THURSDAY 6TH JUNE 2024

Bloomberg: Nigeria May Suspend Import Levies on Food to Ease Inflation

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria is considering suspending import duties on staple food, drugs and other essential items

for six months to slow inflation in Africa’s most-populous nation, Bloomberg reported yesterday. The government may also waive levies on fertilisers, poultry

feed, flour and grains, according to a document seen by the news medium that has been sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consideration.

As part of a plan to get its finances in order, the administration will also stop borrowing from the central bank through so-called ways and means advances.

www.thisdaylive.com

April, the fastest pace in 28 years. Previous attempts haven’t worked. Surging prices and a

Tinubu, who completed a year in office on May 29, is under pressure to ease the cost of living in Nigeria after inflation accelerated to 33.7 per cent in Continued on page 9

Probe Panel Accuses El-Rufai

N423bn, Ex-Gov Says He Served with Integrity

Accuses ex-gov of reckless award of contracts without due process Alleged authorising humongous withdrawals of naira, dollar cash with no records of utilisation, denied state of resources for development

and Industry (FNCCI),

for

Business France, Igor

and Economic Counselor, FNCCI, Cyril Darneix, at the Access Bank French Desk one year anniversary event held at Access Tower, Victoria Island ...last Friday

UN Report: Acute Food Insecurity May Hit Nigeria, 17 Other Countries

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Acute food insecurity is set to increase in magnitude and severity in 18 hunger “hotspots,” including Nigeria, a new United Nations (UN) early warning report has revealed.

The report released recently spotlighted the urgent need of assistance to prevent famine in Gaza and the Sudan, and further deterioration in the devastating hunger crises in Haiti, Mali, and South Sudan.

It also warned about the lingering impact of El Niño and the looming threat of La Niña that risked bringing further climate extremes that could upend lives and livelihoods.

It stated, “Since the previous edition of the Hunger Hotspots report (October 2023), the Central African Republic, Lebanon, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Zambia have joined Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Somalia and Zimbabwe in the list of hunger hotspots, where acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further during the outlook period,”.

The report found that many hotspots faced growing hunger crises and highlighted the worrying multiplier effect that simultaneous and overlapping shocks were having on acute food insecurity. It noted that conflict, climate extremes and economic shocks continued to drive vulnerable households into food crises.

The report warned that 2023 was

The Global Director General of the International Human Rights Commission, (IHRC) Dr. Tivlumun Ahure, has tipped Enugu to emerge as the fourth headquarters of the United Nations (UN).

Ahure also recommended Enugu State’s education development model to other Nigerian subnational governments and the global community as a veritable framework to eradicate poverty, contain insecurity, and improve living standard.

He spoke in Enugu yesterday during the opening of the maiden NGEducators International Model United Nations (NGIMUN) conference, an initiative of IHRC, citing the innovative approaches and

likely to mark the first year since 2010, in which humanitarian funding had declined compared to the previous year, but it still represented the second highest funding level ever for humanitarian assistance.

FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu said, “The daunting prospects highlighted in this report should serve as a wake-up call to

all of us. We need to spearhead the shift from responding to crises after they occur to more proactive anticipatory approaches, prevention and resilience building to help vulnerable communities cope with upcoming shocks.

“Acting ahead of crises can save lives, reduce food shortages and protect livelihoods at a much lower

cost than a not timely humanitarian response.”

On his part, the WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain said, “Once a famine is declared, it is too late – many people will have already starved to death. In Somalia in 2011, half of the quarter of a million people who died of hunger perished before famine was officially declared.

“The world failed to heed the warnings at the time and the repercussions were catastrophic. We must learn the lesson and act now to stop these hotspots from igniting a firestorm of hunger,” adding that: “We have proven solutions to stop these crises in their tracks, but we need the resources and the political will to implement them at scale before more lives are lost.”

The report also noted that ongoing conflict in Palestine was expected to further aggravate already catastrophic levels of acute hunger, with starvation and death already taking place, alongside the unprecedented death toll, widespread destruction and displacement of nearly the total population of the Gaza Strip.

Tinubu Tasks Citizens, Stakeholders to Safeguard Environment

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on the occasion of the World Environment Day marked annually on June 5, called for earnest effort and action by citizens, stakeholders, institutions and development partners to safeguard the environment and ensure a win-win transition to a prosperous and clean economy future for all.

The World Environment Day established by the United Nations during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, is an important moment for raising awareness on environmental matters.

Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement, stressed that the theme of this year's occasion, 'Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience', was significant, particularly for Nigeria, where the scourge of drought threatens parts

of the country.

According to the projections of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, “about 40 percent of our planet’s land is degraded, which directly impacts half of the world’s population.”

The UN Convention to Combat Desertification also says the number and duration of droughts have increased by 29 percent since 2000 and that without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world's population by 2050.

In his determined march towards Nigeria's aspiration to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, Tinubu established the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, which he chairs, to oversee the nation's climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, as well as green economy initiatives.

The President also approved the establishment of Nigeria's first Green

Chief Tips Enugu as

huge investments by the current government to leapfrog education in the state.

Speaking at the event themed: “The Development of Education in Developing Countries”, which drew participants from 14 nations as well as several UN bodies, Ahure, who is also the Coordinator of NGMUN, said Enugu was consciously chosen to host the maiden conference as well as the simulation.

“I am overwhelmed with what Enugu State is doing. Everything we have seen about Enugu State has been so wonderful.

“The United Nations has three headquarters: one in New York, another in Vienna, and Geneva. We intend to have the fourth headquarters in Enugu State. If you

Industrial Zone, Evergreen City, which is poised to be the leading manufacturing hub in Africa for renewable energy technologies, green solutions, and climate-adaptation technologies.

Tinubu restated his commitment

to ensuring the planting of 25 million trees by 2030, not only to protect the environment, but also to provide opportunities for Nigeria's youths within the green-economy value chain.

While calling for a more proactive

approach to protect the land and ecosystem through afforestation, water conservation, and the cessation of indiscriminate felling of trees, the President emphasised that, “to heal our world, we must begin by healing the land and its people.”

FG Restores Power Supply to North-east Months after Terrorists’Attack on Infrastructure

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government yesterday announced the restoration of electricity supply to the North-east, months after suspected terrorists attacked key transmission infrastructure in the region.

Last month, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had said it was working to fix the power

4th UN Headquarters

really like that, let me reemphasise it because it is not a joke. In our lifetime, there is going to be a United Nation's headquarters cited in Enugu State, Nigeria.

“The delegates you are seeing cut across four very important committees in the United Nations. Our central theme has to do with the development of education in developing countries, and that is why we are in Enugu,” he said.

He commended the strides made by Governor Peter Mbah administration in the area of education, saying he was setting an uncommon example that other subnational governments and nations should emulate.

He said: “Enugu State has done unbelievable things with education. The evaluation and assessment

exercise was carried out in every region of the world regarded as the developing world, across Central America, Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Oceania, Asia and so on, is about the poor countries and the developing countries.

“What decided the choice of Enugu State to host the conference is that it is confirmed and authenticated that Enugu State is pioneering and leading in educational development.

“We have toured Enugu for the period of six whole months, beginning from September, 2023, and that same tour held in several regions of the world in order to determine the exact destination to hold the Model United Nations conference on "Developing Education in the Developing Countries".

problem and would restore full supply by May 27. But that was not to be.

A statement by the General Manager, Public Affairs of the company, Ndidi Mbah, stated that one of the towers attacked was nearing 80 per cent completion, another at 60 per cent and a third was at 30 per cent completion.

The tower collapse, TCN said , affected Gombe, Damaturu, Maiduguri, Yola, Bauchi and Jalingo. It said that the restoration of power was no longer possible as planned as a result of unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the company.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria, hereby states that tower number T290, one of the four new towers erected by TCN contractors along the Jos – Gombe 330kV transmission line collapsed during the cable stringing process.

“The incident occurred at about 7am, this morning (Monday), May 27, 2024, while the contractor was stringing the cable on the last tower, which was supposed to enable the final jointing of the power cable in time for energising of the line today,” the statement added.

Many of the power assets in the North-east region had for long come under attacks by terrorists who destroy them randomly, thereby throwing the zone into incessant darkness.

But the TCN statement announcing the restoration of power to the region yesterday stated that it can now wheel normal load allocation to the area for onward distribution to the North-east.

“The Jos-Gombe 330kV Single Circuit Transmission line has been restored. Bulk supply was restored through the line, yesterday, 4th of June, 2024, at 9:37 pm.

“The line now wheels normal load allocation from the National Control Centre, (NCC) to transmission substations in the North-east and to distribution load centres for Kano and Jos Discos to offtake and distribute to its customers in the North East.

“We are thankful of every assistance rendered by the governors in the North-east and patience displayed by all the affected electricity consumers. Our gratitude also goes to the security operatives who always escorted our contractor and staff to the sites of the incidents as well as the contractor and TCN engineers who quickly mobilised to site at a very short notice,” it stated.

The TCN appealed to residents in communities hosting or close to power installations to be vigilant, and to report any act or suspicion of vandalism to security operatives.

“This would help us quickly arrest the situation, so as to preserve our power transmission towers and lines nationwide,” the TCN stated.

Gideon Arinze

L-R: Head, Access Bank French Desk, Michael Wenegieme; Consul General of France to Nigeria, Laurent Favier; acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings PLC, Bolaji Agbede; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna; 17th President of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce

Guillaume Niarfeix; Director

Nigeria,

Chlapak;

Opening Of the maiden ngeducatOrs internatiOnal mOdel united natiOns...

NNPC Foundation, Katsina Govt Partner to Plant One Million Trees

UN names Nigerian tech firm in its ‘100 Voices for Our Planet’ list

adedayo akinwale in Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Foundation has revealed that it has partnered Katsina State government to plant one million trees in the State, as part of efforts to tackle desertification.

Its Managing Director, Emmanuella Arukwe, disclosed this yesterday, in Abuja, at the Climate Action Grand Finale with National Child Parliament Mock Council organised by Save the Children's Generation Hope Campaign in partnership with Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to celebrate 2024 World Environment Day.

She said Nigeria, according to the United Nations, has the highest deforestation rate in the world, with an estimated 3.7 per cent of its forest

lost every year.

Arukwe, added that 15 out of the 36 States, predominantly in the northern part of the country, are affected by desertification and 63.3 per cent of the country's entire land mass suffers desert encroachment. She revealed the Foundation’s plan to mitigate land erosion, desertification and drought by vegetating the environment through aggressive tree planting campaigns and exercises, through collaboration and partnership with various and relevant government agencies.

Arukwe stated: “Our school tree planting campaigns will involve over 500 school children in select parts of the country who will be provided with tree seedlings for planting, which will be carried out simultaneously in the identified

schools during the WED events.

“Based on criticality and needs assessment, we have commenced engagements with the Katsina State Government to plant one million trees in the state, as part of our efforts to tackle desertification. We will be embarking on the first phase in July this year.”

Also, the Children's Parliament has called for the integration of climate change education into school curricula and community programs to raise awareness about sustainable practices and climate impacts.

It also called for the development of robust early warning systems and community-based disaster preparedness strategies to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

Meanwhile, the United Nations

(UN) has named Co-Net, a Nigerian technology company, as the top initiative in its "100 Voices for Our Planet" list.

The UN recognition acknowledged Co-Net's efforts in addressing environmental issues, such as deforestation and waste management.

The company's initiatives also included tree planting campaigns worldwide.

The recognition came after Co-Net developed a digital solution platform that replaces paper business cards, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.

The platform allows individuals and organisations to manage contact information digitally, eliminating the need for paper-based business cards.

Co-Net's innovation has set

...Seven Up Bottling Company to Plant 2,500 Trees Across Nigeria in Green Environment Campaign

Seven-Up Bottling Company has commenced a green environment initiative to plant 2,500 trees across the country.

The initiative tagged “One Staff One Tree,” was flagged off in partnership with the Lekki Estates Residents & Stakeholders Association (LERSA), and Eco-Restoration Foundation (ERF), along the Lekki - Epe expressway, Lagos, in commemoration of the 2024 World Environmental Day.

Commenting on the initiative, the Managing Director, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Ziad Maalouf, was quoted in a statement to have highlighted the importance of trees in the green environment drive.

“As a company that operates within the FCMG industry, with a keen focus on inspiring and refreshing Nigerians, we are also committed to the sustainability of the environment in which we operate.

“Trees are pivotal to combating climate change, enhancing ecological resilience, improving air quality, and fostering a greener urban environment. In line with this year's World Environmental Day theme: "Land Restoration, Desertification & Drought Resilience," our One Staff One Tree initiative is our way of contributing to the green environment process and is a testament to SBC's love for Naija and the dedication to protecting the environment and promoting a culture of sustainability.” Maalouf

said The “One Staff One Tree” initiative was launched with key stakeholders and dignitaries within the industry present to witness the commencement of the project.

Head, Legal & Corporate Affairs, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Nkemdirim Agboti, noted that the company was donating 1,000 trees to the Lekki million tree planting project while extending the initiative to other states simultaneously.

“We are delighted to support the Massive Lekki Million Trees project by LERSA, LCC and ERF through our One Staff-One tree initiative as this aligns with our sustainability commitment at SBC.

“Today, in commemoration of this year’s World Environment Day celebration, we are flagging off our ‘One Staff One Tree’ initiative with a donation of 1000 trees to this project.

“Our partnership on this project with LERSA also includes maintenance, to ensure that these trees survive and make the desired impact on our environment. Under our One Staff One Tree initiative, we will be planting 2,500 trees simultaneously across various Nigerian cities where our plants are located,” he said.

Further sharing SBC’s vision with this initiative, Sustainability Manager, Lovelyn Okoye, noted SBC’s commitment to a green environment for Nigeria and urged Nigerians to embrace the

green initiative by planting and preserving trees, to help deliver a vibrant ecosystem for future generations.

She said: “There's a global target of planting One trillion trees - to keep global temperature rise under control. As a company committed to environmental sustainability, we call on Nigerians to join this

movement, and help pass on a healthy climate to the future generations.”

Representing LERSA, the President of the association, Alhaji Sulyman Bello said: "We are excited to partner with SBC as it is a critical step towards safeguarding our environment and promoting sustainable development."

a standard for environmental responsibility in the tech industry.

The company's commitment to sustainability has made a significant impact, and its recognition by the UN reinforces its leadership in the field.

The company, founded by Dr.

sunday aborisade in Abuja

The Senate yesterday, stepped down the N98.5 billion Federal Capital Territory (FCT) supplementary appropriation Bill 2024

The federal lawmakers cited lack of details on the sourcing and allocation of the funds.

The bill which was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, was introduced during the plenary session for consideration and for second reading yesterday.

Bamidele in his lead debate had argued that the budget was essential to complete ongoing infrastructural projects in the FCT.

However, he did not provide the specific breakdown of the fund's utilisation.

The lawmaker representing Imo West, Osita Isunazo acknowledged the progress of ongoing projects in the FCT, but emphasised the

Godwin Omage, aimed at reducing reliance on paper and promote sustainable living. Omage emphasised the importance of eco-conscious living and urged individuals and organisations to adopt sustainable practices.

need for more detailed information. Similarly, the Senator representing Niger East, Sani Musa, noted that the bill's presentation violated the traditional procedure for money Bills, which requires a detailed breakdown of expenditures, revenue sources, and previous budget performance.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, concurred with the observation of the two senators, saying the Bill lacked the necessary details for the Senate to proceed with the debate.

He then put the bill to voice vote, and the majority voted against reading the bill for the second time, resulting in a minor uproar.

Bamidele approached the Senate President but later conceded that the Bill did not provide sufficient information for a proper debate. Consequently, the Bill was stepped down until a detailed breakdown was provided.

Peter Obi, HURIWA Condemn Second Niger Bridge Vandalism, Say It’s Act of Sabotage

chuks Okocha in Abuja

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 polls, Peter Obi and the Human Rights Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), have condemned the vandalisation of the Second Niger Bridge, calling for the arrest of the culprits.

Obi, who was reacting to a video of a man who described how criminals were vandalising the second Niger Bridge, said destruction of critical infrastructure on the bridge was capable of causing grievous harm to commuters.

Obi who posted on his X handle, described vandalism as an act of sabotage that must be condemned.

According to the former governor of Anambra State, “I like to thank immensely the young man, Lord

Zeus, driven by patriotism and courage to raise the alarm on the vandalisation of the second Niger bridge.

“The viral video of this good Nigerian copiously points out the senseless criminality and vandalism of our collective assets which is capable of causing grievous harm to members of the public if left unchecked.

“He took time to expose how this critical infrastructure of the 2nd Niger Bridge is being vandalised by criminals, thereby causing harm to road users and constituting a security threat to society.

“I share his concerns and that of many patriots over the constant destruction of public property, including vandalising of railway tracks, cutting up of high voltage

cables, stealing of aluminum railings on bridges, and so on.”

He added: “We must condemn these acts of sabotage and criminality in their totality. Now that this critical issue has again, been exposed, I urge the government and security agencies to do a follow-up by investigating deeply and bringing to book the perpetrators of such crimes.”

Obi called on the government, to put in place strict disciplinary measures for those who vandalise public assets

He also called for the installation of reliable surveillance systems, to monitor the security of vital public infrastructure.

In the same manner, HURIWA called on security agencies to shoot vandals at sight seen vandalising

the Niger Bridge. In a statement by the National Coordinator of the group, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the act of vandalising of the newly built second Niger Bridge crisscrossing Delta, through the entire South-east and the rest of the South-south States was the greatest and most treasonous act of coordinated economic sabotage and terrorism which should never be tolerated by all Nigerians. The group said it supports the proposed declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the armed security services to shoot -on -sight any vandal caught actively vandalising the highly esteemed 2nd Niger bridge. Onwubiko said that government must mount and operate all-round CCTV in and around this key bridge.

L-R: Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Gabriel Ajah; Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Emeka Ajogwu; Chairman, Committee on Education, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Osita Eze; Secretary to the EEnugu State government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Director and Ambassador, International Human Rights Commission, African Region, Dr. Tivlumun Ahure; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; and the Commissioner for Education, Enugu State, Prof. Ndubueze Mba, during the opening of the maiden NGEducators International Model United Nations, in Enugu...yesterday.

PROMOTING TRADE IN NIGERIA...

L-R: Plant Director, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Owen Akinwande; Managing Director, Alaro City, Yomi Ademola; Chairman, Ekulo Group of Companies, Chief Emmanuel

in Lagos…recently

Atiku Challenges Tinubu to Come Clean on Fuel Subsidy Payment

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday challenged President Bola Tinubu to come clean on the payment of the controversial petrol subsidy by his administration.

In a late night statement, Atiku said that the continued denial by the federal government on the payment of oil subsidy will not help the government and Nigerians.

He said so far, the payment of oil subsidy payment by the Tinubu-led federal government had reached N5.4 trillion in 2024, when compared to the N3.6 trillion spent in 2023

He said: "If the subsidy regime had been characterised by opaqueness, what would we say of a situation where the subsidy is still being paid under the cover without Nigerians in the know?

"Like millions of Nigerians, I was shocked to learn through media reports that the government is still supporting downstream

83

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi as he clocks 83 today.

The President, in a statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, rejoiced with the highly revered cleric on this special occasion.

He celebrated his many years of defining impact as a leader, author, and teacher within and

beyond the frontiers of Nigeria.

President Tinubu hailed Pastor Kumuyi for his dedication and service not only to God but to humanity, especially the underprivileged and the downtrodden.

The President noted the Spiritual Leader's zeal in exercising his divine mantle for the promotion of peace, good neighbourliness, and pristine values as demonstrated by the Lord Jesus Christ.

President Tinubu prayed for many more years in good health for the Lord's servant and his family.

consumption. Now we know that expenditure on fuel subsidy may reach N5.4 trillion in 2024, compared to the N3.6 trillion spent in 2023, the same year that Tinubu claimed to have abolished fuel subsidy "I wish to restate that Nigeria is not working, and what we have had in a little over a year is a cocktail of trial-and-error economic policies. Paying subsidies and lying

about it is nothing to brag about. Nigerians deserve better than this deception," he said.

Going down memory lane, the former vice president said that Tinubu on his inauguration on May 29, 2023, announced the abolishment of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as fuel.

"Ever since, it has been a brag-

ging right of Tinubu and officials of his administration. I had in my statement reviewing the one year of the Tinubu administration urged the government to come clean on the actual position of the subsidy policy.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) marketers yesterday confirmed the fall of cooking gas prices, reflecting in the decrease in the amount they buy a 20-metric tonne container from N20 million to N15 million.

National President of the association, Mr. Oladapo Olatunbosun, stated this during a visit by the group to the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo in Abuja, according to a statement by the minister’s spokesman, Louis Ibah. Olatunbosun credited the development to the courage and boldness in ordering the domestication of all LPG produced within the country, saying the policy had resulted in the reduction and stabilisation of

the product's price in the domestic market.

He recalled that during a stakeholders consultative forum in Abuja in February this year, the association had drawn the minister's attention to the fact that some International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria had been exporting huge volumes of gas out of the country.

He argued that if these volumes were to be available for the domestic market, there would be no need to import LPG at exorbitant rates as the product will be available and there will be price stability in the local market.

He thanked Ekpo for heeding the plea, saying his intervention had seen the price of LPG that was sold for N20million per 20 metric tonnes reduced to N15million per

“It is curious that since April 2024, fuel queues have mounted at many filling stations across Nigeria, and the infamous ‘black market’ has sprouted in several states.

" How much PMS is being imported and distributed, and at what cost? What is the implicit subsidy?" Atiku asked.

"These were my exact words: ‘... provide clarity on the fuel subsidy regime, including the fiscal commitments and benefits from the fuel subsidy reform and the impact of this on the Federation Accounts.

Nigeria Boosts OPEC's May Output

Additional Production

Oil price slumps, nears four-month low

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Oil output by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose in May, as higher exports from Nigeria and Iraq offset the impact of ongoing voluntary supply cuts by some members agreed with the wider OPEC+ alliance.

OPEC pumped 26.63 million barrels per day last month, up 145,000 bpd from April, a Reuters survey found, based on shipping data and information from industry sources.

Several members of OPEC+, which include OPEC, Russia and other allies, made new cuts in January to counter economic weakness and increased supply outside the group. Producers decided last Sunday to keep them in place for the third quarter, having earlier extended them until June.

Iraq and Nigeria each raised output by 50,000 bpd and there were smaller hikes in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates while only Algeria cut output, as a result of oilfield maintenance.

Nigeria has long been unable to meet its OPEC quota, which was in 2023 slashed from 1.7 million bpd to 1.5 million bpd.

The country blames massive oil theft, waning investment as well as outright sabotage for the prolonged challenge.

Many oil wells continue to be shut in as producers find it difficult to take them to the terminals, with either old or vandalised pipelines.

The country had recently resorted to the use of barges in a desperate effort to raise production in the country which still gets up to 85 per cent of all foreign exchange earnings from the commodity.

year and following an increase in US crude and fuel stocks. Brent crude futures were up 4 cents at $77.56 a barrel by 0307 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were flat at $73.25 a barrel. Both contracts fell nearly a dollar on Tuesday to their lowest settlement levels since early February, and had declined around $3 a barrel on Monday. The slide followed news from OPEC and its allies of plans to increase supply from October despite recent signs of weakening demand growth.

20 metric tonnes.

At the retail end, Olatunbosun stated that there had been a corresponding decrease from N1,400 - N1,500 per kilogramme to between N900 - N1,000 per kilogramme.

Olatunbosun said: "We appreciate the fact that at the parley with us you promised that the issue of exporting LPG in the face of inadequate supply and soar in prices will be addressed, and indeed you have taken steps to walk the talk.

"Today we say thank you because the ban on LPG export has made a lot of changes in the market and consumers can testify to this. People who abandoned their gas cylinders due to price hike are coming back and we are confident that by the time the naira gains more weight, consumers will enjoy better price

of LPG," he stated.

The gas minister in his response decried the situation where Nigeria, a major gas producer, was ranked among countries with the lowest consumers of the product, assuring of President Bola Tinubu's commitment in deepening the penetration of gas in the country.

Ekpo lauded the marketers for their cooperation in bringing down prices to reflect current realities following the ban on export of LPG saying "we would not have gone that far without your cooperation and support."

He added: "We are working towards ensuring that our vast gas resources is available domestically at the right price for the public in line with President Bola Tinubu's aspiration for the sector and economy."

But the report said that OPEC pumped about 250,000 bpd more than the implied target for the nine members covered by supply cut agreements, with Iraq accounting for the bulk of the excess.

Among those not required to cut output, Iran and Venezuela boosted output slightly. Iran is pumping near a five-year high reached in November after posting one of OPEC's biggest output increases in 2023 despite U.S. sanctions still being in place.

The survey tracks supply to the market and is based on shipping data provided by external sources, LSEG flows data, information from companies that track flows - such as Petro-Logistics and Kpler - and information provided by sources at oil companies, OPEC and consultants.

Meanwhile, oil prices hovered near four-month lows yesterday as markets digested an OPEC+ decision to boost supply later this

However, Saudi Arabia's energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, has said OPEC+ would pause the unwinding of the cuts or reverse them if demand wasn't strong enough to absorb the barrels.

After last Sunday’s OPEC meeting attended by Nigeria, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who attended the 37th edition of the meeting on behalf of Nigeria, reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to the supply cuts.

A statement by his spokesperson, Nneamaka Okafor, quoted the minister as emphasising the country’s continued compliance with production adjustments designed to stabilise the global oil market.

In his address, the minister stated that Nigeria remains unwavering in its commitment to the agreements, saying it was crucial for maintaining market balance and supporting global efforts toward sustainable oil market stability.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Okonkwo, and Managing Director, Ariel Foods, Dhiren Chandria, at the Alaro City Trade and Business Summit held

NNPC Subsidiary, NETCO Posts 137% Increase in Operating Profit

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The NNPC Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), has announced a 137 per cent increase in operating profits for the year 2023.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors and Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Limited, Mr. Adedapo Segun, at the Company's 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, according to the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the

under the El-Rufai administration did not follow due process and were not used for the purposes for which they were obtained.

The committee alleged that a total of N423 billion was siphoned by the El-Rufai government while leaving the state with huge liabilities.

