THURSDAY 8TH JUNE 2023

10th Senate Presidency: Tinubu Meets Senators-elect Today

Aggrieved aspirants set to unveil unity list tomorrow Yari pledges support for new administration

Zoning, endorsing aspirants undemocratic, says group Wase adamant as Doguwa urges other contestants to step down

sunday aborisade and Udora

orizu in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with all senators-elect today

at the presidential villa, Abuja, to discuss national issues, especially the election of presiding officers during the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on Tuesday, June 13.

But THISDAY gathered that Senate Democratic Caucus, a group of four aggrieved aspirants to the principal positions, might on Friday announce its own consensus

candidates for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

Nonetheless, a leading contender for the 10th Senate residency, Abdul-

Aziz Yari, pledged to work with the administration of Tinubu in the interest of the country if elected Senate President. In a related development, a

pro-democracy group, Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy, in a statement yesterday by its National

FG to i ncur a dditional N2tn Liabilities as s enate Passes Police Pension Board Bill ... Page 8

President Canvasses

EU's Support in Fight against Insecurity, Poverty in Africa

Deji elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has urged the European Union (EU) to assist Nigeria and Africa in strengthening security and economic development

Tinubu Seeks Partnership with State Governors to End Extreme Poverty

Directs NEC to develop measures to cushion effects of petrol subsidy removal

Govs pledge support for policies of new government Petroleum marketers back policy, to donate100 CNG-compliant buses for mass transportation

Deji elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday, held his maiden meeting with the 36 state governors where he sought their partnership to end extreme poverty in the country. The meeting took place on the aegis of the National Economic Council, NEC, following the removal of petroleum subsidy about 10 days ago.

He stressed the need for the governors to collaborate with the federal government in tackling the menace of poverty in the country, saying the level of impoverishment was unacceptable.

This was just as the president directed the National Economic Council (NEC) led by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, to commence the process of working out intervention initiatives to ameliorate the impact of fuel subsidy removal

Continued on page 40

i swear To serVe...

TINUBU MEETS GOVERNORS...

FIRS, Lagos Revenue Service Initiate Joint Tax Audit to Improve Administration

James Emejo in Abuja

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint audit and investigation team.

The move was aimed at encouraging the exchange of information between both the tax authorities.

The agreement also seeks to improve tax administration by reducing tax compliance cost thereby enabling ease of doing business in the country.

Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mr. Muhammad Nami and Executive Chairman, LIRS, Ayodele Subair, in the communique, charged the public, taxpayers and tax practitioners to provide full support and cooperation to both tax regulators for the overall economic benefit of all stakeholders.

Nami, said the cooperation would enable the two authorities to work as a team in sharing relevant information that would assist both parties in their tax administration and enforcement roles as it would also provide capacity building between them.

He said, “We will carry out a

joint audit and investigation as a team, we will also conduct an automatic exchange of information for gathering data for the purpose of tax administration. With that information, we would be able to carry out tax administration seamlessly.”

On his part, Subair, said the agreement would foster greater collaboration between the two agencies, adding that “There is no reason to debate the above as it has been established that tax compliance and good governance are expected to co-exist as the undividable social contract that binds citizens and governments anywhere in the world. Therefore, citizens and governments are expected to fulfil their end of the bargain in achieving a balance.”

Essentially, the collaboration in the area of exchange of information would ensure efficiency, accurate assessments and increased revenue for funding of government expenditure, according to the communique.

The partnership would leverage existing distinct competencies in tax administration between both parties to collaborate in the areas of exchange of information, harmonisation of an integrated tax system

and joint tax audit or investigation exercise, where necessary, in carrying out their respective mandates for the purpose of optimising tax revenue to the federal government and the state government.

Moreover, the collaboration was

expected to improve tax administration with a view to enhancing tax revenue generation, creation of a robust database and improve on the country's tax-to-GDP ratio.

The parties are expected to establish a joint audit or investigation

team to be known as the FIRS/ LSBIR JAIT whose membership shall be determined by both parties to conduct a joint audit or investigation exercise which shall be concluded timeously.

The communique assured the

public that employees of both parties will abide by the code of conduct and ethical compliance to assure that the implementation of the MoU does not impact negatively on the taxpayers and the parties.

FG to Incur Additional N2tn Liabilities as Senate Passes Police Pension Board Bill

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Ebere Nwoji in Lagos

The Senate has passed the bill for the Establishment of a Police Pension Board, a move that would balloon federal government’s pension liabilities.

With this, the National Pension Commission(PenCom) may have lost the battle over the Nigerian Police Force agitation for exemption from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The bill excludes the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from the CPS and returns the force to the old Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

The CPS has a special feature of being funded by both the employee and the employer who make contribution of 18 per cent of

FG Prepares Ground for Implementation of Sustainability Reporting for Private Sector By 2024

Compliance will boost investors’ confidence, says FRCN boss

James Emejo in Abuja

The federal government yesterday inaugurated the Adoption Readiness Working Group (ARWG) for the implementation of Sustainability Reporting Standards which is to be issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

The implementation would begin with the General Requirements for Disclosures of Sustainability-Related Financial Information (IFRS S1) and subsequently, the Climate-Related Disclosures (IFRS S2).

Both standards are expected to be launched globally on June 26, 2023, while implementation would commence on January 1, 2024. Nigeria would be the first to adopt the reporting benchmarks in Africa and one of the earliest adopters in the world.

Speaking at the inauguration of the working group, the Permanent

Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, commended the leadership of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) as the country takes another bold and significant initiative by setting up the ARWG to mainstream the sustainability reporting standards.

Nigeria took the audacious move of being one of the first countries to declare intent to early adopt the IFRS S1 and S2 at COP27 last November in Egypt.

She specifically lauded the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of FRCN, Mr. Shuaibu Ahmed, for taking the giant step towards ensuring that Nigeria remained visible at the international standard setters and regulators.

Ngige said, “Your initiatives have earned Nigeria the much-desired recognition and respect. I, therefore, urge you to ensure that Nigeria

maintains this enviable position.”

Represented by the Ministry’s Director, Policy, Planning, Research and Statistics (PPRS), Alhaji Baba Gana Alkali, the permanent secretary noted that when finally issued on June 26, 2023, these two standards would be implemented by Nigerian private sector entities that apply the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), adding that they were expected to adopt it with the various commencement dates in the standards.

She said, “There is a global understanding that the implementation of IFRS S1 and S2 will enhance corporate reporting and unlock capital specially to emerging markets like Nigeria. Therefore, I implore all of you to work tirelessly to ensure that these standards are appropriately implemented.”

the worker’s monthly pay to his Retirement Savings Account (RAS) in order of minimum of 10 per cent contribution by the employer and eight per cent contribution by the employee of which the employer is mandated by the CPS law to remit the same every month.

This is in in contrast with the unfounded DBS which is totally dependent on government’s budgetary allocations. Before the advent of the CPS, one of the demerits of the DBS was arrears of unpaid retirement benefits owed to retiring workers and pensioners by government because most times the quantum of fund allocated to pension in the budget is either not enough or is cornered by the pay masters and custodians or managers of the fund Evaluation, according the industry stakeholders, indicate that it would cost the federal government an additional N2 trillion in pension liabilities for the 300,000 police

personnel.

Under the contributory scheme, employees and employers contribute towards pension but the government takes full responsibility under the defined scheme and this had led to irregular pension payments because of budgetary constraints for the federal government.

The upper chamber announced on its Twitter handle on Tuesday, that it had passed the bill, despite opposition from industry stakeholders at the public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs on January 20, 2023.

The National Pension Commission (PenCom), which regulates the industry, the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) all opposed the bill.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, had written to the Inspector General of Police in January 2022, to reiterate that an SGF

circular Ref. 59149/S.1/C.1/11/266 dated July 20, 2021 which said the police must be under the CPS remained in force.

The ex-SGF had also referred to the White Paper on the report of the Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies which expressly forbids any government body, apart from the military and the intelligence services, from exiting the CPS.

In 2004, the Olusegun Obasanjo administration had carried out a comprehensive pension reform to address the plight of pensioners who were always owed years in arrears.

Nigeria moved from pension liabilities of N2.4 trillion to accumulated pension assets of N15.45 trillion as at February 2023. Under the bill passed by the Senate, the federal government would now be fully responsible for police pensions.

UBEC Strengthens 10-year Old Mathematics, Science Initiatives

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Universal Basic Education Commission, (UBEC) has strengthened the capacity of its 10-year old Nigerian version of Strengthening of Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) as well as Jolly Phonics initiatives for teachers across the country.

UBEC, said the Jolly Phonics programme had been adopted as the flagship programme of the Commission on early grade reading.

Speaking at a workshop yesterday, in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, explained that SMASE and Jolly Phonics needed to be strengthened in order to continuously inject Teachers Professional Development (TPD) fund into the training of teachers to build their capacity in SMASE.

Bobboyi, who was represented

by the Deputy ES, Prof. Bala Zakari, noted that SMASE had been a major programme that has helped in strengthening the study of science and mathematics in basic education.

According to him, the Commission has continuously injected the TPD fund into the training of teachers in order to build teachers capacity in SMASE.

“The two programmes have been implemented over ten years in the UBE programmes. I make bold to say that SMASE has been a major programme that has helped in strengthening the study of science and mathematics in the UBE.

“Having adopted SMASE after its introduction by JICA in 2006 and piloted in 3 States of Kaduna, Plateau and Niger has also placed the teaching of science and mathematics with the methodology prescribed in the SMASE programme in a place

of priority," he added.

Also speaking, the Director of Teachers Development in the com- mission, Aleshin Olumayowa, said SMASE was used to train teachers on how to improvise as well as how to help learners in learning science and mathematics.

Olumayowa, added that it also helps teachers to teach the subjects effectively and also enhance assimila- tion by learners and jolly phonics is a flagship reading program of the commission.

“If the teacher does not know how to deliver and deliver properly, a learner will not learn and learning outcomes that we're expecting will not be there. So if you build the capacity of the teacher to effectively deliver and deliver whatever subject that is handling, deliver it so that the learners can learn it in a very simple and effective way," he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (center ) in a group photograph with state governors, during the inaugural meeting of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

THE OFFICIAL HANDOVER...

Akume Takes Oath as 21st SGF, Says It's Privilege to Serve

Mustapha submits transition documents to successor Charges him to consider Oronsaye report, review numbers of foreign missions, commission of inquiry report on Magu

Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, has administered the oath of office on Senator George Akume as the 21st Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) at the State House, Abuja. Akume, 70, was governor of Benue State from May 1999 to May 2007. Akume, who spoke at the brief cer-

emony, attended by top government officials including some serving and former governors, at about 11:06am inside the Council Chambers of the State House, however said it was a privilege to serve.

Also, yesterday, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, submitted the transition documents and the report of the Presidential Transition Council

due to be submitted to the federal government by the end of the month to the in-coming Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The transmission of the sensitive documents was performed at an elaborate handing over ceremony held at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

Mustapha said the transition documents, which he transmitted to Akume were the same documents that former President Muhammadu Buhari handed over to his successor, President Tinubu on the eve of the inauguration of the current administration.

However, the former Governor of Benue State and immediate past Minister of Special Duties and Inter-

House: Allegation of Missing 48m Barrels of Crude Oil Unsubstantiated, Fraudulent

Directs EFCC, Police to arrest, prosecute purveyors

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee that investigated the alleged missing of 48 million barrels of crude oil has said the claim was false and unsubstantiated.

It, therefore, asked the government not to waste taxpayers’ money to continue the investigation.

The committee known as, "Adhoc Committee to Investigate the Alleged Loss of over $2.4 Billion in Revenue from the Illegal Sale of 48 Million barrels of Crude Oil in 2015 Including Crude Oil Exports from 2014 to date," chaired by Hon. Mark Gbillah, made the disclosure in its report that was laid and considered by the House at the committee of the whole yesterday.

The committee had over the weeks summoned and interacted with many government officials including immediate past attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), fingered in the allegation.

Laying the report, Gbillah, advised the National Assembly (Senate and the House), anti-graft and other agencies of government not to waste taxpayer’s funds on further future investigation of the allegations as they appeared to be completely fraudulent and unsubstantiated.

“The security and anti-graft agencies should be advised to prosecute any of the individuals

who initially made these allegations if any one of them continues to peddle these false allegations after the committee’s investigation;

"The Abuja High court handling the case against the related individuals is advised to resume the hearing and prosecution of the case so justice can be meted out appropriately if any of the individuals are found culpable.

“Mr. Jackson Ude and Point Blank News should be advised to issue a public retraction of their publication of these allegations on their website and other media outlets considering the damage this publication has done to the reputation of related government officials and should strongly be admonished to be more circumspect in their future publications," he added.

Similarly on the crude oil exports and sales by Nigeria from 2014 till date, the committee stated: "The committee recommends the continuation of a detailed investigation of all crude oil exports from Nigeria from 2011 till date involving all oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria who are involved in crude oil production and exportation and the detailed investigation of report of the consultants and legal team engaged by the federal government through NIMASA who identified loss of revenue to Nigeria from discrepancies in quantities of crude oil exports.

"House committee on petroleum resources (upstream) of the 10th assembly should prevail on the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority, Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Index and other government related entities to explore the production of a harmonised, central and regularly updated record of Nigeria’s crude oil exports and proceeds and the committee should superintend the

execution of same.

"A further investigation by related house committee in the 10th assembly should be conducted into the level of compliance to the payment of royalty and other related taxes by oil and gas companies including details of payments made to date.

“NEITI should be advised to provide its updated records of royalty and taxes paid in 2021 and 2022 and explore an efficient way to ensure its records are up to date considering its watchdog status."

governmental Affairs, took the oaths of allegiance and office witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, and senior government officials.

Speaking with newsmen after the ceremony, the new SGF promised not to disappoint Nigerians, noting that he had been very privileged to have been selected out of millions of citizens to serve the nation in that capacity.

“To have been selected to serve in this exalted position out of over 200 million Nigerians is a challenge to serve in line with the oath I have taken today. I assure Nigerians I will do my best, I will not disappoint the President. I will not disappoint this country and I will not disappoint my“Iparty.believe, Nigerians will find fulfilment in my responsibilities as I discharge that in their own interest.

It is an honour to serve the country and I am strongly persuaded that guided by Almighty God, I will do my best and Nigerians will really have to reap the dividends of democracy."

Akume noted that his wealth of experience would be brought to bear as he began his work, adding that he would follow the footsteps of President Tinubu.

“I am someone, who has been on the scene for quite some time and I know the man we are serving, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and we just have to follow his footsteps. He has never

been in the gallery, where is always full of critics. He has always been in the arena, where the doers are. He is a doer. So, we have to tag along. We must never afford to fail,” the SGF said.

Immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, while speaking, advised Akume, to brace up to the herculean task of coordinating the affairs of President Tinubu's administration aimed at guiding government programmes and projects.

Mustapha who acknowledged the weight of the responsibilities of the office of the SGF, however, expressed confidence in the capacity of the new SGF to deliver on his role and take the office a notch higher than he met it.

According to him, Senator Akume had garnered a lot of experience, both as an administrator and a legislator, as well as a minister, "so, I have no doubt that he's prepared for the job, but he's definitely going to succeed.

"He was director of protocol in the Government House of Benue State under the leadership of Reverend Father Moses Adasu. So, he has come a long way, garnered a lot of experience, both as an administrator as a legislator, as a minister, in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Mustapha, however, reiterated,

Continued on page 44

Ibom Air Marks Fourth Anniversary

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The management of the Akwa Ibom State-owned airline, Ibom Air, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the airline since its establishment.

In a statement signed by the General Manager, Marketing and Communication, Ibom Airlines Limited, Mr. Aniekan Essienette, yesterday, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi, bared his mind while reflecting on activities of the airline to mark its fourth anniversary. He noted that in the country, the airline had emerged as the preferred choice for travelers seeking safety, comfort, reliability, and affordability.

"On the 7th of June, 2019, exactly four years ago, Ibom Air took to the skies on its inaugural flight from Uyo to Lagos, armed with a vision to offer industry-leading schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service to passengers.

"Established and owned by the government of Akwa Ibom State, the airline has recorded significant milestones, surpassing even the projections it set for itself.

“With its modern fleet of aircraft, commitment to safety, and unparalleled customer service.

"It is with immense pride that we celebrate Ibom Air's 4th anniversary today. Over the past four years, we have witnessed tremendous growth, exceeding our business

plan projections and delivering on the very high expectations of our shareholder,” he said.

According to him, “these significant milestones were achieved through the careful and painstaking execution of our business plan and the hard work and dedication of our very committed staff compliment.

"I am pleased to say that Ibom Air’s DNA, our unique internal culture of Excellence, Safety, Integrity, Passion, and Innovation, has become institutionalised and permeates our entire business.

"This culture underpins our determination to continue to offer our customers the highest quality of service in our industry.”

The statement added: “Earlier in

the year, Ibom Air was awarded the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, another testament to its commitment to the highest safety standards in the industry."

Commenting on the feat, the COO stated, “the achievement of IOSA certification, the imminent entry into service of the new, ultramodern hub terminal in our home base, the commencement of aircraft maintenance at the brand-new MRO facility also in Uyo, and the forthcoming delivery of our first brand new Airbus A220-300, together represent a pivotal moment for the Company as we prepare to expand our services into West and Central Africa in the second half of the year.”

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, formally handing over transition documents to his successor, Senator George Akume at the Office of the SGF, Abuja... yesterday

Appraising Gov. Mbah’s Mission to Do Things Differently in Enugu

By Louis Amoke

Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Enugu State governor’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023, at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, clearly articulated the boldness and unswerving focus his broad governance vision to advance development in the state would take.

Governor Mbah’s address was loud and clear, reiterating the striking force of his mission to do things differently and guarantee the state’s future, its people and generations yet unborn.

While appreciating all those who contributed to the success of his governorship struggle, Governor Mbah dwelt on the invaluable contributions of former Governor Ugwuanyi towards his emergence as governor, stating that “posterity will certainly be kind to you for your deep sense of patriotism.”

A month before his inauguration, Governor Mbah was at the Government House, Enugu, with members of his Transition Committee on a courtesy visit to Ugwuanyi. The governor (then-governor-elect) expressed profound gratitude to Ugwuanyi for standing firm in his belief in patriotism.

Dr. Mbah equally thanked the immediate past governor for successfully leading the campaign for the emergence of someone with a public and private sector background as his successor despite blackmail, discord and vilification to accelerate development in Enugu.

He said that the decision of Ugwuanyi with the members and leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to support his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate was driven by patriotism.

Governor Mbah told Ugwuanyi that “you recognised that the line of the land is shifting rapidly, and you took a view that if we must accelerate development in Enugu State, the people who will be leading or championing that development must also have the necessary public and private sector background.”

He added, “In the light of that, you fixed your eyes on the fight despite the blackmail, discord and vilification you received during the campaigns and electioneering processes.”

The governor disclosed that in constituting the committee which Ike Chioke chaired, “we searched for the very best in virtually all views of development,” adding, “Here gathered are the products of that scrutiny.”

He further noted, “We have experts from virtually all fields of development. These are technocrats. These are private sector giants, both men and women, that have distinguished themselves in their various professional endeavours.”

Ugwuanyi as a peacemaker, bridge-builder, visionary and God-fearing leader, had an uneasy experience in office that bordered on the nation’s economic downturns, state’s limited resources, outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, EndSARS protest, other security issues in the country, and the daunting effects of the Obidient Movement during the last general election laced with betrayals, sabotage and religious influence, etc.

Despite all these challenges, the immediate past governor was able to stem the tide and hold the tempo of peace and good governance in Enugu State till the end of his tenure.

He paid workers the new N30,000 minimum wage with its consequential adjustment; embarked on unprecedented rural development programmes; covered about 850 kilometres of urban and rural roads largely concentrated in the rural areas with the provision of numerous educational, health, agricultural and security facilities; maintained the existing facilities in Enugu urban, among others.

Ugwuanyi’s administration also constructed the first flyover bridge by the Enugu government, the T-Junction Flyover Bridge by Nike Lake Road, Enugu; reconstructed and remodelled the ancient, historic and undulating 11km Millken Hill Road, Ngwo, Enugu; established a medical university, the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State; built a 5,000-seat Township Stadium, State Secretariat Annex and a befitting Conference Centre in Nsukka; empowered the youths through various empowerment programmes; and a host of other interventions.

Prior to the transition committee’s visit to Ugwuanyi, Governor Mbah had at different fora explained that his ambitious economic plans for Enugu State as contained in his manifesto cannot be actualised with the state’s lean resources alone but by doing things differently that would take the state through a consequential journey of growth, development and greatness.

The governor had promised to grow the state’s economy from its current level of $4.4 billion to $30 billion. He talked about ensuring that his administration achieves a zero per cent rate in the state’s poverty headcount index.

Governor Mbah had also talked about making Enugu the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living, as well as unpacking the skills

of the youths in digital technology so that he will be able to equip a minimum of 40,000 youths with digital technology and a minimum of 10,000 youths in practical skills yearly.

Dwelling further on his plans, adjudged by many to be ambitious, Governor Mbah had equally said they are “achievable because they are measurable,” stressing that “we also know that the growth level we are talking about cannot come from the public sector alone. This growth will happen through constructive investment, and they will come largely from the private sector.”

Addressing the people of Enugu at Michael Okpara Square shortly after his inauguration, Dr. Mbah expressed gratitude to them for the opportunity they gave him to serve them as their governor, saying that he will forever be grateful to them for the honour.

The governor declared that “the youths of Enugu State will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the tomorrow that is now here today” and that he wants “to expose our youths to the skills required to grasp the emerging future and create opportunities for the genius in them to flourish.”

The governor also mentioned that “we also want to invoke and instil in them the can-do spirit that is innate in the Igbo man.” He said, “Enugu will rubbish ‘Japa’, not by legislation but by creatively addressing the challenges to the future of our youths. We will equip our youths with e-commerce, fintech and cyber-security skills, such that they will become globally interconnected and can indeed ‘Japa’ all over the world by providing services online through their e-commerce skills.”

The Enugu governor noted that “they will be champions of the globe without necessarily” having to leave Enugu.

“I am standing before you today pregnant with ideas on how to rescue our youths and indeed the whole of Enugu State from the threats against our existence. You can trust me,” stated Mbah. “I will be operating from the vantage of transcendental values and not narrow interests. That is what we

are driven by. I will not let you down. We believe that the only purpose of leadership is to bring the best out of every one of us. You are why all these are possible.”

Harping on doing things differently, Governor Mbah, among other promises, stated, “Take notice that this administration will be business unusual. Tough decisions will be taken. Those decisions will, however, be taken in the best interest of Ndi Enugu and Enugu State in general. You will constitute the driving force of every action we take as your representatives.”

He vowed to “serve you with every fibre of our being and devote all our energy and your resources to working for you and your interests,” pointing out that “our driving force and governance philosophy will be always based on transcendental values.”

The new governor said he would “invoke the spirit of enterprise, the creative energy of our people and the remarkable industry on the streets of Enugu State to create the difference in governance” and pursue unrivalled economic growth “in this part of the country” by tapping into the limitless resources of the private sector to provide world-class infrastructure and productive sector growth.

He aims to retool and re-energise agriculture and the agro-allied sector, unlocking the rural economy by implementing Special Economic Zones and Special Agro-allied Processing Zones, emphasising that the commerce and industry sector “will help us to kick-start this drive.” The governor also plans to provide a N100 billion revolving fund for our SMEs in partnership with the private sector and other development financial institutions.

“In the area of information and communication technology (ICT), we will provide a tier 4 hyper-scale data centre to attract hyper-scale businesses like Amazon, Google, Netflix, TikTok and Microsoft,” said the governor. Demonstrating his persuasion and steadfastness towards achieving his ambitious economic plans for Enugu, Governor Mbah, immediately after his inauguration, headed for his office at the

Government House, Enugu and performed his first executive task, by signing three executive orders, including the Citizens’ Charter which demands that “we manage your money, the people’s money” in the people’s interest.

“This charter holds me and members of my team to account on your funds. The Citizens’ Charter mandates us to provide detailed information on our public financial management system, report our revenue to you in detail and ensure that we adequately capture our expenditure,” the Enugu governor explained. “The charter demands, in the same vein, that our expenditure is consistent with government priorities.”

Mbah added, “In line with the Public Financial Management (PFM) system, we will also ensure implementation of programmes and projects that deliver value for our money, factoring due process and public procurement laws into them.”

Ending his inaugural address, Governor Mbah directly invited Ndi-Enugu to his envisioned journey into prosperity.

“Let me invite the people of Enugu State to accompany our administration on this journey into prosperity. This is not the time for politics. It is not time for passion as well. It is time for the sowing of the seed for the Enugu of our dream,” he stressed. “Each Enugu son and daughter should ask themselves the question: what sort of future do we desire for our children? In answering the question, we must begin to work together to forge that future of our dream. Posterity will not forgive us if we fail.”

It has always been Ugwuanyi’s wish that his successor will perform better than him as a father prays for his son.

Governor Mbah has shown that he has the will, fortress, capacity and courage to take Enugu to the next level. Doing things differently for tomorrow is indeed here. The governor has already hit the ground running. Let’s, therefore, give him the needed support to excel.

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah

Benson: 10th N’Assembly Will Be Better than Ninth Assembly

Your re-election the third term shows how loved you are by your constituents, so what’s your legislative agenda for them?

Like I’ve always done, I will ensure that we pass Lagos and Nigeria centric bills, we’ll continue to do our work diligently, to ensure infrastructure and economic prosperity in both Ikorodu, Lagos state and Nigeria as a whole.

As you are also aware, we have a new administration who has hit the ground running, and they will need legislations on economy, security, employment, health, educational sectors and so on.

So we need to put our hands together to ensure that’s done through legislations.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari came into power with one of the cardinal promises being security. Many Nigerians are of the view he worsened the security situation, how would you rate his administration?

Buhari did his best, whether the best is not good enough is for Nigerians to judge.

So whether he would have done better I would say yes, I would say the fight against insurgency can be solved by economic prosperity. I will always say that you can’t use security to kill poverty. If you keep churning out citizens that are poverty stricken, they will always end up in committing insurgency or crime.

