FRIDAY 14TH JUNE 2024

Kyari: Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalism Undermining Gains of

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, yesterday,

lamented that the persistent spate of oil theft and pipeline vandalism had severely undermined the gains of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 for the industry and the economy at large.

Kyari called for the creation of a special court to try offences related to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, or the granting of accelerated hearing to such cases.

Kyari made the assertions in

Abuja, at the National Judges Capacity Building Workshop on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and INVESTIN 234. In a goodwill message he

delivered at the workshop, the GCEO explained that establishment of the special court on crude oil theft and vandalism was needed to enable the oil and gas industry achieve its full potential as an

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Tinubu, Oborevwori Congratulate Okonjo-Iweala at 70

President says WTO DG a remarkable leader, worthy ambassador of Nigeria Felicitates Adekunle Ojora at 92

World Bank Approves $2.25bn for Nigeria to Stabilise Economy

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu and Governor of Delta State, Mr

Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday extended their congratulations to Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her 70th birthday. Tinubu also celebrated renowned businessman and

traditional ruler, Adekunle Ojora, on his 92nd birthday. Tinubu, in a release issued by his media adviser, Ajuri

Ngelale, rejoiced with the woman he described as a remarkable leader and her family on the momentous

L-R: Nigeria's Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman; Former Vice President, Namadi Sambo; former Vice President of Zambia, Dr. Nevers-Sekwila Mumba; former President of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; former Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, during the 2024 Democracy Day Dialogue, organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, in Benin City... yesterday

Nigeria, Putting People at the Centre of Its Reforms

Ousmane Diagana

Each visit to Nigeria reaffirms my admiration for the nation's dynamic energy and the unyielding spirit of its people, which is deeply embedded in their culture, arts, entrepreneurial activities, and industrial sectors. Nigeria's potential to emerge as a leading economic powerhouse in Africa is rooted in the hardworking ethos of its citizens, who have proven their excellence both locally and internationally. Currently, Nigeria is at a decisive moment, with the opportunity to stabilize its economy and drive sustainable, inclusive growth for all its citizens.

The recent macroeconomic reforms reflect Nigeria's determination to improve its economic outlook and expand its economy. The home-grown policy to work towards eliminating gasoline subsidies is expected to generate fiscal room, redirecting

Emejo in Abuja

The World Bank yesterday approved a total sum of N2.25 billion for Nigeria to enable the federal government to sustain its reform momentum, accelerate non-oil resource mobilisation, and support poor Nigerians.

In two separate financing interventions, the bank announced $1.5 billion for the country's Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation (RESET) Development Policy Financing Programme (DPF), and $750 million for the Accelerating Resource Mobilisation Reforms (ARMOR) Programme-forResults (PforR).

The World Bank said the combined package provided immediate financial and technical support to the country's urgent efforts to stabilise the economy and scale up support to the poor and most economically at risk.

The intervention further sought to supports Nigeria’s ambitious, multi-year effort to raise non-oil revenues and safeguard oil revenues to promote fiscal sustainability and provide sufficient resources to deliver quality public services.

Confronted with a fragile economic situation, Nigeria recognised the urgency of changing course and embarked on critical reforms to address economic distortions and strengthen the fiscal outlook.

The bank noted that the government had taken initial critical steps to restore macroeconomic stability, boost revenues, and create the

funds toward vital investments in human capital and infrastructure. Likewise, the unification of exchange rates enhances revenues, reduces market distortions and ends the previous suffocating effect of opaquely priced, rationed foreign exchange on investment and business activity. Nevertheless, these essential reforms come with their own set of challenges, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable groups. Despite being critical for Nigeria's economic stability, these measures have necessitated significant adjustments: gasoline prices have more than tripled, and the naira has depreciated by around 69% against the US dollar in the official market. Consequently, inflation has significantly increased, reaching 33.7% year-on-year in April 2024. These economic shifts have disproportionately impacted the poorest households, who

conditions to reignite growth and poverty reduction.

These included unifying the multiple official exchange rates and fostering a marketdetermined official rate, as well as sharply adjusting gasoline prices to begin to phase out the costly, regressive, and opaque petrol subsidy, the Bretton Woods institution pointed out.

It stated that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had refocused on its core mandate of price stability and was tightening monetary policy by increasing interest rates, as appropriate to reduce inflation.

The World Bank also acknowledged that a targeted cash transfer programme was being rolled out to cushion the effect of high inflation on the poor and economically insecure households.

Welcoming the latest financing approvals, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said the federal government had embarked on bold and necessary reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and put the country back on a sustainable and inclusive economic growth path that will create quality jobs and economic opportunities for all Nigerians.

Edun said, “We welcome the support of the RESET and ARMOR programme as we further consolidate and implement our macro-fiscal and social protection policy reforms, consistent with accelerating investment and redirecting public resources sustainably to achieve development priorities.”

World Bank Vice President

Tinubu Names Tanimu Yakubu DG of Budget Office

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday approved the appointment of Mr. Tanimu Yakubu as the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, following the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Ben Akabueze. According to a release issued yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the President expects the new Director General of the pivotal agency to further enhance the provision of efficient and qualitative budget functions.

He stated that this was with a view to promoting fiscal sustainability, transparency, and accountability in public finance management for national development.

Tinubu thanked the outgoing

are already contending with a high cost of living.

The current priority is to alleviate these effects while continuing the momentum of reforms to secure lasting advantages for all Nigerians. This moment presents a chance to establish a new social contract between the government and its citizens. In response, the government is implementing a cash transfer program, which aims to provide financial assistance to 15 million households affected by the price hikes. This significant move, however, needs to be scaled up and support must be delivered promptly and efficiently to those most in need.

It is crucial that the pressures on living costs, brought about by these reforms, are offset by initiatives that enhance access to basic services, thereby improving citizens' quality

for Western and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, said Nigeria's concerted efforts to implement far-reaching macrofiscal reforms had positioned it on a new path to stabilise its economy and lift its people out of poverty.

Diagana emphasised that it was critical that the federal government sustained the reform momentum and continued to scale up and expand protection to the poor and economically at risk to cushion the effects of cost-ofliving pressures on citizens.

Soneye, said Kyari equally called for the judiciary’s support in tackling the twin challenges of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He said the role of the judiciary was critical to the success of the efforts of the various security arrangements put in place by NNPCL, the law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders in the industry.

Kyari stated, “In particular, is the recommendation that a special court be created to try those offences as they hinge on our survival as a country, and/or for such trials to be conducted under an accelerated hearing process by the issuance of Practice Directions to that effect, with concomitant sanctions to deter would-be offenders.”

He also called on the judiciary to accelerate hearing in criminal cases in the courts, through timely determination of the criminal charges and imposition of adequate punishments and sanctions on culprits to serve as a deterrent to others.

Kyari said NNPC remained committed to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the PIA, adding, “Together,

of life, generating employment, and increasing investments in areas such as education and healthcare. Initiatives like the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, which has enabled over 1.6 million adolescent girls to attend secondary school through the construction and renovation of educational facilities, are commendable and requires further emphasis and expansion. In this endeavor, the private sector is positioned to play a key role in mobilizing investments and developing essential infrastructure, particularly in improving electricity access and digital connectivity. Such investments are expected to create jobs and enhance productivity. However, an appropriate policy and regulatory framework is essential to facilitate private sector investments.

The World Bank continues to be a dedicated ally in Nigeria's reformative path, offering extensive

He said, “This financing package reinforces the World Bank’s strong partnership with Nigeria, and our support towards reinvigorating its economy and fast-tracking poverty reduction, which can serve as a beacon for Africa.”

In a separate statement, Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga, explained that the RESET DPF aimed at strengthening the country's economic policy framework, creating fiscal space, and protecting the poor and

we can ensure that the benefits of our natural resources are maximised for the economic and social development of our country.”

Kyari also commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, and the organisers of the workshop for extending invitation to him, and the opportunity to deliver a goodwill message at the workshop.

Separately, Kyari said NNPCL had in the past few years ramped up investment in the gas sector to ensure improved supply and utilisation, stressing that the construction of gas pipelines, gas terminals and gas processing plants present huge opportunities for investors.

He spoke at the opening of the 2024 Africa Gas Innovation Summit (AGIS) organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Abuja.

The summit was themed, “Igniting the Future: Driving Sustainability in Africa’s Energy Landscape Through Gas Technology and Innovation.”

Represented by Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energies, Olalekan Ogunleye,

financial and technical support with investments surpassing $15 billion in various sectors, including clean energy, education, climate adaptation, and governance. Recently, we have unveiled a $2.25 billion financing package that includes immediate financial and technical support to stabilize the economy and expand assistance to vulnerable households. By reducing Nigeria's reliance on fluctuating oil prices and boosting non-oil revenue, we hope that Nigeria will be able to sustainably increase its spending to meet its significant developmental needs. The enhancement of the national social protection system, through the establishment of the social registry, will strengthen the nation's social protection programs and equip the government to respond swiftly to future economic shocks.

As Nigeria advances on this path, it will need the collective

vulnerable.

On the other hand, ARMOR PforR, supports tax and excise reforms, improves tax revenue and customs administration, and safeguards oil revenues.

Established in 1960, the International Development Association (IDA) is the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries, and provides grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programmes that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives.

IDA remains one of the

Kyari said NNPCL had made major investments in floating LNG and gas pipeline projects.

He stated, “In order to accelerate gas commercialisation, bearing in mind that this is the era of gas, the NNPC has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and development agreements for floating energy projects, which will be the first in Nigeria, while currently executing a 30 million scf per day smallscale mini-energy project.

“Indeed, we are currently participating in three mini LNG projects slated for ground breaking this August. NNPC is also currently leading the federal government’s auto-gas initiative.

“Aside from the recent commissioning of the 5.2mscf per-day Ilasamaja mother-station CNG plant, the GCEO of NNPC recently announced plans to take FID (final investment decision) within this year and roll out six additional CNG mother-station plants with similar capacity.”

Equally speaking at the event, Director-General, National Office for Hydrocarbons and Mines, Morocco, Amina Benkhadra, disclosed that there was currently

support of all stakeholders, including the private sector and the citizenry. The vision of Nigeria turning the corner and realizing shared prosperity for its people is within reach.

Director General, Akabueze, for his services and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Yakubu, the statement said, is an accomplished economist and was Chief Economic Adviser to a former President from 2007 to 2010; Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) from 2003 to 2007, and Commissioner of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning in Katsina State from 1999 to 2003.

The new Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation holds a Masters of Business Administration degree in Finance from Wagner College, Staten Island, New York, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the same institution.

Minister of Finance for her services to the country and efforts towards building resilient institutions.

The president also commended the WTO director-general for being a worthy ambassador of Nigeria, exemplifying the grit, diligence, and brilliance that Nigerians are known for.

He expressed his heartfelt wishes for many more years of good health, happiness, and success for the WTO boss and her family.

Tinubu, also yesterday, felicitated Ojora on his 92nd birthday, joining his family and friends to celebrate the renowned businessman and Otunba of Lagos on the special occasion.

The president saluted the

elder statesman, recalling his contributions to the advancement of the country’s economic wellbeing through enterprise development, as well as by encouraging indigenous participation in critical sectors of the economy.

He lauded Ojora for his statesmanship, life of service, and wisdom, praying for many more years in excellent health for the elder statesman and his family. Oborevwori, in a statement in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, said Okonjo-Iweala, a distinguished Deltan from Ogwashi-Uku and the first African woman to lead the global trade organisation, was a shining example of professionalism and integrity, and a great role model for women.

He commended the WTO director-general for her sublime and remarkable achievements in support of Nigeria and the international financial sector.

The governor said OkonjoIweala made laudable contributions to the development of Nigeria's economy, as a twotime finance minister.

He extolled Okonjo-Iweala for her intellect and skills as a leading economist and specialist in international development, whose faultless work over the years had won her praise from all over the world.

The statement quoted Oborevwori as saying regarding Okonjo-Iweala, "As a state, we take great pride in your impressive achievements, which have earned you numerous accolades and recognition

largest sources of assistance for the world’s 76 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa.

The facilities help effect positive change in the lives of the 1.6 billion people living in the countries that are eligible for its assistance. Since its inception, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries, while annual commitments are constantly on the rise and have averaged $21 billion over the past three years, with about 61 per cent going to Africa.

over $245 billion worth of investment opportunities for the provision of gas infrastructure across the African continent. Benkhadra added that about $100 billion investments were needed annually to meet electricity demand on the continent by 2030, noting that the total investment required by the year 2050 could reach $3 trillion.

According to her, Morocco would continue to work with Nigeria and other African countries to ensure the delivery of the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline project estimated to cost over $25 billion. In his address, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the government would continue to provide the enabling environment for private sector investment in the gas industry.

Ekpo, who was represented by Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Nicholas Ella, stated that by embracing gas technology and innovation, and shaping effective policy frameworks, Nigeria could ignite the future and drive sustainability in Africa’s energy landscape.

over the years. Your innovative contributions as finance minister under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan are particularly noteworthy.

"On behalf of my family, the Delta State government, and our people, I extend warm congratulations to you, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on your 70th birth anniversary. I join your family, colleagues, and well-wishers in expressing gratitude to God for your remarkable life, filled with outstanding accomplishments and fulfilment.

"As you celebrate three scores and ten, I pray that God grants you continued good health, happiness, and many more years of impactful contributions to the global economy."

Diagana

•Ousmane Diagana is World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa

James

and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos

CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP FOR JUDGES ON PETROLEUM INDUSTRY ACT...

Sanwo-Olu: Lagos GDP Up 50% in Five Years Under My Watch

Segun James

Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state, in the last five years under his administration, has risen by almost 50 per cent, surpassing the size of the GDPs of over 40 African countries.

Sanwo-Olu said economic prosperity recorded by Lagos State over the last two decades had shown the strength and potential that subnational governments could offer in shaping the African growth narrative.

He told a transatlantic forum in Bahamas on Wednesday that with

a strong focus on internal revenue generation and strategic partnerships with the central government and private investors, the state had demonstrated how a focused leadership at sub-national level could re-work a nation’s economic vision to create a sustainable growth pathway for the continent.

The governor, who delivered the closing speech at the third AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF 2024) in Nassau, addressed a large audience from Africa and Caribbean countries on the theme, “Global Africa, Global Lagos: The Role of Sub-Nationals

in Driving the Global African Agenda.”

Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, were among the global delegates attending the conference held simultaneously with the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had grown from being a state in deficit during the military era, to becoming a hub for investment and technological advancements.

He said factors responsible for the growth could be linked to the government’s effort to improve the “Ease of Doing Business” and the

decision to leverage technology and entrepreneurial abilities of the state’s population.

Sanwo-Olu stated, “Lagos is an example of a unique African success story, shaped by an interesting mix of advantages and challenges. It is the smallest of Nigeria's 36 states, yet is responsible for more than a third of Nigeria’s entire GDP.

“Lagos has grown to have a GDP that is greater than the GDPs of all but seven African countries. In the last five years, under my leadership, we have seen an almost 50 per cent increase in our GDP.

“Lagos presents a significant context

AGF: Accountability in Public Finance Management Will Boost Trust, Credible Financial System

Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, yesterday maintained that accountability and transparency in public finance management remained crucial in fostering citizens' trust and credibility of the financial system.

Speaking at the opening of the 2024 capacity building and training programme for accountants-general in Nigeria, with the theme, “Contemporary Issues in Public Finance Management: A Call for Accountability, Credibility, and Transparency in Governance", the AGF said it was the duty of accounting professionals to establish and maintain robust mechanisms that can track, report and audit the use of public funds.

Madein said, “This will ensure that we meet the expectations of our stakeholders and uphold the

integrity of our policies. Credibility in our profession is non-negotiable. It is built on consistency, reliability, and ethical behaviour.”

She said the workshop's theme was both timely and imperative amid the rapid changes in the fiscal space, adding that it was essential to revisit and reinforce the accounting profession's core principles.

She said accountability remained the cornerstone of effective public finance management, stressing that as custodians of public resources, accountants general bear enormous responsibility of ensuring that funds are used efficiently, effectively, and for the intended purposes.

The AGF said, “As accounting officers, our actions and decisions must be guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. We must be transparent in our operations and communicate openly with our stakeholders, providing clear and

accurate information about the state of public finance.

“Building credibility requires a continuous commitment to professional development and adhering best practice in public finance management and ensuring transparency which is the bedrock of good governance – it promotes openness, fosters trust and deters corruption.

“In our roles as accountant-general, we must champion transparency by ensuring that financial information is accessible, comprehensible, and timely. Doing so enables the public and other stakeholders to make informed decisions and hold us accountable for our actions.”

She said transparency in public finance management also involved engaging civil society and other oversight bodies to provide a clear picture of how public resources are utilised.

Madein further urged accounting professionals to embrace innovation and adopt new technologies that enhance their capabilities, noting that digitalisation of financial processes, implementation of integrated financial management systems and use of data analytics are key to improving efficiency and effectiveness.

She said, “As we navigate contemporary challenges and opportunities in public finance management, we face numerous challenges such as economic volatility, fiscal pressures, and increasing public scrutiny.

“However, these challenges also present opportunities for us to demonstrate our resilience, adaptability, and leadership, by staying informed about global trends, adopting best practices, and collaborating with our peers, we can turn these opportunities for growth and development.

NSCDC Deploys Over 5,000 Personnel for Hitch-free Sallah in Abuja

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Over 5,000 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been deployed in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to allow for a hitch-free celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

A statement by the spokesman the FCT Command of the NSCDC, Samuel Idoko, said that the Commandant, FCT Command,

Dr. Olusola Odumosu, made the deployment of 5,112 personnel to beef up security in the FCT, before and during the Sallah celebration. He said the deployment which would cover all the nooks and crannies of the six (6) Area Councils as well as the City Centre, especially sensitive locations, soft targets, black spots and flash points that are prone to criminal activities, is to ensure that residents enjoy a

peaceful holiday this season.

The commandant warned miscreants, vandals and other mischief makers to keep off critical national assets and infrastructure as the corps will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on anyone caught or found culpable.

Odumosu also warned against burning of tyres on the road as it affects the integrity of the road and therefore constitutes acts of

vandalism, stating that anyone caught will be made to face the law.

The commandant warned miscreants who take advantage of festive seasons to commit acts of vandalism of infrastructures such as street lights, solar panels and batteries to desist from that as the command has men all over the FCT and anyone caught perpetrating such criminal acts will face the full weight of the law.

on how sub-national governments are vital in writing new stories of development and advancing the economic agenda of the continent.

“I am proud to say that we in Lagos State have, indeed, mastered the art and science of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Having pioneered this private sector led development in Lagos, we are now exporting that template to other States across the country.

“Our growth stories speak to the importance of African solutions and African capacity for tackling African problems. As we work towards accomplishing our aspirations, it is clear that sub-sovereign entities, such as cities, states, provinces, regions, and municipalities, can be instrumental in translating African countries’ high-level goals into tangible outcomes.

“It is at this sub-national level that a lot of the most remarkable reforms and transformations are playing out.”

Sanwo-Olu illustrated how a set of locally envisioned economic ideas transformed Lagos to be the most viable state in the country, stressing that the state created a new

economic city from a challenging environmental crisis.

He said the Eko Atlantic City project, which had since become a global model for environmental responsiveness and climate action, was one of the five key long-term initiatives developed by his predecessor, exGovernor Bola Tinubu, now President, to create new economic opportunities for Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu listed the other initiatives to include establishment of Lekki Free Trade Zone, construction of the Lekki Deep Seaport, building of 10-lane West African Border Highway, construction of intra-city rail infrastructure, and leveraging the entrepreneurial spirit of young people. These, he said, had led to the building of a resilient economy for the state.

He added, “We have leveraged the power of the young people in driving creativity, innovation, and digital connectivity, which are critical pillars for economic prosperity.

“Lagos has, in the last decade, become a globally renowned hub for digital technology and innovation, and this is because of our young people, their energy, talent and enthusiasm.

Nigeria Seeks Partnership With WTO to Achieve Economic Growth

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Nigeria has expressed the desire to collaborate with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the area of economic policy development and technical assistance.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made this known on Wednesday after a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, quoted the Minister as saying that seeking such a partnership is in line with the federal government's commitment to exploring all avenues, both domestic and international, to address economic challenges and foster a more robust economy.

Onyejeocha, who was accompanied on the visit by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Ambassador Richard Adejola, said the visit was a step in leveraging global expertise and partnerships to drive economic growth and development in Nigeria.

The Minister also stated that her visit was to tap from the wealth of knowledge of the Director-General, World Trade Organisation, while seeking the support of the Organisation in federal government’s programmes in the labour sector.

Onyejeocha, who was in Geneva, Switzerland for the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference, said she took the opportunity of the Conference to visit Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and had gained a lot of knowledge and insight from her.

James Emejo in Abuja

GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari (left) in a chat with the Chief Justice of the Federation, Hon. Olukayode Ariwoola, during the National Capacity Building Workshop for Judges on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI), in Abuja... yesterday

UNVEILING LEGISLATIVE AGENDA OF THE 10TH OYO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY...

L-R: Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr Bayo Lawal; Governor Seyi Makinde; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Debo Ogundoyin and Leader of the House, Hon Sanjo Onaolapo, during the unveiling of the Legislative Agenda of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly, held at House complex, Secretariat, Ibadan...yesterday

Divestment: NNPC Withdraws Case Halting

ExxonMobil’s $1.3bn Assets Sale to Seplat

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has moved to withdraw its legal challenge to ExxonMobil Corporation’s sale of its oil and gas assets to Seplat Energy Plc., removing a hurdle that stalled the conclusion of the deal.

The NNPC has therefore applied to a high court in the nation’s capital Abuja to drop the case, its legal firm Afe Babalola confirmed to Bloomberg by email yesterday.

It is coming weeks after the national oil company and ExxonMobil, finally, agreed on a settlement deal for the assets’ divestment plan by the American oil major.

At the time NNPC, in a short message, announced on its X page that the agreement will pave the way for the International Oil Company (IOC) to sell off its 100 per cent interest to Seplat Energies after the settlement.

The national oil company stated: “(A) settlement agreement

between NNPC Ltd and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mobil Development Nigeria Inc., and Mobil Exploration Nigeria Inc. (has been) signed regarding the proposed divestment of a 100 per cent interest in Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energy Offshore Limited.”

NNPC followed it up with some images from the event, comprising some of the top officials of the organisation, including its Executive Vice President (Upstream), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan; Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti; and some top ExxonMobil executives.

The consummation of the agreement had been delayed since February 2022, after NNPC first announced that it had a right of first refusal to the assets that were up for divestment.

The industry regulator, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Company Limited (NUPRC), had also raised issues with the process leading

to the announcement, insisting that due diligence must be carried out. It argued that the process could not move forward when both joint venture partners hadn’t agreed on the deal.

Bloomberg, in the report, stated that the withdrawal of the case followed an agreement reached last month between the NNPC and Exxon to conclude the deal based on terms that were not disclosed.

In court documents seen by Bloomberg, all parties agreed that the NNPC could resume its case if the terms of the settlement were not met.

The Exxon sale to Seplat, which was signed in February 2022, still requires approvals from the NUPRC which had indicated an August deadline, and the Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is the substantive oil minister.

Adding the blocks to Seplat’s assets will swell the company’s natural gas fields in an area where it is already one of the biggest suppliers of domestic gas to Nigerian power

after it was announced in January. Also the planned sale of NAOC’s assets to Oando, has been pending since September 2023.