The committee accused El-Rufai of breaching his oath of office and failing to exercise due discretion in the administration of the state, thereby plunging Kaduna into unwanted, unjustified and fraudulent domestic and foreign debts over and above the total loans obtained by Kaduna State from 1965 to 1999.

The committee alleged that El-Rufai, who was governor of Kaduna State between May 29, 2015 and May 29, 2023, “as the Chief Executive Officer of the state breached his Oath of Office contained in the 7th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and failed to exercise due discretion in the administration of the state.”

The committee also stated in the executive summary of the report that the former governor indulged in, "Plunging the state into unwanted, unjustified and fraudulent domestic and foreign debts over and above the total loans obtained by Kaduna State from 1965 to 1999 and majority of which were obtained without due process."

It accused El-Rufai of "reckless awards of contracts without due process and due execution leading to several abandoned projects despite payments”.

It further accused the administration of authorising humongous withdrawals of cash both in naira and dollars, “with no records of utilisation and denied the state of the needed resources for development.”

company, Olufemi Soneye.

The Board Chairman explained that NETCO recorded a 101 per cent revenue increase in the year 2023, reflecting a turnaround in operating results, which rose by 137 per cent reversing the previous year's deficit.

He also noted that there was a 145 per cent surge in the company’s gross profit compared to the previous year.

Also speaking at the AGM, the Managing Director of NETCO, Dr. Tonye Alagba, said the company was focused on growing its business portfolio in 2024 and beyond.

"To achieve this, the company

The report also accused the former governor of: "Complicit activities with commissioners and heads of parastatals to defraud the state by issuing directives to KADPPA to circumvent due process in the payment of contractors vide letter dated 21June, 2021. "Diversion of funds and money laundering contrary to all extant laws and regulations and accordingly should be referred to the law enforcement agencies for in-depth investigation and appropriate action."

The committee said its findings revealed several cases of corruption in the running of the affairs of the government, ministries, departments and agencies under the El-Rufai administration.

On the huge debt profile left by El-Rufai, the committee declared that "all loans (domestic and foreign) obtained by the Kaduna State government between 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 were found to have been obtained without due process are not binding on the state and the state government should henceforth stop honouring all."

It recommended that the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service should withdraw its account domiciled at Zenith Bank pledged as security for N20 billion, guaranteed by the previous administration in 2023, forthwith and asked the bank to refund all monies deducted on account of the purported illegal guarantee together with the accrued interest thereof.

The report, which was adopted by the Assembly, further recommended that all those who served as Commissioners of Finance and Accountant Generals of the State from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023, be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for investigation.

Also recommended for investigation by appropriate law

Bloom B erg: N I ger IA mAY Su S pe ND ImporT l ev I e S o N Foo D To eAS e I NF l ATI

weakening naira — the world’s worst-performing currency this year after the Lebanese pound — have prompted the central bank to raise interest rates to a record.

A government spokesman declined to comment because the president hadn’t signed the document.

The so-called Inflation Reduction and Price Stability Order will require the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to come up with a plan to provide low-interest loans to the agriculture, pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors, the report added.

“This productive deployment will ultimately improve outputs and reduce inflation,” according to the document.

Measures taken by the government last year haven’t yielded results. In July, Nigeria declared a state of emergency to allow the government to take exceptional steps to improve food security.

The same month, the government said it raised $500 million to transform food production. A few

is working strategically to expand its service offerings within the oil and gas industry in 2024, invest in the development of human and other resources, reduce direct and overhead resources and minimise risks," Alagba stated.

The NETCO helmsman further stated that the company aims to increase its market share by at least five per cent through participation in mainstream EPC projects, stressing that the company will bid for a minimum of 32 Tenders with a target of securing at least 15 contracts.

He listed other targets to include: a 21-day invoicing cycle; a minimum of

enforcement agencies were the chairmen of Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) from 2018 to 2023. The committee asked the current Commissioner for Finance to step aside to allow for proper investigation into the activities of the ministry from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023.

Similarly, the current chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) was asked to step aside to allow for thorough and proper investigation into the activities of the Board from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023. Recommended for further investigations by relevant law enforcement agents, also, were Jimmy Lawal and Muyiwa Adekeye, who served the El-Rufai administration as Senior AdviserCounsellor and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication, respectively, for eight years.

The committee accused Lawal, "who was saddled with the coordination of the activities of Government Ministries and Agencies, albeit without any consti-

85 per cent debt collection efficiency; a minimum customer satisfaction rate of 71 per cent; acquisition of critical assets such as fabrication yards and offshore logistics support base; and development of exclusive collaborations with key technical partners like KBR and Petrofac, amongst others.

NETCO is a subsidiary of NNPC Limited with the mandate of delivering qualitative, integrated and cost-effective Engineering, Procurement & Construction Management (EPCM) services for Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Industry and beyond.

tutional role, of abusing the trust bestowed on him and used the opportunity to introduce dubious companies to which he secured the award of several contracts at outrageous amount and which contracts were abandoned after payment of substantial contractual (amounts), thereby defrauding the Kaduna State Government.”

Adekeye was recommended for investigation for his alleged involvement in contracts in Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC).

The report said Managing Directors of Kaduna Roads Agency (KADRA) from October 11, 2017 to November 2021, with the exception of Amina Ja'afar Ladan, who only spent a month in office, “be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for in-depth investigation into their roles in the award and poor execution of contracts during their tenure.”

The committee asked several contractors to refund a total of N36.3 billion "being monies paid for work either not done or overpayment or diversion."

Meanwhile, El-Rufai, in a statement by his media aide, Adekeye, said he served the state with integrity. He stressed that he was proud of his record in service.

The statement said, “We are aware of news that the Kaduna State House of Assembly has adopted the report of the ad-hoc committee it asked to probe the El-Rufai government. We have not been availed a copy of the report, to which we would respond robustly whenever we obtain it. We affirm the integrity of the El-Rufai government and dismiss the scandalous claims being aired as the report of the committee.

“Malam Nasir El-Rufai is immensely proud of his record of governance and the legacy he left in Kaduna State. This record of consistently high performance in public and private office cannot be altered by any malicious effort to use the auspices of a state legislature for defamation and undeserved smears.

“Many of the officials who

served in the El-Rufai government appeared before the ad-hoc committee because of their confidence in the quality of their service and the rectitude with which they served Kaduna State. They were under no illusion that they were participating in a fair process. It was obvious that the ad hoc committee was merely going through the motions of an inquiry just to give some gloss to predetermined conclusions.

“It is sad to see such a shameful departure from any notion of decency and fairness by a state legislature. We dismiss with contempt the claims being peddled in connection with the report.

“Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team. He complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor. This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is.”

Oluremi Tinubu Mourns NCWS President, Hajiya Lami Lau

Says her demise a loss to struggle for women emancipation

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has received with shock the passing on of the President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Hajiya Lami Adamu Lau.

The First Lady, in a release personally signed by her on Wednesday, described the demise of Hajiya Lau as a great loss to

weeks later, Tinubu announced a 500 billion-naira ($335 million) package aimed at improving food supply, easing transportation costs and boosting manufacturing.

Nigeria, where at least 40 per cent of more than 200 million people live in extreme poverty, is struggling to control price gains after Tinubu ordered the implementation of policies to allow the naira to trade more freely and remove fuel subsidies.

A threefold increase in electricity tariffs, high food costs and a 39 per cent depreciation in the naira this year are fanning inflation.

The president is also likely to suspend value added tax on automotive gas oil or diesel, some basic food items and semiprocessed staple food items such as noodles and pasta.

The proposal also include the suspension of VAT on rawmaterial inputs for the manufacture of food items, electricity and public transportation, as well as agricultural inputs and produce and pharmaceutical products for the rest of the year.

Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Bloomberg reported.

A US citizen, Gambaryan is head of financial crime compliance at Binance and has been held at a prison in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, since April.

“The charges against Mr. Gambaryan are baseless and constitute a coercion tactic by the Nigerian government to extort his employer, Binance,” the lawmakers wrote in the June 4 letter, a copy of which was seen by Bloomberg.

“Following these charges, Mr. Gambaryan qualifies as a ‘U.S. Citizen wrongfully detained by a foreign government,’” they said.

The faceoff between Africa’s most populous country and the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange burst into view in February, when Nigerian authorities detained Gambaryan and a colleague – who subsequently escaped – during a visit to discuss the company’s compliance issues with the country.

“After two rounds of meetings, which were described as

the struggle for the emancipation of the womenfolk in the country. Mrs Tinubu while praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased commiserated with her immediate family, friends, women community and the NCWS at large.

The First Lady in the condolence message stated, inter alia:

"I received the news of the passing of the National President of the National Council of Women

starting professional and then becoming increasingly hostile, the government of Nigeria took Mr. Gambaryan hostage,” the lawmakers wrote.

But the Nigerian information minister, Mohammed Idris, rejected the allegation that the Binance executive had been wrongfully detained.

“Nobody is being kept outside our laws and nobody’s life is in danger,” Idris said in a telephone interview with the news medium.

“They have committed a crime,” the minister added.

Gambaryan was initially held at a guesthouse before formal charges were brought against him and Binance in an Abuja court in April. He is accused alongside the company of charges, including non-payment of value-added tax and corporate income tax, and complicity in aiding customers to evade taxes through its platform.

He is being held in the Kuje correctional centre, a high-security prison in Abuja. The lawmakers said his wellbeing was of grave

Societies Hajiya Lami Adamu Lau with shock. What a great loss in the struggle for the emancipation of our womenfolk!

"Hajiya Lau's dedication to the empowerment and upliftment of women across Nigeria was unparalleled. Her tireless efforts, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark. She was a beacon of strength and a source of inspiration for countless women,

concern.

He last appeared in court on May 23, but the hearing was adjourned until June 20 after his lawyer said he was too ill to proceed.

“Mr. Gambaryan’s health and wellbeing are in danger, and we fear for his life. Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and preserve his life,” the lawmakers said.

The letter was also addressed to US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and Roger Carstens, special presidential envoy for hostage affairs.

However, Nigeria’s information minister rejected this claim.

“We’re a responsible country and we have to ensure that everybody that is being investigated or is being tried under our laws is healthy enough to answer our questions,” Idris said.

Binance’s problems in the West African nation had already been simmering for months prior to the detention, after authorities blocked access to cryptocurrency

and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

"My thoughts and prayers are with her husband, children, family, friends, and the entire NCWS community. May you find comfort in the memories of her remarkable life and her many contributions to the cause of women's rights and social justice.

"May Allah forgive all her short comings and grant her Aljanah Fridaus."

channels amid a clampdown on speculation against the naira. Officials said the platforms, which were very popular with Nigerians, had contributed to the local currency’s 68 per cent fall against the dollar since foreign exchange rules were eased last year.

Nigerian Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, named the company during a February 27 press conference after announcing a jumbo interest rate hike to defend the naira.

Decrying “illicit flows,” Cardoso said $26 billion had passed through Binance in Nigeria “from sources and users who we cannot adequately identify.”

The Nigerian case is the firm’s latest legal problem. Its founder Changpeng Zhao was ordered on April 30 to spend four months in prison in the US for failures that allowed cybercriminals and terrorist groups to freely trade on its platform. Binance in November agreed to pay $4.3 billion to resolve the US allegations.

Mr. Adedapo Segun

Flag OFF OF Seven-Up BOttling COmpany One StaFF One tree initiative...

L-R: Sustainability Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company(SBC), Lovelyn Okoye; Chairman of Power Committee, Lekki Estates Residents & Stakeholders Association(LERSA), Odozimba Uche Iheakanwa; Head, Legal & Corporate Affairs, SBC, Nkemdirim Agboti; Representative of Eti-OSA Local Government, Hon. Ademola Balogun; Representative of Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Omoyeni Balogun; Managing Director, SBC, Ziad Maalouf; President of LERSA, Alhaji Sulyman Bello and Chief Marketing Officer, SBC, Norden Thurston, at the flag off of Seven-Up Bottling Company One Staff One Tree Initiative in Lagos…yesterday

Senate Okays Bill to Ban Open Grazing, Some Northern Senators Kick

Passes bill to increase judicial office holders’ salaries

Sunday aborisade in Abuja

The Senate yesterday passed for second reading a bill which seeks to ban open grazing and establish a national agency for the regulation and management of ranches in Nigeria.

The document was titled: “A Bill to Establish a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation and Control of Ranches Throughout Nigeria; and for Connected Purposes, 2024.”

It was sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member representing Benue North-West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

Zam in his lead debate noted the

increasing wave of violent conflicts that erupt from pastoralists and farmers interaction in Nigeria.

He said such conflicts had assumed a war-like dimension “with far reaching negative impact on the people and country as a whole.”

He said the Senate cannot afford to look on while the country burns into ashes as a result of violent clashes between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders.

The Senator said: "As stakeholders in the Nigeria project and elected representatives of the people, doing so would amount to abdication of our statutory and leadership responsibilities.”

He said the menace of farmers and herders crises could easily be cured through a legislative therapy

banning open grazing in Nigeria.

Zam lamented that the Nigerian State had continued to pay lipsservice to the challenge of farmers and herders altercation without addressing it in concrete terms in line with international best practices of animal husbandry.

He said, “Every effort (was) is laced with manoeuvres that speak to our ethnic and political biases or sentiments, thus resisted by the people.“This 10th Senate has a date with history. We must rise in one accord to sort out this problem of herders-farmers violent conflicts that would, if allowed to linger longer, consume even more lives and properties than the civil war of 1967-1970.

Proposed gold reserves law scales second reading

“Therefore, now is the time to put a permanent stop to the endless circle of attacks and counter attacks by our people and their external collaborators.

“Now is the time to adopt international best practices in animal husbandry. Now is the time to bring about a law to stop open grazing. It is old fashioned, hazardous, burdensome and must be discarded.”

He said the bill proposes ranching as the only viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria and advocates for the urgent need to transit from traditional livestock keeping method to the modern methods which are safer and healthier to both the herds and the herders.

With 63% Landmass Facing Desertification, NNPC Begins Massive Tree Planting Nationwide

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday announced that it was ramping up its tree planting campaign in a bid to curb the negative impact of desertification on 63 per cent of Nigeria’s total landmass.

Speaking on the occasion of the commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day (WED), the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, stated that the company was aligning with global best practice in the energy industry, reason the Foundation was established as the social arm of the national oil company.

The programme in Abuja, themed: ‘‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’’, was held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Represented by the Executive Director, Programme Management, Mr. Aminu Muazu, the managing director explained that one of the key focus areas of the NNPC Foundation is to undertake impactful initiatives on environment.

According to her, part of the efforts at NNPC Foundation is to mitigate land erosion, desertification and drought by re-vegetating the environment through aggressive tree planting campaigns and exercises. This, it said it was doing through collaboration and partnership with various relevant government agencies, such as the Federal Ministry of Environment, and through schools.

“And in commemoration of the 2024 world environment day, we have lined up strategic programmes, including tree planting campaigns in schools, sponsorship of quizzes/ competitions to celebrate the day, presentations to school children and other events, all targeted at sensitising the citizenry on environmental preservation,” Arukwe stated.

She pointed out that the environment is intricate and must be preserved to ensure human existence and that of the various species of flora and fauna that create a balance in the ecosystem.

Arukwe urged Nigerians to therefore, be careful not to hurt the environment through their activities, such as tree cutting, indiscriminate timber logging business, bush burning and others.

She explained that the event was a call to collective affirmative action to take responsibility for the survival of the immediate environment and bring about positive spiral effects of human action to the global habitat.

“According to the UN Convention, about 40 per cent of the world's land is degraded and is directly impacting half of the global population, threatening economies and means of livelihood. Drought has increased by 29 per cent since the year 2000 and if persistent, can affect over three quarters of the global population by the year 2050

“Nigeria, according to the United Nations, has the highest deforestation rate in the world, with an estimated 3.7 per cent of

its forest lost every year. 15 out of the 36 States, predominantly in the northern part of the country, are affected by desertification and 63.3 per cent of the country's entire land mass suffers desert encroachment.

“Landmass, vegetation, farmlands, agro-economies, and other means of livelihood in the country are fast being overtaken by the twin challenge of desertification and drought,” she added.

According to her, the school tree planting campaigns will involve

over 500 school children in select parts of the country who will be provided with tree seedlings for planting, which will be carried out simultaneously in the identified schools during the WED events.

“Based on criticality and needs assessment, we have commenced engagements with the Katsina State Government to plant one million trees in the state, as part of our efforts to tackle desertification. We will be embarking on the first phase in July this year,” she said.

He said the bill further proposes that ranches would be established in the pastoralists state of origin without forcing it upon other states or communities that do not have pastoralists as citizens.

He said interested parties in livestock business must seek and obtain approvals of their host communities to establish ranches for the purpose of peaceful co-existence.

Senators Eyinnaya Abaribe, Danjuma Goje, Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, Senator Barau Jibrin, Senator Adamu Aliero and Kawu Sumaila supported the Bill.

They however objected to a clause in the lead debate which said pastoralists should establish ranches in their state of origin.

Abaribe said he was of the view that the bill could be a solution to the clashes between farmers and herders if properly managed.

He recommended the amendment of the constitution and the Land Use Act to simplify the management of lands within the respective states.

Abaribe noted that while some herders were peaceful and engaged in legitimate animal business, there were also the criminal elements sponsored to destabilise communities.

“Farmers are under threat, and what that has led to is the food crisis that we face in Nigeria today”, he added.

Making his contribution, Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi-West), suggested that the best way to go was for every state to establish ranches.

He said, “I appreciate my colleague for introducing this bill.

This is a national problem, and we all know this. We can't just sit and do nothing as responsible parliamentarians. Before now, the North had cattle routes, which have been taken over by property owners. Now cattles roam the whole country. All states must be ready to establish cattle ranches,” he said

A former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Mohammed Goje, drove the north’s position further when he observed that the bill was discriminatory by proposing to restrict the herders to a particular geographical location.

“There are many angles to this issue of farmers and herders. We have to tackle the problem holistically. These Fulanis are Nigerians,“ he maintained.

The same view was held by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman-Kawu, who said the bill would breach the constitutional rights of the herders.

He said, “The bill is totally against the constitution of Nigeria. The bill will even compound the problem of the herders and the farmers. You can't propose a law to attend to a particular group or section of the country only. This bill is not holistic and we will fight it till the end,” Kawu stated.

However, the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, while rounding off the debate, urged all senators to be calm by letting the bill go for a public hearing.

ikechukwu aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday tasked the Delta state government to continue its collaboration with security agencies to rid the state and the region of emerging security threats.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, made this call while, interfacing with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State at Government House, Asaba.

Abubakar also reiterated the need for concerted efforts to flush out unscrupulous elements in Delta State and environs while emplacing effective civil- military cooperation.

A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, NAF, quoted the CAS as saying that without a peaceful environment, meaningful development will be difficult to attain with negative consequences on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

He lauded the governor for giving priority to security in Delta State, especially in the last 12 months, stressing that it had fostered a more conducive environment for sustained socio economic growth and development in Delta State.”

He also applauded the governor for the allocation of a large expanse of land and its Certificate of Oc-

cupancy to the NAF, at Osubi, measuring about 66.6 hectares for the development of a full-fledged base.

Responding, the governor commended the CAS for his commitment in fighting the scourge of insecurity bedevilling the nation, while also noting that his visit testifies to the strong bond and partnership between Delta State and the NAF.

On the 66.6 hectares of land allocated to the NAF, the governor assured the CAS that his administration will soon commence the construction of the road leading to the land, as a sign of his commitment to ensuring the Base comes to fruition.

In a similar development, the

Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has presented Certificates of Occupancy to the CAS for lands earlier allocated to the NAF at the new Millennium City in Kaduna State.

Speaking during his visit to NAF Headquarters, in Abuja, Sani applauded the CAS for his outstanding performance and his efforts at transforming the NAF into an "agile and resilient force”. NAF Spokesperson in a statement said that the governor also appreciated the CAS for upgrading the 271 NAF Detachment at Birnin Gwari to a Wing status now to be known as 4135 NAF Wing, Birnin Gwari.

emmanuel addeh in Abuja

NSC Impounds Pangolin Scales Worth N3.9bn

John shiklam in Kaduna

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Nigerian Customs Service, Kaduna, has impounded sacks of pangolin scales worth N3.9 billion.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Kaduna, the Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, said that the pangolin scales, which weighed 445.45kg, were impounded in the suburbs of Zuru town in Kebbi State on Friday, May 24, 2024, following actionable intelligence report.

The unit had on May 21, 2024,

intercepted donkey bones and dry donkey meat worth over N3 billion in a similar operation.

He said that the NCS has declared its resolve not to allow illegal trading in endangered wildlife species and other smuggling activities to thrive in the Zone.

“Our operatives have uppedthe-ante in the combat against smuggling of protected species and successfully intercepted a consignment of Pangolin scale and its derivatives within Kebbi state axis of the Zone.

“Acting on actionable intelligence

Don Bemoans Nigeria’s Colonial Mentality

david-Chyddy Eleke in awka

A Professor of Political Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Makodi BieerenuNnabugwu, has bemoaned the level of attachment Nigeria shares with her colonial masters, describing it as colonial mentality.

Biereenu-Nnabugwu stated this during the 102nd inaugural lecture of the institution recently, where he was the inaugural lecturer.

The don, whose area of specialisation is Political Theory and Methodology of Political Inquiry, spoke on the theme: “Reflections on the State, Classical Political Thought and the Cradle: from a Perspective Relevant and Eternal to Africa.”

He said: “We emphasise the need for the contemporary African spirit to be salvaged from the complexes and ‘inferiorisation’ consequences

of ‘western’ colonization.

“The colonial experience inflicted the African mind with a mesmerising mental conditioning by which the ‘west’ bamboozled it to hopeless submission, while appropriating undue superiority is unacceptable.”

He used the term “politicology,” to refer to the betraying arrogance of the colonialists, on their assertion that Africa has no history, pointing out that much of what is now known as classical political thought, being credited to European background, actually originated from Africa through Egypt.

The National Vice President of Nigeria Political Science Association condemned the anachronistic idea of denying Africa of her great contribution to the march for civilisation over the ages.

the operatives storm a hideout known as (slaughter house) in the suburbs of Zuru Town in Kebbi State on Friday, May 24, 2024, at about 16:00 hours,” Shuaibu said.

He said that the team discovered

and evacuated sacks of pangolin scales which were transported to the headquarters of Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ in Kaduna.

Shuaibu said that the pangolin specie is one of the endangered

species that is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flaura (CITES).

“It is instructive that Nigeria is signatory to the CITES Convention

and all forms of trading in this species are clearly illegal.

“The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to partner CITES to forestall the identified species from going into extinction.

HOMEF Calls for State of Emergency on Environment

Blessing ibunge in Port harcourt

Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has urged the federal government to urgently declare a state of emergency on the environment to tackle the challenges of the environment.

The Executive Directive of HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, made the call yesterday in a statement to

commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day (WED).

HOMEF, an ecology-focused advocacy group, noted that this year’s World Environment Day is dedicated to communities whose lands and livelihoods have been lost to ‘extractivism’ and pollution.

Speaking on the theme of the 2024 WED: ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’, Bassey said it

guides the reflection on the stewardship duty towards nature, environment and all living beings rather than continuing with a predatory and destructive relationships that negate our well-being.

He said steps must be taken to halt deforestation, biodiversity, erosion and land degradation, adding that without serious climate action, humanity will remain on a downward spiral to multiple crises that are already

Leave Okpoama out of Your Travails, APC

Olusegun samuel in yenagoa

The President of Okpoama Kingdom Youth Movement, Seiyefa Ben-Basuo, has refuted claims that former state Governor, Chief Timpre Sylva, campaigned in Okpoama during the 2023 governorship polls in Bayelsa State, but only visited the community to let his people know about his ambition.

This was a reaction to the statement made by a former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State, Mr. Festus Damiebi, who alleged that Sylva was in Okpoama to campaign where his deputy governorship candidate, Joshua Maciver, made some inciting statements.

The youth leader said the statement issued by Maciver was

made in a different community and not in Okpoama, and wanted to urge Daumiebi to keep Okpoama out of the security challenges he is facing.

Daumiebi had in a press conference alleged threat on his life by the Nigerian Army, citing his refusal to support the 2023 APC governorship ticket in the state.

He also claimed that the main

plaguing the world today. Bassey noted that the 2024 WED offers Nigeria a template for socio-economic and environmental re-examination and action. He explained that parts of Africa are ravaged by environmental degradation, water stress and drought, saying that Nigeria is particularly affected by desertification and other ecological harms.

Chieftain Told

reason for the two separate attacks at his country home in Igbomotoru 1 in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in March and May this year, was political motivated. He pointed fingers at the former deputy governorship aspirant of the party and Bayelsa State Coordinator of the Tanita pipeline security company, Joshua Maciver, and some politicians as behind his ordeal.

ABUAD CMD Decries Bad Roads, Lack of Airport in Ekiti

Gbenga sodeinde in ado ekiti

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Afe Babalola University Multi- System Hospital (AMSH), Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, has lamented the continued absence of a functional airport and motorable federal roads in Ekiti.

Ogundipe, who is a former Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, made this known, while addressing newsmen in Ado-Ekiti yesterday on the exploits of the other annexes of the hospital across the state, and what they are doing free, to further serve the communities, and enhance the accessibility of healthcare. According to him, these factors are seriously constituting huge challenges and also affecting the genuine interest, as well as the resolve of founder of the university and hospital, Chief Afe Babalola, (SAN), in putting an end to medical tourism in the country.

He regretted that Babalola had invested so much in his desires to help the federal government in bringing quality healthcare, capable of putting a stop to medical tourism in the country.

REA: Partnering to Electrify Nigeria’s Underserved Rural Communities

Recently, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has ramped up its collaboration with private electricity suppliers, especially in the renewable energy space, to enhance the quality of life of Nigeria’s underserved rural communities, writes Emmanuel Addeh.

Cognisant that waiting for federal government funding alone, may not make the needed impact in the lives of Nigeria’s underserved rural communities as well as selected strategic institutions, the REA is making several collaborations, both local and foreign partners to provide electricity to those who need it the most.