Not just the federal government of Nigeria, I think some states and local government also need to be blamed for that, because states are

sub national they need to take care of subjects within them, local government too. So you find out that some local governments don’t even have government presence.

And the devil finds work for the idle and they also don’t have hope so they’re easily indoctrinated. So finding economic prosperity for them will reduce the availability of young people into insurgency.

You must have seen President Bola Tinubu’s blueprint on security, do you think the security architecture will improve under his administration?

I think it will improve, but I will suggest for an addition, modern countries of the world and even some developing countries have a service called the space force or the space Service Chief, but in Nigeria you have Service Chiefs for army, navy, air force I want to suggest that a fourth one be added that is called the space.

Space will fight cyber, so that way you are more precise you can deploy your logistics and resources in a more accurate manner.

So I would strongly suggest that and also a legislature that is driven towards such establishment. Also synergy is very important for our armed forces, they must work together. The President is ready to lead from the front, his security blueprint is very robust.

The 9th Assembly’s agenda broached on National security, what measures have you taken so far and what would you do differently in the 10th assembly?

In rhe 9th assembly, we made landmark legislations, we reduced the availability of young people to insurgency. We passed the Defence Research Development Bureau (DRDB) law.

We are trying to pass the armed forces support fund, it’s in the Senate for concurrence. We had a security summit that brought in all the key stakeholders, the resolution of the summit are very profound, a lot of it were not implemented by the former administration, we hope that the new administration will have a look into it.

So we passed the police amendment act, customs act, all those things that will bring comfort to Nigerians and make them more inclusive we

did all that to mention a few.

What will be your advice, if asked to set agenda, for Tinubu’s administration, with regards to National Security.

Like I said we can not use security to kill poverty, I’ll suggest that we tackle the root cause of poverty, I would suggest that the employment, the industries that absorb youths we adequately focus on them, one of which could be agriculture. A lot of farmers can’t go back to work due to insecurity challenges. Ensure we give them adequate security to enable them go back, I also believe that fertilizer should be something they can easily get because when there is prosperity when they see their yields go phenomenal they get happy and that keeps everyone busy, it ensures that people are also gainfully employed, and when there is food security Nigeria will be safer, that’s one aspect.

The other aspect is improving on power, if we can ramp up on the power transmission generation and distribution more people will be gainfully employed, so I would like to look at curbing security from an economic perspective because nobody wants his daughter or son to be Boko Haram or insurgent. We need to get those youths gainfully employed to see that there is hope for them tomorrow. So the sooner we can get that the quicker we will get our security architecture perfect and in good shape.

N’Assembly Leadership: Need for Level Playing Ground for Aspirants

With barely five days to the election of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, the Federal Government in cognizance of the principle of separation of powers should allow memberselect of the incoming 10th National Assembly to choose their leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives without any form of intimidation.

The All Progressive Congress National Working Committee (NWC) had on May 8, 2023 released their list of consensus candidates for the four parliamentary slots.

The APC in the zoning plan endorsed Senator Godswill Akpabio from the South-South geopolitical zone as the President of the 10th Senate while Senator Barau Jibrin from the North-West was picked as his Deputy.

For the House of Representatives, the ruling party endorsed Hon. Tajudeen Abass from the North-West as Speaker and Hon. Benjamin Kalu from the South-East as Deputy Speaker. Since the announcement, controversies have trailed the ruling party’s choice, and have failed to subside, with the development generating serious tension among the senators-elect and house members-elect.

Apart from Akpabio from the South South geo-political zone, others who are also contesting the 10th Senate Presidency are Senators

Abdulaziz Yari (North West), Orji Uzor Kalu (South East) and Osita Izunaso (South East).

Those who are bidding for the position of the Deputy Senate President are the APC anointed candidate, Barau Jibrin (North West) and Senator Sani Musa (North Central).

At the House, those bidding for the position of Speaker are APC’s consensus candidate Tajudeen Abbas, Yusuf Gagdi, Aliyu Betara and Aminu Jaji and incumbent Deputy Speaker Idris Wase.

Those contesting for Deputy Speaker position are APC’s consensus candidate Benjamin Kalu, Miriam Onuoha and Chinedu Ogah.

As the D-Day (June 13th) draws closer, there are rumours that the ruling party’s national leadership is plotting to use various means to intimate others aspirants, forcing them to jettison their ambition and support the anointed candidates in both Senate and House of Representatives.

Some Civil Society Organizations were reportedly, calling for probe of some of the leading contenders. These moves as believed in some quarters

are aimed towards intimidating the aspirants and forcing them to jettison their ambitions.

On its part, a pro democracy group, Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Menike Johnson, described zoning of presiding officers of the National Assembly positions as undemocratic.

The statement read, “Zoning and external endorsements are undemocratic and only promotes mediocrity, incompetence and breeds a corrupt and rubber stamp parliamentary leadership that cannot serve the interest of the Nigerians.

“CPD commended senators-elect for their support for Senator Abdul’aziz Yari who has exhibited the required capacity, passion and political will to run a legitimately elected Senate Presidency that will unite the nation, provide constructive partnership with the Executive in the overall interest of Nigerians.

“It also cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against the imposition of a Senate President noting that such will only worsen the division in the party and deny it the ability to maintain a healthy relationship with its lawmakers.

“The Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy has been watching the contest for the Senate Presidency with keen interest.

“We have also noted the trajectory, demonstrated capacity and acceptability of the two

major contestants in the race; Senator Abdul’aziz Yari and Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“CPD in tandem with other pro-democracy organizations insists that those interested in the office of the Senate President should rather marshal their agenda to Nigerians.

“Senators-elect should not rely on retrogressive and sectional arguments of zoning and external endorsements which is undemocratic, promotes mediocrity, incompetence and breeds a corrupt and rubber stamp parliamentary leadership that cannot serve the interest of the people”.

While the rumours of planned intimidation is rife, it is important that the Presidency shouldn’t interfere but to allow the contest for National Assembly leadership be thrown open to all members from across the country.

Also, former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, Aliyu Betara and other contestants should be allowed the right of free contest without hindrance.

While zoning is a credible criteria given the context of Nigeria’s diversity and the necessary requirement for inclusion and power-balancing, imposition of candidates robs the people of the right to freely choose. It does not augur well for democracy and separation of powers.

Benson

Deji Elumoye writes that the ruling All Progressives Congress and the executive arm of government, should allow the contest for the 10th National Assembly leadership to be thrown open to all aspirants, devoid of hindrance or intimidation.

Akpabio Yari

Kalu

Abass

Betara Wase

Harnessing Role of Youths, Women in Engendering Peace and Conflict Resolution

In recognition of the role youths and women play in engendering peace and conflict resolution, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation, CBAAC, recently held a training in Imo State. Writes

Chiemelie Ezeobi

It is often said that no nation, notwithstanding its level of civilisation, can thrive in an atmosphere of chaos and civil unrest. This is because any environment coloured with hostility and political instability will consequently shift government’s focus and channel the society’s resources in executing war programmes instead of developmental initiatives.

This means that resources that should ordinarily go into implementation of viable economic policies and programmes for the good of all will be used to finance conflict to bring about peace. Understandably so, because peace is so vital in the development ladder to the extent that developed countries spend greater percentage of their national budgets in maintaining peace and order.

Thus, development, which means the gradual and steady increase in the overall wellbeing of a society, can only take place in a peaceful and political stable atmosphere devoid of conflict. Peace, as some have argued, is not the absence of conflict but justice. Because where injustice reigns supreme and there is no justice system to bring culprits to book, the society will degenerate to the Hobbesian state of nature.

Ironically, women and youth are always at the receiving end during crisis situations. Youths are used as canon fodders to fester and exacerbate crises and women are usually the victims of most conflicts. Interestingly, both have serious roles to play in eschewing conflicts and engendering peace and tranquillity for the good of the society.

As mothers and wives, women have enormous potentials which could be utilised to promote peace and development particularly in rural areas. With their influence in the society as culture purveyors and opinion moulders, women can galvanise themselves to promote peace if given the much needed support. This is also true of the youth that represents the productive capacity of a society.

Regrettably, greater percentage of youths are involved in one crises or the other. But, instead of channelling youthful energies to unproductive and destructive ventures, youths could be empowered through capacity building to make meaningful contributions to societal development.

In recent times, Imo State, particularly the Imo West Senatorial District has been the hotbed of some of the most frightening crises that has resulted in huge loss of lives and property.

It is in recognition of the important role which women and youth could play in ushering peace and engender conflict resolution that the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) partnered the Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Owelle Rochas Okorocha to organise a training for Women and Youth on Peace and Conflict resolution in Imo West Senatorial District.

CBAAC is an agency of the federal government, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture. The centre was established shortly after the very successful hosting of the epoch making Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC’77). As a foremost Pan-African Agency for cultural advocacy, the centre is charged with the responsibility of promoting, preserving and propagating the rich cultural heritage of Black and African Peoples for enhanced understanding and appreciation.

The centre achieves this by organising Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Symposia and Roundtables that further knowledge and understanding on the contribution of the Black and African peoples to world civilisation.

Thus, the rational for the training was to interrogate the concept of peace as an index of development; examine the causes of conflict and its effect on the lager society; analyse the role of women and youth in a peace building process; reflect on the place and importance of women professionals in conflict resolution; and examine the cost of progress in relation to peace and conflict management.

This was done under the scope of the theory of Peace and Conflict as an academic discipline, Historicising the concept of Peace and Conflict;

Peace and Conflict Management in a developing nation; Causes and consequences of conflict; Equity, Justice and Fairness as an instrument of conflict resolution; and The role of gender in conflict management.

So for the participants, the training was tailored for them to understand the meaning and causes of conflict; key approaches to conflict resolution; cost of conflict and its implication for development; cost of peace and its significance to development; Onion / Tree approaches and other Models in conflict management; and theories of peace and conflict management, etc.

Participants, who were largely women and youths from all local government areas that constitute Imo West Senatorial District in Imo State, had professionals on Peace and Conflict Management, Security Experts, NGOs, and women professional bodies in attendance. Prominent among dignitaries that attended the programme were Hon. Peter Clinton Ihejiagwa, a former Transition Committee Chairman of Orsu Local Government Area and Dr Chris Ekwueme, former Special Assistant to Imo State Governor on Orlu Zone. The lecture at the training was delivered by Prof Aloy Ojilere, a Professor of Human Rights Law at Imo State University, Owerri.

In the welcome remarks by Hon Olubunmi Amao, CBAAC’s Director General, who was represented by Mr Adesegun Dosumu, Deputy Director and Head, Research and Publications

Division of the Centre, she welcomed everyone to program, thanked the Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, for the partnership and encouraged all participants to take advantage of the training so that the much needed peace for growth and development can return to Imo State.

The program was declared open on behalf of Senator Owelle Rochas Okorocha by Hon Barrister Ijeoma Igboanusi. She welcomed participants and thanked the Director-General of CBAAC Hon Oluwabunmi Amao for organising this laudable programme designed to promote tolerance and peaceful co-existence in Imo West Senatorial District.

In her address, Igboanusi expressed concern about the atmosphere of hostilities in Imo West Senatorial District which she said halted economic activities. This according to her, has serious consequences on the overall well-being of the people.

She decried the attitude of some youths who allow themselves to be used as tools by some elements for their own selfish ambition. She encouraged them to eschew violence and channel their youthful energy and zeal to more productive ventures that will better their lives and those of their communities.

That peace undoubtedly is an indispensable vehicle of development as no nation

whether rich or poor can succeed in a hostile and violent environment devoid of tranquillity.

She also thanked Senator Rochas Okorocha for facilitating the programme as a way of promoting peace in Imo West Senatorial District, while encouraging women to play active role in ensuring that peace reigns. As women are usually at the receiving end in every crises situation.

On his part, the chairman of the occasion Hon Peter Clinton Ihejiagwa in his remark, likened the training of women on peace and conflict resolution to fundamentally nipping crises in the bud as women are family makers and nation builders.

He commended the initiative behind the programme noting sadly that during the yuletide period, note many could travel to their home towns for Christmas and New Year celebrations. He therefore viewed organising the programme as timely and important.

In the lecture presented by Prof Aloy Ojilere on “Peace and Conflict Resolution in Imo West Senatorial District”, he traced the sources of the current crises that plague Imo West Senatorial District to Sensational and Partisan Media Reportage; Political rivalry; Refusal to accept human equality; and Boundary dispute.

He also identify Ezeship and Traditional Rulership tussle; Discrimination based on circumstances of birth; Sharing of property and inheritance; Bad and insensitive governance; Clannish inclinations; and Neglect or refusal to reward service (social, economic or political) as other causes of conflict in the Imo State.

Consequently, he advocated the use of traditional institutions like traditional rulers; Women and Youth Associations (Umunna, Umuada and Umumgboto); Age grade system; and Ofo na Ogu (traditional African justice system); means of preventing or resolving conflicts.

He also suggests encouraging the practice of Political liberality and non-dominance; even spread of infrastructure for development; election of President-Generals and Town Unions through open democratic processes rather than imposition; Promoting dialogue between the leaders of warring parties since they are the legitimate representatives of the people; and the use of Strong by-laws and constitutions.

In relation to women and youths, it is imperative to note that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Consequently, efforts must be made to ensure continuous education and vocational training for women and youths; access to soft Start-up capital for economic pursuits; even distribution of social amenities; Youth and Women involvement in politics; and the involvement of religious leaders to return peace to the state.

Given the importance attached to economic empowerment of women and youth and as advocated by the guest lecture, start-up capital was given to all participants. The program came to end with the distribution of certificates to all participants.

Participants at the training

Any environment coloured with hostility and political instability will consequently shift government’s focus and channel the society’s resources in executing war programmes instead of developmental initiatives

Hon Amao Senator Okorocha

Subomi Balogun Was Symbol of Nigerian Dream

Louis Ibe

Symbols of consolation, they had, by their deeds across time, reverently and consistently lifted the banners of genuine brotherhood, business integrity, dexterity, true statesmanship, exemplary industry, perseverance, and every other value of importance. And by a mixture of sheer grit and hard work, while steering their business brands, they became creators of employment, bastions of treasured values, crusaders of sustainability and worthy legacies, incubators of financial substances, as well as society’s solid standard references for success and notable history makers.

In this pack was the cerebral entrepreneur, a rare gem with panache, a Christian with an infectious value system, and the possessor of many positively inspiring titles – the late Otunba (Dr) Michael Olasubomi Balogun, CON. Call him a symbol of the true Nigerian dream, and you would be stating the obvious. That dream encapsulated warm relationships with and accommodation for people of other ethnicities, religions and cultural values, patriotism, and visioning - vital ingredients in the founding and nurturing of enterprises, as well as the spirit of altruism and help for others in need. In all these, the beloved Olori Omo-Oba Akile Ijebu had quite an impressive record.

Days to his last breath, he was mobilizing prayers for his royal father - the Awujale of Ijebuland, and several others across the length and breadth of the land, that God should give them more time to live in good health in the land of the living. He spoke to many on the telephone, praying, thanking, and appreciating them for their good deeds, love, commitment, and loyalty to him. Did he know his own time was up? Only God reveals.

Many stories of him in the public space are tonics for motivation, for embedded in them are the lessons of dexterity, doggedness, and commitment. A typical example is the story of the quest to obtain a banking license for the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), which today has become a premium banking brand. “What I did at that time was unheard of in this country, for one individual to say he wanted to establish a bank”.

“But I was inspired by my God through the mouth of my 9-year-old son. We were praying, and the little boy went to his mother and said, ‘I pity Daddy. Why can’t he start his own business instead of wanting to be the Chief Executive of somebody else’s bank?” In obeying that submission, however, Otunba Balogun faced hurdles, which would have overwhelmed him if he didn’t have vision, commitment, and the help of God.

In retrospect, Otunba Balogun had not failed at any point, to appreciate and recognize the contributions, support, and guidance of late Alhaji Otiti, a then deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, who were used directly by God to assist him in doing what many people thought was impossible. He confirmed they were there for him, through the entire process till the Central Bank approved and issued him a Banking License.

Here again, you cannot but agree that divinity was at work for him, ensuring the opening of another door upon the closing of one. Rather than Otiti, it was former Vice President, now late Chief Alex Ekwueme, who had been a friend well before the civil war, that God positioned for him and used. Balogun and his wife had resolved to ‘waylay’ Ekwueme at a church service. “At the Cathedral Church, my wife and I planned that when Alex was being led-out that, I would grab his cloth, and my wife would grab that of his wife. When we made the moves, the security people with them thought something was wrong with us, but Alex looked back and said,’Subomi, Bimbola, what is happening?’.

“Do you know what I told him? I said, ‘Mr. Vice President, please why the delay in approving for me, a banking license?’ So, Alex said we should come to see him, and he assured me that by the following Thursday, the process would have been completed, and

Late Subomi Balogun

I would get my license. By 3 pm on that Thursday, a minister phoned me, and said, ‘Egbon (Big Brother), congratulations, the Vice President says your license has been approved’. True friendship, across ethnic lines had spoken, a friendship that had taken strong roots long before Otunba’s moment of need.

Otunba Balogun himself emphasised that it was an evident example of reciprocity, and the lesson learnt was increasingly apparent. He recalled: “The first house I built in my life in Apapa, Alex had the next building to mine. As soon as the war started, some pool players took over the house and converted it to a gambling house. They would be there until midnight, but to protect my own house from being burgled by those people, I had to arrange for the police to evacuate them. And having done that, I renovated the house and rented it out to a lady from the East, and I was receiving the rent. When the war ended, Alex Ekwueme returned to Lagos and came to see me. After the exchange of pleasantries, I went to my room and brought out a big envelope.”

Otunba Balogun narrated: “In those days, we didn’t use cheques much, it was all cash. So, I gave him the money. I told him I renovated his house, rented it out and that was the rent I had collected. Alex looked at me, and in utter disbelief said, “Mike, I am very grateful”. It is this kind of reciprocity that only men of integrity are made of. It can be imagined what could have happened, if Otunba had not, before then, shown himself trustworthy. Perhaps, his aspiration to birth a bank would have remained a pipe dream. On the other hand, having been tested, he became trusted, and when he needed help, to establish a bank, fulfilling the requirements, help came readily and easily.

Today, several other companies have sprouted from the brand, and they include: FCMB Group Plc, subsidiaries such as First City Monument Bank (FCMB), CSL Stockbrokers, FCMB Capital Markets, First City Asset Management Limited (FCAM), Credit Direct Limited, FCMB Microfinance Bank and FCMB UK. There are also, FCMB

Pensions Limited and FCMB Trustees Limited.

There was more to the life of this man to demonstrate his ever willingness to be of service. For example, in a situation where many still cause divisions, using religious inclination, Otunba Balogun, had by his philanthropy, not only blurred the line, but obliterated it. He gave to the Jew as much as he did to the Gentile. So much, he took it upon himself to invest in the spiritual growth of Christians in his hometown, through an annual retreat and many more. Interestingly, this retreat also accommodated Muslims. Many still look forward and pray that this great deed and legacy, even in the absence of Otunba Balogun, be sustained. What was the essence? The objective was to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, worship the Almighty God, touch, and impact humanity. Why not, when he was made the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, even when his mother was the Iyasuna of Muslims there, he had continued to enjoy the prayers and well wishes of all and sundry. “If God singled me out and made me what I am, who am I not to show appreciation to Him for the unique endowment this good Lord has made to me? It is for this reason that I do whatever I do”. He was Otunba, and further, they also decided to make him the Olori Omo-Oba (the head of all the princes) and yet, the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians as well as the Olori-Ebi of the Arojojoye Ruling House in Ijebu Ode, of Ogun State. That town is also host of the multi-billion Naira Otunba Tunwase Paediatric Centre which he had given out as a total gift to the University of Ibadan and the University College Hospital (UCH), both in Ibadan. This was aside regular donations and lending support to worthy courses far and wide., which altogether, continually proclaim the kindheartedness of this true symbol

of a classic Nigerian brand.

“I am always joyous to do good and to have people around me, wherever you come from. And the good Lord has always been faithful to me”. Otunba Balogun also proved that people did not always hit it big early in their careers but should see each modest stage in life as a step to something greater in the future. His immediate job before jetting out of the country for the proverbial golden fleece was as a classroom teacher. And even when he was done with schooling in the United Kingdom, he did not allow the flashy lifestyle there to tie him down. Many other jobs he landed had enough perks to keep him hooked, but he was persuaded enough to give to each, only what was necessary. Such included the engagement at the Western Region’s Ministry of Justice, where he was a Crown Counsel and later, a Parliamentary Counsel, at the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank, a dream workplace, for many young Nigerians then and at the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the famous World Bank, and its subsidiary, - the International Finance Corporation (IFC) both in Washington DC.

Armed with a bigger vision of himself and tomorrow, he promptly returned to the country and began to explore business ownership options. His rewards and recognitions had come in quantum – profit for investments, commendation for good works, good name around town, and fulfilment in life.

But the icing was joining the class of distinguished Nigerians, bestowed with the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Officer of the Niger (CON). For being a true symbol of the Nigerian dream, the late Otunba (Dr) Michael Olasubomi Balogun deserves all the accolades. All men of goodwill obviously doff their hats today for this rare gift of a man and chorus for him, everlasting peace in the bosom of the good Lord. May the Lord rest his beautiful soul. Nothing less can suffice than to appreciate this gem with panache as we bid him farewell.

How NCS, ALTON, ATCON, Others Stopped P assage of NITDA Bill

Emma Okonji

Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body of all Information Technology (IT) professionals in Nigeria, has revealed how NCS and other industry groups like the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), stopped the passage of the bill that seeks to repeal and reenact the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Bill 2021.

The former Minister of Communications and Digital

Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, had in his last days in office, pushed for the passage of NITDA Bill at the House of Representatives and the Senate, with a plan to ensure that former President Muhamadu Buhari signed the bill into law before leaving office on May 29, 2023.

Industry stakeholders however vehemently fought against the passage of the bill, which according to them, did not represent the interest of industry stakeholders and Nigerians.

Citing Q4 2022 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which puts ICT

contribution to GDP at 16.22 per cent, the stakeholders are of the view that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is sustaining Nigeria’s economy through its contribution to GDP growth, insisting that critical bill like NITDA Bill should represent national interest.

NCS President, Prof. Adesina Sodiya, who told THISDAY how industry stakeholders stopped the passage of NITDA Bill, said: “Initially the bill was passed by Senate, based on the pressure from the same forces that were pushing for the passage of the bill, but NCS and other industry stakeholders immediately challenged it and gave

reasons why the bill should not be passed, by writing to the Senate and the House of Representatives. During the public hearing, the number of organisations that kicked against the bill was more than the number of organisations that supported the bill, but the committee handling the bill, worked with the former minister to get more illegitimate organisations to support the bill and that was the basis on which Senate passed the bill.

“When we noticed it, we quickly wrote to the Senate, to the House of Representatives and to the Presidency, stating why the former president should

not sign the bill into law, and we are happy that the NITDA Bill was not part of the eight bills that the former president signed before leaving office. Stakeholders are happy that the bill was not signed because that bill did not represent the interest of industry stakeholders.”

Sodiya therefore called for the withdrawal and review of the bill, in the best interest of industry stakeholders and Nigerians. He said: “We want a total review of the bill and we want that bill to be withdrawn and sent back to the committee for total review, where the interest of industry stakeholders

will be considered as part of the bill.”

Sodiya explained that industry stakeholders were not carried along in the drafting of NITDA Bill, and that the former minister went ahead to push for the passage of the bill and also ensured that former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the bill into law before leaving office on May 29, 2023.

He however expressed happiness that the bill was not signed by the former president.

FG: We Won’t Shift Ground on Determination to Sanitise Advertising Industry

Raheem Akingbolu

The federal government has announced that it would not succumb to threats or blackmail from any quarters in its determination to sanitise the advertising industry.

Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria

(ARCON), Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, who dropped the hint in a statement to dismiss the claim by the leadership of the Advertising Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) that the regulatory body was working against business growth, insisted that steps being taken by ARCON were geared towards strengthening the advertising

industry.

The statement, which also responded to the notice of legal action issued against ARCON by the Advertising Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), asserted that its actions were aimed at improving the Nigerian advertising industry and protecting the interests of

stakeholders.

On advertising contracts between advertisers and other shareholders, the statement said that contrary to ADVAN’s position, the council must be involved in advertising contracts between advertisers and other shareholders.

The body clarified that its role

is to establish minimum acceptable industry standards for advertising, advertisements, and marketing communications. According to it, these standards serve only as a framework to guide transactions involving stakeholders. The council emphasised that regulatory agencies in various industries establish

standards to ensure fair practices. According to the statement, “Some ADVAN members that engage in oppressive policies with impunity over the years are uncomfortable with the new fair-trade practice framework.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

AS AKUME ASSUMES OFFICE

AS THE SGF…

It is an appointment well made, contends NIKKY ONYERI

See page 25

APC AND THE 2015 ECHOES

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI presents the intrigues behind the emergence of Bukola Saraki as Senate President

See page 25

EDITORIAL

CBN AND MICROFINANCE BANKS

MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE advises the new president not to squander his opportunity for an exceptional, historic leadership

A WORD FOR PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU

Life is more intriguing when it exhibits a touch of fate. Sometime in the 1990s, I interviewed Nigerian music legend, Bongos Ikwue, who has just clocked 81 years. One of the things he said has stuck with me since then. He wondered some pastors sometimes when they express their knowledge of the motives, ways and will of God; as he put it, “as if they have breakfast, lunch and dinner with the Almighty regularly.” According to him, he couldn’t reconcile that kind of God with the one in the Bible.

The numerous unfavourable prophecies, predictions, and other chants against the presidential bid of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be of interest to students and researchers of esoterica and public discourse. Many of the persons who spoke from religious, spiritual and other supra-sensory platforms on the subject and who were opposed to the emergence of Asiwaju as Nigeria’s president also tended to do so with so much passion that it became hard to separate their own personal prejudices from the topic. While those declarations were going on, I sincerely wished that the men and women stepped down from their pedestals and left God’s name out of the pronouncements. For, like Bongos, I’m convinced that while it’s true that the Supreme Being reveals bits of the future to people, he does so as he pleases, at whatever times he chooses. Honestly, there are enough other grounds upon which to probe the aspirations, tactics and processes that led to the eventual announcement of Tinubu as the winner of the February 2023 presidential poll.