Nnaji: Gas Shortage, Poor Electricity Supply Will Thwart Current Drive Towards Electric, CNG Vehicles

Dike Onwuamaeze

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Geometric Power Group, Professor Bart Nnaji, has warned that current promotion of the use electric and gas powered vehicles in Nigeria would be thwarted by insufficient supply of gas and electricity as well as nonavailability of required infrastructure to recharge electric vehicles.

Nnaji spoke yesterday in Lagos,

NEITI Backs Tinubu on Climate Change, Green Economy Solutions

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday lauded what it described as the renewed political commitment of President Bola Tinubu towards strengthening Nigeria’s climate change, energy transition and green economy solutions.

The NEITI Executive Secretary was speaking in Abuja at a roundtable event organized by BudgIT Foundation, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), on tracking energy transition costs and transparency in budgeting.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, explained that the recent constitution of a Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions and the appointment of focal persons were fundamental steps that signalled the country’s interests in the international debate on climate change, energy transition and green economy

solutions.

In a statement in Abuja, Orji explained that with the United Nations' projection that Nigeria's population will rise to 400 million in the next 20 years, an unprecedented increase in energy demand that will put so much pressure on energy financing for developing countries, including Nigeria, makes it important for the country to prepare adequately for this.

It added that this so as to minimise the associated risks while maximising the potential opportunities that come with climate change and energy transition themselves, a statement by the Deputy Director/Head Communications & Advocacy, NEITI, Obiageli Onuorah, said.

"NEITI identified that deliberate investments in the solid minerals sector, gas infrastructure and commercialisation, technology, research innovation, human capital development, transportation, food security, and use of low-carbon hydrogen as priority areas of focus in

the country’s budgeting to respond to energy transition and climate change.

“These opportunities come at a cost that requires commitment to compute them in terms of human and material resources," he added.

Orji further reiterated the importance of gas commercialisation as an important pathway for Nigeria to mitigate the risks and economic impacts of climate change and energy transition.

"NEITI's recent report of the oil and gas industry disclosed a total unremitted revenue of gas royalty payments of $559.8 million and another unremitted sum of $828.8 million from unpaid gas flare penalties.

“A close look at these figures indicated that more gas was flared during the period than utilised, thereby posing serious dangers to the global zero emissions agenda," Orji stated.

The Executive Secretary called for a review of the country's gas commercialisation policy to align

with the president’s positive renewed commitments to climate change and green economic solutions.

Orji further announced that NEITI, with the support of international development partners like Ford Foundation had commenced a research study on the impacts of energy transition on Nigeria's economy.

The study, he explained, is to identify specific impacts on revenues, jobs, livelihood, the environment, food security, gender, and control of emissions.

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Ishaq Salako, who was special guest at the Round Table event, explained that the federal government, through the Ministry of Environment, had initiated the National Climate Change Policy and Climate Change Act to provide comprehensive policy framework and roadmap for the country’s national climate action. Salako emphasised the importance of transparency in climate budgeting.

when he delivered the keynote address on “Powering Up Nigeria: Embracing Clean Technologies for Sustainable Growth,” at the American Business Council (ABC) Economic Update, held at Pier Harbour, Victoria Island.

Nnaji, a former Minister of Power, urged the federal government never to yield to the pressure to classify natural gas as a regular fossil fuel to be extinguished in the name of transition to cleaner energy.

He also asked the government to be wary of dabbling into the development of nuclear energy without giving adequate consideration to the management of its wastewater.

The former minister tasked the government to increase power generation to 100,000 MW and upgrade the country’s power transmission infrastructure to the super grid in order to acquire capacity to efficiently transmit electricity to all part of the country.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/ Executive Secretary of ABC, Ms. Margaret Olele, said, “The economic update is something that we have been doing over the years since 2020 to look at critical issues around business and investments that impact on the economy and see how to move forward.

“The theme of the ABC’s Economic Update was ‘Energising Nigeria: Navigating Challenges, Harnessing Opportunities.’”

Nnaji stated, “In terms of vehicular transportation, Nigeria seems to be embracing CNG vehicles and electric vehicles. But there are challenges to these two solutions. On the CNG solution, the gas must be available to be compressed into CNG.

“Unfortunately, the non-availability of adequate gas for power and industrial processes will also afflict

the CNG initiative.”

He said while the authorities must be commended for exploring overseas markets for Nigeria’s natural gas for the country's benefit, “they need to bear in mind that charity starts at home.

“It is not just local power producers that are currently bleeding owing to insufficient gas; there is not sufficient liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for our kitchens.”

He said, “A well-articulated and sustainable programme needs to be put in place to incentivise investors to aggressively increase natural gas production in Nigeria. It is for this reason that I have called for emergency treatment of the gas sector in Nigeria.”

Nnaji added, “For Nigeria to benefit from the EV rush, the recharging infrastructure must be built. More importantly, the electric power needs to be available at the recharging stations.

“Without including this potentially new demand sector for power, my estimate is that Nigeria needs more than 100,000 MW to meet its energy needs.

“Unfortunately, we currently have just 13,000MW of installed capacity from which we are only able to put less than 5,000 MW on grid due to reasons primarily of gas and transmission constraints.”

Nnaji acknowledged the reality of climate change, but insisted that in considering the achievement of climate change objectives, Nigeria should first focus on energy security for its population.

He said, “We should recognise that natural gas is transition energy. We will not be cowed to classify it as a regular fossil fuel to be extinguished. This fuel is our energy ticket to sustainable economic development.”

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

DANGOTE EXPANDS REACH TO THE BAHAMAS...

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri (R) and President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, at the ongoing AFREXIM Bank Africa-Caribbean Annual Meeting in Nassau, The Bahamas

DIRI MEETS OSINBAJO IN THE BAHAMAS...

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri (left) and former Vice President, Prof. Yemi

We Initiated 477 Bills in One Year, Senate Leader Discloses

National Assembly joint committees probe $4.4bn NLNG train 7 project

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, yesterday disclosed that the upper legislative chamber in the last one year, initiated 477 bills.

Bamidele in a statement to mark the first anniversary of the 10th Senate made available to journalists in Abuja, said the red chamber had successfully passed 25 bills in the period under review.

He said: "For instance, as of June 11, 2024, our records revealed that at least 477 bills were initiated since the 10th Senate kicked off its activities precisely on June 13, 2023.

"Of this figure, only 25 bills were fully passed into law while others are currently at different stages before the Senate. Comparatively, this figure only accounts for 5.24 per cent of the entire bills introduced within the timeframe.

"Many people may measure our performance based on the number of bills that were fully passed into law. Different reasons that account for the low number of fully enacted legislations.

"This can be ascribed mainly to other issues of highly fundamental national priority that occupied the attention of the Senate. Put differently, it is purely due to the imperatives of attending to other obligations as required by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999,” he stated.

Aside the 25 fully enacted legislations, he said that no fewer than 275 bills (57.65 per cent) were read first time within the timeframe, about 135 (28.32 per cent) awaiting first reading; 45 (9.43 per cent) awaiting the second reading while 43 (9.02 per cent) is currently at the committee stage.

We Want Behavioural Change Not Punishment for Offenders, Says NESREA

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, (NESREA) has said its priority is not to punish offenders of environmental laws but rather to ensure a change of behaviour towards environmental issues.

The Director General of the agency, Dr. Innocent Barikor gave the clarification yesterday during the Expert Critique Meeting for the review of the National Environmental (Permitting and Licensing Systems) Regulations.

Barikor said there was no joy in getting business premises sealed for violating environmental regulations as that remains the last option to change the behaviour of Nigerians, insisting that the NESREA would rather prefer to educate on doing the proper thing.

He noted that presently there are different interventions which are put in place to get stakeholders educated on not endangering the environment and making it safe for all.

On the meeting, Barikor said: “As you are all aware, the National Environmental (Permitting and Licensing Systems) Regulations is among the 1st set of the 11 National

Environmental Regulations developed and gazetted in 2009 which set out to control the activities of the regulated community.

He noted that permitting and licensing regulations was the backbone that provides the necessary structure to balance growth/innovation and public safety.

However, as with any system, he stated that there is always room for improvement, thus, the need for the ongoing efforts to refine and enhance our regulatory processes.

“Today's session is not just a routine review but a critical opportunity to harness the wealth of knowledge, expertise and unique perspective that each of you bring, as we strive to identify areas of improvement, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance the clarity and effectiveness of our regulatory practices.

“As we stand at the crossroads of progress, ready to shape a more resilient and harmonious framework for environmental governance, I urge you all to consider this stage of the review process as a testament to our commitment in leaving a legacy of environmental sustainability for generations to come,” he said.

He added: "Similarly three bills (0.63 per cent) were refused on different grounds. While only 13 (2.73,per cent) of the total bills originated from the executive arm, 464 (97.27 per cent) are private member bills.

"Apart from the bills, the Senate arrived at 115 resolutions, which are far-reaching in consequence; profound in their significance to our economic development and strategic to the cohesion, growth and stability of our nation."

He explained that the resolutions arose from motions of national importance, which different Senators sponsored after due diligence was conducted.

Also, within the timeframe, the senate leader explained that the Red Chamber received and treated petitions from members of the public on diverse matters of grave concern.

He said: "Despite time constraints, 50 of the public petitions were successfully and satisfactorily resolved."

He also added that the Senate screened and confirmed 215 nominees for different political offices at the request of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, in accordance with Section 147 (2-6) of the 1999 Constitution and other Acts of the National Assembly.

He stressed: "Among others, the confirmations include key appointments into the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the leadership of the Nigeria Armed Forces.

"They also include the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

"The confirmation is key to our national development. It no doubt sped up the process of forming or constituting the national government at a very critical time when our domestic economy was struggling to stay afloat.

"During the period under review, the national security was under threats and internal cohesion was seriously gasping for fresh breath. Already, the first year has passed by. And we have decisively addressed issues of strategic national interest with utmost priority.

"In the last 366 days, the 10th Senate has been strategically collaborating with key public institutions, especially the Executive Arm, to defend our core interest as a federation and ensure macroeconomic stability.

"It has promoted internal cohesion as well as foster unity among ethnic

nationalities that constitute our dear nation.

"Like never before, we have been utterly committed to this national assignment to position our Nation not just for more notable regional and sub-regional roles, but also for global leadership.

"Driven by this ambitious national aspiration convincingly scribbled in our revised legislative agenda, the Senate has adopted a strategic partnership approach aimed at building resilient synergy with other arms of government and nurturing a competitive, functional and viable federation that works for all.

"Evident in all our parliamentary engagements, this has been our preoccupation since the inauguration of the 10th Senate as the foremost institution of representative democracy.

"From our observation so far, we are confident Nigeria is now more stable and the future of our Nation looks more promising than anytime in our recent history.”

As people of collective purpose, he said the senate was under obligations to support governments, whether at the national or sub-national level, to build a resilient economy and an equitable federation that supports the aspiration of all its constituents.

"As we embark upon the journey into a brighter, greater and more

glorious future, we will devote much of our time to developing legal frameworks that will further stabilise our fiscal and monetary spaces.

"We will prioritise security of lives and strategic assets; that will deescalate consumer price index, especially food inflation and that will engender a more functional governance structure.

"Aside from the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate has initiated diverse processes with a clear and well-defined mandate.

"The processes are designed to create, develop and evolve a more efficient, responsive and viable governance structure, whether with respect to the economy or security, politics or security, science or technology, agriculture or education," he added.

Meanwhile, an Investigation by the National Assembly into the $4.451 billion Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) project 7, attracted controversies, disagreements and uproar among stakeholders yesterday during a session by the Senate and House of Representatives joint committee.

The panels over the two chambers had to resort to closed sessions on two occasions with the NLNG officials led by NLNG Project Director, Ali Uwais, as well as the contractors handling the project.

African Leaders Converge on Benin, Discuss Pathways to Functional Education

African leaders, yesterday converged on Benin City, the capital of Edo State, for the 2024 Democracy Day Dialogue, to discuss pertinent issues undermining functional education on the continent and propose solutions that will engender growth and development.

The event, which was held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage, Airport Road, Benin City, was organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, a policy think-tank set up by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Guests at the event included: Nigeria's Minister of Education, Mamman Tahir; former Vice President, Namadi Sambo; former President of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi; former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, former Vice President of Zambia, Dr. NeversSekwila Mumba; Deputy Governors

of Bauchi and Bayelsa States, and other dignitaries from across Africa.

Opening the proceedings, Governor Godwin Obaseki said Africa was at a crossroads and that the continent was blessed with a population of young people hungry for success.

He noted that the theme: Functional Education and Effective Political Leadership as a Panacea to Africa’s Growth and Development was apt because it captured the essence of moving ahead and placed responsibility at the feet of political leaders in the African continent.

Obaseki commended the former President for his actions in keeping Nigeria united following his rare decision to concede defeat after the 2015 general election.

“The leadership ability you showed at the critical moment in our democracy saved the nation as your actions have kept us as a

united nation. If not for your decision and actions, we would not have the opportunity to celebrate Democracy Day. You will forever be praised in the annals of Nigeria’s history, as your actions demonstrate the vision of your Foundation.

“As African leaders, we are responsible for making the decision that will enable the youths to play their parts in developing Africa. The future is for Africa as the decision we make will not only affect the African continent but the world at large,” he stated.

On the State’s education reforms, he said: “People are coming to Edo State to understudy our educational reforms. Our efforts brought us to the attention of the world. We are now placed amongst countries recognised for education reforms.

Former President Jonathan thanked the Edo State Government for accepting to host the Foundation as

the event coincided with the State’s Education Week. He urge leaders to put in their best in improving the educational system for the benefit of African children.

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Mamman Tahir, in his goodwill message, commended Obaseki for working hard in making Edo an accelerator state for education reforms. He noted that the figure of out-of-school children in Nigeria remains a challenge, but that the federal government had succeeded in returning 2 million children back to school.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Mr. Peter Obi, thanked Jonathan for the sacrifice he made in keeping Nigeria united, as no other leader in Nigeria had beaten his record. According to him: “Free and fair election is all Nigeria needs to correct the errors facing Nigeria as a nation.”

Osinbajo, at the ongoing AFREXIM Bank Africa-Caribbean Annual Meeting in Nassau, The Bahamas

SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES...

Sexual Harassment Allegation: Yemi-Esan Queries, Sets Up Committee to Probe Perm Sec

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Head of Service of the Federation (HoS), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has queried the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador

Ibrahim Lamuwa, who is accused of alleged sexual harassment of a female worker of the ministry, Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi. The institution of the committee was the latest development to a memo by Minister of Foreign

Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar requesting the Head of Service, to investigate Lamuwa for sundry allegations of improper conduct, abuse of office, sexual harassment, official intimidation and discrimination against Mrs.

Fajemirokun-Ajayi. The development trails a related petition by the firm of Falana and Falana's Chambers, dated May 29, 2024 and addressed to him.

In the words of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tugar: “I am

Abia Assembly Backs Otti's Reform Agenda, Passes 5 Bills into Law

Gives Innoson 14 Days ultimatum to supply vehicles or refund money

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The Eighth Abia State House of Assembly has passed five bills into law out of the15 bills it received for consideration in the first year of its legislative life.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, made this known, Thursday, while briefing journalists on the achievements of the legislature which was inaugurated on June 14, 2023.

He listed the bills passed into law to include the 2023 Appropriation Bill, Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) Bill, 2024 Appropriation Bill, the Governor and Deputy Governor Pension Review Bill, and the Medicine and Health Commodities Bill.

Emeruwa said the outstanding bills have passed either first or second reading and would be passed in due course, adding that the House has within the period under review treated 46 petitions, raised 55 motions

and passed 50 resolutions.

He stated that the bills were passed into law without rancour as members of the House had already reached agreements before the bills were presented on the floor.

"Our interest is to reform the state and create enabling environment for businesses to grow," he said, adding that this mindset informed the maximum support the lawmakers have been giving to the state governor, Alex Otti.

The Speaker, flanked by 17 members of the House, including the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie, acknowledged that the Eighth Abia State legislature had initial hiccups after inauguration.

However, he said that the divisive "issues were short-lived" as members had resolved them without delay in the interest of the people they represent.

He said: "The fact that we do our things seamlessly doesn't mean that we don't disagree. But we play our

politics behind the scene".

Emeruwa revealed that members of the Eighth Abia House were yet to be issued with official vehicles a year after inauguration, saying that Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Company was to blame.

According to him, the House had decided to patronise IVM following Governor Otti's policy of encouraging indigenous companies, adding that the company "has received all the money for the vehicles (but) has not been able to supply the vehicles after one year".

He, therefore, issued a two-week ultimatum to Innoson to supply the vehicles as agreed, warning that "this House has been patient enough. He has to produce the vehicles within the month or give us our money back".

On the non-representation of Aba North State Constituency in the House, the Speaker said that a political solution would soon be used to resolve the issues that have delayed the swearing in of Hon. Aaron

Uzodike to take his seat.

He absolved himself from blame over Uzodike's travails, saying that a date had been fixed for the Aba North lawmaker to take his oath of office after his victory at the Appeal Court only for an interlocutory court injunction to be served on the Speaker.

"I could not flout Court injunction, whether it was in order or not," the Speaker Emeruwa said, adding that Uzodike compounded issues by going to Appeal Court Abuja to file forms 48 and 49 seeking to commit him to prison for alleged disobedience of court order.

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker said that the actions of the House has always been dictated by the desire to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Abia.

"We handle our differences behind the scene because we understand the enormity of the expectations on us," he said, adding that "once we cross the gate, we see ourselves as one, irrespective of party platforms".

Sanwo-Olu Advocates Increased, Sustained Climate Financing to Mitigate Climate Change Challenges

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Thursday, advocated a scaled up and sustained climate financing to mitigate Climate Change challenges.

Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, during the closing ceremony of the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit held at Victoria Island, the governor said that governments, financial institutions, and international organizations must work collaboratively to bridge the financing gap.

He added that it is high time the

government ensured that resources are directed towards projects that yield tangible benefits for communities and ecosystems.

His words: "We are committed to fostering a supportive environment for climate finance and local adaptation initiatives, ensuring that all efforts are aligned with the insights and expertise shared".

He applauded the resolve of participants to work hand in hand with all stakeholders to transform the discussions into concrete actions that will benefit communities and environment.

He added that participants have also learnt that accelerating climate finance is not merely about mobilizing funds but ensuring that these resources reach those who need them most saying.

“It is about creating financial instruments that are accessible, equitable, and effective,” he elaborated.

The governor added that experts have highlighted innovative financing mechanisms, from green bonds to climate insurance, and the importance of leveraging both public and private sector investments.

He stressed that the discussions have underscored the necessity of a

systemic shift in how everyone perceive and deploy financial resources for climate action.

Further according to him, the government would continue to prioritize capacity building and knowledge sharing by empowering local communities with the skills, tools, and knowledge they need to develop and implement adaptation strategies.

He said the government is determined to continually strengthen policy frameworks and regulatory environments to support climate action, and remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusivity and equity.

compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations of sexual harassment. "Bearing in mind the gravity of the matter, I feel it necessary to draw your attention to it and ask that you handle it accordingly.”

However, in response to our inquiries last night, the Director Communications, Office of Head of Service of the Federation, Mohammad A. Ahmed, confirmed that the under-fire permanent secretary Ministry Foreign Affairs had been queried while a committee had also been set up to investigate the allegations made against him.

He also debunked the insinuations that Ambassador Lamuwa had been suspended for the allegations made against him by Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi. "This is an allegation and in line with the civil service rules, once there is an allegation of improper conduct against somebody, it will be thoroughly investigated and a report submitted. A committee has been set up to investigate the allegations," Ahmed said. Highly places sources in the civil service revealed that Lamuwa would be suspended if the committee finds him guilty of the allegations made against him by the married female employee of the ministry.

Court Restrains Police, DSS, Waziri from Gaining Access to Disputed Abuja

Alex Enumah in Abuja

A High Court of Nasarawa State has issued an order restraining the Inspector-General of Police (IG) and the Director-General (DG) of the Directorate of State Service (DSS), from gaining access into a disputed property at 1, Mekong Close, Maitama District, Abuja.

Justice S. B. Bawa gave the order while delivering ruling in an exparte application brought by an estate firm, Abeh Signatures Ltd.

Besides the security personnel, the court also barred a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), Ms. Asabe Waziri, the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Commissioner of Police in charge of FCID, Aina Emmmanuel, from accessing the said property.

The plaintiff, Abeh Signatures, has been embroiled in a battle with Waziri over the purchase of two flats in the estate for over two years.

After listening to plaintiff's lawyer, D. I. Oguamdinma, Justice Bawa held, "That leave is hereby granted to the applicant restraining the 2nd to 4th respondents either through their agents and officers to Stay Further Action To witMaintain Status Quo ante bellum in respect to subject matter of the suit in relation to the Applicant until the determination of Motion on Notice.

Apartments

"That leave is hereby granted to the applicant restraining the 2nd to 5th Respondents jointly and severally from Further Inviting, Arresting and Detaining the Applicant’s Directors, staff and workers on the subject matter of this suit pending the determination of Motion on Notice."

The court fixed the hearing of the case to 3rd July, 2024.

About two weeks ago, Senior Counsel to the property firm, Mr. Victor Giwa, had cried out over harassment and intimidation by the police against him and other staff of the property company. Giwa, who was detained for five hours debunked news making the round that he was detained for disobedience to court order and judgement of the Court of Appeal in the case involving Asabe Wazirri and Abeh Signature Limited in appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/246/2022 regarding a property in Maitama.

The lawyer, after his release from the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID Area 10 Abuja, said the reason for his detention by FCID Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aina Emmanuel, the special Enquiry Bureau (SIB) was because he was irritated by the letter from Giwa’s chamber.

Giwa had visited the senior police officers who had earlier sent some police officers into his client’s premises to arrest one of the staff of Abeh Signature Apartments.

L-R: Special Assistant, Technical to the Imo State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Echezona Uduji; Second Secretary for Commerce, India, Pranay Singha; Imo State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Dr. Chika Benson Abazu; Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador G. Balasubramanian; and Special Assistant, Trade to the Commissioner, Mr. Sunny Ukachukwu, during the courtesy visit of the commissioner to the Indian High Commission in Abuja…recently

POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Edito r DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye @thisdaylive.com

08033025611 SMS ONLY

Fintiri’s Five Years of Action in Adamawa

Daji Sani writes about the accomplishments of Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri as Governor of Adamawa state in the last five years.

The five years of the Adamawa state Governor, Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration has no doubt made much impact in all sectors and the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

His holistic philosophy of no one is left behind and nothing is left untouched has really guided him in fulfilling his 11-point agenda in his first tenure and eight- point agenda in his second tenure as his campaign promises to the state.

Fintiri has transformed the state especially the state capital to a modern centre through his infrastructural developmental giant strides too numerous to mention that have attracted foreign and local investors into the state. Every one that comes into the state always speak of his style of leadership and his developmental strides like King Solomon in the Bible.

Fintiri has received several awards for meritorious service, one of which was an award on Infrastructure Delivery by his political opponent, the former President Muhamadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His style of leadership to bringing all the illustrious sons and daughters and good numbers of political gladiators and stakeholders to his side have continue to bother his political opponents in the state.

No wonder he was able to scale through to the second tenure beyond every political forces which militated against his coming back as the governor of the state.

