backdrop of the huge stage.

During the award, drinks flowed, tasty palate with scintillating dessert were served as the audience as awardees climbed up the decked stage to receive their plaques.

But prior to the award, CBAAC led by its Director General, Hon Olubunmi Ayobami Amao, had hosted days and days of conversations on cultural diversity, nation building and integration in Africa and the World.

In fact, the week-long event witnessed cultural dance performances, exhibitions, colloquium, symposium, African hairdo and fabric exhibitions, food fair, exhibitions of FESTAC relics and documentaries, public lecture and international conference.

So for CBAAC, the climax was the award and gala night to celebrate individuals who have contributed to the promotion and propagation of African cultural heritage.

Thus, the grand finale was a gathering of royalty as from the ambience of the hall to the exquisite decorations and table settings, everything

screamed pure class- a plus many attributed to the taste of the CBAAC DG.

According to the immediate past Minster of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, FESTAC ’77 served as a sanctuary for the unification of the Black people across the world.

Mohammed, during a cultural showcase, dinner and award night held in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of FESTAC, said the festival recorded a series of positive narratives as it inspired many to go back to their countries of residence and preach the messages of bravery and freedom.

He also commended CBAAC DG, Hon Olubunmi Amao, for putting together such a commendable event, describing her as someone with deep love and sense of responsibility for arts, culture and heritage.

Earlier, veteran actress, Dr Shola Sobowale, who is the face of FESTAC at 45, urged the traditional institutions to continue to support CBAAC on cultural promotion.

For the DG CBAAC, the reason for the commemoration was not far-fetched because FESATC'77 took place to project African cultures to the world and strengthen the historical connection and relationship between Africa and the Diaspora.

Interestingly today, she said 45 years after FESTAC, Black and African peoples are beginning to take up their rightful places in the world, in medicine, science and technology, sports, music and entertainment, education, arts and creativity and several areas of human endeavour, hence the need to bring that to the forefront.

Award of Excellence

No fewer than 21 traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic communities were also conferred with similar awards for their contributions toward the promotion and propagation of African culture.

For the award proper, world's youngest crowned monarch in the 1980 edition of the World Guinness Book of Record, The Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Highness,

Benjamin Nwachukwu Keagbarekuri 1 got an Award of Excellence for being a champion of peace, security and unity in his kingdom and beyond; Mama Nike Okundaye Davies, textile arts connoisseur and proprietor of Africa's renowned art gallery, Nike Art Gallery won the Trailblazer award; and Ara the drummer was also awarded.

Also, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, was awarded. According to Hon Amao, the Ooni of Ife, a peace builder, was known to have transformed the ancient city of Ile-Ife to a tourist site, while the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, was awarded for being a strong advocate of cultural integration and unity.

She said the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, had placed the peace and unity of his subjects over everything while the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, had remained passionate about education as a fundamental factor in national development and also set up a manpower development trust fund in his community to help indigent students in their academic pursuit, a move she described as remarkable.

She noted that the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, is seen as a great lover of arts and custodian of the traditional heritage

of Nupe people which he projects within and outside Nigeria while the Olubadan of Ibadan, Senator Moshood Balogun’s reign had brought about remarkable peace and progress to Ibadan land in Oyo state.

According to the DG, the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, over the years had been able to unite his people and encourage peace among his subjects, while the late Nelson Mandela was an African nationalist and socialist who focused on dismantling the apartheid regime and foster racial reconciliation.

Other recipients of the awards were Oba Olusola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon; Nneka and Isaac Moses of Goge Africa; Zainab Ahmed, immediate past Minster of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Mrs Omotayo Omotosho, a tourism consultant and Geoffrey Onyeama, erstwhile Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Awardees from the diplomatic community include: Clara Culido-Escandel, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, and Dr Yanko Yordanov, the Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria.

Recipients from the creative industry were Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Founder, Nike Arts Gallery; Aralola Olumuyiwa, Cultural Ambassador to Ife Kingdom, and Nollywood Actor, Ramsey Nouah.

The DG CBAAC, Hon. Olubunmi Ayobami Amao with the Etsu Nupe, His Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Rt. General I.B.M Haruna and other Chiefs from the Nupe kingdom

DG CBAAC and fmr. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed presenting an award to the Dein of Agbor

DG CBAAC, Hon. Olubunmi Ayobami Amao and Alh. Lai Mohammed, fmr. Minister, Information and Culture presenting an award of traditional excellence to His Royal Highness, Alh. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli (the Emir of Zazzau)

DG CBAAC and fmr. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed presenting an award to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe

HRM Oba Muraina Adebanjo Adedini, the Asoya of Ile-Isoya, Ife Kingdom receiving an award of traditional excellence on behalf of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, presented by Dr. Sola Sobowale (Face of Festac @45) and Otunba Abiodun Odusanwo (President, Institute of Tourism Professionals, Nigeria) with Princess Fadekemi Fadojutimi (M.D, Ife Grand Resort and Leisure Gardens)

First Sons are Back?

Bloomberg has a blockbuster story made possible by the UK’s new register of overseas entities which gave a deadline of 31st January 2023 for all foreign entities owning property in the UK to declare who the beneficial owners of the entities are.

The Bloomberg story by William Clowes reveals that a property that was previously owned by Kola Aluko in the UK is now owned, effectively, by Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son:

The corporate documents seen by Bloomberg show for the first time that Tinubu’s 37-year-old son Oluwaseyi is the main shareholder of Aranda Overseas Corp., an offshore company that paid £9 million ($10.8 million) to Deutsche Bank for the property in North London in late 2017. The private three-floor residence in St. John’s Wood — a district favored by American bankers — is equipped with an eight-car driveway, two gardens, electric gates and a gym.

Two years ago, Nigeria’s Premium Times had reported on the former President Buhari visiting President Bola Tinubu at the property in London. The Premium

Times report at the time said that the property had been bought by Aranda which was controlled by Gboyega Oyetola, former Osun State governor.

The mistake came from the fact that Premium Times’ report was based on the Pandora Papers which only had documents up to 2010. It therefore missed that in 2011, control of Aranda shifted to Seyi Tinubu. So in effect, at the time the property was bought in 2017, it was bought by Seyi Tinubu.

The whole story is interesting and as a smart friend of mine quipped — money was stolen from Nigeria twice to pay for the same house by two different sets of politicians in two opposing parties. You really couldn’t make it up.

But it also is a foretaste of something I have been making noise about a lot lately that Nigerians (due to having a very young population and hardly any news reports from the 90s being available online) have largely forgotten what it is like to have a ‘First Son’ that is influential and throws his weight around. The last time this happened was when we had Ibrahim Abacha in the Abacha days.

A story I remember from the time was how the renegade press were filled with reports about all the weapons that were found on the presidential jet after the crash that killed him and several of his friends, including the stunningly beautiful mechanical en gineer Julie Osholukoya, his girlfriend at the time.

To further illustrate this loss of memory point — it is near impossible to find a photo of Ms. Osholukoya anywhere on the internet now. You will have to take my word for it, she was an incredibly beautiful woman.

What was remarkable about the weapons-on-the-plane story at the time was that Ibrahim and his friends were not on their way to do anything sinister. They were simply flying across Nigeria to get to a party. That is, moving around with lots of weapons was just simply how they rolled. Ibrahim was the dominant Abacha child who threw his weight around as the First Son and partied hard using state resources.

Obasanjo simply had too many children as President for any one of them to be similarly dominant and at

any rate, he was the one who dominated his children. Umaru Yar’Adua only had older female childr en, and the goal was simply to marry them off to as many governors as possible while he was President. He did have 4 young sons at the time he was President. Goodluck Jonathan’s children were in their teens while he was in office and Yusuf Buhari, was the 7th of Buhari’s 10 children and the only surviving son. He also had that terrible motorbike accident in 2017 which came with speech damage and a lengthy recovery period.

All of this is to say that Seyi Tinubu — as the President’s oldest (surviving) son and the closest to him of his children with a very public profile — is going to be a ‘new’ experience for a lot of Nigerians who were too young to remember the Ibrahim Abacha days or the Mohammed Babangida days before that.

The First Son is back and I suspect this Bloomberg story is mer ely the first of many stories like it that will feature him during his father’s presidency.

– Feyi Fawehinmi

How FinTech Cloud Adoption White Paper Will Enhance Financial Innovation, Operational Cost Reduction

Emma Okonji

FinTech NGR and Huawei Cloud recently released the highly anticipated Nigerian FinTech Cloud Adoption White Paper at an event in Lagos, where they highlighted its significance in addressing the key challenges faced by Nigeria’s FinTech.

Financial Technology (FinTech), refers to the innovative application of technology in the financial services sector. It encompasses a broad range of digital solutions and services that aim to revolutionise traditional financial processes. Through the use of advanced technologies such as cloud computing, artificial

intelligence, blockchain, and mobile applications, FinTech companies offer faster, more convenient, and user-centric financial services to individuals and businesses.

Speaking at the launch of the Nigerian FinTech Cloud Adoption White Paper, the Vice President, Huawei Cloud, Mr. Paul Adigu, said the release of the white paper would highlight, the growing international recognition and consumer acceptance of Nigerian FinTech solutions, adding that the collaboration between FinTech NGR, and Huawei Cloud, aims to foster stronger synergies between FinTech startups and established enterprises, providing a platform for accelerated

growth and innovation.

Group Head from Zenith Bank, Mr. Lanre Oladimeji, said the Nigerian FinTech’s Cloud Adoption White Paper serves as a comprehensive analysis of the current state, requirements, and challenges of the FinTech industry in Nigeria, providing practical solutions through cloudification, which deserves to be appreciated.

According to the white paper, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly impacted the Nigerian economy, presents a unique opportunity for FinTech to contribute to economic recovery and development. To realise this potential, it is crucial for entrepreneurs to scale

up their operations, enhance their value propositions, and tap into the immense FinTech opportunities that Nigeria offers.

The Nigerian FinTech Cloud Adoption White Paper examines six broad segments within the industry: Payments, mobile money and digital banking; Lending; Savings, investment, and crowdfunding; Enterprise services and infrastructure; Cryptocurrency; and InsurTech. With its focus on innovation, efficiency, security, and reliability, FinTech embraces cloud-based infrastructure as a key enabler for achieving these goals.

The white paper also highlighted the key benefits of cloud computing

and the challenges.

“Cloud computing plays a critical role in the future of FinTech in Nigeria. However, several challenges impede the rapid adoption of cloud services in the industry. These challenges include complex and outdated approval processes, data retention and security concerns, fierce competition, security risks due to fast development, external attacks stemming from big data channels, and difficulties with data isolation,” the white paper said.

However, to address the challenges, the Nigerian FinTech Cloud Adoption White Paper emphasises the importance of considering four key aspects of

cloud adoption within the industry to include: Regulatory Compliance, Cloud Security, Cloud Native Infrastructure, and Operational Costs.

Giving details of the four key aspects of cloud adoption, the 98 page white paper document explained that with the regulatory compliance, the white paper would provide insights into how Nigerian FinTech enterprises on Huawei Cloud comply with international and local laws and regulations, ensuring regulatory requirements are met.

NCS Decries Low Adoption of Information Technology in Nigeria, Calls for Reforms

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all Information Technology (IT) professionals in Nigeria, has raised the concern about low adoption of IT in Nigeria, especially in the government circle, and has called for reforms.

President of NCS, Prof. Adesina Sodiya, raised the concern, while addressing members of the National Executive Council of NCS and the media, at the second quarter press conference of NCS, which held as a hybrid conference in Abuja recently.

According to Sodiya, the low adoption of IT in Nigeria is setting

the country backward in an era where the practice of digital technology is driving global development.

Sodiya therefore called for immediate reforms of all the activities of IT professionals in government establishments.

He explained that NCS has proposed to government, through

the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, for the establishment of a medium IT cadre for IT professionals working in government and that the proposal has been approved by the Council of Communications and Digital Economy and transmitted to the Head of Service of the Federation for

further consideration and approval.

“This cadre of IT professionals will be encouraged to drive IT adoption in government, once it is approved and established. NCS is therefore calling on the federal government to speed up the approval process in order to drive IT adoption in government,” Sodiya said.

on www.thisdaylive.com The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

He decried a situation where some of the activities of government like file processing, are still manually processed in today’s digital era, where computing is fast developing.

Emma Okonji

EMILOKAN, TO DO WHAT NOW?

To whom much is given, much is expected, writes

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

“I HAVE RUN A GOOD RACE…”

See page 29

A GOLDEN ERA BECKONS

AKANJI ODUNAIKE

writes Governor Umo Eno is set to make a difference in governance

Last week’s occasion of the conferment of national honours on the then incoming president and vice president, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima, presented former President Muhammadu Buhari a chance to spring a surprise. He alluded to the Holy Bible to drive home a point. “I have run a good race. another to take up the baton,” the elated retired general turned politician told his audience. Some people think that the credit belongs to his speech writer, an argument which makes no sense as Buhari is sound enough to own whatever he says in public, whether written or extempore.

That statement is original to Apostle Paul who, towards the end of his ministry, rendered it thus in Second Timothy 4:7,8: “I have fought kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Perhaps, Buhari should have completed his own thought-line by adding, “henceforth, I return to Daura to tend to my cattle and have a peaceful retirement.”

See page 29

In keeping with his repeated reminders that he couldn’t wait to lead a quiet existence far away from the burdens of governance, he took before the presidential handover ceremony was completed on Monday. His life as a private another sojourn to Nigeria’s apex seat for the second time. The last one was in 1985 via the military coup that brought in General Ibrahim Babangida. Whether Buhari is entitled to a tranquil rest now is between him and his Maker. However, it’s within the rights of others to assess his stewardship, an exercise that had actually been on throughout his two-term tenure; only tones and contents. As time moves, even those who have been supportive or patronising could make a 360-degree turn and hit him below the belt. That’s the way of rulership and followership, especially in this part of the world where the line between objectivity and subjectivity can get blurred easily.

EDITORIAL

THE ABUJA CCTV CAMERA SCANDAL

Probably armed with that realisation, he decided to blow his own trumpet in his last broadcast on Sunday: “I am leaving behind an electoral process which guarantees that votes count, results are credible, elections are fair politics reduced to the barest minimum. And Nigerians can elect leaders of their choice.”

Buhari claimed credit for his own interpretation of the outcome of the 2023 general election because the country didn’t erupt in visible chaos afterwards. We can’t forget in a hurry, though, that the primaries were more like bazaars, that the governorship polls in some states and that of the presidential were below average in the estimation of many observers and stakeholders. The nation awaits anxiously for the judiciary to determine the validity or otherwise of the exercises in many instances.

of public opinion for the hundreds of billions

of naira spent by the Independent National

The former president also spoke about being “mindful of the need to ensure adequate infrastructure to drive economic growth. We completed age-long projects and processes notably amongst which are the Petroleum Industry Act, completion of some power projects, completion of the second Niger bridge and various important roads linking cities and states.” The two projects mentioned here - PIA and 2nd Niger Bridge - are, without doubt, accomplishments that can’t be taken away from his government. He should have even added more examples like the partial resuscitation of the railway and expansion of some airports. But that talk of “adequate infrastructure to drive economic growth”

Whatever economic policies he adopted and implemented throughout his eight years in government simply didn’t yield expected or critical areas like employment, prices of goods and services, gross domestic product, energy and both local and foreign debts are irrefutable reminders of his not so sterling performance in the sector. And leaving Nigeria comfortably in the seat of the country with the largest number of multi-dimensionally poor people in the that his government enhanced the “ability of the poor to earn a living” and that it “provided more food for millions.” I sincerely hope that he wasn’t thinking of the controversial school feeding programme and the 5000 naira said to have been paid to very disadvantaged Nigerians, whatever that means in the circumstance.

That last speech ended on an even more

started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the initial critical steps and I am convinced the incoming administration will quicken the pace

than in 2015.” Well… Self-congratulation can either reinforce one’s mental and emotional wellbeing or achieve healing. It can also elicit concurrence, disapproval, disdain or anger among the listeners.

Is our country truly in a more advantageous position than it was prior Buhari’s democratic entry? One thing is certain, anyhow. It was in such a precarious situation that the clamour for change was overwhelming. The country appeared to be drifting inexorably, like it did during the Interim National Government control of some areas in the north east, while some other parts of the federation grappled with various forms of insecurity. His success in this regard, as in others, is a mixed-bag which tilts towards underachievement. And some of the economic indices that have since taken a rapid downward spiral were already taking root. I don’t subscribe to the kind of nostalgia that makes people forget completely the travails of the past because of the intensity of today’s tribulations.

The expectations and extravagant goodwill heavy for his strong shoulders. He didn’t come prepared for the enormous task of reversing the ‘havoc’ caused by the ‘clueless’ administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Declaring his race ‘good’ is immodest. Under his watch, a good number of the persons he appointed operated below average without appropriate or prompt sanctions. Some of his ministers served out the two terms - making them the longest ever in those portfolios - without commensurate productivity. The consequences of the visible lack of supervision and coordination in his cabinet, parastatals and agencies may not be fully measured soon. One perception out there is that Buhari trusted his appointees too much to expect them to underperform or fail. Read: delegating authority while abdicating responsibility. That can’t be a leadership subordinates abound. Many times, citizens own devices.

I am not chronicling the failings of the previous government neither have I joined those who think that nothing worthwhile was recorded then. Buhari and his team have played their part in the socio-political and economic evolution of Nigeria. “May history be kind to you,” his successor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prayed for him in his inauguration speech some days ago. The ex-president and his admirers should adopt that prayer because the disillusioned and the desperate in our land today are numerous.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

The expectations and extravagant goodwill that followed Buhari into the office proved too heavy for his strong shoulders. He didn’t come prepared for the enormous task of reversing the ‘havoc’ caused by the ‘clueless’ administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Declaring his race ‘good’ is immodest

Former President Buhari’s self-assessment does not totally reflect national realities, writes

MONDAY PHILIPS

EKPE

To whom much is given, much is expected, writes

EMILOKAN, TO DO WHAT NOW?

Continued from the backpage what Akande has to say about the person courage and resilience. He is a powerful quickly generates tension around himself confusion of those who might have enjoyed his pleasantness and generosity. In any war, apart from battles of deadly weapons, it

addressed. Notwithstanding, in terms of the primacy of ideas for modern governance, Lagos remains the model by which Nigeria can work and due credit must be given to Tinubu as the pioneer in that direction.

“When people complain about Lagos, it is because they have not paid attention to its huge population, the enormous challenges and what is no more than meagre resources, even with all the internally generated revenues. The question really is how the situation would have been if Lagos was, like other states, dependent on oil revenues. One fact most people also ignore is that Lagos, according to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode with over 65 percent of Nigeria’s non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 60 percent of value-added manufacturing.

“In his appointments, Tinubu went for talents. For the record, Tinubu’s commissioners included Yemi Osinbajo,

Capital Markets Corporation in New York

There is a Yoruba proverb that goes, “Omi yi iay’ a mon ee san gb’onen ee”, meaning, the water that one is destined to drink will never is destined to become or achieve in life must come to pass. I have been an avid follower of the development of Akwa Ibom State since the days of Obong Victor Attah. I speak as a Yoruba man. If what I hear about Pastor Umo Eno is true then Akwa Ibom State is on the verge of becoming the face of the dawn of a new Nigeria. The Governor is a new and fresh voice emerging from Nigeria’s richest oil state. Observers say he is on the brink of rewriting Nigeria’s history from the Southernmost tip of the lands bordering the Atlantic Ocean. I have a sister-in-law in Akwa Ibom State. She was a staunch supporter and founding member of one of the opposition parties in the State but she told me last November that a chance encounter with Umo Eno on one of his campaign trails completely transformed

indicates Umo Eno graduated in 2004. The question people are asking is, how could someone expelled in 2005, graduate a year earlier in 2004? How did they come university expulsion? Please note that the allegation of forgery levelled against Umo Eno is the same case that a another Governorship aspirant brought before the Supreme Court in appeal number SC/ CV/172/2023. It was also the same case that the Governorship aspirant brought before the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, and lost. The Supreme Court dismissed the allegations and held that Umo Eno was duly nominated by his Party, the PDP on May 25, 2022 and elections. The highest court of the land acquitted Umo Eno on 23rd February 2023.

In Nigeria, the principle of Double

other side, even if you are winning the initial battles, you cannot be sure of winning the peace thereafter.”

Akande is not done: “Tinubu carries his business sense too often into his political decisions. He always feels too strongly about his own (sometimes, peculiar) political views and ways, but his presentations and utterances appear constantly underplayed by smarting too often under heavy burdens of human demands and public pressure. Tinubu for me to classify. He revels in controversies pains of disappointments and betrayals by and chains of cigarettes. However, he is a moods of others around him with instinctive striving and sensitive hormones. For whoever he senses negatively, he detests, for others in his positive antenna, he admires, Tinubu is blindly generous and dangerously humorous.”

That in a nutshell is the man who now carries the burden of Nigeria on his fragile frame. I have written several critical columns about Tinubu. One of them, just a twoparagraph piece, ‘Tinubu should watch it’ elicited an angry response from my friend Sunday Dare (until a few days ago the Minister of Sports and Youth Development

believe that there are positives from Tinubu’s stewardship in Lagos that would serve us in Nigeria. What critics often ignore is that we are talking about a huge population cramped into a small space (Niger State is more than 21 times the size of Lagos State in landmass).

I crave the indulgence of readers to take a few excerpts from what I wrote in November 2015: “I am quite aware of the sundry allegations that have for years dogged tax administration in Lagos, especially regarding who the actual border on transparency and accountability in are important issues that would have to be

Mr. Lanre Towry-Coker and several other accomplished professionals like Leke Pitan, Alake.

“The Lagos model has its own contradictions that would have to be resolved in the overall interest of the people of the state and that of the actors themselves. that is less dependent on oil rent, the Lagos model is the way to go. The success recorded Raji) Fashola especially owe largely to their very keen understanding of the immediate infrastructure that is tolerably acceptable, improved environmental sanitation and a reasonable level of security. They went ahead and visible way before evolving taxation mechanisms. It would be recalled that as Lagos roads, there was always a signage that said, ‘YOUR TAX MONEY AT WORK’. The same went with most other public work projects.

“When the tax man eventually came calling, most people were able to see the relationship between the increased demand for taxation and the sense of responsibility of their government. This remains the clearest demonstration in recent Nigerian history of the dictum that dictates a correlation between taxation and representation….”