The unpredictable nature of divinity, therefore, makes it not only wise but also critical for those who consider themselves as God’s mouthpieces to exercise adequate caution in choosing when and how to deliver sensitive messages. This in how they’re perceived and received, and how the speakers themselves are rated in the estimation of the analytical public. In a tensed ethnic, religious and political atmosphere like political tranquillity and equilibrium shouldn’t be underrated because, in addition to the value occupy, some of them are also well-respected opinion leaders.

Now that Tinubu has been sworn in as the nation’s 16th president, they shouldn’t even bother to explain anything to their audiences, especially if it requires invoking God’s name yet again. They must now accept the simple no matter how ‘anointed’ someone is. Their followers and listeners too should. No need to nurse any bruised ego. No need to even feel that they have failed. The struggle between human emotions and spirituality can be very exerting and confusing, after all. The results aren’t always predictable.

Thankfully, I don’t see the president as someone who would gloat over the misjudgements of the predictors. He must be wiser than that. His aides and supporters, and sensitivity of this moment. Any temptation

for them to deride those tagged as “doomsday or false prophets and enemies of progress,” must be quenched. The recent change of guards at Aso Villa needs to be accorded commensurate humility, magnanimity and tact. That won’t diminish the grace, grandeur rekindle hope in the minds of Nigerians who have watched over time the integrity of their leaders dwindling drastically.

President Tinubu surely has his own reasons why he should adopt meekness, gratitude and large-heartedness as his unwritten codes. Apart from enabling him to obtain and maintain a subliminal edge over those who seriously wish him evil, these virtues would equip him with the fortitude to face the legal proceedings legitimately initiated against him by his closest rivals, Wazirin Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi, in the last election. They would also grant him the much-needed focus to squarely preside over the onerous task of governance. And being at the top of the is not a particularly enviable job. Anyone in Tinubu’s shoes must be sober in order to bring out his best and demonstrate purposeful leadership.

Parts of the burden of this nascent administration are the legacies of the previous one having been midwifed by the same political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Even if Tinubu’s team had tried to distance itself from the actions and inactions of the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari, it would have boomeranged. So, the failings of Buhari and company have been rightly passed down and should now be owned by the successors and treated with the seriousness they deserve. The beauty of the system of government we’re running here is that even though

Now that destiny has handed the presidency to Tinubu in fulfilment of his life-long ambition and, so far, in defiance of certain expectations of May 29 becoming his own Ides of May - some sort of harbinger of personal ill fortune - thoughts of positive posterity ought to dominate him constantly

be decided by the judiciary, he already has a chance to make a mark in our democratic journey.

impact must include reassuring them that the ongoing and seemingly irreversible slide in virtually all indices of personal and national growth can and will be halted. The new federal government is still counting hours and days in the saddle but it has to show straightaway that it’s not about to take the route of its predecessor. When Buhari moved from being careful and studious to unpardonable delay in forming his government, it became clear to discerning minds that the country would not make much progress under him. The cabinet he formed eventually wasn’t among the best in the nation’s history. After a six-month wait! Some of the members had the luxury years without meaningful checks.

from where we were in 2015. Buhari came into power on the wings of the overwhelming goodwill of a great number of the populace which was emphatically exhibited at the poll. Former President Goodluck Jonathan partly because of his own good character and also his ability to read the tide properly. The climate now is in reverse. Those contesting Tinubu’s victory are armed with proofs that may not be easy pushovers, a condition that can pose a psychological distraction. But, hopefully, not for Tinubu who has planned all his political life to become president. Nigeria, therefore, now has the most prepared leader in its chequered history. And what a time for him to appear on the scene!

The desperate situation in which the country has found itself is largely a product of the quality of direction given by the men and women Buhari had relied on to deliver the goods. Sadly, many of them delivered excuses, sterile policies, jaundiced implementations and hollow promises instead. This president Neither should Nigerians be dragged, yet again, along those familiar, wearying ways. My friend and colleague, Agatha Edo, sent in the abyss we have kept praying against. One wrong move, we may never get out of it. I hope the people in charge of Nigeria realise that this cake is about to crumble beyond repairs if they don’t remove self-interest from their menu.” Unfortunately, it remains to be seen if the current actors in public service have been inoculated against corruption, inordinate aggrandisement and ineptitude.

Now that destiny has handed the

certain expectations of May 29 becoming his own Ides of May - some sort of harbinger of personal ill fortune - thoughts of positive posterity ought to dominate him constantly.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

AS AKUME ASSUMES OFFICE AS THE SGF…

administration made some consequential appointments, including the appointment of Senator George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Like every other SGF appointment since Nigeria’s return to democratic government, Akume’s does not provoke extraordinary interest for good measure.

However, a careful observation will wealth of experience hitherto unknown to emphasizing its merit has the trappings of a tailor-made. As a political leader, a governor, a senator, and a minister, Akume has served

that in addition to its core responsibilities, it should be able to wither inevitable political storms that occur on occasion. Nigeria is not in decent shape politically and economically right now. No time in her recent history has she been so disunited and fractionalised with her fault lines quite evident. Insecurity and poverty as well as tribe-on-tribe violence have consummate diplomatic skill to address them. The diverse nature of the country demands a great administrator with uncommon skill to manage. Appointment to positions in rather than political patronage that has failed Nigeria’s journey to nationhood.

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI presents the intrigues behind the emergence of Bukola Saraki as Senate President

APC AND THE 2015 ECHOES

Continued from backpage

The argument was that by the Senate rule, all that a winner needed was a simple majority and since neither of the two APC contenders (Ahmed Lawan and Bukola Saraki) would likely step down for the other, Mark would get more votes. And once that happened, Mark could take the gavel. The only thing the APC could do in such situation would be to go to

to work with him than with someone like Lawan who had never been a member of PDP in the last 16 years of his membership of National Assembly (eight years in the House and eight in the Senate).

validation from the court of public opinion. He left each on a high note and has amassed the sophistication necessary to discharge the to the Government of the Federation. A quick 1999 shows they were excellent secretaries Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Mr Babachir David Lawal and Boss Gida Mustapha.

But notwithstanding the experiences of these great men and their performances more prepared because of his vast political experiences. He has as much of the experiences of these men and more. Akume has the rare the interpersonal skill required to handle state is volatile and requires a manager with uncanny skills to navigate the mines. Akume’s experiences as the governor of Benue State showed that apart from delivering on developments, he was able to steer the Food Basket of the Nation away from crises. And for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to function optimally and have its policies and programmes monitored, coordinated, and formulation in the ministries, departments and agencies, the appointment of Akume was apt. Perhaps only very few people will appreciate SGF is saddled with. With up to 20 important to Federal Road Safety Corps, Niger Delta Development Commission, Code of Conduct Bureau, National Identity Management Commission, National Poverty Eradication Program, National Agency for Control of AIDs, National Atomic Energy Commission, New Partnership for African Development, etc., the Tinubu government scored the bull’s eye in the choice of the former Governor. Mild-mannered, just, and well-disposed to ensuring that the much-expected new Nigeria where neither creed nor ethnic group has any greater importance than merit is government of the federation is so important

The Society for Women Mentoring and Advancement believes that the search for a stable and prosperous Nigeria will not be remarkably successful unless she entrenches is calling for 50 per cent representation of women in government as this will augur not just for balance, but for a more progressive society. Elimination of unlawful discrimination against women both in appointive and elective positions has a way of building democracy and promoting social justice. The Society, therefore, holds strongly to the belief that fair representation in the Tinubu administration will go a long way in promoting peace and progress. The new SGF is also not averse to this development as was evident during his previous public engagements. Hopefully, the power to aspire to elective positions and the appointment to political positions will be more available to women under the present government.

The appointment of Senator Akume whose eight-year tenure as Governor of Benue state saw to massive infrastructural uplift, especially in healthcare development and the subtle handling of violent ethnic clashes in the state prognosticates the new government has lots of promise. There is no gainsaying the SGF are not working at full capacity and may require greater attention to rid them of indolence and neglect. The new SGF should apply his wealth of experience to rejig the work to form.

Poverty-inspired insecurity is currently ravaging the country and it is high time the Program combated this malaise. No country has any chance of development if it is battling in the main with rabid insecurity. Ditto for name with no visible impact on either the economy or political development of the country. For example, if Nigeria must join the league of developed countries and improve its technological advancement, the National Atomic Energy Commission must review its services. There should be a more pertinent attitude to work of Nigerians.

The SGF provides the President with recommendations to facilitate informed decision-making, oversees the day-today operations and administration of the government, facilitates collaboration, resolves of government policies across various ministries and parastatals. These are no easy responsibilities; they require a tested hand like Akume to give these obligations the required bite.

Princess Onyeri, President of the Society for Women Mentoring and Advancement, writes from Abuja

Conduct a mock poll among themselves (the PDP Senators in attendance) on who between the two APC candidates, (Lawan or Saraki) they should back but with the proviso that PDP would produce the Deputy Senate President. That was something they were not prepared nominate a candidate, then counter-nominate another APC Senator and give him their block vote in what would amount to divide and rule.

This option has a precedent. A similar scenario played out at the Cross River State House of

So, even before the PDP Senators began to cast their mock ballots, it had been concluded that with Lawan being the choice of the APC, it was more pragmatic to go with Saraki who had been sounded out and had of Deputy Senate President. The choice of Ekweremadu was also strategic because, being very close to Mark, that helped to douse whatever ill-feeling the former Senate President may harbour against Saraki. There was also a strong sentiment against Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the meeting as many of the Senators argued that a vote for Lawan would be a vote for the APC National Leader. It was the same sentiment that was employed against Femi Gbajabiamila in the House of Representatives.

With the mock poll conducted among the PDP Senators while Mark and Ekweremadu abstained, Saraki polled 28 votes and Lawan secured 17 votes. By this time, the acting PDP National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus and Metuh, who were practically in Mark’s house throughout Monday, had entered the fray to seal the decision of the Senators as that of the party. Saraki was then brought into the meeting where Ekweremadu.

Assembly in 1991 during the transition to civil rule programme of General Ibrahim Babangida when there were two political parties, the National Republican Convention (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). While Mr. Clement Ebri of the NRC won the gubernatorial election, his party secured only 12 of the 25 seats in the House of Assembly with the SDP winning Speaker, there was a drama. The moment the member from the NRC nominated another SDP member to be Speaker and he went on to win on the strength of his own vote added to that of the 12 NRC members. As it would happen, the said SDP member had done a deal with the NRC by trading away the position of Deputy Speaker.

By Monday night, at the end of what was the third PDP meeting in Mark’s house, it was the second option that prevailed. But with 32 of the 49 PDP Senators coming from the South-east and South-south, there was a strong argument at the meeting that Lawan, most favoured by Mark, holds extreme views when it comes to the issue of North and South. “He is, in fact, seen as a northern irredentist. From the PIB of emergency and insurgency debates, Lawan employs hurtful, arrogant, and clearly divisive dictions”, said a returning Senator from the South-east. That gave Saraki a huge advantage. However, the biggest odd against Saraki was that he had long-running ego issues with Mark who considers him arrogant and disrespectful. There was also an argument at the meeting that supporting Saraki by PDP would be like rewarding bad behaviour since he was one of the people who brought the party down. However, Ekweremadu argued in Saraki’s favour that he is more cosmopolitan and nationalistic in his approach to issues. A PDP Senator also told Mark that since Saraki was once a member of the family, it would be easier

However, once the APC leaders got wind of the PDP decision, a meeting was immediately scheduled for 9am at the International Conference Centre (ICC), just one hour ahead of the time that the National Assembly was supposed to be inaugurated. Meanwhile, since the president had already transmitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly the proclamation order and did not withdraw it, Mark and Ekweremadu, clout to put pressure on the Clerk) knew the APC Senators were misreading the rule of the game by staying away from their inaugural session on the pretext of holding a party meeting elsewhere. To worsen matters, attempts were made to use the police to prevent the National Assembly members from entering the premises. Who gave the directive is still a matter of speculations, but it only infuriated the PDP Senators who rallied behind Saraki who had also got some of his APC senate colleagues to attend the session. By 6am, Saraki was already inside the National Assembly premises.

10am on the dot, the Clerk of the National Assembly commenced the session for Senate. With Lawan and several of his APC colleagues still marooned at the ICC, Saraki was nominated for the post of Senate President and since he was unopposed with enough senators to make a simple majority, there was no contest. By the time the APC leaders and the senators (who were still expecting the president to arrive the ICC) realised the futility of their action, it was all over. Many of course rushed back to the National Assembly only to meet Saraki holding the gavel as the Senate President…

ENDNOTE: Enough said!

Adeniyi is Chairman, THISDAY Editorial Board

It is an appointment well made, contends NIKKY ONYERI

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

CBN AND MICROFINANCE BANKS

The supervisory authorities should address the issue of poor management of funds

Exercising its mandate, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week revoked the companies and four primary mortgage banks. According to the Governor of the their licences were issued for a continuous period of Bank. They have thus joined several dozens of other with the apex bank’s statutory requirements. In 2005, the CBN came up with a regulatory and supervisory framework for the establishment of MFBs as a means of providing access to unbanked population. The framework was designed to attract new capital as well as to regularise community banks (CBs), which had been established since the early 1990s, to provide conduits for lending. The banks solicit deposits which are guaranteed by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

in the mould of education, health, and related policies. industries such as trade, commerce, education, Nigeria. Moreover, they are meant to cut down the number of the unemployed in the street and help to address insecurity across the country. plenty challenges. Most of them have low capital base while some are involved in diversion of funds. “The

T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE T H I

W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

noted Taiwo Oyedele, a partner at PwC Nigeria. “The banks was that they cannot provide collateral. But the MFIs were asking them all manner of things

operational style is the same with commercial banks. Most of them are in urban areas instead of the rural communities where they are most needed. In addition, there are high loan defaults, heavy transaction cost, and low technical skills, among operators. Frequent changes in government policies also add to their woes.

There are no adequate data on the total credit of the industry, but stakeholders believe its performance is a All these are not helped by the impact of technology. are competing with online banks which do not have to set up elaborate Perhaps, all this prompted the CBN, in 2013, to issue the revised regulatory and supervisory guidelines for

2005 and emerging developments in the industry. But for now, the impact is hardly noticeable. The NDIC released a list of 42 operators whose licences were revoked in November 2020.

Out of desperation, many of these MFBs have resorted to using criminal and unorthodox methods to compel their borrowers to pay. They not only name and shame but also deploy the services of thugs. Going forward, the supervisory authorities should enforce standards and address the issue of poor management of funds meant for credit disbursement. Besides, the strengthened in order to mobilise domestic savings groups.

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

LETTERS

SUBSIDY REMOVAL: WILL THIS GAME EVER END?

I woke up just like many Nigerians to the devastating news of the astronomical increase in the pump price of fuel. It was sudden and shabbily implemented, and this much can be de duced from the hue and cry of Nigerians who had expressed concerns about the new development on the social and tra ditional media. It got even more confusing when the fuel hike was hinged on the removal of fuel subsidy. Don’t get me wrong, I am not opposed to fuel subsidy removal as I had in the past canvassed for its removal in series of articles. But I do not want to believe the recent fuel hike has anything to with subsidy removal as some had tried to portray it.

Yes, President Bola Tinubu had hinted about the removal of fuel subsidy during his inauguration speech when he de pump price of fuel went up does not in real sense project the removal of subsidy. In fact, it only replayed a pattern usually employed by the immediate President, Muhammadu Buhari, in jerking up price of fuel during his eight years rule.

In 2016, Buhari administration had adjusted the price of petrol from the N87 per litre it inherited to N145 per litre. The

Ibe Kachicku, said that “there is no provision for subsidy in rol) price of 86.50 gives an estimated subsidy of 13.7 per litre, which translates to 16.4 billion monthly. There is no his Democracy Day Anniversary broadcast that year that the “very painful but inevitable decisions we had to make in the after comprehensive investigation, “my advisers and I con

of the Minister of Petroleum, clearly suggested the removal of subsidy in petroleum products.

Disturbingly however, the same Buhari administration still hinged the development on the removal of subsidy from pe troleum products. And just like in 2016, the reason for the fuel hike was the removal of subsidy. But the truth, which Nigeri ans have come to found out, the Buhari government expend ed more than N11trn to service the same fuel subsidy it had

This was why I am not just skeptical but deeply concerned at the latest development because it has every footprint of the moving fuel subsidy will mean the full deregulation of the downstream sector, and nothing so far suggested that was what has happened.

Deregulation, going by the Cambridge Dictionary, entails an action of removing national or local government controls or rules from a business or other activities. In Financial Dictio nary, deregulation means the reduction of government’s role hard to agree with the suggestions that the current fuel hike in Nigeria is in anyway related to the removal of subsidy.

Take a look at the price list for pump price of petrol released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) ltd. Although, some people have contended that the list was only for stations under its operation but the picture I believe they must have missed is that NNPC is the only importer of fuel to Nigeria.

Sarafa Ibrahim, Iwo, Osun State

Micro-lending carries the image of social investment, classified as a development issue in the mould of education, health, and related policies

Year of the Bayelsa Child

In the early hours of May 20, just before the sun sat firmly in the sky, Mrs. Timi Iboro, a teacher at Reverend Proctor Memorial Primary School in Kiama walked briskly towards the school where she has been teaching for the past four years.

She arrived twenty-five minutes to the time she would have been deemed late, brought out her government-issued teacher tablet, synchronized it with her headteacher’s smartphone before performing other duties.

For teachers in public primary schools across Bayelsa State, punctuality and presence in school have become a major priority since BayelsaPRIME (Promoting Reform to Improve and Modernize Education), a basic education reform programme was introduced by the state governor, Senator Douye Diri.

Designed to drastically improve learning outcomes among children, the reform programme is already showing significant promise.

“This is the year we finally got a reform that is addressing some of the challenges we face in school. There are a lot of things that have changed since BayelsaPRIME was introduced, “Mrs. Iboro said later in the afternoon while observing a 15 minute break.

She added, “These days, we have eyes in the sky that monitor us to ensure that we arrive at school on time and we are teaching while in school or leave at the right time.”

MODERN TELEPHONY TECHNOLOGY

Using modern telephony technology, complex data analysis and insights from the Science of Learning, BayelsaPRIME has creatively proffered solutions to key challenges bedevilling basic education systems, not only in Nigeria, but across Africa.

Such issues as teacher absenteeism and lateness, low skill level of teachers, weak curriculum and outdated learning materials are addressed by the reform.

“If a teacher is not in school or if the teacher is in school but not teaching, the basic education sector managers at Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board (Bayelsa SUBEB) and Ministry of Education can tell remotely, “Iboro said.

Essentially, when teachers arrive at school, they clock in using their teacher tablets. A signal is immediately sent to a central server that warehouses data on what is going on in schools. As they teach throughout the day, their lesson completion rates are tracked through the complex algorithms underpinning BayelsaPRIME. They also clock out using the teacher tablets.

Each teacher or school that has unacceptable attendance or lesson completion records can be identified remotely and corrective measures are applied to stop further infractions.

“Some teachers began to call the reform ‘monitoring spirit’ when it started, this is because no one could falsely claim they came early when in fact they were late, “Mrs. Iboro said, a faint smile appearing on her face.

Interestingly, the programme has also created a culture of punctuality among pupils. Because they are sure that their teachers will be in school when they arrive early.

All pupils in the system have unique identification numbers and their attendance is also marked using the teacher tablet. To encourage the most punctual among them, their names are placed on a segment of the class board referred to as the Character Board as a reward for punctuality. This also applies to other positive behaviours.

“We never knew that recognizing children for punctuality would yield such results. Now, the children literally try to outdo each other in arriving at school early so that their names can be on the Character Board, and this is just one area of behavioural improvement we have noticed since the reform began, Mrs. Iboro added.

EMBRACING REFORM

Governor Diri launched BayelsaPRIME in early 2023 to address lingering challenges with learning outcomes in Bayelsa public primary schools. Like most states in Nigeria (and across the West Africa subregion), the undesirable state of learning outcomes was a concern.

A June 2022 World Bank report titled, “From School to jobs: a journey for the young people of Western and Central Africa,” noted that, “education in the region is in crisis with 80% of 10-year-old children in Western and Central Africa unable to read and understand a simple text, and more than 32 million children out of school, which represents the largest share of all regions worldwide.”

Policy makers in the education sector have noted that poor learning outcomes are driven by factors including: teacher absenteeism and lateness, poor quality of learning materials, low skill level of teachers and poor motivation of pupils to learn. Bayelsa State had its fair share of these problems.

The World Bank Report which was put together

by a team education sector thought leaders including, Martin Elias De Simone, a brilliant Argentine education economist noted that, “the future of any society lies in its ability to provide its children and youth with the tools and opportunities to flourish as individuals, and to contribute to the collective development of the society and country.” The Bank believes this, “can only be achieved through an education system that is accessible to everyone.”

Governor Diri’s logical response to the need for an educational system that is not only accessible but fair, inclusive and delivers on its mandate of providing life-changing education was BayelsaPRIME.

“We have initiated BayelsaPRIME, an innovative, technology programme in public primary schools in the state, through which we are building a very solid foundation upon which other structures in the educational system will stand,” he said at the 2023 Children’s Day ceremony in Yenagoa through the Commissioner of Education Dr. Gentle Emelah who represented him at the ceremony.

Because of the BayelsaPRIME reform, teacher professional development challenges have been addressed through training, mentorship and provision of technology-based work tools. A first batch of over 2,000 teachers were trained and equipped with teacher tablets in February at the BayelsaPRIME Induction Training.

Headteachers of 220 schools were also part of the training and they were equipped with smartphones that contain relevant state-of-the-art schools and teacher management software.

Apart from the induction training, all teachers and headteachers continue to receive in-school training on a weekly basis to ensure that they are properly guided and maintain set standards.

To address the challenge of learning materials, all teacher tablets are equipped with lessons, so teachers do not have to undergo the drudgery of preparing lesson notes weekly.

Quality learning materials in the form of textbooks, charts, learning cards and other materials are also supplied to the children to enable them to learn and do better.

Since implementation, there has been a rapid adoption of the BayelsaPRIME method across 220 schools. The number of children benefiting from the programme has also snowballed to over 37,000 across four local governments.

The additional four local government areas located in more remote and riverine areas of Bayelsa State are within sight of the programme in the next few weeks.

INPUT-OUTPUT

“We have made huge investments in our education sector by improving our free education programme, providing modern learning tools

and creating the right environment for our children to study,” Governor Diri additionally said on Children’s Day. Those investments have proven to be worth it.

“There are noticeable changes in the system, Mrs. Idoro says. “The children are more eager to learn and you can tell that they are improving. Even their command of the English language has seen a marked improvement. The teachers read from the teacher tablets directly sometimes and the children listen as the teachers read, the whole process is impacting the diction of the children, “she noted.

As for the children, they tell of being eager to come to school because the threat of teachers with long whips has been taken away since BayelsaPRIME does not approve of corporal punishment.

Children who do not match the catch-up rates of others are encouraged and motivated to do so. When the children are weak in school, energizers and cheers are used to bring up their energy levels.

“Since the inception of BayelsaPRIME, I noticed that my child has become more free in expressing her feelings and speaking up. The programme is bringing children who traditionally hid in their shells out. “It is helping our children, “Mrs Ononojuwa, a parent whose daughter attends State School 1, a few meters from the country home of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Otuoke, said.

Governor Douye Diri is changing the academic fortunes of thousands of children through BayelsaPRIME. Parents, teachers and pupils attest to it, writes Gilbert Ekwugbe

Governor Douye Diri with school children

Students in a classroom

L-R:

PCM Harps on Technology Innovation for Business Growth

Emma Okonji

Participants at the recent technology event organised by People Capacity Management (PCM), have stressed the need for technology innovation among industry players in order to drive business growth and development.

The conference, which was held during the 5th anniversary

of the consulting firm, featured the unveiling of PCM’s Business Academy, which aimed at providing transformative learning experiences to drive individual/business growth and expansion through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable practices, enabled by cutting-edge technology solutions.

In her opening remarks, the

Founder/Managing Partner of PCM, Mrs. Biola Ojo, said the conference was organised towards bringing together esteemed tech industry leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, astute investors, and influential policymakers to deliberate on the challenges faced by the African tech industry and chart a path towards developing robust and

sustainable business models.

According to her, “Today, we are witnessing unprecedented progress and disruptive technologies reshaping industries, disrupting traditional norms, and redefining the boundaries of what we once thought was possible.

“From artificial intelligence and machine learning to blockchain, quantum

Entrepreneurs, Startups Receive Up-scaling Strategies from 9mobile

Emma Okonji

9mobile has further reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of SMEs through the hosting of small businesses, start-ups, and budding entrepreneurs at ‘The Hack’, which is its networking and business mentorship initiative.

The Hack initiative took place recently in Enugu, where 9mobile took them through series of strategies and solutions that would help them build their business presence, and upscale.

‘The Hack,’ the first in the series for 2023, is an enterprise mentorship and networking event where

seasoned SME mentors, business leaders, growth experts, and facilitators share practical business fundamentals and insights to help SMEs and growing businesses scale up.

Lead Facilitator and Online Business Coach Nelly Agbogu, also known as ‘NaijaBrandChick, spoke extensively on the topic: ‘How to use social media to grow your business’, and emphasised the importance of social media to the growth of SMEs. “Every business must be on social media to leverage presence and ease of accessibility, to make sales, engage with customers, and generate

business leads,” she said. Agbogu harped on the choice of social media platforms and knowing the ideal place brands can meet customers, noting that brands must be honest with themselves when making choices of social media platforms to reach their markets. She hinged business success on stability, trust, and intentionality. “I will always tell anybody who cares to listen. To succeed in business, one must be consistent, trustworthy, and intentional about business. If you are not consistent in your actions, you will lose it. So, remain scalable, profitable at every single point in time,

and consistent”, she advised.

The Head of Network and IT Procurement at 9mobile, Femi Olaojo, spoke on ‘Negotiating Your Way to Business Growth’, and noted the significance of vendor performance evaluation, cost of ownership, sourcing strategies, and contracting in business.

The Manager of SME Marketing, 9mobile, Segun Dawodu, spoke on SME Business Automation’, stating how automation can help reduce business costs. “Automation can help you, as an SME, to streamline your processes, increase efficiency, reduce cost, and customer experience,” he said.