Essentially, the REA is the implementing agency of the federal government tasked with electrification of rural and unserved communities.

To provide access to reliable electric power supply for rural dwellers irrespective of where they live and what they do, in a way that would allow for reasonable return on investment through appropriate tariff that is economically responsive and supportive of the average rural customer.

Its mandate include the promotion of rural electrification in the country, coordination of rural electrification programmes as well as the administration of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) to promote, support and provide rural electrification through public and private sector participation.

With about 226 million people in the country, burdened with 45 per cent electrification deficit, this leads to the economic loss of up to $25 billion. Its job now clearly cut out, the agency says it is set to unlock the economic potential to the tune of $9.2 billion per annum and cutting the self-generation cost of $14 billion in 10 years.

So, recently the REA went about raising the bar on its public-private agency partnership mandate, first signing deals with Husk Energy, a global leader in decentralised renewable energy systems to deliver 250 megawatts sustainable energy to millions of rural communities in Nigeria.

In addition, in its agency-to-agency partnership, the REA signed a deal with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) for the provision of clean off-grid power solutions to millions of micro, Small And Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country, who were hitherto constrained by lack of access to power supply.

The partnership deals were signed in Lagos on the sidelines of the ongoing Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) 2024, organised by the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE).

Not done, it further activated two critical partnerships, including a 350 megawatts Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EM-One, an integrated energy solutions and renewable energy company, for delivery of clean and reliable electricity to underserved peri-urban and rural areas in Nigeria.

It also afforded the REA the opportunity to unveils its strategy growth path and plan designed to aid agency realignment while aiding deployment of sustainable utility-scale renewable energy projects.

In the last few years, the REA in collaboration with the USAID/Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Programme (NPSP) and All-On have also led critical conversations and facilitated strategic collaborations between frontline stakeholders in the off-grid space through the quarterly off-grid stakeholders meeting.

In May, the new management of the REA said it was time to to mainstream the agency’s growth path through a strategic organisational realignment targeted at repositioning the REA to realise its new ambition.

This, it said was hinged on deliberate use of knowledge-driven and data-centric frameworks, which will see the new REA strategy deliver on sustainable, utility-scale scale energy access projects.

With the NPSP closing-out in 2024, the REA has now been officially tasked with the critical responsibility of stakeholder coordination in the nation’s off-grid space.

In it’s strategic plan for 2030, the agency seeks to provide over 25 million Nigerians with access to electricity, take power to 850,000 female-headed households and small businesses.

This it seeks to do, with over 700 PV capacity deployment and commissioning of 3,000 mini-grids which will lead to the creation of over 1 million direct and indirect jobs. It also projects private investment of $17.8 billion between now and 2030.

The 250MW Husk Deal

The MoU signed between the two entities, the agency said, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards universal energy access and sustainable development.

At the event, the organisers said the partnership between REA and Husk Energy aims to establish

a long-term strategic relationship that sets a global benchmark for scaling the deployment of decentralised solar power projects, otherwise known as mini-grids in Nigeria.

The projects are designed to electrify peri-urban and rural communities, including markets, businesses, households, public institutions, health clinics, and schools, in both weak grid and off-grid areas.

The strategic collaboration also marked a significant step forward in REA’s ambition to create “utility-scale” renewable energy companies.

Leveraging the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale Up (DARES) project as a catalyst, the REA said it aims to transform conventional project developers into service-oriented entities capable of constructing resilient infrastructure and delivering energy services on a large scale.

This strategic partnership with Husk Power, the REA stressed, signalled their commitment to empowering companies to develop a diverse portfolio of mini-grid projects nationwide under the RESCO ethos, thereby significantly advancing our mission of achieving universal energy access in Nigeria.

According to the organisation, the partnership focuses on the deployment of up to 250 MW of Interconnected Minigrids (IMGs). These IMGs, the agency explained, will address the critical need for reliable and affordable electricity in both weak-grid and off-grid areas, aligning perfectly with the “renewable energy scale up” theme of the REA’s DARES project, supported by the World Bank.

Beyond Electricity: Holistic Approach to Energy Access

The REA-Husk Power partnership extends beyond just electricity generation and looks to deepen the impact of energy access in the connected communities through the scaling up of Productive Use of Equipment (PUE) and alignment of value chains to facilitate rural economic growth.

Besides, the MoU sets the stage for cooperation in implementing cutting-edge energy service models like Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and grid reliability.

This collaboration will lead to the introduction of value-added products and services within the IMG franchise areas. These offerings encompass various initiatives such as: Energy-efficient appliance sales and financing, E-mobility solutions, Agricultural processing and cold storage as well as E-cooking solutions.

Global Best Practices

The groundbreaking partnership between REA and Husk Power, the parties stressed, is designed to be a global best practice for scaling up decentralised solar power solutions in a sustainable manner, both financially and environmentally.

The customer-centric approach ensures communities are at the heart of this initiative, with access to not only electricity but also the tools and services to maximize its benefits.

REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, said of the deal: “This MoU signifies a major leap forward in our vision for creating a network of RESCOs that can deliver clean and reliable electricity to even the most remote corners of Nigeria.

“Partnering with a proven leader like Husk Power positions us to not only achieve our ambitious deployment goals but also establish a model that can inspire others around the world.”

Also, Manoj Sinha, Husk Power Co-Founder and CEO: “We are incredibly honoured to partner with the REA on this groundbreaking initiative. The combination of REA’s commitment and Husk Power’s expertise creates a powerful force for positive change.

“This partnership will not only deliver electricity access but also empower communities to thrive through the introduction of innovative energy solutions.”

The 350MW EM-One MoU

Building on its commitment to achieving universal energy access through Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs), the REA) also signed a historic agreement with EM-One, a leading integrated energy solutions and renewable energy company.

This, it said, represented a significant step forward in realizing the REA’s vision of a robust network of RESCOs delivering clean and reliable electricity to even the most remote corners of Nigeria.

The partnership with EM-One, alongside the previous agreement with Husk Power signed at the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF), it said, brought the total combined commitment to a staggering 500mw of renewable energy delivered through mini-grids. This signifies a major leap forward in the REA’s vision for a network of RESCOs that can empower underserved communities across Nigeria.

The MoUs, REA said, also paves the way for cutting-edge technologies like smart grids and decentralised systems to be integrated with IMGs.

The integration of such technologies will increase grid visibility, optimise power flows, and enable large-scale grid interconnection of renewable energy, ultimately modernising Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and ensuring efficient energy distribution.

Beyond community electrification, the REA said it is also exploring the electrification of health facilities with dedicated solar mini-grids. This initiative, along with the promotion of other value chain enhancing productive-use cases such as electric vehicles (EVs) for sustainable transport solutions, the agency pointed out, further demonstrates the REA’s commitment to a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.

Again, Aliyu, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: “This collaboration with EM-One is a significant step towards our goal of universal energy access in Nigeria.”

He added: “By scaling up renewable energy projects and supporting RESCOs, we are not only addressing the immediate energy needs of our communities but also fostering long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability.”

CEO of EM-ONE, Mir Islam, highlighted the innovative aspects of the partnership, stressing that: “We are excited to work with REA to bring cutting-edge technologies like smart grids and decentralised systems to address the challenge of energy access in Nigeria.

“These solutions will not only enhance energy efficiency but also ensure that renewable energy can be reliably integrated into the national grid at scale.”

This partnership with EM-One, combined with the earlier agreement with Husk Power, sets a new global standard for expanding access to clean energy through decentralized solar solutions.

By prioritising the needs of local communities, this initiative goes beyond simply providing electricity. It empowers communities with the tools and resources they need to maximize the benefits of renewable energy, it said.

Ramping Up Support for MSMES

In a significant step towards achieving universal energy access and accelerating Nigeria’s energy transition, the REA and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) also signed an MoU.

The strategic partnership, it said, marked a crucial step in unlocking the growth potential of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing them with access to reliable and sustainable alternative energy solutions.

The collaboration between REA and SMEDAN directly aligns with REA’s long-held ambition of providing clean and dependable energy solutions that drive socio-economic development, particularly in underserved areas. With the recent surge in fuel prices, the need for MSMEs to adopt more cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions, the REA said, is more critical than ever.

Among others, the partnership aims to empower MSMEs with clean energy access, enabling them to: reduce energy dependence on rising fuel costs, boost efficiency and productivity, enhance profitability, promote environmental sustainability and build a stronger, more sustainable economy.

Beyond the immediate benefits, the REASMEDAN partnership aims for long-term economic empowerment and a sustainable future. By championing locally produced renewable energy technologies, the collaboration fosters job creation and supports the growth of Nigeria’s clean energy sector, further advancing the nation’s energy transition.

Aliyu added: This MoU with SMEDAN represents a significant step towards universal energy access and advancing Nigeria’s energy transition. By empowering MSMEs with clean and reliable energy, we’re not only fuelling their growth but also contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic and sustainability goals, particularly in the face of rising energy costs.’”

Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, on his part, highlighted the agency’s strategic focus, stressing that: ‘’Our collaboration with REA perfectly aligns with our mission to create a thriving and sustainable MSME sector.

“Access to clean energy is essential for small businesses to flourish, and this partnership ensures they can operate more efficiently and sustainably, while playing a key role in Nigeria’s energy transition.” SMEDAN focuses on promoting and facilitating the development of MSMEs by providing business development services, access to finance, market opportunities, and capacity-building programmes.

Managing Director, REA, Abba Aliyu

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

Barau: Quick Passage of Executive Bills Doesn’t Make N’Assembly Rubber Stamp

Deputy President of the senate, senator Jibrin Barau, in this interview, speaks about the legislative interventions of the 10th National assembly in the last one year and the cordial relationship existing between the Executive and Legislative arms of government. Sunday Aborisade brings excerpts:

The 10th National Assembly will mark its first anniversary on June 13, 2024. How has the journey been so far?

So far, so good. We have done very well; sponsoring and passing many bills.

Our dedication to the legislative process is unwavering and we have been able to work with Mr President, Bola Tinubu, to bring about several laws for the good governance of this country.

We always strive to be on the same wave length, working in tandem with President Tinubu’s vision of transforming our country and returning it to the path of peace, progress and prosperity for the benefit of all.

You can see that anytime he brings bills here, we pass them as quickly as possible, not because we are rubber stamp but because we know we have to act fast so that we can all become successful. It is teamwork. But people don’t see this. The President has the passion and the zeal to face the challenges head-on and frontally to turn the challenges into successes. That’s why we are always eager to pass whatever he brings here. And before he brings anything, he always consults and tells us what he wants. Sometimes, we debate issues with him and if you have a superior opinion, he listens to you. He takes yours. If you give him more cogent reasons for an action he wants to take, he will succumb to yours.

What fears or thoughts flashed through your mind when the Senate was inaugurated on June 13, 2023?

There wasn’t any fear because I know I’ve been in this system for quite a long time, and

I’m very experienced. I know that I will bring my experience to bear in terms of whatever I’m going to do here: to promote the legislature and democracy in the country.

I also want to work in tandem with my party’s programmes; work in harmony and try to tailor our activities to the vision of President Tinubu.

As Chairman of the Senate Constitution Review Committee, Nigerians are waiting anxiously to see what you can offer. What should Nigerians expect from your committee?

A - We will tailor our constitution to meet the wishes and aspirations of the masses. As we speak, we are beginning to prepare the grounds. We

have already started collating memoranda, and we have started receiving presentations from well-meaning Nigerians. This is before we visit the geo-political zones of this country, where people can come in person or through written presentations to dictate what they feel should be amended in the constitution of this country. We are going to listen to them. We are going to aggregate the presentations, assess them, work on them, and put forward those that we feel are in tandem with the aspirations of most of the people. We are up to the task. So, they should expect us to have an outcome that will address the aspirations and wishes of the people of this country in terms of the kind of constitution they want.

A bill advocating the country’s return to the parliamentary system of government was sponsored by 60 members of the House of Representatives. What is your view on the proposal?

That is their view. We have received several presentations concerning what people think should be in our constitution. We are going to take that as part of all these solutions. Don’t forget that we have over 200 million Nigerians and will receive several presentations from them - civil society, religious bodies, traditional rulers, professional bodies, and so on.

So, we will get the presentations, work on them, and process them to bring about the needed changes and amendments in the constitution. All that we are going to do shall be in terms of the preponderance of the opinions of most of the people of this country.

You are the principal sponsor of the

North West Development Bill. What do you intend to achieve with the bill?

In my presentation during the second reading of the bill, I drew the attention of my colleagues to a region that has been bastardised and destroyed by the activities of Boko Haram and bandits. The state so affected after Borno - which Boko Haram devastated is Kano - they destroyed so much of our infrastructure and killed several people— and moved to Kaduna, where you have the worst of it all: bandits. There is nowhere in this country that the bandits are creating havoc like in the North West geo-political zone. And the North West used to be the food basket of the nation.

But the bandits have destroyed a whole lot of our farmlands. Think about cotton in Funtua and other parts of Katsina State. In Zamfara State, cotton, beans, etc., in Sokoto, Kebbi, you marvel when you see what they could do. Now, farms and agricultural infrastructure are destroyed, and people are now devastated in terms of their economic well-being. That’s those who have not lost their lives. School infrastructure, hospitals, roads, etc have been destroyed. It’s a terrible situation.

This is what has become of the North West. The Dawanau Grains Market in Kano is the largest in West Africa. Apart from Nigerians, the people of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and even Central Africa buy grains from the market, thus enhancing the economy of the entire country. When you go to the market, you meet Yoruba, Hausa, Urhobo, Ijaw, everybody.

Ayeni: Tinubu Must Step on Toes to Revamp Nation’s Economy

abuja-based legal practitioner and politician, Yemi ayodele ayeni, in this interview argues that major policies being embarked upon by the government at the centre would have far-reaching effects on Nigeria and her economy. He also advises President Bola Tinubu not to be intimidated whenever it appears corruption is fighting back. Raheem Akingbolu brings excerpts:

You aspired to represent the good people of Ekiti North 1 Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives during the 2023 election under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Are you still a member of the party?

Let me answer this way; my journey to the SDP can be traced to the shabby manner in which Segun Oni, who was the rallying point of our aspiration, was treated in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before and during the party’s primary that was manipulated by former Governor Ayodele Fayose’s caucus in favour of a less popular candidate in January 2022. Before that time, we were all in the PDP, but we decided to move en masse with Oni to the SDP, where he picked the governorship ticket. Before the build-up to the 2022 election in Ekiti, I was living abroad, but that notwithstanding, I was committed to my local activities both in politics and community development in Ekiti. Give it to Ekiti people; anywhere you are, if you are doing well, they will always watch your back, and that was what paved the way for me when I showed interest in politics. A few months after Oni became the SDP flag-bearer, I also enjoyed the support of my people to win the party’s ticket for the House of Representatives in the Ikole-Oye Federal Constituency. The rest is history; the ruling All Progressives Congress won the election in 2023 because of President Tinubu’s political waves, which spread across the country, especially in the South West. Perhaps the story would have been different if the presidential election didn’t fall on the same day as the National Assembly election. Having

said this, for now, I have decided to focus more on my legal practice than playing an active role in politics.

Would you like to share what informed your decision to go into politics in the first place?

For a long time now, I’ve been trying to be involved in the lives of my people. What informs my involvement is to create a positive impact on them, which I’ve been doing through my foundation - the YA Foundation. Through the foundation, I’ve been helping people to pay tuition fees, medical bills, and so on. But I saw that my resources were not enough to take care of the people, and I concluded that the best thing we needed was better representation.

And I believe if they are represented through me, I will be able to use the money that belongs to them to take care of them. I thought if I was voted in, I would be able to make policies that would benefit them. I think that’s the best thing I can do because my resources are not enough.

Now, the election has come and gone, and President Tinubu has been in office for almost one year, and you’re fully in Nigeria. What’s your view of his approach to governance?

Yes, it’s been almost a year now that he has been sworn in, and Nigerians appear to be in pain. Like an average Nigerian, I feel the pain too, but we must do away with emotion to understand the situation of the country.

It will be unfair to President Tinubu and his team if I dismiss them as if they are not doing anything. Let’s be realistic and put politics aside; pragmatic policies that would revamp the economy and reposition our country are being embarked upon.

Unfortunately, it’s hard, if not impossible, to see the results of policies immediately after they are made, especially in a country where things have been bastardized for a very long time. To this end, it takes time for the wound to be healed. Again, there are areas where the president and his team need a total review of their policies to have a far-reaching effect. But to assess and give a pass mark or whatever now, I believe it will be difficult because those results cannot be felt now.

We will experience the pain for a while before we can get the result.

But the President has been accused of witch-hunting in how he handled some issues...

Yes, that is expected. My advice to Tinubu, and I do tell my friends who are close to him, is that he needs to step on toes. If he doesn’t step on toes, things will not move forward, and Nigeria will continue to deteriorate. That is my position. And in doing this, he must be firm, unbiased, and avoid nepotism.

So the subsidy removal may end up becoming a blessing?

Subsidy removal will be a blessing at the end of the day, the way it is going. But like I said, the President needs to step on toes. I am emphasizing this because if he’s moving a step forward and two steps backwards, Nigeria will be worse than before under him.

Let’s move briefly away from politics. The judiciary as it is today has been criticized by many Nigerians as nothing but a tool in the hands of politicians, especially players within the executive and judicial arms. What’s your take on this?

This is a very sensitive question that requires a painstaking treatment. Well, as we all know, the judiciary happens to be the last hope of the masses, and that is where an average person should run to when being cheated or oppressed by individuals or even the government and its agencies.

Barau

Ayeni

HealtH & lifestyle

Need for Media Vigilance in Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference

Every May 31, the World No Tobacco Day is marked globally. This year, the theme “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” aims to pressure governments to implement policies to prevent children from becoming replacement smokers. It was on that premise that Renevlyn Development Initiative, RDI, and Vital Voices for Africa, VVA, recently held a virtual discussion to highlight the role of the media in tackling youth tobacco addiction, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

Globally, the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is held every May 31 and it is targeted at informing the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.But how did that day come to be? The Member States of the World Health Organisation created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes.

In 1987, the World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA40.38, calling for April 7, 1988 to be a “a world no-smoking day.” In 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was passed, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on 31 May.

Global Burden of Tobacco Use

Tobacco use as studies have shown, is the single most preventable cause of death globally. Tobacco kills up to half of its users. By 2030, the World Health Organisation (WHO) projects that tobacco will kill more than 8 million people every year, with most of the deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.

Tobacco is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

Collaboration to Address Youth Tobacco Addiction

This year, the theme was “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” and it was aimed at putting pressure on governments to implement policies to prevent children from becoming replacement smokers.

To mark the 2024 WNTD, a virtual discussion was organised by Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), a Nigerian non-governmental organisation that works with indigenous communities and grassroots groups to expose and challenge corporate impunity, unsound environmental practices and human rights violations; and Vital Voices for Africa (VVA) for media to address the pressing issue of youth tobacco addiction and the predatory tactics of the tobacco industry.

In the session, 57 journalists from 20 countries were taken through effective tobacco control reporting. The countries represented were Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

The event featured key presentations and discussions with journalists across Africa, emphasising the role of media in combatting tobacco use among children, as well as how the tobacco industry targets children in Nigeria and Zambia, and provisions of the WHO-FCTC related to the health and rights of children.

The session also presented an opportunity for Development Gateway to highlight the lack of sufficient data on adolescent smoking in Africa, and to present its DaYTA initiative.

Reiterating that the WNTD is marked to mobilise governments and genuine stakeholders in public health across the world to take actions to prevent deaths, diseases and disabilities associated with tobacco use, the organisers said it was also an occasion to expose the antics of the tobacco industry to undermine public health through its lethal products and to pressure national governments to implement comprehensive policies to prevent the tobacco industry from grabbing the lungs of our children as replacement smokers.

Need to Shield Children from Tobacco

In his speech, Caleb Ayong, Executive Director of Vital Voices for Africa (VVA) said the annual observance of the World No Tobacco serves “as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the health and well-being of our communities, especially our youth. The theme for this year resonates deeply: “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.”

“As we step into this critical conversation, let us recognise that our actions today will shape the future for generations to come. We at Vital Voices for Africa are committed to ending the manipulative tactics and strategies of the tobacco industry targeting youths whom we know very well are seen by the tobacco industry as replacements for the 8 million people who die every year from tobacco-related causes.

“The tobacco industry’s tactics are cunning—targeting our youth, enticing them with flavored products, and perpetuating addiction. But we stand united against this predatory marketing. Our mission is clear: shield our children from the clutches of tobacco, empower them with knowledge, and advocate for policies that prioritise their health.”

Ayong also linked tobacco control to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that tobacco use undermines health and welfare goals. “Nearly 9 out of 10 smokers start before the age of 18, making the industry’s youth-targeted marketing particularly harmful,” he said.

Also speaking, Oluchi Joy Robert highlighted how transnational tobacco companies exploit Nigeria’s large youth population. The industry’s tactics include appealing packaging, covert advertising in media, flavored products, and easy accessibility via online platforms.

“The economic burden of smoking is significant, with a large portion borne by developing countries,” she noted, calling for robust data collection to inform policy.

Earlier, Executive Director, Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Philip Jakpor stated that research shows that about one-third of youth experimentation with tobacco results from industry

marketing and advertising.

He said: “Research shows that about one third of youth experimentation with tobacco occurs as a result of tobacco industry marketing and tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Worldwide, 78 per cent of young people aged 13-15 years report regular exposure to some form of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

“More recent researches show that children as young as 10 are also getting inducted into smoking due to their exposure to the internet and other factors that we will hear about today.

“In ensuring our governments take the WNTD message for this year seriously, the media must play a strategic role in exposing what the industry does and most importantly, write or broadcast incisive reports to elicit policy level interventions. It is the media that must put our governments on their toes to ensure they do not shirk their primary responsibility of protecting our children.

“This understanding informed our organising this capacity building discussion to further hone the reporting skills of participants. We are happy that this event has brought the different regions and countries of Africa together to speak with one voice on one issue of primary concern.”

Achieng Otieno presented on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and its alignment with children’s rights.

The FCTC includes measures like bans on advertising targeting minors, smoke-free policies, and access to education about tobacco risks. “Children have the right to breathe clean air and be free from the harms of tobacco,” Otieno emphasised.

The Role of the Media in Tobacco Control For Jakpor, the role of the media in tobacco control cannot be overstated. From producing captivating reports on youth tobacco smoking to the MPOWER

package of the WHO, which focuses on six effective measures to reduce demand for tobacco products.

While the W denotes the “Warn about the dangers of tobacco“, which is a role that the media is tasked with carrying out, Jakpor added that the media shapes tobacco-related knowledge, opinions and influences individuals and policy-makers.

For signatories to the WHO –Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), mass media anti-tobacco campaigns are key components of their TC programmes, he added.

Shedding light on where to get tobacco stories that concern children, he listed tobacco farms and factories; social media platforms, hospitals, schools, entertainment centres, homes of victims and even shopping malls.

On who to interview, he said for stories to be seen as credible, the right people should be interviewed like tobacco farmers, students, children themselves, parents, medical professionals, government officials, victims of tobacco use, tobacco control groups, and teachers, among others.

He however charged journalists to remember that good stories must also go with the right pictures or videos like resonating ones like child slavery in tobacco farms, secret smoking parties and other largely documented pictures in Nigeria.

Above all these, he said a journalist must have passion to expose what the industry has to hide in annual reports, allies internal reports, news sources, newsletters, annual general meetings, and social media accounts.

In his charge to journalists, Caleb said they hold immense power—the power of the pen, the lens, and the microphone. “Your words can ignite change, expose industry lies, and inspire action. Today, let us pledge to amplify the voices of our youth, to unmask the tobacco industry’s deception, and to create a world where every child breathes freely.

“Together, we can turn the tide. Let us be the storytellers who illuminate the path toward a tobacco-free future. Thank you for joining us on this crucial journey.”

In essence, the webinar was a powerful reminder of the media’s role in shaping public health policies and protecting the next generation from the dangers of tobacco.

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi

Mr. Philip Jakpor

Mr. Caleb Ayong

There is a renewed vigour to unlock Nigeria’s natural resources, argues AHMED SHUAIB

RESCUE PLAN IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR

Undeniably, the oil and gas industry holds the key, at least in the short term, to Nigeria’s prosperity. The imperative to get Nigeria’s natural, God-given resources out of the ground, has never been more urgent, given the global dynamics that constantly shape the sector.

Today, the oil and gas sector contributes about 85 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign earnings, after it rebounded in 2023 Q4, attributable to the significant improvement in the average domestic crude oil production.

President Bola Tinubu appeared to have taken cognisance of the importance of oil and gas to the Nigerian economy early in his administration when his first diplomatic shuttles took him to oilproducing nations like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in search of the muchneeded investments.

It also underscores why in his eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda, “Unlocking Energy and Natural Resources” came in the number four position, highlighting the importance that he attaches to the sector.

From the downstream to the midstream and the very critical upstream of the oil and gas industry, the president is making steady strides, taking one decision at a time to ensure the industry is revamped.

Daily oil production, which at some point before the current administration fell to as low as one million bpd has risen to nearly 1.7 million bpd, plus condensate, which although outside the computation of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has the same value as crude oil.

Penultimate week, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri announced that about $16.6 billion in investment commitments had been obtained in the past year and this could overshoot $20 billion before the end of this year.

Of this amount, $5 billion and $10 billion respectively, is expected to go into deepwater offshore assets, while there is another $1.6 billion investment commitment in oil and gas asset acquisition.

One major obstacle to raising oil production in the country is the disputes among operators or producers which constantly hobble oil production and tie down investments that should ordinarily be getting constant returns for the country.

These internal feuds in joint venture contracts on critical production fields are now being resolved while local communities with critical assets running through them have now been engaged to protect them, to reduce oil theft across the country.

To further accelerate the Ease of Doing Business, Tinubu recently signed an Executive Order on Oil

and Gas Reforms (2024), aimed at removing the bottlenecks constraining investments as well as growing investors’ confidence in the sector.

The amendment of primary legislation to introduce fiscal incentives for oil & gas projects is also meant to reduce contracting costs and timelines, and promote cost efficiency in local content requirements, recognising the urgency to accelerate investments.