I wrote that eight years ago when I had no idea that Tinubu would ever be president ‘lifelong ambition’, we wait to see what kind of president he would be. Yes, Lagos under Tinubu was not perfect but by putting the right people in the right places, enduring reforms were made in several sectors and the considered, Tinubu is a very lucky man. Despite what Nigerians know (and do not know) about him, he is now our President. Therefore, in moments of introspection, Tinubu must admit that Nigeria has given him so much. And to whom much is given, much is expected. I wish him all the best in his new assignment.

Adeniyi is Chairman, THISDAY Editorial Board

her. She described it as an epiphany that informed her new political direction in the State. Right now, my sister-in-law is one of his dedicated supporters. She keeps talking to me about the man’s humility and modesty. So I began to get interested in Umo Eno after Idongesit’s political conversion.

A very interesting drama is unfolding at the Governorship tribunal seating in Uyo.

university expulsion levelled against the Governor has been torn to shreds. The petitioners tendered a 2005 list before the tribunal purportedly showing that Umo Eno had been expelled from the University of Uyo was tendered in evidence, a brochure of the 2004 convocation from the same university surfaced online. The brochure has gone viral falsehood. There is now incontrovertible evidence that Eno was a student in the 19982004 set of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Uyo. And that he graduated in 2004. The brochure also revealed his younger sister and her name appears just above his name on the brochure. The list also revealed the are not the only names, there are hundreds of it gets even more bizarre and convoluted for those sympathetic to the petitioner’s case. They claim Umo Eno was expelled in 2005 but the brochure that has just surfaced

Jeopardy gains statutory power from the provision of section 36(9) and (10) of the 1999 constitution. Double Jeopardy is also extended into civil matters, it is referred to as Res Judicata. The principle presupposes that where a competent court has determined an issue and entered judgment, neither of the parties will have the liberty to bring the matter again to court. The principle is predicated on the fact that there must be an end to litigation. Again, with regard to Umo Eno’s case, a WAEC Senior Assistant Registrar, Noble Umo Eno’s WAEC results of 1981 and 1983 to the Court. He as a representative as authentic and genuine. This is at the And the question is, how does he intend to overturn WAEC’s own authentication?

A very cultured gentleman with a creative eye for human capital development, entrepreneurship and tourism Umo Eno has gone through these crucibles of lies but says he holds no malice. Perhaps it is time people took Umo Eno’s hand of fellowship and not shackle themselves to Professor Ayandele’s atomistic prophecy. A golden age beckons and Nigeria’s richest region is about to Nigeria’s Land of Promise has found a servant leader.

Odunaike

Dr

writes from Lagos State

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

A GOLDEN ERA BECKONS

AKANJI ODUNAIKE writes Governor Umo Eno is set to make a difference in governance

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

THE ABUJA CCTV CAMERA SCANDAL

Those involved in the acts should be held to account

Last week judgement by a Federal High Court compelling the federal government to “publish the total amount of money paid to Chinese and local companies and names of the companies and contractors and status of the implementation of the project” has once again brought to the fore issues surrounding the bungled $460m Abuja Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) project. We must commend the SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for its persistence.

The close-circuit cameras were part of the National Public Security Communications System (NPSCS) contract awarded in 2010 to a Chinese company, ZTE Corporation, at $470 million. The Chinese Exim Bank provided $399.5million loan while the federal government paid the balance of 15 per cent, amounting to $70.5 million in counterpartfunding. Some1000 units of the CCTV cameras were supposed to be installed in Lagos and Abuja. The purpose of the CCTV contract “was to facilitate real time online communication between security crime.” But it has become another monument to waste.

The project was to generate voice, video and data, using the code division multiple access (CDMA) technology to tackle terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes that increasingly undermine our security. But years later, the installed cameras have become mere objects of decoration. Out of the 1000 cameras in Abuja, only 40 are “online” while the rest 960, in the words of one of the police vandalised. An angry Tony Nwulu, a member of the House of Representatives committee which once probed the project said it was “planned to fail from the beginning because from all indications, all the

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Letters to the Editor

components didn’t do the right thing.”

That the project designed to enhance national security was meant to fail is indeed worrying. The contract for the CCTV installation was awarded without due process and Mr. Emeka Eze, the former Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement objection issued by the BPP, which it never did. But the Nigerian Communications Satellite, better known as NigComSat, which acted as consultant of the project, blamed its eventual abandonment on the government’s inability to fund the project.

The former Director General of NigComSat, Mr Ahmed Rufai, who served as a member of the project management set up by the government blamed the failure to provide the required “operational funds” to run the system after it was completed in 2012 for the problem. The required monthly operational budget for the security project as of 2012 downwards to about N5 billion after Rufai had left but still, funding was not forth coming. “The situation with the project is like buying a new car and refusing to provide money to buy fuel”, said Rufai, “how will the car function?” On his part, the Managing Director of ZTE, Mr Hao Fuqiang, said the project was shut down around 2013 due to “non-operational” fund. Yet the country was expected to start payig the principal sum in the CCTV failed contract as from 2018. Meanwhile, debt servicing alone is already more than $60 million.

The CCTV scandal is yet another clear evidence of how corruption and mismanagement are standing infrastructure and other vital services. This is even more painful because it is coming at a great cost to the nation. The pertinent question: Just how long shall we allow this country to bleed uncontrollably?

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

LETTERS

THE MANY HEALTH BENEFITS OF MILK

“And there will be enough . . . milk to feed you, To feed your household, and to sustain your servant girls.” – Proverbs 27:27.

are born. Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants during milk so that they can grow up big and strong. Do we, however, tend to stop drinking this nutritious beverage, milk, as we grow older? Even as adults, should we still drink milk? the importance of maintaining bone health as we age. Gradually throughout our lives, our bones are constantly changing. Hence, when our intake of Calcium-rich foods is low, our body ‘steals’ the Calcium it needs from our bones – which can cause them to become porous and weak. In Nigeria, bone diseases are quite common. Just as an example: according to data, more than 1.5 million cases of Osteoporosis are diagnosed in Nigeria every year! Osteoporosis refers to a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, and bone loss occurs without symptoms. Consequently, most people are unaware of their deteriorating bone health.

However, the good news is that drinking milk regularly can help prevent Osteoporosis and bone fractures and even help you

maintain a healthy weight. This delicious beverage – milk, has always been a healthy drink because it is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and many other nutrients which are usually under-consumed by many people.

However, although milk is a good choice for many, some people cannot tolerate it because they are unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products (dairy products are products containing or made from milk). It is suggested that such people stick to unsweetened varieties of milk, to limit the amount of added sugar in their diet. Some examples of non-dairy milk alternatives include: soymilk, oat milk, almond milk, and more.

For those able to tolerate milk, however, consuming high-quality milk and dairy products has been proven to provide a number

One, good for bones. Milk is the topmost food source of Calcium and Vitamin D for children and adults. Calcium is an essential nutrient for strong bones, muscle movement and nerve signals. Vitamin D increases the body’s ability to absorb Calcium. Sunlight is an excellent source of Vitamin D. Other sources of Vitamin D in-

Two, it helps in building strong teeth: Milk strengthens our teeth

because it contains a high amount of Calcium. Lactose also helps prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Three, it promotes muscle health: Drinking milk is associated with a lower risk of age-related muscle loss. Also, several studies have demonstrated that drinking milk after a workout can decrease muscle damage, promote muscle repair, increase strength and decrease muscle soreness. Four, rich in protein: Your body requires proteins that can help in cell repair and boosting a person’s immunity

Five, it promotes heart health: The Potassium in milk may help with heart health. Getting more Potassium while also reducing Sodium (salt) intake can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Six, it reduces depression: A quote by one Nischita Nibedita says: “A glass of MILK a day keeps black thoughts away.” Yes, adequate levels of Vitamin D in milk supports the production of Serotonin, a hormone people associate with mood, appetite and sleep. Manufacturers often fortify cow’s milk and plant milk with Vitamin D. So, this can help to reduce depression.

Daniel Ighakpe, Festac Town, Lagos

The CCTV scandal is yet another clear evidence of how corruption and mismanagement are standing on the way of Nigeria’s efforts to upgrade its infrastructure and other vital services

Falaiye: Oganisations Must Consult Experts on Cybersecurity Issues

Sophos’ Manager in West Africa, Jimi Falaiye, speaks about the effect of ransomeware persistent threats on organisations and the need for organisations to consult cybersecurity experts in addressing such threats, among other industry issues. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

What are the major issues organisations are facing regarding cybersecurity?

Today, cybersecurity is so complex and difficult and moving so fast that the vast majority of organisations shouldn’t even try to manage it themselves anymore. It’s just too hard. Our view is that they should turn to experts who can help provide cybersecurity as-a-service for them. With the advances in technologies like Cloud Computing, Cloud Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, APIs and Interoperability, we now have the ability to deliver cybersecurity as-a-service. We believe cybersecurity as-a-service is going to be the predominant way that organisations consume cybersecurity within the next several years. We found out that a lot of organisations don’t have the right tools or staffing needed to stop or curb cyberattacks. Many in-house security teams simply can’t keep up with the fast pace of changing attacks, and this issue is not just in Nigeria, and it is not just in West Africa too. It is a global issue whereby organisations need updated security tools along with an additional layer of detection and response services from experts who are trained to handle attacks at every step of the attack chain. Since ttacks are a 24/7 operation, organisations need a team of trained analysts constantly monitoring and responding to their environment.

tAre you advocating that organisations should outsource their cybersecurity needs, irrespective of whether the organisations could have in-house cybersecurity staff?

Yes, outsourcing gives organisations the opportunity to focus more on their staff and on other sets of responsibilities and on their core business. We have a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service that fuses machine learning with human analysis for an evolved, innovative approach to proactive security protection, and combines Sophos’ top-rated endpoint protection and data-driven XDR with a world-class team of experts to counteract and prevent threats.

Sophos MDR is available to businesses of all sizes, including the small and mid-sized organisations that have struggled in accessing traditional services designed for enterprises. Sophos Intercept X with XDR combines anti-ransomware technology, deep learning artificial intelligence, exploit prevention, and active adversary mitigations to stop attacks.

Most times, Sophos do release cybersecurity reports which showcase scary figures. How do you arrive at the figures and what are the yardsticks used in measuring cybersecurity incidents?

Like I mentioned earlier, 66 per cent of organisations that we surveyed globally for our 2023 annual report, were hit by ransomware. Our global survey also shows that when organisations paid a ransom to get their data decrypted, they ended up additionally doubling their recovery costs, which is about $750,000 in recovery costs versus $375,000 for organisations that used backups to get data back. Moreover, paying the ransom usually meant longer recovery times, with 45 per

cent of those organisations that used backups recovering within a week, compared to 39 per cent of those that paid the ransom.

Nigeria is an emerging country with a dynamic economy. New enterprises are created every day. These organisations need to be supported against more and more sophisticated attacks using AI for instance. They don’t have the necessary experts internally. A skilled managed service team would be able to handle the situation and deploy the adapted tools in case of attacks.

Comparing the figures from these reports what do you foresee as the future of IT firms in Africa?

In our recent Active Adversary Report (AAR) for Business Leaders, published in April, we analysed data from more than 150 Sophos Incident Response (IR) cases. We found that the most common causes of attacks were unpatched vulnerabilities and compromised credentials. The threat environment has grown exponentially in volume and complexity. For most organizations, the days of going at it alone are well behind them. However, there are tools and services available to businesses that can alleviate some of the defensive burden, allowing them to focus on their core business priorities.

Sophos has over time, warned organisations about cybersecurity threats, but emerging markets seem not to be adhering to such warning. Could it be that there is no trust emanating from the organisations, and what do you think should be done?

In Nigeria, we operate within the policies and regulations that guide cybersecurity solution provisioning in accordance to international standards. So in terms of transparency and trust, there are standardised compliances by third parties that providers must abide by. We comply with the ISO- International Standard Organisation’s guidelines. We are also GDPR compliant, and in Nigeria it’s called NDPR, which regulates the amount of user data we are allowed to interface with and to keep. You mentioned a critical factor: the trust. Trust is built over time. These compliance and enforcement regulations have helped to build trust.

How much investment has Sophos made in this regard, and what is the level of partnership you have with the regulators to ensure key sensitisation for understanding of developments in cybersecurity?

We have done critical partnerships with some of the government agencies and we are still in talks with some of them. We are working hard to form strategic alliances to standardise frameworks that will impact, not just businesses, but the whole vertical markets. In some cases we choose a blanket framework approach and in others we will have a strategic framework. We are investing in these different kinds of partnerships because they help us to enhance industry compliance. For instance, we have a customer that is developing a cybersecurity framework for the financial sector to better secure customers and the institutions themselves. We expect to have similar frameworks for the manufacturing and education sectors, or for any sector that is IT driven.

Can you tell us some of your solutions that are driving and protecting the Nigerian market space?

We have several solutions. Sophos endpoint security stops ransomware, phishing and advanced malware attacks in their tracks. Sophos combines the industry’s leading malware detection and exploit protection with extended detection and response (XDR) to secure customers. Powerful AI using deep learning along with managed threat detection services will protect against both new and old threats. Sophos Endpoint has been named a Leader in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) for the 13th consecutive year.

In addition, Sophos MDR provides advanced cybersecurity services from a team of Sophos experts 24/7. Sophos has 550,000 customers globally in different sectors, which include government, financial, education, manufacturing, services, and more.

How affordable are your solutions for SMBs and enterprise organisations?

We provide advanced cybersecurity solutions to organisations of all sizes , including cybersecurity as-aservice to organisations needing fully-managed, turnkey security solutions. Customers can also manage their cybersecurity directly with Sophos’ security operations platform or use a hybrid approach by supplementing their in-house teams with Sophos’ services, including threat hunting and remediation.

Umukoro: How Communications Can Improve Corporate Culture, Organisations

Media entrepreneur, and corporate communications expert, with cross-sector experience spanning oil and gas, journalism, banking and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Sam Umukoro, speaks with Raheem Akingbolu on the role of communication in driving workplace culture and its impact on company reputation. Excerpts:

How does internal communication help in culture engineering?

First, it is pertinent to point out that any CEO or company leadership that builds and drives an inclusive workplace culture has surmounted one of the challenges organizations now face. A very good and effective corporate culture gives employees a common purpose that propel alignment, actions, and behaviours, which lead to successful accomplishment of business strategies and goals. It is sine qua non to have buy-in from employees.

To win hearts and minds, you need a good internal communication strategy. One that will help you reaffirms the organisation’s goals and core values for outstanding employee engagement. Workplace culture solutions and communication should work in tandem to foster a strong corporate culture, collaboration, improve productivity and continuous operational excellence.

Does this improve the corporate reputation of an organisation?

As scholars have opined, corporate reputation is the sum of all the opinions and beliefs held about a company by its stakeholders - be it employees, customers, and investors. How you treat your employees is important to build credibility, trustworthiness and engender a positive reputation. A

company with a good and inclusive workplace culture will no doubt attract top talents because it will be seen as a great place to work. Also, it will gain a

positive reputation as an environment where employees can be the best version of themselves and do excellent work. In addition, employee retention would be great. You would love to work in that kind of organisation. However, it is important to point out that a good corporate culture is not just about making employees happy; it is beyond that. It is about creating an enabling environment, buttressing diversity, and inclusion, encouraging innovation and transformation; it must be anchored on improving ways of working, processes to deliver astounding business outcomes.

In what way does it align with the ESG goals of an organisation? That’s an interesting question. ESG is no longer just a buzz word in the corporate lexicon. Companies can no longer afford to pay lip service to their responsibilities as it pertains to Environmental, Social and Governance factors. They must be aware of their obligations within the ESG framework to all their stakeholders. Organisations must be committed to making a positive impact in the lives of employees. There should be commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. This must be embedded

in the company’s core values, culture and business strategy. You cannot be talking about commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the communities in which you operate while being negligent of the personal and professional wellbeing of your employees. It is an ethical obligation that should be part of the ESG strategy.

In what ways can you use communication to drive culture strategy?

A two-way dialogue approach is advised to build trust, win heads, hearts, and minds. Employees are the lifeblood of an organisation. They need to be aware of the organisation’s goals and how their jobs connect to those goals. This must be amplified regularly in a manner that resonates. Remember, employees strive for much more than a salary; they want purpose, meaning, connection, and joy. Having this understanding, communication must be done in a transparent manner that inspires greater commitment by showing what’s in it for them and how they can contribute to achieving the desired outcomes. The importance of strong communication cannot be overemphasized in building a healthy workplace culture and deepening employee engagement. Tools and channels available should be leveraged for messaging that promotes collaboration and community.

Falaiye

Umukoro

Mastercard, CeBIH Partner to Drive Cybersecurity in Nigeria

Emma Okonji

Mastercard hosts a first-of-its-kind Fraud and Cyber Security Forum in Lagos, Nigeria, in partnership with the Committee of E-Banking Industry Heads for Nigeria (CeBIH).

The forum which aims to overcome fraud and cybersecurity threats, has been scheduled to hold annually in Nigeria. The event covered the regional threat landscape based on Mastercard’s strategic threat intelligence data - a crucial move at a time when cybersecurity and fraud within Nigeria remain high.

The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) found that 91 per cent of fraudulent attacks were successful in 2020-2021, and the Anti-Corruption Agencies of Nigeria found that almost $18 billion is lost

annually to illicit financial crimes. The risks associated with digital payments and services remains on an upward trajectory and organizations are increasingly exposed to security threats that are pervasive, sophisticated and intelligent.

Country Manager and Area Business Head, West Africa at Mastercard, Ebehijie Momoh,said: “We are excited to host this ground-breaking Fraud and Cyber Security Forum in Nigeria. Cyber risk is one of the top risks faced by organisations today. With the increased adoption of digital services, new payment flows, and connected supply chains, it’s important that this risk is well understood and managed by organizations to protect themselves and their customers.”

The forum covered common attack methods used by cyber criminals, their motivations, and the assets they target. Attendees gained valuable insights into the regional cyber threat landscape, with a particular focus on the financial services sector, which has been one of the most heavily targeted industries in recent years. They also showcased the latest fraud prevention techniques and tools, including Mastercard’s strategic threat intelligence data, which uses advanced analytics to identify potential threats in real-time. This cutting-edge fraud detection solution includes the Decision Intelligence solution and provides rapid detection and prevention of fraudulent activities, reducing risk and enhancing customer service and account protection.

The Chairman, Committee of e-Business Industry Heads (CeBIH), Celestina Appeal, called for collaboration among the payment ecosystem stakeholders for an effective fight against cyber-attacks.

Ranganath Wins ‘Man of the Year’ Award at BoICT 2023

Nosa

Alekhuogie

The Regional Executive, West Africa, at the Africa Data Centres (ADC), Dr. Krishnan Ranganath has won the ‘Man of the Year’ at the Africa’s Beacon of Information and Communications Technology

TECNO Launches ‘Magic Skin’ Smartphone Design in Africa

Global innovative technology brand TECNO has unveiled its latest breakthrough in material innovation in smartphone design, called the ‘Magic Skin’ in Africa, making it the first to bring this innovative material to African consumers.

It is a brand-new material technology that promises to create phone backs that are skin-friendly, stylish, and easy to clean. This new material will be integrated into the body of TECNO’s phones and applied to CAMON, SPARK, and POP series, ensuring African consumers stay abreast of the global trends on smartphone design innovations.

Magic Skin boasts a sleek and

stylish design with a delicate texture, a softer touch, and a better color effect. The phone’s back cover’s vivid colors and vibrant patterns make it chic. TECNO has meticulously tailored Magic Skin to suit the distinctive positioning of each product line, giving each product its unique style.

The design is the outcome of extensive user research. TECNO designers surveyed thousands of African consumers to understand their aesthetic preferences and functional demands. The team then refined every aspect of the process, from perfecting the color implementation to scrutinising the quality of the patterns.

Moreover, Magic Skin has been engineered to reduce the weight and thickness of the back cover while maintaining durability and practicality. This creates a more seamless integration with the phone, resulting in a comfortable grip.

The benefits of Magic Skin extend far beyond its aesthetic appeal. It is not only visually pleasing but also easy to clean. To achieve optimal performance, a variety of materials were tested and evaluated. The final launch of Magic Skin is a unique blend of polymers and micro-particles that create a very dense molecular structure.

PMI: Professional Associations Can Help Youth Overcome AI Anxiety

Emma Okonji

Project Management Institute (PMI) has assured youths of overcoming the anxiety created around Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, which has kept most youths worried about their future jobs.

Youth Lead, sub-Saharan Africa at Project Management Institute, Joanna Baidu, who gave the assurance, said concerns around the use of AI, from its potential misuse and ethical implications to the balance of innovation versus disruption, had been swirling since ChatGPT went mainstream.

According to him, there is great unease at the thought of AI replacing jobs. Investment bank

Goldman Sachs predicts that 300 million jobs will be lost or degraded by AI. The World Economic Forum found that the global economy will shed 14 million jobs over the next five years as the economy weakens and companies boost the adoption of AI technologies. He however said students across various educational institutions have good reasons to be anxious, while citing the report of the Institute of the Future, which said 85 per cent of the jobs that would exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet.

“While it is easy to speculate about the types of jobs automation will make obsolete, it is with no certainty that we can make any

assumptions. An Elon Musk tweet from 2018 balances the argument. He tweeted, “Excessive automation at Tesla was a mistake. To be precise, my mistake. Humans are underrated.” Baidu said, According to him, “Regardless of which way the pendulum swings and which jobs AI swallows, it is prudent that the youth commit to lifelong learning and up-skilling. Joining a professional association is strongly recommended for students and early career professionals. Staying informed about trends, access to learning resources, and being intentional about professional development will give the youth the head start to prepare for the future of work.”

Google Expands Flood Alerts to 80 Countries

Emma Okonji

Google has announced the expansion of its Flood Hub platform to cover 80 countries worldwide, including the addition of eight new countries in Africa.

To date, 23 African countries are on the Flood Hub. This expansion comes as part of AI-enabled efforts to address the devastating impacts of floods and provide critical support to vulnerable communities. The Flood Hub platform now offers forecasts up to 7 days in advance, benefitting a population of 460 million people globally. This expansion extends the reach of Flood Hub’s valuable services to countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan and Thailand.