Logitech Pebble M350 Wireless Mouse Debuts

Logitech Pebble M350 wireless mouse that fits into the lifestyle of people has been introduced in the Nigerian market.

The mouse comes with a design that minimises space and can go

to wherever life takes people.

The smooth organic shape feels great in thehands ofusers and is compact enough to fit easily into thepocket or bag. Thanks to its extra slim design

and soft rounded sides, you can work comfortably in a cafe, library, or even a crowded taxi.

The mouse gives the same satisfying click feel that customers love with 90 per cent

less noise. Even the wide rubber scroll wheel glides in silence, disturbing those around you less. Additionally, the minimalist and contemporary look will suit any workstation.

Reliance Infosystems Wins Business Transformation Company Award

Nosa Alekhuogie

Reliance Infosystems, a global ICT organisation that specialises in the provision of effective digital transformation models, enterprise solutions and success assurance services, was acknowledged as the winner in the Business Transformation Company of the Year category award, during the 14th Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership (ABoICT) Awards, held at the Lagos, recently. Organised by Nigeria

Communications Week, the award acknowledges the outstanding contributions of people to the growth of the ICT sector. Reliance Infosystems was declared a winner in its category through a voting process that included business leaders, readers, as well as independent quality experts.

In a letter announcing the achievement, the Editor In-Chief of Nigeria Communications Week, Ken Nwogbo, said: “This is a testament to your talents,

innovations, contributions and commitments to the growth of the ICT industry, and we are happy that Nigerians have recognised your hard work, sincerity and dedication towards the development of the ICT# industry.”

Managing Director, Reliance Infosystems Group, Olayemi Popoola, expressed delight over the recognition, which is a way of rewarding hard work and motivation to contribute more in digital transformation of our economy.

computing, and the Internet of Things, we are immersed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape hence the need to build an agile and sustainable business structure that can stand the test of time.”

The conference had two plenary sessions and a keynote speech aimed at taking an in-depth look at some of the critical issues facing the African tech industry, the lack of sustainable business structures

that support its growth.

In one of the plenary sessions, the panelists addressed key issues such as the optimal approach for tech companies in talent acquisition and retention, risk management and contingency planning for tech start-ups, the prioritisation of sustainable, long-term solutions over quick wins and rapid growth, and the identification of metrics that reflect a commitment to long-term sustainability.

Emurgo Africa Set to Unveil Web 3.0

A comprehensive State of Web 3.0 in Africa Report, is set to be released on June 23, 2023, which highlights the rapidlyevolving landscape of Web 3.0 technologies in African countries, providing in-depth analysis of their impact, opportunities, and challenges and offering recommendations for fostering growth and measurable impact. The report, sponsored by Emurgo Africa, will be launched at a media event in Nairobi, Kenya, with industry leaders, policymakers and press in attendance. Key figures from prominent blockchain investors,

developer and ecosystem players, including NODO, CVVC, GreenHouse Capital, PwC and Cardano, will deliver notable conversations and remarks at the event.

CEO of Emurgo Africa, Ahmed M. Amer, said: “The future of Web 3.0 technologies in Africa is bright, with the potential to drive unprecedented social, financial and economic development across the continent. The report emphasises the critical importance of collaboration between stakeholders, policymakers, and regulators in fully realizing the transformative power of Web 3.0 technologies in Africa.”

NIGCOMSAT, Yahclick to Deepen Broadband Penetration in Africa

turning point for the company.

According to Popoola, “At Reliance Infosystems, our vision is to reinvent the world through digital transformation. We believe in pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and reshaping industries with the help of innovative technology solutions. By partnering with us, you gain a dedicated team that will race alongside you, providing the necessary technologies, strategies, and support to ensure your success.”

The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd and Yahclick, a subsidiary of Yahsat, operators of Mubadala communications satellite of United Arab Emirate, have partnered to deepen broadband penetration in Nigeria and Africa at large.

The Chief Executive Officer, NIGCOMSAT, Tukur Mohammed Lawal, who spoke about the partnership while receiving the Yahclick Vice- President and Director, sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Kevin Viret in his office recently, said he was pleased with the bouquet of services in the Yahclick business model.

Lawal assured the visiting team that NIGCOMSAT would be willing to tap into the services collaboratively, noting that the bouquet of business services presented to NIGCOMSAT Ltd is capable of becoming the

He explained that the two satellite companies would work together to take advantage of the available market in the country and the entire sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.

Vice President of Yahclick and Director (Africa) in company of the Regional Manager, West Africa, Mr. Attah Abiodun, expressed happiness on the warm reception accorded to them.

Viret, while assuring NIGCOMSAT Management on the services to collaborate on, he maintained that the services were on flexible technology capacity of complimenting areas where NIGCOMSAT cannot reach, adding that the two teams will work on pricing and billing with the aim of ensuring a workable collaborative efforts.

“We can reach blind spots which NIGCOMSAT spot beam cannot reach,” he explained.

Coordinator Abuja Metropolitan Council, Isa Shuibu; the incoming Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limite d, Goran Sladic; Executive Director, NBC, Ahmed Mantey; former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Musa Bello; Managing Director, NBC, Matthieu Seguin and Chie f of Staff to Bello, Mallam Bashir Mai-Bornu, at the unveiling of NBC’s Green Area initiative aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness, held in Abuj a… recently

Emma Okonji

Emma Okonji

Ekine: There is Need to Bring Consumer Regulation Close to the Grassroots

What’s your take about Nigerian consumers?

The consumer is same everywhere, all he or she wants is simple quality service based on brand promise and the sad part is that the promise makers are not keeping the promises and you even see situation where people bring known bad products to the market on assuming that the consumer has no choice, he will buy simply due to price discount. Look at the telecommunications sector, with a series of data plans that assures you a duration of usage on a number of days and yet the one month or one day plan will not even stay up to the stated period and when you want to complain you will be left with machines to attend to you.

You will not even get good calls through but you will be charged, more like we don’t have a choice. The consumer is a hard working honest individual who deserves to enjoy the services paid for. Look at even within government service providers, you beg for service, pay for poor service because you are left with no alternative. The consumer deserves more in this country and we just want to be one of those contributing to that conversation that will encourage service providers to improve.

What spurred you to introduce Consumers Value Awards which your team debuted last year?

As reputation management student, we know that what sincere brands appreciate is as simple as consumer feedback through different platforms and also because we have

Ekine

done series of work speaking from the brands perspective to consumers, we felt we should see the possibility of flipping the coin such that the consumers should be the one doing the talking that could brings some form of validity to the promises of brands. And let us say the truth, we are consumers and we all care about our plights but the challenge is that we seem to have been wired to leave things to some elements, otherwise why do we look for services that we think should equal our taste and interest?

Also there are many other people contributing greatly to the consumer narratives, it is sometimes more work in the background than for the media to see, but we are all involved in ensuring that we have a better consumer experience in the country.

You have held the first edition, how has the feedback been?

First, we thank God for the courage and opportunity to hold that first edition, I will use this platform to thank Mr. Adedayo Ojo for his leadership. Its feedback is very encouraging from the remarks of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, National Food and Drug Control Agency and Nigeria Communications Commission for attending and commending the initiative. That we got the 200-capacity venue filled is good feedback and I thank all those that attended the event and those that took time to vote.

We have also been advised to improve on the categories and as well as duration of voting and those are some of the new things introduced like now, we have opened the portal for nomination for a period of one month and two weeks and we went all out for 13 episodes talking about the portal for nomination on radio and online.

What are the challenges you were confronted with at the initial stage

and how did you sumount them?

Life is about challenges and so this one is not different. The first subject is acceptability, we had people asking that question why are you doing this and we made it very simple, we are trying to contribute to a body of knowledge that will enable us all to have a better experience.

Credibility issue came up and thus we designed the website for everyone to see the voting results as it happens and we did a monthly report of voting based on the voting pattern.

I think we can say that some people have seen the sincerity of purpose in our effort to contribute to the consumer narrative in the country and we are not there yet but we do know that our work might inspire some companies and even regulators to do better.

Now, you are setting the stage for the next edition, are there new things Nigeria consumers and brand owners should look towards?

Oh yes, the market is very dynamic and we do hope that we can also evolve with the market. The first thing is that we are looking at regulators involved in consumer management based on industry and we would like to call them out. You my flight experience we found out later that if we had also carried along Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, the story might be different. How many consumers are aware of the various regulations that

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

The Chief Executive Officer of BrandXchange/convener of Consumers Value Awards, Akonte Ekine, in this interview with Raheem Akingbolu speaks on consumer rights, regulation and the recent decision by his organisation to reward brands and businesses that focus on creating the best experience for the customer.

Digitalising Education Sector

Industry stakeholders in the education sector have emphasised the importance of infusing technology in education, insisting that digitalisation of the school system will further develop cognitive resource-based mechanism among students at various levels.

The stakeholders said this in Lagos recently, during the launch of a software-as-a-service ecosystem platform, called Educatial, that was developed by a team of indigenous software engineers to promote digital teaching and learning in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Lagos State on education, Dr. Adetola Salau, who stressed the importance of infusing technology in education, said technology in education would bring about democracy of knowledge where education becomes a collaborative and self-driven enterprise.

Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Fisayo, who was represented by the Director, Private School Registration and Coordination, Mrs. Grace Akinfoyewa, commended the drivers of the initiative of Educatial for coming up with a digital solution that would revolutionise education in the state and the country at large. According to her, Lagos State government is also driving digital education across Lagos schools through its e-Curriculum. “Teachers and students in the state have been introduced to digital learning skills that are driving critical thinking among students,” Akinfoyewa said.

TECH EDUCATION

The Founder of Educatial, Mr. Francis Muofunanya, while speaking at the launch, said Educatial was developed as the next-gen EdTech ecosystem, focused on transforming learning for immediate and future generation of students.

“Educatial comes with more than 20 uniquely different but interconnected tools that are engaging, effective, impactful, fun to use and at the same time, useful in community-led learning. Our platform is built to simplify the management of educational institutions, offering a suite of powerful software tools that streamline daily operations, improve

students’ outcome and enhance overall learning experience,” Muofunanya said.

According to him, the digital solution is able to offer schools with student management systems, online learning platforms, digital libraries and parent communication portals.

THE FEATURES

Delivering a detailed presentation of the solution, Digital Strategist and Software Engineer, Mr. Celestine Achi, enumerated some of the Educatial product features to include EduSims, which is an integrated information school management system that operates a robust, secure and centralised data information

management platform with a suite of portals for parents, students and staff that give schools full control of administrative, academic, admissions, finance and wellbeing information. Other unique features include EduSocials- a social media network designed to bridge social and educational gaps among students, teachers and across institutions worldwide; EduFund, a feature that bridges the gap between education and funding by providing easy access to funds for students and schools; and EduInteliigence, which provides useful insights on learners and administrators’ performances.

According to Achi, Educatial is also useful for training centres and professional bodies such as

ICAN, Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Institute of Marketing, among others. Educatial is also very useful for content creators, study-at-home learners, government agencies, churches, among others.

EDUCATIAL IN EDUCATION REVOLUTION

Achi is of the view that Educatial has taken the initiative to develop technology solutions that can bring the academia and the industry together to chat about the importance of global development and how it affects our immediate society.

He said: “The good news is that at the end of the brainstorming session, we would have gathered enough information and data to work with in the quest to revolutionise education. The scary news is that we could be stuck in this rigmarole of discussions and ultimately remain non-progressive if we do not match discussions with actions.

“Digital technologies as we have discussed are still being invented and the capacities of the innovations are spreading across all spheres of life, which means that their value will only increase. The time to act is now. We already know that our children are our future but what future are we passing on to them?

Speaking about the shift in education, Achi said some of the results of an educational revolution that led to transforming the school environment from a place where students go to only study a course for a period of time, to a place where the students go to learn about themselves, the world and how to navigate it while upskilling and preparing to make positively significant contributions to it are what we could call the Fifth Industrial Revolution. Addressing the inequities in education and hoe Educatial can help nip it in the bud, Achi said the educational revolution has addressed longstanding inequities in education, such as disparities in access to quality education and empower marginalized communities and reduce inequality.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

DEVELOPMENT Combating Water Borne Diseases

BUSINESSWORLD

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that 78 million children in Nigeria are at risk of three water-related threats, which it listed to include inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) related diseases and climate hazards.

This was contained in a statement issued by UNICEF’s Nigeria Chief of WASH, Dr. Jane Bevan, and made available to journalists this week.

According to the report, “In Nigeria, onethird of children do not have access to at least basic water at home, and two-thirds do not have basic sanitation services.

“Hand hygiene is also limited, with three-quarters of children unable to wash their hands due to lack of water and soap at home. As a result, Nigeria is one of the 10 countries that carry the heaviest burden of child deaths from diseases caused by inadequate WASH, such as diarrhea diseases.”

Analysing the report, Bevan said Nigeria also ranked second out of 163 countries globally with the highest risk of exposure to climate and environmental threats.

“Groundwater levels are also dropping, requiring some communities to dig wells twice as deep as just a decade ago. At the same time, rainfall has become more erratic and intense, leading to floods that contaminate scarce water supplies.

“I believe we need to rapidly scale-up investment in the sector, including from global climate financing, strengthen climate resilience in the WASH sector and communities, increase effective and accountable systems, coordination, and capacities to provide water and sanitation services, and implement the UN-Water SDG6 Global Acceleration Framework.

“If we continue at the current pace, it will take 16 years to achieve access to safe

water for all in Nigeria. We cannot wait that long and the time to move quickly is now. Investing in climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene services is not only a matter of protecting children’s health today, but also ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come,” she added.

Meanwhile, ahead of the UN 2023 Water Conference, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has called for accelerated investments to help small-scale farmers in developing countries access and manage increasingly scarce water resources in the face of a changing climate and more extreme weather events.

IFAD Associate Vice-President, Strategy and Knowledge Department, Jyotsna Puri, said there would be no food security without water security. Water is indispensable to produce food but small-scale farmers increasingly struggle to access the water

they need to grow their crops and feed their animals, leading to human suffering, migration and conflict. Solutions exists, but investments are needed to help millions of small-scale farmers access them.

“About 3.2 billion people overall live in agricultural areas with high to very high-water shortages or scarcity of which 1.2 billion people – roughly one-sixth of the world’s population – live in severely water constrained agricultural areas.

“While small-scale farmers produce one third of the world’s food and up to 70 percent of the food produced in developing countries, they increasingly face water challenges due to climate change. Since 2000, the number and duration of droughts has increased by 29 percent. Population growth causes an increased demand for water, which is also a key driver of water scarcity.

“The only solution is to make the best use

of every single drop. Small water infrastructure, better soil and water management, and natural solutions such as agro-forestry can go a long way in ensuring small-scale farmers have the water they need,” Puri added.

THE PERSPECTIVE

Bevan, who gave deeper perspective to the discourse said in the 2021 Water Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) report by the Nigerian government and UNICEF, more than 30 per cent (62 million) of Nigerians lack access to basic drinking water services, adding that this means that millions of people are denied access to the basic necessity of safe and reliable drinking water.

She said the report also highlighted the fact that Nigeria’s water crisis is linked to high incidences of water-borne diseases, with a diarrhoea prevalence rate of 11per cent which disproportionately affect women and children.

She revealed that the reasons behind the country’s water crisis are complex, but climate change is undoubtedly a significant factor.

Bevan further remarked that climate changeinduced events such as drought and flooding have drastically reduced the quantity and quality of water available to communities and households, leading to WASH-related diseases, contamination of water sources and destruction of sanitation facilities.

Another reason, according to the UNICEF Chief, is the reliance on self-supplied water by households, stating that they are either individual boreholes, wells or similar sources, and data from 2021 WASHNORM estimated that 75per cent of water sources in Nigeria, are self-supplied.

Given the advancement in technology, and its impact on remote and distance learning, there is need to digitalise the education sector to further drive cognitive learning in schools, writes Emma Okonji

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently revealed

that 78 million children in Nigeria are at risk of three water-related threats, a development that requires the commitment and efforts of all stakeholders to address, reports Ugo Aliogo

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Who Will Man the Health Ministry for Tinubu?

Since the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu, his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been in the ‘market’ shopping for professionals or politicians to man the various ministerial positions. Martins Ifijeh x-rays the antecedents of the possible names that have been thrown up for the Ministry of Health

Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, development partners, key national and international stakeholders in the health sector, as well as concerned Nigerians have been watching keenly to know who heads the Ministry of Health.

It is not clear yet whether the new government will consider the ministry a top one that requires a square peg for its square hole or will merely compensate one of its medical doctor supporters to head the ministry as we have seen in the recent past. To players in the health and development space, whoever heads the sector will play a significant role in whether the country can wiggle its way out of the poor health indices it is notorious for. This will also tell how much support in terms of policy formulation, human capital, and financing the sector can attract from the likes of the World Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Fund, World Health Organisation, among others. A couple of names have been thrown around in the inner circles of the All Progressive Congress (APC) since President Tinubu was declared winner of the election; from previous political office holders to core politicians, up to experienced professionals. Who are these top names, and what are their antecedents? Who among them will clinch the nomination and subsequent appointment?

Senator Lanre Tejuoso

Senator Lanre Tejuoso, who was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health during the 8th Assembly, is not new to health stakeholders. He was one of the drivers for increased funding of the sector through policy formulations and activism. He played a key role in the establishment of the Basic Health Care Provisions Fund (BHCPF) and the accompanying one per cent Consolidated Revenue Fund which the ministry of health is presently enjoying.

As the senator in charge of health in the National Assembly during his time, he was a delight for development partners because of his stand on health financing, primary healthcare as well as knowledge in using the bureaucracy of government to attract attention to his cause.

The 59-year-old prince from Ogun State is the current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos.

Dr. Betta Edu

Call Dr. Betta Edu a woman who has defied Nigerian odds to remain relevant, and you will be right. First, as a Harvard and Nigerian trained medical doctor who has won over 300 awards in healthcare advocacy; secondly, as a politician who is presently the National Women Leader of the APC.

At just 36 years, she has climbed the ladder in her career as a successful medical doctor, Special Adviser to Cross River State Governor; Commissioner for Health, Cross River; National Chairman of Commissioners of Health in Nigeria, and now head of the women wing of the APC nationally.

Although many may consider her success a fairytale, hinging it on a push from godfathers and grace, they have failed to understand that apart from this rigorous simplicity, the narrative fails to take into consideration the complexity of success.

Her dogged, persuasive, smart, hardworking and super energetic character have pushed her this far. At least these were former First Lady, Aisha Buhari’s description of Edu during her 36th birthday celebration.

Although she may be relatively unknown to most international and national stakeholders in the health sector, as well as development partners, her strong influence in APC and the corridors of power, youthfulness and gender may play heavy roles in her clinching the position of Minister of Health under President Tinubu.

Dr.

Obi Adigwe

If there’s one Nigerian whose knowledge and result oriented approach is needed to revitalise the health sector, it is the current Director General, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr. Obi Adigwe.

Prior to his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari, following his emergence as the top scorer in a merit driven comprehensive interview process, NIPRD was referred to as a ‘grade c’ parastatal due to its neglect and minimal contribution to the health and research space. But all that has changed. It is one of the toasts of the health sector because of the contributions it is presently making for the country.

From the research and development of phytomedicines, drugs, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and biological products from indigenous Nigerian herbs, up to the development of projects which increases access to health, as well as expedite national socio-economic development, NIPRD is

no longer the same.

Before becoming NIPRD DG, Adigwe was the Executive Secretary, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (PMGMAN), where he played a key role in the prioritisation of the pharma industry in the 2016 fiscal policy, the conceptualisation of the internationally renowned Medicines’ Security Concept, among others.

Dr Adigwe was also the pioneer Head of the Health Policy Research and Development (HPRD) Unit at the National Assembly, where he formulated research and development strategies in health policy as well as developed innovative and contextual training, research and capacity building modules.

Despite his network with national and international health stakeholders, as well as development partners, those familiar with his character believed he is not a Nigerian who would lobby for any position but would rather hope his tract record speak on his behalf.

Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe

If you understand what it takes to displace a sitting Senate President, then you will know Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe is no ordinary man. During the build up to the 9th senate, he sent the number three man in the country – Senate President Bukola Saraki – from the National Assembly. He replaced him as the representative from Kwara Central. He subsequently became the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health where he championed several bills in favour of the health sector.

He has excelled In two worlds. First, as a medical doctor, and then as a politician. His vast network in the corridors of power, result oriented demeanor and his penchant for better health sector could play a huge role in him clinching the position of Minister of Health.

Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar

Although Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar is not a politician, he is a respected infectious disease expert. He is the current Dean, Faculty of Population Health Science, University College Londo, United Kingdom. Despite being a British epidemiologist, he has a bias for the Nigerian health system. He has been very vocal on how

the country can improve its health system, as well as improve health security for the over 200 million Nigerians.

Prof. Abubakar, in 2016, was appointed by UCL as the Director of the Institute for Global Health and also served as Vice-Dean, International and External Engagement for the faculty. Prior to his appointment at UCL, he led Public Health England’s successful tuberculosis control strategy. He is a National Institute for Health Research Senior Investigator and was elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2020 in recognition of his research in infectious disease epidemiology and migration and health. His wealth of experience and track record, especially in the UK where their health system works, may speak for him when decisions are made on who becomes the minister.

Senator Adeleke Mamora

Senator Adeleke Mamora, the immediate past Minister of Science and Technology, straddles two worlds, and he has been successful at both. He made his mark in medical practice before sojourning into politics. From leading the Lagos State House of Assembly as Speaker in 1999, he gradually expanded his wit until he was elected as a senator in 2003 and in 2007. At the last dispensation, he was tapped by former President Muhammadu Buhari and made Minister of State for Health before being recently seconded to the Science and Technology Ministry where he held sway until Buhari’s tenure expired on May 29.

Some health stakeholders believed if he was the substantial Minister of Health between 2019 and 2023 under President Buhari, he would have made a more significant impact in the health sector than what is presently the case.

Senator Mamora’s strong affiliation with President Tinubu, as well as his experience at the Ministry of Health may play a huge role in clinching him the position.

Ever heard of the Saving One Million Lives Programme (SOMLs) which started during the former President Goodluck Jonathan era? Dr. Ibrahim Kana is the man who drove the project since 2014. This is the project that changed health financing conversation in Nigeria. The SOML project was the first government programme for results with a $500 million facility from the World Bank. Leading this huge project suggests how much trust the players had in Dr. Kana.

Although he is currently a permanent secretary at the Ministry of Defence, he remains one of the darlings of development partners who have not hesitated to throw up his name whenever inquiries are made on who should man the health ministry for President Tinubu.

Dr. Emmanuel Meribole

The name, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole may not strike a chord so easily, but stakeholders in the health and development space are familiar with it. He is the current Director, Department of Health Services, Federal Ministry of Health. Although a core civil servant, his deep understanding of health systems and goal-oriented character matches what development partners, and some key players in the industry believed could help put the ministry in the right path. The fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Strategic Management started his career as a medical officer in 1991. His name is being thrown up as a possible nominee for the position.

Dr. Shuaib Belgore

Just like Dr. Meribole, Dr Shuaib Belgore is a core civil servant. The Oklahoma trained public health expert and Nigerian trained medical doctor, is a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior. Between January 2018 and June 2020, he was the Director, Senior Technical Assistant to the Minister of Health. He has headed several intervention programmes for the health sector. It is believed that if the ministry wants to do without politicians, core and experienced experts such as him could man the ministry. Some professionals are throwing his name around, hoping he is considered for the top job.

Dr. Ibrahim Kana

Senator Lanre Tejuoso

Dr. Betta Edu

Dr. Obi Adigwe

Dr. Emmanuel Meribole

Dr. Shuaib Belgore

Dr. Ibrahim Kana

Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar

Senator Adeleke Mamora

Dominican University Organises ‘Walk for a Healthy Nation’ to Promote Physical Well-being

Mary Nnah

Dominican University (DU), Ibadan, Nigeria, has announced the upcoming event , “Walk for a Healthy Nation”, scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 7 am in Lagos.

The walk, themed around promoting physical wellbeing, will start at Periwinkle Estate, Freedom Way in Lekki, Lagos, and culminate at Amore Gardens, Lekki.

DU is the first university founded by the Order of Preachers (also known as ‘Dominicans’) on the African continent, and has a distinguished history in university education.

With its deep-rooted intellectual legacy, the Dominican university is committed not just to nurturing the mind and body of its students and staff, but also considers it a duty to help promote a culture of healthy lifestyle among Nigerians.

Therefore, the “Walk for a Healthy Nation” is an initiative of the university aimed at encouraging healthy living among the academic community

and the general public.

Recognising the undeniable benefits of regular physical exercise on mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, the university is taking proactive steps to promote holistic development.

Regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving cognitive function, memory, and concentration. It also contributes to cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

This walk presents an excellent opportunity for students, staff, and members of the community to come together in support of healthy living.

By participating in this event, attendees will not only embrace an active lifestyle but also contribute to creating awareness about the significance of physical exercise.

The acting Vice Chancellor of Dominican University, Professor Hyginus Ekwuazi, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating that , “at Dominican University, we believe in the all-round development of our

VARICOCELE PART 1

students and staff.

“This walk signifies our commitment to promoting physical exercise and healthy living, fostering a culture of all round wellbeing within our academic community.”

This “Walk for a Healthy Nation” aligns with the university’s longstanding dedication to the development of the whole person.

The philosophical bent of the university is to promote integral (holistic) development of the human person. Recently we see a lot of young people dying suddenly around the country for no apparent cause. We are convinced that exercise and a healthy lifestyle is the answer.

Dominican University, Ibadan, Nigeria, is the first university founded by the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) on the African continent.

With a legacy spanning over 800 years in umm education, the university is committed to providing a conducive environment for intellectual and physical growth, ensuring the all-round development of its students.

Psychiatrist Unveils Therapeutic Centre to Address

Workplace Mental Health in Nigeria

Rebecca Ejifoma

With the increasing rate of mental health breakdown globally, GreyHub Therapeutic Centre is out to address workplace mental health issues among others to avert stigma and help people live better lives in Nigeria.