So at the inauguration of the Police Roundabout flyover bridge rated as one of the best and first in the Northeast sub region of Nigeria and as part of the activities to mark the celebration of his five years in office and one year in his second tenure,

former president Olusegun Obasanjo who was the guest at the inauguration of the flyover said Governor Fintiri has done very well and the sky is the beginning for him.

According to him: “Finitri has shown to the world, what it takes to lead, I am very pleased with what I see in Yola today, Governor Finitri, you are doing well”.

He further noted that the efforts being made by the Finitri’s administration is an indication that Nigeria will get to the desired place if the military do not interrupt the process saying Nigerians have not gotten it right but it will get there.

The former president who performed the bridge inauguration said the essence of governance is to bring positive change to the people who are being served, and also charged the governor to take his urban renewal programmes to the rural areas, stressing that rural development will help in curbing security challenges as it will reduce rural migration.

Obasanjo who also reflected on his stay in Yola prison said” my experience in Yola prison made me a better person and also form part of my success story as president of Nigeria.

“I am very pleased with Adamawa people,my best friend is from Adamawa, I have a very strong affinity with the people of Adamawa, my running mate and Vice President came from Adamawa state”.

In his remarks, Governor Finitri celebrated the return to civilian administration saying “it was a celebration of our peoples’ preference of participatory democracy over dictatorship.

“Since I took over as governor of the state, l made up my mind for real positive change engendered in the promise of democracy.

“Exactly five years ago, I took the oath of office to serve as your democratically-elected Governor. In my address at the occasion, I stated that ‘’Positive change has come to Adamawa State’’.

“I was conscious of the hope of our people and the trust in me to bring about the positive change for all Adamawa people regardless of tribe, religion, social background or political inclination.

“The task ahead was very clear in my mind and I was fully committed to discharging it with the zeal of a missionary.

Also speaking at the inauguration ceremony, former Governor of the state, Bala James Nggilari, said the governor has demonstrated his commitment at changing the narrative of

the state from deplorable stage to a beautiful and a modern city that can compete with other major cities of the nation.

Nggilari, who is APC chieftain in the state, and elder brother to the governor who is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said God gives power and God has given power to Fintiri.

He, therefore, called on stakeholders in Adamawa state to rally round the governor who is already doing a great job adding that old political era has come and gone.

“But they are left with the development of their dear state, all hands must be on deck to

support this young man,’s administration”, he said.

To also mark the celebration of a successful tenure and one year in his second tenure, a Lecture and a dinner were held by the state government to celebrate, appraise and evaluate the governor’s Stewardship in the state.

Fintiri in a state broadcast as part of the anniversary activities said he remained immensely grateful for the confidence and the opportunity to further serve and reiterate his commitment to serve the state with unwavering determination.

Olawepo-Hashim

Tasks

LGCs

on Provision of Shuttle Buses for Commuters

Folalumi Alaran writes about the call by a chieftain of the All Progressives, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, on the need for the 774 local government councils in the country to provide shuttle buses to ease transportation problems usually encountered by commuters.

Achieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has canvassed the provision of safe shuttle buses by local government councils that would ease movement of commuters and other passengers, especially in neighbourhood streets.

Olawepo-Hashim who stated this while giving out seven cars to members of his staff as well as worship leaders at the Covenant Altar of Worship Ministry, said the provision of the buses would ameliorate the sufferings and security concerns that passengers have to deal with on a daily basis.

The presidential candidate during the 2019 general election added that the local councils should be able to provide such safe and conducive shuttle buses to ease movement.

He said he was moved to give out the vehicles following the harrowing experiences the beneficiaries have had to deal with in the course of using unconducive and unsafe transportation.

Olawepo-Hashim recalled how one of the beneficiaries, a woman and her child, barely survived after they fell off a commercial motorcycle while coming to worship.

He also noted that passengers have been subjected to attacks because of the insecure nature of the transport system. However, while charging the local councils across the country to provide the safe shuttle buses, the party chieftain said it would not just ease but ensure some sense of security.

Beneficiaries of the cars are Taiye Godstime Atolagbe; Funke Samuel; Elizabeth Ola; Felix Gabriel; Vivian Metu; Bulus Alika; Abdulrahaman Abdulganiyu.

According to the governor, “I and my team served the state to the best of our ability and the fear of God. Guided by our 11-point Agenda which has now been recalibrated to an eightpoint Agenda and the philosophy of ensuring that ‘no one is left behind and nothing is left untouched’, we have made indelible footprints on all sectors and in all Local Government Areas of the state.

“Our strategic leadership style has also been guided by our partnership with you, our beloved citizens, hence, we prioritized an all-inclusive, people-oriented government. Much of our successes therefore is attributed to your support as well as your resilience in the face of attempts by some desperate politicians to manipulate you. I salute your sense of patriotism.

“I specially salute the support and understanding of our youths with whom I have engaged at different levels. My administration is committed to harnessing the abundant talent and creativity of Adamawa Youths so as to entrust them with our future. We are heavily investing in their education, engaging many through pensionable employment and empowering others with skills, funds and ideas to make them self-sufficient”.

He further explained that with their support and understanding, they have been able to execute massive and unprecedented developmental projects such as roads, bridges, fly-overs, schools, hospitals, housing projects, and so on.

“Yola is gradually assuming the status of one of the most modern state capitals in the country and the destination of choice for hosting conferences and meetings. We shall do more. The new superhighway linking the upcoming fly-over at A.A. Lawan junction and half cloverleaf fly-over along Yola-Numan road, the 1,000 units Fintiri Housing Estate, the new Shopping Mall, the Stadium and other projects which are all being flagged-off or on-going will add to the positive transformation of our state capital.

“Our hope is that these infrastructural developmental strides coupled with the sustained peace and security will provide a favourable platform for businesses to thrive.These measures will attract more investors to the numerous sectors that God has endowed us with such as in agriculture, mineral resources, tourism and so on, l am glad that investors are responding” he said.

Fintiri said the major objective of all his policies, projects and programmes is to fight poverty adding that the massive infrastructural facilities were also intended to allow investors to engage in profitable economic activities.

According to him: “We believe that addressing Out-of-School syndrome, providing free education, paying WAEC and NECO fees for our candidates, building and furnishing new schools, recruiting more teachers and so on that we have been doing will ease the economic burden on parents and equip our youths with the tools to swim out of poverty.

“Similarly, we are paying special attention to skills acquisition as well as Science and Technology. In this regard, I am happy to announce that we have commenced the process for the construction of three new comprehensive technical schools, one in each senatorial zone. One of these schools is going to be exclusively for girls.” he said.

Fintiri promised to continue to empower especially women and youths saying “I have directed that in every quarter, 10,000 beneficiaries will be selected and given #50,000 each under the Fintiri Business Wallet Scheme. We are also working with the World Bank to commit over 15 billion naira to empower women towards viable economic activities.

“I have also constituted a committee on Food Security in the state; the committee has submitted a Report that is already receiving favourable attention. Among others, we have commenced plans to prepare, in phases, 300 hectares of land in every Local Government Area and make it available for cultivation by our youths. We shall continue to support all farming activities and livestock husbandry with inputs and improved varieties of seeds.

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

The First Lady has demonstrated grace, candour, and fitted well into her role, writes MARIAM MOHAMMED

OLUREMI TINUBU: A SWEET RELIEF

It is one year since Oluremi Tinubu, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, found herself at the apogee of power. Though not a stranger to walking the corridors of power, this was the ultimate, the apex of political albeit economic power – The Presidency!

As a former First Lady of Lagos State, there is perhaps nothing novel, one may dare say, but Presidential authority, especially in a clime as Nigeria, is different. It compels not just attention, but exudes a tocsin that can leave you dizzy and drunk on its dregs.

Is it not in this country we have seen mere local government spouses going overboard to demonstrate that they are in power?

Prior to the presidential elections, there were not a few controversial videos of the now First Lady, not a glowing light. One of such videos was of her dissing a woman from a certain part of the country and attaching labels to a whole tribe. The furore at that time was scalding and no less deserving.

Owing to that and a few instances like the Senate brouhaha with a fellow Senator, the ever-pubescent Dino Melaye, there was apprehension in certain quarters of a First Lady who will dominate, torment and perhaps, leave in her wake controversies. If anything, I was amongst the sceptics who feared for an intemperate, overbearing, snobbish and interfering First Lady.

Like an aeroplane, one year on, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has defied the odds, disappointed the naysayers and charmed her traducers. She has demonstrated grace, panache, candour and fitted into her role as presidential as any First Lady worth that title can be.

In every sense, she reminds one of Eleanor Roosevelt, the war-time First Lady of the United States. She has left not a few Nigerians in awe in being a model spouse in her handling of the domestic and ceremonial roles of the Presidency while also influencing policy and politics -- all while not overstepping the social and political boundaries.

For those who may not know, Eleanor was a remarkable woman with an enduring legacy whose contribution to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains indelible. Today, our own First Lady is helping to create real and meaningful implications for girls, women, and the underprivileged in our country.

She has become a voice that resonates significantly in creating a country of equal opportunities through her timely and measured interventions.

Through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the First Lady is impacting lives and serving

marginalised demographics. At present, girls in Bauchi State are having the benefit of ICT education through the Alternative High School for Girls. This is just one of several examples of the First Lady’s social interventions which emphasize equal educational opportunities for all girls, regardless of past challenges. “The school aims to empower girls who may have faced obstacles like early marriage or lack of support,” she said at the inauguration early in the year.

To spur the creativity of the Nigerian youth, her Initiative came up with the #OneNigeria Unity Fabric competition! According to her, it is to showcase the enormous but sometimes misplaced industry and ingenuity of our youths and for those participating to design a fabric that represents our unity, resilience, love, and commitment.

It is not just about participating, but a life changing N25 million is up for grabs! Talk about motivation. Day by day, those who wait to see her falter are left puzzled and are left to ask "is it not the same Remi Tinubu who was quarrelsome and takes no prisoners?” Yes, it is the same Oluremi Tinubu but with a different hue and temperament. The one who would ordinarily have made life difficult for the vexatious Dino Melaye for his foul indiscretion in the Senate, but has not abused the privilege of being the First Lady.

Yes, our evolving and dynamic First Lady has shown to be a fresh breath of diplomacy and inclusion.

Not minding that Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State, is of a different party and was responsible for ending the governorship ambition of her husband’s kin, Gboyega Oyetola, she had kind words for the administration when she went to inaugurate the Alternative High School for Girls.

As a mother of the nation whose heart constantly beats for its renewal, every opportunity counts to advance its interest. While hosting the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, she enthused, “The President has made the right decisions which will help us build a Nigeria that's more respected, we should all be more accountable as a people as regard our resources and we all need to inspire the youths to think Nigeria first before any state or Nation.”

As a moderating and peace advocate, not even an extremist apologist could draw her ire. Idris Tenshi, an Islamic cleric, had issued a fatwa against the wife of the president. Rather than draw on State might, the First Lady went to the lair of the now remorseful cleric to dismiss the fear of death.

In recent history, a First Lady used State apparatus to intimidate and arrest those that as much as made a Facebook post about the then prevailing hunger in the country. It is in this country that a certain wife of the president lived the illusion that the title of First Lady was her exclusive preserve and summoned wives of state governors to Abuja to decree them against using such honorific.

It is gratifying to note that there has not been any of such untoward use of presidential privilege. Rather, wives of governors are falling over themselves to have the wife of the president in their states for one project inauguration or initiatives. Enamoured!

Dear First Lady, you have done well and ticking the right boxes, but there are a lot more things to accomplish. As the closest person to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, President of our rich but poor country, you are his greatest adviser. No appointee comes close.

Mohammed is a PR specialist and publisher of Maktoub Magazine. She writes from Abuja. Mariam.c.Mohammed@gmail.com

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA contends that not much progress has been made because of lack of vision and purpose

25 YEARS: NIGERIA’S FAILING PROMISE?

Since 1999, in terms of economic growth, the period 2003 to 2007 stands out. Whilst Nigeria and that government could take credit for what happened then, it is also the only period in modern human history that every country, bar three, saw respectable growth. Not to experience a major growth at that time was to be deemed the exception. Fiji, Zimbabwe, and Congo stood out for being that exception.

Outside of that early 2000s global growth miracle, Nigeria in 25 years has danced on the brink of mediocrity, toyed with petrol-fueled growth, made itself ever susceptible to the whims and games of global politics and has to date lost even its edge as a petroleum dependent economy. We can’t pump it up like we once did.

The hope that dawned in 1999 has remained just that at best, hope. “Renewed Hope” won the last election. The promise of a better Nigeria has mostly delivered failings and nightmares and whilst rosy retrospection inspires a return to the military days for some, democracy for its relative guarantee of

freedom and fundamental human rights, remains the best option of the lot we could return to or experiment with.

Democracy it is. However, we cannot hide behind democracy to pretend our failings are on account of the type of government. They are not. We have failed because our political culture, whether under democratic norms or military systems, is given to waste and a lack of purpose, vision, and direction. Every country in the world had their challenges in 1999. Here in 2024, that is also what they all share. The presence of problems is not the marker of progress or lack of progress for countries, territories, and people. Problems are an essential part of the human experience. Our brains would probably selfdestruct if we woke up from bed every day and did not have to engage it at creating a pathway to fixing one or two challenges. That Nigeria continues to have numerous problems and challenges today is not a reflection of its failings, that it continues to battle the same problems after almost three decades is.

The greatest reflection, for an individual or a group of people, that progress has not been made is not when you continue to have problems to deal with. We will always wake up to a world that is constantly asking questions of us. Our answers to those questions is the propulsion we need for progress. The greatest reflection that progress has not been made is when you spend decades as a person or people still battling the same questions and finding no solutions in sight. Power? Justice? Security? Education? Food security?

A person that used to be poor in 1999 who is not poor today is not without challenges. That person only has challenges that come with their latest

economic status. When one person is praying to God to be able to meet their rent and their children’s school fees and another is praying that they should be able to find investors for their company or make sales to clients abroad, both prayers are challenges that both intend to meet. However, both aren’t at the same level. One day, the one praying for rent and school fees hopes to go past that level so that they’d rather be praying for their business to expand across countries or grow from say a millionaire dollar enterprise to five million.

Nigeria’s prayers have not changed from that subsistence level since 1999. “Government officials became progressively indifferent to propriety of conduct and showed little commitment to promoting the general welfare of the people and the public good. Government and all its agencies became thoroughly corrupt and reckless. Members of the public had to bribe their way through in ministries and parastatals to get attention and one government agency had to bribe another government agency to obtain the release of their statutory allocation of funds.” These are President Olusegun Obasanjo’s words from his inaugural address on May 29, 1999. What part of that sentence is not true today? We have taken some steps forward of course. Several of them on account of the rest of the world dragging us along with it. We had years where commercial planes dropped from the skies like birds in a plaque. Whilst challenges remain on that front, 12 years of safe skies is worthy of note. Phone lines have gone from being a privilege for the rich to being the norm for everyone. We could be better by making most of the phones we use though. Our cultural influence in Africa and around the world have reached heights never seen before. Amidst our challenges, we continue to be a country of proud and hardworking people.

Negativity bias suggests that it is easier to recall negative things than remember positive ones. However, even at that, I spent quite some time trying to pick out the progress we have made over the last two and a half decades. Where one to reflect on our failings, it wouldn’t be so difficult. Even more so when most of those failings were the same failings our elected officials met with in 1999.

“I shall end this address by stressing again that we must change our ways of governance and of doing business…This we must do to ensure progress, justice, harmony and unity and above all, to rekindle confidence amongst our people. Confidence that their conditions will rapidly improve and that Nigeria will be great and will become a major world player in the near future”. This was the hope that was reflected in the presidential address about this time in 1999. You could copy and paste these words into any presidential speech today and it’d fit just perfect.

Different times, same problems. This shows you that in many ways, we are where we were in 1999. 2049 is 25 years away, however, there is no guarantee of progress by then. Every country must earn its progress or be doomed by its failings. Because the United Nations cannot equalise prosperity.

Omojuwa is chief strategist Alpha Reach/BGX Publishing

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE CASE FOR VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION

It is

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners are marking ‘20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!’ With less than 10 per cent of Nigerians donating blood voluntarily, the country is currently reeling under the onslaught of serious shortage of safe blood products with dire consequences. The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, last week urged more citizens to embrace voluntary blood donation to shore up the state’s blood bank. “There is something important I want to call our attention to, the voluntary donor rate is still on the low side, which means certain patients will be without access to blood,” Abayomi said. “Looking at the demographic of Lagos, the blood-donating group is young adults, and we only have seen 130,000 donors, which is not enough.”

Nigeria needs an average of 1.8 million pints of blood annually whereas the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) collects only 500,000 pints of blood with a shortfall of about 73.3 per cent. This has resulted in a situation in which most hospitals and patients in the country depend on commercial donors for their blood needs. In other countries, people usually donate blood voluntarily because it feels good to help others, and such altruism has been linked to a lower risk for depression and greater longevity.

statistics have indeed revealed that women use at least 53 per cent of the blood that is collected, men only use 47 per cent. “In Nigeria, 80-90 per cent of maternal mortality is as a result of bleeding complications that we are not able to manage due to shortage of blood,” according to Suleiman Akanmu, a Professor of Haematology and Blood Transfusion at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

There is need for the relevant health authorities to partner with the media and the civil societies on the benefit of voluntary blood donation to the larger society

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

According to medical practitioners, those who need blood transfusion include victims who have been involved in road accident and have lost blood, patients going for surgery and those with blood disorder, like sickle cell anaemia. There are also patients whose blood doesn’t clot (hereditary bleeding disease e. g. haemophilia) as well as children whose blood cells have been depleted by malaria. Cancer patients also use lots of blood as well as those with burns. Women on antenatal or about to deliver a baby use lot of blood while

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE T

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

Unfortunately, whereas several other countries within the continent like Uganda, Egypt and Kenya have embraced 100 per cent voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation by their citizens, Nigerians have not imbibed the habit. Given that there is so much ignorance about blood donation in our country, there is need for the relevant health authorities to partner with the media and the civil societies on the donation to the larger society. That will help to allay some of the myths and misconceptions associated with blood donation, especially given the belief in certain quarters that the donated blood could be used for rituals. An urgent public enlightenment is needed to address the fears often bandied.

Medically, people who donate blood regularly

According to experts, the amount of blood usually taken from a person is only 450 mills and a healthy individual has 10-12 times that quantity while the little that is taken would be generated back to the body within two to four weeks. What the foregoing suggests is that it is very safe and indeed healthy to donate blood and we urge Nigerians, who ordinarily care for the welfare of their fellow citizens, to embrace the habit of voluntary donation so we can have a robust blood bank.

As we call on Nigerians to make blood donation a habit, we hope the relevant health authorities will also ensure that donated blood is properly screened to avoid storing infected blood which have also sent many to untimely grave.

IVORY SMUGGLING IN CAR

On June 3, a man was arrested at the Bangui Mpoko Airport in the Central African Republic for illegal transport of Ivory. This is the second case of Ivory smuggling in Bangui in the span of just one week.

The arrested man is a Central African Citizen who didn’t have any identity document with him despite

mitted to having wanted to transport the Ivory out of

It is worth noting that the man in question wasn’t was acting on behalf of his friends. Upon interrogaworked with the Indonesian contingent of MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic) I saw him buying Ivory. I served as interpreter between my Indonesian friend and an Ivory seller who only spoke Sango. When the Indonesian returned to his country he sent money to me to buy him Ivory because I want-

ed to travel to Indonesia, too. When I arrived at the airport, I was arrested for lack of documents. Now I am in the hands of the police".

Ivory is a precious material that is oftentimes smuggled to be sold illegally for large sums of money. Its world in 1989.

Despite the ban, Ivory still remains one of the most

It is of particular importance that this isn’t a standalone case of Ivory smuggling by some international organizations. Just last week, another employee of an international organization deployed within the very same Indonesian contingent, was also detained at Bangui Mpoko Airport for illicit transport of Ivory.

upon his arrest. The two strikingly similar smuggling cases have caught attention of the local law enforcement authorities and are currently being closely investigated.

Michael Djotodia, Bangui

SLUM-DWELLING IN MINNA

I have this big empathy thing in me and, to be honest, I am getting exasperated that abject and preventable poverty is all around me in my fortieth year of residence here in Minna, the capital of Niger State. My father, a serving soldiering and honest Nigerian, was transferred out of the safe cocoon of the army barracks at Warri where mom had great head-start and a big relative advantage in the consumer-goods-grocery trade to the checquered army barracks of Minna in 1983 and the family joined him in September 1984. Minna has not changed much in 40 years but the town counts moneyed folks as its citizens in a higher proportion to nearly all the southern half of Nigeria’s capital towns except perhaps Lagos. But Minna is punctuated here and there by sprawling slums and disappearing vegetation that makes you wonder, “What’s going on?” The rich aren’t keen on getting out of the peripherals of slum-dwellings to create upmarket segments-of-town because that would mean “abandoning” the “poor and wretched brothers” who must come to “congregational prayers.” There is this injunction about romaticising poverty and not doing a farthing to eliminate poverty for, “What is religion if there is no poverty?” The greater ambience of town has been eroded of saplings and germane shrubs and treelets because religion prescribes that the man who knows “business” would cut down trees to be sold for faggots. After all, didn’t “blessing” come from a barren, treeless clime? Why bother about sustainable development when you can do weaponised migration and out-birth the “cursed souls?” Ouch, I just got me migraine.

BUSINESS WORLD

MAN: Capacity Utilisation, Production Volume, Sales, Investment Suffered Decline in Q1’24

A survey conducted by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has revealed worsening impacts of macroeconomic environment on the manufacturing sector.

The survey’s report, which was titled, “Manufacturers’ CEO Confidence Index (MCCI),” covered the impact of macroeconomic environment on key manufacturing indicators such as production and distribution costs, capacity utilisation, volume of production, investment, employment, sales volume and cost of shipment in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1’24).

Its unequivocally verdict was that, “A cursory observation of the analysis reveals that all the manufacturing indicators recorded unfavourable changes due majorly to high and

unstable exchange rate, prolonged foreign exchange scarcity, escalated cost of energy, unstable import duty rate, high cost of borrowing and further rise in inflation.

“All of these grossly escalated the cost of manufacturing operations, distorted the manufacturing value chain, discouraged investments, increased job losses, and reduced sales volume.”

It added, “Production and distribution costs surged further by 20.7 per cent in the quarter under review from the 21.73 per cent increase witnessed in the preceding quarter. Capacity utilisation declined further by 9.76 per cent in Q1 2024 from 3.81 per cent witnessed in the preceding quarter.

“The volume of production slid further by 10.14 per cent in Q1 2024 from a contraction of 4.6 percent recorded in the previous quarter.”

The report added, “manufacturing investment dipped further by 5.16 per cent in Q1 2024 from 2.8 per cent contraction recorded in the preceding quarter.

“Manufacturing employment further declined by 5.27 per cent in Q1 2024 from the 4.46 per cent contraction recorded in the preceding quarter.

“Sales volume fell by 7.16 per cent in Q1 2024 compared to the decline of 1.62 per cent witnessed in the preceding quarter.

“Cost of shipment rose further by 22.16 per cent in Q1 2024 from the 19.48 per cent increase recorded in Q4 2023.”

The disaggregation of macroeconomic effect by sectoral groups, according to the report, showed that, “Food, beverages & tobacco, chemical & pharmaceuticals, electrical & electronics and motor

vehicle & miscellaneous assembly groups were worst hit by the effects of unstable macroeconomic environment on production and distribution cost, capacity utilisation, production volume, investment employment, sales volume and cost of shipment.”