The Flood Hub platform has been available in several African countries prior to this expansion, including Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, South Africa, and now, with the expansion, it encompasses 60 additional countries. These new countries include Burundi, Eswatini, Guinea Bissau, Lesotho, Madagascar, Rwanda, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

The inclusion of these countries ensures that a broader range of African communities facing high flood risk and extreme weather conditions can benefit from Flood Hub’s accurate and timely flood forecasting services.

Floods claim tens of thousands of lives and cause billions of dollars in damages each year across the

world. Their impacts are particularly severe in low-resource regions that often lack effective early warning systems. By equipping governments, aid organisations, and individuals with advanced flood forecasting tools, Flood Hub empowers communities to take proactive measures and make informed decisions to reduce the devastating effects of floods.

Samsung Introduces New Galaxy A24 LTE in Nigeria

Nosa Alekhuogie

Samsung Electronics has announced the newest edition of the popular Galaxy ‘A’ series smartphone, giving consumers more options with yet another great device to stay connected and enjoy a remarkable mobile experience.

The new Galaxy A24 LTE comes packed with amazing features and a clear mission to redefine awesome through a brilliant display, a brand-new design and a camera that shoots sharp and steady. It comes with a large storage capacity that allows you to safely keep your important documents, music,

The dense molecular structure makes the material resistant to stains and spills, making it perfect for everyday use. Whether you spill coffee or wine on your phone case, Magic Skin can be effortlessly wiped clean without leaving any residual marks or stains.

The advanced manufacturing process also ensures that Magic Skin can withstand extreme conditions. The material is waterproof and resistant to abrasion and can maintain its sta bility in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 70°C. In laboratory tests, Magic Skin has demonstrated its superiority in various aspects, such as resistance to denim fabric abrasion, prevention of lipstick and perfume stains, and protection against UV light exposure.

apps, downloads and collection of all your life’s special moments captured in pictures and video.

The Galaxy A24 LTE boasts the latest software in Samsung’s One UI 5.1 to give you an even finer mobile experience that is one up on the Galaxy A23 LTE, which it replaces.

It allows users to save all apps and files, keeping them safe and secure in the phone’s ample built-in memory of 4 or 6GB of memory and 128GB storage that is expandable by up to 1TB with MicroSD1.

The Galaxy A24 LTE looks the part too with Galaxy’s signature design language that is inspired by Samsung’s flagship line.

She said: ‘’the subject of cyber-attacks deserves the utmost attention that the industry can muster, given the aggressiveness and non-relenting activities of perpetrators of cybercrimes who

have become negatively innovative in the different ways and manners in which they deploy their schemes. We would like to call for concerted efforts to prevent continuous cybersecurity attacks.’’ Merit and Leadership Award 2023.

Presenting the award to Ranganath, the organisers of the award ceremony, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, noted that ‘Man of the Year’ was the highest award given to an individual each year. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, Mr. Ken Nwogbo, while announcing the award in Lagos, said: “We are honoured to present to the Regional Executive, West Africa at the Africa Data Centres, Krishnan Ranganath, the ‘Man of the Year’ award. He was chosen for the award by critical industry stakeholders, who believe he has brought a lot of expertise into the data centre space, which is touted as the new oil.”

Now in its 14th year, Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Award is regarded as the most prestigious annual event available in Nigeria’s ICT industry. Industry watchers and analysts see the award designed to reward individuals and corporate organisation as merit centric.

Krishnan described the award as heart-warming and thoughtprovoking, especially as he did not expect such an honour from a media organisation and other industry stakeholders.

“I am surprised to have been called out for this recognition. My take-away from the recognition is that the industry appreciates what we are doing at Africa Data Centres to empower businesses in Nigeria and Africa,” he told Journalists on the sideline. Earlier in a lecture, which he presented at the event titled: ‘Digital Transformation and Cloud Services as New Order’, Krishnan stated that the Nigerian cloud industry, which is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25 per cent from 2022 to 2027, would present ample opportunities for businesses integrating emerging technologies like edge computing, AI, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain.

He believes that Nigeria’s cloud will lead to capital flight reduction, improved responsiveness to citizens’ or customers’ needs, increased transparency, enhanced public service delivery and enhanced human capital and create new jobs.

Speaking about the digital gap, he argued that capacity building and promoting women in ICT are important for bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive growth. “In Nigeria, only 22 per cent of ICT jobs are held by women.

Taming Illicit Financial Flows in Africa

In 2022, the Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Idayat Hassan, said the Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) in Africa rose to $80 billion.

Hassan said the African continent suffered an annual loss of over $50 billion as at 2015 through IFFs, which had since risen due to non-practical action on it.

According to her, it is pertinent to note that through corruption and mismanagement, some of the COVID-19 funds in Africa may have become a source of illicit financial flows.

She commended all African countries that have signed and ratified the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), which was adopted in Maputo, Mozambique on July 11, 2003, and came into force in 2006.

She also lauded the countries that have enacted laws and created independent anticorruption agencies to tackle corruption.

She espoused that CDD urges all states to work towards complying with the provisions of the AUCPCC and indeed other similar multilateral instruments such as the UNCAC, as well as relevant international resolutions.

Experts have argued that Nigeria loses about $18 billion annually to illicit financial flows. This reportedly accounts for about 30 per cent of Africa’s loss to the IFFs, while the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pegged the figure at $10 billion.

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof Bolaji Owosanoye, said the failure of member states to tackle corruption was behind unconstitutional change of governments in the sub-region.

AFDB’S EFFORTS

The Deputy Director-General for Eastern Africa Regional and Business Delivery Office at the African Development Bank (AfDB), Abdul Kamara, expressed satisfaction with the project, noting that it is in line with the high-level panel’s mandate to promote a coordinated response of the bank’s regional member countries in ensuring that policies and practices are mobilised in addressing financial crime, tax avoidance, money laundering. (CoDA) recently launched a three-year support project to improve regional coherent and coordinated response to illicit financial flows.

The project would help African stakeholders to actively engage in stemming

such flows to improve domestic revenue mobilisation on the continent.

The project aims to improve regional coordination of combating illicit financial flows and the oversight and accountability of public finances, for optimal revenue mobilisation and management in African countries.

It revealed that the project would support the coordinated implementation of recommendations of the high-level panel on Illicit financial flows and the implementation of joint strategies and initiatives related to international taxation.

The grant would support CoDA in its role as the secretariat of both the AU High-Level Panel on IFFs, the Joint Secretariat of the Consortium to Stem

IFFs from Africa, and the annual African Fiscal Policy Forum.

ICPCS’ ROLE

In its quest to find a lasting solution to this unpleasant phenomenon, the ICPC is beaming its search light on areas that are prone to IFFs such as tax avoidance, tax evasion, base erosion and profit shifting.

The commission has initiated a system study and review of the IFFs in the oil and gas, and as well as tax sectors. It has also constituted IFFs/Tax Fraud Group to address the menace.

ICPC has hosted four international conferences to sensitise Nigerians, Africans and the world on the ills of IFFs and how to collectively work together to stop/combat the menace.

The commission has also scaled up its operations in profiling all companies mentioned in petitions to the Commission to ensure that they are not in any way short-changing the nation.

Leveraging on two aspects of its threepronged mandate of prevention and public education, ICPC is re-awakening the consciousness of Nigerians by stimulating dialogues and conversations among critical stakeholders, because public awareness is a key tool in fighting against evolving illicit financial operations.

As part of its efforts to block the loopholes through which funds are ferried out of the country, the Nigerian government in 2019, set up an Inter-Agency Committee on Stopping IFFs with ICPC as the secretariat.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

It is estimated that about $90 billion is lost annually to illicit financial flows in Africa, enabled by trade mis-invoicing, tax evasion among others, and Nigeria alone reportedly accounts for 20 per cent of this figure. Ugo Aliogo examines the drawbacks and the way forward

Stakeholders Task FG to Prioritise Manufacturing for Economic Growth

Gilbert Ekugbe

Stakeholders at the Equipment and Manufacturing West Africa (EMWA) 2023 exhibition have called on the federal government to prioritise and formulate policies aimed at encouraging both local and foreign investors in the nation’s manufacturing sector.

Besides, the sector is the highest employer after the federal government which also has the capacity to create wealth and generate job opportunities for the nation’s teeming unemployed youths in the country.

They gave the charge at the EMWA 2023 exhibition and conference with the theme:

“Reigniting Manufacturing to Drive Economic Growth and Development” in Lagos.

The event Director, EMWA, Joseph Oru, said the advice was pertinent, given that the manufacturing sector is the catalyst for the growth and

development of any nation.

Oru described the conference as a platform where expertise and knowledge can be shared alongside serving as a testament to the ingenuity, innovation, and transformative power of the manufacturing sector.

He said EMWA 2023 was also a training environment for manufacturing staff and a dynamic hub where cutting-edge technologies, revolutionary processes, and visionary minds converge and forge fruitful collaborations.

“All these come together to serve as a catalyst for innovation, partnerships, and the collective advancement of the manufacturing and industrial sector.

“From new innovations to ground-breaking automation solutions, from sustainable manufacturing practices to breakthrough research and development, this exhibition encapsulates the very es-

sence of the manufacturing landscape.

“Through conferences, workshops, and interactive sessions led by industry experts, we aim to empower you with insights, strategies, and tools to navigate the ever- changing landscape of manufacturing.

“In spite of how the election year has turned out to be and with a new government in place, I urge them to come out, collaborate with the private sector and put manufacturing at the forefront of their policies to build a better Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking, the Founder, ZenoLynk Technologies Ltd, Technology Service Provider for LagosRide, Mr Tumi Adeyemi, said a strong manufacturing base would ensure selfsufficiency, reduce import dependency, and stimulates exports, thus bolstering the nation’s trade balance.

Shareholders Commend Sterling Bank on 2022 Performance

Kayode Tokede

The shareholders of Sterling Bank plc, have commended the board of directors, executive management and staff of the bank on its remarkable financial performance for the 2022 year, resulting in a recommendation of dividends of 15 kobo per ordinary share, which is a 50 per cent increase from that paid in 2021.

The shareholders gave this commendation at the 61st Annual General Meeting of the bank held in Lagos yesterday. Speaking at the meeting,

one of the shareholders, Mr. Rilwan Hamza, commended the board members and staff of the bank for the wonderful financial performance while another shareholder, Mr. Boniface Okezie, expressed delight at the level of transparency displayed by the board and commended them for the improved dividend payout.

The shareholders urged the board to make the most of the transition into a financial holdings company and establish more subsidiaries that will drive even more growth and increase shareholder value.

The bank’s strong performance for the 2022 financial year was derived from growth in its assets base and customers’ deposits by 14.4 per cent and 9.8 per cent respectively. This is despite strong economic headwinds experienced by the Nigerian economy in the year under review.

Addressing shareholders of the bank at the first meeting as a limited liability company, following its ongoing transformation into a holding company structure, Chairman of the bank, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, said: “Despite the challenges during

Global Leading Fintech, Unlimint Rebrands to Unlimit

Emma Okonji

Global leading fintech and payment solutions company, Unlimint, has announced its rebranding as ‘Unlimit’.

The strategic shift aligns the company’s brand identity with its new vision of enabling Nigerian businesses to operate seamlessly across local and international markets, eliminating financial boundaries.

Unlimit’s comprehensive suite of solutions caters to Europe, the UK, Latin America, APAC, and Africa.

Since its establishment in 2009, Unlimit has continually expanded its capabilities and diversified its product offerings to meet the evolving demands of the market. The company now boasts one of the world’s most extensive in-house payment infrastructures, encompassing payment processing services, banking as a service (BaaS), and a fiat gateway for cryptocurrencies, DeFi, and GameFi.

Commenting on the rebranding, Founder and CEO of Unlimit, Kirill Evstratov said: “As a company that consistently

adapts to industry trends, we continuously enhance our products and portfolio. This rebranding represents a natural progression for us, emphasising our mission and ultimate objective: the elimination of financial barriers that hinder our customers’ local and global operations. Our goal is to enable our clients to unlimit themselves and go beyond borders. We are committed to our vision, devoted to our customers, and will continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions to accommodate their needs.

ANLCA Seeks Review of Import Duties, Levies on Used Vehicles

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Senior Special Assistant to the National president of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on Government Warehouse, Mr. Olawale Cole, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to review import duties and levies on used vehicles also known as ‘Tokunbo’ and general cargoes.

In a statement, Cole added that import duties and levies imposed on Tokunbo vehicles and general cargo must be reviewed in order to boost economic revenue generation and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.

He, however, urged President Tinubu to urgently look into problems mitigating the growth

of the maritime industry.

He informed that the majority of Nigerian youths in the maritime sector, such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Freight Forwarding, and the Barge operating industry, are greatly affected by policy inconsistencies, among others.

Cole who also doubles as the Director of Planning and Strategies of the youth wing of the TinubuShettima Independent Campaign Council (ICC), expressed optimism that the new administration of Tinubu/Shettima would take Nigeria to higher heights.

This, according to him, is a sequel to their records of stewardship while they held sway as governors in their respective States of Lagos and Borno by delivering real dividends of democracy.

He urged Nigerians to give their maximum support to the new leaders to perform and recover the nation towards the path of security, socio-economic revival, unity, and development.

He added that having listened to the inaugural speech of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which centered around security, unity and development, youth and women empowerment, and the restructuring of the nation for maximum progress, the nation will no doubt, benefit immensely from his leadership qualities.

He said the hope of many Nigerian youths would be renewed because of the proven capacity and capabilities of the captain of the ship of state.

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $84.37 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $84.59 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic

of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 8 MARCH, 2023

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, RegTech Africa, Cyril Okoroigwe; Mobile Money Regulatory Specialist, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), Winnie Wambugu and Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director, 9 Payment Service Bank, Branka Mracajac, during the RegTech Africa Conference 2023, which held in Lagos…recently

Total Value of Stock Transactions on NGX Hits N34.8bn Amid Bullish Sentiments

Kayode Tokede

Amid demand and price appreciation, the total value of stocks traded on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has now risen to N34.8 billion in two consecutive trading sessions. This is coming after the securities market hit the biggest single day gain in two years, rising by 5.23 per cent on Tuesday as investors reacted positively to President Bola Tinubu’s ‘no

more fuel subsidy and immediate unification of exchange rates’ comments on Monday. Tinubu also stated that his administration would be targeting a higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, create jobs, work towards a unified exchange rate and ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends and profits home. On resumption of yesterday’s proceedings, the All Share Index (ASI), which had

closed at 55,738.35 points in the previous trading session, closed the trading month at 55,769.28 points.

Also market capitalization, which grew by N1.52 trillion in the previous session, gained about N17 billion to close the month at N30.366 trillion. This meant that investors have now gained about N1.68 trillion in two days.

The gain came as a result of sustained demand in the shares

of MTNN (+0.40 per cent), BUA Foods (+5.61 per cent) and Geregu (+1.68 per cent). At the close of business, the volume of stocks traded stood at 661.51 million shares valued at N18.998 billion which exchanged hands in 10,024 deals.

This is in contrast with the volume of stocks traded which stood at 1.09 billion shares while the value of stocks traded stood at N15.799 billion in 9,916 deals in the previous trading session.

This represents N34.797 billion staked by investors in 1,719.509 billion shares in two days.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Vice President, High-cap securities, David Adonri, said the President’s speech addressed three critical areas of national need – insecurity fuel subsidy and unification of the exchange rates.

Adonri maintained that Tinubu’s remedial plans to tackle the challenges could boost the

economy and attract investments. “I would attribute this gain to a new government bounce as investors are happy and this means that their confidence has doubled compared to how it closed last week. The policy announcements made by the President resonated well with investors and I believe that his comments on the pressure points were quite stimulating and this is what resulted in the huge gain,” he said.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MAY/31/23

TickerPricePriceChg%

JAIZBANK1.2110.0%

MCNICHOLS0.7710.0%

VERITASKAP0.2210.0%

CONOIL57.9510.0%

MRS44.859.9%

NEIMETH1.679.9%

NCR3.039.8%

BERGER10.109.8%

IKEJAHOTEL2.379.7% FTNCOCOA0.819.5%

TickerPricePriceChg%

NASCON15.20-9.8%

RTBRISCOE0.37-9.8%

GLAXOSMITH7.55-9.6%

CAVERTON1.26-9.4%

DEAPCAP0.20-9.1%

CHIPLC0.52-8.8%

TANTALIZER0.21-8.7%

UCAP13.30-8.3%

WEMABANK4.00-8.0%

WAPIC0.46-8.0%

TickerVolumePriceChg%

ACCESSCORP98.7-0.4%

UBA90.2-2.9%

ZENITHBANK44.5-2.4%

GTCO39.6-2.4%

STERLINGNG34.23.5%

FIDELITYBK30.4-7.4%

CHIPLC28.5-8.8%

TRANSCORP25.7-2.8%

AIICO18.50.0% FCMB16.7-0.4%

TickerValuePriceChg%

ZENITHBANK1262.9-2.4%

ACCESSCORP1194.7-0.4%

GTCO1129.0-2.4%

UBA891.6-2.9%

MTNN858.00.4%

AIRTELAFRI719.50.0%

NESTLE374.50.0%

WAPCO351.5-3.5%

PRESCO346.50.1%

NB224.9-1.3%

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

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 30May-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

Boosting Nation’s Economy thr ough Girl-child Education, Antenatal, Exclusive Breastfeeding

Legislators and critical stakeholders nationwide are consciously championing six months of exclusive breastfeeding against the pervasive effects of hunger, childhood malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency among children under-five to enhance proper cognitive and physical development. Rebecca Ejifoma highlights how girls’ education, comprehensive antenatal care, and six months of exclusive breastfeeding strengthen nutrition levels and boost the economy

Although Mahatma Gandhi, in his famous quote, said there’s enough on this planet for everyone’s needs, ironically, health experts and legislators are decrying the rate of hunger, malnutrition and lack of nutrients that frustrate mental and physical growth, especially among children under-five in the country.

Sadly, research has shown that malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency in children eminently affect a child’s mental and cognitive development. These experts have decried that such a state of malnutrition could also stunt their growth, impede their mental ability and expose them to airborne and childhood diseases. This problematic issue, they believe, is propelled by a lack of nutrition and an absence of food fortification.

Therefore, to accelerate the level of nutrition in its citizenry, particularly children under-five as a means of addressing the nutrition and health challenges facing the nation, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), National Economic Summit Group (NESG) and E-Health powered a campaign launch and media roundtable themed “Fortifying Nigeria’s Future: A Media Roundtable on Promoting Fortification Compliance and Workforce Nutrition in Nigeria” in Lagos state.

Among their recommendations are the need for girl-child education even before marriage, proper nutrition, comprehensive antenatal care, food rich in fortification, six months of exclusive breastfeeding without water, and enforcing the existing food fortification policy.

Fringe Benefits of Girl-child Education

In his impressive presentation, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Dr Ibrahim Oloriegbe, told the hall that nutrition starts when the child is conceived. “When we talk about the nutrition of a woman, a pregnant woman and a nursing mother, we talk about a woman that will get pregnant. It is only a healthy body that can bear a healthy baby.

“We need our young girls to have good nutrition. One of the reasons we have malnourished children is when the mothers are trying to conceive. The girl must be mature enough physically, mentally and emotionally, which nutrition contributes for her to get pregnant,” he emphasised.

The chairman suggested that for the nation to get nutrition, it is related to girl-child nutrition and early marriage. When we have early marriages, he warned that because the girls have not matured, they give birth to underweight and malnourished babies. Regrettably, Oloriegbe listed the northwest and northeast parts of Nigeria with many malnourished babies. Adding, the senator lamented that the number of children born underweight in the country is arguably high, particularly in the northeast and northwest. Thus, he made a case for girl child education. “An educated girl is less likely to marry young and more likely to lead healthy, productive lives. Research has shown. And it also strengthens economies and reduces inequality in every nation and the world at large,” says Oloriegbe.

“Before pregnancy, get our young girls to get good food, discourage early child marriage so women mature before marriage. Their body should be prepared to have babies so that such babies will be well,” he emphasised.

The senator also underscored the significance of integrating nutrition education into the school curriculum to teach nutrition education from childhood through adolescence as a sustainable strategy to promote well-informed citizens on consuming fortified foods.

“There are aspects of health care that relate to nutrition because when a woman is pregnant, the woman attends antenatal. During antenatal, they give supplements which are vitamins and minerals called the folic acid to improve that woman’s blood because the child eats from the mother through the blood,” he added.

He endorsed the role of good health care, primary health care that delivers good antenatal,

and promoting at least quality antenatal minimum of four visits during pregnancy as apt. “If children survive this malnutrition, they will not likely develop enough brains to achieve their potential.”

Averting Childhood Malnutrition with Six Months Exclusive Breastfeeding

Breastmilk, according to the United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF), is the best food for a newborn. Breast milk is 87 per cent water, seven per cent carbohydrate, four per cent lipids, and the last one per cent is protein.

And the words of Oloriegbe align with UNICEF’s. “Breastfeed the baby immediately after birth for a maximum of one hour. God has put everything for the baby in breast milk. The first milk that comes out of the breast immediately after birth is very rich; it is called cholesterol. It provides food and protection for that baby and a particular element that provides immunity. That is nutrition for the next six months.

“Exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria is still abysmal,” he admitted sadly. “Only 17 out of 100 women have been breastfeeding before. But now, about 45 women out of 100 are doing exclusive breastfeeding.

“Most elite women don’t want to breastfeed; they harm their babies. The first 1000 days are the most critical. After six months, you introduce the infant and young child feeding practices. You must provide appropriate and adequate categories of food.”

He insisted on promoting exclusive breastfeeding – giving breast milk only to a child for the first six months of life. “To do this, particularly for the elite and working women, we have to adopt a policy that allows six months maternity leave so she can concentrate and get fully paid to care for her baby.”

How Breast Milk Protects, Boosts Immunity of Children

Just like UNICEF, nutritionists, legislators and key stakeholders admitted that breast milk contains all nutrition in appropriate proportion. “Breast milk will build up a child’s immunity right from that infancy. The child will be able to withstand the stress of infection. Children exclusively breastfed are less likely to die compared to their not exclusively breastfed counterparts,” the President of the Nutrition Association of Nigeria (NAN), Prof. Wasiu Afolabi, said confidently.

Afolabi echoed UNICEF’s thoughts when he

said breast milk is the natural food God designed for a child. “Research shows that it is a complete milk for every child immediately after birth until age two.”

While upholding that exclusive breastfeeding protects against diarrhoea, the NAN president is confident that when a child is breastfed exclusively, it is less likely to fall sick frequently.