Addressing the media at the unveiling in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State, the Consultant Psychiatrist and CEO of Greyhub, Dr Sola Olowookere, underscored the lack of awareness and intervention as a barrier to curbing mental health in the workplace.

“There is a lot of pressure in the workplace — especially the workload. There are issues around traffic and job security, bullying in the workplace and many targets to meet coupled with toxic bosses and at home, too,” he lamented. Olowookere emphasised: “If you look at the ratio of psychiatrists to the population, they are very few. We want to increase awareness and eradicate the stigma around mental and emotional health for people

to feel comfortable talking about their problems.”

According to Olowookere, awareness aids early assessment and intervention. “Thus, people can get the help they need and live a better life,” he expressed.

To avert this scourge, Greyhub Therapeutic Centre provides an employee assistance programme — a solution to workplace stress tailored to the organisation.

The clinic also discusses stress, bullying, and toxic relationships while training managers to manage people better.

He, therefore, called on the government to implement policies that will aid awareness and treatment of mental health diseases.

“Efforts should be made to ensure the information on mental health gets to rural areas and every sphere.

“The government has done well in passing the Mental Act Bill. Even if it took a very long time, we hope subsequent ones wouldn’t take that long,” he added.

While outlining a top-tobottom approach to address the health challenge, the Manager of the Ikoyi Centre, Esther Akiola, said their quest is solution-oriented.

In the words of the Clinical Psychologist at GreyHub, Dr Oluwakemi Akintoyese, creating more mental h ealth awareness is their chief goal.

“It will help people feel less stigmatised and be able to talk so much about their issues and find help. “We are also providing an enabling environment for people to come to or speak to us,” says Akintoyese.

Nasarawa to Establish Nutrition Departments in MDAs

Igbawase Ukumba in

Lafia

Nasarawa State government said it has commenced plans to establish nutrition departments in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the state.

The Head of Civil Service of the state, Mrs. Abigail Waya, gave the indication during an advocacy meeting organised by Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) on the creation of nutrition department in MDAs held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

Waya remarked that to ensure effective service delivery, all the nutrition line ministries and agencies in the state had been repositioned with the required

experts in the management of malnutrition.

The chai rman of Nasarawa State Committee on Nutrition, Mr. Emmanuel Alidzi, while addressing the gathering, said cases of malnutrition in the state had continued to be on the rise which according to him, “needed proactive approach to stem the tide.”

Alidzi called on the stakeholders to step up awareness campaigns to the grassroot on the need for people to adopt new lifestyle towards consumption of the appreciate classes of food.

The Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health, Dr. Janet Anbazo, stressed the need for more funding for nutrition programmes, given the devastating effects of the condition on the economic growth

and human development.

The Programme Manager of the Civil Society Scaling-up Nutrition in Nigeria, Dr. Goodness Chidi, pointed out that cases of stunted growth, wasting and other conditions related to malnutrition, especially in children, had been on the rise in most communities in Nasarawa State.

Dr. Chidi, therfore, identified poverty and lack of awareness as some of the major causes of malnutrition.

The meeting, which was organised by the CS-SUNN, brought together Permanent Secretaries and Heads of relevant agencies in Nasarawa State to brainstorm on ways to creating department of nutrition in the various ministries as part of efforts to addressing malnutrition.

Veins in the body transport blood from various organs back to the heart. They usually have valves that prevent backwards pool of blood, in other words, they are one-way valves. A varicocele is an expansion of the veins inside the loose pouch of skin holding the testicles (scrotum). It also contains the arteries and veins that deliver blood to the reproductive glands. These veins carry testicular blood, which is devoid of oxygen. Blood pooling in the veins instead of effectively leaving the scrotum or a vein abnormality in the scrotum may lead to a varicocele. These veins are called the pampiniform plexus and it is very similar to varicose veins that can occur in the leg. The pampiniform veins are normally heat exchangers that aid in the thermoregulation of the testes, which is necessary for spermatogenesis. A varicocele upsets this balance and causes the testis to heat up to the normal core body temperature (37C), whereas they are normally kept at 35C.

There are several principles as to how varicocele affects the testis, but the major one shows that varicocele affects the testis by transporting warm blood from the abdomen to the testis in the scrotum. The testis functions best at 3 degrees below body temperature and warmer blood can impair its ability to produce sperm and testosterone.

Varicocele begins in puberty and grows over time. They are more commonly found on the left side of the scrotum and may be uncomfortable or painful, although they frequently have no symptoms or side effects. A varicocele may result in poor testicular growth, inadequate sperm production, poor sperm quality, decreased fertility and scrotal discomfort or other issues that could result in infertility.

CLASSIFICATION OF VARICOCELE

A varicocele is classified as either primary or secondary varicocele.

The majority of varicoceles is primary and is caused by incompetent or absent valves in the testicular vein (internal spermatic vein). The left testis is much more commonly affected (85%) than the right. This could be due to the right testicular vein’s shorter course which creates less back pressure. The left testicular vein, on the other hand, has a longer course and enters the left renal vein at a right angle. Bilateral varicoceles are common (15%), but isolated right varicoceles are uncommon and should be investigated for a secondary varicocele.

Secondary varicoceles are much less common and result from increased pressure in the testicular vein caused by compression such as renal mass, obstruction, or portal hypertension.

Causes Of Varicocele

Each testicle is supported by a spermatic cord. The veins, arteries, and nerves that support these glands are also found in the

spermatic cord. One-way valves in healthy veins inside the scrotum transport blood from the testicles to the scrotum, where it is returned to the heart.

The cause of varicocele remains unknown but one possible contributing factor is the failure of valves inside veins that are supposed to keep blood flowing in the right direction. Furthermore, the left testicular vein takes a slightly different path than the right vein, increasing the likelihood of a blood flow problem on the left. When oxygen-depleted blood flows back up in the vein network and begins to pool in the vein, the veins widen (dilate), resulting in the varicocele.

SYMPTOMS OF VARICOCELE

A varicocele is most commonly found on the left side of the scrotum and often causes no symptoms. Some possible signs and symptoms include:

Standing may cause a dull, aching pain or discomfort and is frequently relieved by lying down.

If the varicocele is large enough, it may appear as a “bag of worms” above the testicle. A smaller varicocele may be too small to see but may be felt.

The affected testicle may appear to be significantly smaller than the normal healthy testicle.

Although not all varicoceles can cause infertility. However, large varicocele can affect fertility negatively.

DIAGNOSIS OF VARICOCELE

Varicocele is diagnosed through a varicocele grading system. This system helps in characterizing the size of a varicocele in order to decide whether or not the varicocele present should be treated. Various systems have been developed, but the following is `the most widely used scale:

this may be detectable on ultrasound but not physically detectable also known as “subclinical varicocele”.

this is felt on physical examination when the patient performs a breathing technique that involves pinching the nose and breathing out forcefully with mouth closed (Valsalva Maneuver)

- this is felt on physical examination even in the absence of Valsalva Maneuver

- Varicocele causes visible scrotal deformity.

One important factor to consider is that larger varicoceles appear to have more negative effects. Large varicoceles are frequently visible with the naked eye, and patients may experience sensations looking like a “bag of worms” in their scrotum………

Dr Olowookere

FG Approves Ratification of Six Maritime Conventions, Protocols

The federal government has approved the ratification of six maritime conventions and protocols that promote cleaner marine environment, ship-breaking criteria, global standard for fishing crew and response to oil pollution casualties.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in a statement said the approved instruments for ratification are Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships 2009; International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F) 1995; Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties (intervention protocol) 1973 and the Protocol on Limitation of Liabilities for Maritime Claims 1996.

Others, it added, are the Protocol to the 1974 Athens

Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea 2002; and the protocol of 2005 to the 1988 protocol to the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (SUA PROT 2005)

NIMASA added that the approval, conveyed to it through the Federal Ministry of Transportation has kick started Nigeria’s preparation to align with the global maritime community in respect to the protocols and conventions.

Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh while thanking the federal government for the approval reassured industry players of the agency’s unflinching effort as designated authority(DA) to draw the gains of the various instruments closer to indigenous investors, professionals and all stakeholders in Nigeria Jamoh said The Hong Kong

Convention is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose risk to human health, safety or to the environment.

He said STCW-F is a treaty that sets certification and minimum training requirements for crews of seagoing fishing vessels with the goal to promote the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment, taking into account the unique nature of the fishing industry and the fishing working environment.

Jamoh added that the International Convention Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties will sea Nigeria taking action on the high seas to prevent, mitigate or eliminate grave and imminent danger to Nigeria’s coastline or related interests from pollution or threat of pollution of the sea by oil spillage.

Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation Receives National Productivity Order of Merit Award

Kayode Tokede

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation founded to improve the lives of Africans through transformed public service delivery and increased access to quality primary healthcare, has been honoured with the prestigious National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award.

This award is in recognition of the Foundation’s exceptional efforts in promoting excellence and driving reforms in the Nigerian public sector.

The NPOM Award, with its focus on institutionalizing productivity consciousness and recognizing productive individuals and organisations, serves as a testament to the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s unwavering commitment to its vision for a more efficient

and productive public sector.

Through its partnership with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), the Foundation has b een at the forefront of numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and productivity of the civil service, including digitalisation, performance management systems and culture change programmes.

The Foundation also invests in building the capacity of the public sector workforce and runs impactful executive education programmes, facilitated by the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government and offered at no cost to programme participants. Programmes include the annual AIG Public Leaders Programme and the AIG Senior Leaders Programme for Federal Permanent Secretaries, which empower high-potential

MARKET INDICATORS

public servants with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive transformative change, enhance productivity, and cultivate cultures of excellence, effectiveness, and integrity within their organisations.

Since its inception, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has been instrumental in training over 400 public servants through its various initiatives,

In addition to its public sector-focused endeavours, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is committed to advancing healthcare in Africa. The Foundation was recently a prominent sponsor of the Africa-UK Health Summit, a prestigious annual event that fosters dialogue and partnerships to address pressing health challenges across the continent.

Sustainability: NBC Unveils Green Area in Abuja

The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, has unveiled a Green Area at its Abuja plant located in the Idu Industrial layout. This aligns with NBC’s commitment to sustainable practices and its aim to impact the environment positively.

The unveiling ceremony showcased NBC’s unwavering commitment to a greener future and its relentless pursuit of sustainable operations. The Green Area visualises the company’s dedication to

minimising its environmental impact and reinforces NBC’s position as a frontrunner in integrating sustainable practices.

Managing Director of NBC, Matthieu Seguin, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Investing in this space shows our proactive approach to incorporating sustainable practices into our operations. This aligns with our goal of achieving net-zero emissions throughout our value chain by 2040

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

while positively impacting the environment. “

The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Musa Bello, also praised NBC for its commitment to environmental sustainability. He stated, “NBC’s Green Area represents a significant milestone and demonstrates its dedication to creating a better future for our nation. By prioritising green spaces, NBC sets a commendable example for other organisations to follow.”

FreshYo Unveils Mega Millions Promo

Caraway Africa Nigeria

Limited, manufacturers of FreshYo Drinking Yoghurt, announced the commencement of the FreshYo Mega Millions Promo for FreshYo 1-litre pack during a press conference on Tuesday, 30th of May, in Lagos.

Senior Vice President & Head of Business, Caraway Africa Nigeria Limited, Sethi Premender, explained that “the FreshYo Mega Millions Promo

is in line with the plan to continuously reward and excite our consumers. With the FreshYo Mega Millions Promo, consumers have the opportunity to win amazing prizes while enjoying the wholesome goodness of our FreshYo 1-Litre Drinking Yoghurt.

The promo runs nationwide and offers consumers the chance to win instant airtime on every FreshYo

1-litre pack purchased. Daily instant cash prizes of N5,000 and N10,000 are open to 500 lucky consumers throughout the entire promotion duration. Additionally, the promo includes a monthly electronic raffle draw which will be done in July and August, where a total of 10 lucky participants will win the grand prize of N1,000,000 each and another 10 lucky consumers will win N100,000 each at the end.

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $84.37 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $84.59 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 8 MARCH, 2023

L-R: Senior Vice President & Business Head for Caraway Africa Nigeria Limited, Premender Sethi; Category Manager, Beverages, Popoola-Dania Oluwatoyin and Vice President, Marketing, Caraway Africa Nigeria Limited, Dheeraj Kukreja, during the FreshYo Mega Millions Promo Press Conference recently held in Lagos...recently

Profit-taking in Airtel Africa, 11 Others Down Stock Market by 0.03%

Kayode Tokede

The negative sentiment dominated the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday as market indicator dropped by 0.03 per cent amid investors profit-taking on Airtel Africa Plc and 11 others undermined market performance.

The NGX All Share Index (ASI) declined by 14.33 basis points or 0.03 per cent to close

at 56,024.52 basis points from 56,038.85 basis points.

Also, market capitalisation lost N7 billion to close at N30.506 trillion from N30.154trillion the market opened for trading yesterday.

The decline was impacted by losses recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Airtel Africa, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Nigerian Exchange Group, Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN)

and Lafarge Africa. However, market breadth closed positive, as 32 stocks gained relative to 12 losers. Eterna and Honeywell Flour Mills recorded the highest price gain of 9.87 per cent each to close at N12.25 and N3.45 respectively, while FTN Cocoa processors followed with a gain of 9.86 per cent to close at 78 kobo, per share.

Cornerstone Insurance went up by 9.78 per cent

to close at N1.01, while Wapic Insurance appreciated by 9.52 per cent to close at 46 kobo, per share. On the other hand, Union Bank led the losers’ chart by 8.86 per cent, to close at N7.20, per share. Flour Mills followed with a decline of 4.20 per cent to close at N33.10, while Nigerian Exchange Group declined by 3.11 per cent to close at N28.00, per share.

Prestige Assurance depreci-

ated by 2.44 per cent to close at 40 kobo, while Courteville Business Solutions declined by 2.08 per cent to close at 47 kobo, per share.

The total volume traded increased by 23.30 per cent to 397.625 million units, valued at N6.537 billion, and exchanged in 5,613 deals.

Transactions in the shares of NPF Microfinance Bank topped the activity chart with 100.762 million shares valued

at N181.373 million.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) followed with 43.031 million shares worth N1.197 billion, while Japaul Gold & Ventures traded 27.838 million shares valued at N11.541 million.

Fidelity Bank traded 24.297 million shares valued at N140.898 million, while Access Holdings sold 23.021 million shares worth N293.044 million.

TRADED ASOF JUNE/08/23

TickerPricePriceChg%

HONYFLOUR3.459.9%

ETERNA12.259.9%

FTNCOCOA0.789.9%

CORNERST1.019.8%

WAPIC0.469.5%

ACADEMY1.898.0%

UNITYBNK0.607.1%

NSLTECH0.307.1%

MANSARD3.506.4%

IKEJAHOTEL2.396.2%

TickerPricePriceChg%

UBN7.20-8.9%

FLOURMILL33.10-4.2%

NGXGROUP28.00-3.1%

PRESTIGE0.40-2.4%

COURTVILLE0.47-2.1%

STERLINGNG2.11-1.9%

FBNH13.50-0.7%

FIDELITYBK5.76-0.7%

WAPCO25.55-0.6%

GTCO27.80-0.2%

TickerVolumePriceChg%

NPFMCRFBK100.80.0%

GTCO43.0-0.2%

JAPAULGOLD27.80.0%

FIDELITYBK24.3-0.7%

ACCESSCORP23.02.0%

HONYFLOUR15.39.9%

UBA12.82.1%

FBNH12.3-0.7%

FTNCOCOA9.99.9%

STERLINGNG8.8-1.9%

TickerValuePriceChg%

AIRTELAFRI2710.5-0.2%

GTCO1197.2-0.2%

ACCESSCORP293.02.0%

ZENITHBANK227.4-0.2%

MTNN214.90.0%

NPFMCRFBK181.40.0%

FBNH166.8-0.7%

DANGCEM143.30.0%

FIDELITYBK140.9-0.7%

UBA120.92.1%

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

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 06June-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

NGF INAUGURAL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU...

Private Sector Operators Move to Establish Initiative to Empower Fashion Designers

Dike Onwuamaeze

With the engine of the African Continental Trade Agreement revving to go, the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has initiated a move that would rally players in the Nigerian textile, apparel and garments industries to establish a Sector Skills Council (SSC) that would oversee the training and certifications of practitioners in Nigerian fashion designing sector.

The SSC, according to its promoters, would bring the industry and the academia together to develop qualification, standards and curriculum that would be taught in Nigerian polytechnics, universities and technical colleges in order to produce competent workforce that would bridge the skill gap hindering the country’s fashion designing industry from realising its potentials.

The fashion industry contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Q1 2021, was estimated at 0.24 per cent by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The members of the OPSN behind the establishment of the SSC are the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Assembly, the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI).

They are working in collaboration with international organisations like the Skill Development for Youth Employment (SKYE), the German Cooperation (GIZ) and the Sequa.

Delivering the lead presentation during the ongoing three-day forum for the establishment of the SSC, which commenced on Tuesday, June 6, in Lagos State, the Senior Expert/Team Leader of TVET UK, Mr. Stephan John, said the textile, apparel and garment industries in Nigeria needed the SSC to be part of the dynamic and vibrant global fashion market.

John said the SSC should, “be responsible for defining the skills, knowledge and behaviours to underpin human resource development and support young people in their journey to a professional career.”

The SSC, according to him, would promote human capital development through training in all parts of industry in order to produce highly skilled workforce that are more productive and competitive.

He said the council would also engender the evolvement of high performing workplaces for more adaptable workforce that would provide value for money for employers, and strong community links.

Speaking during the forum, Team Leader, Cooperative Vocational Training Component of Sequa, Mr. Johann-Peter Porten, who also represented SKYE and GIZ, said the SSC would focus on developing

national occupational standard for Nigeria.

Porten said: “I am happy that the OPSN is the driving force to developing this kind of council for standard. The SSC will be independent only focusing in their sector and looking on how human resource should be developed.

“Nigeria cannot for now present standard product that can be exported because it has so far not paid enough attention to developing uniform standards.”

Speaking on behalf of the OPSN, the Deputy Director General of

NASSI, Ms. Mo Olumide Obidiran, said the time was ripe for the SSC to be established after several failed attempts. Obidiran said: “I know that a lot of you have been in this processes before this one, which did not turn out as envisaged. But I want to assure you that today you are in a room full of committed people. We have fought tooth and nail to be able to be here today. And I want to assure you that we will fight all the way.”

She added: “Previously this profession was for school dropout

and does not require any form of certification. But it is not supposed to be so.

“There are so many streams of professionalism within this industry that is wrapped up in fashion designing. We must come together and do it now. The demand for your products is global.

“A few weeks ago we had things to do with the United States of America’s commercial service discussed the growing demand for African fashion in the United States.

“But we also found out that

we do not have the skill base and capacity to approach the state of Atlanta to create an African Fashion Village.

“Do you have enough skills and hands to fill that need? No! But the time is now. We should tell our people that it is time to do this (establish SSC) and do it together. It is now or never.”

The forum attracted representatives from the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology and the participation of the Director General of Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, Mr. Hamma Kwajaffa.

TETFund Approves N130m for Each Polytechnic in 2023 Zonal Intervention

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved the sum of N130 million as zonal intervention for each polytechnic in the country in its 2023 intervention line.

The zonal intervention is geared towards reinvigorating skills acquisition in polytechnics across the country.

The Director of Infrastructure at TETFund, Malam Buhari Mika’Ilu, disclosed this at the TETFund/ NBTE Sensitisation Workshop on the 2023 Zonal Intervention on

Skills for Rectors and Directors of Skills in Beneficiary Polytechnics in Abuja.

Mika’Ilu said: “Funds are allocated in line with the provision of the Establishment Act and guided towards addressing critical and essential needs of the beneficiary institutions for the improvement of quality and maintenance of standards in the tertiary educational institutions.

“NBTE has been at the fore front in championing the need to have skills in the educational system in Nigeria.

Buhari Didn't Plan to Proscribe ASUU, Says Ngige

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

A former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has debunked a statement by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Goro, alleging that there was a plan to deregister the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) under the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ngige, who served as the Minister of Labour and Employment all through the 8-year tenure of the Buhari administration, described the statement made by Goro as a pack of lies and fabrications.

The lawmaker had in his speech at the valedictory session of the 9th House, narrated how the outgoing Speaker of the House and new Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, saved ASUU from proscription under Buhari.

In a statement by his media office, Ngige described Goro's narration as a cock and bull story, saying no such thing happened under the Buhari government.

The former Anambra State Governor explained that he did not need presidential approval as the Minister of Labour and Employment, to withdraw the certificate of registration of an erring trade union.

According to him, Section 7 of the Trade Unions Act 2004, permits the Registrar of Trade Unions to cancel a certificate suo moto, more so when ASUU had breached Section 37 on the annual rendition of Audited Accounts.

He said "They (ASUU) were in default for five years. Another Section of the Trade Dispute Act, The Essential Services Act Cap T9 permits the President to proscribe any erring Union involved in an

illegal strike, but all through the 2022 ASUU Strike neither the President nor any of his Ministers, whether in Education or Labour, mooted such an idea because the Minister of Labour and Employment (HML&E) had done the right thing by the transmission of an Instrument on the issue to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), for adjudication in accordance with Section 17 of TDA, 2004.

"So, the former President Buhari and his officials chose the path of the Rule of Law in dealing with the debilitaring strike when conciliation failed instead of an arm twisting proscription as alleged by Hon Aminu Goro.

"Hon. Aminu's narrative which is really a cock and bull story is designed maybe, to be sweet to the ears of the audience (his fellow outgoing members) and maybe, the

outgoing Speaker at the expense of other patriotic Nigerians including the former President.

"He should be discouraged by all, including the outgoing Speaker, as no such incident ever happened on the Executive side and hence, the painted scenario never took place at all."

"This is by no means to say that the outgoing Speaker and Chief of Staff designate to the President, did not contribute to the resolution of the issue with ASUU. He did and passionately too like many others in the Government side and the traditional and Religious leaders, but the ultimate solution and relief came from the Judiciary, particularly the judges of both the NICN and the Court of Appeal who interpreted the relevant sections of the Trade Dispute Act 2004 without fear or favor and ordered ASUU back to the classroom."

“It is in response to this, that the Fund has prioritised the 2023 Zonal Allocation to polytechnics to be geared towards reinvigorating skills acquisition in the polytechnics across the country.

“This is to further consolidate on the efforts of NBTE of increasing the capacities of Polytechnics to deliver on their mandate.

“Therefore, the sum of N130,000,000.00 only allocated to each polytechnic has the main focus of procurement, Installation, Testing, Training and commissioning of relevant training materials,” he said.

According to him, since inception of the Zonal Intervention in 2016, the Fund has allocated a total sum of N52,046,079,584.7 as zonal Intervention to enlisted polytechnics.

“Most recently, the 2022 intervention was used for deployment of ICT facilities within the institutions in line with the guidelines developed by the Fund. This is essentially to increase the capacities of institutions to function effectively and deliver their programmes online.

“The Fund has allocated a total of N60,290,000,000.00 for Zonal Intervention for the year 2023 to all the two hundred and nineteen beneficiary institutions of which, the sum of N9,230,000,000.00 is allocated to polytechnics,” he added He said the intervention, a post-research activity, had created an opportunity for academic staff in Science and Technology Programmes to fabricate equipment, thus promoting skills development in the Polytechnics.

Mika’Ilu expressed optimism that the intervention would in the long run, support the institution

to resuscitate skills and improve graduate employability.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, charged rectors of polytechnics to explore the innovative approaches to skills development and as well device effective solutions that would enhance the quality and relevance of technical education in the institutions.

Echono said skills development and entrepreneurship represented a holistic process in which individuals in society pursue opportunities and address needs through innovation.

He, however, said acquiring skills prepares individuals for employment across all sectors of the economy and helps overcome numerous challenges as well fostering a brighter future for both the nation and individuals for global competition.

“Today, we recognise the significant strides made by TETFund and NBTE in promoting skills development in our beneficiary polytechnics.

“Our unwavering commitment to advancing technical and vocational education has paved the way for countless success stories, empowering individuals and transforming communities across our great nation.

“The purpose of this sensitisation workshop is to discuss and enlighten participants on two key areas: One is the skills agenda and occupational areas as a panacea for gainful employment of graduates and the second is the formalisation of the informal skills sector.

“By focusing on these aspects, we aim to address the critical needs for aligning our educational system with the demands of the labor market,” he said.

L-R: Deputy governor of Edo state, Philip Shaibu; Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state; Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state during the Inaugural meeting of the Nigerian Governors Forum held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa , Abuja …yesterday PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

Oil Prices Edge Higher on Deep Saudi Arabia’s Output Cuts

Nigeria records increased production in May

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Oil prices climbed over 1 per cent yesterday as Saudi Arabia's plans for deep output cuts outweighed demand woes mainly stemming from rising United States fuel stocks and weak Chinese export data.

Nigeria’s price benchmark , Brent crude futures were up 99 cents, or 1.3 per cent, at $77.28 a barrel on the day, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained $1.10, or 1.1 per cent, to $72.84.

Both benchmarks jumped more than $1 on Monday after Saudi Arabia's decision over the weekend to reduce output by 1

million barrels per day (bpd) to 9 million bpd in July.

United States crude stocks fell by about 450,000, according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), compared with estimates for a 1 million build, Reuters reported.

China's exports shrank much faster than expected in May and imports fell, albeit at a slower pace, as manufacturers struggled to find demand abroad and domestic consumption remained sluggish.

Wednesday's data also showed that crude oil imports into China, the world's largest oil importer, rose to their third-highest monthly

level in May as refiners built up inventories.

A JP Morgan note showed forward crude cover in the country has climbed, indicating refiners have not increased processing rates but are instead storing oil.

Meanwhile, a Reuters survey has shown that OPEC oil output fell in May after Saudi Arabia and other members of the broader OPEC+ alliance made voluntary output cuts to support the market, even though Nigeria’s production increased by as much as 100,000 compared with April.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

pumped 28.01 million barrels per day (bpd) during the month, the survey found, down 460,000 bpd from April. Output is down more than 1.5 million bpd from September.

Several members of OPEC+, which includes OPEC and allies such as Russia, in April pledged voluntary cuts on top of those made in late 2022 as the economic outlook worsened. Oil prices initially rose only to fall back as economic worries persisted.