The report also provided insight into the governments’ poor performance in the productive utilisation of capital expenditure.

The report stated, “Adequate government capital expenditure is required to provide the big-push funding for the infrastructure development needed to reduce logistics costs and promote the competiveness of the manufacturing sector.”

It, however, added, “unfortunately, government capital expenditure has failed to increase productivity in the manufacturing sector due

to inadequate capital budget allocation, poor implementation, low domestication of capital projects and inability to prioritise infrastructure in industrial hubs.

“The delay in making further amendments to the Public Procurement Act and failure to highly domesticate capital projects through local supply of building materials are some of the longstanding obstacles.

“Also, the slow implementation of the 2023 capital budget has delayed the implementation of the 2024 budget four months after its approval.

“Moreover, the low financial dependence of many sub-nationals has highly linked the execution of their capital projects to the Federal Government budget.”

The survey also covered perspectives of manufacturers on the implication of the operating

environment on manufacturing activities in Q1 2024 by focusing on multiple regulation, multiple taxes, access to the national ports, local sourcing of raw materials, inventory of unsold manufactured goods, and patronage of Nigerian manufactured goods by government MDAs.

According to the report, 82.2 per cent of the chief executive officers of manufacturing firms that participated in the survey “confirmed that over-regulation by the government depresses manufacturing productivity. Also 85.1 per cent attested that multiple taxations depressed productivity in the sector and 66.7 per cent affirmed that port gridlocks negatively affect productivity in the sector.”

Nigerian Airlines Poor Maintenance Culture Fuels Low Capacity, High Fares

It has emerged that the inability of Nigerian owned airlines to maintain their aircraft is worsening the prohibitive fares and low capacity

As at the last count, over 50 per cent of aircraft owned by Nigerian airlines are either parked at airports or at maintenance facilities in Nigeria or overseas, a development that has led to reduction in capacity and hike in airfares, as airlines continue to scale down their operations.

The major cause of the challenge, according to industry observers, is the inability of airlines to obtain foreign exchange to pay for the maintenance of the aircraft due to the depreciation of the naira, high cost of foreign exchange and the fluctuating foreign exchange regime, which leaves much to uncertainty.

THISDAY learnt that airlines have reduced their flight service to many airports, thus selling fewer seats that do not meet the demand of travellers, hence relative higher prices at low season.

The Managing Director of Asaba International Airport, Chrisopher

This has fanned the fears that domestic operations may be grounded or may shrink to skeletal levels that could affect the nation’s economic activities.

Penninck, disclosed that in the past the airport used to receive four flights a day but now it has reduced to one, saying that load factor has been good in the past three months.

“But unfortunately flights have stopped coming because many of the airlines’ aircraft are on AOG (aircraft on ground). Most of the airlines’ aircraft don’t fly for the moment. It is the number of fleet owned by the airlines vs the ones that are airworthy. Asaba airport has all the facilities to be open at night. This would help airlines to operate their fleet more efficiently.

But the extra cost to open later is terrible (charged by aviation

agencies). We are ready but the policies and charges make it impossible. For example, we had only one flight to Asaba today (Wednesday, June 12, 2024). It was Air Peace flight. We used to have at least four flights a day, but that has crumbled,” Penninck, said.

One of the industry stakeholders confirmed that about 50 per cent of Nigerian airlines’ fleet operating scheduled flights have parked, adding that his should be a concern to the industry.

The Chairman and CEO of Quikio West Africa Limited, Dr Alex Nwuba, said he has raised the same challenge at different occasions but no attention has

been paid to it despite the threat to ground domestic flight services.

He pointed out that it is now difficult to get flights to many domestic destinations due to paucity of operating aircraft.

But the member of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and the President of Topbrass Aviation Limited, Captain Roland Iyayi, told THISDAY in a telephone interview that the major factor why many aircraft in Nigerian airlines’ fleet are grounded is because of foreign exchange.

Iyayi said 13 of Air Peace aircraft are AOG in maintenance facilities overseas, “and there is no funds to pay and bring them back because

early last year, Air Peace paid naira equivalent of $14 million to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which it planned to use and pay for the maintenance of the aircraft under maintenance but the apex bank failed to pay the money to the airline.” He said with such amount of money owed the airlines, they have to resort to wet leasing aircraft at huge cost in order to sustain their operation and revenues earned are used to pay for the lease and the airline may earn very little profit.

Chinedu Eze

Dike Onwuamaeze

FAAN, NCAT Resolve Issues on Aircraft Fire Simulator

Stories by Chinedu Eze

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has intervened to resolve the dispute on the Boeing 737NG full flight fire simulator acquired in 2019 by the federal government and installed at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).

Rising from a meeting held in the MD/CE’s Boardroom in Lagos, and attended by FAAN top management team and a team from NCAT led

by the Rector/CEO, Mr. Joseph Imalighwe, it was resolved that FAAN and NCAT would share revenue and liabilities on the simulator and FAAN would use its network to attract foreign trainees to use the facility and raise revenue for both organisations.

In a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Mrs Obiageli Orah, the agency said the Multi-purpose Aircraft Fire Simulator situated at NCAT Campus in Zaria, would offer different practical fire fighting and

rescue scenarios.

It was acquired in 2019 by the previous administration for about N5.2 billion.

The simulator will save the country huge foreign currency in training costs, which hitherto went to other countries.

Speaking on the development, the FAAN Managing Director said: “We are happy to have finally come to this agreement between sister organisations in the interest of the safety of our passengers and improving the competence of our brave firefighters.”

NANTA Commends Tinubu over Payment of Trapped Funds

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has commended the federal government and its relevant agencies for the speedy resolution of the vexatious trapped funds of foreign airlines in Nigeria, noting that the gesture positively deepens the image of Nigeria as a destination with global rubrics on trade and investments.

President of NANTA, Yinka Folami, disclosed in Lagos that his association whose members and the Nigerian travelling public bore the major brunt of the impact of the trapped funds, is impressed with the collective strategic intervention of the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria,

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ( FCCPC), noting that their synergy and collaboration contributed to the current stability in the travel trade market in Nigeria.

The association said the International Air Transport Association (IATA) at its meeting in Dubai recently, also thumbed up the commitment of Nigeria to fully settle the issue of trapped funds of its members, appealing that the outstanding $19 million be sorted out and paid, a development NANTA also thinks is desirable to further

stabilise fare pricing in Nigeria.

“We sincerely urge the CBN to help clear the balance of 19 million dollars owed the foreign airlines and we also expect the foreign airlines to reciprocate by being further receptive in lowering fares and also to work collaboratively to stop the migration of Nigerian travel trade opportunities to cross border trading,” Folami said.

Proposing stronger and more enduring environment for stable growth of the market, NANTA president urged IATA to be more sensitive to the issues of point of sales and the worrisome shrinking Nigerian market, driven by the pattern of application of return on equity by IATA.

Anniversary: NAMA Solicits LAAC Partnership

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has canvassed for partnership and collaboration with the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) as the agency puts arrangements in top gear to mark its 25th anniversary celebrations between the 21st and 23rd of July, 2024 in Abuja.

NAMA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Alhaji Abdulahi Musa, who made this call during a courtesy visit to the association in Lagos recently, said such a partnership and synergy would not only help in propagating the event to the world but also ensure adequate sensitisation of stakeholders and the general public before and after the celebrations.

Ethiopian

The anniversary programme tagged “NAMA @ 25” would focus on the journey so far embarked upon by NAMA from inception in 1999 to date and its commitment over the years to promote and enhance the safety of air navigation in Nigeria.

“We intend to use the opportunity of this programme to showcase several milestones recorded by the agency across different administrations in the aspect of boosting and upgrading our Air Traffic Management, navigational and surveillance facilities to keep pace with global best practices as recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs),”Musa said.

According to him, “The

Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced the reinstatement of its daily passenger flights to the historic city of Axum as of June 9, 2024.

Ethiopian Airlines is resuming its flights to the city of Axum following the successful completion of extensive maintenance work on both the airfield and terminal

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu

(Advertising)

Correspondents

Emmanuel Addeh (Energy)

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporters

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Ugo Aliogo (Development)

presence and participation of aviation journalists who have been reporting the agency’s giant strides over the years would be critical to the success of the event as it would further enrich the discussions and analyses, given that most of the aviation correspondents would be reporting with the aid of their wealth of experience garnered over the years.”

Earlier in his address, the chairman of LAAC, Suleiman Idris, noted that his association had a robust working relationship with NAMA since its creation, stressing that given the technical background of the agency, the reportage of its programmes remained critical for the enlightenment of both stakeholders and the general public.

Resumes Flights to Axum

facilities, with contract amount of 290 million Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Ethiopian Airlines is committed to providing unparalleled services on this route, Sending his congratulatory message over the flight resumption, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew said: “We are truly pleased for reinstating our flights to Axum, a cultural UNESCO

World Heritage Site renowned for its cultural significance. Our return to Axum with a daily service after the massive investment on airport facility maintenance is a testament to our commitment to boost air transportation services in the country. As a national carrier, we are determined to invest in and improve our flight offerings nationwide.”

Nigeria Commended for Surpassing 225,000

Domain Names

The global community of Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has commended Nigeria for surpassing the 225,000 mark for all registered .ng domain names in the country.

The total domain names of the .ng registry increased to 225,533, according to data made available by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), which is the registry for .ng Internet Domain Names. NiRA also maintains the database of names registered in the .ng country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) in Nigeria.

The ccTLD .ng domain name is Nigeria’s identity in cyberspace, which has the .ng at the suffix of every official email address that originates from Nigeria. In the United Kingdom, official email addresses end with .co.uk. In United States of America, they end with .com, while in South Africa,

AIR WATCH

Why Asky Airlines is Dominating West, Central Africa’s Airspace

Chinedu Eze

Togo is a small country in West Africa with a population of 8.849 million as at 2022, covering an area of 21, 925 square miles, but despite its population size, Togo operates an airline that is West Africa’s best performing carrier, Asky Airlines.

With 14 aircraft in its fleet, Asky Airlines operates to 28 destinations in 26 countries in West and Central Africa with 214 flights a week with average of 22000 passengers airlifted every week, operating from its hub in Lome.

It all started from the vision of one man, Gervais Koffi G. Djondo who many years ago, approached Ethiopian Airlines for partnership to whelp a regional carrier, which started small and it is now growing into a dominant regional carrier with strong taproot in professionalism and standards.

Djondo arrived Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Capital in 2008 with an interpreter, during Air Finance for Africa Conference organised by the CEO of African Aviation Services, Nick Fadugba. Djondo made his desire clear: he requested for technical partnership for the airline he wanted to establish in Lome, Togo. That partnership at the behest of Togo is one of the best examples of collaborations in the history of airline business in Africa.

Asky Airlines was created by regional institutions, including the West African Development Bank (BOAD), the Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), and the ECOBANK Group, in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.

ASKY Airlines began operations in January 2010 and was based at Lomé-Tokoin Airport in Togo. Currently the airline flies to destinations in West and Central Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, and Cameroon. Asky’s fleet includes Airbus and Bombardier aircraft, as well as Boeing 737-700s and Boeing 737-800s.

Having fully entrenched itself in West and Central Africa, the airline is now extending its services beyond the two sub-regions to a new destination in East Africa, the hub of tourism destination in the sub-region, Kenya and also South Africa. Last week the airline in collaboration with its Kenyan partner, Jumbo Jet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways organised familiarisation tour of Kenya to strengthen the route and also chart a new market between East and West Africa.

the official email addresses end with .co.za.

In Nigeria, NiRA has carried out several campaigns to sensitise Nigerians on the need to populate the .ng domain name, including the reduction in the cost of the .ng domain name.

Nigeria got the commendation at the on-going ICANN Policy Forum (ICANN80), in Kigali, Rwanda, attended by a Nigerian team led by the President of NiRA, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya.

In her presentation at the Country Code Names Supporting Organisation (ccNSO) session, the Head of Corporate Services at NiRA, Mrs. Busayo Balogun, said the NiRA had launched a dashboard for real time updates on .ng domain name registrations, a development that helped in enhancing domain name registration.

Bu it is good to go back to the vision of those who established Asky. Togo being a small country does not have flight service for domestic destinations. Asky operations are within interstate, but in that small country, now thrives a successful carrier that is connecting people from place to place. What will surprise many is how the airline created air traffic in a place where there was none initially. Without that vision no one can imagine the possibility of having an airline in a country with zero domestic flight operations.

But the throng of passengers from different countries in West and Central Africa to the hub in Togo shows how dreams cam metamorphose to reality.

Travel expert and the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko told THISDAY in exclusive interview that Asky remained an airline that was set up from the beginning with such a plan to be a Pan-African airline.

“So, the vision is there, it is captured in the name, it is captured in everything they do. They fly to 28 destinations in 26 countries with only 14 aircraft. So from the beginning, that vision was very clear that we want to be the king of West and Central Africa. We want to be the major airline in West and Central Africa. And

within five years, they achieved that. Now they are now connecting East Africa and they are also connecting South Africa and they are now going to France. But they stayed, more than 10 years consolidating on West and Central Africa. Then they started South Africa maybe by the 10th year. They also started Nairobi by the 10th year. And they are now thinking about connecting France. Then after that, they will connect North Africa. So they have spent 10 years consolidating their operations in West and Central Africa, and today they connect almost every capital city in West Africa.

Asky has become such strong airline that it is now partnering other airlines to further expand its operations. In order to develop strong market in Kenya and subsequently East Africa, Asky decided to partner with Jumbo Jet and one of the biggest travel agencies in Africa, Satguru to deepen its presence in Kenya.

Jambojet is just 10 years old but it controls 52 per cent of Kenya’s Domestic Market. It Operates eight aircraft, all Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. It flies to 11 routes in Kenya and about to start flight service to Zanzibar. It has two hubs in Nairobi and Mombassa. It carried over 1.4m passengers last year bringing it’s total passenger uplift since 2014 to over 7.4 million. Its partnership with Asky is to reach more of Kenya from West and Central Africa. Jambojet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways is just the perfect partner to make that happen,” Uko said.

Explaining why Asky Airlines will dominate West and Central Africa for a long time, just as it forays beyond the sub-regions to other parts of Africa and Europe, Uko noted that the possibly greatest rivals of Asky Airlines in the sub-region are Nigerian airlines, but explained that from all indications, Nigerian carriers are not as focused as the Lome-based airline because their focus is different.

“I don’t see any Nigerian airline that has a vision to dominate West Africa. I don’t see a plan by any Nigerian airline to be the major player in West Africa. I have not been told, I have not seen any. The ones that are already flying, the way they have aligned their business is beyond West Africa. So until one comes that plans to be the king of West Africa, then we can start having discussions. We can’t be the hub, we are not the hub, there is no plan by any Nigerian airliner that I know to fly to every capital in West Africa. Part of what I knew Ethiopian Airlines did was when any African country that becomes independent, they try to connect a flight to those ones. So there was a long-term plan to be the masters of Africa and now it has benefited them. So there is no plan, I know, by any airline in Nigeria, maybe they have internally, but it has never been communicated publicly for outsiders like me to know that there is a plan to be the masters of West Africa,” Uko further said. This indicates that by its business strategy and focus, Asky Airlines will continue to dominate the West and Central Africa. This fits in with the two major plans of Africa to connect the countries on the continent and do business with one another, which are the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By eliminating barriers through air connection, Asky Airlines is eliminating barriers to trade and boosting intra continental commerce by connecting people and places, especially in West and Central Africa.

Boeing’s Vice-President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek, recently observed that the biggest hindrance in Africa airspace is interconnectivity, and Asky Airlines is breaking those barriers.

Airport Security as Threat to Tourism

Nigeria is losing huge revenue in the tourism market as a result of its unpreparedness to play big in the market, even though it could do more to become a major player in the tourism industry, writes Chinedu Eze

On arrival from Kenya via Lome, Togo on Monday this week, I noticed there was a small room at the arrival section of the new international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. I also noticed that those who entered the small room were delayed by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) during the process of luggage search and most times, most of the luggage were searched with hostility. Because of the exit written on top of the small room, the passenger will naturally enter the room only to be interrogated by Customs officials who could either solicit or extort passengers, depending on what the passenger has as luggage. At the Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, when passengers collect their luggage from the carousel, they pass the luggage through X-ray machine on their exit. Nobody confronts them; but if there is anything suspicious in the luggage, the passenger the luggage could be called aside.

At the Jomo Kenya International Airport, Nairobi, it is only the hand luggage that is screened by X-ray during passenger exit. Passengers don’t have to interface with anyone but their luggage will guided to the machine by a supervisor and if the passenger has issues, such passenger will be stopped by aviation security.

At the Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as the passengers arrive, they walk beside their luggage while it passes through screening and there is no interface with Customs officials, all these are carried out by multiple tasking Aviation Security or Police.

So, one of the things that count against Nigeria in the development of tourism, is the attitude of the officials of government agencies at the airport. A foreigner who is visiting may likely feel harassed at the airport, both at arrival and departure.

In Kenya, one would feel the welcoming, friendly attitude of the airport staff and agencies involved in passenger processing, down to the taxies that take passengers to town. Members of hotel staff are equally very friendly, and that creates the welcoming atmosphere a traveller feels in another country.

THE TOURISM MARKET

Globally, travel and tourism’s direct contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was approximately $7.7 trillion in 2022, according to statista.com.

Africa’s travel and tourism sector has more than doubled in value in the past two decades, contributing 5.9 per cent to Africa’s GDP and generating approximately $168 billion in tourism receipts in 2022.

In 2021, Nigeria generated around $265.00 million in the tourism sector alone. This corresponds to 0.056 per cent of its gross domestic product and approximately 23 per cent of all international tourism receipts in Western Africa.

It is believed that if Nigeria has the right approach to tourism, it could multiply its revenue from tourism and raise its contribution to GDP to about four per cent in less than 10 years.

NIGERIA’S TOURISM PROSPECTS

Travel and tourism experts are of the view that Nigeria has great prospects when it comes to tourism. A country with diverse landscape, beautiful scenery and many destinations with historic significance should have a thriving tourism sector.

According to Nigeria’s tourism info guide, there are service industries that stand to benefit from tourism, which include: hospitality services such as hotels and resorts, transportation services such as airlines, cruise boats, trains, and cabs, food services such as restaurants, entertainment services such as amusement parks, theatres, cinemas, music venues and comedy centres, local craftsmen like souvenir makers, shopping malls. This is because when people travel they spend money on essentials like accommodation, transport, food and others, but experts posit that there is lack of commitment and political will on the side of government in addition to insecurity and infrastructure deficit.

KENYA’S SUCCESS

According to travel expert, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, Kenya is ramping up its tourism arrivals.

“It is almost at two million arrivals targeting three million in 12 months. They have eased Visa processes. They want more Africans to visit. ASKY, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines, Rwandair, connects West Africa to Nairobi. Kenya Airways has increased flights to Lagos by 10 times weekly. Africa is rising fast, which is a good development,” Uko said.

Confirming Ambassador Uko’s comment, Josephine Mbela from the Kenya Tourism Board, who made a presentation to the team on familiarisation tour of Kenya, bankrolled by Asky Airlines and Jambo Jet, Kenya Airways subsidiary, said some of the main reasons why tourists visit Kenya is because of certain factors, which include wildlife experience, good climate, accessible coastline and historic sites.

“As a tourist in Kenya, you’ll be fascinated by the rich and diverse cultural heritage that stems from the country’s early trading roots. Kenya’s strategic location along the eastern coast of Africa made it an important hub for trade between the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent, and the African interior. The early trade routes that crisscrossed the region had a profound impact on the local communities, shaping their economic, social, and cultural development,” Mbela said.

According to Kenya Tourism Board, the impact of these early trade routes on local communities was immense. Trade brought prosperity, wealth, and economic opportunities to the coastal towns, leading to the rise of powerful Swahili city-states. These city-states flourished as centers of trade, attracting

merchants, artisans, and scholars from different parts of the world. The cultural fusion that resulted from these interactions is still evident today in the architecture, cuisine, language, and customs of the coastal communities.

DEVELOPING AFRICAN TOURISM

Uko acknowledged that tourism in Africa is growing, especially Africans visiting African tourist destinations on the continent. For example, Nigerians visit different countries in Africa and enjoy whatever they offer in terms of tourist attractions.

“About 35,000 Nigerians travelled to Kenya in 2023. The Kenyan tourism board wants to double that number. And to double that number, Nigerians come to Kenya for two things. So now, Asky Airlines brings you from West Africa and the Jambo Jet airline can take you anywhere you want to go in Kenya. Now we are doing Mombasa, we are doing Nairobi. We want to travel to more destinations so that is where Jambo Jet kicks in. It begins to extend you beyond Nairobi and Mombasa,” Uko said.

He projected that in future more Africans will be visiting African destinations. More than they do to other parts of the world.

“I am seeing more visit to Africa by Africans; remember I am Pan-African first of all. I am seeing more Africans travel within Africa. So the combination of more African destinations opens up Africa for Africans. The same way someone in Mombasa wants to go to Bangui, wants to go to Conakry, and wants to go to a destination that Asky covers. So instead of flying just from here, Mombasa, it takes Jambo Jet to Nairobi and he is there. So it helps in the vision of opening up Africa for more Africans,” he further said.

Uko noted that more Africans were discovering Africa, but many of them still have the colonial mentality that the best things are outside Africa.

“But there is a new generation who do hiking, who do beach-hogging, who are into all this adventure and the best adventures are in Africa. The generation that is coming and moving into the travel space and looking for adventures and experience, and that is not what you get outside Africa. So for someone who had worked for the past 30 years to promote Africa as a destination for Africa, I would say I am happy with the way the young Africans are seeing Africa. They are seeing Africa as a continent. And thanks to the football competitions, AFCON and the rest of them, more of them are getting to know other countries in Africa. My generation grew up only knowing our country and Europe. But there is a whole lot of changes that have happened in Africa with the internet, with all these fights on Twitter and the rest of them. Those things are positive, Nigeria has attacked Kenya and Kenya has attacked Uganda. We

get to know each other’s countries. Because the problem in Africa is you fear what you don’t know. And what you don’t know is usually what you have never experienced,” he added.

TOURISM AND VISA ON ARRIVAL

Uko identified reasons why Nigeria may not join the fray and develop its tourism sector. “The first barrier with Nigeria is visa. Our government has not figured out how to make Nigeria a destination. They have never asked people like us, before we could tell them visa on arrival is the easiest way to open up for all Africans. Now the government issued a statement in 2018-2019 and saying Nigeria will issue visa on arrival. Now it was done badly; I can tell you. It was not done very well. Even at that, as we are now mastering it and improving on it, government has just added first $90 biometric charge. So if your visa was $25 before, it is now $100 something. Then this year, government has now changed the biometric to $190. So there is no visa coming to Nigeria that is less than $200. Why would you be charging fellow Africans $200 in this economy just for visa? That is terrible. That’s one,” Uko said.

LOCAL GUIDES

He said that despite the well-published insecurity fears, tourists still come to Nigeria and visit many places but the visitors must depend on the local guides.