“And frequently falling sick leads to malnutrition in children. If the child does not fall sick frequently, that will reduce health spending for the family and the burden of heal thcare for the country’s government.”

Again, he pointed out, such exclusively breastfed children will be able to do well in life when they grow up to become adults; they’ll be able to contribute meaningfully to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the nation’s economy.

According to UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, exclusive breastfeeding is for the first six months of a child’s life – this means you should not give the baby any other food or liquid, not even water.

The Role of Antenatal in Boosting Nutrition Status

Another recipe for accelerating the nutrition status in women and children, according to the legislators, is quality antenatal service, a minimum of four visits during pregnancy. “Antenatal presents an opportunity where health workers meet with pregnant women. Antenatal is a package of interventions. During antenatal is nutrition education where mothers are educated on taking care of themselves during pregnancies as they prepare them ahead for childbirth and child nutrition,” says Afolabi. Beyond that, he endorsed antenatal care as an opportunity to nurse the nutrition of the mothers, clarifying that the child’s nutrition starts from conception. He expressed, “Whatever nutritional issues a child suffers during the window period of 1000 days, it is irreversible. Any intervention the government or agency must implement

must target that 1000 days window opportunity.”

Folic, Iron Acids Provide at Antenatal against Diarrhoea, Deformity

For Afolabi, a professor of Community Nutrition at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Federal University of Agriculture, Ogun State, part of the antenatal care package is the supplementation of pregnant women with iron and folic acid. “Iron and folic deficiency anaemia have been recognised as nutritional deficiencies of public health importance.”

During antenatal care, he insisted pregnant women are given iron and folic supplements to reduce and prevent anaemia. “It will increase the nutritional status of the mother as well as the micronutrient supply to the baby in the womb so that it will reduce the likelihood of low birth weight and premature delivery among pregnant women.”

Again, the nutritionist is pleased that folic and iron acids save the lives of mothers during delivery while noting that many of the births associated with delivery are linked to anaemia, inadequate blood and so forth.

He cautioned succinctly, “The folic component is to reduce some contingent abnormality in children, particularly neural tube defects which the child may suffer from inside the womb and delivery. Pregnancy outcome is hanging on the nutrition status of the mother.”

Impacts of Malnutrition from Statistics

In his illustration, the NAN president narrated how in 2016, anaemia prevalence in Nigeria hit 68.3 per cent in children under-five, 48.8 per cent in non-pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years of age, and 57.8 per cent in pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years of age, respectively.

“At least, a third of the anaemia is attributable to iron deficiency; about 42 per cent of children six to 59 months are vitamin A deficient; while an estimated 21 per cent of Nigeria’s population is at the risk of inadequate zinc intake,” says the professor.

Making a case for food fortification, the expert quoted findings from a recent systematic review and meta-analysis that showed that large-scale food fortification reduced anaemia by 34 per cent, reduced goitre by 74 per cent and reduced neural tube defects by 41 per cent.

The NDHS report also showed that 44.1 per cent of children under-5 are stunted in Nigeria — too short for their age — a decrease from 46.0 per cent in 2018. Also, stunting is a sign of chronic malnutrition that can have long-term consequences for health and development. Afolabi warned. At the same time, nothing less than 20.3 per cent of children under-five are wasted in Nigeria, meaning they are too thin for their height – an increase from 19.9 per cent in 2018. “Wasting is a sign of acute malnutrition and can be a life-threatening condition,” says the NAN president.

Call to the Federal Government

To foster a healthy nutrition level that would salvage the nation’s economy from depression, legislators have recommended that the government develop a policy by providing a meal a day for their workers in the workplace.

It was for the cause of nutrition that the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, chorused the ideas of the previous speakers. “As you know, Nigeria is facing a serious nutrition crisis. Millions of Nigerians are malnourished, and many more are overweight or obese. It has a devastating impact on health, productivity, and economic development. We must raise awareness of the importance of food fortification and workforce nutrition.”

Unanimously, these legislators, nutritionists and critical stakeholders shared the same thoughts on the need to design and implement the right policies on food fortification and total overhauling of the nation’s existing food fortification policy and laws. This way, they are confident of a positive impact on the well-being and productivity of the workforce, thereby rebuilding the future of Nigeria.

L-R: Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer (NAFDAC), Ms. Chukwu Sylvia Ifeoma; Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani; Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe; M&E Manager (CISLAC), Mrs. Lovelyn Agbor-Gabriel; and Assistant Director, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Moshood Adebayo Shittu during a Media Roundtable on Promoting Food Fortification Compliance and Workforce Nutrition in Nigeria organised by CISLAC in collaboration with NESG and e-Health Africa in Lagos

PAMO University Unveils Multi-specialty Hospital

With pomp and ceremony, the founders of the first wholly private medical university in Nigeria, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, recently unveiled PAMO University Hospital. The hospital is a well-equipped 250-bed integrated hospital that will not only provide purpose-built multispecialty, tertiary care private hospital but go a long way in reducing and curbing medical tourism and brain drain in Nigeria, writes Blessing

Ibunge

Al nother great history was made in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, last week when the founders of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) unveiled a well-equipped 250-bed integrated hospital, PAMO University Hospital.

The hospital, which was inaugurated by former Governor Nyesom Wike, is a purpose-built multis-pecialty, tertiary care private hospital. It will offer patient care services across a range of medical and surgical specialties, aiming to deliver high-quality, and yet accessible healthcare to communities in Rivers, neighbouring states and Nigeria at large.

The hospital will also provide high-quality medical treatment in the area of internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatrics to individuals, families and corporate organisations.

The founder of PAMO Educational Foundation and Pro-Chancellor of PUMS, Dr. Peter Odili, and his wife Justice Mary Odili are known for their ability to draw the cream of society with any occasion. The unveiling was no different as it attracted many eminent personalities in the public and private sectors. Also in attendance were lawyers and judges, especially former Justices of the Supreme Court. Traditional rulers and clergies too made appearances.

Odili’s daughter, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, who is also a member of the Governing Council of PUMS, remarked that PAMO University Hospital aims to deliver medical excellence, incorporate global standards of quality service, and provide exceptional patient care through improved medical outcomes and high-quality nursing care.

She added that the siting of the hospital ensures that it is in a strategic location to provide critical, life-saving emergency medical and surgical services to victims of road traffic accidents on the interstate expressway.

Dr. Oreh equally noted that as quality is fundamental to PAMO University Hospital’s healthcare mission, a robust clinical governance system would be in place to ensure continuous quality improvement and adherence to international standards for ethics and compliance.

According to her, for over four decades, PAMO Clinics and Hospitals Group has provided quality medical and healthcare services for hundreds of thousands of Nigerians.

She concluded by appreciating Wike for all the assistance to the university since it was established over five years ago.

Virtually everybody who witnessed the inauguration ceremony of the gigantic and magnificent hospital, commended Odili for the massive investment, saying that it would help a great deal in reducing and curbing medical tourism and brain drain.

For instance, the chairman of the occasion and former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi, said the unveiling of the hospital signified the consolidation of the giant stride taken by PAMO University in positioning the training of topnotch medical personnel in the country.

According to him, “The establishment of the tertiary hospital could not have come at a better time than now in the light of medical tourism and the exodus of medical practitioners out of the country.”

He, therefore, called for adequate maintenance of the facilities provided at the facility, not just for a quick recovery but for a lasting recovery. He also urged doctors and other medical personnel at the facility to always have the welfare of their patients in mind.

The President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Uche Ojinmah, said the hospital has partly solved the problem of spaces and house jobs which he said has been one of the major challenges facing the sector. He expressed hope that the medical personnel produced in the

institution will not be for export.

Ojinmah added that with the coming on board of PAMO University Hospital, the number of qualified doctors in Nigeria would soar.

The Executive Secretary of Medical and Dental Clinical of Nigeria, Dr Tajudeen Sanusi, said with the kind of facility and equipment the new hospital parades, doctors would no longer have excuses to travel out of the country for lack of equipment. He said he was happy that PAMO University was able to implement the guides the council provided in its process of giant achievements.

On his part, Wike, who was the special guest of honour at the event, commended the former state governor, Dr. Odili for his investment and development in the state, especially in the health sector. He commended Odili for putting his retirement to good use and committing himself to the service of humanity.

He said in its five years of establishment; from 2018 till date, PAMO University of Medical Sciences has been celebrated because of the quality of students it has groomed already, and the satisfying growth it has witnessed.

“I want to thank Dr. Peter Odili, having finished as governor of the state for eight years, he didn’t go to Abuja to stay and find a pressure group to join as a former member or former governor forum, no. He said ‘I am not tired to serve humanity,” said Wike.

“PAMO University started in 2018, we are now in 2023, talking about opening a Teaching Hospital of that university, just in five years. And look at commendations of the National Universities Commission, by the Medical and Dental Council, in just five years. It is impressive.

“In the next 10 years, as far as medicine is concerned, you will see that Rivers State will be a hub for exporting doctors to those states that do not have them. So in order to protect ourselves, I now came up with the policy which I have told the governor-elect, it is better they sign an agreement with us that they are going to work for Rivers State government for some number of years so that we don’t lose out. I am proud to say that I am associated with this beautiful, great project,” Wike added.

In his remark, Dr. Odili described Wike as the best governor Rivers has ever produced. He named the hospital complex after the former governor, commending him for the numerous

support to the health sector in the state. A highly elated Dr. Odili said the PAMO University Hospital is designed to be accessible to the poor in society and that the centre would be known for having staff that will treat their patients like their employers.

He said: “This complex will be called Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Complex. This will be the destination of hope and survival for sick people that will need the services here. This centre will be known for having staff that will treat their patients like their employers. Without patients, doctors and nurses have no work. So every patient, no matter how poor, will be treated as an employer with compassion, dignity and respect. Poverty will not be a hindrance or access to the centre.

“For the staff, this will be the most attractive place to go and look for work. The environment will provide services that are attractive and competitive. God started this project; God will see to its conclusion. Our governor has done what is not imaginable, only God can pay him back. But what we promise you, your Excellency, is that you will continue to hear good stories about PAMO University Hospital and because your name is tied to it for eternity, that will be our humble way of appreciating you.”

Even though PAMO University Hospital would be run separately, it is was established to complement and consolidate PUMS.

Nestled in a serene environment in Rivers State, PUMS commenced in 2018 and is dedicated to building healthcare workers, including medical doctors, nurses and other allied courses in the country. Well-equipped and furnished to world standard, the university has been playing a key role in nation-building by moulding the teeming youth population through its teaching, research and community services.

The full accreditation of the school’s courses and programmes by medical and health professional bodies including the National Universities Commission

(NUC), Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), and Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), among others, has turned it to a first choice for parents who want their children to have not just sound medical education but to graduate in record time.

Before the coming board of the newly wellequipped and furnished 250-bed integrated hospital, PUMS used to have PAMO Clinics and Hospitals Group established in the 1980s by Dr. Odili, who is a renowned medical doctor. It is also a well-equipped and renowned hospital that used to serve families and corporate organisations spanning sectors such as energy, oil and gas, power, agriculture and construction.

Besides, the school had a memorandum of understanding with the Rivers State government and State University Teaching Hospital which its students visited for clinical training.

Thus, students have been gaining medical knowledge and experience from early stages, unlike other universities where students are not exposed to hospital experience until they are at the 400 level.

Since its establishment, the university has not only maintained its very high standards which it started with but has ensured that all the promises of infrastructure - basic and educational - are top-notch. Known for its unrivalled level of discipline and quality of learning, PUMS remains one of the best universities in the field of medical education in the country.

Currently, PUMS ranks as Nigeria’s number one university in the NUC’s Female Enrolment Index. In a recent ranking of Nigerian universities by the NUC, PUMS ranks 35 out of the 200 universities in Nigeria, a feat achieved in just under four years of its existence.

PUMS also ranks number one in for 100 per cent full accreditation of its programmes by the NUC, MDCN, NMCN, MLSCN, and RRBN.

At the last Nursing Council examinations in the university, the school recorded a 100 per cent pass rate, and a 95 per cent pass rate in the last Medicine and Surgery professional MBBS examinations with several distinctions recorded.

Its third convocation ceremony will be held in December 2023, when it will award pioneer degrees in Medicine and Surgery in addition to other bachelor’s degrees.

We’ve Recorded Birth of 3102 Babies, Says Bridge Clinics

Blessing Ibunge in Port

A fertility specialist hospital, Bridge Clinics has disclosed that its facility has achieved the safe delivery of 3102 babies, since inception, in 1999.

Business Development Executive of the clinic, Mrs Oge Broderick, gave the revelation

in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an interactive session with its clients, tagged the ‘Welcome forum’.

At the event themed, “Unable to conceive the 2nd time”, Mrs Broderick noted that an internationally recognised fertility organisation, Alexander Fords, also audits their success rate and baby births annually.

Mrs Brodrick also noted that

the clinic founded in 1999, by one Dr Richards Ajayi, was the first to achieve conception and birth of surgically collected sperm and eggs, in Nigeria, first to have conception and birth from surgically collected pregnancy cycle.

She noted that the Bridge clinic was able to achieve so much based on its core values of honesty, transparency, ethi-

cal conduct, innovation and excellence.

“We are transparent in our business dealings, always carrying along our clients and obtain their consents, before we move to the next stage, at solving their fertility problems.

“We are also evolving in advanced medical practice in science and technology, with a view to offering them the

best.”

In her submission, the Fertility Specialist of the clinic, Dr Tambari Femi Oluwole, advised that couples to move to Fertility Specialist hospital, for their problem solutions.

Dr Oluwole who disclosed that Bridge clinic functions to educate her clients and general public on fertility issues, also described infertility, as the

inability to conceive, after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse, by a couple.

“In our country, the culture of having children, by couples cannot be over emphasized, hence our duty to save our clients of infertility. When couples do not have accurate information about fertility issues, they are often at a loss.”

Grounds of recently unveiled PAMO University Hospital

Did Buhari Lose Weight in Eight Years?

Banji Ojewale

Anew race of men is springing up to govern the nation; they are the hunters after popularity, men ambitious…the demagogues, whose principles hang laxly upon them, who follow not so much what is right as what leads to a temporary vulgar applause. Joseph Story (1779-1845), American Judge.

Let’s be guided by the former president’s own measuring rod to assess him and other public officers. We don’t need to go into any arcane research or some tongue-twisting grammatical constructions to determine whether our outgone leaders served themselves or served us. All we should do is to consider the body optics: has the office holder lost weight or gained extra flesh? A little bit of extrapolation: is the ex-public officer poorer or richer? If he is still in office, do his airs suggest he is on the route to earning a mention in the club reserved for the likes of Aliko Dangote? What’s his sartorial disposition? Is his now a knack for Savile Row, London, the confluence of tailors and billionaires?

Back to Muhammadu Buhari. In 2019, he offered the ‘ideal’ approach to identify the servant-leader. He took a non-forensic look at Mohammed Adamu, then Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police. Our president concluded that the gaunt security chief had been working hard in the light of his diminishing weight. Buhari spoke when he was taken up on the frightening reports of insecurity here and there. We weren’t to worry, he assured us; the man he charged to deal with those giving us sleepless nights was himself suffering insomnia, leading, naturally, to loss of weight.

The police boss, in the estimation of the old military chief, had also emaciated because he wasn’t a glutton. It’s a contradiction to say of a gourmand that he was simultaneously slenderizing. So the IGP had been so busy battling the antisocial elements in our midst he’d had no time to be a gobbler. There was nothing he had amassed from the golden trough of the taxpayers; therefore, there was nothing to consume to make Adamu grow out and burst his uniform. After all, you’d prey on what you had. You would eat sparsely as you acquired sparingly. That should necessarily give you a lean figure, unfatty bank account, and, above all, ascetic nights so that, like Obafemi Awolowo, the illustrious premier of old pace-setting Western Nigeria, “When most people in public office and in the position of leadership and rulership are spending whole days and nights carousing in clubs or in the company of men of shady character and women of easy virtue, (you) like a few others, (are) always at (your) post working hard at the country’s problems and trying to find solutions for them.”

I believe these are neat and reasonable deductions we arrive at from the ex-president’s pronouncements on the police boss as we judge him and others in their asset status at their exit.

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) had asked Buhari, his vice, Yemi Osinbajo, and a train of others to drop their asset scorecard with the bureau before assumption of office and before receding from the scene.

When Buhari was moving in as president in 2015, he told CCB through Garba Shehu, one of his media aides, that he had N30 million in the only bank account he had. There were five homes and two mud houses in Daura, his hometown in Katsina State, along with two undeveloped plots of land in Kano and Port Harcourt. Still more: farms, an orchard, a ranch, all harboring 270 heads of cattle, 25

sheep, five horses, a variety of birds and a number of economic trees. More: cars, two bought from his savings, with others supplied by government as ex-head of state, and some donated by well-wishers after Boko Haram savaged his jeep in 2014. The record with CCB also says the Daura soldier-turned politician had shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank, and Skye Bank.

Osinbajo, according to Garba Shehu, came in with N94 million and US$900000. He had property at Victoria Garden City, Ikoyi, both in Lagos, and a flat at Redemption Camp, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. There was also a mortgaged property in Bedford, England. Our vice president, apart from his law firm, had shareholding in six private companies, including MTN Nigeria.

Now, by the law applied by Buhari to rate Adamu, we should expect diminished, not enlarged, assets by our public office holders after their tenure. Have they added to what they had? Have they worked so hard and selflessly that they had willy-nilly shed weight? Have they become anorexics, with their apparel, hitherto full-bodied on them, now hanging

to give them the prized Mohammed Adamu-like shape?

In March 2019, Osinbajo told Nigerians that he had evaluated Buhari ahead of meeting CCB’s requirements at the close of his boss’s first term. His findings: “When I looked at his assets declaration form, I was checking it in 2015, I said to him, ‘Mr President, I am so much richer than you, it is an embarrassment…’ I can tell you that he is perhaps, even poorer than he was in 2015, when I saw his declaration of assets.”

That should be the goal of every true leader. You don’t go into office to embark on a hunting or expedition for unbridled riches. You don’t go in and return boasting you’ve put on weight. You don’t become a public officer and all your mission is to abandon your Ajegunle tailor and Aba shoemakers for Italian designer and customised products. You don’t go into office flying abroad for medicare and sending your children to private and foreign schools and hospitals, leaving the people you serve at the hands of the deadly system you refuse to attend to.

The leader posterity recognises is the

one who pauperises himself while serving his people. He dies for them, if duty to the people demands it. But we’ve had leaders who want it the other way: the society must be castrated at the altar of their gargantuan greed; the people must go under for them to milk us dry.

The leaders history hails are those who, as they lose themselves in serving the people, exit exhausted externally, but inwardly, are enraptured and enriched. He must be like Uruguay’s much loved former leftist President, Jose Mujica, who not only turned down his pension as a senator, but also refused to live in the presidential mansion, preferring to stay “at his wife’s farmhouse, off a dirt road outside the capital, Montevide,” where he gives off most of his pay to his people, not taking from them.

So, after eight years, where do Buhari and the others, who just gave way, belong: in the class of those whose weight dropped while serving the fatherland or in that other group where the spirit of the sybaritic was at work?

* Ojewale is a writer in Ota, Ogun State (Above is a revised version of a piece I wrote in 2019)

Former President Muhammadu Buhari

STERLING BANK'S 61ST AGM...

Access Bank Targets Nigeria's $4bn Trade with France, Launches Business Desk

Kayode Tokede

Access Bank Plc yesterday disclosed that it was set to tap into the over $4 billion trade Nigeria had with France, with the launch of a Business Desk in Lagos.

The Business Desk aims at building a strong business relationship between France/Francophonie and Nigeria.

Speaking on the occasion of the visit of Mrs. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, who is the French Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships to Nigeria, the Group Managing Director, Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, stated that Access Bank’s French Desk strategic platform would serve as a vital link between Business France, PROPACO, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and other multilateral organizations.

Wigwe, while speaking to group of customers and other stakeholders, said “The Business Desk will provide tailored support and guidance to French businesses operating in Nigeria, as well as Nigerian businesses seeking to expand their presence in France.”

He noted that the financial institution journey began with President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation to Access Bank to establish a presence in Paris.

He said the invite was a testament to Nigeria’s growing economic ties and the recognition of Access Bank's role in facilitating trade and investment at global levels.

He said the management of the bank embraced the opportunity with great enthusiasm and recently established an office in Paris.

According to Wigwe, “With the creation of our French Desk, we are taking another significant step towards strengthening business ties between Nigeria and France.

"Your attendance speaks volumes about your unwavering commitment, optimism, and belief in the potential of Nigeria as a thriving market and

your determination to contribute to its growth.

“We recognise the immense potential that lies within the FrancoNigerian business relationship. By harnessing the strengths of both nations, we can unlock new opportunities, drive sustainable growth, and create shared prosperity. The Access Bank French Desk will play a pivotal role in facilitating trade and investment between our nations.

“It will serve as a knowledge hub, providing valuable insights, market intelligence, and networking opportunities for businesses from both countries. By leveraging our extensive network and expertise, we aim to create an enabling environment for French companies to thrive in Nigeria, while also assisting Nigerian businesses in navigating the intricacies of the French market."

The bank chief added: “These partnerships will enable us tap into their extensive networks, leverage their expertise in various sectors and access funding opportunities that will support the growth and expansion of businesses operating in Nigeria and France.

“I am convinced that with initiatives like the Access Bank French Desk, we can forge a prosperous future, driven by collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect. Let us embrace this exciting opportunity to forge stronger ties, create shared value, and build a better future for our nations.”

Zacharopoulou, in her response expressed optimism that the Business Desk located in Lagos, would strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and French companies, particularly the medium-sized ones.

She said that the launch of business desk was part of President Macron's priority to strengthen the relationship and business with Nigeria.

She said that the Business Desk was expected to tackle trade challenges between the two countries,

stressing on the determination of the French team to make the Desk a success.

“With the launch of Business Desk, it will be easier for both countries to have more private sector engagement and allow big firms in France to invest in Nigeria. It is important we work together amid challenges and provide solutions required to create jobs for the youths,” she added.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, said the bank had

developed the competence to work with institutions and organidations that have helped in its transformation to where it is today.

He said, “Access Bank has built a Chinese desk, working with the Chinese. We built on the back of that a German desk, working with DEG and the German government.