Tinubu directed the introduction of fiscal incentives for non-associated gas, midstream and deepwater developments, streamlining of the contracting process to compress the contracting cycle to six months as well as the application of the local content requirements without hindering investments or the cost competitiveness.

In addition, for the first time since Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) became a national buzzword, there is now an administration that is taking the programme very seriously. With over 209 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of gas, Nigeria has the largest gas reserves in Africa. Unfortunately, before now, the massive investment needed to get the resources out of the ground had not been forthcoming.

Under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), a component of the palliative intervention of the Tinubu administration, the president has directed that Nigerians be provided succour due to the hardships that resulted from the fuel subsidy removal. The advantage of the policy is that it is aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, thereby enhancing energy independence and contributing to a more secure energy future.

Also, CNG is said to be four times cheaper than diesel for transportation. This initiative will drop the cost of carrying goods and reduce the cost of production significantly. Already, the Tinubu government has earmarked N100 billion as the take-off funding for the critical project.

In line with this commitment to ensure energy security, drive utility, and cut high fuel costs, Tinubu has directed the mandatory procurement of compressed-natural-gas-powered vehicles by all government ministries, departments, and agencies.

The president’s directive is also in furtherance of Nigeria’s effort to transition to cleaner energy as CNG-enabled vehicles have been adjudged to produce lower emissions, even as they present a more affordable alternative for Nigerian energy consumers.

Furthermore, although delayed, the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery is now completed and refining is expected to start in weeks, while work is continuing at the Warri, Kaduna as well as the second tranche of the Port Harcourt refineries.

With all the refineries expected to come online by December, Nigeria will soon become a net exporter of petroleum products to West African markets as well as to Europe.

In addition, the construction of the AjaokutaAbuja-Kano Gas Pipeline, a 614-kilometre facility being developed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) is being accelerated.

The $2.8 billion project represents phase one of the 1,300km-long Trans-Nigerian Gas Pipeline (TNGP) project being developed as part of Nigeria’s master plan to utilise its surplus gas resources.

The current administration has therefore, never hidden its abiding aspiration to unlock Nigeria’s energy and natural resources, especially gas. And it is doing exactly that.

Shuaib writes from Bauchi

DAKUKU PETERSIDE writes that the state government is committed to building a thriving society

WHAT AKWA IBOM TAUGHT ME IN 24 HOURS

On a serene Tuesday morning, the 21st of May, my phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message that instantly warmed my heart. It was from the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, a man I consider both a brother and a friend. His invitation to celebrate his first year in office thanksgiving service was an opportunity I eagerly embraced, driven by my affection for Akwa Ibom and my admiration for its ongoing transformation.

What I found intriguing was that beyond the exceptional landscape development and the governor's commendable efforts, I deeply felt the warmth, love, and hospitable nature of the Akwa Ibom people.

By sheer coincidence, I had four similar invitations from other Governors. However, I am deeply committed in my pursuit to celebrate worthy excellence and leadership, especially in the current global political scene where crisis prevails. Despite unexpected developments, I was determined to keep my word.

I arrived in Uyo on Saturday evening and met with some members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club. We had an unforgettable evening filled with camaraderie and reflection, which highlighted the stark contrast between the current political climate in Port Harcourt

said, “My brother, I am so glad to have you here. My people need nothing but respect and sincerity. My role is to serve them. It is Akwa Ibom State, not Umo Eno State.” His words resonated deeply with me.

Sadly, my exploration had to come to an end on the 27th of May due to the magnitude of commitments. Although the governor’s response to my need to depart reflected his understanding, it was clear he wished for my presence at the project commissioning. As part of the activities marking his first year in office, he commissioned a new model primary health centre in Ikot Nkwo, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, and the Christ the King Model Primary School and Government School Ewet Offot. These projects are part of his strategy to modernize education and healthcare.

Governor Eno also announced an ambitious plan to recruit 200 additional health workers, a move set to significantly bolster primary healthcare services. This initiative underscores his unwavering commitment to enhancing both healthcare and education. His vision extends beyond immediate improvements, aiming to

and its past—a story for another day.

On Sunday, May 26th, I rode to church with Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe, Hon. Minister of State, Petroleum (Gas). Our conversation about the political landscapes of Akwa Ibom and Rivers State was enlightening. He praised the current governor’s efforts in fostering unity and inclusiveness—my first lesson of the trip.

We arrived at the magnificent church built by former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who was also present. The service exemplified the governor’s commitment to inclusiveness, with political leaders from various backgrounds feeling genuinely welcome.

When Governor Eno spoke, his humility, confidence, and honesty were palpable. He credited past leaders and humbly confessed his sense of unworthiness, attributing his position to divine choice. His approach to adversarial cooperation and collaboration with political leaders was my second lesson. The music by the choirs during the service was soul-stirring, transporting me to distant shores.

After the service, we headed to the governor's lodge. I shared a table with Otuekong Don Etibet and Obong Umana Umana, prominent APC leaders in the state. They spoke highly of the governor’s spirit of inclusiveness. In a brief conversation, Governor Eno

replicate this successful model across all local government areas in Akwa Ibom State.

The most profound takeaway for me is witnessing a governor who not only articulates his priorities but also actively implements them.

Governor Eno's focus on education, healthcare, law and order, inclusiveness, infrastructure, and economic opportunities demonstrates a comprehensive approach to building a modern, thriving society. His actions speak volumes about his dedication to creating a better future for all.

The final lesson is leadership with the fear of God. Governor Eno, a pastor, exemplifies integrity in a way many religious leaders do not. His respectful relationship with his predecessor and the Senate President demonstrates his ability to manage diverse and conflicting relationships. With such leadership, Akwa Ibom is poised for accelerated progress in the coming years.

Dr. Peterside, a former Member of the House of Representatives, is also a former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

MINING AND THE HARVEST OF DEATHS

Illegal mining is an enduring burden. It should be lightened

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has resolved the mystery surrounding recent deaths in Sokoto State. On 9 April, the NCDC announced that it had instituted an investigation to unravel an unidentified disease which had killed 164 children of between four and 13 years in the state. “We can say that luckily it is not a disease of infectious origin. We sent the blood samples to different laboratories and what we discovered so far is evidence of heavy metal poisoning in those two states,” said the NCDC Director General, Jide Idris. Since heavy metals that are associated with poisoning of humans include lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium, there is nothing to rejoice about in the findings because these deaths would most probably be associated with illegal mining activities. In the case of the affected communities, it is likely lead, based on previous fatalities, especially in neighbouring Zamfara State.

it an insidious killer. Besides death, the shortterm effects of lead poisoning include acute fever, convulsion, loss of consciousness and blindness, while the long-term effects include anaemia, renal failure and brain damage in children, who are often the main victims. Many of them are left with severe handicaps like some form of paralysis while others are afflicted with severe mental retardation and other health disorders. Evidently, repeated scenes of funerals and the vulnerability of the living in many communities due to illegal mining activities have not acted as deterrence. Perhaps because of familiarity, the people are either impervious to the growing tragedy or simply living in denial.

Now that the NCDC has the facilities to test, they need to probe further to find out the extent of the damage illegal mining activities have done to rural communities across Nigeria

Indeed, the menace of lead poisoning due principally to the activities of illegal miners had been headlined many times over. Now that the NCDC has the facilities to test, they need to probe further to find out the extent of the damage illegal mining activities have done to rural communities across Nigeria. In 2010, no fewer than 400 children under five died from lead poisoning in Zamfara State alone. An American assessment team from the Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, said lead poisoning was closer to every home in Nigeria than realised. They said there was so much lead in the air, on water and at homes. More troubling was the disclosure that most of the miners were themselves carriers of death. Some of the miners took home their dusty clothes and shoes contaminated with lead, which their innocent children inhaled to their peril.

Lead is colourless, odourless and tasteless, making

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

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GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

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In 2011, the ministry of mines and steel development set up a panel to investigate the accident and recommend measures to prevent future occurrence. Remediation work started by TerraGraphics, a USbased engineering firm, was halted when it ran out of funds, which was in the first place donated by some foreign agencies. The company targeted 15 contaminated villages for remediation and had cleaned up seven. The money promised by our government never came. Meanwhile, more communities are getting infected as more people are digging their own graves.

Yet, even more worrisome is the growing feeling that there is no solution in sight. Many Nigerians engaged in these activities because it is their only source of livelihood. Zamfara State is a haven for illegal mining. The state is rich in iron, gold and copper, minerals which a former Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, once said are of high quality and could even sustain the state if put to effective use. Ironically, these valuable minerals have become agents of death. In the absence of any other rewarding vocation, many of the inhabitants often pour into mining sites to help themselves and in so doing, endanger their lives and those of others, particularly children.

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.

ADDRESSING NIGERIA’S FOOD INFLATION

"An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb." This is a popular saying from Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart". Many times, these days, I feel like that old woman in the saying, especially when I see skits where food is wasted and there are too many of them now. I don't find them funny. I can't laugh. They offend my sensibility. Food don cost.

This rising food cost is called food inflation. Food inflation refers to the rate at which food prices increase over a specific period, typically measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food. This metric indicates how much the cost of a standard basket of food items has risen, impacting consumers' purchasing power and overall cost of living.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, "In April 2024, the food inflation rate reached 40.53 per cent on a year-on-year basis, marking a substantial increase of 15.92 percentage points from the 24.61 per cent recorded in April 2023.”

People across the length and breadth of the country have adopted (and are adopting) various strategies to cope with soaring food prices. It's a picture that should worry anyone with a conscience.

A simple scan of households reveals that many families are shift-

ing from more expensive food items to cheaper, less nutritious alternatives. This often means reducing protein intake and relying more on carbohydrates. This is inadvertently compounding the nation's protein deficiency woes.

Reports indicate that some households are reducing the number of meals they consume daily. Instead of three meals, many now eat just once or twice a day. Take a closer look at your driver, security guards and other domestic staff today, do their necks appear thinner?

Fortunately, community support appears to be on the rise. This refers to informal community networks that play a crucial role in augmenting family meals. It can be neighbours or extended families sharing food and resources to provide a buffer against acute shortages.

There is an increased reliance on street food. Street food vendors, offering relatively affordable meals, have become an essential part of daily sustenance for many urban poor. They are a good reason many people are surviving. They provide a life-giving service.

Many people have equally resorted to the time-honoured pattern of borrowing money or buying food on credit from local vendors.

While this ensures people can live to fight another day, it equally perpetuates the cycle of debt.

It is time to mitigate the adverse effects of food inflation. The government, the major driver of inflation through its policies, must now take several urgent measures to help curb it and provide immediate and long-term relief to Nigerians. Let me start with my favourite theme, the government must provide food subsidies. I believe that implementing subsidies for essential food items and controlling prices can help make basic foods more affordable. Subsidies on fertilizers and seeds can also reduce production costs for farmers.

Two, it needs to urgently strengthen food security programs. This includes expanding food aid programs and school feeding schemes that can ensure that vulnerable populations, particularly children, receive adequate nutrition.

Three, agricultural support initiatives must be pursued relentlessly including security. There are several states where farmers can't go to farm because of fear of bandits and kidnappers. The government must stop treating the security situation with kid gloves. Elvis Eromosele, elviseroms@gmail.com

Stories by Emma Okonji

The Secretary-General, International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan Martin, has stressed the need for risk management, infrastructure development and international collaboration in order to successfully harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for global digital growth and transformation.

Bogdan Martin who said this in her keynote at the just concluded two-day AI for Good Global Summit, which held in Geneva, Switzerland, urged global leaders from government, industry and the global artificial intelligence community to make AI more inclusive for the benefit of all.

Worried about the increasing rate of cyber attacks on Financial Technology (Fintech) players, resulting in huge financial losses by Fintech players and several financial institutions, the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FinTechNGR), has called for more regulatory frameworks that will further drive innovation, curb illicit financial transactions and reduce cyber attacks on the Fintech ecosystem.

Chairman, Board of Trustees, FintechNGR and President, Africa Fintech Network, Dr. Segun Aina, who spoke to journalists shortly after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of FintechNGR, which held in Lagos, said additional regulatory framework would address the

According to her, “All voices need to be at the AI table. At this decisive moment for the future of global cooperation, the AI for Good Global Summit sets the path for inclusive AI governance, the fight against AI-driven disinformation, and rescuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Giving details, she said: “The first pillar is risk and security management. Governance efforts have highlighted the need for greater focus on areas such as risk monitoring, incident reporting, and content authentication. There is a strong call for harmonised AI standards to ensure a rights-based approach that addresses safety, security, and ethical practices.”

According to her, the second

pillar is infrastructure and resource development, which calls for access to computing resources, as the majority of investments are concentrated in just a handful of countries.

“Skills development is equally important, if we are to have the talent necessary to advance AI technologies responsibly. Developing diverse high-quality datasets is also a priority to create robust and unbiased AI systems,” Bogdan Martin said.

For the third pillar, which she listed as international collaboration, she said there was a clear recognition of the importance of both maximising the benefits of AI and managing its risks responsibly through greater international

collaboration and collective action.

“We need to bring everyone to the table, including developing and least developed countries. We need global coordination to build safe and inclusive AI that is accessible to all. I see this nascent AI regulatory landscape as a unique opportunity to ensure that every country and every voice counts,” Bogdan Martin added.

During the global summit, ITU and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), as well as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), announced a unified framework for AI standards development, highlighting the push to translate AI governance principles into practical, actionable standards.

A new multi-stakeholder

initiative was also announced to support coordinated standards development for AI watermarking, multimedia authenticity, and deepfake detection. The partnership includes the Content Authenticity Initiative, Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, Internet Engineering Task Force, IEC, ISO, and ITU.

The AI for Good Impact Initiative was launched at the summit, which aims to expand the scope and impact of AI applications for sustainable development. The initiative will link AI innovators with opportunities to scale and fund promising AI solutions for every SDG equally across every region.

Activities will include regional

AI for Good Impact events; global competitions to crowdsource AI solutions and boost AI expertise; research and policy guidance on AI for sustainable development; and accelerators for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises. Summit speakers, including some of the world’s most recognised voices on AI, explored the latest breakthroughs in AI and examined actions to ensure that AI works for the benefit of humanity. Demos featured technologies using AI to translate brain waves into written and spoken words, and mind-controlled robotic prosthetics that included an AI-powered exoskeleton to allow people with severely limited mobility to walk again.

issues around fraudulent financial transactions and reduce the rate of cyber attacks on organisations.

Aina also stressed the need for good corporate governance that would help in addressing the issues around cybersecurity and reduce the frequency of cyber attacks.

“Fintech players have lost so much money to cyber attacks, including those in the financial space like the banks. With the increasing adoption of digital technologies, there is need to ensure quick preemptive steps to stay ahead of the cybercriminals. We know we cannot eliminate cyber attacks completely from the system, but with constant efforts from Fintech players, and with

increased regulatory frameworks, we can reduce it to the barest minimum,” Aina said.

“Regulation drives innovation and in order to curb the excesses of industry players, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced the regulatory sandbox, through which it controls financial transactions in the system. With the regulatory sandbox, CBN is able to monitor development and growth of the sector and also control the new products that are coming into the ecosystem in such a way that all new products meet the regulatory requirements, “Aina further said.

Responding to the recent lifting of the ban for on-boarding Fintech

customers by the CBN, Aina said the lifting of the ban was in the best interest of Nigerians and the Nigerian economy to encourage the growth of digital transformation across sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“CBN placed the ban in order to correct some of the anomalies in financial transactions among some Fintech members, and such challenges are bound to arise given the growth and size of FintechNGR. What CBN did with the ban was to provide regulatory guidance to financial transactions, which FintechNGR is part of.

CBN is becoming a lot more responsive in providing regulatory guidance that will

protect investors’ funds. The steps taken by CBN will help sanitise the financial services industry and drive innovation among Fintech players, to further enhance digital transformation in Nigeria,” Aina said.

Speaking about the growth of FintechNGR, its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Dr. Babatunde Obrimah, said: “We have grown tremendously and we have established better collaboration with the regulators. The recent invite by members of the National Assembly to make presentations, speaks volume of the important roles that FintechNGR is playing in promoting growth of the Nigeria economy.”

Obrimah, who also spoke about the forthcoming FintechWeek, said this year’s FintechWeek would attract more participants from within and outside of the country.

Speaking about the FintechNGR AGM, Aina said: “At this year’s AGM, all the motions raised were passed and members of the governing council, including the entire Fintech members are happy with the growth recorded by the management of FintechNGR. We have seen growth in the financials, growth in the activities of FintechNGR and we have seen growth in the impact that FintechNGR is making on the Nigerian economy and on the global economy.”

Ekine: Online Voting Will Boost Consumers’ Trust

CEO, BrandXchange and convener, Consumers Value Awards, Akonte Ekine, speaks about the importance of the awards and the online voting process that is building trust among consumers and brands. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

What Makes the Consumers Value Awards unique compared to other industry awards?

Thank you for the question. Consumers Value Awards as expressed by the name is an award under the sphere of consumers. Everything about the process of the Consumers Value Awards is more in the hands of the consumers. For instance, at the nomination stage, it is consumers that will nominate brands for listing to be voted for. What we do is basically to announce that the portal is open for nomination and with strong desire for transparency we announce the opening on almost all platforms including your reputable publication.

So, the uniqueness of the Consumers Value Awards is that it is driven by consumers for consumers with the objective of expressing concerns about better service within the eight consumer rights.

Can you tell us more about the voting process and how consumers can participate in selecting the winners?

After listing of all the brands listed for voting based on nominations by consumers, we opened the website for voting and the website remains open till last day of June 2024 to enable consumers to cast votes. It is important to state that you can only vote in the various categories once because for every time you attempt to vote in each of the category, consumers are required to submit their email address as an identity for a One Time Password (OTP) to be sent for verification. Once you get the OTP and you input the OTP, your voting will be recognised.

To protect the integrity of the system it is important we establish the process to avoid double voting or multiple voting by consumers.

Why is it important for consumers to participate in voting for Consumers Value Awards?

The entire initiative is about promoting the Eight Consumer Rights which includes the right to be heard and the right to expression as well the right to contribute to product and service development.

So, it is important that consumers participate in voting to call out brands that are not keeping promises made to the public.

The participation of consumers is also very important at this time as we consumers play the role of our brothers’ keeper when we shout-down on a brand that is poor in performance, we have simply alerted another consumer to stay away.

The consumers’ participation is the establishment of the essence of the programme as a vehicle to ensure that brands are living up to expected standard they have created or meet the expectation of the consumers.

What criteria do brands need to meet to be nominated for the Consumers Value Awards?

Good question. For us, our consideration is that once a consumer has made effort to

“BrandXchange is

doing

purchase a brand or engage a service, then that brand is good enough to be listed or nominated. It is an open market initiative for brand owners and consumers generally. Any brand that is on the shelf in the market or on the internet that is consumed by the people is good enough for nomination and in the last two editions we have had over 500 brands across all sectors listed for nomination and voting. That is why we call it a badge of honour from Consumers to the Brands as a statement of thank you, which will put the brands on the spot for sustainable representation in the market.

Can you share some success stories or testimonials from previous awards?

This is the journey third edition and the voting is ongoing. The success of the last two editions can be seen from the fact that representative of Nigeria Communications Commission, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Agency, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Advertising Regulatory Commission of Nigeria, were well represented and delivered messages to consumers. It is also for us a success to have over 50 brands in attendance to pick the bade of honours in the last two editions, including brands such as Glo, Dangote Cement, Reload Multivitamin, Leadway Insurance, Bigi Cola, Bigi Sausage and Oral B tooth paste to mention a few. For us the real success is the consumers

everything to ensure that the voting is not compromised. We are

staying

with the process of ensuring that you can only vote if you register your email to get OTP and you must input the unique OTP before

your voting can be valid.”

making effort to list brands and voting. It shows that there is a growing consciousness that consumers deserve better market experience and there will be more vehicle for expression that will call out service providers and regulators to do better

What benefits do brands gain from receiving the awards?

I am sure that you are all aware that the best marketer of a brand is the consumers, so winning the award is a great opportunity for brand growth in terms of perception, reputational capital and increase in sales. Benefits seems endless but it must be stated that a consumers bade of honour based on voting is a major stamp of respect for the brand by consumers from consumers to consumers. It is a stamp of acceptance and a bench market for the brands keep the standard and improve on it. It is call to all brands to look around and act if they want to play in the same market as consumers are pushing for better experience.

How has the response been from consumers and brands in the previous editions of the awards?

We had the very first edition two years ago and the second edition last year at same venue. What is very clear is that Consumer Value Awards (CVA) has come to stay, with five consumer regulatory related agencies of government in attendance in previous editions were we recognised people like Mrs. Sola Salako Ajulo, a member of the Tribunal in FCCPC, for her effort as a pioneer advocate of Consumer Rights to the best of our knowledge. In the first edition, we also recognised the Director General, Advertising regulatory Commission, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo and former Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta for the excellent work they

are doing in promoting better consumer experiences through legislations.

It is only the consumers that can give the success rating on this project but if in two years of existence we have pulled together over one hundred brands across the globe to attend the event, then we can safely say we are on a journey of excellence.

Aside attendance, the celebration of the awards by brands such a Glo, Leadway, reload Multivitamin, Checkers Custard, Bigi Cola, Bigi Sausage and Fearless Energy Drink again, to mention a few of the brands, is a great sign of success.

Are there any new categories or changes in this third edition of the consumers Value Awards?

Last year we introduced the special public sector category to search for governors and states that are actively promoting consumers rights and we are holding onto that because it is a good conversation sustainer on the subject of our interest.

This year we are looking out for consumer conversations from brands that are social advocacy. This new category will promote public conversation from corporate sustainability initiative of brands and will also promote better consumer behaviour in the market.

Unlike last year, we have also through consumers’ nomination, created subcategories under some brands as a result of herbal availability, children and infant categories of the brands. It is not us that created it but consumers nominations made it happen that we have to establish such and this also affect home appliances where we have to separate the brands into four different categories based on functionality rather than group into one.

The third edition voting is ongoing on the website and we can see that consumers are responding positively with votes and we can only wait till the last day of June to conclude on the winners.

How does BrandXchange ensure the integrity and transparency of the votes?

BrandXchange is doing everything to ensure that the voting is not compromised. We are staying with the process of ensuring that you can only vote if you register your email to get OTP and you must input the unique OTP before your voting can be valid. It is the Consumers that validate the brands so we keep that simple yet effective law active on the website.

We have not had challenges about voting and about OTP and we have stayed true to the goal to be transparent on this project because at this stage that we are, it is the consumers that we are protecting and promoting to get better service.

I am sure that if the trust we built in the first edition was not good enough, the second edition would probably not get the degree of success we got and therefore we have to hold onto that public trust and remain open and transparent for everyone interested to visit the website and cast vote or review it. We call it a badge of honour and so even from inception it must be seen and experienced as such.

What is the timeline for the voting period and announcement of winners?

The voting is on-going till 30th June and thereafter, we will inform the winners and all invited regulators and other winners and participants that will grace the beautiful day in September at same venue.

Ekine

Owodunni: Resilience Key to Sustaining Women Tech Startups

The Co-founder and CEO of Emergency Response Africa, Folake Owodunni, speaks about the role of women tech startups and how the healthcare technology company is changing the way medical emergencies are managed in Africa. Agnes Ekebuike presents the excerpts:

What are the key ingredients of success that women tech startups need?

Resilience and community are critical for success. Resilience is what keeps us going regardless of setbacks, opposition, and roadblocks. It is the belief that what we are doing is worthwhile and that continuing to try will yield positive results, even if we cannot see it at the moment. The role of the community cannot be overemphasised. I frequently say that a new business is like having a child – you labor to bring it to life, then spend years nurturing it to grow, become healthy and independent.

That nurturing process takes a village, as the popular saying goes, and it is no different for a business.

From mentors, investors, partners, customers, employees, peer groups, and family, every stakeholder has a role to play in the success of a business and they can either help you succeed or contribute to failure.

As women, we have the added complexity of balancing society’s expectations of us with the businesses’ requirements. It is not easy and that’s where like-minded peer groups –other women doing amazing things – can and should support and help each other. Resilience and community are very closely related – without community, it is difficult to be resilient for long.

What are the things that inspire you as an innovator?

I am inspired by the problem Emergency Response Africa is trying to solve and the people impacted by it. It is a bit strange to be inspired by people having emergencies and not getting help, but it is what keeps me going. I regularly get personal messages on LinkedIn or WhatsApp of people sharing their stories of loss, pain, or near misses, simply because emergency response wasn’t available. Every story is a reminder that we still have a lot of work to do and no matter how difficult it gets, as long as there are people who need and cannot get help, our job is not done. This keeps me going.

Are you planning to position the business for funding opportunities as you make an effort to expand?

The business is already well-positioned for funding opportunities! We are ready to engage with those who are aligned with our values and prepared to take this journey with us. We are committed to building for sustainability, scale, and impact while making a good profit. This means that we are very intentional

about who we engage with and ultimately where we go for funding.

Are there specific challenges facing female innovators in Africa?

Female innovators face a host of challenges. Even though African women are exceptionally entrepreneurial, many women-owned businesses remain small and limited due to a lack of access to capital, business support, and personal support to scale. There are too many stories of women running a small business who, with just a little help in the form of a loan or a grant would create jobs and readily feed five times more people than before.

Yet, in a society where young girls are discouraged early from pursuing careers in science or technology, and young women are advised to view career aspirations and successful family life as mutually

“The business is already well-positioned for funding opportunities! We are ready to engage with those who are aligned with our values and prepared to take this journey with us. We are committed to building for sustainability, scale, and impact while making a good profit. This means that we are very intentional about who we engage with and ultimately where we go for funding.”

exclusive, many women struggle to reach their potential. As with any major societal change, it cannot be only up to women to change the narrative. While opportunities like the Aurora Tech Award do a great job of pushing women innovators forward, the need for allies is clearer than ever. Fathers, spouses, partners, and employers need to prioritize encouraging the women in their lives to pursue their ambitions and present a balanced narrative that you can be a successful woman in all areas of life.

What are the low-hanging fruits female innovators should pay adequate attention to while building their startups to become unicorns?