“Nigeria is secure in most of the places the tourists will go to. We have not had issues of tourists having problems in Lagos. We have not had issues of people having problems in Enugu, in Uyo, in Port Harcourt, in Abuja, right? Even in Kano. So for most people who are in tourism business, you must be guided. Don’t just come pack your bag and say you are going to Kutuwenchi for tourism. Then you turn out and say Nigeria is not secure. No, you are not wise. There is a hiking epidemic happening in Nigeria now. Every weekend, or thereabout, more than 10,000 hikers are moving around Nigeria. There is never a sad story. The only sad one we had was a guy who drowned in the waterfall in Nassarawa two years ago. But these hikers are moving because they do due diligence, they take local guides.

“So, but for people who don’t know how tourism works, you say, oh, it’s unsafe. Why? You carried your bag without even talking to the local guide. No. We are in Mombasa now. There is a local guide, more than one, who knows the environment, who take us around. So if you walk with a guide in Nigeria, you can go anywhere. As I am talking to you now, last week, some of my mentees went to Yobe to do the desert. You know what I mean? Once you have a local guide, the local guide will take you around. So, yes, there are seasons of insecurity. There are spots of banditry. But once a local is involved are good to go. You have to have a local security,” Uko further said.

Salvaging Economies, Businesses

Driven by the belief that business should be a force for good, Cavista Holdings appears not deterred by the current economic challenges as it consistently unites capital, expertise and partnerships to unlock opportunities in the world’s most undeserved regions, writes Raheem Akingbolu

In the last two years, perhaps the most disturbing news in Nigeria has been about multinational companies exiting the market. The most recent being Kimberly-Clark, which, last week, announced it has made the decision to exit its business in Nigeria after almost 15 years. The company stated that the decision was as a result of its recently refocused strategic priorities globally as well as economic developments in the country.

While the news of a few companies’ exit has given stakeholders concern, the effort of Cavista Holdings to turn businesses around in Nigeria and Botswana as pilot countries to fulfil its mission to be the most successful investment and holding company in Africa, has remained like a light at the end of the tunnel. With the support of its global partner, Axxess, a leading innovator in home healthcare technology around the world, Cavista’s presence in Nigeria has led to various strategic investments in agriculture, energy, hospitality, mining, and technology.

During a recent visit to the company’s Ilupeju, Lagos office, the management took this reporter through the process of providing software solutions to an array of clients in various sectors of the nation’s economy, using some of the world’s best technology solutions. It was stated that Cavista ensures the highest level of client satisfaction through a global network of innovation, adding that its software solutions are custom-built to accommodate each of the client’s needs and requirements.

Perhaps the best way to appreciate the company’s impact in the Agriculture and Hospitality sector is the volume of its investment in Ekiti State. Two years ago, Cavista came to the rescue of the state to give a facelift to, and reposition the multi-billion naira worth Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center. Within a few months, Ikogosi became a beauty to behold.

Today, the result of the investment is already bearing fruits; attracting patronage and clinching awards. For instance, last month, the Cavista Conference Hall at the resort wore a new look for the Nigerian Institute of Architects General Meeting which took place there. Earlier, it has played host to Speakers from the various states of the federation, the Ekiti State House of Assembly members as well as hosting a conference of

the state’s traditional rulers, among others.

Last year, it won the Best Holiday Resort in Nigeria at the Hotel Managers Conference, held in Owerri, Imo State. The Executive Director, Cavista Holdings, Dele Odufuye, had declared while briefing Journalists after the award that Cavista was committed to making Nigeria attractive for hospitality through its investment in Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort.

Through Agbeyewa Farms, a division of the investment company, a partnership arrangement is currently ongoing between Ekiti State Government and Cavista to enhance food security and job creation in the state.

To this end, it has embarked on agribusiness through what it tagged, ‘cassava revolution’ - a multi-billion-naira Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Agbeyewa Farms and the Ekiti State Government to cultivate cassava on a large scale in the state (with an initial target of 100,000 hectares) through an out-grower program. Among other objectives, this is expected to boost employment,

“With the support of its global partner, Axxess, a leading innovator in home healthcare technology around the world, Cavista’s presence in Nigeria has led to various strategic investments in agriculture, energy, hospitality, mining, and technology.”

CAVISTA Holdings; the Ikun Dairy Farm by Promasidor, as well as other successful investments in the state. These were also attested to by other speakers.

On the sideline of the summit, Oyebanji signed a multi-billion-naira 100,000 hectares Cassava Revolution MOU with Agbeyewa. He described the new deal as a game changer that would provide massive job opportunities for the youths and drive industrialization in the state. He urged other investors to consider investing in the state’s knowledge zone, the Special Agric Processing Zone among other areas. The Chairman/ CEO Cavista Holdings, Mr John Olajide, corroborated the position of Oyebanji by declaring that job creation was the main focus of the multi-million dollar investment in Ekiti. He described Ekiti as a good place to invest. After the summit, the governor was also said to have paid a working visit to the corporate headquarters of Axxess, (the parent company of Cavista in Dallas, United States of America. He also held a series of other meetings with other development partners including Power Africa, DFC and UNFA.

improve food security, encourage sustainable farming methods and reduce post-harvest losses for farmers. In the previous years, post-harvest losses for farmers in the area was said to be around 50%.

At the 2024 US- Africa Business Summit, which was attended by global business leaders, heads of national and sub- national governments, policy makers, investors and institutions, Cavista and its parent company, Axxess, were celebrated for their contribution to the world’s economy. Though Nigeria Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who was to lead Nigerian delegates to the summit, canceled at the last minute, due to logistic reasons, top government functionaries from Nigeria, including the Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji participated in the three-day summit.

For Oyebanji and his team, the US trip provided a fresh opportunity for the state and the investment company to consolidate their business relationship. Of course, the summit, which was organised by the Corporate Council on Africa, provided an ample opportunity for Governor Oyebanji to further push the narrat ive about Ekiti development to a global audience.

The governor was quoted to have declared Ekiti as a state with huge potential waiting to be tapped as he cited the success stories of the turnaround of Ikogosi Warm Springs by

Meanwhile, Cavista has continued to emphasise that it has no regrets investing in Nigeria and Ekiti State in particular, pointing out that its decision has been driven by the desire to create thousands of jobs for Nigerians. In a strategic move to extend the hand of fellowship to the Federal Government and Ekiti State, the Chairman of Cavista Holdings and the Corporate Council on Africa Chairman, Mr. John Olajide, had joined top officials of the American Embassy led by the Charge d’Affaires, David Green, and the Consul General, William Stevens to the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu in the State House Abuja and the Ekiti State Governor, in Ado Ekiti. The purpose of the Ekiti meeting was to solicit support and partnership in achieving the state’s development goals in some areas, such as agriculture, renewable energy, investment, and healthcare delivery.

According to a source within the Ekiti Government House, the state’s interest, especially in the area of healthcare delivery, was fueled by the accomplishments of Cavista’s global partner -Axxess in the US, where it has continued to create value and transform lives while promoting global economic development. Axxess offers a variety of solutions, including home healthcare software, revenue cycle management, patient engagement tools, data analytics and coordination platforms. The group’s goal is to empower healthcare professionals with innovative technology, enabling them to deliver high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences.

Oyebanji

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

Kwara, FCMB Promote Responsible, Inclusive Agricultural Investments

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Government of Kwara State has partnered with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to enhance the ease of doing business across the state under the World Bank-funded State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme.

The SABER programme will foster public-private partnerships, investments, improved land and tax administration, and infrastructure development.

To ensure successful implementation, the Kwara State Government and FCMB jointly organised a workshop in Ilorin recently, focusing on the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive LandIntensive Agricultural Investments (FRILIA). The workshop, attended by government officials, farmers,

community leaders, and agribusiness stakeholders, addressed the social and environmental aspects of land allocation, promoting climate-smart farming practices and protecting the ecosystem in line with global best practices.

Kwara State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Hauwa Nuru, described the adoption of SABER and FRILIA as another significant milestone for the state, highlighting the commitment of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration to sustainable development.

Nuru stated: “Our goal is to improve agricultural practices by elevating land-intensive agricultural investments in Kwara State to international standards, ensuring long-term benefits for future generations. We will explore the framework, including strate-

gies for valuation, resettlement, compensation, community needs, food security, successful models, regulatory frameworks, and support mechanisms. Leveraging our extensive land resources, we are committed to driving sustainable economic development.”

Managing Director and CEO of First City Monument Bank, Mrs. Yemisi Edun, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in communities across Nigeria by building a supportive ecosystem that connects people, capital and markets.

She said: “The SABER fund and FRILIA will promote harmony, attract investment to Kwara State, create jobs and wealth, reduce rural-urban migration, and ensure prosperity for individuals, communities, and the nation”.

‘Customs Rejected N1.5m Bribe from Suspected Vandals’

The Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has said it rejected the N1.5m bribe offered by Vandals involved in the vandalisation of railway tracks.

The Area Comptroller of the command Kamal Muhammad made the disclosure while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Sokoto.

He explained that on the 8th of June 2024, operatives of the Command clampdown on a notorious cartel that specializes in vandalisation of railway tracks.

Controller Muhammad stated that a truck conveying a 20 feet container laden with vandal-

ized railway tracks along with three suspects were intercepted by the Command monitoring team at Kajiji along Kebbi road.

He further said that the suspects could not tender evidence of allocation from the Federal Ministry of Transport, instead made an overture to bribe the officers with 1.5 million Naira and even making anadvance cash offer of N300, 000. He boss noted that out of patriotism and integrity, the Officers chose the path of honour by detaining the suspects at the Command Headquarters.

He maintained that, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense (NSCDC) is the Agency mandated to secure Critical

National assets, conforming with the Collaboration Policy thrust of the CGC, the Area Command will hand over the Suspects, the truck, and its content and the sum of N300,000 Naira cash to the Commander NSCDC Sokoto Command for further investigation and prosecution.

In another development the command said in compliance to the Control General of Customs’s (CGC’) matching order to seal up all routes used for the smuggling of petroleum products, the Zone “ B” whirlwind tactical team with reinforcement by Officers and men of Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command intercepted 11, 270liters of premium motor spirit (PMS) popular called petrol.

WACT Empowers 150 Students to Produce Eco-Friendly Reusable Sanitary Pads

In recognition of World Menstrual Hygiene Day on Tuesday May 28, West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) partnered with Dofy Global to empower 150 students of Government Secondary School, Onne, Rivers State, one of its host communities, with a training on how to produce eco-friendly reusable sanitary pads to break the stigma surrounding menstruation.

Speaking during the event to mark the World Menstrual Hygiene Day, WACT Community Relations Manager, Justin Okwuofu said the company decided to celebrate the 2024 World Menstrual Hygiene Day as a way of breaking the taboo of public discussion on menstruation.

He also said the Menstrual Justice Programme addresses the first three thematics of the company’s Corporate Social

Responsibility (CSR) interventions namely Health, Education, Training & Development.

“When we started the Menstrual Justice Programme in late 2023, the aim was to train students (female and male) on how to produce reuseable eco-friendly pads. Apart from the stigma, shame, exclusion, and taboos associated with menstruators, the conventional disposable pads cost between $1.3 to $ 1.9 per pack and the average girl cannot afford this,” he said.

Also speaking, the WACT Senior People Business Partner, Chinelo Obienyem said that celebrating the World Menstrual Hygiene Day gave WACT a platform to make positive impact on the host community’s awareness and understanding of menstrual hygiene particularly, as it

concerns the girl child.

“World Menstrual Hygiene Day is an important awareness day, and WACT is taking action to make a positive impact. By teaching the girls how to make eco-friendly sanitary pads and providing materials, we are not only helping them manage their periods with dignity but also empowering them with valuable skills and knowledge,” Obienyem said.

The CEO and Principal Partner, Dufy Global, Victor Akubor said the celebration of the World Menstrual Hygiene Day and the training one eco-friendly pad production was as a result of the poor menstrual health and hygiene exacerbating social and economic inequalities amongst some girls and women which also negatively impacts their education, health, safety, and human development.

Dupe Olusolo Joins Save the Children UK Africa Advisory Board

Kayode Toekde

The Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, Dupe Olusola has been appointed to Save the Children UK’s Africa Advisory Board. According to a statement, she will be bringing into the philanthropy a wealth of experience in leadership, strategic development, and community engagement.

The statement further said, “Under her visionary leadership, Transcorp Hotels Plc has achieved impressive milestones and contributed significantly to its parent company Transcorp Group’s purpose of improving lives and transforming Africa. Dupe Olusola’s commitment

to excellence and passion for transformative change aligns perfectly with Save the Children’s core values and objectives.

“Her extensive expertise and deep insights will be invaluable as the organisation continues its mission to create a sustainable impact for children across the continent.”

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00 the previous Thursday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC

following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

L-R: Principal Partner/CEO, Dufy Global, Victor Akubor; Executive Director, Centre for Creative Development Strategies (CCDS), Nancy Iheduru; Librarian, Government Secondary School, Onne, Deborah Ogosu and Community Relations Manager, West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Justin Okwuofu, at an event organised by WACT to mark the World Menstrual Hygiene Day at Government Secondary School, Onne, Rivers State… recently

Onuminya Innocent

GTCO Issues Notice of Pr oposed N500bn Public Offering

Kayode Tokede

Guaranty Trust Holding Company

Plc (GTCO) Plc, has filed a preliminary “red herring” prospectus (Red Herring Prospectus) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in connection with a proposed offering for subscription of ordinary shares of 50 kobo each in its share capital (the Ordinary Shares) to raise gross proceeds of up to N500 billion. The number of Ordinary Shares

to be offered and the price range for the Proposed Offering have not yet been determined.

According to the notice cited, the notice is issued in reliance on Rule 283 of the Rules & Regulations of the Securities & Exchange Commission, Nigeria.

The notice read in part, “This notice does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any offer, solicitation or offer to buy, or any sale of securities will be made only

by a prospectus duly registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria (SEC) in accordance with the provisions of the Investments and Securities Act, No. 29, 2007 (the Act) and the rules and regulations of the SEC made pursuant to the Act (the SEC Rules).

Stating the purpose of the proposed offering, the notice further read that, “The net proceeds of the Proposed Offering will be used for (i) the growth

and expansion of the GTCOPLC Group’s businesses. Such planned growth and expansion will be effected through investments in technology infrastructure to fortify existing operations, the establishment of new subsidiaries and selective acquisitions of non-banking businesses; and (ii) the recapitalisation of Guaranty Trust Bank Limited”.

Identifying the target investors, the notice read that, “The Proposed Offering is structured as

an institutional offering targeted at eligible investors and a retail offering within Nigeria (the Nigerian Tranche) and a private placing to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers outside Nigeria (the International Tranche)”. The Proposed Offering is anticipated to open by July, 2024.

The filing of the Red Herring Prospectus was undertaken with a concurrent filing of a preliminary universal shelf registration statement. The universal shelf

registration will permit GTCOPLC to establish a multi-currency securities issuance programme (the Programme) to issue various types of securities, or any combination of such securities, in one or more offerings, from time to time, to raise proceeds in an aggregate amount of up to U.S.$750 million (or equivalent amount in Nigerian Naira) in the Nigerian/international capital markets during the validity period of the Programme.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JUNE 13/24

Abdullahi Ahmed: Leaving an Indelible Mark through Service to Humanity

The member representing Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency in Katsina State, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed is leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of history because of his service to humanity. Writes Francis Sardauna

As a trained, urbane and avid believer in the integrity of hard work and merit in all facets of human endeavours, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Interior has lived a life of selflessness and sacrifice for the good of the greater society.

He has led a revolutionary leadership since he mounted the saddle as the lawmaker representing Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency of Katsina State. As a highly cosmopolitan Nigerian, he does not discriminate on the grounds of tribe, religion, political or geography.

He has a super knack for listening, which makes it easy for him to accommodate all shades of opinions and leanings. Forever in a pursuit of knowledge, Ahmed believes that it is in the maze of the exchange of ideas, convictions and discussions that the best in people and issues can sprout.

The legislator has an enduring disposition to the welfare of the poor and needy in the society. This has informed his charity works and contributions over the years and personal sacrifices for the education and transformation of vulnerable households and underprivileged within and outside his constituency.

In fact, no person with need ever leaves Ahmed’s presence without receiving some form of succour. Many citizens of Musawa/ Matazu constituency and other Nigerians within and outside the state have set up flourishing businesses and entrepreneurship centres as a result of his benevolence.

His public life has been driven by a quest for a society where the wealthy and strong must use their expertise, educational backgrounds and strength to ensure a system where the weak can find space and encouragement to excel in all ramifications.

The Talban-Musawa mission has been and is still the defence of the superiority of the law and the social contract to manage for public good, public treasury entrusted to his watch, hence, his transparency and accountability in managing constituency funds since he assumed office as the federal lawmaker.

His quest for and pursuit of the general good has benefited immensely from his humane character and forgiving heart, and his rare leadership qualities have been acknowledged by his colleagues as equal to none because he has established a constituency office where issues are raised and resolved.

From bolstering infrastructure to ensuring equitable access to quality education by his constituents irrespective of their political and religious affiliations, Ahmed’s aged-long vision has empowered the youth and women, fostering a generation capable of steering the constituency and the state towards a brighter and sustainable future.

The chairman, house committee on interior’s unflinching efforts transcends political rhetoric of the constituency, embodying a commitment and determination to ensure that every constituent

enjoys the fundamental right to a healthy and fulfilling life. His humane character led to his recent donation of free medicare items worth millions of naira to hundreds of women and newborn babies at Matazu General hospital. He sponsored the conduct of Caesarean section (CS) for 1,000 people and distributed delivery kits to 1,500 expectant mothers in the area.

As a beacon of hope and transformative representation, the lawmaker also distributed 9,000 bags of rice, spaghetti and macaroni as Ramadan palliatives to his constituents and inaugurated a state-of-the-art mosque at Tuge community. He has been an example in the service of humanity.

Determined to leave an indelible mark on the canvas of history, the lawmaker had renovated the maternity ward, isolation centre and laboratory room of the Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Centre, Matazu.

Scanning, microscope, genotype testing machines and two power generating sets as well as beds were among other items purchased by the young Talban Musawa for efficient and effective service delivery

“Unarguably, Ahmed’s enviable legacy extends beyond the temporal confines of a political career. His dedication and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Musawa/Matazu constituency, has etched his name into the annals of exemplary leadership. His nationalistic vision, leadership by consensus, and his popularity with people across party, religion and ethnic lines, had earned him their trust to lead the House of Representatives Committee on Interior.”

in the hospital.

The astute politician has built a centre with modern apparatus for the rehabilitation and reformation of drug addicts and offenders in Musawa. The centre is providing counselling and rehabilitation services to drug users, patient detoxification as well as social reintegration by assessing their physical and mental health in order to stem the tide of drug addiction.

Over 40 hospital beds were purchased by the philanthropist and donated to Kurkujan Primary Health Centre. He renovated Dissi Health Centre and equipped the facility with beddings. He constructed seven boreholes across the ward to address the age-long problem of water scarcity in the area.

Recognizing that true empowerment begins with knowledge, Ahmed has spearheaded initiatives that have revolutionised the educational landscape of the constituency.

He built and equipped a block of twoclassrooms with a befitting staff room and a store at Jikamshi Community Secondary School in Musawa.

He also constructed two-block of classrooms at Dankande community secondary school with one staff office and a store for the take-off of the community school.

He equally constructed two-block of four classrooms at Dissi community Islamiyya School in Matazu local government.

The Islamic school, according to its teachers, has since admitted over 500 pupils in the predominantly farmers’ community thereby supporting the state government’s efforts in tackling the spate of out-of-school children.

He also doled out N3,000,000 for the renovation and rehabilitation of a mosque in Sabon-layi and constructed another Islamic school in Malikaji community in Karachi ward of Musawa local government.

Ahmed has granted educational scholarships to about 500 vulnerable children whose parents cannot afford their school fees. This gesture had drastically reduced

the illiteracy ratio because many children have been enrolled in both conventional and Islamic schools in the areas.

He has constructed six toilets and a motorised borehole at Government Day Girls Secondary School, Musawa and six other boreholes at different cemeteries and in some strategic locations in all the political wards of Musawa/Matazu federal constituency.

The lawmaker renovated the dam, purchased and distributed over 100 water pumping machines to irrigation farmers in Matazu A ward. He rehabilitated and equipped the Primary Healthcare Centre in Matazu B ward with state-of-the-art facilities thereby tackling the lack of adequate health centres in the area.

Five boreholes and a two-block of classrooms with a staff office were constructed by the lawmaker at Kogari ward. In the Karadua ward, he constructed a hospital at Runfar Yar Tsaminya and rehabilitated the Karadua hospital, and donated N2,000,000 for the renovation of Nasarawa mosque.

To stem the spate of unemployment in the constituency, the lawmaker had secured employment slots for constituents into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), amongst others.

In Gwarjo ward, Ahmed renovated the community hospital, distributed 120 bags of fertiliser and 50 water pumping machines to both irrigation and wet season farmers in the area. While in Mazoji A, he had built a befitting Friday Mosque and four boreholes for residents of the community.

As if that was not enough, he distributed 100 bags of fertiliser and 50 water pumping machines to farmers in the area. He also renovated their hospital and constructed a dem for them at Fafu to boost irrigation farming in the agrarian community.

Some farmers in Sayaya ward also smile home recently with 20 water pumping machines and 40 bags of fertiliser courtesy of the life-transforming politician. Another dam was also constructed by him in Garu ward as well as a block of classrooms at Tashar Nababa primary school.

Aside from the infrastructural projects he executed across the Musawa/Matazu federal constituency, Ahmed has assisted different communities, individuals and corporate organisations with cash amounting to millions of nairas to help cushion their economic hardship and improve their livelihood.

His endless assistance to victims of banditry and natural disaster in the constituency is arguably the first and only political gladiator to have done this within his constituency, is well gazetted and will remain indelible in the minds of the constituents even as they await more projects in the constituency.

He has also provided resettlement packages worth millions of naira for internally displaced persons in the constituency and other parts of the state, giving financial support to families of those who lost their loved ones. He also recognized and rewarded academic and creative excellence in different communities in the constituency.

The young Talban Musawa has distributed over 8000 bags of millets, rice, sugar and spaghetti to vulnerable people in the two local governments to tackle their hardship during the Holy months of Ramadan. He equally doled out hundreds of rams, clothing and cash to the constituents during each Sallah celebration.

He always defends the interest and welfare of the residents of the two local governments irrespective of religion, tribal or political affiliations. He has become a legendary example for his fearless commitment to always stand on the side of his people as their champion and his humane and benevolent spirit especially for the vulnerable has been unparalleled for years.

Ahmed

COMMANDING THE STAGE...

Emirate Tussle: Federal High Court Affirms

Jurisdiction on Suit Against Kano Govt

Police ban Sallah durbar activities during Eid-el-Kabir celebration

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano.

The Federal High Court sitting in Kano has ruled against Kano State Government and others challenging its jurisdiction to entertain a suit on fundamental human rights instituted by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan'agundi over the Kano emirate tussle.

The ruling came as the state police command announced a total ban on all Sallah Durbar activities following the requests by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, to conduct Durbar activities ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Delivering the ruling on jurisdiction yesterday, the presiding judge, Justice Abdullahi M. Liman, ruled that the court had jurisdiction to entertain the matter concerning the applicant's fundamental human rights. Liman gave the ruling relying

on Section 42, sub-section 1, and Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, in connection with the emirship tussle.

Reacting to the ruling, the counsel to the second and third respondents, Ibrahim Wangida, promised to meet with his client and decide whether or not they will appeal the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

Dan'Agundi had approached the court seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights, which he said had been violated by the state government by removing Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano.