For May, six OPEC members agreed to cut output by a further 1.04 million bpd, adding to about 1.27 million bpd of reductions already

TINUBU SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH STATE GOVERNORS TO END EXTREME POVERTY

on the citizens.

According to a statement issued by State House Director of Information, Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye, the 36 state governors at the meeting with the president expressed strong support for his decision to end fuel subsidy payments in the country and other early policy initiatives of the administration.

The president advised the political leaders to downplay their differences and jointly focus on alleviating the sufferings and pains of the people.

“We can see the effects of poverty on the faces of our people. Poverty is not hereditary; it is from the society. Our position is to eliminate poverty. Set aside partisan politics, we are here to deliberate about Nigeria and nation-building,’’ he said.

Tinubu stated that the nation should be seen as one big family.

According to him: “We are a family occupying one house, and sleeping in different rooms. If we see it that way and push forward, we will get our people out of poverty. A determined mind is a fertile ground for delivering on results".

The president said good governance would safeguard the future of democracy.

“Present in this room is our diversity in culture and politics, but we are one nation. The unity and stability of the country rest upon us.

“We are in a democracy and we have to nurture the democracy. It is a hard-earned system and not easy to manage. If anyone thinks it is easy, look at other nations who are over a hundred years in democracy.

“We have managed ourselves very well to have a democracy. We have campaigned and arrived at our present destination. We must work for our people,’’ Tinubu told the governors, while assuring them that he would maintain an open-door policy.

The president said he was prepared to share ideas, strengthen institutions, and create bottom-up frameworks that will improve the livelihood of Nigerians.

“What do we do in the face of crushing poverty? What do we do with our development goals?

We took the bull by the horns by removing the elephant in the room, before the nation sinks.

“We need synergy to fight other vices like corruption. We are trying to

to alleviate poverty in the continent.

The President, according to a statement issued by State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, said this yesterday, during a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Mr. Charles Michel.

The European Council is the EU’s institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the EU.

Tinubu, explained that Nigeria and the whole of Africa would require the help and partnership of her friends and development partners like the EU to address the excruciating poverty in the continent.

While requesting the EU to look at specific areas of security challenge like the Lake Chad and coastal areas, the President

get smugglers out of the way. How do we work together to galvanise the economy, and put resources in place. We must think and perform.

"After removing subsidy, there must be savings accruing to the Federation Account,’’ he noted.

Tinubu said the education sector must be improved as part of efforts to reduce poverty and penury, saying, “how do we address the unacceptable level of poverty? How much are we investing in education, which is the only tool against poverty? I am ready to collaborate with you.’’

He also drew attention to the security challenge in some states, admonishing the governors that all efforts should be put in place to tackle the security situation, without thinking it's only for those facing it.

The governors, who took turns to speak when the President hosted members of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by its chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, at the State House, expressed happiness with the president's subsidy-removal decision, all-inclusive leadership and statesmanship.

They congratulated Tinubu for tackling the fuel subsidy behemoth, promising to work with him to ameliorate the short-term impact of the decision.

NGF Chairman, AbdulRasaq, thanked the president for the invitation to deliberate on the challenges of poverty and security, promising that the governors would support the federal government in meeting the targets of human development.

“The NGF will follow the tradition of working constitutionally and harmoniously with you,’’ he said.

The governors made suggestions, highlighting the plight of citizens in their states, assuring the President of their support in proffering solutions through the National Economic Council.

The meeting, which was attended by Shettima and new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had 22 governors and two deputy governors from Edo and Niger States, in attendance. Those present at the NGF's maiden meeting with President Tinubu included the governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Francis

promised to remain in contact with the European Union and other member states.

He said poverty and insecurity were priority areas for his administration and he would do all that is required to address them.

On his part, the Council president used the opportunity of the telephone conversation to once again congratulate President Tinubu over his election.

While pledging the commitment of the Council towards a stronger cooperation and partnership with Nigeria based on mutual respect and common interests, he pointed out that Nigeria is important to the EU and the International Community.

Michel urged the Nigerian leader to continue to work with the EU in all relevant areas.

Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Babajide SanwoOlu (Lagos), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Rev. Ft. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Nasiru Idris (Kebbi), Alex Otti (Abia), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).

The deputy governors of Edo, Philip Shaibu and that of Niger, Yakubu Garba, represented their states at the meeting.

Those conspicuously absent at the meeting were governors of Dikko Radda (Katsina), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Prof. Babagana Zulum (Borno), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Prof. Charles Soludo (Anambra), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe) and Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto).

In a related development, Governor Abiodun, disclosed the directive to NEC to newsmen yesterday, after leading members of Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria

(DAPPMAN) and Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), on courtesy visit to the President

He said the president has asked NEC led by the vice president to swing into action and come up with necessary interventions to mitigate hardship associated with petroleum subsidy removal.

He noted that Tinubu’s action showed his determination and courage to remove the hemorrhage that had bedeviled the country for decades.

The governor said while there would be some discomfort on the part of the people, the move would eventually pay off as there can be no gains without pains.

Commenting on the issue of government’s interventions to ease the hardship streaming from the removal of fuel subsidy, Abiodun said Tinubu instructed a coordinated approach between government, through the NEC and the economic team, and petroleum marketers to structure out a wholesome intervention.

His words: "Mr. President has announced today that NEC should

in place since late last year.

Month on month, production among the OPEC nations that are required to limit output fell by 540,000 bpd, the survey found.

According to the survey, compliance with all cuts fell to 137 per cent from 194 per cent in April. Output is still undershooting the targeted amount partly because Nigeria and Angola lack the capacity to pump as much as their agreed level.

The largest reductions came from OPEC's Gulf producers Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, which largely implemented their voluntary cuts, the survey found.

immediately begin to sit, led by His Excellency, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the committee of NEC, alongside with the economic team and the marketers should sit down and come up with a wholesome approach that will be beneficial to the common man and the generality of Nigerians.

“In completeness, like I said, whatever it is we do today, be it minimum wage increase, be it transport allowance, be it the provision of any form of intervention, are only stopgaps, what we need to begin to look at is energy transition for the whole country, where we haven't appreciated the fact that we can no longer power our vehicles with either diesel at the prices or with petrol.

“We need to begin to look at what obtains in other countries like Egypt that's, right here on the continent, where they have converted all their mass transit to run on Compressed Natural Gas, CNG. In some other countries, their vehicles are running on either CNG or running on electricity.

“These will be what will be

10TH SENATE PRESIDENCY: TINUBU MEETS SENATORS-ELECT TODAY

Coordinator, Dr. Menike Johnson, described the zoning of principal positions in the National Assembly as undemocratic.

Yet, Deputy Speaker of the ninth House of Representatives, Hon. Idris Wase (APC, Plateau), said he remained in the race for Speaker of the incoming 10th House of Representatives.

Tinubu’s invitation to the senators was conveyed in an official letter from the State House to the Senate, and was read on Wednesday by Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who presided over the plenary.

The letter explained that the meeting between the lawmakers and the president would take place at the State House Conference Centre, State House, Abuja, on Thursday, June 8 at 2pm.

The president had initially fixed separate meetings between the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition lawmakers-elect for Sunday and Monday. The meetings were rescheduled because the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not allow their members attend.

The senate president, Ahmad Lawan, observed proceedings from the floor of the chamber yesterday, when he allowed his deputy, Omo-Agege, to preside at plenary. Lawan explained that he sat with his colleagues because he was trying to get used to being a floor member, when the 10th Senate would be inaugurated.

Aggrieved Aspirants Set to Unveil Unity List

Tomorrow

Senate Democratic Caucus (SDC), comprising four aggrieved aspirants, might announce their consensus candidates for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President, tomorrow. The aspirants were Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), Osita Izunaso (Imo West), and Sani Musa (Niger East).

They formed an alliance against Senator Godswill Akpabio, who was nominated by APC for the position of Senate President, and Barau Jibrin, who was chosen for Deputy Senate President.

The SDC, THISDAY gathered, might agree on who would be Senate President and Deputy President after their meeting on Friday, while the remaining two contenders would be given juicy committees.

Speaking on the development, Chairman of SDC, Senator Abdul Ningi, confirmed that the four aspirants were almost concluding discussions on the matter.

Ningi said, "The discussions are still on-going but we are very much together. We know our strategy and we are not to disclose it yet."

But Yari, at a different forum, pledged to work with the administration of Tinubu in the interest of the country if elected Senate President.

The former governor of Zamfara State said, "The senate, which I aspire to lead, shall be completely democratic, open and serve only the interest of Nigerians. The senate, under my leadership, will be firm, transparent, purposeful and ensure a cordial working relationship with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led executive to deliver his vision for a secure, united and prosperous Nigeria.

"I want to assure you that the National Assembly, which we seek to lead, will be stable, proactive, listen to and pursue the genuine aspirations and yearnings of Nigerians."

Zoning, Endorsing Aspirants Undemocratic, Says Group

A pro-democracy group, Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy (CPD), yesterday, described zoning of presiding officers’ positions in the 10th senate as undemocratic.

The group, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Dr. Menike Johnson, stated, "Zoning

Iraqi output edged up because of higher exports from the south of the country. But with exports from the north still shut down, Iraqi production was well below its allowed level.

Among countries with higher production, output from Nigeria and Angola posted gains. Exxon in late April resumed operations at its Nigerian sites after resolving a labour dispute.

Libya, Iran and Venezuela are the three producers exempt from OPEC cuts. All three managed to boost output in May, with Iranian exports in particular rising according to the survey.

sustainable that will allow us to transport people, goods and services at prices that are reasonable. That is the kind of thing that we are looking at, the kind of discussions that we’re having with Mr President and the kind of approach that this administration looking at in terms of sustainability.”

Meanwhile, DAPPMAN has expressed full support for the decision of the Tinubu-led administration to sustain the removal of petrol subsidy since its inauguration on May 29.

To demonstrate its support, DAPPMAN said it would donate Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)compliant buses estimated to cost N10 billion, to boost Nigeria’s mass transportation network.

Chairman of the association, Mrs. Winifred Akpani, who made this known yesterday, while speaking with newsmen after she led a delegation of the body to the State House on courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. Akpani, who is also the Managing Director of Northwest Petroleum

Continued on page 44

and external endorsements are undemocratic and only promote mediocrity, incompetence and breeds a corrupt and rubber stamp parliamentary leadership that cannot serve the interest of Nigerians.

"CPD commended senatorselect for their support for Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, who has exhibited the required capacity, passion and political will to run a legitimately elected senate presidency that will unite the nation, provide constructive partnership with the executive in the overall interest of Nigerians.

"It also cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against the imposition of a senate president, noting that such will only worsen the division in the party and deny it the ability to maintain a healthy relationship with its lawmakers.

“The Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy has been watching the contest for the senate presidency with keen interest. We have also noted the trajectory, demonstrated capacity and acceptability of the two major contestants in the race: Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari and Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“CPD, in tandem with other pro-democracy organisations, insists that those interested in the office of the senate president should rather marshal their agenda to Nigerians.

"Senators-elect should not rely on retrogressive and sectional arguments of zoning and external endorsements, which is undemocratic, promotes mediocrity, incompetence and breeds a corrupt and rubber stamp parliamentary leadership that cannot serve the interest of the people.”

Wase Adamant as Doguwa Urges Other Aspirants to Step Down

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Idris Wase (APC, Plateau), insisted he would remain in the race for Speaker of the incoming 10th House of Representatives. Wase stated this after House Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa (APC, Kano), pleaded with

other aspirants to step down for the APC consensus candidate, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

Doguwa stated that, as one of the contestants for Speaker, who stepped down, he was calling on others still in the race to step down for the APC consensus candidate to ensure a smooth transition.

Doguwa said, "It is in this light, I want to urge members like me, who are still in the ring contesting, to, please, see the light of reasoning to also step down in the interest of a seamless transition from the leadership here to the next assembly. I am doing this because I was part of the members, who first of all started contesting for the speakership position.

“Mr Speaker, I am by all standards qualified to be Speaker. But I want to believe that speakership is always an act of God, it is given by God, by the will of the members of the House of Representatives. We cannot have two speakers at the same time."

However, Wase, who spoke immediately after Doguwa, said as a democrat, who believed in contest, he was determined to continue in the race till the end.

He added that his contest was in pursuit of a prophecy by the former governor of old Plateau State, the late Solomon Lar, who predicted his coming to the House of Representatives and becoming Deputy Speaker and possibility of his speakership.

Wase said, "Of course, I want to appreciate my political leaders, among whom I would say is Solomon Lar, who, when I was contesting in 2007, I went to and he prophesied the number of times I will come to this assembly and I will tell this crowd and to the world.

“He said, I will come to the assembly in the number of times and prophesied even the number of leaderships that I will attain and the deputy speakership, and he prophesied next when I return, and I believe I will be Speaker and I believe, Insha Allah, I will be Speaker of the green chamber."

PRESIDENT CANVASSES EU'S SUPPORT IN FIGHT AGAINST INSECURITY, POVERTY IN AFRICA

House Holds Valedictory Session Ahead of Tenure End

Says 510 bills, 2000 motions passed in four years Declares 9th Assembly most productive in history

Udora Orizu and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives, yesterday, held its valedictory session, signalling the end of the ninth House, which began in 2019. The session had former Speakers Ghali Na’Abba and Patricia Etteh in attendance. Na’Abba was Speaker from 1999 to 2003, while Etteh unceremoniously left office in 2007 after about five months.

The former presiding officers were ushered into the chamber following a motion moved by the leader of the House, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa (APC, Kano).

The emotional session had several lawmakers reminiscing on the four

years they spent with one another. Love was expressed and apologies were tendered, as they took turns to speak.

Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Abubakar Fulata, at the valedictory session, disclosed that the House passed a total of 510 bills and 2,000 motions in the last four years.

Fulata said the ninth House was the most productive of all assemblies in the history of the National Assembly, having processed 2,232 bills, out of which 52 were from the executive, 163 from the senate, and 2,017 were members bills.

He stated, "Out of these figures still, bills awaiting second reading are 1,197. Bills referred to committees,

581. Bills reported by the committees 275. Bills pending in the committee 308. Bills within the Committee of the Whole, 106. Bills laid on table awaiting consideration, 64. Bills far passed 510.

“Bills killed (negatived) 13, and bills withdrawn by their sponsors, five. The House also passed 2,000 motions in total.”

Fulata said, “Mr Speaker, all these could not have been achieved without your able leadership and that of your Deputy, Ahmed Idris Wase, who is also Chairman, Committee of the Whole."

Earlier, in his valedictory speech, Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, pointed out the prominent achievements of the House in the last four

years to include the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Electoral Act, 2022, and Police Reforms Acts.

Gbajabiamila said though the strategic importance of the oil and gas sector to Nigeria’s socioeconomic wellbeing had long been apparent, successive administrations failed to put in place a functional statutory regime to allow the sector to function optimally.

He said the ninth assembly ended that "legacy of lethargy" with the passage of the PIA and the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act, which further put the sector on the right footing. Gbajabiamila noted that the House passed the Police Act to change the nature of relations between

Governor Obaseki Launches 10-year Restoration Plan to Revive Forest Assets

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, inaugurated the Edo State Forestry Commission with a 10-year restoration and plantation strategy to tackle deforestation, forest degradation and develop the state's forest assets. The governor said setting up the commission, was in line with the Edo State Forestry law, to sustain and secure the forest reserves and wildlife resources for future generations.

Speaking at the inauguration, which was held at the Okomu National Park in Udo, Ovia South West local government area, Obaseki decried the loss and degradation of forest lands, over the years, assuring that the commission would reverse the trend and harness the forest and wildlife resources to promote conservation of the ecosystem.

"We are fortunate in Edo because forestry management started here almost a 100 years ago and we still have documents in our archives to show that. As far back as the 1920s, forest reserves were created and were managed under a 50-year felling circle. “Which means that if you are giving concession to log in that area, you are not allowed to come back to that area for another 50 years, you go somewhere else because you have to regrow that place where you cut those trees.

"We have always had this history of managing our forest even as late as 1995, we had a third working

cycle where we planted for another 25 years but as I speak today, the government I came to meet, there was nothing about planning for forestry. There was nothing about sustainability.

"So, these setbacks we have suffered, by the grace of God, is being corrected today; because what has happened is that we have experienced a sharp reduction and degradation of our forest as a result of not only illegal loggers but so many practices," Obaseki said.

He recalled that in 2018, specifically, April 14, he set up an advisory committee, adding, “i called experts to advise me on what to do and to look at the possibility of creating an institution that will help us manage our forest and wildlife resources sustainably because what has happened is that by mixing the issue of Forestry with other ministries like agriculture or environment, we never looked at the issue of forestry independently and dispassionately.

"We had the same problem with sports and that is why we set up the sports commission to deal with sports exclusively. So, we felt one way to handle the issue of forestry and sustainability was to set up a commission whose sole purpose is to deal with forest assets.

"We have been talking about diversification of the economy. Upto 1970s, we had no crude oil, things like timber accounted or helped us in foreign exchange. Timber was our crude oil but because we found crude oil, we abandoned everything

else and that is why we lost the culture of sustainability.”

He added: “So, what we are doing today is not new because this is what kept us going and if we are to progress, develop, diversify our economy, then we must go back to those things that made us great before.

"We have created the forestry commission. How can we all now be involved? What is the plan and the strategy? We can regrow our forest if we start now. So, we must have a plan. Over the next

10 years, what must we do and how do we ensure commitment that what we have agreed is done? That is why we need a clearly articulated strategy for restoratation and regeneration of our forest.”

Also speaking, the Conservator General, National Park Service, Ibrahim Musa, who was represented by Kabiru Mohammed, said the commission would play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable use of forests, combat the threat of deforestation as well as the menace of illegal logging.

the police and citizens and ensure that police officers, who fell short of their responsibilities could be quickly held accountable.

The speaker also said the ninth assembly appropriated the sum of N500 million through the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to compensate victims of police brutality nationwide.

Gbajabiamila, however, said he regretted that the ninth Assembly did not succeed in removing some of the constitutional barriers that had long stood in the way of women’s full and unhindered participation in the politics, governance and economy of the country. He urged the 10th House to take up the mantle and do better.

Gbajabiamila said the ninth House, with unwavering courage and determination, defended the rights and dignity of the Nigerian people abroad from every attempt to dehumanise and victimise them. He lamented that too many young Nigerians had lost faith in the country and were choosing in droves to seek their fortunes and their futures in other lands. He added that the country was losing some of its best and brightest, and if leaders did not act now, the consequences of this loss would shortly become painfully evident.

Gbajabiamila formally informed his colleagues of his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chief of Staff and pledged to work in collaboration with the legislature, which he was a product of. He stated, "Our legacy also includes the comprehensive electoral

reforms in the Electoral Act that have changed forever for good the way we conduct elections in Nigeria. While we recognise the need to continue to work to improve election management in Nigeria, we must acknowledge the vast improvements that have happened since the return to democracy. And we take pride in our contribution to these improvements over the last four years.

"Through the constitutional review process, the House of Representatives sought to restructure our government to make it more effective, reorganise our politics to make it more inclusive, enshrine efficient mechanisms for holding the institutions of state to account and put an end to the debilitating conflicts that even now continue to tear our nation apart.

"Our interventions on behalf of Nigerians in China during the pandemic put an end to recurrent incidents of abuse, just as our efforts on behalf of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana caused the governments of those nations to step up action to protect the lives and property of our citizens in those countries.

“From Ghana to South Africa, from China to the United States of America, we made it clear that this parliament will defend the rights of our citizens to conduct their legitimate businesses without fear of molestation and that the wellbeing of Nigerians remains our business, whether home or abroad."

Chairman, Committee on Finance, Hon. James Faleke, said, "We were able to pass so many amendments

Continued on page 43

UN Calls for Urgent Action on Plastic Pollution in Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations (UN) has called for urgent action against plastic pollution in Nigeria, insisting that, “Nigeria’s plastic pollution has reached an alarming scale, with neither urban nor rural areas escaping this blight.”

Speaking at the 50th Environment Day celebration organised by the UN and Green Hub Africa, at the UN House in Abuja, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mathias Schmale, decried that Nigeria uses over 1.5 million metric tons of plastic each year, one of the highest in Africa.

He equally lamented that much of this was single use such as plastic bags, bottles, and straws, noting that Lagos alone uses 10 million plastic bags a day.

He explained: “Waste management remains a challenge across the country. A large portion of plastic waste ends up in open dumps, landfills, water bodies, drainage systems, and along coastal areas. In fact, a mere 10 per cent of plastic is recycled according to the Federal Ministry of the Environment.

“We need to urgently address plastic pollution in Nigeria if we are to achieve the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.”

He explained that this however is a problem that can be solved, adding that: “A new report by the UN Environment Programme shows that we can reduce plastic pollution by 80 per cent by 2040. But we must act now.

“We need collaborative efforts from all stakeholders – a wholeof-society approach - including

Government, private sector, CSOs, and international partners to enhance policy implementation, promote a circular economy, and reduce plastic use.

“Innovative solutions and new technologies are required to tackle plastic pollution effectively in Nigeria. R&D is essential to develop sustainable approaches and alternatives to single-use plastic.

“Raising awareness among the general public of the impacts of plastic pollution is equally important. Education campaigns, clean-up drives, and recycling initiatives can move us as a society towards more responsible consumption and waste management.”

Schmale, who was represented by the UNDP Representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Yahya, promised that the UN would continue to work

with its partners in Nigeria to tackle plastic pollution.

He said: “For instance, UNIDO has been supporting the Government in advancing its waste management policy. UNEP is involved in another project called ‘Circular and POPs-free Plastics in Africa’ which aims to reduce persistent organic pollutants from the plastics value chain.”

He said: “The UN commends the Government of Nigeria for playing an active role at the ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee meetings for the development of this global plastic convention.

“We look forward to working closely with the new administration on this issue and others related to plastics. The UN stands ready to provide technical expertise, capacity building, and financial aid as we combat this pollution together.

NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION WOMEN FORUM VISIT SENATOR DAISY DANJUMA...

L-R: State lead, Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) Lagos State lead, Adefowoke Ayo-Ponle; Council member, Folasade Alli; publicity secretary, Theodora Kio-Lawson; executive vice chairman, South Atlantic Petroleum Ltd. Senator Daisy Danjuma; Chairperson, NBAWF, Chinyere Okorocha; deputy chair, media and publicity, Gloria Ireka; and deputy chair, fundraising committee, Ifeoma Ben during a courtesy visit by the NBAWF leadership to Senator Daisy Danjuma, in Lagos…… yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

SHOWCASING THE QUALITIES OF THE FEMALE GENDER...

Stop the Propaganda, No Senator Has Withdrawn Support from Me, Says Akpabio

Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is the anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the office of the President of the10th Senate has stated that

contrary to sponsored media report alleging that his colleagues have withdrawn their support for him, members of the ‘Stability Group’ and new senators-elect are

NDLEA Denies Lopsided Promotion of Personnel

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has denied the allegation of lopsided promotion of personnel within its rank.

The NDLEA, in a statement by its Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, yesterday, titled: “No lopsided promotion exercise in NDLEA,” denied the allegation of lopsided promotion on some social media as unfounded and false.

The statement read: “The attention of the NDLEA has been drawn to some online reports suggesting lopsided promotion of personnel. The agency wishes to state that no such thing exists as elevation of officers and men remains an ongoing exercise based on a number of factors including vacancy.

“Indeed, the issues raised by the category of personnel mentioned in the reports arose in 2011, which was 10 clear years before the current leadership of Brig. Gen. MB Marwa (Retd).

“However, in a determined bid

to motivate the workforce, over 70 per cent of the workforce, a number of who had been stagnated on one rank for 15-20 years, were promoted and their ranks harmonised in 2021 soon after Gen. Marwa assumed leadership of the Agency.”

The statement added: “Even though more than half of the category of personnel referred to in the reports had been promoted in the recent promotion exercises, the ongoing expansion of the agency which creates more vacancies for officers and men to move up, no doubt provides the window for the few not yet affected to be elevated in another exercise underway for the junior ranks.”

“Anyone not yet affected can rest assured that the Chairman/CEO considers their welfare paramount and central to the successes so far achieved by his leadership and will continue to pay attention to their career progression in the interest of the overall high productivity goal set for all Commands and formations of the agency.”

still solidly behind his ambition. Akpabio, also advised those peddling the unfounded rumour to stop the propaganda, insisting no Senator had withdrawn support for him.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Jackson Udom, described the sponsored news item as, "unfounded, false and a calculated attempt to smear the seamless relationship between

the former Minority Leader and his distingushed colleagues who are very much in support of his aspiration. They should stop the propaganda against Senator Akpabio because no Senator has withdrawn his support from him."

According to the statement, "as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Senator Akpabio had described the parastatal under his ministry

as a cesspool of corruption and not the National Assembly.

"He made this remarks whilst justifying the Forensic Audit of the Commission which was ordered by former President Muhammadu Buhari. In fact, he decried a situation where few individuals would corner huge contracts in the agency under the guise of giving them to the lawmakers without the

knowledge of the lawmakers.

"There was never a time whether in public or in his closets that he described the National Assembly, which he is a very proud member, as a cesspool of corruption. Those peddling and sponsoring such unfounded allegations are doing so for political gains. Any organized campaign of calumny against Akpabio will surely fail." the statement added.

ElectionViolence: SDP Tells Tinubu to Call Bello to Order

Promises to make him pay for alleged atrocities

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), has urged President Bola Tinubu to call Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to order following the June 3 election violence in the state. In the wake of last week's clash between the governor's supporters and the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Muritala Alaka, the National Chairman of the SDP, Mr. Shehu Gabam, urged Tinubu to Bello to order.

Gabam, who made the call at a press conference at the party's headquarters in Abuja, Wednesday, said Bello would pay nationally and internationally for all his alleged acts of atrocity as governor of the state.

"The sarcasm and the allegory of the 'lion and antelope' of the governor is odious, reckless, primitive, vexatious and condemnable, and the president should caution and call him to order, and be made to know that going forward, he will be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order or the loss of any soul in Kogi State before, during and after the governorship election.

"Certainly, every documented act of crime against humanity, which happened under the watch of Governor Yahaya Bello will be interrogated locally and internationally in due course, when his immunity is no more, and he will be made to pay for his crimes," the SDP National Chairman said.