I would encourage every female innovator to worry less about achieving unicorn status and focus on creating a startup that aligns with your vision and values. If your goal is to create a unicorn – amazing, resilient and the right community will get you there. If your goal is to have a huge impact, the recipe remains the same. The most important lowhanging fruit is to stay laser-focused on the problem you are solving and the people you’re solving for and create a great team and community of supporters to deliver your solution. Keep the faith, and stay resilient!

Do you see the Aurora Tech award changing the narrative or

“While opportunities like the Aurora Tech Award do a great job of pushing women innovators forward, the need for allies is clearer than ever. Fathers, spouses, partners, and employers need to prioritize encouraging the women in their lives to pursue their ambitions and present a balanced narrative that you can be a successful woman in all areas of life.”

breaking down the barriers around support for women-led tech startups going forward?

Yes, certainly. What I appreciate about the organizers of the Aurora Tech Award is their intentional approach to shining a spotlight on the women innovators they shortlist and the final winners. By promoting the winners and finalists across multiple platforms and publications, they have opened several doors to potential partners and funders. More importantly, by providing a cash prize to the winners, the award de-risks the opportunity for others to come in. This is the right way to create new opportunities for female entrepreneurs – open the right doors and de-risk the opportunity for others. If we had more people and organisations in the entrepreneurship ecosystem doing this, we would see more women-led startups succeed.

Tell us more about ERA

ERA connects individuals experiencing a medical emergency to the largest network of first responders, ambulances, and hospitals through technology. Since inception, ERA has managed over 4,500 incidents, reducing response times by 40-80 per cent, and helping to save lives. ERA partners with innovative governments such as the Edo State government to enhance medical emergency responsiveness in the public sector.

With over 15 years of experience in healthcare, marketing communications, and management consulting across Nigeria, the United States, and Canada, I have received numerous awards and recognitions for my work including the Aurora Tech Award, Google Black Founders Fund, JICA’s Next Innovation with Japan Award, and The Professor Grace AleleWilliams Alumni Impact Award by Women in Successful Career (WISCAR).

Owodunni

L-R: Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling CompanyPlc (nahco aviance), Mr. Tajudeen Shobayo; Group Managing Dirctor/Chief Executive Officer, nahco aviance, Mr. Indranil Gupta; Chairman, nahco aviance, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni; Company Secretary, nahco aviance, Mr. Bello Abdullahi; Vice Chairman, nahco aviance, Mr. Akinwumi Fanimokun; and another Director, Mrs. Abimbola Adebakin, during the 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) in Ikeja, Lagos… recently

Visa: Issuing Banks Can Unlock Opportunities, Propel SMEs Growth

Emma Okonji

Senior Vice-President and Head of New Payment Flows for CEMEA at Visa, Shahebaz Khan, has said the recently commissioned SME

Megatrends report by Visa, with focus on Nigeria, will provide a crucial roadmap for issuing banks to unlock substantial SME growth opportunities. According to him, the report is

aimed at providing issuing banks with critical insights to tailor their offerings to SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa.

“Offering a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s SME

landscape, the report highlights various challenges and growth opportunities, giving issuing banks a strategic tool by which they can gain a deeper understanding of the SME sector and effectively

Foundation, ALX Africa Launch $500,000 Tech Scholarship Initiative

Agnes Ekebuike

The Patoranking Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing Africa through education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment, has partnered with ALX Africa to launch a $500,000 tech scholarship initiative.

The programme aims to provide 40 young African talents with tuition-free access to advanced technology training in data analytics, cloud computing, and Salesforce Administration.

Founded by African musician, Patrick Okorie, popularly known

as Patoranking, the Patoranking Foundation has a well-established history of investing in youth education, having allocated over $1 million in the past six years. The new tech scholarship initiative is designed to bridge the skills gap in the technology sector, preparing scholars to become industry pioneers with training that is highly sought after by global employers.

“Patoranking Foundation is dedicated to advancing Africa through education and entrepreneurship. We are excited to partner with ALX Africa to provide technology scholarships

that equip tomorrow’s leaders with critical digital skills,” said Patrick Okorie, Founder of the Patoranking Foundation.

He added, “This initiative is a step towards our goal of empowering one million Africans over the next decade.”

ALX Africa, founded by celebrated educator and entrepreneur Fred Swaniker, is focused on preparing young people for the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “In today’s world of AI and Big Data, young people need to be agile and adaptable. Our collaboration with Patoranking

Foundation aims to equip future tech disruptors with in-demand skills necessary for solving continental and global problems,” Swaniker stated.

The scholarship initiative builds on the Patoranking Foundation’s previous efforts to provide educational opportunities. In 2020, the Foundation awarded full scholarships to 10 scholars from eight African countries to study at the African Leadership University. Additionally, at the primary and secondary education levels, 170 students currently receive scholarships in five leading schools in Ebonyi state, Nigeria.

PalmPay Resumes On-boarding of New Customers

PalmPay, one of the Fintech players initially banned from on-boarding new customers, has said that it has resumed on boarding of new customers on its network, following the recent lifting of the ban by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In a statement, the Managing Director of PalmPay, Mr. Chika Nwosu assured new customers of the opportunities to carry out

Rack Centre, West Africa’s leading carrier and cloud neutral data centre has collaborated with AWS to enhance connectivity in Africa.

At a recent webinar themed: “AWS Direct Connect- Extend Your On-Premise Networks into AWS,” the session dwelled on the significant implications of enhancing connectivity solutions in Africa, which brought together industry experts.

During the session, they discussed the critical role of AWS

financial transactions on the PalmPay network.

According to him, “We are pleased to announce that the on-boarding of new customers has resumed on PalmPay for individual and business users following the review by the CBN. We are thrilled to continue our mission to provide more Nigerians with access to secure and reliable financial services.”

The CBN had in April this year, directed some Fintech companies to

Direct Connect in addressing connectivity challenges and opportunities for businesses in Nigeria and Zambia. The webinar also examined various aspects of AWS Direct Connect, highlighting its capacity to offer robust traffic management and scalability solutions. AWS Direct Connect ensures businesses can dynamically adjust their bandwidth allocation in real-time, thus preventing over-subscription and ensuring optimal performance.

stop on-boarding new customers, after it blocked over 1,000 accounts that were used for peer-peer crypto trading.

The country’s National Security Adviser (NSA) also categorised crypto as a security concern and is keen at ensuring that the fintechs ramp up ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) and fraud measures to prevent crypto transactions going through the fintechs.

On May 20, 2024, the fintechs

The platform’s design also incorporates best routing and security practices, making it a trusted solution for global finance and consulting industries.

Local and global connectivity was another focal point, with AWS providing direct connections from local data centres to its expansive global network. This reduces reliance on public internet connections and ensures high performance and low latency, essential for efficient data exchange in business operations. The role of

stoves across East and Central Africa.

were given several conditions for the ban to be lifted including asking them to block P2P crypto transfers and mandating physical address verification for all tiers of accounts.

The fintechs were also asked to update their facial verification for customers.

Some fintechs have been criticised for lack of adequate KYC measures that have led to fraud, even though the battle against fraud is an industrywide issue.

local service providers in facilitating AWS connections was emphasised, ensuring smooth integration with existing infrastructure.

Speaking during the webinar, the Solutions Architect at AWS, Ashraf Altalleh, elaborated on the technical benefits of AWS Direct Connect. Maintaining that it is crucial for enterprises looking to optimise their operations and expand their capabilities in the digital age. He said: “AWS Direct.

tailor their products, services, and support sales mechanisms. This targeted approach ensures that banks can engage more effectively with SMEs, offering solutions that directly address their unique challenges and aspirations.

“Nigeria stands as a dynamic hub of commerce, innovation, and entrepreneurship, boasting a staggering 39 million SMEs that fuel 48 per cent of its GDP, while SMEs form 97 per cent of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape and employ over 60 million people, a significant segment of the nation’s workforce,” Khan said in a statement,” Khan said.

The advent of digitization, he added, has ushered in a new era, marked by the rise of e-commerce and digital payments, rapidly displacing traditional cash transactions.

“For banks seeking to tap into Nigeria’s thriving SME landscape, a myriad of opportunities exists to broaden their reach and entice clients. These opportunities encompass streamlining the onboarding and e-KYC processes for

new customers, tailoring products to SME size and needs to enhance ease and accessibility and providing digital advertising support to facilitate market expansion.

However, despite Nigeria’s vibrant Fintech and digital banking ecosystem, the SME sector remains significantly underserved, with a $150 billion financing gap.

“Issues such as high fees and minimum account balances deter SMEs from seeking formal banking arrangements, with only 28 per cent currently holding bank accounts and a mere 33 per cent accessing banking services. This underscores the need for banks to offer tailored and open SME banking services to overcome hurdles such as a lack of credit history,” Khan further said.

He explained that the Visa report underscored the indispensable role of digitisation in reshaping Nigeria’s SME landscape, emphasising the pivotal contribution of issuing banks in propelling a new era of economic prosperity and laying the groundwork for a more affluent and equitable future.

The outgoing CEO of Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya, has been named winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the 14th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) 2024.

The awards are a flagship annual recognition event run by Africa Leadership Magazine (ALM), aimed at honouring exceptional corporate practice and outstanding achievers in Africa’s business landscape and private sector. The awards showcase Africa’s businesses and leaders, celebrating exemplary business leadership on the continent.

Ogunsanya will be presented with his Lifetime Achievement Award at a special ceremony during the 9th ALM

Africa Summit is taking place from 17-18 July 2024 at the UK House of Lords.

of the telecommunications and mobile money company for nine years before his appointment as CEO of the Group in 2021. With deep knowledge of the continent, coupled with extensive distribution experience, he led the company in maintaining double-digit revenue growth over many quarters and in delivering new, innovative products to its customers across Africa.

Segun has more than 35 years’ business management experience in banking, consumer goods and telecoms.

Before joining Airtel Africa in 2012, he held leadership roles at Coca-Cola Bottling operations in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya (as MD and CEO).

The UK-funded Manufacturing Africa programme has scored a significant win for Nigeria’s clean energy sector. Three companies in the programme’s portfolio: Arnergy, Koolboks, and BURN Manufacturing, have collectively secured $17 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), boosting Nigeria’s efforts to expand access to renewable energy solutions. The investments will provide energy for more Nigerians, reduce carbon emissions, lead to the creation of 1100 jobs, and support thousands of livelihoods.

BURN Manufacturing, at the forefront of clean cook stove innovation, has secured $12 million in carbon investment from Key Carbon Ltd. Their new local assembly facility in Northern Nigeria will bolster distribution efforts of electric cook stoves and biomass

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter said: “The UK Government supports the ambition of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda: to boost private-sector led economic growth in Nigeria. We’re funding the Manufacturing Africa programme to provide free advisory services to companies raising finance to expand their

capabilities and create new jobs in Nigeria. It’s great to see these companies realise their goals with UK support.”

Business Communications Manager at Koolboks, Lolade Alonge, said: “Manufacturing Africa’s financial advisory support when raising our ‘Series A’ came in very handy and has helped us secure funds that will assist with our expansion plans.”

The theme of this year’s Summit is, “Africa Unleashed: Navigating Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities,” with policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society leaders, thought leaders and stakeholders from across Africa and the rest of the world expected to attend.

Ogunsanya’s landmark contributions towards advancing Africa’s socio-economic growth and development include his 12-year career at Airtel Africa. He ran the Nigeria operations

Commenting on the award, Ogunsanya said: “I am truly humbled by this recognition alongside such other distinguished Africans. It truly belongs to all those who have been on the journey with me at various times. My career has been focused on serving the needs of people across the continent, most recently through enhanced digital and financial inclusion. I remain determined to help make Africa a better place for its people, and hope my journey inspires the next generation of Africa’s business leaders.”

Photo: KoLAWoLE ALLI

Agnes Ekebuike

Kumuyi at 83: Beyond the Preacher’s Cassock

Banji ojewale

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor polite, not popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him he is right.—Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) American churchman and civil liberties defender.

In his book, An Outline of the History of the World, Herbert Abraham Davies relates the epic story of how a cleric put himself in the path of potential backlash to deliver ancient Rome from annihilation at the hands of an all-conquering army of barbarians. The predators were already in the regions of the Roman Empire; all the soldiers needed was an order from their leader, Attila the Hun, to move in and overrun Rome. From this she was saved, (so it was said), “by the earnest entreaties of Leo, Bishop of Rome, who entered Attila’s camp and warned him not to risk the vengeance of heaven by plundering the city, and the Hun leader was so impressed with the bishop’s sincerity and intensity of purpose that he withdrew his troops.”

This event has gone into history as one of the rare demonstrations of the intervention of religious leaders during times of crisis in the state. Although God establishes His Church strategically to prepare His people for Heaven, He expects them to first live here on earth righteously, ethically and honourably so their intercessory prayers would receive attention before His Throne. The Church and its leaders then are to produce faithful representatives who would plead for Heaven to step in when the people face dreadful consequences for their wrongdoings. The marauder was moved by the bishop’s translucent candour, not his sacerdotal gear, to concede to him.

Heaven won’t attend to people simply on account of their hood or cassock. God looks for men and women of incontestable integrity, humility and credibility who wouldn’t deceive the world by an exhibitionist and pietistic profession of salvation. Of such was the man whose “sincerity and intensity of purpose” God honoured to rescue Rome. Of such also, by the reckoning of many here in Africa and beyond, is Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) and convener of the international gospel brand, Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK). He has stood on the unpopular ground that one’s Christianity (salvation) would remain inchoate, incomplete and insular, until its only identity feature blazes holiness through and through. The pastor takes God’s demands on holiness at face value. You can’t try to run circles around God on this condition. You’re not to resort to a ‘white lie’ to save your life or to

escape an embarrassing twist of events. You must not also aim at replaying Uzzah’s fatal heroics in the Bible by breaking God’s laws in order to ‘help’ His work. For Kumuyi, the strength of a man and his society lies in their God-inspired integrity. Mankind needs it more than his physical food. Take it away, and all you have remaining is a hollow vessel, vain, vulnerable and valueless. He once spoke of holiness in terms of being gifted a car without its engine. He said, “If you say you love me and you give me a car, but you take away its engine, the gift is useless. So is Christianity without holiness.”

That is the state of all men and women alienated from the laws of their Creator.

These are the principles Kumuyi has taught and practised since he got the new birth of salvation on April 5, 1964, six decades ago this year. Like Samuel, the kingmaker, centuries ago in Israel,

Kumuyi isn’t troubled that he might be ambushed for some dark deeds to knock him down from his high horse. Samuel challenged his compatriots to bring forth evidence of any abuse of office or inappropriate act of his, if they had one. Last week, a video recorded years ago surfaced in the social media suggesting that Pastor Kumuyi and his wife had ‘fled’ to the UK, after he had reportedly counselled Nigerians to pray for Nigeria and the government and to patiently bear with the authorities’ attempts to fix the polity. Those who made the spent clip go viral sought to deflate the large image of the revered Deeper Life Bible Church leader and move Nigerians to conclude that Kumuyi, after all, is a man who could easily abandon his holiness pursuit and surrender to the urge of the flesh. They asked, “What kind of preacher is this Church leader who would forsake his challenged flock and seek refuge in

the cloying luxury of Europe?”

But, Kumuyi’s stay in London at the time of the interview in the footage was short-lived. He has been resident in Nigeria since. There’s been no relocation. Indeed, when the story was hitting the phones the man of God was in neighbouring Cameroon for the May edition of his GCK. It held in the city of Douala for six days.

But as Pastor Kumuyi turns 83 on June 6, 2024, a look at his life brings up a man whose plea is that we are free to strip him of his ecclesiastical trappings and assess him on the basis of what we find. In other words, he’s saying, ‘don’t spare me because I’m a pastor or denominational founder; don’t also go cultural by being awed by my age.’ If we accept the challenge, what do we get? We would be facing a man feeding on a credo that his relationship with Jesus Christ has taught him that a leader in society must be so disciplined and committed to selfless service that he must seek the comfort and welfare of the led above his own person or family. He can’t go to sleep until his subjects have first gone to bed. He teaches us to disregard those who mask their villainy with their position in religion and politics. They believe they are above the law once they’re cloaked in authority. They remind us of a job-seeker who had his pastors as his guarantors. His prospective employers told him that they wanted assessment from those who knew him outside the Church. They wanted to know his character without religious props.

There are lessons from Kumuyi. Our land will come out of the woods when leaders take to the way of integrity not derived from shallow religion (cant cassock, hollow hood) but from God, Who reciprocates with answers to their prayers for healing for the nation. In this wise, Kumuyi’s ministry has recorded spectacular marvels. Inveterate sinners have been saved; the dead have been brought back to life; a child born without genitals had these vital members created by Heaven following the prayers of Kumuyi at the just-concluded Douala GCK. There’s more: a watchful followership gets the message of their mentor and bond with their leaders to deliver a godly and prosperous society. That’s what’s been happening in the Church Kumuyi pastors. Years ago when he visited the fledgling Deeper Life Bible Church in Ghana, Kumuyi sold his car to support the assembly. He recalls, “...because of the sacrifices I made in those early days, our pastors and other workers also followed suit and made sacrifices…sometimes when a leader does something, and even without compelling others… they just do it.”

Happy Birthday, beloved Pastor Kumuyi! •Ojewale is an author and journalist at Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Military Task Force Assures Plateau Farmers of Security Against Attacks

step was necessary and critical for food security in the country.

Addressing stakeholders at a one-day seminar for stakeholders towards a successful farming season in Plateau and some Local

that the

Government Areas in Bauchi and Kaduna States, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigeria Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General A. E. Abubakar, noted

that the seminar was apt and timely because it will facilitate a hitch-free farming season this year seeing that the rainy season has begun.

He noted that creating a suitable atmosphere for farmers this season

Land Degradation, Desertification: Nigeria Marks World Environment Day, Says Progress being made

Michael olugbode in Abuja

The federal government has said Nigeria is making significant progress in addressing land degradation and desertification in the country.

Speaking at the celebration of the World Environment Day on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal said: “Through initiatives such as the Great Green Wall Project (GGW), Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) and Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACResal).

“Measures have been implemented through this programmes and projects to restore degraded landscapes, promote sustainable land management practices and enhance the resilience of communities to drought and desertification.

“We have strengthened partnerships with local communities, civil society organisations, and international partners to mobilize resources and expertise towards reviving our lands,

ecosystem and the environment in general.”

He lamented that Nigeria like many other countries around the world, is facing significant environmental challenges, noting that the nation’s land resources are under immense pressure from a variety of factors ranging from deforestation, unsustainable land management practices and the adverse impacts of climate change.

He further said that “These challenges not only threaten the health and well-being of our people but also jeopardize the sustainability of our ecosystems and the prosperity of future generations.”

He then urged “all stakeholders to join the Ministry of Environment and other Agencies in our efforts to strengthen the enforcement of existing environmental laws and regulations with a view to preventing further degradation of our land resources.

“This includes promoting sustainable land use practices, enforcing land tenure rights and cracking down on

illegal logging, deforestation, poaching and all other acts capable of destroying our natural environment. We must invest in the rehabilitation and restoration of degraded landscapes through afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable land management techniques that would enhance ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and water filtration”.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari, said: “Nigeria stands at the crucial juncture where the preservation of our land the resilience to drought and the fight against it is paramount to our sustainable development agenda.

He added that: “No single entity can tackle the complexities of environmental degradation alone. It is through partnership both local and globally that we can amplify our“Letimpacts. us harness the power of innovation, science and traditional knowledge to unlock solutions that will restore our land and enhance

drought resilience and from what is application.”

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Senator Akintunde Abiodun in his goodwill message said, “the essence of the celebration is to remind us of the purpose of environment to preserve our yesterday’s heritage, to protect today interest and care for tomorrow’s hope.”

He added, that Senate Committee on Environment will continue to support all the activities that will enhance and protect land degradation.

The Federal Ministry of Environment in partnership with European Union and other notable organisations in Nigerian celebrate this year’s World Environment Day 2024 tagged, “land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”.

World environment day is a yearly event that is celebrated globally to discuss land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. It’s tied in with bringing back healthy land, keeping desserts from developing, and managing water shortages.

and returning displaced farmers and their families in Plateau and Kaduna States to their ancestral homes will help them to focus on their job and to improve farm produce.

The seminar with the theme ‘Peaceful Coexistence: a Panacea for a Successful Farming Season” had stakeholders from all the 17 local government areas of Plateau, five local government areas of Southern Kaduna and from two local government areas of Bauchi State.

General Abubakar noted that most challenges farmers face during the farming season include farm destruction, attacks on livestock, cow poisoning, attacks and reprisals, adding that so far, 50 cases of farm destruction have been recorded in the month of May in Mangu, Bokkos, Jos South, Riyom LGAs, and over 200 cows have been poisoned in Bassa, Bokkos LGAs.

He observed that most of these communities survive basically on farming, without which such people may decide to engage in criminal activities.

He therefore urged the stakeholders to create an enabling environment for farming and herding activities.

“We must therefore learn to forgive grievances because it is only in an atmosphere of peace that growth and development thrive. Sustainable peace can only be achieved when stakeholders collectively agree to live in peace”, he admonished.

He however warned misguided

persons who may wish to disrupt the year’s farming activities to have a rethink as the task force will not hesitate to decisively deal with such criminals in line with the law.

He later presented five combat motorcycles to vigilantes for patrol during the farming season.

Also speaking on the theme, the Deputy Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, Sheik Ghazali Ismail Adam, said conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria have been occurring for several years and this has caused distrust amongst communities, loss of livelihood and food insecurity, and displacement of thousands of persons. He said the causes of these clashes are growing population, abandonment of grazing reserve systems, drought and desertification. He noted that the need for peaceful coexistence amongst farmers and herders was expedient for economic benefits to the country, urging the people to learn to live together in peace. On his part, Rev. Father Boniface Nkum urged the military to look into the challenges facing the agricultural sector and also the factors hindering peaceful existence among farmers and herders, recommending that government be sincere about securing farmers and their lands, and invest in providing modern gadgets. He also admonished community leaders to always identify traitors amongst their communities and report them to security operatives.

Kumuyi

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Military Task Force in Plateau (Operation Safe Haven) has assured farmers in the state of a secure farming season, adding

British Airways’ New Level of Comfort, Luxury for Discerning Travelers

Discerning travelers flying British Airways from Lagos can now experience a whole new level of comfort and luxury as the airline has unveiled a stunningly renovated lounge at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, marking the completion of a six-month transformation project, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes

British Airways has opened a totally renovated luxurious lounge in Lagos airport following a six-month refurbishment. The space has been cleverly designed to give customers more room to enjoy an upgraded food and beverage experience. It allows customers to relax, dine or work in a premium space, while also proudly exhibiting local art from Akoje Gallery.

Customers will be transported into a new contemporary lounge as soon as they pass through the grand entrance with floor to ceiling glass. Following significant investment, the airline has created zones throughout the 360 square metres of space to cater for different customers’ needs.

For those who want to dine ahead of the evening flight to London, there is a self-serve dining area with a wide selection of freshly made dishes. The food and drink menu offers a range of Nigerian classics and British inspired dishes which will change regularly. Customers can also pull up a chair at a newly built bar where a bartender will serve drinks including cocktails, wine, and soft drinks. Champagne and canapes will also be offered to customers travelling in First.

To commemorate British Airways’ strong association with Nigeria, art from local artists will be displayed across the lounge. The airline has launched a partnership with Akoje Gallery – founded by Maro Itoje and Khalil Akar – to curate an innovative new in-lounge exhibition featuring and celebrating guest artists. The first showcase of works is themed ‘New Beginnings’ to celebrate the lounge opening.

The selected artists will centre their works around the chosen theme. The first artists are Olawunmi Banjo: Two paintings titled The Wait I and II; Qozeem Abdul Rahman: A Large painting titled The Guardian; and Steve Ekpenisi: A large metal sculpture titled Ulaga.

The newly imagined lounge space features a quiet room with day beds, while the main area features relaxing comfy sofas and clusters

of tables and chairs. Customers needing to work can take advantage of new printing facilities.

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, said: “We’re focused on investing in the entire customer journey,

not just on board. For many of our customers, lounges are an important part of their experience, and the re-design of our Lagos lounge is a key part of our transformation strategy across our lounges around the world.

We’re delighted to open our doors to this stunning lounge in Lagos and we’re confident customers will enjoy spending time in this cleverly created space.”

The lounge is open to customers travelling in Club World (business) and first, as well as Silver and Gold Executive Club Members. Khalil Akar, The Akoje Gallery adds: “We are honoured to partner with British Airways and give local Nigerian artists the chance to showcase their talents in the brand-new Lagos Lounge. We hope British Airways passengers enjoy the immersion in Nigerian culture and the artists’ contribution to their local art community.”

British Airways operates a daily flight between London Heathrow and Lagos, BA75 departs London Heathrow at 11.50, arriving at 18.15. BA74 departs Lagos at 22.45, arriving at 05.25+1. The preferred aircraft is 787-10, the airline’s newest aircraft. Customers have four cabins to choose from: First, Club World (business), World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) and World Traveller (Economy).

Nigerian Navy @68: NDL's Medical Rhapsody for Oniru Community

Beyond the protection of Nigeria's territorial and Maritime space, the Nigerian Navy, NN, has always been involved in empowering its host communities. Recently, to commemorate its 68th anniversary of the NN, the Naval Dockyard Limited, NDL, held a medical Rhapsody for the Oniru Community, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes

To commemorate the 68th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy (NN), the Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL) last week, flagged off its free Medical Rhapsody outreach for the Oniru Community.

This move was in tandem with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for all units and commands to sustain civil-military relations with their host communities.

The outreach was an avenue to provide vital healthcare services to individuals in the community and it involved general consultations, eye care, dental care and issuing of medication, among others.

According to the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard (ASND), Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, the outreach was borne out of the good relationship between Naval Dockyard and the people of Oniru community, which dates back to more than half a century.

The ASND, who was represented by Surgeon Captain Ifeoma Okeke, who is in charge of the Naval Dockyard Hospital, said: "Today marks a significant milestone as we come together to extend a healing hand to those in need, embodying the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines our community.

"The primary aim of this noble exercise is to provide vital healthcare services to individuals who may not have regular access to medical care due to economic or social barriers.