Joined in the suit are Kano State Government, as the first respondent, Kano State House of Assembly (second), Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly (third), Attorney General of Kano State (fourth), Kano State Commissioner of Police (fifth), Inspector General of Police (IGP)

Edo 2024: Ex-APC Vice Chair, Inegbeniki Urges Esan People to Rally Round PDP’s Ighodalo

Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, a former vice chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Francis Inegbeniki, has urged Edo people of Esan extraction to rally round their best and ensure the emergence of a credible and competent candidate with the knowledge and expertise to drive the State’s development.

Inegbeneki said the people of Edo Central Senatorial District are proud people who are known for bringing their best foot forward, producing two professors in the past as governors, including Prof. Ambrose Alli and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor respectively.

He argued that Esan can afford to produce a mediocre in 2024, 24 years after begging and negotiating for a shot at the governorship seat.

The former APC vice chairman, who recently resigned his membership of the APC, spoke when he was hosted at Epicures Place, GRA, Benin City, by its Chief Executive Officer and National Coordinator, Esan Agenda, Mr. Ebenezer Legbedion.

He noted that credibility, character, and competence must be the basis for the election of the next Edo state governor. With his pedigree, network

and professional standing, the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo , he said, embodies these qualities and is miles ahead of other candidates on the ballot, especially those of Esan extraction.

According to him: “We have been in the wilderness, begging and negotiating with the people of Edo North and Edo South Senatorial Districts to give us a chance at the governorship seat. After 24 years, God has now given us an opportunity to produce a governor of Esan extraction.

“Esan people, let me advise you, we must not fall short of what we have been doing, we must produce a governor with the three Cs: a man with good character, a man with capacity, and a man that is competent.”

He added: “Esan people, if you want to be respected in Edo State, produce your best; don’t bring a mediocre, don’t bring somebody that can’t do the job. We are a proud people, we must not disgrace ourselves. We must produce our best.

“We have produced two professors as governors, and after 24 years, we have the opportunity to produce another governor of Esan extraction, we must bring our best foot forward as we always do.”

(sixth), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Services (DSS) as seventh and eighth respondents, respectively.

Liman adjourned the matter till Friday for hearing of all pending applications, saying the case is too sensitive to be dragged for too long.

Police Ban Sallah Durbar Activities

During Eid-el-Kabir Celebration

As part of measures to avert clashes between supporters of the Emir of Kano, Sanusi, and the deposed Emir, Bayero, especially, during the sallah festivities, the police placed a total ban on Durbar-related issues to ensure law and order during and after the Sallah period.

A statement issued yesterday by the command's spokesman, Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the police urged worshippers to conduct their normal Eid prayers at the various designated Eid praying grounds, as traditionally done in the past.

The statement added, "Adequate security deployments have been arranged to maintain law and order before, during, and after the festive period.

"In anticipation of the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations, the Kano State Police Command has announced a series of security measures, including a ban on all Durbar activities throughout the state.

"The police congratulated Muslim faithful and law-abiding residents for witnessing another Eid-El-Kabir and assured that

adequate security deployments have been arranged to maintain law and order before, during, and after the festive period.”

The command called for continued cooperation from all stakeholders to collectively build a safer and more secure environment.

The decision to ban the traditional Sallah durbar activities might not be unconnected with a circular attributed to the deposed emir, Ado Bayero, inviting all the district heads to participate in the upcoming traditional Sallah Durbar in the state.

FG, States to Know Fate as Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on LG Autonomy Refuses to join state assemblies

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Supreme Court yesterday reserved its judgment in the suit filed by the federal government, seeking the autonomy of Local Government Councils in the country.

A seven-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Garba Lawal made the announcement shortly after lawyers to the parties adopted their written addresses for and against the federal government's suit.

The apex court had on May 30, ordered the 36 state governors to file their respective defence in the suit within seven days and fixed June 13, for hearing.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi

(SAN) had on behalf of the federal government sued the 36 states over the manner the governors are running the LGAs.

In the suit marked: SC/ CV/343/2024, the AGF prayed the apex court for an order prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically-elected local government executives.

When the matter came up yesterday, the AGF, who informed the apex court that all the states had complied with its orders, urged the panel to discountenance the preliminary objection of the states to the suit and grant the reliefs sought from the court.

However, the defendants all argued otherwise and urged the panel to

dismiss the suit for lacking in merit.

Earlier, the apex court declined to entertain applications from Kebbi, Ondo and some other state Houses of Assembly, seeking to be joined as interested parties.

Justice Lawal had told Mr Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), who had announced appearance for the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, that the apex court does not have jurisdiction to hear the application.

The position of the apex court shut out other applicants seeking to be joined.

Fagbemi, in the originating summons, is praying the Supreme Court for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the

Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors. He also sought an order of the apex court stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognised and guaranteed democratic system. Besides, the federal government also applied for an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents and privies from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefits of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states.

Meta to Reduce Workforce in Nigeria after Global Layoffs

Emma Okonji

Meta, which operates Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, yesterday said it would reduce its office space in Lagos after its global layoffs in mid 2023 affected its Nigerian team.

Meta said this in a statement that it would reduce its office space in Nigeria, a development that will lead to reduction of its workforce in Nigeria.

According to the statement: “We are making focused, balanced investments to support our most strategic long-term

priorities, and are firmly committed to Nigeria.

“We regularly review our office spaces to ensure they suit the needs of the business, and the office in Nigeria is no different as outlined by Mark (Zuckerberg) in late 2022 when referencing company cuts.

As the company’s shrinks its real estate footprint, it stated that it was transitioning to desk sharing for people, who already spend most of their time outside the office.

Meta, in 2023 laid off staff globally.

The company’s engineering team, which had several employees according to a 2022 report, was laid off.

According to Meta: "Engineers continue to serve the region from a number of our global engineering hubs outside of Nigeria,” Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, had in 2022, explained some of the challenges facing the company.

He said: "At the start of COVID, the world rapidly moved online and the surge of e-commerce led to outsized revenue growth. Many people

predicted this would be a permanent acceleration that would continue even after the pandemic ended.

“ I did too, so I made the decision to significantly increase our investments. Unfortunately, this did not play out the way I expected. Not only has online commerce returned to prior trends, but the macroeconomic downturn, increased competition, and ads signal loss have caused our revenue to be much lower than I’d expected. I got this wrong, and I take responsibility for that.

L-R: Former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) veteran broadcasters, Shola Omole; Bisi Olatilo; Author of the book “Command Your Stage” and NTA News Anchor veteran, Bimbo Oloyode; other NTA veterans, Danladi Bako and Waheed Olagunju at the public presentation of the book at Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos...recently

SENATE COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT VISIT TO NEPC...

L-R: Member, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adegbonmire;

Troops Kill Dreaded Terrorism Kingpin, Buhari Yadi, 197 Other Terrorists, Destroy 43 Illegal Refining Sites

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said troops across all theatres of operation across the country killed no fewer than 197 terrorists, apprehended 310, and uncovered and demobilised 43 illegal refining sites in one week.

DHQ stated that a deadly terrorism kingpin, Buhari Alhaji Halidu, popularly known as Buhari Yadi, who had been terrorising communities in the North-west, had also been killed by troops of Operation Whirl Punch.

However, DHQ regretted the loss of no fewer than nine personnel in action in Zamfara State alone, but said it apprehended 22 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 251 kidnapped hostages within the period under review.

Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, made the disclosures during a press briefing in Abuja. Buba also revealed that

troops in the South-south region denied economic saboteurs of an estimated sum of over N700 million within the same period.

He said troops recovered 728,360 litres of stolen crude oil, 143,450 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,100 litres of DPK and 18,750 litres of petrol. On recovered arms and ammunition, Buba said, "Troops recovered 180 assorted weapons and 5,123 assorted ammunition. The breakdown are as follows: two PKT guns, one fabricated Arty gun, one G3 rifle, 73 AK-47 rifles, 17 locally fabricated guns, 21 dane guns, two pump action guns, two revolver rifles, one short dane gun, three double barrel guns, three single barrel guns, one pistol, four locally fabricated pistols, five fabricated beretta pistols, one beretta pistol, one jojeff magnum pump action gun, one Exp 64 semi auto rifle, 10 hand grenades, three 60mm mortar bombs, bandoliers and 10 fabricated Arty bombs. Four vehicles, 47 motorcycles, 21 mobile phones and the sum of N1,236,200.00 as well as CFA

NCDC: 30 Deaths in 30 States as Cholera Outbreak Hits Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has alerted the public to the increasing trend of cholera cases across the country as the rainy season intensifies.

A statement signed by the Director General NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said that "from the 1st of January to the 11th of June 2024, a total of 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera with 30 deaths have been reported from 96 LGAs in 30 states".

He said 10 states that have contributed 90 percent to the burden of cholera include; Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos States. Idris said that NCDC is leading a multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group, comprising the Federal Ministries of Environment and Water Resources, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other partners, has been providing support to the affected states.

He said support included risk communication, active case search, laboratory diagnosis, case management, provision of response commodities, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions, and dissemination of cholera awareness jingles in both English and local languages. Cholera is a food and waterborne disease, caused by the ingestion of the organism Vibrio Cholerae in contaminated water and food.

NCDC said that Cholera can be prevented through ensuring access to safe, potable drinking water; proper sanitation and waste disposal; and appropriate hygiene including hand washing. According to the Centre, raw fruits and vegetables, food from street vendors, and raw or undercooked seafood should be avoided.

It advised the public that in order to reduce the risk of cholera, they should ensure that water is boiled and stored in a clean and covered container before drinking. Practice of good personal hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap under clean running water is also recommended by the Centre.

608,000.00 only amongst other items."

According to him, troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 29 dugout pits, 22 boats, and 26 storage tanks.

Other items recovered included 66 cooking ovens, 85 drums, eight vehicles, three mobile phones and 43 illegal refining sites.

Buba stated that troops of Operations Udo Ka arrested over 99 suspects in connection with the killing of five personnel at a checkpoint in Abia during an intelligence-based operation.

The operations, he said, led to the discovery and destruction of several IPOB/ESN camps across the region, such as the one located at Igboro Forest in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.

According to him, "Sequel to the killings of five personnel at the checkpoint in Abia, troops conducted several intelligencebased operations that led to the discovery and destruction of several IPOB/ESN terrorists camps across the region such as at Igboro Forest in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State, among others.

“Several arrests were made from the raids with those found to be culpable still in detention.

Surely, there is intelligence value to the raids and arrests that were made. Those in detention are assisting troops to locate other camps, sleeper cells and highprofile individuals involved in the activities of the terrorist’s group."

Troops Kill

Dreaded

Terrorism Kingpin, Buhari Yadi

A terrorism kingpin, Buhari Alhaji Halidu, popularly known as Buhari Yadi, who had terrorised communities in the North-west for a long time, was killed by troops of Operation Whirl Punch.

Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, disclosed the development in a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna.

Halidu was killed alongside some members of his criminal gang in a fierce battle with troops under the coordination of Major General MLD Saraso, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigerian Army.

Aruwan said the dreaded

criminal met his end around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State and Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Yadi and his gang were said to be responsible for many of the killings and kidnappings in parts of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger and Zamfara states.

"The infamous terrorist, Buharin Yadi, one of the deadliest bandit leaders terrorising Northern Nigeria in the last decade, has met his bitter end at the hands of security forces," Aruwan said.

According to him, troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch killed the kingpin and his cohorts, abruptly terminating their ignominious spell of terror.

"Halidu was neutralised in a fierce battle with the troops, under the coordination of their commander, also the General Officer Commanding of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso, which took place around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State," the statement said.

It explained, "Initial

assessments indicate that at least 36 bandits were eliminated in the engagement.

"It was eventually verified that one of those neutralised was Kachalla Buharin Yadi.

"Kachalla Buhari Alhaji Halidu (also known as Buharin Yadi or Buhari Janar) and the brigands under his command had been unleashing terror on citizens in Kidandan/Galadimawa general areas of Giwa LGA, Sabon Birni/ Kerawa general areas of Igabi LGA, other locations in nearby Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, and, indeed, some parts of Niger and Zamfara states."

The statement added that the “breakthrough brings to an end a manhunt by security forces for this terrorist, which stretched more than five years.”

The statement said the news of the demise of the bandits' kingpin spread like wildfire, prompting widespread celebrations among locals in Kaduna and Katsina states.

The statement said Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State was elated over the development and commended the troops and the sterling leadership of the GOC, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, for the victory.

Senator Kingibe: True Democracy Cannot Thrive Without Full Participation of Women

Adedayo

Akinwale in Abuja

Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, has said that a true democratic society cannot thrive without the full participation and representation of women.

Kingibe in a statement issued Thursday, to commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, said Nigeria ranks 130th out of 146 countries on the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Index, with low scores on educational attainment and political representation for women.

She added that Nigeria is also among the 10 per cent of countries exhibiting the highest gender discrimination levels according to the OECD's Social Institutions and Gender Index, with "high" or "very high" assessments across all evaluated categories.

The lawmaker pointed out that these inequalities have led to substantial macroeconomic losses in growth, income equality, and economic diversification.

Against this background, Kingibe has launched the NCLUDEHer Nigeria Initiative, with the aim of addressing multidimensional barriers and creating opportunities for women's meaningful contribution to nation-building.

She explained that the initiative was a transformative agenda to foster sustainable democracy through women's empowerment and inclusion across all spheres.

Kingibe said: “The NCLUDEHer Nigeria Initiative is a multisectoral intervention spearheaded by the Senate Committee on Women Affairs to integrate and innovate inclusive development impact

opportunities for gender responsive national policy action programs across the public and private sector respectively.

Her words: “This collaborative effort aims to foster sustainable democracy by addressing gender inequalities across all spheres of Nigerian society.

"A truly democratic society cannot thrive without the full participation and representation of women.”

Kingibe added that the key priorities included: promoting and protecting human rights for women and girls across all dimensions; ensuring universal access to quality healthcare, education, decent work, and social protection; addressing gender-based violence, harmful practices, and discrimination, among others.

According to her, at the core of this initiative lies the NCLUDEHer Gender Equality

Accord, a symbol of the senate's joint commitment to inclusive progress.

The Accord represents a comprehensive framework outlining strategic priorities and actionable measures to dismantle barriers and create opportunities for women and girls in Nigeria.

Kingibe stressed that while the accord would be formally introduced and signed later this yeaar, the initiative has already set in motion a paradigm shift in the nation's approach to gender equality.

She explained that the initiative represents a multisectoral collaboration that recognises the interconnectedness of various issues impacting women's empowerment, from poverty alleviation and institutional strengthening to financing with a gender lens.

Executive Director/ CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nnoye Ayeni; Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Sen.Umar Ibrahim Sadiq and Vice Chairman of the Committee, Sen.Olubiyi Oluwade Fadeyi, during the Committee's oversight working visit to NEPC headquarters in Abuja ... yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

John Shiklam in Kaduna and Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

TRAIN THE TRAINER PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY NIHOTOUR...

L-R: Facilitator, Train the Trainer Programme, Dr.Olugbenga Kehinde Sonubi; Coordinator, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, (NIHOTOUR), Lagos, Mrs. Chinyere Uche-Ibeabuchi; Director of Special Duties, NIHOTOUR, Dr. Philip Maga; Managing Director, Excellence Consulting, Mr. Teniola Reuben; and President, Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria (ATTWON), Mr. Omololu Olumuyiwa, during the Train the Trainer Programme organised by NIHOTOUR for tourism journalists, hospitality and tourism stakeholders at Centre for Management Development, Shangisha, Lagos on Wednesday

Mbah Breaks 19-year Jinx as NMCN Approves

Internship, Indexing for ESUT, Other Nursing Schools

Governor targets production of 3,000 nurses yearly

After nearly two decades of waiting by successive sets of the Department of Nursing, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has approved internship programme for the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.

NMCN also approved indexing of nursing students at the College of Nursing and the former School of Nursing, Awgu, recently also upgraded to College of Nursing.

The approvals were announced by Registrar of the Council, Dr. Faruk Abubakar, when he led a delegation of NMCN’s accreditation team on a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah at Government House, Enugu.

Abubakar commended the Mbah administration for providing the requisite infrastructure at the Colleges of Nursing, Park Lane and Awgu to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning, while also paying attention to the welfare of health workers.

He announced the council’s approval for the immediate recruitment of 50 interns to work at Park Lane, stating that with the approval of the internship programme, more graduate nurses would now be trained at ESUT University Teaching Hospital to boost the state’s nursing manpower.

Abubakar said, “When you train nurses in Nigeria, they are specialists in Midwifery, General Nursing and Public Health and the internship programme will strengthen the health sector.”

He equally lauded Mbah for approving the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which is the latest salary structure for nurses, saying with such

show of commitment, the state would be able to retain a lot of its nursing manpower as they qualify.

The NMCN registrar said, “Good salaries, provision of infrastructure, provision of human resources, employment of quality nurses, will help reduce migration of nurses.

“So, I am very optimistic that with what you are doing in the state’s health sector, the environment will be so conducive and ‘japa syndrome’ will drastically reduce.”

While thanking NMCN for the approvals, Mbah, who was represented

by Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, regretted the stagnation of the state’s nursing institutions for the past 19 years. He said his administration decided to wade in strongly through massive investment in the health and nursing space.

Mbah said, “We were clear from the outset that something consequential had to happen in the nursing space in terms of infrastructure, manpower training, remuneration, and motivation. We cannot possibly grow our economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion if we

do not get the health sector right.

“Let me also assure you that the gaps you have further identified will be given utmost attention. We will not play around with your recommendations.”

Throwing more light on the development, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Yomi Jaye, described the approvals as “a monumental breakthrough”.

Jaye said, “You know this struggle started immediately the governor came into office and found out that there were lots of accreditation gaps in

the School of Nursing among other healthcare institutions in the state.

“So, for 19 whole years that the NMCN had first sited the department of nursing, our student-nurses from ESUT were not indexed and they have not been writing professional examinations to qualify as nurses. One breakthrough now is the fact that as the registrar said right here, all of them are going to be indexed.

“All backlogs will be cleared so that by next year, there won’t be any backlog. This is what had been standing for 19 years. So our young

Ndi Enugu, it’s exam time. With this breakthrough also, Parklane is now upgraded as a College of Nursing, Awgu is now accredited as a College of Nursing.”

The special adviser added, “We had 50 and we can now have 100. If we are able to do two batches, which they have agreed to do in the three schools, we will have 600 nurses.

“The governor wants to be producing 3,000 nurses every year and he is committed to making sure that the nursing and other institutions are upgraded to world-class standard.”

Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities: Time for Restructuring Nigeria has Come

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Coalition of Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities (CEIN), has declared that the time for restructuring Nigeria is now, considering the faulty political and socio-economic problems threatening the corporate existence of the country.

The group stated this in a statement, Thursday, in Kaduna, jointly signed by Prof. Benjamin Okaba (Chairman), Mr. Timothy B. Gandu (Co-Chairman) and Mr. Nubari Saatah (Secretary).

The statement noted that since the return of democracy in 1999 the expectations of Nigerians for a better country has degenerated into despair, as a result of the

decaying political and socio-economic problems.

The group said the emergence of secessionist movements, ethnic and religious intolerance, insurgency, banditry, decline in the economy and socio-economic activities and alleged skewed distribution of the "common wealth" are evidence that the country is degenerating.

"Today, more than at any point in Nigeria’s history, calls for the urgent restructuring of the country have been at their loudest, and continue to reverberate", the statement said.

The group said it has recommended templates for restructuring the country which it believes, if implemented, will serve

to steer Nigeria away from a more tumultuous future.

"CIEN would like to inform the Nigerian public and the political leadership, that after due deliberations and consultation on the restructuring of the Nigerian federation, we have put together recommendations and templates which we strongly believe will contribute immensely to our current state.

"The Coalition of Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities has taken cognizance of the fact that our faulty socio-political and socio-economic structures are traceable to the 1999 Nigeria Constitution.

"We therefore believe that the call for the restructuring of the

Nigerian Federation is germane and an idea whose time has come", the statement read.

Further according to the statement: "It is on this note that CIEN would like to inform the Nigerian public and its political leadership, that after due deliberations and consultation on the restructuring of the Nigerian federation, we have put together recommendations and templates.

“We strongly believe that if and when implemented, these will serve to steer Nigeria away from a more tumultuous immediate future, and towards a more prosperous future where the hopes and aspirations of the indigenous ethnic nationalities will be actualized.

"In furtherance of this, and conscious of the times, CIEN has forwarded a letter and accompanying recommendations to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, as we move towards deepening the conversation on the restructuring of the Nigerian federation.

"CIEN has also forwarded these recommendations to the leaderships of the Nigerian Senate, and the House of Representatives, respectively.” The group called on the political representatives to rise to the occasion and take the necessary actions that will give Nigeria’s over 450 ethnic nationalities a voice and a renewed hope in Nigeria’s future.

Kwara Unveils Statewide Irrigation Programme to Combat Climate Change, Boost Food Production

The Kwara

This

North. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in the state, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, who revealed the state government’s plans during a press briefing in Ilorin, Thursday, said the development remained a crucial step towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and enhancing agricultural productivity in the region. She stated that the irrigation project, a component of the

food

across

World Bank-supported ACRESAL program, will significantly enhance food production by supporting farmers at the household level with small-scale, solar-powered irrigation systems.

"Climate change is one of the prevailing environmental problems in the world that has gained universal discussion in recent times because of its multiple effects," she noted.

She highlighted the project's focus on sustainable land and water management to address issues such as land degradation, deforestation, and climate change.

ACReSAL, a multi-sectoral and multi-institutional program, integrates efforts in the environment, agriculture, and water sectors.

The irrigation initiative, according to her, is expected to

not only improve food security but also reduce poverty, create employment opportunities, and lower food prices in the state.

“By investing in irrigation infrastructure and technology, the state government is expecting to achieve greater food security, reduce poverty, create employment opportunities for Kwarans, and reduce food prices in the state,” Mrs. Thomas added.

She also pointed out that individual irrigation has been promoted in various government programs, with the FADAMA initiatives being particularly successful.

The commissioner emphasized the potential for profitable farming through irrigated agriculture, especially when utilizing renewable energy resources like solar power.

ABIODUN AJALA

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

State Government has announced an ambitious statewide irrigation program aimed at combating climate change and boosting

production.

initiative will span

the three senatorial districts of the state, starting with Kwara

ACCESS TO ENERGY ON THEIR MINDS...

DHQ Faults Zamfara Governor on Terrorism War, Lawal Blames Political Interference for Prolonged Insecurity

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday faulted the claim by the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, that the military and the police are nowhere to be found whenever they are needed in the fight against terrorists in the state.

This is as the governor yesterday blamed the lingering fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom and other emerging security threats across the federation on political interference.

Governor had on a television interview on Tuesday lamented the laidback attitude of the police and the military in combating the menace of banditry plaguing the North-West state.

He said the uninspiring attitude of federal government-controlled security agencies was responsible for the creation of the state security outfit, Community Protection

Guards, in January

“We, as governors, don’t have control over the military; we don’t have control over the police as well as the civil defence. In most cases, we get frustrated,” the governor said during the TV programme monitored by THISDAY.

“When you need these people, they are nowhere to be found and the best thing to do is to set up that kind of security outfit,” the governor added.

Reacting during a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, condemned what he described as the weighty allegations labelled against the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), by the Zamfara State Governor in the TV interview.