“We built a Dutch desk and I think is with a lot of excitement that we talk about Access Bank/ French desk. The difference in the French desk and a lot of this other desks that I've referenced is that this

is the first time that we're building a desk coming on the back of our presence in the country.”

Ogbonna added: “We might not be the greatest business partners, but is about $4 billion of trade that flows between France and Nigeria. France is a significant economy in the Eurozone, while Nigeria, the largest economy within the African continent, and I think in their lies the natural ability for us to work together to make Africa and the world a better place.

“And I think what Access Bank

brings to the table is that local knowledge, not just in Nigeria, but across the 17 or 18 markets we operate in to further the conversation that France is hoping to have with the continent.

“The French Desk will afford us the opportunity to connect French and African businesses within Nigeria and across all our markets. It will ensure that we're able to mobilize capital to support small businesses who are looking for alternative opportunities outside of what is traditional.”

Diplomats to Unveil League of African Ambassadors, Seek AU Partnership

All is set for the inauguration of the League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners as a non-governmental platform, with membership open to diplomats of African descent, whether in service or retired.

The group, in a statement pointed out that skilled and experienced human resources were being wasted in Africa as a result of retirement, tenure expiration or organisational restructuring.

In the statement signed Nigeria's High Commissioner to the Republic of Zambia, Nwannebuike Ominyi, the group expressed worry that the continent was being denied the expertise or energy of people who can still contribute to the reshaping of Africa.

More specifically, the body flayed a situation where well-trained and energetic diplomats with vast experiences in diplomacy who ought to continue contributing to Africa's robust engagement with the world are underutilised either

due to factors such as retirement, end of tour of duty or changes in the home governments.

“It is in view of this that the League of African Ambassadors has been birthed to create a sustainable platform for African diplomats, after completing their tenure, to continue deploying their wealth of experience in the service of Africa and the whole of humanity,” it said.

Nigeria's High Commissioner to the Republic of Zambia, Ominyi, is the convener of the league while the co-conveners include Khadija Iddrisu, Ghana's High Commissioner to the Republic of Zambia; Ahmed El Samawi, Egyptian Ambassador to the Republic of Togo.

Others are: Teferi Fikre, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau; Steven Katuka, Zambia's High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia and Joao Baptista Domingos, Angola's Ambassador to Ghana.

The ‘much-awaited’ platform, it said , will afford Africa a credible and louder voice on the global scene while ensuring that the collective position on major and sundry

Stakeholders Commend Appointment of Acting CG of Immigration

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Stakeholders in the Immigration sector have commended the appointment of Mrs. Wura-Ola Caroline Adepoju, as the first Yoruba-female Acting Comptroller General for the Nigeria Immigration Service.

The federal government had last Monday, through the Civil Defence, Correction, Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB), approved the appointment of Adepoju as Acting CG of NIS.

A letter signed by Mr Ja’afaru

Ahmed, the Board secretary, had conveyed the approval of the Board to Adepoju to take charge of the service from May 30, 2023, as the most senior Deputy Comptroller General.

Owing to this, Immigration stakeholders in a statement yesterday, signed by Akinwale Dennis stated: "We consider her appointment as historic because it is the first time an officer from the South-west would be appointed to the position of the CG since the establishment of NIS

in 1963.

“As immigration stakeholders, we are elated by the appointment and see it as a huge encouragement to female officers that they can reach the highest level of authority if they serve with integrity, excellence and patriotism.

“We can confirm that the appointment of Mrs Adepoju has been well received by men of the service at the NIS headquarters and across state commands and immigration formations in the country.

“She is known in the service to be a thorough-bred professional and highly motivated officer, who would bring her wealth of experience in immigration management to bare in the discharge of her duties."

It added: “Her appointment is a breadth of fresh air to the NIS, the Nigerian women and all immigration stakeholders across the country.

“We however, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to confirm Mrs Adepoju as the substantive Comptroller General.”

issues that affect the continent is more respected. “The League will also provide a strong backbone to African leaders on the world stage,” the group noted.

In his remarks, the convener, who is also the Dean of Nigeria Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Eze, said the proposed association was a clarion call to members to see that Africa still needs their services to help countries and Africa at large even when their tour of duty comes to an end.

“The aim is to create a sustainable platform for us at the end of our tenures to continue deploying our wealth of experience in the service of Africa and the whole of humanity.

“It is our candid opinion that if Africa would realise its potential to the maximum, the experiences and understanding of the world which we have all acquired at post should not be allowed to waste for any reason,” the group stated.

The platform, it said, is planning the first virtual convergence of Africa Ambassadors and High Commissioners as an avenue to formally inaugurate the body while also discussing issues on promoting diplomacy on the African continent.

Secretary of Nigerian Ambassadors and High Commissioners, who doubles as Nigeria High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, Yusuf Yunusa, said the group will serve as an avenue to further engage more effectively with the global community.

“We believe this platform will serve as an avenue to further engage more effectively with the global community on matters of collective interest to engender greater respect for our leaders and citizens.

“We also plan to support the African Union and all our sub-regional organisations in Africa to achieve their goals and objectives. We are open to serving as mentors to newly

appointed African Ambassadors and High Commissioners as we build a repository of knowledge which they can tap into.

“We will create avenues for regular capacity building for diplomats and raise continental awareness on diverse issues of benefit to Africa and the world,” Yunusa said.

Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Togo and one of the promoters, Debo Adesina, said: "Africa and Africans can only rise on the strength of our ideas as a people. On the mother continent, in the Americas and across the world, the black race is one. And we must scale the artificial guardrails called borders to unite in hearts and minds as Africans, speak in unison with purpose, proclaim our uniqueness as a people and act like the chosen ones we truly are!"

Adesina also revealed that one of the unique things LAA does is to engage with African statesmen and women with a view to developing ideas on the continent’s future as well as charting the path to her deserved place in the world.

Many credible former presidents and prime ministers, if pointed out, have already been lined up for LAA's conversations on Africa's rebirth.

L-R: Executive Director, Commercial & Institutional Banking, Tunde Adeola, Non-Executive Director, Olaitan Kajero, Chief executive, Abubakar Suleiman, Chairman of Board, Asue Ighodalo, Company Secretary, Temitayo Adegoke, Non-Executive Director, Tunji Mayaki, Executive Director of Operations, Raheem Owodeyi, all of Sterling Bank at the 61st AGM in Lagos ... yesterday Call for confirmation of her appointment as substantive CGIS

According to the group, they include Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki of South Africa and Festus Gotenbaye Mogae of Botswana.

Others are Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, Joyce Banda of Malawi, Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, and Graca Machel-Mandela, among others.

"In due course, serving presidents or heads of states will be engaged by the league with a view to articulating a very united and potent African position on world affairs," Adesina said.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Senate: MDAs Mismanaged N3.8tn Service Wide Vote

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate has indicted federal ministries, departments and agencies for mismanaging Service Wide Votes (SWV) to the tune of about N3.8 trillion between 2017- 2021

The Senate therefore recommended to the executive arm of government to use supplementary budget approach to meet emergencies instead of Service Wide Vote.

WITH

This was contained in the report of the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) based on the annual reports submitted to the National Assembly by the Auditor General for the Federation

According to the SPAC report, "The Executive should be advised to use Supplementary budget approach to meet emergencies or shortfall rather than the current Service Wide Vote mechanism which amounts to affront

/erosion of the approval powers of the National Assembly."

The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Matthew Uhroghide, had conducted investigation into disbursement of Service Wide Votes.

The Committee invited 207 government agencies for the investigation, but only 119 agencies appeared before the committee while 85 agencies shunned the invitations of the Committee.

Among the agencies that shunned the Committee investigation were State House, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, , Nigeria Defence Academy, Federal Ministry of Health, and Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria.

In the report which was upheld by the Senate, some agencies did not

END OF SUBSIDY, NNPC RAISES PETROL PRICE TO BETWEEN N488 AND N557 PER LITRE

said the union was worried that the Tinubu administration, despite on-going meetings of stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to try to manage the unilateral decision of the government to end fuel subsidy, went ahead to announce a new regime of prices.

Ajaero declared that you could not ask a partner to negotiate at gunpoint.

At the same time, Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) condemned the price review as wicked, obnoxious, brutish, and absolutely unacceptable. HURIWA called on Nigerians not to suffer and smile or die in silence but to take peaceful steps to demonstrate publicly against the wicked act of the new government.

In a similar vein, Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) called on the federal government to approach the removal of petrol subsidy strategically to avoid the escalation of inflation and worsening of already bad socio-economic indicators, like employment, and poverty per capital income, among others.

However, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) advised Nigerians to adjust themselves to the new reality for the good of the country's economy.

NNPC said it had been funding subsidies to the tune of N400 billion monthly. Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mele Kyari, disclosed that the federal government still owed the firm N2.8 trillion spent on petrol subsidy.

Kyari lamented that since the provision of the N6 trillion in 2022, and N3.7 trillion in 2023, the national oil firm had not received any payment whatsoever from the federation. He said NNPC made the petrol subsidy payments from

its cash flow.

He said, “That means the federal government is unable to pay and we have continued to support this subsidy from the cash flow of the NNPC. That is, when we net off our fiscal obligations of taxes and royalties, there is still a balance that we are funding from our cash flow. And that has become very difficult and it is affecting our other operations.”

In a schedule, seen by THISDAY, detailing the new rates, petrol prices were adjusted upward from between N189 to N194 per litre to N537 in Abuja and other North-central states.

In Lagos and other South-west states, a litre of petrol now sells for between N488 and N500 per litre.

In the South-east, the price will range from N515 to N520, while in the North-west, the price of the product was raised to between N540 and N545. In the North-east, it moved from N199 to from between N550 and N557 per litre.

For the South-south, petrol is now from N511 to N515 per litre.

Nigeria's subsidy budget of N3.6 trillion for this year, expires in June 2023.

Seventeen months ago, former President Muhammadu Buhari shifted the implementation of subsidy removal by 18 months, which would effectively expire this month.

However, it is expected that other independent and major marketers will charge more for petrol, following the pattern in the past, where NNPC prices are usually lower than the NNPC rates.

Confirming the price hike through its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Garba Deen Muhammad, NNPC informed its customers that it had adjusted its pump price across the retail outlets, “in line with the

current market realities.”

Muhammad stated, “As we you strive to provide you the quality service we are known for, it is pertinent to note that prices will continue to fluctuate to reflect market dynamics.

“We assure you that NNPC Limited is committed to ensuring ceaseless supply of products. The company sincerely regrets any inconvenience this development might have caused.

“We greatly appreciate your continued patronage, support and understanding through this time of change and growth.”

It was not immediately clear what the current ex-depot price was at the moment to determine the price of the commodity in other filling stations owned by major and independent products marketers.

Ex-depot price is the cost paid by independent petroleum products marketers to lift products from NNPC fuel depots before transportation to their retail outlets for distribution. At the moment, NNPC is the sole importer of petroleum products.

Usually, to arrive at the final retail price at the filling station, the marketers would add the cost of transportation, storage, throughput charges and other charges spelt out in the pricing template by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

For years, especially during the Goodluck Jonathan era, Tinubu was a prominent critic of the subsidy removal attempts. He supported nationwide protests at the time against the move by Jonathan government.

The chaotic reaction to the removal of petrol subsidy announced by Tinubu on Monday continued,

ADHERE TO OUR PARTY’S MANIFESTO, ADAMU URGES APC GOVERNORS

in a difficult moment, and the APC governors were assuming office at a difficult period considering the timing of the removal of fuel subsidy.

Adamu’s admission came as Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinmma, just emerged new Chairman of PGF.

Uzodinmma said practically all the presidential hopefuls promised to remove subsidy if elected president.

Adamu said at the meeting of APC’s NWC and members of PGF said it had been the intention of the NWC to have the opportunity of receiving the party's governors immediately after the gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly elections.

He recalled that immediately after those elections, then president-elect, Bola Tinubu, travelled abroad and was away for about five weeks. He added that to have an important meeting with the governors, the party thought it was advisable Tinubu was on ground before holding the meeting.

He noted that by the time Tinubu returned to Nigeria, the space was agog with the issue of zoning of leadership positions of the 10th National Assembly, which he said took the winds off their sails.

The APC national chairman said, "So we got engaged trying to see how best we can reach some understanding and before we got over that, we had inaugural activities and we are better placed now to settle down, to invite our governors.

"For us, anything that we will want to say to you is adherence to the manifesto as much as you can. We have a general framework for the governance of the country and

you represent those who fly the flag of the party and it is expected that whatever you do, you will have in mind the manifesto that the party gives the country.

"You, as the chief executive officers of the states, must key into this manifesto, but there are peculiarities, there are priorities you must have set and you are bound to do as much as you can to meet the expectations of those who voted for us.

"We are in a very difficult moment and you have come at a very difficult period. Even with the timing of the lifting of the fuel subsidy, this is going to be very specially challenging to us, particularly to you because you are where it matters most."

Adamu added that the party's governors were the shock absorbers in the various states of the federation. “You live with the people. You wake up with the people and you work with them. The expectation is that you could have a better appreciation of their pains as citizens of this country. So, a lot of expectations will be on you as governors of the federating units of this great country.”

The chairman assured them that the leadership of the party would cooperate with them.

He told the APC governors, "If you have any problem, turn to us and we will give you the best advice we can. But whatever we do with you, you are the one wearing the shoes and know where it pinches.

"Two years are for actual governance. Before you know, you will finish with the tribunals, it will be getting to two years and you will start seeing posters and billboards flying, newspaper publications. This

with many filling stations across the country still hoarding the product, while the few that opened to customers sold at exorbitant prices.

Fuel retailers have shut their gates to motorists, thus worsening the petrol situation nationwide. Many filling stations in Abuja had customers’ vehicles queuing to by fuel extending several kilometres.

Commuters were stranded at various bus stops nationwide.

NLC expressed displeasure over NNPC’s new pricing template, describing it as vexatious.

Ajaero, in a statement, said the union was worried that Tinubu, despite the on-going meetings of stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to try to manage the unilateral decision by the government, went ahead to announce a new regime of prices.

He described it as an “ambush”, stating that it runs against the spirit and principles of social dialogue, which remains the best platform available for the resolution of all the issues in petroleum downstream sector.

Ajaero stressed, “Government cannot in one breathe be talking about deregulation and at the same time fixing the prices of petroleum products. This negates the spirit of allowing the operation of the free market unless the government has as usual usurped, captured or become market forces.”

He said it was unacceptable, insisting that good faith negotiation is key to reaching any agreement.

The NLC president stated, “What the government has done is like holding a gun to the head of Nigerian people and bringing them under pressure. We call on the federal government to immediately instruct the NNPC to withdraw this vexatious pricing template to allow free flow of discussions by the parties.

make formal request for the money that was sent to them by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

It was also discovered that hundred of billions were claimed to have been used for the purpose of paying salaries shortfalls whereas such agencies had already collected appropriate for personnel emoluments and were IPPIS platform.

The Senate further discovered

“The release of that template may not allow us to continue if nothing is done to withdraw it so that the dialogue can continue unhindered. It is clear that government is actually trying to scuttle the process.”

According to the labour union, as it stands, the federal government has become fixated on its chosen course of action. It said such attitude would in no way help consultations and dialogue.

“There must be flexibility to allow concessions and reasonable accommodation that will produce the best result for the Nigerian people. This is what we all seek at this time,” Ajaero asserted.

NECA Cautions against Escalation of Inflation

Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) called on the federal government to approach the removal of petrol subsidy strategically to avoid the escalation of inflation and worsening of the already bad socio-economic indicators like employment, poverty per capital income, among others.

A statement issued yesterday by Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, warned that if the subsidy withdrawal was not well managed, it could lead to an increase in the prices of goods and services with consequential effects on purchasing power.

Oyerinde stated, “While it is desirable to remove the fuel subsidy, which in real terms is subsidising inefficiency and corruption, it is important that the removal is systematically and strategically done in order not to further impoverish and worsen the already bad socio-economic indicators, such as employment, poverty per capital income, and many more.

that MDAs have not been disclosing Service Wide Votes transaction documents such as payment vouchers, vote book. Senate therefore urged the Executive should limit the release of Service Wide Vote to recurrent emergencies or shortfall genuinely desired with satisfactory proof.

It also recommended in-depth investigation into depth the operations of IPPIS to stern the rising cases of irregularities in the system.

address, efforts should be stepped up to complete the rehabilitation of the refineries to complement the Dangote Refinery that just came on board recently. With the measure, it will be possible to attain scale in PMS refining in the country so as to moderate domestic prices.”

Oyerinde noted that inflation rate in the country was already high at 22.22 per cent, as recorded in April 2023, and as such any increase in pump price of fuel will further accelerate it. He said this would distort and destabilise economic activities, shrink private sector business capitals and lower the real disposal income of the people. He said, “No doubt, therefore, the economy would contract in terms of growth; business activities will face serious backlash; and aggregate consumption will fall due to inflationary pressure.”

Oyerinde further observed that the inaugural address of the president on fuel subsidy generated heated reaction, with fuel queues returning to the petrol stations and the prices of goods and services increasing astronomically.

MOMAN Urges

Nigerians to Tighten Belt, Cut Consumption

Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) advised Nigerians to adjust themselves to the new reality for the good of the country.

Executive Secretary of MOMAN, Mr. Clement Isong, made the call yesterday during a telephone chat with THISDAY. Isong explained that with the new petrol marketing regime, MOMAN members would be selling their products based on their cost of purchase.

is a tradition in our democracy, fortunately or unfortunately. We must be ready for that. So, you have no time to waste.

"Fortunately, you are lucky to have a president, who will listen to you. He has come with the same urge, the same desire to deliver. So, you are lucky. But whatever you do, do not forget that you will bear your cross. You will bear your cross. We will not as a party stand in your way for a good programme. If someone does so, please draw our attention so that we will stop it."

Uzodinmma said, "I want to assure you that the APC governors understand very clearly that the government each of us are presiding over belongs to the party and we know both at the federal and sub-national levels, the government belongs to APC; it is APC-led government.

"Under my watch, we will be very close to the party. The purpose of the forum is to add impetus to the activities of the party and the government. We are only going to act as salesmen that will market the policies and programmes of government.

"APC is the only party we've got in Nigeria. The governors of APC seem to be the most active governors in Nigeria. So, my assurance is that we are just constructive partners to work with the party and our loyalty to the party is absolute. And, indeed, the party will become the envy of other parties in Africa.”

Other governors in attendance were Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abduallahi Sule (Nasarawa), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), and Dapo Abiodum (Ogun).

“Nigerians would not accept any manipulations of any kind from any of the parties, especially from the representatives of the government.

“Our commitment to this process is buoyed by the fact that all the parties would be committed to ensuring that it is carried out within the ambits of liberty without undue pressure.

“It is worrisome to note that prices of other commodities have skyrocketed a few hours after the president’s pronouncement of subsidy removal. Consequently, it is critically important that the new government approaches the removal of the subsidy with caution to circumvent further degeneration in the economy.

“We reiterate that in the spirit of frontally addressing corruption, as stated in the president’s inaugural

He urged Nigerians to embrace the new petrol marketing regime and reduce their fuel consumption, saying the government should put in place appropriate palliatives to cushion the effect on the most vulnerable citizens.

The executive secretary also called on Nigerians to be empathetic at this time and try to help one another. He acknowledged that the situation

Continued on page 52

TINUBU: WE'RE READY FOR BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP WITH WILLING NATIONS

Bawa, yesterday, met Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, to update him on the state of the fight against corruption.

Tinubu told the Chinese delegation that his administration would work to promote ease of doing business. "We need accelerated growth and we are ready to do business honestly with those ready to do business with us," he said.

The president promised to continue to champion democracy in West Africa and fight terrorism and other criminal elements in the country.

Tinubu stated, "We will continue to work to promote democracy in the West African sub-region. I'm a product of democracy and shall work day and night to advance democracy. We will fight terrorism and all forms of criminality. We can learn from each other, but we will remain non-aligned."

Jinping, represented by Qinghua, said the two countries at present had good bilateral relations and economic cooperation. He said Chinese companies were doing well in Nigeria in railways, roads, hydropower and free trade zones.

While commending Tinubu's plan to lead Nigeria to a new era of economic development

and prosperity, the Chinese president said there were areas where Nigeria could benefit from China, and called on the two countries to share ideas and align strategies. He urged Tinubu to create more conducive environment for investment.

The Chinese delegation included its Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, and Minister-Counsellor Zhang Yi.

Meanwhile, the meeting between Tinubu and Bawa, according to a statement by the commission, came on the heels of the face-off between the agency and the Department of State Services (DSS) over the ownership of the EFCC office located at 15 Awolowo Road Ikoyi, Lagos.

The situation had degenerated to the point that DSS deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), which blocked EFCC operatives from gaining access to the building.

Tinubu had, consequently, ordered the DSS to vacate the premises of the EFCC immediately and resolve the matter amicably, saying it is unbecoming for two important agencies of government to be involved in such distraction.

The statement signed by the EFCC spokesman, Wilson

Uwujaren, said Bawa also briefed the president on the state of the fight against corruption, including his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (NAZAHA) of Saudi Arabia.

The statement said, "The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, today, May 31, 2023 met with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

"The meeting, which was the EFCC Chairman’s first official engagement with President Tinubu since he assumed office, afforded the anti-graft czar the opportunity to brief the president on the state of the fight against corruption, including his recent visit to Saudi Arabia where he signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (NAZAHA) of Saudi Arabia, in a bid to strengthen international partnerships to address the complex challenges posed by corruption."

ARDOVA COURT ORDERED MEETING...

PDP Has Right to Suspend, Expel You, Court Tells Wike

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday told former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the right to suspend or expel him if the action is done in accordance with the law.

Justice James Omotosho stated this in a judgment he delivered on a suit filed by Wike, prior to the 2023 general election, to seek for a court order to stop PDP from taking action against him without fair hearing.

The ex-governor had sued the PDP, its National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) as 1st to 3rd respondents.

Wike, in the suit, marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/139/2023 dated and field

February 2 by his lawyer, Joshua Musa, SAN, also joined the National Chairman of PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu; National Secretary of PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the Independent National Electoral Commission as 4th to 6th respondents respectively.

He had prayed for an order directing all parties to maintain the status quo and stay all actions in the matter relating to the threat to suspend or expel him by the 1st to 5th respondents pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion.

He asked the court to enforce his fundamental right to freedom of association which was allegedly about

to be breached by the respondents.

But the PDP, through its lawyer, Johnson Usman, SAN, disagreed with Wike’s submission.