"Through this outreach, we seek to ad-

tive goes beyond the provision of immediate medical care."

He added, “We aspire to foster a lasting impact by empowering individuals to take charge of their health and encouraging a proactive approach to wellness

“ By offering education on disease prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and access to available resources, we endeavor to promote long-term health outcomes and improve the quality of life for those we serve.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to all the volunteers, healthcare professionals, and organizations that have generously contributed their time, expertise, and resources to make this outreach possible.

“Together, we stand as a beacon of hope and compassion, dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our fellow community members. Thank you for joining us in this important initiative. Your support and participation are invaluable as we strive to create a healthier, more equitable future for all.”

In his response, the Oniru of Iruland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, commended the Nigerian Navy for the hand of fellowship it extended to the community, just as he asked that the partnership continues beyond even medical Rhapsodies.

The BA team and special guests at the opening of the totally renovated luxurious lounge in Lagos airport

The interior of the lounge

His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, the Oniru of Iruland and Surgeon Captain Ifeoma Okeke in charge of the Naval Dockyard Hospital (immediate right) with the navy medical team during the medical Rhapsody to mark the Nigerian Navy's 68th anniversary

How Thailand Community in Nigeria Celebrated Songkran 2568

From April 13th- 15th each year, Thais all over the world commemorate the end of one year and the beginning of another. This year, for the fourth time, the Thai community in Nigeria joined in this celebration going on in their home country. Esther Oluku writes that this celebration marks the beginning of the year 2568 for Thais all over the world.

That afternoon, it seemed like the suffocating heat had given way to a cool almost gaiety atmosphere on Gafaru Animashaun Street of Victoria Island, Lagos. A peep into the street was greeted by an array of bright colours of red, blue, green, yellow, pink, and lemon amongst other colours of mini flags hanging from ropes hung the street.

There were large parasols of lemon, yellow, white, pink and purple colours, garlands with beads hanging on a pole for participants with floating lights hanging on the veranda of Orchid House Thai Restaurant from where the celebration poured into the street. The event which sparked such festivity is the Songkran festival translated in English as the Thailand New Year festival.

Dozens of water drums lined a part of the street on one side and an array of dishes lined the street on the other side. Our cheerful Thai hostess, Madam Tukie, was seen handing water guns to participants in preparation for the commencement of the event and placing beaded garlands on the necks of participants.

The Songkran is the biggest celebration of the year in Thailand and although immigrants in Nigeria, Thais trooped in in their numbers. They seemed not to have lost touch with home as each one was seen greeting the other in the traditional way of clasping the hands in a prayer-like demeanour with their head slightly bowed.

The Songkran in Thailand

Traditionally, the Songkran festivities last for three days and are a celebration of the religious ritual and cultural heritage of the Thailand people.

The first day of the ritual, April 13th, is used to pay obeisance to Buddha the founder of Buddhism and the religion of the Thailand people, for the blessing of seeing the final moments of the old year. In Thailand, this day is spent in visits to the temple to worship.

The second day of the Songkran, April 14th, is the eve of the new year and is devoted to honouring the aged.

The activity which marks this event is the gentle pouring of water over the hands of older people who then go on to bless the younger generation.

The third day of the event, which marks the beginning of the new year, is marked by participants blessing each other exemplified by pouring water gently on people as a sign of cleansing from the troubles and challenges of the previous year in the hope of beginning the new year afresh and free from the challenges of the previous year.

In recent times however, the water pouring ritual has been modernised into a water fight which brings out the fun and playful aspect of humans forcing participants to relax, enjoy the 'water fight' and be happy.

The new year is also marked with the coming together of Thai families to bond, party to folk music, singing, dance, sharing of art, food

and oral tradition. Tourists from around the world visit Thailand's capital, Bangkok, each year to witness the event for themselves.

For the immigrant Thailand community in Nigeria, the celebration was held on April 13th which marked the beginning of the Songkran festivities.

Colours and Symbols as a Celebration of Thailand Cultural Heritage

Colours and Symbols play an important aspect in the Songkran celebration. Unlike nations who use several methods of aggregating the passage of time, the Songkran celebration is linked to the passage of the movement of the sun to the Aries which in the Zodiac is the beginning of the spherical movement of the sun around the earth.

This alignment with the Solar system through the adoption of the Lunisolar Buddhist calendar is a symbolic alignment to a pearl of higher wisdom in directing the path of the Thailand nation.

Also, Thai participants at the event wore floral print clothes symbolic of spring and the coming of the rainy seasons after the almost unbearable heat of the hottest season and the end of the year 2567.

The water, which is a major feature of the event, is symbolic of the washing away of everything unclean and unwanted and a purification for the new season.

The bright colours of the parasols, the flags and the floating lights are also motifs of the expectations of resplendent goodwill which the participants hope to enter into in the new year.

Other aspects of the Songkran festival such as the dancers, the songs and the food represent a celebration of the rich depths of Thailand culture and are a means of both folk learning and cultural exchange and a deepening of Thailand's cultural heritage.

UNESCO view of Songkran as a means of deepening Thailand's cultural heritage

The United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) has recognised the Songkran as a cultural way by which the Thailand nation celebrates the transition into a new year and recognises the celebration as a way of deepening cultural awareness in the younger generation and inspiring cultural preservation.

Thai Community in Nigeria Collaborates with Orchid House Thai Restaurant CEO

The event was put together by a collaboration between the Thai Community in Nigeria and the Chief Executive Officer, of Orchid House Thai Restaurant, Ms. Nattanee Booncharoen, popularly known as Madam Tukie.

This event is commemorated by Thai nationals all over the world through the convergence of Thai families to bond, share companionship, food, and music and culminate in a water fight. This Songkran would usher the Thai nation into the year 2568.

According to a member of the Thailand Community in Nigeria Coordinating Committee, Mr. Nawapad Wichitchan, the Thailand nation utilises the Buddhist Era calendar in calculating the year and the Songkran is an avenue for Thai families to bond and build stronger family ties.

“The Songkran, the Thai new year, is marked by the coming together of Thai families to celebrate the new year. This is the hottest day in the year in Thailand so the water fight while cooling the

and

Another member of the Coordinating Committee, Ms. Nayufa Dangprasittiforn, explained that as immigrants in Nigeria, the festival is an opportunity for cultural exchange. She added that yearly, the invitation is thrown open to other nationals to participate.

“It is an event in Thailand and UNESCO recognises it as an avenue for cultural exchange. Thai nationals need to celebrate this even if they are far from home and we have a big Thai community in Lagos. People from other nations can participate, enjoy the food, the water fight and give a blessing to each other.”

She said that while the most exciting part of the Songkran is the water fight which has been modernised from its original state, the significance of the ritual as an avenue for blessing loved ones remains.

“Originally we just poured the water on older people softly to give a wish or a blessing. That is the traditional way but it has been developed into a water fight,” she said.

On her part, Ms. Nattanee Booncharoen expressed optimism for future events and stated that in the coming years, she hopes the celebration will be bigger and better.

“In the future, we want to turn this street to these colours (Thai colours) with every restaurant attracted here to join us to make it bigger in the future, coming up maybe next year or two years, all this street will be full of people. That is what we are planning. This year, we want to make people see what we are doing and what we can do.

Giving more insight into the significance of the water fight, she said: "The water washes away the bad luck for last year and makes you come free for the new year. It is like a culture where you pour water on your people with similar meanings like that. But this one we did for long, long years back in Thailand.”

She added that the committee also hopes that the festival achieves its purpose of not just being an annual event but becoming an avenue for cultural exchange for Nigerians and people from other nationalities.

“What we want to do is to hold the Songkran Water Festival in Nigeria also but, when the people we have invited come, we will showcase the food to let them taste our original Thai food on the ground here in Nigeria.

“We will be there to make fun and inbetween the events we have our traditional people come to attend and mix. That is why Songkran is really beautiful.”

Speaking with a Nigerian participant at the event, Mr. James Emoka, he stated that the festival is an opportunity to take a break from life's realities.

“I love to play with water guns. I'm a kid at heart. Though I've known about the Songkran it's my first time coming. It's exciting, mindrejuvenating and quite refreshing. It's very good to just help you forget what you are going through in life, you know how sometimes life can be rocky.”

temperature signifies the passing of the hot season

the transition to the rainy season.”

L-R: Senator Daisy Danjuma; Nattanee booncharoen ‘Madam Tukie’ and Mrs Remi Agbowu during the Thailand Community in Celebrating Thai New Year ‘Song Kran Festival’ held in Lagos on April 13, 2024

Participants at the Thailand Community in Celebrating Thai New Year ‘Song Kran Festival’ held in Lagos on April 13, 2024

Gamin G Week

Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com

Nigeria’s Responsible Online Gambling Efforts: Genuine Progress or Mere Posturing?

Iyke Bede writes that the Nigerian sports betting sector has recorded tremendous shifts in tackling Individuals with Gambling Problems (IWGPs), curbing the menace. Nonetheless, its adoption of innovation seems to have plateaued, citing existing regulatory frameworks as a firewall against irresponsible gambling adhere to stringent rules to promote responsible gambling.

Throughout the annals of history, the excitement tied to gambling has remained a timeless pursuit, depicting human pastimes across the ages. In contemporary times, this form of entertainment manifests in diverse ways: from modest, friendly, inconsequential wagers among acquaintances to one involving a vast, multi-billion-dollar industry spanning sports betting and casinos.

Before the internet revolutionised the gambling landscape, particularly with the emergence of online sports betting sites and casinos utilising existing internet infrastructure, the industry faced significant societal and religious stigma. It primarily entailed visiting a pool house or similar establishment to place wagers. These settings, often characterised by punters with ties to crime gangs, painted gambling activities in a bad light.

Nowadays, one can place a wager from the comfort of their space through mobile devices, win stakes, and cash out said winning directly into financial institutions. This ease, arguably, poses a new challenge — irresponsible gambling. To be sure, irresponsible gambling has always been in existence. However, the ease of access granted on the internet has led to a meteoric rise in the number of individuals with gambling problems (IWGP)

who are harder to track online.

Also, the lack of regulation and enforcement at the early stages of the sports betting and lottery industry led to the proliferation of problem gambling.

By 2005, the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) was enacted into law, allowing regulatory oversight for all gambling activities through its regulatory framework. It is also tasked with licensing and compliance, ensuring all operators

The regulatory body and other state regulatory bodies that sprang up years after, save for the Lagos State Lotteries Board established in 2004, curbed the menace. However, there are loopholes in the system, especially with the revolutionary role of technology that now requires these regulatory agencies to keep up with the pace set by the operators. Despite advancements in the sector following the emergence of NLRC, problem gambling persists, especially in the area of compliance and enforcement.

A study, ‘An Overview of Gambling in Nigeria’ published in 2021 by Chinyere Mirian Aguocha and Sanju George, revealed that 36 per cent of its respondents had gambled, with 53 per cent admitting to gambling daily. The report also revealed that 57.2 per cent of school-age children had gambled at least once, and 58.3 gained unfettered access to gambling dens. Their findings also revealed that between 1 to 8 per cent are prone to problem gambling, which poses a public health concern, necessitating a multi-tiered prevention approach involving stakeholders and policy interventions.

Although operators are required to provide options to punters to help assess if they have gambling issues, these assessment channels to self-exclusion, conditioned by the statutory requirements stated in the Remote Operator Permit Terms and Conditions, merely solve irresponsible gambling head-on.

By law, operators are required to place or state these responsible gambling measures on their websites. However, checks on a handful of gambling sites showed how operators cleverly placed the warnings hidden in plain sight. That is, one has to look for it to access the convoluted pages with embedded links. Even when one successfully self-excludes from a particular operator platform, it doesn’t bar them from visiting other platforms and resuming betting. Consequently, this measure only partially solves the problem of irresponsible gambling.

In the UK, one of the biggest sports betting markets in the world, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) [their version of the NLRC] introduced GamStop, a free self-exclusion platform that requires punters to input their KYC to exclude them from betting on any platform covered by GamStop or licensed in the UK at the time of their choosing. While the GamStop portal was not a perfect tool from the outset, it has steadily recorded success over the years since it was introduced in 2018. In 2022 alone, it recorded a sign-up of 84,000 new players. In 2023, it experienced an 8.9 per cent increase, resulting in 92,000 new sign-ups, of which 55 per cent opted for a five-year exclusion from gambling. Initially, operators were not legally required to come onboard GamStop, but this changed in 2020. With this law in effect, one sign-up

Continued on page 31

In Nigeria, various initiatives have emerged to tackle irresponsible gambling through an evidencebased approach of leveraging extensive advocacy works that majorly target young potential bettors via various media platforms, as well as providing support groups to assist IWGPs. Two such platforms include but are not limited to GambleAlert and Virtually Safe.

Zephaniah Jisalo

Lanre Gbajabiamila

bashir are

Xbox Game Camp Returns to Africa for Second Year Running

Microsoft, through its Africa Transformation Office (ATO), has announced the second edition of Xbox Game Camp in Africa. The event aims to bolster local developer talent and fast-track the growth of the continent’s gaming industry.

The two-day online conference, scheduled for July 16 to 17, will include in-person events in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Casablanca.

Africa is expected to become one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the world, presenting a wealth of business and employment opportunities for the continent’s increasing young population. In fact, the gaming industry in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is projected to reach $1 billion in revenue for the first time in 2024. Indeed, the region’s video game market has shown promising growth over the past few years, bucking the downward trend in global video game activity. In 2022, games sold in the region produced more than $862 million in revenue, representing an 8.7 per cent increase year over year.

Home to the youngest population in the world, Africa’s wealth of emerging talent is expected to help drive continued momentum in game

development, particularly as smartphone ownership is expected to reach 88 per cent in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. However, before this opportunity can be realised, significant hurdles must be overcome.

According to the Africa Games Developer Survey, around 63 per cent of local game developers have five years of development experience or less. At the same time, African gaming professionals struggle to develop financially viable careers, with just 19 per cent ever having secured external investment for their past projects.

A major lack of awareness around the availability of games in Africa also exacerbates the struggle for African developers to monetise gaming. In fact, according to GeoPoll’s Gaming in Africa 2024 Report, 56 per cent of local gamers are completely unaware that games are developed in Africa.

To help aspiring young creators overcome these challenges and tap into the potential of Africa’s burgeoning gaming market, Game Camp aims to alleviate the financial burden that comes with video game development education by offering the conference free of charge to participants.

In fact, Microsoft is aiming to build on the considerable progress made by

the first edition of Game Camp Africa, which 600 game developers across the continent attended.

Off the back of the conference, multiple African-based studios signed up for Microsoft Founders Hub, with local creators such as Kunta Content, the first African Minecraft Marketplace developer, reaching new levels of success.

The Nairobi developer has secured a partnership with the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program to release an Xbox console version of their action game Hiru, which is based on African lore. International video game developers such as 343 Industries also acknowledged the innovative capabilities of local talent in Africa. The studio aims to tap into this potential to create a game development ecosystem with the capacity to contribute meaningfully to AAA game development via outsourcing, co-development, and other potential opportunities.

Now in its second year, Game Camp Africa will again feature workshops on various game development topics, providing young talent the opportunity to learn from industry leaders. For the first time, participants will also have the opportunity to present gaming and business ideas to a panel of experts who will provide them with focused mentorship and coaching.

N IGERIA’ S R ESPONSIBLE O NLINE G AMBLING Eff ORTS : G ENUINE P ROGRESS OR M ERE P OSTURING ?

significantly protects the players across all platforms in the UK.

In fairness, the Nigerian sports betting sector has recorded tremendous shifts in curbing this problem. Nonetheless, its adoption of innovation seems to have plateaued, citing existing regulatory frameworks as a firewall against irresponsible gambling. Understandably, poor data collation for research and development purposes stifles any further advancements. But

hopefully, with the proposed central monitoring system by the NLRC for data collation, a unified system of detecting the activities of punters may come to fruition.

Alternatively, punters in Nigeria have access to mobile apps like Gamban and Betfilter at a discretionary fee. Once installed on the individual’s devices, these apps restrict them from gaining access to all betting sites. But this is not as simple as it seems

because IWGPs can easily uninstall these apps to get a jolt of rush from placing bets with hopes of winning big.

In Nigeria, various initiatives have emerged to tackle irresponsible gambling through an evidence-based approach. These include leveraging extensive advocacy work that majorly targets young potential bettors via various media platforms and providing support groups to assist IWGPs. Two such platforms include

GambleAlert and Virtually Safe. By and large, while Nigeria’s efforts in regulating online gambling through bodies like the NLRC have shown commendable progress in addressing the issue of irresponsible gambling, there remains a clear need for further enhancement. The challenges posed by technological advancements and loopholes in regulatory enforcement demand a multifaceted approach. Emulating successful models like the UK

Using online learning resources, developers can take part remotely via Microsoft Teams as well as through three open-house locations across Africa, including Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Casablanca. These online resources include targeted training modules closely matching developers’ individual skills and interests. Moreover, participants can engage with these modules before and after the event.

“There is extraordinary talent residing across the continent. However, many individuals lack access to the basic tools and resources needed to transform their expertise into successful ventures,” said Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa. “To realise the vast potential presented by gaming, we must begin by narrowing the opportunity divide and levelling the playing field. We believe that by investing in initiatives such as Xbox Game Camp, we can help grow thriving gaming ecosystems by tapping into the amazing talent that has the potential to contribute positively to the broader economy.”

To participate, individuals must be of legal age, reside in any country on the African continent and be studying or working part or full-time in software development, visual arts, 3D, music and audio, web design, narrative design, or professional project management.

Gambling Commission’s GamStop initiative could provide valuable insights.

Additionally, the NLRC’s proposed central monitoring system holds promise for streamlining detection and exclusion measures. Nevertheless, effectively combating irresponsible gambling requires continuous innovation, collaboration among stakeholders, and a steadfast commitment to prioritising responsible gambling practices.

“Before the commission’s intervention, remittance inflows could not exceed N800 million annually. However, when the exercise started in 2020, there was a significant increase in remittance inflows between N1.8 billion and N2.1 billion and the same applied to a number of lottery operators from barely 10, their numbers steadily increased to 48 as of the last count. Let me once again congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment to this high office and to commend you and members of your able team for your exemplary leadership, courage and patriotism in stemming the tide of growing financial crimes in the country.”

–

Bello Maigari,

Executive Secretary/Chief Executive

Officer of the National Lottery Trust Fund, commending the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for helping to widen NLTF’s revenue base through enhanced remittance inflows from N800 million to N2.1 billion annually.

As Nigeria navigates this evolving landscape, initiatives such as GambleAlert and Virtually Safe play crucial roles in raising awareness and providing support, ensuring a safer and more responsible gambling environment for all. Considering the independence and effectiveness of these platforms, the NLRC may benefit from exploring partnerships or adopting similar strategies to bolster its efforts in tackling irresponsible gambling.

FCMB Secures $15m Trade Finance Facility with ITFC

Nume Ekeghe

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has announced a $15 million Master Murabaha Agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group.

The bank in a statement said the agreement, signed during April’s World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia, will strengthen FCMB’s support of Nigeria’s trade finance sector.

The funds, it said, will facilitate the import and export of agricultural products, machinery, essential commodities, raw materials, and alternative

energy solutions. “This move aligns with FCMB’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in Nigeria. This agreement affirms FCMB’s commitment to driving sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. By investing in critical sectors like agribusiness and renewable energy, we’re not just strengthening our position, we’re contributing to a more robust and resilient Nigerian economy that can confidently engage globally,” said Yemisi Edun, Managing Director of FCMB

FCMB’s Divisional Head of Treasury and International Banking, Gerald Ikem, emphasised the partnership’s significance:

“This collaboration with ITFC signifies more than just international recognition of FCMB and Nigeria’s economic potential. It equips us with the resources needed to drive growth in vital sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. It reinforces our dedication to fostering sustainable and inclusive economic progress throughout the country.”

The ITFC, established in 2008 to advance and facilitate international trade, has provided $69 billion of financing to various countries. It is crucial in promoting economic development and reducing poverty through trade-led growth.

Stakeholders Applaud Alaro for Repositioning Nigeria’s Economy

It was a gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders across the private and public sectors at the recently held Alaro City Trade Summit, to discuss strategies to transform the Nigerian business ecosystem into one that is production driven.

Alaro City Managing Director, Yomi Ademola stated that Alaro City has been deliberate in its efforts to provide an enabling environment for businesses.

Critical road infrastructure investments within Alaro City and connections to the Lekki

Expressway and Deep Sea Port allow businesses to optimize manufacturing and foster trade with partners across Nigeria and around the world. He added that businesses enjoy an increase in profit of approximately 43% from the various Free Zone tax incentives when they establish their businesses in Alaro City, “he said.

Ademola further stated that Alaro City has a good track record of productivity with SMEs, international companies, multinationals, and domestic players as a distribution and production hub.

Also speaking at the event,

the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Lagos State, Mr Mosopefolu George, stated that the Lagos State Government was proud of the level of progress made in Alaro City, especially from the project kick-off to the current level of export activities.

He stated that the Lekki Free Zone in which Alaro City operates is within the fastest growing corridor in West Africa, hence the deliberate investment by the Government in critical developments, which include road upgrades, transportation and the 4th Mainland bridge for seamless accessibility.

UNILAG, Foundation Partners to Equip NigerianYouths

The Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Center (ESDC), have partnered to equip young Nigerian innovators with the requisite tools vital to showcase their inventive and entrepreneurial spirit.

The move according to both organisations was to bridge the gap between education and realworld business applications, in a bid to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs equipped to address contemporary challenges.

In a statement to announce its just concluded second edition of the Business Innovation and Talent Expression (BITE) programme, the BITE initiative exemplifies the potential of young Nigerians and the significance of providing platforms that empower them to translate their ideas into viable business solutions.

“This distinctive initiative was designed to integrate traditional education with practical busi-

ness solutions, culminating in a captivating competition that showcased the inventive and entrepreneurial spirit of young Nigerian students,” the statement said.

According to the report, the BITE programme attracted over 300 budding innovators who submitted their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of esteemed judges as these innovative concepts spanned various sectors, from cutting-edge technological solutions in healthcare and agriculture to ingenious approaches addressing everyday challenges.

The panel, comprising industry experts and business leaders, was thoroughly impressed by the creativity and potential demonstrated by the participants.

Expressing gratitude, Father Chow remarked, “We started in January 2022 and we sold out over 843 packs of our Bread Sandwich in 10 days…I am grateful to God for this opportunity and the

Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation, it’s a dream come true to win this funding. With this, we will be able to scale and expand to get bicycles to run deliveries and do more on the marketing side”

The Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation, renowned for its dedication to nurturing young talents and fostering innovation, played a pivotal role in the success of the BITE programme.

The venture underscores the Foundation’s commitment to creating an environment where academic knowledge and practical business acumen coexist, fostering sustainable development in Nigeria.

“We are extremely proud of our effort to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, exemplifying our commitment to nurturing talent and forward thinking leadership. We are looking forward to the 3rd edition happening in Ibadan later this year,” the Executive Director, Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation, Olawunmi Fajemirokun said.

BMI City’s Entrepreneurship Education to Build Future Leaders

BMI CTY has held its entrepreneurship education program dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial skills in young Nigerians. It was themed, “Incubating African Kid Entrepreneurs for Next Generational Impact,” and targets children aged 7 to 14.

Chairman of BMI-CTY, Nnamdi Unachukwu, spearheaded the event, emphasising its importance as a significant milestone in addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

Unachukwu stressed the need for early entrepreneurial education to empower the next generation, believing that equipping young minds with entrepreneurial skills

and a growth mindset can drive economic development and innovation in Nigeria. By nurturing young entrepreneurs, the initiative aims to create a future generation capable of tackling socio-economic issues with innovative solutions and leadership.

He further expressed that, “Our initiative calls for significant educational reforms to mold the minds of young Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas. We aim to reduce poverty, fraud, unemployment, and insecurity through entrepreneurship education.”

Unachukwu emphasised the

MARKET INDICATORS

importance of collaboration with various state agencies, federal and state ministries of education, and the Universal Basic Education Boards across multiple states.

The event featured notable insights from experts and stakeholders. Dr. Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Business Innovation Accelerator at Lagos Business School, lauded the initiative, asserting that entrepreneurial education is crucial for fostering self-reliant individuals who can create opportunities rather than solely seeking employment.

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00

following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), 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).

L-R: World Bank Consultant, Gbenga Babalola; National Project Coordinator, Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Aminu Mohammed; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Sakirudeen Salam; Commissioner for Rural Development, Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan; Task Team Lead (TTL),World Bank, Olatunji Ahmed and Acting Project Coordinator, Ogun RAAMP, Waheed Adejumo during the opening of a four-day 7th Implementation Support Pre-Mission in Abeokuta, Ogun State..recently

Kayode Tokede

Stock Market Appreciates by N132.01bn to Halt Two-days of Profit-taking

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market yesterday halted its two days profit-taking by investors, as gains in Nestle Nigeria Plc and 17 others pushed the overall market capitalization up by N132.01billion.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) gained 233.36 basis points or 0.24 per cent to close at 99,284.38 basis points from

99,051.02 basis points. The 0.24 per cent NGX ASII gain brings the market’s Yearto-Date growth to 32.8per cent. Also, market capitalisation rose by N132.01 billion to close at N56.164 trillion from N56.031 trillion it opened for trading.

Sectoral performance was broadly positive, as the NGX Banking Index added 2.5per cent, NGX Oil & Gas Index appreciated by 0.3per cent and NGX Consumer Goods Index

gained 0.2per cent, while the NGX Insurance Index depreciated by 1.5pepr cent.

Meanwhile, the NGX Industrial Goods index closed flat at 4,690.02 basis points

However, investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth was negative, as 18 stocks gained relative to 24 losers. Eterna emerged the highest price gainer of 9.80 per cent to close at N13.45, per share. Red Star Express followed with a

gain of 9.76 per cent to close at N3.71, while Stanbic IBTC Holdings rose by 9.62 per cent to close at N57.00, per share. Fidelity Bank advanced by 8.00 per cent to close at N10.80, while International Breweries rose by 7.84 per cent to close at N3.99, per share.