Buba insisted that the AFN is a professional force that is subservient to political authority, particularly the political leadership of Zamfara

ILO Calls on Stakeholders to Double Efforts to End Child Labour

Michael

International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called on stakeholders to double their efforts and strengthen their unity to end child labour in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region.

The call was made in a statement, Thursday, issued to mark the World Day Against Child Labour and the 25th anniversary of the adoption of ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour.

In his statement, the Director of ILO Abuja Country Office for Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, and Liaison office for the ECOWAS, Ms. Vanessa Phala, asked all stakeholders to double their efforts and strengthen their unity to end child labour in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region.

Speaking at the commemorative event held on 12 June 2024, in Akure, Ondo State, Phala said:

“I call on everyone here today to strengthen our unity in our fight against child labour and forced labour. We must strive to ensure that every child in the world can flourish in a safe and nurturing environment. Let us work together to make a change in the world.”

Funded by the United States Department of Labour through the ILO Action Against Child Labour in Agriculture in West Africa (ACLAWA) and Global Accelerator

Lab (GALAB) projects in Nigeria, the commemoration was attended by over 350 students from 40 schools in Ondo State.

Phala, represented by the ACLAWA Project Manager, Agatha Kolawole, further urged all stakeholders to fulfill their commitments to Convention No. 182.

The World Day Against Child Labour, according to her, was meant for the effective implementation of those ILO Conventions, reinvigorated action to end child labour, and universal ratification and implementation of both conventions.

The Director noted the urgency to fully implement these fundamental ILO Conventions is more pressing than ever, as the world and indeed Nigeria, approach the 2025 target set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG target 8.7) for the elimination of child labour.

“Balancing education and work pose complex challenges, emphasizing the importance of concerted efforts to eradicate child labor and ensure access to quality education for all,” Phala added.

Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Ondo State, Mrs. Olanike Mogboruko, urged all stakeholders to remember that every child deserves a childhood free from exploitation and filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

State.

The military, he said, will not join issues with the governor, rather, it chooses the part of cooperation over conflict with the state governor and looks forward to constructively engaging with him on these matters.

According to the DHQ spokesman, the loss of nine military personnel in the month of June, was a painful testament of the military's tireless efforts, commitment and sacrifice to restoring peace and security in the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Lawal yesterday blamed the lingering fight against terrorism on political interference.

Lawal said this while responding to questions on TV Town Hall Meeting on security, monitored by THISDAY.

He also posited that the police were doing their best, adding that the reality is that they are not taken care of.

"We need to restructure, because there are issues that need to be clearly defined," he added.

According to him, "the military and other security agencies have the capability to take care of these security threats if there is no political interference. It will just be a matter

of time and we would have solved the problem of insecurity in the country".

When asked to unmask the political actors interfering on security issues, he said: "He who wears the shoe knows where it hurts, and that is why I am telling you this. There is so much political interference; these guys should be allowed to do their job; they are professionals; they have the capability and they can do it. Let us allow them to work; let us allow them to function."

On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said that terrorists' supporters and sympathisers fund their activities.

He revealed that kidnapping is part of the thing terrorists and bandits use to raise funds, stressing that externally, "we have external people that equally support them.

On the issue of IPOB, for instance, there is a lot of funding that comes in, from outside".

Musa said that the Military High Command had repeatedly complained about Simon Ekpa, explaining that he is in Finland, and the Finnish Government is giving him all the support.

He noted that people are being

killed because of the comments Ekpa is making and nothing is being done.

The CDS said: "If the European Union is the one supporting democracy, and this is happening, and they are not taking action, then, they don't mean well for Nigeria. We have said this in clear terms; we need to diplomatically find a way of getting him out. He must be arrested and prosecuted. Let us look at it the other way, assuming he is in Nigeria and he is doing that to the Finnish Government, do you think that the European Union would allow that to happen? They definitely will not. So, why are they allowing him to do what he is doing to Nigeria. People like him that are doing such things, must be stopped, by trailing their source of funds. It is very critical.

I know that CBN and NFIU are doing a lot in tracking down their sources of funding. This is part of what we call, the oxygen of terrorism, its logistics, its leadership and funding. Your ability to trail those things, tackle them and deny them the ability to operate will kill terrorism".

Speaking on political will to fight crime in Nigeria, the CDS

said, political will was not from the federal government alone, adding that the states were also critical. He said: "Let us look at solutions; do we have a comprehensive database as a country? If you go to Cameroon, Chad or Niger, for instance, once you enter, they will know that you are a foreigner and they have these duties as citizens. Once you speak, they will know that you are a foreigner. If it is a taxi driver, he will tell you that his vehicle has a problem; he will just step aside and call the police and before you know it the police are around to ask you, what your mission to the country is. We don't have that and that is why we say that every Nigerian has a role to play, one way or the other". He said that the security of a country is not a military or security agency alone, everybody has a role to play.

He concluded that, "When you go abroad and things happen, and they get people arrested, they are not using witchcraft, they have data. We should have such things and like I said, a state governor was talking about political will; it starts from the state. The state has a lot they can do".

Oborevwori Inaugurates First Phase of Emevor-Orogun Road in Delta

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori yesterday inaugurated the multi-million naira phase one of the Emevor-Orogun road project in Isoko North Local Government area of the state.

While inaugurating the road, an elated Oborevwori commended Emorock Concept Limited, the contracting firm that executed the project for quality service delivery.

He said the road will connect two senatorial areas and open economy of many rural areas along the route.

Oborevwori said the road, executed by an indigenous company, Emorock Concept Limited, a subsidiary of De Wayles Group of Companies, marked a pivotal development stride in the provision of road infrastructures by his administration in line with the Initiatives of the MORE Agenda.

He emphasised the importance

and relevance of the road in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for Isoko people, Orogun in Ughelli North.

"This road is not just a pathway but a vital link that will enhance connectivity, boost trade, and ensure easier access to healthcare and education for the people of Emevor, Orogun with her neighbouring towns and its environs.

"Emorock Concept Limited has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to excellence, and this project stands as a testament to their capability and professionalism", he said.

Oborevwori expressed appreciation to his predecessor, former Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa who awarded the contract of the Emevor - Orogun phase one road and used the opportunity to outline future infrastructural projects aimed at further enhancing the state's road network.

He subsequently, directed the Commissioner of Works, Rural, Chief Charles Aniagwu to immediately scope and commence the Phase 2 of the Emevor - Orogun road with a view to awarding it out and commence execution.

He assured Deltans across the three senatorial districts of his administration's dedication to ensuring that all projects were executed with the highest level of transparency and efficiency without compromising standards. Aniagwu, whose office supervised the project, noted that the road was expected to ease transportation challenges, reduce travel time, and facilitate smoother movement of goods and services within the Isoko economic corridor and Orogun associated towns.

He asserted that the construction of the EmevorOrogun Phase 1 road aligns with Oborevwori administration's broader agenda to initiate sustainable and high-quality

infrastructural development across Delta State.

He posited that the quality of the Emevor - Orogun phase 1 road was a clear testament to what indigenous companies like Emorock Concept Limited can do if given the opportunity. Aniagwu commended the community youths for the cooperation given the contractor to ensure that there were no hitches throughout the construction period.

The Odion of Emevor, His Royal Highness Dr. John Holt Ologho, thanked the hovernor for remembering the people of Emevor by executing the Emevor - Orogun phase 1 road that has been abandoned for over 35 years back.

Project Director, Emorock Concept Limited, Oghale Agelebe expressed the company’s gratitude to the governor for the privilege given the company to participate in Delta State development and also to prove that indigenous Engineering firms can do better.

L-R: Vice-President, Africa Regional Office, The Rockefeller Foundation, William Asiko; Global Director, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, Dr. Wale Aboyade; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; CEO, Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi; President, The Rockefeller Foundation, Raj Shah; Managing Director, Strategy and Results, Cassady Walters; Programme Manager, Energy Transition Office, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq shortly after discussions on Nigeria's leadership role in mobilising other African countries to tackle energy access challenges in Abuja…recently

Olugbode in Abuja

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

DISCUSSING ENHANCED CAPITAL MARKET CREDIT…

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), InfraCredit, Chinua Azubike (left) and Director- General, Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, during a strategic meeting to discuss initiatives to enhance domestic credit from the capital market in Abuja…recentlyº

Troops Raid IPOB/ESN Camp in Abia, Kill Six Terrorists in Kaduna

Ikechukwu Alekein Abuja

The High Command of Nigeria Army, yesterday, said that its troops in conjunction with a Task Force Tactical Patrol Squad, conducted a raid on a training camp of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), located in Ihechiowa community of Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.

The Service in a statement, said the IPOB/ESN training facility in the above location was raided during a clearance operation on June 12.

The Nigerian Army noted that troops successfully infiltrated and dismantled the camp, destroying all training apparatus and facilities found on-site,

“The raid marks a critical move in the ongoing efforts to curb acts of terrorism by IPOB and ESN, which have been linked to various

Another Two Pilgrims from Kwara Die in Saudi Arabia

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards has announced the death of two pilgrims who were participating in the ongoing Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia. THISDAY’s investigations revealed that the deceased are Salman Muhammad Alade and Ayishat Shuaib Ologele who died after brief illnesses. It should be recalled that two pilgrims of the state reportedly died last week after a brief

illness in Mecca. They have been buried in the Holyland according to Islamic rites.

However, the Executive Secretary of Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, who confirmed the latest incident in Ilorin on telephone interview yesterday, expressed his profound condolences to the families of the deceased. He asked Allah to grant themcomfort and forgiveness.

Tanta Innovative Empowers Students with IT Skills

Nume Ekeghe

Tanta Innovative Limited has equipped students with advanced knowledge and skills in quantum computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Recognising the importance of staying ahead in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Abraham Tanta, led a transformative capacitybuilding initiative for the Department of Computer

Science students at Chrisland University under the theme, ‘Techrise: Elevating the Future of Technology.’

The company said: “In today’s rapidly advancing world, staying abreast of technological trends is essential. As AI, quantum computing, and machine learning emerge at the forefront of human existence, building capacity in these fields becomes crucial for any nation striving to keep pace with technological advancements.”

Dokubo-Asari Felicitates Dumo Lulu-Briggs on 60th Birthday

A steadfast advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta people, Muhajid Alhaji Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, has extended warm felicitations to Head of the Oruwari Briggs Group of War Canoe and Chieftaincy Houses of Abonnema, Alabo Dumo Lulu-Briggs, on his 60th birthday. In a message, Dokubo-Asari praised Lulu-Briggs for his remarkable journey, marked by unwavering dedication to politics without bitterness, and his tireless efforts to promote peace and brotherliness throughout his life.

“I salute his penchant for politics without bitterness, promoting peace and brotherliness,” Dokubo-Asari said, highlighting Lulu-Briggs’s remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of politics with grace and humility.

Dokubo-Asari commended Lulu-Briggs for his outstanding philanthropic endeavours, particularly in Abonema, where he has made a profound impact on the lives of youths, the aged, and women through various outreach programs.

security challenges and violence unleashed on innocent citizens as well as security operatives in the state. In addition, to the destruction of the training camp, the troops also targeted buildings used as

hideouts for key ESN Commanders. The operation was executed with precision and yielded significant intelligence. The raid operation was sequel to heightening terrorists’ activities of IPOB/ESN, targeting

law-abiding citizens and government agencies in Abia State and other parts of Southeastern Nigeria,” the statement said. In a separate operation, troops of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with other

security

forest in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo state.

Ondo Poll: No Female Makes List as INEC Publishes Names of 17 Governorship Candidates

Adedayo AkinwaleinAbuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the release of the final list of candidates for the Ondo State Governorship Election scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and

Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement issued yesterday, said none of the 17 political parties participating in the election fielded a female governorship candidate.

He said following the initial primaries, the personal particulars of the governorship candidates and their running mates have been published in the state and

local government offices of the commission.

According to him, the publication was in line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022.

The commission added that two political parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates and their running mates by the deadline of June 10, 2024.

Dabiri-Erewa Calls for More Encouragement, Support for Women in Politics Okays commencement of electioneering

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike DabiriErewa, has described Nigeria’s rating as the lowest in terms of women in elective positions in Africa as disappointing, calling

for more intentional support by political parties and the parliament for women to narrow the gap with the men.

Speaking as a Special Guest at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex in Ikeja, where she delivered a speech on ‘The Role of Women in Nation

Olumekun said: “The parties are the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) while five parties replaced their running mates only. They are the African Action Congress (AAC), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).”

Building’, to commemorate 25 years of democratic governance in Nigeria, Dabiri-Erewa noted that out of over 1,300 elective positions at the state and federal levels, less than five per cent are women, saying that the statistics rather than increase, continue to diminish over the years. She called on political parties to be sincere and intentional about getting women into elective positions , adding that Nigeria had more than enough gifted and competent women for any elective political office in Nigeria.

South-south Women with Disabilities Want Tejusho to Replace Edu as Minister

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

A coalition of South-South Women With Disabilities yesterday called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint Dr. Adenike Tejusho as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to replace

suspended and embattled Betty Edu, who faces corruption charges.

The disabled women at a press conference in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, said Queen Tejusho has an outstanding personality that has continued to show

compassion and affection for the less privileged, specifically the persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.

HRM Queen Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, the founder and CEO of Queen Adenike Foundation, a multicultural humanitarian foundation, according to the women, “has set the pace in the field of humanitarian activities in Nigeria and making life more lively and meaningful for the PWDs and other vulnerable groups in the country, which is anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed administration.

Court Jails Two for Dealing in Cannabis, Psychotropic Substances in Taraba

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court in Jalingo, Taraba State, has sentenced two men to 1 year and six months imprisonment for dealing in cannabis and psychotropic substances.

The national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners(NUP) has bestowed upon the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the title of the most pensioner-friendly Governor of the year. This was contained in a

Justice Ibrahim sentenced the convicts to the various jail terms after pleading guilty to the 2 and 4 count charges preferred against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The convicted persons: 44-yearold Baba Usman and Ammar

statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature yesterday.

Presenting the award to the governor, the National Chairman of the NUP), Mazi Godwin Ikechuku Abumisi, said that it was incumbent upon the union

Abdullahi, 22, were arranged in court on June 10, where the pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Ibrahim averred that it is a trite principle of law that where a defendant pleads guilty to a

to acknowledge the governor due to his steadfast dedication to the welfare of pensioners in the state.

“Your Excellency, you shine brightly as a beacon of support to our members.

“Over the past year, you have

non-capital offence and the court is satisfied that he understood the charge and intended to admit all the ingredients of the offence by pleading guilty to the charge, the next thing is for the court to convict and sentence the defendant.

authorised and disbursed N11 billion to clear the backlog of pension gratuity payments.

“This milestone is unparalleled; no other governor has accomplished such a feat within a single year since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.”

Pensioners Present Yusuf with ‘Outstanding Governor of the Year’ Award Court Remands Two REA Staff Pending N1.8b Fraud Allegation Hearing

KuniTyessi

inAbuja

The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday remanded two staff members of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) pending the hearing of a N1.835 billion fraud allegation.

The two members of staff, Umar

Musa Karaye and Emmanuel Pada Titus, had been benched following their non-appearance during their arraignment earlier scheduled for June 6, 2024, alleging N165million and N261million fraud allegation respectively.

The two staff members, including two others, had been arraigned by the

Independent and Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) before Justice Emeka Nwite over alleged fraud, criminal conspiracy and diversion of public funds amounting to the sum of N1.835 billion only negating due process.

Dr Osuoben Ekoi Akpanimisingha,

assistant chief legal officer of the (ICPC), during the arraignment, had recalled that the defendants, who had been personally served by him to appear before the court on June 6, 2024, had deliberately failed to appear, despite having full details of their arraignments by the commission.

agencies successfully cleared bandits and criminals’ hideouts around Irele, Igbobini and Segbemi Kiribo in the general area of Ese - Odo

ACCOUNTING TO SHAREHOLDERS…

L-R: Executive Director, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO)Plc, Babatunde Afolabi; Non-Executive Director,Dr. Oluropo Afolabi; Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin; Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi; Company Secretary, Ms. Jesuyemisi Odeyemi, and Executive Director, Mrs. Boma Ukunna, at the 14th Annual General Meeting of

Ezekwesili, Yesufu, Others Seek Local Govt Autonomy

Sunday Okobi

The Office of the Citizen (OOTC) has made a case for local government autonomy in Nigeria in order to achieve the desired development plans for the citizenry.

The OOTC team, which made the appeal at the maiden virtual Democracy Dialogue on June 12 with the theme: ‘Promoting Sustainable Development Models for Effective Local Governance’, said the event was designed to compel key political and electoral reform actions for credible, transparent, free and fair elections by the executive, legislature,

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security establishment.

Speaking during the event, the Founder of #FixPolitics, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, said: “Nigeria is faced with serious structural challenges in its democracy and governance, and nothing works until structural solutions are provided.”

The former vice president of the World Bank revealed that the country’s problems cannot be solved from the top cadre of governance, unless the grassroots are involved. She said: “That means we cannot start solving problems of the country from the

rooftops. We believe that for functionality, we have to correct the structure, which is at the centre of constitutional change. A Nigeria that works

has to be designed by the people. We need to place the grassroots at the heart of the Nigeria project.”

Also, social activist, Aisha

Yesufu, called for total citizen inclusion in the democratic process, even at home, adding that the government should involve the citizens in decision-

making. Yesufu advocated attitudinal change in governance and autonomy for local government administration.

OSHIA to Enroll All Pregnant Women in Osun

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Osun State Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) has expressed its intention to enroll all the pregnant women in the state so that they could have access to good and affordable healthcare services in the state

The agency also hinted that it would soon start training of interpreters who would be acting

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

as middlemen for the people living with disability, especially the deaf and dumps.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Rasaq Akindele, dropped the hints yesterday while featuring on the news and current affairs programme tagged: NewsPoints, and organised by the members of Osun NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Osogbo.

According to him, “We have intentions of registering all the pregnant women in the state into the scheme because pregnancy requires adequate attention, we want to ensure that after nine months everybody should be happy after pregnancy. We have put it forward to the governor and we are waiting for the approval to get all pregnant women enrolled to get free treatment.” He further explained: “We will train nurses and other health workers that are in various government hospitals on how to interpret signs so that at a particular time that any deaf or dumb pregnant woman comes to the hospital somebody would be there to interpret the signs to the doctors and the nurses on duty to get adequate health.”

Olomojobi Appointed as New Head of Service in Ekiti NUC Grants Thomas Adewumi University Full Accreditation

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted full accreditation to Thomas Adewumi University(TAU) Oko-Irese, Kwara State.

The approval followed TAU’s outstanding performance in the October/November 2024 Accreditation exercise carried out by the commission.

The university said in a statement that the result of the accreditation exercise was communicated through a letter

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as LILIAN NGODOO JIJINGI, now wish to be known and address as LILLIAN JIJINGI-AGUDAH All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UKAUWA NMESOMA DEBORAH, now wish to be known and address as MRS ESOMONU NMESOMA DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIOMA ONYINYE GIFT, now wish to be known and address as MRS AZUBIKE ONYINYE GIFT. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as DOROTHY CHARLES O’TUDOR, now wish to be known and address as DOROTHY RIJOLE O’TUDOR. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

dated 6th June 2024 and signed by the commission’s Acting Director of Accreditation, Abraham Chundusu.

“The result revealed that all the 11 Academic Programmes presented by the university received full accreditation from the NUC, translating to 100 per cent pass mark. The accredited courses are: Accounting; Business Administration; Medical Laboratory Science; Physiotherapy; Mass communications; Computer Science; Software Engineering; Biochemistry; Microbiology; Criminology and Security Studies and Economics,” it said.

The institution had previously secured the full accreditation of both the NUC and the Nursing Council for the B. Nursing Science programme as well as the approval for the LLB Law programme from both the NUC and the Council of Legal Education.

“The accreditation process involved a comprehensive review of the university’s academic programmes, institutional resources including physical facilities, faculty qualifications, student support services, and so on. After a thorough evaluation, the NUC concluded that TAU exceeds all criteria necessary for accreditation with the programmes scoring between 86.6 and 95.9 per cent. The pass for full accreditation being 70 per cent.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to notify the general public that MR OLUWASOGO AKINBOSOYE, FADEYI and MR OLUWAFEMI AKINBOSOYE, DAVIDSON is the same person, abd bow wish to be known as MR OLUWAFEMI AKINBOSOYE DAVIDSON. ALL former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the appointment of Dr Olufolake Olomojobi as the new Head of Service(HoS) in the State Civil Service. Olomojobi, until her

new appointment, was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education. She takes over from Sunday Komolafe, who is billed to retire from the State Civil Service on July 1, 2024, upon attaining the mandatory 35 years in the service.

A statement signed by the

Special Adviser to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode said, Dr Olomojobi’s appointment as HoS takes effect from Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji has commended Komolafe for his meritorious service to the state, especially his demonstrated resourcefulness, professionalism and administrative acumen which have greatly helped in repositioning the State Civil Service for optimal service delivery. The Governor wishes Komolafe success in his future endeavour.

Nigerians Urged to Worship Only ‘Soul Maker’

Adherents of the Soul Makers Ministry worldwide, are in excited mood they gear up to celebrate this year’s edition of the Hearts Day.

Soul Maker is a Ministry that emphasises man’s direct relationship with his creator.

In a statement signed by Spiritual Leader, Soul Makers Ministry , Chief Owolabi Salis, the ministry enjoined individuals to earmark that festival for special prayers to their creator.

Salis said as a Nigerian of South-

According to the ministry, Heart’s Days celebration which is determined by the lunar calendar, the sighting of the moon, will be celebrated between Sunday June 16 and Wednesday, June 19.

west extraction, the Heart’s Day is referred to as “Odun Okan” or “Odun Ibori”, “Odun Ori” or “Odun Ori Ire”, adding that different culture has their means of tropicalising the festival.

Salis therefore, admonished individuals to seek what the festival is called in their respective culture.

“During the festival or celebration, you will offer prayers to The Soul Maker, the Lord Almighty, to bless your hearts and other organs of your body and for a good head. You should also offer thanksgiving to The SoulMaker, the Creator of the universe, for physical and spiritual guidance and stability,” Salis explained.

Another Mining Pit Collapses, Three People Killed in Niger

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Barely 10 days after the mining pit collapsed at Galadimakogo in Shiroro Local Government of Niger state still trapping 14 miners, another pit has collapsed at Bazakwoi in

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to accelerate

Adunu district of Paikoto local government.

The latest incident, which occurred yesterday evening has already claimed three lives.

The Director -General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA)

technological innovations and fast-track processes to drive sustainable development in Kogi State.

This announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the governor to the Director-General/

Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, who confirmed the incident, said it involved local miners who are said to be illegally mining the gold deposit environment scavenging for the minerals.

As of the time of filing

Chief Executive Officer of NASRDA, Dr. Mathew Olumide Adepoju, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja during the week.

The governor, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Finance,

this report, Arah said three persons were confirmed dead while one person was rescued alive with injuries.

“No one was trapped, and as such, there was no search and rescue operation,” Arah said.

Kogi Set to Partner with NASRDA to Enhance Science and Technology Integration Group Seeks Support for Fubara for Good

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A social political organisation, the Supreme Council for Sim Worldwide, has urged Rivers State people to support the government of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in

order to achieve good governance in the state.

The group made the call yesterday during a press conference held in Port Harcourt, state capital.