He also noted that his party would press criminal charges against the

NASU NACETEM Vows to Continue to Protest over DG’s Appointment

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) at the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) has resolved to continue its industrial action in all its offices all over the country to protest what it described as the illegal appointment of Dr. Olusola Odusanya as the substantive DG/ CEO of NACETEM.

Rising from a congress of the Union held at the Ile-Ife headquarters of the agency, the union felicitated the new President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his assumption of office and expressed optimism that Nigerians should look forward to a more economically vibrant nation.

The union then urged Tinubu to look into the several appointments made into sensitive offices

in the Federal Civil/Public Service of Nigeria in the twilight of the Buhari’s administration, arguing that many of the appointments were hurriedly “and fraudulently done by politicians with sinister motives, abandoning extant rules and guidelines.”

The Union leader, Gbadamosi Funminiyi, who is the Branch Chairman, NASU NACETEM, referred to the appointment of Odusanya as one of such appointments.

According to him, "NASU NACETEM also called on the agency's Governing Board to rise up to the occasion and promptly reach out to all necessary offices and departments of government that could facilitate a probe into the illicit appointments championed by the erstwhile Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation,

Chief Henry IKOH and his cohorts in the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI).

"The union, while open to all meaningful dialogues and discussions on the way out of the conundrums in NACETEM, shall maintain its stand that Dr. Olusola Odusanya will not be recognised nor referred to as the duly appointed DG/CEO of the Agency because the process that produced him was grossly flawed and corrupt.”

The union opined that, “legality cannot be built on illegality and an appointment fraudulently carried out, like the contested one, would leave the appointee with the burden of illegitimacy all through his tenure in office. This should be a cause for worry to any honourable person."

The NASU NACETEM Branch had expressed its huge

disappointment in the ASURI National Secretariat over its display of desperation at the North Central Office of NACETEM in Abuja last Thursday.

NASU NACETEM Congress berated the General Secretary of ASURI, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, for allegedly hiring hoodlums on the streets of Abuja, to carry placards on an issue they knew nothing about and made them impersonate researchers in NACETEM.

The NASU NACETEM Congress advised Ndubuaku, saying he should be the one to steer clear of NACETEM because even researchers in NACETEM do not welcome him.

It said "The ASURI Headquarters should know that NASU NACETEM has never directed any of its actions towards it since the onset of the current struggle.

thugs and individuals, who were identified to have carried out the shooting attacks, the damage done to several vehicles and the act of arson on two vehicles by those he described as the governor's killer squad, who unleashed the terror attack on its governorship candidate.

"The party has submitted a comprehensive petition on the attack to the Office of the President and heads of security agencies calling on Mr. President to order the Nigeria Police to swiftly conduct a thorough investigation of the assassination attack on Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, and nip in the bud, the prevailing regime of reckless abuse of executive and state powers in Kogi State, which is inimical to democratic consolidation, peace

and human security," Gabam said.

He urged the federal government to provide security for all before, during and after the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State, adding that it should do all that is necessary to ensure that Kogi State was made safe for all its citizens and other Nigerians who were domiciled in its territory, and to create a congenial environment to guarantee a peaceful election and a credible outcome.

In his remarks, Ajakat promised to make Kogi people part of his government by bringing development to them when elected governor.

"What I will do differently from the present government is to make the people feel the good impact of government and make them part of the government," he said.

Aribasoye Emerges

Ekiti Assembly Speaker

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

After its proclamation by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday, a second term lawmaker, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, emerged Speaker of the seventh Ekiti State House of Assembly.

The 26-member lawmakers, representing different constituencies, in their unanimous verdict, elected Aribasoye, who is representing Ikole Constituency 2 in the Hallowed Chambers to superintend over the House.

In the same fashion, the daughter of the late Deputy Governor, Bisi Egbeyemi, Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, representing Ado Constituency 2, emerged the Deputy Speaker, among other principal officers elected during

the inaugural plenary session in Ado Ekiti.

The Assembly, had earlier held its valedictory session, on Monday, signaling the expiration of the sixth assembly presided over by a female speaker, Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba.

Going by the composition of the assembly, the ruling All Progressives Congress has 24 members, while the Social Democratic Party has two, with Peoples Democratic Party having none. Oyebanji, in his proclamation letter read by the Clerk of the House, Mr. Tola Esan, urged the assembly to focus attention on robust legislative functions that would transform the state and lubricate frictions for smooth running of government.

L-R: Anchor, Melony Ishola; State Women Leader, APC Lagos, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Director General, Imo State Broadcasting Corporation, Ify Onyegbule; Founder, Women in Export, Trade and Investments, Efe Usin and former MD of Global Excellence Magazine, Tosin Ajayi during a TV Programme hosted by Media Industries Concept to showcase the qualities of the female gender in Lagos .... recently

INAUGURATION OF THE EDO STATE FORESTRY COMMISSION...

INEC, Tinubu, APC Rattled as Atiku's Subpoenaed Ad Hoc Witness Testifies Obi tenders final results of presidential poll

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, appeared rattled as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP's) candidate in the disputed February 25 presidential election called its first subpoenaed witness at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC).

INEC, Tinubu and APC through their individual lawyers objected to the taking of the evidence of the witness, who is said to be an ad hoc staff of INEC.

At the proceedings, lead counsel to the PDP, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, after the admittance of exhibits from

to our laws. So many Finance Acts that have seen the increase in our revenue from N5.2 trillion in 2019 to about N10.1 trillion in 2022."

Outgoing chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, said Gbajabiamila saved the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from proscription during the union’s nine-month strike action.

Contributing, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere said, "Mr Speaker, in your new role, your challenges will be more than what you face here because those pains, those broken dreams that you spoke about are still there. In many cases they are worse. So, we plead with you not to abandon the spirit of vision, commitment, of believing that a country requires the kind of leaders that will have that ability to have a sense of nation and vision."

Chairman, Committee on Judiciary, Hon. Onofiok Luke, made a case for salary increase for judicial officers.

Luke said, "Mr Speaker, you gave me a responsibility as Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary. Mr Speaker, in your new role, we have not been able to reach the el dorado.

“The judicial officers of this country are still wallowing in their poor working and living conditions. Mr Speaker, the last salary review for the judicial officers in this country was about 14 years ago and every effort to increase their salaries ended in futility. So, I want to urge you, Sir, to take up the issue of judiciary."

Earlier, Etteh, in her long remarks, said, "First and foremost, I have always been praying that God should

10 local governments in Kogi State, called in one of its listed witnesses, who gave evidence on how INEC failed to transmit results real time "as promised".

Shortly after the end of cross examination of the witness, Hon. Ndubuisi Nwobu, from Anambra State, Uche informed the court that the petitioners had three subpoenaed witnesses and went to call the first one, an ad hoc staff of INEC.

Immediately the witness entered the witness box and barely before he could take his oath, counsel to INEC, Mr Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, rose in objection to the hearing of the evidence of the witness.

He informed the court that he was only served this morning with

give us a president of this nature, someone that has passed through the legislative arm of government.

Who says God is not answering prayers. God answered my prayers and the prayers of others, for giving us somebody who has really passed through this National Assembly, not only one. I asked for one, but God gave us three.

“He gave us three because he

the statement of the witness and as such would have to study the statement in order to do a thorough cross-examination.

His position was shared by Tinubu's lawyer, Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN and APC's lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who added that he was only served barely 20 minutes ago with the statement and had not seen what it contained.

Responding, Uche argued that with a subpoenaed witness, they were not supposed to front-load his statement to the respondents, adding that there was nothing strange in the statement of the witness to warrant an adjournment.

Uche pleaded with the court to take at least one of the subpoenaed

knows we have been yearning it for it. We want somebody that really appreciates Nigerians. There is no one that would pass through the National Assembly or any legislative arm of government that would not appreciate Nigerians because we are the people that listen to the yearnings of this nation. Give me one trillion naira, I would still prefer to come to the legislative arm anytime.”

witnesses so as to judiciously make use of the time allotted it because the adjournment would eat into their allotted time.

Chairman of the PREPEC, Justice Haruna Tsammani, while trying to be considerate, proposed standing down trial for 30 minutes to enable respondents look at the documents and thereby cross-examine the first subpoenaed witness.

But INEC insisted that the witness could not be taken today because the witness "is said to be an ad hoc staff of the Commission" and as such, he would have to go and look at INEC's records to enable him prepare adequately.

Following the respondents insistence, Uche urged the court to adjourned till tomorrow for the calling of the three subpoenaed witnesses.

Earlier, in his evidence, Nwobu told the PREPEC that election went smoothly in most polling units he visited including where he cast his vote but "magic started happening" at the ward collation centers.

According to him, results of the election were entered into the forms EC8A at the polling units but were not transmitted real time into the IReV because of the failure of the

BVAS machines. He told the panel that but for his intervention some staff of INEC would have been attacked due to their inability to upload results real time.

"There was no real time transmission of results as we were promised by INEC," he said.

Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Mr Peter Obi, yesterday, tendered Form EC8D (A) being the final results of the February 25 presidential election upon which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Tinubu President.

The document, although not objected to by INEC, Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as in previous instances, was admitted as exhibit by the five member panel of the PREPEC.

The final results contained the results of the presidential election from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT).

Since the beginning of the second week of hearing, Obi and his party had been tendering various documents to prove their allegations of rigging and other corrupt practices that allegedly robbed them of victory at the presidential election.

Before yesterday June 7, the petitioners had tendered documents ranging from Form EC8As and EC8Bs, which comprised results from polling units and wards level, from states wherein they were in dispute with the outcome of the poll.

At yesterday's proceedings, lawyer to the petitioners, Prof Paul Ananaba, SAN, before tendering the national results, tendered Form EC8Cs, which were collated results at the Local Government Areas level and as were in earlier cases; INEC, Tinubu and APC through their individual lawyers objected to the tendering of the said documents reserving their reasons till their final written address.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the close of proceedings, Ananaba said the petitioners still had some remaining documents to tender in support of their petition before calling addition witnesses.

At the commencement of hearing last week, Obi and LP, had called their first and only witness so far in the matter, to attest to the allegation that Tinubu forfeited the sum of $460,000 to the United States of America over drug-related offences. Hearing continues today.

We're Resolute to Return to Govt in 2026, Osun APC Declares

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, yesterday, said it was determined to return to government in 2026.

The Osun APC leadership directed party officials in wards and local government areas across the state to resume meetings and other political activities in preparation for future elections.

Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting held in Osogbo, the acting State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, said no effort would be spared to ensure return of the party to power and continue its good and people-centric leadership.

The meeting which was held at the instance of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, was aimed to bring together members of the party with a view to chart a new course for the progress and success of the party and its members. Lawal, who commended leaders and members of the party for their loyalty, resilience, perseverance and commitment throughout the litigation period, said right mechanisms

had been set in motion to properly and genuinely restructure the party for the betterment of all.

According to him, the main motive behind the meeting was to re-strategise and further foster unity between and among members of the party as they resolve to wrestle power from the incumbent government in the State.

"I want to start by appreciating our immediate past Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola for initiating this meeting. He was the one who facilitated this very important meeting.

"As we all know, this family meeting is very crucial particularly at a time like this that we have made frantic efforts to put our house in order and work towards reclaiming power from the incumbent administration.

"As a party, we recognise the fact that after the Supreme Court judgment, we have not met with a large house like this, so, this is to let the whole world know that we remain united, resolute and committed to strengthening the

party, promote internal democracy and indeed, set the motion for the all-round success, progress, growth and development of our party and the State.

"I want to assure you all that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is solidly behind the party and he had promised to continue to support the party. Though what happened is divine and we have taken it in good faith as God's will just as we believe strongly that our party, APC will come back to government soon.

"Let's return to our various units, wards and councils to start mobilising our people across the nooks and crannies of the state as we know that the journey to reclaim the state for our party has begun right from now.”

He added: "I am assuring you all that this type of meeting will be coming regularly and we want to instruct you all to return to the party fully and begin to hold your ward and council meetings as usual.

"The doors of the state party secretariat are always open. Feel

free to walk in anytime, everyone will be welcomed to share lofty ideas that can aid the progress of the party.

“This is not the time to fight but to remain united and build a formidable frontier. We are open to reconciliation and genuine moves to take the party to enviable heights.

"Our symbol is broom and we all know what it stands for. Let us continue to be our brother's keepers. We are valiant and not cowards.

"God has been very faithful to us. What happened had happened but in reality, what we got in return was marvellous. Today, we are proud that we have president from our great party. This was achieved through our collective efforts. It is indeed a rare feat", Lawal added.

Speaking on behalf of the party's Elders Forum popularly called "Agba Osun", Chief Kunle Odeyemi, said efforts would continue to be made to ensure the party remains united and formidable. He said, "what we stand for is unity. We are for unity of purpose. We are for progress. Though the

committee set-up for repositioning of the party has not reported back, but we should be conscious of our actions and inactions.

“We should avoid anything that can further divide us. We want more friends than enemies. We should know the meetings to attend at this time."

In their separate remarks, the immediate past Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Biodun Idowu extolled members of the party for their commitment throughout the 'thin and thick period' just as he urged them to remain united as the party is ready to return to government.

"It is high time for us to resuscitate and stimulate activities of the party at the grassroots", he added.

Speaking on behalf of the immediate past cabinet members, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Rasak Adeosun, called on members of the party to remain resolute in the collective interest to move the party forward.

L-R: Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Strategy, Policy, Projects and Performance Management, Mrs. Sarah Esangbedo Ajose-Adeogun; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Chairman, Edo Forestry Commission, Edward Obiaw, during the inauguration of the Edo State Forestry Commission, at the Okomu National Park in Udo, Ovia South-West Local Government Area (LGA),... yesterday

HOUSE HOLDS VALEDICTORY SESSION AHEAD OF TENURE END

SIGNING OF THE FIRST MINIMIE BRAND AMBASSADOR...

HURIWA Calls for Sirika’s Arrest over Alleged ‘Fraudulent’ Nigeria Air

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, called on the anti-graft agencies, especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to arrest the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over the "grossly suspicious and fraudulent” national carrier, the Nigeria Air.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the project hurriedly unveiled by Sirika on May 26, 2023, the last official day of the Muhammadu Buhari administration is suspect.

Accordingly, Onwubiko charged the EFCC to immediately swing into action to probe the former minister since the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation had separately declared that the project is a fraud.

The federal government had in July 2018 unveiled the muchawaited new national carrier during the Farnborough Air Show in London.

In eight years, the Buhari administration with Sirika as the arrowhead spent over N85 billion on Nigeria Air, as shown

"This is a tough job. I wouldn't want to mince words about it. It is extremely important office in terms of coordination of government activities, and also stringent government policies, programmes and projects. It is his responsibility to guide the government. So, there is enormity.

"Under his office, we used to have seven Permanent Secretaries but it's now reduced to six. So, it's a combination of almost six ministries in one office that will be reported to him with different agencies. But the most important part of this office is the fact that he is to beam light of the government in terms of driving, coordination and policy formulation. So, it's enormous.

"It's not a small job, but I'm confident that he has been ably prepared, groomed for this job, and I believe that he will take the office a notch higher while leaving it."

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, said he was elated that out of the 36 states, Benue was chosen to produce the Secretary to Government of the Federation.

“I’m full of enormous joy. It is a factor of exaltation. Out of the many states, Benue is chosen and

in data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Compilation of Budgetary Allocations between 2016 and 2023.

At separate meetings with Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt Dapo Olumide, on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Senate Aviation Committee, Senator Biodun Olujimi and the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, both agreed that the launch of Nigeria Air was a fraud.

In fact, the Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, admitted that the Boeing 737-800 aircraft used to unveil the country’s national career was a legitimate chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines and that the aircraft returned to Ethiopian Airlines after the unveiling. HURIWA, therefore, said,

“The revelations coming out on the Nigeria Air project is a putrid smell of deep-rooted corruption in the Federal Ministry of Aviation under the eight-year watch of the then Minister, Hadi Sirika.

“The Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt Dapo Olumide told legislators on Tuesday that the aircraft paraded as Nigeria Air plane

it’s one of our sons whom we are all proud of. We know his requisites; we know what he has offered in the past decades for the state and for the nation.

“We are very confident that he is again going to deliver and the nation is going to be proud that our choicest man for Benue is selected and sworn-in for this great job," he said.

Also, speaking at the submission of transition documents, Mustapha appealed to Akume to study the documents meticulously as the OSGF is the engine house of the federal government, saying he must activate the transition documents for them to be effective and implementable.

He added that it was Akume’s responsibility as SGF for the docu- ments to be drawn out in a workable form to help the president make decisions that are implementable, and urged himto ensure a detailed transition report that would serve as a template in future for a smooth and seamless transition for future elections in the country.

Mustapha also pressed Akume to accord kind attention to the Goni Aji recommendations on the Reviewed White paper on the Presidential

belonged to Ethiopian Airlines and not to Nigeria whereas the then minister paraded the aircraft as being originally owned by Nigeria. This is fraud of the highest order and the lawmakers have labelled it so including the suspension of all activities regarding the sham

called national carrier.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must swing into action now that both the upper and lower chambers have declared the project as a fraud. The anti-graft agency must swiftly arrest, investigate and prosecute

the ex-minister if found culpable.

“There are a lot of questions that Sirika must be made to answer including the whereabouts of the N85 billion splurged on the project. In fact, aside that the so-called national carrier has not secured a single aircraft for its

operations, it has also failed to secure Air Operating Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). “Sirika must account for the N85 billion taxpayers’ fund allegedly wasted on that alleged fraud called national carrier,” it insisted.

My Next Set of Appointments Will Be Women, Says Bago

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Umar Bago, has disclosed that the next set of appointments to be made by his government would be women, insisting that five women would soon be given political appointments.

Of the almost 20 personal aides announced for his office and that of the Deputy Governor so far, only two were women with the duo in the Media units of his office and that of his deputy.

Speaking after the swearing-in of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, Government House and the Head of Service in

Committee on the Restructuring and Rationalisation of federal government parastatals, agencies and commissions and the Amal Pepple Report on the new Agencies created after the Oronsaye Report, which White Paper was produced by the Ebele Okeke Committee.

The former SGF said the recommendations were imperative because the cost of governance had become increasingly unbearable and must be put under control.

He also listed other few pending issues for Akume’s kind attention and follow up to include the report of the Inter-Ministerial Committee to consider pending bilateral agreements between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the report of Presidential Committee on the Review of number and strategy for resourcing Nigeria’s diplomatic missions world-wide plus the need to reduce the number of the embassies or merge some of them outright.

Other issues were the report on the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) of the White Paper on the Commission of Inquiry into the Alienation of Federal Government Landed Property, the report of the

Minna, yesterday, Bago assured that women would be given their rightful place in the politics of the state, adding that, a majority of members of his proposed cabinet would be youths. He dismissed insinuations that most of those be had appointed were dictated to him by his "godfathers" saying, "they are my choices" and therefore charged the appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them by working boldly and assiduously for the growth and development of the state.

He pleaded with his supporters to be patient, adding that everything possible would be done to ensure the fulfilment of his campaign promises

Presidential Steering Committee (formerly Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 that contains the template on the PSC recommendation on handling pandemic and implementation committee on special detainees linked to Boko Haram insurgency as well as the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the investigation of former Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ibrahim“PresidentMagu.Muhammadu Buhari had signed the Executive Order 13, which is on Improving Performance Management, Coordination & Implementation of Presidential Priorities of the Federal Government of Nigeria, because our goal is to institutionalise a culture of accountability & transparency in our service delivery, while the Executive Order 14 was on the Facilitation and Management of Presidential Transition to enable a timely and seamless transition and consequent execution of the functions of the Office of the President by a President-elect. A draft bill for the institutionalisation of a legal framework is also part of this Handover Notes for your follow up,” Mustapha said.

to the citizens.

Commenting on the insecurity in parts of the state, Bago reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensure that the communities ravaged by insecurity due to the activities of the bandits will soon heave a sigh of relief

In his remarks and on behalf the appointees, the SSG, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, pledged their commitment, loyalty and full support for the success of the present administration

to achieve its numerous objectives. He appreciated the governor for the trust and confidence reposed in them and called for prayers and support for the government in the execution of it's laudable programmes.

Those sworn in were Alhaji Abubakar Salisu as HOS, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi Batamangi COS, and Alhaji Sadiq Yusuf deputy COS and Alhaji Bello Ibrahim as deputy Chief of Staff to the deputy Governor

TINUBU SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH STATE GOVERNORS TO

and Gas Company Limited, also said this was an opportunity they had waited for a long time, praising Tinubu for having the courage and boldness to implement it.

She said: "That is borne out of the fact that we have desired, we have prayed for this day to come and we're happy that the day is finally here.

“We did pledge that we are going to work at providing real mass transit buses that work. The ones that will work on the CNG and diesel interchangeably and hopefully we are going to start with about 50-100 and that is in a very short time.”

According to her, the scheme would help provide employment to a lot of Nigerians because the buses would be locally produced.

“These are locally produced vehicles so we are also providing jobs because we are using local assembly plants; we are not importing the buses and that is less pressure on our foreign exchange and more jobs for Nigerians,"

The DAPMAN leader said President Tinubu was happy with the development, as she expressed optimism that soon Nigerians would see that the removal of subsidy on petrol was a good move by the president.

She, therefore, urged all citizens to

support the President in that direction in order to move the country forward.

Corroborating her claims, Abiodun, confirmed that each of the buses would cost N100 million and each would be 50 seater.

“They are all 50 seater buses and each is about N100 million each. So, they are donating 100 buses and that is N10 billion,” he said. The governor said contrary to insinuations, petroleum marketers have never opposed the deregulation of petrol.

“I believe this singular step demonstrates the fact that they have keyed into this administration’s very laudable policy and they are in support of deregulation,” he added.

Abiodun called on other members of the organised private sector like the Bankers Committee to follow suit and do more to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy on Nigerians.

Others on the entourage included Chairman of Ardova Plc, who was also representing Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), AbdulWasiu Sowami; ManagingDirector of NIPCO P, Suresh Kumar; Group Managing Director of Rainoil Limited. Dr Gabriel Ogbechie; and the Financial Secretary of DAPPMAN and Managing Director of Mainland Oil and Gas Lmt, Chris Igwe.

L-R: Event Group Corporate Communications and Event manager, Dufil Group, Temitope Ashiwaju; Brand Ambassador, Minimie, Bright Okpocha (Basket Mouth); Public Relations Manager, Tolaram Group, Omotayo Abiodun; and Talent Manager, Baron’s World Entertainment, Dotun Makun, during the official signing of the first Minimie Brand Ambassador held in Lagos…on Tuesday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

END EXTREME POVERTY

AKUME TAKES OATH AS 21ST SGF, SAYS IT'S PRIVILEGE TO SERVE

NICE MEETING YOU……

Gunmen Abduct Three Family Members in Kogi

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

No fewer than three family members were abducted by the suspected gunmen in Lokoja, Kogi State’s capital.

Sources told THISDAY that the incident happened on Monday’s night at Greenland community behind 500 Housing Estate, Ganaja in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 9 p.m. on Monday as residents within the community scampered for safety.

According to eyewitness account, the gunmen came with a Toyota Siena bus shooting sporadically with the aim of kidnapping their prime target who happened to be a retired security officer.

The Chairman of Greenland Community in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Kogi State, Mr. Paul Atabor, confirmed the incident to our correspondent yesterday.

Atabor explained that the incident has been reported to C Division of the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State

Benue Governor Cancels Appointments of His Predecessor

The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has nullified all appointments made by his predecessor and immediate past Governor Samuel Ortom.

Alia, in a press statement that was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kula Tersoo, directed that all civil servants who are due for retirement should tender their letters of retirement immediate effect.

The statement said that “all recent appointments into the

state’s civil service made by the outgone administration from May 2022 to date are hereby nullified with immediate effect.

“All those who have retired but are yet to vacate their offices or duty post either because of extension or contract appointment are to proceed on retirement forthwith.

“All civil servants due for retirement but are yet to tender their letters of retirement or notice of retirement should do so forthwith and proceed on retirement immediately.

Darling Hair Launches New Product

Darling Nigeria, one of the leading manufacturers of hair extension, products has announced its new produce called Darling duchess.

According to the firm, the product is as light as natural hair, soft, smooth, with fuller tips, and comes in six colours.

Speaking at the launch, recently in Lagos the Business Head, West Africa, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd, Chitwan Singh, expressed the brand’s elation to introduce to the Nigerian market ‘darling duchess’.

According to him, “they deployed novel, cutting edge technology to create the product, adding that Nigeria was the first market in the world where the product was introduced.”

He further said the technology ensures the delivery of the ultra light feature of the braid like its superior shine, soft texture

and fuller tips guaranteed to deliver a premium braiding experience to consumers.

“Darling Nigeria is renowned for celebrating and supporting African women, their beauty, boldness and unstoppable spirit. This is constantly showcased in their array of products specifically tailored for every African woman. With the newly launched h air extension, consumers can expect to have a premium experience while braiding,” he stated.

Speaking also, Head of Marketing West Africa, Hair Fashion, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd, Gbenga Alabi, said: “We are fully aware that African women, especially the Nigerian woman, demands and deserves quality braids. But today, the heaviness of existing hair extension products is a barrier, exacerbated by the rising price of this class of consumer goods.

Services, (DSS).

He further hinted that the community received a notice from suspected kidnappers yesterday in the morning that they are coming back to kidnap more victim.

The letter cited by our correspondent reads: “Greenland community, get ready for us, we are coming to get someone.” One of the family member of the kidnap victim who never

wanted his name to be mentioned because he was not authorised to speak told our correspondent that the kidnappers have reached out to the family members and are demanding for ransome to

release their victims. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Kogi State Command, SP. William Ovye Aya, said that the headquarter is yet to be briefed about the incident.

Explore Intellectual Energies of Youth to Grow Nigeria, Muslim Youths Tell Tinubu

The youth wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria under the aegis of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria, yesterday called on President Bola Tinubu to engage the youth and explore their intellectual energies towards the growth of

the country.

The National President of the group, Abdur Rogib Akinyemi, stated this at a press conference in Akure the Ondo state capital, to kick start the 49th annual national Ijtema convention, with the theme; “Upholding the Institution of Khilafah Through Activities of Nizam-e-jama’at.”