On the other side, Oando led others on the losers’ chart with 9.86 per cent to close at N12.80, while Linkage Assurance followed with a decline

of 9.41 per cent to close at 77 kobo, per share.

Veritas Kapital Assurance went down by 8.70 per cent to close at 63 kobo, while Wapic Insurance depreciated by 8.57 per cent to close at 64 kobo, per share.

The total volume traded declined by 11.3 per cent to 308.136 million units, valued at N4.863 billion, and exchanged in 7,690 deals. Transactions in the shares of Fidelity Bank led the activity with 84.050 million shares worth N883.222 million. Oando followed with account of 52.519 million shares valued at N710.806 million, while Veritas Kapital Assurance traded 19.403 million shares valued at N12.446 million. Unity Bank traded 11.977 million shares worth N15.378 million, while Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) traded 11.130 million shares worth N117.665 million.

Thisday Afrinvest Index up 0.7%

Thisday Afrinvest 40 index rose 0.7% to print at 4,012.60 points due to price uptick in ZENITH (+2.8%), ETI (+4.8%), and FBNH (+2.3%). Cumulatively, these stocks account for 14.2% of the index.

Banking Bellwethers Halt Downtrend... ASI up 0.2%

In line with our projection, the local bourse yesterday halted its two day downtrend, as gains in STANBIC (+9.6%), ZENITH (+2.8%), and FIDELITY (+8.0%), pushed the NGX ASI up 0.2% to 99,284.38 points. As a result, YTD return increased to 32.8% (previously 32.5%), while market capitalisation gained 0.2% to ₦56.2tn. Activity level weakened as volume and value traded declined 11.3% and 36.5% to 308.1m units and ₦4.9bn, respectively

Mixed Sector Performance

Performance across sectors within our purview was mixed albeit positively tilted, as three indices gained, two lost while the AFR ICT index closed flat. Leading the gainers, the Banking index rose 2.5% spurred by buy interest in STANBIC (+9.6%) and ZENITH (+2.8%). Following, the Oil & Gas and Consumer Goods indices gained 0.3% and 0.2% respectively buoyed by price uptick in ETERNA (+9.8%), INTBREW (+7.8%) and NESTLE (+0.6%). On the flip side, selloffs on NEM ( 5.9%), WAPIC ( 8.6%) and CUTIX ( 6.9%) dragged the Insurance and Industrial Goods indices down 1.5% and 1bp, respectively

Outlook

Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth, weakened to 0.10x (previously 0.07x), as 18 stocks advanced, 26 declined, while 80 closed flat. Today we anticipate mild gains on the bourse as investors cherry pick stocks with compelling prices.

Thursday, June 6, 2024

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

INVESTITURE CEREMONY...

Alleged Bribery: Court Orders Substituted Service on Ganduje, Wife, Four Others

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano Justice Amina Adamu of Kano State High Court 7 has granted court order to serve National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat, son and four others through substituted means.

In her ruling on Wednesday in Kano, Adamu ordered that the defendants, Ganduje, his wife, son and four other defendants, be served through substituted means, with the publication on the pages of two national newspapers.

Others charged along with Ganduje are Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, Lasage General Enterprises Limited, Abubakar Bawuro, and Jibrilla Muhammad. They were charged with an eight-count of bribery, misappropriation, and division of public funds running into billions of naira.

The case before a Kano High Court 4, sitting at Audu Bako, presided over by Justice Usman Na’abba, was transferred to Court 7, sitting at Miller Road, presided over by Adamu.

The Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission

(PCACC) in the state had dragged Ganduje and others to the court on charges bordering on alleged corruption.

Adamu gave the order following an application by the counsel to the state government, Zahradeen Kofar-Mata, who stood in for the led prosecution counsel, Ya'u Adamu Esq.

It would be recalled that the sixth respondent counsel, Nureini Jimoh, SAN, had challenged the appearance of the led prosecution counsel, Yau Adamu, on the ground that there was a fiat given to a specific person and only that person could appear.

The led prosecution counsel informed the court that since his appearance had been challenged, a member of the team, Zahradeen Kofar-Mata, will move the application on motion ex-parte.

He stated, "I have my fiat but it is not here with me since I didn't anticipate this. Since my appearance has been challenged. Barrister Zahradeen Kofar-Mata will move the application on the motion ex-parte.

“My lord, Kofar-Mata has a fiat to appear in any matter concerning financial crime.”

Gombe Airport Handover: Governor Yahaya Receives FG's Joint-delegation

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has received a joint-delegation from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to complete the processes of the takeover of Gombe International Airport, Lawanti, by the federal government.

The team met with the governor, Wednesday, to inform him of the purpose of their visit which they said marked the final step in the documentation of the handover processes having completed the task of the final assessment of the facility.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya informed his visitors that his administration would be pleased to see the takeover processes completed, lamenting the delay which has resulted in the process taking nearly three years since its commencement three years ago.

He also expressed gratitude to both the Ministers of Aviation and his Housing counterparts,

Festus Keyamo and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, respectively, for their commitment to ensuring the continuity of the process to this stage.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Surv. Abdulaziz Bello, from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, expressed the delegation's appreciation for the hospitality and support extended to them throughout the exercise.

He commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his significant strides in providing infrastructure and improving security, stating that the delegation toured some parts of the state and witnessed the remarkable level of development Gombe is experiencing under his leadership.

The team also acknowledged the cooperation of the Gombe State government, particularly through the Director General/ Sole Administrator of Gombe International Airport, Engr. Muhammad Dauda Abubakar, which has been instrumental in accelerating the completion of their assessment tour.

Based on that, Kofa-Mata moved the motion ex-parte dated May 29, supported by seven paragraphs affidavit seeking to serve the respondents through substituted means by publication

in two national dailies with wide circulation.

In his response, Jimoh objected the motion ex-parte seeking to serve the respondents through substituted means.

But Adamu overruled Jimoh and granted the order that Ganduje, second, third, fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth respondents be served through substituted means on the pages of two national dailies with wide circulation. Adamu adjourned the case till July 11, 2024, for hearing and ordered all parties involved to present their individual fiat to the court.

Tinubu Vows to Continue Prioritising Infrastructure Upgrade Nationwide

Thumbs up FCTA under Wike

President Bola Tinubu has vowed to initiate more development projects to meet the evolving needs of Nigeria's burgeoning population, saying his administration was prioritising infrastructure upgrades as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking yesterday, while inaugurating the Extended Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) to Southern Parkway S8/S9 in Abuja, he said the event marked the fourth completed road project unveiled by the FCT administration within a year.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said, “In the coming months and years, we will continue to prioritise infrastructure development as a cornerstone of our Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We remain committed to delivering on promises of empowering

our people and delivering a nation that can all be proud of.”

Lauding the federal government's accelerated infrastructure development drive, he extolled the work ethics of the FCT administration under Nyesom Wike, commending their hard work and commitment in delivering critical road projects within a year of assuming office.

"We are filled with gratitude to Barrister Nyesom Wike and his team for their dedication and hard work in making this road a reality," Tinubu said.

He added: “Wike is one of the best appointments ever made in the history of the current democratic dispensation in this country and we have to commend Mr. President for the wisdom and the courage to appoint Barrister Nyesom Wike as Minister of the FCT.

“There were loud protests when his name was initially mentioned, but I believe all my brothers and sisters who opposed his appointment are now hailing him. He’s an exemplary leader, worthy of

emulation by us all.

“He’s a very mercurial partner, unfortunately, leadership has turned down that tempo. But now he has stopped dancing, but he has stopped singing, but he is still performing,”

The newly inaugurated ISEX extension, according to the President, represented a significant stride in bridging the urban-rural divide and driving economic growth across the nation. "It symbolizes connectivity, accessibility and opportunity and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that development reaches every corner of our great nation," he added.

Tinubu, expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts between the federal government and the FCT administration would yield more successes, enabling seamless movement of people and goods, while catalysing economic activities nationwide.

Speaking earlier, Wike, thanked the President for honouring the invitation to inaugurate FCT inner road projects, saying the

event was the 6th inauguration since the commencement of events marking the one-year anniversary of President Tinubu.

According to him, while the completed project was awarded by the previous administration in January 2010 at the cost of N17 billion and was increased to N18 billion in 2023, the contractor can testify that the government is not owing them for the project.

“For the purposes of record there are some of the projects that were completed which we think it is not necessary for us to inaugurate but it is important to let us know some of these projects,” the Minister explained.

Highlighting some of the projects completed within the one year of the Tinubu administration, Wike revealed that before President Tinubu came in, the previous administration had awarded the first phase of the National Assembly complex, noting that it has been completed and the lawmakers have returned to their chambers.

House to FG: Consider Fixing Realistic Living Wage for Workers

Adedayo

Emma

Akinwale

in Abuja and

Okonji in Lagos

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to redirect the focus of the negotiations from fixing a new minimum wage to fixing a realistic living wage for Nigerians.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion on urgent need to consider the imperativeness of fixing a living wage for Nigerian workers in order to ameliorate current economic hardship.

Presenting the motion at plenary yesterday, Minority Whip, Hon. Isa Ali, was of the opinion that global

economic outlook as well as recent socio-economic policies of government resulted in inflation, increase in electricity tariff, currency devaluation and other diverse economic consequences especially for Nigerian workers.

The lawmaker noted that the federal government had been locked in negotiations with labour unions towards the upward review of the minimum wage for some time, without any agreement, leading to a recent interruption in the negotiations. Ali, commended the federal government for showing absolute commitment by imploring the labour unions to return to the negotiation

table. He recalled that the National Assembly repealed and enacted the national minimum wage Act 2019 to fix the minimum wage at N30,000 even when the Executive arm had suggested N27, 000 at the time.

Ali, said in line with Section 3(4) of the Act, the extant minimum wage which commenced on April 18, 2019, expired after five years on April 18, 2024, thereby calling for a further review of the existing Act.

He pointed out that the implication of payment of N35,000 wage award by the federal government to public servants as one of the ways of cushioning the effects of current

economic hardship, including the May 1 pronouncement of percentage increases in salaries of civil servants for the time being, increased the minimum wage to N87 000. The lawmaker stressed that the organised labour demanded for a living wage as against the minimum wage to meet today’s economic realities

The House commended organised labour for their commitment towards negotiating a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers at this very critical period and resolve to call off the strike in the interim.

Deji Elumoye and Wale Ajimotokan in Abuja

L-R: Vice President, Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Haruna Yahaya; Registrar/Chief Executive (ICAN), Musibau Olasunkanmi; the new President, Davidson Alaribe; immediate past President, Innocent Okwuosa; and First Deputy Vice President, Queensley Seghosime, during the investiture of Alaribe as the Diamond President of the Institute in Lagos…yesterday

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL VIEWING EVENT...

L-R: Nigerian football legend, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha; Country Manager and Area Business Head for West Africa, Mastercard, Folasade Femi-Lawal; Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, United Bank for Africa PLC, Shamsideen Fashola; and Marketing Director, West Africa, Mastercard, Ide Dima-Okojie, at the exclusive Mastercard UEFA Champions League

Centre in Lagos... at the weekend

PDP Counters Atiku, Obi Alliance Discussions,

Denies Merger Talks with Any Political Party

The National Working Committee (NWC) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday stated that it was not in any alliance talks with any political party, in a categorical rebuff of widely speculated alliance talks between its presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi.

In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, after its 587th meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the party said it was not engaged in any merger, fusion or amalgamation talks with any political party or interest.

According to Ologunagba, "While the PDP, as a truly people’s party,

is open and welcoming to all Nigerians, including our former members who left for other parties, we state that our party remains strong and formidable, capable of winning elections in a free, fair and transparent electoral process in our country."

He added, "The NWC acknowledges the influx of millions of Nigerians into our party in the on-going party membership drive in all the electoral wards across the country; which further confirms that the PDP remains the party of choice for majority of Nigerians.

"The public, teeming members of our great party, democracy institutions and, of course, the international community should, therefore, disregard any report

suggesting any form of merger between the PDP and any other political party, as such is not in the contemplation of our great party."

Obi had last month held a closeddoor meeting in Abuja with Atiku and a number of PDP stalwarts.

The LP presidential candidate also met separately with a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, a development that sparked speculation about a potential coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi was a member of PDP until 2022, when he defected to LP to pursue his presidential ambition.

He came third, behind Atiku in the February 23 presidential election, which was won by Bola Tinubu of

All Progressives Congress (APC).

Pundits argued that Atiku’s 6,984,520 votes and Obi’s 6,101,533 votes would have secured victory against Tinubu, who garnered 8,794,726 votes.

The meeting was the first time since after the election that Obi and Atiku would be meeting to public knowledge.

In 2019, both Atiku and Obi ran on the PDP joint ticket but were defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari of APC.

But due to internal conflicts, Obi, who served as Atiku’s running mate in 2019, left PDP and contested the 2023 presidential election as the candidate of LP.

Speaking with news men after the meeting, Atiku’s media adviser,

Nigeria Police Appoints First Female Force Secretary, AIG Longe, Arase Rues Poor Image

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

The Nigeria Police, under the leadership of Inspector-General (IG) of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed the first female Force Secretary, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Yetunde Longe. Force spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement yesterday, said the historic appointment was in furtherance of the IG's vision to ensure gender inclusivity and equality in all aspects of appointments and operations within the Nigeria Police.

Adejobi said Longe brought a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role.

He stated, "Since her appointment as a Cadet ASP on March 3, 1990, AIG Long has demonstrated exceptional dedication and competence across various capacities within the NPF.

“She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Toxicology, which has significantly contributed to her proficiency in crime management and investigation.

“Her professional development is further enriched by her participation in advanced courses, such as the Advanced Detective Course and Intermediate Command Course at Police Staff College, Jos, and the Protection of Civilians course in Italy.

"Throughout her illustrious career, AIG Longe has held several key positions, including Administrative Officer, Crime Officer, Commandant in Lagos, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Corporate Investment at the NPF Cooperative; Area Commander in Lagos, Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State

Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in both Bauchi and Lagos States, and DCP Admin at Zone 2, Lagos."

The force spokesperson stated that prior to her new appointment, Longe also served as Commissioner of Police for the Port Authority Police, Eastern Command, Port Harcourt, and later Assistant Inspector-General of Police in the Department of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The statement said the IG reiterated that gender sensitivity in police appointments and operations remained a non-negotiable principle, as his administration was poised to promote gender equality and empower female officers to attain leadership positions within the force.

The IG also noted that the inclusion of women in strategic roles was crucial for the comprehensive development and effectiveness of the police force, assuring that the force will continue to foster an inclusive environment where merit and capability are the primary criteria for advancement, irrespective of gender.

In another development, Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Arase, lamented the deteriorating image of the Nigerian Police.

Arase said the current image of the force, which the authorities were assiduously trying to salvage, did not deteriorate overnight.

He expressed the worries at the plenary meeting of the Police Recruitment Board.

The PSC chairman also explained that the bad image was not solely the result of mismanagement or poor welfare. He regretted that the good

image of the force was significantly mutilated by the quality of personnel recruited into its fold over the years.

He noted that the Nigeria Police stood as a microcosm of Nigeria's diverse and vibrant nature, stressing that it is, perhaps, the only institution that has had, at one time or another, one person from every village, town, and local government area of Nigeria within its ranks.

This distinctive representation, Arase said, underscored the fundamental role that the Nigeria Police played in unifying the country's diverse cultures and communities.

On the ongoing recruitment exercise, the PSC chairman said, "Recruitment into the Nigeria Police

Reps

Force is not just a routine exercise, it is the bedrock upon which the safety, security, and integrity of our nation rest. It is a recurrent event that must be handled each time with utmost seriousness and meticulousness.

“Public and policy analysts have so often pointed out that political and external influences in the police recruitment process have contributed excessively to the myriad challenges the force faces today. While the Nigeria Police Force has produced some of the brilliant officers we proudly speak of, these outstanding individuals are simply not enough, and we must change that!

“This dearth can be traced back to the recruitment process.

Paul Ibe, suggested the potential for a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The aide also confirmed that Obi’s meeting with Atiku lasted approximately 20 minutes.

Ibe stated, “Yes, Peter Obi visited Atiku Abubakar. They met for about 20 minutes behind closed-doors; so, we wouldn’t know what was said, and they didn’t disclose anything to us. “Since Atiku Abubakar mentioned coalition discussions and such, I believe that both of them must have been engaged in dialogue. And I did mention that they wouldn’t be discussing it in the media. So, they have, indeed, been in discussions and it is just a matter of those discussions bearing fruit.”

JAMB Decries Low Turnout as 2024 DE Registration Draws to a Close

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has expressed worry over the low turnout of candidates as the 2024 Direct Entry registration draws to a close It would be recalled that in a bid to ensure that all desiring 2024 Direct Entry (DE) candidates register for the exercise, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had approved extra registration points apart from the Professional Registration Centres (PRCs), which are JAMB-owned centres, in Lagos, Kwara, Osun and Osun States.

In a statement on Tuesday by JAMB Spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the gesture was to ensure that every eligible candidate is given the opportunity to realise their dreams of registering for the exercise.

According to him, “However, findings from the field indicate that the expansion of registration centres was needless as the turnout in JKK Lagos, JAMB PRC, Ikoyi and Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, is low, which is indicative of the fact that almost all prospective DE candidates had

Urge Security Agencies

to

successfully registered.

“For instance, in some of these extra designated registration centres, less than ten candidates had presented themselves for registration, whereas the installed capacity of such centres was over 100 candidates per day.

“This notwithstanding, eligible candidates wishing to register for the 2024 DE are urged to take advantage of this window of opportunity to register as no further extension would be entertained by the Board.” According to him, the general public is also invited to take note of these extra registration points provided by the board and the unexpected near zero turnout of prospective DE candidates at these registration facilities as the board would not listen to any further call for extension when it eventually closes the exercise on Monday, 17th June, 2024.

Similarly, candidates who are scheduled for the 2024 Supplementary UTME are to note that the examination is scheduled to hold between Friday, 21st and Saturday, 22nd June, 2024 (two days).

Investigate Killing of Military Personnel Across Nigeria

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives has mandated the security agencies to conduct a thorough and wholesome investigation into the circumstances that led to the killing of military personnel on peace missions across the country.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance on the need to stop the incessant and gruesome killing of military personnel on peace missions across the country, moved by Hon. Makki Yalleman at plenary on Wednesday.

Yalleman stated with deep sadness the needless murder of military personnel, who were often on peace missions across the country. He said this act of attacking and killing military personnel was often carried out through surprise attacks on military formations, including checkpoints and even those on routine patrols.

According to him, "In the recent brutal attack on military personnel at a checkpoint at Obikabia Junction in Aba, Abia State, where five soldiers were horrendously murdered by suspected gunmen, the perpetrators

of the act destroyed and burnt down the military vehicles at the checkpoint while some soldiers narrowly escaped with gunshot injuries."

The lawmaker further stated that these military personnel were on a peace mission in their service to their fatherland and ensuring the security of lives and property in that area.

Yalleman stated that it was distressing that “this form of attack and killing of military personnel by gunmen in the South-east and other parts of Nigeria has a potential of dampening the morale of our

armed forces, endangering the lives and property of Nigerians and affecting the war on insecurity, which has so far recorded some successes."

He added that it could also lead to retaliatory attack by the military and cause huge collateral damage on the people.

The House, after observing a minute silence for the souls of the five military personnel killed in the horrendous incident, mandated its Committees on Defence to interface with the armed forces to ensure compliance and report to the House within four weeks.

final viewing event at the Landmark

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

ACCELERATING AFRICA VIA TECH ADVANCEMENT...

L-R: Co-founder, Accelerate Africa and Founding Partner, Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, Bank of America, Yvonne Ike; Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Sterling

Abubakar Sulaiman; Managing Partner of CE-IV, Yomi Awobokun; General Partner, Acasia Ventures, and President, Lagos Angel Network, Biola Alabi, at the

Summit and Accelerate Africa, held in Lagos, last week

Edo Guber: APC, PDP Trade Accusations over Alleged Hijack of CVR Exercise

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Edo State chapters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) are at loggerheads over alleged hijack of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ahead of the September 21 governorship election.

The exercise, which started on May 27 in Edo and Ondo states, and was expected to end on June 5, but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) extended it till June 9.

Speaking on the exercise on Wednesday, Edo State APC Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae, said his party already advocated for an

extension of the exercise even before it began, stating that it would give more people the chance to register.

Uwadiae alleged that the ruling PDP in the state had hijacked the process with those who professed to be PDP members getting registered.

According to him, "It is the level playing ground, which has not been provided for all the parties to get their people registered that we are bothered about. PDP has been a stumbling block to other parties registering their members.

"It is unfortunate that you go to a registration centre and they will be asking you which party do you belong?

"At this time of registration, the

issue of party should not assume this proportion. The reason why you see that there are still many people yet to register is because of the idea that is being pushed that if you are not a PDP member, you cannot register.

"Even with the extension, the problem will still be there with the government of the day monopolising the issue of registration."

But in a swift reaction, Deputy Director General (Media) of the PDP Campaign Council, Mr. Olu Martin, said APC's allegation was merely meant to destroy or weaken the electoral institutions.

Martin said, "Let me say that as a party, we are worried that

individuals who ought to know destroy or weaken our political institutions because they want to score cheap points.

"The implications of what APC has done with this spurious allegation is that it is saying the Independent National Electoral Commission has been compromised.

"If they are saying that the INEC cannot carry out a simple CVR task, then what becomes of a cumbersome task of conducting a governorship election.

"I have never seen a PVC with APC or PDP written on it. Let's even assume that there can be a level of influence in the ongoing CVR, it shows that the APC do not

Edo Government Moves to Develop 521-unit Housing Estate in Ekpoma

The Edo State Development and Property Corporation (ESDPC) has entered into a partnership with Maximpact Global Ventures Limited for the development of a 521 housing-unit estate in Ekpoma to be known as Esan Garden City Estate.

have capacity to convince people to register.

"There is no evidence to prove what they are saying. If people are encouraged to vote, but the party they belong is not written

on their heads.

"My fear is that APC has achieved over the years a seeming expertise of demeaning institutions. If you can demean INEC, what then becomes of their independence."

Envoy Canvasses Dance as Tool to Advance ChinaNigeria Bilateral Relations

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Chargé D'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhang Yi, has said China and Nigeria should leverage dance culture to promote diplomatic relations between the two countries.

ESDPC Managing Director, John Zedomi, said the development would commence soon, noting that it would be the corporation’s first development outside Edo South Senatorial District.

He said: “As a corporation, this is the first major project we are taking outside of Edo South Senatorial District. We expect the firm to deliver 100 units in the first

The project is in furtherance of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s drive to reinvigorate the state’s real estate sector by pioneering affordable housing schemes in different cities across the State.

phase by the end of 2024. We are excited that this project will open up possibilities, attract investments and infrastructure development as well as create jobs in the local community.”

The Managing Director, Mazimpact Global Ventures Limited, Dr. Eromonsele Peter, assured that the project will be delivered on schedule, stating that he was happy to be making his contribution to the development of the State.

The project is expected to provide affordable housing options to civil servants and low-income earners in the Edo Central Senatorial District. It is coming on the back of the steady offtake of the Emotan Gardens Estate in Benin City.

The projects are intended to catalyse the development of the State’s real estate sector, which has continued to grow with nuanced reforms implemented by the state.

House Investigates Killing of Nigerian in South Africa

The House of Representatives has resolved

probe the

The decision of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved at the plenary on Wednesday by Hon. Tochukwu Orere. Moving the motion, the lawmaker expressed concern about the recent reports of unlawful killings, torture, and inhumane treatment of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa.

Zhang gave the advice on Thursday during the “Energy China - Nigeria Dance Competition” hosted by the Chinese Embassy in collaboration with China Energy International Group Nigeria Co. Ltd, among others.

He noted that dance has long been recognized as a universal language that transcends cultural differences and communicates emotions and stories in a powerful and evocative way.

He said: “We believe that dance expresses our feelings, our love, and also our passion towards life.

“Dance culture serves as a powerful means of expression and communication, breaking down barriers and promoting cooperation and understanding between nations.

“By bringing together talented dancers from both nations, we believe the competition will highlight the beauty and artistry of traditional dance forms and showcase the shared values and traditions that unite the two countries.”

Also speaking, President of Society of Nigerian Artists and President of China Alumni Association, Mr. Muhammad Sulaiman, said that China and Nigeria have a long history of diplomatic relations characterized by mutual respect, cooperation, and friendship.

He said: “Over the years, both countries have engaged in various collaborative efforts spanning trade, infrastructure development, education, and cultural exchanges.

“The China-Nigeria Dance Competition represents a continuation of this productive partnership and a significant step towards strengthening people-to-people ties.”

Orere expressed disappointment and condemnation of these avoidable actions by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), which are a violation of human rights and the rule of law.

He stressed that Section 11 of the South African Constitution guarantees the right to life and as such, upholds the dignity of human life; hence being a democratic state, it is obligated to treat all people with dignity and afford full protection of the law, regardless of nationality, color, or creed, especially by law enforcement officers.

Orere expressed concern that the recent tragic and painful death of Nwoko was yet another harrowing

He explained that Nwoko, 43, well known as Jeff, was allegedly murdered while in the custody of South African security officials in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, South Africa.

example of the severe mistreatment Nigerians face overseas.

He added: “Saddened that Nigerian lives are continuously devalued and disregarded, even in nations that claim to uphold democratic values and the rule of law. South Africa, a nation we once looked to as a beacon of hope and progress, now stands as a stark reminder of the systemic injustice and abuse our people suffer abroad.

“Believes that we cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the plight of our citizens in the Diaspora. Their cries for help and justice can no longer go unanswered. We must take decisive action to protect the lives, rights, and welfare of all Nigerians, regardless of where they reside.”

Orere stressed the need to engage

with the relevant authorities in South Africa, including the South African government and law enforcement agencies, to ensure that justice is served, and measures are taken to properly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Nwoko.

He said the government owes it to her citizens, both home and abroad, to take a stand against the systemic injustice and abuse they face.

The House called on the federal government to prioritise the protection of the lives of Nigerians living abroad and leave no stone unturned in pursuit of justice for Nigerians who have suffered injustice and oppression in the hands of foreign nationals.

“China and Nigeria have the potential to foster greater cultural exchange and communication through dance, despite their differences in language, religion, and ethnicity.