He argued that the case was only based on speculation as Wike had failed to provide any evidence to substantiate that the respondents intended to suspend or expel him from the party.

He said the party had not contemplated suspending or expelling members of the G5 Governors or the Integrity Group, despite engaging in anti-party activities. He said Wike and four other governors engaged in anti-party activities by forming the Integrity Group and campaigning for another presidential candidate in the Feb.

25 election.

The senior lawyer argued that a member, who voluntarily joined an association, must abide by its rules. Usman, who argued that the exgovernor must have exhausted the internal mechanism of the party first, said the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, which, he said, was only within the realm of conjuncture.

He further argued that it was not enough for Wike to institute the suit on fundamental rights enforcement grounds.

Justice Omotosho had, on Feb. 2, given an interim order against the party and others listed in the face of Wike’s ex-parte motion.

The judge, who extended the

Institute of Arbitrators Hails FG for Signing Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023

Wale Igbintade

The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) has commended the Muhammadu Buhari –led federal government for signing into law, the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023, stating that it would entrench the practice of arbitration and mediation in the nation's judicial system.

A statement issued by NICArb Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Shola Oshodi-John, described it as a landmark victory for NICArb, the arbitration community, and the citizens of Nigeria.

According to the statement, the new Act would provide a unified legal framework for the fair and efficient settlement of commercial disputes by arbitration and mediation.

The institute also expressed gratitude to the federal government, and the National Assembly for their roles in realising this dream.

The statement read: "The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) received with elation the news of the Presidential Assent to the Arbitration and Mediation Bill by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in furtherance of the provisions of Sections 58 of the Constitution and pursuant to the Acts Authentication Act Cap. A2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“The Arbitration and Mediation Act also repeals the hitherto extant

Cap.

and mediation.”

"The signing of this Bill has added impetus to our efforts to entrench the practice of arbitration and mediation in our judicial system.

"As an Institute that has consistently championed the development and domestication of arbitration and ADR practice for over four decades, we cannot be more grateful to the federal government for this great feat. We greatly appreciate the National Assembly’s role in realising this dream. Also, we

wish to extend our gratitude to the Nigerian judiciary, the Media and all Alternative Dispute Resolution actors who supported this journey tremendously.

"This is a landmark victory for NICArb, the arbitration community, and the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

APGA’ll Work with Tinubu, APC, Soludo Declares

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has said the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a party would work with the government of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Soludo, who spoke during the inauguration of the Regional Headquarters of APGA in Awka, yesterday, reacted to his attendance of the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu on Monday.

Soludo was alleged to have been stopped by DSS operatives from entering the state box, during the inauguration in Abuja.

Soludo, while speaking descended heavily on the peddlers of the rumour, saying he was approaching the VIP box, but was stopped and redirected to the VVIP box, and therefore, berated those who peddled rumours of his being sent out.

"We were at the Eagle Square, venue of the inauguration in Abuja. The sitting arrangements at the right where the VIPs were and we went there and they told us that we have a sitting arrangement and they directed us to where we were supposed to stay, which was even VVIP.

"So, we left there and went along with the CBN governor, the governors, the Dangotes and Oni of Ife only for me to get out of the square and hear that Soludo was bounced off the VIP and asked to go and stay with the masses," he said.

Soludo said if he was aware that such a rumour would creep in, he would have comfortably gone to where the masses sat, because APGA was party of the masses.

His words: "Actually if I knew that it was what was going to happen, I would have preferred to stay with the masses and that is where I belong. I am for the masses, and to demonstrate that what happened on that day is a thing of the masses.

"It is the masses because my party is the party of the masses not party for the rich and big people but party of the common people and if they don't talk about Soludo, who would they talk about?"

He further reiterated that the APGA policy of supporting the government at the centre has not changed, adding that it is the policy that he inherited from the former leaders of the party.

He said, "I tell our people that elections have come and gone and APGA did not go to the tribunal even though we had a presidential candidate because APGA has always worked with the government or party at the center and it has always collaborated with the party at the center.

"When it was the PDP, APGA collaborated with the party and government at the center and we as it were did not field any candidate because APGA worked with the party at the center.

restraining order on Feb. 14, held that all parties should maintain a status quo pending the hearing and determination of the suit

Delivering judgement on Wednesday, Justice Omotosho said the court had considered the processes filed by parties and arguments of counsel.

He held that suspending or expelling the applicant without affording him the right to defend himself would breach his fundamental rights as enshrined in the party’s and Nigeria’s constitutions.

He said though the party had the right to suspend or expel its members, this must be done in compliance with its own law.

The judge said that though Section 46(1) of the law vested jurisdiction on the court if one’s rights had been breached, he said the court would not dabble into the internal affairs of any political party, except where the right of a member had been violated by the party without recourse to its own laws.

According to him, fundamental human rights are rights enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria and are sacrosanct.

“Where this right ought to be enforced, the court will do everything within its reach to ensure this.

“However, as fundamental and sacrosanct these rights are, they are not absolute,” he said. Justice Omotosho, therefore, agreed that any member of a political party who appeared before a disciplinary committee, should be given the opportunity to defend himself.

“And if not, any decision taken shall be null and void,” he said.

He said, “This court is convinced that the applicant is entitled to a fair hearing and that the respondent also has the rights to disciplnie its members in accordance with the law.”

The judge further said that Wike had the right to associate and that the threat to dismiss him without inviting him to defend himself contravened Article 57 (1)(2) of the party. He said that the party’s National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, and his agents, were bound to promote constitutional democracy.

NAPTIP Dismisses Five Officers for Misconduct

Secures conviction of a law enforcement officer

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has dismissed five of its personnel, including a Deputy Director, for various offences.

The offences ranged from corruption; demanding and receiving bribes from suspects and relatives; leaking confidential information to suspects that endangered the lives of colleagues; violation of oath of secrecy; stealing and alteration of official records and absent without official leave.

According to a statement yesterday, signed by the agency’s press officer, Vincent Adekoye, the offences were all contrary to provisions of the Public Service Rules and other extant laws and regulations.

He disclosed that two other officers were demoted by two ranks for soliciting for bribe from a suspect of human trafficking,

while one officer was demoted by one rank for negligence of duty. Adekoye said the disciplinary actions followed the approval of the Governing Board of the Agency at its meeting of May 25, 2023, noting that at that meeting, the Board considered and ratified the decision of the Agency’s Senior Staff Committee (SSC) which earlier sat on the disciplinary matters in accordance with the Public Service Rules and other extant laws and regulations.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto has convicted a law enforcement officer and sentenced him to prison. He was convicted on a two-count charge of trafficking, contrary to section 26 (2) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (2015) and was sentenced to 5years on each count.

Adekoye said: “This is NAPTIP’s 37th conviction and counting for the year 2023.”

L-R: Independent Non-Executive Director, Ardova Plc, Mr. Olusola Aseeyo; Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Moshood Olajide; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olumide Adeosun; Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs Abiola Durosinmi-Eti; Chairman, Mr. AbdulWasiu Sowami; Non-Executive Director, Mr. Mohammed Umar and Company Secretary, Mr. Oladeinde Nelson-Cole during the Ardova Plc Court Ordered Meeting in Lagos...yesterday

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

A18 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria provides a unified legal framework for the fair and efficient settlement of commercial disputes by arbitration

GLOBACOM WINS INNOVATIONS IN TELECOM AWARD...

MAN: Tinubu’s Inaugural Address Offers Beacon of Hope for Nigerian Manufacturer

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has described the inaugural presidential address of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, as a positive development that offered a beacon of hope that better days await the operators of the Nigerian industrial sector.

The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who reacted to the President Tinubu’s address in a statement that was released yesterday, also enjoined the president to issue a marching order that would hasten the realisation of a unified foreign exchange rate by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Ajayi-Kadri said: “It is, therefore, highly commendable, and an assurance of better days ahead, to hear the President saying that his industrial policy will utilise the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import

dependency.

“For me, this is a positive development. It is an unmistakable indication of a far-sighted strategic choice: One that is borne out of a deep reflection on the current inclement manufacturing environment and the need to stop the drift into inglorious de-industrialisation of the Nigerian economy.

“What is most gratifying is that it came from Mr. President from day one.”

He also stated that Tinubu’s economic direction as contained in the address also resonated very well with the MAN.

According to him, “the issues of multiple and often times punitive taxation; conflicting and contradictory fiscal and monetary policy measures; skewed and poor management of the foreign exchange regime and the long overdue stoppage of the fuel subsidy were addressed in the President’s speech and I believe they resonate with manufacturers in particular and

Experts Seek Restructuring of Nigeria's Educational Curriculum

For Nigerian youths to achieve their potential in the future of learning, the need to review the country's educational curriculum have been emphasised by experts at the launch of Harde Business School (HBS).

According to them, this became necessary to drive educational transformation considering global trends in adopting expert-led courses for emerging markets.

The Harde Business School runs expert-led courses specifically focused on preparing young Africans for the future of work through a collective of carefully curated programs designed to deliver the right learning experience and advantage to digitally savvy millennials and Gen Zers.

Giving the keynote speech at the launch of HBS courses recently in Lagos, the founding Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Kayode Makinde, emphasised that innovation was required to reimagine the future of learning.

He pointed out that for the country to prepare its teeming youths for the global future of work, “restructuring of the educational system must be adaptive in order to create the future that recognizes the present-day realities of the needs of the youths."

He advocated the need for expertled courses that meet the needs of the present generation, adding educators

and academic institutions must understand that courses that meet their needs of today's youths and the country will be highly sought after.

“The country must restructure its current educational methodology as learning is much more than what is obtained currently across all levels of institutions in the country. Experts-led courses that have technical background across all sectors should be encouraged."

the business community in general.”

“We also expect that, in line with his promise to enable a supportive fiscal policy regime, Mr. President will order a reversal of the unwarranted violation of the government’s three-year excise escalation roadmap on alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

“As we have shown, the latest hike as contained in the 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures is not only going to ruin the affected sectors, it will be counterproductive for government revenue in the near future.

"Our infrastructure has remained inadequate and so the ongoing efforts of the government have to be intensified and this again was mentioned by the newly inaugurated President.”

Ajayi-Kadir also identified some low hanging fruits the president could utilise to drive the economy forward.

These include prevailing on the CBN “to take effective action to give priority to the allocations of foreign exchange to the productive sector, particularly to manufacturers to import raw materials, spares, and machinery that are not locally available.”

Others are a directive to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) “to admit all qualified applicant companies into the Eligible Customer Scheme (ECS) in order to allow them access to power as stipulated in the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005.”

MAN further urged the President to “direct all relevant agencies of government to ensure that the electronic call-up system at ports aimed at redressing the congestion works without fail.

“Revisit the Finance Bill 2022 to ensure it includes the critical inputs

of the organised private sector, particularly the jettisoning of the highly objectionable removal of the 10 per cent investment allowance on the acquisition of plants and machinery (in the Company Income Tax Act, Section 32).

“Additionally, to ensure that the imposition of the 0.5 per cent levy on eligible imports from third countries is limited to goods that we have the capacity to produce locally and quite importantly, exclude raw materials that are not locally available.

“The input of the organised private sector on the CEMA bill should also be taken on board before the amendment bill is signed into law.”

It also called on Tinubu to “announce a special policy initiative to address the revival of closed and distressed industries, particularly in the North-east where 60 per cent of

our member companies have closed.

“Craft and announce a special policy initiative to leverage diaspora expertise and investment to address evident gaps and help to boost the performance of the economy.”

The MAN also asked for a directive to “ all ministries, departments, and agencies of government to unfailingly comply with Executive Order 003 on the patronage of made-in-Nigeria products. In this regard, there should be strict application of the margin of preference, effective monitoring and periodic evaluation of compliance, and appropriate sanctions meted out to MDAs acting in breach of the executive order.

“Announce a special policy initiative to derisk manufacturing and release adequate funding for the sector through effective funding of special lending windows.”

Report: 2023 Election Was Combination of Significant Progress, Regrettable Shortcomings

Sunday Ehigiator

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has stated that the recently concluded 2023 general election was a combination of significant progress in the electoral process and regrettable shortcomings.

CAPPA gave the verdict in its latest report titled, ‘Unpacking Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections.’

The report, which highlighted the progressive leaps of the 2023

elections, also identified shortcomings which led to the contestation of the results by aggrieved parties.

While speaking at the media launch of the report, CAPPA's Executive Director, Mr Akinbode Olufemi, explained that the lead-up to the elections sparked high hopes among Nigerians with expectations that the incorporation of enhanced technologies would help to ensure free, fair and credible elections.

Olufemi, said the technological innovations in the electoral system

did not only inspire a heightened sense of civic awareness among youths, but also caused a major shift in the political scene.

He, however, noted that, “these gains were blunted by incidences of violence, voter intimidation, delayed arrival of election staff and materials, curtailment of press freedom, data rights and violations.”

The report recommended that, “security agencies must ensure that perpetrators of violence, hate speech, intimidation, voter’s inducement and

Two Nigerian Students Win Gold at Mathematics Olympian

Michael

Two Nigerian Students - Esemitodje Oghenerukevwe Patrick and Uwakfon Nyon Jacob - have won Gold at this year’s Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, (PAMO) and International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO).

The two students had represented the country at this year’s competition, where they emerged overall best.

The competition had 54 African country participating, only eight countries won Gold which included Nigeria.

Other countries that won Gold at the competition were: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.

In his reaction to the victory communicated to the media via a congratulatory message, the

Managing Director, Nigerian Tulip International College NTIC, Mr. Feyzullah Bilgin, extended congratulations to the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Nigeria, and the exceptional students who achieved gold medals at this year's PAMO (Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad) in Rwanda, 2023.

He said: “This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to your dedication, talent, and unwavering pursuit of excellence in the field of mathematics.

“Your outstanding performance in the PAMO competition not only reflects your exceptional mathematical skills but also demonstrates the strength and potential of the Nigerian mathematical community.

"It is a source of immense pride

for your country and serves as an inspiration to aspiring mathematicians across the nation."

While commending the NMC for its continuous commitment to nurturing and fostering mathematical talent in Nigeria, the MD said “Your dedication to providing a conducive environment for students to develop their mathematical abilities has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in their success.

“To the talented students who emerged victorious, your hard work, perseverance, and determination have paid off in the form of gold medals. This accomplishment not only recognises your individual brilliance but also highlights the bright future you hold as ambassadors of Nigerian mathematics.

"Your achievement will serve as a beacon of hope for others, encouraging them to embrace the beauty and challenges of mathematics.

“We applaud your teachers, mentors, and parents for their invaluable support and guidance throughout your journey. Their unwavering belief in your abilities and their commitment to your education have undoubtedly contributed to this extraordinary accomplishment. We express our sincere gratitude to them for their dedication and encouragement.

“Your accomplishments serve as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a love for mathematics. We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors”.

voter suppression in the 2023 general election are arrested and prosecuted in compliance with appropriate laws.”

It also recommended that INEC should liaise with security agencies, media, and civil societies to develop robust early warning, prevention and mitigation mechanisms for the next general election.

Furthermore, it recommended that INEC should, “liaise with relevant government, intergovernmental and non-governmental agencies to agree on measures to ensure more effective participation of women, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups in subsequent elections."

Also speaking, Associate Director at CAPPA, Ronke Ige, stressed that there was need "for us to keep reading and interrogating the copy of the Electoral Act such that there should still be many more legal actions on interpretations of certain sessions even before the next election.”

Ige also noted that the, “participation and excitement of youth should be sustained to keep the momentum.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) also has a role to play in civic awareness and orientation which will in turn translate into good governance.”

Commenting on security, Research Officer at CAPPA, Zikora Ibeh, said, “there should be community policing from the community level during Elections” and stressed that “policing from the federal level is not sufficient during elections.”

Olugbode in Abuja

Oluchi Chibuzor

L-R: Head of Operation, Gloworld, Oladipo Olusanwo; President, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), Ikechukwu Nnamani; Director of Customer Care, Globacom, Catherine Bomett, and Obumneme Ikechebelu of Technical Department, Globacom, at the 2023 Africa Beacon of ICT Excellence/ Leadership Awards where Globacom was awarded Innovations in Telecom Award... on Saturday

NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS CONDOLES DOKPESI'S FAMILY OVER HIS DEMISE...

Senate Urges FG to Immortalise AIT/Raypower Founder, Dokpesi

NPAN mourns, says late media proprietor left enduring legacy Atiku, PDP NWC, BoT members visit residence of deceased

Chuks Okocha, Emmanuel Addeh and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, urged the federal government to immortalise the founder of AIT/Raypower, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom, Edo State, who died on May 29, 2023, in a hospital in Abuja, after a brief illness.

Also, the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), has mourned the passing of Dokpesi, saying he was unassuming and touched several lives, while using the instrumentality of his media platforms to give voice to the voiceless.

Similarly, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, led members and chieftains of the party to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late media mogul, Raymond Dokpesi.

However, the senators, who took

turn to pay glowing tributes to late media mogul, observed a minute silence in honour of Dokpesi and resolved to send a delegation to pay a condolence visit to the family.

Resolutions of the Senate yesterday were sequel to a motion titled Demise of High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi PhD, DSC, FNSE, OFR and sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs, Tariff and Excise, Senator Francis Alimikhena, PDP, Edo North.

In his presentation, Senator Alimikhena, expressed shock over the demise of the media mogul, and called on the Upper Chamber to observe a minute silence in his favour, and urged the federal government to immotalise him based on his immense contributions to national development.

Senators Matthew Urhoghide, Edo South; Clifford Ordia, PDP, Edo Central; George Thompson Sekibo, PDP, Rivers South East; Enyinnaya Abaribe, APGA, Abia South; Biodun

Olujimi, PDP, Ekiti South; Smart Adeyemi, APC, Kogi West and Ovie Omo-Agege, APC, Delta Central, who presided over plenary took turns to pour encomiums on the late Dokpesi.

Abaribe described him as a trail blazer, who pioneered private radio and television stations in the country.

"For that, we must at all times always remember the late Dokpesi as the man that stood forward for Nigeria and gave us one of the key ingredients of democracy, which is freedom of information," he said.

Olujimi noted that the late media mogul was a jinx breaker, saying, "He broke the jinx when he brought the African Ocean Lines and also broke the jinx, when he brought DAAR Communications " Adeyemi said, "AIT, irrespective of how you look at it, is a balancing force in the media. He was a man that this country will miss greatly. Dokpesi contributed in no small measure to the growth of broadcast journalism in Nigeria. The departure of Dokpesi

557 Jigawa Pilgrims Survive Emergency Landing at Kano Airport

About five hundred and fifty-seven intending pilgrims from Jigawa state, yesterday, survived an emergency landing at the Kano International Airport after the plane took off to Saudi Arabia.

The passengers aboard a Max Air plane had an emergency landing in Kano International Airport, as a result of lightning.

The Boeing 747 aircraft that departed the Dutse airport had to

discontinue the journey to Saudi Arabia, when it was struck by lightning which affected the noose of the plane.

The aircraft with registration number: Max B747-HMM, had 21 crew members departed Dutse International Airport at about 4.45 pm. No official statement from the management of Jigawa State pilgrims or Max Air as of the time of filling this story.

Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, had urged intend-

NPAN Mourns, Says Dokpesi Left Enduring Legacy

The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), while expressing shock over Dokpesi’s death, said in a statement by its President, Kabiru Yusuf, that the deceased was unassuming and touched several lives, while also using the instrumentality of his media platform to give a voice to the voiceless.

“It was with great shock that we learnt on Monday, May 29, 2023, of the passage of High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, OFR, founding chairman of the media behemoth, Daar Communications Plc . He was 71.

“Chief Dokpesi, a trained marine engineer and politician, pioneered private radio and television broadcasting in the country with the establishment in 1994, of Ray Power, an Fm radio

station and the Africa Independent Television (AIT), two years later.

“A seasoned politician, High Chief Dokpesi, held various strategic positions in the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and acquitted himself. Very unassuming and a philanthropist , he touched several lives, while also using the instrumentality of his media platform to give voice to the voiceless,”

NPAN stated

While commiserating with members of the media fraternity, his immediate and political families, on the irreparable loss, NPAN said it was consoled by the fact that Dokpesi left behind an enduring legacy of hard work and selflessness.

It however, encouraged the youth to emulate Dokpesi's industry, modesty and passion for the people, stressing that the nation had lost a great pioneer, patriot, advocate of good governance and free press as well as the right of people to know.

Atiku, PDP NWC, BoT Members

Visit Dokpesi’s Residence

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, led members and chieftains of the party to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late media mogul, Raymond Dokpesi. Accompanying Atiku on the entourage that left from the PDP National Headquarters, Abuja, was the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum; the National Secretary and PDP Guber Candidate in Imo State, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu; the National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba; the National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyegikuro and the National Treasurer, Ahmed Yayari Mohammed.

Continues online

ing pilgrims to pray for peace and progress in the state, while reminding the intending pilgrims that they were few who were selected by almighty God among many that have a dream to visit the holy land.

Also, the Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Umar Labbo, said the board had concluded all necessary arrangements for the transportation of the remaining pilgrims, saying the first batch of the pilgrims were from 16 local government areas of the state.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated Professor Ileogben Sunday-Adeoye and Professor Alfred Ogbemudia on their appointment as Acting Medical Directors of the National Obstetrics Fistula Hospital, Benin City and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, respectively, which are proposed hospitals by the Federal Government in the State.

Obaseki who received the Act-

ing Medical Directors, who were at the Government House, Benin City, on a courtesy visit to officially present their appointment letters to the Governor, said his government remains committed to transforming the State into a medical hub. Hailing the Federal Government for siting the project in the State, the governor said his administration will work with the federal government to ensure the speedy realization of

the proposed hospital projects to deliver quality healthcare services to the people of the State.

Obaseki said, “Let me thank the federal government, particularly the outgone Minister for Health and the former President for this very kind initiative and gesture which they have done for the people of Edo State and I assure them that history and posterity will remember them for this gesture. I also want to congratulate

I'm Poised to Serve Rivers People's Interest,

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi

Fubara, has declared that the mandate of his administration was to serve the interest of Rivers people with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment.

The governor, who spoke during a special thanksgiving service organised by Chiefs, leaders and stakeholders of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in honour of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, asserted that he would not be distracted in the discharge of

Says Fubara

his official functions. He urged the people of the state to support his administration to succeed as a government to enable him continue the development of the state.