Speaking with journalists during the conference, the Co-

Budget, and Economic Planning, Mr. Asiru Idris, stated that his administration has invested in technological solutions and established relevant institutions to transform the state’s civil service and create wealth.

Governance in Rivers

chairman of the organisation, Oji Ngofa, felicitated Governor Fubara for a successful one year in office, adding that he has set a new standard for governance in the state.

Ngofa, who listed some of the achievements of Fubara in the past one year, lauded the governor for the disbursement of N4billion to over 3,000 entrepreneurs in the state and the hosting of the state Economic and Investment Summit 2024 immediately after the disbursement, aimed at enhancing the economy of the state.

SAHCO held in Ikeja…yesterday

THE REIGN OF THE FALSE PROPHETS

Reformation. Within the general maxim of see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil, the dubious front pew privileged plutocrats are exculpated and ‘restored to grace’ under the dispensation of the gospel of prosperity. I have searched in vain for the scriptures where God promised untold riches and wealth to genuine believers. Rather than godliness with contentment being great gain (1 Tim. 6:6), this false gospel presents material possessions as our ultimate hope and proof of God’s favour. Matthew 6:21 added “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourself treasures in heaven where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,”

Philippians 4:6-7 elaborates on the legitimate expectations of Christians “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. The promise of God in all situations of anxiety and aspirations is clearly stated here as “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding…”, not billions of dollars. In so far as God promises prosperity as the heritage of his children, it was in the context of what Jesus said in John.14 Verses 1 to 6 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you”.

One of the personifications of Pentecostal Christian impunity and degeneration in Nigeria today who has more than earned the appellation

of a false prophet is a certain narcissistic Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 says how can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?’ If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken”.

As told in Jeremiah 14 :14 Such prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds’”

‘By definition then, a false prophet is one who presents themselves as speaking on behalf of the Lord, however instead of speaking truth, they speak lies. The false prophet often has the ability to manipulate the thinking of those who are under their control. This is like a drug for the false prophet because it feeds their ego’.

According to Julius Ogunro “The descent of Pastor Chris into the orbit of conspiracy theories began around 2020 with the advent of the pandemic. He became the conduit for the silliest and easily disprovable conspiracies. Such as his claim that the lockdowns in Lagos and Abuja were enforced in order for the government to lay 5G cables. 5G, he asserted, was responsible for the pandemic and not the coronavirus”.

“I told you,’’ Pastor Chris said in a clip played in the programme, “climate change was a hoax, a deception, from A to Z”.“The unrepentant perpetrators want us to believe they are trying to save the planet. They are not trying to save anything, but the plan is to recolonise the world”. “There was never a proof that vaccines ever worked”. It is “an evil agenda that has been long in the making”.

He also falsely said that “malaria was never a problem to those in Africa”.

On account of this impunity, the Office of Communications (Ofcom), UK’s broadcasting regulatory authority, has placed a fine of £125,000 on Loveworld Television Network, a station owned by the church overseen by Oyakhilome which featured inaccurate and potentially harmful claims about the Coronavirus.

I made the acquitance and friendship of the late Herbert Wigwe as a regular at the nightly dinner time parley at Aliko Dangote’s residence. The relationship between the two was that of a mentor and protégé. I had also known and struck up friendship with the late Abimbola Ogunbanjo who shared the same tragic fate with Herbert. Thus, for me personally, it was a double barrel attack. On account of which, on hearing the news, my agony was quite acute.

As a student of comparative religion, I have also grown quite skeptical of the tendentious reality-denying culture of the Pentecostals and evangelicals. I live not far from the City of David parish of the RCCG which had become synonymous with the Iluyomade couple, Pastors Idowu Iluyomade and Sijuade Iluyomade. I’m generally not a fan of ostentatious living which appears to be the signature of the COD parish and so I kept my distance. From what I have read and heard of the couple, especially the wife, their vision of a church is that of a social status symbol.

Where Pastors flaunt jewellery, sundry costumes and ornaments is not my idea of a place of religious worship, whether it be that of Christianity, buddhism or the temple of Orunmila. It is bad enough that a Pastor will deem it fit to hold a 60th birthday celebration

OKONJO-IWEALA AT 70: THE TECHNOCRAT AND HUMANE HUMAN

she helped conceptualize and implement, the projects she led, and the initiatives she inspired are still felt in national economic parameters, company income statements, on family tables, and in the pockets of individual Nigerians. The reforms and institutions she midwifed and supervised remain pillars of prosperity. Even now, in less prosperous times, they serve as bulwarks without which things would have been much worse. Many Nigerians still remember with nostalgia the four frenetic years she served as Finance Minister under Obasanjo when the superstructures of the modern Nigerian economy were conceptualized, fleshed out, and operationalized. As chair of the Economic Team, she led a strong team of technocrats in implementing wide-ranging reforms that restructured the economy as a viable and productive component of the global economy, harnessed hidden strengths, recharged the private sector, restructured the public sector for better performance, and raised household incomes.

The Obasanjo reforms, which came after two bleak economic decades under the military, changed the nation’s socioeconomic landscape in unprecedented ways. Okonjo-Iweala played a starring role in this process. Nigeria is a nation with a short memory. We often forget how awful things were before Obasanjo. A friend once related on Twitter how her mother’s university lecturer colleagues were using ropes to hold up their trousers. Their pay was that bad. Under Obasanjo, their remuneration and working conditions improved significantly, and lecturers not only threw away the ropes but also bought second-hand cars and land. One cannot talk about Okonjo-Iweala’s first time as Finance Minister without mentioning the historic debt deal with the Paris Club of Creditors, which lifted the heavy decades-old debt burden, enabling the economy to stand, rise, and fly so well that it weathered the 2008 global financial crisis better than many developed countries.

Okonjo-Iweala’s return as Finance Minister under Jonathan with the additional portfolio

of Coordinating Minister of the Economy was not universally hailed. As related in her book, Fighting Corruption is Dangerous, some powerful forces opposed her comeback because of the expertise and credibility she would contribute to a government they didn’t want to survive. And it took a dark turn that has become a part of our history. Despite the challenges, Okonjo-Iweala left a solid account that is being appreciated more and more. Economic management was

robust and effective. In fact, as the Jonathan government was departing, global analysts were projecting that Nigeria, along with China and Qatar, would be among the top-performing economies in the world. Beyond the macroeconomic accomplishments, Okonjo-Iweala, with Jonathan’s approval and working with ministerial colleagues and the economic team, also conceptualized and executed one of the most productive economic expeditions in the country’s history

in the loud and lavish jet set manner with which Mrs Iluyomade chose to mark her birthday. It bespeaks of an inner craving and hankering after wordly banality rather than the self-disciplined disposition of a Christian role model. It becomes an outright scandal and disavowal of christian charity to choose to go ahead with the fanfare within weeks of the cruel passage of a church member (including his wife and son) who had been most instrumental to the growth of the parish. How do we reconcile the Iluyomade behaviour (with the high ranking member of the decalogue) that you should love your neighbour as you love yourself ? I had anticipated a righteous indignation fuelled backlash of massive desertion of the church. If there is anything worse than the profanity of the Iluyomades, it is to be spared a commensurate punishment for their immorality. To the contrary, the membership largely remained intact and thereby pass a vote of confidence on the erring couple regardless of their terrible malfeasance (I have momentarily forgotten that this is Nigeria).

Alas! Both the leadership and followership of church remained accord. As it is said in 2 Timothy 4:3). “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths”. Nonetheless, If the report making the rounds that Iluyomade had been suspended for three months and repatriated to the Ebute meta parish as Pastor in charge of the elders is true it is a just dessert for a couple who had soughy to redefine christianity as show business.

to China. Based on a thorough audit of the nation’s infrastructural needs, she led the first delegation and then accompanied Jonathan’s delegations to Beijing on a trip that produced enduring results, reflected in some of the key current and future infrastructure we have in the country today: Abuja-Kaduna, Abuja light rail, four international airport terminals, and the Galaxy Backbone project, among others.

Another notable accomplishment was the number of key institutions that OkonjoIweala midwifed during her second stint in government. These include the National Sovereign Investment Authority, also known as the Sovereign Wealth Fund, and the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN). During this period, the iconic Youwin entrepreneurship program for youths and Project Act Nollywood, a support scheme for boosting technical skills in the movie industry, were also launched. At least 40 films produced by alumni of the program have been aired on Netflix.

The foregoing is in addition to countless other policies, programs, and initiatives to which Okonjo-Iweala has applied her unique blend of passion and professionalism, benefiting the country and its communities. This brings us back to the question, who is the woman behind the accomplishments?

The story at the beginning of this piece gives an idea, but there are many more. Okonjo-Iweala is not just a formidable technocrat and professional; she is also one of the realest and kindest people on the planet. Several years ago, as we were walking away from the plane after a Lagos-Abuja flight, we heard someone shouting, “Madam, madam!” It was the pilot. “I just wanted to thank you for boosting my confidence on my first flight ten years ago,” he said. He narrated how Okonjo-Iweala had come into the cockpit to congratulate him on a smooth flight. “Can I have another hug?” he asked. Of course, he got one from the nation’s favorite, brilliant aunty.

*Nwabuikwu is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

Okonjo-Iweala

FRIDAY SPORTS

email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Finidi to Get Foreign Technical Adviser After One Draw, One Loss

Kunle Adewale

Super Eagles Depart for Abidjan to Face Rohr’s Benin Cheetahs

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has concluded plans to hire a foreign technical adviser to support Super Eagles quests to qualify for 2026 World Cup in Canada, USA and Mexico.

The board of the NFF, rose from a hybrid executive committee meeting last Wednesday with a communique that spells out its desire to hire an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

“The Executive Committee

resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches,” stressed the NFF yesterday.

Although there was no categorical pronouncements on the sack or otherwise of Coach Finidi, majorly of Nigerians interviewed during the week said they would have preferred Nigeria to be at the the Olympic medals, your highness in group.

President of the NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, revealed at the weekend that it was working are working on new measures to ensure that

Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It has been a difficult start to the World Cup qualifiers for Nigeria despite being in a relatively easy group.

When the draws were made and the Super Eagles were pitted against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Benin, and Rwanda, it seemed like it would be like a stroll in the park for the three-time African champions. However, they have flattered to deceive.

Super Eagles have played three have picked just three points,

drawing against Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Lesotho, and losing to Benin. The first two results were during Jose Peseiro’s time as Nigeria coach, while the recent two were with Finidi George as coach.

Finidi was just appointed as Super Eagles coach in April, and he was expected to produce the results despite his dearth of experience in handling a big job. Unfortunately, for him, the results did not go his way, as Nigeria drew 1-1 with South Africa, and lost to Benin.

Following the results, the NFF

held and emergency meeting with the Sports Minister John Owan Enoh in Abuja on Thursday.

After the meeting, the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, revealed that the NFF was planning on making some big decisions.

“It’s a very sad moment for Nigerian football, we can’t run away from that. But we are working tirelessly in connection with the minister to see that we come out with some holistic measures that will change the face of the entire system so that we can move forward,” Gusau said.

“Qualifying for the World Cup is still possible, and I want to assure you that we are going to fight it to the letter, and Nigeria are going to qualify for the World Cup. Very soon you’re going to see the major steps that the NFF will come out with. And by the grace of God, those major steps will lead us to qualify for the World Cup,” statement considered. There are already talks that the NFF want to employ a technical adviser that Finidi would work under. There is a high possibility that the NFF will employ a foreigner, and this would see Finidi’s powers

Super Eagles Ademola Lookman (left) battled in vain to find the back of the South African net last Friday in Uyo

So much is expected of him tomorrow in Abidjan against Benin Republic’s Cheetahs

Ademola Lookman Voted Atalanta's Player of the Month

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been voted Atalanta's Player of the Month for May-June, informs the official website of the Europa League winners.

Lookman was runaway favorite to win the award after his historic performance for the Bergamo outfit in the final of the Europa League, where he became the first African to score

a hat-trick in the final of a major UEFA competition. When the Charlton Athletic academy product found the net against Fiorentina in a rescheduled game on June 2, he became the only player to score at least ten goals in the 2023-2024 Serie A season.

Lookman, Player of the Match in the Europa League final, registered six goals and

three assists in May and June.

Overall, the 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup winner with England ended the campaign with an impressive 27 goal involvements (17 goals, 10 assists), four more than he totaled in his debut season with Atalanta.

Iga Swiatek....wins third successive French Open title

Lookman beat Gianluca Scamacca and Éderson to win the Player of the Month award.

On the international stage, the

went the distance in two World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa's Bafana Bafana and Benin's Cheetahs, but could not replicate his performance from the recently concluded season, failing to score in both games.

Lookman's outstanding displays at club level have not gone unnoticed, with a return to the Premier League or Bundesliga being mooted.

Super Falcons Will Overcome ‘Group of Death’, Says Oshoala

Ex-Barcelona striker and multiple African Footballer of the Year winner, Asisat Oshoala, has said that the Super Falcons will overcome the so-called ‘Group of Death’ in the soccer event of the Olympics this summer in Paris, France.

The Nigerian team is drawn alongside, World Champions, Spain, Brazil and Japan all of who are powerhouses in women’s football thus making pundits tag the composition as a ‘Group of Death’ for Super Falcons.

But in an interview with

fifa.comyesterday, the Bay FC forward pointed out that Nigeria previously faced a similarly tough group in the last World Cup and excelled. She believes the nine-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions can also perform well in this group given the quality of the Nigerian side.

“At the World Cup last year, people said the same thing,” she told FIFA.com.

“They said we were in the Group of Death (with Australia,

Canada, and the Republic of Ireland) and could not qualify. But we did. I have a lot of confidence in this team. We have many young players and we can make things difficult for our opponents. We don’t just think about getting out of the group; I think we can actually walk away with a medal.”

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking their first appearance in the prestigious event in 16 years.

The team clinched their spot after a hard-fought 1-0 aggregate victory over South Africa’s Bayana Bayana in a tense two-legged encounter.

The women’s football tournament is set to kick off on July 25, a day before the Olympic Games opening ceremony, and will culminate with the final in Paris on August 10. In the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, joined by the two best thirdplaced teams, making every match critical.

Nigeria to Know AFCON 2025 Opponents in Three Weeks

In exactly three weeks’ time, the Super Eagles will know their opponents in the qualification race for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Next year’s finals, which will be the 35th edition of Africa’s flagship football championship, will be staged by Morocco..

Preliminary stage survivors Chad, e-Swatini, Liberia and South Sudan will join 44 others for the draw that will hold at the SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, South Africa in the afternoon of Thursday, 4th July.

The 48 countries will be drawn into 12 groups of four teams each, with the top two teams in each pool qualifying directly to the finals in Morocco. The first two games of the qualification series will take place in the FIFA window in September (2nd – 10th), with two other matches in the window in October (7th – 15th) and the final two games in the November window (11th – 19th). Nigeria’s Super Eagles are the defending vice champions of the trophy.

NPFL: Bayelsa Utd May Truncate 3SC’s Continental Dream

Relegation-threatened Bayelsa United will host Shooting Stars in a 2pm kickoff live on StarTimes this Sunday, June 16.

Both teams have everything to play for, with Bayelsa United just one point away from the drop and Shooting Stars aiming for a top-three finish and a continental ticket.

The match will air on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244.

Bayelsa United are sitting dangerously with just one point above the relegation zone, a victory is vital to secure their NPFL status next season.

Shooting Stars, with aspirations for a top-three finish, are in pursuit of a continental ticket, making this match equally critical for their ambitions.

Bayelsa United’s recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, with a crucial win against Plateau United but also a heavy defeat to Enugu Rangers. The inconsistency underscores their vulnerability, but also their potential for an upset. Their last match saw The Restoration Boys picking a point away to Enyimba.

Shooting Stars, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum after their stunning victory against league leaders Rangers International. This win has reignited their hopes for a top-three finish and a ticket to continental competition. The Oluyole Warriors will be relying on their in-form striker, Christian Pyagbara, who scored the decisive goal against Rangers, to lead the charge.

In the earlier game this season, Shooting Stars defeated Bayelsa United 1 – 0.

For Bayelsa United, their

home advantage could be a crucial factor, but they must address their defensive flaws, having conceded the secondmost goals in the league this season.

Shooting Stars will expectedly play with confidence and take the game to Bayelsa United. Their recent defensive resilience, not conceding more than one goal in their last three games, will be key to their success. They will look to control possession and create chances for their in-form attackers. If Bayelsa United can contain the likes of Pyagbara and exploit any defensive lapses, they have a chance to secure a vital win. However, if Shooting Stars can maintain their defensive composure and capitalize on their attacking momentum, they could emerge victorious and take a giant step towards continental qualification.

Bayelsa United are likely to adopt a cautious approach while Shooting Stars are expected to leverage their recent form and look to control the game, applying pressure on Bayelsa United's defence.

Bayelsa United have shown they can score at home but need to tighten up defensively, having conceded the second most goals in the NPFL this season.

Shooting Stars have been strong defensively, not conceding more than one goal in their last three games. With both teams battling for survival and qualification respectively, this Sunday afternoon's clash on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244 promises to be a thrilling football feast.

TRUTH & REASON

Friday, June 14, 2024Price: N400

MISSILE

Obi to President

Tinubu

“We are actually working in the wrong direction and we need to change it and it has to start with the number one person. President Tinubu has kept his campaign promises,... he consistently maintained that he will continue from where Buhari stopped. When he took over last year, we were still the largest economy in Africa, today we are 4th overtaken by South Africa, Egypt and Morocco” –LP Presidential Candidate in 2023 election, Peter Obi, tasks President Tinubu to address issues concerning the poor people.

AKIN OSUNTOKUN

The Reign of the False Prophets

One of the central contradictions of social life in contemporary Nigeria is the application and applicability of religion. Like many other socioeconomic indices in Nigeria, the utility of religion is observed in the breach rather than the rule. It has increasingly become dysfunctional and perverted. The dysfunction is illustrated in the positive correlation between escalating corruption and religiosity. The more Nigeria becomes corrupt, the greater the nominal increase in the number of adherents of Christianity and Islam. As a matter of fact, religion has become an enabler of corruption in Nigeria.

Churches and Mosques are implicated in money laundering scams and a significant number of those who ran the banking industry aground some years back were Pastors of the Pentecostal churches. It is a platitude to suggest that corruption has become endemic in this country, and it is often the underlying motif of the relationship between the Nigerian state and the Nigerian public including the intramural relations within the Nigerian public itself. They

all culminate in what Emilie Durkeim calls normlessness, a state of anomie.

When Karl Marx characterised religion as the opium of the masses he was alluding to the capacity of religion to foster sugar-high

situational suspension of our thinking faculties and escapism from a tormenting reality, with particular regards to the downtrodden. On the occasions I have attended large gatherings of Pentecostal worshippers I have witnessed the exhibition of robotic behaviours that border on imbecility. For instance, the Pastor makes an altar call that there are ten people here who ‘ritually feast on human blood’ every night. They are then directed to come forward or face dire spiritual consequences if they chose otherwise. In response, thousands of worshippers aimlessly surged forward to answer the call. How does a message directed at a few blood sucking vampires such a multitude of claimants? According to laws of supply and demand, whereever there is a prevalent and perverse demand (for religious attention) of this nature, there are bound to be corresponding demagogues who step in to fill the role vacuum.

I had another iconic experience. After office hours I was trying to catch a thousand winks in the early evening when my effort was disrupted by thunderous shouts of hallelujah nearby. I was irritated because the din has thwarted my drift into wonderland. Out of curiosity

PAUL NWABUIKWU

GUEST COLUMNIST

and rather than stay at home pining away, I decided to go and partake of the outreach. I went and got more than what I bargained for. The Pastor was in a foul mood. He quieted the church and burst forth “I’m disappointed that many of you have not donated to the church building fund. Afterall I have been praying for you to make money and you have been making money. On top of it all, some of you have the effrontery to ask me to render an account of what has been collected. If anyone dares to make any such request again, I will slap the person!!! At which point I quietly tip-toed out of the charged gathering. There is the category of the loaded conspicuous consumption congregants whose religious commitment does not go beyond the aspiration to whitewash a life of relentless sin, who, in a manner of speaking, seek to bribe God. It is a renewal of the Catholic absolution doctrine (the act of the priest whereby, in the Sacrament of Penance, he frees man from sin) that provoked and preceded the Martin Luther led Protestant

Continued on page 38

Okonjo-Iweala at 70: The Technocrat and Humane Human

Circa 2005. Early evening in London. After initial commitments, some Western nations seemed to be reconsidering the debt deal with Nigeria. Italy was one such nation. After agreeing to an appointment to discuss the next steps, the country’s finance minister became unreachable. His assistants who had arranged the meeting claimed ignorance of his whereabouts. Progress seemed impossible. “Do you know where he’s staying?” Okonjo-Iweala asked Edith Jibunoh, my colleague who had been communicating with the Italians. The answer was yes. “Let’s go there,” Okonjo-Iweala said. Informed that there was no way of knowing if the minister was in the hotel or when he’d arrive, Okonjo-Iweala declared, “We’ll wait for him.” And so, the Finance Minister of Nigeria waited at the hotel’s reception for several hours for her Italian counterpart. The elusive gentleman finally walked into the lobby late in the evening. He

couldn’t hide his shock when Okonjo-Iweala walked up to him with a smile. “Hello, your excellency. What a pleasure to run into you!” she said to the apologetic Italian. The meeting held, and progress was made.

“What kind of person is Madam Ngozi? Who is she, really?”

This is a question I am often asked about Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who turns 70 today. I’ve heard it from people of all walks of life, ages, and demographics, especially young people – professionals, undergraduates, secondary school students, and even children. Youths, in particular, are fascinated by Okonjo-Iweala. Soon after meeting her, she becomes their adopted aunty or mentor.

But young or old, many people want to know the person behind the visible aspects of her personal brand – the big eyes behind the glasses, the passionate and emphatic style, the rigorous yet simple communication that demystifies and humanizes difficult economic concepts… and of course, the unique fashion taste that has made local fabrics a staple in

the wardrobes of society women.

The questions are not strange. In this era of heightened celebrity-dom, there’s a fascination with discovering the authentic persons behind the social media-crafted personas. So, who is Okonjo-Iweala, really, and what makes her tick? The story above gives an idea. Okonjo-Iweala is not only brilliant and high-achieving; she’s also passionate and focused on delivering results.

Let’s start with what the world already knows: Okonjo-Iweala is exceptional. It is not an exaggeration to say that she is one of the most visible and consequential public servants in the history of the country, widely admired and respected across the continent and the world. She was a 49-year-old Vice President at the World Bank when she was appointed Obasanjo’s second-term Finance Minister. In the intervening 21 years, Okonjo-Iweala has evolved to become the face of world-class, high-performing Nigerian technocracy in Africa and the world, a profile cemented by her current role as the Director-General of the

World Trade Organization. And typically, she is doing unprecedented things at the WTO. Her leadership has energized the institution, boosted its profile and role as a key player in the global multilateral space. In words and deeds, she demonstrates a fact often forgotten: trade is a vital force for lifting nations and improving lives worldwide. Under Okonjo-Iweala, WTO member nations, after two decades of gridlock, agreed to reduce fisheries subsidies and expand vaccine production to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics.

The first woman to serve as finance minister and the only person to serve twice in that role, as well as the pioneer Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Okonjo-Iweala has blended high performance with a unique style and personality. Someone has described Okonjo-Iweala as the nation’s loving and lovable big sister who has your back but insists on the highest standards.

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