“Therefore, the need for the two countries to use dance as a way to deepen relations between them for mutual benefits.”

In his remarks, the Managing Director, China Energy, Mr. Li Baisheng, said that dance provides an avenue to appreciate the rich cultural heritage and diversity of both China and Nigeria while creating a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.

On his part, the Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Li Xuda, expressed his appreciation for the platform provided for artists to encourage their active participation in promoting dance.

Li also encouraged other Chinese companies to be actively involved in cultural exchange activities to build a stronger relationship between China and Nigeria.

Prizes were given to winners in different categories, with Bwari dance group winning the first position from the Nigerian side with a cash prize of N500,000 and Wang Ao, the overall winner from the Chinese side equally going home with N500,000. The second and third place winners got N200,000 and N100,000 each from both groups.

He said: “We are not only focusing on infrastructure but also committed to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation through cultural exchange.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

to

killing of Mr. Ebuka Nwoko in South Africa Africa and other cases of unlawful killings and torture of Nigerians living in diaspora.

Bank,

BOOSTING WASH ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME…

L-R: Global Head, External Communications and Government Affairs, Reckitt, Patty O’Hayer; Founder, Project T, Christopher Ibrahim, and President/Founder, The Wellbeing Foundation, Toyin Saraki, during the presentation of the N6.3 million seed funding cheque at the conclusion of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene(WASH) Accelerator Programme in Lagos…recently

Military Task Force Assures Plateau Farmers of Security against Attacks

Authorities

Seriki Adinoyi injosandIbrahim Oyewale inLokoja

Military Task Force in Plateau State (Operation Safe Haven) has assured farmers in the state of a secured farming season, adding that the step was necessary and critical for food security in the country.

release eight rescued varsity students to Ododo

In another development, military authorities have released the eight rescued students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, who were abducted by kidnappers recently, to the state Governor, Usman Ododo.

Addressing stakeholders at a oneday seminar for stakeholders towards a successful farming season in Plateau State and some local government areas in Bauchi and Kaduna States, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigeria Army and Commander of Operation Safe

Niger Says 14 Miners Still Trapped

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Niger State Government has said that 14 miners are still trapped following last Monday’s collapse of a mine in Galkogo village in the Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

A statement that was issued by the state government contradicted an earlier one that was issued by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA, in which 30 miners were said to have been trapped.

However, the government’s

statement, which emanated from the Ministry of Mineral Resources (MMR), confirmed that six people were rescued from the collapsed mine. It added that the number and names of trapped miners were sourced from the district head of Galkogo.

A statement by the Information Officer of the MMR, Debie Maureen, after a visit to the mine site by the Commissioners for Mineral Resources and that of Humanitarian Affairs yesterday, said that rescue operation was still ongoing.

‘Our Goal is to Transform Nigeria’s Real Estate Sector’

A real estate company, Palton Morgan Holdings, has reaffirmed its commitment to revolutionising and transforming the nation’s real estate industry with landmark projects tailored to meet the housing needs of Nigerians, particularly in the middle and upper echelons.

The company said in a statement the launch of its latest project, The Kadars Gate, underscores its unwavering vision.

The company emphasised that The Kadars Gate, alongside two other extraordinary projects, symbolised its dedication to creating lasting legacies.

“Each structure exemplifies

what can be accomplished when vision meets execution. This groundbreaking development represents luxury and opulence for Nigeria’s elites, setting a new benchmark for high-end living,” it said.

Commenting, Director of Projects and Development of Palton Morgan Holdings, Peter Raven, said:”At Kadars Gate , we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled construction quality. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every detail is meticulously crafted, providing our clients with homes that stand the test of time. Quality isn’t just a standard; it’s our promise.”

Katsina Unveils N5bn MSMEs Growth Fund

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Government has launched N5 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) growth fund and Dikko Business Development Service (Dikko BDS) to enhance the economic landscape of the state.w

The Governor of Katsina State, Mr.Dikko Umaru Radda, while unveiling the programmes Wednesday at the State’s Secretariat, reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering the citizens

and driving sustainable socioeconomic growth.

Radda said that the N5 billion intervention would not only ensure the sustainability of the micro, small and medium enterprises in the state, but contribute significantly to the economic profitability of the state. He explained that the MSMEs growth fund was a matching and managed fund collaboration between the Katsina State Government and Bank of Industry (BOI) in order to foster the growth and development of the MSMEs in the state.

Haven, Major Gen A. E. Abubakar, noted that the seminar was apt and timely because it would facilitate a hitch-free farming season this year

seeing that the rainy season has begun. He noted that creating a suitable atmosphere for farmers this season and returning displaced farmers and their families in Plateau and Kaduna States to their ancestral homes would help them to focus on their job and improve farm produce.

Naira Abuse: Absence of Defence Counsel Stalls Cubana Chief Priest’s Trial

Wale Igbintade

The trial of a Lagos-based socialite and celebrity barman, Okechukwu Pascal (popularly called Cubana Chief Priest), before the federal high court in Lagos was stalled yesterday due to the absence of the defence counsel.

The Economic and Financial

‘Nigerian

Yinka Kolawole

Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Okechukwu on April 17 on a three-count charge of allegedly spraying and tampering with the naira notes during a social event at the Eko hotel in Lagos. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.

At the last adjourned date on

May 2, the defence counsel, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), had informed the court that parties were exploring settlement and had applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. Following the position, defence counsel had then applied for a withdrawal of the preliminary objection and since there was no objection from the prosecution, the court granted same. The court had consequently adjourned the case until June 5 for report of settlement. Yesterday, however, it was gathered that the defence had written a letter seeking an adjournment of the case.

Economy to Witness Significant Growth between Now and 2027’

in Osogbo

The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) in its assessment of the efforts of the current administration in the last 12 months, has revealed that the Nigerian economy will witness remarkable growth in the years ahead.

This was disclosed in a paper titled: ‘Prospects for the Nigerian Economy: 2023 to 2027’, presented by Dr. Segun Awode of the Department of Economic and Business Policy, NISER, at the Institute’s seminar series held yesterday The Institute disclosed that the paper is an incisive short and medium-term assessment of the socio-economic

impact of the president’s first term in office with a view to proffering suggestions on critical performance domains, namely: growth, employment generation, inflation and the fiscal policy profile. The evidence presented is based on the results of a macro-economic modelling exercise.

The presenter, Awode, revealed

during the presentation that: “While there are currently pains from the immediate effects of policy reforms, the projections show improved performance on the four performance domains which include that economic growth in Nigeria will be above 3 percent from 2024 to 2027 bringing an optimistic impact of the present economic reforms.

Gender-based Violence Hindering Economy Autonomy, Says Foundation

Ayodeji Ake

The Dave Enechukwu Foundation (DEF) has said that Gender-based Violence (GBV), especially against women, is one of the factors hindering economy autonomy.

This was revealed at the one-day training for women in various organisation, organised by GEF and funded by Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NETF), themed ‘Strengthening Women Against Gender-based Voilence’, held recently in

Lagos.

“GBV is an umbrella term for any harmful act that results in or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to a woman, man, girl or boy based on their

gender. GBV is a result of gender inequality and abuse of power.

“GBV hinders one’s ability to achieve economic autonomy and to ensure sustainable livelihood for themselves and their dependents.

AfDB Official Makes Case for Nigeria’s Economic Growth

Funmi Ogundare

The Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation to the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Prof. Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka,

Electronic Membership

Gbenga Sodeinde in ado ekiti

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Gold Adesola Adedayo, has described the ongoing electronic membership registration being undertaken by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a game changer that

yesterday called for an enabling environment for local companies to grow, saying that the move would make them efficient, competitive as well as bring about industrial growth in the country.

will boost the support base of the party.

Adedayo said the political move spearheaded by the Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led NWC would serve as a veritable platform to gauge the strength of the party through membership data capturing and crave for more to win all the future elections.

Oyelaran-Oyeyinka made this known during a virtual public lecture titled: ‘Why Nigeria’s Development Lags: Causes and Consequences of Premature Deindustrialisation’, which was organised by the Nigeria

The commissioner made the statement in Abuja yesterday as one of the members of the Ekiti State delegation at the APC Electronic Membership Registration ‘Train the Trainer’ workshop held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel.

Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), to celebrate the 93rd birthday of Mr. Anthony Shobo, the pioneer president of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers and the first fellow of the Society.

The Ekiti State delegates at the political event were Commissioner for Youth, Hon Adesola Gold Adedayo, representing Ekiti North; Commissioner for Special Duties, Otunba Dolamu Adeniyi (South), and Hon. Olabode Adetunji, Technical Advisor Local Government Affairs(Central).

The training workshop was declared opened by the APC National Chairman, Dr. Ganduje.

Passengers Stranded as Abuja-Kaduna Train Derails

Many passengers were stranded yesterday when a Kaduna-bound train from Abuja derailed at Asha station in the federal capital territory (FCT). According to some of the passengers, the train derailed at about 3:52 p.m, about 30 minutes after it departed Kubwa station in Abuja. This is the second time in two weeks that the train

has run off its tracks.

A train that departed Rigasa station in Kaduna for Abuja derailed in a mountainous area near Jere on May 26, 2024. Although three carriages

were said to have gone off the tracks, there were no casualties.

Security operatives were said to be at the scene to watch over the stranded passengers and offer support.

Okoye, Iwobi, Lookman Complete Eagles Roster in Uyo Camp

Ambitious Bafana arrive Akwa Ibom capital seeking

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was the last player to arrive the Super Eagles camp in Uyo just as Nigeria’s opponents in Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, South Africa also landed in the Akwa Ibom capital.

Italy-based Okoye was the only invited player not in camp as at lunch time but finally made his way into the team’s Ibom Hotel and Resorts abode before evening training.

The arrival of the Udinese safe hands ensured that the initial hiccups caused by the nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress did not prevent any of the invited 23 players from reaching Uyo, venue of the must-win game against the Bafana Bafana.

Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman arrived camp earlier in the afternoon.

Europa League hat-trick star Lookman is expected to lead the Super Eagles strike force in the absence of CAF African

Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, who is injured.

All 23 players trained behind closed doors from 6pm inside the mainbowl of the Godswill

Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The training last two hours.

Meanwhile, the South African delegation arrived Lagos as

scheduled from Johannesburg at 3.30pm and were ferried by a chartered jet for the 45-minute flight to Uyo yesterday evening. The nationwide industrial ac-

AFCON revenge

tion that began on Monday threw general planning for the big match off-gear, and the Nigeria Football Federation had to opt for chartered jet-arrangements

Ndidi: We Won’t Give S’Africa Room to Avenge their AFCON Defeat

Nigeria and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi has admitted that Super Eagles are aware that South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are in the country to avenge their AFCON semi final defeat in Côte d’Ivoire but that they will not find the hosts easy prey.

Speaking during the team’s training in Uyo ahead of the Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier, the hard-as-nail midfield enforcer said though the Match-day 3 clash will not be an easy one, Nigeria will win to steady her campaign in the qualifiers.

At the AFCON 2023 semi-finals, the Super Eagles edged Hugo Broos’ Bafana side 4-2 on penalties after regulation time ended 1-1.

“They will come for revenge and for us as a team, we know that we are actually expecting that because it’s not going to be an easy game. When they look back and know the fact that we actually knocked them out in the (AFCON 2022) semifinal, they will want to

win,” stressed the Leicester man. Ndidi however lamented that the nationwide strike action embarked upon by the NLC has had a telling effect on Eagles preparations.

“To be honest, it has affected the preparation because normally we’re supposed to start training on Saturday and like three days gone and we’ve not been together, you know, that’s not too good.

“I think it has affected the team in some way. We were supposed to know by now what we’re actually going to do (game plan), how to approach the game. Anyway, as pros, we will know what to do on Friday,” concludes the Vice Captain of the team.

The Leicester City midfield enforcer however concluded that because of Super Eagles great run at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire there was now so much expectations from the team and that the team will not disappoint Nigerians.

Napoli Appoint Conte as New Manager on Three-year Deal

Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has been appointed the new boss of Napoli on a three-year deal.

The 54-year-old has not managed since he left Spurs by mutual consentin March 2023 after 16 months in charge.

Despite a disappointing time in north London, Conte has had a decorated coaching career after winning the Premier League in his first season at Chelsea (2016-17) and the FA Cup in his second before being sacked in 2018.

"Napoli is a place of global importance. I am happy and excited at the idea of sitting on the blue bench," said Conte, who guided Inter Milan to their first Serie A title in 11 years in 2021.

"I can certainly promise one thing, I will do my utmost for the growth of the team and the club. My commitment, together with that of my staff, it will be total."

The Italian also guided a dominant Juventus to three Serie A titles in a row between 2011-2014. Napoli, who won Serie A for first time in 33 years last year, have struggled to replicate that achievement and finished tenth in the league. Their poor form resulted in Slovakia boss Francesco Calzonajoining the club in February on a short-term deal to the end of season, after sacking manager Walter Mazzarri after just three months in charge.

Super Eagles players receiving briefing from Head Coach, Finidi George after closed door session inside the

to get players stranded in Lagos and Abuja down to the Akwa Ibom State capital. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 8pm on Friday night.

Senegal v DR Congo

NPFL: Ogunmodede Tells Remo Stars to Stay Focused as they Battle Lobi

As the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) reaches its climax this weekend, Remo Stars Head Coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, has admonished his players to keep their heads, remain focused and fight till the end.

Remo Stars will travel to Lafia to be the guest of Lobi Stars of Makurdi in the Match-day 35 encounter. The match will air live on StarTimes’ Beta Sports channel 244.

The gifted gaffer was displeased with his wards' performance against Kano Pillars at Remo Stadium in Ikenne despite winning the encounter narrowly.

Ogunmodede did not hide his feelings admitting that his side was lucky to beat Kano Pillars by 2-1.

"It was unbelievable and Incredible. I never thought we could get the maximum three points with what happened in the game,” Ogunmodede confessed.

“I think we had a not-too-good match but I must salute the courage of the boys and their resilience to keep fighting till the end.

"Obviously, we had a poor game. After we scored in the sixth minute, we went to sleep and we were seriously dealt with in the early stages of the second half. It’s obvious they planned to rush in the opening period of the second half and it paid off with a blunder

from my goalkeeper. It’s one of those things and the team generally didn’t do expectedly well.”

Ogunmodede however believes that the game against Lobi Stars will be a different ball game.

"What is at stake is high. We are almost there. We just needed to work harder and keep fighting

until the end."

Remo Stars currently occupy third position in the league, which airs live on StarTimes, with 59 points from 34 matches closely following Rangers and Enyimba who will slug it out this weekend in Enugu.

For Remo Stars to go top of the table this weekend, a specific set of circumstances must unfold. Firstly, Enugu Rangers and Enyimba must play out a draw, ensuring neither team gains an advantage. Secondly, Remo Stars need to win their match against Lobi Stars by a significant margin of seven goals to surpass Rangers' goal difference and secure the top spot.

Heineken Makes Champions League History in Nigeria

Nigerian football fans enjoyed the magic of the Champions League final firsthand thanks to Heineken's unforgettable Viewing Experience across the country over the weekend.

Heineken transformed viewing centres into vibrant celebrations places as Real Madrid secured their historic 15th title with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium penultimate Saturday.

"Heineken is all about celebrating the beautiful game with true fans," said Maria Shadeko, Portfolio Manager of Premium Drinks at Nigerian Breweries Plc. "We wanted to recreate the electric atmosphere of Wembley right here in Nigeria, and judging by the incredible energy at our Watch Parties, we achieved that!"

From Lagos to Port Harcourt, Abuja to Enugu, the night was alive with the spirit of football.

Fans at the Jewel Aeida on Lekki,

Lagos, were treated to captivating performances by music stars like Mia, Dotun, Crowd Kontroller, Big N, and the electrifying finale by Adekunle Gold. While the Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island pulsed with the energy of the female DJ duo, Wanni x Handi, the passionate crowd at the Lagos Terraform mirrored the energy at the Green House on Oba Adeyinka Oyinkan Ave, Ikoyi, and Stalad Gardens in Abule Egba where fans revelled in the action on giant screens while enjoying Heineken's refreshing brews.

Heineken ensured every fan experienced the best viewing experience possible, all laced with unbeatable entertainment.

The electrifying atmosphere wasn't limited to Lagos. Port Harcourt witnessed a phenomenal performance by music sensation Oxlade at Oak

Park and Gardens.

Abuja residents also enjoyed an unforgettable night at Papiee's Metropolis on Ahmadu Bello Way, where Alternate Sound kept the excitement levels soaring with their dynamic performance.

Fans in luxurious comfort at the Transcorp Hilton on Aguyi Ironsi Street in Abuja also revelled in the night's festivities. The magic of Heineken's Watch Parties extended beyond major cities. Fans in Ibadan, Benin City, Enugu, and Owerri all shared in the unforgettable experience, uniting in their support for their favourite teams and celebrating Real Madrid's monumental victory. Heineken's Watch Parties successfully recreated the Wembley atmosphere, proving that the beautiful game can unite and ignite joy across Nigeria.

Nigeria Wins Five Medals at 18th African Sambo Championships in Egypt

With three athletes, Nigeria made her presence count at the 18th African Sambo Championships with five medals to show for their efforts at the three-day championships held at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. The athletes who were medallists at the last African Games in Ghana showed class against

their counterparts from 21 other African countries with Charity Jatau claiming the only gold medal for Nigeria in the women’s 59kg. Jatau, African Games gold medallist was not intimidated by the home crowd in the final against Egypt’s Ragar Alaa as she floored her opponent 5-2 to claim Nigeria’s first gold and medal at

the continental championships.

On the same day, Fatima Ogbonyomi worked her way to the final, but she was unlucky to add another gold as she fell to Morocco’s Wissal 3-0 to settle for silver in the women’s 65kg division. The only male athlete in the team, James Chegwam worked his way to the final from bronze medal in African games after defeating his opponents from Togo and Congo DRC in his first two fights only to lose the gold medal to his Moroccan counterpart and settle for silver in the men’s 58kg. The duo of Jatau and Chegwam added two bronze medals after settling for bronze in the beach Sambo on Monday, June 3.

Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo...yesterday evening

Peter Obi to Olayemi Cardoso

Many individual savers and SMEs are groaning under severe negative effects of the economy and already living in abject poverty. These depositors depend on the savings they have in the now-liquidated bank to survive. Any attempt to deny or delay payment to them would worsen their economic woes and could lead to a crisis of confidence in the banking system —LabourPartyPresidentialcandidateinthelastgeneralelection,on implicationsoftheCBNrevocationofHeritageBank’soperatinglicence.

Minimum Wage, Maximum Rage

The National Minimum Wage Act that came into force on 18 April 2019 prescribed a five-year review cycle. For that reason, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had the law on their side for the strike that paralysed the country on Monday. But even if some of us have issues with shutting down the national grid and closing the airspace, workers were not just seeking to fill a requirement of the law. The current socio-economic realities in Nigeria have rendered the N30,000 agreed upon in 2019 almost worthless. If living in extreme poverty, going by World Bank parameters, means living on less than $1.90 (almost N3000) per day, it is indeed very telling that few Nigerians can now afford what amounts to 10% of the current minimum wage. ‘Subsidy is gone’ and merging the exchange rates are at the heart of the inflationary crisis that is depleting incomes and savings, fuelling suffering and despair across the country. Today, millions of Nigerian families go to bed without any certainty as to where their next meal will come from. To compound their problem, prices of foodstuff are skyrocketing. Using a ‘cost of food basics’ analysis that compares the monthly minimum recommended spend on food per adult and average wage in 107 countries, a United Kingdom-based Institute of Development Studies, last year placed Nigeria as the second poorest country in the world in terms of food affordability. We don’t even have to seek external validation for the current suffering by most Nigerians. A recent and more comprehensive report on poverty by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) estimated that 133 million Nigerians were multi-dimensionally poor based on four indicators: food security, healthcare, education, and work.

With no conscious effort to cut down on the money spent on frills by political office holders at all levels, it is difficult to tell Labour that there is no money to pay whatever they demand as the minimum wage for workers. President Bola Tinubu, for instance, has a bloated cabinet of 45 ministers and the two budgets he has put forward in the past one year do not inspire anybody to believe he understands the gravity of the situation in the country. In the absence of concrete measures to tame food inflation, the obsession with all manner of revenue generating gambits that further pauperize the people makes it difficult to sympathise with the government. But there are still pertinent issues on minimum wage that should not be glossed over by critical stakeholders. An historical context may be important here.

In 1981, a minimum wage of N125 was agreed upon. Given the exchange rate at the time ($1.48 to a Naira), that translated to about $185 per month. Ten years later in 1991, the minimum wage was increased to N250. Going by the exchange rate of 8 Naira to a dollar at the time, that amounted

to about $30. But that did not tell the whole story. As a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in 1989/90, my monthly ‘allawee’ was N250 per month. Not only

was it enough for my upkeep but I still had savings. That speaks to the Cost-ofLiving Index (COLI) in the country and the purchasing power of the Naira at the time. In 2000 when the minimum wage was pegged at N5,500, the exchange rate was N84 to a dollar. Eleven years later in 2011, when the minimum wage was jarked up to N18,000, the exchange rate was N155 to a dollar. In 2019 when the new minimum wage became N30,000, the exchange rate was N305 to a dollar, but the COLI had started to go haywire. With the same exchange rate now about N1500 to a dollar, we can do the arithmetic to understand how hard things have become for the average Nigerian worker.

But what most people don’t understand is that the minimum wage is not about just government workers. It is meant for all workers in the formal sector except those on part time employment, or establishments with less than 25 persons. In a survey report titled ‘Labour Force Statistics’, released in February, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that about 92.3 percent of Nigerian workers are in informal employment as at the third quarter of 2023. The implication is that Labour is fighting for a tiny minority with their fixation on federal workers. So, this conversation is narrow and counterproductive.

Last week, the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) defended the initial N60,000 on offer by the federal government.

“While it is important to note that socioeconomic conditions over the years have rendered the N30,000 minimum wage inadequate, the same conditions have incapacitated many businesses, fatally affecting their sustainability and ability to pay,” according to the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and OPSN spokesperson on the minimum wage negotiation, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde. The OPSN is made up of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), National Association of Small Scale Industries (NASME) and National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) and NECA. “The offer of N60,000, which is a 100 per cent increase in the current national minimum wage was sacrificial on the part of the organised private sector,” said Oyerinde who harped on the need to protect jobs and ensure sustained growth in the economy. “The demand by organised labour at this period has the potential to cripple small and medium enterprises and push many other businesses into comatose.” To understand our national dilemma, here are facts that should compel sobriety. As of June 1980 (44 years ago), a barrel of oil was selling for $37.24 and we were pumping 2.2 million barrels into the international market daily...

NOTE: Piece concluded online

Re: Arsenal, Premiership and All That

By Orufuo Ezaga

Dear Segun,

After reading through your recent column, ‘Arsenal, Premiership and All That’, I feel duty-bound to encourage you and your esteemed group of friends to invest a smidgen of your time and resources in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Your article would have left a number of well-meaning local and foreign investors in the NPFL deeply frustrated. I doubt that was your intention, but given the strength of your brand, the damage you have caused is real.

The proliferation of cable TV from the mid-1990s fast-tracked globalisation and saw richly packaged European and American sports properties beamed into our homes. With no protection from our governments, and with infinitely fewer resources, our domestic industry crumbled. Rather than raising concerns about the potentially dire economic and socio-cultural consequences of this on society and plotting a response to safeguard our wealth and civilisation, you the elite became its lead promoters. 24 years on, we still have not understood the damage caused even at the highest levels of our elite converges.

Do you know that Nigerians have since blown over $1 billion on the English Premier League alone through broadcast rights, tourism, merchandising, and even sponsorships? As of 2009, then HITV boss Toyin Subair revealed that they paid $40 million for the rights for Nigeria. Since then, the figure has more than doubled.

According to the British media, the EPL rights for sub-Saharan Africa – the poorest region in the world – currently goes for GBP168 million or $213 million yearly.

No country can be wealthier than the collective productive power of its most intelligent minds. The EPL is consumption, the NPFL is production. One increases our poverty, the other reduces it.

Surely, we can build a top league. As the famous advertising campaign goes, if man can land on the moon, Nigerians can run a successful football league. The challenge though is captured in IBM legend Lous Gerstner’s writing that “People don’t do what you expect, they do what you inspect”. If you, our talented tenth, choose to stay away from the NPFL, then who should we depend on to inspect and influence the changes we seek?

Our young people are jobless, unengaged and increasingly turning to crime. The Arsenals and Chelseas are neither our history nor heritage; they belong to your English contemporaries. Leave them to build theirs while you build yours. Football is business, it is jobs, it is new wealth creation in society, it is community and national pride.

The EPL pays the UK government GBP3.6 billion in taxes yearly, the Super Bowl Sunday alone is worth $11 billion to the US economy annually, the Indian Premier League (Cricket) founded in 2008 now has a media rights value per match ($16m) that’s more than the EPL ($15.7m). Even in its lowly state, millions of Nigerians still depend on the NPFL for jobs and entertainment.

The GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, a private investment banking firm, has staked billions of investors’ naira on the NPFL in the last two years. Those who follow our football will tell you they have brought stability and higher standards to the league. Do you know that the league now has both a TV partner, the Chinese network StarTimes, and a streaming partner, Propel Sport Africa – a British company? Do you know that eight games are now streamed live worldwide every match weekend, greatly reducing the chances for the corrupt practices you still believe are rampant? Do you know that referees in the NPFL now get paid before matches?

The betting tycoon Kunle Soname has invested billions in his Remo Stars football group. Young tech entrepreneur Shola Akinlade set up Sporting Lagos FC at 38 as a social investment initiative. I hope you know there are three privately-owned clubs in the NPFL and at least two more will join them next season. What about the fact that Lagos is going to have multiple clubs in the NPFL next season?

Good things are happening in our football, Segun. My advice is that you and your group should be more invested in our stories so you can appropriately market the NPFL to the world the way the ‘Oyibo’ people do theirs, especially those in your constituency: the media. •Ezaga is the Anchor, Sports Business with Orufuo Ezaga, Lagos Talks FM 91.3 Plus