Fubara, who commended the people of Obio/Akpor for their support during the governorship election and also for the honour bestowed on Wike, said the special thanksgiving service was a spiritual intervention to prepare the former governor for higher service to the state, the nation and humanity at large.

"On behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, I thank God for the former governor for his meritorious service to the state. I am happy that my principal ended his tenure well.

“In governance you cannot please everybody, but you must do your best to dispense good governance to the people. The former governor performed exceedingly well and we are going to build on his legacy. I am poised to serve the interest of Rivers State, our target is to develop the state," he said.

on Appointment as Medical

Professor Adeoye and Professor Ogbemudia for your appointments as Acting Medical Directors of the National Fistula Hospital, Benin and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin respectively.”

The governor continued: “Our approach to healthcare in Edo is an integrated one from the standpoint of having the various aspects of the healthcare system interact with each other from the primary healthcare

structure through a centralized healthcare record system that will see referrals to institutions like yours.

“This will also be tied to a financing arrangement through our Edo State Health Insurance Programme so that people can pay for these expensive services of care, which you will be offering.

“As you are aware, we have designed a whole medical city where specializations like yours -

orthopaedic hospital, fistula hospital, cancer hospital, paediatrics hospital and so on can be co-located if that is the desire of the federal government. Alternatively, there could be opportunity to get land infrastructure where you could build a standalone facility, which is not advisable since it would not have links with other existing medical facilities. But we will still assist to give you the land for that.”

L-R: Bayo Boudurin, Angela Agoawike, Dr Sule Yau, Eze Anaba, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Mustapha Isah, Tony Akiotu, Ben Shemang, Steve Nwosu, Soni Daniel and Othman Aliyu- all members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors during their visit to Daar Communications Ltd office to condole the family and management on the death of the founder, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

is a great loss to the media."

Obaseki Hails Ileogben, Ogbemudia

Directors of National Obstetrics Fistula, Orthopaedic Hospitals in Benin Pledges to work with FG for speedy tak-off of hospital projects

COURTESY VISIT TO EDO GOVT HOUSE...

Senate Presidency: Tension over Alleged Gang-up against Akpabio/Barau Ticket

Niger Delta group claims ex-minister mismanaged ministry He never handled NDDC affairs, Ndume retorts

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Some aggrived aspirants, who were interested the position of the 10th Senate Presidency, were alleged have started creating tension among senators-elect following their recent moves to form an alliance against Senator Godswill Akpabio, who had been endorsed by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Investigations by THISDAY revealed that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Osita Izunaso were separately talking to former

governor Abdulaziz Yari on the need for possible alliance to defeat Akpabio.

While Kalu confirmed his own moves on Tuesday to journalists, a member of the campaign team of Izunaso, who spoke with journalists off record, said the alliance between Yari and his principal would be perfected at a meeting in Abuja on today.

Further investigations revealed that panic had since gripped senators in the camp of the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Unconfirmed report also indicated

that President Bola Tinubu, was allegedly, reconsidering his decision to support Akpabio for the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly.

Consequently, the senators mostly from the South West were said to have called for a meeting on Friday where they would also review their position and chart a new course on the leadership of the Senate.

A Senator from one of the South West states told some journalists on the condition of anonymity that the meeting was scheduled for Friday, and that, they were awaiting the

outcome of a crucial meeting of some senators-elect scheduled for today, which they had asked some of their members to attend.

"Nigerians were outraged by the micro-zoning of the position of Senate President to Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is at present being investigated by anti-graft agencies for series of cases bothering on sleaze.

"Recall that Tinubu declared pointedly in his inaugural speech that his government would take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture to discourage corruption while strengthening the

effectiveness and efficiency of the various anti-corruption agencies.

“With this statement, most of us have come to the full realisation of the fact that President Bola Tinubu would not for anything support any senator with myriads of cases of corruption in the anti-graft agencies after declaring before the world that he would strengthen and make them more effective,” the source said.

But the Director General for the Akpabio/Barau Stability Group, Senator Ali Ndume, has dismissed claims by the aggrieved aspirants and their loyalists, saying, "It is not

surprising that whenever a politically exposed person is contesting elections, some people would be sponsored to raise issues against him or her.

"Don't forget that President Bola Tinubu was also severally accused when he was campaigning to be president. We are not actually bothered about what the sponsored groups are saying about Akpabio, the anti-graft agencies know what to do, why are they teaching them what to do?

WITH END OF SUBSIDY, NNPC RAISES PETROL PRICE TO BETWEEN N488 AND N557 PER LITRE might not be easy, but government’s action was necessary for the growth of the economy.

Isong said, "We don't have any new supply as at today, but in the future, people will sell based on how they bought. Some people have credit from NNPC, so we don't know whether NNPC will be selling to them at different prices. Some people don't have credit with NNPC, if NNPC is selling to them on cash and carry, I don't know, you don't know.

"So, everybody will be selling his product depending on how he bought. I think we all know that this is necessary for the progress of our country, but there should be some palliatives for the most vulnerable of the society. But for a large number of Nigerians, we need to tighten our belts, we need to make the adjustments that are necessary."

Isong further explained that other countries around Nigeria did not have petrol subsidy, despite the fact that they have crude oil like Nigeria, adding that those countries are not being “pampered” with subsidy.

Isong said, "Now that this is the situation that government cannot afford subsidy anymore, we will pay the same price just as our neighbours who have crude oil are paying the same price.

"And government needs to help those who need help, just like in those countries, so that in a short period we probably will grow, as the savings from the subsidy will be used to grow the economy.

"In a subsidy period, the country

was dying. So if there is an opportunity for the government to do something for the most vulnerable of the society, the government should do it to manage the situation.

“But for the rest of us, we need to reduce our consumption, we need to manage ourselves better. It may not be easy, and we must all be empathetic and must be our brother's keeper."

Workers Insist on Status Quo, as FG, NLC Meeting is Deadlocked

A meeting called at the instance of the federal government between it and the leadership of both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on the issue of fuel subsidy removal was deadlock. The unions insisted on reversion to status quo on the petroleum subsidy issue.

The meeting took place at the conference room of the Chief of Staff in the State House, Abuja.

While federal government's spokesperson, Dele Alake, told newsmen after the five-hour long meeting that it was a robust engagement, the president of NLC, Joe Ajaero, said labour remained on their demand for the restoration of subsidy.

According to Alake, "We had a very robust engagement. We cross-fertilised ideas, ideas flew from all sides and there is one thing that is remarkable even from the labour side and that is Nigeria. We are all looking at the progress and stability of Nigeria. That is what is

paramount.

"We cannot go into any details now because talks are still on-going. We cannot finish everything at one sitting. So, we have adjourned now, we are continuing the talks at a later day very very shortly.

"The point is that talks are ongoing and it's always better for all sides to keep talking with a view to arriving at a very amicable resolution that will be in the longer term interest of all Nigerians. That is as much as we can say now."

But Ajaero emphasised that no consensus was reached at the meeting, saying, "I wouldn't know what was communicated to you as an outcome of the meeting. As far as labour is concerned, we didn't have a consensus in this meeting."

While insisting on a return to the status quo, the NLC president said, "That is one principle of negotiation. You don't ask the partner to negotiate at gunpoint."

On what NLC wanted specifically, Ajaero said, "The prayer of NLC is that we go back to status quo, negotiate, think of alternatives and all the effects and how to manage the effects this action is going to be on the people if it is an action that must take off."

On whether the status quo meant restoration of subsidy, the NLC president stressed, "Well, the subsidy provision has been made up to the end of June and before then, conscious people, labour management, government to be able to think of what to happen at the end of June. You don't start it before the time."

Ajaero expressed concern that government could not respect the sanctity of the law that provided for fuel subsidy expenditure up till the end of June 2023. He said there was no country in the world that did not subsidise the living of their citizens, stressing also that, as long as Nigeria imports refined petroleum, the cost would be high.

President of TUC, Felix Usifo, said the unions would go and consult their members before deciding on the next meeting with government.

Usifo said, "So, it’s not about grandstanding but it’s about how do we protect the workforce. Clearly, we have stated in our meeting today, let status quo ante remain, while we go back and have conversations with our principal, because the workers are our principal, then we will reconvene for their discussion. But we hope that they will revert to status quo ante".

The meeting was also attended by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kachallon Daju; Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, and former Edo State governor and ex-President of the NLC, Adams Oshiomhole, among others.

HURIWA Condemns Upward Review of Petrol Pump Prices

Prominent civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) condemned the

petroleum price reviews as wicked, obnoxious, brutish, and absolutely unacceptable.

HURIWA called on Nigerians not to suffer and smile or die in silence but to take peaceful steps to demonstrate publicly against the wicked act of the new government.

HURIWA called on the new government to keep in mind that before it came on board, its predecessor, who was also from the same political party, had absolutely destroyed the national economy and pushed over 100 million households into absolutely poverty.

The rights group said the new president might have increased the pump prices of petrol to pay back millions of deprived and oppressed voters for rejecting the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the presidential poll.

It stated that the wicked manner the government had started by unleashing punishing scarcity of fuel and hiking the cost of fuel were a clear demonstration of the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) simply rigged the government into office.

HURIWA alleged that the government of President Bola Tinubu did not have the humane conscience to do pro-people policies since it had no popular mandate from the voters.

HURIWA recalled that following the announcement by Tinubu during his inauguration that the federal government would no longer pay subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, NNPC effected an upward adjustment in the price of petrol across the country.

"They are accusing that some corrupt activities took place under his watch at the NDDC but they did not said he misappropriated funds as governor or as Minister. Akpabio was not the accounting officer of the NDDC, he is only heading the supervising ministry.

"They also accused him of not constituting the board of the NDDC but that also, was not his job. The president of the country is saddled with such responsibility," he added Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders, Odiedini Maachree, addressed journalists in Abuja on Wednesday and declared that his group would not support Akpabio because of the roles he allegedly played in the NDDC.

"In the wake of subsidy removal and the anticipated hardship it may bring to Nigerians, we need a robust senate leadership to make laws and approvals that will cushion the effect of the interim hardship of the subsidy removal.

"We frown and dissociate ourselves from any anointed candidate by any political party, and therefore support independent legislature without interference. We the coalition of concerned Niger Delta stakeholders hereby state categorically that we did not endorse any senator in South-south region of Nigeria for senate presidency.

"Rather, we are of the opinion that the senate should be a level playing ground where leadership election will be conducted fairly and anyone with the majority vote wins. Again, we state that His Excellency, Yari is a man to beat and at the end, if he emerges the Senate President, we are optimistic that he will lead the 10th senate credibly without fear or favour."

L-R: Acting Medical Director, National Obstetrics Fistula Hospital, Benin City Professor Ileogben Sunday-Adeoye; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Acting Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, Professor Alfred Ogbemudia; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, during a courtesy visit, at the Government House in Benin City... yesterday

PREMIERE OF LAST MAN STANDING…

Gunmen Kill Six in Rivers Communities

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed six residents of Abarikpo, in Ahoada East and Odiereke-Ubie community in Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

THISDAY gathered that one person was killed yesterday at Abarikpo community, while five persons were killed in Odiereke-

Ubie community on Tuesday.

A community youth leader from the area, Hector Chinem, who spoke to journalists on the incident said: “At about 4.00am,(Wednesday) some group of cult boys who reside at neighbouring community, came to Abarikpo community in search of about three persons.

“Unluckily, one Aburi Dickson Edi was found in his house

Kogi Assembly Holds Induction Course for Members-elect

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Ahead of the proclamation of eighth legislative House, Kogi State House of Assembly has held an induction course for the 25 newly elected members of the Assembly. The one-day induction course was held at the Chambers of the state House of Assembly yesterday.

While speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to

the Governor on Legislative Matters, Hon Haruna Musa Idoko, advised the inductees to ensure peace and unity in the cause of their legislative duties despite that all of them are not of the same party. He admonished the memberselect to toe party lines during voting for the leadership of the Assembly, adding that doing otherwise would rock the boat of the state and would not be of benefit to them.

Otti Moves to Sanitise Revenue Collection in Abia, Suspends Transport Levies

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Mr. Alex Otti, yesterday commenced the process of sanitising the methods of revenue collection in the state in line with his campaign promise.

To this end, the governor has issued a directive suspending further collection of all manner of transport levies imposed on tricycles (Keke), buses, taxis and other commercial vehicles in the state.

A statement signed by the

sleeping. They batched into his house, shot him in his stomach and burst his intestine opened. After which they took bike down to their hideout.

“Secondly, in Odiereke Ubie community, ward 9 Ahoada West

LGA, precisely, five youths were killed yesterday (Tuesday) because the community refused paying N1million to the hoodlums living inside the bush.

“This community don’t have money. None of their elite is

available at home, the people at home do not have money. These five youths returned from farm after harvesting crops, just for them to meet their sudden death. They came with three bikes, killed them and left without

quarreling”.

Chinem however, described as mischievous statement credited to some Chiefs in Ekpeye ethnic Nationality in Ahoada East and West LGAs that there is no insecurity in the area.

Bajowa Advises Tinubu to Focus More on Economy, Political Reforms

A retired military general in the Nigerian Army, Gen. Olu Bajowa, has called on President Bola Tinubu to focus more on economic agenda and political reforms.

Specifically, he emphasised the need for unity and peace

in the country.

“May I please remind Mr. President that the impact of His excellency’s proposed economic agenda and political reforms, will be felt more quickly in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility,” he said.

Bajowa equally urged the president to deploy and use his

local and international contacts in addressing the challenges confronting the nation.

He admonished Tinubu to deploy his capacity, intelligence and courage to steer the ship of the country and bring it back to its leading role in Africa and the world in terms of infrastructural development

and systemic change.

Bajowa, in his congratulatory message made available to newsmen yesterday, expressed optimism that the new administration of former Lagos governor would galvanise the citizens and guarantee the socio-economic development of the country.

Deputy Minority Leader Congratulates Mbah, Commends Executive Orders

The Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, has joined other well-meaning Nigerians in congratulating the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, on their inauguration.

He said that by signing three Executive Orders on the day of his inauguration, the governor had demonstrated that he came prepared.

governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, explained that Otti took the action in order to “stop all kinds of extortion, intimidation, and harassment of motorists,” which have characterised transport levy collection.

“This suspension takes immediate effect, and will remain until the government reviews these levies and makes public its arrangements for the smooth, organised and transparent collection of such transport levies,” Ekeoma said.

Anambra Senator Congratulates Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator representing Anambra Central in the Senate, Dr. Kodilichukwu Okelekwe, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on their swearing in as the new helmsmen of the country.

In a statement by the Senator, he said their new pedestal represents an enviable achievement and a testament to their hard work, determination, dedication and strong passion for service for Nigeria, adding that this is the reward for their unquestionable commitment to the development, growth and advancement of our nation.

The statement revealed that their victory signals a show of uncommon goodwill from millions of our citizens who share and support your vision for the future greatness of our dear country.

It also noted that their swearing in lights up hope in the hearts of millions of our countrymen who yearn for a brighter tomorrow and the realization of the full potentials of this nation.

According to the statement, “Your journey to this point has been long and arduous, but you have shown consistency, steadfastness, resilience as well as unflinching commitment to bringing change and greatness to our country.”

The lawmaker, who represents Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, stated these in his congratulatory letter to Mbah on his inauguration as the governor of Enugu State.

“He said: “On behalf of my family and constituents, I congratulate you and your deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, on your inauguration.

“I am elated at the promises your administration holds for our state. Having crisscrossed the 68

development Centres of Enugu State during the campaigns, you have a total picture of the environment, geography, beauty, and challenges.

“It is therefore, time for the lion to roar and meet these expectations. In doing so, we have no doubt that you will ensure that the economy and the people of Enugu State will be the ultimate beneficiaries.”

Commending the Executive Orders, Okechukwu said: “I commend in particular your sense

of urgency in not only effectively assuming office on the day of your inauguration, but equally issuing three Executive Orders on the same day, namely, Executive Order 001 2023 for the Development of Citizens’ Charter, Executive Order 002 for the Removal of Unauthorised Street Barriers Across the State within 100 Days; and Executive Order 003 for the Promotion of Economic Growth through Transparency and Efficiency in Government.

Delta Gov Appoints Kingsley Emu as SSG

Omon-Julius

OnabuinAsaba

Delta State Governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday approved the appointment of Dr. Kingsley Emu as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

A former Commissioner for Economic planning under the previous administration, Dr Emu is

the immediate past senior economic adviser to former governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

A statement in Asaba by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Festus Ahon, said that the Oborevwori also approved the appointment of Hon Johnson Erijo as Chief of Staff to the Governor while former Managing Director

of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo was appointed Senior Political Adviser.

Immediate past Secretary to the Delta State House of Assembly, Mrs. Lyna Aliya-Ochulor was appointed as Principal Secretary to the Governor.

In a related development,

Governor Oborevwori has unfolded his administration’s blueprint to the permanent secretaries and heads of state ministries, departments and agencies at a meeting held at the State Executive Council Chamber of the Government House, Asaba as the new state chief executive strives to keep his promise to ‘hit the ground running’.

Adeleke Meets Aggrieved Stakeholders of PDP to Move the State Forward

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State Chapter of the People Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday posited that in an efforts to propagate the ideas of the party, the state Governor, Ademola Adeleke has reached out to all aggrieved stakeholders in the state as to assist in the overall development and make internal

democracy to work in the state.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo yesterday the party Secretary , Prince Bola Ajao, noted that as a party leader, the governor is not fighting anybody and he has no enemies, but planned to move the state forward for everyone to benefit from the dividend of democracy.

He stressed that the state

government had put in place developmental efforts in all the local government areas of the State.

“There is political peace and stability in the state so that both the government and the party can collectively pursuit ideas of the party for overall development of the state.”

He emphasised that Adeleke has been handling the state

affairs in a manner that would encourage development in all the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

While speaking on the party, administration of Governor Adeleke and relationship, Ajao noted that they both are working in an efforts to bring Osun people together for the needed development.

EU Brightens Hope of Survival for N’Delta Coastal Dwellers

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The European Union has offered the indigenes of coastal communities in the six states of the Niger Delta region a flicker of brightened hope of survival with planned intervention projects.

This was made known after a two-day Inception/ Advocacy Ceremony and Cooperative Planning Event of the project christened: ‘Coping (1) with Climate(2) Change(3) as a Cause(4) of Conflict(5) in Coastal(6) Communities(7) of West Africa” also known as

C7-West Africa held at the Golden Tulip Hotel and Resort in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Italian Shipping Academy

C7-West African Project Officer, Marco Simoncini, a representative of the EU, said the proposed projects, which

would be funded by the European Union, would spread across coastal communities in the region.

He urged the community dwellers to take advantage of the project which is intended to impact positively on their lives.

President, Sodium Group, Dr. Abisoye Fagade; Producer, Last Man Standing, Seun Oloketuyi, and Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon Ben Kalu, at the premiere of Last Man Standing in Abuja…recently

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

EDC MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY…

L-R: Programme Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Olawale Anifowose; Monsignor Fr Ignatius Sotos; former Vice Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Albert Alos; Chaplain of Pan-Atlantic University Fr. Anthony Odoh; Director, EDC, Nneka Okekearu; Chief Operating Officer and Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Peter Bankole, at the 20 years Anniversary Mass/Thanksgiving for EDC in Lagos…recently

OAU Student’s Murder: Hotel Receptionist Jailed for Two Years

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has sentenced Miss Adedeji Adesola, the receptionist that received late Timothy Adegoke when he lodged in the Hilton Honors Hotel, Ile-Ife in the evening of November 6, 2021, to two years imprisonment for altering the receipt issued to the deceased.

Adesola’s sentence was pronounced at the sitting of the court yesterday by Osun State Chief Judge, Adepele Ojo. She was said to have fabricated another receipt for the purpose of concealing traces of Adegoke’s lodgement at the hotel.

But due to pleading for leniency of the court by her counsel, Okon Ita, and

Stakeholders Brainstorm on Climate Change Rescue Mission

Ayodeji Ake

Members of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS); National Council on Climate Change (NCCC); and African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES) have held series of brainstorming sessions on rising issues relating to climate change, which was attended by parliamentarians from African countries.

Speaking at the three-day regional workshop on Climate Change in Lagos organised by AGNES in collaboration with NILDS and NCCC, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, who doubles as the chairman of the programme, noted that climate change is an elephant in the room that needs swift

intervention.

He said: “Climate change is today’s single most important challenge, yet many countries are still quite poorly equipped to deal with its undeniable and increasingly profound impacts. Evidence from the best available science shows that unless countries act collectively, the world might not be able to attain the Paris Agreement target of 1.5 degrees.

“While countries in other climes have continued to entrench measures that would enable de-risk of their consumptions and production system to deliver on greenhouse emission targets, African countries, especially those in the West African region, have continued to grapple with multidimensional poverty.

Ado-Ekiti Trustees Committee Mourns Olu Ajayi

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Ado-Ekiti Trustees Committee commiserated with the family of the late former chairman of the group, Chief Alex Olu Ajayi, who transited to glory last week. Ajayi was also the Odoba of Ado-Ekiti.

In a press statement jointly signed by the Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Trustees Committee, Dr. Adepoju Ajayi, Secretary General, Dr. Jadesola Taiwo Babatola and the Public Relations Officer (PRO), CSP Dolapo Badmus, the group described the demise of the late sage as an irreparable loss to Ado-Ekiti people in particular and Nigeria in general.

The committee noted that the legendary and accomplished Ado-Ekiti born chieftain was a distinguished frontline administrator among

the prosecution, Fatimo Adesina, the judge delayed her sentencing till Wednesday.

The hotel owner, Dr. Ramon Adedoyin, and two of his staff members, Adeniyi Aderogba

and Oyetunde Kazeem had earlier been sentenced to death by hanging.

The court found them culpable in the death of Adegoke, who arrived at the

hotel on November 5, 2021, but was later found buried in a shallow grave along Ife-Ede, by police detectives, days after he had been declared missing. Both Adesina and Adesola’s

counsel had urged the court to consider the age of the defendant and the circumstances under which she acted and treat her case with leniency.

G-7 Aspirants ‘ll Back Abass, Kalu, Deliver Task ahead, Says Ugochinyere

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The communication adviser of Tajudeen, Kalu Campaign Group, (TBK) and member-elect representing Ideato North South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere has said that contrary to reports that aggrieved speakership aspirants will plot against APC consensus candidates, Hon. Tajudeen

Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu, some members of the G-7 have shown interest to work with the anointed duo.