According to him, youths

are the backbone of any nation, their physical and intellectual energies matter to the growth of a developing nation such as Nigeria, hence, the government should leverage the manifold talents in its youth is through meaningful engagement and dialogue.

Akinyemi called on Tinubu to fulfill his promises, stressing that

Nigeria is lagging behind because of lack of fulfilling promises by leaders who have governed the country.

His words: “Tinubu should leave by the promises he has made to Nigerians and by show doing Nigeria will move forward. There must be justice at the point in time, and when there is justice there will be peace.

Group: Next Senate President Must be Above Board like Caesar’s Wife

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Human Rights Writers’ Association (HURIWA), yesterday said that the next President of the 10th Senate, doubling as Chairman of the 10th National Assembly of the nation which will be inaugurated on June 13, 2023, must like Caesar’s wife be above suspicion.

In a statement, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the central driving mantra and foundational philosophy on which the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) sold Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Nigerians, was “Renewed Hope,” noting that Nigerians bought into it and voted the Asiwaju and APC to power

because it deeply resonated with the populace.

However, the civil society group said: “But strangely, against all logic of inclusive consultation and the imperative of taking the right first steps of building a promised new Nigeria anchored on “Renewed Hope,” the APC, allegedly with President Tinubu’s blessing zoned the Senate President’s position to

the South-South and further micro-zoned it to Senator-elect Godswill Akpabio.

“This unconstitutional decision offends the legally binding principle of checks and balances amongst the tiers of government and is an egregious and irreparable violation of the constitutionally guaranteed principle of independence of the legislature.

Ignore Sponsored Blackmail against PAP Coordinator, Niger Delta Monarchs Task Tinubu

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore the sponsored blackmail against the Interim Administrator and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major

General Barry Ndiomu (retd), in his effort to reposition the agency for better service delivery. The royal father’s, in a statement in a statement that was signed by H.M. Timiyan, Torobobo 1, the Ebenanawei of Ogulagha Kingdom and Chairman, Niger Delta Concerned Royal Fathers Forum (NDCRFF) and

Secretary of the Forum, H.M. Obukowho Monday Whiskey, The Paramount ruler of Great Idjerhe Kingdom, said that the PAP coordinator briefed the royal institutions in the region regularly about happenings and programmes of the agency.

They noted that if there were issues that the current

writers were not comfortable with as they claimed, the royal fathers, as peacemakers, still remained the rightful people to be consulted and not resort to self-help by making false allegations and counter allegations to President Tinubu even as they passed a vote of confidence in Ndiomu.

Anambra-Imo River Basin Workers Reject MD’s Reappointment

Amby Uneze in Owerri

Crisis has erupted at the Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA), with its headquarters in Agbala near Owerri, Imo State, as staff

members of the Authority have rejected the purported reappointment of the Managing Director, Gerald Osuagwu.

The staff, who staged a protest over his reappointment, demanded that the managing director, whose first tenure expired on

June 2, 2023, should not be reappointed, because of his alleged administrative ineffectiveness in terms of relationship with workers.

The disenchanted workers gathered at the premises of the Authority faulting a letter of reappointment allegedly

signed by the immediate-past Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, on May 28, 2023, authorising him to resume his second four-year tenure on June 3, 2023, insisting that it is “suspicious and unacceptable” to them.

Group Faults Domestic Abuse Allegation against Ondo Deputy Gov

Fidelis David in Akure

An advocacy group under the auspices of Ilaje Development Summit Group (IDSG), yesterday faulted the allegations that the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was fond of beating up his wife, Mrs. Oluwaseun.

This comes two days after a group known as the Society for Women Empowerment (SWE), alleged that Ayedatiwa had physically assaulted his

wife twice in four months.

But the deputy governor in a statement issued through his Media Aide, Mr. Kenneth Odusola, said that he had never laid his hand on his wife since they got married.

The IDSG in a statement

it addressed to the state governor, which was signed by the group’s Deputy Executive Administrator, Dr. Ola Judah Ajidibo, said that the allegation was an attempt to impeach the deputy governor.

George Okoh in Makurdi

Fidelis David in Akure

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State(left), and Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, during the inaugural meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum in Abuja…yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

DISCUSSING PETROLEUM SUBSIDY REMOVAL…

L-R: Chairman, Ardova Plc, Alhaji Abdulwasiu Sowami; Chairman, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Mrs.Winifred Akpani; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Presidential Aid, Dele Alake and Group Managing Director, Rain Oil Limited,Mr. Gabriel Ogbechie addressing the State

Nigerian Army Vows to Contain Security Challenges in Sokoto

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Nigerian Army has assured the people of Sokoto State that it won’t leave any stone unturned in bringing to book all criminals, including arsonists and marauders that were involved in the attacks

in Gwadabawa and Tangaza Local Government Area of the state, where more than 50 persons were killed.

The General Officer Commanding 8 Division (GOC) Sokoto, Maj Gen Godwin Michael Mutkut, stated this yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit to the state Governor, Dr. Ahmed

Alleged $3.6m Debt: Oil Firms Initiate Contempt Proceedings against Ex-Directors, Others

Wale Igbintade

Two oil firms, BB Energy Holding Mauritius Limited and Samon Petroleum Limited (Trading as Samon Petroleum FZE (in receivership), have initiated contempt proceedings against the erstwhile directors of the oil companies over the alleged $3,697,500 debt.

The alleged contemnors are Samuel Okeke, Ogbonna Okeke and Ifesinachi Okeke.

Also joined in the suit are officers of NEPZA, Professor Adesoji Adesugba and Mrs.

Nkechi C Mbah.

The application was filed at the Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, over the defendants’ disturbance of a Receiver-Manager, Tobenna Nnamani of Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors.

Justice Rosemary DugboOghoghorie had granted an interim order of injunction restraining the defendants or their agents from interfering with Nna mani as receiver/ manager over the assets of the second plaintiff (Samon Petroleum in receivership).

UNICEF: 1.6m People Suffering from Hunger in Katsina

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that no fewer than 1.6 million people across the 34 local government areas of Katsina State are suffering from hunger.

The Chief UNICEF Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Mohammed Farah,

disclosed this last Tuesday evening when he led other management staff of UNICEF on an advocacy meeting with the state Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, at the Government House in Kastina.

He explained that out of the 1.6 million people battling with hunger in the state, 63,000 were currently suffering from acute food insecurity across the state.

Imansuangbon Resigns from PDP

Adibe Emenyonu in Benincity

Former Edo State governorship aspirant and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ken Imansuangbon, has resigned his membership of the party.

The frontline politician became a household name in the state and beyond for his free annual rice-sharing and other philanthropic gesture. The resignation, which was contained in a statement he personally endorsed and copied his Esan South East Ward 2 chairman,

Aliyu Sokoto.

He said the Nigerian army had resolved to end insecurity in the state within the shortest possible time.

Mutkut vowed that the dastardly act that happened in Gwadabawa and Tangaza would never repeat itself again.

He said: “We have put all machinery in place to apprehend those behind the dastardly act in Gwadabawa and Tangaza.”

Mutkut assured residents of the state of the army’s renewed commitment to end the activities of bandits in the state.

COVID-19: Experts Warn on Rare Vaccination Side Effects

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Experts have stressed the need for caution on certain rare side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations in patients which, if not promptly attended to could be life-

threatening or even lead to death.

In a paper on various research studies on the effects of the three World Health Organisation (WHO)approved COVID-19 vaccines, made available to THISDAY in Asaba, Delta State, Dr

Nneoma Nwosu said such cautious attitude would not only help prevent serious medical events after taking the vaccines but would help in expanding the frontiers of knowledge with a view to improving on the vaccines.

Nwosu advised patients

not to take lightly of certain symptoms of possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccination, noting that such side effects could take the form of headaches and fever during some days following vaccination, and they could lead to death if neglected.

Fintiri Appoints New SSG, Chief of Staff, Kidnappers Abduct High Court Judge’s Wife in Adamawa

Daji Sani in Yola

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has approved the appointment of Hon. Awwal D. Tukur as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Also, appointed is Dr. Edgar Amos as Chief of Staff, Government House, while new Head of Service is Shehu Isa Ardo. The announcement of the appointments was contained in a statement by Chief Press

Secretary to the Governor,

Mr. Humwashi Winosikou.

The new SSG served as the Director-General, Adamawa Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council 2023 general election and was once a Member of

the House of Representatives. The new Chief of Staff Government House, Dr Edgar Amos, until his appointment, was the Head of Service. According to the statement, the appointments take immediate effect.

A’Ibom Gov Challenges Permanent Secretaries to Work Towards Actualising Vision

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has challenged permanent secretaries in the state government employ to work for the actualisation of the vision of his government as captured in the blueprint of his administration, ‘the

ARISE Agenda’. The governor posed the challenge during his maiden meeting with the permanent secretaries at the State Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Uyo.

Presenting the ARISE Agenda through the state Head of Civil Service, Elder

Effiong Essien, Eno directed that henceforth, memos from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are to reflect the plans of the government as captured in the agenda in various sectors.

According to the governor, the idea is to ensure that programmes of the

present administration and campaign manifesto are actualised in every step of the administration. He charged the ministries on the need to be proactive in updating the public on activities of government as they relate to their departments.

Aregbesola: I Owe My Success to God, Buhari, Tinubu

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

the local government, and state party Chairman of the party, Tony Aziegbemi, however, was silent on his reasons to quit the PDP.

The ebullient politician, however, thanked the entire body and leadership of the PDP, describing his experience as memorable. Imansuangbon in a four-paragraph letter stated: “Since 2009 in what was tagged the ‘Ewohimi Declaration’ where I had joined the PDP, it has remained a memorable journey for me, and I want to thank God Almighty for His benevolence.

The immediate-past Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday attributed the success of his political career to God, President Bola Tinubu, and former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Aregbesola, while paying

homage to the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, to mark his homecoming reception in Osun State, noted that the support of the two leaders of the country enabled his success in the roles he played.

He expressed gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues,

and associates for standing by him throughout his sojourn as commissioner, governor, and minister, praising them for their support. The former governor used the occasion to enumerate some of the interventions and projects he attracted to Ijesaland during his tenure as minister.

According to him, “We

thank God for how far he has brought me. Again, I must thank President Buhari for counting me worthy to be made a minister, and also President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for counting me worthy to be a commissioner in Lagos State because from there, God continued to uplift me to where I’m today.

US Firm Appoints Lai Mohammed Managing Partner on Government Relations

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has been appointed by one of the leading government relations firms in the United States, Ballard Partners, as the Managing

Partner for Abuja office and the firm’s satellite office in Lagos.

In a statement that the President and Founder of the firm, Brian Ballard, signed yesterday, the firm said it was opening its first African office in Nigeria to expand its

international footprint to three continents and build upon the work it has done on behalf of African nations and companies in Africa and the US.

The statement said: “We are honoured to have former Minister Lai Mohammed joining

the firm as our managing partner in Nigeria. He has a long record of public service and is one of the most respected officials in the country. His outstanding reputation and exceptional experience will be invaluable to our firm’s clients.”

House Correspondents shortly after the meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja…yesterday. GODWIN OMOIGUI

Messi Confirms He’s Inter Miami Bound, Not Saudi’s Al-Hilal

Argentina legend Lionel Messi will join American side Inter Miami after his exit from French champions Paris StGermain this coming summer.

Messi, 35, had a more lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal while a return to Barcelona became an impossibility because of Financial Fair Play (FFP) limitations.

"I've taken the decision that I am going to Miami," Messi told newspapers Diario Sportand Mundo Deportivothat he has decided to leave Europe."

He added: "It's true that I had offers from another European team but I didn't even think about it because in Europe, my idea was only to go to Barcelona.

"After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it's time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day to day life more.

"Obviously with the same responsibility and desire to win, and to do things well, but with more calm."

The ex-Barcelona forward was keen on a return to the Catalan club this summer but the FFP limitations that will be in place for next season in La Liga made any ambitious plan to bring him back an impossibility.

The Spanish club were unable to keep Messi in 2021, leading to a tearful news conference as he left the Nou Camp and signed for PSG.

"I was afraid that it would happen again," he said.

"I really wanted, I was very excited to be able to return (to Barcelona), but after having experienced what I experienced and the exit I had, I did not want to be in the same situation again - waiting to see what was going to happen.

"I heard that they had to sell players or lower players' salaries and the truth is that I didn't want to go through that, nor take charge of obtaining something that had to do with all that."

Barcelona later released a statement saying Messi had chosen a Miami move over an offer from the Catalan club.

"President (Joan) Laporta understood and respected Messi's decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years," it added.

The Miami deal includes collaboration from brands like Adidas and Apple.

Messi won the Ballon d'Or award for the world's best player seven times and is expected to win it later this year after World Cup success in Qatar.

This is the first time Barcelona icon Messi is going to play outside Europe.

Lionel Messi has opted to join Inter Miami this summer rather than join the bandwagon to Saudi Arabia Pro League

NPL’s Super 6 Down to the Wire as Teams Maintain Status quo

Femi Solaja

After all the six teams in the Nigeria Premier League Championship Super 6 playoffs failed to record any win in the Match-day 3 games yesterday, status quo was maintained going into the last two match days.

Front runners Enyimba FC and now draw specialists Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin drew 1-1 in the opening game of the third match day of the playoffs at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The results was Bendel Insurance’s 21-unbeaten run this season.

Enyimba had taken the lead in the 22 minutes of play with Sadiq Abubakar who shot from about 25 yards to put his side in front.

The Benin Arsenals came from behind in a spectacular fashion to cancel out Abubakar's 22 minutes goal. Midfielder Divine Nwachukwu's classy header in the 36th minute of of the high tempo game restored parity for the Benin landlords. Nwachukwu's goal against Enyimba FC was his second in their last two matches of the Super Six and his third goal of the season.

Both teams had met twice in the regular season with Insurance beating the former continental

champions in Benin 1-0 and getting a 1-1 draw in the reversed fixture in Aba.

For Bendel Insurance who have maintained invincibility since the abridged format to now in this round-robin format of deciding champion of the season, the Benin Arsenal will need to beat their next opponents Rivers Utd on Friday to remain in contention for the title and ticket to continental football.

Kick off time for the Friday game is 2:00pm.

Defending champions Rivers United also played a goalless draw with Lobi Stars to remain on same five points as Enyimba. Remo Stars of Ikenne were

perhaps the most unfortunate not to get a result in the Match-day 3 fixtures. The Kunle Soname financed boys failed to take advantage of an early goal and dominant play to win the South West derby with Sunshine Stars of Akure.

HOW THEY STAND (After Match-day 3)

....Otunba Soname Resigns from IMC

Proprietor of Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne, Otunba Adekunle Soname OFR, has resigned his appointment with the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

In a letter dated 23 May 2023 and addressed to the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa

Gusau, Otunba Soname wrote: “Let this letter serve as my official resignation from the Interim Management Committee of the Nigeria Premier Football League effective immediately.

“While thanking you for the opportunity to serve on the committee, I wish the Nigeria Football Federation and the Interim

Management Committee of the Nigeria Premier Football League all the very best.”

NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has since accepted the resignation and thanked Otunba Soname for his robust efforts in the IMC and his continuing contributions to the growth of Nigeria Football.

West Ham Are

Europa Conference Champions!

Jarrod Bowen scored in the 90th minute as West Ham beat Fiorentina to win the Europa Conference League in a tense and dramatic final in Prague last night.

Bowen beat the offside trap before chipping a winner over Fiorentina keeper Pietro Ter-

racciano.

Said Benrahma had given West Ham the lead in the 62nd minute with a penalty, with Giacomo Bonaventura levelling moments later.

The Hammers held on to win their first major trophy since the 1980 FA Cup.

Hostilities Begin in Savannah Conference Today

As teams in the Atlantic Conference of the Nigeria Women’s Basketball League know their fate for the national finals soon, action is expected to begin today in the Savannah Conference where 16 teams will be on parade.

The Savannah Conference, just like the Atlantic, is expected to produce eight finalists for the national finals sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation choose this qualification format to further strengthen the elite women’s basketball league which has been under the sponsorship of the bank in the past two decades.

First Bank of Lagos, Sunshine Queens of Akure, IGP Queens, MFM, First Deep Water, Bayelsa Blue Whales, Delta Force of Asaba and Dolphins are the eight teams that secured their places in the Zenith Women Basketball finals for the 2023 edition.

For the Savannah Conference

starting today, Zamfara Queens of Zamfara, Nigeria Customs Club of Abuja, Nigerian Army Amazons of Zaria, City Spark Club of Gboko, Ahip Queens of Kano, Kanem Queens of Borno, Taraba Hurricane of Jalingo, Benue Princess of Makurdi, FCT Wings of Abuja and Kada Angels of Kaduna will be in action.

Others are Plateau Rocks of Jos, Nassarawa Babes of Lafia, Air Warriors of Abuja, Nigeria Navy Amazons of Zaria, Exocia Club of Adamawa and Black Gold of Abia.

The NBBF has assured stakeholders that at the end of the Savannah Conference, a timetable for the Zenith Bank national finals will be rolled out.

A total of 16 teams will be competing for the national women basketball league title. The format and timeline will be released by the federation after the finalists emerge from the two conferences taking place between June 1 and 17.

ZENITH BANK WOMEN’S B’BALL

Felix Ajakaye to Lucky Irabor

“TypicalofthethenBuharigovernment,itcommiseratedwiththechurch,andthepeople concerned,andpromisedtoarresttheculprits.Surprisingly,afewmonthsafterthe attack,theCDS,GeneralIrabor,informedtheworldthatarrestshadbeenmaderegarding theattackatStFrancisCatholicChurch,Owo.Unfortunately,todate,wehavenotheard anythingagainfromtheArmyGeneral”—CatholicBishopofEkitiDiocese,callingtheFGto prosecutethosewhokilled41worshippersinOwo,OndoStateon5thJune2022

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

AWord for President Tinubu

Ayoung Lagosian friend was in Abuja last week and decided to pay me a visit. I had not seen her for a long time so when welcoming her, I joked, “Eyinlokan” (meaning it’s your turn, in reference to the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which she had earlier told me brought her to town). But she interjected, “Uncle Segun, you are in the old; the slogan now is ‘awalawanbe’”, (meaning, ‘we are now fully in charge’ or to put it in pidgin, ‘we full ground remain’). Since we often learn important lessons from jokes, my concern is that under the current dispensation ‘Awalawanbe’ can connote either service for the public good or hubris. President Tinubu came to office with a pledge to take tough decisions - exactly what times like this demand if Nigeria is to overcome its enormous challenges. That he has started to act in such direction is also not in doubt. With just four cynical words, “fuel subsidy is gone”, Tinubu may have succeeded where his predecessors failed. On Monday, the last (and biggest) resistance on the issue of fuel subsidy removal fell with the decision by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend its nationwide strike earlier scheduled to commence yesterday. In deference to the judgement of the National Industrial Court, the NLC opted to join negotiations with the federal government. But as Professor Olatunji Dare pointed out in his column on Tuesday, the usual ‘palliatives’ will not do for the most vulnerable Nigerians. “The protections (that the federal government needs to offer) will have to be substantial, well-targeted, and delivered transparently,” he wrote. I believe that for the first time, Nigerians have resigned themselves to the reality that the fuel subsidy regime is indeed gone. As an aside, I learnt during the week that in the

sociology department of a Nigerian University, one ‘Ogbologbo’ lecturer has already tasked his students to write a term paper on ‘The impact of fuel subsidy removal on inter-state adultery’! Meanwhile, fighting corruption may not have been a campaign issue for Tinubu but I have a feeling that he may be the one who dismantles the architecture of this wholesale corruption in Nigeria.

If you successfully remove the subsidy element from the downstream sector of the petroleum industry and free the exchange rate of scandalous arbitrage, those two actions alone could take away as much as 50 percent of the public private partnership (PPP) corruption in Nigeria. We can then begin to deal with the equally monumental retail corruption that feeds from abuse of power and lack of transparency and accountability in the public space. For those who may not understand how subsidy enables unwholesome practices, they can go through my 857-page e-book, ‘The Verbatim Report: The Inside Story of the Fuel Subsidy Scam’ published in 2013. It is available on my web portal, olusegunadeniyi. com for free download: http://bit.ly/1EY9s80.

However, now that he has succeeded in removing the fuel subsidy, it would pay the president to also extend ‘tough decisions’ to his own immediate family. Nothing erodes the credibility of a Nigerian leader as quickly as when family members constitute themselves into principalities and powers. Unlike Lagos, Abuja is a small town where there are no secrets. And inside Aso Rock, there are flies on every wall (perhaps the ubiquitous ‘demons’ that my friend, Reuben Abati keeps talking about).

Already, tales abound of entitled persons who want to create ‘Office of The First Son’, ‘Office of The First Daughter’, ‘Office of The First Cousin’ etc. It is in the interest of the president to crush such inordinate ambitions before they become a problem for him and his administration.

The early days represent the most important period for any government in Nigeria because that is when appointments are made. It is also a period for signaling. Already, Abuja is filled with the usual job seekers, so this is also the season for influence peddlers. Displaying ‘Awalawanbe’

APC and the 2015 Echoes

Election of National Assembly presiding officers should be routine, especially since voting is only by members. But in Nigeria, nothing is ever straightforward. We now have a situation where contenders for the offices of Senate President, Deputy Senate President, House of Representatives Speaker, and Deputy are running expensive media campaigns. And the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) seems not to have learnt any lesson from what happened eight years ago. With ill-gotten money from ‘Paris Club refund’, some fat cats think they can buy the Senate gavel and the rest of us should go to hell on the issue of fairness, equity, and diversity in a plural state. They must not succeed.

Now, let me make something clear. To build an economy that lifts majority of our people out of poverty, there must be collaboration between the executive and the legislature. That precisely is how the presidential system of government which we copied from the United States was designed to function. And for that reason, it is important for the National Assembly leadership to work in harmony with the executive, especially when the ruling party is in the majority at the federal level. However, the idea of checks and balances would not work if the legislature were shackled by the executive as we can also see in practically all the 36 states of the country today.

To that extent, the next National Assembly cannot be an appendage of the executive. As the institution with the power of the purse, it should not only be independent, but it should also be seen to be so. I am therefore advocating that when they convene next week, members should be allowed to elect their presiding officers without

any form of coercion from the executive. That is also hoping that the members themselves will be responsible enough to consider the necessity for ethno-religious balancing in the country. While most Nigerians would agree that the 9th Senate under Saraki was far more productive than the

outgoing 9th under Lawan, the manner of his emergence as Senate President was a problem for the APC right from the beginning. As a reminder and warning, I want to recall excerpts from my 11th June 2015 column, ‘Saraki, Dogara and APC’s Naivety’.

=================================

==================

Following the election of Dr. Bukola Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogara as Senate President and House of Representatives’ Speaker respectively on Tuesday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, released a cynical statement. He told the APC to “stop whining and accept the will of the people, respect the independence of the legislature, as the PDP is not responsible for their naivety and crass inexperience.”

I believe that the APC leaders will do well to heed Metuh’s admonition. To imagine that the person you needed to truncate a legally convened legislative session is the Inspector General of Police rather than the Clerk of the National Assembly was poor judgement. And not following on what was happening within the PDP camp was a sign that the APC leaders still need to learn the ropes when it comes to high-wire politics in Abuja.

The night before the election, 47 PDP Senators had gathered at the Apo Legislative Quarters’ residence of the immediate past Senate President David Mark to present to him three options. Option one: Exploit the division within the rank of the APC by sponsoring Mark to contest for the office of Senate President.

Continued on page 25

by people who were not on the ballot on 25th February will be counterproductive for Tinubu and his administration. Even if we discount the controversy that trailed his election, Tinubu still came to office with 37 percent of the total votes cast. That means almost two thirds of Nigerians who exercised their franchise on 25th February did not vote for him. Statistically, that is a very narrow mandate. Yet, with less than two weeks in office, he has succeeded in getting Nigerians to bear the pains and disruptions associated with the removal of fuel subsidy. That is a big gesture that the president and his handlers should not misread. Under his predecessor, there were shadow presidents (young and old) who carved out empires for themselves and were engaged in all kinds of shenanigans. But given the contradictions in his personal and political life, Tinubu would not get away with such infractions. The challenge of the moment is how he can rise above himself to establish a legacy that could cleanse his past sins and prepare him for heroic statesmanship. It is not impossible. If Tinubu runs a minimally credible government with sensible policies that promote economic recovery and national unity, he may regain elite solidarity and consensus. If his policies improve the general welfare of ordinary people, his popular support will also improve and blur his electoral and personal handicaps.

For that to happen, President Tinubu needs to be ‘aware’ of what is going on around him at this most critical period!

The African Migrants

In October 2021, I received a call from Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, seeking permission to take excerpts from my book, ‘From Frying Pan to Fire: How African Migrants Risk Everything in their Futile Search for a Better Life in Europe’, for a project he was working on. He laughed when I told him that I would feel honoured if he took the entire contents of the book. A few days later, I got a mail from Ms Tanya Larkins, an award-winning writer who teaches at the department of English, Tufts University. She said she was acting on behalf of Soyinka for a publication, ‘The Black in the Mediterranean Blue’ in the anniversary issue of ‘TRANSITION: The magazine of Africa and the Disapora’. After signing and returning the permission request document, I heard nothing again from her.

Last week, I eventually received a copy of the 463-page publication where seven pages were devoted to excerpts from my book. Guest edited by Soyinka with Ms Alessadra Di Miao, the central theme is the perils of irregular migration from the continent, especially across the Mediterranean Sea. With contributions from 78 respected intellectuals and professionals from across the world, (many either of African or Italian descent), the publication is very compelling. As Di Miao, who teaches African Literature and Post-colonial studies at the University of Palermo, Italy, reminds readers, “today’s migrants tread the same ancient slaveroutes dating back to the Roman Empire.” Reading through the collection is rather sobering. But it should also be a clarion call for African leaders. If we create the enabling environment for our young people to thrive, they would not be risking their lives on the Mediterranean Sea. “Between the covers of this special edition,” Soyinka wrote in the introduction, “our readers will encounter some truly harrowing narratives of the Mediterranean experience. The defining morality of these ‘encounters of a close shave’ is ultimately—Choice. Many had none.”

President Bola Tinubu

Sen. Bukola Saraki