Ugochinyere, who is also the spokesman Coalition of United Political Parties(CUPP), said though he understands the feeling of the aggrieved aspirants, he believes they are all loyal party men and will do the needful by coming together to

vote the ruling party’s consensus candidates.

He said while all the candidates have commendable qualifications, however Abass and Kalu’s qualifications, legislative achievements tops all.

Ugochinyere recalling endorsements so far garnered by Abass, Kalu, expressed optimism that the G-7 will soon back the duo.

He said: “Some members of the G-7 have shown interest to work with the ruling party’s consensus candidates. Just recently I and 62 members-elect expressed support for the duo. Also several Governors ,have pledged support for them. Abass and Kalu are men of integrity, and competent to preside the affairs of the tenth House of Representatives.”

‘Governor is Transforming Bauchi into a Devt Model’

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Hon Mohammed Auwal Jatau, has stated that by the end of the second tenure of the state Governor, Bala Mohammed, the state will be holistically transformed into a development model for other states in the

country to emulate. Jatau, who said this while fielding questions from journalists in Bauchi following his inauguration as the deputy governor, explained that over the last four years, the citizens of the state saw for themselves how Governor Mohammed-led administration executed countless

projects cutting across every nook and cranny of the state. He commended the people for giving the governor and himself another mandate to serve, saying: “I am highly delighted and exceptionally happy to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the people of Bauchi State who

wisely chose this government to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.

“It is my humble belief that they have the right and the wisest choice of re-electing Senator Bala Mohammed as the state governor to continue the good and the hard work that he has started in Bauchi.

Teaching of French Language May Return to Lagos Public Schools

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The teaching of French language may return to many public schools in Lagos State, as the state government has signed a letter of intent for the promotion of the language in the state.

The letter was signed yesterday by the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi

his generations in his lifetime.

According to the statement, “He served in various positions with a heart full of transparency, accountability and excellence. He was a very reliable source of national pride in various positions he held at the West African Examination Council and the University of Ife in his early years.”

“In the same vein, he made a lot of efforts in the industry as an entrepreneur to give back to the community and stimulate corporate social responsibility.”

“He served dutifully and with relevance in the affairs of proper management of the Ado-Ekiti monarchy and its chieftaincy matters and did his best to protect the interest of Ado-Ekiti wherever he had the opportunity to do so without blemish,” the statement said.

Hamzat, and the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Mrs. Emmanuelle Blatmann, in the presence of French Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, Dr. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, who was on a visit to Nigeria.

The minister said: “French is a language of culture, but

also a language of business and opportunities for all those who learn it. Our language creates links between populations of 88 countries across the world. It is amazing to see the demand to learn French in Nigeria, and we are delighted to work with Lagos State to support access to French classes.”

The letter marks the renewal

cooperation and support for the promotion of the French language in public schools.

In Lagos State, the cooperation with the French Embassy is long-standing and fruitful, and the Government of Lagos State has regularly expressed interest in promoting the teaching of French language.

Obaseki Inspects Ongoing Construction of 16.7km Ikpako-Ajoki Road

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has led other top government functionaries to inspect the ongoing construction of the 16.7km Ikpako-Ajoki road in Ovia North East and IkpobaOkha Local Government Areas of the state, to assess the progress

and quality of the ongoing work. Obaseki, during the on-site assessment of the project yesterday alongside the financiers of the project, said the state government would continue to prioritise infrastructural development in the state, noting that the project will, on completion, transform the

fortunes of residents of the area.

The road will serve as a major access route for residents of communities in the two local councils of the state, including Ikpako, Obateru, Evburokho in Ovia North East LGA, and Abiak, Ajoki, Kolokolo, Ajamokha in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, among others.

The governor also promised the completion of the road stretching from Gelegele to Ekehuan barracks before the end of his tenure in 2024, noting that his government will sustain reforms and projects to improve the living standard of the people and ensure economic prosperity for the state.

Kogi Family Court Rules Reviewed, Issues Practice Direction

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, has issued a ‘Practice Direction and Rules’ signed for the Family Court of the state.

The two documents were signed by the CJ for an improved and affective

litigation at the Family Court at both the High Court and Magistrate Court levels in the state.

Justice Majebi received members of the Review Committee headed by Hon. Justice Angelina Salihu of the High Court of Justice in Lokoja.

The committee submitted

its report in the company of the initiators of the review of the existing rules at the headquarters of the judiciary in Lokoja, where the CJ signed the two legal documents.

The Practice Direction is on the ‘Implementation of the Kogi State Child’s Right Law, 2009 and the Kogi State Family

Court Rules 2023’, while the Kogi State Family Court Rules, 2023, is the rules of the court to regulate proceedings relating to the rights, advancement, welfare and trial of the child under the Kogi State Child’s Right Law and for other purposes connected thereto.

Flying Eagles Knock out Hosts Argentina, Qualify for Q’finals

Duro Ikhazuagbe

U20 WORLD CUP

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles created the biggest upset in the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup last night, eliminating hosts Argentina with an incredible 2-0 scoreline at the Round of 16 stage. Goals from Ibrahim Muhammad

and Rilwanu Haliru Sarki ensured that the Junior Albiceleste who are six-time champions were humbled

in front of their home fans. It was an incredible night at the San Juan Stadium in Western Argentina as the Ladan Bosso wards pulled out every trick in the book to defend in numbers

and then score two goals on quick counter-attacks that had the Junior Albiceleste who had won all their three matches in the group phase, flummoxed and dumbstruck.

With history clearly on the side of the Argies whose golden era in the tournament was from 1995 to 2007 when they remarkably won five out of the seven editions of the U20 World Cup, they thought it was possible to stop Nigeria like they have done in the past.

Bosso pumped up his boys to give as much as they got, and they did that and more with clear intent from the 9th minute when a snapshot by Ibrahim Muhammad on the edge of the box went narrowly off.

There were even exchanges afterwards and the Argies came close with a header in the 39th minute, but the Flying Eagles returned with more stamina and guile in the second half and completely gobsmacked the hosts in front of nearly 30,000 fans in San Juan.

Goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso had saved from Barco in the 51st minute and Jude Sunday’s shot was held by the opposition goalie, before the two-time silver medallists struck the underside of the bar with an intelligent shot from the edge of the box by Tochukwu Nnadi in the 58th minute.

The hosts escaped there, but would not be that lucky three minutes later, when from a long Aniagboso ball out, substitute Emmanuel Umeh found an onrushing Muhammad who stretched beyond

the attention of two defenders and slotted beyond the advancing goalkeeper into the net.

Two minutes later, Umeh could have turned goalscorer when he ran powerfully down the left and planted himself in a good position, but dragged his shot a little too wide.

Carboni saw his shot held by the calm and collected Aniagboso and then headed wide, before Umeh again came close only to be foiled with the goalkeeper beaten.

The nifty Romero hit the upright with a deceptive shot in the 83rd minute, and Abel Ogwuche cleared the ball as two Argies were set to pull the trigger in the 85th minute with things becoming really anxious.

Javier Mascherano’s boys poured forward in search of the equalizer, and were then open to a sucker punch. AC Milan of Italy’s Victor Eletu showed tenacity and grits to hold on to another long Aniagboso ball out of defence, and then lifted for Haliru Sarki to nod into the net with aplomb for Nigeria’s second with one minute into added time.

The victory somewhat atoned for Argentina’s 2-1 defeat of Nigeria in the final of the 2005 edition of the competition in The Netherlands, when Lionel Messi scored twice from the penalty spot to deny the African champions.

The victory took the Flying Eagles to the quarter-finals, where they will meet the winner of the Ecuador/South Korea Round of 16 duel to be decided today.

IMC Invites Match Officials for Super Six Playoffs

celebrating his goal against Argentina with teammates late last night at the San Juan del Bicentenario Stadium in San Juan, Argentina. Nigeria won 2-0 to qualify for quarter finals

NFF Admits Heavily Indebted to Hired Coaches

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said that delays in paying several of its national team coaches are “nothing to be proud of.”

Some of the missing salary payments date back over a year and those affected include Super Eagles Head Coach, Jose Peseiro and Flying Eagles Coach, Ladan Bosso, who is currently leading Nigeria’s male U20 team at the World Cup in Argentina.

It is understood Bosso has only received three months’ salary in the past 15 months.

Meanwhile, with the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand less than two months away, Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum is owed more than $100,000, including bonuses from last year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

“The NFF has been facing huge financial challenges and there is an ongoing effort to resolve all the issues relating to unpaid wages,” the NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, told BBC Sport Africa yesterday.

“It is unfortunately not something to be proud of and the new board of the federation is working hard to resolve the problems.”

Ibrahim Gusau, who replaced formerNFF President Amaju Pinnick in September, inherited some of the debts from his predecessor and has been appealing to players and officials for patience, meaning the coaches are yet to make an official complaint.

Gusau has made contact with sponsors in a bid to encourage them to settle long-standing debts but the federation, which receives part of its income from the government, also owes outstanding bonuses to players including members of both the senior men’s and women’s sides.

The most recent missing payments to Super Eagles players date back to 2021 while the Super Falcons squad boycotted training before their 2022 WAFCON thirdplace play-off against Zambia over

the non-payment of both bonuses and allowances.

Likewise, members of the U20 squad, who played hosts Argentina in their last-16 tie last night, are also owed qualifying bonuses and tournament allowances.

One senior Super Eagle, who did not want to be named, said: “We understand the financial situation affecting the NFF.

“The new president recently spoke to the captain (Ahmed Musa) and other senior players about our outstanding bonuses.

Iheanacho Named

Duro Ikhazuagbe

What would have been Kelechi Iheanacho’s glorious moment has been dampened by the relegation of Leicester City to the second tier Championship division of English football.

The Nigerian international was yesterday named Leicester City’s Player of the Season in an understated awarding of the prize. Despite picking up injuries that limited his playing hours in the 2022/23 Premier League season, Iheanacho scored eight goals including vital ones against Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Super Eagles forward only started 13 games in all competitions this term, but still contributed a

combined 13 goals and assists in all competitions.

He was the club’s Supporters choice to start as he developed into a fans' favourite since his scoring run in 2021.

Iheanacho’s highlights came in February, when he scored twice and set up three more goals across the two wins against Aston Villa and Tottenham, while he produced a heroic moment in the 1-1 draw with Leeds, playing the pass to set up Jamie Vardy’s equaliser despite tearing his groin.

Although after missing four matches he returned on the final day of the season for the fixture against West Ham, it appears too late as Leicester were already doomed to be chopped from the English topflight.

“He has been speaking to some of the sponsors and sports ministry but we just hope that it will be sorted out as promised.”

It is not the first time Nigeria coaches have seen their wages go unpaid.

The list of those impacted is lengthy and includes Augustine Eguavoen, Samson Siasia, Sunday Oliseh, Gernot Rohr, Florence Omagbemi and late Stephen Keshi and Amodu Shaibu.

The NFF insisted it is working to settle the current arrears.

Leicester’s

He now follows in the footsteps of James Maddison, Youri Vardy, and Ricardo Pereira, who have won the club’s coveted gong in the past four seasons.

With the club in relegation, Leicester City’s annual awards night was cancelled, and little fanfare was made of the award going to Iheanacho.

Right-back Timothy Castagne picked up the players’ Player of the Year award, the Belgian one of City’smore consistent and reliable performers, started 36 of the 38 Premier League games for the East Midlands club.

With just one year left on Iheanacho’s Leicester contract, the Nigerian Eagle is sure to fly out of the Foxes ground in the summer transfer window.

The Nigeria Premier Football League has released the names of the Match Officials to officiate in the upcoming 2023 NPFL Super Six playoffs scheduled for this month.

In the list released yesterday afternoon, are eight referees, eight assistants, four assessors, a referee trainer, and a match official coordinator.

Also noted in the official publication are members of the referee Committee, including the Chairman - Faith Irabor, and another member Bello Abubakar.

Top of the list of referees is FIFA accredited and badged, Joseph Ogabor from Cross River State, and assistant referee, Samuel Pwadwatukam who hails from Adamawa State.

Only Lagos produced two referees; Ridwan Ayeni who's a centre referee, and Hope Igho who's

an assistant.

Felicia Okwugba from Plateau State, and Peter Edibe from Cross River, amongst others, are lined up as assessors for the Super Six playoffs, with Chukwujekwu C. C. from Lagos, standing in as a Referee trainer.

Full official list as released:

REFEREES

1. Ogabor Joseph (CrossRiver)

2. Kassimm Abdulasalam (Zamfara)

3. Bashir Salihu (Kano)

4. Abubakar Abudullahi (Niger)

5. Abdulmalik

Player of the Season

Flying Eagles’ striker, Ibrahim Muhammad (centre),

Kelechi Iheanacho emerged Leicester City’s Player of the Season...yesterday

Madaki (FCT)

6. Ridwan Ayeni (Lagos)

7. BabayanjuSaheed (Ondo)

8. Ndidi Patience Madu (Enugu)

Yinka Adeosun to Christian Clerics

“Priortohisinaugurationin1999,apastor‘prophesied’thatPresidentOlusegunObasanjo woulddiebeforeD-Day.Babawasnotonlyswornin;hewentontocompletetwotermstotalling eightyears.Obasanjoisstillverymuchalivetoday,makingafalsehoodofthat‘prophecy’.Itis sadthatclericshaveproliferatedpropheciesandpredictionsduringelectionsjustastheyhave continuedtoraiselazinessandfalsehopeamongtheirworshippers”

—Adeosun,apublicaffairs commentator,onhowclericspredicttheirbiasasGod’swillduringelections.

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Emilokan, To Do What Now?

In a show of desperation (some would say cowardice) at the polling station in Daura on 25th February, former President Muhammadu Buhari displayed his ballot paper after exercising his franchise. The unusual gesture was a not-so-subtle signal to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he (Buhari) had kept his side of the bargain. Just in case the election did not favour his party. It was certainly understandable. Stripped of all pretensions, the ruling APC was carefully constructed by Tinubu for the goal of reaching the presidency after Buhari. That was the meaning of the ‘Emilokan’ outburst at a time people around the former president were plotting to throw Tinubu under the bus. But now that he has arrived at his final political destination, the question is: What does Tinubu want to do with Nigeria?

Let’s be clear. President Tinubu comes to the office with a sense of foreboding. This is the first time under the current democratic dispensation that a presidential election winner secured less than 50 percent of the votes. In his own case, Tinubu secured less than 40 percent of the total votes cast because, also for the first time, there were four major political parties in contention. Like the Second Republic when Alhaji Shehu Shagari won with 33 percent of the votes. This election has also left the country divided along ethno-religious lines. That a Yorubaman is president again after eight years of Olusegun Obasanjo and eight years of Yemi Osinbajo as vice president presents its own peculiar problem in a nation that we have all been conditioned to believe rests on a tripodal WaZoBia political construct. But the issue now is that the kingmaker has wangled his way to the throne at a most difficult period in our history.

In his (in)famous declaration in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, on 1st June last year, Tinubu said what could have upended his ambition. “If not me that led the warfront, Buhari wouldn’t have emerged. He contested the first time; he lost. He contested a second time and lost again. He contested a third time and still lost,” said Tinubu in a speech that depicted someone going for broke. “This time, it’s Yoruba’s turn. And it’s my turn.” That ‘Emilokan’ slogan which echoes both a sense of entitlement as well as an offensive condescension was enough to end Tinubu’s ambition. That he mocked a sitting African president in the process made his case even worse. But like many of the scandals he has survived, the angry retorts spoken in a moment of frustration may have helped Tinubu’s cause.

But whatever anybody’s preference, Tinubu is now the president of Nigeria. Unless the court says otherwise. Beyond the healing process that must begin, he also has two tough but critical decisions to make on the economic front: removal of fuel subsidy and getting the CBN to merge the exchange rates that has left scandalous arbitrage for fat cats. Vice President Kashim Shettima said on Tuesday that “it is either we get rid of subsidy, or the fuel subsidy gets rid of the Nigerian nation. In 2022, we spent $10billion subsidizing the ostentatious lifestyle of the upper class of society because you and I benefit 90% from the oil subsidy. The poor 40% of Nigerians benefit very little. And we know the consequences of unveiling a masquerade.” Shettima could not have presented the situation better and that is exactly what some of us have been saying for the past two decades. But because everything lasts forever on the internet, to borrow a famous saying, Tinubu’s words are now coming back to haunt him.

Following the removal of subsidy by President Goodluck Jonathan on 1st January 2012, Tinubu authored a statement where he argued that the decision was taken “with an arrogant wave of

the hand as if issuing a minor regulation”; and “because of the terrible substance of the decision and the haughty style of its enactment, the people feel betrayed and angry.” The same is now being said of the “fuel subsidy is gone” line in Tinubu’s inauguration speech which created chaos at fuel stations before yesterday’s decision that has almost tripled the pump price of petrol. “Government would have us believe that every hardship it manufactures for the people to endure is a good thing. This is a lie. The hardships they thrust upon the poor often bear no other purpose than to keep them poor. This is such a time”, Tinubu wrote 11 years ago apparently oblivious to the fact that a day like this would come.

When in January last year Tinubu said that being president was a lifelong ambition, I wrote at the

time that it was more than a Freudian slip. Tinubu has spent the past 16 years since leaving office as Lagos State Governor pursuing this ambition. In his memoir, ‘My Participations’, former Osun State Governor and founding chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande (who is perhaps the closest politician to Tinubu), confirmed that the ambition indeed dates to 2007, with the formation of the Action Congress (AC). “We agreed that Atiku Abubakar should be our presidential candidate and we had the understanding that he would run with Bola Tinubu. I was the chairman of the AC. One day, after we had nominated Atiku as our presidential candidate, one young man came and gave me a form from INEC. I told him I could not sign a blank form and that I, as the chairman, must know the name that would be filled in it” wrote Akande.

“Segun Osoba, Niyi Adebayo and Lam Adesina had earlier met Atiku, and we proposed to him our choice of Tinubu, and he promised to come back to us. He gave us a date. On that date, we all assembled. Atiku came with Audu Ogbeh, Tom Ikimi and Usman Bugaje. We proposed that Tinubu should be the running mate, though Tinubu was not at the meeting. Atiku would not give us an immediate answer. He said he wanted to have more consultations.”

At that period, forces around Atiku believed the choice of Tinubu would present a problem. “Ikimi, Ogbeh and others were all strongly against Tinubu, because they said it would mean a Muslim-Muslim ticket. We deadlocked over that. Atiku never said anything. We left the meeting. What prompted us was that anytime we said we needed money, Atiku would say Bola please help us. Bola was the only one spending money among us. The rest of us were poor. Tinubu also put all his energy and resources into the formation of the AC, and we felt he deserved a spot on the ticket. We discussed with Bola on this, and he said we should discuss it with Atiku. It was after we were deadlocked that they brought me the blank form. So, Atiku ran with (Dr Ben) Obi and failed. Only Lagos State from Southwest voted for Atiku.”

Incidentally, I have had several interactions

with Tinubu over the past three decades but the one I remember most vividly occurred on 16th November 2016. In writing my book, ‘Against the Run of Play: How an Incumbent President was defeated in Nigeria’, I spoke to many of the principal characters, including Tinubu. In the more than two hours I spent with him that day in Lagos, Tinubu made it clear that the idea of the APC was for him to be running mate to Buhari, ostensibly with a plan to use that as a ladder for the number one job. Akande also corroborated that in his memoir. When in 2015 people around Buhari suggested a committee to assess possible running mate candidates after the presidential primaries, Akande saw it as a betrayal of Tinubu: “Adams Oshiomhole, the Governor of Edo State, stood up and said we were being dishonest. He said he was a serving governor and many of those in the Elders Committee had been governors. ‘Did we set up a committee to give us our running mates?’ he asked. ‘It is not fair!’ I came to know later that some people constituted themselves into a group, called the Northern Interest Group, and they prevailed on Buhari not to allow a Muslim-Muslim ticket. Some governors from the far North were involved in this group. The following day after the Elders’ committee meeting, which was deadlocked, Buhari phoned Tinubu. He said he would like Tinubu to give him three names from which he would pick a running mate. We were all in Abuja and Tinubu rushed to me with this information. He wanted to know whether the understanding we reached with Buhari had changed. I called Buhari and he told me he now needed three names from us. I was angry with him. ‘General, this was not what we agreed upon,’ I said in annoyance. ‘You are changing our agreement?’. He knew I was getting angry. He said he was under pressure from some governors from the North, including (those) who were Muslims. I told him the slot belonged to the Southwest and among the Yoruba, religion is not a factor in leadership. ‘That is the burden the north has brought to national politics!’ He did not like my remark but kept quiet about it...”

Continued on page 29

Dokpesi: An Impactful Life

From Agenebode, Edo State to Ibadan, Oyo State capital, before the sojourn in Poland and the political adventure in Yola, Adamawa State in the early eighties, the late Dr Raymond Dokpesi, as I wrote in the blurb to his memoir last year, lived according to the timeless injunctions of Misty Gibbs: He was bold, he took risks, and was perpetually on the move. It was therefore with sadness that I heard about his death on Monday.

Although we had been ‘neighbours’ for more than a decade, I had no relationship with Dokpesi. But two things happened in the last three years. First, his wife and African Independent Television (AIT) Managing Director, Mrs Oluwatosin Dokpesi took special interest in the free education project for indigent children (Not Forgotten Initiative) of my wife and has been rendering invaluable support. And then two years ago, I was approached by two respected senior colleagues, Messrs Bayo Bodunrin and Okoh Aihe to help read through the draft of their authorised biography of Dokpesi, ‘The Handkerchief’. It was a task I accepted without hesitation. The hefty cheque that accompanied the letter of appreciation that followed from Mrs Dokpesi indicated that the late DAAR Communications chairman knew about my intervention. Thereafter, Dokpesi called me to initiate what became a friendship until he died.

Despite the circumstances of birth and the travails of formative years, Dokpesi rose against all odds

to accomplish so much in 71 years. Not only did he pioneer private radio and television stations in Nigeria, but he was also one of the first persons to venture into indigenous shipping line on the continent with ‘Africa Ocean Line’. And he was barely 30 at the time. I commiserate with his family. May God grant him eternal rest.

“all factors considered, Tinubu is a very lucky man. Despite what Nigerians know (and do not know) about him, he is now our President. Therefore, in moments of introspection, Tinubu must admit that Nigeria has given him so much. And to whom much is given, much is expected”

President Bola Tinubu

The late Dr Raymond Dokpesi